The Fifth Liners

On paper, David Legwand and the Detroit Red Wings go together better than strawberries and cream, gin and tonic or Tortorella and shouting. In a surprise move on deadline day, the Michigan native traded in his Nashville Predators jersey for the winged wheel, in exchange for Patrick Eaves, Calle Jarnkrok and a draft pick. It's hard to understand what goes on some of the decisions made by the Wings' management sometimes (Brunner to the Devils?) but this move seems to be inspired. Legwand is exactly the skater that the Wings need right now. With injuries threatening to curtail the teams' playoff hopes, bringing in the experienced centre could be a stroke of genius. So far this season, Eaves has contributed five points from 25 games. Legwand has amassed 40 points this season, as many as Shea Weber. Legwand, the 1998 2nd overall draft pick has spent his whole NHL career at Nashville and is the franchises leading goal scorer and assist provider. He waived his no-trade clause ...

In news that will surprise nobody, there'll be no extended summer holiday period for the Chicago Blackhawks , their 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators at the United Centre last night sealed the first playoff spot for the Western. Goals by Toews , Saad , Shaw , Bickell and Kane did the job for the Hawks. Although Legwand , Spaling and Weber all netted for the Preds, they continued Nashville's season-long tradition of losing to Chicago. Nashville are sat 13th in the conference and while mathematically they have a chance of a playoff spot, it would take a huge stroke of luck to be in with a chance of reaching the cup. At the other end of the conference, the Detroit Red Wings made life more difficult by losing 1-0 to St. Louis Blues at the Joe Louis. Blues Chris Porter  scored the only goal in what was a very tight game. The Wings' offense out-shot the Blues but were unable to find the back of the net. Goalies Brian Elliot and Jimmy Howard took the 1st and 2nd star...