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Monday, February 29, 2016

{allcanada} Jennifer Garner Had an Alias Reunion at the Oscars and It Looked Delightful

 
Alias, Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber
Alias, Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber Instagram
 

Hold onto your brightly-colored wigs, Alias fans! The reunion on your dreams took place at the Vanity Fair Oscars party: Victor Garber, Jennifer Garner and J.J. Abrams together again! And a Whoopi Goldberg photobomb! Yes, that's Whoopi, not Oprah Winfrey. Garber's husband Rainer Andreesen snapped the shot.

What do you think they talked about? An Alias revival? An Alias movie? What Sydney Bristow is up to today? How they could bring Jack (Garber) back from the dead for said revival? Why now is a perfect time for more Alias due to Garner's big comeback? Alias ran for five seasons on ABC from 2001-2006. Abrams created the spy drama.

Jennifer Garner, Victor Garber, Alias

Garber posted the above photo the morning after the Oscars with this simple caption: "Jack and Sidney. Together again."

"I don't remember having more fun working with anyone than I've had working with her," Abrams told Vanity Fair about Garner and Alias. "She's smart-funny—she makes you want to be funnier and smarter, and you know that when you throw the best you've got her way she'll make it better. No one's perfect. But no one's Jen Garner."

Garber and Garner met working on the show and remain close. Garber is the godfather to Garner's daughter Violet. "From the first moment we met," Garber told VF, "there was this inexplicable chemistry and connection, this understanding that we were on the same page. She's one of the most important people in my life."

Now if you'll excuse us, we'll be further developing more Alias revival concepts.

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{allcanada} Pavelski, Thornton lead Sharks past Canadiens 6-2

 

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton each had three points to key a dominant performance from San Jose's top line, and the Sharks beat the Montreal Canadiens 6-2 on Monday night for their sixth victory in the past seven meetings between the teams.

Pavelski had two goals and one assist, while Thornton scored one goal and assisted on two others to help the Sharks move within two points of second-place Anaheim and four points of leader Los Angeles in the Pacific Division. Brent Burns also had a goal and two assists, and Melker Karlsson and Nick Spaling added goals for San Jose.

Martin Jones made 21 saves to earn wins on back-to-back nights for the first time since November.

Brendan Gallagher and Torrey Mitchell scored for the Canadiens, who lost in regulation for the first time in five games. Montreal fell seven points behind Pittsburgh in the race for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Mike Condon made 30 saves.

The Sharks' top line controlled the game from the start, generating the first three goals for the team. The first came in the opening minutes when Pavelski adroitly deflected a shot-pass from Justin Braun right to Thornton at the side of the net. Thornton tucked in the puck for his 15th goal to make it 1-0.

After Gallagher tied the game when his bad-angle shot from the corner sneaked past Jones, San Jose's two Joes teamed up again. This time Thornton fed Pavelski in the slot from the side boards and he beat Condon with a quick one-timer for his 28th goal of the season.

The top line was at it again early in the second when Thornton made a nice entry and fed Burns for a wrister that beat Condon. The 36-year-old Thornton leads the NHL with 44 points since Dec. 15 and has 60 overall.

Pavelski, who added a goal late in the third, has 29 goals on the season and 61 points. San Jose's duo joined Dallas' Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin as the only teammates with at least 60 points this season.

The Canadiens made a game of it midway through the second when Mitchell batted a puck out of the air past Jones to make it 3-2. Jones kept the score there with a strong pad save late in the second to rob Tomas Plekanec.

The Sharks turned it into a laugher in the third when Karlsson batted in a perfect saucer pass from Chris Tierney, and Spaling knocked in a rebound of Logan Couture's shot for his second goal in four games since joining San Jose.

Spaling scored just once in 35 games with Toronto before being acquired last week.

Game notes
The Canadiens claimed forward
Mike Brown off waivers from the Sharks and immediately played him against his former team. He got a warm ovation after being shown on the video board during the first period. ... Burns got his 400th career point with an assist on Pavelski's first-period goal. ... Phillip Danault registered his first point with Montreal with his assist on Mitchell's goal.

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{allcanada} FLAMES (26-32-4) at BRUINS (34-23-6)

 

FLAMES (26-32-4) at BRUINS (34-23-6)

TV: 7 p.m. ET; SNF, NESN, NHL.TV

Season series: The Calgary Flames defeated the Boston Bruins 5-4 in overtime at Scotiabank Saddledome on Dec. 4. Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau had a hat trick, including the overtime winner, and Bruins forward Brad Marchand scored two goals.

Flames team scope: Defenseman Dougie Hamilton will play his first game in Boston since the Bruins traded him to Calgary during the 2015 NHL Draft. The Flames are on a season-high five-game losing streak (0-4-1) after a 5-3 loss at the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. They acquired goalie Niklas Backstrom from the Minnesota Wild on Monday for forward David Jones and defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka before the 2016 NHL Trade Deadline. Backstrom hasn't played an NHL game in 2015-16, but with Karri Ramo out for the season, he could see some action. "For sure, it's been a different year for me, and I'm really excited to get a chance and an opportunity," Backstrom told the Flames website. "I've been in the same division pretty much my whole career as Calgary, so I've seen the fans and I've seen the team and the city and I've always liked it, so it's going to be fun to see it from the other side." The Flames also traded defenseman Kris Russell to the Dallas Stars for center Brett Pollack and a 2016 conditional draft pick on Monday. General manager Brad Treliving said he had Calgary's future in mind with the trades he made. "That's a priority for us, [to] continue to stockpile picks and young players," Treliving said. "We're going to continue to do that and grow this organization." Gaudreau has 12 points during an eight-game point streak.

Bruins team scope: Boston acquired defenseman John-Michael Liles from the Carolina Hurricanes and forward Lee Stempniak from the New Jersey Devils on Monday prior to the trade deadline. Each could be in the lineup Tuesday. "We've put travel plans in place that we expect them to be in [Boston] and available," general manager Don Sweeney told the Bruins website. "They are both excited about joining the Boston Bruins and the opportunity to get this team back into the playoffs and move forward." Liles is happy to join a Stanley Cup Playoff contender. "Once you're in the playoffs, anything can happen, and that's what it's about," Liles said. "It's about winning and trying to win a Stanley Cup." Forwards Max Talbot, Zac Rinaldo and Joonas Kemppainen were sent to Providence of the American Hockey League on Monday. Forward Loui Eriksson, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, was not traded. "Loui Eriksson's an important part of what we're doing as an organization now," Sweeney said. The Bruins lost 4-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday in the first of a four-game homestand; they are 13-16-3 at TD Garden.

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{allcanada} Jacob Tremblay chows down on pasta before the Oscars

 

Jacob Tremblay, the 9-year-old star of "Room," isn't letting celebrity go to his head.

The adorable actor was spotted fueling up on pasta at Buca di Beppo in LA the night before the Oscars.

"He was very sweet, acting just like a regular kid out to dinner with his parents," revealed an onlooker. "He was such a cutie. He even took a selfie with a young fan while scarfing down pizza and pasta."

Tremblay took the stage Sunday to help present with 15-year-old "Beasts of No Nation" star Abraham Attah.

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{allcanada} WHL: Soy dominates, Royals down Oil Kings

 

EDMONTON - Jack Walker struck twice and Tyler Soy had a goal and three assists as the Victoria Royals toppled the Edmonton Oil Kings 6-1 on Monday to take over top spot in the Western Hockey League.

Joe Hicketts added a goal and an assist for the Royals (43-16-6), who have gone 6-0-1 in their last seven games to move one point lead ahead of the Kelowna Rockets for first place in the WHL. Vladimir Bobylev and Jared Dmytriw rounded out the offence with a goal apiece.

Dysin Mayo was the lone scorer for the Oil Kings (27-30-7).

Victoria's Coleman Vollrath made 24 saves for the win as Patrick Dea stopped 25-of-31 shots in a losing cause.

The Royals went 2 for 5 on the power play while the Oil Kings failed to score on two chances with the man advantage.

---

REBELS 2 PATS 1

REGINA — Trevor Martin made 27 saves and Red Deer did its scoring in the first period en route to downing the Pats.

Evan Polei and Jake DeBrusk built up a 2-0 lead in the first for the Rebels (38-22-3).

Sam Steel responded in the third period for Regina (30-26-7), which is on a three-game slide. Tyler Brown kicked out 32-of-34 shots in defeat.

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{allcanada} OHL: Palmu powers Attack over IceDogs

 

OWEN SOUND, Ont. - Petrus Palmu scored four times and added an assist as the Owen Sound Attack toppled the Niagara IceDogs 5-2 on Monday in Ontario Hockey League action.

Palmu put the Attack (28-21-10) on the board with a power-play goal in the second period, then set up Sean Durzi early in the third before adding three more of his own, including one shorthanded. Ethan Szypula chipped in with three assists.

Pavel Jenys struck twice for the IceDogs (29-24-6), with Stephen Harper assisting on both.

Owen Sound's Michael McNiven made 26 saves for the win as Alex Nedeljkovic stopped 26-of-31 shots for Niagara.

The Attack went 1 for 3 on the power play while the IceDogs failed to score on seven chances with the man advantage.

---

FRONTENACS 5 67's 2

KINGSTON, Ont. — Jeremy Helvig made 37 saves and the Frontenacs got goals from five different scorers en route to downing Ottawa.

Ryan Verbeek, Lawson Crouse, Michael Dal Colle, Conor McGlynn and Juho Lammikko each had a goal and an assist for Kingston (40-15-4), which extended its win streak to five games.

Jeremiah Addison and Drake Rymsha found the back of the net for the 67's (30-28-3). Leo Lazarev turned away 27-of-32 shots in defeat.

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{allcanada} ISLANDERS (33-20-7) at CANUCKS (24-25-12)

 

ISLANDERS (33-20-7) at CANUCKS (24-25-12)

TV: 10 p.m. ET; MSG+, SNP, NHL.TV 

Season Series: The Vancouver Canucks defeated the New York Islanders 2-1 in a shootout at Barclays Center on Jan. 17. Ryan Miller made 47 saves, defenseman Ben Hutton scored in the second period and Radim Vrbata scored in the shootout for the Canucks. Ryan Strome scored with 51 seconds remaining in regulation time to tie the game.

Islanders team scope: New York acquired forward Shane Prince in exchange for third-and-seventh round picks in the 2016 NHL Draft from the Ottawa Senators on Monday, and he could be in the lineup. Defenseman Ryan Pulock, who made his NHL debut in 3-1 loss against the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday, was re-assigned to the Bridgeport of the American League in order to be eligible for the AHL playoffs. He is expected to remain with the team on this six-game stint away from home that concludes against the New York Rangers on Saturday. General manager Garth Snow told Newsday that forward Mikhail Grabovski (upper body) and defenseman Calvin de Haan (lower body) could return later this week. He also said defenseman Adam Pelech (upper body) may return by the end of the regular season. Pelech was injured on Jan. 20 and was thought to be out for the remainder of the season.

Canucks team scope: Vrbata was at practice on Monday after missing two games with a groin injury. He took turns on right wing with Jannik Hansen alongside Henrik Sedin and Daniel Sedin on line rushes. Vrbata was unsure if he will play. "We'll see. We'll talk to the trainers. I felt fine," he told the Canucks website. Forward Adam Cracknell was claimed off waivers by the Oilers. There was no update on defenseman Matt Bartkowski, who missed a 4-1 loss at home to the San Jose Sharks on Sunday because of the flu. Defenseman Dan Hamhuis did not practice on Monday because of the possibility of being traded, but was not traded, and will play.

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{allcanada} BLUES (36-20-9) at SENATORS (30-27-6)

 

BLUES (36-20-9) at SENATORS (30-27-6)

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FS-MW, RDS, TSN5, NHL.TV

Season series: Bobby Ryan scored twice, including the game-winning goal, for the Ottawa Senators in a 3-2 victory against the St. Louis Blues on Jan. 4. Mike Hoffman scored for the Senators, and goalie Andrew Hammond made 36 saves. Troy Brouwer and Kevin Shattenkirk scored for the Blues, who got two assists from Alexander Steen.

Blues team scope: St. Louis will play the third of a four-game trip. The Blues will have Ryan Reaves eligible to return after the right wing served a three-game suspension. The Blues have gone 2-0-1 the past three games at Ottawa since their most recent regulation loss on Jan. 21, 2010. St. Louis assigned forwards Ty Rattie and Dmitrij Jaskin and defenseman Joel Edmundson to Chicago of the American Hockey League and immediately recalled Jaskin and Edmundson. The moves were made to make those players eligible for the Calder Cup Playoffs. Captain David Backes needs one point for 450 in his career. The Blues, who were off Monday, did not make a move at the NHL Trade Deadline. General manager Doug Armstrong cited the Blues' lack of cap flexibility and uncertainty of injured players as primary reasons for the inability to acquire players.

Senators team scope: Center Kyle Turris (high ankle sprain) is out of the lineup indefinitely, most likely ending his season. Turris, who has 13 goals and 17 assists in 57 games, was initially injured Dec. 5 against the New York Islanders but re-injured the ankle Jan. 18 against the San Jose Sharks. "It's been frustrating," Turris told the Senators website. "... We just kind of came to the determination that it's hard to get around the ice now. Made the decision to get better." Forward Clarke MacArthur (concussion), who hasn't played since Oct. 14, will take a baseline test Tuesday. He will not play.

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{allcanada} Johnson has 2 goals, Lightning top Leafs to win 7th straight

 

TORONTO -- Tyler Johnson scored twice and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 on Monday night for their seventh straight victory.

It was Johnson's first multi-goal game of the season. He was questionable to even play Monday after taking Kevan Miller's clearing attempt off his forehead in a 4-1 win at Boston on Sunday.

The Lightning's winning streak matches a season high. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 31 saves.

Nazem Kadri scored late in the third for Toronto, and Garret Sparks had 26 stops. The Leafs have lost two straight and seven of eight.

Johnson opened the scoring at 4:53 of the second period by beating a screened Sparks with a snap shot glove-side from near the top of the faceoff circle.

The Bolts forward made it 2-0 at 15:28 of the middle period by sneaking one past Sparks five-hole from the side of the net for his 11th of the season.

Brad Boyes nearly got the Leafs on the board late in the second on a power play, but his shot rang off the post.

Kadri picked up his 12th of the season, on a power play, at 17:45 of the third after getting the puck past a screened Vasilevskiy.

Sparks made his first NHL start since Dec. 17 and did his best to hold Toronto in the game during the first period as the Leafs were outshot 15-9.

Near the 12-minute mark, Sparks robbed Steven Stamkos in close as the Lightning captain couldn't get the puck up and over the rookie's left pad.

Moments later, Sparks sprawled out to stop Valtteri Filppula with the paddle of this stick.

Stamkos had his season-high six-game point streak snapped in the loss.

Tampa Bay played the second half of the game with six defensemen instead of seven after Andrej Sustr left the game with an undisclosed injury near the 7-minute mark of the second and did not return.

The Bolts have won all three meetings between the clubs this season. They'll meet again on March 15 in Toronto.

Game notes
Maple Leafs forwards Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau (muscle spasms) and
Byron Froese (broken hand) each missed their first game since getting injured. Defenseman Jason Garrison returned to Tampa Bay's lineup after missing 10 games with a lower-body injury. Prior to puck drop, the Leafs observed a moment of silence for the late Andy Bathgate, who passed away last week.

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{allcanada} Schenn's 1st career hat trick sends Flyers past Flames, 5-3

 

PHILADELPHIA -- Brayden Schenn had his first career hat trick, scoring all three goals in the first two periods and leading the Philadelphia Flyers past the Calgary Flames 5-3 Monday night.

Claude Giroux had four assists and Wayne Simmonds scored twice for the Flyers. The Flyers have won three straight and four of five as they remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Flyers held on after nearly wasting a 4-1 lead and remained three points behind Pittsburgh for the final wild-card spot in the East.

Sean Monahan, Micheal Ferland and Michael Frolik scored for Calgary.

Michael Neuvirth stopped 26 shots and won his 16th game of the season.

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{allcanada} NHL trade deadline: Five surprises from a slow day

 

The 2016 NHL trade deadline was, to put it lightly, a dud. It lacked quantity and quality. Many general managers didn't seem keen on parting with picks for rental players.

Here are the five surprises from this trade season:

Canucks hang on to Hamhuis, Vrbata. It seemed like a lock that Vancouver would move its veteran defenseman, who has a full no-trade clause, to one of the two teams (Dallas Stars, Chicago Blackhawks) that he was willing to go to. Hamhuis was not interested in going to an Eastern Conference team. Not only did general manager Jim Benning fail to close on a deal with Hamhuis, he also didn't trade forward Radim Vrbata. Both players will become unrestricted free agents July 1. This was a mistake by Vancouver's front office, which should be all about collecting young assets and picks. (Kristen Shilton)

Wild were absent. Are we to assume the Minnesota's Wild problems were all solved with the firing of coach Mike Yeo and hiring of John Torchetti? The Wild are two points out of a playoff spot, yet they didn't address their biggest need: goal scoring (they rank 17th). Minnesota had defensemen to dangle. (Jimmy Hascup)

Stars overpay for Russell. Jyrki Jokipakka, prospect Brett Pollock and a conditional second-round pick should net a better player than Russell, who is known for his shot-blocking. Dallas needed a crease clearer, someone who could make them tougher to play against in their own zone. Instead they got a guy who spends way too much by his own net; he's a 43.6% possession player. He's a bottom-pairing player. (Jimmy Hascup)

Leafs can't find partner for Parenteau. Toronto was actively shopping forward P.A. Parenteau, an unrestricted free agent this summer. GM Lou Lamoriello said after the deadline that trade talks "didn't work out." Regardless, it was a miss by the Leafs, who have spun off many of their rentals. At 32, Parenteau is having one of the best seasons of his career, and any return could have helped the rebuilding Leafs. (Kristen Shilton)

No hockey trades. We didn't see any significant player-for-player trades with guys who have term on their deals. The Edmonton Oilers didn't ship out anyone, such as Nail Yakupov. Scott Hartnell stayed in Columbus. Jonathan Drouin remained with the Tampa Bay Lightning. The upcoming draft could be eventful. (Jimmy Hascup)

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{allcanada} The winners, losers of NHL trade deadline

 

The standings are tight and that made for a lack of sellers at the NHL's trade deadline on Monday. Here are the winners and losers from the past few days' activity, or lack thereof:

Winners

1. Chicago Blackhawks: When the Blackhawks added Andrew Ladd, Dale Weise and Tomas Fleischmann over the weekend, it was like Bill Gates winning the lottery. The rich got richer. The NHL's most accomplished playoff team landed two players who will make them even stronger in the postseason. Ladd will play on the Blackhawks' top line eventually with Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. Meanwhile, Weise and Fleischmann will be secondary scorers.

Both Ladd and Weise were among the most committed hitters on their previous teams, meaning they can provide the snarl that the Blackhawks have been lacking. Ladd, Weise and Fleischmann should be on the winners' list because both came from teams out of the playoffs. It's an added bonus for Ladd because he previously played for the Blackhawks, helping them win a Stanley Cup in 2010.

It doesn't matter that the Blackhawks gave up a first-round pick and a good young player (Marko Dano) to land Ladd, and a second-round pick and Phillip Danault to acquire Weise. With three Stanley Cup titles on his resume, general manager Stan Bowman is playing with house money. You don't have to sweat the future when you are winning today.

2. Calgary Flames: General manager Brad Treliving hit a home run on the return he received for moving feisty, shot-blocking defenseman Kris Russell to the Dallas Stars.

No one doubts Russell's ability to help the Stars, but they paid a heavy price to get him. They gave up a second-round pick that becomes a first-round pick if the Stars reach the Western Conference final. There's been a resistance movement in the NHL against giving up first-round picks for rentals. Thus, it's a major win for the Flames to have a chance to end up with a first-round pick for Russell.

The Flames also received 6-3 defenseman Jyrki Jokipakka, who has 91 games of NHL experience, plus Brett Pollock, considered a B or B- prospect. He's been a 25-goal scorer in the Western Hockey League and will turn pro this season. Unquestionably, the Flames got more for Russell than anticipated.

3. Florida Panthers: Coach Gerard Gallant's team boasted strong goaltending and solid defensive play. What it lacked was secondary scoring. General manager Dale Tallon addressed that by adding Jiri Hudler and Teddy Purcell. Hudler adds flash and Purcell gives them a steady contributor. Tallon paid a reasonable price in both trades

The moves sent an important message to the players and to the team's fan base.

4.Boston Bruins: Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don't make. That is probably true for the Bruins, who decided not to trade Loui Eriksson, an unrestricted free agent this summer. They also acquired veteran defenseman John-Michael Liles (from the Carolina Hurricanes) and versatile forward Lee Stempniak (from the New Jersey Devils).

The Bruins' most pressing need was an all-around defenseman, and Liles fits that description. He also has played in more than 800 games. General manager Don Sweeney gave up a third- and fifth-round pick plus prospect Anthony Camara. It's a modest payment, considering what the Stars paid for Russell.

Stempniak, meanwhile, can play a variety of roles. He is highly-competitive, and he should be a solid complementary player.

5. Carolina Hurricanes: Because Eric Staal, Kris Versteeg and Liles were not part of the Hurricanes' future plans, the Hurricanes looked to gain young assets and draft picks. The Hurricanes turned them into two second-round picks from the New York Rangers, a third-rounder (2016) and a fifth-rounder (2017) from the Boston Bruins, a conditional fifth-round pick (from Los Angeles), plus prospects Valentin Zykov (from Los Angeles), Aleksi Saarela (from Rangers) and Camara. At 19, Saarela is the top scorer for his Finnish Elite League team. Meanwhile, Zykov is now Carolina's best right wing prospect.

Losers

1. Vancouver Canucks: Given what the Flames received for Russell, Vancouver fans have to be disappointed that Canucks general manager Jim Benning couldn't, or didn't, move defenseman Dan Hamhuis. He is considered a better player than Russell.

In fairness, Hamhuis held the cards because he had a no-trade clause. He didn't want to go to the Eastern Conference, but he was OK with trades to the Stars or Blackhawks. Why couldn't a trade get done with them? The Canucks also didn't move Radim Vrbata, who will also be an unrestricted free agent. The Canucks are eight points out of a playoff spot, and they are not considered close to being a contender. They added nothing for the future.

2. Brooks Laich (Toronto Maple Leafs): The poor guy was a high-character leader on the Washington Capitals through lean times. He was there for 12 seasons. Then, with their best opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, he is traded to a rebuilding team in Toronto. It's bad luck for a player with a reputation for being a good man.

3.  Jonathan Drouin (Tampa Bay Lightning): The young winger took a calculated risk when he asked for a trade earlier in the season, and then decided to go home after playing a few games with Syracuse Crunch in the American Hockey League.

General manager Steve Yzerman looked at his options, but he didn't like the offers. Because Drouin is under contract through next season, Yzerman had the leverage and he used it. Now Drouin sits at home looking at the possibility that he won't play the rest of the season.

Had he played in Syracuse, Drouin would have had 20 scouts watching him every game.

4. NHL fans: Trade deadline day is always one of the league's most important days, especially in Canada where television networks have gavel-to-gavel coverage. People play hooky from school and work to watch coverage. It's like Christmas day and everyone gets a present. Contending teams receive help for their playoff run and losing teams get help for the future. But this year's trade deadline day was a dud, consisting of 19 trades involving 37 players. Why? Because too many teams are in contention. Also, general managers have decided that paying exorbitant prices for rental properties is not in their teams' best interests.

5. New York Islanders: GM Garth Snow has built a quality team, but it feels as if the Islanders could use a boost heading into the playoffs. No one wanted them to move their potential free agents, such as Kyle Okposo or Frans Nielsen. There was no consensus from their fan base about what the Islanders should do, but everyone wanted them to do something. They elected to only to make a minor deal by adding Shane Prince from the Ottawa Senators.

The Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning were the only prime contenders in the Eastern Conference that didn't make a significant addition.

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{allcanada} Ellen Page Named A SXSW Keynote Speaker

Ellen Page The East
 

Ellen Page and Ian Daniel co-creators of the documentary series Gaycation, have been named as the last Keynote speakers at the South By Southwest Film Festival, the organization has announced. The pair will discuss their careers, as well as cultural attitudes toward LGBTQ people and the larger equality movement on Saturday, March 12 at 11:00 AM. Previously announced keynote speakers include Nelson George, Gale Anne Hurd and Joe Swanberg.

Gaycation sees Page and Daniel traveling to different cities the world over and exploring their local LGBTQ communities. The four-part series' first episode premiered this week on Viceland and featured a trip to Japan.

SXSW 2016 takes place in Austin, Texas from March 11-19 with the Film Festival featuring discussions with Jake Gyllenhaal, Sarah Green, Don Cheadle, Joel Edgerton, Gaby Hoffmann, Joe Berlinger and Barbara Kopple, Andrew Bujalski and David Lowery, Ken Burns and Henry Louis Gates, Louis Black and Leonard Maltin, J.J. Abrams and Andrew Jarecki, Geena Davis, Sam Esmail, Rami Malek, Christian Slater, and Kerry Washington. See more here.

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{allcanada} OILERS (23-34-7) at SABRES (25-31-7)

 

OILERS (23-34-7) at SABRES (25-31-7)

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET; SNW, MSG-B, NHL.TV

Season series: Forward Taylor Hall had a goal and an assist to help the Edmonton Oilers to a 4-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 6 at Rexall Place. Rookie forward Jack Eichel opened the scoring for the Sabres.

Oilers team scope: Forward Connor McDavid, the No. 1 pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, was sidelined by a fractured clavicle the first time these teams played, so this will be his first showdown with Eichel, the No. 2 pick. Edmonton begins a four-game road trip fresh off a flurry of activity Monday. The Oilers acquired forward Patrick Maroon from the Anaheim Ducks for a minor league player and a draft pick, and claimed forward Adam Cracknell on waivers from the Vancouver Canucks and defenseman Adam Pardy from the Winnipeg Jets on Monday. "I know (Todd McLellan) is a coach that likes hard work and that's what I want to bring," Cracknell told the Oilers website. Defenseman Brandon Davidson and goaltender Laurent Brossoit were signed to new two-year contracts. Davidson had a goal and an assist when Edmonton ended a seven-game losing streak (0-5-2) with a 3-1 win against the New York Islanders on Sunday. Forward Benoit Pouliot sustained a shoulder injury against the Islanders; McLellan said Pouliot would have tests to determine its severity but is out long-term.

Sabres team scope: This is the start of a three-game homestand for Buffalo, which traded forward Jamie McGinn to the Ducks on Monday for a conditional third-round draft pick. The Sabres allowed four goals on a three-game California road trip but won once; they were shut out in each of the losses. "We played well but not good enough," Eichel told the Buffalo News. "We weren't opportunistic at the times we needed to be. You come away from three games only scoring two goals and an empty-netter. Not enough. Puck possession needs to get better. We threw too many pucks away." Eichel is second on Buffalo in goals (17, three-way tie) and points (41), but doesn't have a point in his past four games and has one goal in his past 13 games. "He wants to be able to put the puck in the net for our team and help us win," coach Dan Bylsma said. "That's where the frustration level is for Jack. He's played three games in California against three big teams and some tough centermen to play, and he's felt that."

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{allcanada} PANTHERS (35-19-8) at JETS (26-31-4)

 

PANTHERS (35-19-8) at JETS (26-31-4)

TV: 8 p.m. ET; FS-F, TSN3, NHL.TV

Season series: The Florida Panthers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 3-1 at BB&T Center on Feb. 20. Panthers forward Jaromir Jagr scored twice and goalie Roberto Luongo made 29 saves.

Panthers team scope: Forwards Jiri Hudler and Teddy Purcell will make their Florida debut after being acquired in separate trades this past weekend. Goaltender Al Montoya (upper body) is out, but coach Gerard Gallant said it is not expected to be a long-term injury, according to the Miami Herald. Goaltender Mike McKenna was recalled from Portland of the American Hockey League on an emergency basis to replace Montoya. Along with the trade of forward Brandon Pirri to the Anaheim Ducks, defenseman Jakub Kindl, who was also acquired in a trade this past weekend, was recalled from Portland; defenseman Michael Matheson and forward Gregg McKegg were sent to Portland. "This gives us depth at all positions," general manager Dale Tallon told the Panthers website. "These guys give us solid experience, playmaking ability, good hockey sense and just completes our team a little bit more and more options. It takes an army to get to the playoffs and hopefully when we get in they could take us deeper."

Jets team scope: It's the start of a five-game homestand for Winnipeg, which split road games at the Dallas Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday and Saturday, respectively. Goaltender Ondrej Pavelec is expected to start Tuesday, but coach Paul Maurice has not confirmed. Defenseman Adam Pardy was claimed off waivers by the Edmonton Oilers, but Maurice said that there will not be a player recalled from Manitoba of the AHL to replace him. "[Paul Postma] will come in and play on a regular basis," Maurice said. Forward Mathieu Perreault (personal) did not practice, but he is expected to play.

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{allcanada} Thiering Continues Record Run in Alberta

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Erica Thiering endured the most difficult year of her racing career and still came out a champion, continuing one of the most dominant runs of success in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Thiering, 25, captured the 2015 track championship at Edmonton International Raceway and the accompanying Alberta provincial crown for the fifth year in a row and the seventh time in eight seasons.

During that timeframe only Keith Rocco's eight consecutive championships in Connecticut is better among the 31 U.S. state and Canada provinces that were represented in the Whelen All-American Series program in 2015.

Despite racking up five wins, 10 top fives and 11 top 10s in 12 national points races in the late model super stock division at Edmonton, Thiering faced multiple challenges to keep her streak alive.

A checkered flag in the season finale gave her a come-from-behind championship victory to retain the track and province crowns by a final score of 171-163 over Ian Wilson in NASCAR points and 604-596 in the track standings.

"We ended up winning it on the last night," Thiering said. "With three or four races to go we were in fourth place in points. It just so happened that it all turned around. We had our bad luck at the beginning of the season and they (the other contenders) had their bad luck at the end of the season."

Despite the confidence built by sustained success through the years, the Sherwood Park, Alberta, native all but came to terms with the potential end to her championship streak as the season progressed.

"When I didn't think I was going to win, it wasn't going to be the end of the world," Thiering said. "Ian did a really fantastic job this year, so I didn't mind if I lost because it would have been well-deserved for him. The fact that we ended up pulling it through in the very last race was pretty phenomenal."

Thiering branched out from her Alberta home base the last two seasons to run part-time in the NASCAR Pinty's Series. She made six appearances in the Canadian touring series in 2015, and faced adversity there as well.

"That was probably one of my more trying seasons between here and in the Pinty's Series," Thiering said. "It just seemed like if we were going to do well, something happened, but every racer kind of has that year at some point. It definitely ended well for us though."

Thiering's championship-winning No. 96 Pontiac is owned by her father, Ron, who also operates Edmonton International Raceway along with her mother, Loretta. The No. 96 was maintained with the help of crew chief Kevin Grimstead and team members Rob Settes and Rob Hildebrand.

Following the remarkable run at her home track, Thiering is looking to branch out even more in 2016. She's seeking more opportunities to compete on the Pinty's Series and will start off the season down in Nevada running a Whelen All-American Series super late model at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Time will tell how those two ventures progress, but Thiering figures to return to compete at Edmonton on occasion, although she will likely relinquish the track and province titles this year.

Edmonton's 2016 season will commence on May 14 with the first NASCAR Whelen All-American Series features of the year.

Established in 1982, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series is NASCAR's national championship program for weekly short track auto racing. In all, 57 paved and dirt tracks throughout the United States and Canada participated in 2015.

Connecticut-based Whelen Engineering is the series' title sponsor. Whelen Engineering is a leading manufacturer of automotive, aviation, industrial and emergency vehicle lighting. NASCAR tracks and pace cars are among the many showcases for Whelen products.

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{allcanada} Brown to make Canadiens debut vs. Sharks

 

CANADIENS (30-27-5) at SHARKS (33-22-6)

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET; RDS, SNE, CSN-CA; NHL.TV

SAN JOSE -- Forward Mike Brown will make his debut for the Montreal Canadiens on Monday at SAP Center against the San Jose Sharks, who had placed him on waivers Sunday.

The Canadiens claimed Brown on Monday. He skated on the fourth line with Michael McCarron and former Sharks forward Torrey Mitchell during the morning skate.

Brown, 30, will move into the lineup in place of forward Devante Smith-Pelly, who was traded Monday to the New Jersey Devils for forward Stefan Matteau.

"It's a positive, going to a team that wants you and needs you," Brown said. "That's the way I'm looking at it now. It's kind of crazy how it unfolded. I got put on waivers and it went all the way to just about 9 this morning when I found out. It was almost like 24 hours. I got the call and it was pretty crazy. Same day, same team, going back and playing these guys. It should be interesting. I'd never really seen it happen where a player gets traded away then playing the same team."

The Canadiens will be Brown's sixth NHL team. In 393 games he has 18 goals, 34 points and 751 penalty minutes. In 44 games this season with the Sharks he had one goal, two assists and 63 penalty minutes. He's expected to add some grit to the Canadiens.

"That's my game; that's my playing style," Brown said. "I know I have to play the same way. I'm not going to change anything. I know that's why they're bringing me in here. That's the way I'm going to play. Hopefully it's a good fit here."

Sharks coach Peter DeBoer said he was happy that Brown is getting a chance to play for another team and potentially earn an NHL contract for next season. He had appeared in two of the Sharks' past 14 games.

Canadiens rookie goaltender Mike Condon, who was named NHL Third Star of the Week on Monday, will start his fifth straight game. He made 31 saves in the Canadiens' 4-1 victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.

Sharks goaltender Martin Jones will start his ninth straight game. He made 23 saves Sunday in San Jose's 4-1 victory against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Jones is 30-17-4 with a 2.33 goals-against average and .917 save percentage in 52 games this season.

The Sharks, despite playing back to back games, will use the same lineup they used against Vancouver.

Here are the projected lineups:

CANADIENS
Max Pacioretty - Tomas Plekanec - Brendan Gallagher
Alex Galchenyuk - Lars Eller - Sven Andrighetto
Paul Byron - Jacob De La Rose - Phillip Danault
Torrey Mitchell - Michael McCarron - Mike Brown

Andrei Markov - P.K. Subban
Alexei Emelin - Greg Pateryn
Victor Bartley - Mark Barberio

Mike Condon
Ben Scrivens

Injured: Carey Price (lower body), Jeff Petry (lower body), Daniel Carr (knee), David Desharnais (broken left foot), Brian Flynn (lower body), Tom Gilbert (lower body), Nathan Beaulieu (lower body)
Scratched:
Lucas Lessio, Morgan Ellis

SHARKS
Tomas Hertl - Joe Thornton - Joe Pavelski
Patrick Marleau - Logan Couture - Joonas Donskoi
Matt Nieto - Nick Spaling - Joel Ward
Melker Karlsson - Chris Tierney - Dainius Zubrus

Marc-Edouard Vlasic - Justin Braun
Paul Martin - Brent Burns
Brenden Dillon - Roman Polak

Martin Jones
Aaron Dell

Injured: Tommy Wingels (sprained left shoulder)
Scratched:
Dylan DeMelo, Matt Tennyson

Status update: Sharks backup goaltender James Reimer, who was acquired Saturday from the Toronto Maple Leafs, continued dealing with what DeBoer said were immigration issues Monday and will miss his second straight game since being acquired. ... Price is not on the road trip but skated in full equipment in Montreal.

Who's hot: Galchenyuk has three goals in his past two games. ... Markov has one goal and five assists during a five-game point streak. ... Vlasic has 13 points in his past 14 games. ... Pavelski has one goal and three assists in his past four games.

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