Concussion victim Pronger may consult Primeau
As Chris Pronger continues to suffer from post-concussion symptoms, he’s considering talking to another Philadelphia Flyers alumnus who has dealt with the injury.
Pronger could soon meet with Keith Primeau, who retired at age 34 in 2006 after suffering a concussion. Primeau has since become an advocate for concussion awareness.
“I think Chris is now starting to realize maybe he should be in communication with (Primeau) to know what’s ahead of him,� Pronger’s wife Lauren said at a team event Sunday. “I think the more information you get, the better off you are. You kind of know what to expect and what you’re going to be going through. Obviously, there will be differences, but if you have somebody that’s been through it, it will help.�
Chris Pronger hasn’t played since Nov. 19 and has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Lauren said her husband hasn’t made significant improvement.
“I think this is very, very frightening for Chris,� she said. “He’s been able to battle through so much and come out of it, but this is different for him. This is really tough on Chris. He wants to be out here more than anyone. This is his life, this is his passion.�
Brodeur mourns Carter’s death
The death of Gary Carter last week hit close to home for New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur.
Carter, who played most of his Major League Baseball career with the Montreal Expos, knew Brodeur through his father. Denis Brodeur was a team photographer for the Expos.
“For me, because of my dad, Gary Carter was a really good family friend. He came to our house a lot and I met him a lot,� Brodeur told the Newark Star-Ledger. “I have pictures of him autographed to me and to my brothers.
“While my dad was working for the Expos I went to almost all the training camps in West Palm Beach (Fla.), so I got to meet him there. For us, Gary Carter was really close to our family. When we heard the news we were saddened by it.�
Burke not talking trade with Howson
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke confirmed he met with Columbus Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson on Sunday, but said it was not to discuss trade proposals for Rick Nash.
“Unscheduled meeting, I was there on other business,� Burke told ESPN.com.
Nash has been the subject of rampant rumour speculation in recent days as the Blue Jackets are mired at the bottom of the NHL standings and the big winger is their most valuable asset.
Avs’ Duchene ready to return
After nearly two months of watching, Matt Duchene returned to the Colorado Avalanche lineup on Sunday against Winnipeg.
The forward injured his knee on Dec. 29 against Phoenix and was worried he might be done for the season.
“For a while there, we were wondering if it was going to be season-ending,� Duchene told the Denver Post. “Thankfully it wasn’t. It was tough mentally to leave the team this time of the year.�
Duchene has 12 goals and 12 assists in 39 games this year. He broke the 20-goal mark in each of his first two seasons, but he didn’t miss significant time in either campaign.
Hawks goalie finally earns praise
Chicago Blackhawks goaltenders received the brunt of the criticism during the team’s recent nine-game losing streak, so coach Joel Quenneville was quick to praise his netminder after Sunday’s 3-1 win over St. Louis.
Corey Crawford made 29 saves for Chicago and Quenneville said the goalie was the reason his team won its third straight. He called the game a “goalie win.�
“We know the scrutiny goaltenders go through,� Quenneville told ESPNChicago.com. “They’re under the microscope, and they get evaluated a lot more than players in front of them, whether defencemen or forwards. They come under fire when you’re not winning, and they get some accolades when you’re doing all right.�
He said it:
“I just want him to stay here because, like I’ve said a lot of times, it will be good for the whole organization. He’s played for the team a long time. He’s our captain and hopefully he will sign a long-term deal.� — New Jersey D