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Buffalo Hockey Beat: Nikita Zadorov's Purgatory
Zadorov, as a European, can’t be sent back to the London Knights, his junior team, because he doesn’t have a release from the Russian club that owns his rights. The Sabres don’t believe Zadorov’s ready to play in the NHL yet. But if they don’t keep him, they lose control of him to St. Petersburg, a KHL team. They clearly don’t want him developing out of their grasp thousands of miles away in Russia.
There are a couple of regular commenters who would solve Buffalo's problem by dressing 9 forwards and a couple of extra defensemen...
SB Nation College Hockey: Evan Campbell viewing
He was held scoreless on the night, but he made several strong, powerful moves to the net. He uses his speed and size to leverage defenders from the puck.
In Lou We Trust: What's With All the Shots?
The Devils are a team that is renowned for playing low-event hockey; good defense and defending good percentage shots is what defines the team. New Jersey has only played 9 games so far this season (certainly no need to panic) but as the team seems to be getting away from what makes them successful. Their shots allowed per game total has been awful so far this season; they rank 25th in the league, allowing 32.2 shots on their goaltender each game.
Fear The Fin: Hertl dropped to fourth line
It's no secret Tomas Hertl has struggled with just 13 shots on goal through 12 games. He skated with Andrew Desjardins and Adam Burish at the morning skate and will likely begin tonight's game on that fourth line.
And of course he scored on the power play.
Podium Sports Journal: Between The Pipes
Any goaltender who expects to win by shutting out the opponent may be remarkably confident or just plain naïve. Shots ricochet off of traffic in the zone, teammates misplay a clear, power plays create position dilemmas, poor defensive support can leave you without backup, rebounds can bounce in any direction. All of these things and a dozen more happen to a goalie in the course of a game
AKA, "Luck"
The Australian Ice Hockey League: Nathan Walker's Impact
Hearing young kids at our games proclaim, "I want to be like Nathan Walker when I grow up. I want to play in the NHL." - Nathan’s accomplishments have had a profound impact on awareness of Australian ice hockey and that’s translated into interest for the AIHL; new fans at games, new fans watching our broadcasts and new sponsors expressing support, to name just a few."
Defending Big D: Hemsky Finding His Way
It's been eons since Hemsky has seen Spezza, Benn or Seguin, and we're all wondering what happened. Here's a theory: Nichushkin got injured and Ruff got desperate and, shocker, there weren't many other high-caliber players left for Hemsky to dish the puck to when all was said and done.
Buffalo Hockey Beat: Well Poisoned
"He was emotional," Murray said this morning. "I guess he was emotional walking out of the rink." Murray understands Reinhart’s reaction. The No. 2 pick in June spent more than two months in Buffalo. He played nine games this season. "Now, all of a sudden, I tell him he’s not part of the team," Murray said. Murray said today’s an "emotional day."
On the Forecheck: Anton Volchenkov suspended 4 games
Volchenkov will have to sit for the rest of the road trip, and is eligible to return for the Preds' first home game back against the Edmonton Oilers on Nov. 11.
Sam Gagner sighting:
and another!
Jason LaBarbera sighting: Win!