A collection of the latest news from around the world of hockey:
The Oilers have claimed defenceman Adam Clendening off of waivers from the Ducks. [Edmonton Journal]
Could this spell the end of Justin Schultz in Edmonton? [Oil on Whyte], [Cult of Hockey]
Travis Hamonic is using his experiences to help others. [NHLPA]
Remember when Sidney Crosby was roasted for skipping the All-Star game due to injury? I’d imagine the same outrage should be due Alex Ovechkin? [Washington Times]. Teams and players would rather miss a real game due to suspension than go to the All-Star weekend and I can’t blame them. It’s the least important part of the NHL calendar. This year’s game has been marred with so much controversy that it hardly seems worth it anymore. But it makes a lot of money for the league so…
Oh yes, and Jonathan Toews is also sitting out, because of illness or injury, we’re not sure. Must be a case of “the game is a waste of time” -itis. [Second City Hockey], [Fansided]
James Neal and Evgeny Kuznetsov will serve as replacements. [NHL]
Speaking of Crosby, he may have waited too long to wake up, but at least he’s earning his contract now. [Sportsnet]
And have we finally figured out why Ovechkin has yet to win a Stanley Cup? [RMNB]
Let’s talk about the bizarre situation with Dennis Wideman last night. If he was indeed concussed, and thought the ref was a Predators player, he clearly wasn’t right and should have been pulled from the game. If he knew the ref was there and cross-checked him anyway, he should have been tossed from the game. Wideman claims that he couldn’t avoid the hit. The league is likely going to take a closer look, and he could he facing a lengthy suspension. More to come on this to be sure. [Scouting the Refs], [Sportsnet], [Calgary Sun]
The Leafs were shut out. [NBC Sports]
A view of the CWHL All-Star game. [Hockey in Society]
Are the Habs getting desperate? [Today’s Slap Shot]
And finally, tough read about former NHLer Phil Bourque. [Post Gazette]