Sport-scan daily brief

Coachspeak: Toews had nothing but praise for Babcock, who put the 45 players in camp through off-ice drills that ramped up in intensity each time they took the floor.

"One of the good things about him as a coach is he's very detailed and very specific," Toews said. "He requires attention from all his players and you saw it right away. Guys were listening and paying attention to detail. When the team gets to Sochi there's no time for adjustment. Guys have to be ready to play the right way and right away."

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 08.28.2013

715873 Chicago Blackhawks

Gold medal close second to Stanley Cup

By Chris Kuc, Chicago Tribune reporter

August 27, 2013

CALGARY, Alberta — In actual weight, an Olympic gold medal is a fraction of that of the Stanley Cup.

When it comes to the significance in the hockey careers of the Blackhawks who have held both, they weigh nearly the same.

It's with that in mind that Jonathan Toews, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have joined 42 other NHLers — including Blackhawks teammates Patrick Sharp and Corey Crawford — in Calgary for Team Canada's four-day Olympic orientation camp. The players have gathered for the beginning of a process they hope will land them roster spots for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

For Toews, Keith and Seabrook, it could become a golden opportunity to add a second medal to their personal collections about eight months after hoisting their second Stanley Cup. The trio helped Canada capture gold in the 2010 Games in Vancouver and would like to repeat the feat.

"As an NHL player, (winning the Cup) is the highest professional level and I'd say the Olympics is the next thing," Toews said Monday during Day 2 of the camp. "To be able to represent your country, especially in Canada where every single person around our country is watching that team, there's a lot of pressure and responsibility to show you belong. To win a gold medal is a great feeling and winning a Stanley Cup is more of a team aspect where you're with the same guys every day and you sacrifice for one another to reach that goal."

For a hockey player, nothing tops the euphoria of winning the Cup, but bringing home a gold medal ranks a close second — especially when playing for a country that claims the sport as its national treasure.

"You never know when you're going to get to represent Canada at any level, and any young player wants to do it," said Toews, a Winnipeg, Manitoba, native said. "You grow up dreaming of these chances. I was lucky enough to play in Vancouver and it was the highest moment in my career at the international level."

Some say it's unfair to compare the two experiences.

"They're definitely different," Seabrook said. "Winning the gold medal, it's a short tournament with a bunch of new guys and winning a Stanley Cup is a grind that you have all year."

As different as they may be, the euphoria following triumphs in both reaches its highest level.

"They're both very special experiences," Keith said. "When you win a Stanley Cup, I dreamed about that sort of thing when I was a kid. To be able to do that after a long season and a long grind is definitely rewarding. At the same time, when you play on an Olympic team, you're representing your country and it's a huge honor in itself to have that jersey on. To win an Olympic gold medal it means you're the best team in the world at that time.

"They're both unique feelings," Keith added. "Anytime you win a championship, it's the best feeling in the world. I mean, a win's a win, right?"

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 08.28.2013

715874 Chicago Blackhawks

Bryan Bickell's day with the Stanley Cup

August 27, 2013, 6:30 pm

By Nick Wilder

Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell brought the Stanley Cup to his hometown of Orono, Ontario on Tuesday. Bickell, who is coming off a stellar postseason, celebrated the championship victory with his old community. In 2010, Bickell also decided to bring the Cup back to his beloved hometown following the Blackhawks Stanley Cup victory over Philadelphia.

The Blackhawks clearly view Bickell as an important piece to their roster going forward, evident by the team signing him to a four-year deal worth $16 million during the offseason. This past year, Bickell and Patrick Kane tied for second on the team in postseason goals by registering nine each. The left winger was also second on the team in points during the playoffs when he tallied a total of 17.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 08.28.2013

715875 Chicago Blackhawks

Hockey News: Blues to win the cup

August 27, 2013, 3:45 pm

By Evan Moore

The Hockey News has made their prediction on who will raise Lord Stanley’s Cup at the end of the 2013-2014 season. Blackhawks fans may want to turn away. The St. Louis Blues is the team The Hockey News believes will win the Stanley Cup in the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

The Blues were also picked to go far last season but they were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Los Angeles Kings. The Hockey News believes that the Blues have learned from the playoff disappointments from last two seasons.

“The St. Louis Blues came within two points of first in the West last season, largely because they were the NHL’s top defensive team, riding amazing efforts by goaltenders Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak,”according to the staff. They also believe that the Blackhawks' downfall this season will be the result of standing pat during the offseason.

“The Hawks settled for status quo this offseason, failing to add a marquee free agent or pull a major trade. That means a few problem areas weren’t addressed.”

The Blues will host the defending Stanley Cup Champion,the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct 9.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 08.28.2013

715876 Chicago Blackhawks

Kane, Saad added to 'awkward' Team USA photo list

August 27, 2013, 3:00 pm

CSN Staff

It's been quite the day for Team USA.

First, some not-so-good-looking sweaters were debuted:

Then some not-so-good-looking glamour shots were taken, and Puck Daddy's Harrison Mooney created a list of the 10 most awkward ones. The list is magnificent, and it just so happens two Blackhawks made the cut.

First up is Brandon Saad:

He's got the perfect mix of "okay, this is pretty cool" and "I can't believe I'm wearing shimmery stars and fake laces" written all over his face. But in terms of photo awkwardness, his teammate stole the show:

Patrick Kane is starting quite the collection. Let's not forget about these from the lockout:

If you weren't excited about the Olympics before, this probably did the job.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 08.28.2013

715877 Dallas Stars

Player profile: Rich Peverley may have found his fit in the Dallas Stars

MIKE HEIKA

Published: 26 August 2013 08:20 PM

Updated: 27 August 2013 10:22 AM

We'll continue our annual summer Player Profiles today with center Rich Peverley.

Rich Peverley

Center

Age: 31

Contract: In second year of three-year deal that averages $3.25 million a season.

Coming off: A season in which he had 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in 47 games.

Rich Peverley is listed as a center, but there might not be a player on the Stars who better defines the nebulous term "forward." It has been both a boon and a burden for Peverley in his career, but he can play pretty much any forward position up and down the lineup.

Before the Stars even open camp, there are many who believe he will be best used on the right wing on a top line with prospective superstars Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn, while others see him as a natural No. 2 center and still others believe he could be a great fit on a third line with Cody Eakin and Erik Cole.

How the Stars decide to use Peverley will likely influence his scoring success this season.

Two seasons ago, Peverley stepped in for an injured Nathan Horton and had a great offensive run in Boston. In 57 games, he tallied 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) and was plus-20. He averaged almost 17 minutes in ice time, including a team-high 2:44 on the power play before he was sidelined with a knee injury.

Last season, the Bruins were healthy and over-run with forward depth, and Peverley slid down the lineup. He averaged 15:15 in ice time, including 1:41 on the power play. The result was 18 points (6 goals, 12 assists) in 47 games, and a team-worst minus-9. He followed that up with a team-worst minus-8 in the playoffs and just two points in 21 playoff games.

So which Peverley will the Stars get? It's an interesting question, and the answer really does lie in how coach Lindy Ruff decides to use him. While many saw him as a "throw in" on the Tyler Seguin trade to make the money work, Peverley is highly valued by GM Jim Nill. The former Detroit assistant has seen how the Red Wings use versatile centers, and believes that you can never have too many talented pivots around.

"It's a lot easier to switch from center to wing than it is from wing to center," Nill said. "I think if you have great center depth, then you can have great forward depth."

And with Peverley, the Stars have a potential "winger" who can win 58 percent of his draws and help out a young center who might be struggling in the faceoff circle. Or, he simply could be used as a specialist on the power play or the penalty kill to win a key draw and switch out if needed.

So it really is easy to imagine Peverley helping Benn and Seguin as each tries to adapt to new positions on the top line. Not only can he take faceoffs, but he is a solid two-way player who can help cover defensively, and he's a right-handed shot who can give Seguin a nice outlet while Seguin tries to transition back to center and the fact that he will have to carry the puck a lot more.

That said, there are a lot of people who would like to see rookie Valeri Nichushkin get a shot on the top line, so Peverley could slide in as the No. 2 center with Ray Whitney and Alex Chiasson on his wings. A solid play-maker who had to work his way up through the college ranks and the minors, Peverley has posted strong assist numbers with the Milwaukee Admirals, Atlanta Thrashers and Bruins when give the chance to be a traditional "skilled" center.

If the Stars find a different solution on the second line (possibly Shawn Horcoff), Peverley could slide down and form a nice wing/center combination on the third line with Eakin. Many see Eakin, 22, as a similar player to Peverley, so the 31-year-old could prove a great mentor to the youngster, and help him understand the intricacies of being a leader on a "shut down" line.

While Peverley struggled at times in Boston to find his place and was a healthy scratch at times in the playoffs last season, he seems a better fit in Dallas. The Stars still are thin on depth, and they really could use the positives that Peverley offers on just about any line. They definitely need players who can win faceoffs (after finishing 27th in the league last season), and they definitely need players who can help youngsters be better (with the possibility that as many as seven of their forwards will be 24 or younger).

Peverley fills those needs.

Now, players who are good at a lot of things can hurt themselves if they can't find a regular spot in the lineup. Not only do they allow coaches to seek different options and possibly move them around too much, they sometimes don't find a comfortable rhythm to their own game. Peverley seems to have battled those problems at times in his career _ maybe more than ever last season.

But with a fresh start, a lot of opportunity, and some skills that are in demand in Dallas, being simply a "forward" could be a very positive thing for Rich Peverley.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 08.28.2013

715878 Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars' Jamie Benn: 'It definitely feels different around here'

MIKE HEIKA

Published: 27 August 2013 07:01 AM

Updated: 27 August 2013 10:44 PM

Jamie Benn and brother Jordie have decided to leave the cool summer of British Columbia and jump head first into the Texas heat, and that has to be seen as a good sign for the Stars. Both have arrived early from summer vacation to get ready for training camp and were out skating in Frisco Monday with several teammates. Jamie Benn took some time to answer a few questions.

What did you do this summer?

Benn: I played some charity golf tournaments and had a pretty hard summer of training and now I'm back here.

Was the wrist injury at the end of the season a big deal and how did it heal?

Benn: It got healthy with a couple of weeks I took off at the end of the season. The body feels good right now, 100 percent, and I'm ready to go.

What does your training consist of at this age (24)? You probably have a better idea of what can help you during the season.

Benn: I think now you know what your body needs and how to make yourself feel good out there. It's a lot of work, and you have to put in the time, but I feel pretty good right now and I know what I have to do to put myself at the top of my game.

Are there different requirements for a winger? Can you carry some extra weight at that position?

Benn: I think you can. I've gained about five pounds and I feel good out there on the ice.

What about the move from center to wing?

Benn: I'm excited about that, just looking forward to whoever I play with. (You work on) Stops and starts, shoot more pucks from more angles, I probably won't pass the puck as much.

It's going to be interesting, because we'll put you with Tyler Seguin on paper, and you both are trying to figure out new positions and how much you should carry the puck or pass the puck.

Benn: Whoever we play with, we'll figure it out during training camp and try to find chemistry as fast as possible.

How do you feel about not being invited to Team Canada's orientation camp for the Olympics?

Benn: It gives you a little fire. You kind of want to shove it in their face. It is what it is. I definitely want to be there, and I'll just have to prove myself the first half of the year…I know they want to find the right players to play on the big ice.

What was the difference for you on the big ice when you played in Germany during the lockout?

"They definitely know how to move the puck around over there. You think you have more time, but you really don't. It's a fast game, and European teams play as a team over there. Everything is one or two or three more steps. You definitely have to skate."

How do you feel about the off-season changes that were made to the Stars?

Benn: It's definitely exciting. Bringing in a talented, young superstar like (Tyler) Seguin is exciting for our hockey team and the city. We definitely brought in some other players that have some experience in (Shawn) Horcoff and (Sergei) Gonchar, so it's going to be exciting and I think we are definitely looking forward to this year.

Does it feel different? The team has made coaching changes and player changes in the past, but this seems different for some reason.

Benn: It definitely feels different around here. There are maybe five or six guys left from my first year here. It's good to have Lindy (Ruff) behind the bench, he has a lot of experience, and Jim Nill definitely knows what he's doing. So, as a player, we are all excited and ready to go.

Any thoughts on the captaincy?

Benn: I've got nothing to say about that right now (smiles).

Would you be intimidated by that at all?

Benn: No, I don't think so.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 08.28.2013

715879 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings' Gustav Nyquist's finesse style best suited for third line

August 28, 2013

By Helene St. James

Deep into the NHL off-season, Helene St. James takes an analytical look at individual Red Wings and assesses expectations for the coming season.

Looking at numbers: Had three goals and three assists for six points and a zero plus/minus rating in 22 regular-season games. Followed up with two goals and three assists and a plus-3 in 14 playoff games.

Looking at money: Entering the first season of a two-year, $1.9 million contract with a salary cap hit of $950,000.

Looking back: Nyquist made one appearance for the Wings in January and another in February, otherwise staying in Grand Rapids, where he dominated to the tune of 58 points in 56 games. Nyquist was brought to Detroit for good in mid-March, where he rekindled chemistry with regular Griffins linemate Joakim Andersson. Nyquist was a significant factor in the playoffs, where he, Andersson and Damien Brunner gave the Wings a very effective third line. Following Detroit’s playoff exit, Nyquist returned to the Griffins, helping them to the Calder Cup championship.

Looking ahead: Nyquist is the kind of player whose vision and quick hands can create a sudden scoring opportunity. He has the skills to be in the top six mix, but his finesse style is especially suited to a third line, where he won’t face nearly as good defenders. He and Andersson work so well together, it’s hard to think they won’t be a pairing headed into next season.

Nyquist, 24 on Sept. 1, has been a standout at the college level (Maine) and at the American Hockey League level. He’s got work to do at the NHL level, like getting stronger, but his best asset — brainy play — is one that can’t be taught. Saying a player has a “huge upside” is a common assessment, but in Nyquist’s case, it is true.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 08.28.2013

715880 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader says Olympic opportunity provides added motivation

Brendan Savage on August 27, 2013 at 6:30 AM, updated August 27, 2013 at 8:57 AM

Detroit Red Wings Justin Abdelkader, Danny DeKeyser and Jimmy Howard are among 48 players in Washington this week for the U.S. Olympic hockey team's orientation camp.

All are hoping to earn spots on the team that will represent the United States in the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.

NHL Network spoke with Abdelkader, who played for Team USA at last year's World Championships, and got his thoughts on the camp as well as what he can bring to the ice if he represents the Americans again next year in Russia.

Justin-Abdelkader-Team-USA-5-15-12.JpgJustin Abdelkader (right) played for Team USA in the 2012 World Championships.AP File Photo

"For me, I like to keep it simple," Abdelkader told NHL.com. "I like to play good defensively. That's kind of my M.O. Get out on the forecheck and be physical. I can be a physical presence but on the big ice I think I can skate pretty good so I can get up and down the ice and create havoc around and in front of the net."

Abdelkader said he's had a relaxing summer, spending much of the offseason at his lake house near his native Muskegon while playing a little golf.

He's also had time to digest the disappointing end to the season, which saw the Red Wings lose Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals against eventual Stanley Cup champion Chicago after they took a 3-1 series lead over the Blackhawks.

"You go throughout the summer and you kind of rehash the game and the series and think about what you could have done to maybe help to get by them," Abdelkader said. "To see them go on and win was definitely bittersweet and tough but at the same time it showed us how close we were to the ultimate goal of winning the Stanley Cup.

"It motivates you throughout the summer and helps get you ready for the season. It looks like a bright future for our team. We've got a lot of good young guys making a push and coming up."

Abdelkader said the opportunity to make the Olympic team will give him added motivation to start the season strong.

Michigan Live LOADED: 08.28.2013

715881 Edmonton Oilers

Linus Omark rejoins Edmonton Oilers in attempt to get back to NHL

By Joanne Ireland, Edmonton Journal August 27, 2013

EDMONTON - The master of the spin-o-rama is doing an about-face.

Linus Omark, who left Edmonton after the 2011-12 season convinced his time with the Oilers had passed, is returning to the NHL club.

With a one-year, two-way deal in hand, the crafty forward is returning with the understanding that he could end playing for the Oklahoma City Barons in the American Hockey League.

“I want to give this another chance,” he said on Tuesday. “My dream is to play in the NHL.”

Omark, 26, spent the 2012-13 season with Zug, eventually leading the Swiss Elite League with a total of 69 points in 48 games.

“I want another chance. I want to play in the NHL again,” continued Omark, who will be an unrestricted free agent next July.

He scored 30 points in 65 games with the Oilers and garnered plenty of attention for his shootout moves.

The trouble was he couldn’t crack the top-six forwards then, and isn’t apt to do so now.

“It’s up to me now. I don’t expect anything to be given to me, but if I end up (in Oklahoma City), I’m going to work hard down there and, hopefully, that will give me a chance later on,” said Omark. “I’ll do my best to get up to the NHL again. It’s hard to get ice time, (but) I’m going to have to play hard. I’m more mature now.”

Selected by the Oilers in the fourth round of the 2007 draft, Omark was assigned to the Barons early in the 2011-12 season only to end up with a broken ankle that kept him off the ice for months. At season’s end, he tweeted: “I really hope edm let me have a chance in another NHL team.”

Unable to find a trade partner, the Oilers retained his NHL rights, so his road back to the big league had to come through Edmonton.

Omark will give the Oilers more depth up front, particularly since Toni Rajala was placed on waivers last week. The Finnish farmhand had 61 points in 63 games for the Barons last season, but wanted to ply his trade over in Europe.

Not so Omark, who will make less money in the AHL than he would have made in Europe.

“It’s been my goal to go back to North America since I left and we looked at different options — the KHL has always been an option — but in the end, I really wanted to go back to the NHL and to the Oilers.

“I had a good year last year. I played big minutes and, when you play a lot, you grow as a player. I think I’m smarter with the puck now. I don’t throw it away as often. I’m heavier too, but we’ll see. I think I’m stronger, it’s just too early to say.”

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 08.28.2013

715882 Edmonton Oilers

Oilers make strong depth signing, bring back Linus Omark

August 27, 2013. 8:57 am • Section: Cult of Hockey, Oilers

David Staples

The Edmonton Oilers have made a strong depth signing, picking up Linus Omark, who led the Swiss league in scoring last season.

Omark, 26, scored 69 points in 48 games with the Zug franchise.

Omark had failed to make the Oilers in a previous attempt, but he presents an interesting package of skills for the team. He’s got a good amount of skill, as exhibited by his shoot-out voodoo, but he’s also tough along the boards for a smaller player. He’s just 5-feet, 10-inches tall, but his game is to win the puck on the boards or in the corner, then shield it with his body, like a mini-Peter Forsberg, before passing it off or taking a shot. In his own end, he played passable positional defence.

In a recent Cult of Hockey poll, half of Oilers fans didn’t think the team should bring back Omark.

The Oilers would have found a better fit if they could have brought in a more physically aggressive player with some skill who could play well on the boards, the forecheck and the backcheck. I’m thinking of a pest of a player along the lines of Antoine Roussel in Dallas. But this was not to be.