Well, today is the day that Matt Stajan and Niklas Hagman make their first appearance as opponents against the Leafs, and the same goes for Dion Phaneuf and Fredrik Sjostrom against the Flames. It'd be nice if Aulie could play and have a good showing, but the lineup won't be announced until later on.
It's surely an emotional week for Phaneuf, who no doubt has a lot of memories in Calgary, but who is also grieving the loss of his grandmother.
Phaneuf, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain, left the squad after Tuesday night’s 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers to attend the funeral of his grandmother in Prince Edward Island. Phaneuf was scheduled to fly to Calgary late Wednesday night and, barring any unforeseen delays, was expected back in time to suit up against the Flames.
Leaf Links:
Stajan "Excited" To Face Former Team
Funny, that's one of Phaneuf's favorite words, too. Interview by Jonas Seigel over at AM640.
Giguere: I Know I Can Do Better
I should hope so, Jean-Séb. AM 640 with the quotes.
Versteeg Finally Hitting His Stride with the Leafs
Jeff Blay over at The Hockey Writers likes what he sees.
Brian Burke Speaks – Part 3: The Playoffs
Karina, over at Leafs HQ, with the latest installment of her series highlighting Brian Burke's interactions with the media.
Too Much Pierre: When Analysts Stay Too Long
Michael Langlois over at VLM has had enough of Pierre Maguire, and I'm sure he's got plenty of company.
It’s All Over Now but the Crying for Leafs Fans
Maple Stir-up is a tad frustrated that everyone thinks so.
Brian Burke on NHL Live
There will be more fodder for Karina's posts, I'm sure.
NHL Links:
NHL Capsules
Check out the goings on around the league. From the Hockey News.
How fake police chase made Atlanta Thrashers talk of sports world
Puck Daddy has the story. Definitely worth checking out.
Team Canada taking its lunch bucket to Buffalo
The 2011 world junior team is more than happy with its working-class approach so far. Shoalts has the story.
Winter sports institute unveils player-friendly arenas
Apparently, parents have become so completely ridiculous that we have to keep them as far away from the game as possible.
Glendale council paves the way for Coyotes sale - The Globe and Mail
New arena lease approved; Chicago businessman Matt Hulsizer expected to pay about $170-million for the NHL team.
Should a Canadian pro hockey franchise have a cheer team?
The usual suspects over at The Globe and Mail have a quick panel discussion.
Introducing New Stats Site
David Johnson of Hockey Analysis is starting up a new site that will feature his new nuumbers.
