Outdoor Games
With the recent success of the Stadium Series (and there is still two to go), it comes as know surprise that the NHL is looking to do this again next year. It's being reported that the NHL is looking to have four outdoor games for the 2014-15 season. Four is probably the best number of outdoor games the league could have without overkilling the novelty of the event. It would be nice to see the outdoor games set up like this:
January 1st: Winter Classic
End of January (28-31): Stadium Series Game 1
Mid-February (13-18): Stadium Series Game 2
Early/Mid March (8-13): Heritage Classic
This way, the Winter Classic doesn't move, and the 3-week break between games doesn't interfere with other games and the ice crews aren't burnt out.
So far for next year the only known game is the Winter Classic, which will be held in Washington (no word on who the Caps opponent will be). As for the Stadium Series, it seems like every team is pushing for a game, but the one making the most noise might be a sponsor, as Coors Light wants it's own game in Colorado. For Canada, no Heritage Classic is planned for next season but it's reported that games will be held in Winnipeg in 2016 and Ottawa in 2017.
Trades
To Nashville: Michael Del Zotto
To New York R: Kevin Klein
Trade Analysis: This is one of those "you take my problem I'll take yours" trade. Rangers coach Vigneault wasn't overly impressed with Del Zotto, while Klein was more so forced into being a $14.5M third-pair defenseman now that Seth Jones is flourishing. This way, the Predators gets a left defenseman and more offensive from it's back end. The Rangers get a defensive defenseman who will no doubt challenge for a top-four spot on defense.
To Los Angeles: Andrew Crescenzi
To Toronto: Brandon Kozun
Trade Analysis: Pretty minor (league) deal. The Kings get size but I doubt Crescenzi makes it past the AHL. Toronto get a minor league scorer who does have the numbers that could give him a look at the NHL level.
To Edmonton: Mark Fraser
To Toronto: Cam Abney, Teemu Hartikainen
Trade Analysis: Oh Edmonton. Poor, sweet, stupid Edmonton. They get a defenseman who has been a regular healthy scratch for a month and who doesn't really improve an already bad defense. Toronto, on the other hand, come out with an ECHLer, KHLer, and (most importantly) cap space to re-activate Dave Bolland off of IR. While I highly doubt Abney will do much outside of the ECHL and will not have his contract renewed, I hope the Leafs bring Hartikainen back to this side of the Atlantic.
Lineup Notables
Edmonton Oilers vs. Boston Bruins
Edmonton: Oilers are healthy. Ben "59 Saves" Scrivens starts this afternoon.
Boston: Marc Savard (concussion), Dennis Seidenberg (knee) and Adam McQuaid (lower body) are out. Chad Johnson is in net.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay: Steven "Titanium Leg" Stamkos (leg), Valtteri Filppula (lower body), Mattias Ohlund (knee), Brain Lee (knee) and Anders Lindback (lower body) are out. Ben Bishop gets the start.
Montreal: Alex Galchenyuk (hand), Ryan White (upper body) and Drew Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price is in net.
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa: Mark Stone (arm) is out while Chris Phillips (lower body) is questionable. Craig Anderson is expected to start.
Toronto: Dave Bolland (ankle), David Clarkson (elbow) and Trevor Smith (hand) are out. Jonathan Bernier might be in net.
Minnesota Wild vs. Calgary Flames
Minnesota: Mikko Koivu (ankle) and Josh Harding (illness) are out while Jared Spurgeon (foot) is questionable. Darcy Kuemper might start.
Calgary: Curtis Glencross (high ankle sprain) is out. Karri Ramo may be in net tonight.
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