Leafs Acquire Giguere

Just minutes after announcing the Phaneuf trade, reports are saying that the Leafs are close to landing goaltender Jean-Sebastian Giguere from the Anaheim Ducks. The Toronto media is currently waiting for Leafs GM Brian Burke to have another press conference to announce a supposed second trade. Details to follow...

***it has been confirmed in another Leafs press conference, that the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired goalie Jean-Sebastian Giguere from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for goaltender Vesa Toskala and left winger Jason Blake.

Leafs Land Phaneuf

TSN reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs have struck a deal with the Calgary Flames to bring in All-Star defenseman Dion Phaneuf. As of right now, there are no details on who is headed to the Calgary Flames in return, but it is clear that both teams were in need of a change. More details to come.
***the deal, as stated by Toronto Maple Leafs General Manager Brian Burke in a news conference: To Toronto > D Dion Phaneuf, F Fredrik Sjostrom, and D Keith Aulie. To Calgary > F Matt Stajan, F Nik Hagman, F Jamal Mayers, and D Ian White***

In the news conference, Burke has also stated that he hopes to announce another trade within the next 30 minutes. More details and analysis to come.

Leafs Note*

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of making a trade that will bring "major change" to the team. As far as I know right now, TSN is the only major sports network reporting this breaking news out of Toronto. Details are few, but Dreger speculates that it will be a trade to bring in either goaltending or offensive help for the team. It will be very interesting to see what Burke has up his sleeve. Stay tuned for details as they come in.

Probable Starting Goalies (January 30, 2010)

Now that's a beaut of a mask. As Donald Trump is to bad hair, Dominic Hasek was to ugly helmets. Regardless, he is still known as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time.
With today being Saturday, there is plenty of action around the NHL. Ten games are on the bill, headlined by an all-Canadian triple header starting with an afternoon game between divisional rivals Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators. The Vancouver Canucks then visit the ACC to square off with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Finally, one of Alberta's teams will snap its losing streak, as the Calgary Flames (nine straight losses) will host the Edmonton Oilers (twelve straight losses).

New York Islanders (Roloson) @ Philadelphia Flyers (Emery)

Montreal Canadiens (Halak) @ Ottawa Senators (Elliot)

Chicago Blackhawks (Huet) @ Carolina Hurricanes (Ward)

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Toskala)

Los Angeles Kings (Quick) @ Boston Bruins (Thomas)

New York Rangers (Lundqvist) @ Phoenix Coyotes (LaBarbera)

Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg) @ Nashville Predators (Rinne)

Columbus Blue Jackets (Garon) @ St. Louis Blues (Mason)

Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers) @ Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff)

Minnesota Wild (Harding) @ San Jose Sharks (Nabokov)

Probable Starting Goalies (January 30, 2010)

Today's retro goalie tribute is to Trevor Kidd and his stunning goalie pads and equipment. Yesterday's picture was of the one and only Arturs Irbe (in case you were wondering).
There are six games in the NHL tonight.

Toronto Maple Leafs (Gustavsson) @ New Jersey Devils (Brodeur)

Florida Panthers (Vokoun) @ Washington Capitals (Neuvirth)

Boston Bruins (Rask) @ Buffalo Sabres (Miller)

Nashville Predators (Ellis) @ Detroit Red Wings (Howard)

Anaheim Ducks (Hiller) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki)

Colorado Avalanche (Anderson) @ Dallas Stars (Auld)

NHL Standings Update

With the NHL heading into the Olympic break, wins and losses are becoming more important as teams play their last twenty-five to thirty games. Both the Eastern and Western Conferences are jammed in the middle of the standings, as teams fight for the last few playoff spots.

In the east, a mere two points seperate the sixth place Atlanta Thrashers and the thirteenth place New York Islanders. This leaves a lot of room for change in the conference, with only the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes seemingly out of the race. The Western Conference is not quite as tight, but quickly falling out of the race are the Columbus Blue Jackets and Edmonton Oilers.

Last night saw the Alberta based teams sink deeper in the standings, as the Edmonton Oilers lost their twelfth straight game and the Calgary Flames lost their ninth in a row. On the other side of the country, the Ottawa Senators tied a franchise record of eight straight wins.

With all of this, it looks like it is going to be a very exciting drive to the playoffs with so many teams still in the mix.

Tonight's Probable Starting Goalies (January 28, 2010)

With a tightly packed schedule leading up to the Winter Olympics, it is another busy night with eight games in the NHL. The surging Ottawa Senators will take on Crosby and the Penguins, while the sinking Calgary Flames visit the Phoenix Coyotes. Two west coast powerhouses collide in a matchup featuring the Chicago Blackhawks and the San Jose Sharks. The Edmonton Oilers will try to avoid a twelfth straight loss in a game against the St. Louis Blues.

New York Islanders (DiPietro) @ Carolina Hurricanes (Ward)

Ottawa Senators (Elliot) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury)

Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg) @ Philadelphia Flyers (Emery)

Los Angeles Kings (Quick) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason)

Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff) @ Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov)

Minnesota Wild (Harding) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

St. Louis Blues (Mason) @ Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers)

Chicago Blackhawks (Huet) @ San Jose Sharks (Nabokov)

Leafs Note*

The Toronto Sun has reported that the agent of Garnet Exelby has also been given permission, by Leafs GM Brian Burke, to explore trade options. Exelby is in his first season with the leafs, after coming from the Atlanta Thrashers as part of the Paval Kubina trade.
Exelby is well known around the league for his toughness. However, it remains to be seen if there is any market for the scrappy defensemen. This news comes a day after the same request was granted to Jamal Mayers and his agent. We can now add yet another Maple Leaf to the list of possible trade candidates. More to follow.

Probable Starting Goalies (January 27, 2010)

There are seven games tonight in the NHL, featuring a match between Eastern conference giants, Buffalo Sabers and New Jersey Devils.

New Jersey Devils (Brodeur) @ Buffalo Sabres (Miller)

Carolina Hurricanes (Ward) @ New York Rangers (Lundqvist)

Anaheim Ducks (Giguere) @ Washington Capitals (Neuvirth)

Montreal Canadiens (Price) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki)

Detroit Red Wings (Osgood) @ Minnesota Wild (Backstrom)

Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff) @ Dallas Stars (Auld)

St. Louis Blues (Conklin) @ Vancouver Canucks (Luongo)

Montreal Canadiens Note*

Apparently Montreal Canadiens General Manager, Bob Gainey, attended the Kings-Leafs game at the ACC last night. Most bloggers and rumor writers will assume a trade is imminent!!! I, however, am a believer that Gainey is simply doing his job and scouting a team that he rarely gets the chance to see. Still, it is interesting...

Jamal Mayers on the Trade Block

According to a report by TSN's Darren Dreger, the Toronto Maple Leafs have granted permission for Jamal Mayers' agent, Pat Brisson, to generate trade interest in his client around the league.

This of course does not mean Brisson will be negotiating any possible trade scenarios for the Maple Leafs. However, Brisson can now convince other GM's on why they should make an offer to Leafs GM Brian Burke for the rugged winger.

Mayers believes that he can still be a solid contributor in the NHL, just not with the Maple Leafs. Without expecting the Leafs to get much back in return, shedding as many existing contracts as possible is still in my opinion, the right thing for the Maple Leafs going forward.

Dreger also reported that the Leafs have officially made Jamal Mayers available to the highest bidder. This adds another name to the list of Maple Leafs rumored to be on the trade block.

Mayers is in the final year of a three-year deal, that paid him $1.4 million annually. If Mayers can find the right fit on a new team, he will be auditioning himself for a new contract in the offseason. For the sake of both Mayers and the Leafs, lets hope Brisson puts all he has into this sales pitch.

More to come on Mayers and the Maple Leafs.

Probable Starting Goalies (January 26, 2010)

It is a relatively heavy night in the NHL, as sixteen teams take to the ice. Tonight the Montreal Canadiens will try to inch away from the pack, fighting for precious points against the Florida Panthers. In the west, the suprising Phoenix Coyotes will try to get back on track in a tilt against the stunningly mediocre Detroit Red Wings.

Washington Capitals (Theodore) @ New York Islanders (Roloson)

Nashville Predators (Rinne) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason)

Anaheim Ducks (Hiller) @ Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg)

Los Angeles Kings (Quick) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Gustavsson)

New Jersey Devils (Brodeur) @ Ottawa Senators (Elliot)

Montreal Canadiens (Halak) @ Florida Panthers (Vokoun)

Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov) @ Detroit Red Wings (Howard)

Chicago Blackhawks (Huet) @ Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers)

Souray Moving On?

All-star defenseman and powerplay specialist, Sheldon Souray, has officially provided Oilers management with a list of preferred trade destinations. Speculation has been swirling around the struggling Edmonton Oilers club since they have found themselves at the bottom of the NHL standings.

There are no reports on which specific teams Souray has named, but it has been heavily speculated that he would not accept a trade to an Eastern conference team. To remain closer to his family, it is believed Souray would only accept a trade to a team on the west coast.

This of course, along with Souray's $5.4 million annual salary, makes it increasingly difficult for Oilers GM Steve Tambellini to find the right trade scenario. Even so, it is believed that other GM's around the league have shown interest in acquiring Souray.

Contrary to what some rumors are suggesting, I do not believe that the Oilers are trying to dump Souray and his contract. I think a trade will only be made if Tambellini is able to collect assets that will improve his team in the future. This could include draft picks, prospects, or established young players.

Many sports pundits have suggested that any player on the team, without the last name Hemsky or Penner, is on the trading block. Other than those two players, Souray might be the most sought after asset that the floundering Oilers are offering.

In what some consider a change to the leadership and culture of the team, there are many veteran players that might catch the interest of rival GM's. As reported by Bruce Garrioch, in the Edmonton Sun, the Oilers have been actively shopping veterans Shawn Horcoff, Robert Nilsson, Ethan Moreau, Steve Staios, Sheldon Souray, and Lubomir Vishnovsky.

Regardless if Souray himself is traded or not, the Edmonton Oilers are a team worth watching in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline. Over the Boards Hockey will keep you up to date with the situation in Edmonton as it unfolds.

Probable Starting Goaltenders (January 25, 2010)

There are only three games in the NHL tonight, with Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins visiting the New York Rangers, the reeling Calgary Flames playing host to the St. Louis Blues, and the high-flying Buffalo Sabres making a rare stop in Vancouver to face the Canucks.

Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury) @ New York Rangers (Lundqvist)

St. Louis Blues (Conklin) @ Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff)

Buffalo Sabres (Miller) @ Vancouver Canucks (Luongo)

Kovalchuk Trade Imminent?

Kovalchuk trade rumors have been running rampant for weeks now, with speculation that the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, and even the Toronto Maple Leafs could all make a pitch for the superstar left winger. With how much I have been reading about this ongoing saga, I figured I should provide my two cents.

As far as I can tell, it would be difficult (and rather far-fetched) for most of these teams to acquire Kovalchuk for a number of reasons. First of all, in today's hockey world, it would be foolish to give up a combination package of draft picks, prospects, and established young players for a rental player. Even one as talented as Ilya Kovalchuk. I believe that if Kovalchuk is traded, it will be to a team for the long term. Not as a playoff rental.

With cap issues alone, it would be safe to eliminate the Bruins, Blackhawks, and Rangers from the Kovalchuk sweepstakes. As we have all heard, the Blackhawks are facing salary cap issues heading into next season with the resigning of its key young players. Management needs to be extra careful how it handles its assets and how it spends its money. In addition, the Blackhawks already have a high octane offense with Kane, Toews, and Hossa leading the way. Acquiring Kovalchuk might disrupt the solid team chemistry that is evident on the current Blackhawks roster.

Boston simply does not have the cap space, this season or next, and I doubt they would be willing to mortgage their future for Kovalchuk. I would say the exact same thing for the Rangers and their cap issues. However, I also do not believe they own the assets to acquire a superstar like Kovalchuk.

The Washington Capitals already have a blazing hot offense and a superstar left winger in Ovechkin. They simply do not need Kovalchuk, especially at a rumored $10 million per season. Committing almost a third of their payroll on two players would certainly hinder the Capitals chances of remaining competitive over the years to come.

I believe the Calgary Flames are a slight possibility, but they also would have to clear some cap space. I also question if they have what the Thrashers seek to make this trade happen. There is, however, no doubt in my mind that Darryl Sutter would love to boast a first line with Iginla and Kovalchuk on the wings.

The idea of Kovalchuk becoming a Toronto Maple Leaf at all seems almost impossible, let alone this season. The Leafs could conceivably have the necessary cap space to take on a monster contract for Kovalchuk, but I am not convinced that is in the plans of GM Brian Burke. I do not believe Kovalchuk will be a Leaf this season, as the Maple Leafs also lack the assets to pull off the trade. However, I do think Burke will make an offer if Kovalchuk reaches unrestricted free agency this summer.

The Los Angeles Kings, in my opinion, are the best team suited to trade for, and retain, Ilya Kovalchuk. They have the cap space and the assets to make this trade happen. With a talented and rising young core of players, the Kings might also be an attractive destination to Kovalchuk. The only thing I see holding a deal back, would be an unwillingness from both ownership and management to commit the kind of money and term Kovalchuk would require. However, I do believe the Kings have all it takes to make LA the home to superstar, Ilya Kovalchuk.

Probable Starting Goalies (January 24, 2010)

There are three games in the NHL today. Featuring a "Pennsylvania Punisher" with the Pittsburgh Penguins visiting the Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury) @ Philadelphia Flyers (Emery)

Boston Bruins (Thomas) @ Carolina Hurricanes (Ward)

Dallas Stars (Turco) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

Probable Starting Goalies (January 23, 2010)

Lots of action in the NHL tonight, with twenty four teams taking to the ice.

Ottawa Senators (Elliot) @ Boston Bruins (Thomas)

Carolina Hurricanes (Legace) @ Philadelphia Flyers (Emery)

New Jersey Devils (Brodeur) @ New York Islanders (DiPietro)

New York Rangers (Lundqvist) @ Montreal Canadiens (Halak)

Toronto Maple Leafs (Gustavsson) @ Florida Panthers (Vokoun)

Los Angeles Kings (Quick) @ Detroit Red Wings (Howard)

Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov) @ Washington Capitals (Neuvirth)

Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki)

Anaheim Ducks (Hiller) @ St. Louis Blues (Mason)

Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason) @ Minnesota Wild (Backstrom)

Chicago Blackhawks (Niemi) @ Vancouver Canucks (Luongo)

Buffalo Sabres (Miller) @ San Jose Sharks (Nabokov)

Trade Update

It appears as though recent trade rumors involving the Vancouver Canucks and St. Louis Blues are heating up. Many sources have reported a heavy presence of Vancouver scouts at recent Blues games. It is only speculation at this time, but reports are naming St. Louis Blues centre, David Backes as a possible trade candidate. My instincts tell me, however, that Vancouver is also looking to add another defenceman and the Blues have a few extra.

More to follow...

Projected Starting Goaltenders (January 22, 2010)

It is a low action night in the NHL, with only six teams going head to head.

Montreal Canadiens (Price) @ New Jersey Devils (Brodeur)

Nashville Predators (Rinne) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

Dallas Stars (Turco) @ Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers)

AuRevoir, Georges!

The Montreal Canadiens have decided to part ways with disgruntled enforcer, and oft-injured, Georges Laraque. In recent days, the organization had come to the conclusion that it would be in the best interest for all parties to simply move on.

A mere two years after signing Laraque to a three year, 4.5 million dollar deal, Gainey has decided to buy out the final year of the contract. Laraque, meanwhile, will not be finishing out this season with the Habs, and will take his walking papers immediately.

General Manager, Bob Gainey and head coach, Jacques Martin both commented on the lack of production from Laraque and also understated the need of an enforcer in today's NHL. "The Red Wings, I don't think they have an enforcer and they've won some Cups," said Martin. "I think it depends on your team and where you are at in your development. The game has changed and speed has become a major factor. It's nice to have, but it's not a necessity as some teams have proven." One wonders if Brad May and his total nine fighting majors thus far, constitutes as an enforcer.

This revelation came somewhat as a surprise to Laraque, who was visibly distracted and disappointed in a media interview yesterday, after talking with Bob Gainey. "I was very emotional and I'm very hurt by this decision. I'm a proud guy and I may have let my emotions get the better of me," Laraque told a TSN reporter.

Timing on the matter seems a little suspect, as the team is currently fighting for a playoff spot. With the Eastern conference tightening up, an enforcer with the reputation of Laraque could have been an asset. Unless Gainey has found a way to better utilize his newly found cap space, the timing is somewhat strange.

Laraque was also quoted as saying the time was unfortunate, due to the teams race to the playoffs and his ongoing charity work with Haiti relief. Laraque's charity work with the community and international organizations will most likely be what he is remembered for the most. Over the years of his career in Edmonton, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Montreal Laraque has been recognized for his charitable work.

Only time will tell where Georges will play next. His fans should rest assured that he will re-surface with another team that sees the need for an enforcer. Good luck to him.

Tonights Probable Starting Goalies (January 19, 2010)

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Atlanta Thrashers
(Toskala) (Pavelec)

Tampa Bay Lightning @ NY Rangers
(Nittymaki) (Lundqvist)

Detroit Red Wings @ Washington Capitals
(Osgood) (Theodore)

Columbus Blue Jackets @ Philadelphia Flyers
(Garon) (Emery)

NY Islanders @ Pittsburgh Penguins
(Roloson) (Johnson)

Chicago Blackhawks @ Ottawa Senators
(Huet) (Elliot)

Buffalo Sabres @ Anaheim Ducks
(Lalime) (Hiller)

San Jose Sharks @ Los Angeles Kings
(Nabokov) (Quick)

Daily Review for January 18, 2010

Last night there were twenty teams in action around the NHL, with the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks posting blowout wins over their respected opponents.

Ottawa Senators @ Boston Bruins
Starting off with the Boston Bruins hosting the Ottawa Senators for a matinee matchup. The one was all Daniel Alfredsson, who scored a natural hat trick in his second game back after returning from a shoulder injury. Alex Kovalev and Johnathan Cheechoo also tallied for the Sens. The final score was 5-2.
Boston netminder Tim Thomas was chased from the game after allowing three goals on nine shots. This was Ottawa's first win of the season over their divisonal rivals. The teams are now tied in the standings with 54 points.

New Jersey Devils @ New York Islanders
The New York Islanders pulled out a shutout win over the New Jersey Devils last night. Matt Moulson lit the lamp twice and the Isles were supported with stellar netminding from long term injury returnee, Rick Dipietro. This was DiPietro's first shutout in almost two years.
It was the fourth straight win for the Islanders, who took this one by a score of 4-0.

Tampa Bay Lightning @ Carolina Hurricanes
Tampa Bay snapped its eight game losing streak against the NHL bottom dwelling, Carolina Hurricanes by the score of 3-2. Ryan Malone, Vincent Lecalvalier, and Steve Downie tallied for the Bolts, while Chad Larose and Matt Cullen scored for Carolina.

St. Louis Blues @ Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled out a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues, highlighted by Rick Nash scoring to collect his 400th career point. Raffi Torres scored two goals with Chris Clark adding another for the Blue Jackets, while veterans Paul Kariya and Keith Tkachuk each scored for St. Louis.

Buffalo Sabres @ Phoenix Coyotes
Buffalo scored their way to an impressive 7-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale last night, moving them into a tie with the Washington Capitals for top spot in the Eastern Coference standings.
The usually solid Ilya Bryzgalov was pulled from his duties in the second period, after allowing three soft goals on just thirteen shots.
Phoenix goals were scored by Shane Doan and Radim Vrbata, while Pominville netted two and Tyler Myers, Butler, Kaleta, Hecht, and Vanek each added a goal.

Atlanta Thrashers @ Florida Panthers
Tomas Vokoun helped the Florida Panthers to their third consecutive win last night, with a 27 save shutout performance against the reeling Atlanta Thrashers. Gregory Campbell scored the only goal of the game, but it was all that was needed for Florida to squeek out a 1-0 win.

Toronto Maple Leafs @ Nashville Predators
The lowly Toronto Maple Leafs made a rare trip to the home of the Nashville Predators, barely pulling off a 4-3 win after squandering a 3-0 lead. Phil Kessel ended up the hero, after scoring the game winning goal for Toronto, and breaking a nine game scoring slump. Niklas Hagman, Alexi Ponikarovsky and Matt Stajan also scored for the Leafs, while Marcel Goc, Franson, and Ryan Jones each collected a marker for Nashville.

Minnesota Wild @ Dallas Stars
The Dallas Stars pulled off a 4-3 win at home despite a third period push from the Wild. Mike Modano scored his 551st goal, with Loui Eriksson, Wandell, and Niskanen adding Dallas' other goals.
Antti Miettinen scored two and Mikko Koivu added Minnesota's third goal. Niklas Backstrom was also pulled from the game midway.

Edmonton Oilers @ Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche skated to an easy 6-0 win over the free-falling Edmonton Oilers, who have only one win in their last fifteen games. Craig Anderson was brilliant in goal for the Avalanche, gaining his fourth shutout of the season.
Matt Duchene had three points on the night, moving him past John Tavares for the rookie scoring lead. Cumisky's two goals along with tallies from Liles and Stewart rounded out the scoring for Colorado in this one sided affair. Colorado now holds a four point lead for top spot in the Northwest division.

Calgary Flames @ San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks put on a scoring clinic against the Calgary Flames, winning 9-1 on Monday night. A franchise high eight different players scored for the Sharks, with Dany Heatley scoring his 28th and 29th goals. Pavelski, Nichol, Ortmeyer, Blake, Malhotra, Clowe, and Setoguchi rounded out the scoring for San Jose, while Robyn Regehr scored the lone goal for Calgary. With the win, San Jose is once again tied with Chicago for the best record in the NHL.

My First Post!

This is my first post on my new blog, "Over the Boards Hockey." I guess I will start off by saying that I am excited to spend time writing about my favorite sport. Starting on January 19, 2010, I will give my daily review of NHL games from the previous day and will also be adding the odd article on whatever topics, trades, rumors, etc., come up. I am also planning to provide news on players, goaltenders, and even team reports. So always keep an eye out for posts on your favorite teams and players.

Of course, I would like to thank you for your interest and reading my thoughts. I am new at blogging, but I am very excited to get my writing out there for all hockey fans to enjoy.


JD