Maxime Talbot played a big role in the Pittsburgh Penguins quest for the Stanley Cup.  Game 7 ended with a final score of just 2-1 and guess who scored both of those goals?  Yeah, you probably already know it’s Talbot but I had to say it in case you didn’t.

The injury apparently plagued the star “for quite a while” but the 25-year-old played in the postseason with so much intensity that I never would have guessed that he was suffering from a torn labrum.  I have been living with the lingering discomfort associated with a similar shoulder injury and I can tell you that it’s pretty painful and all I do is type for a living.

According to TSN, he had surgery yesterday to repair the injury but it will take about four to five months for him to be ready to join his teammates.  "We all agreed it was best for him to have the surgery at this time," said GM Ray Shero. "Although he will miss training camp and the start of the season, the doctors expect him to make a complete recovery."

I think it’s better to lose a guy at the beginning of the season than the end so it sounds like a pretty good plan.  Hopefully he will able to work around the injury but still keep in shape. 

The Detroit Red Wings will take on the Pittsburgh Penguins tomorrow night in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals and I’m sure they are relieved by the news that Nicklas Lidstrom is expected back in the lineup. 

The defenceman had been out with an undisclosed injury but was seen skating with regular partner, Brian Rafalski, during practice.

Unfortunately, there is a less definitive picture of what’s happening with Pavel Dastyuk.  Detroit coach, Mike Babcock, said that it will come down to a last-minute decision before Saturday’s game.  In my opinion, if there is still a doubt, I think he should rest for one more game and be truly ready for Game 2 rather than putting himself at a greater risk for injury (clearly, that didn’t workout so well when Martin Havlat forced his way onto the bench for the Chicago Blackhawks).  The star player has been out for the last three games final with a foot injury.

Datsyuk and Kris Draper (missed two games with a groin injury) were both back on the ice for Friday’s morning skate but Datsyuk was not putting a lot of effort into it which indicates to me that he’s still suffering or cautious.

Jonathan Ericsson will also rejoin his team for Game 1 although he didn’t skate as a precaution just days following surgery for acute appendicitis.

image: TSN

Pavel Datsyuk’s status for Game 3 of the 2009 Western Conference Finals remains in questions as he tries to recover from a sore foot.  The Detroit Red Wings star center missed practice today before the team headed to Chicago to get ready for tomorrow’s game.

He was injured after his foot was struck by a puck during Detroit’s 3-2 OT win on Tuesday night.

To be honest, despite the fact that Datsyuk is normally really essential in the lineup, he hasn’t been spectacular in the postseason (just one goal and two assists in the 13 playoff games).  It’s been a stark contrast to his stellar, 97-point season.

After tomorrow’s morning skate, Datsyuk will be evaluated and, I’m guessing, the team doctors will make a decision about whether he can play.  I hope to see him back in the lineup.  It sucks to get sidelined during the playoffs.

image: TSN

It seems that every day, there are more announcements about NHL players who will be going under the knife during the off-season. 

In what might seem like the least necessary procedure, Philadelphia Flyers center, Daniel Briere, will be having corrective eye surgery tomorrow.  Apparently, his contact lenses bothered him during the season and it will take him a few weeks to recover.  Eye surgery of any kind is a big deal to me so I really hope it goes well.  I’m sure he’s going to get the best medical care but it’s just such a gamble that I haven’t been willing to do it myself (despite my thick glasses).  I heard that it can interfere with night vision and peripheral vision, the latter being a crucial part of any hockey player’s game so I’ve got my fingers crossed that all goes as planned for Briere.

The Boston Bruins also have a few players who will be having some sort of procedure.  Phil Kessel will have surgery for a torn rotator cuff and labrum in his shoulder while David Krejci will undergo hip surgery.  The amount of time required to recover puts their status for the start of the season in question.  They both played in all 11 playoff games this year and they’ve been huge for the team all season so it could be a big loss to have them out of the lineup.  Defenceman Andrew Ference will also have surgery to repair a torn groin and a hernia.

image: TSN

Injuries for important players plagued the Montreal Canadiens at the end of the season and probably played a major role in their early exit from the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Forwards, Alex Tanguay and Max Pacioretty, have already undergone successful surgeries and winger, Sergei Kostitsyn, will go under the knife today.

image: TSN

As a huge fan of Tanguay’s, I’m thrilled that his arthroscopic procedure might have solved his lingering shoulder problem.  He becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2009 but he has expressed his desire to remain with the Habs.  I hope it works out because I think he’s a valuable player if he stays healthy.

Pacioretty had an abdominal wall muscle repaired on Wednesday while Kostisyn is to undergo arthroscopic surgery on a shoulder.

They are all expected to be well enough to participate in training camp this September.

The finalists for the Vezina, Norris, Calder, Selke and Lady Byng Memorial Trophies have been chosen.  I will update this post as more nominees are announced.  The winners will be revealed at the 2009 NHL Awards which will be broadcast from Las Vegas, NV on June 18, 2009.  I’m going to list my predictions in each category but feel free to let me know who you think will win in the comments area!

VEZINA TROPHY

The possible Vezina Trophy (top goaltender) winners include Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins), Niklas Backstrom (Minnesota Wild) and rookie Steve Mason (Columbus Blue Jackets). I think that all three of these finalists have a shot for different reasons.

• Tim Thomas finished the season with a 2.10 GAA and helped the Bruins become the team with the second-best record in the league.  He’s also been good in the postseason where his team swept the Montreal Canadiens in the first round.
• Mason had a GAA of 2.29 and he was truly impressive throughout the year considering the fact that he is a rookie and has been battling mononucleosis.  He was pretty abysmal, however, in the playoffs and the Columbus Blue Jackets made an early exit.
• Backstrom finished the season with a 2.33 GAA but the Minnesota Wild failed to make the playoffs.  Still, of the three finalists he had the most wins with 37, making him the fifth most winningest goalie in the league.

MY PREDICTION:  Thomas.  He was solid this season and so was his team and I think that will give him the edge he needs to take home the Vezina.

image: TSN

NORRIS TROPHY

The finalists for the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) are Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins), Mike Green (Washington Capitals) and Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings).

• Chara is arguably the best player on the Bruins and the captain has done an excellent job leading his team to the top spot in the Eastern Conference this season.  He has had more ice time than his fellow finalists with an average of 26:04 per game and had 19 goals (fourth best among NHL defensemen) and 31 assists, leaving him with 50 points.
• Green led the defenders with 31 goals and 73 points but really made his presence known during Washington’s power play since 18 of those goals were scored on a man-advantage.  That ranked second to superstar teammate, Alexander Ovechkin, best among NHL defensemen and fourth among all players.  He is also tied with fellow finalist, Lidstrom, for third most game-winning goals (4).  He sets himself apart, however, with his 86 hits, 110 blocked shots and 49 takeaways.
• Lidstrom is a leader on the Wings as he has been for years.  In the 17 seasons he’s played since entering the NHL in 1991, he’s only missed 32 games which speaks volumes about his durability.  I can’t stand Detroit but this man needs to be recognized for the amazing player that he is.  He’s also just a really great skater with excellent hand-eye coordination.  He logged 16 goals and 43 assists for a total of 59 points this season.

MY PREDICTION: This is a tough one.  I really am having a hard time choosing but since I have to pick just one person, I’m going to say Chara.

CALDER TROPHY

The nominees for the Calder Trophy (top rookie) this year are Steve Mason (goaltender, Columbus Blue Jackets), Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks) and Kris Versteeg (Chicago Blackhawks).

• Mason had a history-making season and has done better than some of the greats (Brodeur, Roy, Sawchuk, etc…).  The kid, who battled mononucleosis toward the end of the season, recorded 10 shutouts (#1 in the league), ranked second with a 2.29 save percentage, eighth with 3,664 minutes, ninth with 33 wins, 10th with 61 games and 11th with a .916 save percentage.  Unfortunately, the fairytale fell apart in the postseason…
• Ryan was drafted in the 2005 Entry Draft (#2 behind Sidney Crosby) and finally, he got to play this year after spending two more years in the junior league (although, he did begin the season in the AHL since the Ducks had no room in the salary cap for him).  He led all NHL rookies with 31 goals and 57 points.  He also had an impressive 17.8 shooting % from 174 shots. The rookie also led the Ducks with a plus-13 rating and 12 power-play goals (17th overall in the NHL).
• Versteeg registered 22 goals and led all NHL rookies with 31 assists.  He also ranked fourth among rookies with a plus –15 rating.  He has incredible puckhandling ability and led the Blackhawks and tied for fourth in the NHL with four shorthanded goals.  Ryan and Versteeg tied for second among NHL rookies with three game-winning goals.

MY PREDICTION: Bobby Ryan, especially given his team’s surprising performance during the quarterfinals.

SELKE TROPHY

The Selke Trophy (top defensive forward) will be awarded to one of the following players: Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings), Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks) or Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers).

• Datsyuk has a lot of desirable qualities (see all the good stuff I wrote about him in the Lady Bing section below) but he has a chance at winning this award for the second time because he really is a smart player.  He pays attention to his own game play and that of his opponents and he tries to improve himself accordingly.  As such, it’s hard for rivals to know exactly what he’s going to do and part of that is because he’s so quick in getting in on the forecheck.  In comparison with his competition for this award, Datsyuk outscored both Richards and Kesler by logging 32 goals and 65 assists for 97 points (4th in the NHL).  Datsyuk was third in the NHL with a plus-34 rating and won 56% of his faceoffs (9th overall).
• Kesler brings intensity to the game both physically and emotionally.  He makes his presence known and he definitely knows how to bring out anger in his opponents.  Kesler might be the most versatile of these three nominees because he’s able to center a checking line or play the rugged forward on the right side of the first line with the Sedin twins.  His stats aren’t as great as those of Datsyuk or Richards but this award isn’t all about the numbers – it’s also about having good judgment and being a keen observer.  Kesler finished the regular season with 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points (63rd overall) but he had a plus –8 rating, two shorthanded goals, blocked 77 shots and won 54% of his faceoffs.
• Richards was named an alternate captain for the Flyers last season but was promoted to captain before the season began.  You only need to watch a few games to see his clear leadership qualities.  He led the team in assists, takeaways (83) and faceoff percentage.  He also led the league with seven shorthanded goals and had the best season of his career with 30 goals, 50 assists and a plus-22 rating.  He also managed to block 90 shots and had 147 hits (33rd in the league).

MY PREDICTION: Kesler.  He may not have the numbers on paper but I think that he has shown how strong he is as a player and I think it made a difference in Vancouver’s push to the playoffs.

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY

This year’s Lady Byng Memorial (for sportsmanship) nominees are Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning), Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings) and Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils).

• Datsyuk could be the first player since Boucher in 1931 to win the Lady Byng four times in a row.  He’s got some impressive numbers to go along with his good behavior.  He led the Red Wings with 65 assists (fifth in the league) and 97 points (4th overall) and was third on his team with 32 goals.  He was instrumental to his team’s power-play success with 11 goals and 25 assists for a total of 36 power-play points.  As if that wasn’t enough, the mid-sized player managed to block 33 shots.
• Parise had quite a year during his fourth season in the NHL.  He played his 300th game, got his 100th goal and 200th point.  The Devils can thank him for his big effort in improving their offensive attack – he took an amazing 364 shots which is the third-highest in the NHL.  He also played in every game and finished the season with 45 goals (3rd in the league) and 95 points (5th overall).  He also had 14 power-play goals, eight game-winners and spent just 24 minutes in the penalty box.  Pretty saintly, if you ask me.
• St. Louis is one of those rare spirited players that somehow manages to avoid taking penalties.  Maybe it’s because he’s smaller than the average player (5-foot-9 and 177 pounds) or he really could just be a nice guy.  Whatever the reason, he’s never spent more than 38 minutes in the box in 10 NHL seasons which is downright incredible.  Also, despite the fact that his team was doing extremely poorly this year, he kept his head in the game and led the Lightning with 30 goals (seven on the PP and three game-winners), 50 assists and 80 points.

MY PREDICTION: I think that Parise has a good shot because he had an overall great season but there’s something to be said about a player who continues to work hard on a team that’s slowly sinking like St. Louis.  Still, if you look at the points-per-penalty minute ratio, St. Louis produced 5.71 points per penalty minute; Datsyuk, 4.4 and Parise, 3.96.  Maybe that will give St. Louis enough edge to win.

The Vancouver Canucks are clearly on a roll after winning their third straight game in the quarterfinal series over the St. Louis Blues.  Unfortunately, veteran player, Mats Sundin, had to sit out of last night’s match and his status for Thursday’s contest is in question after he suffered and unspecified lower body injury.

image: TSN

“We’ll know in a couple days,” Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault said. “At this time it’s day to day, week to week, whatever you want to call it.”

This is the last thing old man Sundin needs.  He had been playing about 15 minutes per game but has really struggled since signing that enormous contract with the Canucks halfway through the season.  He’s only managed to score nine goals in 41 appearances and has a –5 rating.  So far, he’s got one goal in the postseason (although, I have to say that it’s one goal better than Sidney Crosby has so I’m not going to trash the man too much).

Hopefully, he’ll be back in the lineup soon.  In the meantime, Jannik Hansen is keeping his spot warm.

As the Boston Bruins prepare to face the Montreal Canadiens for game two of the quarterfinals tonight, they will have one more thing on their minds – the status of defenceman, Matt Hunwick.

The problems started this morning when Hunwick started complaining of abdominal pains after showing up for a team meeting this morning.  All that we’ve heard so far is that he is suffering from some kind of spleen ailment.  "Obviously he didn’t feel very good, so our trainers did what was right and called an ambulance," coach Claude Julien said. "Hopefully we can get some good news here as we move on."

There will be a press conference tonight at 7pm ET and GM, Peter Chiarelli and team doctor, Peter Asnis, will be on hand to address the media.

The series opener against the Habs was Hunwick’s playoffs debut and he definitely made his presence known.  He definitely will not be playing in tonight’s game and I’m guessing we’ll find out more about his return after the conference.  Hunwick, 23, had six goals and 21 assists in 53 games this season, averaging just under 17 minutes of ice time per game.

image: TSN

The New Jersey Devils will have to find a way to work without backup goalie, Kevin Weekes, for the next 2-3 weeks.  The netminder has suffered a lower-body injury but the team is awaiting test results to determine how serious it is.  Hopefully, they are being overly cautious and he’ll be back in the game in a matter of days.

Weekes was hurt last Friday during the 5-4 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Lightning when he was hit in the leg by a shot from Evgeny Artyukin (Bolts).  Since the playoffs begin next week, it’s possible that he will miss the first couple games.  In the meantime, the Devils have called Scott Clemmensen up from the AHL to be a backup to Martin Brodeur.

The Devils are currently leading the Atlantic Division so I’m sure this isn’t the best time to have Weekes out of the lineup but, if Clemmensen can rise to the occasion, this could be a real opportunity for him to prove himself.  Then again, Brodeur might just play as many playoff games as possible so who knows if we’ll even see NJ use a backup.

image: TSN

Talk about planning ahead (no pun intended)!  Former NHL player, Keith Primeau, has decided that, when he dies, he would like to donate his brain to medical research.  It took me by surprise, at first, but then I realized why it makes sense – his career was cut short due to concussions.

image: Newscom

The player, who dressed for the Red Wings, Hurricanes and the Flyers, would like the Sports Legacy Institute in Massachusetts (which is dedicated to studying the effects of concussions and other sports related brain injuries) to explore his brain to help others avoid what he suffered through.

“I think the beginning of my demise goes back to the playoff situation back in 2000,” Primeau said. “I got laid out at center ice and got carried off on a stretcher. I stayed overnight in a Pittsburgh hospital, only to return two nights later against New Jersey. And, that was ultimately the beginning of my demise.”

I can’t even begin to understand how he must feel about having to retire and the process he went through to make this selfless decision but I think it’s amazing.