Sport-scan daily brief

Florida tied it on goals by Drew Shore and Scottie Upshall 14 seconds apart with less than 4 minutes remaining in the third period, beating Nilstrop. Upshall’s goal was his third of the preseason. Cody Eakin and Benn had scored 30 seconds apart for the Stars at 17:00 and 17:30 of the second period. Dallas outshot the Panthers 30-24.

Briefly

• Panthers: The struggling Florida Panthers are on the verge of being sold to an investor, the New York Post reported. The Post cited a source as saying a deal is imminent and should be announced in the next few weeks. Various reports indicate there are two serious bidders for the franchise. There are no plans to move the franchise.

• Islanders: Forward Cal Clutterbuck will miss “extended time” after he was cut by a skate during an exhibition game Tuesday night. Islanders coach Jack Capuano told Newsday that Clutterback was sent for further evaluation of the laceration, which occurred during a split-squad loss to Calgary when he collided with the Flames’ Paul Byron.

• Rangers: The New York Rangers released veteran goalie Johan Hedberg from a professional tryout agreement. The 40-year-old Hedberg joined the Rangers in training camp on Sept. 10. He was battling backup Martin Biron for a roster spot behind starting goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

Star-Telegram LOADED: 09.19.2013

717255 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings roster battle: Cory Emmerton's center skills, salary may give him edge

September 19, 2013 |

By Helene St. James

Being a lower-salaried middle man has its advantages.

The Wings have to trim three players between now and the end of the month to get down to 23, and the excess is entirely up front, where 17 are vying for jobs. Another opportunity to stand out comes tonight, when the Wings play at Boston. Johan Franzen — not a bubble player, of course — will decide after the morning skate whether to play, after missing Tuesday’s game in Chicago because of a sore hip flexor.

The vulnerable forwards number around a half-dozen, but Cory Emmerton’s assets are playing center and a cap hit that’s a reasonable $533,000.

Emmerton, 25, emerged as a serviceable fourth-line pivot last season, when he ended up playing all 48 games as Darren Helm was unable to return from a sore back. Playing around 10 minutes per game, Emmerton got to work on his face-offs and helped out killing penalties.

“The biggest thing was definitely getting on the penalty kill,” Emmerton said. “You know when you’re on a special teams, you’re in the game more. Nowadays penalties are such an important part that if you’re not playing on the power play or penalty kill, you’ll be sitting for a long time, and it’s hard to play like that. So last year was good, just to be out there in important situations, and it helped me a lot.”

Helm’s status still hangs in the air — he has been sidelined since camp began because of a groin injury — so once again, Emmerton is in demand.

“I’ve got an opportunity to show that I’ve grown some more from last season to now,” Emmerton said. “It’s going to be how I play, still. There’s still lots of forwards and they’ll take the best forwards when it comes down to it, so you just have to play well in the preseason.”

Coach Mike Babcock lauded Emmerton for becoming a better player, especially defensively and as a penalty killer, saying, “that’s why we have so much depth — because a guy like this is getting better and better.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.19.2013

717256 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings' Teemu Pulkkinen faces NHL suspension over boarding penalty

4:22 PM, September 18, 2013 |

By Helene St. James

Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

Detroit Red Wings forward Teemu Pulkkinen will have to go before the NHL's Department of Player Safety on Thursday in New York after a boarding penalty during Tuesday's game at Chicago.

Pulkkinen was penalized two minutes into the first period at United Center after a hit on Chicago defenseman Michael Kostka. Pulkkinen faces suspension that can exceed five games. Pulkkinen, 21, finished last season with the Griffins and is slated to play there again this season, so he won't burn any NHL suspension until a time he is called up by the Wings.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 09.19.2013

717257 Detroit Red Wings

Coach Mike Babcock pleased with Red Wings' young talent

Ted Kulfan

The Detroit News

Detroit— How deep is the well of talent in the Red Wings organization?

■Last season, the Red Wings minor league affiliate, Grand Rapids, won the Calder Cup.

■The Red Wings won an 8-team prospects tournament this month.

■When coach Mike Babcock surveys his multiple groups of teams practicing during training camp, there are highly-regarded prospects in each group.

“It makes for hard decisions and makes your team better,” Babcock said.

Beginning his ninth season, Babcock said this is the best group of prospects he’s seen in the organization since his arrival.

And it was reflected in the intra-squad scrimmages last week in Traverse City.

“Our third and fourth lines in the Red and White games were way better than since I’ve been here,” Babcock said. “It’s hard to just stand out for players.”

No position has looked as deep this training camp as the defense.

Young players such as Brendan Smith, Danny DeKeyser and Brian Lashoff already hold spots on the roster. But Xavier Ouellet and Ryan Sproul, both 20, have shown poise and skill against veterans.

“There are young kids knocking on the door and want to grab someone’s jersey,” Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “That’s the way you want it to be.”

But it’s just not the defense.

Petr Mrazek (Calder Cup) and Jared Coreau should supply the Griffins with solid goaltending.

And, Riley Sheahan, Tomas Jurco, Landon Ferraro, Calle Jarnkrok and Luke Glendening and just some of the forwards who have real NHL potential.

“We’re very happy with our young players, we feel we have some very good kids,” Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. “It’s a process, and we’ve been fortunate in that we haven’t had to rush anyone. We let them develop at their own pace.”

Ice chips

Prospect Teemu Pulkkinen will have a hearing with the NHL department of player safety today for a boarding incident in Tuesday’s exhibition at Chicago.

Pulkkinen was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct for a hit on Blackhawks defenseman Michael Kostka, who did not return to the game.

... A split squad travels to Boston for an exhibition tonight.

… Forward Johan Franzen (hip flexor) and defenseman Brendan Smith (groin) were optimistic they could resume skating after missing the final camp workouts.

… The Red Wings returned forwards Andreas Athanasiou and Anthony Mantha and defenseman Marc McNulty to their respective junior teams. They also released forward Barclay Goodrow.

... Daniel Cleary will wear No. 15 during the regular season. He'll continue to wear No. 71 through the exhibition season.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130918/SPORTS0103/309180135#ixzz2fKaMDV3Q

Detroit News LOADED: 09.19.2013

717258 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings prospect Teemu Pulkkinen to meet with NHL over hit

Ted Kulfan

The Detroit News

Detroit — Red Wings prospect Teemu Pulkkinen will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Thursday for a boarding incident in Tuesday's exhibition game in Chicago.

Pulkkinen was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct at 2 minutes, 16 seconds of the first period — Pulkkinen's first shift in an NHL unform — for a hit on Chicago defenseman Michael Kostka, who did not return to the game.

Pulkkinen was given the opportunity for an in-person hearing as required by provisions of the collective bargaining agreement for any suspension that can exceed five games.

Pulkkinen, a 2010 fourth-round draft pick, will play in Grand Rapids this season.

From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130918/SPORTS0103/309180081#ixzz2fKaRAZWC

Detroit News LOADED: 09.19.2013

717259 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings send three, including Anthony Mantha, back to juniors; Daniel Cleary will wear No. 15

By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com

on September 18, 2013 at 5:26 PM, updated September 18, 2013 at 5:47 PM

DETROIT – A couple of Wednesday afternoon Detroit Red Wings items related to numbers:

The club sent three players back to their junior clubs – forwards Anthony Mantha (Val d'Or, QMJHL), their top pick in the 2013 draft and Andreas Athanasiou (Barrie, OHL) and defenseman Marc McNulty (Prince George, WHL). Forward Barclay Goodrow was released from his tryout.

This reduces their training camp roster to 55 players.

Mantha and Athanasiou each appeared in one preseason game.

After taking Wednesday off, the Red Wings return to the practice ice Thursday at Joe Louis Arena, skating in two groups. One group will then fly to Boston for a preseason game against the Bruins at TD Garden (7 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Forward Daniel Cleary has decided to wear No. 15 this season, according to Detroitredwings.com. Cleary apparently will continue wearing No. 71 through the preseason, however.

Forward Riley Sheahan, who had been wearing 15, will switch to No. 28. Tomas Jurco will wear No. 26, after wearing 28 in previous camps.

Cleary is unable to wear No. 11, his number since 2005-06, because it was given to Daniel Alfredsson when it appeared Cleary wouldn't return. Alfredsson said he would give the number back to Cleary, but the NHL would not allow it, due to marketing issues related to the Winter Classic.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.19.2013

717260 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings’ prospect Teemu Pulkkinen faces hearing on Thursday for boarding incident

By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com

on September 18, 2013 at 10:29 AM, updated September 18, 2013 at 12:48 PM

Teemu Pulkkinen will remember his first career NHL preseason game for the wrong reason.

The Detroit Red Wings prospect will have a hearing with the NHL's department of safety at the league office in New York on Thursday for a boarding incident during Tuesday's 2-0 loss against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center.

Pulkkinen was given an opportunity for an in-person hearing as required by the Collective Bargaining Agreement for any suspension that can exceed five games.

Pulkkinen was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct for a hit on Chicago defenseman Michael Kostka at 2:16 of the first period. It came on Pulkkinen's first shift.

Kostka left the game and did not return.

According to NHL.com, the following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: boarding. However, the department of player safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review.

Pulkkinen, the Red Wings' fourth-round pick in 2010 (111th overall), is preparing for his first full season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. He appeared in two regular season games with Grand Rapids late last season, after arriving from Finland, and played in 14 playoff games during the Griffins' run to the Calder Cup championship, picking up three goals and two assists.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.19.2013

717261 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings' backup goalie Jonas Gustavsson determined to bounce back from rough season

By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com

on September 18, 2013 at 7:03 AM, updated September 18, 2013 at 7:05 AM

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings appeared to have made a significant upgrade to their backup goaltending position last summer with Jonas Gustavsson, someone to spell Jimmy Howard regularly.

But the Monster pulled his groin after playing only 19 minutes in relief of Howard in the season opener. That set the tone for a rough season.

Gustavsson, 28, is determined to bounce back, after training harder than he ever has in the off-season. He started only four games in the 48-game lockout-shortened 2013 season, watching the final 27 games, regular season and playoffs, from the bench.

The Red Wings need more from Gustavsson during a full 82-game season. Howard is a workhorse, but the club would prefer he didn't play more than 60-to-65 games, especially during a season in which he might be traveling to Sochi, Russia, as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

“It's about performing as good as possible, and when I get the chance to play try to help the team, and when I'm not playing support the team because I feel like we have something good going and I'm happy to be a part of it,'' Gustavsson said. “No matter what part that is I'm going to try to make the most of it.''

Gustavsson stopped 21-of-23 shots in two periods of action Tuesday in his preseason debut, a 2-0 loss at Chicago.

A regular training camp and exhibition games (there were none last season) should help Gustavsson, who has a history of early-season groin issues.

“When I started my preseason work it was a lot about working all those small muscles to prevent from being injured,'' Gustavsson said. “Now coming in, you can't think about not getting injured, you just got to go 100 percent and try to become a better goalie every time you're on the ice.

“I feel like I've been doing everything I can in the off-season to give myself the chance to be healthy.''

That includes, for the first time, working with a personal trainer back home in Sweden. He also spent some time in Detroit in July working with Red Wings strength and conditioning coach Pete Renzetti.

“That was good for me to have a guy that pushes me on days when you're not so excited to go to the gym,'' Gustavsson said. “I just felt like I wanted to do something different than I'm used to.''

Coach Mike Babcock is counting on seeing a different Gustavsson.

“He better have had a good summer and he better grab hold of something,'' Babcock said. “I'm going to watch. He knows and I know you got to grab your own piece of the pie. If not, someone else eats it.''

Gustavsson appeared in only seven games (2-2-0, 2.79 goals-against average), but his .879 save percentage was an eyesore.

“We were in a tough battle for a playoff spot and Jimmy was playing unreal all season,'' Gustavsson said. “You can't be too down, it's a team game. You got to play your part. Then you got to be the goalie that's tough to score on in practice and go 100 percent there because that's going to help you and your teammates.''

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.19.2013

717262 Detroit Red Wings

Short-handed Detroit Red Wings lose to Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks

By Brendan Savage | bsavage@mlive.com

on September 17, 2013 at 10:36 PM, updated September 17, 2013 at 10:37 PM

The Chicago Blackhawks scored two second-period goals in a span of 69 seconds Tuesday to hand the Detroit Red Wings their first loss of the preseason.

Patrick Sharp and Ben Smith connected in the final four minutes of the middle period to give the Blackhawks a 2-0 victory at the United Center, where the teams were meeting for the first time since Chicago eliminated the Red Wings from the playoffs in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Sharp opened the scoring on a snap shot with 3:23 left in the second period before Smith deflected a shot by Jimmy Hayes to make it 2-0 with 2:14 showing.

Both goals came against veteran goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, who stopped 21 of 23 shots in the first 40 minutes before giving way to rookie Jared Coreau at the start of the third period.

The Red Wings played much of the game short-handed after Teemu Pulkkinen and Mitch Callahan were ejected for receiving five-minute major penalties.

Pulkkinen was booted 2:16 after the opening faceoff for boarding Michael Kostka and Callahan joined him in the dressing room when he was given a boarding major for hitting Sheldon Brookbank 2:20 into the second period.

The Red Wings, who beat Pittsburgh 4-1 in Monday's preseason opener, were outshot 34-19.

Detroit sat many of its top players. That group included Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk and goalie Jimmy Howard. Johan Franzen sat out with a sore hip flexor and Brendan Smith also didn't dress because of a sore groin.

The Red Wings will visit Boston Thursday before playing their first home preseason game Saturday against the Bruins at Joe Louis Arena.

The game was Chicago's first in the preseason.

Goalie Corey Crawford made all 19 saves in going the distance for the Blackhawks.

NOTES: The Red Wings were 0-for-2 on the power play; Chicago was 0-for-6. ... Detroit was hit with 36 penalty minutes to Chicago's eight. ... Daniel Alfredsson was minus-2 for the Red Wings. ... Drew Miller led the Red Wings with five shots on goal.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.19.2013

717263 Detroit Red Wings

Blog recap: Detroit Red Wings' record falls to 1-1 in preseason after loss to Chicago Blackhawks

By Brendan Savage | bsavage@mlive.com

on September 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM, updated September 17, 2013 at 10:32 PM

(If you're viewing this on MLive's mobile app, click here for the full version, where you can get regular updates and comment.)

FINAL

10:29 p.m. -- It's over. Red Wings fall to 1-1 in the preseason.

9:56 p.m. -- Third period underway. Gustavsson replaced in Red Wings' net by Jared Coreau.

SECOND PERIOD

Blackhawks 2, Red Wings 0

9:38 p.m. -- End of two. Blackhawks outshoot Red Wings 10-8 in the second; it's 23-13 Chicago for the game.

9:36 p.m. -- Scratch Hayes with the goal. Ben Smith gets it after a deflection in front.

9:33 p.m. -- Well, that didn't take long. Blackhawks score second in barley over a minute as Hayes gives Chicago a two-goal lead with 2:14 left.

9:31 p.m. -- Sharp beats Gustavsson to put the Blackhawks on the board with 3:23 left.

9:26 p.m. -- Red Wings on the power play as Sharp goes off for holding with 7:23 left. Second PP of the night for the Wings.

9:08 p.m. -- Mitch Callahan joins Teemu Pulkkinen in the Red Wings' dressing room after being ejected for a boarding major at 2:20.

9:05 p.m. -- Second period underway.

FIRST PERIOD

Red Wings 0, Blackhawks 0

8:46 p.m. -- End of one. Red Wings outshot 13-5 and will be short-handed for the first 1:37 of the second period.

8:36 p.m. -- Still waiting for the game's first goal with 5:36 left.

8:28 p.m. -- Another penalty to the Red Wings.

8:16 p.m. -- Now it's 3-on-3 as the Red Wings get hit with a penalty. (Bear with me if I don't have specific details. NHL.com hasn't launched the box score and I'm going off the Chicago radio broadcast.)

8:15 p.m. -- Blackhawks get penalty, giving Red Wings 4-on-3 power play.

8:12 p.m. -- Teemu Pulkkinen gets ejected for apparent hit from behind on his first shift of the game. Blackhawks announcer says he nearly ended career of Chicago player. A little over the top, perhaps?

8:09 p.m. -- Red Wings and Blackhawks underway in Chicago.

PREGAME

It was May 29 and the Red Wings were facing the regular-season champion Blackhawks in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, trying not to let a 3-1 series lead slip through their fingers.

Everyone knows what happened next.

The Red Wings season ended in a 2-1 overtime loss and the Blackhawks went on to win their second Stanley Cup in four seasons by beating the Boston Bruins in the Finals.

Now, the teams will square off again tonight in a preseason game at the United Center. The Red Wings are 1-0 in the preseason after beating Pittsburgh 4-1 Monday night while the Blackhawks are playing their first exhibition game of the year.

The Red Wings will be going with a mostly youthful lineup tonight. Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Cleary, Johan Franzen (hip flexor) and Brendan Smith (groin) are among the regulars who won't be suiting up.

Jonas Gustavsson will play the first two periods in goal for the Red Wings with Jared Coreau taking over in the third.

There's no local radio of TV – remember, the Tigers are in a pennant race before anyone gets upset – but WGN radio out of Chicago will have the play-by-play online.

Join Brendan Savage to discuss tonight's game – and anything else that's on your mind within reason.

Michigan Live LOADED: 09.19.2013

717264 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings' Johan Franzen to miss tonight's preseason game due to sore hip flexor

By Ansar Khan | akhan1@mlive.com

on September 17, 2013 at 10:26 AM, updated September 17, 2013 at 6:08 PM

TRAVERSE CITY – Detroit Red Wings forward Johan Franzen didn't skate today due to a sore hip flexor, which will sideline him for tonight's preseason game at the Chicago Blackhawks (8 p.m., no local TV).

General manager Ken Holland said the injury is day-to-day. Franzen said he hopes to play in the next preseason game, Thursday at Boston.

"We’re just being cautious,'' Franzen said. "It felt bad after yesterday’s skate. I hoped it was going to get better, but it kind of got worse. We decided it’s better to rest because we get a day off tomorrow, so maybe we can get it to settle down.''

He said he had no tests done.

"I didn’t tear anything or sprain anything, it’s just getting a little tight, so we’re going to try and get it to settle down before something really gets bad,'' Franzen said.

Franzen missed two games last season due to a sore hip flexor.

"All hockey players have problems with their hips a few times every year, usually gets something with your hip flexor,'' Franzen said.

Todd Bertuzzi will replace Franzen on the line with Stephen Weiss and Daniel Alfredsson for tonight's game.

Smith (groin) stays off ice as precaution

Defenseman Brendan Smith didn't skate today due to a sore groin. It was fine during Monday's 4-1 preseason win at Pittsburgh but began to bother him afterward.

“Precautionary thing, nothing crazy,'' Smith said. "We just decided to give me a day off and we have tomorrow off as well.''

He hopes to skate on Thursday.

"It's all part of training camp, part of life,'' coach Mike Babcock said. "You got to find a way to stay healthy and look after yourself.''

Impressions of preseason opener

Babcock summed up Monday's game: “We scored on the power play, we kept it out on the penalty kill. We had good goaltending, they missed the net, we got better as the game went on. (Adam) Almquist had a good night for himself (two power-play goals), played real real well. (Anthony) Mantha had a good game before going back to juniors, which was real positive for him. (Luke) Glendening was sharp, (Landon) Ferraro played a good game, Tats (Tomas Tatar) was on it pretty good. Our back end played well.''

Here are the lines and defense pairs for tonight:

Forwards

Todd Bertuzzi-Stephen Weiss-Daniel Alfredsson

Gustav Nyquist-Riley Sheahan-Tomas Jurco

Drew Miller-Cory Emmerton-Patrick Eaves

Mitch Callahan-Andreas Athanasiou-Teemu Pulkkinen

Defensemen

Niklas Kronwall-Jonathan Ericsson

Xavier Ouellet-Ryan Sproul

Brian Lashoff-Nathan Paetsch

Max Nixastro-Richard Nedomlel (extras)

Goaltenders

Jonas Gustavsson (first two periods)