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Redd writes...

Free Agent Countdown

Posted Tuesday | Comments 6
Since my team the Carolina Hurricanes started floundering and eventually missed the playoffs, I made it a point to help some people out (including myself) and made a spreadsheet of the free agents that should make it a little easier to figure out who exactly is out there to be had. Over the last couple years I had to hunt down websites that had some of the free agents, ...
Steen writes...

The Habs Are Faceless

Posted Wednesday | Comments 2
The Montreal Canadiens are one of those teams in the league that has a serious image problem. Nobody on there roster sticks out as the leader of the pack. All of their current players are at best mediocore players. Koivu is exponentially overated, Kovalev has lost his scoring touch, and Samsonov...Oh yeah he was a complete flop. This team needs a serious makeover in ev...
Steen writes...

Women's Hockey is Crap.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
Yeah that's right I said it, and let me say it again: Women's hockey is crap. It's the same deal every single damn year, Canada and USA in the finals and Canada wins. What the hell is exciting about that? They always win, there is no fun or suspense embedded in the games. I am Canadian, but I always cheer for the opposing teams because I despise Canada's women's hockey tea...
nickgregory writes...

Bring on the playoffs!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As much of a disappointing result the end of the Canes season was, I can honestly say I cannot wait to watch the playoffs and not be as emotionally drained as I was last year...I think the entire post season last year took a couple of years off my life! Now who would a Canes fan pull for in this years post season? In the East Sabres - Not a chance....from the pers...
Yes the playoffs are here! And like every other Canadian I am ready for some good ol' time hockey. I've already plastic wrapped the tv to keep it protected from the spit and anything else that might be projected at the tv in anger (note to self...it will not be protected from blunt objects, keep Best Buy flyer close by just in case.) I think there are some very exciting...
So say it with me Wild Fans. Let's Play Hockey!!!!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year.......(sing it). It even feels like Christmas with snow on the ground. God seems to have extended winter in honor of the Wild's post-season birth. The playoffs are finally here and the Wild are back! Memories of 4 years ago still dancing in our heads as fans. But, in a ...
Banger writes...

Let's get it on!!!!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Today is the day. Over 1000 days have passed since Vancouver fans have seen their team in playoff hockey! Questions marks are popping up around this team like suspensions in the NFL. No one really knows what to expect but I think I have an idea. Dallas has the same problem as Vancouver, low scoring, defensive style and great goaltending and a poor playoff record in re...
ruuturox writes...

Let's Get it Started

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Canucks start round one on Trevor Linden's birthday. It's a clear day in the city that originated Towel Power, and the skies over the North Shore Mountains are a retina-burning blue. The car flags are starting to bloom, and jersey-wearing fans are popping up like daffodils and tulips. There's an aura of great hope in town, after last year's dark and horrible failure to ...
Ray Whitney said in an article in Raleigh's News and Observer Wednesday, "Same as Jimmy (Rutherford), I'd like to get something done and stay here, the sooner the better." That will be the first part of the off-season, resiging those key pieces. First to sign will be Whitney, the team's leading scorer with 83 points. It is absoluetley neccessary, considering that Rod Brin...
mojoworld writes...

And so it begins...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
Yeah, I know, not a very original title, but it's the truth. It all begins tonight, the illustrious challenge for hockey's greatest prize. Enough babble. Onto the games tonight. I'm a fan, yes, duh, of the Canucks, but sports would never be the same if there was not some fantasy or predictive element. Besides cheering for your team, how many times have you said to y...
backupbob writes...

A Little About Me

Posted Wednesday | Comments 4
First of all, I'd like to say hello to everyone reading this, my first blog post of many to come. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts! My name is Jeff Smith, I am a 21 year old SFU student living in suburban neighbourhood of South Surrey, BC. Like most people around these parts, I have been a Vancouver Canucks fan ever since I can remember. I live and breat...
I'm writing this blog entry on my laptop from the Library at SFU Surrey Campus, having just completed a painfully easy Criminology exam. I have two tickets to Game 1 of the playoffs tonight, thanks to [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqSMftSKnIg]my entry[/url] in the Ultimate Canucks Search contest. The game is scheduled to start at 7pm, with a tribute to the 82 cup ...
reub77 writes...

Canucks Fever

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
It's been a while since I could sit down and enjoy a nice Canuck playoff game. It's not the same when you're team isn't in the big show. And I'm finding it very difficult to stay focused on my work as I'm anxious to get home to watch the game on the tube. I suppose I'll watch the Pittsburgh / Ottawa game first. To be honest I'm routing for Crosby. Don't care too much f...
curiousgeorge writes...

Predictions, Round 1

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
For your reading pleasure: Western Conference Detroit over Calgary in 6 Anaheim over Minnesota in 6 Vancouver over Dallas in 5 San Jose over Nashville in 6 Eastern Conference Buffalo over Islanders in 5 (should go with a sweep...but will throw the Island a bone) New Jersey over Tampa Bay in 6 Rangers over Atlanta in 5 Ottawa over Pittsburgh in 7 Take t...
buzznuck writes...

Keep it on ice!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Ok, Devils and Rangers listen up. We, as northern fans, demand nothing less than a swift and orderly removal of the Lightning and Thrashers from the playoffs! Anything less is unacceptable. Nothing against the fans in Atlanta and TB. I'm sure they are very nice people. It's just that the Cup CAN NOT spend another summer in the South East! It needs to reside in a le...
braidan writes...

Habs Needs-Wants-What we got

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
The Habs finished off the season looking like they need a major overhaul and bringing in some HUGE pieces. Let's take a step back and look at what we got(these are the positions they can play at): LW: Higgins, Plekanec, A.Kostitsyn, S.Kostitsyn, Begin C: Koivu, Higgins, Plekanec, Bonk, Begin, Lapierre, Chipchura, Grabovski, ...
doaftheloaf writes...

Gaggle o' Goalies

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
The Habs may have missed the playoffs, but their future is vey bright, and nowhere is this more apparent than between the pipes. If anything, they have too many. Here is a rundown of the goalies they currently have. [b]Cristobal Huet[/b] - When he is on his game, he can match anyone in the league save for save. From the last half of last year to the first half of thi...
caveman writes...

Summer of Signing

Posted Wednesday | Comments 3
Considering the circumstances of the earlier-than-hoped-for offseason, it's nice to have some good things to talk about back here in the hockey cave. I'm talking about some of the signings the Hurricanes have made so far, inking some of our recent draft picks to contracts and getting them to Albany as a first step towards building for the future. It's something we tried (a...
nephew23 writes...

Some Thoughts on the Series

Posted Wednesday | Comments 2
It is widely publicized how evenly the Stars and Canucks match up. Excellent defense, not-so-much offense, and top-notch goalies! The series may very well go seven games with multiple overtimes in each. There will be some late nights in Dallas and extremely late nights in Vancouver...at least for us Texans! It is my opinion that in order for the Stars to win this serie...
Luongo07 writes...

Christmas in April?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I woke up this morning the this most amazing feeling. Yeah, I had to work, but that is just daily thing for me now, you know like showering (for some of us). Today is probably the single most intriguing day of hockey and up here in Canada, we get to watch all of it. Thanks to our passion and love of the game of hockey, TSN and CBC will be showing double-headers. The ac...
writes...

Predictions

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With the playoffs underway, I would love to hear some of your guy's predictions. Here are mine: [b]Buffalo Sabers vs. New York islanders[/b] I feel the Islanders will pull it out, mainly because of Dubielewicz, but it's hard to go against the Sabers. Sorry Buffalo fans but I got to go with the Islanders. New York in 7 [b]New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning...
C'est platte quand ton équipe préférée est pas dans les séries. Les canadiens gagneront jamais avec des cons comme Kovalev pis Samsonov dans l'équipe. Samsonov c'est sûr qu'il va partir, mais malheureusement Gainey a pas l'air de vouloir échanger Kovalev cet été, les canadiens ne seront pas tellement améliorés l'an prochain s'il garde Kovalev qui joue une game...
During the intermission between the 3rd and 4th overtimes, the clock struck 3 a.m. on the East Coast, and very promptly VERSUS left its Canucks-Stars coverage and flipped on some infomercial about pilates...... [b]are you kidding me?!??[/b] I know you have to pay the bills, but that is absolutely RIDICULOUS! There should be outrage from the hockey community over this and...
Josh37 writes...

Sudden Death in Vancouver

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Quarter past midnight local time and I have just woken from a deep state of self introspective reality. As I think to myself do any of these people on the ice have any idea on the certain danger they face. "They are surly going to sink I thought to myself" it's like water "How are they doing it?" "Is it real?" God this is still ongoing I'd better settle down and get r...
Ok that was sarcasm. Every year, I think I forget just how good playoff hockey is. The playoffs are only one day old, and we've already seen a double OT game, followed up by a Quadruple OT game. (I started writing this blog during the second OT assuming the game would end soon.) We watched San Jose lose last years leading goal scorer, and then lose a 2 goal lead in the ...
mojoworld writes...

WHAT A GAME!!!

Posted Thursday | Comments 3
So, just got home from the 4OT thriller at the garage tonight, WHAT A GAME. I mean, they stopped selling beer after the 2nd intermission, so I wound up paying $4 bucks for Sprite, but that's all good. Go Canucks Go... and chants of TTTUUURRCCOOO filled the evening excitement as I basically lost my voice and drank ice cubes for 2 OT's. Skytrain was reasonable on the way ...
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/recap?gameId=270411022 [quote]Vancouver D Brent Sopel didn't play after hurting his back trying to pick up a cracker from the floor Tuesday, coach Alain Vigneault said[/quote] If this is true, this has to hurt the image of rough-n-tough hockey players around the world... There's gotta be a typo here. Your thoughts?
ruuturox writes...

Marathon Men

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]How the Mighty Fell (and blocked a shot)[/b] Last night, and I don't know exactly what time it was because the Canucks/Stars game went 4 overtimes, I saw Markus Naslund go down and block a shot. I double-checked the number in my head. 19. Yep, that's him. Markus Naslund. The Captain and former runner-up for the Art Ross. Sacrificing his body to keep the, oh maybe 64...
Wish I could have been at the game to cheer the nucks but I live in Calgary and my best option was CBC HD. The game seemed tilted Dallas' way for most of the game but the Canucks have a way to score away from the flow and if you're not watching you could miss a great goal. This was the case last night. Lots of scoring and the goalies came into the game late. Luong...
curiousgeorge writes...

Overtime

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Can you believe how the Canuck/Star game ended? How many games that go into 3+ overtimes end on a nice goal? I mean really.....Hank is not a very likely hero as he barely scores any goals...but a nice looking goal? Same with the Shark victory over the Preds, great goal in overtime....not common but I am glad it happened. Lets hope day 2 will be as good!
backupbob writes...

Bulay Bulay Bulis!

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Jany-B was here there and everywhere last night/this morning! Much like Markus Naslund, it seems that Jan Bulis has decided to take advantage of the clean slate that the playoffs provide. If Bulis and Naslund have huge playoffs and help the Canucks go deep, no one will talk about their underachievement this regular season. Bulis was one of the Canucks most dangerous ...
hAbfAn33 writes...

The Overtime Dilemma

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
What do you do when you've invested 4 hours in a game, its 1:30am and a full workday looms 6 hours away? There is nothing better than a Stanley Cup playoff game going into multiple overtimes. There is nothing worse than that alarm clock going off anything less than 4 hours after finally falling asleep. Vancouver and Dallas kicked of what I love most about the playoff...
predjoe writes...

Steve Sullivan Update

Posted Thursday | Comments 2
A source I have at the Preds says that Sullivan, who was at the game last night, seemed to not be feeling any ill effects of a lingering back injury. According to my source Sully was jumping around and spent most of the game standing and cheering on his team mates. While I understand that jumping around cheering is far different from playing NHL level hockey I think the...
buzznuck writes...

Class act

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night at the Canucks-Stars game, I saw something that likely didn't show up on the TV coverage or in any post-game media write ups. Late in the game (3rd or 4th OT): The players were all obviously exhausted and both teams were feeling the pressure. Willie Mitchell was clearing the front of the net on a Dallas rush. He gave Niklas Hagman a push off to the side of...
TheEdge writes...

Shorty - Canucks OT Victory

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Just something short, since i'm in the lab right now supposedly doing homework/research, but playoff hockey makes me much too excited to think about things like that right now. First off - Markus Naslund played his best game of the season so far. No question. I hope he can keep this up. Kevin Bieksa - 54+ minutes and 4 penalties. This guy is amazing. I expect a Norri...
[b]Sunday Telegraph Article From today's UK wires: Salute to a brave and modest nation - Kevin Myers, The Sunday Telegraph LONDON - [/b] Until the deaths of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan , probably almost no one outside their home country had been aware that Canadian troops are deployed in the region. And as always, Canada will bury its dead, just as the rest ...
Luongo07 writes...

Win, Lose or Draw?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The fallout of last nights marathon is starting to be felt throughout the city. Yes, the Canucks finally ended the game in the fourth period of overtime and I am sure that everyone has a story about how they stayed awake for the entire thing or they couldn't handle it and went to bed, but how much did the game cost the Canucks. Behind all the rumors that the Stars were...
nephew23 writes...

One That Got Away

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
As expected, game 1 was another 1-goal game...only this time, quite amazingly, there were nine total goals! I was preparing to get some snacks ready for the 5th overtime when Vancouver finally ended it. The longest playoff game in Canucks history, the second longest playoff game in Stars history, and the sixth longest playoff game in NHL history had finally come to an en...
sbh9924 writes...

First Impressions

Posted Friday | Comments 0
It's Thursday night and the East Coast games are done. Everyone in New York State, where all four teams are miraculously in the playoffs, are done. Tonight, everyone except the Isles won. Hold on. I just included the Devils as a team from New York. Does this count? I say yes. I lived in New York in the mid-90's and was a Devil's fan. There were people like me. Sure, the ar...
Deke2194 writes...

Game 1 musings.

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Well, the playoffs are still young, but there are still some interesting storylines that have started to develop. [b]Senators and Penguins game 1:[/b] This was not the game that anybody expected. Many people thought that the Sens would take this one, but not in the way that they did. The thrashing that was handed out on Wednesday should not be any indication of how...
mojoworld writes...

Day Three -- What now?

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]Canucks vs. Dallas -- [/b]I was there in Game 1. Dallas pressed hard, Luongo saved the day, but the Canucks did take some bad penalties and looked out of sorts at times. Game 1 jitters? Considering we've played 2 games already now, no more jitters left. The latter OT periods definitely favoured the Canucks. I don't think Dallas can play any better. The Canucks sur...
God I love playoff hockey. Right before the playoffs started, my wife gave birth to our first child, a baby daughter named Abby (actually went into labor at the Canes vs. Caps game…I am guessing Abby was a bit annoyed at Johnny Grahame for letting in 3 goals on 6 shots, and wanted to give him a piece of her mind)…well, those that have kids know that the sleep is spora...
Well it would seem like game 3 anyway. In game 1 they played almost a full 7 period game, and now they're heading into only game 2. This will be an exciting game to watch and you can bet your bottom dollar that it is very likely we'll be seeing yet another overtime. The Canucks lead the series 1-0 thanks to the game winning goal scored by Henrik Sedin in 4th overtime. I...
ruuturox writes...

Canuck Luck

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Game one against the Stars was an epic battle, and like all epic battles won or lost, there was a cost. With Brent Sopel already out with a non-hockey related back injury, Matt Cooke went down with a groin problem and is day-to-day. Alex Burrows very obviously got his "bell rung", wobbling to his feet and attempted to pick up his stick like a Chinatown tourist trying to pi...
mojoworld writes...

New boyz in town.

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Canucks Recall Nathan Smith & Jannik Hansen [url]http://www.moosehockey.com/news/press_releases2.php?press_id=1135[/url] Nathan Smith was up here a month or so ago in a game vs. Minny. 8-9minutes of play. What's the impact going to be? Dudes on the radio are right about them being more energetic. I would look for them to help the Canucks catch their second win...
reub77 writes...

Battered Already!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
What a battle on Wednesday. That one will go down in history as one to remember. It may have put us back on course. There were periods down the stretch of the regular season that the Canucks started getting lazy. This last game was a great start. Can we now, after losing potentially three players, keep the battle going and build on the successes of game #1? I certainly...
RockenTheJimmy writes...

Game Day Predictions

Posted Friday | Comments 3
San Jose vs. Nashville - Game 2 - 1-0 San Jose -I say this game gets very physical as response to the Cheechoo injury. High scoring game with Nashville getting the late lead. 5-4 Nashville (Thorton, Pavelski, Carle, Guerin)- For San Jose (Erat, Forsbergh, Zidlicky, Radulov, Dumont with the winner)- For Nashville Dallas vs. Vancouver - Game 2 - 1-0 Vancouver -No ...
knadneh writes...

Versus HD

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Why does Comcast keep replacing NHL HD Hockey with repeat PGA golf. This is an outrage?
Luongo07 writes...

The curse of # 17...

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Ok, it has long been known in these here parts that in Canuck colours (whichever those colours may be) that wearing the number 17 comes at a price. I know, I know, the number on a players back has no reflection of his statics or play on the ice, but come on. Number 17 for Vancouver has brought on nothing but bad luck for whom ever may choose to wear it. The only exception ...
bradleyc4 writes...

July 1, 2007 (part two)

Posted Friday | Comments 0
On Thursday, I took a glance at the list of possible free agent centers who could don the Orange and Black for the '07-'08 season. Here's a look at the defensemen (the Flyers other main need): [b]Kimmo Timonen [/b](Nashville Predators) - The first thing that jumped out at me when researching Kimmo was his age - 32. Are the Flyers willing to give a four or five-year de...
(I hate to start the blog with this but c'mon...this is freaking hilarious...Turco was named the #3 star in the building and Henrik #2...LOL!!! What a joke!) Marty Turco had 35 saves to preserve his 1st career playoff shutout, and the Dallas Stars played a full 60 minutes to win game two, 2-0, and steal the home ice advantage! The series shifts to Dallas for game 3, e...
ladynic writes...

Wearing other jerseys

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Philadelphia Flyers are my team. They have been my team my entire life and will continue to be the team I love with the most passion. Any sports days at work where they allow you to wear sports apparel I come in sporting something Flyers. Even this year which was such a long year for Flyers fans I proudly wore my orange and black. I do have other teams I love as I...
While it didn't take over 6 hours to find a victor on Friday night, the game was much the same as the 7 period marathon witnessed on Wednesday- a Stars team out-skating, out-muscling, and out-playing the Canucks. Only this time, Loungo and some freak bounces weren't there to save Vancouver. Loungo still made some excellent saves. He just made 2 less than his team ...
The National Hockey League, in conjuction with CBC television would like to remind the Vancouver Canucks that Game 2 will begin at approximately 6:00pm local time. To be honest with you, I don't think that the Canucks got this memo. 24 seconds into the first period of play the Canucks left Jeff Halpern alone beside the net and he did what every professional hockey pl...
OK, this is my lame attempt to write a Hockey Blog. Keep in mind when you read it, that I am relatively poor and therefore I don't have cable. Because of this, I don't see a lot of games. My 'radio' is a little clock radio that changes reception drastically based on where I am in the room. All that white noise will definitely wake you up in the morning, but it doesn't g...
When I finally became a Hurricanes fan about 6 years ago, I never would have thought that this team would be where it is today. I never would have thought that they would become part of the community. I never would have thought that hockey would even become a sport played by the locals at any level. And I certainly never would have thought that they would ever win a Stan...
Another year has come to an end for the Montreal Canadiens, and dissapointingly the team was unable to make a second straight playoff appearance. Prior to Christmas, the Habs were on fire and had a shot at catching the dominant Buffalo Sabres atop the Northeast Division standings. But, with the team being hammered by the flu bug in late December, followed by a monstrous tw...
I guess we're supposed to feel bad for Mike Ribeiro. After all, according to him in a piece featured in the Montreal Gazette earlier this year, he "was treated unfairly in Montreal." Not only that, he feels that there must have been some sort of conspiracy afoot in the off-season when he was traded to the Dallas Stars as "[the Canadiens] just wanted to get rid of me, a...
Roberto's friend writes...

Why

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Why is it that everyone is underestimating the Canucks. All the media people keep on saying that the Dallas Stars have outworked the Canucks and have deserved to win both games well if they had they would have beta Roberto Loungo but they did not. Why is it that the media people say Lopungo is the only reason vancouver is in it. I mean is a goalie not part of the team. Als...
Reading the headlines of the local papers here in Vancouver would lead you to believe that the Canucks are on the verge of being eliminated from this years Stanley Cup race. To that I would have to say that I totally agree. Despite being tied at a game a piece, the Canucks have not played well in the first two games of this series. There were moments in game one that...
That's right... Lidstrom sucks defensively! If anyone else is currently watching the Flames-Wings game, you just saw Primeau skate around Lidstrom with ease to set up a highlight reel play, only to be stoned by Hasek... Now we all know that Lidstrom is one of, if not the best defenceman in the league, but the point of this is to point out that every defenceman ends up o...
reub77 writes...

Nail biting time

Posted Sunday | Comments 1
Here's another blog about the Canucks and their dwindling chances to get past the Stars. I am an optimist and I feel there have been some good things that came from the last couple of games. I watched both games and for the most part haven't written the Canucks off. I like our offense in game 1 and felt our defense and goaltending came around near the end. As much as I...
The Dallas Stars really took the game to the Canucks in the first two periods, and just as the Canucks started to come on the Dallas Stars were able to net a power play goal late in the second period. As I sat here during the second intermission I wondered to myself, can we do it? The Canucks were outplayed in the first and just as they started to come on in the seco...
mojoworld writes...

That other level...

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The premise that I've been hoping for and building on thus far in the Canucks/Stars series is that the Canucks should have another level to play. That came through yesterday in the 3rd and OT period as the Canucks dominated the puck and offensive chances. Shots were 18 vs. 9 in those periods combined. The Dallas Stars are just the Dallas Stars. You know what to expec...
TheEdge writes...

Swede Victory

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Yes yes, another cliche term about how we have swedish players on our team. And yet, you may be confused. No swedes scored yesterday night, you might say! That's irrelevant. The line of Naslund, Sedin, and Sedin is unbelieveable. They're making Sydor and Zubov look like children. This isn't to say i'm particularly proud of the Canucks effort last night. As the playoffs con...
When will the Stars learn to push back in this series? As soon as there is any momentum change against them, Canucks score a goal. When you dominate 50 minutes of a 60 minute game, show enough heart to not lose it in 10 minutes. Turco should be blame-free so far for this series. He has done his part to win it. He stole the end of game 2, and was well on his way to d...
Gary, I would like to extend this open letter as fair warning for what may happen should you allow the Dallas Stars to continue to run our goaltender. Without going into extensive detail, I would like to bring your attention to such incidents as the Todd Bertuzzi hit on Steve Moore. I understand your position on the instigator rule, but I would also like to point ...
Banger writes...

Game 4 Vancouver at Dallas

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
So by this point I think it's safe to say it would be 2-1 for one team rather than 3-0. But why is it that score? Games 1 and 3 were as close as they get and game 2 was all about the Stars. The Canucks won game 3 because of 2 defensive breakdowns not because of anything they really did. On the first goal Turco was telling his d-man to reverse the puck behind the net a...
Van-Dal: 2-1 Van leads. Good under bet opportunities here for handicappers after game 1. Still say Vancouver will just get it done and win out from here. Ana-Min: 3-0 Ducks. Wow, really didn't see this coming and I'm not sure why I don't respect the Ducks team play more. In any case, now it's just a matter of if the Wild can make themselves look respectable. Off-season,...
During last summers long off-season the Vancouver Canucks GM Dave Nonis made two signing that may fans have questioned. The first was the signing of defenseman Willie Mitchell to a 4 yr./$3.5 million deal and the second was Trevor Linden to a 1 yr./$600,000 deal. Fans and media alike have questioned these moves all season long and in some instances the critics have made so...
Ottawa, NYR, and Vancouver now lead their series 3-1, 3-0, and 3-1, respectively. The Rangers are annihilating the Thrashers. 7-0. Well, you can tell this is the first time the Thrashers have been to the playoffs, but I guess I was expecting more from Hossa. Ottawa and Vancouver have played well and should win their series as well. The Penguins have played well ...
mojoworld writes...

Naslund blocking shots

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
Dude, we're going to the Cup finals man... Nazzy wants it bad and he's showing he can/will do it. I know that one Dallas goal may have been a result of him not getting a strong hold of the puck and whipping it out of the zone, but this is an entirely different Naslund, wow, I'm so impressed. I hope the Wild claw their way back into the series, can't make the Ducks look...
reub77 writes...

Like the odds now?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Vancouver edged another victory away from Dallas. The series is extremely close and yet on paper now it seems different. What is it that's putting the Nucks in the win column? The obvious answer is Luongo. Turco has been good too don't get me wrong. This series has been all about the goaltending and Luongo has been outshining Turco. Could the Canucks be playing this well w...
For those of us STARS faithful that fill the American Airlines Center each home game, that movie clip is engrained in our minds! Numerous times this year, Dallas has been behind the 8-ball...and numerous times this year, they have answered the call. Tonight was no different...Marty Turco was absolutely brilliant, and they found a way to finally solve Luongo. Now, there ...
I am not going to apology for splitting hairs over the use of Nation when describing the fans of certain NHL teams or the co-opting of the term for profit. No, I won’t because I’m Canadian and we’ve been splitting nations and attempting to sew them back together, and to the larger fabric, since our inception. For those of you reading this in Canada I realize inv...
Over the course of the past several days, I have heard several comment made on the radio and in general conversation that the Canucks got the lucky bounce, or the Stars got the lucky bounce etc. I myself have made the mistake, surely the Stars got a lucky bounce in Game 5 when the puck slid eerily close the their gapping net while Turco was on the bench and the Canucks had...
This is the song that never ends. It goes on and on my friends. Someone started singing it not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because, This song can best describe the Canucks Dallas series. Just when you think you have got a hold of what is happening then suddenly something else happends and suddenly something else pops out and i...
Luongo07 writes...

Dejavu?

Posted Saturday | Comments 2
All I have to say is that with the Stars extending the series to game 6, I sure hope that we do not have a 2003 situation on our hands. You see the Vancouver Canucks of 2002-2003 were probably the best tanlented team that has ever been put together in this city, at least for the regular season. The west coast express was in full swing Todd Bertuzzi had 94 points, Marku...
The Dallas STARS played their best post-season game in several years, beating Vancouver 2-0, and forcing game 7 Monday night! From a fan's point-of-view, it was the most awesome game I have been to in quite some time. The capacity crowd was rowdy the entire night, and the team played like a contender. Marty Turco finished with 21 saves for his second shutout in a row, a...
That quote comes from another obvious thug, Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows. It was his response to the fierce slash he made on the back of Dallas Stars forward Brendan Morrow's knee, in the final minutes of game 6. The slash caused a twinge in a nerve and caused Morrow to limp off the ice and miss the rest of the game. I'm just curious why Burrows would be so op...
seriously, people need to take a very,very deep breath about the McLennan slash. come on, real hockey fans will tell this used to happen all the time. I remember Ron Hextall jabbing the forward infront for position to see where the puck. Hextall did slash players and faced the consequences. He would a) face the player (thats call players policing themselves or b) get a fin...
reub77 writes...

Must Win Game 7

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Who would have thought the series would have evolved the way it has over the last week or so. We now are back where we started. The only advantage is now to the Canucks who are at home. You could argue that Dallas has the momentum and so they have the advantage. The Canucks' inability to score on Turco has also tipped the scale towards Dallas. Dallas has been playing with ...
Luongo07 writes...

Game 7

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Desire. Heart. Determination. Focus. It all comes down to one game, erase everything that has happened between April 11 and April 22. All that matters is tonight. How bad do you want it? Let your actions speak. Game 7 has to be the most stressful game to watch, but not only watching the game is stressful, actually the entire day is stressful. So stressful for fans that...
It has been said thousands of times...there is nothing like a game 7...win and advance, lose and go home! The Dallas Stars are one win away from pulling off the near impossible. They have finally won in overtime...they have finally won at home...and they have finally figured out how to solve Roberto Luongo. Though Marty Turco has the edge in stats, including THREE shuto...
flyershockey81 writes...

What a friggin joke

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I thought game 7's in the stanley cup playoffs were decided by the players? that third period was an embrassment to nhl. call after call was hooking or holding. my god, even the Dave Strader was confused if There was a pentaly when Turco was pulled at the end of the game BTW, Trevor Linden did a nice job on the hook(which was a pentaly) before scoring the game winni...
Luongo07 writes...

Where on earth is Nephew23?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Where are you now buddy? It's a good thing that it's nice and sunny down there in Dallas so your boy's can go golfing. LMAO!
What are your thoughts on this matchup? My recollection of the season series was that Vancity lost 3 and won 1. The one we won we played Sabourin. So maybe we should rest Luongo for the next round seeing Sabourin had the better record?? No way! I don't know why we won that one game, my guess is that it was during their injury problems. Pronger and S. Niedermayer both were ...
curiousgeorge writes...

Predictions Round 2

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Again for your reading pleasure.... Sabres over the Rangers in 6 Senators over Devils in 6 Sharks over Red Wings in 5 Canucks over Ducks in 6...maybe a homer pick but you have to follow the heart at times. Rangers will surprise some as they are much better than advertised. Sens will do great as they are crazy hungry for the first time ever. Sharks are a damn f...
Last night, went heavy on the 4.5u and well, the Canucks won and scored TWO frigg'n empty netters in the final minute and down went my money in the drain. That's ok, because I hit a nice $20 five game parlay (won $400) thanks to a few nice free throw's by Yao Ming to clinch the over. (1xNBA + 4xMLBs). Looking at Conference Semi-finals now and the match-ups. My initial b...
Game 7 in any professional sport is a true testimate to all players skill but more so it is an extreme test of all players determination and their willingness to compete. On Saturday evening, after losing game 6 and after being held off the scoreboard for the third time in the series, the Canucks coach Alain Vigneault called out his players. Namely, he called out the 'play...
Did I say happy?...I meant ecstatic, elated, over-joyed! I really hate to make excuses, or have to include the officiating in any writing...so thank-you so much, Mr. Gallagher, for your article...it is 100%, spot on! In fact, I used the phrase "phantom call" seconds after the penalty, as well as in a comment to my new best friend's blog ([i]What a friggin joke[/i]--Flyer...
[b]Western Conference #2 Anaheim vs #3 Vancouver[/b] [b]Why Vancouver will win:[/b] Roberto Luongo is a candidate for the Hart Trophy, and he was arguably stronger yet in the first round against Dallas. There may be no tougher goalie to face in a best-of-seven series right now. Vancouver’s defense seems to know exactly when to pinch and when to retreat, and they re...
Due to your constant comment about our defence killing us, I thought I would actually have a look at some stats to see if the is validity to your tirades about our blueliners: Vancouver Name Pts. TOI +/- Pims Bieksa 0 24 -1 16 Krajeck 0 15 -1 6 Mitchell 1 ...
backupbob writes...

Duck Hunt

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[img]http://i18.tinypic.com/2d0j5l3.gif[/img] This is my new signature on Canucks.com. I thought some of you folks might get a kick out of it.
Luongo07 writes...

Workboots, Respect and Fear

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Enough of the busy banter and wasted efforts on the Stars fan. The question of Monday nights game was, who will advance? The answer? Trevor Linden and Roberto Luongo answered it for everyone. Of course it was the Vancouver Canucks that were going to come through for their fans. Now, bring on the Ducks. No one in Vancouver is going to openly admit that the Canucks are t...
Luongo07 writes...

Predictions Round 2

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As mentioned previously I hate making predictions, especially when it comes to the hometown Canucks. To begin I will review my first round selections: My predictions: Red Wings in 7 Ducks in 6 Stars or Canucks in 6 Predators in 6 Sabres in 4 Devils in 6 Penguins in 6 Rangers in 5 Reality: Red Wings in 6 Ducks in 5 Canucks in 7 Sharks in 5 Sabres...
Point shots and rebounds. Those are the kinds of goals we need to start with. Then once they chase after our shooters more, the space will open up for the pass pass play and the slap pass goals we're for whatever reason looking at now. Henrik passed up an open net to shoot at in favour of passing the puck to his brother who was being checked so obviously. Sedins need...
I will not beg for time to pout... Tonight, after one days rest the Vancouver Canucks stepped on to the ice to face the dreaded Anahiem Ducks. Early on it looked like the Canucks had an early jump, Markus Naslund had a glorious opportunity, then Trevor Linden had a chance, and then Jeff Cowan scored the games first goal, but that was it for the visitors. The Ducks sh...
writes...

Who Gets the Hart?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This season has seen nearly every team develop their unsung hero(es). It's time again to evaluate who means the most to their team. I've always felt that the Hart should encompass the regular season AND the playoffs, but the Conn Smythe isn't disappearing anytime soon. So, let's look at the candidates: [b]1. Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver[/b] It's a safe bet to say that ...
CBJ09 writes...

Who Gets the Hart?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This season has seen nearly every team develop their unsung hero(es). It's time again to evaluate who means the most to their team. I've always felt that the Hart should encompass the regular season AND the playoffs, but the Conn Smythe isn't disappearing anytime soon. So, let's look at the candidates: [b]1. Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver[/b] It's a safe bet to say that ...
If you read all the bashing that the Canucks have recieved over the past few days it is possible. Yes, the Canucks have not looked very good in the playoffs but they still managed to defeat an impressive Dallas Stars team and last night's series opener against the Ducks was not their worst effort of the post-season. Enough has been made about the loss of two of their top f...
[img:right]http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4431/danysabourinzo8.jpg[/img]Canucks backup goaltender Dany Sabourin replaced Roberto Luongo with with 10:55 remaining, has he gotten his name on the Stanley Cup (if the Canucks win)? I haven't been able to locate the official excerpt explaining what a goaltender must do in order to get his name on the Stanley Cup, but my u...
Syntax writes...

The Canucks' Free Agents

Posted Friday | Comments 0
No, I'm not jumping off the bandwagon. But I've decided to take a look at the Canucks' free agents on July 1st. [b]Jan Bulis (III)[/b] - This guy was really unhappy with his playing time and lack of power-play time sometime in January and didn't seem like he would return to the team next year. But after a chat with Dave Nonis and getting his position in the club clarifi...
mojoworld writes...

Sorry, Turco isn't this good

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I mean really. I wonder if there is still doubt in the minds of the Vancouver-ites who so quickly jumped off the Stanley Cup bandwagon after Game 1. In sickness or in health. Imagine our PP once we have KB and SS back. I mean really. Seriously. While the Canucks were not perfect, the longer the game lasted, the more tired the youngsters on the Duck line 2 (pending ...
Luongo07 writes...

Turco Dines...

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
An article from the Vancouver Sun this morning maybe of interest to some.... [quote]Secret tabled at Turco dinner Greg Douglas, Vancouver Sun Published: Saturday, April 28, 2007 SCENE & HEARD: It will be awhile before Dallas Stars goaltender Marty Turco has dinner again at Umberto Menghi's signature eatery, Il Giardino on Hornby Street. Not that Turco has anything ag...
reub77 writes...

Knew they had it in 'em

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Despite the media and all the nay sayers Vancouver pulled even with the Ducks and made the series look a lot more even than what it appeared after game 1. Game 1 was tough to watch. My first thoughts were "These aren't the Canucks!". Somebody dressed the LA Kings instead. I'm glad they got that all straightened up. And now having the series return to Vancouver to win t...
I know I said I was not going talk about the officiating any longer, BUT...my dearest friend and fellow North American, Luongo07, continues to call me out and accuse me of not researching. (well, at least most of that last sentence is true!) So, as I set out to get the full scoop on the officiating in the Stars/Canucks series, I realized it was a much bigger issue than j...
Syntax writes...

Canucks' Injury Updates

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[img:right]http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/9482/mitchell80ae871bt9.png[/img]The injuries on the blueline continue to mount. Defencemen Willie Mitchell and Rory Fitzpatrick did not skate on Saturday. Mitchell is expected to play Game 3, but Fitzpatrick is questionable with the flu. In case Fitzpatrick can't go, the Canucks have recalled veteran defenceman Yannick T...
Luongo07 writes...

Roberto Knows...

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As has been the case since January, the Canucks All-Star goaltender rebounded from a poor performance in game one with an outstanding 43 save performance in game two. The Canucks have evened the Western Conference at one game a piece as the series head to a wild GM Place this afternoon for game three. This has been a consistent trend of Roberto since the team began it's...
Luongo07 writes...

Roberto Knows...

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As has been the case since January, the Canucks All-Star goaltender rebounded from a poor performance in game one with an outstanding 43 save performance in game two. The Canucks have evened the Western Conference at one game a piece as the series head to a wild GM Place this afternoon for game three. This has been a consistent trend of Roberto since the team began it's...
Luongo07 writes...

Roberto knows...

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As has been the case since January, the Canucks All-Star goaltender rebounded from a poor performance in game one with an outstanding 43 save performance in game two. The Canucks have evened the Western Conference at one game a piece as the series head to a wild GM Place this afternoon for game three. This has been a consistent trend of Roberto since the team began it's...
Luongo07 writes...

Roberto knows...

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As has been the case since January, the Canucks All-Star goaltender rebounded from a poor performance in game one with an outstanding 43 save performance in game two. The Canucks have evened the Western Conference at one game a piece as the series head to a wild GM Place this afternoon for game three. This has been a consistent trend of Roberto since the team began it's...
Luongo07 writes...

Roberto knows...

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As has been the case since January, the Canucks All-Star goaltender rebounded from a poor performance in game one with an outstanding 43 save performance in game two. The Canucks have evened the Western Conference at one game a piece as the series head to a wild GM Place this afternoon for game three. This has been a consistent trend of Roberto since the team began it's...
The Ducks and Canucks just finished game 3 of their Western Conference Semi-Final and while some may question some of the calls during the game a further look shows you that clearly the referee's made the correct calls. Yes, the Ducks were called for 6 mins in penalties more, there were several justifiable calls made in the game. In fact, being a Canuck fan I would que...
[img:right]http://www.click2host.us/006/markus_naslund547346.jpg[/img]Canucks captain Markus Naslund's now leads the team goal scoring with three goals after scoring last night! Thanks to his power play goal at 19:12 of the first period on Sunday, he now has an astonishing 3 goals! Injuries and more injuries. Taylor Pyatt, Jan Bulis, and Jeff Cowan all missed practice o...
Luongo07 writes...

Our House, Our Game

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Sunday afternoon the Canucks lost yet another home ice playoff game, dropping their record to a terrible 3 - 9 in their last 12 playoff games at GM Place., dating back to the 2003 Western Conference Semi-Final versus Minnesota. I think not. You would think that with the noise levels that are reached, the passion that is shown by the fans that the Canucks record at home wou...
Well as most Canadians may know. Especially those who follow hockey religiously. The Politicians have way-ed into Team Canada Hockey Decisions. Shane Doan has unproven allegations against him that in 2005 he uttered a racial slur "F******g Frenchman did a good job" in reference to the all French Officiating staff who were working that night. Now this is one person...
nephew23 writes...

ABSURDITY!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
First of all, I'd like to thank the Vancouver Canucks for lending their tv announcers to CBC Sports for game 4! What an incredible gesture towards the people of Canada, and specifically Canucks' fans! I'm so thankful American fans, specifically Ducks fans, got to hear those announcers cheer for their team the entire game...and overtime hasn't even begun yet! I cannot wa...
I am getting absolutely disgusted with what's being thrown around our Federal Government these days. Taxes, defence and other important issues are taking a backseat because - get this - Shane Doan is the captain of Team Canada. Can I please call for a by-election of any idiot who thinks this is an issue for our government to discuss? Hockey Canada is going to address Pa...
Luongo07 writes...

Expectations...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So we'll call it over, Was it worth the ride? Damn rights. Lets flash back a moment to the begining of training camp. The Vancouver Canucks assembled in Vernon, British Columbia with a new look. Alain Vigneault is coach, Roberto Luongo is in goal and most undoubtably Todd Bertuzzi is not in the line-up. There a several scribes across the continent saying that the Canuc...
Luongo07 writes...

Tough Loss...

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Vancouver Canucks season came to a close in dramatic fashion. Amist all the question marks at the begining of the season the Canucks made a rather impressive season out of nothing. Roberto Luongo proved that he could not only carry a team into the post-season but he also proved that he could give his team a chance. Alain Vigneault proved that he could make a bunch of '...
predjoe writes...

Rob Niedermayer Wins It!!!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Calm down Ducks fans...I didn’t get confused and not give Scott the credit for his game winning goal. I gave credit to Rob because it was his huge hit on Jannik Hansen that not only turned over the puck but caused Luongo to lose his focus for a brief moment...that’s all it took. Ducks win and advance to the WCF. "My brother got a big hit on their guy and the puck s...
A few thoughts before I move on to bigger and better issues! And yes, I fully expect the bitterness to flow from Luongo07 and Mojoworld! (1) Roberto Luongo was absolutely brilliant throughout the playoffs...he is a monster. Without question, he is deserving of the MVP award. He played on his head last night but, as has been the case, could not score and could not ...
Luongo07 writes...

Changing our focus...

Posted Friday | Comments 5
With the Vancouver Canucks season coming to a close many would expect that the blame game would be topic number one around town. In my mind that should not be the focus as the team accomplished well beyond our collective expectations and the only thing that allowed us to toy with the thought of a Stanley Cup parade was our goaltending. Roberto Luongo proved last night, wit...
gonucks writes...

Free Agent Huntin'

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
After an embarrassing double-OT playoff elimination for the Vancouver Canucks fans are turning their attention to the free-agent pool. As a loyal Canucks fan I feel that our lack of offense needs to be taken care of. We have solid defense and amazing goaltending so we have built our game around that. I personally feel that we should trade away Mattias Ohlund. He is no long...
Canuck2k7 writes...

Kariya Possible Nuck.

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Well it looks like Eklund and his sources are saying Paul Kariya is coming home to Vancouver! On Eklund's Chart it says Kariyas at 40% for Vancouver and 30% Nashville. As we all know Vancouver needs some serious offence. So why not look at Kariya, He's: -Got offence -Can score -Lots of speed -Hometown boy -A great fit for the Canucks The Nucks also are #1 on A...
This Ottawa-Buffalo series is going to be an exciting one. Geographically, Leaf fans could easily get their hockey fix being smackdab in between these 2 towns. At the same time, it's easy for Leaf fans to hate both these teams. Do you hate the team that crushed your Cup dreams some years ago, or do you hate the team who brags about crushing your dreams, yet never has? Dani...
Syntax writes...

Sabourin wants to return

Posted Monday | Comments 0
[img:right]http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/4431/danysabourinzo8.jpg[/img]Dany Sabourin spoke with the media and he said that he'd like to be Luongo's backup for at least one more season. [quote]Sabourin, surprisingly, said he would be willing to serve as Roberto Luongo's caddy for another season, even though he started just seven times in 82 possibilities. I'll be...
It looks like Canucks are making huge atempts for offence. For example: Paul Kariya - 40% - Would work very well as hometown boy Scott Gomez - 25% - Would bring some good offence to Vancouver Anson Carter - 25% - Could work with Sedins, cheaper Ladislav Nagy - 20% - Would bring good offence Wes Walz - 10% - Always plays good ag...
[b]Second Annual Grimmy Award Winners[/b] Note: Since my last name is Grimm, the title of the awards are a take-off on my name and the music awards of a similar name. [b]Hart Trophy: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins[/b] Runners-up: Roberto Luongo (Vancouver), Vinny Lecavalier (Tampa Bay) There have been heralded youngsters throughout the history of the NHL. Way...
saltwaterreptiles writes...

The Koivu maneuver

Posted Wednesday | Comments 2
So the latest talk is trading Koivu away. While this makes a modicum of sense if the return is someone along the lines of Vinny, I for one cannot see it taking place. You can question his skill set, or his physical size, but I think it’s shortsighted, even ludicrous to question the heart and passion this Finn brings to the rink. In the past 3 years I have not missed o...
Dave Nonis' intention is to sign Cory Schneider, and have him start in Manitoba for the Manitoba Moose. Dave Nonis says: "I believe Cory Schneider is one of the top unsigned goalies in the world, if not the top goaltender. If he's good enough to play for the U.S.A. in their system right now at the world championships, it says a lot about what kind of player he is. ...
The canucks have been out of the playoffs, and for a while, but the team itself took a dramatic transformation. Sure, you can look at the block buster deal of the summer, with Roberto Luongo becoming a hero over a course of after one game, but there is more to the team. Alain Vigneault is up for the Jack adams trophy, and personally i think he is very deserving of this awa...
hAbfAn33 writes...

Why in the Worlds?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Canada wins another world hockey championship. Big surprise AND big deal! Why is this tournament played every year during the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Does anybody who follows the NHL care about this tournament right now while the battle for arguably the greatest trophy in sports is taking place, especially if your team is still in it? I'm still trying to figure out the poin...
While not quite as taxing as being a Chicago Cub fan, the lot in life for a Vancouver Canucks fan is, and has always been, how will “we” screw it up this time? Whether we’re talking performance on the ice, Drafting, Uniforms etc, it doesn’t matter. At the end of the day Canuck fans are almost always left with disappointment and wondering what might have been. I...
Biggus! writes...

The Classic Canucks

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I guess this is it – final blog of the season. I wish I were writing this a month from now. Obviously we would have liked to keep playing, but you really need a lot of things to go your way to be successful in the playoffs. A few reporters were asking me what I thought I had learned – that’s a tough question. I think I really realized how hard it is to win. Tho...
zeke10 writes...

What To Do

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I study hard for my test on human reproduction. Golly, how ironic. It is only too bad that the Hurricanes are not reproducing last year's victory in the playoffs. I am sure that Rod Brind'Amour shares my sentiment. This next summer is going to be extremely boring. We wont have Cup parties, award ceremonies, photogs and other things that come with championships. Thank God ...
Hi all ! Koivu just mention to the "La Presse" journal that he want to stay, win and have success with the Montreal Canadiens till the end of his carer. The leader of the Habs realize all the potential of the prospect in Hamilton. With the future star forward like the two brother Kostitsyn, Mikhail Grabovski, Kyle Chipchura and Corey Locke, the CH will have one of the best...
Springdogg writes...

How Much Does a Coach Help?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Before this year I thought a coach’s impact was minimal. Sure he could design a system and give great pep talks, but it was up to the players on the ice to execute. Then along came the day of December 12, 2006. The Blues were scheduled to play the Blackhawks that night and it was announced that Andy Murray would be taking over the vacant head coach position for the Blues...
The Canucks aren't going to have much money to spend, so I don't expect any big-name free agent signings. [b][u]Out[/b][/u] • Jan Bulis • Bryan Smolinski • Brent Sopel [b][u]In[/b][/u] • Ruslan Fedotenko • Wade Brookbank or any other enforcer • Marc Chouinard (for training camp) Daniel Sedin ($3.575M) | Henrik Sedin ($3.575M) | Taylor Pyatt ($1.5...
doman430 writes...

The Season is really over

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The reality is setting in that the Sabres season is over and they waisted a glorious opportunity. I’m sitting here trying to figure out what went wrong and the only conclusion I can come to is that the Ottawa Senators were better. I guess when put into perspective the disappointment is eased a bit because the Sabres didn’t deserve to win. In last years Conference Fi...
Redd writes...

Glen Wesley, Scott Walker news

Posted Sunday | Comments 1
According to the Raleigh News and Observer, Glen Wesley wants to return next season for his 20th season. Here's what Glen had to say: "That was definitely not the way I wanted to finish the year off," Wesley said. "I'm really looking forward to coming back and getting a fresh start and wanting to win again. That should be everybody's objective in the locker room. We hav...
There are two types of hockey fans, those that are irked at the concept of a Southern team winning a cup (ie. Carolina, Tampa, Dallas, to name a few) and those that aren't. As a hockey fan, I'm tired of hearing what team "deserves" to win the cup based on the amount of fans a team has, or how devoted these said fans may be. This is professional sports. The NHL, as is ...
Luongo07 writes...

Pyatt getting close

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
It appears the minor stand-off between the Canucks and soon to be unrestricted free agent Taylor Pyatt may actually be coming to an end. In a good way for both sides. TSN.ca is reporting that the Canucks who offered $1.2 million per have loosend their stance a litte, meanwhile Pyatt has also come back the other way from his previous demand of about $1.5 - 1.6 million. ...
MasWE writes...

The Ottawa Pledge

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I'm just listening to Chuck Swirsky on the Fan590, and I hear about this pledge that Toronto's Mayor David Miller, Vancouver's Mayor Sam Sullivan, and Calgary's Mayor Dave Bronconnier, is creating to make Leaf fans, Canucks fans, and Flames fans root for the Senators during this Stanley Cup Finals. This is absolutely ridiculous! If your a fan of the Leafs you are NOT ro...
adw409 writes...

Welcome to VI Hockey Buzz!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Watch this blog over the summer for Vancouver Island hockey news, including BCHL, ECHL and the Canucks training camp in Victoria!
To many fans of Canadian teams, the closest thing to seeing their team in the final rounds of the playoffs is to follow their next crop of superstars in the AHL playoffs. For the Montreal Canadiens, there couldn't be a better indication of the future of the most storied franchise in hockey history than the play of their AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. While many neve...
adw409 writes...

Canucks Camp

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Front page of the Goldstream Gazette has the Canucks holding their main and prospects camp and the Bear Mountain Arena in Colwood from Sept 5-18, Len Barrie saying a decision will come in " a few weeks" with the Blue and White game scheduled for the SOFMC in Victoria Check out VI Hockey Buzz daily for updates during the camp!
adw409 writes...

1925

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
No surprise that the NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't know his hockey history forgetting the beloved 1925 Stanley Cup Champs, Victoria Cougars when he proclaimed the Ducks the first Stanley Cup winners from the West Coast last night. I'm sure the press release apology is on its way.....
golteez writes...

Youth Movement

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I go onto hockey boards everywhere, from Canadiens.com, to Hockeysfuture.com (Montreal Canadiens, message board). On each of these sites, and many more their are always wants for big time players, through trades or free agency. Fans want Drury, Briere, Gomez.... These wants are un - realistic, except maybe Briere, but at 6 - 7 million, i don't want him. I've been proposiin...
Vancover Cauncks [IMG]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/flyershockey81/canucks-uniforms.gif[/IMG]
In an article in the [url=http://calsun.canoe.ca/Sports/OtherSports/2007/06/18/4269554-sun.html]Calgary Sun[/url], it reports Martin Gelinas who is eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1 would like to sign with either the Calgary Flames or Vancouver Canucks to finish off his career. [quote]Martin Gelinas and his family are back in town for the summer, comforted...
I think It's safe to say that Roberto Luongo is the single best thing that's happened to the Vancouver Canucks in a very long time, if not, ever. But what happens when the all-star goalie gets, dare I say, injured or gets tired of playing over seventy games a season, what then? Dany Sabourin had a mediocre start to the season but as he played a few more games he seemed mor...
- [img:left]http://www.hockeyheadquarters.com/images/hockey-cards/c55/vezina-rcx2th.jpg[/img]In April 2007 a mint graded 1911-12 C55 Georges Vezina rookie card shattered the record price ever paid for a hockey card at $100K. The April 2007 issue of Beckett Hockey magazine published an artilce titled "The Greatest Card Ever Sold" focusing on the sale of this Georges Vezina...
The wait is over. Since the Vancouver Canucks met thier fate in the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs I have spent several hours here and there just trying to get a feel as to where the franchise sits in terms of what their team will look like next fall. I have seen several posts both here and on the CDC message board that would lead you to believe the the Canucks have millions of...
David Singleton writes...

A Rebuttal...

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]Originally posted on PredNation.com[/b] On June 21st, Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, thestar.com, wrote an article discussing the impending Predators sale and the lack of movement by the Board of Governors. What follows is my rebuttal to Mr. Cox. I was able to read your article entitled Why is Bettman so Scared of Canada?. Let me first say that I generally ...
The Vancouver Canucks traded disgrunteld prospect Jason King to the Anahiem Ducks in exchange for minor league star Ryan Shannon. Not only does this trade releave the Canucks of yet another underachieveing prospect but it also provides GM Dave Nonis some depth and the ability to make tough decisions come free agency time. Shannon will probably secure himself a spot on t...
The Vancouver Canucks have acquired one piece of the puzzle that will help them go far... Ryan Shannon. This shows me that Nonis is willing to make this team a little more gritty and fortunately , A little more mean. I'm not suggesting that Shannon will play a HUGE role in a cup win , but more of a checking , scoring kind of role. Now , I suggest we keep Naslund for a year...
Luongo07 writes...

Say It Ain't So Ek?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Willie Mitchell has been mentioned in a possible trade that would send the Canucks defensive stalward back to the Minnesota Wild and the Canucks shedding themselves of the $3.5 million dollar salary. Say it ain't so! Mitchell is extremely overpaid if you look at him for a complete game but seriously you do not look to Willie for the offensive side of his game. Mitchell'...
It seems like the Vancouver Canucks are the only team in the NHL that aren't going to be jumping right into the free agent frenzy come July 1st, simply because of the salary cap. However, this doesn’t mean we won’t see the Canucks make a pitch for a quality scorer by way of trade or even by moving a big player to free up some cap space. Here are some of the big names t...
Here we go again: 11) Carolina----Brandon Sutter May have the best all-around game in the draft, but I still think this is a little high for him consideringCherepanov was still on the board. Needs to fill out a lot and still develop a little more grit. Yes he's a Sutter, but he isn't as Sutter-y as others. Has good character to fall back on if his skills don't make him a...
hAbfAn33 writes...

Don't hold your breath Hab Fan

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Despite the chatter about what free agents the Habs have in their crosshairs, I'd like to interject and remind the fan base that historically (i.e. the last 5 years at least) the Canadiens have not been key players in free agency and until they do something to make me think otherwise, I'm not holding out hope that this is the year they acquire a big name to be the face of...
During "Crazy-Time" last summer Flyers GM Bob Clarke approached Ryan Kesler and made an absurd off to the underachieving restricted free agent. The offer was for a one year deal at $1.9 million dollars, to a player that had far from met any expectations and seemingly could not put the puck in the Pacific Ocean if he were standing on Honolulu Island. Don't get me wrong, ...
HABSFAN2006 writes...

HABS NEED TO KEEP RYDER!!!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I AM ALL IN FAVOR OF TRADING FOR MARLEAU, OR TRADING FOR TANGUAY, BUT, GETTING RID OF RYDER, WILL NOT MAKE ANYTHING BETTER. THERE HAS TO BE AWAY OF KEEPING THIS GUY HERE. HE HAD THE MOST GOALS THIS YEAR, AND WE TREATED HIM BETTER THAN JUST A QUALIFYING OFFER, HE MIGHT REPEAT AND GET MORE THAN 30 THIS YEAR. TRADE A GOALIE, THAT WE HAVE A FEW SPARES, IMO, HUET IS OUR #1, SOR...
HABSFAN2006 writes...

HABS NEED TO KEEP RYDER!!!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I AM ALL IN FAVOR OF TRADING FOR MARLEAU, OR TRADING FOR TANGUAY, BUT, GETTING RID OF RYDER, WILL NOT MAKE ANYTHING BETTER. THERE HAS TO BE AWAY OF KEEPING THIS GUY HERE. HE HAD THE MOST GOALS THIS YEAR, AND WE TREATED HIM BETTER THAN JUST A QUALIFYING OFFER, HE MIGHT REPEAT AND GET MORE THAN 30 THIS YEAR. TRADE A GOALIE, THAT WE HAVE A FEW SPARES, IMO, HUET IS OUR #1, SOR...
Luongo07 writes...

Bra-barian Back In The Fold...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
General Manager Dave Nonis has managed to bring back power forward Jeff Cowan after Cowan agreed to a 2-year in the '$700,000' range per season. Cowan joined the Canucks via waivers back in December of 2006 just in time as the Canucks started their turnaround. Not expected to put up very big numbers but Cowan did experience a lengthly streak late in the season with six...
As most people have heard by now, Paul Kariya is going to be testing the free agent waters starting July 1st according to Nashville Predators GM David Poile. "He's definitely going into free agency and it's certainly looking doubtful based on our conversations and the uncertainty of our franchise that he'll be coming back here," Poile announced Thursday. The Vancouver C...
1st Day Free Agent Signings: Todd White: Atlanta Thrashers 4 year 2.4 Million per year Tom Poti: Washington Capitals 4 year 3.5 Million per year Richard Zednik: Florida Panthers 2 year 1.6 Million per year Brett McLean: Florida Panthers 3 year 1.7 Million per year Mathieu Schneider: Anaheim Ducks 2 year 5.6 Million per year Daniel Briere: Philedelphia Fly...
During the TSN broadcast, the panelists said it. During the singings, the players said it. When Rivet and Recchi left, they said it. It's no secret, yet everyone seems to miss it. The problem is not taxes! The problem is not language! The problem is certainly NOT money! THE PROBLEM IS THE DAMN MEDIA! Players do not want to come here and get their lives ruined by a bu...
Monty Python continues to amuse me. However, I shall write about what every other blogger on this website is most interested in: the free agent mania that swept the hockey world yesterday. I will talk about the big deals (ie Gomez, Briere) but my focus is on the smaller names. Briere (PHI)-This was an interesting move by Holmgren. Especially the length. After seeing Rick...
Luongo07 writes...

The Hardest Pill To Swallow

Posted Monday | Comments 0
With Vancouver Canucks seemingly press against the salary cap I am willing to give General Manager Dave Nonis some slack but in the same breathe when players of this ilk are sitting there with zero compensation (except $$$) why haven't we heard the slightest rumor of a player coming to Vancouver.Fact of the matter is that you can go over the cap in the off-season you just ...
JoeStar1 writes...

Media Destroys Montreal!!!

Posted Monday | Comments 0
My message is to the [b]MEDIA OF MONTREAL[/b]. [b][u]Enough is enough!!![/u][/b] I, and the fans of this great franchise have had it!!! I have said it for years that the media is who manages the team, not the organization. Year in and year out, we see the same trend building, worse and worse as the years go by. This time around, you will not blame Gainey or the rest o...
According to NHL.com, Brad Isbister is currently a member of the Vancouver Canucks, does anyone know of any articles confirming this deal? It seems like it may be a misprint because it's been on the website for a little while now and no official announcement has been made. If, in fact, this is true then I think the Canucks have found themselves another Taylor Pyatt to p...
rocket writes...

Canucks make two more official

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
"Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice-President and General Manager Dave Nonis announced today that the Canucks have signed centre Byron Ritchie and winger Brad Isbister. In keeping with club policy, no financial terms of the deal will be released." - http://www.canucks.com/pressreleases.asp?sectionID=31&id=735 A couple of third or fourth liners, curious to what the ter...
Cory Schneider has officially signed his first NHL contract with the Vancouver Canucks after spending the last two seasons with Boston College and breaking a record for most shutouts in a single season with eight. Schneider will most likely play as a starter for the Manitoba Moose and may very well see some ice time in Vancouver. However, it has been said this could be a m...
Luongo07 writes...

Satisfied? Not Quite...

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
But getting there. General Manager Dave Nonis made several signings this morning and each one of them may not make a huge difference in the outcome but they are all key cogs in the future of the Vancouver Canucks. The morning began with the signing of highly touted goaltending prospect Cory Schneider to a multi-year deal. Now that this luctrative chip is in the fol...
Just hours after signing Schneider, Isbister and Ritchie, the Vancouver Canucks are at it again, this time signing goalie Curtis Sanford to a one year, $600,000 contract. Sanford joins the Canucks after spending his last three seasons with the St. Louis Blues. The Ontario native finished last season with a 3.18 goals against and a .888 save percentage in 31 games. I thi...
Canuck2k7 writes...

July 3rd Free Agent Signings

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
July 3rd Free Agent Sugnings: Greg Classen: Vancouver Canucks (Terms Not Disclosed) Brad Isbister: Vancouver Canucks 525 Thousand per year Byron Richie: Vancouver Canucks 675 Thousamd per year Matt Carkner: Ottawa Senators 1 year deal Jiri Notvotny: Columbus Blue Jackets 2 year deal Mathieu Darche: Tampa Bay Lightning 1 year Dainius Zubrus: New Jersey ...
I am glad that everyone is overpaying for everyone. Drury is a great leader but, I cant see paying 7 mil to a guy who has never scored 70 points in a season. Thornton, Iginla, and maybe Briere are the only deserving ones of a 7+ a year contract from a team this season. JR is playing it smart and not signing guys for 4,5,6 or even 7 years to the Canes and has no idea i...
Here's what I know about the Canucks GM, Dave Nonis. He is a patient, patient man. As a fan, it's frustrating as all get out. Especially when you enjoy the offseason as much as I do. It's not that I wanted Nonis to get into the bidding for Drury, Gomez, or Briere. I didn't. But Nonis has signed and dealt for a total of almost 10 players in the past week, yet ...
Last fall, when Bobby Clarke was asked about why he tendered Ryan Kesler an offer sheet, he went on the offensive and blamed it on Nonis. Well, first he said he followed the rules as outlined in the CBA, and if you don't like the rules, call the commissioner. But the thing he said that was of real intersest was when he questioned by Nonis had left his RFA unsigned f...
MVPrice writes...

Habs Grow from Within...

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The habs this year will be a taste of whats to come. Without the arrival of a first line UFA (once again) the Canadiens finally have the luxury of having good building blocks at every position. The lines this year will hopefully involve a rookie or second year player on at least three of four lines, and since these rookies are highly touted prospects, this is an excelle...
This Rumor has poluted CDC, HF Boards, and Canucks Central already, and there have been some mixed fealings about the rumor. On HF boards Barney Gumble Wrote: "The only two I want to see in his contract is "two-way deal". Course that isn't realistic I know. Two years? Sure, if his salary is under a million per year. Else, pass.", This is the best post about the Carter rum...
Canucks12 writes...

Eric Lindros?!?

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
In Josh Plummers Last Entry He Posted [quote]In his latest blog, Eklund says the Canucks are now one of the teams who could have an interest in #88, Eric Lindros[/quote] I think that this would not be a good signing, sure hes a good player, [u]When He is NOT HURT![/u] I cant help but wonder were Eklund gets this stuff from? Some of it makes no sense! Any how heres my favor...
Vancouver Canucks general manager Dave Nonis just keeps making deals, he’s re-signed Kevin Bieksa to a three year deal and picked up veteran blue-liner Aaron Miller. It seems Nonis wants to build a stronger defensive presence around Roberto Luongo which is just what the team needs after seeing their all-star goalie get pushed around all season and especially in the playo...
ceeds writes...

Rumors Rumors Rumors

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With the signing of former LA Kings defencemen Aaron Miller on Monday, the Canucks are creating quite the rumor buzz around the league. With an NHL ready defensive core of 8 dmen, the canucks look to be unloading a defencemen to pick up some much needed scoring. Although some of the rumors out there are absolutely absurd, like one heard on the TEAM 1040 in Vancouver this...
Multiple league sources have informed the Sabres as the team chosen to represent the league in an "Ice Bowl" on the first day of 2008. The opponent, most likely,would be the Pittsburgh Penguins as it should. The combination of Sidney Crosby and Malkin copuled with facing an appointent who's fans will fill the Ralph in a matter of hours will be outstanding. The genius behin...
In my first blog, I'm going to talk about free agency. In my opinion the CAP hasn't really taught GMs anything. They are still overpaying guys and signing players to ridiculous contract terms (8 years for Scott Gomez, 7 for Briere, 6 for Timonen). By the time these guys enter free agency again they will be in their late 30s, early 40s! How do these teams know that these pl...
Shan316 writes...

Canucks Set For Now?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I frequent the Canucks' forums and I also frequent this site as I wait impatiently for the start of another season. Despite rumors of Yashin or Lindros or Elias coming here via free agency or trade, I am not convinced this is the time to make a big move. I don't know that Nonis is convinced either. The Stanley Cup takes practice to win for most teams. Tampa didn't wi...
Having gone to the Habs rookie camp for the past three years, I have been able to see those who are lined up to play for Les Glorieux for many years to come. Last year it was Guillame Latendresse, Kyle Chipchura, Sergei Kostitsyn, and of course Carey Price who stood out from the hoi poloi. The focus of most of our prospects over the past few years has obviously been offens...
rohllie72 writes...

The Hall of Fame

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I was in Toronto on Monday, mainly to visit the Hall. What a beautiful city, Toronto is, I would've gone up in the tower, but my family and I didn't want to fork over $22 bucks a piece to do something all three of us had already done, even though my parents did it 22 years ago...and I did 6. The Hall is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL building, inside and out, the archways in ...
gamma82 writes...

Matt We Hardly Knew Ya . . .

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Sather sends Matt Cullen back to Carolina for what looks like spare parts. Is this simply a salary dump to get better control of the cap and leave Sather some flexibility during the season or a precursor of another move? The players coming back are: Andrew Hutchinson D - 27 years old and played 41 games last year for the Canes. Great a possible 7th D-man on a team th...
Yesterday morning Eklund reported that there was a rumor that the Canadiens are interested in Nikolai Zherdev. Eklund also reported a few weeks ago that the Oilers and the Islanders may also be looking at him as well. Dealing Zherdev could end up profitable if done correctly. First of all, Nikolai Zherdev is a forward who has butted heads with Ken Hitchcock. Just like a...
Calgary Flames - C Key Acquisitions: Owen Nolan, Adrian Aucoin, Cory Sarich Question Marks: Offensive Production, Mike Keenan One of the best defensive teams in the league got better and deeper on defense this off season. The additions of Cory Sarich and Adrian Aucoin make one of the best bluelines in the league better and solidifies the Flames as one of the ...
I was looking over one of my favorite forums and on there was a map showing the locations of all the teams in the league. This picture awoke me (already knew that it was bad) of how unfair the eastern teams have it. These are prime examples of advantages out east. Drury moves from Buffalo to New York... He doesn't really have to move. Gomez moves from New Jersey to New...
m2kmike writes...

Us vs. Them

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
As I sit back and watch a replay of the 1994 Grey Cup game because the BC Lions game is blacked out, it reminds me of watching that game live and what it meant. For those that don't know or remember, the game was between the BC Lions and the Baltimore Colts, Stallions, CFLers whatever you want to call them. This was an American team in our CFL. This American team was comp...
I have a oil on wood painting of Maurice "Rocket" Richard that was painted back in the 1950's. I purchased it from his estate auction after he passed a few years ago and it has since hung proudly in my hockey shop overlooking about 5000 sq. ft. of hockey gear. I just had an older gentleman that came in to get his skates sharpened and noticed it hanging on the wall. He puff...
Dear Sirs, We have a great game. You have spent your careers and lives in service to that belief. It is your responsibility and sacred duty to do everything and anything in your power to ensure that NHL officiating remains beyond reproach. We have a great game and we need to keep it that way. The fans of tomorrow depend upon it. I "bet" David Stern thought he h...
jeph writes...

fan hatred

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Ok so here is what i dont get. You come on these sites (so far this is the best one i have found for not having the problem) and you find fans hating on other fans. prime example leafs and sens fans. I am a leafs fan thru and thru but in no way do i hate sens fans. I am not a huge fan of the team but in no way can i say they suck. At the same time the leafs did not ma...
frootmig writes...

Engels Will Owe Me a Two-Four

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[i][b]Why Alfie Will Never Be Traded[/b][/i] A couple of days ago, while engaged in the usual friendly banter of the Hockeybuzz Chatroom, a certain blogger that covers Les Glorieux, came in and confidently proclaimed that Daniel Alfredsson would be traded from Ottawa if the Senators didn't have a successful year. Being the ardent Sens fan that I am, I felt obliged to ch...
I just got home from the ceremonies inducting Brian Burke, Bret Hull, Dennis Kearns and Bob Hall into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame here in Penticton BC. It was an absolutely amazing ceremony mc'd as usual by former BCTV sportscaster Bernie Pascal. This is an annual event sells out every year and this year was no different. Anybody that is able to come to this event should as...
I know we've all heard about the Patrice Brisebois rumors but it has me wondering, why would Bob Gainey be looking to pay 700k of our remaining cap space to Patrice of all people. Check our current defesive line up: 1:Markov-Komisarek 2:Hamrlik-Streit(or Gorges) 3:Bouillon-Dandeneault The way I see it, we're better off with either of the two of our bottom three ...
Habs cap space inclusive of Ryder signing: 6.317 million. With Brisebois signed, they would still have roughly 5.6 million in space to use for a solid UFA. Dany Markov comes to mind. Possibly some really good forward. *** Patrice Brisebois apparently very close to a deal with the habs. Some might even call it a done deal. It is believed that Bob Gainey has offered Brise...
Looberlang writes...

Canucks

Posted Friday | Comments 0
There's a lot of talk about Olli Jokinen coming to Vancouver. I understand the difficulties in making trades with the salary cap etc. However, when a guy of this level is possibly available, Nonis has to do what it takes to get him here. With the way the salaries are going $5.25 mill per year for him is a great bargain. He's 28 and locked up until 2010/11. If this can...
I'm one to welcome Naslund and Morrison back with open arms when their contracts are up. All i've been hearing in Canuckland these days is how Naslund isn't producing, how Morrison is invisible, and how Canucks fans cannot wait to get rid of their contracts. Well, i'm one to say: Don't get too ahead of yourself. Canucks fans seem to easily forget that Markus Naslund was...
I'm going to be doing a similar thing that rags2riches did but for the Canucks. In part 1 I will outline the projected lines (as of now - will update if any major trades or free agent signings happen between now and the beginning of the season). I will then profile each player on each line. I may also do this for every team because I know the NHL pretty well. Line 1 ...
Here is part 2 of my analysis, the top line of the Vancouver Canucks! LW #22 Daniel Sedin Personal: 26 yrs old from Ornskoldsvik, Sweden 6-1 200 lbs Shoots L Drafted 1999 1st Rd 2nd Overall by the Vancouver Canucks Entering 7th NHL Season with the Canucks (6th overall) Contract - 2 yrs remaining on 3 yr contract ($3.57 million) Strengths: Daniel Sedin is a skille...
nyghtflyer writes...

The Tale of Two Cities

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Growing up with a passion and a love for two teams is harder than just one! My father grew up in Montreal in the era when the Canadiens were known as the flying frenchmen and were basically unbeatable. I was born in 1978, and hockey came into my life I would say right around 1982 when I was old enough to talk and enjoy what was being shown to me. This was the time that...
I'm one to say no. Some Canucks fans seem to think that we need to give this team another face lift. Would a top 6 forward be nice? Yes, it would, if you want to get Naslund going again. Can we make the playoffs without a top 6? Absolutely. We showed last year that even with our scoring dilemma, we won our division. Why is that? Solid, solid defense, and an all star goa...
saneopinion writes...

A right wing plan.

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
After watching Scott Niedermayer Choose the Ducks as the location he wanted to play, although he received phopne calls from several N.H.L. superstars trying to lure him in, the obvious reason was his brother. Growing up, taking turns shooting on net with each other acting as goalie, with each shot being the game 7 O.T. winner for the Stanley Cup, you had to think that the ...
Looberlang writes...

Canucks

Posted Monday | Comments 0
So, the latest rumour of Ohlund/Schneider to Tampa for St.Louis is very tantalizing. My opinion is that Schneider is the “Prince Harry” of the Royal family. He may have royal blood, but he will never be the King, that role is Luongo’s. Although, at least Prince Harry goes to Cowboys! Trade Schneider while his stock is high! Ohlund is sadly on the downside of...
There are several reasons I believe why the Canucks won't have a blockbuster this year. 1. Cap Space.....yes the Canucks cap space is tight. According to nhlnumbers.com, the Canucks DO HAVE and ONLY 5.367 mil to play around with. Don't forget, in the site, they only has 20 players signed. You need about 22 to 23. So with 2-3 more players, we can assume they are small co...
bigbert44 writes...

Depth in D

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I personally think that the canucks have one of the if not strongest defence in the league. With Ohlund-Salo , Mitchell-Bieksa , Krajicek-Miller/Bourdon it's hard not to argue that it is very strong. Their defence in the future looks really good with 1st round pick Luc Bourdon may be cracking the starting lineup and Alex Edler a reliable callup from Manitoba. The Canucks h...
CanesRallyCry writes...

'Canes D: Need Fixing?

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Early in the post season Jim Rutherford was very active in trying to acquire one Joni Pitkanen. Obviously he would have like to employ his puck moving abilities and youth to a fairly stay-at-home veteran D-Corps. As everyone knows, Rutherford did not land Pitkanen, the Oilers did. The man who was on the trading block, Niclas Wallin, remains a 'Cane. It wasn't that th...
bigbert44 writes...

Canucks: Depth on D

Posted Monday | Comments 0
It's hard not to agree that the canucks are stacked on defence. This season coming should be a good one for goals against with these pairings: Bieksa-Mitchell Ohlund-Salo Krajicek-Miller/Bourdon. the canucks defence last season combined for the most goals by a blueline in the league. Bieksa and Mitchell were spectactular last season establishing a name for themselves as a ...
Is it possible that Trevor Linden is delaying this contract status to show to Vigneault that benching Linden for so many games last year was a mistake? If Canucks fans can remember, Linden was benched lots throughout the season, even after a 2 goal game, even after one of his best games of the season. When he was put with the Sedins, he had many chances, hit the post a ...
Luongo07 writes...

All Is Well In Canuckland

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With a simple flick of the wrist, everything on the west coast was settled. For now, Trevor Linden returning to the Vancouver Canucks line-up for yet another season simply eases the pain in waiting for the next debacle as the faithful wait for the arrival of yet another jersey. When training camp begins, Trevor Linden will bring a sense of stability to a line-up that for t...
It is no secret that overall scoring has dropped in the NHL over the past 20 years, and while there are many factors as to why this is the case, the majority of hockey experts will say that the biggest reason this has happened is that the game has changed. What was once a wide open game dominated by skill and speed has now often become a chess match between coaches and the...
Building from the net out is something you'll hear from time to time from general managers trying to combine all the elements of their managing philosophy into a nice, easy to understand sentence that most hockey fans can understand. How I understand it is this: When you are looking to improve your team, start with the goaltender and move on out - as if this is an order of...
With this being my first blog entry at Hockeybuzz, I figured I'd start by doing a general outline of the Canucks in the offseason and the team at its current state. The team, even though they finished top of the Northwest Division (Typically considered the most balanced, if not hardest, division in the league. Though I'd have probably given hardest to Pacific), we...
dagley writes...

Best Wishes to Team Canada

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[img:left]http://www.scholarships.ed.ac.uk/images/canada_flag.jpg[/img] [b] Best of wishes to Team Canada, and the coaching staff over in Russia for the Super Series between Canada and Russia, starting on Monday. I'd like to personally say thank-you to all the players/coaching staff that are over in Russia that are going into a war with the Rus...
I do a weekly piece on WCCO-AM [the clear channel to the UPPER Midwest (U.S.) and do a piece called THE ANGRY MINUTE. A couple weeks back i covered the crazy rate at which Americans, last year, are leaving for Canada twice the normal rate (sic) ... All things considered, i empathized... so I played the ENTIRE version of "Oh! Canada! " anthem, after some COMMENT of cou...
I do a weekly piece on WCCO-AM [the clear channel to the UPPER Midwest (U.S.) and it's called THE ANGRY MINUTE. A couple weeks back i covered the crazy rate at which Americans, last year, are leaving for Canada twice the normal rate (sic) ... All things considered, sometimes we empathize... so, I played the ENTIRE version of the "Oh! Canada! " anthem, Stanley Cup Play...
With the Vancouver Canucks making the Western Conference Final last season, under the guidance of newly acquired Roberto Luongo, is it unrealistic to expect a Stanley Cup appearence? Will Vancouver be the fourth canadian team to make the Stanley Cup Finals in the last four appearences? This Leafs fan thinks so. After missing the playoffs in 05-06 the Canucks found thems...
There's been a ton of talk that the Habs and Sharks have talked about a trade that would send Patrick Marleau to the Habs, but speaking with a few sources, I've been told that the Predators, Oilers and the Sabres are also interested, and have offered better packages for Marleau. Also, just because the Sharks are listening to offers for Marleau, does that really mean th...
I don't think goaltending has ever been this good in the NHL. Sure, there have been times when it has been better at the top end of the list, but the depth going into the 2007-08 season may be at an all-time high. These guys have the ability to carry their team on their back, and single-handedly steal hockey games on any given night. In the playoffs, they can be the single...
[b]Up next, I looked at the Northwest Division (one of the toughest to pick) Minnesota Wild[/b] The Minnesota Wild had a good year last year, perhaps overachieving a little bit. Mainly they were able to take advantage of Edmonton when they were on their spiral down towards the basement of the Northwest Division. The Wild were 6 - 2 against Edmonton and 4 of the wins ...
I am a leaf fan, but I am not going to be while I write this article. One of the most exciting divisions in the NHL, the North Eastern division is one the deadliest in the league. All five teams have been in the playoffs the last 4 or 5 years. The Buffalo Sabres, The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, and the Boston Bruins. Last year, the Sabres...
Leafer93 writes...

Amended Predictions

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I made some NHL predictions awhile back; however, I made some small changes. I think that Carolina is more likely to make the playoffs than Philadelphia, and that I underestimated Washington and Dallas slightly; thus, I've made some changes to my tentative predictions. These are my FINAL predictions for the year. Book them. EASTERN CONFERENCE: 1) New York Rangers (51-2...
dkartik writes...

Canucks Jerseys

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Alright, this probably should be a dead issue, since the Canucks already wasted their million dollars on designing their new jerseys for this upcoming season. The least they could have done was look at their practice jerseys before showing the other ones off to the world. I was looking through some of the posts on canucks.com about the rookie camp, saw some pictures of t...
Jbug writes...

Memories that last forever......

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Well its been some time now since I have been able to put up a blog and as I sat here thinking about what to write I began going back over all the great hockey memories I have, especially those of my team, the Canucks. A I went from memory to memory, each one bringing back a moment in time, a picture, an image, a feeling, I realized how much a part this team, and this game...
I have had the pleasure of watching the Canucks rookie camp all this week. Let me fill you in on what I saw at camp. As Eklund said, Victoria native Taylor Ellington had a very good camp. In 60 games last year with the Evertt Silvertips of the WHL, he scored 5 goals along with 8 assists. Although he does not look like he'll be a huge point producer at the NHL level, he ...
Hey there, Finally, across the city, we can feel the nervousness and febrility of everybody. All the talk and chat are centered in only one subject : The Canadians. The passionate optimistist, the everyday pessimist, the young newbies, the seasoned veteran or the expert...everybody and their mama agree on one thing : They can't wait until it really starts! So, let...
It was announced that newly aquired defenceman Aaron Miller will undergo abdominal surgery today in Vancouver. Aaron Miller spent last season with The Las Angeles Kings where he amassed 8 points and was a -14 on a team without a goalie. Vancouver Canucks Senior Vice President and General Manager gave a brief summary of the events. “After further consultation with...
Mitchellis#1 writes...

Training Camp Day One

Posted Friday | Comments 4
Day one of training camp was focused on one thing. The thing the Canucks are in need of the most. Offence. Both Jannik Hansen and Jason Jaffary scored beautiful goals on the first day. Begging the question; Who will get the start on opening night? [b]Jannik Hansen[/b] already has experience at the proffesional level. He played 10 games in the playoffs and finished wit...
When Cristobal Huet injured his hamstring last season Jaroslav Halak came in to the picture, and played well, yet they were still not able to get into the playoffs. Huet is now a proven first-stringer, and his absence certainly factored into why they did not make the playoffs. A healthy Huet should win his job back at training camp, unless Carey Price shows him up, but we'...
Now that all the new jerseys have been released (some officially and other unofficially), this is a good time to take a critical look at them all from a fashion point of view. Of course, these are just opinions, so please do not flame me too badly. My opinion on your team jersey has nothing to do with how much I like/dislike that team, whether I think so-and-so is a dirt...
d. writes...

'Nucks Dance With the Devil

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It has been a long summer of Canuck and Devils trade rumours—none of which have been realised—but they keep coming up and I'd like to take a stab at why. I'm guessing that that the Devils are having a hard time with the commandment that says “thou shalt not covet thy neighbours goaltending prospects.” It's no secret that we need some scoring and the Devils co...
chompsey writes...

Canucks Intra-squad Review

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With the sun taking a hiatus for the weekend and the leaves falling to the ground, hockey was on the forefront here in Victoria, BC today. Over 7000 fans lined up early and braved the rain to catch a glimpse of their heroes. The day started off with the alumni game with the likes of Greg Adams, Cliff Ronning, Geoff Courtnall, Thomas Gradin and Orland Kurtenbach taking part...
- "O Canada, We Stand On Guard For Thee" The first lines of the Canadian National Anthem perfectly describe the dedication of Canada's national hockey teams and for the first time a hockey card set is being created to celebrate. Perhaps, no other country in any other sport has achieved the consistent excellence that Canada has attained in international hockey. These wi...
- "O Canada, We Stand On Guard For Thee" The first lines of the Canadian National Anthem perfectly describe the dedication of Canada's national hockey teams and for the first time a hockey card set is being created to celebrate. Perhaps, no other country in any other sport has achieved the consistent excellence that Canada has attained in international hockey. These wi...
Yesterday Sami Salo injured his wrist on an innocent looking play. Today it was confirmed by an MRI that he has a hairline fracture in his left wrist and is out indefinitly. Salo was injured during the intra-squad game along with Roberto Luongo and Trevor Linden. Luongo and Linden's injuries were minor in nature. Who now will step up and fill the void left by Salo? Edle...
It is time for the second edition in my series of blogs about the new NHL jerseys. For those who still have not seen the new jerseys: http://www.fartfignewton.com/rbk_edge/ And for those who missed Part 1 of this series: http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=2407&post_id=2473 This time I am turning my critical eye towards the Northwest division. [b]C...
Luongo07 writes...

Pre-Game Skate

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Mon. Sept 17, 2007 ~ Vancouver Canucks (0-0) vs. Anaheim Ducks (1 – 2) 7:00 pm General Motors Place Vancouver, B.C. 'The Show Must Go On!' Despite a squeamish end to training camp and with the new season drawing closer, the Vancouver Canucks need to put the past behind them and look forward to brighter days. Canucks fans, rest assured Roberto Luongo wa...
Period 1 The first and only goal of the first period came from the most unlikely source; The thick hearty mustache of George Parros. A tip pass came right to his stick from Brad May and he buried it behind Curtis Sanford. Ryan Shannon was making his presence felt against his old team. He had a few quality shots and some timely passes to linemate Mason Raymond. He pla...
Last night during the Canucks preseason opener, Ryan Shannon stepped up and made everyone take notice of him. My sentiments were echoed by the Canucks website this morning(I'm glad I beat them to it) 5 on 5 he was lined up with Byron Ritchie and Mason Raymond(Also vying for a roster spot) and could have set up two goals for Raymond, had Ilya Bryzgalov not been on his game....
Dugray writes...

The Sounds of Hockey

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Do you hear what I hear? Of course you do. The scratching skates against the ice, the thumping of bodies, the sharp thwack of the slapshot, the rippling of the mesh, the gasps and screams and howls of the fans, the booming voices of coaches screaming out instructions, and the goal horns, oh how could I forget you? Not since the Super Series have I heard you, and have I eve...
Wed Sept 19, 2007 Vancouver Canucks (0-1) vs. Calgary Flames (0-1-1) 7:00 pm - General Motors Place - Vancouver, BC. Feeling The Burn The Vancouver Canucks take to the ice this evening, facing off against Mike Keenan and the Calgary Flames. Not only are the Canucks facing the Flames but there are several Canuck regulars that are feeling the burn. Brenda...
Mitchellis#1 writes...

Canucks Douse Flames

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The preseason didn't hinder the heated rivalry between The Vancouver Canucks and The Calgary Flames. The tempo was turned up a notch at General Motors place. If you stepped onto the ice you knew you were going to be hit. The Canucks opened the game with a flurry of speed and hits. They managed to keep pace with Calgary's tenacity and even excede them. The...
[u][b]Typical Outing[/b][/u] Tonight's match-up had all the ingredients for a mid-season affair between the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames. Take out the fact that Jarome Iginla was in the Flames line-up and several Canuck veterans were enjoying the game from above, tonights game had the typical Vancouver-Calgary atomosphere. Eric Godard layed out Matt Cooke as...
B.D. Gallof writes...

Expecto Resurgo

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img] Moncton's motto reads: [b]Resurgo[/b], which I can assure you that it is not a Harry Potter spell. It is latin for [i]I rise again[/i]. And in 'Hub City', who hasn’t had a NHL game in over 30 years, NHL hockey is rising again - as it did when [b]Ted Nolan[/b], current coach of the Islanders, took the Mo...
mojoworld writes...

Why not Berard?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Wondering why we don't give the one-eyed-bandit a chance to boost our PP? I'm down with McGillis, or maybe Berard doesn't want to come up here or is asking too much... anyways... just a thought...
The Canucks own battle of Alberta continues tonight when the Edmonton Oilers come to town. Anson Carter will not play tonight, because of a concussion. Honestly would MacT have even let Carter suit up for this game. Maybe the bad blood between Carter and the Canucks only comes from the fans, but if there was any from the players, Carter would have a rough time tonight. ...
I started riding a mountain bike three years ago dropped about sixty pounds and like some of us I tend to get big head when I start having success. Just when I start thinking I’m all that is about when my riding buddies take me out and either seriously school me on a really big hill or they bust a rib laughing at me chipping a tooth on a rock garden I usually ride clean....
Deja-vu? Thursday September 20, 2007 Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers 7:00 pm (PST) – General Motors Place – Vancouver, B.C. [i][b]***This just in...Ryan Shannon will play his third consecutive pre-season game for the Canucks as Jannik Hansen broke his thumb in last night's 4-0 victory over the Calgary Flames***[/b][/i] Tonight the Vancouver Canucks...
TheHabsFan writes...

A Dream Come True

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I grew up watching players like Robinson, Gainey, Lemaire, Lafleur, Shutt, Dryden...The list goes on and on! Generations of great hockey players have come and gone for this great franchise. I have put them on a pedestal above all else for the most part of my 37 years. When i was a kid, I would fall asleep following a Habs game that I listened to on an old radio tucked u...
Mitchellis#1 writes...

Canucks Over Oilers 5-4

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The rivalry between the Canucks and Oilers isn't a fierce one, but tonights game felt like a regular season one, except for some scrambly play. A big knock against the Canucks play tonight was stupid penalties. They took 6 in the first period alone. Henrik to Daniel. Thats a sentance Canucks fans are going to hear a lot of this coming campaign. We heard it a lot tonigh...
Ales Hemskey evened the contest with 3:22 remaining in the third period and Brad Isbister stole the show with a buzzer beating goal with less than 3 seconds on the clock. And the Vancouver Canucks won thier second pre-season game in consecutive nights. With all that aside, from what I saw (and heard) of the game there was really nothing to get too excited about. The re...
Last night Montreal beat the Isles in OT. [b]Jeff Tambellini[/b] had a good game, obviously been jumpstarted by some comments by Ted Nolan. Nolan recently picked him out saying basically he is expecting more from him consistently. Tambs had a goal and had been all over the ice. [b]Jon Sim[/b] has been plugging away like he has the last few games. [b]Sean Bergenheim[...
Today's blog may take some of the Canuck faithful by surprise and I may also add to the list of people who may consider me an enemy. In the end, something has to be said, enough with the pats on the back and the 'attaboys'. When you have to get something off your chest...you do it. Now, mocking the history of the Vancouver Canucks is a rather simple thing to do. The ter...
Nordic05 writes...

The Butterfly effect

Posted Monday | Comments 0
How many times have we heard from the uninformed talk about how Vancouver is a one-man show? Suggestions abound that the only difference between missing the playoffs and winning the conference and bowing out in the second round to the eventual cup champions was the addition of Roberto Luongo. That kind of talk only makes me laugh at the Flames Fan from whose mouth those ki...
Luongo07 writes...

Battered And Bertuzzied

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Vancouver Canucks took it on the chin yesterday. And the feeling that I got reading the Canucks.com message boards, the fans are none too impressed with the gentleman wearing black number 4. Todd Bertuzzi joined the Vancouver Canucks all most ten years ago to the day. He was a young, underachieving forward in the the New York Islanders system. Being aquired in a tra...
Luongo07 writes...

Battered And Bertuzzied

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Vancouver Canucks took it on the chin yesterday. And the feeling that I got reading the Canucks.com message boards, the fans are none too impressed with the gentleman wearing black number 4. Todd Bertuzzi joined the Vancouver Canucks all most ten years ago to the day. He was a young, underachieving forward in the the New York Islanders system. Being aquired in a tra...
Luongo07 writes...

The Injury Bug

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With the Canucks having several injuries to the core of their team it is becoming increasingly difficult to ice a competitive roster especially while the teams around them are trimming down to something that finally resembles an NHL line-up. In the case of the Canucks it may be several weeks before they start to see what their line-up is really capable of. Brendan Morri...
Luongo07 writes...

Off To The Game...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
This past weekend my co-horts and I got together and drew out our Canucks tickets. I managed to snatch this evenings pre-season contest against the Sharks. Although, I was not impressed with the fact that it is pre-season, I am rather intrigued to see some of the notable prospects that the Canucks have to offer this season. Namely, Mayson Raymond. I am quite pleased th...
Unlike the game less than a week ago in San Jose, tonight's matchup between the Sharks and Canucks did not feature the fisticuffs and ejections that played a role in the earlier matchup. The excellent goaltending of Roberto Luongo, however, was once again on display for all to see as Luongo went head to head with Sharks youngster Thomas Greiss. While Luongo was perfect...
We're reaching the stretch-run; it's time for Part 5 of my 6 part series on the new jerseys. So far, we've discussed the Northeast, Northwest, Atlantic, and Central divisions. My previous blogs can be found at the following links: http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=2407&post_id=2473 http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=2407&post_id=2499 http://...
Jackets614 writes...

Scoring.. or lack there of..

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Once again it seems like the Blue Jackets are incapable of scoring enough goals to pull out wins in the close games. 2 nights in a row we have lost to Hurricanes, 1 goal in the 2 matches. Last night was understandable as they lost 3-0 with Mason in net. Tonight however, LeClaire (Who in my opinion will be the starter this season no doubt) was lights out all night until the...
As promised I am following up my dark horse blog with my predictions blog. Very unique I know. No playoff predictions though, way too early for those. With that said, let’s start in the West. [b] [u]Western Conference[/u][/b] [u]Pacific Division[/u] 1. [b]San Jose Sharks[/b]: Probably the deepest team in the league. Tons of offensive skill led by Joe Thornton, Pat...
- In a previous post I announced the upcoming O Canada Hockey Card set to be released on October 18, 2007 by ITG Trading Cards. More information has been released about the spectacular autograph cards in the set. In The Game Trading Cards released the following information in their September 25th newsletter... The autograph cards feature Gold Metal winners from the ...
Back again to complete my NHL prediction blog extravaganza with my Eastern Conference predictions. Enjoy! [b] [u]Eastern Conference[/u][/b] [u]Southeast Division[/u] 1. [b]Washington Capitals[/b]: This may be my “what is he smoking?” pick of the 2007-08 season but the Caps have the parts to do some real damage. The arrivals of Nicklas Backstrom and Michael Nyland...
Luongo07 writes...

Pondering Vigneault...

Posted Monday | Comments 0
After winning the Jack Adams trophy you'd think that Alain Vigneault had everything figured out. Well, you guess wrong. The Vancouver Canuck head coach is currently sitting in his chair with about a million and a half different line combinations running through his head. The club announced eight releases today. Seven players are making their way to Manitoba (Bourdon, B...
1) Minnesota - 105 pts (3rd seed) 2) Calgary - 102 pts (5th seed) 3) Vancouver - 97 pts (7th seed) 4) Colorado - 96 pts (8th seed) 5) Edmonton - 77 pts It all comes down to Nicklas Backstrom and Marion Gaborik in the hockey mad state of Minnesota. Nicklas Backstrom should have a great season for the Wild. He's never been a starter in the NHL, but he's succeeded in e...
Last nights game from what I saw and heard of it, was a little bit of a lackluster performance by the Sharks. I was a bad Sharks fan and blogger last night because I did not see the game. Wifes B-day was much more important last night. Trust me, if you are married than you understand. Besides there is a whole lot of hockey left to enjoy. Torrey Mitchell from what I have he...
Luongo07 writes...

On The Brink

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Vancouver Canucks open their 2007-08 campaign tonight facing off against the consenus Stanley Cup favourite San Jose Sharks. Tonight's line-up features in blood as the Canucks search for an offensive threat in their line-up. Mayson Raymond will make his NHL debut after having an eye-opening training camp the Canucks staff decided to bite the bullet and give the you...
Hey pens fans, On a positive not, I would like to wish a Happy Birthday to MArio Lemieux. Now, onto the game... Tonight, the Pens lost their season opener 4-1. The Pens' lone goal came in the third period. It was scored by Mark Recchi and assisted by Gonchar and Malkin. Fleury was in goal to start the game, but after letting in 4 goals on 26 shots in the first ...
First off, on my last blog, I lied. The Phoenix Coyotes are not just ready yet for a playoff run. After plenty of thought, I made my decisions. Before I go ranting on about how the season starts, let me publish here and now the season predictions I have going on: Eastern Conference: 1) Ottawa 2) New York Rangers 3) Atlanta 4) Pittsburgh 5) Buffalo 6) Tampa Bay ...
gomer300 writes...

My First (Only?) Post

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Did anyone see the Canucks and Calgary? Decent game - teams swapping dominance and then fighting it out. My player of the game is Aaron Miller apart from the whole almost-breaking-Luongo thing. He's the Willie Mitchell of '07-08 (but for cheap!). Hughson said "This game [b]deserves[/b] another five minutes!" and luckily it worked out in Vancouver's favour. Teams in ...
Just listening to the Avs vs. Sharks game - and Mr. Paul Stastny has 1g 4a in this game, while having a hat trick on opening night, which brings him to 8points in 3games. And i got him in 3 of my Fantasy Teams :-) I knew this kid would rock this season, and i also did believe he would have a fair shot at the 100 point mark - but this much improvement and absolute domina...
TJD92295 writes...

Blake's Bout

Posted Monday | Comments 0
If you haven't gone on TSN's website yet, Toronto's Jason Blake has been diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), an uncommon form of cancer. Blake is the second player in as many years to be diagnosed with cancer (the other being Masterton Trophy winner Phil Kessel). He announced the diagnosis today on the Leafs' website. Just as a side note, LEAFS STILL SUCK...
Well, the first five contests that the Anaheim Ducks have completed churned out a record of 1-3-1. Not what you'd expect from a full forced team like the Ducks considering their depth has not changed much from last year. The fact of the matter is that, well, yes the team has lost out on retaining Dustin Penner, retirement contemplations by Teemu Selanne and Scott Neidermay...
Tomorrow at 7 PM eastern time, the maple leafs will battle the hurricanes. Now leaf fans, expect Toskala to start because his performance against the Montreal canadiens was something that will bench Raycroft for a while. One interesting note about Toskala's performance...did you see his lateral movement? It was lightning fast. [b]Keys to victory[/b] Carolina is more of...
Petapaw writes...

Luongo shakes it off

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I found myself, much like probably every other Canuck fan on Saturday night biting my fingernails and sitting on the edge of my seat for 3/4 of the game. Perhaps it was the early goal that got past Luongo, or the daze I was left in after I quickly adjusted my TV, trying to fix the color from the new (baby blue Canucks Jerseys). However I think the major contributor t...
TheStig writes...

Jason Blake Diagnosis

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I like most Toronto Maple Leaf fans, and hockey fans in general was shocked by the announcement that Toronto forward Jason Blake was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. I must say that the Leafs management did something right for once and handled this situation with the utmost class, offering Blake time off, whatever he wants. I have new found respect for Jason Bl...
Seeing Philadelphia come back to Vancouver is like seeing a old girlfriend you used to date in high school. At first you are like " Oh god !, there she is." She always wants it to be the same as it used to be like, but it never is. Things change, people grow apart. That annoying laugh that I ignored because "Having a Girlfriend" in Highschool is just the thing to do...
Leaf fans, on October 9th 2007, we have been disgraced 7-1 to the Carolina Hurricanes. So early in the season, the leafs defense has collapsed us, and Vesa Toskala. You may all remember Maurice guaranteeing us a playoff series in Toronto. Last night's efforts made him look bad. It started on William's goal. He was wide open and was able to walk in about 4 feet before sna...
phi1671 writes...

Hits From Behind

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Last night I watched the beat down the 'Canes put on the Leafs. During the game the Vs. spent a period of time talking about Erik Cole and his broken neck. Now, as much as his injury was unfortunate, I have seen a sad trend that is occuring in the league. The trend that I have witnessed time and time again is the players turning their back to the oncoming player, who wi...
pensfan17148 writes...

Pens Fall to Canadiens 3-2

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Hey pens fans, Tonight, the Pens took on the Canadiens at the Mellon Arena. They lost to Montreal 3-2. During the game, there were times where the Pens looked magnificant and there were times when they could not complete a pass if their lives depended on it. It was an up and down night. Unfortunetly, the Pens did not pull this one out on top. The Pens' goals were...
VANCOUVER - If the Philadelphia Flyers were looking to build momentum off their time atop the mountains of Whistler, British Columbia, they couldn't have asked for much more. That is, of course, unless you count Jesse Boulerice. Danny Briere wrote himself into the record books in just his 3rd game with the team with his goal and 2 assists, and Mike Richards added the fin...
Number23 writes...

What went right for Philly

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
A few things overshadowed by the momentary idiocy of Jesse Boulerice: -[b]Mike Richards[/b]. A career-high 4-point night (2g-2a). His smooth backhand pass to RJ Umberger put the first nail (second goal 13 seconds after the first) in Vancouver's coffin, and he slammed it shut with a goal 2 men short. This could be the game that establishes Richards as a go-to guy. -[b...
murdoch writes...

hey canada...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
...i understand that certain flyers players have been taking liberties with your canadian teams' players. but lets not fly off the handle this time around like with the downie incident. campbell needs to address this just like he did downie and give him the 20 game 'benchmark' suspension. but just remember, when chris neil, ryan malone or darcy tucker take to dropping ...
Last night I was out for dinner with my parents who are in town and we heard two cheers from the Canucks' fans. So that means they scored twice. I didn't watch the game and I didn't see the highlights till I said my goodbyes and went home. Vancouver got smoked 8-2. That explains why I only heard two cheers. So here we have two Canadian teams that are well loved acro...
He damn well shouldn't be. That is for sure. I cannot even believe what I saw last night. A fourth line plug, who isn't even really good enough to be called a plug, cross checks a skilled player in the face. Ryan Kesler did not see it coming, there was no reason for it (Boulerice says that Kesler took a run at Randy Jones...ya...ok...), he didn't have the puck, and he ...
To my surprise, I read this morning that the Canucks shipped Shannon down to the AHL team in the minors. [url]http://canucks.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=339792[/url] Maybe I am reading too much into this, but is this move for good ? From all accounts Shannon had a very good pre-season and training camp, he was on everyone's top list...
Canucks12 writes...

Van v.s EDM Game preveiw.

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Edit: Canucks.com Made it official, Rick Rypien is up and is expected to play. Canucks are 1-2-0 Edmonton is 2-2-0. The Canucks have just re-assign Ryan Shannon who ha 2 goals but was the leagues worste +/- with -7, according to CDC forums Team1040 sports radio is reporting that we have called up Rick Rypien, Witch Canucks.com has confirmed. I have no clue who the Canucks...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?" For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway. [img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?" For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway. [img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?" For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway. [img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?" For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway. [img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
phi1671 writes...

Boulerice gets 25 games

Posted Friday | Comments 0
As reported and begged for by the majority of the media and fans Jesse Boulerice received a 25 game suspension. He will start the suspension immediately. The Flyers have the home opener and the buzz around the players and the fans are truly electric. With their win versus the Canucks earlier this week, it shows the team is ready to compete this year. Something t...
Mitchellis#1 writes...

CANUCKS CONTEST

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Here are the standings...I'm not sure whats going to happen with the job or not and I'm not sure if I'll continue this, but who knows... [b][u]3 Points[/u][/b] brendonkuhn chompsy [u][b]1 Point[/b][/u] DrChristianTroy KirktheCanuck [u][b]0 Points[/b][/u] vojdog Sashimi23 scoot Jbug thehugs trio151 ...
Canucks12 writes...

Canucks Strike Oil.

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Canucks strike oil with a 5-2 bounce back win over Edmonton, Canucks goals by Henrik Sedin, Rick Rypien, Alex Burrows, Brendan Morrison, And Markus Naslund. Edmonton goals by Sheldon Souray, and Raffi Torres. Rypien and Burrows Both had 2 point night with a goal and assist, considering Burrows' goal was shorthanded and this was Rypien first game since Shannons send down an...
"[i]Atlanta, Jersey and the Canes[/i] are only a few days away, and the recruits of the [i]2007-08 Flyers[/i] are salty. They are ready to eat their own guts and ask for seconds." - [b]Full Metal Jacket[/b] OK...so maybe Stanley Kubric doesn't know the first thing about hockey or the Flyers first homestand of the season. But the abovementioned quote, narrated by Matth...
Alexander Edler has been recalled from the Manitoba Moose(AHL) and will suit up tonight against the Sharks. Its the first time we'll get to see him play since suffering a hip injury in the pre-season. Edler was called up because Lukas Krajicek blocked a bunch of shots last night and is day to day with a foot injury. Jannik Hansen is getting his hand x-rayed tomorrow and h...
FrankD writes...

Pens vs Canes preview

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Staal brothers will be at it again tomorrow night in Pittsburgh, as the Canes visit the Pens for what will be the second meeting of the season. Hopefully this time around, little brother Jordan can outplay, or at least shutdown his older brother Eric. In the season opener, Eric netted two goals in a 4-1 victory in front of the Carolina crowd. Perhaps it'll be a differe...
thehuds writes...

Hockey Moms

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Listening to the talkcast with EK's mom today brought up a great memory of my mom, who was a great hockey mom. Before my brother and I started playing, my mom had no interest whatsoever in hockey. Once my brother and I laced up the skates, my mom became a fan. Well at least a fan of my brother and I. I was more of a rabid NHL fan then my brother was, and actually cheered f...
sstrang writes...

The Act of Jumping Ship

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Another blog in a series of blogs that focus on the game outside of scores and reviews, here's one that deals with band wagons and jumping ship... There are purists out there (mostly Leaf and Hab fans) that believe you root for one team your whole life - win or lose, whiners or not - they are YOUR team. I do believe that once you are grown up enough to make a tough deci...
Hey pens fans, Tonight, the Pens took ono the Hurricanes at the Mellon Arena. The final score, after the shootout was 4-3 Pens. In the first, Sykora scored (Crosby, Recchi) to tie it at one. Then in the second, Hall scored (Ruutu, Talbot) and next Sykora scored (Gonchar, Crosby) too tie it at 3. In the shootout Christensen, Sykora, and Crosby all scored to make the sh...
[img]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_canes.jpg[/img][img]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_flyersbackground.jpg[/img] Wow...What a game. No clever song titles, no catchy movie lines, no historical or literary references. This game needed none of that. I know the season is still in its infancy and frost hasn't yet been on the pu...
CBJ09 writes...

Jackets Start, End Flat

Posted Monday | Comments 0
It was a homecoming of sorts for Ryan Kesler, and he made the most of it. The former Ohio State standout scored two goals, including an empty-netter, propelling the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-1 victory over the Blue Jackets on a night they would like to forget. Backup goaltender Curtis Sanford, making his first start of the season, stopped 35 shots in the victory. T...
sstrang writes...

The Origin of Team Names

Posted Monday | Comments 0
What made the person or persons who own the Philadelphia and New York franchises to name their teams the Flyers and Rangers respectively? What possesses you to call your team the Lightning or the Canadiens? Let's start with the some original six teams, some that still might have some meaning. [b]The Montreal Canadiens:[/b] Canadiens represented the nationality of th...
- An Eduoard Newsy Lalonde C55 1910-11 Imperial Tobacco hockey card, graded 3 out of 10, has sold for $100K tying the record for the most paid for a hockey card. In April 2007 the record was set by a C56 1911-12 Georges Vezina rookie card graded in mint condition. You can read about the Vezina Card Sale at: [url]http://www.hockeyheadquarters.com/articles/vezina-rc-10...
I'm sitting here in Uniondale talking about life, liberty and blogging with my fellow blog-boxer in Kevin Rosenblatt, who has an excellent blog http://islandersoutsider.blogspot.com as the Islanders Outsider. We are commiserating on our career paths, which are a lot alike. Word has come down on Boston's Patrice Bergeron, who was hit from behind by Randy Jones from Phil...
Hey pens fans, The Pens fell to Montreal on Saturday, in a shootout. It went to 8 shooter a side, which is a bit insane. Sabourin played well in the shootout. Fleury started the game aand was pulled after allowing the third goal, during the second period. Sykora, Crosby and dWhitney had the Pens 3 goals. After the shootout out the final score was 4-3 Canadiens. The ...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/greatpumpkin.jpg[/img] [b]The Great Pumpkin, Gary Bettman[/b] A Thumb-in-Mouth Commentary B.D. Gallof Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents. For it is another season of hockey. Despite the NHL's pigeonhole into the depths of Comcast's outhou...
Jon Jordan writes...

I'm Not Touching This One!

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I knew it would come, of course ... eventually ... (and I'm not talking about the Islanders next game, though it does seem like, oh, I don't know, ABOUT SIX YEARS SINCE THEIR LAST ONE!) I digress ... I knew that, inevitably, the first Isles/Lightning game of the year would arrive and that I may have to field all sorts of questions about my allegiance(s) once again. You ...
predjoe writes...

Must Win?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
While it's early in the season to declare any game a must win I am going out on a limb and saying that tonight’s game against the Canucks is a must win. The Preds have got to win this game, if for no other reason, to prove to themselves and others that they can win on the road. As a Preds fan you know how bad it is. 0-5 on the road...can't buy a goal to save ours...
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img] So finally, here we are. A game. Tampa comes to town off a bad loss. Hmmm, don't they all come to town this way. Well, the Isles best be ready. Tampa comes in with defensive inconsistency and no top tier goalie. Even Holmquist is not playing. In goal is Marc Denis. But this will be far from a pushover. Ta...
zeke10 writes...

'Canes October Report

Posted Friday | Comments 0
This is the story I wrote for my school newspaper: The Carolina Hurricanes have started the 2007-2008 NHL season strong, with a 7-3-3 record. The last time the Hurricanes started the season with seven wins was in the 2005-2006 season, in which they were 8-2-1, a franchise record. They also won the Stanley Cup in that year. There is another similarity between that ...
predjoe writes...

Oh Danny Boy!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
That’s the song that Pred Nation is singing this morning (that is if they are awake after the 10p central start last night!). Once again Dan Ellis is called upon and for the third time in a row he answers with a win and his second shutout in three starts. To say that he might be a hot goalie right now might be an understatement. The Preds had a solid game plan las...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/superarbour.jpg[/img] Legends are hard to come by. Yes we hype the hell out of that flavor of the week/month/year. We heap accolades on them. Especially when a sport has been devoid of that and buzz for years. But they haven't accomplished even a dent to surface of what makes a legend. True legends are those we will talk about d...
Luongo07 writes...

New Era?

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It's been awhile, whatelse can I say. In the busy life that I lead, I have been unable to follow the Canucks as closely as I have in past season. So far this season it seems to be a good thing. With that being said it seems that we will all be looking for "other things" to occupy our minds while the Canucks play out what appears to be a rather dissmal season. Yes, it i...
I'm seeing and hearing a lot about how impressive the Habs have been 14 games into the season, but I need to remind myself that recent history suggests this hot start is not something to get too excited about. Any Habs fan remember last year when leading into (and after) the All Star break the team was below average? Last year is not the only year the Habs have blown a dec...
This is my first blog on this site, and will be one of many more into the future... I hope. The players for the All-star Fan Ballots have been announced, and already there are a few notables left off... Martin Gerber, Rod Brind'amour.... etc. Now, using these two as prime examples, statistically they are among the best players in the league. Gerber leads th...
The Rangers plan and system is again showing postive signs this year. Scotty Gomez is taking his foot off the break and showing why he was the breakdown specialist in NJ. Add a little Sean Avery to the Mix and the teams line combinations are starting to take shape. The Rangers have a nice balance of skill and grit on each line, and steady D-men running the points. With ...
B.D. Gallof writes...

Three the Hard Way

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
In the summer of 2005, the Gallof boys took a roadtrip to the city of brotherly love. I have been to Philly several times, almost going to college there, but neither of my siblings had ever been there. As we walked the streets on a July 4th weekend, cigars clasped on our maws, looking for a bar with Magic Hat #9 on tap, some local Philadelphian blue-collar man looked at ou...
Tav writes...

Reasons to be Thankful

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Remembrance Day just passed up here in Canada and with American Thanksgiving on the way, it made me start thinking of reasons why I am thankful at this time of year, some of which I'd like to share with you all below. *I am sooooooo thankful of the people who have answered our country's call, both in the past and now, who and continue to defend the lifestyle we lead and...
I went in to last night excited to watch my Habs take on the Leafs and hopefully bring home a victory, which they happily did. As I do not get RDS in my cable package, I hoped and assumed that since this was Habs/Leafs, the game would obviously be aired nationally. Is there really any other game in Canada quite as big as when these two age-old rivals square off? Well, appa...
murdoch writes...

Luongo Gets a Shutout? Why?

Posted Thursday | Comments 2
Can some please explain to me why Roberto Luongo gets credit for a shutout in a 1-0 shootout loss? I am totally bitter this morning. This week I am going against the guy i traded Lecavalier to and his 5 points last night (joke is on me), but Luongo is getting shutout points for a 1-0 loss? Kinda chaps me up here. Can someone explain why this is? It is even confirme...
[url]http://www.tsn.ca/tsn_tal...columnists/darren_dreger[/url] A quote from the piece: [quote]It's believed the Flyers would like to add a more defensive minded forward to their mix, a player capable of shutting down the oppositions offensive threats. Carter could be the bait to get just such a player.[/quote] Someone please tell me this is wrong. For some time, ...
Having lived in Vancouver for just about a year now, I've had the esteemed privelage of attending 4 Canuck games. All of which I lovingly cheer for my Flamers' division rival, but more importantly, cheering for a good game. The Canucks are 0-4 in the games I have attended, including a loss last year late in the season to the Flames! They are currently marred in a 7.5 pe...
Have not had much time to this sort of stuff lately, but lets see if I can get in the hang of this again. For about the 6th game in a row the Buffalo Sabres played a solid game, but the bounces finally went their way as they get a well deserved 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Viewpoints: Best 1st period they have played all season. Guys were flying all ov...
The Isles put together another defensive gem to beat the Rangers in MSG last night, giving Rick DiPietro 100th win, and fittingly versus his nearest competitor, Henrik Lundquist. [img]http://boredplanet.com/img/100wins.jpg[/img] "Isles Beat Rangers at MSG". A simple title to a simple win. Not easy. But, somehow automatic for a team that in the last several years, ...
Dying of Death writes...

Islanders' give thanks

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Save for the drubbing against the Hurricanes, DiPietro has kepted his head in the game, and most importantly his butt in the net. Tonight is sure to bring on a heart stopping match up of the east's most prolific Power Play Team(MON 11-6-3 25pts) and the Team(NYI 11-6-0 22pts) with the 2nd best penalty killing in the east. Lets examine some numbers for the game. So ...
So here we are, upon a Thanksgiving, with many fans talking turkey about the dreaded post-Ranger malaise, which we now might need an inoculation for instead of the usual Flu shot. You know the drill. Where the Isles come off a big win with a hazy dull outing the very next game. Now, despite the denials, there will always be a letdown after a big game, but this was the t...
After going 1-4 to start their 9 game exercise against their Northeast counterparts, the Buffalo Sabres are right back into the thick of things. You have to love the way they are playing the last 3 games. Scoring first, getting big goals when needed, and a total commitment to solid two-way play has led the team on a 3 game winning streak, all against teams ahead of them...
After beginning the 9 game division 1-4, the Buffalo Sabres climbed over 500 for the streak after a 3-0 shutout of the Montreal Canadiens. Thomas Vanek continued his dominance of the past couple games, netting his second goal in as many nights. Jaro Spacek and Jochen Hecht had the other goals. Andrew Peters had his best game as a Sabre. He was all over the ice, playi...
Don't let anyone ever tell you that hockey is just a physical game. It might be a game of snap decisions on the fly in such a fast-paced flow, but any professional player who has found success has mastered or at least, faced, the mental aspects of competition. None could tell you a better tale of this process than [b]Andy Hilbert[/b] who hit so many posts, despite his t...
Eggshmeg writes...

Interview with Ajay Baines

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Earlier this week I was able to get in touch with Hamilton Bulldogs forward Ajay Baines. Ajay played his junior hockey for the Kamloops Blazers, and broke into the AHL in 2000 playing for the Norfolk Admirals. Ajay played for them for 5 and a half seasons, becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer. He signed a contract with the Hamilton Bulldogs last season, and hel...
FLAMESTR writes...

CANUCKS FOR REAL?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
[b]VANCOUVER CANUCKS IS THERE MORE THAN ROBERTO? [/b] The next team on my fan blogging tour is the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks have one of the best defenses in the League. The Canucks’ defense is not only known for their ability, but for the system and their determination with which they play. I have often heard what would happen if Loungo goes down. Simply p...
With Todd Bertuzzi making his first appearance against Vancouver since he has left, alot of emotions have been flying around. I am really looking for answers... this is why Something I wan't to get off my chest for some time is the events leading up to Bertuzzi's hit on moore. The fact that Moore blatently elbowed Naslund ( Bertuzzi's linemate, His best friend ) only...
Elchrisco writes...

'Canes vs. Flyers

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Here we are again folks... Hurricanes vs. Flyers... It's remarkable to think that for all the trades between these two teams in the past, only Rod Brind'amour, Justin Williams, and Sami Kapanen remain. Now, with all do respect to Kapanen, who has transformed his game and is an excellent player in his own right, looking back I would wager to say that Carolina got th...
gocanucks writes...

Homecoming for Mark Recchi?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img:right]http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/6527/recchi81099zv1.jpg[/img]Could there be a homecoming for Penguins winger Mark Recchi? Recchi, who won a Stanley Cup in 2006 with Carolina, is rumoured to have seeked a trade from Pens GM Ray Shero after being a healthy scratch for more than once so far this season. Who would want the 39 year old winger and $1.75M sala...
Elchrisco writes...

The League Thus Far...

Posted Friday | Comments 0
And so we're approaching December.... The teams have established themselves as to where they sit in the league, where they need to improve and so on... one thing that has been very noticeable is just how incredibly inconsistant almost every team in the league has been thus far with only Detroit once again showing the constant and consistant poise it has for essential...
Why the NHL won’t expand in Canada? Canada is the centre of the hockey world. With over 50% of the NHL’s players coming form Canada, we dominate who plays the game, how the game is played but not where the game is played. Everywhere you go in Canada hockey is the #1 sport and we Canadians are more loyal, knowledgeable, and die hard then any country about any sport. ...
predjoe writes...

Oh My...What A Comeback

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Okay...just finished watching this on DVR and all I can say is wow! Down 4-1 with less than ten minutes to play and the Preds come back to win in 5-4 in a shootout! Don't have a ton of time right now but some quick thoughts... [b]Work finally paid off for Jed Ortmeyer[/b]. Not only did he have a ton of chances tonight but he has been playing hard all year for us. I have...
Many players came to the hockey-crazed city of Montreal over the years hoping to win over a crowd who breaths hockey. To say the task is difficult would be an understatement. The Canadians fans love their team and it’s players with passion. As with every relationship that fuel on passion and love, hate is a big part of the equation. Bombarded with the opinion and ana...
And hear we are, just over a week after the 5-1 loss to the Coyotes. A week ago we had newspapers and radio shows picking out who was going to be the new GM of the Leafs as everyone had assumed his days were done. Since then the Leafs have picked up 5 out of a possible 6 points and for the time being it seems as though that is all but a distant memory……For now. ...
Hockey Canada is currently waiting for final word from the remaining two NHL teams with Junior eligible players, on whether or not those players will be released to represent Canada at the WJHC. Those two teams are the Edmonton Oilers (Sam Gagner) and the St. Louis Blues (David Perron). Minnesota (James Sheppard), Boston (Milan Lucic), Pittsburgh (Jordan Staal) and Chica...
Don't look for me - [i]I'll be hiding[/i]. Another interesting night for yours truly coming up, as I'll attend my first Isles/Lightning game since taking over the Lightning team blogger position for hockeybuzz.com. (I'll be safely tucked away in a luxury suite, borrowing one of Ek's disguises, hiding my face for a plethora of reasons. I'm a pseudo-professional, people. ...
[b]It seems appropriate [/b]that guys wearing red would come calling in the month of December. That's right Pred fans the hated and despised Red Wings are in town for a 7:00 game at the Sommet Center (why do I put where the game is? Seriously...when was the last time a hockey game was played at Municipal?). Everyone knows that when these teams square off fans of both teams...
The Vancouver Canucks roll into town tonight fresh off a 3-2 win in Anaheim last night. San Jose will look to make the Canucks visit to the tank an unpleasant one. Vancouver like the Sharks, has been bitten by the injury bug. Roberto Luongo, Brendan Morrison, and Brad Isbister will be out of the line up for the Canucks tonight. Vancouver rookies Jason Jaffray and Mason...
For most teams, the style of play where you get over the center red line and throw the puck deep into your opponent's zone is called "dump and chase" and it can be an effective game strategy against certain teams and at certain times of a game. For the Anaheim Ducks, that strategy is known as "dump and go crush your opponent into the end boards" and it is becoming the 1st...
gosharks19 writes...

Stars, Sharks, and Cheechoo

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Well it is cold here in Buffalo, but things will be heating up this afternoon in San Jose as the Sharks host the Stars in an afternoon game. The Sharks played their best team effort Thursday night against Vancouver, and I expect the Sharks will come out with the same effort and intensity they had Thursday. It should be a good hard fought battle over 2 points between the Pa...
The panthers walked down the hall to their dressing room after an admirable 4-5 win against the Carolina Hurricanes, Thursday December 20th. The Cats who came out in the 1st period slumping, pulled it together during the intermission and hunkered down for the rest of the game. It was a back and forth game the whole 3rd period, The Cat's would tally one, and then the next p...
mapleleaf92 writes...

Where is Ovechkin going?

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I feel that this is a topic that has not been getting as much attention as it should. One of the best players in the NHL, he will be going into unrestricted free agency after this season. A blog from Sportsnet suggested that he goes to Montreal, but lets be serious, it won't happen. Another popular one is that he will go to the leafs, but it certainly will not happen wi...
It's that time of year again. The WJC is taking place in the Czech Republic and every NHL team wants to know how their prospects are performing in this pressure packed tournament. For the few draft hopefuls that play in the tournament that is typically dominated by 19 year olds, all eyes are on them, and if they play well enough, a high draft choice is in the cards. As ...
B.D. Gallof writes...

2007: A Year in Review

Posted Monday | Comments 0
So, lets all take a moment to review the trials and tribulations of what 2007 has meant to us as Isle fans. Well, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The Nolan era has put us in the playoff picture, but it is still fuzzy to see how that Polaroid will develop. It certainly got more in focus when the likes of Alexei Yashin hit the bricks. It also was more in focus when ...
Iron MIke writes...

Panthers...Like Jekyll & Hyde

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Florida Panthers start 2008 on the road, and that may actually be a blessing especially with their play of late. They blew a glorious opportunity with two home games recently that if they had won would have put them in a tie with Carolina for the division lead, and would have them in the 6th or 7th spot in the eastern conference. The game against the Canadiens was ...
FightingFerret writes...

Doughty Overrated?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 5
In my watching of the 2008 World Junior Hockey Championship there has been constant talk of the top two guys for the 2008 Entry Draft in Ottawa. The consensus seems to be that Canadian Steven Stamkos will go #1 and Drew Doughty, a Canadian defender, will go #2. I was quite surprised by this aspect because of the games I have seen Doughty play I have been surprisingly und...
bongo_guy writes...

vanRiems-Who?!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]Americans go 1-2-3 in scoring...pretty good...10pts in 4 games for that #12 guy...that's pretty good too. To be fair, vanRiemsdyk had a really good third period-he was strong on the puck and worked hard to get that goal. But I think I heard his name mentioned all of twice in the previous 2 periods. What happened, you might ask? 1 word: Domination! Canada's defense...
So here we are at the mid-point of the year and it's not been a pretty one for the Hurricanes. GP W L OL P GF GA Carolina Hurricanes 42 20 18 4 44 130 137 44 points in 42 games and a record at exactly .500 does not exactly scream champion. Injuries seem to have hit there peak as the team is missing: Scott Walker, Bret Hedican,...
Number23 writes...

Hail the vanishing Whale...

Posted Monday | Comments 0
In another installment where I review the dwindling number of players remaining from a relocated franchise... today it's the [b]Hartford Whalers[/b]. [u][b]Players[/b][/u] [b]Jean-Sebastien Giguere[/b]-ANA [b]Bobby Holik[/b]-ATL [b]Sami Kapanen[/b]-PHI [b]Marek Malik[/b]-NYR [b]Michael Nylander[/b]-WSH [b]Nolan Pratt[/b]-BUF [b]Chris Pronger[/b]-ANA [b]Geoff San...
There were really two events last night at the Bell Centre: the classy tribute to the Canadiens-Blackhawks rivalry, and the game between the two clubs. Have to say I had a few goosebumps seeing a lot of the old greats, and honestly the Habs have been my second favorite team for decades. I was never a great, or a very good, hockey player. But as good as I was, part of it...
Unlike the likely telegraphed tear from Hillary Clinton just a few days ago, designed to appeal to the New Hampshire woman voter, the Isles show of vulnerability last night in the first period was NOT the same thing. There was no "plan". No play of the media. Just an absolute flat rollout as one man somehow kept them in the game. [img]http://boredplanet.com/img/DP.jpg[...
[b]The next 3 games for Colorado should prove very interesting: Car on Sat, Fla on Sun, and TB on Tues. Not only are all 4 teams, including Col, slumping (or are just down-right awful right now) but I believe Col has the potential to make a trade with any of these three teams. From Col's end there are few untouchables and the names going remain Liles, Svatos, one of ou...
CBJ09 writes...

New Blog!!

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Myself and fellow poster "61" are starting a new blog all about the Jackets! We're going to update everyday, and our stories will be relay-posted on here. Here's the first post: [b]WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE[/b] We find ourselves in a precarious position for mid-January. It’s called contention. The Blue Jackets were embarrassed by the Canucks when they last...
bongo_guy writes...

What About This?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[b]Since I started blogging, I have been suggesting ideas to help the Avs solve their close-to-woes this season (and next). Well, the beat goes on with a "what about this?" idea. First, as much as I hate it, trade Liles to CAR for Commodore + pick. It would have to be a trade and sign for both teams but I put Commodore in the $2.5-3.0 range for next year (given recent m...
According to Glen Wesley, there are approximately seven players on the Carolina Hurricanes who have not caught this apparent monster bug that has been ripping through North Carolina. Even the trainer Pete Friesen has caught this bug, which has some very strong, albeit relatively non-life threatening symptoms. Can we contribute this to the team's poor play recently? ...
Yes, the Leafs won, that's not a typo. I guess John Ferguson and Paul Maurice can sleep a little sounder tonight knowing that their jobs are safe for one more day at least. The pundits will talk, sarcastically mind you, of how everything is a-ok in Leafland, and there will be thousands of Leafs fans throughout North America that will be quick to say that the Leafs are on t...
jrod writes...

Leafs pull off unfortunate win.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 1
If you thought that Tuesday nights win over the Carolina Hurricanes, would continue on a winning note for the Toronto Maple Leafs, don't count on it. Sure, they play a great game tonight but that doesn't mean that they will continue down this path. Lets face it, the Leafs are an abysmal hockey team these days. The Leafs have pulled off wins in 3 games out of the last 1...
[i]"Control, control. You must learn control!"[/i] - Yoda Coach Ted Nolan said words to this effect. As did words come from some players. Keep focused. Don't come home and then come out flat. Be consistent. Be ready. Obviously, they all know what this team sometimes does. Add to this, ,most road-traveled teams tend to come home and stink up the joint. And for the 11,0...
Last nights loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs should say something about this team. It needs a change. While I'm sure there will be plenty to jump to the Cane's side on this, suggesting they are only one or two pieces away from being a legitimate contender, and as much as I love to believe that, they're not. It says something about the team when Sergei Samsonov is t...
Last nights loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs should say something about this team. It needs a change. While I'm sure there will be plenty to jump to the Cane's side on this, suggesting they are only one or two pieces away from being a legitimate contender, and as much as I love to believe that, they're not. It says something about the team when Sergei Samsonov is t...
CBJ09 writes...

Pazzy, Jackets Earn Win

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Well, last night I said tonight’s game was almost a must win game. You get two solid efforts at home versus two central division rivals, and have one game remaining at home (Canucks) before the all-star break. Tonight was a key win, Pazzy played good as usual. Russell is finding his form, and Methot has looked solid since he played with us last year. Brassard’s pla...
I don't even know if they would be able to keep frozen ice in there, but for the Montreal Canadiens' 100th Anniversary, Olympic Stadium is an ideal venue for a Regular Season game (vs. Toronto, Boston or Ottawa on New Years Day). If you have unsuccessfully tried countless times to get some Habs tickets, you know how fast this game would sell out. They could do a couple ...
With Timmy Connolly, Jarsoslav Spacek, Derek Roy, and Maxim Afinogenov still out on injuries the Sabres fall to 0-5-5 after a loss in Madison Square Garden to the Rangers. The first period seemed to be owned by the Rangers without a doubt. The boys couldn't get the puck out of their own zone. This time no one can blame Ryan Miller for the loss considering he let two int...
The Flames snapped their four-game losing streak with an important 3-2 shootout win over the division-leading Wild. With the win, Calgary is now one point back of the Wild in the Northwest. Truth be told, they should and would be ahead of Minnesota if it weren't for a quick whistle late in the second that wiped out a Kristian Huselius goal. I don't usually criticize refs f...
It would seem as though our team has remembered how good they can actually play if they put a 60 minute effort together, putting on a show tonight with a 5-1 win over the Injury and Flu bug riddled Carolina Hurricanes. This game may have been just what the Sens needed to get the confidence of some of there secondary scorers up. Antoine Vermette, I have been oh so hard on y...
So as it would be, I am sitting here in Nashville celebrating the XMAS with family and while everyone is still asleep, I thought I would think about putting up a new blog about the Predators. Its been a long time since I have due a new job I took on around last XMAS. But after watching last night loss(Not even going to comment on the offense or lack of effort), I thought...
Two bitter defeats and the news on Campoli had to be on their mind. This team was facing a challenge. Nolan added to this by resting [b]Rick DiPietro[/b] (more on that later). So with Dubie in goal, the Isles went to Carolina in the daunting task to notch a win against a team that beat them twice. Once was a blowout, the second a come from behind win that whitened Isle fan...
The core fans are the ones who buy the products, the tickets, show up to games. The perimeter fans, you have to have them, just like you have to have and develop new fans all the time, but you better take care of that core fan first. This is why the NHL needs to get back to cold weather cities, the Core is in the north, period. My idea is a migration of teams nort...
CAPMESS11 writes...

RBC CENTER GREAT. RANGERS BAD

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Rangers Rolled over the other night and let Carolina take the game. The officiating opened the gate for the storm and missed a boarding call on Gomez. Then the reffs called Shanny for a lazy (give me a break call) . Oh well, the Rangers should have used this as motivation and ran with it. Instead the team got small and let the speed of the Canes take over. I...
In Ahead writes...

Misplaced Anger

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The final minute of Washington's loss to Montreal has drawn much debate over the past two days. People (mainly in the Washington camp) are upset that the Canadiens put their top power play unit on the ice in the final minute when they were up 3-0. This is the National Hockey League, full of professional athletes that are being paid exorbitant amounts of money to play ...
pensfan17148 writes...

Roster Moves

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Hey pens fans, The Pens have acquired forward David Gove from the Carolina Hurricanes for forward Joe Jensen. Gove played 45 games this season scoring 23 points for the Albany River Rats, the American AHL affiliate of the Hurricanes. Gove will report to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Jensen was originally selected by the Penguins in the eighth round of the 2003 NHL Draft. He rec...
Brock was the next big thing. A huge specimen of a man who was NCAA Wrestling champ and best in the country. He, right after college, signed a big money deal with none other than Vince McMahon's World Wresting Entertainment. He was developed, cultivated, and went up the ranks with a huge push right to the top. Brock was champ. He was physically imposing. He was a hilarious...
habbies writes...

Trades

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Montreal Canadiens are gelling right now and I see a reason why we should not get a rental player. The first reason is our team is close to 1st in the east so why mess with them. Another we will be giving way to much for rental player such as the likes of Hossa. The only reason to go for a player like that is if we have knowledge that they will sign with us and keep th...
While not a Leaf fan, I always enjoy the talk about every single player in organized hockey wanting to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs. It always happens around Trade Deadline Tuesday and July 1. Of course, it hasn't been helping that the Leafs are on the bubble every year recently to get in, and likely need the boost. Anyway, the Leafs need to do some major trades this d...
THN has some interesting trade suggestions for the hockey world to see, but at the end of the day, I think they're still long shots. The Nagy trade suggestion for a draft pick is pretty useless. We don't have much to give up right now and it really wouldn't profit us to try and make incremental improvements right now to the team by risking more draft picks. The Sundin...
tyler_31 writes...

Sens And Canes Swap 4

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The first big trade has happened. Cory Stillman and Mike Commodore are headed to the Ottawa, while Patrick Eaves and Joe Corvo are headed to Carolina. This is very good trade by Bryan Murray, taking advantage of Carolina's desperation for a puck moving defenceman. He brings in two guys who know how to win in the post-season and have a wealth of playoff experience. They ...
A-Mar writes...

Why Ryan Kesler?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
There have been a great many Sundin-rumours thrown around of late, but there is one that leaves me scratching my head. Sundin to Vancouver for a package headlined by Ryan Kesler. Why Ryan Kesler? Why is he the important piece to centre a deal around? I've seen him play and he doesn't stand out to me as an impact player. When people start talking about him like he's a seri...
habbies writes...

Habs Trade Deadline

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
What I want from the Hockey Gods for the trade deadline.......nothing, yes you heard me nothing. Well let me rephrase that nothing in the name of Hossa or Jokinen with their huge price tags of higgins, plekanecs or both. Yes Hossa would be a dream but higgins is young and can be great Higgins: 6 ft 199 lb for 3 full season (icluding this years on pace for) ...
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and Canadian hockey fans everywhere stockpiling the beer and getting the work-escape plans ready, I thought that I would analyze each Canadian teams game plan for trade deadline day, highlighting each teams needs, possible trade bait, and what players they could be targeting. Today, I will begin with the Calgary Flames. Friday:...
pensfan17148 writes...

Pens Fall to Hurricanes

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Hey pens fans, Tonight, the Pens were in Carolina taking on the Hurricanes. The Pens lost 4-2. Brooks Orpik scored his first goal since 2005 and Malkin had the Pens' other goal. Sabourin was in goal stopping 42 of 46. The Pens' penelty kill struggled tonight and allowed 3 goals. The Pens only had 20 shots on net, as well. It was a mediocre effort for the Pens and th...
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and Canadian hockey fans everywhere stockpiling the beer and getting the work-escape plans ready, I thought that I would analyze each Canadian teams game plan for trade deadline day, highlighting each teams needs, possible trade bait, and what players they could be targeting. Yesterday, I will did the Calgary Flames (See Archiv...
Inferno31 writes...

Leaf Deadline Plan

Posted Monday | Comments 0
So as a Leaf fan whats one to do, other than speculate on what will occur during the trade deadline? Now I've heard tons of ideas for trades, mostly ludicrous. We as fans tend to overestimate the value of some of our players, and we also tend not to realize the rest of the league knows what position were in, and thats one of weakness. So I figured I'd contribute to endless...
Apparently, if one believes the rumors flying around HB these days, the Hawks are considering dealing RW Martin Havlat, perhaps to the Canadiens. I believe there could be something to this rumor. First, though incredibly skilled and one of the best forwards in the game when healthy, at $6 mil. per, Havlat has been a part-time player for the Hawks due to injuries. Fu...
Dingwell writes...

Habs ECHL Team Tearing It Up

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Long time lurker, first time writer.. don't be too harsh.. While many people give Bob Gainey credit for the depth of Habs prospects, I personally believe the seeds were planted during Andre Savard's tenure in Montreal. Feel free to correct me, but this is when I first feel the Habs began the slow re-stocking process. Feel Free to enjoy this process Leaf Fans... W...
John Jaeckel writes...

There Will Be Blood

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Actually, there will be "deals" between now and February 26. And there will be red all over some of them, as in Chicago road red. Look for the Hawks to make some moves beyond the typical "trade Zyuzin, Perreault and a box of tape to Carolina for a conditional late round pick in 2012 and the rights to Wayne van Dorp." Look for the Hawks to potentially make some big mo...
Sgt-Punk writes...

Dont Wanna See Him Go.

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
As the deadline seems to inch closer and closer, I seem to do the same towards Sundin. He has been a solid player throughout the season, as he has his whole career. Easily the Leafs best player this season. Arguably, the best all-time. He has set both NHL records, as well as franchise records with the Leafs. He has averaged over a point per game throughout hi...
Mad writes...

Burrowing Under Your Skin

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
For the Canuck fans who follow them tenaciously you've most likely noticed that Alexander Burrows has been a marked man all year. There's always extra pushes and face rubs whenever he's on the ice. Cooke and Kesler are normally the agitators when it comes to trying to get temper tantrums flaring but this year it's Burrows who's the prime agitator. Every team needs a pl...
other trade rumors I found for today... Canucks are a big-time player in trade talks for the likes of Brad Richards, Olli Jokinen, but don't like richards salary or minus 25 on the year. Tanguay, rumored to be headed to Montreal for Michael Ryder, Tanguay also has a no-trade clause and it's been recently reported that he would be willing to accept a trade to Montreal...
Well, Nonis will have another opportunity tomorrow to prove his worth. And in the last of a 3 year deal himself, he's got some proving still to do. Nonis, like his mentor Burke, doesn't get himself pushed around, but also doesn't sit still. He wants to do a big deal. A big deal that will get him an impact player that will be here for years to come. With so much ...
Let's call this one: Crazy Dale's Deadline Dealin' Madness!!! 6 hours only!!! According to Bob MacKenzie of TSN, the Blackhawks e-mailed a list of 8 names on their roster to the entire NHL last night, saying that they were entertaining offers. The list: Khabibulin Lang Havlat Ruutu Lapointe Perreault Zyuzin Bourque Now, first, there is no guarantee that ...
thechiefcanuck writes...

Blah Blah Deadline Day

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
If I wasn't so disappointed in the Non-Trade of Brad Richards to Vancouver, I might actually have been happy to see Matt Cooke finally leave Vancouver. I've been campaigning since 2004 to trade this guy, and I guess now that his contract is up, Nonis saw an opportunity to keep the useful life of this asset going by trading for a younger player. Burrows great play of ...
nosmith23 writes...

Is the Price right?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I'm not a Canadiens fan, far from it, but I have found myself rooting for them more and more over the past few years because they (the management and the players) seem to do hockey the right way, the traditional way, and that's the way I like it. Ribiero's fake injury against the B's in whatever year that was is long forgotten. And the real Alexei Kovalev (remember when...
[b]Following Wednesday night's loss [/b]to the San Jose Sharks, head coach Ken Hitchcock showed a rare bit of emotion and compassion for his players. Vouching for a brief recovery following the departure of their captain and veteran Sergei Fedorov, Hitchcock made a point to right the ship quickly. Seemingly down and out, clustered by the suffocating Vancouver "squee...
[img:left]http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/09-07/0911stars.jpg[/img]When the Dallas Stars took Tobias Stephan 34th overall in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, they knew what they were getting. At 6'2" 190, Stephan is a tall and skinny young goaltender who plays mainly a stay-at-home butterfly style, with some floppiness to his game. He is currently playing for the ...
Well Ottawa pulled one out last night against a depleted Pittsburg team, and ya know what? it wasnt the prettiest of wins, but ill take it right now! You can immediately see the impact of having Murray back behind the bench as the Sens have a new fire and passion in there game which had been sorely missing, the players finally seem to know there assignments and are out the...
mojoworld writes...

They? -- How about US!?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
How many times has Naslund used this lame quote in past? [url]http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/03/02/canucks_blackhawks/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily[/url] "They wanted it more than we did," Canucks captain Markus Naslund said. "They came out hard and we didn't respond to them at all. Alfie would not talk like this. Neith...
The NY papers are breaking news today that Sean Avery contract talks have been called off ! Are you kidding me? Those of you who still think Sean is the most overrated,worthless,blah blah, in the league can line up and watch you favorite team start bidding the summer. If you still don't think he's good, look at the Rangers record with or without Avery. The deadline mov...
It's less than a week since the trade deadline, and while the Canucks have picked up 2 of a possible 6 points, they are a disappointing 0-1-2 in that spell. Not only that, the teams top line has gone pointless in those 3 games, and while there has been some secondary scoring, the team seems to be more apathetic as the games go by. Even Luongo's passion has diminishe...
Petapaw writes...

Ryan Kesler the answer ?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I remember a few years ago when Bobby Clarke splashed the water with the whole offer sheet thing, with Ryan Kesler. Little did he know what kind of message that really sent. I believe that the NHL is now in a state of rebuilding, and long gone are the days where a player could just go to the highest bidder. I am going to focus on Kesler here, because of obvious reaso...
I remember reading a blog by a SFU Student called 'The Canucks Almanac' about 5 years ago. It was my first real exposure to blogging, and I read this guys site religiously. One argument he made related to style of play. This was at the height of the West Coast Express hey day, and watching the misery of losing year after year early in the playoffs. The argument w...
I've said it before, and now I am officially saying it. The Canucks can only make the playoffs with 96 points. History proves to be very reliable, especially in the last few years. Last year the Canucks by this time of year were tearing up the Western Conference with a impressive 2nd half of the season. This year, well... it's not quite the same. We are strug...
Pretty Major news to hit before game time tonight. Ohlund has swelling in his left knee from bone chips. [url]http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=231363&hubname=[/url] This will no doubt change some of the factors of tonights big game against Nashville, only because Ohlund logs easily 25 plus minutes a game. Not to mention he is a rock on the point for the ...
[img:right]http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20080307/tootoo_340_46857.jpg[/img]Jordin Tootoo just hit the nail right on the head, you do have to be a man to play this game. But I'm puzzled by the fact that he laid out Aaron Miller and doesn't be a "man" and stand up for his actions. On Sunday, Matt Pettinger laid out Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks and he ge...
First, let me take the time to welcome anyone who happens to click on this post and give me a chance to entertain you through my blog. Although the Rangers are my favorite team and I make no attempt to hide that, my aspirations are to be an objective journalist, not a cheerleader, and I hope my writing will reflect that. Any criticism, constructive or otherwise, is both we...
I've seen four MTL games in person this year, 2 at the Bell Centre, one in Toronto and I happened to be in San Jose last week to watch the shoot-out that occured against the Sharks. Here are a couple of things that come to mind when I watch this team, and even as a Leafs fan I will be objective: 1) Has Campbell given komisarek his jock back? (If you thought that wa...
I will be writing a series of blogs discussing a handful of teams whose expectations were minimal to start the season or even now; within these teams, I believe one will take home the Stanley Cup to their franchise. I am beginning with a team that was doubted from the get-go, the Montreal Canadiens. After missing the playoffs in the 06/07 campaign, the Habs tweaked some...
mapleleaf92 writes...

On Pace For....

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Assuming that everyone's win-loss-otL-soL ratio stays the same, I took the time to calculate how many points everyone will have by the end of the season. [b]Eastern Conference[/b] NEW JERSEY DEVILS- 102 Points Montreal Canadiens 100 Points CAROLINA HURRICANES- 91 Points Pittsburgh Penguins- 100 Points Ottawa Senators- 97 Points New York Rangers- 96 Points Boston ...
hAbfAn33 writes...

Bell Centre Standing Ovation

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I've been a Habs fan for 20+ years and I can't remember the last time I had goose bumps watching a regular season Montreal Canadiens game. For those of you that missed it, out of appreciation of what the Habs are doing this year and for overtaking the Devils last night for the Eastern Conference lead, the capacity crowd at the Bell Centre last night gave the home team a...
predjoe writes...

Who Do You Love?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]Obviously at this time of year you want your team to win[/b] but if you are like me I am scoreboard watching like crazy! Right now I am so thankful for my Spring TREO that allows me to continually check the status of games of interest. I wonder if the people at ESPN are seeing my increased use in their bottom line numbers? "Guys...ummmm...we had ten thousand hits on...
Ok so I know I'm gonna get a lot of heat for this one. But it should get some reaction from the Blue seats. Axel has been back and forth to Broadway more than "Kristen" . His performances have been erratic and sometime they've been brilliant. Yet one thing is for sure # 27 is free again this summer. OK,Ok, so most of you want to shed salary and go after Brian Campbell...
PS: tous les accents ont du etre enleve pour faciliter la conversion du texte, desole et merci. Les series eliminatoires approchent a grand pas et le temps des grandes questions sur nos equipes favorites est a nos portes. L heure des predictions est arrivee et c est a ce moment qu il faut regarder l historique de nos equipes pour voir s ils ont le potentiel de se rendr...
And the mountain spoke down to Chris Pronger . . . 8 games. Methinks he got off a bit light, but better than the big fat zero flub they made the first time round. Plus, Isles take on Montreal tonight. [img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img] Chris Pronger, according to TSN, you know, the guys where they think grainy footages are non-crim...
Hey. Whatsup? I'm mostly writing this blog as amusment for myself because I am sick today, and my Satelite is broken. I'm going to predict the standings for the rest of the season, for the whole East, using my magically new-developed formula called guessing with prior knowledge. Here we go! Winners in bold OT loser in italics [b]Devils [/b]Avalanche [b]Sa...
With most teams now around the 10-game mark before the playoffs, battles for the top spot are fierce and today's games could see a lot of shifting in the Eastern Conference standings by end of day. The New Jersey Devils maintained their hold on first place with a 4-2 win against an injury plagued Colorado Avalanche team, in which goalie Martin Brodeur had to be sharp in...
So after another drubbing upon the Isles, the Official Isles website has 4 stories and features on Kyle Okposo, along with the China story. And nothing about the 3-0 loss to Montreal last night. The game recap is buried. If you watched the game, you watched an ineffectual offense unable to make a dent in Halak, making him look like Hasek. And despite a better effort and go...
The past couple days in the NHL have been marred by questionable coaching decisions that have cost teams games or at least made things interesting when they shouldn't have been. Yesterday the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks met in Dallas where the Stars have consistently been able to handle the Canucks behind the netminding of Marty Turco. The Stars were playing on ...
Ask anyone, whether it be bloggers, journalists, coaches or players, and the universal response to the question "How many points will it take to make the playoffs in the Western Conference?" would probably be 94 or 95 points. The Calgary Flames are embroiled in the tightest points race in hockey, the Northwest Division race, a remarkable logjam of a division that, if it co...
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/flyersairplane.jpg?t=1205718259[/img] The last week in Flyerdom has been a rough one for fans of the Orange and Black. The team has gone from solidly holding the 8th seed and possibly moving up in the playoff standings to holding on for its life by the thinnest of threads. As the season began to unravel at the hands ...
Why Not ? Who would of thought 2 months ago when the Canucks were tied for 10th place in the Western Conference that with 9 games left in the season they would be within striking distance of defending the Northwest division that they won in style last year. Let me tell you I for sure didn't, I assumed we were doomed with Nashville and Phoenix knocking at the doo...
[b]It seemed like an easy thing. After an embarrassing 3-1 loss to Minny on Monday I figured the Avs would come out of the gate flying - good rushes, hits, etc. At least there was a fight. In a CRUCIAL game, the Avs simply did not come to play...AGAIN! They looked a lot better in the third but even then, come on. With a whopping 3 shots in the first, 7 shots in the sec...
[b]*NOTE*[/b]: I am currently writing a series of blogs discussing certain teams who I think have the best chance of winning the Cup. However, these clubs consist of teams whose expectations were low to start the season, or now, right before the playoffs. So far, I've I wrote about three of these clubs, the Montreal Canadiens, the New York Rangers and the Calgary Flames. ...
leafs_slayer writes...

Ovechkin is not done

Posted Saturday | Comments 1
Ok. Ovechkin hit 60 goals with 6 games left. Cool. Now we can all relax. He's juiced the most he possibly could have out of this season. C'mon, am I right?? Nope! So, heres how I look at it. Ovechkin is the top scorer since the lockout. He's the best goal scorer, statistically, since Mario Lemieux put up 69 goals in 1995-96. But thats only so far. Could, hypothetical...
Petapaw writes...

Canucks Video Tribute

Posted Monday | Comments 1
With the Canucks being so close to securing a playoff spot, I thought it would be a great chance to look back and get the juices flowing. Please take a look at this video from Youtube. A Great Video Tribute If anything I am pumped for the playoffs.
Alright we are getting down to crunch time. With seven games left in the season this is how it's looking. Calgary - 3 Colorado - 2 Edmonton -1 Minnesota - 1 I know I have cursed the schedule earlier this year, for those many back-to-back-to-back games or the 5 days off stretches, but this could be the best way to finish the season. Everything is in our hand...
[b]Avs 2, Flames 0. Although the score may seem somewhat misleading, the game was much closer. Again, at the start of the game the Avs came out somewhat tentative, though I have to say our passing was much crisper tonight. I thought Calgary really set the physical tone early, especially thanks to Phaneuf. I love this guy, I really do, and I thought he was great tonight (at...
The Calgary Flames rebounded from an abysmal first period, a terribly soft goal, and a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 tonight at the Saddledome. With the win, Calgary takes the lead in the Northwest Division with 90 points, one more than Minnesota and four more than the Canucks and Colorado Avalanche. This was a huge win for the Flames, who go into a three...
predjoe writes...

I Wish I Could Trust Him

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[i]Dan Ellis has unseated Chris Mason as the teams starter. [/i] [i][b]"I wish I could trust him."[/b][/i] [b]That's what kept echoing in my brain[/b] last night following the superb performance by Dan Ellis last night in goal. for the second game in a row Ellis has stood on his head and led this team to victory. First it was the 2-1 shootout victory over the Bla...
As a devout Oilers fan, let me first say that I came to terms with the Oilers not making the playoffs after they dropped 6 in a row back in December. My only hope for the rest of the season was that they would somehow find a way out of the bottom 5 to not give Anaheim a lottery pick for Penner. Imagine my surprise over the last 4 or 5 weeks as the Oilers have amazed ev...
predjoe writes...

Marked Man

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[i]Preds tough guy Tootoo could be marked man tonight...[/i] [b]At this point in the season[/b] every game for the Predators carries huge playoff implications. To say we need every point we can get is a huge understatement and tonight's tilt against division rival Columbus is as big as they get. The Preds are coming off a hard fought (literally and figuratively) 3...
Hey everybody! I know that I haven't written in a while, but I'd like to take the time to tell you why the Hurricanes made the trade of the deadline period when they acquired Joe Corvo along with Patrick Eaves from the Ottawa Senators for Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman. As of March 28, 2008, Joe Corvo has 43 points this season. Through 51 games, he had 27 points with th...
predjoe writes...

Back In It...Preview Today?

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[b]With Friday nights impressive win[/b] the Preds have climbed back into the last playoff spot in the West (Edmonton - Calgary had yet to play as of this posting late Saturday). Dan Ellis was, once again, spectacular and continues his impressive streak of hockey. He has put this team on his shoulders and is carrying them...big time! (on a bit of a side note...how about th...
I just did not have the energy to muster a blog post late last night, after the Calgary Flames' 2-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at home. So I'll briefly summarize this huge game before detailing how it affects the Flames' division hopes. This game was, in my view, simply a heartbreaker for the Flames, who outshot, outchanced, and had more puck control for the entire game t...
The aftermath of the Calgary Flames' 6-2 embarrassment at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks last night (the game itself really requires no explanation or analysis), should be as clear as day, even to the most tragically optimistic Flames fans: far from winning the division, the Flames must now, just as they did last season, focus their efforts and worries primarily on sim...
bongo_guy writes...

Avs Clinch...a spot

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b] My wife and I were in our basement suite busily trying to decorate the place in pro-Avs colors when in walked one of my best friends (and another buddy)... Canuck fans. With Avs jerseys, scarfs, trinkets, mugs, a blanket and two Canuck fans, the stage was set for the pivotal push for the postseason. I sometimes have a big mouth when it comes to the Avs. Usually, at ...
Phigment writes...

Flyers - Final Weekend

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Well with two games left, the Flyers are in the mix for the playoffs but have not secured a ticket yet. So what are the possibilities for this weekend. Listen I have my degree in Math, but even I won't list all the possibilities. But, here is what I know for sure. [b]The Good[/b] After the lost season of 2006-2007 where the Flyers were the worst team in the league, ...
The Calgary Flames' divisional hopes officially died Thursday night with a 3-1 loss to the Minnesota Wild, who clinch the Northwest with the win. More importantly to Calgary, though, was their failure to get the one point needed to clinch a berth in the playoffs. The Flames remain in 7th place in the West with 92 points, just one above the Nashville Predators and four abov...
With the Calgary Flames finally having an 'x' next to their name in the standings, along with the rest of the West, I can now finally focus a blog post solely on the Flames' playoff prospects. The Flames were aided by another spoiler team tonight, as the Blackhawks defeated Nashville 3-1 to ensure that the Predators will finish in 8th and the Flames cannot finish lower ...
Sven22 writes...

Dear Carolina Fans

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Hello, Hurricanes fans. I know you don't feel much like talking right now, so I'll keep it brief. Missing out on the playoffs on the last day, on Washington's last game, after holding down the #3 seed for almost the entire season, has got to be extremely hard. What makes it worse, though, is the national media attention. Every talking head from every major outlet is ...
So here it is, the end of a long (or short ;)) 82 game season. If there can be one word attributed to this team throughout the entire course of the year, I think it would be "Surprises". You could, no doubt, tag them with chemistry or hard work, but surprises seems to come to the forefront no matter how you look at the season. First one should look at the obvious when a...
xmyth writes...

Hockeybuzz - a lack of class.

Posted Monday | Comments 0
A lack of class? maybe.. a lack of 'real' hockey understanding? probably. saturday's game between the canucks and flames was not really worth mentioning. both teams were lackluster and without energy. a typical end of season game containing a dejected outsider and a relieved insider. not worth mentioning? one of the all-time greats in Trevor Linden played what most...
10- Hair on face = Proof that player has at least one testicule (most likely 2) 9- You can do cool pictures like this one: 8- You become a father figure for young people everywhere like Mike Mcphee was for me 7- You can match your mustache with a mullet to become the ultimate hockey GOD 6- The mustache can cover their your lips, making lip reading impossib...
Zetterberg? Datsyuk? Alfredsson? No, It's Fabian Brunnstrom. Lets not get over our heads here. Fabian Brunnstrom is a 23 year old late bloomer with a lot of potential but don't expect Brunnstrom to make the lineup with ease. He is far from ready. Brunnstrom should be treated like a 18 year old prospect who just got drafted in the first round. Don't get me wrong, Bru...
Xfactorhockey writes...

Round 2 Predictions

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Well, it's probably the most cliche blog a hockey fan can possibly write, but here are my round two predictions! [b]Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers[/b] Both teams are coming off 7 game series, but the Habs have had an extra day off and have home ice advantage. The Flyers will be playing 3 games in 4 nights. The Habs should take games 1 and 2, but I expect t...
John Stevens will go with the exact same line-up for tonight's game 1 in Montreal as he had for Game 7 in Washington... That means Downie is still in and the defense will remain the same as well (Smith, Modry all the usual suspects)
I am so excited to watch the 2nd round. I have a feeling that the Flyers are playing with house money now. Getting into the playoffs and winning a round was a realistic goal for this squad after last season. The rebuild job left over 1/2 the team with new faces and making the playoffs made it a total success. Montreal overachieved all year. They were not picked to...
First this is hockey. Calls are made in a split second at real time speed. The penalty on Richards was a clean hit, but the referee was behind Richards, which when seen from that angle, did look like a trip or knee. So that is not what caused the Flyers to lose Game 1. This is no different than the ref losing site of the puck during a goal mouth scramble. The Canadi...
phi1671 writes...

War of Words

Posted Monday | Comments 0
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=236048&lid=sublink05&lpos=headlines_main When did Carbonneau become such an angel? Regardless of the situation when you hit someone from behind even if it's from taunting or anything else its a cowardly act. There is always the next shift that you can legally hit the person. Plus, do you really think the league would actually sus...
steal_your_faceoff writes...

Back in Black

Posted Monday | Comments 0
[img]http://acdc.com/bin/galImg/siteFiles/35bff89a78.[/img] I cannot hear those words without thinking of one of the most influential bands to hit the music scene in the mid-1970s and power their way through the mid-1980s with a high voltage mixture of the power vocals of Malcom Young and the screaming guitar intensity of brother, Angus Young. In my mind's eye when I t...
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/MainImage.jpg?t=1209430739[/img] EE should suit up because his boys need something. Flyers lead 3-0 end of two. Just amazing how pumped the Bank Building is. It might be the loudest I have heard it - and this is from the VS feed. I am sure it is just deafening in person - JS, #23, EE - please comment on it. The Join...
Great game. Flyers outplayed the Habs for the 45 minutes of the game. Then the penalty on Hatcher gave the Habs life. I thought the call was correct on Hatcher but there should have been on Boullion for hitting Umberger on the knee/thigh with his hip prior to the hit OR fighting with Hatcher after the hit. It should have been 5 on Hatcher and 2 on Boullion. Once agai...
sm623181 writes...

Game 3...Flyers/Habs

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Thank god for DVR...because I got to see all of the important stuff... Let me just start off by saying I'm sick of hearing that the flyers are dirty. At the beginning of the season a couple players made some bad decisions. It cost us big time. Game over. We did our time. It's the end, and I don't want to hear about it anymore b/c it's irrelevent. The Flyers are ...
I find the Hitler likes the Flyers video to be offensive and ignorant. How can this kind of crap really be out there? The man was a monster who sent millions to thier death and killed millions more in an attempt to rule the world. Then to use this imagery to portray a hockey teams management and fans. Maybe this is Ok to do in Quebec but i find it offensive and unneces...
The Habs are pressing the PANIC BUTTON - Price on the bench tonight. [b]Gamesmanship[/b] Guy Carbonneau is really trying to get into the Flyers heads. After game 2 it was "Timonen deserved to get sucker punched for taunting" and now after game 3 he won't say who is in goal for game 4. I think that this game is really ineffective since the the trade of Huet to Washingt...
[img]http://www.freefoto.com/images/33/15/33_15_69---Fire-Flame-Textures_web.jpg?&k=Fire+%2F+Flame+Textures[/img] If you can't stand the heat... [img]http://www.chfans.com/photos/junior/Carey%20Price_camp.jpg[/img] Carey Price looks like he will start tonight for Les Habitants. Honestly, that is just fine for most Flyers fans, since it appears throughout the first ...
[b]1st Period:[/b] Panic button pressed by Carbonneau. Going away from Price could be very bad for the Habs. It shows no confidence. What if Halak stinks? Can you go back to Price with confidence? WTF was that call on Richards? Briere is horsecollared and no call - but a boarding call when the guy doesn't hit the boards? Are you kidding me?? People say there is...
...what a game! I must admit after Mike Richards' "boarding" call where the guy didn't even hit the boards...and Kukkonen's penalty for pushing players away from Biron...I was a little bit worried that we were headed down penalty road for a repeat of last game's parade to the penalty box... The Flyer's killed them off though...and despite their obvious frustration with...
Carbonneau isn't the only person showing no respect to the Flyers. The Capitals, the NHL media, and most fans have downed the way the team plays. The Flyers are a team that will allow you to possess the puck in their end on the perimeter. They will even let you shoot, however when they are on their game, you cannot bring the puck into the slot area without severe punish...
Congratulations to the Montreal Canadiens and their fans. You are among the classiest organizations and fans in all of sports! I love that the fans did not boo its team and gave them the heroic but painful send off they deserved - they left nothing on the ice and played with incredible heart. [img]http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/getty/a8/fullj.7e7e4d0a099996c6174fcdf3f1c083a...
[b]1st Period[/b] That was a good period. Some random notes. *Fans are starting to boo Richards now too. They should be booing Umberger! Price made a great save on a 2 on 1 versus Richards. *Nice tip-in on the Powerplay. Montreal 1-0 *Montreal is playing physically for the first time in the series. They are hitting consistently and taking the puck between the circ...
[code] [/code] Huet [code] [/code] Price [code] [/code] Fleury After the usual gratuitous 2 Habs pp goals donated on bad calls by the refs (seemed like every game this series), the Flyers took the bull by the horns in game 5 and just plain embarassed the #1 top ranked team of the big bad East. This was a very sweet 6-4 elimination victory against a legacy hockey...
mikehock9 writes...

Carey Price...Future???

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
This is an open letter to ask the "loyal" fans of the Montreal Canadiens. How can you fans be confident with Carey Price proclaimed as the future of this storied franchise? Carey was shaky at best in this series. His lack of confidence was shattered that much more by the decision of Jack Adam's Award finalist Guy Carbonneau, to bench him for the service of Halak in ...
...so the results are in...it's the Flyers vs. the Pens.... ...I was pretty thrilled with the Flyers come back last night...very impressive. I think what has been most impressive about these playoffs is the fact that there has been suck a balanced effort for our Flyers. There is only one forward that has played on a regular basis that hasn't scored (Thoresen). Tha...
It's still early in the Rangers off season,but never too early to explore off season options. This is a quick post just on some forwards the Rangers could take a run at. 1) Ryan Malone- Not only could the Rangers bring him in but he could also apologize to Chris Drury for costing them the series. He's a hell of a young player with good hands and hulking si...
Olaf Kolzig has called it quits for the Washington Capitals, being that Kolzig did play a few years for Tri-City, and that Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price played for them as well, would the two work good together? Consider this, Bob Gainey ( general manager for the Habs ) has what one might call an issue with his goal-tenders, Carey Price is the no.1, but Jaroslav...
The Maple Leafs and Canucks got an early jump on the off-season. Some thoughts: -Toronto did the right thing in firing Paul Maurice. It gives him the whole summer to find a new job, and it also gives the new GM a free hand to name his own bench boss. It appears as if they Leafs will have that new GM in place before the draft. Obviously Dave Nonis is a candidate, but I'd...
Bryen Owen writes...

Suggestions For Habs

Posted Monday | Comments 0
With the off-season about to start for the Montreal Canadiens, putting rumours aside of course, there are a couple of players that wouldn't bust the bank, but might pay great dividends in the end. One of those players is 6'5", 225 pound Paul Gaustad of the Buffalo Sabres. First off Gaustad is big, secondly he's a centre that can position himself in front of the net. Gau...
CAPMESS11 writes...

AVERY STILL NOT SIGNED

Posted Monday | Comments 0
This is a follow up to an early blog this season. I am still waiting to see if any fans are ready to put together the petition to bring back #16. If Sather lets Sean Avery walk, Aves will have no problem getting big market clubs to take him on. Toronto- The hometown kid can not only replace #16 but put on Tuckers jersey as well. Avery could provide the leafs with...
Canada, remember when you would check your rear-view mirrors and you would see the rest of the world well behind? Well check again because they're not there anymore, I would check beside you in your blind spots because they all caught up. Canada loves to boast about its superior hockey talent, and historically it has been just that. The NHL over history has been domin...
I've talked to some people in the Canucks Organization , and I had a brief talk with Former Canucks General Manager Pat Quinn. He was approached by Gilles Last week to take a Position as an Assistant Coach , 3rd slot. Quinn has been interviewed by Senators General Manager Bryan Murray and Atlanta General Manager Don Waddel. Apparently , he also spoke with Edmonton O...
After watching Sundin accept the Messier Award yesterday,I couldn't help but realize why the Rangers aren't mentioned in the " Mats sweepstakes". They will lose a few vets in Shannahan and possibly Straka. Malik and Mara could walk and the cap will increase. After reaping the rewards of the first award recipient ( Shanny) ,maybe the Rangers should follow up with the seco...
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1139082/1/index.htm?bcnn=yes enjoy!!!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind [img]http://boredplanet.com/img/eternalyashin.jpg[/img] (Our hopes, dreams and our future fortunes are only possible if we forget our past. ) Let me all welcome you to the crossroads. The crossroads of where there is two different paths. One path is some hype and hopes, but likely mediocrity. The other is a tougher road ...
melonhelmet writes...

Schneider To Boston?

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
A source [Who is a friend] not to be named out of Boston has emailed this to me: [quote]Hey [My real Name will not be shown], I was working last night at the bar, and one of the Bruins walked in! He was only there for about a half hour but the media that followed stayed longer. I was talking to one of the media members, and he said he heard a rumor that would send Ke...
http://www.globesports.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080617.canucks18/GSStory/GlobeSportsHockey/home [quote][b]Gillis also hinted that players from Russia, who may be difficult to lure to North America, probably won't figure into Vancouver's plans.[/b][/quote] Gillis is thinking that Russians who are hard to lure to North America wont fit, now this does not rule out all ...
Oh boy, Rumors Rumors Rumors! What will we hear today at 4:00Pm Pacific? The Canucks Have Drafted Kyle Beach. The Canucks Have Traded the 10th pick and and player for the number 2 pick. The Canucks Have Sent Ryan Kesler and the 10th pick for Olli Jokinen. I am expecting the Canucks to take Kyle Beach, and [b][u][i]NOT[/i][/u][/b] make any [b][u][i]big[/i][/u][/b...
Perhaps I underestimated Darryl Sutter. Minutes after he managed to get a 1st round (AND 2nd round, as I found out later) pick for disgruntled cap eater Alex Tanguay, Gord Miller reported as the Lightning prepared to take Steven Stamkos that there had already been a trade. I assumed he was confirming the Tanguay deal, but no, it was another trade with Calgary at the center...
Habs_Marc writes...

Canadiens draft review

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
[img]http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/images/upload/2008/04/draft2008n.jpg[/img] [i]Hi to every Habs and hockey fans who are taking time to read this blog! I hope you enjoyed the draft, as much as I enjoyed it! [/i] Ok, the introduction had been done so, this is the time to talk about serious things. Before the 2008 entry draft, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey told the ...
Raycroft#1Fan writes...

O Rly?

Posted Monday | Comments 0
You can get banned on here for talking about Eklund's foreskin, weird.
Raycroft#1Fan writes...

Ya Rly.

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Just a follow up to the last blog, you actually CAN get banned for mentioning Eklund's disgusting foreskin. To be honest, i'm just reporting the truth, something Eklund fails to ever do. What is wrong with this world, people speak the truth and get banned, while a fat greasy bastard bullshits every single day and get peoples hopes up thinking their favourite hockey tea...
Part 2 of my outlook on the Calgary Flames off-season looking ahead to 08-09... Sure enough, Daryl Sutter's quiet demeanor leading up to the draft was exactly what I thought it was... he was gearing up for a major deal. As I pointed out in my pre-draft blog, the Flames are going to be up against the cap in a major way this year and desperately need to shed some sala...
[img]http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/12/blogtd5.png[/img] [i]Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying summer, your favorite team's draft picks and the most recent news in the wonderful world of hockey. Enough talk,let's go down into serious business...[/i] Five days. This is the time remaining before the first of July, the starting moment of free agency signings. Per...
ceeds writes...

Craziness

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Sundin 20 mil 2 years Crazy. Id love to see it, but hes going to hold out till August. Quite frankly short but sweet as a Canuck Fan...Im Scared for what the team will look like this coming season - Chad
Luongo07 writes...

Time To Move On

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
When GM Mike Gillis was hired not more than two months ago, I felt a sigh of relif. Not a lot of Canuck fans have filled the bandwagon here on the left coast, however, Gillis promised "bold" moves and yesterday he delivered a "bold" move. WOW a GM in Vancouver sticking to his guns. For several years here we constantly heard "we were close"; "we almost had him" or "the ...
[u][b]NOUS DEMENAGEONS !!! http://www.alnh.tk/ Nous voulions un site plus complet que ce simple blog, je vous donne rendez-vous ! http://www.alnh.tk/ [/b][/u] [i]*Veuillez notez que les mises a jour sont administrer par Marc-Antoine Perrault et Etienne Jolette.[/i] [i]NB: les accents de fonctionnent pas[/i] [u][b]Rumeurs[/b][/u] -Ilya Nikulin est ...
As of July 3rd, Mike Gillis and his Vancouver Canucks seem to have failed to make their team better when they have had so much cap space to spend. The Canucks have lost their captain Markus Naslund to the New York Rangers, which in the eyes of many means they have lost out on Mats Sundin and Pavol Demitra as well. The Canucks did not go without making an addition to ...
Marian Hossa has received a thorough drubbing in the Canadian media for signing with the Red Wings. The criticism has been across the continent from Vancouver to Toronto, and from TSN as well. The worst thus far seems to have issued from Damien Cox of the Toronto Star, hammering Hossa for wanting to seek a chamionship ring and " . . . play out of a smelly, crumbling Joe ...
July 8th, 2008 So the dust has setled, money has been thrown around as if it grows on trees, and we inch closer and closer to the 2008-2009 NHL season. It's the time of year when GM's, after months of analysing, scouting, and meticulous planning, get out their cell phones and start wooing agents and their clients to come play for their team. Massive contracts are being ...
[i]Hello everyone, I hope you enjoy each moments of the free agency frenzy, as always, this is a very thrilling and exciting moment for hockey fans.[/i] Before the free agency period began, Bob Gainey said that he was looking for an impact player, looking at this year UFA bumper crop names like Hossa, Rolston, Huselius, Jagr and Sundin were the possible targets. So the ...
After today's announcement of the resigning of Jaroslav Halak to a 2 year deal worth a reported 1.55 million, the questions and rumors will no doubt begin again. How many games will he play? Will he be traded? Is he happy in his role as number 2? Personally i am a big Halak admirer. You have to respect a player who came in in the last stretch of the 2006-2007 season, in wh...
The Sundin saga is still undecided and only a few teams are still in the race. Detroit and the Rangers are out, due to cap space, Toronto seems to be a little bit erased, only Montreal and Vancouver seems to keep pushing very hard to land Sundin. The Canucks are rumored offering Mats a 2 years/20 millions deal, while the Canadiens offer stand to 2 years/15 to 16 millions. ...
http://flyerflies.com/blog/?p=171 Al Strachan of FoxSports.com has published a blistering criteria of the NHL's current financial status today, declaring that the NHL is still destroying itself from the inside out. This comes in the wake of a disappointingly bloated 2008 free agent market in which a number of high and mid-level players seemed to get far more in their n...
Elchrisco writes...

Hurricanes version 2.0

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I'm going to begin by saying I'm quite excited for the upcoming season and I really like the moves made by Jim Rutherford to retool the team and it's defence. The Canes have a new look, a few solid prospects, and this is the first season that I can remember where the primary news about the Hurricanes is not about the financial situation. That said, how different are the...
FuzE_gus writes...

Thought on Sundin #4566544

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I haven't gotten in on the Sundin debate, but I sure do read a lot about it. It's incredible how many theories, rumours and flip-flops we have to endure day to day. But for some reason this guy (meaning me) reads on and on. Ok, for fun...I'll throw in my best guess... Sundin will be a Hab. It's been know within the organization for some time. Grabovski was rumour...
Great news!! I just received the following email from [b]WHL Vancouver Giants[/b] play-by-play broadcaster [b]Joey Kenward[/b]: [quote]"Hello. Hope your summer is going well..... "I wanted to let you know that I am taking a new path in my career. I will be leaving the Vancouver Giants at the end of this month. I have accepted a new job to be a [b]Vancouver Canucks ...
Forsberg For X-mas, it just might happen. If predictions about Foppa's health stand pat, then he will be ready to get going sometime around the Holidays.The Rangers are currently holding out to see if they can land one more vet to accompany their young talent. Either they manage to pull one big rabbit out of a hat and grab Mats Sundin or bring back Brendan Shanahan for...
HabsMan11 writes...

Max Pac in Habs colors?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Patch. Pacman. Max Pac. Whatever you want to call him, Max Pacioretty is the hot topic today as the Habs announced the 19 year old winger has signed a three-year entry level deal (financial terms not disclosed), effectively ending his college career. The move comes as a bit of a surprise-both Pacioretty and director of player recruitment and development Trevor Timmins were...
Two years ago, it was Sheldon Souray blasting shot after shot from his spot on the right point, taking Andrei Markov's passes and forcing teammates and opposition to duck for fear of having their heads ripped off by a piece of rubber flying at 100 mph. Last year, the thought on everyone's mind was "What will we do without Souray?"..."The power-play is gonna be [i]brutal...
Willie Wilts writes...

Sundin: Leafs or Later?!

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Its been 19 days since the the wave of blue and white faithful sat on edge waiting to see if Mats Sundin would sign on the dotted line with the Habs. Perhaps the Canucks would lure him with that huge 20 Mil. deal they waived.. wait, maybe he's gone to retirement.. Noone counted Sundin as a Leaf for the 08-09 schedule. Noone thought he'd ever come back to the lowly bottom...
Here's a Swedish newspaper claiming that Sundin has chosen to play for the Vancouver Canucks next year. Could be just a rumour, could be true. Who knows, but fuel to the fire. [url]http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=672&a=806514&rss=2216[/url] Google translated page: According to information provided to DN leaving Mats Sundin Toronto for Vancouver. Sundin ...
It is getting laughable of late with the continual flow of idiotic rumors about the future of Mats Sundin. The people who are pushing forward these "gems" are apparently doing so with the agenda of generating buzz. Whether for a blog or a Newspaper or a hockey themed show, Mats Sundin's story remains a "gravy train" for those seeking a boost in readers or ratings. The prob...
nucks11 writes...

Canucks

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The team looks good on paper and should go far
As reported by TSN: "The Toronto Maple Leafs will honour former captains Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour by raising their numbers to the rafters of the Air Canada Centre this season." Both were great players without a doubt and both were classy guys as well. However, neither brought a championship to the Leafs, the ultimate model of greatness in any league. If these pla...
Ok so Sundin dosen't stink but the statement is true. If the Canucks do actually land this fat fish it may take up more room in the tank than we can afford. Think about next year (because this is a two year deal) we have dome pretty big signings coming up i.e. Sedins, Edler. Ohlund, Krijacek, Burrows, Shannon, Pettinger, Bernier. Do you see any of these players taking a...
Anyone else think that the NHL, Executives, Players, and Agents alike use him to deflect the real goings-on in the NHL? I think so. His blogs are as reliable as a Ford Pinto, or less reliable. It's like bizarro blogging. Whatever he writes, just believe the opposite and it would stand a much better chance of becoming true. Sundin going to Montreal or Toronto? well...
Here are 13 why reasons that Mats Sundin should sign with the Habs: 1. Sundin has a Stanley Cup drought of 17 years and the Hab have a drought of 15 years. They are in a position to help each other out. 2. Sundin would put himself to not only win a Stanley Cup, but to win it in the greatest hockey city on earth. When you win a cup in Carolina, you get a ring. When y...
drake17 writes...

North West Outlook

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
This year the North West division might be the closest and one of the most interesting divisions in hockey. Why you ask? Well because all 5 teams have a legitimate chance of winning the Division but all face certain questions that could make or break there season. But who really knows anyone could be a top three seed come April. [u][b]Colorado Avalanche[/b][/u] ...
The Montreal Canadiens are coming off of a Cinderella type season, where the so called experts picked them to finish anywhere between 10th and 13th in their conference. Instead, we saw the emergence of Kostitsyn and Plekanec, the resurgence of Alex Kovalev and the Good, the Bad and the Ugly side of Carey Price. The end result was a spectacular surprise first place in the...
El McFoldo writes...

2008-2009 HABS

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
During the last few days, I've been pondering what the upcoming season will have in store for Les Habitants and I'm going to pre-emptively strike and deliver a late-July season preview (actually most of the major hockey preview magazines will be out in a few weeks and they have pretty much finished their season preview writing as well). Although I have no proof, (much l...
doktordave writes...

Sundin to play in Sweden?

Posted Friday | Comments 1
It is becoming apparent that Mats really isn't excited about any of the choices being offered. One theory is that he'd really like to take a year off and return to a stronger Maple Leafs team - but after the lockout year, he knows full well the uncomfortable truth about being over 35 and being away from the NHL for a year - if you don't stay in absolute top shape, you fac...
This is an inside look into Mike Gillis, his past, his role, and the challenges that he has yet to face. I am a long time canucks fan, and over the last few months have witnessed many Pro and Negative Gillis statements. This blog is for all canucks fans to take a step back and look at Mike Gillis in a different perspective. I hope it's also a different perspective f...
Although Canada will win the Gold Medal in 2010 (c'mon take your best shot!!) I thought it would be fun to name the team now and save everyone the wait! Of course you might not agree with my opinion here and I look forward to your input. Let's start in the back for a change because this could be more muddy than we think. To me, hands down, it's Luongo. BUT he honestly d...
Toskala35 writes...

Dr. Mats...

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[img]http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j303/EaglesWallpaper/sundinhospital-1.jpg[/img] [b]My attempt at a comedic view of the Sundin Saga, might as well do something to pass the time, so read this:[/b] --------------------------------------------------------------------- A Doctor paces the hallway of a transplant ward of a hospital. In his hands, a heart, it shows...
It is inevitable that the Rangers will have to move some players to make room for Mats Sundin. I still think they should remain in the hunt,as the Rangers will need another scoring threat to compete in the East.For one or two years the Blue shirts would add much needed size to slow down the attack of the Pens,Flyers and beefed up Tampa.I think a line of Mats,Naslund,and...
Buts16 writes...

Saturday Morning Coffee

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Happy Saturday Morning hooligans. Funny how the hockey world works. 10 years ago everybody was a monster like Lindros now the little guys like Kane, Giroux and Gagner are popping up all over the place. Very weird by I’m not a big fan of Corona, just don’t like putting lime in my beer I guess. Now a lime in my rye and ginger, now your talking. Since we are o...
Buts16 writes...

Saturday Morning Coffee

Posted Saturday | Comments 2
Happy Saturday Morning hooligans. Funny how the hockey world works. 10 years ago everybody was a monster like Lindros now the little guys like Kane, Giroux and Gagner are popping up all over the place. Very weird by I’m not a big fan of Corona, just don’t like putting lime in my beer I guess. Now a lime in my rye and ginger, now your talking. Since we are o...
Buts16 writes...

Saturday Morning Coffee

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Happy Saturday Morning hooligans. Funny how the hockey world works. 10 years ago everybody was a monster like Lindros now the little guys like Kane, Giroux and Gagner are popping up all over the place. Very weird by Im not a big fan of Corona, just dont like putting lime in my beer I guess. Now a lime in my rye and ginger, now your talking. Since we are on the ...
Well. It's been a long, long offseason so far, but we're still alive, waiting for our Habs patiently. The waiting is painful, and we're all very hasted to see what our favorites are gonna do this year. Well, at least, there are several entertaining questions surrounding "Les Habitants". Will Sundin sign here? How will Tanguay do? Will Laraque have a good impact on the team...
Ok well you all know the drill , i spin my little roulette and it comes out on a team . I then precede to give me un-expert like run down on the team and what i think of it . Well and here we go onto the spin. And we have the Vancouver Canucks. Vancouver Canucks Ok when we all hear the name Vancouver we generally don't think the following words. Goals , offence ,...
With nothing else to look forward to until Sundin says "Yes", "No", or "I quit", we may as well look at some of the Canucks prospects. This is in know way whats going to happen, or what a "source" said. Grabner is the only player i see making the team...
Ok so its' been a few weeks since my last post. The latest rumor has the Rangers moving Scott Gomez to make room for Mats Sudin and about 6 mill per year. If this holds water and the Canucks are looking into picking up the All-star center,they should be prepared to make a realistic offer. For years NY clubs have been exploited and held over the fires when trying to m...
I realize that many players, media and especially fans read Hockeybuzz on a daily basis, and I believe this may be the most efficient way to get this message across. There is a HUGE difference between the fans and the media, and this was evident this week on the airwaves in Montreal. Jean-Charles Lajoie, a radio commentator on CKAC radio in Montreal managed to OUT-TWIT...
Sure, Jason Pominville is no Eric Staal, but the timing of this 7-year extension for one of the NHL's brightest young stars could not have been worse for the Blue and Gold faithful. 7 years, $57.75 million is a lot of dough. That's $8.25 per season. You might say that this deal is the opposite of a hometown discount. I like Eric Staal, but I think that's a bit steep,...
After reading an article on Cody Hodgson from the Vancouver Province [url]http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/sports/story.html?id=067ccf11-4598-4d09-9a0b-9dddec9fe1c0[/url] and hearing that he has advanced to the Canucks main camp. I am starting to wonder if Cody Hodgson might have a chance of making the Canucks this season. His 5 points and a plus 5 rating in 2 games ...
Let's be honest, being the GM of the NHL's most storied franchise during the most monumental season the team has ever prepared must give Bob Gainey fits. The pressure to be a part of this team as management or as a player in a "normal" year is enough to make people fizzle. (see Michael Ryder a la last year) In saying this, The pressure of performing in a hockey hotbed...
I spent some time studying Kyle Wellwood during last nights 4-3 SO game against the Oilers, and came to the conclusion that it doesn't matter whether he is in 'hockey shape' or not. He was never once out of breath when he came back to the bench at the end of his shifts. Heck, I couldn't even detect a single bead of sweat on his brow thoughout the contest (and he played ...
What I have to say might sound crazy to some. But I'm going to pick my top nine teams in each conference to make the play offs. Top nine you say? Well considering that each season one of the divisions always appears a bit weaker than the others and nearly or completely blocks out a team with a better record. Western Confernce: Detriot- Though I think the road for ...
I've been trying to figure out an angle to write about regarding the Philadelphia Flyers recently. All the other blogs have their pre-season predictions, training camp reports, and the "pumped up for the hockey season" blog. Trust me, I could write 15 pages, single-spaced, on how excited I am for hockey to be back - this is the stuff I live for. But when trying to find ...
IHEARTNUCKS55 writes...

3 - 0 A Fluke???

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The Canucks are now riding a 3-0 record, going un - beaten but was it a fluke? No way! Vancouver and it's prospects were working their butt off to win the last three games and that hard work has definitely been paying off. I mean, some prospects like Jannik Hansen (3 points in 2 preseason games) have been showing why they deserve to make this team while others like Matt Pe...
Current thinking seems to put Vancouver's top 2 lines as: Sedin/Sedin/Bernier Raymond/Dimitra/Pyatt The Dimitra line above played as the first line last night against San Jose, and did pretty well (although they finished -1 as a line for the game). If this line plays together for the whole year I suppose they [u]max[/u] out with the following point totals: M. ...
The panic for Canucks fans is finally stating to ebb as a jumbling bunch of youngsters has proven that they have skills to add to a team long in need of grit and offense. The first half of the pre-season has seen the best record in the NHL and a nice crop of emerging talent in Hodgson, Grabner, Wellwood, Krog and Hansen. Granted Krog and Wellwood are not really 'emergi...
In one of the most action packed offseasons in Canucks history, this one blows everything else out of the water. Roberto Luongo is named as the first goaltender in 61 years and risks "Captain Lou Albano" jokes for another 2 years. Keeping in mind that Canucks hockey has been pretty interesting over the last few years, this year has been...incredible. Usually the hig...
Going into this season, its pretty clear who will be at the top of the Central Division: The St. Louis Blues.... I kid, I kid... It'll be Detroit hands down. It amazed methat they were able to re-sign Valteri Filppula to a 5 year deal that pays him only $3 million a season on average. On the free market, a guy like him would've yielded maybe double that or more. Thei...
Hey Everybody, This is my first time making an NHL prediction, as I do not really like to throw myself out there, because it is almost a certainty to be wrong. However, I will give it a go this time, and I would like to see what everyone thinks about these picks. [u]Eastern Conference[/u] 1. Montreal Canadiens 2. Philadelphia Flyers 3. Washington Capitals 4. Ne...
Well it has just been reported on nhl.com , that Scott Walker will now join Justin Williams upon the injury list of the Hurricanes. Walker it was reported will be sidelined for six-weeks to repair a torn ligament in his left hand.Add to that Justin Williams' minimum three months he will be out with a torn achilles tendon , and Carolina might be beggining soon to see t...
Tampa Bay gets: Krajicek: A solid D-man who should develop further into a serviceable top 4 defenseman, Krajicek was a good bonus in the Luongo theivery. However he was sloppy and expendable by Vancouver. Let's face it, when it comes to moving assets, the Canucks D-corps is the way to go, but 3 of their top 6 have no trade clauses. Tampa got a guy who can log better...
I 'm not sure what made me do it. But with curiosity the other day, I took at look at the Canucks playoff record. The Canucks have never gone beyond the 2nd round, save twice. Both those times they went to the Finals. I've only been following the Canucks for a few years but if my memory serves me well they are a team that is notorious for choking. In their serie...
CanuckBloggin writes...

More Cowbell

Posted Thursday | Comments 10
It's NHL Eve, one of the most exciting days of the year north of the 49th parallel. Every day of since the end of the regular season has been X'd off: here we go again. I decided to purchase NHL Center Ice this season; I just can't get enough of the boys in blue. With this disgusting surplus of games being fed to me I decided to try my hand at blogging some of them. Th...
C4LL4W4Y writes...

Northeast Division Preview

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]Northeast Division[/b] [i]Canadiens[/i] After a difficult 06-07 that saw the Canadiens barely miss the playoffs, GM Bob Gainey sat and did nothing in the offseason...and he was vilified for it. The Montreal media couldn't understand why Gainey wanted to put his youngsters in positions to make plays. Well it worked, and the Habs grabbed the #1 seed in the East last...
Friday marks the beginning of a new season for the Buffalo Sabres when they face off against the Montreal Canadiens at 7:30pm at the HSBC Arena in Buffalo. The two divisional rivals kick off the 2008-2009 season with a lot of questions open for discussion for both squads after disappointing finishes last year. The Sabres are attempting to rebound from a season that foun...
NosCanadiens writes...

PREDICTIONS CONFERENCE EST

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Comme chaque annee, le temps est venu pour les experts, pseudo-experts, et amateurs de hockey de predire le classement final qui prevaudra dans la LNH au mois d'avril. J'ai moi aussi mis ma boule de crystal au travail et voici ce que je prévois comme classement de la Conférence Est. J'espere que j'aurai plus de succes que l'an dernier, alors que j'avais reussi à prevoir...
Elchrisco writes...

How The East Will REALLY Look

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Want a set of predictions that are a little bit off the beaten path? how about... 1) New York Rangers 2) Carolina Hurricanes 3) Montreal Canadiens 4) Pittsburgh Pengiuns 5) Philadelphia Flyers 6) Ottawa Senators 7) Washington Capitals 8) Boston Bruins 9)Florida Panthers 10) Buffalo Sabres 11) New Jersey Devils 12) New York Islanders 13)Tampa Bay Lightning 1...
CanuckBloggin writes...

Canuck Gold

Posted Friday | Comments 0
First I would like to commend the Canuck organization for the impressive and sincere tribute to the late [url=http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3108/2537906452_2730d20d83.jpg]Luc Bourdon[/url]. For those who didn't have the opportunity to see the heart-warming display it began with two massive portraits of Luc on the ice surface. Tom Cochraine and Red Rider performed "Big L...
This is word-for-word from the first half of my regular Blog just posted, but I thought it deserved a spot all on it's own ... The Canucks did just about everything right last night in the season opening 6-0 win over the Flames, but the part they pulled off without a hitch came before the game itself, during a moving, yet under-stated tribute to Luc Bourdon. These...
The Eastern Conference 1. Pittsburgh 2. Washington 3. Buffalo 4. Montreal 5. Philadelphia 6. NY Rangers 7. New Jersey 8. Carolina 9. Ottawa 10. Toronto 11. Tampa 12. Boston 13. Florida 14. Atlanta 15. NY Islanders Western Conference. 1. Detroit 2. San Jose 3. Edmonton 4. Vancouver 5. Calgary 6. Chicago 7. Anaheim 8. Dallas 9. Colorado 10. ...
Welcome to the first live blog of the season by yours truly, but certainly not the last. Tonight's edition is brought to you by green grapes and a game unfortunately not in HD due to Time Warner Rochester's general incompetence. The game starts off with one of my favorite lines Vanek - Roy - Stafford that showed some serious potential when all the participants are healt...
Yes, this team is for real. It is only two games, but look at what they've done. An emotional 6-0 win (that one was for you Luc Bourdon) and then a 5-4 OT victory in hostile territory tonight. Northwest Division rival Calgary was the victim both times. And I know how people say the preseason doesn't matter, but it's no fluke that the Canucks had one of the best r...
Anne Hier writes...

Rorschach Inkblot Logos

Posted Tuesday | Comments 8
Good logo design is simple. Good logo design is strong. Good logo design quickly conveys an image that identifies a team. Hockey has quite a few logos that fit that description, among them: Red Wings Maple Leafs New Jersey Devils (clearly the most creative marriage of letter abbreviations and symbolic images representing a devil). There are also some logos that a...
[b]Blackhawks Goalie Graveyard?[/b] Did Khabibulin fall victim to the same fate as Brian Boucher? I started getting into hockey a couple of years ago when Boucher, playing for the Hawks, went 1-10-3. He ended up getting waived by the Blackhawks that year and played minimal games for the Blue Jackets. Boucher holds the distinction for the longest consecutive st...
Ronning4ever writes...

Canucks: After Week One

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[u][b]Trends after the Canucks first 3 games:[/b][/u] [b]Offense:[/b] -The top line is working. Not only have all 3 put up points, but Bernier is a plus 3 with a spirited fight. Sedins: both have 5 points are are plus 4. -The 2nd line is not. A collective minus 7 with 2 points. Raymond has missed the net 6 times. I predict that it'll eventually break out; t...
millertime writes...

Forget my prediction

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Earlier I posted this....and the Sabres are already up 3-0 with 6 minutes left in the first. Can't be right all the time! I'll chalk this up to my Vancouver bias described below in my earlier entry. I'm going out on a weird limb tonight, and I'm predicting a 4-2 Vancouver win for this evening's game at HSBC Arena. I say Steve Bernier will be pumped and fiery for th...
erby writes...

Sabres vs Canucks, 5-2

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
[img]http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/4100/vaneksz1.jpg[/img] Four games. Four wins. Vanek as top star for all four. [b]Quick stats:[/b] 1. Buffalo out-hits Vancouver 25 to 17. Kaleta is the pounding machine, with 8 hits by himself. 2. Faceoffs are tied for both teams at 24. (I seriously believe this is one of those forgotten-but-important stats, like blo...
With their top lines not producing, their goaltending looking spotty and their special teams non-existent, finding somewhere to lay the blame in Canucks land is pretty easy. My share of blame would be sent to 2 areas: D and Penalty Killing. The Canucks have long been one of the best penalty killing teams in the NHL. They were top of the league 2 years ago and did f...
force writes...

summary

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I would like to see a summary feature of all the blogs, sometimes they are just too long and full of pork to really get a grasp of the meat of the blog
So, on to the Hurricanes, who have posted themselves a 3-2-1 record to kick off the season. A respectable record, having only played two home games thus far, but the team has seemed to regress as the season goes on, as opposed to getting better. Obviously I can't recap every game for you here, so I will give you some +/- ratings for players on the season.... +'s B...
Elchrisco writes...

Sutter, The Hit.

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Oh boy... here we go again. Another player out with a concussion after a great big shot to the head. For those who havent seen it yet (which is highly improbable, as it's one of the biggest hits of the past couple seasons).... [code][/code] After I had a minute to cool down, as any fan would be upset watching their teams top prospect go down in such a way, I st...
Ah, memories of my youth. You remember the one I'm talking about. The first time you play with a Rubiks Cube is always the worst, because it doesn't matter what your friend or parents tell you. You think it will be easy. And after 4 frustrating hours, tears and throwing the damn thing against the floor, you hope...pray...that this move will be the one. And then ev...
While bloggers galore attempt to understand what kind of team the Canucks are this season, I'd like to weigh in on a positive note that has been overlooked to date. As many will attest to, the Canucks lacked 2 scoring lines last year. The 3rd line did well and the Sedin's did what they've been doing for 3 years, but the contributions from the other lines and the defens...
It's looking like another November to remember for Canucks fans as the team has won 5 of its last 6, including a 3 win/shutout streak and sit atop the NorthWest division. After looking great in the first week, the Nuck's settled into a lovely groove of mediocrity and were playing .500 hockey. Luongo looked mortal, special teams were on and off and the Sedins had gone c...
Good god it feels great to see the Canucks on a winning streak. With gas in the tank, goals and a stingy offense the Canucks have been fun to watch and fun to follow. But remembering again why I'm an armchair GM, one must always be looking to the future. It is certain that GM MG has been kicking plenty of tires, more so, it seems, than his predecessors. What's more...
It's pretty hard to believe, but I am currently in first place in the Fantasy Hockey Pool presented by KIA on CBC's Hockey Night in Canada! Ron McLean even said my name on TV! I currently have a 2 point lead over second place, and am trying to keep a blog updated daily to show my progress. http://rblight18.blog.ca/ Or check out the CBC website if you don't believ...
Well it is still a day away from our next game but I can't help but write about what went on the last week and a half in Canuck land. Luongo shook of the rust and lose of his hair to show every team why they should be worried when he is between the pipes. His play is something that I personally come to love from the elite goalies in the league. There is something absolu...
With “100” emblazoned across every conceivable item of memorabilia lest the ice at the Bell Center there is undeniable pomp and pride being wagered at the Canadiens centennial and why not. With North American sports so often criticized for their lack of heritage a storied and historic franchise like the Montreal Canadiens with their wealth of traditions can do nothing ...
There's nothing quite more satisfactory than scoring on the team that recently told you "We don't think you're quite worthy for this team, you're being put on waivers" Mr. Kyle Wellwood got to feel this just a few hours ago when he lit the lamp against his former Toronto Maple Leafs, shoveling the puck past Vesa Toskala in the first period. Quite frankly, I was one o...
Drstraw writes...

Mr. Positive

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Now I really did not know Pavel Demitra before this year. I knew who he was as a player on the ice and that he was not the healthiest of players. But as this year goes on I am becoming more and more impressed with him as a person. Sure the three assists in his first game back after cracked ribs that kept him out of the line up for 10 games is nice. But the complements this...
bagasome writes...

All Star Disaster

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
From http://capsstop.blogspot.com The NHL All Star Game has turned into a joke. This coming year the game will be played in Montreal. The Canadians and their fans are celebrating their centennial and the NHL felt it only right to reward them with the game during such a historic season. The only problem with the whole game is the process for who will start. Less than ...
amidst tundra writes...

The Vancouver Model

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Months of uncertainty and speculation are likely to come to an end in the next week when Brian Burke and his associates meet with Richard Peddie and the MLSE. The groups have already spoken albeit lawyer to lawyer last weekend to confirm the Anaheim Ducks had signed papers allowing their former GM to talk with other teams and if reports are to be believed, groundwork was l...
The Isles shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks Monday night lifted them to 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Sure, that's right around where this team finished last year, but keep in mind just a few days ago we were sitting at the bottom of the standings with thoughts of Tavares and Hedman swirling around our brains. It's still a possibility (and a very good ...
I guess a lot of fans in Montreal now miss Mark Streit after his departure via free agency to Long Island. Montreal had last year’s number one power play in the NHL, but they are now sitting 26th with a poor 14.6% success rate, while the Islanders power play has improved slightly from 29th to 25th overall. Streit has 12 points (he would be the Habs' 5th scorer) in 18 ...
And, oh yeah, who predicted that? Mind checking my Oct. 2008 archives for my NHL season predictions? Because if I recall, I was nearly crucified by the Hockeybuzz community for my "outlandish" remark that the Canucks would win the Northwest Division. Granted, I know there's a lot of puck to be played, but take a look at those standings, and see if I had any brain ...
[b]Global Markets Down[/b] [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/primerate1.jpg?t=1227324887[/img] I'm sure you've read the papers and heard the nightly news. On Wall Street, the Dow hits it lowest levels in 5 1/2 years. On Main Street, U.S. jobless claims hit a 16 year high. From the Great Wall to the Champs d'Elysee, global recession fears send Asi...
PhReAkShO writes...

Luongo Injury

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Well in my trolling for info on Luongo it appears the actual press conference will be help at 2PM PST and that the prognosis is somewhere from 4 to 8 weeks depending on what source you believe. Both reports so far are coming out of Montreal, so it may be from people connected to Luongo's family. We shall see for sure soon enough. My two cents is that with the way the ...
It's the Quarter Pole and we're 25% through the season. Week seven saw the Canucks do what they did in November last year: win. The Canucks are now 7-0-2 in their last 9 including a drubbing of New York and Luongo's annual November shut-out streak. From an organizational perspective, the Canucks are emerging as an exciting well rounded contender. They are not in ...
PhReAkShO writes...

Luongo Injury Update

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Well for what it's worth they are saying Luongo is week to week. Apparently no tear, which is huge. The fact he is comfortable walking already is a great sign, and I think they have deemed it week to week as he has never had an injury like this before and so they are not sure how long he will be out, except more than one week. In the press conference there was a questio...
kent writes...

Canucks vs. Redwings

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
To many Vancouver fans, the Luongo injury was/ is bad news, but to those that have been following the team closely, many know that the team is a tight knit united that wasn't going to shake in its boots and collapse. This team had already won 2 games in a row with Sandman in net, and the red hot trio of Demitra and the Sedins has been looking like a fit that won't be broke...
The Flames are facing a huge home and home against their rivals the Vancouver Canucks and lets be clear...it's huge...did I say huge? I meant Godzilla size. Why? That's a great question, it's only a quarter of the way through the season, how big could it be? Well the Flames have are 4-3-1 against divisional teams this year, barely over .500, the Canucks are 5-0-1 which...
A-Mar writes...

Habs fans need to stop

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I was looking at the All-Star game voting and have decided that Habs fans need to stop breaking the vote... I know you guys (and gals) are showing your team spirit, but you are ruining any enjoyment other fans can get from watching the All-Star game... the All-Star team carries 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 3 goalies... that means 21 players... having six guys from the Can...
The most boring snooze-fest happened this evening in the Pengrowth Saddledome. The game showed very little offense in the first two periods; I think I saw Kipper fall asleep in net a couple of times. The Canucks had two anemic power plays in the first period. The Calgary Flames had a horrible attempt themselves on the powerplay. The only saving grace this game had was that...
After watching the second-place team in my Yahoo fantasy pool catch up to within mere points of my team ( "erby's Dance Party" ), I've widened it back to a 50-point lead (1202 to 1152). Not bad. Looks like Semin is in for the long-haul (his injury, I mean), but given the fact that it still isn't being reported as anything "too serious," there's no way I'm dropping him....
CanuckBloggin writes...

Additional Cowbell

Posted Monday | Comments 0
With our top blogger out for the season I make my long unawaited return to the MyHockeybuzz blog area thing. Although I originally intended on posting a regular blog, being in Mark Gage's shadow is no easy pill to swallow and it was clear with him on board there was no point in writing a blog that was not going to be read. However, that being said, Gage is gone, so hopef...
Guillaume Latendresse will likely be a healthy scratch tonight when the Canadiens face the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre. Latendresse was also a healthy scratched in Tuesday's contest against the Atlanta Thrashers. It was not the first time that Latendresse was not dressed when healthy by Guy Carbonneau, but it's the first time #84 appeared confused in front of th...
Well, some of you will argue with me that I'm homer right now when I say that Bob Gainey is tonight the happiest GM in the NHL - see the happiest man in the world -. Well, every single decision taken by Gainey so far have paid a lot for the Montreal Canadiens. There are seveeral parts in a GM's job. But Mr. Gainey has managed his team masterfully in every single way in ...
[img:right]http://cache2.asset-cache.net/xc/83938865.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF193003A50471BAAE0D5F0B6D46DD7BFFC0B8F198085993A39DE[/img] After playing 20 games with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, during which he recorded 14 goals and 11 assists for 25 points, forward Matt D'Agostini was recalled by the Montreal Canadiens on November 28th. After watching...
I'm going to try to make this quick since I really should be studying for an exam. Last night was god awful for the Preds. The team had no life on the ice and seemed drained from the previous night. The powerplay was dismal, esp. in the 3rd period. Yes they scored a PP goal...on a 5 on 3. Game was bad, Canucks were better. OK. Great. Now on to the hits. The Daviso...
Here we are, December 10th. Four months have elapsed since the first deadline of August 1st set by the Sundin camp, and we still await his decision. According to a tremendous number of media outlets, as well as Eklund himself, it appears as if the time has truly come upon us where Sundin will finally make his decision and join a team. I understand I could go many different...
arby writes...

We're going Streaking!!

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Streaks are a funny thing, and no matter how your team is playing you can find a stat or a trend to either make you feel better or worse about them. The Canucks? Let's have a look: The preview for Tuesday night's game in Nashville (a 3-1 victory for the Whale) stated that we were a slumping squad mired in a 1-3-1 funk on our current 7-game road trip. Combined with th...
Slasher98 writes...

Is the Price really right?

Posted Monday | Comments 1
Coming out a phenomenal 2006-2007 hockey season, during which the Anahim Lake, B.C., native won the gold at the IIHF World Junior (U20) Ice Hockey Championship in Sweden (he was named the Tournament MVP) and the Calder Cup with the Hamilton Bulldogs (he was named playoffs MVP), expectations were very high at the beginning of last season in Montreal. The 6-3, 212 lbs, bu...
[img:left]http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Mats-Sundin-Photograph-C12544663.jpeg[/img]I can't start heavily criticizing Mats since he is not the first player to do what he is doing: sitting for half a season before deciding where he wants to play. But I have to say, it is completely wrong for athletes to do this. I'll be the first to admit that I really do not know too ...
3:01 Pacific Time: NHL Director of Corporate Communications Michael DiLorenzo posts on Twitter: @umassdilo "sundin to canucks" 3:01 Pacific Time: Radio personality Buzz Bishop posts on Twitter: @buzzbishop "just got the press release. it's official SUNDIN IS A CANUCK" 3:06 Pacific Time: TSN posts a short story saying Mats Sundin is a Canuck with few details 3:06 P...
Look, I keep hearing about how Mats Sundin is going to take Vancouver to new heights and how he will affect the Flames in terms of head to head match ups. Mats is just a little bit better than Daymond Langkow, he's not the best thing since sliced bread, he just consistently good. Over the last two seasons Langkow and Sundin are only about 10 points apart roughly... and Gil...
As a Vancouver Canucks fan, particularly one not living in the city of Vancouver. I find it difficult to get Canucks' news, without venturing online. So it's heartwarming to see how many fans across this great North American plane have so much to say and offer about my team. The nuggets of knowledge expressed, i often find unbiased and completely insightful, and it tota...
polastem writes...

Take the Good with the Bad

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
As expected, the injured Dana Tyrell has been replaced with the WHL's Evander Kane, and Team Canada prepares for their second exhibition game tonight against Team Finland. Evander Kane of the Vancouver Giants was a surprise cut from the team last week; fast forward to now and he’s where he rightfully belongs. The 2009 draft eligible forward is playing a comfortable se...
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/leafs4ever89/hockeycanada2.jpg[/IMG] It's their final exhibition matchup of the pre-tournament and Canada looks to apply the same pressure they've produced in their first two meetings. Sunday night's game against Finland showed that this team can in fact change on the fly, and I'm not talking about the lines. Canada's game a...
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v34/leafs4ever89/hockeycanada2.jpg[/IMG] The school break for Kindergarteners to University students; holiday vacation time for the employed; Christmas celebrations; and finally, the start of the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships. December never feels the same without it. I've always appreciated the NHL. As a hockey fanatic...
Happy Holidays to all of my fellow HockeyHeads out there... I Wish the best to all into the New Year which, for the NHL, begins at the corner of Clark and Addison for the 2nd Annual Winter Classic--which seems like an oxymoron, but I digress. In a very short time, the W.C. has unquestionably become one of the too few highlights for the NHL (regular season) that really ...
Sens have been playing fairly well so far, which is a nice change. The same reaccuring theme has been rearing its ugly head already, Spezza looks lazy and the defense isn't playing well despite the low shots total. Alot of penalties in the first period. Both teams are playing very aggresive, Gonna get ugly. And as usual Ottawa's play has caught up with them, 3-2 Calg...
Pre-Game: Senators vs. Canucks The Ottawa Senators are looking to avoid one streak and continue another as they face-off against the Vancouver Canucks tonight. The Luongo-less Canucks are 5-4-1 in their last ten games but have fallen short in their last two, including one to the Edmonton Oilers despite sporting a 10-5-1 record at home this season. The Senators are curre...
1. 14 Goal scorers after the first 2 games. 2. Jamie Benn's hat trick. 3. John Tavares with 2 goals and 2 assists. 4. Canada ties all-time highest shutout goal total with 15. 5. Jamie Benn's unbelievably unselfish assist on Tyler Ennis' PP goal. 6. Ryan Ellis playing an incredible point shot position. 7. Chris DiDomenico's hands and cycling skills. 8. Goaltending is...
Richie18 writes...

Flyers edge Nucks 3-2

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Flyers got back on the winning track, as they defeated the Canucks 3-2 last night. I was very impressed with how the Flyers played last night. Unfortunately, one of the stars on the Flyers got hurt way too early in the game. About 15 seconds into the game, Simon Gagne got hurt when Kevin Bieska hit him near the boards. Simon left the game with an upper body injury. Rig...
This little blog takes involves many NHL teams however most of my proposed trades involve either the Leafs or the Canucks as they are the two teams that I know the most about. It is a pretty interesting read and I did do my research as far as caproom and contracts go. When I take a look at the current standings it is fairly evident who some of the buyers and sellers...
Reunited for yesterday's match-up against the Florida Panthers, the Kostitsyn brothers, Andrei and Sergei, sparked the Habs' offense to a close 6-5 OT win over Peter DeBoer's team. Lining up on a line with veteran Robert Land, the "Mullet line" produced three of the Canadiens' goals. Lang finished the afternoon with one goal and one assist (+2), while Andrei notched two...
I must tread lightly when speaking on this subject, but, what I offer is only my opinion. Count it for what you will, as it is based on my experiences, as they relate to hockey and to life. The reasons not in any particular order; 1. Politics, it may seem stupid and completely unrelated but it is what it is. The United States have disobeyed treaties (Nafta) , putting ma...
predram writes...

Sundin returns

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
He's back in the NHL and playing for the Canucks. He certainly gave Ek a lot of material to work with in terms of being the focus (somewhat) of the hockey universe for the last long while. I really had been hoping for a larger build up to his return and really didn't get much. Living in the Vancouver area, I was kinda hoping for a little buzz about the guy but didn't g...
[img]http://www.geocities.com/psmith25/pics/domi1prob.gif[/img] Bob Probert, Stu "The Grim Reaper" Grimson, Tony Twist, Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Tie Domi, Dave Brown, Marty McSorely, Tim Hunter, Dave Semenko, Joey Kocur, Dave "Tiger" Williams...you get the picture. These men were among the most legendary, intimidating forces in the game and could change the momentum ...
I have to admit I have been really guilty of walking around today and asking everyone if the saw the Flames/ Sharks game last night. So now that Flamestr and Vetter have both written on the subject I'll leave it alone and take a closer look at the North West. This is where I ask you to go read my previous blogs and I get to say I told you so...I love doing that. I wrot...
Half the season is over, and the leafs are finally beginning to show their true colors. Burke isn't surprised, although he denies that he and his staff are quote "tanking," he says that these losses are just the growing pains of icing a young team. Growing pains that will deliver us a much needed 1st round pick. As always with rebuilding, and any city that has undergon...
Or so Mr. Campbell claimed when quoted by TSN. "We've all got obligations to the fans, the rights holders -- this game is being televised around the world." Well, exactly how many people in the large USA hockey market of greater Detroit will be watching any of the All-Star festivities now with no Wings on the roster? Hope the rights holders and sponsors appreciate the n...
I was completely expecting a bore-fest at GM Place last night. The last few games between the Preds and Canucks have been exactly that. However, last night might have been the exception. The Preds came into the game with a powerplay ranked 29th in the league. That kind of tells you how poor the team's top players have performed this year. OR it tells you how badly they ...
Recently I've seen a lot of questionable calls by officials on some hard hits in the NHL and NCAA. Cal Clutterbuck, for example, was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for his hit against Vancouver's Alex Burrows. Watching the game on Fox Sports I cannot help but ask if the NHL is trying to send a message that it wants to be the "No Hit League." Did Clutterbuc...
There is speculation-a-plenty around the league lately, as is the usual case in the days approaching the trade deadline. With this at the fore-front of most discussions in NHL circles, I figured I'd put together a general compilation of what I figure each team will be doing between now and the deadline. I figure I'll do this in segments, starting with the top-heavy S...
erby writes...

Sabres vs. Canadiens, 3-2

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Huge huge huge huge huge awesome win for the Sabres. No, they didn't play outstanding, but their ability to get through the 1st period, score a couple goals in the 2nd, and hold on to the win in the 3rd against a division rival? Good enough for me at this point. Yes, I think Canadiens really outplayed the Sabres. They seemed to have better control of the puck and wer...
Having completed part one of my team by team speculation in the South East division, for part two I figured I would jump across the continent and hit the North West division. The North West is arguably the tightest division in terms of competition in the league. There are only 13 points as of tonight separating first through firth in the division, a lead any of the four...
That was the worst slump I've seen in a while for a team boasting that much talent. Like it or not, the Canucks are no NHL powerhouse, but they are a team with plenty of good players including 4 superstars, half a dozen excellent players and a handful of possible future superstars. When a team like that goes off the rails the speculation starts flying. The coach takes...
I sat amongst a circle of friends last night, one of which was a Leaf fan. We were enjoying good conversation and the Leaf fan wanted to break from form and peek at the Leaf game on TV. To be honest, I had no interest in doing so but obliged him for a few moments. Then a typical Leaf/Hab jab moment ensued with him reminding me of last Saturday's drubbing of the Habs by ...
[img]http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/106873/75061_feature.jpg[/img] After the Canadiens' fourth consecutive loss against the Oilers yesterday, it is clear that the Canadiens players don't want to play for their coach anymore. They have lost nine of their past 11 games, during which they scored only 25 goals (2.27 GF per game) and surrendered an astounding 48 goal...
Despite a resurgent performance from Jarome Iginla, and an unbelievable performance from Miikka Kiprusoff, the Flames lost another heartbreaking game to the Vancouver Canucks, 4-3 in the shootout. When I use the word heartbreaking though, it doesn't necessarily mean the Flames deserved the game. Rather, the Flames lost this game because they threw it away in the third peri...
Alright I thought that with Hockey Day in Canada coming up I would do a piece on it and dive into the origins of the game we all love. I also got an idea from my fiancee to put a list of strange facts about the game at the end of this article, so any thanks for that piece go to her. Now we can debate all day as to where our national passtime began, like whether it was i...
With less than one year until the 2010 Winter Olympics take place in beautiful Vancouver BC, I thought it would be interesting to discuss and debate the possible players that could dawn the Maple leaf for the hometown/country squad. It's been often said that Canada could ice two very competitve teams and this may be true, but what would be the best mix in your opinion ...
matraque writes...

Présentation

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[IMG]http://g.imagehost.org/0469/blog1.jpg[/IMG] Salut salut, Premièrement, je voudrais souligner que je suis un grand fan de HockeyBuzz. Je fréquente le site depuis longtemps et je le considère comme une excellente source d'information sur le hockey. Je suis, comme vous l'avez surement deviné, partisan du CH. Je suis loin d'être un expert, mais j'ai une op...
With both teams fighting for home ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs, the Canadiens square off against the Flyers tonight at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. The Canadiens will line up against a Flyers offense that has been scoring at will as of late, and who will only get stronger with the long awaited return of Daniel Briere. Briere will look to seamles...
icedog97 writes...

The Biggest Test So Far

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Check out Saturday's scoreboard... Panthers...7-2 losers to the Devils Sabres...2-0 losers to the Islanders Hurricanes...5-3 losers on 4 goals by the Thrashers in the 3rd period Aside from the Rangers crushing a reeling Avalanche team 6-1, just about everything that could go right for the Penguins did go right for the Penguins. Tomorrow the Pens face a Dallas St...
[b][i]It's the final countdown...[/i][/b] [img]http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p26/n0mem0ry/timebomb.jpg[/img] You can almost hear the screaming lyrics from the 1980s, Swedish glam rock, [b]Mega-group[/b], [i][b]Europe[/b][/i] (??) [u]OK...retraction [/u] How about the one hit wonder group, [i]Europe[/i].(better?) [img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/e...
DamageInc95 writes...

Who'd of thunk it?

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Miller who? Of course, I say that facetiously. Ryan Miller is the key to the Sabres hopes if they can pull it together to get into the playoffs. But who would have expected Patrick Lalime to step up the way he has in Miller's absence? He's done exactly what you want from your backup goaltender - step in and give your team a chance to win every single night he pla...
A good friend of mine, a die-hard Habs fan and a habitual pain in my rear when the Leafs and Canadien play each other in their mammoth hockey clashes, uttered words of shock and horror just moments after he had found out about the Montreal Canadiens firing Carbonneau. If you haven't heard - Guy Carbonneau has been fired by the Montreal Canadiens, with Bob Gainey taking ...
So we are into the nailbiting time of the season. Every game matters. Can we do it? Use this link to follow the preds chances. http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Western/Central/Predators.html The one thing I do believe, is that regardless of whether we can make the playoffs, we are not a playoff hockey team. If we make it it, it will be more b/c of what others ...
The Calgary Flames caught a fairly big break last night, as the Vancouver Canucks were whipped in Phoenix by the floundering Coyotes, ensuring the Flames keep for the time being their slim three point lead on the Northwest Division. How much does the Canucks blowing an easy opportunity and lowering the magic number by two points mean for the Flames? It helps a small bit, b...
Don Cherry decides that Alexander Ovechkin went overboard on his celebration. I really do not understand why this is an issue. What is wrong with a player celebrating scoring their 50th goal? Pretending his stick is hot when scoring his 50th goal for the third straight year seems to have become a crime. I say it's great for the NHL to have a superstar with character. Chara...
predram writes...

My Western Conference picks

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Well its that time of year again and the quest for the postseason is heating up. I have yet to see the infamous Brad Ratgen playoff quest blogs so I decided to chip in with my own picks. Here are the current standings: Western Conference 1. Y - San Jose 107 2. X - Detroit 107 3. Calgary 90 4. Chicago 89 5. Vancouver 87 6. Columbus 83 7. Anaheim 80 8. E...
Since we have not heard anything from Matt, I decided to chime in and get the discussion started. Last night's win was, I think, defining for this Canes team. After starting a bit slow and giving up a late 1st period goal on an odd man rush, the Hurricanes played an absolutely solid game in. They bided their time and outskated the Devils until the tide turned. Once t...
We have all heard NHL bloggers, announcers, beat writers, and fans refer to the omni-present "HOCKEY GODS". These unseen forces, that protect the integrity and well being of the game as we know it, have been offended! Thats Right fellow Hockey Fans, the same City (Montreal) and its fans, who in the past paid homage to the HOCKEY GODS have sinned against the Gods in 2008-20...
Strung0ut writes...

Carey Price

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
At a certain point you have to get sick and tired of people harping on Carey Price. The only reason that everyone gets down on him is that he was made out to be the next great thing. This year the kid will be 22 years of age, and still has ton of potential and could have a great career in the NHL. This is unless our brilliant fans run him out of the building first. ...
[b]A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR THE PAYATT FAMILY[/b] [b] When you think of hockey, it’s just a game. Just a game. I, for one, was deeply saddened by the news of Taylor Pyatt losing his fiancé. My heart and condolences go out to Taylor’s family and to all the Canucks fans. We may cheer against them, but that’s just part of the game. God be with you, Taylor, the fans ar...
AlexanderScharf writes...

Do or Die

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[b][quote]Right now the Rangers have a 54.3% chance of making the playoffs. If the Rangers win that changes to 73.7%. If the Rangers lose that changes to 33.8%[/quote][/b] [i]-SportsClubStats.com[/i] Important is the wrong word. Important is back in March when you are hovering around sixth place. Once you get to April and you are tied for the final playoff spot, it i...
Richards18 writes...

East Predictions

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]Remaining Schedules[/b] [u]Boston[/u] Doesn't matter they are #1 [u]Washington[/u] TB- Win Panthers - Loss [b]108 points[/b] [u]NJD[/u] Sens - Win Canes - Loss [b]104 points[/b] [u]PHI[/u] NYR - OT Loss NYI - Win NYR - Win [b]102 points[/b] [u]CAR[/u] Buff - Loss (trap game) NJD - Win [b]99 points[/b] [u]Pitt[/u] NYI - Win Montreal - ...
There is only one thing on my mind. Well, two, but both basically stem from the same problem. I really kind of hoped that violence in the League would have at least cooled down for the playoffs. Well, to my disgust, there have been three major incidents, and probably could have been more. The three major incidents that I am talking about during the playoffs are the ...
A few things occured to me while I was gnawing on my Devils "terrible towel" during game 4 of this Devils/Canes series. First off, this is best series being played in the NHL right now. You've got 2 former Stanley Cup champs battling it out with a Hall of Fame goaltender vs probably the best young, most underrated goaltender in the NHL. Stanley Cup rookie MVP anyone?? 3 o...
The Blues applied their best pressure of the series late in the second period last night. They tied the score at 2-2 with two goals and again had the puck in front of the net and close to the goal line. Luongo never appeared to have the puck covered as it was sliding around in the crease area and eventually crossed the line and into the net. It was ruled that the puck h...
Looking back on the Centennial season, the first emotions that come to mind are disappointment and frustration. Did the Canadiens overachieve last year? Probably. Did they underachieve this year? Not in my opinion, if you consider the facts and the obstacles the 2008-09 Canadiens had to face all season long. First of all, the team's President, Pierre Boivin, has n...
MichaelBernard writes...

Game 5: Confidence Man

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Game 5 proved to be the pinnacle of goaltending in the playoffs so far. Ward was better than Marty in my opinion, but what do i know, Ive only been a goalie since I was 6. 86 shots, 1 goal. And that goal by Clarkson was maybe his best goal of the year. Clarkson 2 goals, Staal 2 goals, hold on wait, what? Marty made a statement tonight with a career high 44 save shutoot, a...
The story is known around the league. A team left for dead at the halfway point by bloggers, journalists, and insiders alike. A team depleted by injuries mid way through their rebuild. Fans are talking Tavares vs. Hedman and if the Western Conference cellar dwellers will play as bad as the East to get a shot at the Canadian Sniper or the Swedish Pronger. Enter the Manny...
Its eerily quiet in Newark this morning as I walk past the arena to work. Im not going to lie to you, I got a little chill thinking what was going to take place later on. A lot of nervous energy. Game 7 of round 1, who thought there could be this much drama in the 1st round? The Devils need to get straight, quick. Game 7's are about Captains, and Langenbrunner has to hav...
I have never seen that in my life! 2 goals in the final 1:20 to advance to the next round instead of the golf course. Crazy! What effort by Gleason to keep the puck in for Jokinen to tie it ... and Staal has been simply incredible the entire series. TWO teams come back from 3-1 series deficits to win the series. That should change some percentages a bit. GREAT NIGH...
let me gather my notes and thoughts and all the alcohol i have left in my house. a great blog to break down game 7 coming tomorrow no doubt. i was there, i witnessed what happened and its anybody but marty's fault. the guy played his a$$ off. stunnnned.
sstrang writes...

2nd Round Predictions

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So I was 7 for 8 in 1st round predictions (Sharks....tsk tsk tsk). Not only did they screw up my predictions but my playoff pools are done! On to Round 2: [b]Boston (1) vs. Carolina (6) -[/b] This will be a great series. I like Carolina but Boston, after disposing of the Canadiens in 4 straight are riding high with confidence - I'll go [b]Bruins in 6[/b]. [b]Was...
Now that Ive had time to digest last night’s loss to Carolina, I can say this. Worst loss in Devil’s playoff history. No you say? You think the loss to Colorado was worse, you’re wrong. After a great season of chasing Boston for the top spot in the east with a backup goalie in net for most of the season, and records being shattered, it wasn’t supposed to end like t...
Like everyone else, I’ll give my predictions for this upcoming 2nd playoff round of the greatest sport on planet earth. Let me get one thing off my chest before we start. Goalies will make and break everyone of these matchups, and are MY key to who I think wins each series. [i][b]Pens vs Caps: [/b][/i] Everyone sees Ovechkin and thinks this one is gonna be close. I...
Versus dropped the ball last night missing the National Anthem in Chicago. They interview Sharp before the game and he says he can't wait for the anthem, then they don't show it. Get with it Versus. I mean, its no Wayne Messmer from '91 All Star Game, (see below) but still, they should have showed it. MB Wayne Messmer = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpxVE_kQXg
Jim Balsillie is at it again as he tries once again to bring the NHL to southern Ontario. You have to give him marks for determination, once again making an offer to buy the Phoenix Coyotes. This being the third attempt to buy a team to bring them to Hamilton. I really have nothing against Jim; heck, I do not even know him. Obviously he is a huge hockey fan. He is a ver...
knolan15 writes...

Battling to the Brink

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
So, here we are. Game Seven. "All of the marbles." "Win or go home." "The whole enchilada" "Play like there's no tomorrow." "Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'." There are endless cliches you could use to describe the intensity surrounding the Bruins-Hurricanes matchup in Boston tonight (8pm, NESN, TSN, RIS; bonus coverage on Versus following the Wings-Ducks concl...
MichaelBernard writes...

Round 2 > Round 3

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I was wrong on my Boston in 4 predicition, but who wouldn't have thought the B's were gonna roll through Carolina after their dismantling of Montreal like they did. Down 3-1 in the series, I thought for sure Boston was done. When Boston tied it up 2-2 in game 7 that changed my mind a bit. Then came overtime. What pure domination Carolina showed through the first 10 minutes...
[b]The Calgary Flame Coaching Carousel[/b] It wasn't quite as big of a jolt as the hiring of Mike Keenan, but the firing did come as a bit of a surprise. Not because of Iron Mike's firing, but because it was leaked to the media, late Friday afternoon. The timing alone tells you this is not what Darryl Sutter wanted, but the whole Keenan "era" (mess might be a better w...
Memo to Bettman: Don't move up the Stanley Cup Finals without checking Yanni's schedule at the Igloo,first. And where is that Pan Flute guy playing these days? And don't forget the WWF. Your pals back at the NBA had to pay big bucks to resolve that conflict with the wrestlers in Denver.
At least they got swept. Holik OUT, Havelid OUT! Im ready for the home opener. Bring on Phaneuf!! Good Call Ek. Rest in Peace Peter Zezel. Down with the Wings.
''Its a blindfold kick back type of a game Called the Kansas City Shuffle Whereas you look left and they fall right Into the Kansas City Shuffle Its a they-think you-think you don't know Type of Kansas City hustle Where you take your time Wait your turn And hang them up, and out to dry'' It was just last night that I was watching the movie [i]Lucky Number Slevin...
Okay folks, time to play GM once again and figure out what the team is going to look like next season... [u][b]Under Contract Cap Hits[/b][/u] (all numbers in Millions) [i]Forwards[/i] Eric Staal- $8.25m Rod Brind'amour- $3.6 Ray Whitney- $3.55 Matt Cullen- $2.875 Sergei Samsonov- $2.533 Scott Walker- $2.5 Patrick Eaves- $1.4 Brandon Sutter- $1.04 Zac Boy...
Dear Mike Gillis, First of all Mr. Gillis I would like to take deep exception to the fact you signed Burrows to an extension that clearly makes sense. As a Calgary Flames Fan I am used to other division General Managers (cough lowe cough cough) making horribly large and exorbitant signings that greatly increase our chances and this clearly goes against everything I was ...
NuckNyne writes...

Canucks thoughts and questions

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I am just curious to know how many Canucks fans want the Sedins back and what your thoughts are on them signing a 12 year deal? Also I still don't believe that Gaborik rumors, he is highly skilled. But Gillis likes grit and Gaborik has been prone to injury. I have a weird feeling that Sundin will be back next season. I'd really like to see Wellwood back with a 2 ye...
John Jang writes...

The Waiting Game

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
It's that dreaded time of the year when the excitement of the draft is over and the anticipation of July 1st for Free Agency day is just starting to kick in. It should be a day of even more nervousness for Canucks fans, as it could be the end of an era here in Vancouver should the Sedin twins hit the open market and sign with another team. It's suspected that long-time ...
hAbfAn33 writes...

WTF are the Habs doing?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Just wondering through written word, what my beloved hockey team will look like next season. With their reluctance to ever sign impact UFA's from other teams over the summer and their hesitation to tender contracts to their own UFA's thus far I dont see a marked improvement on last season. Unless some speculated signings are actually executed, this is not going to be a pre...
"The Monster" wants to wait past July 1 to decide - my take, he's hoping to see if one of his favored teams is active ....it could mean he wants to see who will play in front of him, or if it will be a Swede friendly dressing room, or which team will have the most available cash to offer him. It could also be a question of who is in front of him. I don't see Dallas making ...
gkmkiller writes...

Gomez Dealt to Canadiens

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Word is just coming in; Scott Gomez's time on Manhattan is at an end. Gomez was dealt today to the Montreal Canadiens with F Tom Pyatt and D Michael Busto in exchange for RFA Forward Chris Higgins and D Ryan McDonagh and D Pavel Valentenko. The Canadiens were known to be actively looking for a #1 Center and after exploring trade options for Vinny Lecavalier, appear to have...
nadreyer writes...

Vancouver Off-Season Checklist

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Ok, first I would like to say that resigning the Sedin twins was clearly the right move to make. Working on this extension with Lou, also a great idea and a huge piece of the puzzle. Now these were difinitely my main concerns with our team is the future of those huge components. Now, that being said where is the improvement? Gabs....gone Mike Cam....gone Brian Gionta....go...
What a difference a day makes, eh? Wow. I am still not really sure how I feel about all of the moves that Bob Gainey made over the last 48 hours. To be honest, I'm not sure what I expected Gainey to do. I guess if there's one thing I've learned over Gainey's tenure, its that you should always expect the unexpected! Gainey seems to have a knack of zigging when you ...
Kamal Panesar writes...

Et tu, Komisarek?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Is that a knife in my back, or are you just happy to leave me? And by me, I mean us...and by us I mean Habs fans. As much as the loss of Komisarek from the Canadiens lineup is hard to swallow, the way in which it was done makes it all the more painful. Now that the details are coming out, it is looking like Komisarek went to Toronto for a measley 2.5 million more than...
I know it is still early in the off-season, there are still lots of UFA signings and trades to be made plus all of the RFA’s need to be dealt with, but I thought it was still a good time to work on the “Off-Season Progress Reports for every team. I am only going to include the impact additions and subtractions. Today I start with the Eastern Conference, South Eastern D...
This is the second in a series of NHL Off-Season Progress Reports. Today I look at the Northeast Division and assign grades based on what has already been done and what still needs to be done. Of course there is still plenty of time for teams to plug holes so I’ll analyze what still needs to be done and how much cap room the team has left to fill those holes. Boston ...
The "list" has been released, and save for a few surprise (and glaring!) omissions, most of the list is what any Canadian hockey fan expected to see. Sidney Crosby, Vinny Lecavalier, Chris Pronger, Roberto Luongo - just to name a few of the expected "locks" for the team. How will the rest of the team shape up after a disappointing 7th place showing in Turin, Italy? Her...
Montreal trades Christopher Higgins, Ryan McDonagh, Pavel Valentenko & Doug Janik to New York for Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Mike Busto. Montreal landed their long sought-after #1 Centre on Tuesday, but it wasn't the Flying Frenchman that everyone expected. GM Bob Gainey felt the price was too high for Vincent Lecavalier and instead settled for an overpaid, underac...
The Montreal Canadiens had the most players to re-sign or seek out this 2009 off-season. Might be a new NHL record to add to the list of Habs records. The team's GM, Bob Gainey, at the time of the NHL Draft, had 11 players signed and $33 million of cap space remaining. While some teams will be opting for minimum cap this coming season, Montreal will remain a contender for ...
Alexei Kovalev, formerly of the Habs, is the best remaining NHL free agent of the crop. Although it was widely reported on July 1 that he had agreed to a 2-year deal with Montreal with an annual salary of $4.4 or $4.5 million, this is clearly not the case. Monitreal has assembled their first line (Gomez/Gionta/Cammalleri) through free agency, and their is no room for Koval...
This is part 2 and final of a two-piece article writing about the value of Montreal Canadiens UFAs and RFAs from the 2008-09 season. In part 1, I covered the big name Habs UFAs and compared them to the new recruits. In short, the value of the UFAs were on average lower than that of the new signings. And as the new signings are more or less all younger (exception is Ale...
Alright, time to get some frustrations of mine off my mind. I've been browsing around the Canadiens' facebook groups recently, and I've been noticing people bashing #84. The arguments about him is that he has not improved in three NHL seasons thus far. Um, last time I checked he was 22 years old, with size and plenty of upside. Give the guy time. Patience seems to b...
Well the dust has settled , and the once cloudy future of the Montreal Canadiens has become a bit clearer. With the clarity though comes a none to welcome sight . The Montreal Canadiens , after years of conservative spending , have for once spent to much . With the handing out of several large contracts, the most notable being the 5 year 25 million dollar contract to G...
When we look at the projected Islanders line-up for next season, we are able to notice two things: several important overall changes and several gaping holes that still remain. Obviously the addition of John Tavares will be a pleasant change to an offensively starved lineup, as long as he can transcend his OHL scoring abilities to the NHL level. Besides his marketability, ...
Blog #3, maybe this one will actually appear on ‘myhockeybuzz’ or on Eric Engals’ page! Basically, I am here to continue my unfortunate stream of pessamistic emails, and to tell you exactly why I believe that the Montreal Canadiens will not win a cup in the next five years, and why exactly I hated the Gomez trade. First of all though, I will say that I liked th...
Eastern Conference final stadings from last year 1 -Boston 116 2 -Washington 108 3 -New Jersey 106 4 -Pittsburgh 99 5 -Philadelphia 99 6 -Carolina 97 7 -NY Rangers 95 8 -Montreal 93 9 Florida 93 10 Buffalo 91 11 Ottawa 83 12 Toronto 81 13 Atlanta 76 14 Tampa Bay 66 15 NY Islanders 61 This year we should see a few teams flip flop with some new...
The Saku Koivu era, in Montreal, is officially over. Sadly, he went out with a whimper and not a roar. Left unsigned and not tendered an offer by the only organization that he had ever played for, Koivu had no choice but to ride off into the sunset. Not by his choosing, of course, as Saku would still be a part of the Montreal Canadiens organization if it was up to him. ...
http://islesnet.blogspot.com As you can tell, it has been quite the confusing day or two for Islanders fans in terms of the Alex Tanguay race. As of yesterday morning, there were about ten different opinions floating around the hockey blogosphere as to which teams were still in contact with Tanguay and his agent. I figured it would be an appropriate time to organize the...
Rumor has it, The Vancouver Canucks are in trade talks with the Chicago Blackhawks. Newly appointed GM Bowman is looking to make a few changes, and free up some highly needed cap space. Speculating what might be sent in return for these two, To Hawks, Cory Schneider Rick Rypien 1st round pick 2010 To Canucks, Barker Byfuglien Why the canucks would do ...
[b]Edmonton Oilers [/b] To much of my disapproval, the Oilers did not get Hossa , nor has Heatley consented to becoming an Oiler. Which really surprises me, because I really thought that one of those two players would have become an Oiler. The Oilers did pick a solid goalie, though, in Khabby. It was really refreshing to hear a player wanting to go there. The Oilers real...
A-Mar writes...

Kaberle to Vancouver??

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Eklund has suggested that a deal trading Kaberle to Vancouver is almost complete. I like this move for the Canucks but can only wonder: what are the Leafs actually getting out of this? Assuming that the Leafs are in the market for a young top-six forward, it confuses me when I don't actually see any such players on the Vancouver roster not named Cody Hodgson. Apologie...
With all the hysteria by a few Canucks fans on the Leaf Blogs these past few days, I thought I might try to inject my 7% solution into the potential trade of Kaberle to the Canucks. First, my take on Kaberle: HOLY CRAP!!! GET HIM, GET HIM, GET HIM, GET HIM!!!!!!!! Uh sorry, did I say that out loud? Oops. Anyway, about Kaberle: He is not just a 'puck moving defenseman...
Stuee writes...

Kaberle, Kaberle, Kaberle!

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
According to Howard Berger and Eklund, Kaberle is indeed on the block and the Canucks are sniffing around. A peek at some of the comments after Eklund’s blog presented some pretty far-fetched, ambitious –and ultimately delusional—propositions for the Czech’s services. Kaberle would no doubt improve the surprisingly fragile and porous Canucks D, but he is not wor...
Phil [i]Freaking[/i] Kessel! Could the Canucks actually have a chance to grab Phil Kessel from the Big Bad Bruins? You betcha we could. We’d just have to be willing to give up a package of prospects (the Bruins can't really afford roster players in their cap situation) starting, but certainly not ending with Jordan Schroeder, for a 22 year old with the potential t...
First off, I would like to personally send out my condolences to Eklund on the passing of his good friend, Burt the dog. We're all thinking about you, Ek...thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Now to NHL talk... A minor move was made today between the Hurricanes and Bruins. The Hurricanes acquired defenseman Aaron Ward from the Bruins in exchange ...
Not sure that anyone has even seen "unbreakable", so that reference may be totally lost on you. However, I was quite dissapointed that I was checking Hockeybuzz.com all day yesterday awaiting any Kessel news (to which there still isn't any), and not seeing anything pop up about the Ward trade. I actually learned about it watching the 6 o'clock evening news. At that p...
It's clear that the Canadiens have made MAJOR changes to their roster this summer, but as always, one question still seems to rattle my brain; do we finally have a team that can actually "play" with the Leafs? Don't get me wrong, like every "Montrealer" I am a die-hard Habs fan, but year after year, I find myself coming home from the arena or the bar (or even just upsta...
We've reached the end of a decade, so it's time to consider who was the best championship team over the last ten years.  But since it's also the start of the 21st century, we can go one step further.  So, over the next few posts, we will be working our way towards naming the Team of the Millennium.  We've had 9 Stanley Cup champions, thanks to the 2005 lockout, but only...
On draft day I was one of many thinking Burke would move up in the draft. To grab JT or Brayden Schenn. I was dissapointed to see the Kings draft Brayden. So the leafs selected Nazem Kadri at which point I cursed in disgust. But the more and more I look at it, the better it seems. Kadri was only cut from the world junior team last year because of a broken jaw. Even though ...
As I live in Saskatoon SK, where the camp is bieng held I will be watching the Red and White scrimmage and providing thoughts and analysis Sunday night. Stay Tuned Kenny
I just read an article, on tsn.ca, about Carey Price and I have to say that it put a smile on my face. There is nothing that makes me happier than to see/hear a professional athlete take his lumps like a man, and by reading this article, that is exactly what Carey did! Here take a look for yourselves: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=286872 Without getting into all ...
jnizza writes...

First Blog....

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I've always thought about blogging. Then I thought, who could really care about my inane thoughts about hockey...or anything else for that matter. Really, aren't bloggers just enthusiasts without press credentials? Perhaps. I do know that I visit this site several times each day. What I've come to realize about bloggers is that, although they may not have access to the...
Quick update. I am told the scouts are experimenting with Nazem Kadri centering Brandon Kozun and Taylor Hall. A line they believe will put pucks in the net.
I finally had a chance to watch practice and the Red vs. White Game today. Practice was just some drills and the players shooting on the goalies. Matt Duchene's stick skills are some of the best I've seen. The Games Final Scroe: 5 to 3 for the Red Team Shawn Lalonde scored twice in 43 seconds late in the second period to turn a 3-2 deficit into a 4-3 advantage as Red ...
2006-07: This was Kadri's rookie season with the Kitchener Rangers (OHL). In 62 games, the center recorded 22 points (7g+15a), adding another two assists in nine playoff games. 2007-08: Kadri improved on his numbers from last season, netting 25 goals and another 40 assists in 68 games with Kitchener (OHL). He excelled in the postseason as well, recording 26 points (9g+1...
One thing's for certain when it comes to assembling Team Canada for the upcoming Olympics. Steve Yzerman has his work cut out for him when it comes to making the cuts at the center position. Canada is so stacked at this position, that they could leave their top 8 centers at home and still have 4 of the best players remaining at that position. In fact, of the 25 forwards...
Today was a pretty crazy day for me. At about 2 o'clock my cell phone was going off the hook with text messages about my favorite hockey player, Simon Gagne. These texts lasted for about 2 hours. The first text I got told me Simon had hurt himself at the first day of Canada Camp. As more texts came the story began to further itself that he had hurt his groin. This then ...
You know, if anyone had any doubt how hockey crazy the City of Calgary was, they need not wonder any more after tonight’s scrimmage by Team Canada Red vs. White. The atmosphere was outstanding. You could not hear anything at the beginning, it was electric. A 10 year old Miss Pederson sang the national anthem in both languages. It was pure magic even before the game sta...
saneopinion writes...

Red and White ramblings

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Flamstr wrote a blog as well regarding this that I commented on but for some reason hockeybuzz gods don't like when I comment and often leave them blank... hint hint Ek. Anyway... a few thoughts I had being there... Crosby and Nash look good together, I'm not convinced Iggy meshes but it seems like Iginla is hard to get chemistry with period. Nash was incredible,...
sdflyerfan writes...

Olympic Fever

Posted Friday | Comments 1
I realize its only August and the Olympics are still 6 months away, but after watching the Red/White Canada scrimmage last night I have to admit I am very excited about the upcoming season. A few takes on the scrimmage itself - please be aware I watched it over the internet, so the quality wasnt the greatest and the screen size was small and with no play-by-play it was...
CANUCKS The Vancouver Canucks have signed Roberto Luongo to a 12-year $64 million contract, making him a lifetime Canuck. Unless he gets signed as a 64 year free agent - okay that is little sarcastic, but you get the point. Luongo is a lifetime Canuck, and is one of the best goalies in the League. The Canucks have been a very busy team this week, acquiring two vets on t...
Newman writes...

Captain Canada?

Posted Friday | Comments 0
One question that looms over the Canada hockey right now is, Who will be the Captain in Vancouver? Who will lead the Canadians to Gold? Or better yet, who CAN lead them to the gold? Let’s look at the list of suitable candidates. Jarome Iginla: Iginla represented Canada at the last two Olympic games in Turin and Salt Lake City. He wore an “A” in Turin and was in...
Ryman writes...

Sharks Vs Canucks 9/18/09

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I just got home from this game and have to say I didn't really like the first 1 1/2 periods at all. With the game being 5 to 0 at this point really made me want to pack my stuff and head back home and play EA NHL 10. Thomas Greiss did not look good tonight. With 11 shots there were 5 goals and most of these goals looked very stoppable. After a few more shots at Greiss A...
Dumont gets the goal and everybody gets ready to start singing "I like it", then huh. What is that? A new goal song in Nashville. From the few folks around me they didn't seem to like the change. Tradition is tough to alter. We will see if this follows through to the regular season. After the Canes win here are my thoughts on a couple players. JP Dumont - Good g...
Apologies for the late post… The Flames won their first season opener in six seasons Thursday with a 5-3 win over the Canucks at home. After a sizzling start led to an early 3-0 lead, the Flames slowed down the next two periods, and eventually Miikka Kiprusoff had to bail out the team in the third period to preserve the win. Nevertheless, there were some good things t...
sdflyerfan writes...

Flyers at Carolina: Game 1

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
For those of you reading this, keep in mind I am a fan in the San Diego area, so all of my perspectives are from watching the games on television. Im saving up for the Olympics, therefore will not be able to attend any Flyer games in person this year. Hope you enjoy my take on tonights game: Well the first game is in the books and we in Flyerdom have to be pretty happy...
I am a US hockey fan, and I can not state emphatically enough that there is NO reason to "Make it Seven". It should be MAKE IT TEN Southern markets in the United States, despite some very vocal and passionate fans, are largely failures. The two teams in the state of Florida have had their successes, but have been in terrible financial straits and have seen far more d...
Well, I am back from my trip to Waterloo and ready to go folks! The sad thing about being in Waterloo is that I could not watch the Habs game last night due to RDS [b][u][i]NOT[/i][/u][/b] existing in Waterloo. But I digress ... This should be a great game tonight folks! I can sense it will be a battle of the goaltenders. Price finally gets the chance to start in hi...
I never mentioned this last night but during the 3rd period of the game last night Andrei Kostitsyn didn't play one freaking shift! Fans to Jacques: WTF are you doing? Trying to ruin the kid? If Habs management think that benching a player who actually has the ability to score a clutch goal is the right way to motivate him then they better start re-thinking their gam...
Nidder14 writes...

Flames Gameday: Vancouver

Posted Friday | Comments 0
On tap tonight: The Vancouver Canucks. The Flames have a lot to prove tonight. A big rivalry game should be all the fuel needed to re-stoke the fire under this hockey team, but with this group you just never know. Brent Sutter has been surprisingly calm and collected over the past week and is preaching patience with the new system. If this pace continues, however, you ...
First off, sorry for taking so much time to start writing again, I had Swine Flu and im obviously still alive :) 1. Will the Leafs make the playoffs? 2.Will the Canadiens make a trade? 3.How many shut-outs will Pascal Leclaire get? 4.Does Vancouver beat out Calgary for the NW title? 5.Will the Flames make it past the first round if they make the playoffs? 6.Should ...
First off, sorry for taking so much time to start writing again, I had Swine Flu and im obviously still alive :) 1. Will the Leafs make the playoffs? 2.Will the Canadiens make a trade? 3.How many shut-outs will Pascal Leclaire get? 4.Does Vancouver beat out Calgary for the NW title? 5.Will the Flames make it past the first round if they make the playoffs? 6.Should ...
glovesave43 writes...

Flames Jeckyl and Hyde

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Another win, and another siting of Jeckyl and Hyde. Giving up 2 late goals to make it close is not really my concern, I am sure the officials had bet the game over allowing 3 straight minors to the Flames. The concern is how come they let off the gas, this is a division rival and a team we fought to the last weekend for that title last season, step on the gas, choke the l...
bizan writes...

Canadian Franchises in Danger

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Here's a new look: Canadian franchises are in danger, not because they aren't drawing enough crowds or making enough money. No, Canadian franchises are in danger because the game as a whole is struggling. When 80% of the league is based in either a non-hockey market (boy have we heard that phrase a lot this summer) or in a struggling economy (sorry neighbors to the s...
What's the date? Are we still in October? We are! And the Isles won a hockey game?! Pinch me, I must be dreaming. Wait, no I'm not...the Isles still managed to give up a two goal lead late in the third period and went to the shootout, once again. Being in the Blog Box last night provided for some gut-wrenching moments. One in particular was when John Tavares was...
WarHero writes...

Habs after 11 ... My thoughts

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
First off, another good win for the Habs tonight. Nice to see Hamrlik getting to goal on OT. He's been really stepping it up since Markov's injury. I apologize for the lack of live game blogs lately and should be back for the next game against the Pens on Wednesday! Prediction: Price get the start. So ... 11 games down and the Habs are 6-5-0 (12 pts) after winning 4 ...
The Habs are fresh off their first road win since October 3rd, a shootout over the Boston Bruins, thanks to some brilliant goal tending from Carey Price while the Lighting are fresh off an overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators. Montreal has had trouble finding the net recently due to a sever lack of secondary scoring while Steven Stamkos just keeps filling it. Add in the re...
This was not a typical 1-0 win, it was exciting with end to end action, great goaltending, hard hits and great action all night long. This was not a Jacques Lemaire 1-0 Minnesota Wild game, even though the Habs retro sweater looked like a Wild sweater, this was a very entertaining game to watch. Jerome Iginla scored yet another game winning goal, his 9th of the season. ...
Much has been made about Bob Gainey's changes this off-season. From optimistic to apocalyptic predictions about the team, it's all fairly inconsequential until game 82. But who are the Montreal Canadiens? Currently holding an 8-10-0 record, having played as many or more games than any other team in the East we sit in a pretty dissapointing 11th place, and as much as I l...
Rob McGowan writes...

Three Out of Four Ain't Bad

Posted Saturday | Comments 9
Yeah, I know the Meat Loaf song goes "Two out of three ain't bad," but three out of four is even better. The Isles started off their road trip with an over-time loss in the shootout, an 11-round one at that, to the Washington Capitals. It was a game in which the Isles let the Ovenchkin-less Caps back in after gaining a 3-1 lead in the first period. Last night the Isles ...
It's 7:22 and my rabbits are going crazy with Hab fever! Welcome back everyone! Tonight, the Habs will face off against a team who we can actually say is doing worse than the Habs. The Carolina Hurricanes have not been able to find the form that took them to the conference finals in last years playoffs. Couple that with an injury to starting goaltender Cam Ward and a fl...
As our Montreal Canadiens get ready to take on the Washington Capitals, in Washington, there are some interesting rumblings that are percolating in the city this Friday morning. Aside from the fact that Montreal will be getting reinforcements in the form of Ryan O'Byrne (yay!) and George Laraque (who cares) back for tonight's game, I am starting to hear a lot of people men...
With the NHL season finally underway, and with the chrisp winter air starting to decend on much of Canada(Snow in Alberta, Yikes), we are now only three months away from what promises to be the most memorable olympic games in the history of this country since pro's became eligible to participate in the hockey tournament starting at the Nagano games in 1998. Everybody re...
BryanM writes...

NHL Expansion?!

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Today as I was browsing ESPN.com's NHL rumors, I stumbled upon a shocker. The NHL is considering adding another franchise in Canada. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said at a Reuter's forum, "The fact is we're not seeking to relocate any franchises and as a result expansion would be the way to satisfy that interest. But in this economic climate, I'm not exactly comfortabl...
A-Mar writes...

Tlusty dealt for Paradis

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]As reported by TSN, the Toronto Maple Leafs dealt winger Jiri Tlusty to the Carolina Hurricanes for prospect Philippe Paradis.[/b] Both players are former first round picks with Tlusty going 13th overall in 2006 while Paradis was Carolina's first pick (27th overall) in the 2009 Entry Draft. Tlusty's development had seemingly stalled this season and he has been pa...
habsteen26 writes...

Team Canada

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Line 1 LW-Rick Nash C- Sidney Crosby RW- "A" Jarome Iginla Line 2 LW- Dany Heatly C- Joe Thorton RW- Ryan Getzlaf Line 3 LW- Jeff Carter C- Mike Richards RW- "A" Shane Doan Line 4 LW- Corey Perry C- Mi...
Jean Charest, Premier of Quebec, said this week that after talking with Gary Bettman, he is confident NHL hockey will return to Quebec City. “It is going to happen,” said the Premier, citing plans to build a new arena to lure the NHL back to Quebec’s capital city. Cela est une grande idée Jean. But here’s why it ain’t gonna happen. 1. Population of Quebec ...
Thirty-five games into the season, more games played than any other team, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves a mere 2 points out of 29th spot overall. That’s more than enough reason to think this team is not a Stanley Cup contender. And in this modern NHL salary cap era that’s enough reason to rebuild for next season. A common, successful strategy to rebuild is...
I had the opportunity to be at the Garage for last night's game and while I enjoyed what went on in the stands, I did not enjoy what I saw on the ice. I wouldn't say that the Canucks dominated but they were persistent. They did everything the Preds should have done. They got traffic in front of Dan Ellis, they put shots on net whenever they could and they took pucks har...
After waiting for 64 years the Habs finally won a December 23rd road game. I always find little stats like that pretty useless but as human beings we seem to track even the minutest of details. And as such, it is good to know that "the curse" has been broken. Ummm....ya. In demolishing the Canes 5 to 1, the Habs extended their winning streak to three games and are now 4...
bongo_guy writes...

Poor Fan Support at WJC

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Wow, it's been a loooooooong time since I last had the time to sit down and write one of these. Unfortunately it will be extremely brief... For a lot of hockey fans, Boxing Day through the New Year holiday is considered sacred, especially for Canadians. It's the most magical time of year when the best of the best from around the world come together to fight for World Ju...
WAACHCast writes...

Canucks 4 Oilers 1

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
If you had asked me at the start of this 8 game home stand if I would be happy with the Canucks winning 6 of 8 I would have said sure. And while the two they lost should have been ones they won handily, overall it was a pretty decent run. With the Olympic road trip from hell looming, the Canucks need to continue to get as many points as possible at home, and hope that they...
WAACHCast writes...

GAME DAY: Canucks @ Flames

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Fresh off a decisive 4-1 win over the slumping Edmonton Oilers to wrap up an 8 game home stand which saw them go 6-2, the Canucks are right back at it in a huge game tonight against the Flames at the Pengrowth Saddledome. With a win, the Canucks can vault past the Flames into 2nd in the Northwest and 7th place in the Western Conference. It certainly isn't going to be an ea...
Newman writes...

Flames Are Not Good

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Calgary Flames are moving in the wrong direction in the Western Conference standings. After tonight’s dreadful loss at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames now sit in 8th spot in the West, only 2 points up on Detroit. The Flames are falling faster than Tiger Woods bank balance. With only 1 win in the last 7 contests, the Flames continue to play horrifying a...
TJD92295 writes...

USA-Canada: The Epic of Epics?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This evening, I was blessed to watch a dandy of a hockey game between the rivaling nations, USA and Canada. Right from the outset, the Canadian atmosphere combined with the on-ice action itself made the last junior game of the decade easily the game of the tournament. This game was even better than the New Year's thriller last year. Both teams clearly expressed the desi...
WAACHCast writes...

GAME DAY Canucks @ Stars

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Canucks (aka the coach killers) take their much improved road show to Big D this morning (grumble grumble)for an 11am PST match against the Stars. The Canucks pulled off a gutsy comeback on NYE against the bafflingly bad at home St. Louis Blues, and now hope to move their road record to 1 game under .500 with a win today. Dallas is a hard team to figure out as we si...
Domaju writes...

Canadian World Juniors

Posted Sunday | Comments 1
So today is going to be an interesting game for Canada against the Swiss for a couple reasons. There's a positive and a negative side to playing Switzerland again. Let's start with the negatives. The Canadians like to make pretty plays and a lot of individual efforts to get the puck into the offensive zone. They do dump it in, but on many occasions try to carry it in. U...
saneopinion writes...

World Junior Randoms

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Canada looks great this year, the U.S. team looks fantastic as well, I'm really looking forward to the game tomorrow! Led by Derek Stepan ( N.Y. Rangers) the U.S. has more than a few weapons to worry about, I love their speed and finally seeing creativity out of the U.S. program. To be a World Champion you have to be in a sport that the world participates in and beat o...
Domaju writes...

Canada vs. USA

Posted Tuesday | Comments 2
So today's the big day. Record break...or heartbreak. New Years Eve was a game where many Canadian fans were close to the same nervous feelings as last year against Russia...maybe not quite as dramatic, since elimination wasn't on the line...but still a very important match. When Canada and the USA met on New Years Eve it was like hitting a brick wall for the Canadia...
Domaju writes...

Heartbreak over Record break

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Going into tonight's game against the American's there were a few things that Canada HAD to do... 1) Effective PP 2) Little to no individual free wheeling plays 3) Solid goaltending Let's recap shall we... 1) Canada was 1 for 3 tonight...which isn't really that bad..however against a team where special teams WILL make a difference, they needed. Of course the 1 p...
WAACHCast writes...

Eh! O' Crap! The US scored...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
While the US's John Carlson may be saying his OT winner was a 'lucky shot', the fact that the US team left Saskatoon with the gold around their necks had very little to do with luck. As we saw in the New Years Eve tilt, Canada had little answer for both the American's speed, giving up numerous odd man rushes throughout the game, and their superior defensive ability. All ni...
WAACHCast writes...

Canucks 7 Blue Jackets 3

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Hands up if you called the score in this one? Yeah, no one could have predicted this one, even as bad as the Blue Jackets have been lately I don't think anyone would have foreseen this. Especially they way they found themselves up 2-0 early in the first. Instead of seizing the opportunity, the Jackets looked bewildered, and a mere 29 seconds after Kristian Huselius made it...
Matt Reed recaps the World Juniors and discusses a few things we may have learned and have yet to learn... http://www.TheReedReview.com/Blogs.php
Everyone has been doing their analysis on team Canada so I decided to do one also. Now that the world juniors is over, congratulations to the USA for winning, all international hockey eyes focuses on the Olympics. Here are my line ups would be and I doubt the fourth line would be used as if playing NHL game where they only used for 5 minutes they would get their fair s...
icedog97 writes...

Like an Onion...

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Disclaimer: this is not a blog about hockey... Baseball...the professional sport...is like an onion... Peel back one layer of deception and sure enough, there is another rotten one just below it. The recent comments made by Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco and Tony LaRussa are a glaring example of this. McGwire finally admits to using steroids...although he said he ...
Let's face it...Penguins and Flyers fans love TWO things... 1) Their respective teams... and 2) to dislike, dare I say hate, the OTHER team/team's fans But in February, both sides will be put into an akward position as the 2010 Olympics open. Both teams fans, of mostly US origin, will have (most likely) their favorite players on the roster for Team Canada - Mike...
blarneylad writes...

Gainey

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Everybody is quick to jump all over Gainey for the habs misfortunes. I for one, am guilty of this homerness. Lets take a look at what he has done: 2003 (the beginning of the Kovalev era), Bob Gainey takes over the GM position from Andre Savard. Bob Gainey acquires Alexai Kovalev for Josef Balej and a 2nd round pick at the trade deadline. I don't have to retell ...
I'll be honest, I've never really been one to look at the nhl numbers closely, but this season is different. We have Tomas Plekanec who is an upcoming UFA, and we have very little cap room to re-sign him. Word around the water cooler is that he'll be looking for 4.5-6 Million for 5 years. Problem with that is with all the money being freed up in the offseason, the habs are...
Newman writes...

More Newbie's and a Trick

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
In a game the Calgary Flames desperately needed to win, they actually came through and delivered beating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Curtis Glencross had a hat-trick and former Maple Flake Matt Stajan scored the other goal as the Flames dominated from start to finish despite loads of penalty trouble. Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff was again on top of his game, helping lead t...
Well, hello! Dr. Jekyll, I presume? And so the zig-when-you-expect-them-to-zag Canadiens defeated the mighty, streaking Washington Capitals last night, 6-5 in overtime. True to the form that we have gotten used to, the Habs kept their fans guessing by doing the opposite of what the majority expect. Perhaps that is our own fault and we should just learn to expect the une...
As of tonight, there are three Canadians in the top 10 in NHL scoring that will not be heading to Vancouver for the Olympics. Here's how your top 10 breaks down by Nationality:1 Russian, 2 Swedes, 6 Canadians, 1 Slovak. Of the 6 Canadians in the top 10, Brad Richards, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis are not currently Olympians. To begin with, I find it interesting that...
The Olympics may have officially begun competition on Saturday, but it's today that for most of Canada the games really start. HOCKEY!!!!!!!! What more could you ask for than to see the best players in the world compete. I know some people that have actually said "I don't see the difference between this and the World Championship, it happens every year". To those peo...
Newman writes...

Iginla Starts Canada's Engine

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Canadian fans everywhere rejoiced tonight as Jarome Iginla led Team Canada past Team Norway in the opener of 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic games. Iginla, who officially scored 2 goals (most thought he tipped in another), found his way to the top line with Sidney Crosby and Rick Nash after starting the game on the third line with Morrow and Toews. Not that Morrow and Toews ...
After all of the anticipation and the months, if not years, of waiting, we got to watch some Men's Olympic Hockey yesterday, and what a treat it was! The three games on the menu showcased three Olympic hockey contenders: Team USA, Team Russia, and Team Canada. No disrespect intended to any of the other teams out there, but there are only a few medal hopefuls in this...
In defeating Team Switzerland 3-2 in a shootout, yesterday, Canada pulled one out of the fire. While early on, the game looked like it was going to be a repeat of Team Canada's 8-0 thumping of Team Norway only two days earlier, things changed quickly for the hometown heroes. Making the score 2-0 only 35 seconds into the second on goals by Heatley and Marleau the Can...
who do you think will come out on top in today's game?I feel that USA will come away with a victory,Or at least im hoping they win. They are a team with a lot of hard workers and heart and soul players.They are the underdogs here which might make them work a little harder especially since it team Canada were playing here.If they do win, it definatley won't be an easy one. ...
Can you feel it? Can you taste it? That palpable anticipation and excitement that is building in Vancouver and is echoing across the hockey world? It’s growing. And with each minute that passes the anticipation will continue to build on one of the biggest, most important days in international hockey history. With five hours before the puck drops on what is being c...
Domaju writes...

Most Important Game?

Posted Sunday | Comments 9
This game could be the most important game of the tournament for Team Canada. A Win and they're into the Quarter Finals. A loss and who knows what could happen. If Canada and the US go to OT/Shootout and Canada win they'll be tied with points, but Canada has a higher goal differential than the US so they would be placed in 1st. If Canada loses in any scenario disaster c...
Domaju writes...

Now What?

Posted Sunday | Comments 45
I've been saying to people all along that the USA is going to be a much tougher team than anyone was giving them credit for. With the loss today Team Canada has a VERY tough road ahead of them. Germany may not be a tough opponent to have to get past, but after that it's an unreal Russian squad. But before we get into that, let's analyze the ton of things wrong I found w...
Lets just start off by saying "WHOOOOOAAAAA".That was one of the most intense games i have ever seen. One of the best games i ever seen ,An to come out on top makes it even better.The Rangers players Ryan Callahan and Chris Drury who tallied a goal played awesome real good style of defensive hockey blocking shot and finishing checks. Then you have Brain Rafalski had Two bi...
As I sat down with anxiousness prior to the game, I hoped that USA would pull out an upset, much like they did 30 years ago against the Soviets. However, I did know that despite all the hype around Canada's team, I knew there was a weakness. An all-star roster, is just that. I watched a GREAT game. I emphasis that despite the fact that I was pulling for the US. It was b...
[b]Pronger and Niedermayer or Phanuef and Bouwmeester?[/b] I'm not going to say I know more than Yzerman about hockey but I saw the Olympics in 2006 and what I saw was that some of the older guys were losing us the game. Pronger especially was a pylon, later finding out he was injured doesn't make it better. I thought if you want a player that can be gritty and hit then...
jtmckenz writes...

Marty

Posted Monday | Comments 0
This is my first HockeyBuzz blog. I couldn't sit quiet anymore. Marty out, Roberto in please hockey Canada. I love Martin Brodeur. What honest hockey fan doesn't admire the guy for everything he has meant to the game for the past two decades? Great Job Marty! But you had a bad game last night. If they give you another chance, is it possible you turn it around and b...
Thirty years minus a day from the anniversary of the US's 'Miracle on Ice', the 2010 edition of Team USA did their country proud and honored that memory with a 5-3 win over the hometown Canadians. With three spectacular games on 'Super Sunday', the crown jewel of the day was the Canada-USA match scheduled in the 7:30 PM EST primetime slot. With Russia already having def...
Did I just jump into the Delorian and go back to the year 2006? The Canadian Men’s Hockey team lost early in the tournament. They are having trouble scoring goals. They will now have to go through Russia to get to the Semi Finals? Turin sure is lovely this time of year. The Canadians are in a bit of a pickle. What is the problem you ask? Well, they must now win...
Domaju writes...

Predictable...but Sustainable?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Coming into tonight's game against the Germans, there was little doubt that Canada wouldn't come out flying. I said after the USA game that they would come out like they had something to prove. They'd play hard, play well, and keep up the pressure. And they did exactly that. Right off the bat Canada was outshooting the Germans 9-0. If there was any doubt of a shattered ...
Rob McGowan writes...

USA - (DP + KO)

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
I purposely did not put an "equals" sign at the end of that equation for two reasons. One - I was never good at math and definitely do not plan on solving it or using any algorithm's where I can substitute numbers to come up with an answer; Two - because the end result is yet to be determined, and although DP and KO are not part of this year's winter Olympics, I still hope...
Like a cat sharpening its claws before the hunt, Canada warmed up on the Germans yesterday in preparation for today's monstrously huge quarterfinal game versus Russia. In handily defeating the German team 8-2, Canada qualified for the medal round. In doing so, they generated a little more cohesion on the ice. While Monday morning saw Team Canada as a nation in the th...
Postgame Recap Quaterfinals Wow what a day of hockey and what a day for results. Im still stunned on how this day went with every game.I was surprised that Switz gave USA a run for there money, even though we came through with the Win. I still can't get over the Russia vs Canada game who would have thought Canada was going to make it a blowout. I don't think anyone coul...
Just like the title says. Another game coming on Friday against another team.
Domaju writes...

Bring on the ...Slovaks?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night was definitely something NOBODY saw coming. Before the Canada game with Russia I said it was going to be a close game and predicted a 5-4 Canada win...I wasn't alone in thinking it would be close. Most analysts agreed, however it turned out to not even be a contest. I knew for sure Canada would come out strong on the puck and forecheck hard, but I never imagi...
Yesterday's quarterfinal matchup between Canada and Russia had a lot of hype surrounding it. And why not? Canada versus Russia, where Canada has not beaten the Russians in Olympic competition for 50 years. Sidney Crosby versus Alex Ovechkin, where the two best players in the world collide after their monumental playoff clash last year. Canada versus Russia, where ...
POSTGAME ANALYSIS: USA vs Finland Well i can't say i could have called the game to be like that(A Blowout).But i can say i called the game.USA just showed the world that they not only deserve to be in Gold Medal game,But that they are ready to take it. The game got out of hand real fast with 6 goals in the first period.Forcing Finland to change there Goalie with 4 goa...
NYRSourceCentrl writes...

Updated

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
"SILLY SEASON". Transactions already made: Thrashers Acquire Evgeny Artyukhin from Anaheim for Nathan Oystrick and a Conditional Draft Choice in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft Oilers have dealt Grebeshkov to Nashville for a second round pick. Florida trades Jordan Leopold to Pittsburgh for a 2nd round pick in 2010 Matt Stajan has agreed to terms with Calgary Flame...
Gold Medal Finals:USA VS CAN This is the match up of the Century.We all were routing against Canada in the last mins of Slovakia game, But deep in our heart we all wanted to see this match up. I believe this going to be a great game, No blowout . There are Great goalies that will be playing(Miller,Loungo).There is going to be alot of Defense i feel more than the first g...
Reminiscent of Salt Lake City in 2002, the final event of the winter games came down to the US and Canada. In the end, Canada won. I just heard on TV that this win may be considered the best moment in Canadian sports history. I strongly disagree. This Canadian team may have been very good, but not the best in these Olympic games. On paper, Canada had the best team. They...
takker88 writes...

With Glowing Hearts..

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I've always been disinterested with the Summer/Winter Olympics, (excluding Men's hockey) as I'm sure many people are. To me it just always seemed kind of lame (for lack of a better word). While I always respected the tremendous athletes that show up to these events, I've never found it to be anything but outdated......until 2010. What with all the commercials we've see...
I originally planned to post a general post-gold-medal game, pre-deadline blog this afternoon. However, though I expected an epic game, I had no idea just how epic. I genuinely was not expecting Sidney Crosby and Jarome Iginla to give Canada a truly generational hockey moment. The goal will be discussed for years; it instantly joined the pantheon of legendary moments i...
saneopinion writes...

Olympic tidbits

Posted Monday | Comments 0
I'd like to point out, because the focus has obviously been on the win, that the U.S. played an amazing game and have solidified themselves as a major hockey power, I know they were disappointed but I hope they don't hang their heads too low. They won with dignity and they lost the medal game with dignity, I think all Americans can be incredibly proud of their team. >>>...
As I sit here sipping my third glass of wine and watching Sidney Crosby skate around the ice surface of GM Place waving an oversized Canadian flag from a pole, I am reminded of how proud I am to be Canadian. The emotion that surrounded Canada's dramatic overtime win today was palpable over the course of the weekend. Every person I talked to, every store I went into a...
I know this is a little late but after a game like the Canada-USA game, I had to compose myself before writing about it. Going into the game one of biggest questions was "who can score first". Throughout the tournament leading up to the final game 26 or the 29 teams to score first won. In any hockey game the first goal is always important, but in this tournament it was ...
The Olympic break seems to have done a lot of good for the Montreal Canadiens. Not only did they get their walking wounded back from injuries -- with the exception of Michael Cammalleri and Marc-Andre Bergeron -- but they seem invigorated for the stretch run. Despite losing to the Sharks the other night the Habs played some great hockey against one of the league's po...
The Calgary Flames won their 4th game in a row tonight for the first time since early January when they strung together 5 straight victories. Mikka Kiprusoff blanked the Ottawa Senators 2-0, for his 4th shutout of the season and his first since November 30th; when he shutout the Nashville Predators 5-0. Kiprusoff was sharp all night long as he blocked all 33 shots the ...
Put that as your headline, Vancouver. Last night the Islanders visited the Canucks and defeated them 5-2, ending their seven game home winning streak. John Tavares exploded with a five point effort, a new career high that paved the way for the win. The Islanders started the game with a very strong first period, coming away with a 2-0 lead on eight shots. The goals c...
The Montreal Canadiens came out with guns a blazing tonight, unfortunately for them NHL games are 60 minutes long. The Sabres didn't look too bad in the first, but had trouble getting pucks to the net. Montreal on the other hand scored just 41 seconds into the game, as Kostitsyn managed to flick the puck over Miller's right pad off of a pass from Plekanec. The Sabre...
I'm looking to do a 2000+ word Historical Investigation on the 1972 Summit Series and its influence on Canadian Nationalism/The Cold War. Does anyone know of any good novels or essays or any historical information on the Summit Series? Interviews especially welcome. I know the basics but I wasn't alive at the time, so I need some first hand information. Also: If anyone ...
Did I really just see Montreal eliminate Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals from the Stanley Cup playoffs? I'm going to be quite honest with you. I pride myself on knowing a thing or two about pro hockey, and I like to think I have a knack for filling out brackets (not that my NCAA bracket this year would reflect that statement...), but I did NOT see this coming...
The Canadiens have completed an improbable (some might have said a week ago that it was "impossible" ) comeback from down 3-1 to defeat the Washington Capitals 4 games to 3. In so many ways, it really was a case of David slaying Goliath. To defeat a powerful offensive club like the Capitals takes a lot of hard work and determination. To do it with a team that is m...
icedog97 writes...

Masters of Deception

Posted Monday | Comments 0
The 2009-10 Montreal Canadiens...Masters of Deception? For several games during these playoffs, against the Capitals and now at least once against the Penguins, the Canadiens have shown a...dare I say "magic"?...that is tough to deny. It goes something like this... Let the other team get the majority of the shots and scoring chances...we'll just wait and capitaliz...
(2) Chicago vs. (3) Vancouver [b]Prediction: Canucks in 7[/b] [i]Synopsis[/i]: Game 1 was an absolute blowout for the Canucks, but the youth and talent of Chicago will definitely be able to mount a comeback in the series. Roberto Luongo struggled early in the playoffs, but now looks like he is back to gold-medal form. What a season it would be for Roberto to win the ...
icedog97 writes...

Just Like Last Year?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I was going to call this blog..."Just Not As Good As Last Year" when describing what I thought of the Penguins after last night's 4-3 loss in Game 6 to the Canadiens. But then I looked back over the first two rounds from last year again...and realized that sometimes our minds play tricks on us. We remember watching the raising of the Cup in Detroit...and then we kind...
What defines a Cinderella team when it comes to the NHL playoffs? I would have to say that the team finished the regular season in either 6th, 7th or 8th place and managed to come on top with multiple upset victories in the playoffs, pushing the franchise to the Stanley Cup Finals. In recent years, fans have seen the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oi...
icedog97 writes...

Silver Platter

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
People will point to the downfall of the Penguins against the Canadiens and site numerous different reasons for the failure. Halak stole the show Fleury didn't step up Cammaleri could not be contained Crosby and Malkin couldn't score The Habs took advantage of Penguin mistakes The Penguins couldn't take advantage of the Canadien's mistakes The Habs defense stifled...
By Aaron Wrotkowski With the Conferences Finals for the Stanley Cup set to begin on Sunday, it seems that NHL viewers have been captivated by the Cinderella run of the Montreal Canadiens. Defeating the President’s Trophy winner and the defending Stanley Cup champions with a game strategy that seemed to put most of the pressure on a hot goaltender and well instructed ...
The Philadelphia Flyers are going to be the toughest opponents that the Montreal Canadiens have faced thus far in this year’s playoffs. That’s not only because Peter Laviolette’s 2010 squad is somewhat reminiscent of the old school Broad Street Bullies, but because they are a team that wins by out-working their opponents and doesn’t rely on raw talents like Ovechki...
This time of year is always the hardest time on me, because it marks the sad anniversary of my father's passing. A few years back, I wrote a blog on nostalgia, and got some huge reviews of it. So on with another blog on the golden years of hockey, in honour of my father. I remember the Canada Cup in 1976. One of my favorite players was Daryl Sittler, who was the cap...
Being a Habs fan, I can certainly understand why many of you are outraged at this trade. I, on the other hand am not. In fact, my respect for Pierre Gauthier just went up another notch for the kahonies he displayed by making this trade. I will agree that Halak was fantastic in the playoffs but I will not agree that he was the only reason the Habs made it to the 3rd roun...
darek writes...

Halak Saga

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I've never posted an online blog but here it goes. In 700 word or less, I will try to give you my input on the Jaroslav Halak saga. So what do I think about this whole ordeal? Well there are many things that have to be taken into consideration. Am I happy Halak was traded even though we stilled owned his rights? With most other teams I would’ve said no but as he had e...
Well, it's been a little over a week since Mr. Gauthier sent our Slovakian playoff wonderboy out of La Belle Province and off to St. Louis for... Lars Eller (He's danish...yummy) and Ian Shultz (No not the D-man who was a +50 for the Caps, that was his brother) and consequently sending the city into an outrage while rekindling that old nickname our GM was crowned with in A...
Folks, The Habs Brass has impressed me yet again! Montreal GM Pierre Gauthier saw an opportunity to move up in the draft and jumped on it! The Habs traded 1st(27) and 2nd rounds picks to Phoenix for 1st(22) and 4th round picks, all 2010. According to various sources, the player Vancouver was waiting for was in fact, Jarred Tinordi. I can only assume that Gauthier c...
Well folks, the 2010/2011 Habs are starting to take shape. On Monday, June 28th, the Habs announced the signings of Tom Pyatt and Benoit Pouliot. Pyatt was acquired as part of the blockbuster trade that brought Scott Gomez to the Habs. He played 40 games for the Habs, picking up five points in the process. While not a major offensive component, Pyatt was a strong two...
There is no doubt the rumors now begin that Vancouver Canucks will trade a defenseman now that they’ve acquired Dan Hamhuis, and the name on everyone’s tongue is Kevin Bieksa. This doesn’t really make much sense in a short-term or long-term view. Mason Raymond is at this time without a contract. It is safe to assume he is probably looking at a 3 year deal worth ...
BubMih writes...

Lapierre signed!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.rds.ca/images/chroniques/302489.jpg?20100713090433 [/img] Finally, the Montreal Canadiens have announced today the signing of Maxim Lapierre for 1 year worth almost 900K. It seems a good decision to me regarding the terms of the deal because Lappy has something to prove an we know that he's going work to very hard to get to stay a couple more seasons...
d and d boys writes...

Panic Time at the Rock

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The winds of change have finally caught up with the NJ Devils and they have caught the mother of all storms. After years of watching a franchise buck the trend and be successful at playing their game and their system and not succumbing to the ways of the NHL. Captain Lou has finally lost his mind and took the plunge into the abyss and followed the great example of Charles ...
kingofswing74 writes...

The Youth Movement

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I have been bored out of my mind over the last two weeks, the entry draft is far behind us, free agency has slowed to a crawl, arbitration hearings are the last exiting thing that remains. And we all know how boring arbitration is. Case-48 hours-decision-48hours-another decision. kill me now! So while this summer drags on I have been thinking of how Pierre Gauthier seems t...
BlueBloodPat writes...

Hockey Totems Revealed

Posted Friday | Comments 0
To make a long story short, for those who have not seen the summer blockbuster Inception (which I highly recommend you do), a totem is an object that separates reality from dream. The totem distinguishes reality from dream because it takes on different characteristics in a dream state. Therefore, if the owner of the totem knows their totem well enough, they should be able ...
There has been a fair amount of Habs news to discuss since last night. With Louis Leblanc choosing to leave Harvard to play for the Montreal Junior, Pierre Gauthier signing Alexandre Picard, and much more, it was definitely time to put together some thoughts. What does Leblanc's return to Montreal mean for his career and for the Montreal Canadiens? Why did the Canadiens...
New at The Checking Line, I analyze and rank the seasons of the Canadiens top six forwards, assigning each a letter grade and sharing my expectations for each for this upcoming season. Where did each player land? How good were they? Read the blog to find out at the link below! [url=http://thecheckingline.com/blog/george-prax/montreal-canadiens/off-season-analysis-t...
DSgabellone writes...

What's wrong in Montreal?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
So Montreal trade their top AHL prospect goalie to the Lightening for Karri Ramo who is playing in the KHL. Their current top goalie on the team is Alex Auld since Carey Price is not signed with the Habs. So now they have the rights to Ramo and Sanford. So does this mean Sanford and Auld battle for the starters job so long as Price holds out. At this rate Montreal...A driv...
Every year some average Nhl player or young stud who hasent lived up to expectations has a huge breakout season. Jussi Jokinen went from a waiver pickup to a 30 goal 65 point player. Genrally younger players tend to breakout in their 3rd or fourth campaign. In this blog i shall post up 10 players who i think will breakout this year . Here are my top 10 breakout players for...
(Please keep in mind that english is a second language for me, so I apologize in advance for every mistake or misused word. Thanks) Throughout the summer, we could witness a rollercoaster ride of emotions among Habs fans. With Halak gone, some of them are asking for Gauthier's head on a platter. We can witness a true difference of opinions. I think it's normal. I me...
kdgohabsgo writes...

The Price is right??

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Carey Price has been used as a scapegoat for this Montreal Canadiens team. Ever since the ever contreversial trade of Jaroslav Halak to St Louis Price has been tabed as the number one netminder by Pierre Gauthier. This tactic though has obviously backfired as Price has yet to sign a contract. Word out there is that Price wants 3 years at 3 million plus and Montreal wants 2...
Here we are ... about 40 days away from the drop of the puck. Is anyone as antsy as I am for the season to start? It's not that I don't like summer, but watching baseball just doesn't do it for me. But at least there's some Canadian Football to tide me over. Speaking of which, Ottawa is supposed to get a team for next season. But I digress ... Since the Habs ros...
Did you ever wonder what it would be like if NHL players and personalities were cast in major movie roles? Well, I’m going to answer that question today by listing some of the greatest movie quotes of all-time and inserting which NHL personality would have been best-suited to be cast in that role, a few perhaps with some minor modifications. Sources say some famous quo...
gomtl5 writes...

Habs upcoming season!!

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Hello everyone, First blog, very excited. But I am more excited because the upcoming season is just a few more weeks away, and I am anxious to see how the habs will fare this season. After a wonderful run in the playoffs last season, it's back to the start for Montreal and they must start all over again with 30 teams in the running. In the offseason, Pierre Gauthier tra...
Laplante writes...

Carey Price: From Hero to Zero

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I really don't understand where all the hate for Price comes from. It's always the same story in Montreal, a youngster comes up, he's the savior (i.e. Jesus Price) and after 2 years he's nothing, a piece of garbage, a bust (Latendresse, Pacioretty, D'agostini, Price, McDonagh). What's going to happen if ever Subban has a bad season?! Young players (especially goalies a...
As per HabsInsideOut: The Canadiens have signed goaltender Carey Price to a two-year contract. No word yet on the terms of the contract, which will take him to the end of the 2011-12 season. From the team's press release: MONTREAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier announced today the signing of goaltender Carey Price to a two-year contract...
Well folks, its 34 days till the season starts, but training camp is right around the corner! Finally! Let’s get back to some hockey! Living in Ottawa gives me a unique opportunity to watch 3 brands of hockey. Besides the Sens, I can also take in either an Ottawa 67’s (OHL) or Gautineau Olympiques (QMJHL) game. This year I will be doing both so I can catch Jarred...
Darryl Sutter's Cookie-cutter Comments: It's another year and already its become clear that Flames fans need to brace for more of the same from Darryl Sutter. After having quite possibly one of the worst seasons a GM can possibly put together without actually [i]trying[/i] to screw up, Sutter is back with the same-old shenanigans. Late last week an article in the ...
For five years now, around this time I eagerly anticipate the upcoming NHL hockey season, with what retrospectively seems like foolish optimism. This optimism on an annual basis remarkably convinces me that my pride and joy (The Toronto Maple Leafs) will have a real shot of making the playoffs. Call it excellent team marketing skills or a love blinded fan base, eith...
[b]Primary Staff:[/b] Jim Rutherford (GM) Paul Maurice (Head Coach) [b]2009-10 Stats:[/b] 82GP 35W 37L 10OTL 80PTS [b]Place:[/b] 3rd Southeast, 11th Eest, 24th NHL [b]Top Scorer:[/b] Eric Staal – 70GP 29G 31A 70P [b]Captains:[/b] Eric Staal (C) [b]OFF-SEASON MOVES OUT:[/b] Ray Whitney (Signed with Phoenix) Rod Brind’Amour (Retired) Tim Conboy (Signed wit...
While every team in the NHL begins the pre-season camp and schedule with the goal of putting the best team on the ice not every team is faced with the same realities. Many perenial contenders and former champs of the upper echelons of the NHL have suffered high turn-over in various aspects of their rosters. Chicago, the reigning cup champ was forced to sacrifice many k...
jt-nuck writes...

Thoughts from a source

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I just asked a source close to the team who he felt had the best chance to start the season with Henrik and Daniel on the Canucks top line and he believes it will be Mikael Samuelson. I'm not sure what this means for the available second line spot but he also mentioned that in his opinion "...can't see Hordi not making it." I would love to see Cody Hodgson be given the...
Well folks ... I decided to take a chance and made a couple Hockey related contacts today. I am very satisfied to say that I should have some extremely exciting news to report in the next couple weeks. For now, I can say nothing more but stay tuned! Did I mention I am extremely excited?
Well folks.... In regards to that Hockey news, I took a chance and because of it, I have been asked to write both live game blogs and non-live blogs for the OTTAWA 67'S!! No, it's not an NHL club but it certainly is a step in the right direction and to be honest, I [b]LOVE[/b] OHL hockey! My first game blog will be on Friday, October 22nd against the Brampton Battali...
Kylewhirlwind writes...

You People All Suck

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Yo, dudes, check it out. So I was over at my friend Chad's place last night. We don't call him "Chad" we call him "Nads" because that's what he's like. A big set of nads. Anyway, I was over at Nads place and we were drinking sum Axe, which we always do on Wednesday because it makes you feel real dizzy n' stuff. And after about the third can, Chad said to me something like,...
Rob McGowan writes...

Isles/Habs Live Blog!

Posted Friday | Comments 4
Stop by at The Checking Line for my Isles/Habs live-blog tonight from the press box at Nassau Coliseum around 7 PM. The Isles look to take a win after being defeated in Montreal, as the two teams will conclude their home-and-home series tonight on Long Island! Here's the link: http://thecheckingline.com/calendar/habs-isles-liveblog Hope to see you all there! -Rob ...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers covering Matt Martin's first NHL goal with my take on why the Isles have hit a 3-game losing streak: http://bit.ly/9gzWEg Feel free to leave comments! -Rob McGowan Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as I report about Rob Schremp's season debut tonight as they visit the Carolina Hurricanes! http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/rob-schremp-returns-isles-line Register and leave comments! -Rob McGowan Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/IslesRM
There it is again. The Sabres had one of their betterperformances of the season, but in the end, it’s just another loss. Another one goal loss, too. Buffalo fell to 0-6-1 at home this year, losing 3-2 to Montreal at HSBC Arena on Friday night. Mike Grier scored his first goal of the season and Jordan Leopold added his fourth. Buffalo had two separate one goal leads, b...
In the wake of a wave of unsubstantiated Jarome Iginla speculation, Darryl Sutter decided to distract Flames fans by making another trade to complain about. Ian White and his facial hair as well as Brett Sutter are gone, replaced by Anton Babchuk and Tom Kostopoulos. My immediate knee-jerk biased reaction: it looks to me like an about equal trade in value, but a trade that...
Well another Christmas Season is upon, it means Santa is loading up is sleigh and bringing Gold Silver & Bronze to Buffalo New York for the 2011 World Junior Championships, Team USA is going to defend the Gold Medal on home ice, after a heart breaking loss in the gold medal game last year the Canadian boys will be lookng for redemption, they will h...
The blizzard worked in the Islanders favor as they continue to snowball along after a big win against the Montreal Canadiens tonight at Nassau Coliseum...check out my post at The Hockey Writers for more! http://bit.ly/gNM5ny -Rob McGowan Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/IslesRM
This is my first blog here on HockeyBuzz and I was hoping it was going to be about the Canada winning the gold medal at the 2011 IIHF World Juniors in Buffalo, but in stand I'm going to write about how they lost the gold medal. First - Now I loved the play of Brayden Schenn and Ryan Ellis, but they have so many talented players on that team, like Sean Couturier, Brett Con...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Kevin Poulin is giving Nathan Lawson a run for his money to remain with the team once Rick DiPietro returns to the line-up http://bit.ly/gLhtTE -Rob McGowan Follow me on Twitter! http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Despite being down four goals in the middle of the second period the Flames clawed back to gain a very valuable point. Head on over to The Sports Roundup to find out what this means for the surging Flames! http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/01/flames-show-resiliency-in-comeback.html Newman twitter.com/TSRNewman www.thesportsroundup.com
RhadLife writes...

Never Nuff Nucks

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Right off the hop I would like to tip my cap to Peter Tessier... He does a great job of contributing to Nuck Nation. Unfortunately I am a huge leech and it is about time I see if there this is the right soil to seed some of my own passion for my life long team of which now I am 38. A bit on where my perspective comes from. I played hockey competitively until my second ...
Unlike many writers, who hide their inner fan behind a thin veneer of professionalism, I enjoy the world of the possible…and impossible. Rumors, the life blood of any fantasy artist. I often hear local radio hacks suggesting a show about rumors and possible trade options is a show wasted on the lowest common denominator. I say hogwash! It is you sir’s who are a was...
It’s plain and simple. The Carolina Hurricanes have to make the play-offs this year. And, the good news is …they are knocking on the door. So, with the trade deadline fast approaching, it is not surprising to hear that Jim Rutherford, the Canes GM, is busy trying to make some moves. Reports suggest the Canes were among three teams that had a real shot at Ottawa’s...
sensrule19 writes...

I Need a Rant

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
After reading Richard Cloutier's blog on the state of the NHL after the Chara-Patches incident, I figured I too needed to rant a little bit. In this rant, I will touch on favouritism, how Bettman is an idiot, and how everyone else is saying the exact same thing as me. Honestly though, you would be hard-pressed to find a legitimate hockey fan who thinks this is the right...
leafspensjets writes...

Introduce yourself!

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Hi fellow hockey nuts! my name is will, i am a life long of the great game of hockey as im sure all of you are. i have loved the toronto maple leafs, pittsburgh penguins and the winnipeg jets(not coyotes) for as long as i can remember. i am very opinionated when it comes to the game and have been booted from addicted hockey fans united for being too opinionated. i love am...
It was just that kind of night for the Buffalo Sabres. The Sabres dominated most of this game blasting shots from everywhere but Cam Ward stood his ground and led his Carolina Hurricanes to a 1-0 shutout victory. Entering tonight’s game the Hurricanes were four points behind the Sabres and wasted no time as they were far and away the better team in the first eight min...
electric81 writes...

Late Entry

Posted Friday | Comments 0
I know it’s a little late for a post-game wrap-up, but better late than never, I guess. The Red Wings dropped a heartbreaker to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday and I have a few theories… The first is a little convoluted. I think maybe the Red Wings have a little stage fright. I haven’t checked the numbers (and maybe I should), but I think the Wings have a lo...
Perhaps the biggest game of the season for both teams, Carolina and Buffalo were set to battle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. However, earning at least one point would have propelled the Sabres to 7th. Jhonas Enroth’s 35 saves were a career-high as he led Buffalo to a 2-1 overtime victory at the RBC center in Carolina. Chris Butler scored his...
xpdonahue writes...

Southern California Hockey

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Sometime last september the hockey gods (or the old guys who plan the complex NHL schedule) thought it would be a good idea to have the Ducks and Kings play a home and home for the final weekend of the regular season. Usually this hasn't meant much. In the 17 years since the incarnation of the Duck the two teams have never made the playoffs together. We'll its finally happ...
This installment of the Vancouver Canucks is an absolute joke. Not because they haven't been able to close out the Hawks. Not because they have been completely outclassed losing Game 4, 7-2. Not because they were completely outclassed in Game 5, losing 5-0. And not because they can't handle the pressure. No, none of the above is the reason this Canucks team is...
Rumour is that Seabrook will be in the Hawks' lineup tonight. With two players coming off concussion I am sure we all know what the Canucks' game plan will be. They will probably keep doing what they are doing - taking cheap shots, trying to hurt people and specifically targeting the heads of players who have concussion issues. Game 3 - Torres went directly after Sea...
PickDaddy writes...

Hawks / Canucks Thoughts

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I thought the Canucks played a good game. Chicago didn't look that great to me. They looked tired, but they got the job done. Good teams know how to win and win games they don't deserve to win, and that is exactly what they did tonight. Cup winners win games they don't deserve to win, simply because they know how to win. Thought both goalies excluding Luongo played a...
He won't like that he didn't get the start. That is a huge slap in the face. He is one of the best goalies in the league - how do you not play him? In big games, you want your best players to rise to the opportunity and win the game for you. Vancouver didn't give Luongo the chance and you can bet he is taking this personally. He played net and won a gold medal for...
PickDaddy writes...

Canucks Full Marks for Win

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Congrats to the Canucks for their win. Well deserved. A few high level comments on the game: 1) Why did the Canucks change their style in the 3rd? They started to hang back and let Chicago gain the offensive zone. Chicago could not get into the Canucks zone the first 2 periods. Then in the 3rd Vancouver started to hang back and defend the lead and Chicago started to ca...
Let me start by saying... I hope the Pens win tonight...get Crosby back at some point in round 2...and maybe even Malkin...and go on to win their 4th cup. Given everything they have gone through this year, that would be awesome. OK...now that I got that out of the way... Realistically speaking...I don't think all 4 of those things can happen because I think step 1...
Newman writes...

Second Round here we come!

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The first round was epic. Can the second round provide the same drama? Come over to TSR for our second round thoughts and predictions. http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/round-two-2011-nhl-playoff-predictions.html Newman twitter.com/TSRNewman
icedog97 writes...

Success and Failure

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Most people will look back at the 2010-11 Penguins season and think the season was a success. Given the well documented injuries to Crosby, Malkin and other important players on this team (Staal missing the first ½ of the season) I would have to agree that finishing the regular season with one of the highest point totals in the team’s history was a true success. I do...
Round 1 of the playoffs was pretty exciting. [i][b]Half of the eight series went to game 7[/b].[/i] Two teams faced elimination more than once to win their series. One team came back from 3-0 to force an OT in game 7. One team came back from 3-1 to win. By comparison...so far at least...[b][i]Round 2 is a snooze-fest.[/i][/b] [b]One series is done[/b]...t...
[b]The Refs[/b] Eric Engels wrote about the differences in officiating between the regular season and the playoffs. He made a good point about how the refs seemed to have put their whistles away during some of these playoff games. I know that some people have an issue with this...and rightfully so to some degree...but from my point of view...if the competition lev...
AlexanderScharf writes...

Who To Root For

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Finally, the Stanley Cup Finals are set. While that means two weeks of excitement and anticipation for the fans of the Bruins and Canucks, the fans of the other 28 teams in the league may feel a bit left out. So, like good people, we want to get involved, take sides, and go to war, so to speak. But just what side should you take. Below is a comprehensive guide to who yo...
Newman writes...

Stanley Cup Predictions

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Canucks vs. Bruins. Who you got? Come on over to the Sports Roundup to read my quick take on the final and where my cheering allegiance lies. http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/05/stanley-cup-final-predictions.html Newman
Iban3z writes...

Stanley Cup Battle Heats up!

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
It’s no secret that the Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in professional sports. Any player will do whatever it takes to hoist it. That’s a proven fact given what has happened through the first four games of the series. I’m tired of Canuck fans and Bruin fans complaining about the calls. It’s the FINALS! First off, I really don’t think the refs have ...
As you read you will see that I kind of get "tuned" up and no matter how hard I try not to be just a "homer", I just can't agree with the way some of the calls and non calls go. Sometimes I watch the game and get cr@p from my da for criticizing the Nuck players for penalties not called against them, but by and large the most obvious non calls are quite often replayed by th...
Newman writes...

Why I Don't Like the Canucks

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I can't stand them. The other thing that pisses me off is that a lot of people in Calgary including a lot of the bars are supporting them. It makes me so angry but seeing them lose tonight was so great. Come read why here: http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/06/why-i-dont-like-canucks.html Newman twitter.com/TSRNewman
After the Vancouver Canucks won the first two games of the 2010-11 Stanley Cup Finals, a lot of people were saying things like... [b]The Canucks have too much talent... The Canucks are the deeper team... It's the Canucks year... [/b] It was difficult to argue against those comments because in both games it seemed that the Canucks just looked like the better team. ...
Iban3z writes...

Cup Break Down, Flyers News

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Stanley Cup Break Down First off, congratulations to the Boston Bruins, they truly deserve it. Also I’d like to say congratulations to a Hall of Fame career to Mark Recci, who has been my favorite player. It’s sad to see a guy who can still play like a 30 year old hang his skates. He defiantly has a few years left in his tank. Where did it all go wrong for the C...
The addition of Mike Richards has made the Kings tougher up the middle, but the loss of Simmonds leaves a void to an already thin area on the team: Toughness. The Kings lack the kind of toughness that will enable them to go far in the playoffs. Dean Lombardi needs to bring in an animal to play on the back-end, a tough forward willing to drop the gloves to fill in for...
rockthered24 writes...

Isles to get Ehrhoff??

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
While the[b] Islanders[/b] made a move. They traded for the [b]rights to Christain Ehrhoff's contract[/b]. Ehrhoff is fresh off of a run to the Stanley Cup Finals with the Vancouver Canucks and the 28 year old Defenseman will be an[b] UFA[/b] on the First of July. The Isles received these rights after giving up their [b]fourth round pick[/b] in the [b]2012[/b] draft to ...
NJDAaron1 writes...

Parise

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Im sure you have all heard of the rumors of a trade involving Parise. The rumors involve an Eastern Canadian team who is believed to be Toronto. Vancouver. And The Rangers. Now Im sure the Devils would not give up their star player. Second of all to any of these teams. Toronto (a minor rival) and NYR (A major rival!). But just because of those reasons we cant count tho...
RickyEnos writes...

Top 5 UFA Steals of 2011

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The 2011 unrestricted free agency period appears that it will be remembered as the year of inflated contracts and a poor man's rendition of Lebron James's 'The Decision' of last summer. However, despite Florida's aggressive spending, Brad Richard's antics, and Jagr's mullet, the summer of 2011 had, in my estimation, some incredible bargains and steals that could wind up pa...
habsteen26 writes...

Ryan White + Re-Alignment

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]Ryan White Signs 1 year deal with Montreal[/b] First of all, congratulations to Ryan White for signing a one year deal with the Habs. Good signing for the Habs. White plays with a lot of poise and is one of maybe 2 players who will drop the gloves at any moment so they need a guy like him to play physical for them. He has a year to prove he belongs because there are ...
This is purely my opinion and that is based on observations over the past 20 years or so that I can clearly say I was a full blood member of the Leafs Nation. 1. The New york Yankee syndrom: From what most people say they hate that the leafs would buy their way into the playoffs, and clearly there is no point in saying otherwise because it is very true. It seemed as t...
So, it feels good. I've been debating for a good part of two years now to start a blog, and here I am, finally starting. Ah, it's a good day. So let me fill all you readers in on personal info. I will be covering the Montreal Canadiens. I live in Hamilton, Ontario and am a season ticket holder for the Hamilton Bulldogs. I love playing, watching, and doing anything involvin...
Last season the Vancouver Canucks ran away with their division, earning them the presidents trophy in the process, and rode that momentum all the way to game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals where it was promptly halted by Tim Thomas and the boys from Beantown. Though you could make the argument that momentum died the moment Aaron Rome cheap shot Nathan Horton. The Buffalo Sa...
Over the Next 30 days I will be Previewing each of the National Hockey League Clubs heading into the 2011-12 season starting from the Anaheim Ducks. Day 5 of the series belongs to the official AarifDeenReport Carolina Hurricanes Preview. Please resort to myhockeybuzz page for previews of teams falling before this team. [b]Follow me on Twitter @AarifDeenReport please...
Sad news out of the NHL today. 27 year old forward Rick Rypien has passed away. Rypien, a heart and soul player for the Canucks for the past 6 seasons, took time off from the game close to the end of the 2010-2011 season to deal with some personal issues not related to substance abuse. At 5'11 190lbs, Rypien was said to be undersized yet he took on players as big as...
Jeff Woywitka is now a Canadian. Montreal signed the defender to a one-year, two-way deal. Woywitka spent the 2010-2011 season with the Dallas Stars where he had 2 goals and 9 assists for 11 points in 63 games. The former 1st rounder has been through the AHL and NHL in the past few years. This is a great addition for the Canadians. Woywitka has played 251 career N...
Hello Everyone. This is my debut hockey blog on, well, any website. My opinions might be skewered, in your opinion. I’m aware of the fact that anything I might say could be something that might sound ridiculous to one, yet completely sensible to the other. Anyways, seeing how this is my first blog, I’ll start off with something easy, right? I’ll be doing an analys...
djvoiz writes...

Situation in Quebec City

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It's been a while since I posted a blog here. In fact, I haven't posted anything in ages! I decided to write a bit about the situation that prevails here in Quebec City regarding the new arena and everything that revolves around it. First off, I think I speak for everyone here in Quebec when I say Congratulations to Winnipeg! It is so amazing that you got your team b...
sss333 writes...

Comebacks and Break Outs

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I have compiled a list of comeback players and break out candidates for the 2011-2012 season. These guys should help any fantasy pool, especially down the stretch. Don't call it a comeback this is a throwback and a showdown! 1. Alex Ovechkin - 85 pts is a bad season when your the GR 8. Expect him to win the Art Ross this year 115pts. 2. Nicklas Backstrom - 65pts i...
sss333 writes...

Comebacks and Break Outs

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I have compiled a list of comeback players and break out candidates for the 2011-2012 season. These guys should help any fantasy pool, especially down the stretch. Don't call it a comeback this is a throwback and a showdown! 1. Alex Ovechkin - 85 pts is a bad season when your the GR 8. Expect him to win the Art Ross this year 115pts. 2. Nicklas Backstrom - 65pts i...
[img]http://www.cyberpresse.ca/images/bizphotos/435x290/200910/30/120459-maire-sortant-regis-labeaume-multiplie.jpg[/img] There has been alot of people complaining about the fact that Quebec City's new arena would be built using mainly public money. When we take a look at the situation it is easy to end up with this conclusion, but there is more to it than what it lo...
With one of the greatest minor league affiliates in Hamilton, the Canadiens have a list of great young talent moving forward. There are three that played with the big boys last year that I expect to have breakout years. Max Pacioretty Last year, his season was cut short due to a spinal injury but he showed flashes of a positive future with a season that saw him play in...
icedog97 writes...

Jets Jerseys

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I had a chance to look at the Jets new jersey's and I'm disappointed only in the fact that there isn't very much red (aside from the logo there is none) in the jersey. I think, like a lot of people, I wanted to see an updated version of the last Jets jersey's. Of course, as has been noted elsewhere on this site, maybe it was that expectation, along with the name, that m...
So with all the free time ive had on my hands at work with business slowing down /summer coming to an end im usually left with countless hours to surf the net. Unfortunatley all of the good sites are blocked ( Youtube, Yahoo, Hotmail etc) which means im left looking up meaningless stats and reading NHL blogs for the majority of my 8 hour shift. I might as well put all of t...
Following the abrupt ending to what was a dream run, and a fantastic playoff ride for the Vancouver Canucks and their fans, I sat on the sidewalk on Granville Street, Head in hands fighting back tears as I watched my city burn. After a trip to the pub with my good buddy and fellow "browntobure" blogger, where we disccussed all the things that went wrong, what could have b...
It's such a great day for everyone who dreams of the return of the Nordiques in Quebec, like myself. I have been dreaming about this for so long and now, its unreal to take a moment and realize that a new NHL-ready arena will be built and delivered during the 2015 summer. The "Assemblée nationale" voted for Bill 204 today, which means that it secures the deal betwee...
spasmatic13 writes...

The Banana Incident

Posted Friday | Comments 0
rather than try to retell the whole story ill just assume everyone has heard of this and to those who havnt direct you to espn.com to check it out. basically a banana was thrown from the stands at Wayne simmonds during a shootout attempt. This is my first blog and done from my Iphone so cut me some slack. that being out of the way lets jump into this. first up th...
The question that many Carolina Hurricanes' fans are asking as we look ahead to the upcoming 2011-2012 season is, “Did the Canes strengthen themselves sufficiently with the summer moves to claw back into the post-season, after missing by a single point last year?” No question the moves were encouraging. The Canes headed into free agency with a number of key players...
Yes, we're only three games in and, yes, the Flyers have taken six of a possible six points. We're all happy in Flyerville. But. Yes, in Philly sports, there is always a but. Right now, it's defensive zone communication. It's a problem I noted in the Flyers' win over Boston, one they seemed to do much better with against New Jersey, but Wednesday night against Vancou...
Welcome to a new feature on the blog, "Wind Sprints." Much like the endurance-building exercise of a hockey team, we'll do four notes - blue line, red line, far blue line and goal line. At the end, instead of being exhausted, you'll be better informed. Or both. [b]Blue Line [/b]It's going to be an odd site watching Mike Richards skate on Wells Fargo ice Saturday. ...
flamesfan!! writes...

Flames first win

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Flames won their first game of the season against Montreal and that too by a decent margin of 4-1. After two stinking losses against the pens and the blues, finding the win column is definitely a good feeling. Going into Toronto with a win will be a feel good factor. In Toronto we will be up against ex-flames Phaneuf and Lombardi and the game should be a fun one for a Satu...
From 1997 to 2006, the Vancouver Canucks must have used around a million different netminders, and never found a clear #1 since Kirk Mclean. What I mean by this is they never had a goaltender after that, that was "the guy", well, they did have Dan Cloutier who was probably one of the better regular season goaltenders out there at the time, but at best good for a round in t...
AlexanderScharf writes...

Kill 'Em All

Posted Monday | Comments 0
3 games + 5 goals = No wins. It seems simple enough: once again the Rangers have scoring issues. The reason is no longer lack of talent up front, instead the cause is far more painful because it is self-inflicted, not Sather-inflicted. The Rangers should be winning games. They outscore opponents at a 1.25:1 ratio at even strength. Unfortunately, they have spent 9:40 per ga...
Here we are on October 19th, 6 games into the Canucks regular season, and local sports talk shows are flooded with calls by the usual boneheaded people about the teams 2-3-1 start, and of course, Roberto Luongo. It's not a debate or argument if Luongo isnt involved, not in this city. What really gets me is the fact that the team infront of Luongo last night owned 50 mins o...
by Ian Cunningham [email protected] Last night on the NHL on TSN, Pierre Lebrun mentioned that Tampa GM Steve Yzerman is looking to add a top-four defenseman in the near future. Lebrun is the latest addition to TSN’s expert panel of NHL Insiders, joining fellow Insiders Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie, along with host James Duthie. This group forms unarguab...
With the sole intent of expressing my opinion and to raise enough eyebrows to thwart nasty responses; I have decided to write a blog about the Canucks as a whole. The organization, the fans, the forwards, the D, the coaches and oh yeah, the goalie..(s). I will break it up into a two-part series. To be honest, for the better part of the last few years the Canucks have be...
gomer300 writes...

Luongo

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
A lot's been made out of Luongo's recent play on certain goals. I may have, in certain public forums and Facebook pages, called for him to be moved, shut down, pulled or at least replaced with Schneider in a wig, make-up and Lu's jersey. Those have been momentary reactions and I want to apologize, I really do. There's more to life than hockey and I'm watching a team tha...
JSouthcombe writes...

Vancouver Canucks

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
So lets start by saying Hello, to my fellow bloggers. This is my First Blog ever, so bare with me. Unfortunately for all you Vancouver Canucks haters, i am not one. I have been a fan for as long as i can possibly remember. Lets get down to business. There is a lifetime of Luongo things that can and will be written, along with cody Hodgson, the twins production and al...
First let me say this is my first blog on this site, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! I know it's not even one month into the season, and a lot of fans may be upset reading this, but remember it is only my opinion. This season is looking more and more like a complete right-off. This team is going nowhere fast, and even if by some miracle we do sneak int...
4blindmice writes...

The Luongo Effect

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
While geneticists on Terra Nova hope to head off global warming (oops! Climate change nowadays) by discovering the insidious Luongo genome, NBA owners and players are at an impasse over whether or not Booby Lu is in fact responsible for all of the woes facing pro sports today. A bit of a stretch you say? Well, considering that callers to Vancouver sports radio shows are...
Obviously fans and coaches alike appreciate grit and the willingness to go into the tough areas of the ice, but what seems to be equally valuable, even if it is at a sub-conscious level, is the ability to curl the upper lip and stare right through a player as though you’re going to rip his heart out. More than one NHLer has backed away from Kevin Bieksa after realizin...
Wouldn’t it be nice if just once Ron MacLean actually challenged one of Don Cherry’s outlandish assertions and made him support it with some substance? Seriously though, if you throw in a few Cherry-wanna-be’s, like Mike Milbury or Doug MacLean, the so-called expert analysis segment of your favourite hockey program is filled to the brim with unsupported rhetoric f...
CanesTR writes...

This is Painful.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Man, is it painful watching the Carolina Hurricanes these days. You can sugarcoat it all you want. The Hurricanes suck right now. This past week-end put an excalmation mark on that sentiment. No doubt, Jeff Daniels' Charlotte Checkers would have put up a better fight. At least the effort would have been there. But, hey. Maybe now that Jim Rutherford is a part-o...
Ken Campbell is wrong. Very, very wrong. In his latest gem of an article he proclaimed that the Leafs have never had a "true superstar" on the team, that Sundin doesn't belong in the HHOF in his first year of eligibility, and the HHOF is biased towards Toronto players. http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/42947-Campbell-Hall-of-Fame-Leafs-bias-will-benefit-Sundin.htm...
HokkeyNutt writes...

How bout them Blackhawks...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Call it revenge, call it payback beyotch, I don't care, you pick. The Hawks were able to avenge their 6-2 loss to the Canucklheads ten days ago, as they came into Vancouver and beat the em last night 5-1. The Hawks played a very disciplined game, got timely scoring and strong goaltending to skate to victory over the Canucks in front of a stunned, towel waving, early leav...
Still think Chicago should make that bid for Bobby Ryan? Right. Be sure to check out TCL's newest Blackhawks' writer Maggie Avila's game recap from last night here - http://thecheckingline.com/blog/maggie-avila/chicago-blackhawks/chicago-blackhawks-home-sick-or-sick-home Here's a brief goal analysis of last night's joke of a 60 minute effort by your Chicago ...
[img]http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/2011/11/17/kabs_65373.jpg[/img] As per NHL.com the Carolina Hurricanes have found a dance partner in Montreal Canadians and managed to trade a problem player for a recently injured player. The deal as reported is just a straight player for player trade involving no picks or other players. With any luck Kaberle can find some wa...
TheRollingPuck writes...

Scandell-ous

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Many positives can be taken from Minnesota's rise to the top of the league. Among those is the emergence of rookie blueliner Marco Scandella. Scandella is playing his first full season as a member of the Wild after spending time between the Wild and Houston (AHL) in the previous season. The Montreal native was selected by the Wild in the second round (55th overall) of ...
Dear Molson Family, I am hereby informing you of my intention to apply for the post of the General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens. Although my experience is very limited, I plan to explain why I would be by far the best GM the Canadiens have had in the cap era. It is difficult to truly know what the team would look like under my guidance over the last few years. ...
The Canadiens come to town in what is shaping up to be a tale of two underperforming teams heading in opposite directions. The Lightning have put together a couple of really solid efforts that have us looking upwards towards greener pastures. The Canadiens are still so enigmatic that it is so hard to read. On the one had, you think that they might do something still thi...
Here is an update on the Islanders top prospect, Ryan Strome as he continues his strong play for Team Canada in this year's World Junior's Tournament http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/strome-looks-home-world-juniors -Rob McGowan http://twitter.com/IslesRM http://twitter.com/TCLIsles www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
Although the effort wasn’t as strong as it had been in the last two, you’ve got to like the Lightning’s comeback from 3-1 down. It was a game that had a little bit of emotion, some nice offensive play and a lot of excitement. Overall, while I wasn’t totally impressed with everything from the Bolts tonight, it was nice to see a victory after falling behind early. ...
Victories breed confidence and there is no doubting that this Lightning team is a confident group. Now, with 3 key wins in a row, the Lightning seem to have a sort of swagger that hasn’t been seen all season. Every two points hold so much weight in this league. There is so much parity that you need to make every game count. Right now, the Lightning are doing exactly ...
The Chicago Blackhawks are the top-ranked team but GM Stan Bowman is prepared for trade talks anytime now as the trade deadline is soon coming up. Some concern that Bowman has is his secondary scoring. The Hawks have great players to begin with and they are showing the numbers. Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa always put a good game on and than you have you...
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Gorges extension

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Habs defensemen Josh Gorges has received a six year contract extension worth 23 million.
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Gorges extension

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Habs defensemen Josh Gorges has received a six year contract extension worth 23 million.
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Gorges extension

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Habs defensemen Josh Gorges has received a six year contract extension worth 23 million.
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Contact Extension

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Montreal Canadiens general manager has finally made a good move signing Josh Gores to a six year contract extension worth 23 million.In 307 games with the habs Gorges scored 59 points (9 goals 50 assists) going +16 with 150 penalty minutes.
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Contact Extension

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Montreal Canadiens general manager has finally made a good move signing Josh Gores to a six year contract extension worth 23 million.In 307 games with the habs Gorges scored 59 points (9 goals 50 assists) going +16 with 150 penalty minutes.
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Contract extension

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Montreal Canadiens general manager has finally made a good move signing Josh Gores to a six year contract extension worth 23 million.In 307 games with the habs Gorges scored 59 points (9 goals 50 assists) going +16 with 150 penalty minutes.
GoHaBsGo56 writes...

Contract extension

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Montreal Canadiens general manager has finally made a good move signing Josh Gores to a six year contract extension worth 23 million.In 307 games with the habs Gorges scored 59 points (9 goals 50 assists) going +16 with 150 penalty minutes.
It is January 2nd, and the Canucks are 2 points out of first place in the NHL. I`m sure anyone who has been a Canucks fan for as long as I have been, must be truly happy with the state of the Franchise, this has been the best back to back seasons of hockey we have ever seen. I plan on sharing my thoughts, and opinions through this blog, and see if it is something I will be...
Tonight is the big game. Re-match from the World Junior Gold Medal game last year in Buffalo. As a Canadian, I was really cheering the Czech's on last tonight against Russia. In such a tight game, Grigori Zheldakov scored the game-winner for Russia following a power-play from the Czech's. Daniel Krejci was hit on the follow through of a Russian players stick, and stayed do...
Tomorrow, the Lightning are in Montreal to take on the Canadiens. If our Bolts cannot get up for this one, I will officially consider this season a write-off. It’s always exciting for this group to play in Montreal. Few teams have the French connection that the Bolts do. Guys like Marty St. Louis and Vinny Lecavalier typically put in that extra little bit to play wel...
This game, was almost painful to watch. I can’t describe it any better than that. Carolina, the worst team in the Eastern Conference, takes out Buffalo 4-2, in a game whose score indicated it was a lot closer than it actually was. “Mark this date, 1/4/12, down as the day that the fortunes of the Sabres, and for that matter, the remainder of their season season, has...
Pricer31 writes...

Take A Note Montreal.

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It would appear as if in the last five years Montreal has become a veterans grave. It seems that word has been spread around how if your an overpaid, underachieving veteran, Montreal's the place to go, it has to stop. A sacred franchise is fast becoming a joke due to its shockingly bad trades and unnecessary signings such as Scott Gomez for Ryan McDonagh, and the signing o...
Outwit, Outplay, Outlast. While that may be the tagline for CBS’s popular show, Survivor, it is also exactly what the Montreal Canadiens did to the Tampa Bay Lightning last night. That loss, giving the Bolts a record of 3-3 on my little stretch, all but puts the Lightning out of contention. Unless drastic changes are made, we aren’t going to be seeing playoff hockey...
BrowntoBure writes...

The Boston Tear Party

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Boston. Beantown, Hub, The Walking City. So many cute nicknames these arrogant Chowd's have for their city, but everyone knows the best nicknames aren't given to ones self, but rather thrust upon you by others. Allow me to introduce to you, Boston, The Centre For Mass Hypocrisy. Our blue collared, working class heroes to the east have thrown quite the party the past fe...
First and foremost I’d just like to apologize for getting this up a little late. It’s been a busy couple of days with travel and whatnot. That said, I’m here with the Bolts game preview for tonight’s tilt at the Tampa Bay Times Forum against the Western Conference powerhouse, Vancouver Canucks. Also in this blog I’ll be addressing a Guy Boucher question brough...
People often say that history tends to repeat itself. After watching this game, another offensive classic, between the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning, it’s hard to disagree. For the second time in two meetings, the Bolts and Canucks played a back and forth match that ended with a 5-4 decision in extra time for the visiting team. Here are my rough game notes...
Pricer31 writes...

Two Minutes For Instigating.

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As Montreal struggles to climb into a playoff spot its apparent they're lacking in more than a few areas of expertise. This year however the PP, offense and the teams toughness and grit have been among the teams problems. However with one move they can drastically improve the teams grit and strength, Colton Orr. Montreal needs a player who can stand up for their superstars...
At this point in the season, with the Lightning in their current rut, it’s tough to put a value on the importance of a game. Are we chasing a playoff spot, or is this season completely done? As I’ve voiced to many of you before, the onus lies on management to come out and update a fan base that is so curious. All Steve Yzerman has to do is come out and tell us that ...
It’s not that difficult to understand what’s going on with this Lightning group right now. After another lackluster effort, this time against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Bolts find themselves in the unenviable position of having to decide whether or not to be ‘buyers’ or ‘sellers’ at the trade deadline. With about a month and a half to go before the pivotal ...
It's becoming harder and harder to whine and complain about the Habs. The painful reality of what is has set in. I've said for many years, regardless of the organisation, leadership and success is a culture. And that culture starts at the top. Not in the locker room. Not in the history books. At the top of an active, dynamic stack of people. It's become clear that the c...
Last night the Habs(16-20-7) lost 2-1 to the Bruins(28-11-1) but that wasn't the main story. less than 24 hours after Mike Cammalleri called the team a bunch of "Losers" he was nowhere to be seen in the 3rd period, the commentators thought he might have been injured. Then tweets from Dave stubbs, Mckenzie, Duthie said possibility that Cammalleri could have been traded. ...
There are those out there who are coming down on Mike Cammalleri for making his statements about the current state of affairs in the Montreal dressing room. Why ? Nobody can deny that the diminutive forward has always been known as a pretty class act and stand-up guy. His comments were bang-on in my assumption and the fact that he said them to the media does nothing...
The Montreal Canadiens are an organization driving along in a dark tunnel without functional headlights. You do not fire your head coach, fire an assistant coach, trade a player with a 6 million dollar salary cap hit mid-game and have the worst power play in the league all before the All-Star Break if things are going well. But just how long is this dark tunnel and is th...
BobbeeB writes...

It did work...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
It appears my entry did work, several times in fact. Apologies on that, I`ll try and avoid that in the future. I`ll try this again before Saturdays tilt with Sharks. The Canucks have had a medium sized let down since the Bruins game. I think the next few days will allow them to re-focus. I hope so, because the last two games have been less then fun to watch. Until next ti...
Rumours around Mtl is Getzlaf for Subban, and Plecks. Here are the reasons why I would not pull the trigger. We are not in contention nor are we anywhere near being in contention for a cup. So why would we go and acquire Getzlaf? Getz would only be helping us now, but we dont need help now, in fact we need to tank now. If we were to acquire such a big name/big center, ...
Depth down the middle is a key ingredient to success in the NHL. The most consistent teams in the league over the past 5 years have definately benefitted from having a strong top 3 centreman in the top 9 scoring-line scheme. Pitt: Crosby, Malkin, Staal LA: Kopitar, Richards, Stoll ...
It is the time for the rumour mill to pump out all kinds of possible trades. Some plausible, others, insane! As a Hab fan, I really believe that they need to make more changes. I also think that winning against Detroit could be detrimental to them in the long run. Geoff Molson, as much as he says he is hands off and he lets the hockey people run the operation, needs to...
So the All-Star draft is over and done with. Yes, Alfredson picked all Sens, Yes Chara picked all Bruins, and Yes the Sedins are going to play together. All of which could have been predicted by any of us who didn't take the time to watch the draft. Not many surprises came about last night. I think the biggest was that Rookie All-Star Colin Greening of the Sens is on "Team...
The "Habs" lost 3-1 to Buffalo Tuesday night. So do you want the bad news or the good news? How about both... [b]Good News[/b] Now it's hard for anything good coming out of that game but there was a couple things I liked. [u]Carey Price [/u] Played amazing tonight making 37 saves on 39 shots but once again overpaid players who can't score and lack of effort made us...
It was one of those teeth-grinding, frustrating type of overtime losses. The kind of loss that creeps into your subconscious just as you wake up the following morning, not just as a player, but as a fan. The Chicago Blackhawks played well enough to decisively come away with two points against their heated rivals, the Vancouver Canucks. However, one major road-block stoo...
If you were to ask around for opinions about Pierre Gauthier, general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, most of the Habs faithful fans would probably sing you a couple of lines from the old classic by Ray Charles: [i]“Hit the road Jack and don’t you come back no more, no more, no more, no more”[/i]. So in the spirit of fun, let’s take a look at the many songs of...
shevy writes...

Avs Play Tough - Same Result

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Another game, another loss. Give the Avs credit, they played a solid game but the issue of scoring keeps coming up. Right now, the Avs just dont have that extra shooter that can be a difference maker for this team. Mueller's play has been a spark, no doubt, Duchene is still hurt, but even when both come back this teams loaded down the middle but lacking a true sniper on th...
BrowntoBure writes...

Canucks hitting snooze

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Canucks Hitting Snooze Posted by BrowntoBure, Feb 06, 2012 · 35 views We're just now entering what are known as 'the dog days' of the NHL season, but for the Vancouver Canucks it seems to have started much earlier this year. At first glance at the standings you may think that is just a typical Vancouverite looking for something to complain about, but when...
BrowntoBure writes...

Oh how Swede it is!

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Ever since the Canucks drafted Henrik and Daniel Sedin in the 1999 entry draft, people knew that then GM Brian Burke had drafted two kids who were one day gonna be special players in this league offensively, and that they were. In the first few years of their NHL careers, fans, media and NHL analysts across North America weren't seeing what was previously advertised. In th...
chamb2am writes...

Red Wings are #1

Posted Monday | Comments 2
[img:right]http://media.mlive.com/redwings_impact/photo/10581756-large.jpg[/img] Detroit, who has been unbeatable at home since December took the reigns to the top spot in this week's NHL Power Rankings. They dethroned the New York Rangers who continue to win but aren't dominating like that team from Hockeytown. The Red Wings broke the NHL single season record of most c...
The world of hockey rumors and trades is a fascinating one. Today, so many rumors circulate in cyberspace that... "It's hard to recognize the real thing It comes along once in a while Like a rare and precious metal beneath a ton of rock It takes some time and trouble to separate from the stock You sometimes have to listen to a lot of useless talk" * When I fir...
Canadiens' fans worldwide hang and hide their heads in shame as the [i]Circ du Gauthier[/i] continues to embaress our proud organization. There is no doubt that the bottom has dropped out of whatever plan and rebuild Andre Savard had started and we have in fact returned to the days of Houle the Fool and Mario Trembley blindly leading the team through a mine field. Once...
archromat writes...

Nash Brownies

Posted Friday | Comments 2
A lot of speculation out there about two good right wingers. Well some call Nash a left winger, but on NHL.com, he's a right winger. I figured LA was going to trade Brown right away as soon as they got Richards, but they kept him... I didn't understand why they dealt for another captain type player, and now that their offense is leashed, they're starting to see it themse...
MichaelMax writes...

Cam Neely 2. OH NO!

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Cam Neely played hockey with the Ridge Meadows Hockey Association for the majority of his minor career and has been named to the Maple Ridge honorable people list. After a stellar season with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League in which he led the team to the Memorial Cup Championship, he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks ninth overall in the 1983 ent...
I’ve thought about this long and hard since I heard of the 2 trades that Buffalo has made. After some careful consideration, and looking at all of the stats, I’m not entirely sold on the deals that Buffalo has made. I’ll break it down to the two trades that were made today. [b]Gaustad to Nashville[/b] We all accepted this. I’m actually shocked that the Sabre...
Saturday, 06.14.2008 / 11:17 PM / 2008 Draft Brampton Battalion center Cody Hodgson already is a student of the game of hockey. But he got a master's-level education during the Under-18 World Championships in April when he suited up for Team Canada at the event. With long-time NHL coach Pat Quinn serving as professor, Hodgson earned high honors. As team captain, he l...
The Habs are in Tampa for a really important game tonight. The Bolts are only six points back of 8th place and, with their new look defense, you can bet they'll be ready to go. It should be a really exciting tilt as you know these two teams always get the best out of each other. [b]There's a game preview blog over at TB HB![/b] [url]http://tblhockeybuzz.blogspot....
[img] http://welcometothe716.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/darcy-regier.jpg[/img] Trade deadline day. One of two days a year where people in the hockey community will actually alter their work and education schedules to take in all the happenings on TSN, NHL Network, and Twitter. A big day from a fans perspective to get something done, anything. Trade deadline day is...
Sometimes, the referees do everything they can to change the outcome of a game. Occasionally, that's not enough. In last night's tilt between the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Bolts got absolutely shafted by the officials. Those of you who read my blogs frequently know that I am not someone who harps on the referees often. In order for me to actua...
First off, I do not beleive montreal needs to draft a Defencemen this upcoming draft, so I am writing this blog as if they will be drafting one of the top 4 offencive prospects that could go in the top 5 in Pittsburgh this June. 1. Nail Yakupov (5'11, 189lbs) - W - Sarnia Sting - 37GP/30G/35A/65PTS/26PIM 2. Mikhail Grigorenko (6'3, 200lbs) - C - Quebec Remparts - 57GP/...
Tonight’s game is a big one. The Lightning are in Carolina to take on the Hurricanes in what is shaping up to be a very pivotal game in the race for a playoff spot. With neither the Jets nor the Capitals in action on this Saturday evening, the Lightning have a shot to move just two points back of 8th place. That’s a far cry from the distant gap that once stood betwe...
Back-to-back games are never easy for a team in the National Hockey League. After beating the Rangers on Friday, the Bolts found themselves with another daunting challenge in Carolina. Less than 24 hours later, the Bolts were tasked with taking down a Hurricanes team that had been playing very well as of late. The big guys came in tired, Garon was playing for the second...
andydrmm writes...

Looking Up???

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I’ll be 100% honest here, I didn’t really have high hopes for the Sabres as they headed towards the West Coast. I didn’t really expect Buffalo to do too well, and kind of figured that the playoff hunt was going to get a lot more difficult come Monday. HOLY $^#$ AM I GLAD TO BE WRONG!!!! I mean, who honestly saw this coming? I wasn’t as shocked with the wins ...
[b]Welcome to another blog by Aarif Deen. For more blogs, and EVERYTHING HOCKEY 24/7, follow me on twitter @NHLAarifDeenRep. Enjoy the read![/b] Well here we are fellas. It has been eight years to the day Todd Bertuzzi shocked the entire hockey world by pulling off one of, if not, the biggest cheap-shot in the history of the game. Young, promising, gritty forward St...
The Hockey Gods were with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday night. Both the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets failed to pick up much needed victories. If everything goes right for the Bolts tonight, they could go to bed Saturday sitting only one point back of 8th place in the Eastern Conference. On top of a Bolts win, the Capitals and Sabres would both have to lose. I...
If that’s the best performance the Tampa Bay Lightning are going to be able to turn out on this home stand, fans better be prepared for a wealth of disappointment. Tonight, the Hurricanes proved that you don’t need the most talented roster to win in the National Hockey League; all it takes is a little hard work and a good system. The Bolts had their playoff hopes das...
moss234 writes...

It's Time To Start Over

Posted Friday | Comments 0
As March nears it's end, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar spot in the standings; near the bottom. The Leafs, who haven't made the playoffs since before the lockout, have been floundering in recent years, and seem no closer to postseason success now then they did at this time last year, or even two years ago. The one difference between this year and the...
I know most people are picking the Kings to upset Vancouver in the first round. It's a popular pick based off of the fact that Jonathan Quick is a Vezina candidate and single-handedly drove the Kings to the playoffs. But is it realistic? Vancouver IS the President's Trophy winners (two years in a row mind), earning it in the last game of the season with a convincing win in...
I know most people are picking the Kings to upset Vancouver in the first round. It's a popular pick based off of the fact that Jonathan Quick is a Vezina candidate and single-handedly drove the Kings to the playoffs. But is it realistic? Vancouver IS the President's Trophy winners (two years in a row mind), earning it in the last game of the season with a convincing win in...
I know most people are picking the Kings to upset Vancouver in the first round. It's a popular pick based off of the fact that Jonathan Quick is a Vezina candidate and single-handedly drove the Kings to the playoffs. But is it realistic? Vancouver IS the President's Trophy winners (two years in a row mind), earning it in the last game of the season with a convincing win in...
I know most people are picking the Kings to upset Vancouver in the first round. It's a popular pick based off of the fact that Jonathan Quick is a Vezina candidate and single-handedly drove the Kings to the playoffs. But is it realistic? Vancouver IS the President's Trophy winners (two years in a row mind), earning it in the last game of the season with a convincing win in...
I know most people are picking the Kings to upset Vancouver in the first round. It's a popular pick based off of the fact that Jonathan Quick is a Vezina candidate and single-handedly drove the Kings to the playoffs. But is it realistic? Vancouver IS the President's Trophy winners (two years in a row mind), earning it in the last game of the season with a convincing win in...
I know most people are picking the Kings to upset Vancouver in the first round. It's a popular pick based off of the fact that Jonathan Quick is a Vezina candidate and single-handedly drove the Kings to the playoffs. But is it realistic? Vancouver IS the President's Trophy winners (two years in a row mind), earning it in the last game of the season with a convincing win in...
perezje writes...

Cheat Sheet for Future Habs GM

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]The best way to build a contender is through the draft so we'll start here.[/b] Habs have the #3 pick, it's simple if he is available, draft Alex Galchenyuk. We need wingers on fwd more than anything but that doesn't matter Gally is a game changer, they won`t have many chances at a player like this. [b]Sort out the contract mess[/b] Re-sign Price at a reasonabl...
It's been a little surprising how many explanations of why the Canucks lost game 1 are tinged with just a little disrespect towards the LA Kings. A lot is said of what the Canucks DIDN'T do as opposed to what the Kings DID do. Well let me tell you one thing. The Kings had a far greater impact on game 1 than just that the Canucks didn't bring enough emotion and played ba...
Nascar........... I cold not care even a little but about... but car crashed.... OOOHHH... let let at my PVR. This is a time honoured sentiment. Violence, usually mindless, will get our attention faster than a hole in one, an honest QB sack and even that most exciting play in hockey.... the.... the... what was it again? Penalty Shot? So my point is: How do Ame...
The two obvious choices to meet in the cup finals this year were, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks (sorry TSN, the monkey is looking way better now). Yet, both are less than 24 hours away from a trip to the golf course and to be quite honestly they deserve to be. Both team have 3 glaring reasons why they are now looking like the lower seed in their series'...
Is it just me or is this one of the worst years for biased play-by-play and colour commentary? I understand that each team has their own announcer, whether on TV or on radio, for local broadcasts. What I'm talking about is the people doing nationally televised games on CBC , NBC, etc. Should these games not be called evenly for the benefit of all fans and not just fans ...
The Roberto Luongo era is coming to an end in Vancouver. Everything that has transpired over the past few days would indicate that Roberto Luongo is on his way out of Vancouver. Rewind the clock just two or three years ago and this notion would have been unthinkable. Now, with Cory Schneider all but dominating the Canucks’ crease, Roberto Luongo finds himself at a crossr...
After many conversations, it appears most Leaf fans feel that Luongo coming to Toronto either wont happen or is a bad idea primarily due to the length of his contract, and secondly because he might not even want to play there. After having failed with the Gustavsson and Reimer duo, Burke is at a point where he is desperate for a legitimate starter for the 2012-2013 sea...
Marc Bergevin has been announced as the new GM of the Montreal Canadiens. As tough a job as GM of the Habs is, he comes at the right time. Following Gauthier's reign makes for a chance to look great by comparison. Bergevin played nearly 1200 games in the NHL and followed up his playing career with a long stint in Chicago Blackhawks management. A team that had tremendous su...
We would all rather be watching our Habs players play in the playoffs right now, but we can get a look at a few of them over the next couple of weeks in the World Championships. Although if the Habs were to lose a game in triple overtime like the Caps did last night I may have had a heart attack. The Canadiens will be sending four players over to Finland and Sweden for thi...
Eklund recently posted a blog indicating that the rumors of Roberto Luongo to Tampa Bay are heating up and mentioned that the potential deal could be a Luongo for Lecavalier swap. The VL4/RL1 rumblings have been around for a few years now. Since the departure of Khabibulin, the Lightning have really struggled in the goaltending category. Roberto Luongo’s history in Flori...
The Mens’ World Hockey Championships are well underway in Europe. Despite not having the same reputation as Olympic hockey over here in North America, the WHC does provide fans with a great look at some international talent. To be asked to play in this event is, and always will be, a great honor for players. Team Canada, this year, has iced a very strong roster from t...
Perhaps the biggest decision to be made by Marc Bergevin this summer will be what to pay current restricted free agents and future franchise cornerstones Carey Price and P.K. Subban. Both will demand huge raises from their current salaries, but with future CBA and salary cap uncertainty it is important to get them signed to the most modest deals possible. A year from now D...
There is a rumor circulating this morning that Larry Robinson would welcome a return to Montreal as an assistant coach. According to an article in the Toronto Sun, Robinson’s agent Don Cape says Larry would return to the Habs organization because he knows Marc Bergevin and the Molson family well and he believes the right people are in place in this organization. It is ni...
Amidst reports of Mattias Ohlund retiring and Roberto Luongo being on the trading block, I have a plea for the Vancouver Canucks and their fans to read, and take in. Call me sentimental, call me old-fashioned, but this could work out incredibly well for both sides. Tampa Bay Lightning fans had great reason to be happy when the Bolts signed Mattias Ohlund a couple years a...
The round robin portion of the World Championships are complete and the Habs representing their respective countries this Spring have been largely impressive. The four Quarterfinal games will all be played on Thursday, followed by Semifinal Saturday and the medal games taking place on Sunday. Lars Eller had the most disappointing tournament of the Canadiens as his team...
The 94th edition of the Memorial Cup featuring the best Junior hockey teams in Canada, begins Friday in Shawinigan. The Montreal Canadiens will be well represented with four of their prospects taking part in the premier event hosted by Shawinigan. The Habs two most recent first round picks will both be competing, Nathan Beaulieu for the Quebec League champion and defending...
Asset management is the top priority for every General Manager in hockey. Getting something for players you move keeps a franchise afloat, however getting nothing for an asset can set a franchise into ruin. Unfortunately for the Montreal Canadiens, Pierre Gauthier got a whole lot of nothing for many of his assets. In today’s era of free agency, salary caps and money h...
The Vancouver Canucks need to trade Roberto Luongo, right? He's old, washed up, mentally unstable, carries a contract until infinity, and guess what, Cory Schneider is right there, banging on the door (although some would argue that it is Luongo who is banging on Schneider's door now). Luongo out, Schneider in equals one cup to soothe the rioters, right? Wrong. Cory Sch...
The Lethbridge Hurricanes for those who do not know is a Junior Hockey league team that plays in the Central Division of the Western Hockey League. This Division includes other such teams as the Red Deer Rebels, Calgary Hitmen, Kootney Ice, Edmonton Oil Kings and the Medicine Hat Tigers. All of these teams are yearly competators who rarely rebuild and constantly compete fo...
The 2006 NHL Draft will be remembered for the same reasons most drafts are, the superstars at the top, the first round busts and the diamonds in the rough such as 6th rounder Andrew Macdonald who was picked by the New York Islanders. Taking place in Vancouver, most Canucks fans will recall it as the day they finally got their franchise goaltender. New ‘Nucks GM Mike Gill...
centribo writes...

Leafs Thoughts, What Not.

Posted Monday | Comments 0
1. Despite what a lot of people seem to be thinking about what will happen if the Oilers get a second line centre at the draft and thus free up Sam Gagner for trade, the Leafs should steer clear of him. If the Leafs were to land him, he's projected as the number one centre, and adding to that, he's a Toronto boy, and we all know how Brian Burke loves local boys (sarcasm). ...
The 2014 Olympics in Sochi will be a new turning point for Canadian professional hockey. A changing of the guards if you will. The team which represented Canada in Vancouver, while praised as one of the best Canadian national teams ever brought together for one event, was old. The captain of that team, Scott Niedermeyer, is gone, and other player's who played serious minut...
Devils scored a fluky one against the LA Kings to tie up game 1 in the 2nd period of the Stanley Cup Finals, and now it's in intermission and i've got an itchin' to write a blog. On HockeyBuzz's homepage I came across another blogger's article on Team Canada at the Sochi Olympics. Everyone has a right to their opinion, and while i disagreed with my fellow blogger, s/he ...
Allow me to set the scene for you. It is the second round of the 2002 Playoffs, the 8th seeded Montreal Canadiens have already upset the best team in the Eastern Conference in a six game battle against the rival Boston Bruins. They are now at home in game four of the second round series against the Carolina Hurricanes, already up 2-1 in the best of seven series and winning...
Trevor Timmins took over as Montreal’s Director of Player Development at the beginning of the 2002-03 season. His main responsibility is drafting and of course developing the next wave of Montreal Canadiens. The most important piece of business for Timmins to take care of every year is the NHL Draft. The upcoming draft in Pittsburgh will be his tenth as the mastermind be...
Hello, this is my first blog at Hockeybuzz (obviously) and I should introduce myself. I go by Gator26 (Gator was my highschool handle) and I adore the Habs. Ever since child birth, I've seemed to enjoy to watch them play (maybe not last season) but nonetheless, they still have my heart. Recently just got ink'd actually, the logo is now part of my body. Sounds odd when I sa...
In three short days Montreal will finally reveal who they will choose with the third overall pick in this year’s draft in Pittsburgh. To find out what can be expected of someone selected so high I took a look back and ranked the last 20 players to be picked at number three. (Technically the last 22 players but I didn’t include the 2 most recent, Jonathon Huberdeau and ...
First of all Bergevin addressed one of the biggest needs the Canadiens have had for the last few years and that is team toughness. Over the last two years the only guys willing to stand up for their teammates was White, Moen and Staubitz. Even though these guys are gamers they did not put a lot of fear in opposing players, and the other teams would run around which has c...
First of all Bergevin addressed one of the biggest needs the Canadiens have had for the last few years and that is team toughness. Over the last two years the only guys willing to stand up for their teammates was White, Moen and Staubitz. Even though these guys are gamers they did not put a lot of fear in opposing players, and the other teams would run around which has c...
So far this summer, we have seen the Canadiens take some steps to make the team a lot tougher to play against now, and possibly one of the contenders in the East starting in 2 or 3 years. Here is what I think of the signings and what the depth chart will look like for the Canadiens as it stands right now. Brandon Prust- I absolutely love this signing. This was an abso...
First off, on behalf of all of the province of Vancouver I apologize for the lackluster effort put forth by the Canucks in refusing to win 16 straight games to win their first Stanley Cup for the third time. We can only blame Roberto Luongo for so long for failing to win the cup in 012, 94, or 82 where i heard he actually [i]didn't even watch one game[/i] of the FINALS b...
Montreal fans have been talking about next year since before the calendar flipped to 2012. With the draft and opening frenzy of free agency behind us, it is finally time everyone in the NHL starts to focus on next year. Obviously, the focus of the Canadiens is to climb out of the cellar of the Eastern Conference. The best way to do this is to realize what landed them in th...
With most of the big guns of the free agency class spoken for nearly two weeks in to the frenzy, the Habs are left still looking to add a few goals to next year’s opening night roster. What started out as a relatively weak UFA class has been watered down considerably but a few interesting options still remain for the Canadiens. Let’s take a look at the top 5 offensive ...
I don't ever post but I'd like to point out something nobody has seemed to touch on since Loungo's name as been on the trading block. Maybe halfway through last season reports began to come out that both the owners and players liked the idea of an amnesty clause in the next cba. Amnesty would allow owners to rid themselves of bad cap hits while the player gets compensa...
I don't ever post but I'd like to point out something nobody has seemed to touch on since Loungo's name as been on the trading block. Maybe halfway through last season reports began to come out that both the owners and players liked the idea of an amnesty clause in the next cba. Amnesty would allow owners to rid themselves of bad cap hits while the player gets compensa...
I don't ever post but I'd like to point out something nobody has seemed to touch on since Loungo's name as been on the trading block. Maybe halfway through last season reports began to come out that both the owners and players liked the idea of an amnesty clause in the next cba. Amnesty would allow owners to rid themselves of bad cap hits while the player gets compensa...
I don't ever post but I'd like to point out something nobody has seemed to touch on since Loungo's name as been on the trading block. Maybe halfway through last season reports began to come out that both the owners and players liked the idea of an amnesty clause in the next cba. Amnesty would allow owners to rid themselves of bad cap hits while the player gets compensa...
I don't ever post but I'd like to point out something nobody has seemed to touch on since Loungo's name as been on the trading block. Maybe halfway through last season reports began to come out that both the owners and players liked the idea of an amnesty clause in the next cba. Amnesty would allow owners to rid themselves of bad cap hits while the player gets compensa...
c_roy33 writes...

Mike Gillis' new team

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This is my first blog so here goes nothin' [b][u]Mike Gillis' Plan[/u][/b] I just thought I would put this down on "paper" to see what the team would look like this year if Gillis had his way over the next few weeks so here goes: SEDIN/SEDIN/BURROWS BOOTH/KESLER/DOAN HIGGINS/ARNOTT/RAYMOND OR HANSEN LAPIERRE/BJUGSTAD/KASSIAN GARRISON/EDLER BIEKSA/HAMHUIS T...
How can the Habs prepare for future success? Heading into the 2012-2013 season a lot of uncertainty faces the Montreal Canadiens. The organizations fans would have you believe that they are a move or two away from contending for the cup. This however, is not the case. After a disappointing basement finish, the organization needs to address several needs. The 2011-20...
AarifDeen writes...

Offseason Review: Part 1 of 6

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
[b]For everything hockey - 24/7 news updates, scores, humour, blogs, and everything else in between, please follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind.[/b] We are now currently just a few days into the most horrifying month of the year for the entire hockey world. Seriously now, August definitely is the worst time to be a hockey fan. Free agency has die...
vancity787 writes...

reasons for optamism

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Reasons for optamism these days seem low sourrounding our lowly Canucks. Everything from the Luongo trade debates, the Doan "DECISION" and ofcourse the ongoing he said/ she said battle between Mike Gillis and the Ryan Kesler Party. Amongst all these and the somewhat obvious upcoming lock out, I'll try my best to brighten up your day with a few reasons to smile regarding ...
First off let's start with a few updates. 1)Brandon Shea has officially been traded to the Remparts for a 3rd round pick in 2015. http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/remparts/201208/01/01-4561527-brandon-shea-samene-a-quebec.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B13b_hockey-junior_1607706_section_POS1 2)Looks like the Habs...
First off let's start with a few updates. 1)Brandon Shea has officially been traded to the Remparts for a 3rd round pick in 2015. http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/remparts/201208/01/01-4561527-brandon-shea-samene-a-quebec.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B13b_hockey-junior_1607706_section_POS1 2)Looks like the Habs...
First off let's start with a few updates. 1)Brandon Shea has officially been traded to the Remparts for a 3rd round pick in 2015. http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/remparts/201208/01/01-4561527-brandon-shea-samene-a-quebec.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B13b_hockey-junior_1607706_section_POS1 2)Looks like the Habs...
First off let's start with a few updates. 1)Brandon Shea has officially been traded to the Remparts for a 3rd round pick in 2015. http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/remparts/201208/01/01-4561527-brandon-shea-samene-a-quebec.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B13b_hockey-junior_1607706_section_POS1 2)Looks like the Habs...
First off let's start with a few updates. 1)Brandon Shea has officially been traded to the Remparts for a 3rd round pick in 2015. http://www.lapresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/remparts/201208/01/01-4561527-brandon-shea-samene-a-quebec.php?utm_categorieinterne=trafficdrivers&utm_contenuinterne=cyberpresse_B13b_hockey-junior_1607706_section_POS1 2)Looks like the Habs...
The mystery surrounding Alex Semin's future in the NHL finally came to end when he signed a one year, $7M contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. There was much speculation that Semin was going to sign with either Pittsburg or Detroit, but neither team wanted to offer Semin a muli-year contract, which is something he sought, or anything over $5M. The Hurricanes jumped on th...
With the closing of the 2012 summer games comes the passing of the torch and the countdown to the winter olympics in Sochi 2014. With the winter olympics hockey fans will get to see the greatest hockey tournament every four four years. The NHL's best players representing their country vying for Olympic gold. Being a canadian winning gold in mens ice hockey means everyth...
To begin the feature of counting down the top ten best and top ten worst trades in modern day Habs history, I decided to begin with the worst and rotate from 10th worst to 10th best and count down simultaneously. This way, as was so often the case in Habs history, we will finish with the best ever. On the eve of the 2006-07 season, Montreal GM Bob Gainey would manufactu...
To continue our countdown of best/worst trades in the modern era of the Habs in order to help us get through August and into next season, we reveal the 10th best trade made by the Habs since the expansion of 1967. June 26th 1975, Montreal trades defenceman Greg Hubick to the Toronto Maple Leafs for center Doug Jarvis. Sam Pollock was the General Manager of the Canadi...
I am one of the biggest hockey fans around, and I do believe the players and owners will get a deal done before shutting down for the whole season, however, I do think the season will be delayed, maybe halfway through October. I am with every hockey nut out there, and I will be very upset if there is no NHL this year. Since we are on the subject, and the NHL lockout is...
Here are five positive things I will take away from a lockout, in descending order 5: The New Jersey Devils will save about 3 million dollars every two weeks in player's salaries. This should help them make their loan payments...seeing how four rounds of extra playoff revenue did not seem to to the job. 4: Vancouver have an extra year to work out a deal with Tor...
The ideology that Canadian players are responsible for the success of any given team is common. Farm-born Saskatchewan kids can elevate their game and play clutch hockey when it really matters. But do local boys offer any discernable advantage over American or European players to a teams success? That's what this blog is going to be about. I'm going to find out. To star...
This is the second part of my rankings for Canada's best hockey players by position. I posted earlier my rankings for Canada's top 32 forwards and now it's time to rank the defense and the goalies going into the 2014 olympics in Sochi, Russia. Canada has great depth on the blueline and in my opinion a changing of the guard so to speak. With Neidermayer retired and Chri...
March 2, 2004, Montreal trades Josef Balej and a 2nd round pick in the 2004 draft to the New York Rangers for Alex Kovalev. The 2003-04 season was a very typical one for the Canadiens of the time, struggling to score goals and fighting like dogs to reach a playoff position. Canadiens General Manager Bob Gainey went shopping at the trade deadline and struck a deal with t...
Continuing our countdown of best and worst trades in Habs modern history, we have reached the 9th worst trade. March 10, 1999: Montreal trades Mark Recchi to the Philadelphia Flyers for Dainius Zubrus and a 2nd round pick in the 1999 draft. The 1998-99 season was a difficult one for the Montreal Canadiens. Struggling terribly to score goals and well on their way to m...
2Over1Under writes...

It Takes a Big Wind...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Just saw this from Canadian Press: "A large section of the roof blew off the top of Montreal's Maurice Richard Arena on Thursday, apparently by the force of powerful winds. Part of the roof, about the size of a couple of school buses, tumbled down the side of an exterior wall onto some trees. Officials did not report any injuries." Well, I guess there is no way th...
(This is from my blog at www.ihjjr.com) Quick Hits Ovechkin made an appearance today at Kettler Ice Plex with Backstrom, Orlov, Johansson, Ribeiro and a few other players to take part in some on ice practice. Ovie showed up with a shaved head, citing that he did in homage for his 700 or so 'brothers' who are about to make war with the NHL and its owners. He sent Twitte...
The Newmarket Hurricanes would finally take part in their home opener of the 2012-2013 season yesterday afternoon after starting this year’s campaign with a 6 game road trip and finishing up with a record of 4-1-1 and picking up 9 out of a possible 12 points. The Hurricanes opponents yesterday afternoon were the Cobourg Cougars who had beaten Newmarket on the previous ro...
Tonight’s action saw the hometown Hurricanes square off against the East Divisions Whitby Fury. Newmarket had one thing on their mind and that was redemption for their 4-0 loss to the Fury back on the 11th of this month. Tonight’s starting goalies would be Matt Wintjes in his 8th consecutive start for the hometown Newmarket Hurricanes and Tyler Feaver for the visiting ...
After falling on Thursday to the Trenton Golden Hawks by a score of 3-2 the Hurricanes would go into this weekend looking to bounce back from their tough loss to the Hawks. Today’s action would see the Newmarket Hurricanes host former Hurricanes Matt Galati and Jeff Heard and their Pickering Panthers. Today’s starting goaltenders would be September Player of the Month ...
jaredseason writes...

My CBA rant

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Man, I got to say this NHL lockout really does suck. The more time that passes the more I realize how much I am starting to miss that routine of getting back into a new hockey season. You know what I mean; September roles around and your thoughts begin to drift further and further into that beautiful abyss that is the NHL season. Your thinking about how trades and signings...
If forced to describe Theoren Fleury in one sentence during his NHL career, one would likely use the words troubled, conflicted, gifted and of course, mouthy. Most fans, journalists, fellow players and management couldn't stand Theoren Fleury, particularly Rangers and Blackhawks fans/brass. But one has to wonder, if we knew about Fleury's problems then, would many still de...
Today’s action saw the Hurricanes take on their rivals the Aurora Tigers in game 1 of this season Battle of Younge Street. Today’s starting goalies were Brett Sinclair for the visiting Tigers and of course Matt Wintjes for Newmarket who today made his 12th start of this year’s campaign. Going into today’s action the North Division leading Canes would have only a 1 ...
Instead of writing about the lockout, which seems to be the default for hockey journalists currently, I felt that I should write about the World Juniors, the most exciting annual IIHF event. So instead of versing in the prose of doom and gloom, I present to you my podium predictions for the 2012-2013 World Junior Championship, which will be held in Ufa, Russia. 1. Canad...
JoeyNarsa50 writes...

Team Canada Triple Threats

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Ask and you shall receive, unless you are an NHL fan. Don’t pout yet hockey fans thanks to the wonderful time that is the World Junior Championship. A time, when the entire nation will hold its breath to watch a bunch of teenagers try and accomplish their Junior Hockey goal. As beautiful as this sounds it has not been enjoyable watching the red maple leaf on the ice ever...
archromat writes...

The five minute penalty

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I have a bone to pick with the rules. The situation rose again during the Canada-Slovak game the other day, where Canada had to kill off two five minute majors from trivial calls. Why rose again? Because NJ's season basically ended trying to kill a five minute boarding penalty. Now when there's an illegal hit to the head, or a boarding, or a bad charging, I understa...
With the a 6-5 overtime loss to Russians, Canada's national junior team not only leaves Ufa with the disappointment of no gold medal, but also with the knowledge that they are the first Canadian team in fourteen years without a medal of any colour. That's a tough pill to swallow for anyone, let alone a bunch of teenagers who are faced with a level of expectation that most...
How is it that there could be a player making so much money that he couldn’t play in the NHL, and needed to be sent to the minors, and at the same time there could be a player making so much money, that he couldn’t be sent to the minors, and needed to play in the NHL? Well, that’s essentially the description of the more than slightly odd circumstances that Wade Redde...
The lock-out is over, NHL hockey is back, one thing remains as it did before the lock-out, P.K. Subban is still un-signed. Should P.K. be signed at all costs? P.K. Subban is one of the NHL`s biggest mouths, a taunter if you will, he is also one of the league`s best young defensemen, a good hitter, got better defensively as he replaced Andrei Markov for 65 games last y...
BrentD10 writes...

What To Do About Bobby Lu

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
An already difficult situation in Vancouver may have become even more complicated over this past weekend. There has been a bright spotlight placed on the goal crease at the Canucks end of the rink, and everyone has been paying close attention to the "Luongo Situation". It was all supposed to be quite simple; Roberto Luongo was supposed to be traded as soon as the ink was d...
derfmred writes...

Game 1 More of the same

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
'Well game one in the record books in this shortened season and its like a Gomez free 2011-2012. Carey Price was fantastic, he made some unreal saves as he usually does but as we have seen far to many times in the past he was almost the lone bright spot. The top line was completely silent and the rest of the team barley showed up. Toronto played an alright game but Montrea...
Well that was much better. Again Carey Price was on top of his game, again a night with some highlight reel saves. The way this guy plays the puck is a part of his game that does not seem to get a lot of attention. Last nights game and in the game vs Toronto there was a play where he cleared that puck by shooting it at the glass by the blue line about a foot down. Tell me ...
As I was driving home from work tonight, getting into the mood for Sabres hockey, Enemies by Shinedown came on the radio. As I’m singing along in the car, I come across the lyric “You’re taking all that you please, you want more, but you’ll get nothing from me.” As much as I’d love for this to be the song the Sabres come out of the locker room to, there’s one...
Well, it's early, perhaps too early to be writing this, but where would the fun be if we didn't jump in and make some observations at this point? As I wrote just prior to the season, the short season could result in some surprising results, for both individual players and for teams, both good and bad. As examples, I stated that some teams who would normally be a lock to be...
TheKingsGarden writes...

No More Mr. Nice Guy!

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
February 10, 2013 [b]A Tale of Two Cities; Leafs Dressed for Battle, Kings Relinquish the Sword[/b] In December of 2011, I took in my first Maple Leaf game in Toronto against the eventual Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings. At the time, the Kings had been struggling mightily and had just fired their coach Terry Murray and had yet to replace them with Darryl Sutte...
Well this is more like it! A lot more of what I expected out of the Habs this year, building a lead through two periods and blowing it in the third. I know it’s a pessimistic point of view, but one thing I’ve learned from Les Habitants is to never count your chickens before they hatch. My one key to this game was to shutdown Tavares and Moulson, the only offensive punc...
A long time ago I wrote a, “What would Iginla asking price be” for the Flames. Of course it was met with a lot of vitriol. No one wants to think that their best prospect may be included for an aging star like Iginla but make no mistake, if the trade happens the Flames will only do it if the return is an overpayment, otherwise why do it? Iginla will only go to a team...
cjet14 writes...

Bishop steals one for The Sens

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Really Michel Therrien? Brian Gionta. Brian fucking Gionta. One of the coldest players in our line up right now and you put the game on his stick. So how did that work out for you? Oh, he didn’t even get a shot off? Quick, can anyone think of a couple players you would rather see out there in the fourth round of a shoot out before Gionta? I can bang out a few off the top...
saneopinion writes...

Kiprusoff and the price

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Kiprusoff- Return and potential partners My last entry regarding Iginla and his value is being discussed once again on Colin`s blog if you want to head over there and put your two cents in. You can see that original entry here: http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=33826&post_id=14517 and you can see Colin`s here: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Colin-Da...
[b]Tale of the Tape[/b] MTL 14-4-4 NYI 9-11-2 Goals For: MTL 3.04 NYI 2.82 Goals Against: MTL 2.32 NYI 3.41 Special Teams: MTL PP 19.0%(11th) MTL PK 82.6%(15th) NYI PP 22.1% (5th) NYI PK 84.2% (10th) Canadiens Road Record 6-1-2 Islanders Home Record 3-8-1 Season Series: 1-0 New York (4-3(OT) February 21st) Currently Riding: MTL 1W NYI 1W [b]Projected Lines[...
The Montreal Canadiens have finished the first half of their regular season and are possibly the most pleasant surprise in the entire league. Sure, Chicago going this long without losing in regulation is hard to believe, but no one is surprised that they are the top team in the league. With all the injuries in Ottawa, it is hard to believe they keep winning, but they were ...
The Montreal Canadiens have finished the first half of their regular season and are possibly the most pleasant surprise in the entire league. Sure, Chicago going this long without losing in regulation is hard to believe, but no one is surprised that they are the top team in the league. With all the injuries in Ottawa, it is hard to believe they keep winning, but they were ...
The Montreal Canadiens return to the Bell Centre tonight to face the Ottawa Senators following a very successful 5 game road trip. The only blemish on the trip came in New York against an Islanders team desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive. The loss was a tough one for Carey Price especially, who had allowed at least 5 goals in back to back starts. Price would b...
It was a night of many firsts for the Montreal Canadiens. Everyone knew coming into the contest against the New Jersey Devils that it would be the first game of Jarred Tinordi’s (hopefully long) NHL career. Halfway through the first period of play, Colby Armstrong would (finally) score his first goal in a Canadiens sweater. Later, midway through the third, Tinordi would ...
David Desharnais has overcome adversity every year of his hockey career, proving himself at every level of competition before finally cashing in with the Montreal Canadiens. The 4 year, 14 million dollar contract is a huge deal for the undersized center, but he has been defeating the odds since before his junior career began and will prove he is worth every penny. (Or ever...
In the midst of a playoff race the Dallas Stars may be fielding some phone calls for their legendary winger Jaromir Jagr. The Great Jaromir has had success everywhere he’s played and what a motivating factor it would be to win a Cup for JR, who last won the prize in 1992 when most of the players in the league were learning how to ride a bike. In his eighteen seasons i...
No one is really talking about it but the Montreal Canadiens must be considered a Stanley Cup contender at this point. Sure the Boston Bruins are big, bad and won it all two years ago but we’ve seen many times before that the Canadiens are capable of beating the Bruins in the playoffs. In fact, two seasons ago when the B’s won the Cup they barely got by the Habs in a f...
Since the puck finally dropped on this shortened season, followers of the NHL have been pointing to the Pittsburgh Penguins and Boston Bruins as the top teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. While the Penguins and Bruins have certainly performed well enough to deserve such credit, there is a third team in the East that has separated themselves from the rest of the pack....
The Montreal Canadiens close out their March schedule tonight as they face the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre. It has been a very successful month for the Habs thus far as they enter tonight’s contest with an 8-3-2 record in March. It will be the third meeting of the season between the original six rivals and Montreal is looking for a clean sweep after posting 3-...
With the NHL’s trade deadline less than 24 hours away the Montreal Canadiens have played their way into a position of being a buyer instead of selling off assets like they did a year ago. As the deadline approaches, the Habs will be sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference, only trailing the now Crosby-less Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins have added signif...
The Montreal Canadiens look to continue their winning ways tonight as they host the suddenly surging Washington Capitals. Winners of 5 out of their last 6, Montreal currently resides in second place in the Eastern Conference, three points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins and only one point ahead of division rival Boston Bruins. The Capitals are the third seed in the East...
Follow me on Twitter: @flamesfan1981 While watching Hockey Night In Canada last weekend on CBC, the broadcast mentioned that the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia are exactly 10 months away. The first thought that popped into my head and most likely any Canadian hockey fan, was memories of the 2010 Olympics in which Sidney Crosby took a feed from Jarome Iginla in OT of th...
The two teams that have given the Montreal Canadiens the most trouble thus far during their successful season would be the Buffalo Sabres and the Toronto Maple Leafs. It just so happens that the pair of division rivals will be their next two opponents as the Habs travel to Buffalo tonight followed by a Saturday night meeting with the Leafs. These two games come on the h...
tomkob11 writes...

Don't Silence the Boo Birds

Posted Friday | Comments 0
Don't silence the boo birds For years now we have paid thousands of our meager incomes to pay the salaries of this mediocre group of hockey players. Although I do understand that players, like Steve Ott, are frustrated because the booing is demoralizing to the young players and the veterans. I also feel the need to tell him to shut up and play hockey. He has been a pol...
With a playoff berth officially clinched following a dominating win over the Buffalo Sabres, the sprint for playoff positioning now begins for the Montreal Canadiens. With eight games remaining for both Montreal and division rival Boston Bruins and only one point separating them, the division champ will be crowned based on who finishes the season the hottest. The sprint...
The Montreal Canadiens finally rediscovered the win column against the Tamp Bay Lightning after suffering their three ugliest losses of the season. With a little luck and a huge game from the man who was handed the blame for the losing streak, Habs fans can sigh a bit of relief before facing the Washington Capitals tonight. The Lightning had countless chances to open t...
There are only six days remaining in the regular season but many questions are left to be answered in the Eastern Conference. The number of potential playoff teams has been narrowed to just nine but aside from the Pittsburgh Penguins securing the number one seed, no one’s position is guaranteed. The race for the Northeast Division title and second overall throughout t...
Tonight’s game started like far too many for the Montreal Canadiens recently. Behind 1-0 in the first period and having to battle their way back to stay alive in the race for the Northeast Division title. More often than not over the last two weeks, Montreal would let the 1-0 deficit become 2-0 before finding the back of the opponent’s net but that would not be the cas...
[img:right]http://i.imgur.com/k6DlcxF.png[/img]When the Toronto Maple Leafs skated on to the ice at Air Canada Centre before an ecstatic, jam-packed crowd of 19,730, the largest crowd of the shortened season, it was a monumental moment in the history of the franchise. After all, after eight straight seasons of falling short, the Leafs had managed to earn a hard-fought fift...
The Montreal Canadiens return to the postseason after a one year hiatus and will face their division rival Ottawa Senators in the opening round. Just a year ago, the Canadiens season ended early after finishing 15th in the Eastern Conference standings and 28th overall in the 30 team National Hockey League. Montreal was able to pull themselves out of the cellar of the East ...
As an Oilers fan, you don't get to see a lot of playoff hockey, it sucks yes, but this, Ottawa against Montreal, is a series you need to watch. Even if you are American. Apparently to Team 1200, the two refs that we reffing the game, are "The most experienced refs the NHL have." It didn't show. The refs called a total of 236 penalty minutes in the game, which is a lot, obv...
Did you know that $24 Million dollars can buy you a gently used 2007 Gulfstream G450 private jet, or Katherine Hepburn’s oceanfront estate in Connecticut (if you were willing to negotiate a bit), or even the Archduke Joseph 76 carat, D color, flawless diamond (Sotheby’s estimate $15 - $25 Million $U.S.)? And $24 Million can also buy Charles Wang his freedom from not...
The Montreal Canadiens began this shortened season with the lowest of expectations. Following such a disastrous 2011-12 campaign, the lockout that delayed the start of this season was seen almost as a blessing to some Habs fans, who were fearing another season as embarrassing as the last. Canadiens fans would be disappointed in the Habs season when it finished, but not ...
Jayo1808 writes...

Oilers Playoffs aka: The Draft

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
So, Oilers blogger Richard Cloutier (@rdcloutier on twitter) wrote a blog today suggesting that MacT will be trying to trade up a couple spots so that he can pick Sasha Barkov. Considering the recent news that Valery Nichushkin has decided to come to North America, I can definately see the possibility of Barkov being available around the 4 or 5 spot. I wr...
The Montreal Canadiens have some tough decision to make when it comes to deciding which free agents should be re-signed and which should be allowed to test the market. Montreal’s current unrestricted free agents are Michael Ryder, Colby Armstrong, Jeff Halpern, and Davis Drewiske. Their restricted free agents include Ryan White, Gabriel Dumont, Michael Blunden and Yannic...
Your 2013-2014 Toronto Maple Leafs The whole city of Toronto and those of us in the die-hard “Leafs Nation” fan base were on top of the world with just over ten minutes to play in the third period of a crucial game 7 against our rival, the Boston Bruins. We were taunting Boston fans, we were criticizing all the analysts who had the Bruins beating us in four or fiv...
Your 2013-2014 Toronto Maple Leafs The whole city of Toronto and those of us in the die-hard “Leafs Nation” fan base were on top of the world with just over ten minutes to play in the third period of a crucial game 7 against our rival, the Boston Bruins. We were taunting Boston fans, we were criticizing all the analysts who had the Bruins beating us in four or fiv...
There has been WAY too much going on in Edmonton. Basically, EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING. Here's part one of the week that was in Oil Country. It was announced yesterday that GM Craig MacTavish has fired Head Coach Ralph Krueger. A bit of a surprise, considering that MacT gave Krueger a vote of confidence when hired in late April. At the press conference, MacT adm...
There has been WAY too much going on in Edmonton. Basically, EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING. Here's part one of the week that was in Oil Country. It was announced yesterday that GM Craig MacTavish has fired Head Coach Ralph Krueger. A bit of a surprise, considering that MacT gave Krueger a vote of confidence when hired in late April. At the press conference, MacT adm...
There has been WAY too much going on in Edmonton. Basically, EVERYTHING IS HAPPENING. Here's part one of the week that was in Oil Country.rnrn It was announced yesterday that GM Craig MacTavish has fired Head Coach Ralph Krueger. A bit of a surprise, considering that MacT gave Krueger a vote of confidence when hired in late April. At the press conference, MacT adm...
TylerSterk writes...

Changes to the next step

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I am new to the whole blog game. But not afraid to share an opinion. So to start a little bit about myself. I am an avid fan of the NHL, I live it and breath it. I love talking about it, only problem, no one close to me really is into it as much as I am. So that is why I have come here to share my views (and yes some may be biased more towards Vancouver as I have been rais...
TylerSterk writes...

Coaching

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Dallas Vancouver and the Rangers are in need of a coach. Here are my ideas on best fits. In Dallas I would look at Scott Arneil or Lindy Ruff. Arneil has potential as much as he had a not so great time in Columbus. I do believe though that he has what it takes and the Stars team is lacking so it could really show what he is made of. Lindy Ruff for the reason that I view Da...
TylerSterk writes...

Trades For Thought

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Just some late night trade possibilities. Canucks trade Roberto Luongo, Jannik Hansen, 1st round pick and 3rd round pick TO the Islanders for Nino Niederreiter, Josh Bailey, Rick Dipietro, 1st rounder and 2nd rounder. Maybe a deal that doesn't or cant take off but I could see it being a good deal? It would suck to see Hansen go but to bring back Niederreiter and Bailey wou...
Well, with the Stanley Cup Play-offs finally done, we can finally turn our attention to the upcoming draft. With the No.5 pick overall, rumors are rampant as to how the Carolina Hurricanes will play it this year. And, to quote TV game-show host, Howie Mandel, “Deal or no deal?” That is the question Jim Rutherford must be ruminating on as we head into this weekend...
Quick Hit Mock Draft top 10 1. Avs- Mackinnon- Because Top tier talent like his at forward with his size is an undeniable play. 2. Panthers- Drouin- Drouinand Huberdeau woul make up their Kane Toews and they know it. 3. Lightening- Barkov- Jones is a huge temptation but they drafted their stud D already, they will need Centre help and scoring with Vinny likely on his ...
For my blog today, I decided that I would write a bit about what I think about the European Goalie Situation with the Canadian Hockey League. For me, the love of hockey came in the Junior league (WHL) at the will of the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Being raised an Edmonton Oiler fan in southern Alberta, I never really got to see many games (none actually) of the NHL calibre, ...
If Carolina is looking to trade the 5th pick, as a Flames fan I think that they should go all out to try and get it. For the Flames, the ideal is to get Nathan MacKinnon. But there is no way that is going to happen. At least not while completely crippling the roster. While MacKinnon will be a franchise somewhere, the steps needed to get to that pick will set the re...
George Laraque spoke to the La Presse in MTL today about Bergevins decision to bring in Parros. Laraque has been negative towards the Canadiens since they told him to leave halfway into his 3 year contract. I do believe it is jealously. 7th round pick and a terrible prospect for a 6'5 228 pound fighter whose won a cup is a great deal. Parros won't be playing every night as...
pbrsimps writes...

My Team Canada

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With the NHL finally agreeing to send their players to Sochi, I began thinking of the potential roster Canada could put forth. It is crazy to think that while most of the defending gold medalists could be back, the 2010 Olympic team did not have current superstars like Stamkos, Tavares and Giroux. The firepower on this upcoming team will be extraordinary. One big change...
So Mike Babcock is going to coach Team Canada. That's a shocker. Seriously though, lets talk about something that hasn't been known for the past year. It isn't news folks. How about we mock up some lines for Team Canada, that's always fun. Here's what I got lining up on Forward: Towes/Crosby/Stamkos Perry/Giroux/Getzlaf Nash/Tavares/Staal Couture/Bergeron/...
Mason Raymond should not be overlooked when talking about the slim free agent pool left and the forward position. Look for Raymond to be signed almost immediately following the signings of Grabo, Brunner, Morrow. Raymond is rumoured to be considered a backup plan/2nd option for a depth forward behing the previously mentioned forwards. ...
FlyerSoldier95 writes...

Trade Wars 2013-2014

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I am the GM of the old West & East Conference and I can only trade players out of their conferences , those are the 15 deals that I am proposing. ( Salary Cap , Team Needs, Depth Areas and Years Remaining on the contract are all factors included). 1. MTL - ANA Andrei Markov for Emerson Etem 1st round draft pick (2014) ( Explanation: Someone that can mentor Cam Fo...
With the winter olympics in Sochi coming up in February I thought I would predict what I think the lines will be. There is so many players good enough in Canada that we could make 5 teams that could compete for a medal. But since we can only make 1, here are my picks for the 2014 canadian olympic team.... Giroux- Stamkos- St Louis Neal - Crosby - Staal Hall - Ta...
As the name suggests... Nash - Crosby - Stamkos Sharp - Toews - Giroux E. Staal - Getzlaf - Perry Richards - Bergeron - Carter Tavares Pietrangelo - Weber Seabrook - Keith Doughty - Subban Alzner - Letang Crawford - Price - Luongo (I say Crawford because he knows how to win on good teams and winning on good teams vs winning on bad teams is very different) ...
Team Canada enters the Olympics like they enter any International tournament, the favorites to win. After winning a nail-biting Gold Medal in 2010 on home ice, the Canadians will bring a younger roster to Sochi in hopes of a repeat. There are probably around three forward lines and two defense lines worth of players that are going and are really non-negotiable. The fina...
c_roy33 writes...

$4.5 Million - Who to sign?

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
It is clear we have a couple holes on the Canucks depth chart. In my eyes we need 1 physical stay at home D-Man and 1 grinder who can score when needed to. With only $4.5 mil our options are fairly few, but I feel there is an opportunity here to get exactly who we need and stay under the cap. Now Gillis just needs to pull the trigger before they get snatched up. My tak...
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are approaching quickly. Bitter rivalries, intensity, dedication and honour are just some of the great reasons to be excited for this tournament. I find the roster selection and the thought of all these great stars playing side by side very interesting. Does a team like Canada throw a bunch of offensive players on their roster and...
For defensemen to succeed on the big, Olympic-sized ice you have to look for a few main tools- A smooth, fluid skater who is mobile at both ends of the ice so if he makes a mistake he an high tail it back to make up for it- You have to be smart and have good vision to see developing plays and attacks as well as having the ability to break out of your own zone with a blink ...
Les mois d'été sont superbes pour le soleil que nous avons en si petite quantité et pour la chaleur qui nous manque durant environ 8 mois au Québec, mais restons toutefois honnêtes et avouons que le manque d'actualités sur le hockey de ces temps-ci nous donne vivement hâte au retour du froid pour voir les Glorieux en pleine action. La nouvelle qui retient l'att...
SvilleJet writes...

The Canadian Shield

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I grew up in rural Canada by playing hockey against our bitter rivals from the big city an hour away. Well, to us it was a big city, 3 times the size of our town though still only a little over 20,000 people lived there. Like I said, it was rural. The nearest NHL team were the Boston Bruins about 1100km, the Montreal Canadiens were about 10 kilometres further west. The pro...
Would you call them mistakes? Personally, I like Bernier's potential and Clarkson's play. Not a big fan of Bolland, he's injured a lot and reminds me of Kaleta (rodent pest on the ice). For the lost souls, I loved Frattin, would have molded into a great replacement for Kulemin (oh, he's gone for sure). As for Scrivens, I wish him the best. The main issue I have wit...
[b]Well Canucks fans, Mike Gillis has done it again...[/b] The Montreal Canadiens were reportedly interested in one of our D-Men. (I'm gonna assume Edler or Tanev) If it WAS Edler, he had a chance to shed some salary from the back end which lets be honest, we need to do. Edler IS probably the best D-man we have...BUT we have quite a few solid guys back there and Edl...
Premièrement, j'aimerais annoncer que j'aime beaucoup la signature de Douglas Murray hier. Il s'agit d'un défenseur avec des lacunes en ce qui concerne la vitesse, mais le Canadiens devait absolument se trouver un peu de muscle pour la ligne bleue. L'addition de Douglas Murray hier veut dire que le Canadiens de Montréal se retrouve dans la même situation que l'an derni...
First of all, I have to say that I am quite happy with the acquisition of Douglas Murray. rnSure, he may not be the most complete player with speed lacking sorely in his game, but the Canadiens absolutely needed to add a little bit of grit on the back end with Emelin for the better part of the first half of the season. Oddly enough, the Murray addition means that the Canad...
Tim Chiasson writes...

Global Hockey Boom

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The IIHF released the results of a survey they did encompassing all 62 member countries regarding the number of registered hockey players in their systems. The international government of hockey said that the number of players has increased by almost 40,000 since last year, an increase of almost 2.5%, bringing to the total world-wide to over 1.6 million players. Cana...
kev1586 writes...

Murray signs, Gorges vs. Diaz

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Apologies if this ends up being posted twice. Someone asked for a translation of my French blog, tried about 12 hours ago and it still hasn't shown up so here goes! First of all, I'd like to state that I am a fan of the Douglas Murray signing. Sure, this is a veteran that might be lacking in the speed department, but the Canadiens really needed to add a little muscle on th...
Hockey Pool season is almost upon us and I hope most of you have a solid group of guys/gals that you try to win money from every year. We gather in homes/garages/bars wearing jerseys and engage in drinking, chirping, and eating until the heartburn makes us hate ourselves more than picking Dany Heatly. Everyone can usually handle the first 2-3 rounds picking the league...
Hockey Pool season is almost upon us and I hope most of you have a solid group of guys/gals that you try to win money from every year. We gather in homes/garages/bars wearing jerseys and engage in drinking, chirping, and eating until the heartburn makes us hate ourselves more than picking Dany Heatly. Everyone can usually handle the first 2-3 rounds picking the league...
Hockey Pool season is almost upon us and I hope most of you have a solid group of guys/gals that you try to win money from every year. We gather in homes/garages/bars wearing jerseys and engage in drinking, chirping, and eating until the heartburn makes us hate ourselves more than picking Dany Heatly. Everyone can usually handle the first 2-3 rounds picking the league...
I believe that is the mainstream media debate we are participating in, is it not? Should we send a team of absolute all-stars (we could probably send two teams) or should we try to assemble a roster of players who enjoy great chemistry with each other whilst playing in the NHL. Well let's do both and see how it turns out, shall we? All-Star Team Canada Goalies: Ro...
So my previous blog tackled the idea of sending a team of all-stars to Sochi to compete for gold. Today we're gonna look at the possibility of a Team Canada built upon player Chemistry. So let's do this! Goalies: Corey Crawford Braden Holtby Carey Pricern Bear with me here. Crawford-Keith-Seabrook, a Stanley Cup Trifecta. Holtby-Green-Alzner, Capital punishment....
So Ek says Ken Hitchcock is willing to do whatever it takes to get Hank and Danny out of Vancouver. Not likely to happen but it's a fun thought. But for 2 players of their calibre, St.Louis WILL have to pay pretty heavily. [u]IF[/u] it was to happen what is a fair price? I for one have loved [b]Chris Stewart's [/b]game for a long time. He fills that RW hole we ha...
Brayton writes...

Sabres vs. Hurricanes-9/19/2013

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Tonight is the first preseason game at the First Niagara Center since September of 2011. The lineups are set, and once again more young talent will be displayed tonight in Downtown Buffalo. The lineup looks like this: [u][b]Forwards:[/b][/u] [b]Vanek-Hodgson-Armia[/b] [b]Ennis-Grigorenko-Flynn[/b] [b]Tropp-Larsson-Leino[/b] [b]Gillies-Porter-Adam[/b] [u][b...
The Buffalo Sabres are now 3-0 in the preseason with an impressive 5-2 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. In front of 17.626 fans at the First Niagara Center, there was a lot of good things to take from the game last night. Some players took a step back, but some players made a statement with their performances. Carolina got the first goal of the game with...
It's only been 2 meaningless pre-season games so far, and most players have only appeared in one game so it's hard to put too much stock into anything. Especially with the coaching staff and team still trying to get on the same page and for all the players to understand the system. Other factors include not being familiar with teammates, linemates and also just plain old n...
It's only been 2 meaningless pre-season games so far, and most players have only appeared in one game so it's hard to put too much stock into anything. Especially with the coaching staff and team still trying to get on the same page and for all the players to understand the system. Other factors include not being familiar with teammates, linemates and also just plain old n...
Hey everyone! Hope you are all excited for the upcoming season! I know I sure am! For me, its a feeling g akin to the lead up to Christmas, your excited for all the surprises and fun nights coming up. Anyways, let's muse about Les Canadiens. So far in the preseason I think there's been a couple reasons to be very excited about the prospects and I'm going to ...
Hey everyone! Hope you are all excited for the upcoming season! I know I sure am! For me, its a feeling g akin to the lead up to Christmas, your excited for all the surprises and fun nights coming up. Anyways, let's muse about Les Canadiens. So far in the preseason I think there's been a couple reasons to be very excited about the prospects and I'm going to ...
With the season lurking upon us and the talk of rookies and young players being discussed and scrutinized like Global Warming in the year 2000 I thought it would be fun to look at a few what-if scenarios. Since the Vancouver Canucks fanbase has a reputation for being pretty pessimistic and fickle(insert lame overused riot joke here) I thought I would start off with the neg...
With the season lurking upon us and the talk of rookies and young players being discussed and scrutinized like Global Warming in the year 2000 I thought it would be fun to look at a few what-if scenarios. Since the Vancouver Canucks fanbase has a reputation for being pretty pessimistic and fickle(insert lame overused riot joke here) I thought I would start off with the neg...
[u][b]The Torts Effect: His System & The Effects Of Shot Blocking[/b][/u] Well all know that John Tortorella isn't afraid to speak his mind and seemingly has a fetish for shot blocking, but how about we actually do a little more research before just labelling him based on what he's most famous or infamous for. Will the Canucks really be more defensive under his watch co...
[u][b]Canucks Pre-Season Wrap-up: My Opening Day Lineup[/b][/u] With the final pre-season game in the books with a nice 5-0 win over former coach Alain Vigneault's New York Rangers everyone's attention will not turn toward the opening day lineup. It seems as if the team has settled in on the following roster, at least to start the season while Zach Kassian is suspende...
[u][b]The GM's Hat-trick: A Trade, A Signing and A Waiver Claim [/b][/u] It's been a busy 72 hours for Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis. Late Saturday night news broke that the Canucks had acquired forwards Zac Dalpe and Jeremy Walsh from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2014 4th Round Draft Pick and forward Kellan Tochkin. Then yesterday at around ...
[u][b]Kids Sent Down, The Forgotten Ones and New Lineup[/b][/u] With the recent acquisition of Zac Dalpe and an already crowded roster it's no surprise that shiny new rookies Bo Horvat and Hunter Shinkaruk were not in the team's plans for this season. I am a bit surprised that Hunter Shinkaruk didn't at least get a few games with the big club after showing some nice off...
[u][b]The GM's Hat-Trick: A Trade, A Signing and A Waiver Claim [/b][/u] It's been a busy few days for Vancouver Canucks General Manager Mike Gillis. Late Saturday night news broke that the Canucks had acquired forwards Zac Dalpe and Jeremy Walsh from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a 2014 4th Round Draft Pick and forward Kellan Tochkin. Then Sunday at around noo...
NHL is back! So much excitement in the air at the start of the season... It's always fun reading about the team predictions set by the “pros” and of course the projected points to make your witty picks for your hockey pool(s). With a slow schedule to start the season off, there have been some surprises and some disappointments. Most teams merely want to stay health...
Watching the Sabres this year has been akin to having a 3 hour root canal on most nights, especially in the first few games when coach Rolston's 'system' of choice was to sit back and hope nothing would go wrong rather than being proactive and trying to make something go right. There seem to be two styles of play employed league wide, and I would always rather the attac...
For those who are unaware of the situation in Lethbridge (Regardless of what Management believes), let me outline it for you before I couch GM a solution in just 5 easy steps. I swear, one day I am going to start off one of these blogs in a good mood because the team I am writing about isn't an absolute nightmare. If you are reading this wondering, [i]"Why are ...
I am going to do anyone who is reading this article a huge favour, go to youtube and type thunderous hockey hits. Then sit back and enjoy the lost and continually dying art of the body check. These days there are many available links to hockey highlights that purport to show a huge must see hit, yet rarely am I impressed. Recent rule changes and the over enforcement of old...
This quote by head coach Todd McLellan pretty much sums up the game for the Sharks. [quote]"We weren't the better team tonight and we have been on the other end of that where we were the better team and found a way not to win it. Tonight we found a way to come back."[/quote] The Sharks weren't the better team, fact. Vancouver dominated most of the play for 50 minutes...
According to Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail, the Leafs and Carolina are discussing a trade that involves John Michael Liles. Earlier in the week, Darren Dreger reported the Leafs and Carolina were talking a Liles trade, but nothing was imminent. Links: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Mike-Augello/Leafs-Holland-Not-A-Stop-Gap-Swapping-D-Men-Kessel-Has-The-Flu/120/5...
Jonathan Bernier has been nothing short of spectacular for the Maple Leafs this season. Yet, it would seem every couple of games, a goal is scored that would only happen in E division men's league. Are these house league horn sounders a tell-tale sign of things to come or just bad luck. Bernier is one of the most fundamentally sound goaltender in the NHL. For a small g...
Vancouver Canucks general manager Mike Gillis says his team is not interested in acquiring a rental player or giving up one of their top prospects in a trade. “We don’t like doing that [getting a rental player],” he told the TEAM 1040 on Thursday. “We’ve done it in the past, it hasn’t worked. “We like players we think we can sign and keep that are going to ...
Giroux writes...

My Team Canada

Posted Monday | Comments 0
A lot of people are picking their Canadian Olympic hockey team, so I thought I would give my input. rn First I will start with the forward lines;rn 1st Line: Tavares-Crosby-Stamkos (If he is healthy by Sochi) rn2nd Line: Getzlaf-Toews-Perry rn3rd Line: Couture-Thornton-Giroux rn4th Line: Sharp-Bergeron-Duchene rnExtras: ...
Jjp202 writes...

My Team Canada Other Guys

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
Everyone always says Canada could ice two hockey teams so I'm going to choose the other guys. The ones people are leaving off their teams. So first let's go over the locks for the real team canada. Goalies Lunogo and Price. Crawford? Defence Weber, Doughty, Keith, Pietranglo, Vasic?, Bowmeester?, Seabrook?, Subban ? Forwards Crosby, Toews, Bergeron, Getzlaf, Perry, S...
In light of the recent NHL hiatus I, like many hockey fans, have turned my attention towards the Winter Olympic Games that are currently taking place in Sochi, Russia. Similar to the food for thought being offered by legions of armchair GM’s around the world of hockey, I thought I would weigh in with my predictions of how this prestigious tournament will play itself out....
In light of the recent NHL hiatus I, like many hockey fans, have turned my attention towards the Winter Olympic Games that are currently taking place in Sochi, Russia. Similar to the food for thought being offered by legions of armchair GM’s around the world of hockey, I thought I would weigh in with my predictions of how this prestigious tournament will play itself out....
Jc61304 writes...

KeslerWatch

Posted Friday | Comments 1
Before I get started on this short writeup, I do realize the comments that have come out recently and that there's MAYBE a 1% chance of this actually happening. I'm totally in favor of the Pens making a run at Kesler. Without a doubt he's one of the best two-way forwards in the game and has one of the most cap-friendly contracts given what he returns on the ice. F...
The Hurricanes are going to miss the playoffs again. This is less of a prediction and more of an inescapable reality at this point. One could spend days dissecting this team in an effort to understand why the Hurricanes have only made the playoffs once in the past 8 seasons but rather than sitting here and tossing blame about like the overzealous poo-flinging monkeys w...
Since the departure of Mats Sundin the Leafs have been barking loudly that they are on the hunt for a top line centre. From the sorry excuses of Nik Antropov, Matt Stajan and Joey Crabb, to the decent installment of Tyler Bozak the leafs have still not filled this gap. I totally agree that the Leafs Defence needs to be upgraded. However, Rome wasn't built in a day. If ...
CanesTR writes...

What next for the Hurricanes?

Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
Long time Hurricanes writer, Luke DeCock says it's time to blow up the Canes. Ok, I get his reasoning. The Canes have been on the play-off fringe for years and, despite their higher investment level this year, nothing has changed. The fact is, they are just not good enough and haven't been for years. Might be time to look at the front office. Jim Rutherford is a brilliant ...
Say what you will about fans of the Montreal Canadiens. Sometimes they're overly optimistic. Sometimes they're irrationally pessimistic. But they're always passionate. News of the acquisition of Thomas Vanek sent Habs fans across the country into parade planning mode, and while the Cup may still be a pipedream for this club, Vanek gives this fanbase, which hasn't had all t...
Boy, that cushion disappeared fast. Once considered near locks for the playoffs, Montreal now find itself in one of the two wild card spots after a single win in their last five games. Over that stretch, backup Peter Budaj and AHL starter Dustin Tokarski have allowed eighteen goals, or 3.6 per game. At the time of year when playoff teams look to gain home ice and bubble...
Game One in Boston did not disappoint. The former Northeast (now Atlantic) division rivals traded blows with the Canadiens opening up a two-goal lead early in the second period on Rene Bourque's team leading fourth goal of the playoffs. The home-town Bruins roared back in the third, dominating the puck and out-shooting their opponents by a startling margin. This play e...
Game One in Boston did not disappoint. The former Northeast (now Atlantic) division rivals traded blows with the Canadiens opening up a two-goal lead early in the second period on Rene Bourque's team leading fourth goal of the playoffs. The home-town Bruins roared back in the third, dominating the puck and out-shooting their opponents by a startling margin. This play e...
Flash4 writes...

Look Out Vanek

Posted Friday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.montrealgazette.com/cms/binary/9633478.jpg[/img]rnrnrnThomas Vanek is a shooting star on the move. rnrnVanek played for three different NHL teams in the 2013-2014 season: The Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, and Montreal Canadians. Vanek's combined effort for the three teams in 78 games played was 27 goals and 41 assists for a total of 68 points. In te...
It has been a busy couple of months for Ron Francis, Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, since he took control of hockey operations from Jim Rutherford. First order of business for Ronnie was to dismiss the coaching staff after the abysmal performance last year. Not much debate needed there. Kirk Muller, et al, never really got it done ...
Today's FA extravaganza and the week or so leading up to it showed me a couple of things, as a Habs fan, that maybe the years of the two-headed soap opera that was the Gainey-Gauthier regime made me forget was even possible. I saw a management team go about the business of managing a professional sports team with the aim of making the team better, as well as more financial...
The title really isn't as far fetched as you may think. Many, ok most, think we are a bottom 5 team. It is hard to not agree based on what last year brought. Hell the past couple years of decline. But this year has the potential to be different, and by different I mean not as bleak as everyone thinks. Here's why: -New management +/- 0 call it a wash -New Coach with the...
GomezforMVP writes...

Stepping Forward?

Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Montreal Canadiens, especially general manager Marc Bergevin, are being praised for making the final four and finally becoming a major contender in the Eastern Conference. Even though the habs took huge steps forward with a much needed successful season, the pressure will surely mount as a hockey mad city is sure to have their expectations through the roof next season....
[b]Follow me on Twitter @DailyNHLGRIND[/b] [b]A Glance Back[/b] I don’t think anybody could have predicted the outcome of the brutally nicknamed metro-terrible division last season. Columbus impressed while the Capitals faltered. The Penguins took a dip in the playoffs while the Rangers surprised many after a rough start. Other teams sort of slotted right into thei...
[b]Follow me on Twitter @DailyNHLGRIND A Glance Back[/b] I don’t think anybody could have predicted the outcome of the brutally nicknamed metro-terrible division last season. Columbus impressed while the Capitals faltered. The Penguins took a dip in the playoffs while the Rangers surprised many after a rough start. Other teams sort of slotted right into their right...
The Blues came out strong in the first period, outplaying and outshooting the Hurricanes fourteen to six in the first period with little to show for it. Even with their strong play, they were unable to get a puck past stingy netminder Cam Ward. They were however rewarded at the end of the period with Vladimir Tarasenko and David Backes drawing penalties, allowing them to...
phoenixtf writes...

Bet Hockey Oct 8, 2014

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Along with a new season of hockey, starts the season of hockey betting. I use the site www.sportsinteration.com. There is a minimum of $2 per bet. [b]Montreal at Toronto[/b] Montreal +1.5 1.34 Toronto -1.5 3.35 Montreal 1.91 Toronto 1.91 Over 5.5 2.05 Under 5.5 1.80 I will be taking the over at $2.05 The first game...
Greetings and happy Canadian Thanksgiving! [b]Game 4 - Habs vs Bolts [/b] If you are like me, then you watched that train-wreck of a game until it was over. I'm sorry you had to see that. There are games that we enjoy as fans, and then there are those like tonight where our time would have been better spent cleansing our colons. The end result would have been the same...
Greetings, [b]Habs vs Bruins[/b] Anyone else love the Dryden to Price torch hand-off? In the world of sports there are very few rivalries that sparks such intense emotions than Bruins vs Habs. Am I happy with the outcome? Yes. Am I happy with how the game went? Nope. But let's break that down, shall we? I'm getting this out of the way right away. I didn't like ...
Hammanu writes...

All Habs, All The Time, Game 6

Posted Saturday | Comments 1
Greetings, [b]Habs [/b][b]vs [/b][b]Avs[/b] Before I get into the actual game, I would like to say congrats to Pierre Gervais on 2500 games in the NHL. I've never heard of an equipment manger as loved, nor a team throwing one a ceremony before, but hats off to the Habs on celebrating what has been a hard working and accomplished career so far. Keep in mind he's won a...
Greetings, [b]Habs vs Wings[/b] So this edition of the Habs has done something that hasn't been done since the 77/78 season, which is to win 6 of 7 to start a season. This torrid pace might not be sustainable for 82 games, but every point now is money in the bank when things get tight near the end of the season. I'll be the first to admit I began to feel a little ...
It’s easy to write-off the Carolina Hurricanes already this season. Winless thus far, the Hurricanes head west for a critical western swing. Just what they need to put the final nail in the coffin, right? It has been a tough start to the season for the Canes, battling a raft of injuries to top players, decimating an already talent-light roster. And, trade rumors have b...
stljam writes...

Miller expected to start tonight

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Update to add JR's projected lineup. Just a quick hit for you all in case it wasn't posted around. According to Canucks.com - Although an official announcement was not made, the early indications after yesterday's optional practice suggested that Miller would get the call for tonight's tilt. With Miller in net, I really am disappointed I can't attend tonight's g...
[b]Follow me on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind[/b] It was only a matter of time. The Colorado Avalanche finally unleashed the offensive weapons and defeated the Vancouver Canucks 7-3. It was the night of story lines for the Avs. But more importantly, it was a night they desperately needed. Coach Roy made it very clear after the loss Tuesday night tha...
Hammanu writes...

All Habs, All The Time, Game 8

Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Greetings! [b]Habs vs Rangers[/b] Before I start I need to rant a little. WTF is up with CBC/Sportsnet with only playing Leaf games on Hockey Night in Canada?!? Seriously, if I wanted to watch a mind numbing show I would turn on the Kardashians and slowly wait for my brain cells to die. It would hurt less... Now on to the Habs. You would have to go back 50 y...
[b]FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind [/b] The Avalanche lost 5-2 to the Canucks on Tuesday after scoring the first two goals of the game. They came out with an early jump and got on the board quick. John Mitchell received a nice pass from Alex Tanguay and lasered one past Ryan Miller for the goal just over a minute into the contest. It was his se...
[b]Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind[/b] Ladies and gentleman, the cardiac kids are back. Colorado was down two goals twice tonight and roared back to win 4-3 against the Hurricanes at the Pepsi Center. Reto Berra started the game but was pulled late in the first period after surrendering three goals on 10 shots. With Varlamov still suffering from ...
What, on earth, do you do with this hockey club? I hear a lot of "no-donts" online about them. Let's face it, the last time they had success, that success' name was Chris Pronger, and his wife nagged him to Anaheim. Since then, they've been nothing but a train-stop in a dead city. I'm not going to give some pretentious thorough evaluation of the team. ...
It’s hard to believe, but almost half of the NHL season is already in the books. At this moment, the Anaheim Ducks lead the league with 54 points. Tampa Bay leads the Eastern Conference. Montreal is currently #4 in the East, while Toronto is currently in playoff contention in the #7 spot. Winnipeg and Vancouver occupy the #6th and #7th spots respectively in the Western C...
[b]Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind[/b] Colorado was dominated once again in the shot category on Tuesday night in Carolina. The Hurricanes won 3-2 in the shootout and Calvin Pickard had to make 44 saves in his first NHL start in nearly three weeks. The Avs were playing their second of a back-to-back and came away with a single point after losi...
rnrnMinors, majors, up and downs, career 4th liner to top line on one of the best teams in the Eastern Conferece - what has Dale Weise done to get there and stay there?rnrnBrought over in a trade from Vancouver for Raphael Diaz, Weise had been a grinder, sticking his chin into situations attempting to change momentum for his team. Drafted 111th overall in '08 by the Range...
CanesTR writes...

Hurricane Watch

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
If you are not a Carolina Hurricanes fan, you likely view the Canes as another sad sack team struggling at the bottom of the standings. But, amidst all the trade rumors swirling around the Hurricanes these days, they have quietly put together an extended string of solid outings since the start of 2015 (9-3-3). Their latest effort was a hard-fought 5-4 win over the San Jo...
[b]Zack Kassian[/b] Kassian is a player who could make a very big difference on a playoff team put in the right situation. He had a very great junior career outside of his discipline issues, putting up solid numbers on a over powered Spitfires team, but thats not a Kassian brings to the table. He can go toe to toe with almost any player in the league as well as give...
Amidst wild speculation that the Pittsburgh Penguins were in discussion with the Carolina Hurricanes about a possible deal to bring back Jordan Staal, Hurricanes GM Ron Francis moved quickly to deny any such thing was happening, pronouncing "We are not moving Jordan!" At the same time, Ronnie Franchise was quick to confirm that the disposition of the current UFAs, specifi...
DVSP got bumped quickly to the 2nd line last night in Columbus. He didn't do anything too exciting but a couple of nice chances, a few hits and some blocked shots (a -2 doesn't help but) you can't ask for much more in your first game. The starting line is solid. Patches and Gallagher are here, signed up and locked in for a while. We could use an upgrade at top line cen...
stljam writes...

Blues trends continue

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The Blues continued recent trends in their 2 -1 victory over the host Edmonton Oilers, winning their second road game in a row on Canadian soil and handing the Oilers their third straight home loss. it also kept Elliott undefeated against Canadian teams this year. In the victory, the Blues failed to score more than two goals yet again even though they were facing an Oi...
thesnirk writes...

The Great MacT

Posted Sunday | Comments 2
First this great comment from a winning coach. My Favorite quote of the year. "All those beautiful stats, they're not worth nothing once the score is up there and the game is over. That's the most important stat and tonight they got one goal more than us," Bob Hartley (as per TSN) after out shooting Columbus 40-26 and loosing in overtime. Ok with that...
The Penguins, playing terrible of late, failed to defeat the lowly Hurricanes, who previously had six goals in their last seven games. Carolina won by a score of 5-2. Carolina star center Eric Staal had a goal and two assists and was named first star of the game and goaltender Cam Ward made 27 saves as Carolina, currently in the cellar of the Metropolitan Division, defe...
sesar writes...

All About Carey

Posted Friday | Comments 0
One has to believe watching Carey play that the Stanley Cup is not too far off. It is a perfect script. He has done it all and then some. He now stands alone atop the Montreal Canadian goaltenders for total wins in a single season with 43 to date surpassing the likes of Plante and Dryden. What a remarkable achievement! Since being drafted he has won a Calder Trophy, a g...
Two rivals from Western Canada surprised many by making the playoffs this season. They are the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames. Both teams haven’t won a playoff series since they made the Stanley Cup. The Canucks made it more recently in 2011 when they lost to the Boston Bruins and the Flames made it in 2004 when they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Flames ...
After the Flames qualified for their first postseason since 2009 they won their first playoff round since they made the Stanley Cup Final in 2004. Their opponent this time is the Western Conference champions the Anaheim Ducks a team they have not beaten at the Honda Center in their last 20 straight regular season games (0-15-5) and 2 out of 3 in the 2006 playoffs. Both the...
The Montreal Canadiens face the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round. The last time these two met was in last year’s Stanley Cup 1st round where The Canadiens swept the Lightning. When they met Ben Bishop missed the series due to a dislocated elbow, which proved to be one of the main reasons for them getting swept. Bishop didn’t play at his best in the 1st six games...
I have no basis on these trades other than what I think should happen. I also believe it would make a very fun draft day. I will explain the bigger trades, some just don't really need explaining. Trade 1 Edmonton receives 3rd overall pick (Hanifin) 29th/30th pick (Chicago) 63rd overall pick (Arizona) Arizona receives Leon Draisaitl 16th overall pick (Pitts...
KABOOM. Many have speculated and this week starts the changing of the guard in the NHL. The LA’s, Chicago’s, and Boston have run into a huge obstacle… Namely the salary cap. With so many teams rebuilding, retooling and shifting gears this week promises to be the beginning of the most active off season in over a decade. So what can we expect? Anaheim – One mu...
Now before people go off half cocked just remember all of these teams had a chance to negotiate contracts with these players for fair market value before the day after the NHL draft or file for arbitration. As soon as an offersheet is put down as an NHL GM i would look at the other RFA's on the team and find the one I like and put an offer sheet down. So here is how ...
westcoastoil writes...

I have a dream...

Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I have a dream.... that the Oilers can get impact young d-men to help with their cause now...rnrnSeem like a bit of a stretch? Maybe, but there might be a few trade scenarios that could work well for both sides, therefor making it a viable deal, even in this cap-crazy world we call the NHL.rnrnFirst off, let me just say that I love all the Oilers young forwards. I believe ...
[u][b]Evaluating The Canucks: Defense[/b][/u] To put it frankly, the Canucks defense is about as mediocre and unexciting you can get. No on the roster can be considered a cornerstone franchise defenseman. They lack a flashy puck mover that can excite the fans. They don't have a prototypical physical shutdown d-man that intimidates the opposition and clears the net on ...
It is no secret, the Canucks are nowhere near as good as they were when they won back to back presidents' trophies back in 2011 and 2012. They have done nothing in the past four seasons to make us think otherwise. Poor drafting and team management has led the Canucks to the inevitable. That is of course, the dreaded rebuild. The time frame for the rebuild falls in sync...
After the draft and a hectic beginning to free agency, teams are starting to settle in and we can get a better idea of what teams will look like going into training camp. The West once again looks ready to be the more impressive conference, with tough competition in both the Pacific and Central divisions. Today I want to focus on the Pacific Division. This year in particul...
I am a Canucks fan and I look at their current roster and I can't help but think someone's gotta go. Forwards Daniel Henrik Vrbata Burrows Higgins Bonino Vey Horvat Hansen Dorsett Prust Kenins Baertschi (though still unsigned assumed he's a lock for the team) Thats 13 one-way contracts at forward and team management saying they want to give Virtanen a ...
The 2014-2015 season gave Habs fans a lot to think about, after the Regular Season success and a unwanted, but half expected early exit from the Playoffs.rnrnThis article will cover the play of Carey Price and how NHL Fans view the All Star. The most common question revolves on the success of the Habs laying strictly on the Goaltender. If that is the case, the play of P...
I'll be the first to tell you that I didn't necessarily go out and buy a Semin jersey when Marc Bergevin gave him a 1 year deal with Le Bleu Blanc et Rouge. Actually, I probably have the worst luck when buying Habs jerseys/T-shirts. After I purchase them, the player of choice for my new gear typically gets traded, sign elsewhere, or bought out (Prust, Komisarek, Laraque). ...
We are 30 Days away from the beginning of the 2015-2016 NHL Season. Summer is coming to an end, and we are all looking forward to puck drop. We still need to go through the steps of the off season before we get excited. For Habs fans, we welcome the Golf Tournament, Medical Checks, Training Camp and Pre-Season Games. If we could fast forward to October 7th, and skip the ev...
The Marc Bergevin machine is now fully operational, next year we will see what he has been working on for some time. Alex Semin, Dale Weise, Tom Gilbert and yes, Thomas Plekanec will all be UFAs, Semin and Gilbert will most likely be let go making room for youth. However, with the way the organization is setup, Bergevin is now in a position of power, he can extend the cont...
Welcome to the first edition of the Hockeybuzz Fanstove. This series, inspired by the successful Hockeybuzz Hotstove, will share the views of regular posters. For our first question, we will tackle the Hotstove’s most recent question: who will win the Eastern Conference? [b]mdw7413[/b] I think it will be a toss-up between the Rangers, Bolts and Penguins if th...
The Vancovuer Canucks have gone from the leagues best team, to an outdated veteran roster that requires a serious rebuild. The team is still competitive, but is not capable of making a run for the Stanley Cup with their current roster. The core of the team is closing in on their last few NHL seasons. The Sedin twins have been the best players on the Canucks roster f...
In this article, I will outline which teams I believe will ice the top special team's index's this upcoming season. For those who are unsure what a special team index is; It is a number developed by adding both the PK% and the PP% of a specific team. As a reference point, last season the St. Louis Blues had the best index at 106, while the Sabres posted the worst index a...
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made it very clear that they are committed to dominating via an overpowering offence. They have a very deep core of forwards, many of which are able to play top six minutes. Unfortunately for some of these guys, this depth is going to drastically cut their ice time. When we look at the top six for the Pens, we instantly notice the big tw...
Hockey is back in the Buckeye State. Tonight, the Columbus Blue Jackets are hosting the Vancouver Canucks. The Jackets are just coming off a successful California trip, where they went (2-1-0), earning a possible 4 of 6 points. Now, they are poised they get their first home victory of the season. As for the Canucks, they are currently on a three game losing streak, and are...
On Tuesday night, Military Appreciation Night, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Vancouver Canucks by a final score of 5-3. This is the first time John Tortorella played his former team, and the veterans of the opposing team avoided Columbus from getting their first home win of the season. For the Canucks, the top line had four of the team's five goals- Jannik ...
Okay. Sorry Canucks fans but, this one falls on me. Watching the Canucks collapse and blow leads late has become routine latley, and quite honestly, its become pretty fun. The anticipation and build up really brings a new dimension to the whole 'Canuck' experience, exciting enough that one could argue the NHL shouldnt be worried at all about bigger nets or more goals...
Bonjour tout la monde! This evening, the Columbus Blue Jackets travel to the Bell Centré to battle the Montréal Canadiens. The Habs currently sit atop of the Atlantic Division; the Jackets are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The last game these teams played (not against each other), the Habs lost to New Jersey in overtime; for Columbus, it was a regulation...
Bon matin mes amis. Hier soir, les Canadiens de Montréal à gagné encore. Le finale est 2-1. C'était un bon match de hockey pour les Canadiens et les Blue Jackets. The Jackets stayed with Montréal until the end of the game, but the regulation loss doesn't help Columbus in their climb back up the standings. The Habs got goals from Paul Byron and Max Pacioret...
Bon matin mes amis. Hier soir, les Canadiens de Montréal à gagné encore. Le finale est 2-1. C'était un bon match de hockey pour les Canadiens et les Blue Jackets. The Jackets stayed with Montréal until the end of the game, but the regulation loss doesn't help Columbus in their climb back up the standings. The Habs got goals from Paul Byron and Max Pacioret...
As a Canucks fan I've been looking forward to this years entry draft a fair amount and keep thinking how much better off the Canucks would be if Jared McCann and Jake Virtanen could be learning in the Ahl but alas they played junior hockey in the Chl and aren't allowed to make that jump yet. So they are stuck playing 8-10 min a night in the NHL because they aren't quite re...
As we are in the midst of the holiday season and looking ahead both to 2016 and The Winter Classic, here are 12 takes on The Boston Bruins season thus far. 1-6: [b]Claude Julien - Coach of the Year[/b] For my money, [b]Claude Julien[/b] has to be the front runner for coach of the year honors in the NHL this season. Are there really any other clubs having unexp...
Many hockey fans, including myself, had written off the Canes playoff chances a while back and had started to put our attention elsewhere, looking at possible moves the Canes could make at the trade deadline and possibilities for the upcoming 2016 draft. Was highly sought after Eric Staal going or staying? Was Cam Ward a good choice for play-off bound teams seeking goa...
Those of us who follow the Carolina Hurricanes closely continue to be pleasantly surprised by the consistent, high quality play of the Canes defence grouping. We keep waiting for the shoe to drop, but guess what? Not going to happen. Outsiders look at a “D” group of Faulk, Hainsey, Liles, Hanifin, Pesce, and Slavin and say “who?”, dismissing them as light weight an...
Those of us who follow the Carolina Hurricanes closely continue to be pleasantly surprised by the consistent, high quality play of the Canes defence grouping. We keep waiting for the shoe to drop, but guess what? Not going to happen. Outsiders look at a “D” group of Faulk, Hainsey, Liles, Hanifin, Pesce, and Slavin and say “who?”, dismissing them as light weight an...
On Friday night, the Carolina Hurricanes spoiled Seth Jones' Blue Jackets debut in a 4-1 loss in Raleigh. The Hurricanes got goals from Elias Lindholm (2), Chris Terry, and Jordan Staal. Other players with points include Kris Versteeg (2), Jeff Skinner, Riley Nash, Eric Staal, and Jacob Slavin. Cam Ward stopped 35 of 36 Blue Jackets shots for a 0.972 save percentag...
On Friday night, the Carolina Hurricanes spoiled Seth Jones' Blue Jackets debut in a 4-1 loss in Raleigh. The Hurricanes got goals from Elias Lindholm (2), Chris Terry, and Jordan Staal. Other players with points include Kris Versteeg (2), Jeff Skinner, Riley Nash, Eric Staal, and Jacob Slavin. Cam Ward stopped 35 of 36 Blue Jackets shots for a 0.972 save percentag...
Blues vs. Carolina Hurricanes - 1/14/16 game day preview The Blues continue their home stand against their second consecutive Eastern conference team when they take on the Carolina Hurricanes at the Scottrade Center at 7pm tonight. The Hurricanes come in on a hot streak, winners of their last 3 games and taking points in 8 of their last team. Even with the hot streak...
What a treat for Columbus. The struggling Habs come to Columbus to battle here tonight prior to crossing the border tomorrow. The Jackets are still without head coach John Tortorella after suffering broken ribs during a practice outside at the a Winter Park, colliding with ex-Hab Rene Borque. The Habs have been struggling lately in every position, and the biggest r...
Oh my goodness. Last night, the Blue Jackets snapped their losing streak to the Montreal Canadiens, by a final score of 5-2. Montreal got goals from Brendan Gallagher and PK Subban. Other players with points include Andrei Markov and Jeff Petry. Lars Eller, my player to watch, played 15:22 last night with a plus/minus -1 rating and one shot on net. Mike Condon allowed...
CBJ Game No. 51: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens Bonjour mes amies. Ce soir, les sont voyages à Québec. Hier soir, le est frappe les Canadiens, 5-2. Tonight, revenge is on the mind of the Habs after losing to Columbus last night. The question is how tired are both teams. Projected Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner – Brandon Dubins...
CBJ Game No. 51: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Montreal Canadiens Bonjour mes amies. Ce soir, les sont voyages à Québec. Hier soir, le est frappe les Canadiens, 5-2. Tonight, revenge is on the mind of the Habs after losing to Columbus last night. The question is how tired are both teams. Projected Lineups Columbus Blue Jackets Boone Jenner – Brandon Dubins...
CBJ Post-Game No. 51- Looking Up The Jackets did it last night. They completed a home and home series that now has them inching up the standings. The final score was 5-2. They are now tied with Edmonton and Toronto, but they have played the most games. Montreal got goals from Alex Galchenyuk (my player to watch) and Devante Smith-Pelly. Other players with points inc...
CBJ Post-Game No. 51- Looking Up The Jackets did it last night. They completed a home and home series that now has them inching up the standings. The final score was 5-2. They are now tied with Edmonton and Toronto, but they have played the most games. Montreal got goals from Alex Galchenyuk (my player to watch) and Devante Smith-Pelly. Other players with points inc...
The Western Canada trip started on a sour note for the Blue Jackets, and look to rebound in a series of back-to-back match ups over the course of the next two nights. First for the Jackets, the transitioning Vancouver Canucks. These two teams faced each other on Novemeber 10. For the Canucks, the top line had four of the team's five goals- Jannik Hansen, Daniel Sedin, ...
On Wednesday night, March 2nd 2016, there was the unveiling of the jerseys and preliminary rosters for all the teams competing in the World Cup of Hockey. For the Blue Jackets, three players made it onto Team North America, a team that makes up the best players ranging between the ages of 18-23, but not over 24. Ryan Murray, Seth Jones, and Brandon Saad are the thr...
CBJ Post-Game No. 74- Canes Collect Points From Columbus Last night, the Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-2 in regulation. Carolina got all three goals in the third period. The Canes got all three goals in a span of less than two minutes. Viktor Rask scored his 17th goal of the season 52 seconds in. At 2:19, Chris Terry sc...
The Columbus Blue Jackets have defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by a final score of 5-1. The Hurricanes lone goal was the first one of the game, which came in the first period. Jeff Skinner scored his 28th of the season; Jacon Slavin and Viktor Rask had the assists. Eddie Lack was the starting netminder for the Hurricanes, and he stopped 22 of 27 for a 0.915 save perce...
Match Ups: Round One Hershey Bears v. Portland Pirates Toronto Marlies v. Bridgeport Sound Tigers San Diego Gulls v. Texas Stars Ontario Reign v. San Jose Barracuda Lake Erie Monsters v. Rockford Ice Hogs Millauawke v. Grand Rapids Griffins Providence Bruins v. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Albany Devils v. Utica Comets Predictions Hershey i...
thejonathans writes...

Trade Idea MTL-CBJ

Posted Monday | Comments 0
Trade Idea.rnrnTo Montreal Canadiens To Columbus Blue Jacketsrn4th round pick in 2017 Lars EllerrnrnThe Blue Jackets Need 4th Line Help, and the Canadiens Don't need some of their players because they have too many guys that would normally be in the lineup.
Just for the fun I will try to complete a second team Canada roster for the world cup from which whom was not taken. Forwards Line 1 Perry - spezza -Hall Line 2Nash -Carter - ladd Line 3 sharp - bozak - lucid Line 4 Neal - Jordan staal - cammalleri Defence Subban - campbell Letting - seabrook Giordano - hamhuis Phaneuf Goalies Luongo - fleury - Crawford...
From the beloved Saku Koivu to the often detested Alex Kovalev, star players in Montreal have always received just a little extra love or hate from fans and media not only in the city itself, but across the league. When a team is as polarizing as the Canadiens, their biggest players are either praised or loathed equally. Which brings us to PK Subban. As immense a pers...
The Eye of the Storm is almost upon us Caniac Nation. Next month we will be watching our future phenom, Sebastian Aho compete in the World Cup. Shortly after, our boys will be back in Raleigh, ready to turn the tide after 7 long years. Gone will be our former Captain, Eric Staal, Malone, Nash and Gerbe. Arriving will be new faces; Stempniak, Teravainen, Stalberg and Bickel...
thejonathans writes...

Hudler

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So where does hurler sign? he's still unsigned, and so's russell. two former flames who got traded at the deadline. but everyone's talking about Russell, so i will ask, where does hurler sign? I think maybe Montreal.
The United States defeat Canada in Nationwide Arena in the first preliminary games of the tournament. The final score was 4-2. Zach Parise, Team USA and Minnesota Wild alternate captain, score the first goal of the game. (1-0) Patrick Kane, the reigning Hart Trophy winner of the Chicago Blackhawks, made it 2-0. Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins scored the f...
As the Carolina Hurricanes approach the 2016-17 season, there are still a number of questions unanswered regarding the upcoming season. It is expected to be a spirited training camp with some key positions up for grabs. With that in mind, the upcoming NHL Prospect Tournament in Traverse City, September 16-20, will be a major opportunity for some of the exciting new talent ...
With the preliminary matchups wrapping up in the World Cup of Hockey, not much has been discussed about Team USA besides head coach John Tortorella and his methods. First, he asked a question in regards to an issue that occurred in another sport- about the controversy of the National Anthem. His response- he "would bench anyone who sits during the anthem." This call fo...
The official start to the tournament starts today and goes until October 1, but nothing gets a conversation going like an opinion. So let's start. Division One United States of America Canada Czech Republic Europe Division Two Sweden Russia Finland North America Canada and USA will advance. The Czech and Europe are two of the weaker t...
The official start to the tournament starts today and goes until October 1, but nothing gets a conversation going like an opinion. So let's start. Division One United States of America Canada Czech Republic Europe Division Two Sweden Russia Finland North America Canada and USA will advance. The Czech and Europe are two of the weaker t...
Edmonton Oilers - Tale of two cities - This team started as a team you question defensively as against Calgary they should have lost. Then you have the drubbing against the injury riddled Sabres. Looking bleak and the team tightens up and wins two fairly sound games. Also if this team does well I would like to point out it isn't Chiarelli, its him finding haystack and...
[b][b] Match-up – Philadelphia Flyers (3-5-1 )@ Carolina Hurricanes (2-3-1) Road/Home records – 1-2-1 -------------------- 1-0-0 TV –TCN, FSCR Puck drop - 8:00 PM ET Season series - 1-0 Philadelphia; 6-3 in Philadelphia on October 22nd Projected starting goalies –Mason/Neuvirth (PHI) –Unconfirmed v. Cam Ward (CAR) – Confirmed Goals for/against per gam...
Bienvenue au Columbus. Ce soir, le au Columbus fait un match de hockey avec des Canadiens aux Montréal. Tonight is the first meeting of the season, and as I usually do, I look over the offseason changes of the opposing team before any further breakdown. After the collapse of Carey Price, the Habs had an extremely subpar season, and drafted low as a result, making vas...
Je suis désolé Montréal, mais zut! 10 à 0. Finale. The Montreal Canadiens, the league's best team was utterly dominated and destroyed and blanked by the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 10-0. Let's get through the goals in order since there is only one team to talk about on the score sheet. The first goal of the game was one of four scored on t...
The Southern road trip for the Blue Jackets commences with a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina to take on the youthful Hurricanes. This is their first meeting of the season, and all three season meetings will be happening in the next 11 days. Crazy, isn't it? But that's how the schedule works. Flashing back to the offseason, here's a quick look at what the Canes have don...
Nothing like a good pun right? Onto the serious stuff, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Carolina Hurricanes by the final score of 5-3. Cam Atkinson opened the scoring with less than two minutes, beating Cam Ward on a nice little deke from behind the net. His goal was his 20th of the season, becoming the third player in franchise history to score 20 goals in four s...
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to take on the previous team that John Tortorella coached in the Vancouver Canucks. Tort’s time with the Canucks was short and brief as they were a non-playoff team that season. The Canucks were able to select Jake Virtanen with the bad year they had under him, plus they hired current bench boss Willie Desjardins. ...
The Vancouver Canucks managed to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 3-0. Daniel Sedin opened the scoring in the second period with his 12th goal of the season. Brother Henrik Sedin and former Calgary Flames prospect Markus Granlund had the assists. My player to watch for the Canucks added to his team’s lead. Former Boston Bruin Loui Eriksson s...
derfmred writes...

Habs View From The Rock : 2

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Well it has been a very long time since I have done this, I always have good intentions but four kids and a job kind of cut into my blogging time. But here I go again, I will try to do this once a week at least and who knows maybe some day someone will read this. Well it is a day before the trade deadline and the Habs have some work to do. Work that is going to be hard ...
Players have been reacting chiefly negatively to the NHL's decision to not participate in the Olympics. 1. [b]Evaluating the Strength of Tradition[/b] NHL is trying to replace the Olympics with this "World Cup" device. Now let's put hockey world cup into context with football/soccer world cup. The World Cup of Football was started in 1930 in Uruguay and has been a ...
sizzlingsniper writes...

What Comes After

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Its been three days since the Montreal Canadiens got defeated by the New York Rangers in game 6, with all the glaring disappointment this team has had in the playoffs there are some bright spots with this team. Artturi Lehkonen, just 21 years of age and has already shown that he knows how to score goals in this league. Out of all Montreal Canadiens players he was third in ...
THX1138 writes...

The 31, August 7 edition

Posted Monday | Comments 0
31 teams; 31 reasons to post a random comment. Let's go. Anaheim Ducks – The Ducks are a conundrum for me. They have a good roster. They’ve won the Pacific Division something like five seasons in a row. There was very little change to their roster this summer. It seems like they can make the final four group in the playoffs on any given season, but ultimately, this ...
The issue: He is not a play making center. His unique ability to not pass to his teammates allows him to barely have any primary assists or even assists in general for that matter. And for someone who does this, you'd expect them to take a lot of shots. Although he has bad shot generation. Some of you might feel it is because Canucks were a bad team last year. But he was ...
Montreal scored a whole four goals in four games. It's only four games in, surely! They're generating 38.8 shots per game! By my calculation, that leaves the team with a collective ~2.5% shooting percentage. So if stats guys are right, then their gambler's fallacy will tell them that this shooting percentage will shoot up to about 9-9.5% soon enough and they'll be sc...
Sec111 writes...

Hurricanes need a blogger

Posted Monday | Comments 0
So why is an Islanders fan writing a Hurricanes blog, well for a few reasons. My son has been a Hurricanes fan since they move to Carolina, never really said exactly why, but still roots for them today. (Maybe Grandma living there has something to do with it) I will probably be heading there in a few years to get away from all the expenses of Long Island, so naturally the...
--So a happy New Year to everyone, and now how happy will it be in Carolina? Tonight is the first game in a brutal 2 week schedule for the boys from Raleigh, with 6 games in 10 days, 3 of them vs The Washington Caps, with Pittsburgh, red hot Boston, and Tampa squeezed between tonight's Cap game and a home and home tilt to wrap up the stretch. So the going will get tough...
Let’s get one thing straight: the Carolina Hurricanes goaltending has been putrid. The Canes poor netminding is the number one contributor to their position as only the final wildcard spot. That’s right – the Hurricanes should be higher. So let’s take a look at how to fix that problem. Out of 50 goalies who have played at least 500 minutes at 5v5, Scott Darl...
Calgary Flames: Just who are these flames? Last year it looked as though the only issues were goaltending and blueline depth. Those issues looked to be shored only to have consistency plague them. No wonder Gulutzan went on a tirade. They need others to step up namely Bennett. Edmonton Oilers: Simple, Chia Pet Chiarelli is at the helm. Still waiting for first domino, Ch...
After a rookie season that saw him put up 49 points in 82 games, Sebastian Aho has elevated his game during his sophomore season to superstar forward level. Aho is currently on pace for 66 points during his second NHL season at the ripe age of twenty years old. Impressive stuff from a player that many don’t pay attention to, and probably haven’t since he entered the...
Over the next few weeks I'm going to run a bit of a series looking at some players that may be of interest to Edmonton. The first player on this list is Brendan Gallagher of the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens are one of the few teams that are in a worse position than the Oilers. Oiler fans were infuriated with the Taylor Hall trade but at least we still have Connor M...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 20 Carolina Chaos, NHL Player Poll, and No Playoff Surge Debate 1 | Carolina removes Ron Francis at General Manager Debate 2 | NHL Player Poll – Who are the players favorites Debate 3 | What teams are playing themselves out of the playoffs. Brad Burud and Blake Friars are ready to debate. What is going on in Carolina...
The Instigator |Episode 11 GOAL! Are you Kidding Me! Cam Ward allowed one of the weirdest goals ever last week. The puck was rung around the boards by Arizona Coyotes Alex Goligoski. Ward exited his net to stop the puck. The puck stuck in his skate, and Ward (not knowing where the puck was) slid to the front of the net in order to defend his foot slid into the net. T...
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 8 Canucks Legends Retire and Humboldt Broncos Tragedy Brad Burud is joined with guest Blake Friars to discuss Vancouver Canucks legends Daniel and Henrik Sedin. The Sedins announced their retirement two weeks prior to the end of the regular season, and the final games were very exciting and the tribute was amazing. We ...
As a genetic counselor, I have always been fascinated with twins. When I meet twins, I love to talk to them and find out how similar and dissimilar they are. In the case of identical twins, I simply marvel at nature and how something so unique can happen. With fraternal twins, they are no different than siblings genetically, but I am amazed to sense the bond they share w...
The new owner wants to change the team culture and is off to a running start in firing former GM Ron Francis. Bill Peters is gone to Calgary and Rod Brind'Amore and Don Waddell have been installed as the new coach and GM. Although as a hockey fan, I feel Francis did a great job building a solid foundation of defensive prospects, ie: Fleury, Bean, Hanifin and offensive pros...
While the Buffalo Sabres came up big with the 1st overall pick and Rasmus Dahlin, the Hurricanes arguably had the best fortune with the Draft Lottery, moving from #11 to #2. With the #2 pick the Canes will likely be selecting Svechnikov. So the obvious question here is.... how do the Oilers benefit from this? Let's look at some of the players from the Hurricanes the ...
Hello all, my name is Sean Desjardins and I currently live in Fort St John, BC after moving from Vancouver three years ago. My favourite teams are the Canucks and the Lightning and I love aggressive, puck control, pinching teams like the Lightning and Nashville. I love hockey at all times of the season, but fully understand the draw of the playoffs as the effort and stak...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 29 NHL Draft Shuffle, Flames/Canes Trade and Top Targets Debate 1 |NHL Draft – Winners and Losers Debate 2 |Flames/Canes Blockbuster Trade Debate 3 |NHL Free-Agents and Trade Targets Its NHL Draft time and Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown the winners and losers, and what players moved up and what players fell in...
TopCoffre writes...

Let's talk Habs!

Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
We're about a month away from puck drop, and I don't remember being more excited for October to arrive. It's a bit a of wierd statement coming from a Habs fan, considering the state of the team, so I figured I'd share my excitement with you guys. First part : it could be quick...Wait, what could be quick? I'm talking about how the 2018-19 season is going to go for the ...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 36 Matthews$, Offer Sheets, Pettersson Slam and Teams in Trouble Brad Burud and Blake Friars are fired up to talk Austin Matthews money. Is his future in Toronto? How much will he get paid? Can the Leafs afford him? What is the chance of an offer sheet on him or William Nylander? Then they dive (or slam) into the Elias Petterss...
The Instigator |Episode 17 Death Threats…C’mon People Well the Elias Pettersson hit from Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson was one thing, but death threats is way out of line. The suspension was handed down from the NHL and it was two games. Was it a little much, yes maybe, but then in the week following Matheson has now received death threats from Van...
The Instigator |Episode 18 Stop the Childish Celebration I am all for having fun when you play hockey. That is why we play the game..but what the Carolina Hurricanes have been doing after wins at home has me shaking my head. What is happening to this league. This is the most childish celebrations I have ever seen. Just when you thought that was the extent of the cele...
It has essentially been a great start for Canadian Teams. All teams are competing in some way for playoffs. That being said, we are seeing the senators fall as they should have. Other teams have been hot and cold. So what do we make of all this? Let's start with the East. Toronto Maple Leafs: This team is always going to be the most hated and most liked, that will n...
jking7 writes...

The Pacific Division Gives Thanks

Posted Wednesday | Comments 5
Many hockey insiders believe American Thanksgiving to be the time of year where NHL General Managers sit down, take a hard look at their rosters, and evaluate where they are and where their season could be headed. Most teams have played roughly 20 games by this point, so by this time many GMs have developed a solid understanding of what is working for their club, and what ...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...

Hey! We are fans too…

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 52 Hey! We are fans too… It is our most selfish episode ever, but a damn good one. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk about what they love. It is time to talk about their favorite teams. Blake talks about why he is a Vancouver Canucks fan. Talks about his greatest moments as a Canucks fan and tells you why he thinks they wi...
Have the Carolina Hurricanes turned a corner? Or have they simply been playing this good all year without results? Spoiler alert: it’s the latter. Let’s start at the beginning of the year and go through the 31st of December. The Hurricanes controlled 56.33% of shot attempts at 5v5 through the first 38 games of the year, yet they only sported a 16-7-5 record which...
The Carolina Hurricanes are dominating the NHL playoffs at 5v5, but their special teams play has left much to be desired. Carolina’s weakness in the playoffs has been their penalty kill and power play units struggling to find success. The Hurricanes poor special teams play nearly wasted a dominating possession performance against Washington. Tampa found out just ho...
In an extremely tight playoff race, the Canucks have managed to find themselves atop the Pacific division with a very unsettling three point lead. The young Canadian team finds themselves with 65 points, followed closely by the Oilers, Knights, Flames, and Coyotes who are all within 5 points of the Canucks. With five teams battling to win the Pacific division, none of t...
In the latest mud slinging from Feschuk, he throws Hutchinson under the bus and pretty much says he has got to go and enough of the sugar coating. I don't disagree that Hutchinson has not been a great back up but to take advantage of his position as a writer for the star and spew venom is uncalled for. Say he is not the answer, but stop playing with a human beings job. rn...
After tonight, there is no reason why the Sharks could not make a push into the playoffs. Sure, the division has many competitive teams, but none are taking control of their destiny. The Canucks lost to an outdated Minnesota roster, and to make things worse, Pettersson missed the game due to a lower body injury. Jay Beagle and Jake Virtanen were injured as well, but cam...
JDB writes...

Flames Win BIG Over Canucks

Posted Sunday | Comments 2
Saturday night went quite well for the Calgary Flames, bulldozing the Vancouver Canucks 6-2 in enemy territory. It’s no secret this season has been tough for the Flames, especially after such a wonderful year last season, that saw them hit first in the Western Conference. They were a team with a killer instinct, and that finally cam alive against their divisional rival. ...
It's a testament to the drafting of the Canucks to get Calder nominees in 3 consecutive seasons without a first overall or even a top 3 pick. It's the first time this has happened in the post 67' expansion era and the first time in over 50 years. Also, the Canucks are the first team in the expansion era to have a Calder nominee in 3 straight years with at least one ...
Here are three reasons why the Habs will win the North Division! I dont think you can disagree on any of the below and if you do, please comment! rnrn1. Superior tendies:rnrnThe 2020-21 NHL season is a 56-game sprint with 11 back to backs for the Habs played over 116 days. Having two superior tendies is very key to a team’s success. The Habs have Carey Price (save %. 90...
sdperry writes...

Playoff hockey starts now!

Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Teams are working towards the second half push. Those teams who have depended on stick checks and fancy moves will likely win a few, but will be disappointed with some hard losses. I hope to have some insight soon as to who will flourish and who will falter.
rjbot writes...

NHL Covid Safety is a Joke

Posted Saturday | Comments 555
As of writing the NHL has postponed 46 games due to covid, almost an entire teams worth of games (shortened season down to 56 games) have been postponed! Yet the NHL doesn’t seem to care nor do they seem like they want to. I see some pretty clear ways they could curve the spread of the virus, now given none of these are perfect nor will they fully stop the spread of Covi...
Nucker101 writes...

Bo Horvat Trade Analysis

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The New York Islanders acquiring Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks is a significant trade that impacts both teams. From the Islanders' perspective, acquiring Horvat provides the team with a talented, top-line center who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Horvat is a two-way player who has consistently produced at a high level, scoring over 20 goals in...
Nucker101 writes...

Bo Horvat Trade Analysis

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The New York Islanders acquiring Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks is a significant trade that impacts both teams. From the Islanders' perspective, acquiring Horvat provides the team with a talented, top-line center who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Horvat is a two-way player who has consistently produced at a high level, scoring over 20 goals in...
Nucker101 writes...

Bo Horvat Trade Analysis

Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The New York Islanders acquiring Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks is a significant trade that impacts both teams. From the Islanders' perspective, acquiring Horvat provides the team with a talented, top-line center who can contribute both offensively and defensively. Horvat is a two-way player who has consistently produced at a high level, scoring over 20 goals ...
Here is a list of players I think could be on the move this trade deadline (unlike ivan barbashev) that will be keys to support a contender looking to better their bottom six add depth to their blueline or assurance in goal. [u]Pending UFAs[/u] Accairi Blueger Glendening Kerfoot Kessel Lyon Motte Namestnikov Stetcher Sundqvist Watson [u]Players with term...

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