Abdelkader, Howard Added to 2012 U.S. Men's National Team

Team USA to Compete in IIHF World Men's Championship, May 4-20, in Finland

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Forward Justin Abdelkader (Muskegon, Mich./Detroit Red Wings/Michigan State Univ.) and goaltender Jimmy Howard (Ogdensburg, N.Y./Detroit Red Wings/Univ. of Maine) have been added to the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship it was announced today by USA Hockey. The tournament is scheduled for May 4-20, 2012, in Helsinki, Finland and Stockholm, Sweden.

Abdelkader and Howard are making their debuts on the U.S. Men's National Team, though each player has represented Team USA in the past. Abdelkader played for the U.S. National Junior Team that won the bronze medal at the 2007 IIHF World Junior Championship. Howard backstopped the U.S. Men's National Under-18 Team to the gold medal at the 2002 IIHF World Men's Under-18 Championship and was a member of the U.S. National Junior Team at the 2003 IIHF World Junior Championship. Howard also spent two seasons with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program from 2000-02.

The first 17 players for the U.S. Men's National Team were announced on April 11. Forward Joey Crabb defenseman Chris Butler and goalie John Curry have been added since then. Team USA now has 12 forwards, six defensemen and three goaltenders on its roster. The maximum roster size is 25, which includes three goaltenders and 22 forwards and defensemen.

Team USA 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship Schedule

May 4 - 20 • Helsinki, Finland & Stockholm, Sweden
Date Opponent Location Time (Local/EDT)

Fri., May 4 France Helsinki 12:15 p.m./5:15 a.m.

Sat., May 5 Canada Helsinki 7:00 p.m./12:00 p.m.

Mon., May 7 Slovakia Helsinki 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m.

Thurs., May 10 Belarus Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.

Fri., May 11 Kazakhstan Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.

Sun., May 13 Finland Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m.

Tues., May 15 Switzerland Helsinki 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m.

Thurs., May 17 Quarterfinals Helsinki TBD

Sat., May 19 Semifinals Helsinki TBD

Sun., May 20 Bronze-Medal Game Helsinki 4:00 p.m./9:00 a.m.

Gold-Medal Game Helsinki 8:30 p.m./1:30 p.m.

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DATSYUK VOTED SELKE TROPHY FINALIST

NEW YORK (April 23, 2012) -- Centers David Backes of the St. Louis Blues, Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings are the three finalists for the 2011-12 Frank J. Selke Trophy, which is awarded "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game," the National Hockey League announced today.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association submitted ballots for the Selke Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 20, during the 2012 NHL Awards from Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas. The 2012 NHL Awards will be broadcast by NBC Sports Network in the United States and CBC in Canada.

Following are the finalists for the Selke Trophy, in alphabetical order:

David Backes, St. Louis Blues
Backes had the highest average ice time per game among forwards (19:59) on the club that allowed the fewest goals in the NHL by a wide margin. The 6'3", 225-lb. center again was a punishing physical presence, doling out a team-leading 226 hits, joining Los Angeles forward Dustin Brown as the only players to record 200 hits or more in each of the past five seasons. Backes led the Blues in face-offs (1,353), blocked 72 shots and posted a +15 rating. The Blues captain is an NHL Trophy finalist for first time in his seven-year NHL career and is the first Blues player vying for the Selke Trophy since Michal Handzus finished second in 2000.

Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins
Bergeron led the NHL in plus-minus (+36), posting a +18 rating both at home and on the road, helping the Bruins rank second in the Eastern Conference in team defense (2.39 GAA). Appearing in a single-season
career-high 81 games, he topped all Bruins forwards in shorthanded time on ice (1:48 per game) and was dominant in the face-off circle, posting a 59.2% winning percentage (973 of 1,641) to rank second in the League behind Chicago's Jonathan Toews (59.4%). Bergeron is an NHL Trophy finalist for the first time and could become the second Bruins player to capture Selke honors, joining Steve Kasper (1982).

Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Datsyuk continued his mastery of separating opponents from the puck in 2011-12 by ranking third in the NHL in takeaways (97), and his stickhandling and passing skills helped the Red Wings' renowned puck possession game. Datsyuk posted a +21 rating and was the club's top face-off man, posting a 56.2% winning percentage (702 of 1,249) -- his eighth consecutive season posting a win rate above 53%. Datsyuk has been voted a Selke finalist for the fifth consecutive year, matching the streaks of Montreal's Guy Carbonneau (1986 through 1990) and Bob Gainey (1978 through 1982) as the longest since the award was introduced in 1978.
History
The trophy was presented in 1977 by the National Hockey League Board of Governors in honor of Frank J. Selke, one of the great architects of Montreal and Toronto championship teams.

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NASHVILLE ELIMINATES DETROIT, HOCKEY DONE FOR SUMMER IN HOCKEYTOWN

By AJ Petronzi
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The Nashville Predators have eliminated the Detroit Red Wings from the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 win in Nashville.

This series could and SHOULD have looked completely different for three reasons. First, Detroit kept attempting the same play despite the fact that it didn’t work from games one to five. Second, Pekka Rinne changed the whole series by stopping anything Detroit through at him. Third, Shea Webber should have missed half the series (if not the whole series) while suspended.

Unfortunately, now the normal questions should be asked. Have we seen the last games of Tomas Holmstrom and Nicklas Lidstrom? Will Brad Stuart be back? After three consecutive early playoff outs, is it time to revisit who’s behind the bench? Will there be playoff’s next season?

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NHL Suspensions (As of Monday Morning)

RANGERS’ HAGELIN SUSPENDED FOR THREE GAMES
NEW YORK (April 15, 2012) – New York Rangers forward Carl Hagelin has been suspended for three games for elbowing Ottawa Senators forward Daniel Alfredsson during Game 2 of the teams’ Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series in New York on Saturday, April 14, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 10:32 of the second period. Hagelin was assessed a major penalty for elbowing. Alfredsson suffered an injury as a result of the hit.

SENATORS’ CARKNER SUSPENDED FOR ONE GAME
Ottawa Senators forward Matt Carkner has been suspended for one game for continuing to inflict punishment upon an opponent who was an unwilling combatant in an altercation during Game 2 of the team's Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series with the New York Rangers in New York on Saturday, April 14, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

Carkner instigated an altercation with New York forward Brian Boyle, who did not respond. After knocking Boyle to the ice with two punches, Carkner continued to throw punches at his opponent, who was an unwilling combatant. Carkner's actions classified him as an "aggressor" under NHL rules.

The incident occurred at 2:15 of the first period. Carkner was assessed a minor penalty for instigating, a major penalty for fighting and a game misconduct.

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PREDATORS’ WEBER FINED $2,500 - NO SUSPENSION

NEW YORK (April 12, 2012) – Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber has been fined $2,500, the maximum allowed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for delivering a blow to the head of Detroit forward Henrik Zetterberg in Game 1 of the teams’ Western Conference Quarterfinal series in Nashville on Wednesday, April 11, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 20:00 of the third period. Weber was assessed a minor penalty for roughing.

“This was a reckless and reactionary play on which Weber threw a glancing punch and then shoved Zetterberg’s head into the glass,” said NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety and Hockey Operations Brendan Shanahan. “As is customary whenever Supplemental Discipline is being considered, we contacted Detroit following the game and were informed that Zetterberg did not suffer an apparent injury and should be in the lineup for Game 2.

“This play and the fine that addressed it will be significant factors in assessing any incidents involving Shea Weber throughout the remainder of the playoffs.”

The fine money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

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HELM UNDERGOES SUCCESFUL SURGERY RED WINGS FORWARD OUT FOR REMAINDER OF PLAYOFFS

Detroit, MI…Detrot Red Wings forward Darren Helm underwent successful surgery last night to repair lacerated tendons in his right forearm. The injury, suffered with just over eight minutes remaining in the first period of the Red Wings Western Conference Quarterfinal Game 1 vs. Nashville, will sideline Helm for the remainder of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Helm is expected to make a full recovery and return for the Red Wings 2012 training camp.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Douglas Weikert at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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NHL 2012 STANLEY CUP CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINAL SCHEDULE

NEW YORK (April 8, 2012) – The National Hockey League today announced the dates, times and national broadcast information for the 2012 Stanley Cup Conference Quarter-Final round, which begins Wednesday, April 11. All times listed are ET and subject to change.
2012 EASTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
SERIES A TIME (ET) #1 NY Rangers vs. #8 Ottawa
Thursday, April 12, 2012 7 p.m. Ottawa at NY Rangers
Saturday, April 14, 2012 7 p.m. Ottawa at NY Rangers
Monday, April 16, 2012 7:30 p.m. NY Rangers at Ottawa
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:30 p.m. NY Rangers at Ottawa
Saturday, April 21, 2012 7 p.m. Ottawa at NY Rangers
Monday, April 23, 2012 TBD NY Rangers at Ottawa
Thursday, April 26, 2012 TBD Ottawa at NY Rangers

SERIES B TIME (ET) #2 Boston vs. #7 Washington
Thursday, April 12, 2012 7:30 p.m. Washington at Boston
Saturday, April 14, 2012 3 p.m. Washington at Boston
Monday, April 16, 2012 7:30 p.m. Boston at Washington
Thursday, April 19, 2012 7:30 p.m. Boston at Washington
Saturday, April 21, 2012 3 p.m. Washington at Boston
Sunday, April 22, 2012 TBD Boston at Washington
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 TBD Washington at Boston

SERIES C TIME (ET) #3 Florida vs. #6 New Jersey
Friday, April 13, 2012 7 p.m. New Jersey at Florida
Sunday, April 15, 2012 7:30 p.m. New Jersey at Florida
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 7 p.m. Florida at New Jersey
Thursday, April 19, 2012 7 p.m. Florida at New Jersey
Saturday, April 21, 2012 6:30 p.m. New Jersey at Florida
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 TBD Florida at New Jersey
Thursday, April 26, 2012 TBD New Jersey at Florida

SERIES D TIME (ET) #4 Pittsburgh vs. #5 Philadelphia
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Friday, April 13, 2012 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Sunday, April 15, 2012 3 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia NBC, TSN
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 7:30 p.m. Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
Friday, April 20, 2012 7:30 p.m. Philadelphia at Pittsburgh
Sunday, April 22, 2012 TBD Pittsburgh at Philadelphia
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 TBD Philadelphia at Pittsburgh


2012 WESTERN CONFERENCE QUARTER-FINALS
SERIES E TIME (ET) #1 Vancouver vs. #8 Los Angeles
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 10:30 p.m. Los Angeles at Vancouver
Friday, April 13, 2012 10 p.m. Los Angeles at Vancouver
Sunday, April 15, 2012 10:30 p.m. Vancouver at Los Angeles
Wednesday, April 18, 2012 10 p.m. Vancouver at Los Angeles
Sunday, April 22, 2012 TBD Los Angeles at Vancouver
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 TBD Vancouver at Los Angeles
Thursday, April 26, 2012 TBD Los Angeles at Vancouver


SERIES F TIME (ET) #2 St. Louis vs. #7 San Jose
Thursday, April 12, 2012 7:30 p.m. San Jose at St. Louis
Saturday, April 14, 2012 7:30 p.m. San Jose at St. Louis
Monday, April 16, 2012 10 p.m. St. Louis at San Jose
Thursday, April 19, 2012 10:30 p.m. St. Louis at San Jose
Saturday, April 21, 2012 7:30 p.m. San Jose at St. Louis
Monday, April 23, 2012 TBD St. Louis at San Jose
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 TBD San Jose at St. Louis

SERIES G TIME (ET) #3 Phoenix vs. #6 Chicago
Thursday, April 12, 2012 10 p.m. Chicago at Phoenix
Saturday, April 14, 2012 10 p.m. Chicago at Phoenix
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 9 p.m. Phoenix at Chicago
Thursday, April 19, 2012 8 p.m. Phoenix at Chicago
Saturday, April 21, 2012 10 p.m. Chicago at Phoenix
Monday, April 23, 2012 TBD Phoenix at Chicago
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 TBD Chicago at Phoenix

SERIES H TIME (ET) #4 Nashville vs. #5 Detroit
Wednesday, April 11, 2012 8 p.m. Detroit at Nashville
Friday, April 13, 2012 7:30 p.m. Detroit at Nashville
Sunday, April 15, 2012 Noon Nashville at Detroit
Tuesday, April 17, 2012 7:30 p.m. Nashville at Detroit
Friday, April 20, 2012 8 p.m. Detroit at Nashville
Sunday, April 22, 2012 TBD Nashville at Detroit
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 TBD Detroit at Nashville

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RED WINGS SIGN RILEY SHEAHAN TO THREE-YEAR ENTRY-LEVEL DEAL

… Center Selected by Detroit in First Round of 2010 NHL Entry Draft …

Detroit, MI...The Detroit Red Wings today announced that 20-year-old forward Riley Sheahan has been signed to a three-year entry-level contract. In accordance with club policy, additional terms of this deal will not be disclosed.

Originally selected by Detroit in the first round (21st overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Sheahan spent three seasons with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA/CCHA) from 2009-12, amassing 64 points (20G-44A) in 114 career games played at the collegiate level. Prior to enrolling at Notre Dame, Sheahan spent two seasons with his hometown St. Catharines Falcons (GHL) where he recorded 49G-85A-134P in 85 games.

Sheahan signed an Amateur Try Out agreement with the Grand Rapids Griffins on March 20 and scored his first career American Hockey League goal on March 31 versus the Oklahoma City Barons. In seven games with the Griffins, the 6’2”, 200-lb. forward has recorded 1G-1A-2P-0PIM.

Riley Sheahan
Forward
Born Dec 7 1991 -- St. Catharine's, ONT
Height 6.02 -- Weight 200 -- Shoots L

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RED WINGS GUSTAV NYQUIST NAMED TO AHL ALL-ROOKIE TEAM

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Griffins left wing Gustav Nyquist on Wednesday was named to the 2011-12 American Hockey League All-Rookie Team.

Despite missing nine of the Griffins’ last 12 games while with the parent Detroit Red Wings, Nyquist still ranks among the AHL’s top rookies with 22 goals (T6th), 36 assists (T5th), 58 points (T4th) and four shootout goals (T2nd). Nyquist is also tied for 15th in overall AHL scoring, while leading the Griffins – the highest scoring team in the Western Conference – points, power play goals (7), power play assists (13), insurance goals (4). He also ranks among team leaders with a plus-seven rating (5th), four first goals (T3rd), a 0.571 shootout percentage (3rd) and a 14.5% shooting percentage (3rd).

In his last game with the club – a 5-2 win versus Hamilton on March 17 – Nyquist recorded three points (2-1—3) to become the franchise’s all-time rookie scoring leader. The 22-year-old is just one of seven Griffins rookies ever to score 20 goals, and his 22 goals trail only Francis Pare and Justin Abdelkader on the team’s all-time rookie goal scoring list.

A native of Halmstad, Sweden, Nyquist joined the Griffins late last season on an eight-game tryout following his junior year at the University of Maine. While a member of the Black Bears, Nyquist received consecutive nominations for the Hobey Baker Award as a sophomore and junior, while leading his team in scoring during all three of his seasons (2008-11). He racked up 144 points (50-94—144) in 113 collegiate games, leading the entire NCAA in scoring during the 2009-10 season with 61 points (19-42—61) in 39 games.

Nyquist becomes the fourth Griffin to be named to the AHL All-Rookie Team, joining current Red Wings Justin Abdelkader (2008-09) and Jimmy Howard (2005-06), as well as Brendan Smith, who was named to the All-Rookie Team last season. The 5-11, 185-pound forward was also the team’s lone representative at the 2012 AHL All-Star Classic.

Detroit’s third choice (121st overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Nyquist made his NHL debut on Nov. 1 versus Minnesota and scored his first NHL goal on March 26 versus Columbus. He has recorded seven points (1-6—7) in 15 games with the Red Wings this season, adding a plus-two rating and two penalty minutes.

Nyquist becomes a top candidate for the AHL’s Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award (outstanding rookie).

The other members of the AHL All-Rookie Team, as voted by AHL coaches, players and media in each of the league’s 30 member cities, are forwards Cory Conacher (Norfolk) and Tyler Johnson (Norfolk); defensemen Matt Donovan (Bridgeport) and Cade Fairchild (Peoria); and goaltender Eddie Pasquale (St. John’s).

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