Ryan Potulny's hockey stick is now property of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.  It is the stick he used to score the game-winning goal for the Philadelphia Phantoms over the Albany River Rats in the fifth overtime of a playoff game, the longest American Hockey League game in history.  Potulny roofed a beautiful shot past Rats goaltender Michael Leighton for the game winner at 2:58 of the fifth overtime period earning him a feature on ESPN's Sportscenter.   The game began Thursday night and at just past midnight Friday morning, and lasted over five and a half hours 142 minutes, 58 seconds of playing time.  Potulny basically spent the entire day Friday on the phone speaking and texting friends and family.  Said Potulny, "My body is shot".  But he was obviously excited. Video of the goal can be seen on YouTube. 

And an interview with Potulny is here.  They followed up that marathon game with another overtime game in Game 6, a 1-0, 40-save shutout for Leighton but it was the Phantoms that had the shutout of their own in Game 7 a 2-0 victory with Potulny providing the insurance goal with just under two minutes to go in the third meaning Potulny will face former Gopher teammate Alex Goligoski.  

Alex Goligoski is finally finding playoff success with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as he scored two goals in the deciding game as the Baby Pens move onto the Eastern Conference Finals with a 7-3 win over the Hershey Bears.  Goligoski is the second leading scorer in the AHL playoffs with 3 goals and 6 assists in five games for the Pens.  John Curry got the win in goal.  They will play the winner of the Phantoms/Rats series, which means that Potulny could face former teammate Goligoski for the chance to play for the Calder Cup.

Unfortunately for head coach Todd Richards the extra time off lead to some off-ice trouble for his team, as his captain Nathan Smith was arrested and charged with misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, open lewdness and disorderly conduct, as well as public drunkenness after being caught naked on a downtown Wilkes-Barre street and fellow teammate Ryan Stone was charged with public drunkeness.  Smith told officers he performed the streaking stunt on a bet.  Richards has suspended Smith for the first game of the second round of the playoffs. Stone will face other discipline from the club at the conclusion of the season.

Josh Langfeld lead the Milwaukee Admirals in playoff scoring with 5 goals and an assist in 5 games, which also ranked him 6th in the league in playoff scoring but the Chicago Wolves ousted the Ads from the playoffs and will meet the Rockford IceHogs, who topped the Wild's affiliate Houston Aeros in the next round.

The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed Ryan Carter to a three-year contract.  Carter was originally signed as a free agent out of Minnesota-State Mankato and had a solid year playing in 34 games and scoring 4 goals and 4 assists.  He scored both his first NHL goals against Martin Brodeur less than 8 seconds apart in February.

Former Gopher Ryan Kraf't's Kassel Huskies have won the 2.Bundesliga Championship in Germany meaning they will be promoted to the DEL next season.  Kraft tallied an assist in the 3-2 overtime win over the Landshut Cannibals.  Kraft ranked 14th in the league in scoring during the regular season with 23 goals and 30 assists in 49 games for the Huskies.  

Tyler Hirsch's foray into minor league hockey this season has come to an end.  Hirsch was acquired in a trade from the ECHL Johnstown Chiefs to much fanfare with the Stockton Thunder's head coach having nothing but praise for the former Gopher's playing ability.  Chris Chihocki said of Hirsch at the time of the acquisition "We were lacking offense and felt this was an opportunity we couldn't pass up.  He sees the ice well.  The biggest thing for me was the chance to upgrade our offence and you could see it right from the first practice, he has skills you just can't teach."  But after only nine games in a Thunder uniform Hirsch was placed on waivers on April 1st.  In Stockton Hirsch had only two goals, which were scored in one game, and 3 assists with 12 penalty minutes.  Because of Tyler's lack of production and the fact that the Thunder had an affiliation agreement with the Oilers they had other players being assigned the team late in the season and Hirsch became a numbers casualty.  He has returned home to Minnesota.  The Thunder's Ryan Geris and Beau Geisler both had their seasons ended by concussions this year, Brandon Schwartz, Tim Boron and Joe Dustin are still competing in the playoffs in a 97 degree heat wave in Stockton.

No video replay is used in the AHL to review goals, which proved costly to the Ken Gernander-coached Hartford Wolf Pack, the AHL affiliate of the New York Rangers.  A controversial goal by Portland Pirates' Michal Birner would never have been allowed had there been a video review, but referee Ryan Fraser, who is related to NHL referee Kerry Fraser, allowed a goal which ended up being a series clincher for the Pirates. The puck was deflected from above the shoulders by Birner and then it was deflected into the net by Brett Festerling.  "The official said he (Birner) never touched the puck." said Gernander ending his first season as head coach "[Birner] clearly touched the puck, but every goal is the product of at least one, usually two, mistakes. Eliminate those and it's not an issue." (Courant.com & Eurohockey.net)  Despite the playoff exit, the Pack had 50 wins on the season, tying a franchise record, that included 25 road wins, and had a team-record 110 points under Gernander's first full year as head coach.

Jake Taylor of the Pack was in his final year of an AHL contract but also played his first full season without injury since signing a contract with the Rangers after his freshman year.  He made great strides according to observers and could be back as a depth defenseman in the organization.  Michael Sauer suffered a torn ACL in the second game of the playoffs and has yet to have surgery and will likely miss training camp.

Chris Harrington is one of four different Toronto Marlies to have game-winning goals in their four wins in the first round of the playoffs.  The Marlies knocked off the San Antonio Rampage in 7 games.  According to reports, Harrington took a bad fall into the end boards driving the net in Game 6 and did not return to the game. He's listed with an undisclosed inury and day to day, with no timetable set on his return for Round 2.

 
Mike Stuart and Zach Parise have been named Captains of Team USA for the World Championships in Quebec this May.  Kyle Okposo, who has represented the US in numerous International competitions, and was available after his Bridgeport Sound Tigers were eliminated from the playoffs, was surprisingly not asked to be a member of the team.

Mike Guentzel watched his son play in Notre Dame's NCAA Regional games at a bar called Irish Times in Worcester, the only location nearby showing the the games, and was texting his wife during the action.  The Notre Dame games were played after the Worcester games were scheduled.  Guentzel cited time with his sons as one of the reasons for his resignation from the University.

Much fuss has been made over the recent accomodations that West Point and the Army has made for a football player drafted by the NFL so that he can play in the league. However this is nothing new and hockey players from Minnesota from service academies have had special dispensation for years.  From the Air Force both Andy Berg and Brian Gornick both were allowed to serve in the Reserves and were assigned to minor league teams near Air Force Bases. Dan Hinote, who was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche while attending West Point, was allowed to leave school and his commitment and ended up being assigned to the OHL in Canada.  Hinote always said it was his desire to go back and become an FBI agent following his hockey career.  The Service Academies believe that the accomodation that they give these players is made up for in the recruiting value and public relations value they receive by having such valuable representatives of their respective branches.  Gornick in particular did play in the NHL as well as become a Lietenant in the Air Force and remained committed to his reserve service no matter where he played.  Berg is now an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy.  Hinote is still playing with the St. Louis Blues.

The WCHA will be going to a two-referee system soon.  The league experimented with it for more than twenty games last year and it will be implemented as soon as possible.
 

Quick Quotes:

“As soon as I could walk, I started skating.  My older brother was a goalie. Watching him play made me want play. My dad taught me how to play. He always took me to the rink and coached me throughout youth hockey.”  

-Sturgeon Lake native Clay Wilson on growing up playing hockey in Alaska.  Wilson moved to Alaska from Minnesota when he was two. (theahl.com)


"Part of development is winning.  You can develop individuals and talent, but for an organization to be successful, you have to develop winning, too."

- Ken Gernander, head coach of the Hartford Wolf Pack (Courant.com)


Quick Take:

When Gopher Assistant Coach Mike Guentzel resigned it came as little surprise but a big disappointment to many.  Guentzel has been a great asset to the Gopher program for 14 years and will be greatly missed.  However, now attention turns to who will replace the long-tenured and well respected coach behind the bench. Former Gopher player Scott Bell, who has been successful as a coach at many levels of hockey, most recently as head coach at Hamline, has thrown his hat into the ring.  John Waibel, a member of Lucia's two Gopher Championship teams in 2002 and 2003, who has been an assistant with the Chicago Steel the past few years will also be applying for the job.  Todd Knott, who recently resigned from the Des Moines Bucaneers to pursue college opportunities could also be a candidate.  Mike Hastings, coach of the Omaha Lancers, was rumored to be a candidate to replace Bob Motzko before John Hill returned to the Gophers, so his name will also likely resurface and former Gopher Eric Means, an assistant with Minnesota State, Mankato under Troy Jutting may also be a candidate.  Eric Rud, the assistant coach at Saint Cloud and Lucia's Captain at Colorado College has also been mentioned. But the Gopher program needs to add an alumnus to the coaching staff.  What has been missing is the ability to sell recruits on what it really means to wear the "M" on their chest, as none of the last members of the staff could really speak to that from personal experience.  Having an alumnus as a member of the staff can help in that recruiting effort immensely and is definitely something that will be an asset, especially given the environment of early departures that exists today.  The other aspect is that perhaps there needs to be a dissenting voice in the coaching ranks, with Rud and Hill there would be two of Lucia's circle, his friends and those from his system, so there would be less of a chance for objectivity.  There will be no shortage of applicants, that is a certainty.  What is necessary is that the replacement needs to be a recruiting whiz and someone who can bring a fresh perspective to the coaching triumvirate.  Quick Facts is going on record saying that Scott Bell is probably the best suited for the position.  Given his experience as a Gopher captain, as a minor league coach, a college coach, and an unabashed Gopher booster and someone who has worked for years studying and recruiting players he probably has the best all around skill set to complement the program.  He has salesmanship skills, teaching skills, parenting skills, counseling skills, and cheerleading skills, all necessary components of an assistant coach.  It will definitely be a loss for Hamline's program, but a big gain for the University of Minnesota.   Reportedly interviews for the assistant position are being held this week.
 
Quick Speculation:
 
Brian Lawton resigned his lucrative sports agency position in order to pursue an NHL General Manager job.  Lawton was reportedly spoken to about the Vancouver job after the dismissal of Dave Nonis.  Should the tongue waggers be accurate in that Doug Risebrough be lured by the bright lights and big city of Toronto's General Manager vacancy, Lawton could be mentioned for the Minnesota Wild.   His knowledge of the agent side of the business would be a great asset and he has intimate familiarity with a first round draft bust so that couldn't hurt.  But don't expect Lawton to be mentioned for the Buds' job, they'll be looking at experienced GM's like Colin Campbell, Doug Armstrong and perhaps Kevin Cheveldayoff.  The hiring of a former agent for the Vancouver job will certainly open the door wider for Lawton, however, the next time there is an opening.  
 
 
Wild Thoughts:
 
Just like France built the Maginot Line after World War I, the Minnesota Wild prepared this year's team after losing a physical battle to the Anaheim Ducks in last year's Stanley Cup playoffs, adding Chris Simon to Aaron Voros, Derek Boogaard and Todd Fedoruk to create a physical forward corps.  But when they came up against the Colorado Avalanche, just like the French found out, the war had changed and the advent of planes, just like the Avs' trade-deadline acquired defensemen and free-agent signed Forsberg, made that fortification moot.  Chris Simon was a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs, and the Wild's physical game caused them to spend more time in the penalty box and cost them any chance at scoring.  The Wild prepared for last year's playoffs instead of adding scoring for this year's playoffs and it cost them a chance to move onto the next round.  Of course losing perhaps their two best young defensemen in Kurtis Foster and Nick Schultz was a brutal blow, but the failure to put the puck in the net was the real cause of the loss.  And those roster spots taken by Voros, Boogaard and Simon could have been occupied by players more able to do that instead of trying to just intimidate opponents.  At least the Fedoruk came with the whole package but the failure of the Wild in the first round of the playoffs again is entirely due to the fact that the Wild tried to play last year's game instead of preparing for this year.  
 
Either that or they once again gave out those lame flannel towels as a promotion instead of returning to the flags from their only successful playoff run in 2003.  And don't tell me it is a liability/poking hazzard because they sell the same said flags in the Hockey Lodge so there cannot be any such liability. Put them on a shorter plastic stick if you have to but if you sell the things then don't talk to me about any liability issues.  The rags are ridiculous, cliche, and the same cheesy promotion that every team in the league doles out to their fans.  The flags were unique and created one of the most memorable pictures and emotional moments ever in the history of Xcel Energy Center.  If the Wild wants to ever recapture that 2003 playoff success they need to ditch the dishrags and bring back the Flags!!!
 
Now that the Wild have bowed early again attention will turn to this summer and next season.  

Here are Quick Facts thoughts for free agents:
 
Sign Eric Reitz now!  They have his exclusive rights until June 1st only.  He had an abysmal year last year and this year under Kevin Constantine's strict system turned it around and became a great leader.  He never got a chance to show what he could do with the Wild much but he is a Wild product and to let him go as a free agent would be a complete waste.  He is the whole package, offense, defense and special teams with physicality.  He isn't a superstar but he is definitely going to be a good addition to the Wild blueline so they need to get moving on signing him.
 
The goaltending creates an interesting situation though, the tandem in Houston is great and Khudobin seemed to make great strides as well. I'd watch that at the trade deadline, maybe see if they can ship Backstrom and his salary (LA anyone??) if Harding is playing well and use Schaefer or Brust as the backup. But perhaps the Wild would be willing to make a move sooner if they could get a better deal and avoid going into the year with that kind of controversy.
 
Preissing has always intrigued me for the Wild blueline and I think the Kings would probably part with him for picks at the draft since he ended up as a healthy scratch quite a bit last year but he may not be physical enough and he's not that cheap salary-wise.  Hainsey or Liles would be the only other defensemen I can see the Wild making a run at this summer as they need to add scoring, especially a power play point shot, not just solid defensive play with any additional blueliners.  The only prospect people haven't seen that could fit that bill may be Justin Falk, the Wild's 4th round draft pick last year.  But he's not likely to be ready to make an impact next year, though he does have some good assist numbers in the WHL with Spokane.
 
I still think, despite his age and his mediocre performance in Atlanta, that Bobby Holik could be a good center for the Wild.  He thrived under Lemaire's system and he's a brute in the corners, not to mention a face-off ace.  He could regain some of his scoring touch as well if given a rebirth of sorts.  But only if he's willing to accept a more limited contact for the opportunity to play under Lemaire.  There aren't going to be a great crop of free agent centers so unless they can dig up a free agent college or junior player or minor leaguer from somewhere there isn't likely to be a big center signing unless they make a trade.  Their mistake was trading Patrick O'Sullivan, who is the player they really needed now. But the one variable is whether prospecta Ondrej Fiala, their second round pick in 2006 who has been playing very well in the WHL the past few years, and Colton Gillies, their number one pick in the 2007 draft, can come into camp and steal jobs including one of those center positions.  If so, they may not need another free agent.  
 
Quick Facts wouldn't be surprised to see Andrew Brunette return to Minnesota to finish his career. Risebrough has admitted his mistake in letting him go and the Wild will likely be able to get him at a bargain if they give him a multi-year deal so he can retire here.  His leadership is something the Wild have lacked and he has shown that he can still play and play well with some high end players.  He'd fit well with the team and probably fit under the cap too.
 
But unless the Wild deal or buy out Mark Parrish or another higher priced player don't look for any major free agent deals.  Maybe one signing or two, the rest will be prospects or maybe a trade.  Strategically the Wild didn't have the speed or style to play the kind of game this year's playoffs needed, if they'd been the team they were in 2003, they would have been much better off.  But with the development of players like Schultz, Burns and Shepherd, and the likely additions of players like Clutterbuck, Pouliot and Jones there could be some nice changes toward that direction next season, with or without any blockbuster deals.
 

The New York Islanders are high on the list amongst the contenders to sign collegiate free agent defenseman Jack Hillen from Colorado College but may not be signing Denver forward Rhett Rhakshani until next year according to a source in the Islanders.  Hillen, a Minnetonka native, is a Holy Angels grad.

Thomas Vanek certainly picks up his game this time of year.  Vanek scored three consecutive goals in less than 8 minutes, including the game winner with just under 7 minutes remaining in the third period, his natural hat trick part of a six-goal third period surge by the Sabres as they topped the Tampa Bay Lightning 7-4 on Wednesday.  
 
Kyle Okposo scored his first NHL assist and goal against the New Jersey Devils in his second game against Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils.  The assist came on Blake Comeau's goal early in the first period and the goal was the game-winner on the power play late in the third period, on his only shot on goal.  He was named the game's number one star of the game.  Okposo has a goal and three assists in seven games with the Islanders this season after scoring eight goals and 16 assists in 29 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
 
Junior Lessard has been recalled by the Lightning for the final games of the season.
 
Grant Potulny is ranked 18th in the AHL in goal scoring with 25 goal in 68 games with both the Hershey Bears and the Springfield Falcons.
 
Joe Motzko ranks 11th in league scoring in the AHL with 65 total points (24G, 41A) in 65 games with the Chicago Wolves and Hershey Bears, and is 4th in power play goals with 15.
 
Sean Curry is 4th in the AHL in +/- with a +28 rating with the Providence Bruins.
 
Former North Star Craig Hartsburg will not return to coach the Canadian Junior team in the World Championships in 2009.  Hartsburg coached the Canadians to gold medals in the WJC in 2007 & 2008.
 
Former North Star Mike Gartner went to Afghanistan with Bob Probert and other members of the NHL Alumni Association with the Stanley Cup on a good-will tour visiting members of the military serving there.
 
John Pohl talking about Red Wing, Minnesota on Leafstv.com.

There has been talk that Jeff Frazee may leave the Gophers and sign with the Devils after this season but if he does that he would be behind at least three other goaltenders.  Devils prospects Jordan Parise and  are currently playing with the Lowell Devils of the AHL and Jason Smith is 3-0-0 with two shutouts with a 0.33 goals against average in his last three starts with the Trenton Devils ECHL affiliate.   
 
The Pittsburgh Penguins have put contract talks with Ryan Malone on hold until the end of the season.  The former St. Cloud State Husky is slated to be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
 
Rookie goaltender John Curry, who has won eight straight starts, is tied for the AHL lead in GAA (2.04).  Curry had his first official fight while his parents were in attendance.  Curry fought John McDonald of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers who is somewhat notorious and has three bouts to his record.  Curry wasn't going to join the fray until waved on by Todd Richards after McDonald had already made it an unfair fight on the other end of the ice. Curry reportedly said later he probably wouldn't have had he known about McDonald's pugilist past.
 
Vadenis Heights native Joe Dustin was released by the Bakersfield Condors after playing with the club all season.  He was immediately picked up by the Stockton Thunder.
 
PJ Atherton has been reassigned to the Reading Royals after three weeks with the AHL club.In 51 games with the Royals  he had 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) and 46 penalty minutes.  He missed six games in February due to injury but was still ranked at the top among the ECHL's defensive leaders with 38 points before the recall,
 
Clay Wilson of Sturgeon Lake will finish the season with the Columbus Blue Jackets.  Wilson was recalled on the 25th, has already scored a goal and an assist in three games with the Jackets and has been called "impressive" by local media folks.  The puck moving defenseman is a product of Michigan Tech and has paid his dues in the minors for some time after going undrafted and beginning in the UHL with the Muskegon Fury and playing as a depth defenseman and converted left wing with the Anaheim organization until a trade this season brought him to the Blue Jackets.
 
Luke Curtin is two games shy of playing 500 games in the ECHL.  Curtin is currently playing with the Fresno Falcons and there are two games remaining in the regular season so he is on pace to reach the landmark in the final game of the season.
 
The Texas Wildcatters are on pace to break the Louisiana IceGators all time ECHL points record if they win either of their last two games to finish the season.  Both the Wildcatters and IceGators were Wild affiliates.
 
Tyler Hirsch has two goals and three assists in nine games since being traded to the Stockton Thunder from the Johnstown Chiefs.
 
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton rookie goaltender and former Breck standout John Curry will enter the AHL Chat Room on Thursday, Apr. 3, to answer fans’ questions… Visit theahl.com for more details.
 
Bobby Goepfert went 2-0-0 with a 0.96 goals against record and .955 save percentage with the Augusta Lynx last week.
 
The Houston Aeros are auctioning off Saint Patrick's Day jersey's here including those worn by former Gophers Troy Riddle and Danny Irmen. The bidding closed on April 9th.
 
Karl Goehring was named AHL Goalie of the Month in the AHL for the Syracuse Crunch going 7-0-1 in eight appearances last month, registering a 1.59 goals-against average and a .951 save percentage.  Goehring is 9-0-2 in his last 11 decisions and 13-9-2 in 27 total appearances this season with Syracuse, Norfolk and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, along with a 2.34 goals-against average, a .923 save percentage and one shutout and was a two-time All-American at the University of North Dakota.  And just as his BC Eagles were securing their third consecutive Frozen Four bid Cory Schneider was named Rookie of the Month in the AHL backstopping the Manitoba Moose with a stellar 6-0-1 record with a 1.27 goals-against average, a .950 save percentage and two shutouts in seven appearances last month. Ironically, the two outstanding AHL goalies' schools will meet each other in the first round of the Frozen Four in Denver.
 
Quick Speculation:
 
Quick Facts expects the Hobey Hat Trick to be Nathan Gerbe of Boston College, Ryan Jones of Miami-Ohio and Kevin Porter of Michigan.
 
Quick Facts wouldn't be surprised to see the Phoenix Coyotes wait until later this summer to sign Blake Wheeler or even trade the rights to him at this year's draft. The Coyotes are  loaded with prospects, especially with Porter of Michigan coming in when he is eliminated from the Frozen Four, and Wheeler didn't have the season the Coyotes had hoped from him.  They still like him, but Wheeler is no doubt looking for top pick money and the Yotes aren't likely looking to pay that, so there could be a waiting game until later this year, especially now that they have Turris in the stable.  It is still quite doubtful that Wheeler returns to the Gophers.
 
 
Quick Quotes:
 
"It feels great to be fufilling a life long dream and I am going to make the best of it and try to win as many games as possible coming down the stretch"

- Kyle Okposo after playing his first NHL game with the NY Islanders against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
 
"And when Erik Johnson scores a goal for the Blues, they can blare Sandy McFiddish screaming "Gophers?! Where?!"

- John Buccigross in his ESPN column as a suggestion for in-game entertainment for the Dallas Stars, who play Caddyshack clips.

 

"He loved the golden gophers, but he hated all the drawn-out winters." -- "Stuck Between Stations" by The Hold Steady - another comment from John Buccigross' ESPN column

 

"He's a very dynamic player who plays hard and has a skill set that allows him to do what he did" - Kevin Dineen on Clay Wilson scoring his first goal and assist in his second NHL game against the Chicago Blackhawks. (Columbus Dispatch)

 

The challenge for Clay will be whether he can keep up with the intensity and speed up here. But what we see is really nice." Ken Hitchcock on Clay Wilson (Columbus Dispatch)

Quick Facts Feature: Gophers Vs. St. Cloud

Quick Facts Exclusive: John Pohl flew home to Rochester this morning to be with his brother Tom at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester after the younger Pohl underwent surgery to repair a skull fracture and to alleviate subsequent bleeding on the brain after the Gopher was injured during the WCHA playoff game in Mankato.  Now that Tom has been stabilized in Intensive Care, John Pohl will re-join the Leafs in New York tomorrow.  Leafs head coach Paul Maurice said Pohl is due to be activated off Injured Reserve this weekend but not for the Toronto Maple Leafs game vs the New York Islanders game that will mark the NHL debut of Kyle Okposo. Tom Pohl was Okposo's roomate this season and was reportedly happy for him to sign with the Islanders. John Pohl has missed 20 games with an ankle injury.  John Pohl has missed 20 games with an ankle injury.


The Buffalo Sabres have released a new Thomas Vanek Wallpaper.  The Sabres have suffered detrimental injuries to their blueline and are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs despite an offensive surge by Vanek at the end of the season.  
 

Andy Hedlund finished the Deutche Eishockey Liga with 12 goals and 23 assists in 55 games with the DEG MetroStars.  He has one assist with the MetroStars currently in the playoffs against the Hannover Scorpions but the Scorpions won the first game of the 3-game series 4-3.  Hedlund's teammate Jeff Panzer was scoreless in the first playoff game and a -2.  The winner of the series will meet Eisbaren Berlin in next round of the playoffs.

Former Wild prospect/free agent signee Christoph Bradner has a goal and an assist for the Hamburg Freezers, tops in DEL playoff scoring through one game of the DEL playoffs, .  The Freezers who dropped their first game to ERC Ingolstadt in the first of the three-game play in series, will play the Sinupret Ice Tigers in the next round should they win the series.

Adam Hauser will backstop Adler Mannheim against Kölner Haie beginning March 18th when the play-in games of the DEL playoffs are completed.  Hauser finished the regular season with a 2.87 goals against average and .91 save percentage in 51 games.

Erik Westrum had 33 goals and 35 assists in 50 games with HC Ambrii Piotti in the Swiss Elite League, tops in points. The Swiss Elite League scoring leader board is a veritable who's who of former Wild player and prospect names including Stacey Roest, listed 5th in scoring with 54 points for Rappenswill, Julien Sprunger (4th round draft pick of Wild in 2004), 14th in scoring with 47 points for Fribourg-Gotteroun, Sebastian Bordeleau 15th with 47 points for HC Bern, Alexandre Daigle, 20th in scoring with 43 points for HC Davos, Kirby Law, 22nd with 42 points for HC Servette Geneve and Hnat Domenichelli 25th with 40 points for HC Ambri Piotti.  Whew, seems the Wild has turned into the farm system for the Swiss Nationaliga!  Westrum is hosting two charity events this spring and summer for the Parkinson's Association of Minnesota.  See below for details on a special dinner at Bayport Cookery.

Dan Welch is on a four-game assist streak (7a) with the Texas Wildcatters of the ECHL.

Bret Hedican and his family will be watching his wife's debut on ABC's Dancing with the Stars Monday night.  Hedican only has two schedule conflicts in the regular season for show nights where his Hurricanes, who are leading the Southwest Division by a large margin, play the same night as she performs.

The Dayton Bombers of the ECHL have signed St. Cloud native Jim Henkemeyer.  The defenseman spent the last four years at the University of Wisconsin River Falls where he was named a Division III All-American and tallied 68 points (18g,50a) in his 95 game career.

After having only a goal and two assists in nine games with the Alaska Aces, Gino Guyer has potted ten goals and 21 assists with the Phoenix Roadrunners in 47 games since the traded. He had played with Justin Maiser until Maiser was traded to the Charlotte Checkers recently for Dusty Jamieson.  Teammate Bryan Nathe, an Elk River native, is five games away from 250 in his career.

Mike Lundin was a recent subject of an NHL.com Lundin has yet to score an NHL goal but scored his first NHL point against the Boston Bruins in October early in the season.  He was selected to play in the NHL YoungStars game in Atlanta this season.

David Tanabe remains out of the Carolina Hurricanes lineup with post-concussion syndrome and right now his future with the team and in the game is in question.  Tanabe suffered the concussion in December but according to a recent news story his post-concussive symptoms have been puzzling as they mirror those of someone who has suffered multiple head traumas but the Hurricanes believe Tanabe has only suffered only one previous concussion.  Tanabe is reportedly not able to undergo any physical activity without symptoms currently.  The former Badger is under contract with the Hurricanes, who drafted him in 1999, but can buy out the remaining year of this contract for only $600,000 this summer.

On Wednesday night, Mike Modano became the first hockey player inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Brandon Schwartz put off attending William Mitchell School of Law to play for the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL.  

Former Gopher Andy Sertich, who has been playing very well for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, was knocked out of a very physical game on Friday, with a concussion.  The Sound Tigers believed that Tim Wallace left his feet to deliver the hit to Sertich, but no penalty was called on the play.  A retaliation attempt by Drew Fata sparked an all-out brawl that ended up involving the goaltenders, including Shorewood's John Curry, who was ejected after receiving a minor, a major and a game misconduct for fighting and leaving the crease.  Before he was ejected Curry allowed just one goal and the Sound Tigers ended up losing the game 4-1.  Kyle Okposo was named the game's unsung hero by the Connecticut Post for being the game's strongest skater with 6 shots on net.  Sertich remained out for the weekend after the concussion.

Curry has had a great March with the Baby Pens, with four straight wins, a 1.96 goals-against-average and a .938 save percentage.

It is expected to be Okposo's last game with the Sound Tigers for a time as he has been recalled and will get his first start with the Islanders when they take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday on Long Island.  The club is offering 50% off all tickets in a massive promotional campaign, trotting out their new poster boy of the future.  Okposo will play the nine final games of the season with the Islanders and then return to the Sound Tigers for their final games and if the Tigers pull off a late season surge, the Calder Cup playoffs.  

Jordan Leopold told Quick Facts he was "fine" but he hasn't played since being nailed by Steve Ott in the head. Ott was suspended three games by the NHL.  The Avs have recalled Wyatt Smith meaning the Avalanche, should Leopold be okay to play, will have at least four Minnesota connected players in the lineup when they face Minnesota on Monday.  The others are Kurt Sauer and Jeff Finger and of course the Avs also feature former Wild fan favorite Andrew Brunette.

  

Quick Quotes:

"If you want money, go to the bank. If you want bread, go to the bakery. If you want goals, go to the net."  

-Washington Capitals forward Brooks Laich (Washington Post)


 "I flew under the radar. I wasn't a big recruit.  I was coming right out of high school, and not many schools wanted a kid from Apple Valley High School. The Minnesota schools wanted me to go play in the USHL, but Maine wanted me to play the next year, and it's tough to turn down a school like Maine.  It's a great program, everywhere I go someone always has a connection there. They do a good job of getting guys ready for the next level."

- Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman Mike Lundin about going out East to play for the Black Bears (NHL.com)

 
"He doesn't do anything great, but with him, it's his awareness, where he is on the ice. You can't teach awareness like that."

-Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach John Tortorella on Mike Lundin (NHL.com)

 
"Definitely. Why not? But he's playing pretty well down there, and maybe a good finish down there [would be best]. He could just ride it out and try to get that team in the playoffs and give him a little taste. But here, it would also be good."

- Islanders head coach Ted Nolan on whether he would like to see Kyle Okposo finish the season with the Islanders. (newsday.com)

 
"It would be foolish to think we're rushing him in any way. He's been one of the best forwards in Bridgeport, averaging just under a point a game. He's earned a chance to put on an Islanders uniform and play at the NHL level. At the end of the day, it will be a good opportunity for him to compete. In no way are we rushing him. He's proven he's capable of playing in the NHL."

- Garth Snow on Kyle Okposo (newsday.com)

 
"It's a great honour being the first hockey guy going in, in the land of football and baseball. This is a huge deal to me."

- Mike Modano on being inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame (CP)

 
"He's been a solid two-way player for us.  You bet we're glad he's here. He's a very intelligent player who has also been a real leader for this team, He's had some very big goals."

-Stockton Thunder head coach Chris Cichocki on Brandon Schwartz (Stockton Record)


"The thing about him is that he's so confident with the puck.  He never panics with the puck in his own zone or in the offensive zone. He's hard to get the puck away from. He sees the ice well, he loves to score goals and we've been pleasantly surprised with him."

-Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky on Peter Mueller (Edmonton Sun)

"It was important to me to carry myself in a way so the younger guys can see that it's not about your personal situation as much as it's about what you can do to help the team and help the program.  In the past there have been a number of players that have been through here and recent history it has just kind have been one stop on their journey; playing for the University and helping the program wasn't the highest thing on their priority list.  It was more 'so how can I use the University to better my own career.'  And what I've always tried to do is put the program and the team first, and show the other guys that's important.  It's good to be ambitious in your personal career but the team should be first and if you put the team first the rest will follow."  

-University of Minnesota Senior Tom Pohl on his Gopher career

Travis Morin has been reassigned back to the South Carolina Stingrays after a brief recall to the Hershey Bears of the AHL.  The former Minnesota State, Mankato Maverick was scoreless in his four-game stint with the Bears.
 
Former University of North Dakota player and coach John Marks surpassed John Brophy's coaching wins record on February 29th. The Pensacola Ice Pilots' coach recorded his 481st in a 5-4 shootout victory over the Florida Everblades to become the ECHL's all-time winningest coach.
 
Former University of Minnesota, Duluth Bulldog defenseman Ryan Geris will miss the remainder of the season with the Stockton Thunder after suffering a concussion after an altercation with his own teammate, forward Pat Bateman, at Geris' residence. Alexandria native Geris had a goal and seven assists in 42 games with the Thunder. Geris missed the end of his senior season at UMD because of post-concussion syndrome. Bateman, who played at Northern Michigan, has been suspended by the Thunder for the remainder of the season.
 
Tyler Hirsch was traded from the Johnstown Chiefs to the Stockton Thunder on Saturday, likely to fill the void left by the suspension of Bateman and because the Thunder are shorthanded due to recalls to the AHL. Hirsch was supposed to fly to the team but due to weather concerns ended up having to drive to California and was expected to be with the Thunder by Tuesday or Wednesday.  Stockton doesn't play again until Friday.
 
Kyle Okposo scored his eighth goal of the season on Saturday night as his Bridgeport Sound Tigers were defeated in a shootout by the Portland Pirates 5-4, the same night the Gophers were defeated by the UMD Bulldogs and saw their NCAA hopes grow dimmer.  Okposo now has 22 points in 26 games as a professional. He had eleven points in 18 games with the Gophers before leaving mid-season.
 
Andy Sertich is having a great season with the SOund Tigers since being signed midseason after beginning the year with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL.
 
Troy Riddle has been recalled by the Houston Aeros to replace Steve Kelly, who is up with the Wild.  Riddle had an assist in his first game back with the Aeros.  He had a hat trick for the Wildcatters last week prior to the recall.
 
Aaron Fox lead the Erste Bank Eishockey Bundesliga in scoring this season with 33 goals and 39 assists in 52 games with the Vienna Capitals, finishing 12 points ahead of any other scorer.
 
Luke Curtin has reached 380 career assists in the ECHL to rank fifth all time in league history.  Curtin is currently playing with the Fresno Falcons.
 
Former Gopher and 1st overall draft pick Erik Johnson has a goal and seven assists in the last month of play with the St. Louis Blues.
 


Quick Speculation:
 
Quick Facts believes that Blake Wheeler may sign with the Coyotes this spring when the Gophers playoff run is completed.  While the Coyotes have been patient with Wheeler through his three years of eligibility it isn't reasonable to expect them to let him return for his senior season after which he could become an unrestricted free agent.  He could be assigned to the San Antonio Rampage, or if the Coyotes are out of playoff contention, get a test shot with the big club.
 
Derek Peltier may also play with the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL once his season is complete, signing an Amateur Tryout agreement with the club to get a few games in before the season ends. The AHL regular season ends April 13th.

Look for Kyle Okposo to be recalled to the New York Islanders anytime after Saturday's game versus the Montreal Canadiens.  The Islanders can play Okposo for nine games without a full year of his contract kicking in, there will be nine games left in the regular season for NY after Saturday's game and the Islanders are not playoff bound so Snow and Nolan are virtually guaranteed to test Okposo for a few games with the big club to finish the season.
 
 

With Ryan Whitney returning from injury Alex Goligoski has been returned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.  Goligoski tallied two assists, his first two NHL points, on his most recent two-game recall with the big club.
 
Marco Peluso has been suspended two games and has been fined as a result of his actions in a game against the Victoria Salmon Kings.  Peluso was suspended for reportedly sucker punching Robin Gomez as a retaliation for what Gomez did to Chris Ferrarro.  According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal "During a stoppage in play midway through the second period of Las Vegas' 5-4 victory, Victoria enforcer Robin Gomez (6 feet 2 inches, 210 pounds) jumped off the Salmon Kings' bench and landed a sucker punch to the face of unsuspecting Wranglers center Chris Ferraro (5-9, 170). The force of the blow flattened Ferraro, who fell backward and slammed his head onto the ice, opening a gash that required eight stitches to close. Ferraro, who suffered his third concussion of the season, said he was knocked unconscious for about 15 minutes as a pool of blood formed around the back of his head."  Ferraro was taken to the hospital for a brain scan and will see a neurologist for further examination.  It could have been much worse had Ferraro's helmet not been securely fastened.  Gomez, who did receive a minor penalty for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and match penalty for deliberate intent to injure after the play, has been suspended indefinitely by the ECHL pending a review of the incident.
 
John Curry celebrated his 24th birthday giving his Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins teammates a 2-1 shootout victory and two much needed points in their quest for a Calder Cup playoff birth last week.  Curry stopped 8 consecutive shooters waiting for his teammates to beat fellow Minnesotan and his former roommate Karl Goehring, who was cut from the Pens earlier this season because Curry was doing so well.  Curry has been stellar in nets for the Pens as a rookie, splitting time with David Brown, with a 14-8-2.  The Pens have moved into third place in the East Division.
 
The shootout loss was Goehring's only loss of the week and he was named AHL goaltender of the week. He stopped 131 of 136 shots in four starts, good for a 3-0-1 record, a 1.21 goals-against average and a .963 save percentage for the Syracuse Crunch.  THis time of year must be his time to shine, it was several years ago that Goehring starred in the longest Minnesota High School Championship game for Apple Valley.
 
In response to the announcement that Brett Favre had retired the Milwaukee Admirals, struggling for attendance since their hey-day in the old IHL 1990's, are offering free tickets to anyone wearing a number 4 jersey to the Admirals' game this Thursday March 4th when they take on the Grand Rapids Griffins at the Bradley Center. According to the Admirals release "Those people christened with the name Brett or those wearing their number 4 jersey (Ville Koistinen and Paul Molitor fans are welcome, too) may get their tickets at the Bradley Center box office window beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon."  
 
Grant Potulny had a string of six goals in six games since being loaned to the Springfield Falcons until a game against the Manchester Monarchs broke the streak.  The former Gopher star had been skating on the Falcons' top line with Oilers top prospects Rob Schremp and Marc Pouliot until Pouliot's recent recall.
 
Despite recently missing siz games with the Reading Royals due to injury PJ Atherton still leads all ECHL defensemen with 13 goals and is 4th in scoring by defensemen 39 points.  Atherton scored his 13th goal in his first game back after being activated from injured reserve.  The Royals, an affiliate of the LA Kings, are in second place in the North Division of the ECHL. Former St. Cloud State Husky Brock Hooton leads the Royals in scoring with 47 points.
 
Another former Husky, Casey Borer leads the Albany River Rats with a plus/minus rating of +14.
 
Once again the Minnesota Wild will be looking for a new ECHL affiliate at the end of this season.  It seems that they've been down this road before.  When their affiliate, the Louisiana Ice Gators had a record-breaking season for wins and points and had stellar goaltending and players from the team lead most statistical categories in the league the team folded the year following that break-out year.  This year the Texas Wildcatters are following the same path, clinching a playoff berth already and dominating the ECHL.  The Wildcatters have been granted permission to transfer management to a new arena and location in Ontario, California. Despite the overwhelming success of the team, the Wildcatters rank last in the league in attendance and they were unable to secure a new lease in Beaumont.  The Columbia Inferno will also be suspending operations following the season, but will return once their new facility is completed for the 2009-2010 season.  There is no word from the Wild where they plan to place their ECHL prospects next season but it is possible the Reading Royals franchise will be available as the Ontario Reign could become the new AA farm club for the LA Kings.
 
Tyler Hirsch recently notched his 11th goal to go with his 18 assists in 31 games with the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL, averaging just under a point a game.  
 
Only two Minnesota players were moved on Trade Deadline day, Brandon Bochenski was shipped to Nashville from Anaheim and Joe Motzko was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers from Washington.