This is a major shocker to me.... and honestly I'm surprised it hasn't met with more press.

The Anaheim Ducks waived their backup goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov yesterday. Bryzgalov has been a mainstay on the rumor mills since last year, and his name has been popping up frequently this young season as there are several teams desperate for a legitimate goaltending presence ( which I think Bryzgalov is, and has been, but has unfortunately been positioned behind a very solid keeper in Jean-Sebastien Giguere). Bryzgalov has been linked with every NHL franchise that needs help between the pipes this year including the Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and i'm sure the Toronto Maple Leafs. I will be even more shocked if this guy isn't plucked off waivers today.

Ducks GM Brian Burke has obviously been unable to find a suitable trade partner for his keeper, or a deal that will satisfy his precariously tight salary cap issues. Isn't it odd that this waiver move comes just a week after Burke has been championing the cause of team's being able to parlay some of a player's salary in a trade? Even more curious is that Bryzgalov is put on waivers after rumors of a possible return by former captain and defenceman Scott Niedermayer? All of these things couldn't be coincidence could they? Certainly not. Burke is obviously trying to clear cap space for Niedermayer's return. I can't imagine dumping an asset like Bryzgalov otherwise. This could be a very interesting storyline.

Quick Shave:
Martin Brodeur is finding it almost as difficult to reach that 500th win as it was for Alex Rodriguez to hit his 500th homerun (I know it's a baseball reference, but in the New York area the media has been focused on Rodriguez, Don Imus, how much the Jets suck, and little else). The New York Islanders got a short handed score from Josef Vasicek and that was all they needed to defeat Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils 1-0. Broduer made 25 saves in the match, but it was one short of the 26 Rick DiPietro made to win the game. It was a pretty big night for a few goaltenders last night actually, as Johan Hedberg made 31 saves to help the Altanta Thrashers to a 3-0 shutout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Buffalo Sabres recieved a strong effort from netminder Ryan Miller who made 36 saves in a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Toronto 7:00 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM

I think Toronto is due. The Ottawa Senators have had their way with the Leafs for as long as I can remember, but every match these teams play is always a classic. I know the Leafs don't like playing defence, but there is no denying that they are one of the most potent offensive teams in the league. If they every focused on back-checking they would be a scary team indeed. The Ducks and Sharks will clash late night this evening, in what will be a preview to a certain post season clash. Enjoy the games!

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh