End of the day updates.  NJD, Sid the Kid, All Star Game INS and OUTS, NHL Trade Deadline rumors.  Lots to discuss, not much time to discuss them.  Time flies when I’m having fun.

The New Jersey Devils defeated the division rival Philadelphia Flyers 7-3 behind an explosion of timely scoring.  Entering the contest as the 28th best power play, they went crazy for five power play goals, including defenseman Johnny Oduya's career night.  Oduya finished with four points, his first career multi-point game.  Patrik Elias and Zach Parise scored twice as the Devils sent Philly goalie Antero Nittymaki to the showers early after he allowed his fifth goal on only 20 shots.  In all, five Devils scored and 10 skaters earned points in their highest scoring game since Feb. 7, 2006’s 7-4 win over Tampa Bay.

Meanwhile, this story has become officially, finally.  Sidney Crosby, the phenom, hockey prodigy, reigning league MVP and a million more nicknames to describe him, will officially miss Sunday’s All Star Game and 6-8 weeks with his high ankle sprain.

“Team physician Charles Burke confirmed the injury was a high ankle sprain, but Crosby said there was no bone damage, which would have meant an even longer layoff,” the AP reported via SI.com.

I initiated this story here as soon as I heard it, updated it with some rumors, and verified its accuracy with a statement from the team doctor.  I wanted to let you know that the Pittsburgh Sports Insider was in fact correct with its assessment before the official announcement this afternoon.  Good work guys.  Take a bow.

Several other All Stars will not be present for the game on Sunday afternoon.  The list includes Devils head coach Brent Sutter, goalie Martin Brodeur (family obligation), and several others for the eastern and western squads.  I have decided to give them better excuses after the original documentation.

• Sidney Crosby (high ankle sprain, spending time with mom and dad)... replaced by teammate Evgeni Malkin
• Martin Brodeur (originally family matter, in fact he's playing a round of golf with French-Canadian pals)
• Roberto Luongo (originally pregnant wife, in fact he's pregnant)
• Henrik Zetterberg (back spasms, league realized that Crosby is not playing, wanted to give the east a chance)
• Paul Stastny (appendix, really kidney stones)
• Sergei Zubov (foot, foot to mouth disease)

The NHL trade deadline is a little over a month away and rumors have begun flying faster than a Northrop/McDonnell Douglas YF-23.

Well, Eklund has his share of nonsense that never comes true, including Dion Phanuef to the Devils, which has generated over 250 comments.  Guys, wake up from your day dreams.

Eklund reminds everyone that this is not fact and just a rumor.  In my opinion, Eklund should at least quote a reliable source.  Otherwise, his rumors are as significant as a pimple on the ass on an elephant.  Sorry Eklund, Pittsburgh Sports Inside managed to get the inside scoop.  Maybe speak to them, find out a strategy.  Your rumors are useless to me.

Mark Everson of the New York Post mentioned two defensemen Rob Blake and Brad Stuart as possible targets for GM Lou Lamoriello.  Even though Everson is not a fan favorite by any means, at least he explains his thoughts clearly and succinctly.

“Lamoriello might wait this year to gain every extra game of cap space available before the Feb. 26 deadline. Blake is making $6 million this season, and Stuart, an Alberta boy like Brent Sutter, is making $3.5 million, both ready to become unrestricted. At the deadline, the Devils would be cap-responsible for about 20 percent of remaining salary, with some anticipated $2-3 million of room. Blake is said to be anxious to join a top team to chase the Cup.”

The Devils definitely need help on the blue line but are not big spenders, especially for short term rentals.  In my estimation, I cannot see Lamoriello trading away the Devils future draft choices or their highest prospect in the minors Nkolas Bergfors for a rental at this point.  They are already thin in the minor leagues and will not make poor decisions unless it benefits them short and long term.  I have confidence in Lou to get the job done, which is considerably more difficult since the Devils have a low draft pick every year.

And, of course, a little NFL football pre-Super Bowl update.  Tom Brady's foot is fine.  I do not care if Perez Hilton, TMZ and every newspaper gossip section disagrees with my assessment.  The bottom line is the NY Giants need to pressure him, make him throw off balance, break through the impenetrable offensive line.  No easy task for any team.  San Diego held the Pats to 21 points so anything is possible.  Gabi attended Sunday's AFC Title Game.  He recapped the memorable experience.  I did not.  I covered that game and the Giants stunner in OT to send them to the Super Bowl.

• ‹ previous
• 337 of 430
• next ›