Kovalev, Stillman updates

Just a couple of quick notes on new faces in (sort of) new places:

* Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma told a local radio station this morning that new additions James Neal and Alex Kovalev will join Jordan Staal on the Penguins' top line. He also said Kovalev will be on the point for the team's top power play unit. Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Kovalev was on the right point this morning with Kris Letang next to him and Neal, Staal and Tyler Kennedy up front.

It's not Crosby-Hossa-Malone-Malkin-Gonchar, but it's also not the Wilkes-Barre unit, either.

* Cory Stillman will play on Carolina's top line with Eric Staal and Erik Cole, so says Chip Alexander of the Raleigh News & Observer. He also reports that Stillman spent the night at Cole's house in his return to Raleigh. Grabbing Stillman on the cheap was another deft move by Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford, who gives his team a little boost without costing any keys assets (prospects or high picks) moving forward.

Don't think the top teams in the East aren't a little concerned about seeing Cam Ward in the first round of the playoffs -- he doesn't lose in that round.

Back to top