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Friday, 16 September 2011 02:58

Written by Seth Rorabaugh

Penguins

-Training camp starts today.

-Practices at Consol Energy Center will be open to the public Saturday and Sunday.

-The Penguins will put single game tickets on sale tomorrow.

-NHL Network will carry five of the Penguins' preseason games.

-Former Penguins forward Zigmund Palffy (right) has joined HK 36 Skalica of the Slovakian Extraliga.

Atlantic Division

-The Islanders re-signed restricted free agent forward Josh Bailey to a two-year contract worth a total of 2.1 million. He will have a salary cap hit of $1.05 million. In 70 games last season, Bailey scored 28 points (11 goals, 17 assists).

-EN Says: Bailey is a solid two-way player who is a creative playmaker, but he has yet to live up to his potential as a first-round pick.

-"We want to be in a race for the playoffs, to challenge teams. The rebuilding part is over. Now it's time to show what we can do as a team." - Islanders defenseman Mark Streit on his team's goals for 2011-12.

-“I called him and sent a message. I thought maybe it was a dream, but no.” - Devils forward Vladimir Zharkov on the death of former teammate Alexander Vasyunov (right) was was among those killed in last week's plane crash involving the KHL's Lokomotiv Yaroslavl franchise.

-“I would like to get a job here, but I’m realistic. I’ve been around the game for a long time and I know how it works. I know for me to be where I need to play, you have to be probably playing right on top and I know there’s a lot of great players here. So, basically I’m just going to enjoy whatever I chance I get, whatever game I get. If I just get practices, I’m going to enjoy practices and we’ll see what it’s going to get me." - Former Penguins forward Petr Sykora on being in the Devils' training camp on a tryout basis.

-“It’s not about the game when it gets to the point of having a guy out for a year, guys retiring early. It’s about your everyday health and life. If that’s all it takes and we can help, I think the players would adapt pretty quick. If that’s what we have to do, then we’ll do it.” - Rangers forward Brad Richards on a potential ban on all head shots.

Northeast Division

-The Sabres signed defenseman Tyler Myers to a seven year contract extension worth a total of $38.5 million. With one year left on his entry-level contract, his new contract will have a salary cap hit of $5.5 million.

-EN Says: Myers looks like he can become a legit No. 1 defenseman in the NHL someday. He already plays top minutes in a variety of situations. This is a bargain.

-The Maple Leafs agreed to a new five-year contract with restricted free agent defenseman Luke Schenn (right). Financial terms have not been reported.

-Canadiens defenseman Andrei Markov is still recovering from knee surgery he underwent in December.

Southeast Division

-The Hurricanes will wear a patch on their jerseys this upcoming season to honor former forward Josef Vasicek. He among those killed in the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl disaster.

-Lightning captain Vincent Lecavalier enters training camp healthy for the first time in five years.

Central Division

-At 38, Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom (right) knows he doesn't have too many NHL seasons left.

-"I'm not sure ... just maybe my body took a little bit of a beating, but at the same time, I'm just not sure. I just lost a little bit of the confidence shooting the puck. It's just a matter of believing in your talents. I maybe let that get away from me in past years, but I've scored at this level and I've scored at every level that I've played at. I really believe I can still score at this level. It's something that I want to come in here and show them." - Blues forward Jonathan Cheechoo on his declining production since a career-best 56 goals in 2005-06 with the Sharks.

Northwest Division

-"I expect us to outwork our opposition. That will be something that is built in from practice to our off-ice." - Wild coach and former Penguins assistant coach Mike Yeo.

-Defenseman Keith Ballard is looking to rebound after a terrible first season in Vancouver.

Pacific Division

-In news which should please all hockey fans regardless of allegiances, Ducks forward Teemu Selanne (right) has decided to put off retirement and will return for another season. The future hall-of-famer signed a one-year deal worth $4 million. In 73 games last season, Selanne scored 80 points (31 goals, 49 points).

-EN Says: Selanne is a pure treat to watch. Even at 41, he's still a point-per-game player. The Ducks visit the Penguins Feb. 15. If you can, buy a ticket to that game and watch one of the most entertaining players in the history of the sport.

-The preseason hasn't even started and Sharks forward Martin Havlat is already injured. The forward, acquired in a blockbuster trade this summer, is considered day to day due to a shoulder injury.

-San Jose goaltender Antero Nittymaki could miss up to 12 weeks due to a groin ailment.

-The Sharks will put single game tickets on sale today. The Penguins visit San Jose Nov. 3.

-Contract talks with the Kings and restricted free agent defenseman Drew Doughty aren't exactly progressing smoothly.

Norris Division

-Happy 31st birthday to the patron anti-saint of Empty Netters, Patrik Stefan. Why does the first overall pick in the 1999 draft have such a special place in our hearts you ask?

(Photos: Palffy-Jim McIsaac/Getty Images; Vasyunov-Rich Lam/Getty Images; Schenn-Claus Andersen/Getty Images; Holmstrom-Gregory Shamus/Getty Images; Selanne-Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

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