Saturday Night Hockey: Welcome Back Koivu (and Others)

 A few things to cover, let's get right to it:

The Captain Returns

Tonight will mark the first game that Saku Koivu will play in Montreal since he was signed by the Ducks (Maxim Lapierre also makes his return, but let's stick to what's important).  While he is expected to get a long-standing ovation, I kind of like the initiative a few fans are making: get him voted the 1st star.

Who Didn't See This Coming?

As reported earlier, Nabakov was claimed off waivers by the Islanders. This doesn't make much sense. The Islanders are still a long shot at making the playoffs, why need to go out an get an elite goalie. Ok, DiPietro is fragile and they're carrying two rookies to back him up, but their still in rebuilding mode (or should be). Nabakov is an unnecessary addition to this team. The fact that Nabakov's contract included a no-movement clause should have also alerted teams that if they claim him, don't be surprise if he no-shows since he's expecting to play with the Red Wings.

How Do You Say Brett Favre's Name In Swedish? Peter Forsberg

Even though his storylines aren't as dramatic (or annoying, or sexy) as Favre's, Forsberg continues to defy retirement. His latest attempt actually brings him to Colorado to test out his foot and hope to make a return to the NHL. It would be exciting for Forsberg back in the NHL, but if the Avs want him, it's best to wait until July 1st (see above).

Obligatory Danton News

Mike Danton is a free man with an eye on getting back into the NHL. This is only being mentioned since I go St. Mary's too. Nothing else.

Line-up Notables

Anaheim Ducks Koivus vs. Montreal Canadiens

Anaheim: Aaron Voros, Jason Jaffray, and Ryan Getzlaf are all on IR. Jonas Hillier will probably start.

Montreal: Mike Cammalleri joins Andrei Markov and Josh Gorges on the injury list. Carey Price will be in net.

Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Washington: Alex Semin, Eric Fehr, D.J. King, Michel Neuvirth, and Matt Bradley are out. Semyon Varlamov is expected to start.

Toronto: John Mitchell and Fredrik Sjostrom are out while Colton Orr is questionable. Jonas Gustavsson might start.

Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks

Calgary: Daymond Langkow, Raitis Ivanans, and Steve Staios are on IR. Miikka Kiprusoff gets the start.

Vancouver: Andrew Alberts, Aaron Rome, Sami Salo, Guillaume Desbeins, Rick Rypien, Alexandre Bolduc, and Peter Scheafer are out. Roberto Loungo is starting tonight.