HockeyVOX

Red Wings sign RW Downey to 1-year deal (AP)

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:34:50 +0000

The Detroit Red Wings signed tough-guy right wing Aaron Downey to a one-year contract on Wednesday. Downey signed with Detroit last season and played in 56 games. He has spent parts of eight seasons with the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens. In his career, Downey has collected seven goals, nine assists and 487 penalty minutes. Read Original Post Here

Ragan needs to put Bristol troubles in rear view mirror

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:29:39 +0000

David Ragan’s progress has been remarkable this season but, to continue his turnaround, he needs a strong run at Bristol this weekend. Ragan spun three times in both Bristol races as a rookie last year. He escaped without any problems in the spring race this season and heads into Saturday’s race challenging for a spot in the Chase.

For a driver better known for his on-track incidents last year, Ragan has put together a strong run lately. His third-place finish last weekend at Michigan was his fourth top-10 effort in the past six races. He has climbed into a tie with Clint Bowyer for 13th in the standings, 26 points behind Denny Hamlin for the final transfer spot to the Chase.

Three races remain, including Saturday’s event, before the Chase field is finalized. Any mistakes now will be difficult to overcome. Making it tougher is that the 22-year-old has not finished better than 21st in three Cup races at Bristol.

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NHL doesn’t want Russian compensation (AP)

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:20:48 +0000

The NHL refuses to entertain compensation offers from a newly formed Russian hockey league for the signing of forward Alex Radulov while the player was under contract with the Nashville Predators. And until Radulov’s contract with the Predators is honored, the NHL won’t consider negotiating a player transfer agreement with the Continental Hockey League (KHL), NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly… Read Original Post Here

Wild and Gaborik meet, new deal next? (AP)

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 23:20:34 +0000

The Minnesota Wild hope to make Marian Gaborik an offer he won’t refuse. Their first step was a visit to Slovakia for a face-to-face meeting with their franchise player. President and general manager Doug Risebrough and assistant GM for hockey operations Tom Lynn traveled to Gaborik’s home in Trencin last week, armed with data and ready to listen. Read Original Post Here

Penguins D Whitney out 3-5 months (AP)

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 17:34:03 +0000

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Ryan Whitney will be out for three to five months after surgery to correct a chronic foot problem. Whitney is recovering from surgery performed Friday in Charlotte, N.C. General manager Ray Shero said Whitney has been bothered by the foot problem for some time and tried to correct it without surgery. Read Original Post Here

Flyers reward Stevens with 2-year extension

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:24:45 +0000

Philadelphia Flyers coach John Stevens made quite a difference in only a year.
Last summer, he and the Flyers’ front office were trying to solve the myriad problems that had resulted in an NHL-low 56 points during the 2006-07 season.

This summer, the organization is basking in the glow of a season that included a trip to the Eastern Conference finals after posting 42 wins and 95 points during the regular season. Thursday, Stevens, 42, was rewarded with a 2-year contract extension that runs to the end of the 2010-11 season, according to general manager Paul Holmgren.

"I’m very excited that I can continue with the organization and help the team keep moving in the direction we’re going," said Stevens, who was promoted from assistant coach to head coach on Oct. 22, 2006, after Ken Hitchcock was fired. "It’s exciting to be a part of the team that is building towards the ultimate goal."

The team did not disclose financial terms.

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Flyers coach Stevens signs extension (AP)

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:22:07 +0000

The Philadelphia Flyers signed coach John Stevens to a two-year contract extension on Thursday that will keep him with the team through the 2010-11 season. The 42-year-old Stevens led the Flyers to a remarkable turnaround that included an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in his first full season as coach. Read Original Post Here

Isles hire Gordon to lead youth movement (AP)

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:15:21 +0000

Scott Gordon faced a probing question in the time between accepting the job as head coach of the New York Islanders and his introductory news conference. It didn’t come from a reporter and it wasn’t posed by general manager Garth Snow. No, the insightful inquiry was made by wife Jennifer — a ballet instructor.

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Hull, Leetch, Richter headed to US Hall (AP)

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:15:21 +0000

Brett Hull and longtime New York Rangers Brian Leetch and Mike Richter are members of the 2008 class of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. The four-member group announced Tuesday also includes Cammi Granato, the all-time scoring leader for the U.S. women’s hockey team with 343 points in 205 games. Hull, one of the leading goal scorers in NHL history with 741, recorded 1,391 points in a 20-year career that… Read Original Post Here

Kings, top pick Doughty agree to terms (AP)

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:15:20 +0000

The Los Angeles Kings agreed to terms on a three-year, entry-level contract with defenseman Drew Doughty, the second overall pick in the 2008 draft. The 18-year-old Doughty had 13 goals and 37 assists in 58 regular-season games for Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League last season. The 6-foot, 219-pounder had three goals and six assists in 10 playoff games. Read Original Post Here