Top Line: Jaromir Jagr's record -- not; Isles GM covers caboose; more links
By Allan Muir
An annotated guide to this morning's must-read hockey stories:
• Jaromir Jagr thought he set a new record with his game-winning goal last night. So did the NHL. But then, as he usually does in these matters, Gordie Howe had something to say . . .
• Some interesting details have emerged that (slightly) change the complexion of Sunday's blockbuster deal between the Isles and Sabres. It still looks like a rout for Buffalo, but Isles GM Garth Snow managed to protect his backside a bit better than it originally seemed.
• The TSN Insiders panel touched on the deal, along with the possible return of Rick DiPietro, Dion Phaneuf's contract, and a Team Canada roster dilemma ahead of the World Juniors.
• Thomas Vanek's debut with the Islandersdid not go well.
• The Sabres need to do more than rebuild, say some fans. They need to reform. Hey, if they're not willing to go that far, the NHL may take care of that for them.
• It's one thing when the goals dry up for a player like Dustin Brown. But when he stops hitting, too, it's time to figure out what's going on with the Kings' captain.
• My kid is going to freak out when he sees me taking a saw to one of his favorite sticks this morning . . . until he reads this piece that gives some insight into Matt Duchene's early-season success.
• Eric Duhatschek writes that Team Canada is still in the "we'll see" stage for Sochi, but the picture is definitely clearing up for some players who are considered to be on the bubble. Others, meanwhile, are playing themselves out of the picture.
• Every player would love to get more ice time, but is more always a good thing? John Tortorella's use of his top-three forwards will provide an answer to that question this season in Vancouver.
• Torts offered Zack Kassianthe Carl Hagelin brutal honesty treatment yesterday. Hope the kid has some thick skin.
• The Flyers have 99 problems but a goaltender ain't one of them. Amazing how many solid efforts by Steve Mason they've already wasted this season.
• The Blackhawks have plans at the White House next Monday. No, it won't be a tea party.
• The Carolina Hurricanes are looking to Sidney Crosby for inspiration. That's sort of damning to their own leadership, isn't it?
• Get to know Dallas rookie Alex Chiasson. This kid is the real deal.
• Aaron Portzline offers a quick update on the health of Nathan Horton.
• The Edmonton Oilers are in free fall and Terry Jones throws some damning numbers around that suggest it may already be too late to salvage the season.
• Damien Cox touches on Ottawa's losing streak, the Nail Yakupov dilemma, and the case of the missing goalie mask in today's 10 Thoughts column.
• Brad Marchand is off to a brutal start for the Bruins. Could it be the result of an effort to clean up his game?
• The Flames got some very bad news about team captain Mark Giordano.
• His burgeoning star leads the NHL with 10 goals . . . so of course Blues coach Ken Hitchcock wants to change the conversation.
• I wrote in yesterday's NHL Power Rankings that the Winnipeg Jets keep finding new ways to lose. Guess what they did last night?