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Sunday Links: Lehtonen Gets More Aggressive In The Crease

Posted on by Shawn Ladd

After allowing some goals on some goalie Interference calls that didn’t go his way, Lehtonen was more overt in clearing the crease against the Flames and Oilers.

I think I just needed to do something different,” Lehtonen said. “It’s important to tell them that I don’t want them in there, and I also think it’s important for the referees to see that. If they bump into me and nobody notices, they think they can get away with more and more.

Lehtonen had 69 saves on 73 shots in the 1st two games of the Western Canadian road trip and was using any means necessary to clear the crease to make a save.

I don’t feel angry, I don’t feel I’m any different,” Lehtonen said. “I just want to see the puck and have a chance to stop the puck. I guess I am fighting for that space more. I think I just said, ‘Enough is enough.’ I probably let a couple [of calls] go by trying to remove myself from it or be above it and not let it bother me, but then I think this way can work, too.

More here from Mike Heika. (DMN)

Patrick Sharp who has been out of the lineup since mid October could be ready to go today. Even though he is skating Jason Spezza is still dealing with pain and Coach Ruff would like for him to practice before inserting him into a game. (Blackout Dallas)

Early start time for today’s game(3 PM) with the Canucks. Preview (NHL)

The Texas Stars lost last night 8-5 to split the two game series with the San Jose Barracuda. Both starting goaltenders were pulled in this one. (100 Degree Hockey)

Sean Shapiro’s Prospects Report looks at how Remi Elie is having a better 2nd year in Cedar Park. (Wrong Side of the Red Line)

Only three of last night’s games involved Central Division (MDK) teams:

The Blue Jackets doubled up the Blues 8-4. (St. Louis Game Time)

Predators goalie Pekka Rinne made 27 saves to shutout the Ducks 5-0. (On the Forecheck)

The Wild had some struggles in their loss to the Flyers 3-2. (Hockey Wilderness)

Jets center Mark Scheifele is currently leading the league in points and could be considered an overlooked star. (Fan Rag)

Sheifele and Avalanche Captain Gabriel Landeskog are speaking out  about their concussion experiences to help effect change (Sports Illustrated)

Along those same lines the upcoming GM meetings are going to look at changing the rules for hits to the head. (Sportsnet)

Rene Bourque who earned a contract with the Avalanche, out of training camp is providing some unexpected scoring. (Mile High Sports)

After a slow start the Predators are turning things around. (Pred Lines)

One month into 2016-17 season the Hockey News looks at 7 things (THN)

Leafs Auston Matthews who wowed the crowd with 4 goals opening night is experiencing a goal drought. (Editor in Leaf)

The Hockey Hall of Fame induction ceremony is Monday night, a look at who is a member of this year’s class. (Fear the Fin)

One member of that class Sergei Makarov famed member of the KLM Line is hoping more Russians make it into the HOF. (NHL)

A deeper look Makarov’s hockey career. (ESPN)

Who will play for Team Canada in the 2018 Olympics if NHL players don’t get a chance to play? (CBC Sports)

Wayne Gretzky took time to talk about the only 2 fights he had in his career. (Sportsnet)

Finally yesterday was 10 days to the team name announcement for Las Vegas:

Talking Points