Hockey News Weekend Edition

Canadiens coach Guy Carbonneau made it clear that his No. 1 goaltender on Oct. 3 will be Cristobal Huet and despite the critics calling for Carey Price to take Huet’s job, the statistics tell a different story.

The National Hockey League has issued its verdict on the Flyers’ Steve Downie. Colin Campbell, the NHL’s executive vice-president and director of hockey operations has suspended Downie for 20-games for this hit on Dean McAmmond.

With Scott Niedermayer sidelined for at least the start of the season as he mulls retirement, the Ducks handed his captaincy to fellow star blueliner Chris Pronger on Friday.

The NHL violated antitrust laws and is acting like “an illegal cartel” by monopolizing control of team promotions, Madison Square Garden claimed in a lawsuit Friday.

Philadelphia Flyers forward Scottie Upshall will likely be sidelined for six weeks because of a broken wrist. Forward R.J. Umberger is out two weeks with a broken pinky finger.

The top female hockey players in Eastern Canada have a league to play in this year with the formation of the seven-team Canadian Women’s Hockey League — thanks to the efforts of several star players.

Brent Sopel has left the camp of the Detroit Red Wings and signed a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Sopel signed a one-year contract with the Blackhawks, believed to be worth $1.5 million.

Toronto fans hope the acquisition of Vesa Toskala takes their Maple Leafs to the next level. More often than not, the goaltender is the missing piece of the puzzle.