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Here are your Evening Puck Headlines and Previews: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• The return of Claude Lemieux, at least to the AHL, has stirred some interesting debate. Chuq over on Two for Elbowing, a Sharks fan, doesn't believe we'll ever see Claude make the parent team. "I have to admit I have mixed feelings about this; I never forgave him for the hit he made on Draper -- but I cheered his Conn Smythe, because my god, he earned it. He's a heck of a player with a real edge. Personally, though, I'm not sure I'd want to see him take a teal jersey away from some of the other guys in the system." [Two for Elbowing]

• Meanwhile, Eric McErlain explains why he's rooting for Claude Lemieux to make the San Jose Sharks, and believes you should be, too. [The Sporting Blog]

Preview: St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators (7 p.m. EST; TV: VS). NHL.com is pimping Chris Mason's return to Nashville, so we can only assume the former Predators goalie gets the start tonight for the Blues. St. Louis is 2-0 without injured center Andy McDonald. Nashville has to feel pretty good having survived a rough stretch in their schedule. Check out the Preds tonight on Versus. They're a fun team.

• The Forechecker makes the case for Shea Weber to be an All-Star Game starter. [On the Forecheck]

• Hey, remember how NBC followed the Winter Classic last season with "The Music of Seal on Ice"? According to Steve Lepore, NBC has decided to follow the next edition of the Winter Classic with ... a rerun of "The Music of Seal on Ice". [Puck the Media]

Preview: Atlanta Thrashers at Toronto Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: LTV). Two teams going in the wrong direction, at least on the ice. Eyes are beginning to focus on Ilya Kovalchuk, who hasn't scored in his last four and has just six goals on the season. Lee Stempniak will be in uniform tonight for the Leafs, will Brian Burke be in the building?

• A Mats Sundin update from Tampa "Sundin's agent J.P. Barry said his client will begin serious skating this week with the hope of playing by mid to late December. But Barry said Sundin has yet to narrow his choices into a final list. Barry has said up to 10 teams have shown interest, including Tampa Bay." [Lightning Strikes]

• Something to consider in all this Sundin nuttiness: PokerStars, for which he's a spokesperson, is holding a contest in which a fan can watch a game with Mats from a VIP suite at Madison Square Garden. The game in question is a Saturday, Dec. 13 battle between the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes. So Sundin will be in NYC on that day; hey, what happens if he signs with the Rangers? [PokerStars.net, and thanks to Puck Daddy reader Rick for the tip.]

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Calgary Flames (9 p.m. EST; TV: RSW). The Kings have won just one of their last 11 games in Calgary. Erik Ersberg will be between the pipes, and Derek Armstrong is supposed to get into the lineup, according to Inside the Kings. Matthew Lombardi could be up on the top line for the Flames with Jarome Iginla and Michael Cammalleri.

• Michel Therrien calls out the Pittsburgh Penguins power play. [Steel City Sports Fan]

• Dominik from Lighthouse Hockey: "You sitting down? Because the NHL says that Elias says (why would I look this up myself?) that Joey MacDonald is the NHL's mostest greatest well-okay-winningest goalie in November so far." And DiPietro's on our fantasy team ... [Lighthouse Hockey]

• Finally, if you haven't heard of Tara Wheeler, she's a beauty queen from Virginia (2008 Miss Virginia, no less) who also happens to be a former college hockey goalie. On Frozen Blog spoke with her earlier this month. Here she is donning a Hokies sweater and playing some decent goal against the Virginia Tech team. Check out the save on that punk who decides to do a spin-o-rama on her.

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41 Comments

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  1. Greg D
    1. Posted by Greg D Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:43 pm EDT

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    I'm cheering for Claude to make it. Hell of a competitor. Maybe Claude and Darren McCarty can fight again this time winner gets the losers walker.
  2. devils rule!!!
    2. Posted by devils rule!!! Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:42 pm EDT

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    claude stay retired. please. you left the game as a 4-time winner of the stanley cup. you had a famed career. and you did mostly with my beloved new jersey deivls.you had more grit, toughness and respect for the game probably more than most of today's players, but i think that making a comeback at 43 is just asking too much. i hope others express their opinion on this matter so everyone knows how great of a player you 'were.' best of luck to you.
    devils rule
  3. Eric M.
    3. Posted by Eric M. Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:43 pm EDT

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    Yeah, bring back Claude. The title of NHL's dirtiest player has been vacant since he retired.
  4. midge
    4. Posted by midge Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:19 pm EDT

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    My understanding is that DW plans to make Lemieux AHL only...my guess is that he's trying to add some Cup and heavy duty NHL experience to the rookie experience and training at Worcester...probably has hatched a genius plan to get rookies up to NHL speed faster and better...
  5. darbschu
    5. Posted by darbschu Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:11 pm EDT

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    bring him back so he can get hurt- no respect for him
  6. mitchconnor
    6. Posted by mitchconnor Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:25 pm EDT

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    Lombardi could revert to 2006-07 form if he stays healthy and plays with those guys. Flames need some power play help, big time. Giordano is coming along nicely, though.
  7. PJ
    7. Posted by PJ Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:40 pm EDT

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    One reason Claude Lemieux will never make the San Jose Sharks: Torrey Mitchell. The best Sharks penalty killer for long stretches last season, and someone who rivals Patrick Marleau for sheer speed. He is set to return from a broken leg in early to mid December.
    Which two players will Claude Lemieux bump out of the starting lineup, Marcel Goc, Tomas Plihal, Jody Shelley or Jeremy Roenick?
  8. carl_vs_mastershake
    8. Posted by carl_vs_mastershake Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:18 pm EDT

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    Claude Lemieux left the China Sharks for the Worcester Sharks once he learned China doesn't have a year of the turtle.
  9. speedk0re
    9. Posted by speedk0re Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:35 pm EDT

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    As a Rangers fan, I must admit claude lemieux was an annoying prick. With that being said i'd love to see him come back... very fun to watch, and he could score too! Not sure how productive he can be at 43 though...
  10. knucklehead
    10. Posted by knucklehead Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    Right. He's gonna take minutes from a team that owns 1st plact right now. Sure he was a talent, but he was dying on Pro's vs. Joe's or whatever that show was. Very talented for a tough guy. My favorite quote from Claude was from an old video from the NHL highlights '95-'96 season hosted by John Davidson where he yells to his Avs bench in a strong French accent, "they cannot skate with us". I cannot tell you how often I have used this line.
  11. knucklehead
    11. Posted by knucklehead Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    I have an old '95-'96 video of Claude addressing his Avs bench, "They Cannot Skate with Us!"
    I hated the guy, but if I had a nickel for every time I have used that line I'd be rich.
  12. knucklehead
    12. Posted by knucklehead Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    Thanks Yahoo. I thought the 1st post was lost in Yahooville.
  13. Garth the Hoser
    13. Posted by Garth the Hoser Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:06 pm EDT

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    Never has a player's fame (notoriety?) so dramatically outdistanced his actual talent.
    If the 97% of pro hockey players who are/were more talented than Pepe Lemieux dog-f#cked it for 82 games and then just showed up for the spring Cup tourney, we'd be talking about Gretzky's 17 Stanley Cups or Messier's 12 Conn Smythe trophies or Glenn Anderson's 275 career playoff goals. All games would be quintuple OT because nobody would be injured heading into the playoffs, or worn down from an entire season of, you know, trying and stuff.
  14. MAC
    14. Posted by MAC Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:51 pm EDT

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    HEY!!!
    I love Seal. He is my all-time favorite artist.
    You get to listen to Seal....on ice. That's the greatest idea since playing hockey....outside.
    Plus I was at the last winter classic and missed the Seal on ice last year.
    Plus he bangs Heidi Klum.
    RESPECT THE SEAL!!!!
  15. j_n_16
    15. Posted by j_n_16 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:45 pm EDT

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    I don't care how clutch Claude has been in the post-season, bringing him up to the NHL level immediately drops the level of respect that a franchise has. Lemieux is one of the all-time worst sportsmen and one of the all-time dirtiest players ever. Period. I have no respect for a player who makes it his goal to injure others. Injuries should only result because of an accident, not from a lust for blood, or joy out of seeing others in pain. I hope for Claude's sake, he doesn't make it to the NHL, because I'd be willing to bet there are a few Red Wings left who are still looking to get at him.
  16. Al S.
    16. Posted by Al S. Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

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    I might have to make a trek to Worcester just to see Pepe play.
    I personally think the Sharks have their eyes on some Devils and they know Claude will be too irresistable to Lou come trade deadline time as he tries to complete the reunion.
    and @ Garth: Two words: Sean Avery
    Although clearly you think Lemieux has talent and that he just didn't use it.
    I'm serious though. I'm google mapping Worcester right now. I need to see Pepe play again.
  17. Rumpelstilzchen
    17. Posted by Rumpelstilzchen Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:32 pm EDT

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    I'm sure people like Gordie Howe & Bobby Clarke were dirtier, even if they would stand-up and fight. Does a willingness to fight excuse dirtiness? They often go hand-in-hand.
    Though I would like him to take out Pronger.
  18. Runnin up on ya !
    18. Posted by Runnin up on ya ! Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:47 pm EDT

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    take out Pronger? at 43 he couldnt take out dim-sum in china town.
  19. E = MC Hammer
    19. Posted by E = MC Hammer Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:43 pm EDT

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    This guy was a dirtbag when he actually had some skill. Now he is old and washed up... that means all he is good for is gooning people!
  20. onmyown
    20. Posted by onmyown Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:18 pm EDT

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    ** mighead
    Your probably right about that, and that's a smart move for the Sharks to do.
    Although, It would be awesome to see him on ice again playing pro.
    Lemieux/Avery? Who wouldn't pay to see that?
    Good luck Claude!!
  21. cm
    21. Posted by cm Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:33 pm EDT

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    I don't want to see Lemieux in teal, either. The argument for him bringing experience to the minor club, okay. But why even entertain the idea of bringing him up? If it ain't broke, Mr. Wilson, don't break it to see if you can fix it.
    GO SHARKS!!
  22. Jefe
    22. Posted by Jefe Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:05 pm EDT

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    This just in...
    The New York Rangers are in talks to bring back 43 year old Esa Tikkanen and 80 year old Gordie Howe...(who probably could still bring it!)
    This story sounds more like something the Rangers would do. The league does not need or want bush leaguers like Lemieux. I just don't understand what the Sharks could possibly gain from this. I realize that they have been bounced earlier than expected from the playoffs the last couple of years. In fact to say that they have been an underachieving franchise would not be an insult. But Lemieux? Even Super Mario wouldn't try to come back now. If Lemieux still has a longing to play hockey...it is ONLY driven by a major need for cash. Period. End of story. Hey maybe he should hit up the KLM...I hear goons and cheap shot artists ("COUGH...CHRIS SIMON") can make a bunch of money over there. And hey...It's tax free. Come on Turtle...you have to have at least ONE friend. Listen to them when they tell you to lace up your sweatpants not your skates!
  23. Billy
    23. Posted by Billy Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:47 pm EDT

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    Bring back Claude, so he can kick some more Red Wings A$$es.
  24. 5 4 fighting
    24. Posted by 5 4 fighting Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:01 pm EDT

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    Come on guys- get real, Lemieux will never make the parent club-Rheaume anyone? just publicity.
  25. colin c
    25. Posted by colin c Thu Sep 03, 2009 6:50 pm EDT

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    I only recall claude cheap shotting some wings, then getting beaten badly, then starting it up again and getting beat again, then moving on so he could stay only texas chain saw ugly, not tampa under new management ugly.

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