ERST LESEN! » he Crimson next season, that would help g

PHILADELPHIA -- One month into the season, the Philadelphia Flyers are searching for a goaltender who can pull them out of mediocrity.On Saturday night theyll be facing a team whose goaltender is playing his best hockey of the season.Steve Mason was torched for six goals in the Flyers 6-3 loss to the Maple Leafs in Toronto Friday night, which makes it all but certain Michal Neuvirth will get the start against the Wild. It will be the Flyers fifth back-to-back games of the season.Minnesota, meanwhile, is expected to turn to goaltender Devan Dubnyk, who has given up six goals in his last 21 periods and is 4-2-0 with an 0.84 goals-against average, .974 save percentage and three shutouts in his last six starts.Neuvirth is 4-2-0 with a 3.57 GAA and .859 save percentage. Hes coming off a 5-4 loss to the Canadiens on Saturday, which came after Neuvirth strung together three straight wins.Led by two goals from Wayne Simmonds, who now leads the team with eight, and another by Travis Konecny, the Flyers (6-7-2) carried a 3-2 lead into the third period in Toronto on Friday night, only to see the Maple Leafs score four third-period goals on Mason, who has surrendered three or more goals in six of his eight starts this season.You cant win is you only play 40 minutes, Konecny told the Philadelphia Inquirer after picking up his fourth goal.The Wild (7-4-1) are coming off perhaps their most impressive win of the season, a 4-2 win in Pittsburgh on Thursday. Eric Staal had three points and broke a 2-2 tie in the third period and Dubnyk turned aside 39 of 41 shots in the win.Thats a difficult task after as many days off as we had to go up against that group, Dubnyk told the Star Tribune. It was a tough first 10 minutes. They were flying, and we were trying to get our feet and hands going again.But I thought we reacted real well after their (first) power-play goal and perfectly continued to get better as each minute went by in that game. Real big win for us.The Wild recorded a season-high 44 shots in the win, which snapped a two-game losing streak, and were credited with 32 hits.The Wild allowed two power-play goals to the Penguins but still lead the NHL on the penalty kill.Flyers coach Dave Hakstol shook things up against the Maple Leafs. Left winger Michael Raffl was replaced by Nick Cousins and defenseman Brandon Manning, who struggled Tuesday night against the Red Wings, was replaced by Nick Schultz.Schultz was paired with Shayne Gostisbehere on the Flyers top pairing, while Michael Del Zotto, who had been paired with Gostisbehere, played alongside Radko Gudas.Randall Cobb Youth Jersey . Toronto has dropped games to Indiana and Miami since a five-game winning streak and closed out a three-game road trip at 1-2. Emmitt Smith Cowboys Jersey . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats. http://www.shoptheofficialcowboys.com/Elite-Roger-Staubach-Cowboys-Jersey/ . - The Oakland Raiders re-signed offensive lineman Khalif Barnes on Friday. Michael Irvin Womens Jersey .S. -- Nikolaj Ehlers registered a hat trick for the third straight game and Jonathan Drouin had a goal and five assists as the Halifax Mooseheads hammered the host Cape Breton Screaming Eagles 10-1 on Tuesday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action. Troy Aikman Womens Jersey .C. -- Glenn Howard needed an extra end to move into the Masters Grand Slam of Curling final.The Vancouver Canucks were swept from the first round, their second straight first-round exit, and enter the summer with significant changes coming. Off-Season Game Plan looks at the job facing GM Mike Gillis, as he tries to extend the Canucks window as contenders. Gillis already promised roster changes in his season-ending press conference: "Clearly the landscape has changed and we need to address those changes going forward. We dont have a choice. We need to get younger." How much younger will the Canucks get? Sure, getting rid of 34-year-old Roberto Luongo -- somehow, some way -- will make the team younger, but thats already assumed as a priority for this offseason. They have a core of players -- Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Alex Burrows, Chris Higgins, Kevin Bieksa and Dan Hamhuis -- that are on the north side of 30 (with Ryan Kesler and David Booth turning 29 this year) and while they have some decent prospects, the Canucks dont have a lot of young impact players. Barring a blockbuster move featuring one of their core players, then, it would mean more tinkering around the edges. Give a couple prospects a chance, find some reasonably-price free agents and push forward with the core of a team that has made the playoffs for five straight seasons. Beyond the roster, Gillis will need to come up with a new head coach after firing Alain Vigneault. There have been rumours of John Tortorella being the replacement for Vigneault, who has already taken Tortorellas old job with the New York Rangers, but no matter who it is, that coach is going to realize that this team most likely has to win in the next season or two before their window shuts. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- plus-minus, hits, blocked shots, giveaways, takeaways, penalty differential and faceoffs. (Stats are listed in this format: G-A-PTS, +/-, PIM, GP). Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be 70-plus, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013 regular season ratings with a 93.65. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. GM/COACH Mike Gillis/Vacant Returning ForwardsPlayerRatingGPGAPTS+/-Cap HitHenrik Sedin74.6348113445+19$6.1MDaniel Sedin74.0647122840+12$6.1MAlex Burrows70.8247131124+15$4.5MRyan Kesler70.69174913-5$5.0MJannik Hansen68.2547101727+12$1.35MChris Higgins64.084110515-4$2.5MDavid Booth59.0912123-3$4.25MZack Kassian57.81397411-7$870KTom Sestito53.7330303-2$750K Free Agent ForwardsPlayerRatingGPGAPTS+/-Class12-13 Cap HitDerek Roy69.054272128+4UFA$4.0MMason Raymond64.0746101222+2UFA$2.275MJordan Schroeder58.70313690RFA$1.025MMaxim Lapierre57.34484610-6UFA$1.0MAndrew Ebbett55.8028156-1UFA$600KDale Weise55.0740336-7RFA$615KManny Malhotra50.189000-3UFA$2.5MCanucks Forwards Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com Over the last five seasons, Henrik Sedin has scored 414 points, second only to Alex Ovechkin in that span. His 319 assists in that span is 44 more than anyone else in the game.He starts a lopsided percentage of his shifts in the offensive zone and compiles superb possession numbers as a result. While Henrik has the rare playmaking skills, Daniel Sedin is usually the finisher, but his 8.7% shooting percentage in 2013 was the second-lowest of his career and his goals per game (0.26) was his lowest since 2003-2004. The Sedins have been so consistently productive that they have to be expected to continue, though its notable that they will turn 33 before next season begins and a decline, even if its a slight one, may not be too far on the horizon. Though Alex Burrows often joins the Sedins on the Canucks top line, he spent 2013 bouncing around to different spots in the lineup, including spending some time at centre, while playing a career-high 18:54 per game. Hes an agitator, but a skilled one who is one of six forwards with at least 200 points and 400 penalty minutes over the last five seasons. When healthy, Ryan Kesler is one of the premier two-way players in the league, but injuries have started to catch up to him in the last couple seasons, so the first priority for the 28-year-old is to ensure that hes 100% for next season. Given more responsibility last season, Jannik Hansen played a career-high 17:33 per game and scored goals (0.21 gpg) and points (0.57 ppg) at career-best rates. He also scored 24 of his 27 points at even strength, the same as the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Bobby Ryan and Logan Couture. Hansen isnt the same kind of prolific scorer as those players but, at even strength, he matched them last season, which is the kind of secondary scoring that the Canucks need. Only Daniel Sedin and Alex Burrows have scored more for the Canucks than Chris Higgins 28 goals over the last two seasons. Hes a speedy winger who fits in the top nine and can move up and down the depth chart based on needs. Even so, given Vancouvers financial bind, it was surprising to see Higgins get his contract extended, but that certainly reflects confidence from the organization. Since he was acquired from Florida, David Booth has managed 17 goals and 32 points in 68 games, playing 14:30 per game, which is down from the 17-19 minutes he was playing when he was having 20-goal seasons for the Panthers. Perhaps a fresh start, with good health and a new coach will bring better results; the Canucks had better hope so, considering how much they are paying Booth. Power forward Zack Kassian has his moments, but its still a battle to get consistent production out of the 22-year-old who has 11 goals and 21 points in 83 career games. Kassian has shown soft hands for a big man, so his potential is intriguing, but it tends to take some time for power wingers to find their level in the NHL, which means the Canucks have to remain patient with Kassian, at least for now. In 53 career games, Tom Sestito has five goals, eight points and 20 fights while playing under seven minutes per game. Hes settled into his role as the Canucks enforcer, for whatever value that provides, and was given a two-year contract extension after his 23-game audition last season. Sestito has shown a little bit of a scoring touch prior to reaching the NHL and, while its not going to be his calling card, he may be able to contribute a little bit. Pressed into NHL action when Kesler was hurt, 2009 first-rounder Jordan Schroeder showed some promise in a depth role. He also had 33 points in 42 AHL games, easily the best production of his three-year pro career, so it was a decided step forward in his development. Dale Weise provides a physical presence on the fourth line, and has 14 points with 143 penalty minutes in 118 career games. Hes a player who has to battle just to remain in the lineup on a regular basis. Depending on how the Canucks handle their buyouts, there may not be huge money to throw at free agent additions up front. Veteran checkers like Chad LaRose or ex-Canucks Raffi Torres or Matt Cooke could fit in a third-line role if the price is right and prospect Brendan Gaunce might be able to challenge for a spot too. Returning DefencePlayerRatingGPGAPTS+/-Cap HitAlexander Edler73.dddddddddddd874581422-5$5.0MDan Hamhuis73.634742024+9$4.5MKevin Bieksa71.47366612+6$4.6MJason Garrison71.92478816+18$4.6MKeith Ballard60.4636022-2$4.2M Free Agent DefencePlayerRatingGPGAPTS+/-Class12-13 Cap HitChris Tanev64.5938257+4RFA$900KCam Barker62.5814022-3UFA$700KAndrew Alberts57.9224011-7UFA$1.225MCanucks Defence Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com Possessing good size and puck skills, Alexander Edler has logged 24 minutes per game over the last three seasons. Though he finished a career-worst minus-5 and was exposed at times by quicker forwards, Edler is still a strong possession player, a quality top four option on the blueline. At the same time, and even though he has a no-trade clause, Edler might be an option to move if the Canucks are intent on making a change to the core of their defence. Dan Hamhuis has been a steady performer for Vancouver, and scored at a career-best rate (0.51 ppg) in 2013. He faces tough matchups and is plus-67 over the last three seasons, which ranks second among all defencemen, behind only Zdeno Chara. While Kevin Bieksas production was down last season, with only six assists and subpar possession numbers but, at his best, he provides a rare combination of offensive ability with tough, physical play. Since 2006-2007, there are half a dozen defencemen with at least 500 penalty minutes and the only ones with more points than Bieksa are Chara and Dion Phaneuf. Even so, Bieksa is another that might be a trade candidate because hes older and would bring a quality return. Last summers big free agent addition, Jason Garrison wasnt quite the power play bomber that he was in Florida the year before, but his goal and point scoring rate were the second-best of his career and he was a career-best plus-18. After playing 22 minutes a game earlier in his career with Florida, Keith Ballard never found his footing in Vancouver. Despite his hefty salary, hes played under 16 minutes a game for three seasons. His struggles make him a likely candidate for a compliance buyout, but a fresh start is also something the 30-year-old sorely needs if hes going to resurrect his career. Undrafted out of junior and college hockey, Chris Tanev has been working his way into regular duty with the Canucks, playing 92 games over the past three seasons. His possession numbers werent as strong in more ice time last season, but hes a smart puck mover who should continue to get better. If the Canucks return their top four plus Tanev intact, then there is only tweaking around the edges, adding a third pair defenceman and maybe a veteran depth guy, keepnig in mind that prospect Frank Corrado could be a consideration too. Some potentially reasonably-priced veterans could include Grant Clitsome, Bobby Sanguinetti, Steve Eminger, Michal Rozsival or Radek Martinek. Returning GoaltendersPlayerRatingGPWLOTLGAASV%Cap HitRoberto Luongo68.94209632.56.907$5.333MCory Schneider81.033017942.11.927$4.0M Over the last three seasons, no goaltender (with a minimum of 60 games played) has a save percentage as high as Cory Schneiders .931, so its understandable that the Canucks are prepared to make him their number one goaltender. The trouble hasnt so much been Schneiders play as the difficulty in establishing him as a true No. 1 goaltender as long as Roberto Luongo remains in Vancouver.Luongo appeared to be a good soldier in the backup role last season and played well at times, but his .907 save percentage was his lowest since his rookie year of 1999-2000. The 34-year-old should still have some quality years as a starter ahead of him, but his contract has complicated matters significantly and its still the primary issue for GM Mike Gillis to deal with this summer. Top ProspectsPlayerPos.Team/LeagueStatsNicklas JensenRWAIK (SEL)17-6-23, -12, 50 GPBrendan GaunceCBelleville (OHL)33-27-60, +10, 60 GPEddie LackGChicago (AHL)7-4-1, 3.00 GAA, .899 SV%Joacim ErikssonGSkelleftea (SEL)21-9-0, 1.67 GAA, .931 SV%Frank CorradoDKitchener (OHL)7-38-45, +18, 69 GPPeter AnderssonDChicago (AHL)1-7-8, even, 42 GPDarren ArchibaldLWChicago (AHL)12-10-22, +3, 55 GPJoseph LaBateCWisconsin (WCHA)9-14-23, +11, 41 GPHenrik TommernesDFrolunda (SEL)5-11-16, -9, 54 GPPatrick McNallyDHarvard (ECAC)1-2-3, +2, 7 GP A big winger with offensive upside, Nicklas Jensen spent most of last season in the Swedish Elite League and hte 20-year-old is one forward in the Canucks pipeline that might be able to come into the lineup and score. He still may need additional time in the minors, but hes the one to watch for Vancouver. Drafted 26th overall last summer, Brendan Gaunce is a big two-way centre who plays a sound defensive game and provides some offence too. Because hes defensively responsible, he may be able to challenge for a spot on next years team. Eddie Lack posted a .926 save percentage in his first two AHL seasons, but missed most of last season following hip surgery. If the 6-foot-5 goalie is healthy this season, hell challenge for the backup role, assuming that Luongo has moved on. Originally drafted by Philadelphia in 2008, Joacim Ericsson has been dominating the Swedish Elite League over the last two seasons and will rival Lack in a bid for the backup job behind Schneider. A steady defenceman who was a fifth-round pick in 2011, Frank Corrado saw late-season and playoff action with the Canucks, and showed enough to think that he could contend for a spot next season. Lanky blueliner Peter Andersson was a fifth-round pick in 2009 and arrived in North America last season, offering a calm, cool game. Hell need to get stronger if hes going to handle a move up the ladder. A big winger with some skill, if not ideal speed, Darren Archibald has worked his way up from the ECHL to the AHL over the last couple seasons. With continued improvement, he could be worth a shot. 6-foot-4 pivot Joseph LaBate hasnt scored a bunch in two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, but hes only 20-years-old, so a couple more years of college hockey could allow that side of the game to improve. An offensive defenceman who will need to improve his defensive play to handle the NHL, Henrik Tommernes was a seventh-round pick in 2011. May be a longshot, but has some power play upside too. A fourth-round pick in 2010, Patrick McNally had a strong freshman season at Harvard in 2011-2012, but was kicked off the team last season, leaving him in limbo. If he returns to play for the Crimson next season, that would help get what was a promising career back on track. Defencemen Yann Sauve and Adam Polasek split last season between the ECHL and AHL, but could have some value in depth defensive roles. DRAFT 24th - Adam Erne, Frederik Gauthier, Curtis Lazar FREE AGENCY According to www.capgeek.com, the Canucks have approximately $66.7M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 16 players. Check out my possible Canucks lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: Two top nine forwards, depth forwards, two-three defencemen, financial flexibility. What I said the Canucks needed last year: One top nine forward, one top four defenceman, depth defencemen. They added: Jordan Schroeder, Jason Garrison, Chris Tanev. TRADE MARKET Alexander Edler, Kevin Bieksa, prospects. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '