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About Denis Gorman

HPT's Atlantic Division beat writer, Denis Gorman is based in New York City. He covers the Rangers, Islanders and Devils for Metro Newspaper and writes NHL freelance stories for Yahoo Sports.

A lifelong hockey fan, Denis is always willing to talk about the greatest sport the world has ever known.

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Pat Burns released from Florida hospital Print
Atlantic
Written by Denis Gorman   
Friday, April 09, 2010 16:06
Atlantic Division notebook:

According to a Montreal radio station, Pat Burns’ wife said that her husband returned home after spending four days in Florida hospital.

Burns suffers from lung and colon cancer. The three-time Jack Adams Award winner compiled a 501-353-165 record as the head coach of the Canadiens, Maple Leafs, Bruins and Devils. He was behind the Devils’ bench when they won their third Cup in 2002-03. Despite his remarkable success, the Hockey Hall of Fame told The Hockey News’ Ken Campbell that an accelerated process to welcome the coach into the hallowed grounds “would be highly unlikely." Burns was honored last week when a rink in Stanstead, Quebec, was named after him.

In other Devils news:

Before losing 3-2 to old friend Scott Clemmensen and the Panthers Thursday, New Jersey captain Jamie Langenbrunner complained to reporters that he did not understand why coach Jacques Lemaire scratched him for the 4-0 win in Carolina, yet still had him travel with the team. Lemaire admitted to having been “surprised” but he and general manager Lou Lamoriello do not believe “it’s a problem.” … Martin Brodeur earned his 600th NHL win and 110th NHL shutout in Tuesday’s 3-0 win in Atlanta. Brodeur holds the NHL all-time record in those categories. … Ilya Kovalchuk admitted that contract negotiations will be on the back burner until the Devils’ playoff run concludes. Last week, HPT.com noted that the New York Post beseeched the Devils to re-sign Kovalchuk.

 

NEW YORK RANGERS

With two games remaining in their 2009-10 campaign, the New York Rangers find themselves in perfect position to clinch a playoff berth. All they have to do was to win both games in this weekend’s home-and-home with the Flyers. The New York Post detailed the Rangers’ playoff picture Friday morning. … Going into the Atlantic Division showdown, the Rangers had won six of 10 and totaled 13 points. … In his second season, Tampa’s Steven Stamkos has become one of the league’s premier snipers. According to the Post, there was a very real opportunity for Stammer to don a Ranger sweater. Stamkos is tied with Alex Ovechkin for second in the league in goals scored with 48, one behind Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby. ... Fans named this end-to-end rush by Marc Staal against Florida the moment of the week on the Rangers' Web site:

 





PHILADELPHIA

One issue hanging over the Flyers’ heads this season is a perceived lack of leadership. With a selfless act, high-scoring center Jeff Carter may display the kind of guidance that legends are made of. The Flyers’ Web site reported Wednesday that Carter was cleared to practice with the team Thursday, and could play in the season-concluding home-and-home with the Rangers Friday and Sunday. On The Fly, the Flyers’ official blog, detailed Carter's participation in Thursday’s practice and Friday’s optional skate at Madison Square Garden. Carter, who broke his foot two weeks ago, leads the team in goals with 33 and is tied with Mike Richards for the team lead in points with 60 and … Richards was named a finalist for the Bridgestone Ultimate Leader Award on Wednesday. The award is voted on by fans and the winner is decided upon by Mark Messier.

 

PITTSBURGH

The final regular-season game at The Igloo won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Prior to the Penguins’ 7-3 rout of the Islanders, organizational legends were feted at center ice. Then Sidney Crosby proved once again why he’ll join them in time, torching the Isles for five points (a goal and four assists), including the 500th of his stellar NHL career. … Alex Ponikarovsky was suspended for Saturday’s game in Atlanta and Sunday’s season finale on Long Island for boarding Josh Bailey. … The Pens finished the regular season with a less-than-stellar 0-9-1 record against New Jersey and Washington. The Capitals are the top seed in the playoffs while, as of this writing, New Jersey is currently second in the East.

 

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Even with the loss in Pittsburgh, the Islanders are concluding the season “strong,” according to Blake Comeau. The Isles have won six of 10. ... D Mark Flood was returned on loan to AHL affiliate Bridgeport on Tuesday. He had one assist in six games. ... C Greg Mauldin was recalled from Bridgeport on Thursday.

 

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Last Updated on Friday, April 09, 2010 17:41