Note: We accidentally posted two FTBs (eager writers!). They have been combined here. Double the links.
Links (stolen from other FTBs as Saturdays are pretty slow news days)
Did Panik deserve a charge?
Kerry Fraser doesn't see it.
Princess Anne is hipper than Rogers
Florida Panthers hosting contest for a back-up practice goalie
Think you have what it takes to get shelled by NHL players for a couple hours whenever Luongo breaks?
The 30-Year-Old Rookie | Ryan Kesler
You can read the full story about joining the Ducks on The Players Tribune; or just read all the good parts pulled out into this Sportsnet story; or my tldr version: he's secretly in love with Corey Perry.
Franzen Estimated Concussion Totals in Double-Digits - Winging It In Motown
It is estimated that Franzen has had at least 10 concussions throughout his hockey-playing career. AT LEAST TEN! Should he even be trying to still come back and play again from a concussion still giving him migraines two months after it happened?
Did Flyers goalie coach quit yesterday over Steve Mason's injuries?
Flyers' goalie coach Jeff Reese suddenly quit on Friday and speculation is he thinks the team botched their recent goalie issues. This story contains some other interesting nuggets like how the Flyers are less than $50,000 away from the salary cap, and have to carefully juggle contracts to avoid going over.
Quick Hits: Slava Fetisov Interview; Jonathan Ericsson Injured? - Winging It In Motown
Today's Quick Hits
When will the Devils be good again? | the two-line pass
Family Affair: Blackhawks acquire Brent Seabrook's brother - Second City Hockey
You won't believe who will be skating in Rockford.
Kimmo Timonen to retire after this season - Second City Hockey
Chicago's new defensemen will be hanging up his skates in June.
Predators' Mike Ribeiro sued for alleged sexual assault on nanny - NHL on CBC Sports - Hockey news, opinion, scores, stats, standings
Mike Ribeiro's former nanny in Texas is suing the Predators centre for assaulting her and suing his wife for threatening her in 2012.
Alice Cooper rocks Arizona Coyotes retro night | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: Mike Smith’s sick retro Coyotes goal mask got to meet its maker … well sort of. While the front and sides of Smith’s mask for the Coyotes throwback night had all sorts of cool designs harkening back to the team’s original logo in the desert.
Nik Antropov spear leads to epic embellishment, crazy coach (Video) | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: It appears Kolarik may have embellished this a little. In the sense that we haven’t seen overacting like that since the last episode of GIRLS.
NHL not worried by slow Las Vegas ticket drive | Puck Daddy - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: The Las Vegas NHL season ticket drive has slowed considerably. But does that mean hockey in Sin City is doomed? Not according to a story by Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston. The drive started at a brisk pace with 5,000 ticket deposits in two days. Then 13 days later it had reached just under 7,000. It’s now at 7,700 as of last week per the piece and doesn’t involve casino ticket requests.
Aaron Ekblad of Florida Panthers turning heads with rookie season - NHL.com
Florida Panthers defenseman Brian Campbell can remember the day he concluded that rookie Aaron Ekblad was going to be something very special.
Red Army: An Interview With Director Gabe Polsky - Mile High Hockey
Red Army: Review and Interview with Gabe Polsky
Report: Okposo to meet and skate with Islanders in Florida this weekend. Kennedy also to return. - Lighthouse Hockey
Kyle Okposo, who has out with a detached retina since just after the All Star break, is set to skate with the Islanders this weekend according to a report in Newsday. Tyler Kennedy will also join his new team after missing time with an injury.
Out With a Whimper? - In Lou We Trust
According to many sources, the possibility exists that Devils captain Bryce Salvador will never play in another NHL game; this article will take a look at the on-ice bad and the good that is Bryce Salvador.
Coyotes play vintage hockey, finally win - Five For Howling
The losing streak is finally over as the Arizona Coyotes win by a final score of 3-2 in the shootout.
Down Goes Brown: Sorting out the playoff bubble
Dallas Stars Waste Early Lead, Rally, Defeat Panthers - Defending Big D
Kari Lehtonen couldn't finish the game, Jamie Benn has now gone eight games without a goal, defensive turnovers were abundant, but somehow the Stars still held on. Colton Sceviour's OT winner makes two in a row for the Dallas Stars, which at this point in the season, represents a major step forward.
Ron Hextall hasn't improved the Flyers salary cap situation at all - Broad Street Hockey
Ron Hextall's trades since he took over as general manager have set out to get the Flyers draft picks and space on their cap and roster. They've done one of those things really well and one of them not as much.
The Rangers pipeline shouldn't concern you; musing the Rangers - Blue Seat Blogs
The New York Rangers NHL prospect pipeline shouldn't concern you; musing the Rangers
Thoughts following the trade deadline - Blue Seat Blogs
Stars' Seguin skates for 1st time since knee injury, could return within a week | theScore
Goalie Saga Just Another Curveball For The Panthers - The Faceoff Circle
HOW GOOD IS IVAN PROVOROV? | The LeafsNation
Back to School: Which Communications Major Could Improve the Leafs? | The LeafsNation
Top NHL Draft prospects show their Leafs love
Who on earth would want to become a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs? The answer: A bunch of the top picks in this upcoming draft, apparently.
Last Night's Games
If you haven't been following ElSeldos Leafs draft lottery guides, start now! OR ELSE!
So how did we do last night?
Blue Jackets over Devils in overtime: The Jackets won! But not in overtime.
Carolina over Minnesota in regulation: Carolina lost. In regulation. Which isn't necessarily bad as Elseldo is just trying to keep the WC race interesting. The Wild have now won 5 straight.
Ottawa over Buffalo in regulation: What did you expect?
Flames vs. Wings: This game had no impact to our lottery chances, but the Flames won 5-2, with all 5 goals after the Wings were up by 2. Even Stajan got a goal!
Edmonton over Chicago: They tried really hard, but lost in a shootout. The real highlight of the night was when Benoit Pouliot popped out the glass with a check in the corner. A fan was injured attending her first ever game, but, hey, she got interviewed on Canadian TV (and hopefully free tickets to another game or something)!
Anaheim over Pittsburgh: Well that didn't work out at all. The Ducks lost 5-2.
Other News:
Seen & Heard – Weekend Edition - Toronto Sports Media Blog
@mikeinboston takes a look back at one of the most a wild weeks in Toronto sports media in recent memory.
The Longest Game In NCAA Division 1 Hockey Was Played Last Night
It took 151 minutes, 42 seconds for UMass to score the game winning goal in 5th OT. It went well past midnight. Video of the GWG and celebration in the link.
Unpaid CWHL players look for an assist to gain salary, support. The unpaid professionals of this five-team league wear lots of hats while hoping the NHL will make like the NBA and step up.
Bell Media wants US networks off Canadian TVs entirely
Because they want more of your money.