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The odds are stacked against the Ottawa Senators as they attempt to stave off elimination Friday evening against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Of course, Daniel Alfredsson knows how hard it is to come back from a 3-1 deficit, but they can keep hope alive by winning Game 5 tonight. Despite goalie Craig Anderson giving up six goals on 38 shots, coach Paul MacLean said he won't hesitate to stick him back between the pipes tonight, according to the Ottawa Sun's Tim Baines.

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The Washington Post's Katie Carrera believes that veteran Brooks Laich should be a good fit for Washington Capitals coach Adam Oates' system next season after a groin injury cost him most of the 2012-13 campaign.

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UPDATE: Below, we examine the long-term future of Brad Richards, but when it comes to his short-term future, it appears he may be riding the pine again when the Rangers face the Bruins on Saturday.

"#NYR Richards, Stralman, Staal, Clowe, and Powe all not practicing. Imagine that lineup stays same for Game 5," ESPN.com's Katie Strang tweeted Friday afternoon.

- Tom Carpenter

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After news broke that New York Rangers coach John Tortorella was going to make Brad Richards a healthy scratch for Thursday night's game, speculation arose as to whether the Rangers would buy out Richards' contract this offseason. Richards isn't the player he once was, but if the Rangers do buy him out, there should be a healthy market for his services.

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During the abbreviated regular season, Jonathan Toews piled up 23 goals and 48 points in 47 games. After four games versus the Red Wings, of which the Chicago Blackhawks have lost three, Toews has zero goals and a lone assist. How have the Wings put the breaks on Toews' scoring prowess? Netminder Jimmy Howard helped by earning another shutout Thursday, but he gave a lot of the credit to Henrik Zetterberg, according to the Detroit News' John Niyo.

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Even before Alain Vigneault was officially fired as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks, there was speculation as to where he'd pick up his NHL coaching career. That process only ramped up after the move was announced, and one of the intriguing possibilities is in Winnipeg.

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For the past several years, the Buffalo Sabres haven't had to worry about their goaltending situation -- they were simply going to throw Ryan Miller in the crease, and he'd get the job done. But with the club going through something of a youth movement as they refurbish the roster, Miller may be the next player they look to move.

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After a dramatic season in which he nearly led the Columbus Blue Jackets back to the playoffs -- and earned himself a spot as a Vezina Trophy finalist -- Sergei Bobrovsky is a hot commodity this offseason. The former Flyer is hitting restricted free agency, and though talks have been slow with the team on a long-term contract extension, Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen pledged that the club would match any RFA offer sheets that come Bobrovsky's way. Unfortunately, he may have bigger problems coming from across the Atlantic.

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When the Vancouver Canucks made the decision to fire head coach Alain Vigneault this week, it was not an entirely unexpected outcome after his charges were swept by the San Jose Sharks in the first round of the playoffs. It's a roster chock full of talent (as evidenced by their perennial contention), yet they haven't been able to push quite over the top. It's an attractive job, but finding the right man to lead the team to that next step will be crucial. We've already been hearing names of potential successors.

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It's an offseason of big changes for the Dallas Stars, as their head coaching position (and captaincy) are both vacant. There's a new GM in place (Jim Nill), and some adjustments on the way for the club's logo and uniform. And while the team has plans for an official release of the new logo and uniform on June 4, an online leak may have beaten them to the punch.

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UPDATE: As anticipated, Patrick Roy has been named head coach of the Colorado Avalanche (Denver Post). He will also serve as the team's vice president of hockey operations.

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Some contract extensions carry more weight than others, big picture-wise. According to FOX Sports Arizona, "multiple sources" have confirmed that the Phoenix Coyotes are putting the finishing touches on a new deal for general manager Don Maloney. His current contract is set to expire June 30. Not to get too carried away here, but this might -- might -- be some sort of indication that new ownership is about to (really and truly) take over the beleaguered hockey club. Hey, the drama has to end at some point.

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After allowing six goals in Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, No. 1 Craig Anderson is no longer the undisputed, be-all-and-end-all starting netminder for the Ottawa Senators this postseason. However, Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun suggests talk of a Senators' goalie controversy isn't called for.

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As soon as the news broke that forward Brad Richards was pegged to be a healthy scratch for Game 4, talk of pending compliance buyout resumed with fresh energy. And not without reasonable justification.

If the 33-year-old center isn't going to be part of the New York Rangers' long-term plans, he very well may be bought out this summer. Carrying an annual cap hit of $6.67 million until 2020, Richards has the potential to be one of the priciest albatrosses in all the league. TSN's Darren Dreger implies a parting of ways may suit all involved.

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UPDATE: For what it's worth, the player himself believes he'll be cut loose. Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun reports forward Danny Briere fully expects to be bought out by the Philadelphia Flyers.

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