Live Blogging The Deadline

I'm at Ryan's house having a live blog deadline party, head over to the Roost for some trade updates.

Timmy News

TSN's Darren Dreger has made me alittle bit happier before I go to sleep before this deadline day with a little blog post about Timmy.

The Buffalo Sabres are working hard to extend star forward Tim Connolly's contract.

Sources tell TSN Sabres general manager Darcy Regier and Connolly's agent JP Barry are making progress in negotiations.

However, the discussions remain at a delicate stage as the two sides are starting to zero in on a term both are comfortable with.

It's still too early to say Connolly's name should be removed from the list of players rumoured to be on the move, but based on negotiations on Tuesday it appears there's a greater chance of Connolly staying in Buffalo than there is of him being moved.

Further details on Wednesday.

Hey, It is better than Bucky's post. Happy Deadline Day!

Tradecentre

So tomorrow is the deadline, Ryan and I have made plans to pull out the laptops and sit in front of his glorious television all day tomorrow. I'm pretty stoked. We may do a live blog so check back tomorrow for that.

Bucky wrote that Biron is coming back to Buffalo. Seriously how does Gleason have a job and I'm unemployed? "The Sabres could use a goalie." Sorry Bucky, Lalime is doing pretty decent in his little run, and goaltending isn't the teams problems. Maybe write an article how Gary Roberts was put on waivers and the Sabres should pick him up, you know someone who has something the team needs? Grit? Experience? Is tonight's post by Bucky saying how Darcy wants Miro back?

Sorry. I get all worked up sometimes.

In some real news, Minnesota signed Niklas Backstrom to a four-year deal, which eliminates any of those rumours about him going to Philly. I got pretty excited this morning when I got a text from Ralph saying the Bills signed someone, only to be let down that it wasn't Coles but Corey McIntyre. Crowell and Greer are still UFAs yet to be signed.

Bears And Bulls

So the trade dead line is just 19 days away, I guess I'll do a break down on a few teams a day I suppose.


East-

Boston-Sitting on top of the East with a healthy 12 point lead the Bruins are obviously trying to make the long run for the Cup. Marc Savard and Phil Kessel are having strong years at centre, as well as 2nd year player David Krejci. A note of concern comes from the winger position, where Michael Ryder is sidelined for a few weeks with a fractured bone similar to Vaneks injury, and centre Patrice Bergeron whom suffered a concussion in late December which may come back to haunt him. They have a solid defence led by the giant Zedeno Chara, and former Buffalo draftee Dennis Wideman. Andrew Ferance is coming back off a leg injury that's kept him out of the line up for two months. They may try and look for a veteran who can offer the team some decent grit and experence, Keith Tkachuk who seems to be on the block every year might be a solid choice for a deep run come April.

New Jersey-Honestly I'm terrified of this team, this is a Devils team sitting in 2nd in the East with out the legendary Marty Brodeur, Scotty Clemmensen has stepped up as a notable goaltender and the usual defencive powerhouse Devils have found offencive gems in North Dakota products Travis Zajac and Zach Parise. They have a solid line up of veterans consisting of Elias,Langenbrunner,Gionta,Zubrus,Rolston,Holik and Pandolfo. It seems they already have found their rental player in Brendan Shanahan and are getting solid defence from David Oduya and Bryce Salvador. I really don't see the Devils making any major moves come deadline, maybe another D to help out in the run?

Washington-Sitting at 3rd, Ovie has his Caps looking for a decent run, that 2004 draft is really shining in the light over in Washington, with other first round pick Mike Green lighting the lamp nightly on the blue line, another excellent season for Semin, and its looking like youngster Nicklas Backstrom is getting comfortable in the NHL. They have good veteran leaders such a Kozlov,Nylander and Fedorov. Problems with this team is Mike Green is the only notable defenceman, well there's Tom Poti... and Jose Theodore is still their starting goaltender. Wouldn't Bouwmeester make a nice fit playing with Green and Ovie, or even Chris Pronger.

Philadelphia-Boy how has this team gone down the drain, Jeff Carter somehow with his wonderful skating style is among the league leaders in goals, Briere has played in a whopping 9 games this year, and there is a goaltender controversy starting between Biron and Niittymaki, both whom are free agents this coming summer so I wouldn't doubt one of them finding a new home. Also on the block is Lupul and according to TSN so is Scottie Upshall. I really wouldn't be surprised if the Flyers miss the playoffs all together.