Sports

Unexpected moves made

The trade winds have died down, along with the NHL trading deadline. The ‘Pass the Mike’ eight ball was blown to the ground and smashed because of the unpredictable results. The biggest surprise was Florida Panthers defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is staying put in the sunshine state. Anaheim Ducks defenseman Chris Pronger was also spared.’

The Edmonton Oilers got more young offensive skill by acquiring forwards Ales Kotalik and (former Houston Aero) Patrick O’Sullivan. The San Jose Sharks added muscle by trading with the rival Ducks to get forward Travis Moen and defenseman Kent Huskins.’

The Philadelphia Flyers also got tougher adding agitating winger Daniel Carcillo. There won’t be a Stanley Cup parade in Philadelphia; however, since the Flyers once again failed to address their playoff Achilles’ heel, goaltending.’

The new head coach of the New York Rangers, John Tortorella, added a pulse to the team, and reclaiming Sean Avery off waivers from Dallas has given the Rangers a second life. The Rangers traded for forward Nik Antropov and defenseman Derek Morris to improve their anemic power play.’

Bill Guerin stayed in the Atlantic Division, going from one non-playoff team to another. The former Islander forward is now a Pittsburgh Penguin. This deal can prove dividends if the Penguins get into the postseason.

The Canucks and Capitals did nothing to improve their chances to win the Stanley Cup while the Blackhawks only added checking-center Samuel Pahlsson.’

Salary cap-strapped Phoenix lost Olli Jokinen, Daniel Carcillo and Derek Morris in trades. A youth movement is coming back the other way as the Coyotes picked up Scottie Upshall from the Flyers, Nigel Dawes and Peter Prucha from the Rangers, and Matt Lombardi from the Flames. Skilled forward Jokinen and offensive defenseman Jordan Leopold will join an already talented cast in Calgary.’

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