CHARA, LIDSTROM PHANEUF NAMED NORRIS TROPHY FINALISTS
Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins, Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings and Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames are the three finalists for the Norris Trophy in 2007-08, awarded "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position".
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association submitted ballots for the Norris Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters announced as finalists.
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Chara, who as a member of the Ottawa Senators finished second to New Jersey’s Scott Niedermayer in 2004, ranked third among NHL players in average ice time per game (26:50) and set career highs for goals (17), assists (34) and points (51) in a season. He led the Bruins and ranked eighth in the League with 223 hits and improved his plus-minus rating from -21 in 2006-07 to a team-high +14 this season.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Lidstrom, who has won the award five times, earned his ninth Norris nomination in the past 10 seasons. The Norris winner 2001 through 2003, plus 2006 and 2007, Lidstrom helped the Red Wings post the NHL's best defensive record in 2007-08 -- a League-low 2.16 goals per game. In 76 games, Lidstrom led all NHL defensemen in scoring with 70 points (10 goals, 60 assists), ranked second in the NHL to teammate Pavel Datsyuk in plus-minus (+40) and was fourth among all players in average ice time per game (26:43).
Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames
The 23-year-old Phaneuf, who finished third behind Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in 2006 Calder Trophy voting as the League's top rookie, is a first-time Norris finalist. Along with leading Flames defensemen in scoring with a career-high 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 82 games, Phaneuf led the Flames in average ice time per game (26:25) and hits (194). He also ranked second on the club in shots (263) and third in power-play goals (10).
The Norris Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League in 1953-54 by the four children of the late James Norris, in memory of the former owner-president of the Detroit Red Wings.
TROTZ SAYS WITH PREDS
Barry Trotz isn't taking the fall for the Nashville Predators' first-round playoff exit.
The NHL team rewarded the only coach in its 10-year history, signing Trotz to a contract extension on Tuesday.
His assistants, associate Brent Peterson, assistant coach Peter Horachek and goaltending coach Mitch Korn, also extended their deals.
Trotz guided the Predators to the playoffs despite a chaotic season that included the threat of possible relocation, a botched sale, new owners and a long negotiation on their arena.
"Despite much adversity of the past year, the team never used that adversity as an excuse — a tribute to the efforts of the coaching staff," Predators general manager David Poile said in a statement. "I am pleased that this group will remain together in our pursuit of a Stanley Cup for Nashville."
The Predators also endured a poor start after a fire sale shed their roster of several top players.
Nashville finished with a 41-32-9 record and fell in six games to the top-seeded Red Wings in a Western Conference quarter-final.
Just making the playoffs this season was considered a success.
Last year, the team let top scorer Paul Kariya leave for St. Louis as a free agent, traded away goalie Tomas Vokoun along with captain Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell. They managed to make up for the lost production, becoming only one of seven teams to
make the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.
Trotz has coached all 738 regular-season games in the Predators' 10 years, going 324-308-106.
Nashville has yet to get past the first round of the post-season or win any road playoff games.
The contract extension keeps Trotz as the second most-tenured coach in the NHL with his current team. The only coach with a longer active tenure with one team is Buffalo's Lindy Ruff, who has been with the Sabres since 1997.
CANUCKS TO CHOOSE MIKE GILLIS AS NEW GM
According to the Canadian Press, Mike Gillis will be introduced as the new general manager of the Vancouver Canucks.
The 49-year-old replaces Dave Nonis, who was fired April 14.
Gillis has spent the past several years an an agent, representing players like Canucks captain Markus Naslund. He also played in the NHL from 1978-84, posting 33 goals and 76 points in 246 games with the Colorado Rockies and Boston Bruins.
Nonis was promoted to GM on May 6, 2004, replacing Brian Burke, and compiled a 130-91-25 record before being relieved of his duties.
After the Canucks set franchise higs for wins (49) and points (105) last season, they lost seven of their final eight games and missed the playoffs by three points this season.
NHL Stanley Cup Semi-Final Playoff Schedule
Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal Canadiens vs (6) Philadelphia Flyers
Thur. April 24, 6pm -- Philadelphia @ Montreal
Sat. April 26, 6pm -- Philadelphia @ Montreal -- Versus
Mon. April 28, 6pm -- Montreal @ Philadelphia -- Versus
Wed. April 30, 6pm -- Montreal @ Philadelphia -- Versus
*Sat. May 3, 6pm -- Philadelphia @ Montreal -- Versus
*Sun. May 4, 6pm -- Montreal @ Philadelphia -- Versus
*Tue. May 6, 6pm -- Philadelphia @ Montreal
(2) Pittsburgh Penguins vs (5) New York Rangers
Fri. April 25, 6pm -- NYR @ Pittsburgh -- Versus
Sun. April 27, 1pm -- NYR @ Pittsburgh -- NBC
Tue. April 29, 6pm -- Pittsburgh @ NYR -- Versus
Thur. April 29, 6pm -- Pittsburgh @ NYR -- Versus
*Sun. May 4, 1pm -- NYR @ Pittsburgh -- NBC
*Mon. May 5, 6pm -- Pittsburgh @ NYR -- Versus
*Wed. May 7, TBD -- NYR @ Pittsburgh
Western Conference
(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (6) Colorado Avalanche
Thur. April 24, 630pm -- Colorado @ Detroit -- Versus
Sat. April 26, 2pm -- Colorado @ Detroit -- NBC
Tue. April 29, 9pm -- Detroit @ Colorado -- Versus
Thur. May 1, 9pm -- Detroit @ Colorado -- Versus
*Sat. May 3, 12pm -- Colorado @ Detroit -- NBC
*Mon. May 5, 9pm -- Detroit @ Colorado -- Versus
*Wed. May 7, TBD -- Colorado @ Detroit
(2) San Jose vs (5) Dallas Stars
Fri. April 25, 9pm -- Dallas @ San Jose -- Versus
Sun. April 27, 8pm -- Dallas @ San Jose -- Versus
Tue. April 29, 630pm -- San Jose @ Dallas
Wed. April 30, 8pm -- San Jose @ Dallas -- Versus (JIP)
*Fri. May 2, 9pm -- Dallas @ San Jose -- Versus
*Sun. May 4, 8pm -- San Jose @ Dallas -- Versus
*Tue. May 6, 9pm -- Dallas @ San Jose
* = If Necessary
(JIP) = joined in progress
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Today in NHL History April 23th
1903: The New York Highlanders won their first major-league game with a 7-2 decision over the Washington Senators.
1919: Anticipating a poor season at the gate, the major leagues open a reduced 140-game season. Despite the lack of close races, attendance remains high all year and every club will show a profit.
1924: On WMAQ, Hal Totten, a Chicago Daily News play-by-play reporter, does a play-by-play radio report of the 12-1 Cubs' victory over the Cardinals. It will be the first broadcast of every Cub and White Sox home game of the season marking the first time a team's games have been on the airwaves on a regular basis.
1936: Carl Hubbell's first start of the season is a three-hitter against the Boston Bees. For the Giants ace, it is his 17th straight win, dating back to July 17 of 1935.
1939: Rookie Ted Williams went 4-for-5, including his first major-league home run, but the Boston Red Sox lost to Philadelphia, 12-8, at Fenway Park.
1946: Ed Head of the Brooklyn Dodgers pitches a 5-0 no-hitter against the Boston Braves at Ebbetts Field.
1952: Bob Cain of the Browns and Bob Feller of the Indians each pitch one hitters, with the Browns prevailing 1-0. This ties a major league record for the fewest hits by two teams in a game (since broken). Bobby Young hits a triple in the first inning and scores on an Al Rosen error as the Browns move into first place. The Indians only hit is a single by Luke Easter. it is the fourth time he's tossed a one-hitter against the Brownies.....Giant hurler Hoyt Wilhelm homers in his first major league at-bat. In his second big league appearance at the plate two days later he will hit a three-bagger, but during the next 21 years, covering a span 1070 games, the knuckle-balling hurler will never triple or homer again.
1954: At Sportsman's Park, Hank Aaron hits the first of his 755 major league home runs off Vic Raschi of St. Louis. The Braves win in fourteen innings 7-5.
1955: At Kansas City's Municipal Stadium, the White Sox tie a modern major league mark for most runs scored by a single team in a game as they drub the A's, 29-6. The Red Sox also scored 29 runs against Browns in 1950.
1958: Gil Hodges hits his 300th home run and Pee Wee Reese plays in his 2,000th game, but the Dodgers lose 7-6 to the Cubs.
1962: Jay Hook gives the New York Mets their first regular-season victory, a five-hit 9-1 win at Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is now 10-1 for the season, but the Bucs will lose 13 of their next 17 games.
1964: Houston's Ken Johnson becomes the first pitcher ever to lose a nine-inning no-hitter. Second baseman Nellie Fox's error allows the only run as Cincinnati wins 1-0.
1978: Reds second baseman Joe Morgan commits an error during a 2-1 win over the Giants, ending his major league record streak of 91 consecutive errorless games which began July 6, 1977.
1989: Nolan Ryan came within two outs of his sixth career no-hitter, losing it when Nelson Liriano ripled in the ninth inning as the Texas Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-1. Ryan finished with his 10th lifetime one-hitter.
1994: Orioles closer Lee Smith picks up his ninth save in Baltimore's 16th game to reach nine saves faster than anyone else in major league history.
1999: The St. Louis Cardinals crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers 12–5. Third baseman Fernando Tatis set a Major League record by hitting two grand slams in a single inning (the 3rd). He simultaneously set a record with eight RBIs in that inning. Dodger Pitcher Chan Ho Park became the first pitcher this century, and only the second ever, to surrender two grand slams in a single inning joining Bill Phillips of the 1890 Alleghenys.
2000: In a 10-7 victory over the Blue Jays, Yankees Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada become the first teammates to have each homered from both sides of the plate in the same game.....The Dodgers defat the Reds to notch their 1,000th victory over the Reds, baseball's oldest professional franchise. Since 1970, Los Angeles is the only National League franchise to play over .500 ball (120-115) in Cincinnati (Riverfront Stadium/Cinergy Field.
1919: Anticipating a poor season at the gate, the major leagues open a reduced 140-game season. Despite the lack of close races, attendance remains high all year and every club will show a profit.
1924: On WMAQ, Hal Totten, a Chicago Daily News play-by-play reporter, does a play-by-play radio report of the 12-1 Cubs' victory over the Cardinals. It will be the first broadcast of every Cub and White Sox home game of the season marking the first time a team's games have been on the airwaves on a regular basis.
1936: Carl Hubbell's first start of the season is a three-hitter against the Boston Bees. For the Giants ace, it is his 17th straight win, dating back to July 17 of 1935.
1939: Rookie Ted Williams went 4-for-5, including his first major-league home run, but the Boston Red Sox lost to Philadelphia, 12-8, at Fenway Park.
1946: Ed Head of the Brooklyn Dodgers pitches a 5-0 no-hitter against the Boston Braves at Ebbetts Field.
1952: Bob Cain of the Browns and Bob Feller of the Indians each pitch one hitters, with the Browns prevailing 1-0. This ties a major league record for the fewest hits by two teams in a game (since broken). Bobby Young hits a triple in the first inning and scores on an Al Rosen error as the Browns move into first place. The Indians only hit is a single by Luke Easter. it is the fourth time he's tossed a one-hitter against the Brownies.....Giant hurler Hoyt Wilhelm homers in his first major league at-bat. In his second big league appearance at the plate two days later he will hit a three-bagger, but during the next 21 years, covering a span 1070 games, the knuckle-balling hurler will never triple or homer again.
1954: At Sportsman's Park, Hank Aaron hits the first of his 755 major league home runs off Vic Raschi of St. Louis. The Braves win in fourteen innings 7-5.
1955: At Kansas City's Municipal Stadium, the White Sox tie a modern major league mark for most runs scored by a single team in a game as they drub the A's, 29-6. The Red Sox also scored 29 runs against Browns in 1950.
1958: Gil Hodges hits his 300th home run and Pee Wee Reese plays in his 2,000th game, but the Dodgers lose 7-6 to the Cubs.
1962: Jay Hook gives the New York Mets their first regular-season victory, a five-hit 9-1 win at Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is now 10-1 for the season, but the Bucs will lose 13 of their next 17 games.
1964: Houston's Ken Johnson becomes the first pitcher ever to lose a nine-inning no-hitter. Second baseman Nellie Fox's error allows the only run as Cincinnati wins 1-0.
1978: Reds second baseman Joe Morgan commits an error during a 2-1 win over the Giants, ending his major league record streak of 91 consecutive errorless games which began July 6, 1977.
1989: Nolan Ryan came within two outs of his sixth career no-hitter, losing it when Nelson Liriano ripled in the ninth inning as the Texas Rangers beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 4-1. Ryan finished with his 10th lifetime one-hitter.
1994: Orioles closer Lee Smith picks up his ninth save in Baltimore's 16th game to reach nine saves faster than anyone else in major league history.
1999: The St. Louis Cardinals crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers 12–5. Third baseman Fernando Tatis set a Major League record by hitting two grand slams in a single inning (the 3rd). He simultaneously set a record with eight RBIs in that inning. Dodger Pitcher Chan Ho Park became the first pitcher this century, and only the second ever, to surrender two grand slams in a single inning joining Bill Phillips of the 1890 Alleghenys.
2000: In a 10-7 victory over the Blue Jays, Yankees Bernie Williams and Jorge Posada become the first teammates to have each homered from both sides of the plate in the same game.....The Dodgers defat the Reds to notch their 1,000th victory over the Reds, baseball's oldest professional franchise. Since 1970, Los Angeles is the only National League franchise to play over .500 ball (120-115) in Cincinnati (Riverfront Stadium/Cinergy Field.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
April 22th
BRODEUR, LUNDQVIST, NABOKOV VEZINA TROPHY FINALISTS
Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks are the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy in 2007-08, awarded "to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position".
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Brodeur has earned his eighth career nomination as a finalist and is in quest of his fourth career win; he captured the trophy in 2003, 2004 and 2007. Brodeur posted a 44-27-6 record with a 2.17 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts in 2007-08, ranking among League leaders in minutes played (first, 4,635), victories (second) and goals-against average (fifth). He became just the second goaltender in NHL history to reach the 500-win mark, following Patrick Roy, and ended the season with 96 career shutouts, seven shy of all-time leader Terry Sawchuk. He extended NHL records by registering his third consecutive and seventh career 40-win season, and 10th consecutive campaign with 70-or-more games.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Lundqvist is a Vezina Trophy finalist for the third consecutive season, having placed third in 2006 and 2007. He posted a 37-24-10 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and .912 save percentage in 72 games and led all NHL goaltenders with 10 shutouts. He tied his career high in victories, set last season, and is only the second goaltender in NHL history to record three consecutive 30-win seasons to begin his career, joining Philadelphia's Ron Hextall (1986-87 to 1988-89). Lundqvist's 10 shutouts were the most by a Rangers goaltender since John Ross Roach posted 13 in 1928-29.
Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks
Nabokov, a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time, led the NHL in victories (46), just two shy of Brodeur's NHL-record 48 set last season, and posted 25 one-goal victories, second to Brodeur's 26. He ranked second among NHL goaltenders in minutes played (4,561), third in goals-against average (2.14) and tied for third in shutouts (six). Nabokov posted a 43-game consecutive-start streak to begin the season, one short of the longest such streak since 1989-90. He had started 51 consecutive games dating back to March 24, 2007 before getting the night off in Anaheim Jan. 13.
The Vezina Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League in 1926-27 by former Montreal Canadiens owners Leo Dandurand, Louis Letourneau and Joe Cattarinich in memory of Georges Vezina, the outstanding Canadiens goaltender who collapsed during an NHL game on Nov. 28, 1925 and died of tuberculosis a few months later. Until 1981-82, the trophy had been awarded to the goaltender(s) on the club allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season -- the current basis for the William Jennings Trophy.
NHLPA ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS OF COMPETITION COMMITTEE
Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks, Jeff Halpern of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres, Mathieu Schneider of the Anaheim Ducks and Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators have been selected by the executive board of the NHL Players' Association as the new player representatives on the competition committee.
The five new players, who will serve two-year terms, replace Rob Blake of the Los Angeles Kings, Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames, Trevor Linden of the Vancouver Canucks and Brendan Shanahan of the New York Rangers - who had served since the committee's inception after the NHL lockout. Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils was also an original member but quit last year and was never replaced.
"The outgoing players on the committee deserve a great deal of gratitude for the work they have done to improve our game over the last three seasons," Paul Kelly, the NHLPA's executive director, said in a statement. "The NHLPA is looking forward to our newest members representing their fellow players on this important committee."
The NHL's representatives on the committee remain the same at this point: GMs Bob Gainey of the Montreal Canadiens, Kevin Lowe of the Edmonton Oilers, David Poile of the Nashville Predators, Don Waddell of the Atlanta Thrashers and owner Ed Snider of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The next competition committee meeting will take place June 13 in Toronto. By then it's possible the NHL will have new members as well.
"We will review our present status with our group before the next competition committee meeting in June," Colin Campbell, the NHL's executive vice-president and director of hockey operations, said Monday.
Campbell and NHLPA ombudsman Eric Lindros participate in the competition committee meetings but do not have voting rights.
The committee was formed in the new collective bargaining agreement as a joint effort to come up with recommendations to improve the game. The committee's findings get sent to the NHLPA's executive board (the 30 player reps) and then to the NHL's board of governors (owners).
A-ROD TO REJOIN YANKS TODAY
Alex Rodriguez is expected to rejoin the Yankees on Today in Chicago, having been diagnosed with a mild strain of his right quadriceps.
Rodriguez was injured legging out a fielder's choice in Sunday's 7-1 victory at Baltimore, flexing his right leg before being replaced by a pinch-runner.
He returned to New York to be examined and was to see a physical therapist on Monday, Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo told the Associated Press
If Rodriguez is to miss games due to the injury, Morgan Ensberg will likely be used as the interim third baseman. Derek Jeter missed six games with a strained left quadriceps last week.
The Yankees will reevaluate Rodriguez on today at U.S. Cellular Field, where the club opens a three-game series with the White Sox. Rodriguez is batting .308 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 20 games this season.
Todays NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule
-(6) Philadelphia @ (3) Washington -- Game 7 -- 6pm -- Versus (Series tied 3-3)
-(7) Calgary @ (2) San Jose -- Game 7 -- 9pm -- Versus (Series tied 3-3)
Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks are the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy in 2007-08, awarded "to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position".
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Brodeur has earned his eighth career nomination as a finalist and is in quest of his fourth career win; he captured the trophy in 2003, 2004 and 2007. Brodeur posted a 44-27-6 record with a 2.17 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts in 2007-08, ranking among League leaders in minutes played (first, 4,635), victories (second) and goals-against average (fifth). He became just the second goaltender in NHL history to reach the 500-win mark, following Patrick Roy, and ended the season with 96 career shutouts, seven shy of all-time leader Terry Sawchuk. He extended NHL records by registering his third consecutive and seventh career 40-win season, and 10th consecutive campaign with 70-or-more games.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Lundqvist is a Vezina Trophy finalist for the third consecutive season, having placed third in 2006 and 2007. He posted a 37-24-10 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and .912 save percentage in 72 games and led all NHL goaltenders with 10 shutouts. He tied his career high in victories, set last season, and is only the second goaltender in NHL history to record three consecutive 30-win seasons to begin his career, joining Philadelphia's Ron Hextall (1986-87 to 1988-89). Lundqvist's 10 shutouts were the most by a Rangers goaltender since John Ross Roach posted 13 in 1928-29.
Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks
Nabokov, a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time, led the NHL in victories (46), just two shy of Brodeur's NHL-record 48 set last season, and posted 25 one-goal victories, second to Brodeur's 26. He ranked second among NHL goaltenders in minutes played (4,561), third in goals-against average (2.14) and tied for third in shutouts (six). Nabokov posted a 43-game consecutive-start streak to begin the season, one short of the longest such streak since 1989-90. He had started 51 consecutive games dating back to March 24, 2007 before getting the night off in Anaheim Jan. 13.
The Vezina Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League in 1926-27 by former Montreal Canadiens owners Leo Dandurand, Louis Letourneau and Joe Cattarinich in memory of Georges Vezina, the outstanding Canadiens goaltender who collapsed during an NHL game on Nov. 28, 1925 and died of tuberculosis a few months later. Until 1981-82, the trophy had been awarded to the goaltender(s) on the club allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season -- the current basis for the William Jennings Trophy.
NHLPA ANNOUNCES NEW MEMBERS OF COMPETITION COMMITTEE
Brian Campbell of the San Jose Sharks, Jeff Halpern of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres, Mathieu Schneider of the Anaheim Ducks and Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators have been selected by the executive board of the NHL Players' Association as the new player representatives on the competition committee.
The five new players, who will serve two-year terms, replace Rob Blake of the Los Angeles Kings, Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames, Trevor Linden of the Vancouver Canucks and Brendan Shanahan of the New York Rangers - who had served since the committee's inception after the NHL lockout. Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils was also an original member but quit last year and was never replaced.
"The outgoing players on the committee deserve a great deal of gratitude for the work they have done to improve our game over the last three seasons," Paul Kelly, the NHLPA's executive director, said in a statement. "The NHLPA is looking forward to our newest members representing their fellow players on this important committee."
The NHL's representatives on the committee remain the same at this point: GMs Bob Gainey of the Montreal Canadiens, Kevin Lowe of the Edmonton Oilers, David Poile of the Nashville Predators, Don Waddell of the Atlanta Thrashers and owner Ed Snider of the Philadelphia Flyers.
The next competition committee meeting will take place June 13 in Toronto. By then it's possible the NHL will have new members as well.
"We will review our present status with our group before the next competition committee meeting in June," Colin Campbell, the NHL's executive vice-president and director of hockey operations, said Monday.
Campbell and NHLPA ombudsman Eric Lindros participate in the competition committee meetings but do not have voting rights.
The committee was formed in the new collective bargaining agreement as a joint effort to come up with recommendations to improve the game. The committee's findings get sent to the NHLPA's executive board (the 30 player reps) and then to the NHL's board of governors (owners).
A-ROD TO REJOIN YANKS TODAY
Alex Rodriguez is expected to rejoin the Yankees on Today in Chicago, having been diagnosed with a mild strain of his right quadriceps.
Rodriguez was injured legging out a fielder's choice in Sunday's 7-1 victory at Baltimore, flexing his right leg before being replaced by a pinch-runner.
He returned to New York to be examined and was to see a physical therapist on Monday, Yankees spokesman Jason Zillo told the Associated Press
If Rodriguez is to miss games due to the injury, Morgan Ensberg will likely be used as the interim third baseman. Derek Jeter missed six games with a strained left quadriceps last week.
The Yankees will reevaluate Rodriguez on today at U.S. Cellular Field, where the club opens a three-game series with the White Sox. Rodriguez is batting .308 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 20 games this season.
Todays NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule
-(6) Philadelphia @ (3) Washington -- Game 7 -- 6pm -- Versus (Series tied 3-3)
-(7) Calgary @ (2) San Jose -- Game 7 -- 9pm -- Versus (Series tied 3-3)
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 21th
BERGERON WILL PLAY IF CLEARED BY DOCTORS
If Patrice Bergeron is cleared to play by doctors, Boston coach Claude Julien will put him in the lineup for the Bruins' Game 7 clash against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.
"He really looks good (in practice)," Julien told reporters Sunday. "Yeah, maybe he hasn't played in real-game situations, so there might be some little issues here and there, but the quality of player he is, there's no way you can keep a guy like that out. I wouldn't even consider it."
Bergeron has been sidelined since suffering a severe head injury last October. The Boston forward has been skating in practice and asked the Bruins' medical staff to play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference series on Saturday, but was turned down.
The Bruins defeated the Canadiens 5-4 in Boston to tie the best-of-seven series and force a seventh and deciding contest Monday in Montreal.
The 22-year-old will consult with doctors on Monday to see whether they will clear him to play later that evening.
Back on October 27, 2007, Bergeron was hit from behind by Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Randy Jones on Oct. 27, 2007. Bergeron crumpled to the ice, lost consciousness and was taken from the ice on a stretcher.
Bergeron had been participating in one-way contact in practice for the past six weeks — meaning he could hit, but he couldn't take hits or play in games until he returned to full strength.
FLYERS KNUBLE OUT FOR REST OF 1ST ROUND
Philadelphia Flyers winger Mike Knuble, who scored the winning goal in double overtime against Washington on Thursday, will be unavailable for Game 6 Monday and if necessary, Game 7 the following night.
Knuble partially tore his left hamstring in the second period of a 3-2 loss in Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final Saturday afternoon when he stumbled to the ice in a moment of indecision over whether to try to block a shot.
He had 29 goals and 55 points during the regular season. Knuble was also minus-3, his worst rating since the 1999-2000 campaign (minus-7), but has collected four points in the first five games of the NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final.
"THE BIG HURT" IS LET GO
Frank Thomas's short Toronto Blue Jay career has come to an end.
The 39-year-old slugger was released by the American League club on Sunday, 24 hours after reacting angrily to being benched by manager John Gibbons and replaced by Matt Stairs as designated hitter.
Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said the decision was "mutual" and it came after he and Thomas met on Sunday morning.
"Our best opportunity is to put other guys in the lineup at this point," the GM said. "Obviously, reduced playing time is not something that he was interested in. In order to let him go forward and get on with his career, I think it's fair to do it at this point.
Thomas was off to an anemic start that had seen the future Hall of Famer go hitless in his last 13 at-bats and only 4-for-34 since homering in three straight games April 5-8.
"I'm angry," Thomas said on Saturday, claiming the decision was made so Toronto could avoid having to automatically guarantee next year's $10-million contract if he got 376 plate appearances this season.
Thomas's vesting option for 2009 was part of the $18.12-million, two-year deal signed in November of 2006.
He has 516 career homers and a lifetime batting average of .302. Last season, Thomas hit .277 with 26 homers and 95 RBIs for Toronto.
Thomas, a career .302 hitter, is one of four players in baseball history to record at least a .300 average, 500 home runs, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 runs and 1,500 walks. The others are Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
Todays NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule
-(8) Boston @ (1) Montreal--Game 7--6pm (Series tied 3-3)
-(3) Washington @ (6) Philadelphia--Game 6--6pm--Versus (Flyers lead series 3-2)
Tuesday
--IF NECESSARY-- (6) Philadelphia @ (3) Washington--Game 7--6pm
-(7) Calgary @ (2) San Jose--Game 7--9pm (Series tied 3-3)
If Patrice Bergeron is cleared to play by doctors, Boston coach Claude Julien will put him in the lineup for the Bruins' Game 7 clash against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday.
"He really looks good (in practice)," Julien told reporters Sunday. "Yeah, maybe he hasn't played in real-game situations, so there might be some little issues here and there, but the quality of player he is, there's no way you can keep a guy like that out. I wouldn't even consider it."
Bergeron has been sidelined since suffering a severe head injury last October. The Boston forward has been skating in practice and asked the Bruins' medical staff to play in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference series on Saturday, but was turned down.
The Bruins defeated the Canadiens 5-4 in Boston to tie the best-of-seven series and force a seventh and deciding contest Monday in Montreal.
The 22-year-old will consult with doctors on Monday to see whether they will clear him to play later that evening.
Back on October 27, 2007, Bergeron was hit from behind by Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Randy Jones on Oct. 27, 2007. Bergeron crumpled to the ice, lost consciousness and was taken from the ice on a stretcher.
Bergeron had been participating in one-way contact in practice for the past six weeks — meaning he could hit, but he couldn't take hits or play in games until he returned to full strength.
FLYERS KNUBLE OUT FOR REST OF 1ST ROUND
Philadelphia Flyers winger Mike Knuble, who scored the winning goal in double overtime against Washington on Thursday, will be unavailable for Game 6 Monday and if necessary, Game 7 the following night.
Knuble partially tore his left hamstring in the second period of a 3-2 loss in Game 5 of the NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final Saturday afternoon when he stumbled to the ice in a moment of indecision over whether to try to block a shot.
He had 29 goals and 55 points during the regular season. Knuble was also minus-3, his worst rating since the 1999-2000 campaign (minus-7), but has collected four points in the first five games of the NHL Eastern Conference quarter-final.
"THE BIG HURT" IS LET GO
Frank Thomas's short Toronto Blue Jay career has come to an end.
The 39-year-old slugger was released by the American League club on Sunday, 24 hours after reacting angrily to being benched by manager John Gibbons and replaced by Matt Stairs as designated hitter.
Toronto general manager J.P. Ricciardi said the decision was "mutual" and it came after he and Thomas met on Sunday morning.
"Our best opportunity is to put other guys in the lineup at this point," the GM said. "Obviously, reduced playing time is not something that he was interested in. In order to let him go forward and get on with his career, I think it's fair to do it at this point.
Thomas was off to an anemic start that had seen the future Hall of Famer go hitless in his last 13 at-bats and only 4-for-34 since homering in three straight games April 5-8.
"I'm angry," Thomas said on Saturday, claiming the decision was made so Toronto could avoid having to automatically guarantee next year's $10-million contract if he got 376 plate appearances this season.
Thomas's vesting option for 2009 was part of the $18.12-million, two-year deal signed in November of 2006.
He has 516 career homers and a lifetime batting average of .302. Last season, Thomas hit .277 with 26 homers and 95 RBIs for Toronto.
Thomas, a career .302 hitter, is one of four players in baseball history to record at least a .300 average, 500 home runs, 1,500 RBIs, 1,000 runs and 1,500 walks. The others are Mel Ott, Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.
Todays NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Schedule
-(8) Boston @ (1) Montreal--Game 7--6pm (Series tied 3-3)
-(3) Washington @ (6) Philadelphia--Game 6--6pm--Versus (Flyers lead series 3-2)
Tuesday
--IF NECESSARY-- (6) Philadelphia @ (3) Washington--Game 7--6pm
-(7) Calgary @ (2) San Jose--Game 7--9pm (Series tied 3-3)
Today in MLB History April 21th
1898: In a game against the Giants, Philadelphia Nationals' pitcher Bill Duggelby hits a grand slam in his first major league at-bat. Bobby Bonds will hit one in his first game in his third at-bat, but Duggleby's feat will not be accomplished again until August 31, 2005 when Jeremy Hermida of the Marlins goes yard with the bases full.
1900: In a small wooden ballpark located at 39th and Princeton, the White Sox play their first game in franchise history losing to Milwaukee, 5-4.
1904: Ty Cobb makes his professional debut for Augusta (South Atlantic League), hitting a double and home run in an 8-7 loss to Columbus.
1910: The new League Park opens in Cleveland with a capacity of 21,000. 18,832 watch Detroit and Ed Willett beat the Naps 5-0.
1934: Moe Berg, little-used Senators catcher, plays his 117th consecutive errorless game, dating back to 1931. It sets an A.L. record.
1943: The Browns win their seventh consecutive Opening Day game in front of a reduced crowd of 4000 due to war-time travel restrictions.
1944: After hitting just one home run in 297 games, Browns' outfielder Mike Kreevich hits two round-trippers to beat the White Sox, 5-3.
1946: Cleveland's Frank Hayes plays the last of his 1,312th consecutive games as a catcher. The streak started as a player with the Browns on October 12, 1943.
1951: At Fenway Park, Senator Gil Coan hits two triples in the same inning.
1955: Brooklyn wins its 10th in a row, trouncing Robin Roberts of the Phils 14-2. This sets a new major league record for consecutive wins to start a season (since broken).
1961: The Minnesota Twins, formerly known as the Washington Senators, play their first home game in Minnesota at Metropolitan Stadium losing to the 'new' expansion Washington Senator.
1967: After 737 consecutive games, the Dodgers were rained out for the first time since moving to Los Angeles.
1982: The Atlanta Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 for their 13th straight victory.
1984: In only his second start since August 1982, Montreal pitcher David Palmer threw five perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 4-0 victory stopped by rain.
1987: The White Sox beat the Brewers 7-1, ending their season-opening winning streak at 13 games. Milwaukee's 13-0 start tied the major league record set by the 1982 Braves.
1991: In the greatest extra-inning comeback in major league history, Pittsburgh scores six in the bottom of the 11th inning to erase a five-run Cubs lead built in the top of the inning on Andre Dawson's grand slam. The Pirates had rallied earlier from a 7-2 deficit to tie the game in the ninth.
1994: Indians first baseman Eddie Murray hits home runs from both sides of the plate in a game for the 11th time in his career to break Mickey Mantle's record. The two homers also move Murray past Dave Kingman into 20th place on the all-time list with 444.
2000: In Cincinnati, the Dodger/Red game is delayed for 27 minutes due to the umpires' equipment being accidentally been shipped to New York. Replacement gear is secured from a downtown store but due to heavy traffic a police escort is needed to get the goods to Cinergy Field.
2002: Atlanta shortstop Rafael Furcal ties a major league record, which was most previously done by White Sox outfielder Lance Johnson in 1995, by hitting three triples in a game. The last time a Braves' player hit three three-baggers in one contest was on June 13, 1956 when Danny O'Connell accomplished the feat.
1900: In a small wooden ballpark located at 39th and Princeton, the White Sox play their first game in franchise history losing to Milwaukee, 5-4.
1904: Ty Cobb makes his professional debut for Augusta (South Atlantic League), hitting a double and home run in an 8-7 loss to Columbus.
1910: The new League Park opens in Cleveland with a capacity of 21,000. 18,832 watch Detroit and Ed Willett beat the Naps 5-0.
1934: Moe Berg, little-used Senators catcher, plays his 117th consecutive errorless game, dating back to 1931. It sets an A.L. record.
1943: The Browns win their seventh consecutive Opening Day game in front of a reduced crowd of 4000 due to war-time travel restrictions.
1944: After hitting just one home run in 297 games, Browns' outfielder Mike Kreevich hits two round-trippers to beat the White Sox, 5-3.
1946: Cleveland's Frank Hayes plays the last of his 1,312th consecutive games as a catcher. The streak started as a player with the Browns on October 12, 1943.
1951: At Fenway Park, Senator Gil Coan hits two triples in the same inning.
1955: Brooklyn wins its 10th in a row, trouncing Robin Roberts of the Phils 14-2. This sets a new major league record for consecutive wins to start a season (since broken).
1961: The Minnesota Twins, formerly known as the Washington Senators, play their first home game in Minnesota at Metropolitan Stadium losing to the 'new' expansion Washington Senator.
1967: After 737 consecutive games, the Dodgers were rained out for the first time since moving to Los Angeles.
1982: The Atlanta Braves beat the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 for their 13th straight victory.
1984: In only his second start since August 1982, Montreal pitcher David Palmer threw five perfect innings against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 4-0 victory stopped by rain.
1987: The White Sox beat the Brewers 7-1, ending their season-opening winning streak at 13 games. Milwaukee's 13-0 start tied the major league record set by the 1982 Braves.
1991: In the greatest extra-inning comeback in major league history, Pittsburgh scores six in the bottom of the 11th inning to erase a five-run Cubs lead built in the top of the inning on Andre Dawson's grand slam. The Pirates had rallied earlier from a 7-2 deficit to tie the game in the ninth.
1994: Indians first baseman Eddie Murray hits home runs from both sides of the plate in a game for the 11th time in his career to break Mickey Mantle's record. The two homers also move Murray past Dave Kingman into 20th place on the all-time list with 444.
2000: In Cincinnati, the Dodger/Red game is delayed for 27 minutes due to the umpires' equipment being accidentally been shipped to New York. Replacement gear is secured from a downtown store but due to heavy traffic a police escort is needed to get the goods to Cinergy Field.
2002: Atlanta shortstop Rafael Furcal ties a major league record, which was most previously done by White Sox outfielder Lance Johnson in 1995, by hitting three triples in a game. The last time a Braves' player hit three three-baggers in one contest was on June 13, 1956 when Danny O'Connell accomplished the feat.
Today in NHL History April 21th
1928: Former NHL defenseman Jack Evans born in Garnant, South Wales. Evans played in the NHL 1948-49 through 1962-63 with the New York Rangers and Chicago. Evans later coached with Oakland, Cleveland, and Hartford.
1938: Toe Blake scored the winning goal in overtime, as Montreal beat Detroit 5-4 before a crowd of 8,000 in Earlscourt, England, in the first of a nine game European tour between the two teams. Games were played in England and France.
1945: Detroit's rookie goalie Harry Lumley recorded his second career playoff shutout and Ed "Mud" Bruneteau scored at 14:16 of overtime to give the Red Wings a 1-0 win at Toronto, in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Finals.
1947: Former NHL defenseman Nick Beverley born in Toronto, Ont. Beverley played in the NHL 1966-67 through 1979-80 with Boston, Pittsburgh, the New York Rangers, Minnesota, Los Angeles and the Colorado Rockies.
1951: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bill Barilko scored the Cup-winning goal at 2:53 of overtime to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game Five of the 1951 Final. It was the only Stanley Cup series in which every game had ended in overtime. Toronto’s Sid Smith, Ted Kennedy, Harry Watson, Barilko and Montreal’s Maurice “Rocket” Richard each netted overtime winners during the five-game matchup. Barilko died in an off-season plane crash in the summer of 1951, though his remains would not be discovered until 1962.
1968: Dickie Moore scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Blues to a 5-3 playoff win over the Minnesota North Stars, in Game One of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals in St. Louis.
1974: Boston's John Bucyk tied a Stanley Cup playoff record set in 1939 for most power play goals in one game, when he had three (along with an assist) in an 8-6 Bruins' win over the visiting Chicago Black Hawks in Game 2 of the Semi-Finals.
1978: In a WHA game at Edmonton, Hartford's Gordie Howe scored on the first shift, just minutes after finding out that he had become a grandfather! Mark and Ginger Howe's first son Travis made Gordie the first Grandpa in pro hockey history.
1985: Rookie Chris Chelios scored a goal and added two assists as the Canadiens won 6-4 over the Quebec Nordiques in Game 2 of the Division Finals, at the Forum.
1988: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky scored a shorthanded goal at 7:54 of overtime to give the Oilers a 5-4 win at Calgary, in Game Two of the Smythe Division Finals. It was just the third shorthanded OT winner in Stanley Cup history.
1989: Phil Bourque fired in a shot from the slot at 12:08 of overtime to give the Penguins a 4-3 victory over the Flyers at Philadelphia, and a 2-1 lead in the Patrick Division Finals.
1992: Bryan Trottier became just the second player in NHL history to appear in 200 career playoff games, in a 6-2 Penguins' loss, at Washington. Trottier trailed only Larry Robinson, who retired with 227 career playoff games.
1994: Brian Leetch scored a goal and added three assists as the Rangers won 5-1 over the Islanders, at Long Island in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals. Rangers took a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.....Joe Reekie scored two goals and goaltender Don Beaupre stopped 27 shots as the Capitals won 2-0 against the Penguins in Washington, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals. Capitals took a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.
1995: Los Angeles Kings fired head coach Barry Melrose. Rogie Vachon was named as interim coach, and in his first game, the Kings tied 3-3 with Edmonton, at the Forum.
1996: Lightning became the 1st NHL team to win its first 2 playoff games in overtime when Alexander Selivanov scored at 2:13 of OT in a 5-4 win over the Flyers before a record crowd of 25,945 in Tampa Bay, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conf. Quarter-Finals.....Glenn Anderson scored the winner at 1:24 of overtime as the Blues won 3-2 over the visiting Leafs, in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. Mike Keenan became the 4th man to coach 150 playoff games.
2000: Peter Forsberg scored the winning goal and added an assist as Colorado beat the Coyotes 2-1 to eliminate Phoenix from the playoffs in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. It was the Coyotes 10th straight playoff series loss.....Mike Modano had two assists to become the Stars' all-time leader in playoff points as Dallas won 3-2 against the visiting Oilers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. Modano's 84th playoff point put him one ahead of Brian Bellows.
1938: Toe Blake scored the winning goal in overtime, as Montreal beat Detroit 5-4 before a crowd of 8,000 in Earlscourt, England, in the first of a nine game European tour between the two teams. Games were played in England and France.
1945: Detroit's rookie goalie Harry Lumley recorded his second career playoff shutout and Ed "Mud" Bruneteau scored at 14:16 of overtime to give the Red Wings a 1-0 win at Toronto, in Game Six of the Stanley Cup Finals.
1947: Former NHL defenseman Nick Beverley born in Toronto, Ont. Beverley played in the NHL 1966-67 through 1979-80 with Boston, Pittsburgh, the New York Rangers, Minnesota, Los Angeles and the Colorado Rockies.
1951: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Bill Barilko scored the Cup-winning goal at 2:53 of overtime to defeat the Montreal Canadiens 3-2 in Game Five of the 1951 Final. It was the only Stanley Cup series in which every game had ended in overtime. Toronto’s Sid Smith, Ted Kennedy, Harry Watson, Barilko and Montreal’s Maurice “Rocket” Richard each netted overtime winners during the five-game matchup. Barilko died in an off-season plane crash in the summer of 1951, though his remains would not be discovered until 1962.
1968: Dickie Moore scored a goal and added two assists to lead the Blues to a 5-3 playoff win over the Minnesota North Stars, in Game One of the Stanley Cup Semi-Finals in St. Louis.
1974: Boston's John Bucyk tied a Stanley Cup playoff record set in 1939 for most power play goals in one game, when he had three (along with an assist) in an 8-6 Bruins' win over the visiting Chicago Black Hawks in Game 2 of the Semi-Finals.
1978: In a WHA game at Edmonton, Hartford's Gordie Howe scored on the first shift, just minutes after finding out that he had become a grandfather! Mark and Ginger Howe's first son Travis made Gordie the first Grandpa in pro hockey history.
1985: Rookie Chris Chelios scored a goal and added two assists as the Canadiens won 6-4 over the Quebec Nordiques in Game 2 of the Division Finals, at the Forum.
1988: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky scored a shorthanded goal at 7:54 of overtime to give the Oilers a 5-4 win at Calgary, in Game Two of the Smythe Division Finals. It was just the third shorthanded OT winner in Stanley Cup history.
1989: Phil Bourque fired in a shot from the slot at 12:08 of overtime to give the Penguins a 4-3 victory over the Flyers at Philadelphia, and a 2-1 lead in the Patrick Division Finals.
1992: Bryan Trottier became just the second player in NHL history to appear in 200 career playoff games, in a 6-2 Penguins' loss, at Washington. Trottier trailed only Larry Robinson, who retired with 227 career playoff games.
1994: Brian Leetch scored a goal and added three assists as the Rangers won 5-1 over the Islanders, at Long Island in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals. Rangers took a 3-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.....Joe Reekie scored two goals and goaltender Don Beaupre stopped 27 shots as the Capitals won 2-0 against the Penguins in Washington, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals. Capitals took a 2-1 lead in their first-round series.
1995: Los Angeles Kings fired head coach Barry Melrose. Rogie Vachon was named as interim coach, and in his first game, the Kings tied 3-3 with Edmonton, at the Forum.
1996: Lightning became the 1st NHL team to win its first 2 playoff games in overtime when Alexander Selivanov scored at 2:13 of OT in a 5-4 win over the Flyers before a record crowd of 25,945 in Tampa Bay, in Game 3 of the Eastern Conf. Quarter-Finals.....Glenn Anderson scored the winner at 1:24 of overtime as the Blues won 3-2 over the visiting Leafs, in Game 3 of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. Mike Keenan became the 4th man to coach 150 playoff games.
2000: Peter Forsberg scored the winning goal and added an assist as Colorado beat the Coyotes 2-1 to eliminate Phoenix from the playoffs in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. It was the Coyotes 10th straight playoff series loss.....Mike Modano had two assists to become the Stars' all-time leader in playoff points as Dallas won 3-2 against the visiting Oilers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Quarter-Finals. Modano's 84th playoff point put him one ahead of Brian Bellows.
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