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September 14, 2009

September 14, 2009

The Hockey News has been providing the most comprehensive coverage of the world of hockey since 1947. In each issue, you'll find news, features and opinions about the NHL and leagues across North America and the world.

IN EVERY ISSUE

Pittsburgh

CAMP BATTLES Pittsburgh needs a second-line right winger for Evgeni Malkin. Stanley Cup hero Max Talbot filled in spectacularly in the playoffs and might well return when he recovers from shoulder surgery. But somebody else will get a golden opportunity. The candidates include Tyler Kennedy, rookie Eric Tangradi – a prized prospect returning from a severed wrist tendon – and veteran Pascal Dupuis. A first-line winger could also fill in. Rookie Luca Caputi is looking to nudge his way into top-two lines talk, as well. And third-line center Jordan Staal has experience playing with Malkin, but the Pens like him at his natural position, where he made a playoff impact.…

IN EVERY ISSUE

St. Louis

CAMP BATTLES The health of defenseman Eric Brewer will determine which blueliners travel to Sweden for the Blues’ season opener Oct. 2. The team is optimistic Brewer, who had back surgery in December and April, will be available in 2009. But Brewer only began skating in August after an eight-month layoff and is still affected by nerve issues that cause numbness in his right leg. If Brewer is shelved, look for newly signed defenseman Brendan Bell and Tyson Strachan, a standout in the AHL, to battle for a roster spot. They will be pushed by Alex Pietrangelo, the fourth overall pick in 2008, who was returned to junior after eight NHL games last year.…

IN EVERY ISSUE

Florida

CAMP BATTLES With Jay Bouwmeester off to Calgary, Karlis Skrastins in Dallas and Nick Boynton in Anaheim, the Florida blueline will look a lot different this season. The Panthers have brought in replacements, only not enough. At least one prospect will make the team as a result. Dmitry Kulikov (14th overall in 2009) is either going to play for the Panthers or go back to junior. Florida is also high on 2007 first-rounder Keaton Ellerby, a puck-mover who scored three goals in AHL Rochester last season. Jason Garrison, whom Jacques Martin signed out of Minnesota-Duluth, scored eight goals for the Amerks in 75 games last season and also made his NHL debut.…

IN EVERY ISSUE

Los Angeles

CAMP BATTLES The Kings, who scored the fourth-fewest goals in the NHL last season, must identify their first-line right winger and it will come down to the best “fit.” Dustin Brown, the team captain, has filled the role for most of the past two seasons, but last year his goal total dipped from 33 to 24, opening the door for Justin Williams. If he can stay healthy, Williams – who missed 83 games the past two years – is a 30-goal scorer who would complement young center Anze Kopitar nicely. But Brown’s ability to score tough goals will fit better on the first line if, on the left side, the Kings choose to go with Alexander Frolov instead of the grittier Ryan Smyth.…