April 1 can be so much fun.
With factual reports that owners of the Edmonton Oilers had been in discussions with Quebecor earlier this week, the CBC decided to have a little fun with it. I guess a few early-morning risers jumped on it, as even RogersSportnet carried the story, citing it as a Canadian Press release.
Not bad, but putting the sub-headline of moving the club killed it.
EOTP contributor Andrew Berkshire passed this one on to me yesterday evening (March 31). The “breaking news” quotes Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux stating that Matt Cooke is done in the Steel City. The writer with the scoop, Rolland Netzer, translates to “A nerd Zen troll.” Pretty good joke but next time post it on the right date, April 1.
Rick Moffat chooses his biggest April Fool…Hey look, it’s Mark Recchi of the Boston Bruins!
Back to reality..
Max Pacioretty spent time on the ice Friday with Andrei Markov and the Montreal Canadiens strength and conditioning coach Pierre Allard. Just baby steps, but a promising start to Pacioretty’s rehab. Jaroslav Spacek also practiced with a white non-contact jersey.
The good news, the New Jersey Devils lost Friday night. The bad news is, the Habs have to play them in Joisey on Saturday night. Even worse, Zach Parise is scheduled to make his return. The Devils’ left winger has been on IR since October 31and has 20 points (11 goals) in 21 career games against the Canadiens.
Bulldogs make All-Star team: The Hamilton Bulldogs Nigel Dawes and Curtis Sanford were named to the AHL’s Second All-Star Team. One has to wonder where Pacioretty and David Desharnais would have faired, had they not been called up.
