Puck Podcast

Gary Bettman likes the Olympic hockey tournament but the NHL commissioner isn’t sure if it’s worth halting the season when the Games are held outside of North America

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – St. Louis edged the Detroit Red Wings 4-3 in their NHL opener as the Blues rallied from two goals down to beat last season’s Stanley Cup finalists

DALLAS – The Dallas Stars have signed winger Loui Eriksson to a US$25.5-million, six-year extension.The Friday signing came after Eriksson led the Stars with a career-high 36 goals last season

EDMONTON – While coach Pat Quinn is preaching patience, Oilers fans will have high expectations when their team opens the season against the Calgary Flames in Edmonton on Saturday

OTTAWA – Much like his new team, Pascal Leclaire is getting a fresh start when the puck drops to open the 2009-10 season.In a career that’s so far been hampered by injuries, the 26-year-old goaltender will be a key figure for the Ottawa Senators as they look to make a return to playoff contention after a dismal 2008-09 season

ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – Its name, city and rink may be brand new but the Calgary Flames’ top farm club – the Abbotsford Heat – is digging into the past to find motivation this season

HELSINKI, Finland – Ville Koistinen provided a fitting end to the first regular-season NHL game ever played in Finland.The Finish defender scored the winning goal in the shootout, lifting the Florida Panthers to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday in their season opener

MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov will be out of action for at least four months after slicing a tendon in his ankle.Markov had an operation in a Toronto hospital after Habs goaltender Carey Price caught the Russian with his skate during Montreal’s 4-3 overtime victory against the Maple Leafs on Thursday

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Veteran forward Doug Weight was named captain of the New York Islanders on Friday.Weight, a 38-year-old four-time all-star, had 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) in 53 games last season

ANAHEIM, Calif. – A huge portion of the Anaheim Ducks’ success rested squarely on Chris Pronger’s broad shoulders over the past few seasons. The former MVP routinely played 30 minutes a game, fluidly moving the puck while clogging up opponents’ offences and sometimes keeping the Ducks competitive all by himself

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Phoenix Coyotes can’t wait to open the 2009-10 season.It means their chaotic off-season is over.Five months after owner Jerry Moyes took the team into Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the Coyotes hope the focus shifts to the ice when they visit the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night

HELSINKI, Finland – The Florida Panthers made Randy Sexton the team’s new general manager on Friday, promoting the man responsible for the club’s numerous off-season moves

DENVER – Wojtek Wolski scored two goals and Craig Anderson stopped 38 shots, lifting Colorado to a season-opening 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks on Thursday night after the Avalanche retired Joe Sakic’s No

CALGARY – Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff made 39 saves as the Flames opened their NHL season with a 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday

CALGARY – Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff made 39 saves as the Flames opened their NHL season with a 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday

TORONTO – Mike Cammalleri is ready to put any talk about a Montreal Canadiens makeover to rest.”I don’t even want to talk about new Habs any more, we’re all Habs now, we’ve passed through training camp, this is our team,” said Cammalleri after his Canadiens kicked off the season with a 4-3 overtime win versus the Toronto Maple Leafs

TORONTO – Mike Komisarek’s frequent trips to the penalty box Thursday night may have lost the Toronto Maple Leafs the game – but his style of play won over head coach Ron Wilson

TORONTO – Even though a few of the newest Montreal Canadiens provided some optimism on opening night, it was a standout performance by a much-maligned holdover that had everyone raving

FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Stars have signed defenceman Stephane Robidas to a US$13.2-million, four-year contract extension, through the 2013-14 season

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Phoenix Coyotes are sending forward Kevin Porter to the AHL after signing centre Colin Long.The 23-year-old Porter had five goals and five assists in 34 games for the Coyotes as a rookie last season