Daily Dosage - Nov. 24, 2008

Daily Diarrhea

Late late update: Roberto Luongo's agent has said that his client will be out of action 4-5 weeks with a groin injury.  Could be worse.  We'll look into this in more detail tomorrow when we get the results from the MRI released.

Late update: Toronto trades Alex Steen and Carlo Colaiacovo to St. Louis for Lee Stempniak, sounds like a fantasy trade, Cliff Fletcher must read the site and saw that we've been recommending the hot Stempniak lately.  More on this later.

Shea Weber continued his freakish season yesterday with another 3 points... in his last 8 games he's 5+4=9, +7, 14 PIMS, 29 shots... as Pierre McGuire would say... "This guy's a Monster, Gord".

We try to stay out of the unfounded rumour department but we just couldn't go past this one. According to the New York Post, Lightning President Len Barrie is telling anybody who'll listen that if Mats Sundin comes back to the NHL it will be with Tampa Bay.  Another wacky episode of our favourite comedy...Koules and the Gang. [more]

Poor Olli Kolzig, only one win this year and he gets a chance yesterday with Mike Smith out and proceeds to get pulled after getting shelled with 28 shots in 31 minutes (gave up 5 goals).  You think you have it bad, how'd you like to be playing in front of this D-core: Meszaros, Heward, Lundin, Ranger, Eminger and Malik.... just shows you how valuable Mike Smith has been to this team, he keeps them in most games playing in front of clowns like this.

Patrick Elias has exploded since Marty Brodeur went down with the injury and is 4+7=11 in his last 5 games... usually PE doesn't turn it on until the 2nd half of the season, perhaps his math is bad and he thinks the 2nd half already started?

We thought Eric Staal might be busting out of his funk after his hat trick on Friday night but he was held off the board on Sunday (with no shots).  We'll say it again...hang on to Staal -- or trade for him -- he's a stud and will get it going soon enough.  Need more proof?  He played an incredible 9:01 on the PP -- tops on the team.

Milan Lucic was instructed by B's coach Claude Julien not to fight in Saturday's game.  Lucic owners should be happy he's being looked on as more of a scorer but might lower their expectations in the PIM department.  We just hope he's allowed to go in Milan v Mike II. [more]  (Yeah we know Looch doesn't wear 62 anymore, but he should, its so badass, makes him look like an offensive guard from the Pittsburgh Steelers)

3 wins in a row for Scotty Clemmensen, he's not blowing anyone away with his numbers, 3-2-0, 2.60, .909 but he's started 5 of the last 7 games and NJ is starting to score with 21 goals in their last 4 games.

Interesting note from the Jersey-Tampa game on Sunday.  Apparently, Dainius Zubrus is still in the league.  Who knew?  He scored four goals in the game but don't expect it to happen again...he's only topped 20 goals two times in his 12 year career.

 Injury Updates (see our Injury Updates page which gives you a consolida ted list of injuries):

We were hoping to have an answer about Roberto Luongo by now but the Canucks have now said they will be releasing the results of the MRI on Monday.  Another sleepless night for Roberto owners.  Maybe we're being paranoid, but if it was good news why would you wait?  Corey Schneider or Curtis Sanford are the guys to own in Luongo's absence. [more]

Ryan Malone missed the third period on Friday but was back in the lineup for Sundays game and scored a goal on a penalty shot.  Sticking with the Bolts, Mike Smith's LBI is considered minor.  He shouldn't be out much longer.  Good thing, as this team needs him badly.  Finally, Lukas Krajicek is also day-to-day with the dreaded LBI. 

Kari Lehtonen has been placed on the IR.  Good news for Ondrej Pavelec owners. 

Carolina's been just ravaged by injuries this year and add two more to the list... Patrick Eaves (if you're not sure if he's hurt, just assume and you're probably right) hurt his shoulder in the game yesterday and Tim Gleason left the game with a leg injury.  Both are listed as day-to-day but that could change once they're re-evaluated.  

Distraction of the Day

What's distracting us today?  The video below featuring our favourite xenophobe Don Cherry. 

Rick Mercer interviews Cherry to discuss his suits and his new book "Don Cherry's Hockey Stories & Stuff".

We're not distracted by the book but we are distracted by Grapes.  First the pimped-out clothing and now look at his ride (2:40 mark)...total pimp mobile.  We better keep this guy away from the Ice Girls.