Michael Russo's short takes: Feb. 10

By MICHAEL RUSSO, Star Tribune

Last update: February 9, 2008 - 11:02 AM

Calgary now has $45.5 million tied into 14 players next season after signing intimidating defenseman Dion Phaneuf to a six-year, $39 million extension. If the Flames want to re-sign Kristian Huselius, Craig Conroy and Daymond Langkow, they might need to trade pricey Alex Tanguay.

On Phaneuf's new contract, coach Mike Keenan said: "I hope he appreciates it. I mean, $39 million is a lot of money."

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After going 10 games without a goal for his longest drought since 1999, Flames captain Jarome Iginla broke out against Phoenix with the tying goal with 8.2 seconds left, an assist, a fight and the shootout winner.

What do you call a Gordie Howe hat trick, plus a shootout goal? "A Jarome Iginla hat trick," said defenseman Robyn Regehr. Added Conroy, "He's a legend, he needs to have something named after him."

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Without a bruiser in the playoffs for years, San Jose traded for Columbus enforcer Jody Shelley. Said coach Ron Wilson, "When teams try to push us around and rough us up, we've got some artillery, a nuclear weapon."

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A couple nervous Wild defensemen wondered last week what would happen if both goaltenders were injured in the same game.

Asked that hypothetical, coach Jacques Lemaire said: "Put [goalie coach Bob] Mason in. Sign him to a 20-minute contract."

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