Stars activate defenseman Philippe Boucher after missing 38 games.
DALLAS (AP) -Defenseman Philippe Boucher was activated Monday by the Dallas Stars after missing 38 games following shoulder surgery.
Boucher hasn't played since Dec. 3. He has 11 points and 24 penalty minutes in 28 games.
The 34-year-old Boucher had career highs in goals (19), assists (32) and points (51) last season.
The Stars play at St. Louis on Tuesday night.
Rangers D Mara to have facial surgery, expected to be out 2 weeks
February 25, 2008
NEW YORK (AP) -Rangers defenseman Paul Mara was scheduled for facial surgery Monday and will be sidelined for two weeks.
The 28-year-old was leveled by Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta with a check in the New York zone during New York's 4-3 victory on Saturday night.
He was examined by doctors Sunday in New York and missed a 5-0 win over Florida at home that night. Rangers coach Tom Renney said before the game that Mara wasn't diagnosed with a concussion.
The operation was scheduled for Monday at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York.
Oilers forward Ethan Moreau out for rest of regular season with left leg injury
February 25, 2008
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) -Edmonton Oilers forward Ethan Moreau will miss the rest of the regular season after fracturing a bone in his lower left leg.
Moreau, who has nine points (5-4) in 25 games this season, is expected to be in a cast for six to eight weeks but surgery is not required.
He fractured his left tibia after hitting the boards late in Sunday night's 3-2 victory over Colorado.
Moreau missed 38 games after suffering a fracture in the same area when he blocked a shot in a preseason game.
The Oilers have battled injury problems all season. Forwards Raffi Torres and Shawn Horcoff and defenseman Sheldon Souray are all out for the season with various injuries.
Edmonton is 14th in the Western Conference with 61 points.
Fan favorite Darren McCarty returns to the Red Wings
February 25, 2008
DETROIT (AP) -Darren McCarty has returned to the Red Wings, signing a one-year contract with the team four years after he left Detroit for Calgary.
McCarty earned the opportunity to return to Detroit during productive stints with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins and the International Hockey League's Flint Generals, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said on Monday.
McCarty played for Detroit from 1993 to 2004, helping the team win Stanley Cups in 1997, 1998 and 2002. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 35-year-old right wing has been assigned to Grand Rapids on a 14-day conditioning loan.
McCarty was scoreless in 32 games last season, his second with the Calgary Flames.
Avalanche, Forsberg agree on deal to bring 2003 MVP back.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
DENVER (AP) -Peter Forsberg always realized it was nothing personal, just business.
Now, he's back for another run.
Forsberg agreed to a $5 million, one-year deal Monday with the Colorado Avalanche, a team he won two Stanley Cup championships with before their split following the league's lockout in 2004-05.
''There were no hard feelings,'' Forsberg said of his departure due to salary-cap reasons. ''We went our separate ways as good friends.''
The Avalanche are hoping the arrival of Forsberg can help propel them into the postseason. The team is currently four points out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with 19 games to play. Colorado recently got back Ryan Smyth, Paul Stastny and captain Joe Sakic from injuries.
''It's a real good lineup,'' Forsberg said. ''When everyone gets back, hopefully we can show we have a really good team and have a shot at going far.''
Forsberg is trying to come back from a balky right foot. Not that Colorado is all that concerned about it.
The Avalanche decided his ailing foot was a risk worth taking. Forsberg will earn around $1 million since there are about six weeks left in the regular season.
''We believe that Peter can still be a premier player in this league and hopefully everything will work out great,'' Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Francois Giguere said in a conference call. ''We're very excited Peter agreed to come back.''
In addition to winning two Stanley Cups in his nine seasons with the Avalanche, he also won the NHL's MVP award in 2003 after scoring 29 goals and adding 77 assists.
Foot and ankle injuries plagued him in the years that followed, but the 34-year-old forward said his surgically repaired right foot is on the mend.
''I feel good,'' Forsberg said. ''I'm confident that it's going to be good.''
Forsberg didn't know when he'd return to the ice in an Avalanche sweater. The team is in the midst of a five-game road swing, which concludes Wednesday in Vancouver.
He didn't think he would be ready in time for Colorado's game Saturday night against Los Angeles at the Pepsi Center.
Still, he's hopeful.
''I'd like to get back as soon as I can,'' he said.
Giguere brought back Forsberg in part because he felt the move could reinvigorate the team.
''At the end of the day, I feel I needed to do what I had to do to help this team,'' he said. ''That's part of the commitment I made to Joe Sakic. You're always trying to juggle, improve the team. Anything I can do to energize the team, I'm going to try to do.''
Forsberg didn't know if he'd ever play again. He began to have some doubts as he rehabilitated his foot in Sweden. But he quickly shoved them aside.
''I never really wanted to believe it was over,'' said Forsberg, who won't make a decision about 2008-09 until after this season. ''I don't feel that old. I feel like if I can solve this, I could play for a while. I never really gave up hope.''
Until Monday's announcement, it appeared Forsberg wouldn't return to an NHL team this season. His agent, Don Baizley, informed teams last week that Forsberg didn't have enough confidence in the strength of his right foot to play.
Forsberg said it wasn't a tactic, merely a way to caution other teams that he might not be ready.
''I always wanted to be honest with teams coming down the stretch,'' Forsberg said. ''I was like, 'If you want to go in a different direction, please do. Don't wait for me.' I didn't want to be a burden. That's why I came out and said that.''
The Avalanche were one of a handful of teams vying for Forsberg's services. Philadelphia, Minnesota, Chicago and Ottawa also were believed to be in the hunt.
Forsberg spent 1 1/2 seasons with the Flyers, scoring 115 points in 100 games, before being dealt to Nashville at the trade deadline last season.
Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen was disappointed his team didn't win the Forsberg sweepstakes. Timonen played with Forsberg at the end of last season in Nashville.
''We're talking about one of the better passers in the game,'' Timonen said. ''I'm not sure what kind of shape he's in. But I'm sure, knowing him, if he wants to come back he's in pretty good shape and he wants to play. ... I'm sure he's going to help Colorado for sure.''
Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said that Forsberg's ice time will depend on how he feels. Quenneville is hoping Forsberg's presence can bolster the Avalanche's sagging power play. The team ranks last in the league with just 34 power-play goals.
''As an offensive team, we improved in a lot of areas,'' Quenneville said. ''We're certainly excited to get him back as soon as possible.''
Ottawa Senators vs. Boston Bruins
- Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Tuesday when the Ottawa Senators and the Boston Bruins meet at TD Banknorth Garden.
The Senators were blanked 5-0 by the Maple Leafs last time out, as -220 favorites at home. The five goals were UNDER the posted over/under (6).
Ray Emery shot 16-of-21shots in the loss for the Sens.
Glen Murray potted two goals on Saturday night to lead the Bruins to a 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Bruins got the victory as +110 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Boston has won 3 straight games.
Team records:
Ottawa: 36-21-6
Boston: 32-23-6
Ottawa most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-1-2
Before playing Boston are 8-2
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 4-6
Boston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Ottawa are 5-5
After playing Tampa Bay are 3-7
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Ottawa's last 8 games when playing Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Ottawa's last 6 games
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Boston
Ottawa is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Boston
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 8 games when playing Ottawa
Boston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston's last 9 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Boston is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Ottawa
Next up:
Ottawa at Philadelphia, Thursday, February 28
Boston home to Pittsburgh, Thursday, February 28
New Jersey Devils vs. Carolina Hurricanes
- The New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at RBC Center.
The Devils defeated Washington 2-1 in overtime as a -130 favorite last time out. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5).
John Madden scored in overtime for New Jersey, while Martin Brodeur made 37 saves in the win.
Matt Cullen had two goals and an assist as the Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals 6-3 on Saturday.
Carolina cashed as -135 home favorites as the teams played over the 6-goal total listed by sportsbooks.
Current streak:
New Jersey has won 5 straight games.
Carolina has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
New Jersey: 37-21-5
Carolina: 32-28-5
New Jersey most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Buffalo are 9-1
After playing Washington are 5-5
After a win are 7-3
Carolina most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Boston are 4-6
After playing Washington are 2-8
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
New Jersey is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New Jersey is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Carolina
New Jersey is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Jersey's last 5 games when playing on the road against Carolina
Carolina is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games when playing at home against New Jersey
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Carolina's last 5 games
Carolina is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Next up:
New Jersey home to Washington, Friday, February 29
Carolina home to NY Rangers, Thursday, February 28
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Islanders
- The Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Nassau Coliseum.
The Penguins lost to San Jose 2-1 in a shootout as a +100 underdog last time out. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5).
Erik Christensen scored the Penguins' lone goal, while Ty Conklin stopped 36 of the 27 shots he faced in the loss.
Ruslan Fedotenko and Josef Vasicek had markers for the Islanders in their 4-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Saturday.
New Jersey cashed in as -200 home favorites as the teams played over the 5-goal total posted by oddsmakers.
Current streak:
Pittsburgh has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Pittsburgh: 35-21-7
New York: 30-26-7
Pittsburgh most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-4-2
Before playing Ottawa are 4-6
After playing San Jose are 4-4-1
After a loss are 7-3
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing New Jersey are 6-4
After playing New Jersey are 3-7
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Pittsburgh's last 6 games when playing NY Islanders
Pittsburgh is 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against NY Islanders
NY Islanders are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games at home
NY Islanders are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of the NY Islanders last 5 games when playing at home against Pittsburgh
Next up:
Pittsburgh at Boston, Thursday, February 28
NY Islanders at Atlanta, Thursday, February 28
Minnesota Wild vs. Washington Capitals
- The Minnesota Wild and the Washington Capitals will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Verizon Center.
The Wild lost to Calgary 2-1 as a -150 favorite last time out. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5).
Mark Parrish scored Minnesota's lone goal, while Niklas Backstrom stopped 14 of the 16 shots he faced.
The Capitals lost to New Jersey 2-1 in overtime as a +110 underdog last time out. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5).
Alexander Semin scored the Capitals' lone goal, while Brent Johnson stopped 29 of the 31 shots he faced.
Current streak:
Minnesota has lost 3 straight games.
Washington has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 34-23-5
Washington: 28-27-8
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-5-2
Before playing Florida are 2-2-2
After playing Calgary are 5-5
After a loss are 5-5
Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Calgary are 5-5
After playing New Jersey are 5-5
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Minnesota's last 7 games when playing Washington
Minnesota is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Washington
Minnesota is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games on the road
Minnesota is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Washington's last 8 games
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota at Tampa Bay, Wednesday, February 27
Washington at New Jersey, Friday, February 29
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Montreal Canadiens
- The fans at Bell Centre will be treated to a game between the Atlanta Thrashers and the Montreal Canadiens when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Mark Recchi had Atlanta's only goal in their 3-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.
The Leafs were winners as -130 home favorites in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (6).
Carey Price gave up three goals on 22 shots in Montreal's 3-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday night.
The Blue Jackets got the win as +150 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score fell UNDER the night's posted total (5.5).
Current streak:
Atlanta has lost 3 straight games.
Montreal has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Atlanta: 29-30-4
Montreal: 33-21-9
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing NY Rangers are 2-8
After playing Toronto are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
Montreal most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Buffalo are 8-2
After playing Columbus are 5-1
After a loss are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Atlanta's last 13 games when playing Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing on the road against Montreal
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Atlanta's last 9 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Montreal's last 13 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Montreal's last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Montreal is 10-5 SU in its last 15 games when playing at home against Atlanta
Montreal is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
Next up:
Atlanta home to NY Islanders, Thursday, February 28
Montreal at Buffalo, Friday, February 29
Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues
- The fans at Scottrade Center will be treated to a game between the Dallas Stars and the St. Louis Blues when they take their seats on Tuesday.
Mike Ribeiro and Loui Eriksson each scored twice on Saturday as the Stars topped the Nashville Predators 6-3.
The Stars got the win as +115 road underdogs in that contest, while the combined score went OVER the night's posted total (5).
The Blues lost to Phoenix 2-0 as a +110 underdog last time out. The two goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Manny Legace stopped 18-of-20 shots for the Blues in the loss.
Current streak:
Dallas has won 2 straight games.
St. Louis has lost 3 straight games.
Team records:
Dallas: 39-22-5
St. Louis: 28-24-10
Dallas most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Nashville are 6-4
After a win are 8-2
St. Louis most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-5-2
Before playing Tampa Bay are 3-3-1
After playing Phoenix are 4-6
After a loss are 3-7
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 5 games when playing St. Louis
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Dallas is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against St. Louis
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 5 games when playing Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
St. Louis is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
The total has gone OVER in 8 of St. Louis's last 11 games at home
Next up:
Dallas home to Chicago, Thursday, February 28
St. Louis home to Phoenix, Thursday, February 28
Colorado Avalanche vs. Calgary Flames
- The Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames will both be gunning for a victory on Tuesday when they meet at Pengrowth Saddledome.
The Avalanche lost to Edmonton 3-2 as a -125 favorite last time out. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Tyler Arnason and Ben Guite scored for Colorado, while Jose Theodore made 17 saves in the loss.
The Flames defeated Minnesota 2-1 as a +130 underdog last time out. The three goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5).
Craig Conroy netted the game-winner for Calgary, while Miikka Kiprusoff made 38 saves in the win.
Current streak:
Calgary has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Colorado: 31-26-6
Calgary: 33-22-8
Colorado most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-5-2
Before playing Buffalo are 8-8-1
After playing Edmonton are 4-6
After a loss are 5-5
Calgary most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 2-8
Before playing Los Angeles are 5-5
After playing Minnesota are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
Colorado is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games when playing Calgary
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Colorado's last 7 games
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Colorado's last 10 games when playing on the road against Calgary
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Colorado's last 13 games when playing Calgary
Calgary is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
Calgary is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games at home
Calgary is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing at home against Colorado
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Calgary's last 10 games when playing at home against Colorado
Next up:
Colorado at Vancouver, Wednesday, February 27
Calgary at Anaheim, Friday, February 29
Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers
- The Detroit Red Wings and the Edmonton Oilers will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Rexall Place.
The slumping Red Wings lost 4-1 to the Canucks last time out, as +100 underdogs. The five goals were a PUSH against the posted over/under (5).
Pavel Datsyuk scored the lone goal for the Red Wings, and Jimmy Howard stopped 31 shots in the loss.
The Oilers defeated Colorado 3-2 as a +105 underdog last time out. The five goals scored fell UNDER the posted over/under total (5.5).
Mathieu Garon stopped 27-of-29 shots for Edmonton, while Sam Gagner, Curtis Glencross and Andrew Cogliano all scored in the win.
Current streak:
Detroit has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Detroit: 42-17-5
Edmonton: 28-30-5
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-2-2
Before playing Edmonton are 5-5
After playing Vancouver are 4-6
After a loss are 2-8
Edmonton most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing Detroit are 8-2
After playing Colorado are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Detroit's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing Edmonton
Detroit is 12-6 SU in its last 18 games on the road
Edmonton is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games when playing Detroit
Edmonton is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Detroit
Edmonton is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing Detroit
Next up:
Detroit home to San Jose, Friday, February 29
Edmonton home to Los Angeles, Thursday, February 28
Tuesday NHL Gameday
Eastern Conference matchups highlight the NHL's schedule for Tuesday night, including Marc Savard and the Bruins playing host to the Senators. Here is your NHL Gameday …
Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders
The Penguins had their three-game winning streak snapped on the weekend, as they suffered back-to-back extra-time losses versus the Senators and Sharks. Pittsburgh has now gone 6-2-2 over their past 10 games to move into contention for top spot in both the conference and the Atlantic Division. Sidney Crosby's return date is still unknown.
The Islanders have won six of their past seven games to move back into playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, so they could be looking for some help prior to Tuesday afternoon's trade deadline. New York, though, is coming off a 4-2 loss to the Devils on Saturday, with Rick DiPietro giving up four goals on 42 shots in that contest.
New Jersey Devils at Carolina Hurricanes
New Jersey vaulted to the top of the Eastern Conference standings with their 2-1 shootout win over the Capitals on Sunday afternoon. That was New Jersey's seventh win in their past eight games, and they've lost just twice in regulation time in February. Jamie Langenbrunner scored on Sunday, and Martin Brodeur was good for 37 saves.
The Hurricanes increased their lead in the Southeast Division with a 6-3 win over the rival Capitals on Saturday night. Carolina is now 6-3-1 in their past 10 contests as they try and lock down the No. 3 seed in the conference. Matt Cullen scored twice in that victory vs. Washington, while Cam Ward stopped 31 of the 34 shots he faced that day.
Ottawa Senators at Boston Bruins
The Senators have been trying to hold off the Devils, Penguins, and Canadiens in the conference standings, but their inconsistent play over the past month has allowed those teams to get back into the chase for the East's No. 1 seed. Ottawa last played Boston back on January 31, and they were on the wrong end of a 4-1 decision in that contest.
The Bruins are hanging around in the East's playoff picture, with a 5-4-1 record over their past 10 games. Boston, though, has also managed to win four of their past five contests, and they knocked off the Lightning 5-3 on Saturday. Glen Murray scored twice for Boston against Tampa Bay, while Alex Auld made 25 saves to earn himself the win.
Atlanta Thrashers at Montreal Canadiens
The Thrashers are a mediocre 5-5 over their past 10 games, which has dropped them dangerously out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta last won on February 15 against the Devils, and they were defeated 3-1 by Toronto in their most recent outing on Saturday. Mark Recchi scored the Thrashers' only goal in that contest.
Montreal has lost each of their past two games after beginning last week on a four-game winning streak. That stretch has kept the Canadiens from passing the Senators in the Northeast Division standings. The Habs lost 5-4 to the Penguins last Thursday night, and they were blanked 3-0 by Pascal Leclaire and the Blue Jackets on Saturday.
Toronto Maple Leafs trade Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers
February 26, 2008
TORONTO - The Toronto Maple Leafs traded Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in 2008.
Belak spent part of the past seven seasons with the Maple Leafs after originally being claimed off waivers from Calgary. He's played in 30 games this season, scoring one goal and racking up 66 penalty minutes that include six fighting majors.
Belak, who plays forward and defense, is earning $625,000 this season and will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
In 425 career games with Colorado, Calgary and Toronto, the 31-year-old has 29 points (8-21) and 1,096 penalty minutes.