NHL roundup: Keenan to coach in Russia
Former NHL coach Mike Keenan signed a contract to coach in Russia.
Keenan, currently an analyst for the MSG Network, announced via Twitter from the Ural Mountains on Monday morning that he will coach Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL.
"Just signed contract with Magnitogorsk of KHL," he wrote. "Looking forward to new coaching opportunity!"
Metallurg Magnitogorsk later announced the signing on its website.
Keenan coached the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers and Calgary Flames from 1984-2009. He won a Stanley Cup during his one season with the Rangers in 1994.
Keenan is known as "Iron Mike" because of his tough style that has worn quickly on players. However, he is fifth on the NHL's all-time coaching wins list with 672.
---The NHL announced part of the schedule for the Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinal round.
The round starts Tuesday with the Pittsburgh Penguins hosting the Ottawa Senators at 7:30 p.m. ET and the Los Angeles Kings at home against the San Jose Sharks at 10 p.m. ET. Game 1 of the series between the host Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings is Wednesday at 8 p.m.
The league will announce the remainder of the semifinals schedule after Monday night's games.
---Derek Boogaard's family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against the NHL, according to multiple reports.
The family claims the league is responsible for the brain damage that Boogaard sustained during six seasons in the league, and for his addiction to prescription painkillers. Boogaard died from an accidental overdose of pain medication and alcohol in May of 2011 at age 28. He was later diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a degenerative brain ailment caused by blows to the head.
---The NHL rejected an offer from California businessman Darin Pastor to buy the Phoenix Coyotes and keep them in Glendale, Ariz., according to TVA Sports.
Pastor submitted a bid on Friday to purchase the Coyotes, who are currently owned by the league. But NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly told TVA Sports, "The offer is not one that the NHL is interested in pursuing, and we have informed Mr. Pastor of that."
