A Case Of The Mondays: Greg Nemisz Update/Memorial Cup Game Day

Windsor

VS.

Calgary

[Preview]

The Calgary Hitmen square off against defending Memorial Cup Champions the Windsor Spitfires today in what will probably be the most meaningful match-up of the opening stages of the tournament for both Hitmen and Flames fans. For Hitmen fans, it’s an opportunity to see how their team stacks up against last year’s champs; both teams are 1-0 after winning their first games. Windsor cruised to a lopsided victory over the host Wheat Kings and the Hitmen overcame a 3-0 deficit to defeat the Moncton Wildcats 5-4, scoring the winning goal with just over a minute remaining in the game. For Flames fans, it will be an opportunity to see prospect and 2008 first round draft pick Greg Nemisz in action. After missing the last month of the regular season and the first round of the OHL playoffs with a deep cut in his thigh that required 45 stitches to close, Nemisz’s numbers took a tumble while he struggled to return to form in the playoffs (2G, 10A, 12P in 15 post-season games), but his coach Bob Boughner feels that he’s back to 100% and, in time, will be fit for an NHL job:

“He needs another summer, but from where he came from a couple years ago to where he is now, he’s a powerful skater. He could still use some strength in his legs but he’ll be that guy once he gets that NHL speed. He’s a pretty dominant player.”

Since Nemisz's return from injury, Boughner has moved him from his natural position of right wing to centre on the Spitfires' first line with teammates Taylor Hall and Adam Henrique, a position which he feels the nineteen-year-old excels at:

Nemisz turns 20 on June fifth, and could potentially return to junior for a final season, but if his skating shows signs of improvement after the summer, it might be best for him to move on the the AHL to further develop his skills; his offensive abilities combined with his size and versatility would undoubtably prove valuable to the Heat. I look forward to seeing him at Flames prospect camp this summer. 

Game Time: 6PM MT/8ET on Sportsnet

Calgary’s leading scorer Brandon Kozun is listed as “questionable” for tonight’s game.

Links after the jump.

Speaking of Flames prospects, Hit the Post has another installment of "Backlund on Backlund" ready for our enjoyment  

The Conference finals began yesterday with the Blackhawks squeaking out a closely contested victory over the Sharks and the Flyers cruising to a 6-0 rout of the Habs in Philadelphia [Second City Hockey] [Broad Street Hockey]

The Capitals announced the signing of Nicklas Backstrom to a 10-year, $67-million contract today–but did he sign for below market value? [From the Rink]

A recap of Canada's 3-1 loss to Sweden in the World Championsip yesterday [The Copper & Blue]  

Why the Oilers should not select Taylor Hall with the first overall pick [The Cult of Hockey]

More details are being leaked on what supposedly went down between Mike Cammalleri and the Flames last summer, this time Iggy gets involved [The Sun]

Eric Francis aims to further crush your spirits on this fine spring day, claiming that neither Eric Nystrom nor Ian White will be back in Flames silks next season [SLAM! Sports]

Things I will never understand: Leafs fans like Wayne Primeau [Maple Stir-Up]

NHL COO John Collins confirms that there will be two outdoor games next season, and that one will be held in Canada [Puck The Media] 

More Malkin trade rumours, and the question I know you’re all dying to know the answer to: Will the Canucks re-sign Kyle Wellwood? [The Hockey News]

A case against trading Malkin [Hockey or Die] 

The Florida Panthers will announce the hiring of Dale Tallon as their new general manager in a press conference tomorrow morning. Tallon will replace Randy Sexton. [The Sun Sentinel]

Making a case for trading Kiprusoff [FlamesNation] 

Kent also takes a look at the Flames' AHL and ECHL prospects for Hockey's Future 

Sean Avery and Rangers teammate Aaron Voros were reportedly the victims of a drink-slinging tirade by Linsday Lohan at a New York club this past weekend [Blueshirt Banter]

The five most lop-sided series by Fenwick, from 2005-2010 [Behind the Net] 

The NHL and the city of Glendale have yet to reach a contract, according to Ice Edge's Daryl Jones [Winnipeg Free Press]

Adrian Dater suggests that the Avs sign Ilya Kovalchuk and Brian McGrattan in the same article [The Denver Post]

A great piece on hockey bloggers in the Vancouver Sun [via Puck Daddy]  

A list of the most likely excuses for the Bruins‘ historic collapse [Down Goes Brown]

Enjoy the beautiful weather in Calgary while it lasts, and non-cheer for the Hitmen in the comments. 

by Hayley Mutch