Sport-scan daily brief

Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

on April 03, 2013 at 12:05 PM, updated April 03, 2013 at 2:37 PM

As the NHL trade deadline closed in today at 3 p.m., the Devils practiced at AmeriHealth Pavilion in preparation for Thursday night's game against the Boston Bruins at TD Gardens.

Travis Zajac, who did not come to the rink yesterday because of the flu, was first onto the ice to shoot pucks.

Tom Kostopoulos, who was knocked out in a fight with Matt Martin of the Islanders Monday night, also took part in the practice.

Defenseman Marek Zidlicky did not practice. Zidlicky can become an unrestricted free agent, but has a no trade clause.

There was no cause for concern. Zidlicky had a family matter, planned to travel with the team to Boston and will play tomorrow night.

Assistant coach Scott Stevens took Zidlicky's spot as Bryce Salvador's defense partner. He was not wearing any protective gear and is not considering a comeback.

Stevens was knocked down by Mark Fayne. That makes two coaches sent flying in recent days. Pete DeBoer was knocked down by Anton Volchenkov during Monday's morning skate.

Devils' lines:

Danius Zubrus-Travis Zajac-David Clarkson

Patrik Elias-Andrei Loktionov-Steve Bernier

Alexei Ponikarovsky-Adam Henrique-Matt D'Agostini

Ryan Carter-Stephen Gionta-Tom Kostopoulos

Krys Barch

Devils' defense:

Bryce Salvador

Andy Greene-Mark Fayne

Anton Volchenkov-Peter Harrold

Henrik Tallinder-Adam Larsson

Star Ledger LOADED: 04.04.2013

667840 New Jersey Devils

Devils bring back Steve Sullivan 16 years after Doug Gilmour trade

Rich Chere/The Star-Ledger

on April 03, 2013 at 8:56 PM, updated April 03, 2013 at 10:51 PM

Sixteen years ago the Devils had to give up a promising young forward in order to obtain future Hall of Famer Doug Gilmour in a serious effort to win the Stanley Cup.

The Devils never did win a Cup during Gilmour’s two seasons on the team, but the “kid” they gave up is back as a veteran role player hoping to help the Devils secure a playoff spot with 12 games remaining in this shortened season.

Steve Sullivan 38, was acquired today in a trade with the Phoenix Coyotes for a seventh round draft pick in 2014. It was Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello’s only deal on trade deadline day.

“It was very shocking. I really didn't see it coming," Sullivan said via telephone. "I honestly didn’t think I was going to be moved. But it's a great opportunity. I'm glad to be going back to where it all began. I’ve come full circle. It's a first class organization I had a hard time leaving years ago."

In that Feb. 25, 1997, deal more than a decade and a half ago, the Devils traded Sullivan, defenseman Jason Smith and the rights to prospect Alyn McCauley to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Gilmour, defenseman Dave Ellett and a draft pick.

“I remember it like it was yesterday. That was also another shocking day for me,” Sullivan said. “I was a young player just trying to stay in the league. I’d been a call-up and hadn’t really solidified a spot in the NHL by any means. Being an Ontario boy, it was a bit overwhelming being traded to Toronto.”

Sullivan, who must pass a physical when he arrives in New Jersey, would become the 24th player to be re-acquired by the Devils. He was the team’s 10th selection in the ninth round (233rd overall) of the 1994 entry draft and appeared in 49 games over two seasons 1995-97.

"He's going to be a utility player that will give the coach options. We'll have to see him in practice before we make any judgements," Lamoriello said. "He's a player that can play in versatile situations. He's played in big-time playoff games. He knows the pressures of the league and will be a steadying influence in different areas."

Sullivan had five goals and seven assists (12 points) and 20 penalty minutes in 33 games with Phoenix this season after signing as a free agent on July 4. He will be unrestricted after this season.

What can he give the Devils?

“I’m not 27 years old. Your game has to evolve a little bit as the years go by,” Sullivan said. “I’m not sure what they’re expecting. I don’t think they’re expecting me to come in and be a game-breaker. They have some extremely talented hockey players on that team. I’ll try to be a solid contributor and do the best I can.”

Devils coach Pete DeBoer was asked what he expected Lamoriello to do today.

“I really came in with no expectations,” DeBoer said.

Sullivan recorded a career-high 34 goals and 75 points with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2000-01. He appeared in his 1,000th career NHL game last week with the Coyotes on Mar. 28 at Nashville.

He was the recipient of the 2008-09 Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

In 1,002 career NHL games, Sullivan has 742 points (288 goals, 454 assists) and 583 penalty minutes. He's played for the Devils, Leafs, Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Pittsburgh Penguins and Coyotes in a 15-year career.

"I think he's capable of giving some quality minutes when called upon. I think he can go in any role on any line. He still knows how to score goals. That's been his forte,” Lamoriello said. “There aren't a lot of people scoring many goals anywhere this season."

Lamoriello wasn't willing to give up top prospects or players like Adam Henrique or Adam Larsson to make a bigger deal which might disrupt the team.

"We're very happy with the team," Lamoriello said. "Fortunately we have players coming back healthy-- (Alexei) Ponikarovsky, Dainius Zubrus and hopefully (Ilya) Kovalchuk is not too far off. We don't know yet (about the timing of Kovalchuk's return). We had the addition of (Andrei) Loktionov earlier and Jacob Josefson is completely healthy now. He'll be ready to come up (from Albany) shortly."

Sullivan is hoping he can do what Gilmour couldn’t—help win a Stanley Cup.

“That’s the ultimate goal. I don’t have one," Sullivan said of the coveted trophy. “Going back to being a young kid, that is your dream to win the Stanley Cup. When you don’t have one, your drive for one is the highest it can be.”

While the Devils acquired Sullivan, the Boston Bruins traded for Jaromir Jagr on Tuesday.

“They got a good offensive player there. It will be interesting where they put him,” Patrik Elias said. “It makes them more dangerously offensively with him, obviously.”

David Clarkson said of the Jagr deal: “I believe anytime you add a guy like that it’s definitely a boost. Bringing him in definitely helps.”

DeBoer on where the Devils are in the standings: "We had a good start. We struggled for stretches the second half here, longer stretches than I would've liked, for different reasons, So we're probably where we should be. The important thing is where we finish here.

“We have a lot of character in that room. We went on a deep playoff run with a lot of guys sitting in that room right now. It’s on us to recapture some of that magic down the stretch.”

Travis Zajac: "He helps them offensively, that's for sure. He's a big guy, tough to move off the puck."

Star Ledger LOADED: 04.04.2013

667841 New Jersey Devils

Devils bring back Steve Sullivan in only deadline-day trade

Wednesday, April 3, 2013 Last updated: Wednesday April 3, 2013, 11:50 PM

BY TOM GULITTI

NEWARK – There were other deals out there the Devils might have been able to make before Wednesday’s NHL trade deadline, but not at a cost general manager Lou Lamoriello was willing to pay.

So, Lamoriello essentially kept the team intact and made just a depth deal in reacquiring forward Steve Sullivan from Phoenix for a 2014 seventh-round draft pick. Sullivan, 38, played 49 total games with the Devils in 1995-96 and 1996-97 before being traded to Toronto in the deal for Doug Gilmour on Feb. 25, 1997.

A Devils’ ninth-round draft pick in 1994, Sullivan had five goals and seven assists in 33 games with the Coyotes this season. He won’t join the Devils in time for tonight’s game in Boston, as he will report to New Jersey for a physical first and, assuming he passes, be available for Saturday’s home game against Toronto.

“He provides depth at forward,” Lamoriello said. “Like we’ve always said, you try to get better, but at what expense? So, we really did stand pat.”

The Devils have some promising young players and prospects that other teams were interested in who could have brought back a significant return – a possibly the top-six forward the team has been missing since Zach Parise departed via free agency. But Lamoriello wasn’t willing to give them up.

Lamoriello also suggested that there were inquiries about some of his potential unrestricted free agents – a list that includes Patrik Elias, David Clarkson and Dainius Zubrus – but he wasn’t interested in breaking up this roster, which he feels “when at full strength” is good enough to win.

The Devils got Zubrus back from a left wrist injury this week, but are still missing right wing Ilya Kovalchuk, who they expect to return from a right shoulder injury for at least the final week of the regular season.

“You have to be very careful,” Lamoriello said. “Everything is done for today with tomorrow in mind, never [sacrificing] tomorrow with today in mind. It’s the commitment for the players to win … We believe in this team. I believe in the coaching staff and I believe in the players. If not, you would make drastic changes.”

After last season’s improbable run to the Stanley Cup Finals, the Devils are clinging to a playoff spot with 12 regular-season games remaining. Still, coach Pete DeBoer also said again that he’s “comfortable” with this group of players.

“We’ve got a lot of character in that room,” he said. “We went on a deep playoff run with a lot of guys that are sitting in that room right now. It’s on us to try to recapture some of that magic here down the stretch.”

Sullivan said he was “pleasantly surprised” to be returning to the Devils.

“I really didn’t see it coming, but it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I’m glad to be going back to where it all began… It’s definitely a first-class organization that I had a hard time leaving many years ago.

A potential unrestricted free agent this summer, Sullivan will become the 24th player to be reacquired and play for the Devils. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound native of Timmins, Ontario, has 288 goals and 454 assists in 1,002 NHL games.

Sullivan clearly is nearing the end of his career. How much he has left is the question.

Bergen Record LOADED: 04.04.2013

667842 New Jersey Devils

NHL Power Rankings: Penguins, Ducks and Blackhawks get better at trade deadline, which is bad news for the rest of the league

By Pat Leonard / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 2:36 PM

Trade deadline activity is as unpredictable as ever this year with so many teams still within reach of the playoffs during a 48-game, lockout-shortened season. It's become less certain who is selling and who is buying, who is willing to part with assets and who is reluctant to acquire big-name players based on the plummeting NHL salary cap next fall.

Still, there has been movement and there will continue to be trades up to Wednesday’s 3 p.m. deadline. With several big splashes made already, here is how the 30-team league stacks up during one of the busiest days of the season:

1. Penguins (28-9-0, 56 points, 1st in East) — Added Jarome Iginla (Calgary), Brenden Morrow (Dallas) and Douglas Murray (San Jose) for a Stanley Cup run. Sidney Crosby is out indefinitely with a broken jaw and despite having their 15-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday night in Buffalo, the Pens are still the hottest team in the NHL.

2. Ducks (24-7-5, 53 points, 2nd in West) — Anaheim's locked up Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry long-term and this week dealt for Harry Zolnierczyk from the Flyers, a pesky, speedy depth forward who makes the Ducks even quicker. The Ducks swept their three-game season series against the Blackhawks, winning twice in regulation and once in the shootout.

3. Blackhawks (27-5-3, 57 points, 1st in West) — The early-season NHL darling that picked up a point in its first 24 games has come back down to earth slightly. But Chicago added forward Michael Handzus from San Jose and knows it has a roster that can cut like a buzz-saw through most of the West.

4. Canadiens (23-7-5, 51 points, 2nd in East) — Carey Price and the skaters in front of him have sparked a resurgence for the Habs, who added defenseman Davis Drewiskie from L.A. to deepen their blue line.

5. Bruins (23-8-4, 50 points, 4th in East) — Tuesday began on a high note, when Boston acquired Jaromir Jagr from Dallas. But then at night assistant captain Patrice Bergeron was injured and did not return. Boston, which has faltered a bit but is still one of the East's best teams, holds its collective breath for good news.

6. Wild (21-12-2, 44 points, 3rd in West) — Zach Parise's club has gone 8-2-0 in its last 10 to surge just ahead of Vancouver in the Northwest, but the battle for the third-seed will be intense.

7. Kings (20-13-3, 43 points, 5th in West) — The defending Stanley Cup champions have scored just seven fewer goals than Anaheim and recently added Sabres defenseman Robyn Regehr to beef up their blue line.

8. Canucks (19-11-6, 44 points, 4th in West) — Injured center Ryan Kesler reportedly is close to returning, and the Canucks also traded for Dallas center Derek Roy as Vancouver prepares for one final late-season push for the Northwest Division and the third seed in the West. Goaltender Roberto Luongo is a constant subject of trade speculation.

Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, right now.

9. Maple Leafs (20-12-4, 44 points, 5th in East) — Toronto has won three in a row and been quiet — a little toooo quiet — approaching the NHL trade deadline, but the hockey world is expecting some move from the Leafs as they position themselves for a postseason run.

10. Senators (19-11-6, 44 points, 6th in East) — Paul MacLean is running away with the Jack Adams Award this season, and not just because he looks like Teddy Roosevelt. The Senators coach has Ottawa confident and consistent despite losing most of his top players due to injury.

11. Sharks (18-11-6, 42 points, 6th in West) — Five straight wins but San Jose is still selling, unloading two forwards in Handzus to Chicago and Ryane Clowe to the Rangers while remaining in the fold potentially to deal even more.

12. Blues (18-14-2, 38 points, 8th in West) — This team will be the sixth seed in the West by the time playoffs roll around, and the recent acquisitions of defensemen Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary) and Jordan Leopold (Buffalo) are two reasons why.

13. Red Wings (18-13-5, 41 points, 7th in West) — Detroit wanted Bouwmeester so now must seek help elsewhere if it's available while fighting division rivals St. Louis, Nashville and Columbus who all remain within four points of each other in the standings.

14. Devils (15-12-9, 39 points, 7th in East) — New Jersey misses Ilya Kovalchuk badly and has to get goal scoring elsewhere until he returns from injury. Otherwise, the Devils could be the New York-area club left out in the cold when playoffs begin on April 30.

15. Islanders (18-16-3, 39 points, 8th in East) — Notre Dame product Anders Lee scored in his NHL debut Tuesday night as the Isles charged back into the playoff picture. Captain Mark Streit, looking for an extension to remain on the island, reportedly will not be traded by Wednesday’s deadline.

16. Rangers (17-15-3, 37 points, 9th in East) — The Blueshirts added gritty forward Ryan Clowe and could be looking for defensive help, though neither of their most likely trade pieces — Marian Gaborik and Brian Boyle — want to be moved. Marc Staal's status remains uncertain, but it doesn't look good if the Rangers are shopping hard for help on the blue line.

17. Jets (18-18-2, 38 points, 3rd in East) — Winnipeg's third-place standing is deceiving. The Jets have played two more games than the Capitals, three more than the Hurricanes, and have lost to both of the teams chasing them for South-Least division recently when they had opportunities to bury them in the standings. Winnipeg has talent and strong shots from the point, but they can hear the footsteps.

18. Predators (15-14-8, 38 points, 9th in West) — Smashville is a woeful 5-11-4 on the road, which doesn't bode well if the Preds even get in the playoffs. They've been inconsistent on both ends of the ice and in net, though Pekka Rinne always can turn it on and be good enough to steal a series.

The defending Stanley Cup champion Kings - remember them - are flying under the radar.

19. Oilers (15-13-7, 37 points, 10th in West) — What has gotten into Edmonton? The Oilers won four straight, including shutouts of the Blues and Canucks, and suddenly are knocking on the door of eighth and ninth seeds St. Louis and Nashville. Still a very young club, but dangerous nonetheless.

20. Blue Jackets (15-14-7, 37 points, 11th in West) — Ex-Ranger Artem Anisimov is thriving in his new home, while Brandon Dubinsky has had an injury-plagued season. Columbus is not struggling enough to be a hard seller at the deadline but also not a strong enough contender to add major pieces. Rock, meet hard place.

21. Capitals (17-17-2, 36 points, 10th in East) — This team is average at best, and forward Mike Ribeiro is a heavy subject of trade speculation, but Washington still is the most likely team to catch the Winnipeg Jets for the South-Least Division title.

22. Hurricanes (16-17-2, 34 points, 11th in East) — The Canes traded for defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to add experience to a blue line with a couple significant injuries, as my pick for this year's surprise team tries to dig out of its recent slump to catch faltering Winnipeg and fend off middling Washington.

23. Philadelphia Flyers (15-17-3, 33 points, 13th in East) — The difference between this team and the Lightning is that Tampa Bay fired its coach, Guy Boucher, but the Flyers' Peter Laviolette is hanging around at least to finish the season.

24. Coyotes (15-15-6, 36 points, 12th in West) — A recent six-game losing streak sent Phoenix spiraling into possible sell mode, with top defenseman Keith Yandle reportedly available, as goals are coming few and far between.

25. Stars (16-16-3, 35 points, 13th in West) — Dallas had sold off two of its recently-added forwards, Jagr and Roy, as they hover around .500 in a Western Conference that is deeper than the East.

26. Sabres (14-17-6, 34 points, 12th in East) — Buffalo is and has been a definite seller during this trade season, but the Sabres still managed to embarrass the previously-hot Penguins on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh.

27. Lightning (15-18-2, 32 points, 14th in East) — GM Steve Yzerman fired Boucher and unloaded Bergeron on defense for more draft picks as the Lightning search for answers under new head coach Jon Cooper. What they need is better goaltending and defense.

28. Flames (13-17-4, 30 points, 14th in West) — GM Jay Feaster has unloaded the face of his franchise in Iginla and a top defenseman in Bouwmeester, as the Flames begin a new era after a disappointing start to this lockout-shortened season.

29. Avalanche (12-20-4, 28 points, 15th in West) — Former Ranger John Mitchell and ex-Isle and Ranger PA Parenteau have been solid additions, and Matt Duchene is always a dangerous threat. But not much else to say about the Avs.

30. Panthers (12-19-6, 30 points, 15th in East) — The Rangers' 3-1 home loss to this team was inexcusable.

New York Daily News LOADED: 04.04.2013

667843 New York Islanders

Islanders don't want to disturb chemistry, stand pat

Originally published: April 3, 2013 8:19 PM

Updated: April 3, 2013 9:04 PM

By ARTHUR STAPLE

WASHINGTON -- The Islanders were silent on deadline day.

General manager Garth Snow was unable to come to contract extension terms with either captain Mark Streit or goaltender Evgeni Nabokov, but neither was in danger of being dealt as the hours wound down to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Snow was never interested in the rental market, acquiring or selling off players with expiring contracts. He did have a few discussions about trades, he said, but nothing that fit his team.

"I'm confident with the guys we have in that locker room," Snow told Newsday. "I didn't want to disrupt the chemistry that's been built over the last few months."

The Islanders moved into the top eight in the Eastern Conference with Tuesday's 5-2 win over the Jets and the only pieces they've added this season are from their own prospect pool: Anders Lee, the Isles' sixth-round pick in 2009, scored his first NHL goal on his first shot on Tuesday.

The Isles activated Jesse Joensuu off the suspended list Wednesday. He has been skating with the team for several weeks after sports hernia surgery and could be added as rosters expanded at midnight on Tuesday.

But other than that, there were no deals. Snow had calls on a few of his veteran depth players, most notably defenseman Radek Martinek, but the GM believes he needs those veterans for the playoff push over the final 11 games, beginning with Thursday night's matchup against the Capitals.

Snow and Streit's representatives are believed to be less than $1 million per year apart on a proposed three-year extension. But even if Streit leaves when free agency opens on July 5, Snow had no interest in moving Streit for draft picks with the team on the cusp of their first playoff berth since 2006-07.

"For me, today is not a deadline in that regard," Snow said. "We're in a playoff position right now and I feel the guys we have will be able to fortify it and take the next step."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 04.04.2013

667844 New York Islanders

Rookie Anders Lee makes good first impression on Islanders

Published: April 3, 2013 5:34 PM

By STEVEN MARCUS

John Tavares was asked about center Anders Lee, the fresh, new face on the Islanders, and how Tavares might help the college kid from Notre Dame learn about the NHL.

"I think he's actually older than me," Tavares said with a grin, "so it's kind of funny that I'd be going to him giving him a lot of advice."

Lee, 22, was born July 3, 1990, Tavares Sept. 20 of that year. Lee may have just arrived from his junior year at Notre Dame, where he scored 61 goals and 55 assists in three seasons, but he's certainly ready to take some NHL shifts. "He's obviously a professional now, he's had great years at college," Tavares said. "He showed [Tuesday] that he fits right in."

The 6-3, 227-pound Lee scored on his first shot in his first game in the Islanders' 5-2 victory over the Jets. "It was amazing, everything just kind of fell into place," Lee said Wednesday at IceWorks. "It was a dream come true to have that first game, especially how it went down, it was pretty awesome." His parents were at Nassau Coliseum. "I couldn't be happier they could be there to support me. We all enjoyed it."

Lee was drafted in the sixth round by the Islanders in 2009, but decided to attend college. The Minnesota native was a star quarterback in high school and watching Notre Dame football from the stands fulfilled his appetite for the sport. "You've got to be a pretty special player to play at Notre Dame, that was something that was out of my reach," he said. "The games were some of the funnest part of the fall. I enjoyed supporting the team and being there with my classmates."

After three years of college hockey, Lee decided to accept a two-year entry-level contract with the Islanders. "I was presented with this opportunity, it was something I wanted," he said, "and I felt I was ready to take that step."