Tag Search Results for "ek"
Throughout the season, the Sabres haven’t done had much to criticize. One characteristic about their play that has popped up from time to time is that at times they tend to play too cute.
It hasn’t been uncommon to see “the extra pass” from Vanek… after you just saw “the extra pass” from Roy. They are just not a team who likes to pepper the opposing goa...
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...
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...
Even though the Preds are off tonight I will still be watching Versus and the scoreboard from around the league. Here are my PREDictions for tonight’s match ups.
[b]Calgary at Detroit[/b]: As much as I want to predict an upset here I think the Wings will come out on top tonight. I see a low scoring affair…2-1 or 3-2 Wings. (Detroit wins the series)
[b]NY Islander...
"When you stick your elbow in his face and put knee on knee that's an intent to injure. That's why he got kicked out of the game," said San Jose Sharks Head Coach Ron Wilson after Wednesday nights game against Predators.
Here’s the deal…I was at the game. I saw the hit. I knew when it happened that he was getting the 5 minute major. I did not know if a game misc...
Tonight starts the quest for the Cup
Lord Stanley will come to it's rightful place in BUFFALO, NY
Thomas Vanek will score 2 goals
Other scores: Connolly, Drury, Briere
Tonight starts the Journey that will be finished when Buffalo Wins the Stanely Cup right here in BUFFALO,
Join Sabres fans during the game at [b]www.sabreschat.com/chat.shtml [/b]to talk a...
Sabres are up 2-1 after 2 periods. The Sabres are playing pretty well, but they aren't capitalizing on some chances that they usually would. Roy's giveaway was terrible and led to the Isles only goal so far. If the Sabres can score on the PP at the start of the 3rd, they should be in good shape. Should be a good 3rd period!
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 ...
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...
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...
I was looking forward to more behind-the-scenes video podcasts like "All-Star Game, Day 1 parts 1 and 2." What happened to day 2?
It did take Brian Wilson almost 40 years to finish SMiLE.
Well, I am up here in Cape Cod surviving the current Nor'easter. I figured I would have some fun and show Eklund the potential of what his video blogs could be. I whipped something...
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...
Is it just me or does this seem like it should be game 6 of this series!? Man the first two games have taken allot out of me as a fan I can only imagine what the players must be feeling.
The war of words continues between Ron Whiner and Barry Trotz. Whiner says he thinks that the suspension to Radulov should have been longer (whoa…what a shock!). Trotz is sticking to ...
Help Me out Hockeybuzz Nation!
Seriously…a friend just came up and asked me that question. My first instinct is to say “no, of course not!” But when you hear the talking heads (Brett Hull, Barry Melrose) talk about us I begin to question it myself.
I don’t think of Hartnell as a dirty player…but ask a Sharks fan and you’ll get an earful.
Ask if they t...
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...
Is it just me or does it seem like this should be game 6 of this series!? Man the first two games have taken allot out of me as a fan and I can only imagine what the players must be feeling.
The war of words continues between Ron Whiner and Barry Trotz. Whiner says he thinks that the suspension to Radulov should have been longer (whoa…what a shock!). Trotz is sticking...
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 ...
The Sabres put forth a much better effort in Game 3, resulting in a 3-2 win and the lead in the series. Finally, the Sabres forwards scored all 3 goals, including goals from Briere and Vanek. Zubrus currently leads the team in points, with 4 (all assists). He was great again tonight, providing good offense and defense along with a strong physical game. Both of the goal...
Anytime your team loses I think the first reaction is to look at your team and find fault. While I will do that in a post later today I think I first need to give credit to the Sharks for a well played game.
[b]What They Did:[/b]
[b]Played Physical[/b] - The Sharks played the physical game I expected but they did not take the penalties that I thought would come with ...
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...
Trotz looked beaten, saying "We're going to have a mourning period for about an hour, and then we'll look forward to the next game."
What? Is this the kind of response you expect from the guy who is supposed to shape the way his team feels and reacts to a loss like this? I don't think so.
The Preds have not played well these past two games of the series and in doing...
We all know tonight is do or die. Win or go home. Win or golf tomorrow. Win or pack up their lockers (and offices maybe if your Trotz) tomorrow.
With their backs to the wall the Preds have to come out and take control of this game early. The crowd will be there (all 17,113 of them) and be waiting to explode with support for their boys. Just give us a reason early. A big...
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...
Though I am a believer in only the one, true, God...thank-you hockey gods (and San Jose Sharks)!!! How fitting that Thugville's third major (non-fighting) penalty and countless game misconduct cost them the game and series! It could not have been more perfect. If you can blame the lack of hockey enthusiasm on any players, it would certainly include the thugs of the game...
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...
nephew23 writes...
"It was something I'd do in the regular season – any time."
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
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...
Eklund has his airline ticket to Nashville for the Sharks and Preds game seven but the problem is there won't be a game seven.
For the second year in a row the Preds were handed a 4 games to 1 series loss at the hands of the San Jose Sharks. Seriously...if I see anything teal right now I might just hurl!
This was a physical series (some might even say dirty...but l...
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...
nephew23 writes...
I Couldn't Agree More...But I'm So Happy A Canadian Said It!
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
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...
Early estimates had the Predators averaging *13,600 fans this past season but Tuesday the Predators announced that the average paid attendance was in fact 13,815. That puts the Preds much closer to the magic 14k paid figure that they need by 08-09 (a stipulation set in the last CBA)to take part in the revenue sharing. On the flip side it also still has them below 14k and t...
Dear Santa Clause (aka: Mr. Hicks and Mr. Armstong),
As this sport very much relates to a holiday – the regular season being New Year’s through Thanksgiving and the playoffs being Christmas – here is my Christmas wish list for the off-season (in essay form!).
The Dallas Stars have now compiled three straight first-round exits after solid, promising regular-seas...
The No Walk Rangers had much to say before game one of the Eastern Conference semi-finals, but very little to say after it. The Sabres won the opening game handily, 5-2, with two goals from Tomas Vanek, one each by Ales Kotalik, Jason Pominville, & Drew Stafford, and another solid performance by Ryan Miller. The Rangers were clearly outplayed in every facet of the game; f...
Luongo07 writes...
I won't run and hide when my team loses, it's all good
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
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...
Cleon_Daskalakis writes...
Looking Ahead (already) to Next Season's Sabres Lineup.
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Rangers have NO chance. In addition to the Sabres being the overall superior team in every facet of the game, this series is a terrible match up for the Rangers. Sabres in 5 at most.
Since I’m confident that round two is “in the bag” already… Let’s spend a little time looking forward to next season. Here’s how I think the line up will look on openi...
Here is my recap of the current chart listings for UFAs:
[b]sim[/b]- no, can't skate, inconsistent effort
[b]laaksanen[/b]- no- I'd rather have the uncle
[b]gelinas[/b]- no- too old to help a team that probably won't make the playoffs. waste of $$
[b]white[/b]- maybe [i]if [/i]he is a good f/o man, but he looks like marty murray redux
[b]markov[/b]- probably not goi...
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...
[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...
Syntax writes...
Naslund leading the team in goal scoring; Injury updates
Posted Monday | Comments 0
[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...
I love the NHL playoffs…I really do but I guess I’m a little preoccupied with the San Jose – Detroit series for a couple of reasons. The first being that San Jose just knocked us (the Preds) out in five games in round one. You get to know another team pretty well during a playoff series. I got to know, for better or worse, these Sharks really well during round one.
...
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...
Okay…so I was talking to my dad the other night about the Wings and Sharks (I think it was before game three) and he said something that I found very interesting. He said that he didn’t mind the Wings playing the Sharks because they don’t finish games well.
Hmmm…I thought. Let’s see. The Sharks just beat the wings in Game 1 2-0 and I thought they finished that...
The Predators picked up the one year options today on the entire coaching staff of the Preds meaning that head coach Barry Trotz, assistants Brent Peterson, Peter Horachek and goaltending coach Mitch Korn will all be back with the club next season.
Preds GM David Poile had this to say about Trotz:
“Teams and ownership change coaches, and managers, for that matt...
Power forwards...huge, hulking, “whittle-guy” killers that can skate...a goalie’s worst nightmare...and supposedly, the ghost of Christmas past. The new rules adopted my “My NHL” practically sent them to their graves. At the very least, the new rules assured a long, penalty-plagued transition. Many of the typical power forwards became a liability to their team...
So…I guess I showed my true colors last night in the Sharks – Red Wings game. It was the moment (you’ll remember it) when Grier was pursuing Lindstrom and Hasek came out to play the puck. Hasek goes to play it off the boards and Grier intercepts it and goes for a sure thing wrap around just as Niklas “faster than a speeding bullet” Lindstrom comes sailing...
Conference Finals Predictions
Oh I wanted the Preds to be here…I really thought they would be. Man when we traded for Foppa I could have sworn I overheard a call from the NHL’s official engraver checking to make sure that Tomas Vokoun doesn’t have an ‘H’ in his name. Now I know it was the tee time manager at the Karlovy Vary Country Club asking if would need...
Hey Pens Fans,
Here is the thhird and final segmet of the team report card.
Nils Ekman
Nils only played in 34 games this injury plagued season. He was -14 and besides a few patches, his play was ineffective. I think we should be able to expect more from him, but this year was a disappointment.
Grade: C-
Josef Melichar
How is he still a Penguin? Every season I ask...
Wow! Did the Ducks know what time the game started? I realize it is a seven game series, but they responded to the first period like it was a regular season game? There was very little real pressure throughout the game and it looked to me like they could care less to be there...just like their fans! Their one shining moment was the hit on Holmstrom. I hate the fact th...
(to see a video of this hit go to www.predjoe.wordpress.com)
Is there any reason that this kind of thing should happen? I think if you are a Pronger fan you can say that he is taller and Holmstrom had his head down a bit and Pronger just came in where he normally would.
However, I think, if you look at the video carefully and without bias you will find this was, wit...
It was a tough TV night in my household: 7:30 Tigers game, 8:00 Pistons game, 9:00 Greys Anatomy season finale (for the wife), 10:15 Lost special (for me).. It was an even tougher night on the ice for the Wings.. Lets rephrase that: it was a tough night on the ice for Flop Boy.. 3 goals on 8 shots? While the rest of the team was showing the heart that has become the wings ...
That is more like it...much better effort all-around! Both game 4's were two of the most fun and frenetic battles of the playoffs...great to watch! I did not want to go back and count...but aside from missing on the Senators wrapping up their series in game 4, I was spot on every other call I made!
It took Buffalo all of nine seconds to [b]find the net[/b]. [b]Chri...
I am shocked. I am. But not at all surprised. Perhaps I should have taken what Trump says to heart…”trust no one.” Even as Leipold would repeat, time after time, that he had no intention of moving the franchise somewhere deep inside I did not entirely believe him. Don’t get me wrong I am not sitting here telling you that I saw this coming because I didn’t…...
Season ticket holders got an email from current (though not for long) Preds owner Craig Leipold. Here is it in it’s entirety.
[i]Dear Predators’ Season Ticket Holders:
June 25, 2007 will mark the 10-year anniversary of the awarding of the NHL franchise to Nashville that became your Nashville Predators. It’s been an incredible 10-year journey for me. I can�...
Please, please tell me I'm not alone in this, in that every team has that one player who makes you cringe every time he steps on the ice. You wonder how he is even in the NHL and why, oh why does he have to be on your team. I have a solution... sort of. We can have us some fun!
In my case as a Rangers loyal and true, that player is defenseman Marek Malik(you know wha...
Despite a disappointing conclusion to the Sabres season it was one of, if not the best season in Franchise history. The Sabres have played in the Stanley Cup finals twice but had never won the Presidents Trophy in franchise history. The Stanley Cup is obviously the most coveted prize but it is equally as difficult to be the best team in the league over an 82 game span. I w...
What an incredible start to the Stanley Cup Finals! Game 1 had everything but overtime...numerous gigantic hits, acrobatic saves, some pretty goals, and some not so pretty goals. Though there were way too many suspect penalty calls, this game never lacked intensity. It was back and forth most of the game...even during the power plays. Like every other team the Ducks ha...
I'd like to be the first to welcome you all to the REAL Stanley Cup playoffs...they went old-school tonight! From the opening draw to Alfredsson's final hit at the buzzer, bodies were flying...they might as well have been bumper cars! Monster hits were being laid out with the intent to hurt. The game was frenetic and raucous...it easily was as good as game 1...only they...
Well I am going to start off by introducing myself to the hockey world. I am JDawg and a huge hockey fan, and if there is something that I thrive on it is this time of year. Today I want to talk a little bit about the oilers, now just after reading eklunds blog i understand that there might be some big moves made this year for KL, now as much as I at times dont agree with ...
nephew23 writes...
Congratulations Anaheim Ducks! Stars Re-Sign Stu Barnes
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
What a series! Easily the best final round in several years...filled with tons of hitting, scoring, saves, and old-school hockey! The Ducks were deserving of the Cup and did not hesitate when they had the opportunity to wrap it up. It was quite an impressive performance and a helluva way to claim the prize...especially in front of the home crowd. Giggy, Selanne, the Ni...
We are getting down to crunch time here. Free Agency begins July 1st and right now the Predators are not 100% sure who will own the team at that time. In order for a sale to happen the prospective buy Jim Basillie needs to appear before the NHL board of governers. A meeting is scheduled for June on June 20th…while it is not too late to get on the agenda time is runni...
From the Tennessean:
[i]Jim Balsillie has submitted a formal application to buy the Predators.
Balsillie’s lawyer, Toronto-based attorney Richard Rodier, said the application was sent to the NHL late Monday.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed that the league received the application Monday night.
The application, which includes a purchase agreement, ...
Well here it is mid June, were getting close to the draft which might mean a couple of trades but more important it's getting close to July 1st. This might be some fans favorite time of the off season. It could even be their favorite time of the year because right now every fan feels that their team has a chance to make the necessary changes to have a shot at hoisting ...
When asked about his approach to signing #1 RFA Tomas Vanek, Darcy Regier held firm.
“I don’t believe in operating out of fear,” said Regier. “Tomas is a Restricted Free Agent and will have a market value that we’ll go from there.”
Interesting stance by Darcy but I can;’t say I’m surprised. It’s going to take a $4million plus offer to get Vanek ou...
Both players were signed to 2 year deals today by the Montreal Canadiens. Official financial details have not been released as of yet. Rumour has it they are both making below 2 Mil a year. This is grat news for the future of our club!
P.S....not to rub it in, but....
Ha Ha Eric....beat you to it! :P
Hartnell and Timonen are gone. The Preds have traded the rights of All-Star defenseman Kimmo Timonen and physical winger Scott Hartnell to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a first round pick.
Well...all those in Nashville hoping the Kimmo would retire a Predator are a bit disappointed in this deal. For me I am bummed to see Scotty go. Word was that he was a ...
SabreCrazy07 writes...
Buffalo's Silence Speaks Volumes. But what does it say??????
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The recent lack of information out of the Sabres camp in regards to Daniel Breire, Chris Drury & Thomas Vanek speaks volumes. But what does it say exactly? Everyone knows Darcy doesn't show his hand to often. Are there problems amongst the troops? The brass? Or is simply they don't know what direction this team is headed?
This should be the Sabres off-season checklist:...
The Dallas Stars qualified a total of seven players before the deadline today: Mike Ribeiro, Joel Lundqvist, Jussi Jokinen, Antti Miettinen, Junior Lessard, Vadim Khomitski, and Marius Holtet. Ribeiro and Lundqvist will play major roles on the team next season...as will Jokinen, if he is not traded. Miettinen will almost certainly be part of a trade, and the others will...
Sure we don't have an owner (that's a minor detail right?) but the Preds have money to burn in the free agent market. With the NHL announcing the new salary cap numbers yesterday the Preds, like it or not, will find themselves being buyers just to reach the 34.3 million dollar minimum.
At this point the Preds sit with 14 players under contract for a total cap hit ...
I know the news is all about free agency this week...but the pre-season schedule was also released (at least for the STARS, and, I assume everyone else?). As I was perusing the 7-tilt set, my mind began to formulate a plan for more inter-conference play...ultimately leading to more exposure and growing the fan base for this great game. I came up with two excellent baby s...
I've often been asking myself whether a hockey fan can be loyal to their team without renewing their season tickets. Half of me says to renew, while my better half says "no". Although I must give respect to the Coyotes for coming out and saying that we're in a rebuilding time, I just don't agree with it. As a business owner, I know that if I don't put out a product that...
Center Radek Bonk is now a Nashville Predator
"For the most part our team is now set up,'' Predators General Manager David Poile said. "We'll still need to fill some depth, but in terms of our major league roster, we're in pretty good shape.
This was what Poile said after the signing of Center Radek Bonk and Defensemen Greg de Vries yesterday to two year deals. Wh...
While this is early it appears that a Nashville group has made an offer that would keep the Preds here in town. This is what Predator fans have been waiting for. Current owner Craig Leipold has even been on record as saying that he would be willing to offer a 'local discount' to group of investors who desired to keep the team in town.
The Nashville Post has broke the s...
Can Jason Arnott be the hero the Nashville Community needs?
While the fate of the Nashville Predators continues to twist in the wind of uncertainty one thing came to mind. We need a hero! Bonnie Tyler style…
Where have all good men gone
And where are all the gods?
Where’s the street-wise Hercules
To fight the rising odds?
Goalie Chris Mason recently pur...
After a sophomore slump, a few trade deadline rumors and looking arbitration in the eyes, the Colorado Avalanche re-signed Marek Svatos to a one year deal.
Obviously Francois Giguere and the Avs are hoping that Svatos can return to his rookie form where he finished tied on the team and 3rd among rookies in goals with 32. He also notched 9 game winning, tying the rookie...
TSN is reporting that the Edmonton Oilers have signed Buffalo Sabre forward Thomas Vanek to a $50 million dollar 7-year offer sheet.
Looks like another example of the big market teams going crazy and taking advantage of the small market teams.
Oh wait a minute forget everything I just said.
Well it appears we have gotten to the point where I will write a blog on my 2nd favorite team...the Buffalo Sabres.
Thomas Vanek has been offered a 7 year 50 million dollar offer sheet by the Edmonton Oilers. If I'm Darcy Regier, I take the picks and run. Why? Vanek is a franchise player you might say. Look at it this way. He's going to get Edmonton's picks not the Anahei...
It seems as though the Sabres franchise knew this was coming. Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe needs to bring in a marquee player, and Thomas Vanek was on his hit list. Buffalo GM Darcy Regier said no way, Vanek is staying in town, and we'll match any offer sheet you throw at him.
Well, Lowe tried to call Regier's bluff, but Darcy wasn't bluffing. The 7-year, $50 million pi...
Thomas Vanek will be in a Buffalo uni for the next 7 years and the deal was a must if your Larry Quinn and the Sabres Management. It would have been a PR nightmare at games neat year if you had to come off loosing you 3 best forwards. Is he worth the money only time will tell. If the Sabres had signed vanek to a 2 or 3 year deal vanek would have recieved probably a 8 mill ...
nephew23 writes...
HAPPY FREE AGENCY STARS' FANS! (Thanks For Nothing Army)
Posted Friday | Comments 0
No offense to Brad Winchester...who will make a great addition to the Stars' roster...but this should be Doug Armstrong's last season as general manager in Dallas. I waited patiently and chose not to jump the gun after Sunday passed with not a single transaction. Then the days came and went until, FINALLY, today, the team announced the signing of 3 players. If you have ...
Lowe is a crazy man sparing nothing to improve his team (in a way I kinda admire that). On the other hand, I get the 'strategy' aspect of what he did and it isn't good for the league. In getting the Sabres to sign Vanek at the average hit of over $7mil per year, the arbitrators will award some crazy contracts to the likes of Parise, Ryder, and Hunter (probably Roy too). Ex...
After the Thomas Vanek signing the sabres have a face to build their young core around and the question left is what happens next. Are the sabres willing to sign some second tier free agents, trade, or release current players? I dont know if that right now would be a great time to jump into those situations.
I think after the arbitration process has been settled, th...
[b]Le Affaire Du Vanek[/b]
As we all know, Thomas Vanek signed a seven year, $50 million offer sheet from the Edmonton Oilers on Friday, which was matched in about 13 second by the Buffalo Sabres.
The surprise is not the offer sheet, the player, or even the amount, really. The surprise is the team making the offer and the reaction it elicited from the Sabres front o...
[i]In response to Larry Brooks column in the NY post on July 8th; Really Lowe[/i]
9 million dollars for Henrik Lundqvist....wow. Don't get me wrong, Henrik is an amazing goaltender, but 9 million dollars. I can think of about 4 million reasons why he is not worth 9 million dollars. And especially to the Oilers, where reason 4,000,001 is a guy named Dwayne Roloson. S...
I like the guy, but a three year extention for $11.25 million for a guy who's played only 1 full season in the NHL. What the heck will Dion Phaneuf sign for when his time come 5 Million + a season! Tell me again, Why was there a lockout.
While 'All Is Quiet' is not the most engaging title for a blog post it is, however, true. Right now, all is indeed quiet here on the hockey front in Nashville but that gives us a chance to recap what we know and maybe figure out where we stand.
The Preds will be sold - okay that's a no brainer but let's start with the basics here. Craig Leipold is done with hockey and h...
Well I hope this stops all the trade Kevin Bieksa rumors floating about CDC/Canucks Central, The canucks have signed Kevin Bieksa to a 3 year $11.25 Million contract extention, now remember he is inked for the coming season at somthing like .525 million dollars but this will keep him here untill 2010. Im happy about this Bieksa had a break out year lask year with 12 goals ...
With the past few weeks the NHL has seen some outragious signings. There have been questions about how healthy is the NHL and is the new CBA working? We will know the answer about the CBA next year if the salary cap stays around the same and the teams that spent alot of money with long term contracts(Flyers, Avalanche) will not have the cap space to spend next year. Explai...
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...
Deke2194 writes...
Someone call the Wah-mbulance, this baby's out of control.
Posted Monday | Comments 1
[i]EDIT: After reading some comments made, I just want to add that the Sabres are my second favorite team after the Oilers. Most of the reason I became a Sabre fan was because I love Chris Drury as a player, but now I like the rest of the team as well.[/i]
That baby of course is Darcy Regier, GM of the Buffalo Sabres, who is mad that some big kid tried to steal his toy...
Cleon_Daskalakis writes...
Admit it… You Considered the 4 1st Round Picks from Edmonton
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Larry Quinn made a great point in the press conference when asked whether or not the Sabres considered taking the four 1st round picks as compensation from the Oilers on the Tomas Vanek deal.
[i]“In the 37 year history of the Sabres, there haven’t been 4 players picked in the first round better than Vanek.”[/i]
I think that’s pretty accurate. The Sabres have ...
This goes without saying, but i'm going to say it anyway. WHY THE HELL DID YOU NOT SIGN CHRIS DRURY!!!! Unfortunately, the sabres dropped the ball on that one with their in-season negotiation blunder with captain clutch, but this is what I would do from here after the vanek signing moving forward. First, the sabres need a two-way gritty forward and mike comrie would hav...
After signing Rafalski, Drake & Hasek, the wings are still lacking scoring for next season. This is where Alexei Yashin could help. Although, he is a selfish player, the Redwings are very thin in the scoring department. The top line of Datsyuk, Zetterberg and Holmstrom can not continue to carry the teams scoring on their back. I think Yashin would fill in well ...
After reading all of the Negative Blogs on the Sabres and All of the Press of the Former Captains Whom Will Remain Nameless. I figured I would write about something that could get the fans Smiling again. See We have a Terrific Team, Two players dont make a team and as far as Im concerned this team is headed in the right direction THE FUTURE.
So thinking in the future....
The Blues are into a transitioning mood as we get ready for the 2007-08 season. So far the reports from development camp are more than positive. There are four or more players ready to play now. I'm thinking I like Perron playing in the AHL this year instead of Quebec. This is going to hopefully pressure vetrans to play hard or force them to be traded. Unfortunately s...
The Predators announced today that they have resigned defensemen Greg Zanon and Kevin Klein as well as tough guy forward Darcy Hordichuk. While these are signings that will barely be a blip on the NHL radar for PReds fans these are huge!
[b]Greg Zanon[/b] quickly became a fan and coach favorite with his unselfish playing style that saw him lead the team in blocked shot...
If Eklund is right and a letter of intent has been signed with the local group here in Nashville then Pred fans have something to be happy about for the first time in a long time!
While nothing else is being reported at this time (Eklund is way ahead on this one!) it does give some certainty for the immediate future of the franchise. Now if the corporate community can c...
A lot of people around the league are waiting with fainted breath as arbitration hearings begin this week.
Among the big names up for arbitration are Sabres forward Derek Roy. Roy, coming off a 63 pt season last year, will assuredly get a nice raise from the 650,000 he made last season.
But what are players like him really worth?
Personally, I feel Roy is worth so...
[img:right]http://www.habsinsideout.com/061209%20habs%2005.jpg[/img]
Well Sabres fans another trying time has come for us. Does Darcy step up and give Royzie his deserving multi year deal/ Or do they sit across from each other during the arb hearing and though what might have been? I believe in this case the Sabres have no choice to step up and protect the $50 million...
As many of you are probably well aware Derek Boogaard along with his brother Aaron have started the Derek and Aaron Boogaard Fighting Camp. A camp solely designed to, like the name would suggest teach players the basics of how to fight in hockey. Not surprisingly this camp has come under heavy criticism with people claiming that this promotes fighting and encourages young ...
As many of you are probably well aware Derek Boogaard along with his brother Aaron have started the Derek and Aaron Boogaard Fighting Camp. A camp solely designed to, like the name would suggest teach players the basics of how to fight in hockey. Not surprisingly this camp has come under heavy criticism with people claiming that this promotes fighting and encourages young ...
Derek Roy has become the most recent player to agree to a contract prior to his arbitration hearing. He and the Buffalo Sabres have agreed to a 6 year 24 million dollar contract as reported by Garth. He is one of many to avoid a scheduled arbitration hearing this summer as 17 of the 30 players who filed for arbitration have already reached agreements with their respective ...
There was a time when MyHockeyBuzz and HockeyBuzz were littered with posts about the Preds from both Pred fans and those who hated the fact that a team was deep in Dixie. Where though, I ask, has it all gone?
For fans of the franchise I think there is some fatigue for sure. For a couple of months now we have been living in this unknown, grasping any news that seemed ...
Let me start of by saying that in no way is Kevin Lowe a jerk for giving overpriced offer sheets to Thomas Vanek and Dustin Penner. He was acting within the rules so Darcy and Burke should have better prepared for the possibility of this occurence. However, looking forward, this rule does not seem to make much sense. It would be best for the sport of hockey if this rule wa...
What was reported here first yesterday is now being reported by all the local and national media outlets…a letter of intent will be signed today between local investors and current Predators owner Craig Leipold. For those who don’t follow this as closely as some here is what it all means.
The letter of intent means that the local group and Leipold will enter a per...
interesting read about Eklund here
[url]http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/08/01/...stions-about-a/
[/url]
Since becoming a STH I have been in the chat prettttty much everyday and it never gets old! Whether the talk is about hockey or vacation, it is alot of fun! The people in the chat are great and very helpful to someone who is new to the site. I have had the season ticket for 3+ months now and have loved every minute of it! There is really a collection of great minds on ...
We are currently in the middle of the NHL off season. Instead of looking forward to Camp beginning like we all are. Lets take a moment or two and have some fun bringing back some great Hockey memories.
What is the greatest Hockey game you have ever been to?
Here is mine:
Almost 4 months until my 14th Birthday on April 27th 1994. The Buffalo Sabres were in ...
The stir up the Kevin Lowe has caused has made fans all across the league wounder why and get angry. I my self as a Sabres fan wounder why but for a tottaly diffrent reason. Why if your going to go through all this trouble to take a player from a team not make it a markey player as in a Thomas Vanek or a Zach Parise? He lost out on Vanek cause the sabres matched but still ...
I re-edited this post because I thought it was a fun discussion!:
I feel bad for Buffalo, because Lowe basically forced their team into overpaying for Vanek, though he did sign the offer sheet. But still, I think if a player signs an offer sheet, let him go. He obviously isn't willing to sacrifice for the sake of his own teams benefit.(Meaning, go into arbitration and...
(Cue dream music, Gary Thorne is seen in the broadcast booth at the Sommet Center in Nashville. He speaks)
Who would have thought that it would all come down to this here in Nashville tonight. A year ago fans in Nashville didn’t know whether they would even have a hockey team and here they are in the Stanley Cup Finals with a chance to win it all.
(Bill Clement s...
As a fan, and with all fans, we tend to look at our respective teams with rose coloured glasses (yes "colour" is spelled that way up here) so I have tried to limit my expectations of the Calgary Flames and objectivley look at the mid summer squad as it is.
The major aquistions of the off season are:
Iron Mike behind the bench- my thoughts on this guy before he landed ...
His last blog was about Brian Rafalski and that was July 2. I know there is not a ton of news coming out of Detroit these days. But couldn't he find something to talk about, I thought he was the D's rep on hockeybuzz.
HEY MARK, here are some topics you could blog about. Zetterberg saying he wants to be a Redwing for life, or maybe who is going to do the scorin...
First of all thanks to Tim Panaccio for giving us the down low of this article.
Is it hard to believe that the Sabres are right up there at the top of the list for jersey sales in July? Yes & no. You would almost think that with the horid begining to July would stall Sabre jersey sales to a screaming halt. Obviously not. The Sabres are represented with 3 of the top 7 se...
Every once in a while you read something and say, "Hmm. Wouldn't that be nice?"
An interesting report today from Eklund, one that definitely piqued my interest. The Blue Jackets are speaking with the Leafs currently discussing a deal that would land defenseman Pavel Kubina. This would do two things for Scott Howson:
1. Get the powerplay quarterback that he needs.
2....
Someone sent this to me but didn't want to post it for their own reasons. So, I am posting it for them. There are some good points here and it is posted without my editing.
***********
First of all I would like to thank Js and JP for the idea on my next blog. I get the greatest ideas on blogs sometime from being in the Chat Room.
Now on with the blog
I don’...
This blog's story takes place last night at the Buffalo Bills pre-season game against the Atlanta Falcons. As I arrived at the stadium with my friend Shell, I see a few Vick jerseys walking into the area and I start to think to myself that this can get ugly after people get more beer into them.
As we get to our seats, we notice that there are 2 Vick wearing Jersey guys ...
A few other wierd functions that I see at games of all different types of sports is the two factors that differ so much from just men going to sporting events. They each contribute their own caliber of uniqueness to them which adds to the equation of the great atmosphere (in most cases) that you pay X amount of dollars to go see.
Don't get me wrong, people watching at w...
saneopinion writes...
Flame assests to trade and my take on eklund's trade rumors
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Prior to training camp it seems that the Flames are set in terms of what they have and need to the point where there is an abundance of players and depth that could be acquired from them with out any real damage to the line up.
It's obvious the flames are stocking up at center, as I previously wrote how do you find spaces for Langkow, Conroy, Lombardi, Yelle with Taratuki...
When you think of the word Captain for the sabres, you think without a doubt the likes of Chris Drury and Danny Briere from last year. When you think for this coming season who will be the captain you are left wondering who would be the best to fit the role. Would there be another co-captain duo this year as there was last year? My guess would be as good as yours. However,...
Hey everyone. In the next few weeks I am going to do a series of blogs that will introduce you to a few key Sharks players. I feel some of the young talent that San Jose has on it's roster is not recognized by the media as much as some of the other teams. I understand that being on the West Coast many people can't catch a Sharks game, including the media. I am not one to r...
BuffaloMat writes...
How many Sabres fans think Quinn should leave town?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
This has been a fun debate for the past few months. I know a lot of people say things out of anger but really don't mean what they say. So, what do you really mean? Let's find out how many people support Quinn for the actions he has done this past off season with the Sabres.
I could show a lot of facts that might sway someone's decision a certain way, but that's not ri...
[img]http://assets.buffalobills.com/images/tickets/stadium_views_map_07a.gif[/img]
This is the map of the seating at The Ralph before I get into the tailgating aspect of it I would like to point out that There will be more seats than people think. The stadium field has a lot of potential to be shrunk down to fit more people so it can fit the rink as well.
Since ...
Cleon_Daskalakis writes...
4 Sleepers, 4 Busts for your Fantasy Hockey Draft
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
It's about that time for Fantasy Hockey drafts and I have a few ideas on sleepers and busts for the upcoming season. A bunch of us Hockeybuzzers got together and created a yahoo league and had the draft last night. It was good fun and if you'd like to take a peak inside the draft results, have a look-see at the link below.
-[url]http://hockey.fantasysports.yahoo.com/hoc...
ExtraB writes...
From Gretzky to Lemieux... he scores! O Canada Hockey Cards!
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
-
"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...
ExtraB writes...
From Gretzky to Lemieux... he scores! O Canada Hockey Cards!
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
-
"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...
today after the skate lindy ruff held a brief presser (http://sabres.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=337685). in this news conference he stared that he intends on keeping one of the most exciting lines for the sabres last year(RAV) together. this article also states that the rest of the forwards will look like this opening night.
Vanek...
[b]You know you're a HockeyBuzzard if:[/b]
* You reset your company homepage to [img]http://v4.hockeybuzz.com/images/blacklogo.jpg[/img] and [u]don't care[/u] who sees it
* You think...Separated at Birth? - Gary Bettman [img]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:r5LmuTSaO8RFdM:http://www.backinblue.com/files/images/capt.stk10412140104.penguins_blues_bettman_stk104.jpg...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
HB and Ek vs the hatemongers (a B.D. Gallof follow up)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
For those who have not read [b]B.D. Gallof's[/b] insightful, well written and absolutely dead on blog - do yourself a favor and read it. [u]It might be the best piece you read all year.[/u]
Here is a link to B.D.'s blog
[url]http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=567&post_id=2810[/url]
*************
[u]The Emperor has no clothes...[/u]
B.D.'s writing inspi...
Sometimes it just isn’t your night. That was the case last night as the Predators suffered their first loss of the year at the hands of the division rival St. Louis Blues 4-1. From the start the Preds seemed to be playing the part of the Washington Generals to the Globetrotting Blues.
They let them get up early, on a pretty goal from Brad Boyes started ...
Where should I start? I can say have experienced something I have never experienced in my life ever before; I attended a professional sporting event where they did not play the national anthem. The San Jose Sharks home opener started a little weird to say the least. As me and my wife made our way down Santa Clara St. toward the Tank I thought to myself, "It really is hocke...
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...
i'm jsut wonderin' if i tyr and post a blog and reely have not much to say, but have a good name, then what r the odds of this here bloggy gets a posted. since noneof my others seam to make it to the front paige, i thought i'd give this a good ol' hockey try. Heer goes.......
That, my friends, is what we Sabres fans have paid Thomas Vanek in the last 3 weeks. Well over have half a million already (that's probably more than you make in a whole year combined!) to, effectively, replace Drury and Briere (who made approximately as much together, last year, as we're paying the goat-herding, Edelweiss picking, Super G loving Vanek right now. Oh, and f...
After injuries to Spacek and Kalinin, the latter of whom could be out a month or more, the Sabres are considering signing 32 year old Nolan Pratt, according to two sources:
http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/193001.html
http://wgr550.com/sabres/fullstory.php?id=2772
If Darcy Regier decides to sign Pratt, whom according to the above stories the Sabres were consid...
JerZey_Devil2144 writes...
Enough of whats wrong with the Devils......
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Here is whats RIGHT.....the current and latest owner. Jeffery Vanderbeek has delivered on his promise, got a new beautiful building built that is the class of the NHL ( just ask anyone who has gone, rather than cower in fear at the percieved vision of what they think that part of Newark is like) I liked him from day one when he kept his regular season ticket seats in with ...
red_avi9 writes...
osgood or hasek? duhhh!...that is until the playoffs start.
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
hasek-the wings payed him a salary for what he did last year not taking into account that hes no chelios and hes 42.hes finished ,maybe a couple games left in him.
OZZIE-the man who should be starting on a regular basis is 9-1 and the 2nd best gaa average in the league{not counting sundays 5-4 win against cbj}.OZZIE is a great goalie SO START HIM.
if they both start ...
So says Islander defenseman Radek Martinek.
This was Martinek's response to how he was told to react to Sean Avery's constant yapping, as he experienced last night in the Islanders 2-1 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Perhaps it's something even I should take into consideration.
Martinek has long been a favorite of mine. In fact, I'd call him one of the...
Not too much to say about last night's Flyers-Stars tilt in South Philadelphia, except that rookie Dennis Tolpeko was the only Flyer that seemed willing to give a full effort on every shift.
Riley Cote also will likely be the fifth Flyer suspended this year, after leaving his feet to toss a high elbow with three minutes remaining. To his credit, Cote called the hit "st...
C J. Spacek
A J. Pominville
A A. Kotalik or J. Hecht
Spacek has turned into a complete player. he asked for more playing time and when lindy ruff gave it to him he responded by being the best defencemen on the team. he has had big hits and big goals in my opinion there is no one else that deserves this honor more then him.
Pominville has been on fire. hes scored 15...
I've noticed some oddities about this guy in the WJCs...
- plays with full-face tinted shield, so you can't see his face
- appears in intermission interviews with cardboard blue dot over his face
- Repeatedly is heard saying "I'm not Pelle....."
- First question in post-game press conference is always "Any Habs News?"
- has iPhone sewn into hockey glove
- refers to...
The Buffalo Sabres D Core is soft.... I know alot of people are going to not like what was just said but its true. the only one thats doing their job is Spacek. They dont hit and play a finese defence. players are allowed to go right in on goal and do what they please. Please get me a player that clears the front of the net.
Lydman and Tallinder are shadows of their old...
Well we all knew Alfie was going to the game in Atlanta at the end of the month,and Congrats to him for being voted in for the first time in his career, but the League released the full list for the East and not overly suprising are the names Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza, so it looks like the Game will Feature the Big Line, or Cash Line, or Pizza Line or as I like to call...
-The MLSE Board is meeting in the wake of a 5-2 loss by the Leafs, with the agenda looking like change. General Manager John Ferguson jr and Head Coach Paul Maurice may both be dumped. It's staggering to see the Leafs playing so poorly.
I have to agree with the multitude of Leaf fans that have started calling for the napalm and dynamite. The Leafs have ability and can ...
Long time, no write...but I had to throw in my two cents on the ridiculous non-call last night and the recaps from the San Jose Sharks Staff (website) and the AP. What a joke!!! Rivet's hit on Morrow at the end of the 1st was a clear-cut, textbook boarding penalty. Yet, neither official made the call and at least one of them was starring straight at them! I thought one...
I came across this video that shows when the NHL expanded the All-Star Game to an All-Star Weekend.
[url]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcloVGwI80Q[/url]
After watching, bring back the original events! That crowd is really into it.
[b]Last Nights Game:[/b] Two things went wrong for the Preds last night. We ran up against a goalie who stood on his head and won that game single handily for his team and the second thing that went wrong was the referee crew. Yes I've read the comments that running into a goalie gives you a free pass most times on retaliating but last night went over the line. Why Chara o...
[b]The AVS begin February with a 2-0 loss to Detroit in Motown. What more can be said? A lot.
The first period was a tough one...Colorado gets 3 shots on net but played a good portion of the period in the box, including a 5-3 on which bombs were dropping from Lidstrom and Rafalski (among others). What really struck me in this period was our poor passing. Whether it was...
Enjoy.
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/Buts/
Any comments are appreciated.
Have a great day
Before I go on any further, I just read the article on TSN about Richard Zednik's most unfortunate accident in tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres. When horrible mishpas like this occur in any sporting event, one cannot find themselves caring about the outcome of any hockey game. Hopefully Zednik will be out of the hospital very soon and have a fast recovery without ...
A source has told me that Dan Ellis fully expects to be traded and that the Preds would not be getting a goalie in return but would bring up prospect Pekka Rinne to back up Chris Mason.
Another source close to the team said that this idea did seem feasible because they've heard that the Preds are eager to get Pekka up to the show.
Not sure who the dance partner woul...
[b]When the Dallas Stars come calling tonight[/b] to Nashville it could very well be a preview of a potential first round match up. If the playoffs started today the Predators, as the number seven seed, would find themselves playing the number two Stars. What a series that would be.
While I don't like the idea of going against a world class goalie like Turco for seven g...
It's been said that if you have two starting goaltenders, you don't really have any. That might not be true if you happen to be Team Canada and have Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo on your side. But if you're the Detroit Red Wings and your options are Chris Osgood or an elderly Dominik Hasek, it may be so.
Of course, the point of this blog isn't about speculation of w...
[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.
...
As I left the AAC Saturday afternoon, (after a ridiculous, disappointing, frustrating, and disheartening 3rd period meltdown) I finally came to this conclusion --
[b]I am a Stars' fan no matter what![/b]
No matter what the final score is or how it happens, [b]I will be rooting for my Dallas Stars.[/b] No more bickering, or complaining about the refs, or hanging my ...
nephew23 writes...
Believe! (updated with 2007-08 season ending predictions)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As I left the AAC Saturday afternoon, (after a ridiculous, disappointing, frustrating, and disheartening 3rd period meltdown) I finally came to this conclusion --
[b]I am a Stars' fan no matter what![/b]
No matter what the final score is or how it happens, [b]I will be rooting for my Dallas Stars.[/b] No more bickering, or complaining about the refs, or hanging my ...
I read in one of Ek's comments that they just hired a new Ducks blogger. Where is he/her? I'm sick of no Ducks coverage what-so-ever on my favorite site!
What a fun and excellent start to the post-season for the Dallas STARS and their fans! I'm quite certain not even the players expected that type of domination in Game 1 against the Stanley Cup Champs; certainly not against a well-rested Pronger, Selanne, and Scotty Niedermayer. But as they did against the Ducks throughout most of the year, the Stars handled the physical ...
Much like the words of the Great Ricky Bobby of Talladega Nights, a lot of the Islander skaters were playing for the right to keep their jobs. The season started with Mike Comrie, Trent Hunter, Wade Dubielewicz, Miroslav Satan, Bryan Berard, Josef Vasicek, and Ruslan Fedotenko facing free agency in the 2008 off-season.
You can now add Rob Davison to that list as well, ...
nephew23 writes...
STARS Shine Again, Take 2-0 Series Lead Back to Dallas
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I'll have more tomorrow...but here are a few notes about Game 2 and the series...
Dallas is stacked at center and they all contributed big goals tonight! Ribeiro opened the scoring on a neat break-away goal after stealing a bad pass at the Ducks' blue line; he ended up with a 3-point night. Modano broke the 2-2 tie six minutes into the 3rd, essentially opening the flo...
Just a few hours away from hitting the 'dome in anticipation of Game 3 between the Sharks and the Flames. I expect a wild and crazy crowd and I just hope that the Flames don't get over-hyped for the game and take some bad penalties early. I expect another tight game and hope the Flames continue to hit the Sharks and don't try to beat them at a finesse game, regardless of...
I am still at a loss as to how to describe last nights game. It was electric. It was amped. It was hockey heaven for a Preds fan. I cannot imagine a more gutsy performance or never say die attitude than what the Preds displayed last night.
[b]Some observations:[/b]
[b]Following the two goals in 9 seconds[/b] to give the Preds the lead the place went berserk! For the...
Let me start by saying that this game was much closer than the score led us to believe. Even when the Ducks led 4-0, there was a belief in the AAC that the STARS still had a chance to win this game. Dallas had double the shots and double the scoring chances...but in the end they had half as many goals. Three things happened tonight that led to Anaheim's win...
(1) D...
[b]Yet another roller coaster of a game[/b] between the Red Wings and the Preds. Say what you will about either team but one thing is for certain they are giving hockey fans a great series to watch.
[b]Last night the quick strikes continued [/b]as the Preds we able to score 32 seconds apart (first a goal by Hamhuis then by Weber) and followed up Pavel Datsyuk's goal wi...
The STARS are one step away from advancing to the second round for the first time in way too many years. It certainly is not over...but they have a strangle-hold on this series. Credit the Ducks for finally figuring out the STARS power play...they [u]COMPLETELY[/u] shut it down. On the other hand, Dallas figured out how to beat Anaheim's aggressive 5-on-5 attacks...[b](...
Sitting in my car and heard a Mike Babcock quote saying that going with his plan B (Chris Osgood) is not bad.
"He won 29 games and had the best goals against average in the league," said Babcock.
Wrong...Dan Ellis had the best goals against in the NHL...sorry Mike.
[b][i][i]Updated:[/i][/i][/b] [i]Whoops...this is what I get for writing a blog in the car in the...
nephew23 writes...
Ducks Stay Alive With 5-2 Win, STARS Lead Series 3-2
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
What an exciting and fun game that was...[b]playoff hockey at its finest![/b] Though they fired [b]42[/b] shots on net, Dallas could not complete the comeback, and the reigning champs salted the game away late. The loss also means the STARS failed to finish off the Ducks and this series, at least for one more game. They could easily have blown the Ducks away tonight if ...
nephew23 writes...
STARS Advance, Monkeys Forced To Find New Home With Ducks
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[quote][i]This just in ... STARS and Sharks in round 2 ... game 1 is Friday at 9pm (CST)! I really wanted the Avalanche for some good payback ... but the Sharks are the ones that got Dallas going again on the last day of the regular season, so bring them on! The series could go all 7, but [b]I'm going with 6 again, in Dallas![/b][/i][/quote]------------------------------...
Once again the STARS felt right at home at the HP Pavilion in San Jose. Though they did not play their best game of the playoffs, and they stood around way too much with a 1-goal lead ... they eventually ended up with one more goal than the Sharks. Ribeiro and Morrow were all over the place ... the Sharks simply had no answer for them. [b]Ribeiro[/b] finished with 2 ass...
nephew23 writes...
STARS Score 4 in Third, Win 5-2, Take Series Home Up 2-0!
Posted Monday | Comments 0
WOW! I must point out that I made the call on this one during the second intermission with posts on Josh Lile's in-game live blog ...
[url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/boards/thread.php?thread_id=40153&page=1[/url][quote]Today @ 10:36 PM ET -- This game is far from over ... it is ours to win![/quote] [quote]Today @ 10:46 PM ET -- Again ... I hope he doesn't cover the po...
[b][i]*STARS have re-signed Steve Ott to a two-year extension![/i][/b]
Once again, the Dallas STARS are one win away from advancing to another round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The clichés are becoming repetitive and redundant, but what else can you say? This team is continuing to defy the odds (and the odds-makers) and make short work of very good teams. Though t...
nephew23 writes...
Handshake Night Delayed, But STARS Still In Driver's Seat
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
There was much disappointment tonight as we filed out of the AAC. Unlike 24 hours earlier, when no one left there seats until Marty was the last one off the ice ... and people were waving their rally towels going down I-35! Tonight was filled with mostly silence, aside from the few Sharks' fans receiving a beating from some irate STARS' fans! (just kidding!) The sad th...
So the tides have apparently turned! Media and Sharks' fans alike have come alive and decided that San Jose is going to become the 3rd team ever to come back from a 0-3 hole. And they just might do so ... but I highly doubt it. The difference in this series is that Dallas has lost the last 2 games after taking a 3-0 lead, where as against Anaheim, they had leads of 2-0 ...
nephew23 writes...
Fitting End To An AWESOME Series! Morrow = Conn Smythe!
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It is 2:34am as I am finally home and headed to bed. I had to get a few thoughts in first ... there will be more tomorrow.
WOW ... that was one helluva game ... playoff hockey at its finest! Turco and Nabokov were OUTSTANDING! I cannot wait to watch the game on DVR and hear the call from Ralph and Razor! So much for the blowout ... but who knew Mr. Vezina would show...
[i]3 hours to go ... anybody else feeling that nervous energy?!?![/i]
There is no better way to sit down at the poker table than to be given chips on the house! There is a freedom that accompanies playing with free money ... no risk to your own bank account allows for uninhibited aggression and generally (for good players) leads to a better overall game. This is the s...
nephew23 writes...
Missed Opportunities and Credit Where Credit is Due
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Tonight could mark the end of a fantastic season for the Dallas STARS. The fans in Dallas, including myself, and a few others around the world have been more than compensated for our time, money, and energy spent. It has been an awesome run filled with many memorable moments and a great sense of optimism for the future, and specifically the next few years. By no means a...
[b][i]Good quote from Mikey-Mo...[/i]
[quote][i]"We've felt if we could get Game 6 at home, it would be a whole different animal," Modano said. "And then, who knows what can happen Wednesday in Detroit? But we don't want to get ahead of ourselves. We knew it would be an uphill battle. Nobody picked us to win this thing from the start. The last couple games, we've found ...
Nothing would have beaten another win, but I could not be more proud of [i]my[/i] Dallas STARS! I hate being on the wrong side of the handshake ... but our boys deserved a great send-off ... and myself and the fans came through nicely! Detroit was no doubt the better team but Dallas gave them a run for their money. After 3 straight first-round exits, the STARS erased so...
Anne Hier writes...
Mum's The Word! Alex, Ozzie, and Dom, et al, Given Awards
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I have been to plenty of professional national conventions over the years. Though the usual rubber chicken [i]du jour[/i] at the awards luncheons is not worth remembering, the individual accomplishments of those so honored usually rates a line or two. But how does that work at the NHL?
Currently on the NHL website is a headline stating that Mats Sundin received the Ma...
You can get banned on here for talking about Eklund's foreskin, weird.
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...
Ever since the news of the return of Barry Melrose was announced I can't get it out of my head. I just find it odd. I think Barry made a fine contributor to ESPN's attempt to cover the NHL but there was something about the bloodshot eyes and the Sauve hair product dripping from his mullet that have me wondering if this is the right move by Tampa.
A few questions I have...
In addition to Eklund's rumor today that the Sabres are extremely interested in Brian Rolston - and why wouldn't they be based on the veteran leadership the team has lacked since Chris Drury departed - I found an interesting tidbit.
What do he and Thomas Vanek have in common?
Same agent.
Steve Bartlett of Rochester, N.Y., just down the Thruway from Buffalo, repres...
[b]This blog is in response to the latest slew of rumors concerning the [former] Bulin Wall, Nikolai Khabibulin. Per EK's latest blog: "The Avalanche are currenty rumoured to be getting into the Khabibulin race." He goes on to say, "I frankly don't get it." Well that would make two of us, at least.
Let's take a look at some numbers, courtesy of NHLnumbers.com. The Avs c...
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...
With around five weeks until pre-season action kicks into gear, the Habs' talented core is training hard to try and repeat a successful season. Among those players lies an underrated defensive defenseman, one who I believe will get noticed (more so), and feared league wide by the end of next season.
The 7th overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft compiled some impressi...
First off sorry for the delay in my blog, I just got rapped up in a big move. Anyways onto the Sens Army.......
The Andrei Mezsaros sitiuation looks like it may have a resolution....unfortunately nobody knows what it is.
From what I gathered from a few people ..Bryan Murray is putting together one last contract offer for Meszaros, sort of a take it or leave deal, rum...
Greetings hockey fans! I'm back from my summer hockey hiatus and ready to get down to the business.
I have to say that I'm sick of rumors about Sundin and don't even mention Forsberg. This time of year prompts a lot of speculation which in the end is generally useless. We're coming down to the wire and everyone wants to get their 2 cents in but there are only a few s...
It's Sunday morning and you spent all of last night basking in drink after drink. You were the life of the party, from what you remember anyway, and even that's a blur - almost seems like a lifetime ago. You're still gaining your senses this morning and you have a horrible feeling in the gut of your stomach. You don't want to do a THING today.
Now you know what the S...
Ok I wanted to get this blog out before regular season starts , as every season we go through the same motions.
From when the season starts leading up to deadline day .Their is an increase in rumors and blogs from Eklund all the way down to minor bloggers like myself. Now I have been reading hockeybuzz for a few years , and only recently started bloggng in the last few ...
The door bell rang the other day and as usual the dogs let me know about it. By the time I got there I heard the best sound in the world ... the UPS truck was driving away! Sure enough, the email I received just two days prior - telling me a package had been shipped - was, in fact, telling the truth. Since I mostly home office, the UPS driver frequently visits our home....
I think it's time we take a moment to commend one Kevin Weekes. Next in line in a revolving door of backups to Martin Brodeur, Weekes is by far the most talented of Marty's little helpers, and is also the most understanding and accepting of his situation.
Kevin Weekes is the epitome of class. His predecessor, Scott Clemmensen--now unfortunately a Devil once again--used ...
I go into this season with a bit of a deja vu feeling. No...not the club next to the interstate with all the neon lights on the outside and poles on the inside but that uncomfortable feeling that I may see a repeat of something I have seen in the past. Is seems like only a year ago...wait...it was exactly a year ago...that the Preds were heading into the season with a new ...
I did a little breakdown of the Sabres lineup from last year to see how we did when our big guns score. Last year we had 5 players that broke the 20 goal mark. Vanek-36, Roy-32, Pominville-27, Kotalik-23, and Hecht-22. I figured it by percentage of points secured in games that were scored in.
1. Roy - 25 games 19-4-2 80%
2. Kotalik - 20 games 14-5-1 ...
Hats off to the Buffalo Sabres for starting the season 4-0-0-1. Many people were predicting the Sabres to finish anywhere from 7th to 12th in the standings this year and this team is trying to prove all of them wrong.
In the first complete week of the season (Monday-Sunday) the Sabres finished 3-0-0-1 and had some individual dominant performances. I took the liberty of...
If anybody has read any of my blogs they may have realized that I love stats. My day job has been pretty slow lately so I spend alot of time scanning NHL.com and hockeybuzz. My newest here is compiling a list of the early season power players. I have ranked them by counting goals as 2 points and assists as 1.
WP is weighted points
WP/G is weighted points per game
Pl...
AlexanderScharf writes...
Early Season Predictions: What Will Change and What Won't
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
There have been many surprises so far this season, and the following is judgement of which occurences are "real" so to speak and will continue throughout the season, and which are abberations and won't last very long:
[b]Thomas Vanek will lead the league in goals[/b]
This young star is off to a quick start and is the real deal. After scoring 43 goals in his sophmore se...
Buffalo Sabres looked dead for most of the game but they found a way to win.
Checking: Most say the checking by the Sabres has been very good this season so far
Vanek: 8 Goals now.... Lets keep counting them. This would make I believe every game he scores in Regulation that this team wins.. correct me if im wrong
Roy: Great sacrifice in front of the net during OT ...
[img:left]http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20081024/capt.738c262e1cf3423496b1292413cdaaa0.sabres_wild_hockey_mnpb103.jpg[/img]
Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, the Sabres came back from two goals down inside the last 5 minutes of the 3rd period to defeat the Minnesota Wild 4-3 in overtime.
The Sabres one line was the story of the night after scoring 3 out of the...
Week 3 started pretty rough for the Sabres. 2 dismal 5-2 losses to the Senators and Lightning. They looked like they did not deserve to be playing in the NHL. Then when you get down on them they throw you a 5-0 domination over Washington. Lindy got them back to basics with the defense first style and it paid big dividends. So they finish the week 1-2 with Gaustad and Conno...
nephew23 writes...
STARS Kicking It Old-School and Modano's 533rd Career Goal
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Just a few thoughts about tonight's game ... Stars in LA ... tied 2-2 after 2. The three remaining Stars that hoisted the Cup in 1999 have made an impact in the game tonight. Like a replay of 10 years past! Most importantly, Jere Lehtinen is back and looks pretty good. He scored the first goal of the game in his first game of the season. Zubov is also looking good in ...
[b]9-5-3 21pts H(5-3-1) A(4-2-2)[/b]
[img]http://www.letsgosabres.com/images/players/photos/ryan_miller.jpg[/img]
Week 5. What a disappointment. 1-2 with Miller making an appearance in all 3. What happened to Patrick Lalime? 6 goals against on 23 shots. Miller was not a lot better. 7 goals against in just over 2 games.
So we picked up 2 more points in the standings...
They've paid all the bills, and they've given some key personnel hefty raises, but at the one-quarter mark of 2008-2009, it's not paying dividends for the Buffalo Sabres.
It has to be highly disconcerting for Tom Golisano, Darcy Regier, and Co. to witness this promising young core underperform. They have to be scratching their heads, and as the Sabres' losing streak ha...
9-8-3 21pts H(5-5-1) A(4-3-2)
Week 6. Wow, just where are the Sabres headed? 0-3 this week, and I do not know what to think of this team anymore. We gave up 14 goals and only scored 6. The lone bright spot of the week was AHL callup Mark Mancari. Scored a goal and was a +/- of 0. We pick up 0 points in the standings and now sit at 9th place in the East, out of the playo...
The significance of Atlanta’s brief appearance in 2007’s Conference Quarter finals would not have been lost on the Blue Jackets board of governors. In a city obsessed with the Buckeyes hockey has been a hard sell and with Atlanta making the post season, Columbus were left as the only late 90’s expansion franchise not to make the cup run. With nearly 600 regular seaso...
11-9-3 25pts H(7-5-1) A(4-4-2)
Week 7. Riding a 5 game slump coming into the week who would have thought we could win 2 out of 3 from Boston, Pittsburgh, & Montreal. 2-1 this week, and they looked a lot better as of late. We gave up 8 goals and scored 9. We pick up 4 points in the standings and sit at 9th place in the East, still out of the playoffs but only by 1 p...
13-1-3 29pts H(7-6-1) A(6-5-2)
Week 8 + Monday. (Added Monday because I was not at work yesterday and had no opportunity to do my report) Well, they let the first 2 games get away but came back strong in the second half of the week. 2-2 this week, and it seems like they might have some scoring touch back.. We gave up 10 goals and scored 9. We pick up 4 points in the sta...
WOW! Finally something to cheer about and even put to paper ... or web page, as it is! The Dallas Stars shut down and defeated the mighty - and much hated - Detroit Red Wings! If nothing else comes of this season, we can celebrate this night as our (mini) Stanley Cup victory!
Clearly, the Stars have had very little to be happy about so far this season. That goes for...
I've had enough of hearing and reading stupid "comments" and "soundbytes"
So this whole blog is my chance to vent on everything bugging me in hockey lately.
------------------------------------------
Mats Sundin - Everyone is sick of this I agree, but I more sick of the media coverage of this guy. Every medium has said Sundin has or will sign with just about every t...
Record 9-5-2 H 4-3-1 A 5-2-1
GF – 52 3.25/g
GA – 42 2.63/g
Leaders:
Roy 21pts
Vanek 9G
Roy 13A
Stafford +7
Mair 29PM
Vanek 4PPG
Roy 5GWG
Lydman 34Hits
Against current playoff teams we are 2-3-1. Against non-playoff teams we are 7-2-1. Tallinder has 1pt in 16 games. If we extrapolate our current record out over the 58 game schedule we will fin...
For comparisons to the rest of the league I took the highest scoring center on each team for a total pool of 30 rather than the top 30 highest scoring centers in the league. So how does Derek Roy stack up?
14G t11th
24A t11th
38pts t8th
+2 t18th
21:45/g 4th
49.7%fo 19th
20PIM 20th
43Giveaways 29th
25Takeaways t15th
So in 5 categories he is in the top...
nephew23 writes...
35 for #35 ... is Marty back? Great Start to the 2nd Half
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[quote][i]I thought this was pretty funny and had to share. From the oh-so-obvious category --- I'm watching the Sabres/Oilers while I type this and after Buffalo scores their NINTH goal, one of the Oilers' announcers proclaims, "I said the lead was commanding [b]but it may be insurmountable at this point.[/b]" Almost as if it is really a question! LOL![/i][/quote]
The...
After dwelling in the basement of the Western Conference for most of the season, including dead last at #15 only 19 games ago, the Dallas Stars have battled all the way back to the #7 seed. According to the NHL, the Players Association, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement ... that means the Stars are currently a playoff team! With their domination over Detroit this y...
nephew23 writes...
Stars Obliterate Rangers, Shut Down Preds, and Serve Notice
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Smoking, blistering, red hot does not even come close to describing the roll the Dallas Stars are on right now. It is amazing and surreal. 30th place in the league for a while and counted down and out by many, the Stars have more than righted the ship and served notice to the entire NHL that their season has just begun!
Dallas, with 4 games in hand on Anaheim, sits 2n...
nephew23 writes...
Stars Keep Plodding Along - UPDATE - Richards out 6-8 weeks
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[b][u]UPDATED[/u] --- Ouch! Just as everyone was healthly and really clicking, we have just found out that Brad Richards broke his wrist last night and will miss 6 - 8 weeks. He will most certainly be missed . . . but maybe not as much as it would appear. I'll grant you that he is highly skilled and a necessary piece of the puzzle, but he is not centering the top line a...
I got a FREE upgrade on my tickets tonight! I'll be sitting on the first row directly behind the Sharks bench tonight at the AAC! Section 118 ... regularly $135 seats! [b][url]http://stars.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NHLPage&id=8599[/url][/b] I actually dislike sitting down low ... the true fans are up top and I enjoy watching the entire ice. However...
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...
I thought I'd give this a shot ... maybe SOMEONE in EK's staff could at the VERY LEAST address the players as to what is going on and when they estimate all will be up and running correctly. A simple update note is really not asking too much.
[b]ANY WORD FROM EK AND STAFF WOULD BE MUCH APPRECIATED BY ALL INVOLVED![/b]
Thanks!
I had prepared to write this blog a few days ago after the Stars had lost their 5th straight game ... the original title was to be [i]Is this the Beginning of the End for the Dallas Stars?[/i] But for some reason I never took the time to sit down and finish it. But I'm glad I didn't, because after the first period at the Shark Tank tonight I've seen enough to tell me tha...
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...
Like many other hockey fans, I've been considering over the last few days where Martin Brodeur's latest accomplishments place him on the true list of the all-time greats. And as I did the research and put in the thought, an opinion I've long held was reinforced: there's a difference between the greatness of a player and the greatness of a career.
That's not to say that ...
That was the worst finish I've ever seen in my life for a series-clinching game in the NHL playoffs. What a joke! All the many calls let go and the linesman decides to make that ridiculous call at that critical moment of the game. Pathetic! The Blue Jackets deserved better. The linesmen should be embarrassed ... the refs should be embarrassed ... and the league should...
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...
With all the talk about what the fate of the Coyotes will be after today's hearing and the likely appeals on any decisions, I decided to put my two cents in on the argument.
With or without Jim Balsillie, the NHL will not be successful with a team in Hamilton, Ontario. This is not an attack on the dedicated hockey fans of Canada. In my honest opinion the league should a...
In the midst of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, perhaps it's a little early to discuss the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs splurging in this year's Unrestricted Free Agent crop by acquiring Mike Komisarek. But hey, four consecutive years of missing the post-season will do that, and speculation is always fun, so let's discuss!
Komisarek has been a serviceable defen...
[b]Yes his gameplay this year wasn't up to expectations, but can the Canadiens permit themselves to lose Mike Komisarek? [/b]
Granted, if he did refuse a 4M$ deal, it leaves Montreal in the uncomfortable position of either overpaying the 6'4'' behemoth or letting him go in the hopes of signing a F.A. that can support prime minutes. Looking at this summer's available unr...
Whether it be Pierre's and Milbury's red ties in game 5 and Milbury's red tie tonight. Or Pierre's and Olczyk's MULTIPLE assessments on the NUMEROUS times the Penguins should have been called for interference, or that the Red Wings should not have been called. Or them belaboring Malkin's cross check on Filppula when, a millisecond before, Kronwall planted [Fedotenko?]'s ...
Most Devils fans would like a coach who could stay for 5-6 years behind the bench without Lou firing them or quiting because they are "home sick." There are a few coaching opions who are overlooked that would make good choices. I do not want Lemaire back, he didnt work out for the Wild, I do not want him to come here. Sorry Devils fasn who wanted him back.
Pat Burns: B...
nephew23 writes...
Guerin, Boucher, and the Pittsburg Penguins are Cup Champs!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
[b]Happy congratulations to Billy Guerin, Philippe Boucher, and the newly crowned Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburg Penguins!!![/b] I'm sincerely happy for Billy G. and Philippe Boucher, as they both spent several quality years here with the Dallas Stars. As a rookie with the New Jersey Devils in 1995, Guerin raised his first Cup at the age of 24. Tonight, 14 years later, ...
The draft is now over and despite Director of Player Personnel Gordie Clark’s belief that the Rangers would need to move up in the draft to secure the player the Rangers were targeting, no move up was made. As it turns out the Rangers didn’t need to move up as the player they were targeting, Chris Kreider, fell to them at #19 overall. The Rangers did make one trade bri...
Now I'm going to ask you guys, due to the harsh questions on my last blog. Okay, first you have to understand that I am NOT Glen Sather, a GM, or a hockey analyst. I am only a 12 year old kid, so no harsh comments on ANY blogs. Secondly, I have to ask you guys. Now the question is.... What would you do with the free agency for the Rangers?
Please post your comments belo...
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...
With Brashear and Gaborik signed to contracts, as it stands today, the Rangers have about $13.7 million of cap space to work with. This is what should happen with that money if we want to be Stanley Cup contenders.
-Sign the RFA's. This is a reasonable amount for each RFA.
Zherdev-2 years $3.25million per yr.
Higgins-4 years $2 million per yr.
Korpikoski-1 year $...
Spacepawn writes...
Habs RFAs and UFAs Forwards Are Worth Less - Part 2 of 2
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
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...
[img]http://www.thehockeynews.com/imgs/dynamique/photos/original/article_12553_2.jpg[/img]
Someone asked me a fair question the other day: Is Buffalo Sabres #26 Thomas Vanek a superstar? After 4 years of NHL play, can Vanek be considered in the same league as Ovechkin, Crosby, Datsyuk, Malkin, Zetterberg or Iginla? To that question, I'd have to say, "No". But can he g...
This is from my blog at hfboards......
"I don't know why the Rangers aren't considering this...... How about Derek Roy? The dude puts up 30 goals a year and has a set of wheels. How about this....
Rozsival, Zherdev, Anisimov, Sauer to the Sabres for Derek Roy(4 mil) and Nathan (1 mil)Paetsch. The Rags shed about $7 million and take $5 million, leaving $6million to si...
Kamal Panesar writes...
Habs 2009-2010 NHL Schedule: Lots of storylines....
Posted Friday | Comments 0
So the 2009-2010 NHL schedule has been released and all the happenings in Montreal, over the last 12 months, mean that there are a ton of games to look forward to and a ton of story lines to follow. All of the games, listed below, are ones where the storyline exists due to the presence of one player. Here is my take on a few games that stand out:
Thurs, Oct. 1, 2009 -...
So I log into Hockeybuzz this morning and read a massive apology regarding Tanguay to Florida, and the (e5) rating given to the potential signing. By the third paragraph, I couldn't believe my eyes.
One of the things that has always confused me about this web page is the amount of bashing contributing writers get. Thanks to the concept of democracy and freedom of speech...
Looking at the rankings for this coming season, I'm surprised at how lowly ranked the Sabres are by the people who are doing it. I, by no means, believe that the Sabres are a Stanley Cup contender, but I do see a playoff team in the current roster. This team has the potential to finish anywhere as high as the 6th seed and is 100% capable of winning a playoff round.
By t...
So, continuing in my 5 part series on what will (or won't) make the Habs successful this season, I want to start off by replying to one of the comments from my last post. In my previous post, I had said that I define the Habs' success as finishing anywhere between 4th and 8th, in the East. The poster, 'flamminghead', wondered why not 1st, 2nd, or 3rd? Well, the answer i...
WarHero writes...
Game Day: Montreal - vs - Toronto - Let the Battle Begin!
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Hockey is Back!! Get out your jersey, put that puppy on and let the battles begin!
My name is Anthony and I'm a Montreal Canadiens fan. As much as I can this year I am going to try live blogging the Habs games. I am quite new to blogging and will gladly accept any feedback. So here we go ...
TV Station: CBC Canada
The Leafs are being announced now, not much of of ...
HOCKEY!!!!
Sorry, I had to get that out of my system.
:-)
Just like all of you out there, I am incredibly happy to be able to watch a hockey game that counts. I'd love to say that it was one for the ages...a classic that will go down in the annals of hockey history and which we will be talking about for years. Unfortunately, that was just not the case. While it...
Ugh. This was the closest Montreal has come so far, in this young season, to playing a full 60 minutes. However, sadly, they decided to take the 2nd period off and as a result ended up losing the game. Yes, both Colorado goals were lucky bounces, butt hey resulted from work. They simply out-worked Montreal in the 2nd and were rewarded with two lucky goals. Here are a ...
Wow. What a game. The usual hype of a Saturday night tilt between the Habs and the Leafs played out, in all its spendor last night. While Montreal should probably have won this game in regulation, going to a shoot out made the end all that much more exciting for the 21,000+ fans in attendance - of which I was one!
A few things I noticed/enjoyed about the game:
1 - L...
Ouch. Groan. Blech. Another day and another weak performance by the Montreal Canadiens. Three days after barely beating the Toronto Maple Leafs, our beloved Habs lost to the Kovalchuk-less Atlanta Thrashers and man was it ugly! From top to bottom, Montreal was disorganized and discombobulated. From sloppy defensive zone coverage to bad turnovers. From inconsistent g...
[img]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nhl/teams/1/50x50w/buf_2.jpg[/img]
The Sabres shutout the Islanders last night 3-0, avenging their 5-0 loss at the Island Saturday night.
My partner Kevin already gave a recap of the last night's game, but here are some quick thoughts on the game, and some insight on a few key players:
[b]Thomas Vanek: "On Switch" Has Been Flipp...
Well the injury bug has finally lost its patience with the Islanders and has decided to bite our d-core right in the ass once again. Islanders fans knew that it was inevitable that Martinek would go down with an injury at some point...unfortunately it will sideline him for the rest of the season.
Freddy Meyer, welcome back to the line-up. He never really deserved to si...
Kamal Panesar writes...
Lack of proper player development is killing the Habs
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Having been a Habs fan for my entire life and watched the supposed renaissance of the team, under Gainey, it is apparent that something is amiss. Well, many things are amiss, actually, but the thing that stands out the most to me is our seeming lack of proper player development. I don't know if it is because of the media pressure in this city or the nightlife that makes ...
Montreal was finally able to spin out of their offensive lethargy last night by beating the Phoenix Coyotes 4 - 2 IN REGULATION! Yes, in regulation. For the record and in case anyone is counting, that is only their second regulation win this season. A frightening stat for even those with the most stable hearts. Ok, on with the observations:
1 - Tomas Plekanec has no...
WarHero writes...
Game Day - 17/11/09: Mtl - vs - Car - Let the Battle Begin!
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
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...
Blech. This team is freaking weak. Sorry guys (and gals), but its true. For sure they have the very real excuse of having a boat load of injuries to key guys, but still. This is just a weak team and they are showing that unless their goalie stands on their head - which Price has done the last three games he played - they don't have any chance of winning. Consequently,...
So the overtime/shootout streak has been broken. Sad, but it was bound to happen. After winning 8 games in either shootout or overtime, this season, the Detroit Red Wings, led by Datsyuk and Zetterberg brought this dramatic night to a close. Looking at this game and the great comeback by the Habs, I really think that if it wasn't for Laraque's useless string of penalties i...
Last night, the banged-up Pittsburgh Penguins beat the even more banged-up Montreal Canadiens 3 - 1, in regulation. The streak is dead. Long live the streak! Ok, it was a meager streak but the way things have gone so far this year, you have to make each baby step a celebration or you'll be waiting too long to rejoice! So without further ado, here are a few observations fro...
Wow, what a game and what a comeback and what an unfortunate tying goal by Caps with 11 seconds to go and what a heartbreaking loss in the shootout. Ummm, ya. The Habs baiscally came out flat in the first period and Washington used their speed to back up the Montreal defence. It resulted in a 2 - 0 Caps lead, and it would have been even worse had Price not played another s...
[img]http://www.flickr.com/photos/sabre11richard/3362526735/[/img]
A two goal game may not be a career night for many players, but for Patrick Kaleta it was just that.
Buffalo was up for another big challenge on Saturday night. Although the Sabres had Ryan Miller in net, the Rangers have had a day off in between games. The Sabres played their third game in four night...
Today is the 15th of December and as we hit the official half-way point of the month we also hit the half-way mark of the Habs' 17 games in 28 nights. And how have our beloved Habs fared so far? Hmmmm, looks like a win one/lose one trend, much like the rest of the year has been for them. Sadly, this team could have a lot more points that it currently has (33 in 34 games) i...
The return of Andrei Markov was the storyline of the night and the game - a 3-0 win by the Habs - could be summed up as great goaltending, great special teams and a very special player. While Markov's two-goal performance warmed the cockles of Habs fans everywhere, the real hero this evening was Jaroslav Halak who in turning in a 40 save shutout performance continues to ra...
Habs win! Habs win! Long live the streak! A two-game streak that is. But, after losing 5 in a row, we'll take it. Last night in Atlanta, the Canadiens once again played the role of thieves, stealing two points from the suddenly within reach, Thrashers. Before last night's game, Montreal (35 points) were four points back of Atlanta (39). With the overtime win, the Habs gain...
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...
Kamal Panesar writes...
Daily Habs Links - Post-game, Plekanec, Panthers Game Day
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Plekanec is overtime hero, Price's strong play, Habs beat lightning...read all about it:
http://www.HabsAddict.com
Don't forget to check out the Habs To The Top Mid-Season Report Card:
http://www.habsaddict.com/2009/12/habs-mid-season-grades.html
Agree, disagree? Let me know! Happy New Year all!
Buffalo (28-11-4) vs. Colorado (24-15-6)
The Sabres enter the night with a perfect 7-0 record against the Western Conference. Buffalo is looking to extend their current win streak of six games while Tim Connolly hopes to extend his eight game point streak.
Patrick Lalime starts between the pipes for Buffalo, allowing Ryan Miller to rest after making 48 saves last nig...
Thomas Vanek was drafted by the Sabres in 5th overall in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, making him the highest draft pick in Austrian history.
Vanek signed a three-year deal with Buffalo on September 3, 2004, and began playing for the Sabres in 2005-2006 after a season with their AHL affiliate. He had a promising rookie season with 25 goals and 48 points in 81 games for the ...
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...
Buffalo (29-11-5) at Islanders (20-19-8)
With a 7-1-2 record, the Sabres headed onto Long Island looking to win their second of seventh game on the road trip. The Islanders came in having won their last two, including a convincing 6-0 win over Detroit.
Rick DiPietro started in net for the first time in over a year at Nassau Coliseum. There no surprise seeing Ryan Mil...
So here we are as hockey fans in late January. There are only a few short months of hockey left, and shortly we'll be able to tell if our teams are poised for a playoff run, or for golf season. It's this time of the year that teams must make a good run in order to establish prime playoff position.
The Sabres, for the past couple weeks, have not looked like the playo...
Buffalo hosted the Bruins looking for its second win in a row. Boston will have Marc Savard back in the lineup, which is a big relief for the Bruins. Without Savard, the team went 1-6-1 and only scored 13 goals.
Boston has won the first two meetings between these teams, but trail Buffalo by 15 points. Despite being 11th in the conference, Boston can jump all the way up ...
Nice win for the Blue Shirts tonight! The King was awesome, Gabby got a goal and the Rangers played a pretty solid game on home ice. But guess what, I don’t buy it. It was only 1 of 82 games that will be played this season; the Rangers have struggled for much of the season and have little reason to believe things are going to change drastically despite tonight’s succes...
As the midway point of the season came and went, the Buffalo Sabres were sitting comfortably atop the Northeast Division. Boston was the closest team team, but still trailed Buffalo by 12 points. Now, the Sabres have hit the biggest road bump of the season.
The west coast trip was just the beginning of the Sabres recent woes. The team has gone 2-8-1 in its last 11 games...
Kamal Panesar writes...
Montreal-San Jose: Price Shines in Habs 3-2 Loss to Sharks
Posted Friday | Comments 0
They say that a loss is a loss no matter how well a team play. On paper there is no question that last night's 3-2 loss to the Sharks hurt the Habs tremendously in the standings. That being said, there were no shortage of positive and encouraging signs for the Habs but unfortunately you don't get points for effort in the NHL.
Both teams had their chances in the first pe...
If you had to choose between Miller or Hasek, which one would you want on your team? Let's say both goalies came into the league at the same time, which one would you sign?
As a 21-year-old I don't remember watching Hasek as much as Miller, but I do recall "The Dominator" being an elite goaltender. The 1999 Stanley Cup Finals was when I really watched him excel, but we'...
The Sabres currently sit third in the Eastern Conference, although they are not far behind New Jersey for second, who they trail by just a point. Buffalo is well on its way to the playoffs, but some people don’t expect them to go very far.
Is there room for improvement on the Sabres team? Normally, a team that finishes third in the Conference would seem to be a good b...
[img]http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2010/02/17/alg_olympics_ryan_miller.jpg[/img]
[quote][u][b]That is the question![/b][/u][/quote]
For the first time since 2006-2007, the Buffalo Sabres will reach the post season. They are on their way to clinching the Northeast Division (albeit a weak one), and Olympic All Star goalie Ryan Miller can pass the 40 win mark for ...
Sabres Leave Ottawa With Two Points
This was the final meeting of the season between these teams, and Ottawa has won the first five. Ever since the brawl back in 2007, the Senators have had the Sabres number.
Buffalo is fighting for the second spot in the Conference, so a win tonight was important. These two teams could also meet in the second or third round of the p...
On a Toronto radio station earlier this week, Leafs GM Brian Burke indicated that defenseman Tomas Kaberle is generating some interest throughout the league. Local Toronto radio is reporting that Buffalo was one of two teams that have contacted Brian Burke about acquiring defenseman Tomas Kaberle.
This is a move by the Sabres that makes a great deal of sense. Kaberle i...
UFA Day is fast approaching. We’re less than 24 hours away from what has turned into the most exciting time of the year for fans of the NHL. Fans of every team wake up on July 1st in great anticipation to see what their team does. Many fans are thrilled at the end of the day while others are grossly disappointed.
Rangers’ fans have been subjected to a mixed bag over...
A little over a month ago, I wrote a column detailing what the Sabres’ plans for this offseason should be (see: Sabres’ Potential Blueprint, May 13th, 2010.) Some of my suggestions are still viable, others not (ex: Jason Arnott being dealt to New Jersey, Nathan Horton to Boston.)
After writing the previous article, I had a chance to review the 2009-10 season for the...
so throughout this offseason so far i've heard all the rumors you could possibly hear and most of them are ridiculous. It is going to be another offseason where we wait around for anothe superstar (kovalchuk) to make a decision which could take him all summer (just like the Heatley trade last year).
But i am not here to complain about that. As a proud Sharks fan (no m...
The Sabres lineup has not seen many moves since the beginning of the off-season. The loss of Henrik Tallinder and Toni Lydman didn’t surprise many fans. The addition of Jordan Leopold and the expected call up of Mike Weber will replace the openings those openings.
The Sabres have depth at forward but do they have enough scoring power remains the question. The team is ...
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...
WarHero writes...
Montreal Canadiens - Player Points Predictions - Centers
Posted Friday | Comments 0
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...
Slovakian blueliner Andrej Sekera has played parts of four seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, but has yet to prove anything to anyone. Sekera is a talented skater and passer and could be the offensive defenseman the Sabres have needed since Brian Campbell left in 2008. Sekera is currently penciled in as the Sabres’ 6th and final defenseman, but it is in his hands to mainta...
As Sabres fans look at this year’s team after the offseason moves (or lack of them), most likely they will be disappointed. Fans have been very critical of the management’s moves over recent years. With a deeper look at the team, has the team improved? A quick comparison may not look better, but even with the lack of acquisitions, the Sabres may be set for a deep run ...
There has been a lot of criticism of Craig Rivet’s play over this past season, and let’s be honest: most of it had merit. There has also been some recent unrest in his captaincy and leadership of the team. Should Rivet be the Captain? How has he done so far? And who could take his place? Let’s take a look.
Craig Rivet came to the Sabres in the summer of 2008 after...
We all remember how this season ended, but many may not be aware of how the Sabres actually got to the finals during the 1998-1999 season. The Sabres were not expected to do well at all that year.
Just one year prior, Miroslav Satan led the team with just 46 points. The Sabres draft picks before the start of the season didn’t fare too well, either. They included Andre...
[b]Primary Staff:[/b] Darcy Regier (GM) Lindy Ruff (Head Coach)
[b]2009-10 Stats:[/b] 82GP 45W 27L 10OTL 100PTS
[b]Place:[/b] 1st Northeast, 3rd East, 11th NHL
[b]Top Scorer:[/b] Derek Roy – 80GP 26G 43A 69P
[b]Captains:[/b] Craig Rivet (C)
[b]OFF-SEASON MOVES
OUT:[/b]
Henrik Tallinder (Signed with New Jersey)
Toni Lydman (Signed with Anaheim)
Tim Kennedy ...
This is the time of year, right before the opening of the NHL’s regular season, when every fan indulges in dreams of Stanley Cup glory. It doesn’t matter how improbable or unrealistic said dream is; we still fantasize how our current roster will defy all of the odds and preseason prognostications and bring Lord Stanley’s chalice home to their fans.
As a Rangers�...
Frazier writes...
My Two Cents: Underrated Rookie of 09-10, and Rookie Preview
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The 2009-2010 season wasn't a very good year for rookies. No star breakouts.
Being a Buffalo fan, I love Tyler Myers. And I believe he did deserve to be the rookie of the year. However, I think that someone that could really have given him a run for his money is (*Cough* Tyler Ennis *Cough*) the NY Islanders' own John Tavares.
Let me break this down into why he's an...
The Sabres dispatched Kovalchukless Atlanta by a final score of 4-1. Buffalo completely dominated the Thrashers, pouring 42 shots on Steve Mason. Atlanta could only whimper back, putting up a paltry 18 shots on Mr. All Star Ryan Miller.
Here are some quick thoughts on tonight's game:
-Butler may have played his best game as a Sabre tonight. He was excellent. Fantast...
[b]Vanek scores twice, Sabres earn two points in 6-1 victory over New Jersey[/b]
What a difference 10 days can make. Last Wednesday, the Sabres were shutout 1-0 by the Devils. On Saturday night, Buffalo went into New Jersey and made it look easy, winning 6-1 at the Prudential Center.
Martin Brodeur was expected to get the night off, since the the Devils were playing ...
If there’s one criticism that probably won’t apply to Sabres fans this year, it’s the idea that they’ll be harboring unrealistic expectations for their team; not after what occurred in the first month of the regular season.
Loyal followers of the blue and gold have likely realized that this current Sabres team has plenty of struggles to still overcome. After a t...
This NHL season has been unpredictable so far to say the least. Here are some thoughts as to what has been going on with the Sabres.
Buffalo are currently ranked 27th in the NHL with just seven points through 10 games. Derek Roy has been the hottest player on the team, scoring 11 points (5G, 6A) to begin the season.
Thomas Vanek has recently picked up the pace. It fe...
1. There’s a lot of ways to make sure you come out as the victor in a one-goal decision; but one guaranteed strategy is to maintain strong special teams. Prior to the game in Toronto, the Sabres were 3-9-2, with a lot of those losses being by a single goal. A lot of those losses also featured a miserable penalty kill, which at one point was ranked 27th in the NHL.
It ...
A few weeks ago I remember reading an article on WGR’s website about how the Bills keep mismanaging running backs in the same way every few years.
It reminded me a little bit a about how the Sabres have functioned with their defensemen, so I did a little digging. Patterns are pretty simple to find when you know where to look.
I will be examining several defensemen ...
This is Burke's team, this is Burke's mess. Brian Burke had a hand in acquiring every player on our roster except Kaberle, Schenn, Gunarsson, and Kulemin.
When Brian Burke was brought on board as the Maple Leafs' GM, he had an aura about him. He was big and boisterous, he was confident and charismatic. He was our savior that was to lead us out of the JFJ years. Whateve...
The Penguins have been playing some lights out hockey over the past couple of weeks. The significant problems that seemed to be plaguing this bunch have started to improve and the results are proof.
Defensive zone coverage: The Penguins defensive zone coverage earlier in the year left much to be desired. An incredible amount of passes were starting to find their wa...
projp1 writes...
Patrick Kaleta fight. Sabres vs. Blue Jackets. New Owner?
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Did anyone see that fight at about 10 minutes or so left in the 3rd period in the Sabres and Blue Jackets game? Talk about a beating. Kaleta literally made contact on pretty much every punch he took and then after the fight he dusted off his hands and the crowd went CRAZY. Let's just say Buffalo had a good night.
Now if anyone has seen my last blog than you know I am...
Buffalo came into this game coming off a big win against the Blue Jackets 5-0 and Miller gaining his first shutout of the season.
The first two meetings between the two squads were split. Buffalo winning 2-1 and then dropping the 2nd meeting in Buffalo 4-2. This time, there was no scoring in 65 minutes of action, meaning that Ryan Miller and Brian Elliot each recorded ...
Two years ago Craig Rivet arrived in Buffalo and was given as daunting of a task as there could be for a professional hockey player; Captaining a timid, lost Sabres club that was still reeling from the loss of Daniel Briere and Chris Drury.
It didn’t help Rivet any that he spent the last couple of seasons beforehand on the back lines of the San Jose Sharks, and was ye...
Obviously, if you (the readers) are avid fans of HockeyBuzz, you should know that almost everyday eklund is writing about possible leaf trades. I know most of these blogs aren't true. For example, the blog about Cory Schnieder being traded said that the leafs were interested.
Cmon... why would Burke go after a mid-level goalie when he has the former stanley cup winner...
One night after the Sharks rallied to win from a 4-1 deficit, San Jose found themselves in a similar position. Buffalo took a 3-0 lead over the Sharks Thursday night at HSBC arena, but the Sharks didn’t have enough to come back and win it.
Paul Gaustad and Thomas Vanek put Buffalo up 2-0. Jason Pominville upped the lead after scoring shorthanded on a breakaway. Toward...
The Sharks worsened their HSBC Arena record to 1-13-1, losing to Buffalo tonight by a final score of 6-3. Flukes and turnovers mixed with a tired San Jose squad to spell a loss to end their road trip.
The scoring was opened at 12:18 of the 1st period with a fluke goal off a faceoff being shot by Cody McCormick, deflecting into the air off Paul Gaustad's skate, and hitt...
Many Rangers fans have been critical of coach Tortorella in the past. We've complained of his constant line changes, his demeanor towards some of the young talent and the way in which the team always seems to start games off slowly. I would argue though that Torts has been spot on since the beginning.
Yes, I would admit he has made mistakes, like any coach will. But whe...
Rangers trade Micheal Roszival to the Phoenix Coyotes for Wojtek Wolski
What do you think of this deal?
Phoenix recieves a young budding defenceman who has the talent to be a playmaker and scorer, and the Rangers recieve a forward who has proven himself to be quite the point producer in past years, but is just having an off-season. With Frolov out for the remainder of...
As President Obama was finishing up adressing the nation, the Buffalo Sabres were putting the finishing touches on the Ottawa Senators. the 3-2 win in Kanata Tuesday night put the Sabres at 51 points, 4 behind eighth place Atlanta. We have reached the All-Star break, which marks the half way point of the season for most of us. Buffalo can easily catch Atlanta, who has p...
As far as I am concerned, biggest All Star snub was Tomas Plekanec. He is in the conversation with Ryan Kesler and Pavel Datsyuk as best two-way forward in the NHL.
Reasons why Plekanec is an ALL STAR:
-Top Line center who still ends up playing against top lines and best D-men pairings
-Producing despite lack of production from linemates (leads team in goals, assist...
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...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line covering what did and did not happen for the Islanders before today's trade deadline
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/quiet-day-garth-snows-office
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
thomas_vanek26 writes...
How Brad Boyes will Affect the Sabres Postseason Chances
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Sabres acquired for Blues forward Brad Boyes late Sunday evening for a 2nd round pick in next year's draft. The move has garnered quite a bit of attention in both markets involved. It's obvious the Sabres were in need of a top 6 forward who can score, skate hard, and check harder. Boyes can backcheck and forecheck with the best of them. He skates with intensity that I ...
Just like that, Neal and Michalek score back to back within 3:17 of each other. Neal's goal was the result of good passing and the inability of Millsy to cover the far side of the net. Michalek's was the result of a deflection of his point shot off of a Buffalo d-man's leg. End result: 2-1 Pens lead.
On a side note, Buffalo just took a penalty at 5:54 in the 2nd.
A...
Nine games into the Terry Pegula era and the Buffalo Sabresboast a 6-1-2 record under new ownership. Coincidence? I think not.
Ever since Pegula officially took over the ownership of the Sabres, they have been a different team. If you remember correctly, one of Pegula’s first quotes as the owner was, “Winning is not a goal. It is a belief.”
The Buffalo Sabres h...
With another week of Buffalo Sabres hockey in the book, it is time for the Buffalo Sabres week in review!
Games Played:
- 3/15/11 – Sabres fall to the Carolina Hurricanes, 1-0.
- 3/19/11 – Sabres defeated the Atlanta Thrashers, 8-2.
- 3/20/11 – Sabres fall to the Nashville Predators, 4-3, in overtime.
Points Earned:
- The Buffalo Sabres earned three out of ...
It is safe to say that the Sabres have recovered from a poor start to the season. Sabres Hockey Central took a look back at what the viewpoints were during the first half of the season.
In an article earlier this season, Sabres Hockey Central stated the following:
Last year, Montreal finished in eighth with 88 points. If that holds true this season, the Sabres would ...
There are rumors going around that Derek Roy will be ready to play if the Sabres go deep in the playoffs. While those rumors may be true, do the Sabres want him back at that point in the season.
The team has improved significantly since he went down, but would brining him back help or hurt the team? What if Roy does come back and further aggravates his injury, forcing h...
Andrej Sekera was drafted in the 2004 Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres, with the 71st overall pick. Being a third-round pick, there were some expectations for Sekera to develop into a decent NHL defenseman.
Sekera signed a three-year entry level deal with the Buffalo Sabres after posting 55 points in the OHL with the Owen Sound Attack , while boasting an impressive plu...
With another successful week of Buffalo Sabres hockey in the book, it is time for the Buffalo Sabres: Week in Review!
Games Played
- 3/29/11 – Sabres fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs, 4-3.
- 3/30/11 – Sabres defeated the New York Rangers, 1-0.
- 4/2/11 – Sabres fell to the Washington Capitals, 5-4, in overtime.
-4/3/11 – Sabres defeated the Carolina Hurricane...
A hat-trick by Thomas Vanek would prove to be the difference as the Buffalo Sabres ended the Tampa Bay Lightning’s hopes for a South East division title with a 4-2 victory.
The Sabres started the game off as planned as they applied tremendous pressure on the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning. The chances piled up early and none better than when Stafford picked up a juicy r...
Thanks to Terry Pegula, 80 former Sabres were in thebuilding as the Sabres were looking to clinch a playoff spot for the second consecutive season. In order to do so, Buffalo would have to find a way to get past the Flyers, who are second in the Eastern Conference.
The Sabres were caught standing still as Philadelphia opened the scoring with Scott Hartnell’s 22nd goal...
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...
For Leafs fans, Mike Komisarek is the new Bryan McCabe. To an extent at least. He is an overpaid defensemen who really can't play defence really well. To be fair, that isn't really true. He's had his good years, and was one of the more solid shutdown d-men in the NHL until Lucic messed him up. But you think he'd be healthy by now. It's been two and a half years since the i...
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...
Over the next week, Sabres Hockey Central will be releasing the staff selections for the seven categories making up the 2010-2011 Sabres year in review. The posts will be published here at 8 a.m. every day through Thursday the 19th.
The first award is “Sabre of the year”. Saturday morning’s post will feature the staff’s selections for “biggest surprise player ...
As the NHL playoffs continue without Buffalo, the Sabres and their fans are already looking forward to next season. Watching the San Jose vs. Detroit series, I realized that there is no way the Sabres could compete in a game, or series, of that intensity, which may be a key factor in why they lost to the Flyers in Game 7 and have won only one in the history of the franchis...
Happy Friday!
As anticipation grows with the looming draft tonight, like most Leafs fans, I'm hopeful that big Burke can live up to his reputation and pull the trigger on a trade that will shed the limelight on the city that eats, sleeps and lives the Leafs!
In wandering my way through the many credible tweeters today, it doesn't appear there is much life to many r...
I believe I picked the right day to start my blogging adventure...yesterday at about 2:00, I went onto Hockeybuzz to look if any trade rumors concerned the Flyers. The only rumor I saw was Robyn Regher possibly waiving his NTC to go to Buffalo. Thinking nothing will happen in the next 20 minutes (Who would've thought something did happen?) I go to get cleaned up for the ...
www.HockeyBuzz.com
www.NHL.com
www.CapGeek.com
www.NHLPA.com
to track your favorite team: www.*teamname*.nhl.com
Before I start, I don't claim to be an expert. I have my own opinions, and don't claim to know everything about hockey. If you find any inaccuracies or have any comments, please respectably leave them below or in my Inbox.
Since I last saw my Flyers in May, a lot have transactions obviously have occurred. I was pissed off at the end of the season, and called it the ...
In my last blog i wrote about how i feel the NHL needs newer more innovative statistics and introduced my first new stat of the year the Shift Impact Percentage or SIP%. I'm not going to recap what the statistic is composed of, for that see my previous blog. Instead i'm going to delve right into the numbers and start applying the stat so we can start to gauge what is a g...
Happy retirement to Chris Drury. I really was hoping Montreal could've picked him up. Class act and a great player.
Okay, so here we go with part 2. If you haven't seen part 1, go to my profile and check it out if it still isn't on homepage. What I'm doing here is a 5 part series of blogs. Part 1, Western Conference standings predictions. Part 2, Eastern Conference. Par...
You'd be hard pressed to find a Sabres fan who wasn't enamored with Chris Drury during his tenure, and I'm no different. Sure he left on bad terms, as he did with the Rangers but looking back I give him a ton of credit for bringing the Sabres back to legitimacy and teaching the young guys (Pominville, Roy, Vanek, Gaustad) what it takes to win.
Many of you recall his ...
Let me get a few important things out of the way...
First off, I want Crosby back and playing hockey in the NHL as badly as anyone else who enjoys watching the best skilled players play the game. I think he is important to the game, right now at least, because he was viewed by many as the best player in the game prior to his concussion(s) suffered last year. How can he ...
habsteen26 writes...
2011-2012 Predictions: Part 3: Western Conference Playoffs
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Well, here we go.
This is Part 3 of the series and I can't believe we're almost done!!! If you have no idea whats going on, I highly suggest you click onto my profile and read Part 1 and Part 2 and leave a comment telling me what you think! Part 1 of the series was dedicated to the Western Conference Regular season standings, while Part 2 was dedicated to the Eastern C...
habsteen26 writes...
2011-2012 Predictions: Part 4: Eastern Conference Playoffs
Posted Friday | Comments 0
What is going on here? Wade Belak, the happiest man on this planet, committed suicide. I know exactly what Wade's family is going through right now and what they're thinking. "Is it my fault?", "Why wasn't he happy enough?", "How could he do this to us?". My thoughts, prayers and condolences are with the Belak family in their time of need.
Okay, lets talk predictions. T...
hi im a new blogger and wanted to start with something sabres related. Thanks to Terry Pegula's buyer mentality the sabres have a situation that we havent seen in years, competition. Every year the returning players of the sabres have been able to come back and reclaim their previous role on the team because there was never a surplus of players, young and mid-aged that we...
Welcome to the final part of my 5 part series. But, before we start I have 3 things I want to say.
1) I dedicate this post to the victims of the tragic 9/11 terrorist attack. As all of you know, today marks the 10th anniversary of the horrific event. I actually have a personal connection to a victim. My aunt was actually a flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 1...
I love a shutout win as much as the next guy, but I think we can all agree that the Flyers' 4-0 preseason victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight was more about recognizing several standout players for the purpose of evaluating the final roster, rather than the cohesiveness of the team's play as a whole.
The good news is that there is a whole lotta upside to the Fl...
AlexanderScharf writes...
The Rangers Can Win The Atlantic - Response To Eklund Hate
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night on the HockeyBuzz Podcast, Leafs writer Mike Augello picked the New York Rangers to win the Atlantic Division. The founder of this site responded in disbelief, comparing such a prediction to picking the Leafs to win the Northeast. But this reaction is unsurprising, if you have read Eklund’s Atlantic Divison preview, in which he questions the Rangers’ chemist...
gerbstomped writes...
Pommer Now the Mayor of the Population and Other Thoughts
Posted Friday | Comments 0
So Lindy has pulled the proverbial wool over our eyes and gave the C to Jason Pomminville. While most of us expected Thomas Vanek to assume the role, I am shocked to see the reaction to this appointment. I have heard several people have a jumping-off-the-bridge mentality saying that, "Once again, the Sabres dropped the ball." I couldn't have felt any more opposite. But bef...
Hmmm.......where do I begin ?
Well, lets start with Bryan Little shall we ? He was.....well......brutal. He was eventually replaced on the top line with Mark Scheifele who was better tonight than he has been in the last two games. Still, there was absolutely no chemistry between any line tonight and although the entire team wasn't very good, some of them were just pl...
The past few games have been an interesting combination for Buffalo’s pride and joy. They’ve struggled at times, but have pulled 4 points out of 6 possible. So far, things look good. A little inconsistent, but good.
Carolina (10/14/11)
The arena was electric for the opening of the season, and the first game ever at the First Niagara Center. As I walked through t...
Since nobody has posted any Tampa Bay Lightning content in a long time I figured I would take a crack at covering the team and the current rumors around them.
Starting with Eklund's rumor yesterday tying the Lightning to the recently demoted Linus Omark.
Omark has incredible offensive upside tallying 27 pts in 57 career NHL games (yet he is a minus 18), but many for...
4blindmice writes...
Never underestimate the value of a proper NHL snarl!!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
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...
andydrmm writes...
2 Games- 4 Points, A Good Hockey Weekend for Buffalo
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I went into this weekend of Sabres hockey rather skeptical after the past few performances of the team. Despite only losing by one goal in a lot of their games, it was not a accurate depiction of the game as a whole. Buffalo was not playing good hockey, and there was no reason to think this weekend would be any different.
However, 2 games and 4 points later, I was plea...
Recently Eklund has posted a rumor suggesting that the Columbus Blue Jackets are interested in Chris Mason and/or Antero Niittymaki.
Now while I don't doubt the Blue Jackets have interest in both goalies, and all goalies for that matter, I do doubt the fact that they will be able to get either of these goalies.
Lets start with Chris Mason, who is currently injured bu...
Sabres rebounded with 4 points over the weekend with a goalie duel win against the Flames on Friday and a exciting shootout win in Ottawa. To my surprise even though I would have done it that way, Jhonas Enroth played both games over the weekend and played well. He is now 4-0-0 with a 1.41 GAA and .952 SV %. I'll get to the Miller vs Enroth debate later. First I want t...
Last night in Pegulaville City Hall the FN Center the night started with an emotional induction of Dale Hawerchuk and RJ into the Sabres Hall of Fame. The Sabres however didn't come out motivated and resulted in the worst possible start for Miller with a qucik 2-0 Jets lead. I give Lindy credit for sticking with Ryan and not oulling out the quick hook. Buffalo pulled ou...
A night after I was killing my team for 40 minutes of uninspired and awful play in the Bell Centre followed by 20 minutes of dominance and a W via the shootout, I took a look at the standings this morning as per usual. Wait a second...the Buffalo Sabres are in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference 1 pt behind Philly and first in the NE Division. Now raise your hand if you ...
[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...
For once, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, Garth has a decent point. Buffalo brass does need to sit down and have a nice long evaluation of the direction that the Sabres are headed in at this point in the season.
However, I can already tell you the excuse that the brass will use to explain the recent play of the Sabres.
Injuries.
Thats it. I can hear Da...
First and foremost, happy holidays everyone! I hope everyone had a great holiday season, culminating tonight with the start of 2012. I took a brief hiatus from writing over the holiday season, but continued to follow the boys in blue and gold closely. So now, back to business.
In his last blog, Garth posted a video with the heading of “Jason Pominville is at a loss f...
I wasn’t going to write this... But after seeing what one of my counterparts once again has said, I feel a realistic viewpoint needs to be taken regarding Sabres hockey on this site.
“Decent effort against Ottawa. Yet again, not enough scoring in the end.” That’s from Garth.
What game were you watching?
As I watched the game from the First Niagara Center,...
Something the Toronto Maple Leafs have a lot of. Well…maybe that’s not the right term. ‘Excess Depth’ may describe the situation a bit better. My point is, the team has a lot of players with high cap hits, which I just don’t think they need. But the thing is, they all have value were they to be traded. A couple of the names may surprise people, but bear with me. ...
It has now been made public that the Sabres GM Darcy Regier is shopping forwards Derek Roy, Drew Stafford, and Brad Boyes around to many teams. Which teams, we do not know, but this information comes per ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. Regier is reportedly shopping these top 6 forwards in hope of getting another top 6 forward in return.
Derek Roy is the player I would be the most...
February 3, 2011:
“Starting today,” Pegula said, “there will be no financial mandates on the Buffalo Sabres hockey department,” in their effort to fulfill his dream of winning multiple Stanley Cups. “There is no salary cap in the National Hockey League on scouting budgets and player development budgets.”
“A clarion call should go out to the league and t...
The final score from tonight, shockingly, is 1-0 Rangers, but Buffalo did play a solid game. Last night, good effort against the Habs, but again, it’s the Habs, and they aren’t exactly setting the world on fire this season (sorry Montreal).
Ryan Miller has been a god send. He has looked simply stellar and back on his game lately. He has stood on his head. Also, the...
This summer, I took part in a charity ice hockey tournament called Checking For Charity. Although it was a painful way to learn just how badly my skills have deteriorated since the last time I played regularly, it was one of the most fulfilling weekend experiences of my life. I discovered the event around the same time that I learned about Defending The Blueline(DTBL), a...
Everyone who watches hockey loves Saturday night hockey, there is just something special about it. What could be better than Saturday night hockey, with the potential of a record being broken. This Saturday night was no different, and Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres reached a milestone in his career with the Sabres. In a 4-3 Shootout win over the New York Islanders, Mill...
Part two of revisiting some of the recent bigger deals in the NHL involves the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Philadelphia Flyers. They got together on one of the bigger deals that happened in the summer of 2011:
[img]http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/404/296/129037043_crop_650x440.jpg?1318893095[/img]
[img]http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/...
The Sabres put together a little hot streak after the All-Star break. However, the past 2 games, they have gone right back to where they were before.
Can Buffalo make the playoffs? Yes. Is it a long shot? It doesn’t have to be, but the way Buffalo is playing, [b]yes[/b].
Which now begs the question, what should Buffalo do over the next two weeks with the trade de...
This game can be summed up as a game that Buffalo should have won. Don’t look at the stats, don’t look at the standings... Buffalo should have won this game. Montreal is struggling this season, and is right next to Buffalo (well they were) at the bottom of the East.
Again, I don’t care about whether Myers played in his 200th game, and got his 100th point with a g...
A week to go, decision time is here. Best record in hockey, slowly pulling away from the Blues, eyeballing the nucks for the conference crown, go with what we have or make a deal?
We need one more solid forward, period. I LOVE the Miller, Abdelkader and Helm line, never been a Abdelkader fan but these three have something. They really should be a fourth line though, ...
After I wrote my blog this morning, I realized that I had just scrapped the surface as to what is bugging Buffalo fans. So, let’s talk about this realistically.
I think everyone knows that Buffalo can make the playoffs. However, will this team go anywhere? Sure, Buffalo has beaten the Bruins and Penguins pretty badly recently. But in a best of 7 series? I don’t thi...
andydrmm writes...
2-1 Sabres Final, in the Shootout, Much needed 2 points.
Posted Friday | Comments 0
I'm doing something a little different tonight. After each period, I'm going to do a period recap as the game goes on... Talk to you after the first!
[b]0-0 End of 1[/b]
That was a pretty boring period. Both teams seem to be playing very cautious hockey. Yes, there are scoring chances for each team, but I wouldn't really call them exceptional. This seems to be the op...
I think that the most entertaining part of tonight’s game against the Bruins, was watching Boston miss the empty net a few times in the past 2 minutes. Poor play and questionable decisions, and Buffalo has now dropped 2 of their last 3.
Buffalo made the mistake of playing the wrong goalies, in the wrong games. Carolina is the game that Enroth should have started in....
Wild weekend of hockey for me the past 2 days. I spent Friday night in Rochester with my family taking in the Amerks vs Binghamton game. Saturday, my fiance and I ventured off to Buffalo for the Sabres vs Wild game, as Buffalo makes a push for the playoffs.
[b] Rochester Amerks [/b]
The Amerks are still looking like a solid squad. They may not have won on Friday nig...
Tuesday night, playoff fever had hit Buffalo. Buffalo didn’t just beat the Capitals, they ran them over with a 5-1 win. Buffalo was in sole possession of 8th place, 2 points up on the Caps, with 5 games left for both teams. Buffalo was in control, and just had to keep playing solid hockey to get into the playoffs.
The Caps won on Thursday, making it clear that Buffal...
I’m still sticking to the fact that Buffalo didn’t really want to make it this year. Look at the effort tonight, didn’t really strike you as a team that was playing desperate hockey, did it?
I waited to write this until the end of the Capitals game. It’s done, it’s over. The playoff race goes to Florida and Washington. Buffalo can’t catch either team now. Th...
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...
Now that the draft is less than a week away, it’s time to start looking at the needs of the Buffalo Sabres.
2011-2012 was a disappointing season for the Buffalo Sabres. To say that the pieces were there for the Sabres, is an understatement. We can try to find excuses for why Buffalo didn’t deliver, but in the end, Buffalo was worse than in the season before, moving ...
It is easy to say the Flyers should go after Bobby Ryan or sign Zack Parise but it certainly isn't that easy. Would these players make an impact with the team? Certainly, but it comes at a price.
If the Flyers sign Parise, it may preclude them from signing anyone else of significance. With few salary cap money left (depending on the new cap number), they still need to r...
The sabres fanbase, myself included, has attachments to many players on thw current roster for reasons other than talent. Being from Angola, NY and going to the same high school as patrick kaleta, I obviously love seeing him on the squad. Nathan Gerbe is the personification of perseverance and is known for giving his all every night. But do they fit on the newly minted ros...
I’ve been thinking about this past season for the Sabres. Namely how and why things went wrong (if someone says injuries, I’m going to scream). I do really like the new players that Buffalo has brought in, and I’m anxious as to what will happen next. But my question is, will it matter?
I like the additions so far, and I get the feeling that there’s more in the w...
Please take some time to check out this article and all of my Dallas Stars coverage over at www.betweenthebenches.com
Following the heavily publicized rumors that the St. Louis Blues were targetting Morrow for a trade, GM Joe Nieuwendyk came out to Mike Heika from the Dallas Morning News by saying...
“We had a good talk the other day, and I told him I very much bel...
The title of this blog says it all. What if… Ott is it? I’m looking at a couple of things with this blog. First, what if Buffalo’s only move this year is the Ott move. After all of this time, and with Darcy Regier’s track record, everyone’s thinking it, I’m just saying it. Second, game plan for if Ott is it, and prep for the oncoming 2012-2013 season for Buffal...
dresecondyear writes...
Are the sabres better after offseason moves so far?
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I was just thinking to myself about this. Only time will truly tell but just for the heck of it lets debate this.
Offseason acquisitions- John Scott, Steve Ott, Adam Pardy, Nick Tarnasky,
Departures- Derek Roy, Jochen Hecht, Brad Boyes
The players that were brought in without a doubt play a more rugged style of game, but do they add enough skill to boost the sabr...
Follow me on Twitter @PHI_Flyers
Today I thought would be fun to look at a Flyer in depth. I was thinking Danny B, but lets save him for tomorrow and look at the newest Flyer to resign, Jakub Voracek.
Before the details come out, just by watching him skate this past year, here is his OBVIOUS pros and cons
PROS- very fast, excellent passer, amazing control over th...
The past few days on Twitter have been crazy about the possible moves that teams are making for Anaheim forward Bobby Ryan. The one thing I hate about twitter is you never know what deals are actually true and which are fake. I've heard Philadelphia , Buffalo, and Boston have all made offers to Anaheim for Bobby Ryan, Lets go more in depth on these possible trades.
Let...
Just going to start by saying that this is my first blog so hopefully I dont make a mess of this. :)
Well as im sure we are all aware, Eklund reported a possible rumor between the Sabres and the Oilers. Ill attempt to break it down here.
Sabres: The Rumor suggests that the Sabres would be sending a "significant defenceman." Lets start by saying it wont be Myers or Eh...
Just going to start by saying that this is my first blog so hopefully I dont make a mess of this. :)
Well as im sure we are all aware, Eklund reported a possible rumor between the Sabres and the Oilers. Ill attempt to break it down here.
Sabres: The Rumor suggests that the Sabres would be sending a "significant defenceman." Lets start by saying it wont be Myers or Eh...
Sorry guys. But my first blog in awhile is going to be somewhat negative. I also have to disclose that I'm a Leafs fan. Now with that out of the way, to the point at hand.
With Hasek wanting to return to the NHL (NHL or bust according to him) at 47 and the Leafs needing a veteran goaltender to backup Reimer (or Scrivens?) maybe there's a fit? Why not give him a try at t...
I finally found out that the Sabres minipacks were going on sale right before my wedding. Just one more thing to stress about the week I lose my freedom (kidding!!!).
Traditionally, My fiancé (soon to be wife) and I go in on a minipack with my parents. While we would like to get season tickets, it’s tough not living in Buffalo. However, we’re always watching the ga...
To me, hockey is my escape. I am underemployed, I am struggling to put myself back through college, I have lost most of the luxuries I once enjoyed but I still had hockey.
Hockey to me is pure.
Imagine an office where 99% of the employees loved their jobs and gave it 100% everyday.
Imagine making hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars doing the job that you...
To me, hockey is my escape. I am underemployed, I am struggling to put myself back through college, I have lost most of the luxuries I once enjoyed but I still had hockey.
Hockey to me is pure.
Imagine an office where 99% of the employees loved their jobs and gave it 100% everyday.
Imagine making hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars doing the job that you...
To me, hockey is my escape. I am underemployed, I am struggling to put myself back through college, I have lost most of the luxuries I once enjoyed but I still had hockey.
Hockey to me is pure.
Imagine an office where 99% of the employees loved their jobs and gave it 100% everyday.
Imagine making hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars doing the job that you...
This Rumour was not mentioned on Hockeybuzz I know. But I was surfing twitter and I source that I believe to be accurate mentioned that the maple Leafs were looking to trade for Gagner. I found this interesting because I believe it could very well happen. So as I did for the Buffalo/Edmonton rumour I am going to break this down onto what I think the potential deal could lo...
As I sit and think about what I should be watching on a Tuesday night, (Sabres vs Senators), I’ve been scrolling through pictures of games that I’ve been at. I got to thinking about what games I’ve been to, and what games I wish I was at.
I figured I’d break this up into 2 questions. 1. What’s the best hockey game(s) that you ever went to? and 2. What game(s)...
I wont believe that Derek Roy isn't a Sabre anymore until I see it Sunday 1/20/13 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Sabres didn't make any moves for a true NHL caliber number 1 center, but I do like the moves that they made in the off-season (a very long off-season.) Buffalo Sabres traded Derek Roy for tough guy Steve Ott and dman Adam Pardy. They also acquired enf...
100 mile per hour slap shot. Hopefully this will help move us in the right direction. The Flyers are on the road to strengthening their hurting defense in the acquisition of Kurtis Foster. He fills the Flyers need for a sixth defenseman and brings some different skills to the Flyers’ defense. Foster has bounced around the league quite a bit due to injuries which make...
Well, I’ve waited until the day before the season starts. I’ve thought about this a lot this week, and I’m sure my wife is tired of listening to me, but alas, the time is here. Sabres season preview time for 2013.
I’ve got one thought before I look at this season, that needs to be highlighted before I get started. Everyone already knows it, but still;
This s...
Well, I’ll be completely honest; I am pleasantly surprised today. I really am. To be honest, I didn’t see the Sabres winning today. It wasn’t the best win in the world, but I, like every other Sabres fan, will take it.
After taking a frigid hike into the arena, we started scrounging for food, and realized that the arena couldn’t sell beer until noon. So, after ...
Well, the Flyers have played, and dropped, two games to start the season: the first against Pittsburgh and the second against the Buffalo Sabres. All in all, even though they lost both games, they didn’t look as bad as the record shows. They got some pretty rough calls by the refs especially in the Sabres game. Two Flyers goals were called back simply because the refs...
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...
Again, Buffalo finds themselves going up against a team who hasn’t managed to win this season. While they are without Thomas Vanek today, keep in mind that’s not an excuse. They lost the last 2 games with him in the lineup.
I like what I see offensively from this team. I really do. However, that’s only when they use their speed, and when they make smart decisions...
I was amazed at Buffalo’s win on Thursday night against the Bruins. I would have written sooner, but I was about ready to fall asleep after I watched it, so I went to sleep. I won’t focus on that game, lets just leave it at that Buffalo beat the Bruins, and picked up 2 much needed points.
What I’d rather do is take a look at the use of Grigorenko and Brennan in B...
Yesterday’s game... Wow, what can I say about that game in Montreal for the Sabres?
Nothing good. It was an abomination, and too be completely honest, this was a long time coming. How can I say this? Easily.
I’ve been watching the Sabres play this lazy style of defense for a long time. When Galchenyuk waltzed between all 5 Sabres on the ice, slid a pass to Eller...
I’m seeing the debate rage on amongst Buffalonians as to what the problem seems to be with the Sabres. Currently, they’re in the bottom 5 of the entire NHL, and 14th place in the Eastern Conference. However, most people are mystified as to what the problem is. The number 1 question;
[b]Is this on the players or the coaches?[/b]
I’ll admit, and I’m sure if you...
Another up and down week for the Orange and Black. On Tuesday night they looked great defensively and in net against a very good Lightning squad and came out with a 2-1 W, thanks to Tom Sestito. Last night they lost a tough shootout to the Florida Panthers. It looked like they might have been able to win the game in OT but failed to capitalize on any of their chances.
...
I’ve felt for awhile that there’s something missing this season. Normally, our home feels very tense come game day. I’m ready for the games, edge of my seat, and pumped up when the game starts. Once the game starts, generally there’s a lot of cheering for when Buffalo scores, and a lot of profanity for the rest of the game.
As I watch the Sabres games this year...
We can talk all day about how great it was that Buffalo bounced back. We can talk about that phenomenal save that Miller made on Neal. We can look at how the Sabres gave the Penguins a serious run for their money today. I personally am going to choose to look at this...
[b]Buffalo lost.[/b]
Oh no, don’t say “They came close”, don’t say “They played their b...
I’ve been asked a lot what moves I would make if I were GM for the Sabres. So, I’m finally putting this blog together after much thought. I’m basing my philosophy on one of my favorite movies, [i]Miracle[/i]. For those of you who haven’t seen it, it’s the Hollywood version of the 1980 Miracle On Ice.
About 10 minutes into the film, you see tryouts for the 198...
First, my disclaimer, I have been a Sabres fan since as long as I can remember. My first phrase as a child, as far as I've been told, was "I wanna watch hockeysabres" Yes as one word. I do live in Maryland now as I had to sadly move from Buffalo to pursue my career.
The Sabres efforts have been lackadaisical as of late. Everyone from as high up as Pomminville all the w...
That was a question recently asked by an associate of mine.
Over the past few years the #Detroit Redwings have lost a considerable amount of talent (Nicklas Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Brad Stuart, Jiri Hudler and a few others) and haven't been able to replace those players. So the question must be asked.... "Has Ken Holland lost his mojo?"
As a lifelong Detroit ...
I apologize for the brief moment of silence recently. I was battling some illness this week and I’m finally feeling back up to par. So in getting back into this, I figured I’d delve into the trade deadline, and what the Buffalo Sabres approach should be.
I’ve seen a lot of trade rumors circulating this team. Emphasis on rumor. I don’t put much stock in these th...
Tonight, due to injury of Sabres defenseman, Andrej Sekera, would have normally seen extra defenseman, T.J. Brennan, as the replacement. That has all changed as Brennan was traded to the Florida Panthers for a fifth-round pick of the 2013 draft. And as Brennan scored in his first game with the team, seeing over 22 minutes of ice-time, Sabres fans have been critical of the ...
So the Anaheim Ducks have signed two of their big free agents. First they sign Ryan Getzlaf through 2021. That's a rather lengthy contract considering the NHL wanted to scale back those long term contracts. But even more impressive is the $8,250,000 per season over the next 6 seasons. Mind-blowing numbers when you consider that also was one of the major issues that ke...
I don't even know where to begin when it comes to the Sabre's power play this season, I mean as a Sabre's fan, I am no stranger to a poor and streaky power play, but what the hell is going on here? The Sabre's are dead last in the NHL converting just 13 of 108 opportunities, while also allowing a league leading 5 short handed goals. I could deal with a bad conversion ...
Not looking for an answer here. So don’t try to give me one (“Too late”, says my wife as I proof read it to her. She answered “no” for those of you who were curious.). I’ll admit that it’s very tempting to get caught up in the rush of the past 2 Sabres games. Winning in Montreal and then beating Toronto in what may have been the best game Buffalo’s played t...
Last night, my wife and I were out to dinner after a day of errands, and we began discussing the Buffalo Sabres and the trade deadline. Over dinner, I laid out a revamp for the Buffalo Sabres. Long story short, Buffalo has a terrific opportunity in front of them right now.
And Darcy Regier at the helm to get it… [b]Yeah right[/b], won’t happen.
Regier is the indi...
I’m currently sitting at my desk in my office, thinking over the Buffalo Sabres trade deadline moves this year (will fine tune this once I get home, it’s a work in progress). At the end of the day, Jason Pominville is headed to Minnesota. Buffalo receives 2 young prospects as well as Minnesota’s first round draft pick in 2013 and their second round pick in 2014.
...
First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers to the families impacted by today’s tragic events in Boston. In moments of tragedy, hopefully people can find inspiration in the actions of those who didn’t run away from disaster, but ran towards it in an effort to help. [b]Those individuals truly are heroes. [/b]
My family and I attended the Sabres vs Flyers game on Sa...
When the New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres meet at First Niagara Center Friday Night the Buffalo Sabres will look to do something they have attempted three times so far this season and have failed to accomplish. That which has eluded them all season is four wins in a row. This team may not make the playoffs, but one has to believe that they may have turned a corner. Afte...
Those of you who have read my blogs for quite sometime know that I’m not a fan of Darcy Regier, and I haven’t been for quite some time. There’s a lot of talk about his future in Buffalo, especially as the Sabres will once again miss out on the playoffs. 2013 has seen Lindy Ruff leave the Buffalo Sabres organization, and it’s time for Darcy to leave too.
Let’s...
Well, we finally got to the end of this season. I have 4 words to say as the Sabres season comes to a close.
[b]Thank God it’s over. [/b]
There’s not many things that went well this season for the Sabres. It’s pretty painful thinking back on it. Let’s take a look at the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of the Buffalo Sabres 2013 season.
All stats I use in this...
In breaking news....It has been made official that Darcy Regier will be the GM next season. Well that kills my hope for change. Darcy remains GM to fix his own mess of a team. After a second straight season with no playoffs, looking worse than before, and the same lousy excuse for a general manager the Sabres organization sees it fit to raise ticket prices...THIS IS MAD...
Before I start with Oil Drop Episode 3, I’d like to say best of luck to Richard Cloutier on getting his dream job.
As much as everyone hates your blog, you as a person, you’re alright. So best of luck!
(Just don’t become a GM, we don’t want another rebuild.)
The draft is 32 days away, we pick 7th, as many people know. According to my sources (Richard C...
The Canadiens will have another strong season next year. The team has excellent youngsters to guide the way for the next 7 or so seasons. Gallys, subban, price, pacioretty, Emelin are what I consider the core. Plekanec, Gorges, Markov, and Prust are middle core and should be around for the next 5 years to help the team win. Gionta, Moen, Bourque can be dealt at anytime but...
As the Stanley Cup Finals reminds us that the shortened season of 2013 is coming to a close, thoughts turn to the draft in New Jersey. However, as Buffalo fans, we were looking towards the draft about halfway through the season when it was apparent that the Sabres just wasn’t that good.
Now, we sit a mere 2 weeks away from the 2013 NHL draft. This year promises to be...
As we approach the start of free agency and the draft, a lot of people are up in the air as to what is going to happen with the Buffalo Sabres.
Despite how some of my blogs come off, I’m a huge fan of the Sabres. I always have been, and I always will be. Regardless of what this team does, I’m still rooting for them. However, there has to be a certain disconnect wit...
Well, the weekend of doom, I mean draft weekend is upon us. Sorry for the doom comment, being a Sabres fan, you kind of get used to it being a difficult week/weekend (especially with Darcy in charge). There are certain does and don’ts with this draft/free agency/trade period. Personally, this is how I would handle things were it me.
Let’s address the don’ts first...
I have been waiting to discuss free agency/trades for something to happen with Buffalo. Alas, I can wait no more. Yes I know free agency is still on going, and trades can happen at anytime. However, the initial excitement has come to a close.
The Buffalo faithful have been wondering where Darcy Regier has been. There was even several tweets on Twitter with the hashtag ...
I know I’ve been quiet for awhile. I have been racking my brain as to what is going on with the Sabres, and whether anything is even taking place at First Niagara Center. Unfortunately, not much is going on aside from a few signings of restricted free agents.
However, as July comes to a close, a sense of hockey is in the air. The Sabres development camp has come to a...
The Sabres are in a difficult spot with Vanek and Miller. First things first what is Darcy doing right now? I think we all agree that it is a time to rebuild in buffalo but with a team stacked in defensive prospects and players why would he draft two defensemen and then add tallinder? On my count we have 12 blueliners that will be NHL ready in 3ish years. On the other side...
Hello, In my first blog I thought I would talk about the concerns Flyers fans have about our cap situation. As we all know the cap has dropped to $64.3 million and most hockey writers and bloggers are quick to point out that the flyers as of now sit $2,053,522 over that limit, however none seem to include the fact that that is for 25 players. According to the "Hockey Opera...
Hello, In my second blog I thought I would talk about "the one that got away", Shea Weber, and the possibility(if any) that he could someday wear the orange and black. When the Flyers signed Weber to that offer sheet all of flyers land nervously rejoiced. We knew it wasn't 100%, but if it worked we would have in my opinion one of the two best defencemen in the NHL(Chara Be...
In my third blog, I thought for fun I would give my point projections for the players this upcoming season. These projections are for 12 forwards, 6 defensemen and 2 goalies over 82 games, injuries will happen but as they are for the most part hard to predict, I will not try(although some are easy to predict, see Tim Connolly).
Forward
Claude Giroux
last season - 4...
Hello, in my first blog we took a look at the Flyers cap issues with the upcoming season, I felt I would take it a bit further and talk about the cap issues we may face following this season. Alot of people are concerned that with Girouxs new contract extention exceding $8 million, along with having to most likley give pay raises to B.Schenn and Matt Read, the Flyers will ...
The Buffalo Sabres season is upon us once again. This time, no lockouts and no stalling. 27 days until the preseason begins, and 44 days until the first game of the year in Detroit. There are still a lot of questions on who is going to play and who is going to make the roster. I will be evaluating the roster for the Sabres and giving you my take on who will play w...
It’s been awhile since I’ve written. Part of the struggle right now, for just about all Sabres fans, is things don’t look too good for the Sabres at this point in time. It’s not a good position that they are setting themselves in for the upcoming season.
Buffalo is in the same position they find themselves in just about every year- stuck in the painful middle p...
We’re officially less than 2 weeks away from hockey season starting. Buffalo Sabres hockey starts with a lot of huge questions and there really aren’t a lot of answers. The roster is slowly getting trimmed down, and the next thing we know, Buffalo will be taking the ice at Joe Louis Arena for their opening game against the Detroit.
While there are a lot of concerns...
Before I get into things I'll quickly mention that Nick Petrecki was sent to Worcester in the AHL yesterday afternoon, bringing the roster down to 31.
*****
The theme in last night's pre-season game between Phoenix and San Jose was similar to four of the previous five games this year: Close.
The Sharks record fell to 3-1-1 after losing in regulation to the Coyotes...
After what seems like forever, a new season for the Buffalo Sabres is finally here. I don’t need to tell you what everyone is saying about the Sabres chances this season. Right now, many of you may agree with those saying Buffalo doesn’t stand a chance. To be honest, I don’t see Buffalo as being cellar dwellers in the Eastern Conference.
There are several questio...
[b]Tomas Hertl[/b] has been one of the most surprising stories in the young NHL season. In Tuesday's game against the New York Rangers, the 19-year old Hertl scored four goals. In five total games this year, Hertl has seven goals and an assist. He has scored more goals than the Buffalo Sabres have scored in six games combined.
In Tuesday's game, Hertl scored a...
As many of you already are doing, I’m sitting here watching tonight’s Sabres vs Islanders game. We all know the record that’s on the line tonight. It’s not one that any Buffalo Sabres fan wants to see.
I don’t need to do an analysis of any of the first 7 games. We all know that things aren’t good in “Hockey Heaven” right now. The ruler, Terry Pegula, no...
Paging Mr. Pegula, where are you? Your team is a wreck right now, your fans are getting relentless, and you are 1-9-1 in the first eleven games. The last time we had no clue where our owner was with this team was the last owner, who you bought the team from!
First thing is first, eleven games in and firing the general manager would not be the end of the world....
Last night was just another example of the Sabres failing to rise to the challenge of a “rivalry” game. There’s no love lost between Buffalo and Boston. I’d have hoped that Buffalo would have at least risen to the occasion, and played Boston hard. They even had a chance to win with the game 3-2 heading into the 3rd period. Instead, they failed to generate shots, an...
As I was getting ready to leave my parent’s house, celebrating my dad’s birthday, my phone starts blowing up. I start researching and immediately am greeted by Twitter blowing up with news that Thomas Vanek is no longer a Buffalo Sabre.
Let’s take a look at the actual deal that was made.
Buffalo Sabres send Thomas Vanek to the New York Islanders.
New York ...
I’m not used to getting up the morning after a Sabres game, and seeing them with another tally in the win column. I’m sure a lot of people in Buffalo aren’t used to that.
I return to my normal mantra, the Sabres didn’t win that game last night, Ryan Miller did and as much as I hate saying it, Jonathan Quick’s injury late in overtime helped as well. Scrivens, ...
Word out there is that Leafs are coming real close to acquiring Jeff Skinner from the Hurricanes. Leafs may be sending Kadri and Reimer or Kadri and Gardiner in return. IMO, the first deal makes more sense for the Hurricanes as Kadri will replace Skinner and Reimer will help the Canes goalie problem. Although nothing has been set in stone, Carolina's earlier move today fre...
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...
With the trade deadline firmly in the rear-view mirror and the dust settling after a flurry of activity, we are left with a handful of NHL rosters looking significantly different than the day just days earlier. One of the rosters to go through a shake-up is that of the Montreal Canadiens, who made one of the larger splashes of the day in their acquisition of Thomas Vanek. ...
It is coming down to the wire in the NHL regular season. Many teams have already clinched playoff births, other teams are fighting for their lives in the playoff hunt.
With the end of the regular season coming, some teams are already looking ahead to June for the 2014 NHL Draft in Philadelphia. The Buffalo Sabres currently hold the number one pick in the draft followed ...
I know not everyone is an Oilers fan but few are fans of teams picking high this year. Now saying that Buffalo or Edmonton (who combined have a great chance on getting the first pick in the lottery) win. Does Edmonton trade down?
Ekblad is an amazing dman. He is huge and will be great one day. Many scouts put him as a number two guy that plays an amazing shut down role....
Here are some off season moves that I believe will happen from the time that the 14’ Draft begins to end of July/August.
If the Buffalo Sabers are able to draft Aaron Ekblad (70/30 chance because Florida will do that Florida thing it does and not take the best player) with the second over all pick, expect to see [b]Christian Ehrhof[/b]f traded to the western conferenc...
[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...
Yes he has scored when the habs needed to but in other big games he has been rather invisible and at the least. The dumb penalty he took for slashing 200 feet away from the puck killed the Canadiens the could have taken advantage from the power play they had. Will M.B give Vanek the amount of 7.5 upwards when he doesn't show up some games. Barring a Montreal comeback and a...
The fun for Flames fans is this offseason that is coming up.
Who would make sense for the Flames to pursue? To trade for? To offer sheet? They have Cap, they have some trade bait in Beartschi, Hudler, their 4th overall pick, David Jones and Smid.
Nazim Kadri- Remember when Brian Burke shot down Brian Murray live on TSN in front of the nation at the draft when Murray...
Hey all, I know it's been awhile since I last blogged here but I wanted to talk about some of the rumours linking the Oilers to trading for the 1st overall. A US newspaper posted comments about Edmonton and Florida either swapping picks or the Oilers downright trading for the 1st overall and keeping the 3rd as well. This has really brought out the armchair gms throwing th...
Hello there folk been a while since I wrote a blog and on a rainy Sunday seems like a great idea to me.rnrnI've read countless articles suggesting the Edmonton Oilers trade for the 1st overall pick to get Ekblad. Personally unless the trade is extremely one sided in favor of the Oilers (which it will never be) trading for 1st overall is a waste of resources as well as a st...
We are officially less than one month away from the 2014 NHL Draft from Philadelphia. The NHL Combine has come to a close with some of the best draft prospects making some headlines. Tope prospects like Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad stood out from the other players at the Combine.
Now it is time to evaluate and prepare for the NHL Draft on June 27th. With ...
Hello, after a interesting year that saw a coaching change just 3 games into the regular season, a subsequent recovery to make the playoffs, a disappointing first round exit, and a change of General Managers. I like many flyers fans, have chosen to put that behind me and begin looking forward to a new era... the Hextall era. I think that we can all agree that the Paul Hol...
Let me start off this blog by telling anyone who reads this that I have had [b]difficulties separating my blogs into paragraphs[/b]rnrnThe Stanley Cup finals is in its final stretch of games and I find myself wondering about the upcoming summer. As a Oiler fan I've thought about countless scenarios that I thought would change the fortunes of this lowly franchise. However, ...
Samoht1000 writes...
Offseason: What should be done for the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
With an unfortunate elimination in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Tampa Bay Lightning have a bright future ahead of them, and have much to build on.
Looking back at the playoffs, it was no surprise that with a young, inexperiences team, the Lightning would have a tough opponent in the Montreal Canadiens. Although I did believe that the Lightning could...
The Stanley Cup playoffs are over, and the Los Angeles Kings have claimed their second Stanley Cup championship in three years.
With the playoffs now over, the buyout period has begun and is in full swing. Also, many teams will begin to talk up trades and other moves before the NHL Draft and the beginning of the free agency period.
These moves made before the NHL Dra...
[b]The draft will be Ekblad or bust[/b]
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Edmonton’s defence looks AHL quality. When a guy like Justin Schultz leads your defence in ice time, you’re not going to win many hockey games. While this is a glaring problem that needs to be addressed, drafting an 18-year-old Dman isn’t the answer. Year after year it ...
JAKUB VRANA LW/RW (13th), VITEK VANECEK G (39th), NATHAN WALKER LW (89th), SHANE GERSICH C/LW (134th), STEVEN SPINNER RW (159th), KEVIN ELGESTAL RW (194th). No Defense in the draft, but I do know the organization has Defense as a priority. So I assume they will be very active in the Free Agency market come July 1st.
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....
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...
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They were once a couple of 18-year-old goaltenders waiting to get drafted into the National Hockey League. Calvin Pickard, the Seattle Thunderbirds goaltender, was ranked #1 by Central Scouting rankings among North American goalies. Petr Mrazek was a goalie playing in the Czech Extraliga. In fact, he was not...
CanesTR writes...
Trade Deadline Update - Hurricanes Ready to Pull the Trigger
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
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...
February 26, 2015 grabo84
As the trade deadline approaches, every team is assessing their wants and needs. Despite reports, the Islanders are no different. Many cup contending teams will tinker with their depth chart at the trade deadline. This Islanders team is built for the future, but there is no need to wait on taking a serious run at the cup. Many rumors around...
Reddevil45 writes...
TB Lightning against Detroit Red Wings: Series Prediction
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
On one team there is a big question mark on who should be their starting goaltender and the other it is a no brainer. The Detroit Red Wings have put playoff rookie Petr Mrazek (.918Sv%, 2.38GAA) in net for game 1 of the season instead of veteran Jimmy Howard (.910Sv%, 2.44GAA). In the Tampa Bay Lightning net it won’t be difficult to decide who to play. Ben Bishop (.916Sv...
Hello, It has been a while since I wrote one of these, but with an important off-season looming, I felt it was as good a time as ever.
The 2014-15 Flyers were a disappointment. No way around that. However I am not sure if anyone was really shocked by this, the defense is old and slow, the secondary scoring is sporadic, and there seems to be team wide problem with consis...
In this article, I would like to outline some of the second year players who have caught my eye. They are not ranked by skill, and some key players may be left off the list. The purpose is not to compare, but rather to analyze players which will be highly discussed entering their second year.
1. Aaron Ekblad: Defense ; ( 81 GP, 12 G , 27 A , +12) Age: 19
I believe th...
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...
CBJ- All Star Game Predictions
With the All Star Game on Sunday and the skills competition on Saturday, I give to you my predictions to what will happen in the events.
1. Matt Duchene will win fastest player award.
2. A Hometown Nashville player will win the Breakway Challenge on the Hometown goalie
3. She's Weber will obliviously win the Hardest Shot
4. T...
CBJ- All Star Game Predictions
With the All Star Game on Sunday and the skills competition on Saturday, I give to you my predictions to what will happen in the events.
1. Matt Duchene will win fastest player award.
2. A Hometown Nashville player will win the Breakway Challenge on the Hometown goalie
3. She's Weber will obliviously win the Hardest Shot
4. T...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- General Thoughts on All Star Game and My Predictions
Posted Monday | Comments 0
What a spectacle in Smashville. This weekend could not have worked out better for the city of Nashville and for the league. Let's look at my predictions again:
1. "Matt Duchene will win fastest player award.
2. A Hometown Nashville player will win the Breakway Challenge on the Hometown goalie
3. She's Weber will obliviously win the Hardest Shot
4. The skills ...
2015-16 was supposed to be a rebuilding season. We weren't suppose to be good enough yet. Sure the Flyers were expected to be in the picture at least, but few thought they would actually make it in. Instead the expectation was they would fall 5 points or so shy of the last wildcard spot, and end up picking somewhere in the 7-10 range. We had prepared ourselves for this out...
Just announced... the Chicago Blackhawks have traded forwards Bryan Bickell and Tuevo Terevainen to the Carolina Hurricanes for a 2nd round pick in the 2016 draft and a 3rd pick in the 2017 draft. The Hawks have freed up a ton of cap space by making this move. What could it mean? Well, it could mean that the Hawks can for sure bring back fan favorite Andrew Shaw. Also, the...
- Seth Jones and Jacob Trouba are both receiving offer sheet interest from Bruins, Oilers, Leafs and Habs.
- The Minnesota Wild are a team that could be very busy this off-season as they want to add a forward.
- The Edmonton Oilers could make a big splash this week. Yakupov and RNH could be on the move in Edmonton.
- Several Teams are interested in David Perro...
For more information--- @PesekWill and @NHLPenaltyBox (Twitters)
It wasn't the start John Tavares and the Isles wanted. Many fans may argue the reasoning behind this is three homegrown players, Kyle Okposo, Matt Martin and Frans Nielsen have journeyed to different locations to continue their career. The loss of the three hurt the fan base but the signing of And...
The Islanders surrendered yet another loss, but this time they register a point. It was a very poor first period for the Isles trailing 1-0 after the opening frame. It was a strong second period for the Isles as Brock Nelson tallied his fifth of the year on the Powerplay. Just two minutes later, Anthony Beauvillier, picked pocketed a Pens defenseman, and undressed Matt Mur...
The Islanders surrendered yet another loss, but this time they register a point. It was a very poor first period for the Isles trailing 1-0 after the opening frame. It was a strong second period for the Isles as Brock Nelson tallied his fifth of the year on the Powerplay. Just two minutes later, Anthony Beauvillier, picked pocketed a Pens defenseman, and undressed Matt Mur...
The Islanders surrendered yet another loss, but this time they register a point. It was a very poor first period for the Isles trailing 1-0 after the opening frame. It was a strong second period for the Isles as Brock Nelson tallied his fifth of the year on the Powerplay. Just two minutes later, Anthony Beauvillier, picked pocketed a Pens defenseman, and undressed Matt Mur...
After a bunch of frustrating loses between Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh and most importantly the Florida game, where, Halak gave up the game-tying goal with 14 seconds left. During every home, the chants of "Fire Cappy" were reigning down from the rafters and when asked by reporters, Snow said "we have faith in the coaching staff......He [Capuano] was in the World Cup so that say...
For more information follow @PesekWill and @NHLPenaltyBox {Twitter}
The Islanders have played majority of their games at home to start the year, and based off their record from last year at home, it was kind of a disappointment to start this year at home. Now after only registering 1 point on the road this year, in a heartbreaking OT loss to the Florida Panthers, they t...
For more information, follow @NHLPenaltyBox {Twitter}
When the Islanders selected Ryan Strome with the fifth overall pick in 2011, they felt he could be that "go to winger" for Tavares. After a dominant 2014-2015 rookie season, posting 50 points, he had a horrid run in 2015-2016 with only 20 points. Strome was scratched in the final two games for the Isles in the first...
For more information; follow @NHLPenaltyBox {Twitter}
After beating the Calgary Flames on Monday night, the Isles had a tough back to back approaching. They would play the defending cup champs, the Pittsburgh Penguins, then the following day, they would play the defending President's Trophy champs, the Washington Capitals. Fans knew that this determined the year, a win ...
In their last four games, the Isles have been 3-0-1, earning points in each of their last four games. That's something they have done for the first time this year. It is baby steps as they dug themselves a pretty big hole, that almost made it impossible to dig out off. But, they are slowly digging their way out of it. The Isles are currently 9-10-5, one game below .500 wit...
It was the type of atmosphere, that the Isles had in the first and second rounds of the playoffs last year, and they did not let down their fans. The Isles advanced to 4-0-1 in in their last 5 games and starting to play like a playoff team. In the 5 game point streak the Isles went from 6-10-4 to 10-10-5 making their presence felt in the league again.
The day started o...
For more information follow @NHLPenaltyBox and @PesekWill {Twitters}
During the Isles hot streak that lasted about a week or so, fans regained hope for this team but after two painful loses to the hot Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals, things began to unravel for the Islanders. As of December 15, the Isles are 12 points out of the 8th seed in the Eastern Conferen...
There have been several heated Podcasts recently about players deserving (or not) entry into the Hockey Hall of Fame. rnrnSome of the contributors have taken very very strident positions against candidates and then contradicted their own arguments when applying it to other players who they feel are Hall worthy or in reasoning why some players are already in. rnrnNow, eve...
Isles fans have not had much news to celebrate over, but Friday they got good news (for some). Net-minder Jaroslav Halak who is statistically the "best goalie" in Islanders history was put on waivers. He was not claimed and was assigned to the AHL team the Bridgeport Sound Tigers on Saturday. One of the reasons why he was not claimed was not because he is having a horrific...
The New York Islanders announced Thursday morning that Adam Pelech has been recalled from BST. This will result in tomorrows contest with the Colorado Avalanche as he will most likely play for veteran Dennis Seidenberg, because the Isles have a history of not playing veterans back to back. Or, this can result for the Isles to carry a 7th Dman before they head West and god ...
The Isles needed four points last weekend, and they ran into slumping teams. The Islanders scored two goals in two games this weekend (one in each) and both were back-to-back 2-1 losses to the Avs and the Coyotes. Johnny Boychuk had a goal on Friday and an assist on Alan Quine's goal on Saturday. Thomas Greiss played both games and was brilliant in both. Staying discipline...
After the Islanders 7-4 loss to Carolina, the Islanders needed a shakeup-well, maybe they needed a shakeup from November. Thomas Greiss who played every game since Halak has been placed in BPT on December 30, struggled versus Carolina. Nothing happened, as expected. The Isles moved on to play the Boston Bruins who they beat on December 20. Greiss got the nod again for NY ...
If you asked any hockey fan in late October into mid November if the Isles would make the playoffs, they would say "not a chance". Well, guess what? The Isles are in the busiest time of year, battling for the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference. They sit 3 points out with 3 games in hand over the Flyers and almost everyone they are trying to chase.
Monday night's game v...
The Islanders were defeated by the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon and they knew heading into Sunday that they needed to beat the Colorado Avalanche. JF Berube would start Sunday, as Thomas Greiss started Saturday. Joe Colborne, they former Flame got the ice-breaker in the first period giving the Avalanche a 1-0 lead and it looked like another blood bath for Berube, ...
The Islanders enter play on Tuesday sitting 1 point ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the last playoff spot in the East. After going 3-2-1 in the first six games of the road trip, the Isles remain in Western Canada to take on the Oilers. Goaltender Thomas Greiss has started all six games so far, despite getting pulled versus Columbus and Calgary and he has been superb. ...
Leafs take on the wings tonight Andersen will start for the leafs he has played 52 games as of tonight some may wonder if the netminder is burnt out playing more games then expected as he faces a well rested petr Mrazek the last 10 of 18 games on the leafs schedule is at home and its not easy feat 8 of the games are against teams that are either trying tk keep the leafs ou...
The final 21 days of the 2016-2017 season is upon us and what a way to close it out. Three teams in the East, competing for 1 spot. The Lightning, Islanders and Maple Leafs. At this pace, cancel the Leafs and add the Bruins to the talk. No, the Leafs are not out of the race, they're just getting started. After the Leafs defeated the Bruins 4-2 on Monday, the Leafs cl...
With the poor play of backup goaltender JF Berube, the Isles had a decision to make. What do they do in the goalie position. Thomas Greiss is the obvious starter for the Isles after stealing the job away from Jaroslav Halak who was sent down to Bridgeport back in December. Since his designation to the AHL, the Isles have went from worst in the league to a playoff contender...
With the Islanders 6 points out of a playoff spot, the Islanders roller coaster season is likely over. The next closest thing for Isles fans is too look is the Expansion Draft and the entry draft. In terms of the Expansion Draft, the Islanders have some thinking to do. What players do they keep? What players do they leave available? Obviously, Tavares, Ladd, Lee and Bailey...
With little under a week remaining in the NHL season, the Islanders remain alive, for now. With the Bruins winning both games this weekend with versus the Panthers and the Blackhawks, they pushed the Ottawa Senators back into the second wild card 6 points ahead of the Islanders. Jaroslav Halak has been the "hot" goalie if you want to call him that. 3-0 in in his first 3 st...
Oh, the rumor,
My lonely friend,
I have sought you out,
Asked for your truth,
And it came to an end.
You are a myth,
You are the sunset,
You disappear,
Only to come back again,
My only summer friend.
Unfortunately, real hockey does not exist right now, not for those of us that bleed our colors through the winter in a dance with the worlds most beautiful game....
To all of my fellow HockeyBuzz people...
I have been visiting this website for close to 8 years.
I have created an account today out of pure disgust for the blogs that the head writers/sabres writers have been passing off as journalism for the past x amount of years (except Pachla, he's good).
Please stay tuned, I hope to start writing more and more as the season ...
Jeremy Laura writes...
Eklund did me a solid, plus Detroit’s potential free agents
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
If you listened to the hockeybuzz podcast https://youtu.be/A7YJm5TQ2hU today (8/13) you may have heard something bizarre at around the 45 minute mark. Ek did me the world’s biggest solid and actually read part of my blog! I was shocked and delighted. My poor wife of almost 20 years (this Thursday the 15th) must have thought I’d received an award for my latest iTunes ...
Jeremy Laura writes...
If Eklund is right, Ristolainen could be on the way...
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Along with everyone else my eyebrows raised at Ek’s Friday rumor https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Eklund/Rumor-WingsSabres-Talking-Major-Trade-e4-Update-5-players-involved/1/101066rnrnIn part, because I’ve been wondering about a scenario that would bring Ristolainen to Detroit. I believe with Kaski on the way, the signing of Filppula and some culture changes that the Sw...
Hello,
ever play that game where someone is reading their fortune from a fortune cookie and you just have to blurt out the words "in bed" at the end.
Well, playoff rhetoric and the Toronto Maple Leafs have a similar two word phrase that should dove tail every headline out there set to spark readership, subscriptions, and clicks. Those two words are "For Now".
There...