AP The mass exodus of NHLers continues.
Over the weekend, two members of the Winnipeg Jets — goalie Ondrej Pavelec and winger Alexei Ponikarovsky — wasted no time finding work and signed with European clubs.
The first was Pavelec, who inked with HC Ocelari Trinec of the Czech Extraliga.
Trinec, the 2011 Extraliga champion, currently employs a couple of ex-NHLers, including Radek Bonk — the No. 3 overall pick at the 1994 draft — and Vaclav Varada.
It’s not surprising Pavelec returned to play in his native land, though it will be curious to see how the Jets monitor the situation, given he was charged with a DUI in the Czech Republic during the summer. Just months prior to the DUI charge, Pavelec signed a five-year, $19.5 million deal with Winnipeg.
As for the other Jet heading abroad, Ponikarovsky has inked a deal with Donbass Donetsk of the KHL.
The KHL’s lone representative from Ukraine, Donbass already snapped up another current NHLer (Flyers forward and Ukraine native Ruslan Fedotenko) to go along with its slew of ex-NHLers (Oskars Bartulis, Evgeni Dadonov, Erik Ersberg, Lukas Kaspar, Vaclav Nederost and Karel Pilar.)
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“It’s been pretty quiet for a while now.”
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“(Gillis’) fault all the way.”
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Additionally, Chicago will play Detroit and the Kings will host the Sharks.
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Thursday’s collection of links
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They rank first and second in shorthanded goals in the 2013 playoffs.
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It initially made it look like he suffered an injury.
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AHL Bruins blow 3-0 series lead against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
May 22, 2013, 11:40 PM EDT
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Trent Whitfield has now been on the wrong end of history twice.
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John Tortorella would be proud.
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The Penguins “have too much depth.”
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Ottawa’s strong first period was wasted.
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Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
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He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
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Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
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He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
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Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
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Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
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His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
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Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
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“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
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“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
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Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
