Articles by Doug Stolhand

MONTREAL – A prominent Quebec publisher is calling on governments to force the Montreal Canadiens to spin more French-language tunes for the Bell Centre crowd.

DETROIT – Chris Osgood is the Red Wings’ unsung hero going into the NHL’s Western Conference final.Johan Franzen’s scoring exploits have captured much of the attention during Detroit’s quest for the Stanley Cup, but Osgood’s goaltending contributions should not be ignored.

HALIFAX – This is a different coaching assignment for Ken Hitchcock.Only half of his Canadians players at the IIHF World Hockey Championship have worked themselves into a permanent role on the team, leaving everyone else in a state of flux while Hitchcock moves them around and looks for the magic mix.

Tampa Bay Lightning center Jeff Halpern has suffered a right knee injury that is expected to require surgery.
Halpern sustained the injury during the third period of Team USA’s 5-4 loss against Canada at the IIHF World Championships in Halifax Tuesday.

HALIFAX – Florian Busch remains eligible to play for Germany at the IIHF World Hockey Championship.The World Anti-Doping Agency had requested that he be suspended from the event after refusing a doping test two months ago but the IIHF decided Wednesday that it would not take that action.

BY JORDAN SAMERY
With Wednesday’s news the Maple Leafs had fired head coach Paul Maurice after two seasons, the search now begins for a coach who can return the team to winning ways.

TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs made the first big move of what is expected to be a busy off-season for the NHL club by firing head coach Paul Maurice.

TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs made the first big move of what is expected to be a busy off-season for the NHL club by firing head coach Paul Maurice.

TORONTO – Paul Maurice is out as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.A source tells The Canadian Press that Maurice has been fired. The team has called a news conference for later Wednesday at Air Canada Centre.

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Before Jeremy Roenick led a group of Sharks on a season-ending vacation to parts undisclosed, he all but confirmed he’ll return to San Jose next season for another run at the Stanley Cup.

Movements in the world of hockey Tuesday:National Hockey LeagueBUFFALO SABRES-Signed F Nathan Gerbe to a three-year contract.NASHVILLE PREDATORS-Signed F Ian McKenzie.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – John Mitchell had two goals and an assist and the Toronto Marlies climbed back into their AHL playoff series with the Syracuse Crunch with an 8-2 win on Tuesday.

GREENBURGH, N.Y. – Jaromir Jagr entered his season-ending exit interview not knowing if it would be his last act with the New York Rangers.Two days after the Rangers were eliminated with an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round of the playoffs, Jagr stood in front of his stall Tuesday and did his best to explain what the future holds.

MONTREAL – Guy Carbonneau’s lucky tie is going up for auction.The Montreal Canadiens coach said the multi-coloured tie he wore when his team won key games this season will be put up for bids in the next couple of weeks, with proceeds going to children’s charities.

PHILADELPHIA – First, Philadelphia was compared to those old Broad Street Bullies. Now, the Flyers are fighting the idea they can’t beat the Penguins.

DALLAS – Throughout the shellings, blown leads and other indignations he’s endured at Joe Louis Arena, Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco has pacified himself with one thought: “At least it’s not the playoffs.

PITTSBURGH – If Ray Shero has displayed nothing else during his nearly two-year run as the Pittsburgh Penguins’ general manager, it’s that he is not afraid to make a potentially risky move.

HALIFAX – Canada remains unbeaten at the IIHF World Hockey Championship after a 5-4 victory over the United States.Dany Heatley scored the winning goal with 46.

HALIFAX – Canada overcame its first true challenge at the IIHF World Hockey Championship but had some worrisome flaws exposed in the process.