VANCOUVER -- A frustrating season for Ryan Shannon has finally shown signs of turning around, but the Vancouver Canucks forward knows things can change pretty quickly when you're trying to hold onto a job in the NHL.
Shannon made highlight reels when he scored on a spin-o-rama move in a shootout Sunday night to give the Canucks a much needed win over the Chicago Blackhawks.
The play, which has worked its way onto YouTube, came in Shannon's second game after being called up from the minors. It supplied a little light to a dark season that saw the 24-year-old from Darien, Conn., battle his way back from three knee injuries.
"I had been injured for so long I had nerves about coming back and being able to play up to speed," Shannon said Wednesday after practice. "I just wanted to come here and soak in as much as I could.
"Now I have two games under my belt. Hopefully I can get more and keep using that window of opportunity to impress and stick here as long as I can."
Shannon started the season with the Canucks, scoring twice in three games, but was sent to the AHL's Manitoba Moose after Vancouver's disastrous 8-2 loss to Philadelphia on Oct. 10.
Lightning sold to movie mogul
TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Lightning may soon have some new owners who will bring a Hollywood feel to the NHL franchise.
The team, owned by Michigan-based Palace Sports & Entertainment since 1999, announced Wednesday that it has been sold to OK Hockey LLC, a group controlled by Los Angeles TV and movie producer Oren Koules.
Koules was part of a group of bidders who tried to purchase the team last year, but the deal unravelled before it was approved by the NHL. The NHL still has to approve this deal, which is expected to be completed in 3 1/2 months.
Hossa still unsigned, could be trade bait
ATLANTA -- Marian Hossa's last home game as an Atlanta Thrasher could come Wednesday night against Washington.
Don Waddell, Atlanta's general manager and interim coach, said he still hopes to re-sign the all-star forward, who can become an unrestricted free agent after the season and is one of the prominent names in trade speculation.
The Thrashers will not play another home game until Feb. 28, two days after the NHL's Feb. 26 trade deadline.
Hossa, who scored a goal in last month's all-star game in Atlanta, was the only player who didn't participate in the team's optional morning practice Wednesday. Waddell insisted no trade is imminent.
Waddell said his options include re-signing Hossa, keeping the veteran on the team even if he remains unsigned, or trading Hossa for players who could help Atlanta this season and in the future. He said he hasn't decided when he would end attempts to re-sign Hossa.
Zednik still improving, could be released soon
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Richard Zednik continues to improve and should be released from hospital within the next 48-72 hours.
The Florida Panthers forward and his wife Jessica also made their first public comments Wednesday since an artery in Zednik's neck was cut during a game Sunday in Buffalo.
In a statement released through Buffalo General Hospital, Jessica Zednik offered thanks to all involved in helping save her husband.
"On behalf of Richard and our entire family, I want to thank the fans, his teammates, the Panthers and Sabres organizations, plus so many others for their prayers and well wishes," she said. "I especially want to thank the medical staff involved in his care and the Buffalo General Hospital for their tremendous support during this difficult time.
"Richard continues to improve and we are encouraged each day. We thank you for respecting our privacy and would ask everyone to continue to keep Richard in their thoughts over the next few days."
Dr. Sonya Noor, Zednik's attending surgeon, said Zednik continues to improve and should be discharged over the next 48-72 hours.
Ducks GM still peeved with Oilers
IT'S been six months since the Edmonton Oilers acquired Dustin Penner from the Anaheim Ducks via an offer sheet, but Brian Burke still hasn't let go.
When asked during an NHL conference call Wednesday whether he could complete a deal with Oilers GM Kevin Lowe before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, the Ducks GM didn't hesitate.
"I don't talk to him so it would be hard to make a deal," Burke said. "I guess our right-hand men could make a deal. But no, I have no intention to speak to him so it would be real hard to make a deal. I'm not sure how you would do that."
Penner officially became an Oiler last Aug. 2 after the Ducks -- up against the salary cap -- decided not to match the US$21.25-million, five-year offer sheet Edmonton handed him July 26.
Burke lashed out at Lowe during a July 27 conference call that still resonates.
-- From the news services
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