Articles by Doug Stolhand

WASHINGTON – Capitals goalie Jose Theodore was removed from the starting lineup for Tuesday night’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes due to the flu.

BROSSARD, Que. – It seems that goaltender Jaroslav Halak is a little too hot.The Slovak goaltender who is riding a four-game winning streak as well as being named Montreal’s player of the month for February did not make a trip to Buffalo on Tuesday with the Canadiens because he has a flu and fever.

In reality, Niklas Backstrom was only speaking for himself.But in discussing the US$24-million, four-year contract extension he had just signed with the Minnesota Wild, Backstrom may have highlighted a developing theme on the eve of the NHL’s trade deadline – staying put.

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes have recalled forward Dwight Helminen from Albany of the AHL and activated forward Scott Walker from injured reserve.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Buffalo Sabres aren’t panicking after a rough run of losses, but they’ll be happy to get leading goal scorer Thomas Vanek back on the ice to take some stress off a struggling offence.

Several players were placed on the waiver wire as teams attempt to open up cap space on the eve on the trade deadline.

Among the big names are the Penguins’ Miro Satan, the Ducks Brendan Morrison and the Lightning’s Gary Roberts.

NEW YORK – The place for comebacks was on the ice, not the links: Tiger Woods didn’t make it past the second round; Martin Brodeur looked as if he hadn’t missed a minute.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan is extending the contract of veteran hockey coach Red Berenson.The Regina native played for the Wolverines in 1960-62 and is in his 25th season as their coach.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – A record-setting February for Jiri Tlusty has resulted in the Toronto Marlies forward being named the American Hockey League’s player of the month.

TAMPA, Fla. – Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss his fourth straight game Tuesday night because of a groin injury.The team made the announcement on its website after Crosby took part in Tuesday’s morning skate.

TORONTO – Longtime NHL executive Jim Gregory remained in intensive care Tuesday following a heart attack last week.Gregory, 73, suffered the heart attack in the NHL’s Toronto office last Thursday and was admitted to the intensive care unit at St.

NEW YORK – Bad boy Sean Avery is back with the New York Rangers.The Rangers claimed the controversial forward off re-entry waivers from the Dallas Stars on Tuesday in a move weeks in the making.

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Niklas Backstrom is staying put.The Minnesota Wild have signed the all-star goalie to a four-year contract, keeping him from becoming an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Results Monday:AHL No Games Scheduled.ECHL No Games Scheduled.IHL No Games Scheduled.Central No Games Scheduled.QMJHL No Games Scheduled.OHL Owen Sound 6 Plymouth 4WHL No Games Scheduled.

Movements in the world of hockey Monday:National Hockey LeagueNHL-Suspended Dallas F Steve Ott one game for gouging Anaheim F Travis Moen in the eye during a Feb.

Scoring summary from Monday’s NHL game:Colorado 2 at New York Islanders 4First Period1. N.Y. Islanders, McAmmond 5 (Sim, Tambellini) 13:15Penalties – Martinek NYI (holding) 0:58, Sim NYI (tripping) 18:49.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Emergency call-up Jesse Joensuu scored his first NHL goal in his first game and the New York Islanders beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 Monday night in a matchup of cellar dwellers in the league’s two conferences.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Blue Jackets placed left wing Jason Chimera on injured reserve again Monday, retroactive to Feb. 24.General manager Scott Howson said Chimera is expected to miss at least one week.

NEWARK, N.J. – The New Jersey Devils added an experienced defenceman two days before the NHL trade deadline, acquiring Niclas Havelid from the Atlanta Thrashers for rookie defenceman Anssi Salmela.

Bill Guerin is watching on the sidelines. Sean Avery is waiting for a second chance. And Niclas Havelid is a New Jersey Devil.It was the lull before the storm as the NHL continued to brace for Wednesday’s 3 p.