Tag Search Results for "nh"
In a week, you will choke down wings, drink lots of beer, and scream at your television sets. In a week, you will throw your Wii controllers aside, and watch small animals grow from the faces of your hockey heroes and heels. In a week, the season travails will wash away to a giant magnifying glass and pressure-cooker called the [b]NHL Playoffs[/b].
Our blood will boil, ...
Welcome fellow hockey/bruins fans. Here I will be posting my thoughts and wishes for the Bruins organization, the NHL and my thoughts on Fantasy Hockey.
I will try to update this a few times a week.
First thought, THE PLAYOFFS start tonight!
Series I am looking forward to most is San Jose vs. Nashville. This could turn out to one great series. I still think the...
I feel as excited as a geek when the new version of Everquest comes out! I live in Virginia and there are not many people who live and breathe hockey around here. If it wasn't for the boys in my men's league I might know about three true hockey fans around here.
Just to break the ice, I'll tell you that I have been around hockey all my life. I grew up in Buffalo and re...
I know what you are thinking, the NHL isn’t going anywhere. I agree with you, I know it is here to stay as well, despite all of our WHA scares during the lock-out. What I am talking about is trying to save the NHL from becoming a marginal sport. We hockey fans have to realize that we are on the fringe of truly being a major North America sport. The negative part of t...
Hey all,
I know this has been done to death by everyone who knows just the slightest bit about hockey, but thought I'd get my picks on the record!
[b][u]Eastern Conference[/u][/b]
[u]#1 Buffalo Sabres vs. #8 New York Islanders[/u]
Buffalo should make short work of the Islanders. The Isles showed great grit and determination in making the playoffs but they did it b...
RayChamps2001 writes...
'Tis the Season to be Jolly: NHL Playoff Season
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]The following can be found at [url]http://www.nhlnow.com[/url][/b] (with pictures).
[img:right]http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/03/questforthecup_325x235.jpg[/img]
It's been a long break, but NHLNow.com is back for the most exciting season of the year: NHL Playoff Season. The battle for Lord Stanley's Cup is on, and with the depth in this year's playoffs, it see...
In honor of the Flyers 40th Season in the NHL, I decided to research into when Flyers Teams went from a good team to a bad team. The result might surprised you but there is only a four year span from not been in the playoffs and returning to the playoffs. The last time the Flyers missed the playoffs was from 1989-1990 season to 1993-1994 season, in which was the last time ...
I will preface this by saying that, had the Flyers not been the worst team and yet lost out on the top pick, I would not bother to even attempt to find a better method of conducting the Draft Lottery... Also, in this case, it is no major problem in being #2 as opposed to #1. That said:
I understand the reason behind the lottery... since 'tanking' games to obtain a major...
Jeremy Roenick was on ESPN's PTI yesterday which was kind of refreshing. While I like Kornheiser and Wilbon a lot, their complete lack on interest in hockey is a huge punch in the gut to me as a sports fan let alone a hockey fan. JR was... well JR, I liked the way he poked fun at the two for actually talking about hockey for once.
The PTI guys said something interesting...
Earlier today I was casually reading the lastest edition of the Heralds Hockey section, when I came across something quite intriguing. all The headliner sports writers in the prediction section, including the ones in Calgary picked Detroit in 6 and one lady from Edmonton had them in 7.
To me this is really shocking, im fine with the Flames just sneaking into...
One Team One Goal
Lindy and the boys have fulfilled a season long goal…………. Lock up home ice advantage throughout the playoffs!!!!
This year’s edition of the Buffalo Sabres has lived up to the high expectations of the local fan base. They have managed to do so amidst a plethora of man games lost due to injury & a league that was put on notice last spri...
Great news! [b]YourTeam Online[/b] joins the [b]Buzz[/b] just in time for the playoffs. We are excited to see hockeybuzz making a move into the social network space for hockey. We all need a place to brag about our favourite teams, heckle our opponents and celebrate our victories. MyHockeyBuzz does just that!
[b]YourTeam Online Buzz [/b] doesn't plan on covering...
With the playoffs underway, I would love to hear some of your guy's predictions.
Here are mine:
[b]Buffalo Sabers vs. New York islanders[/b]
I feel the Islanders will pull it out, mainly because of Dubielewicz, but it's hard to go against the Sabers. Sorry Buffalo fans but I got to go with the Islanders.
New York in 7
[b]New Jersey Devils vs Tampa Bay Lightning...
how can anyone watch a game with that annoying voice of his? It got so bad i had to place my HDTV on Mute because of his voice was so loud. i understand why Vs. ratings are horrible...
flyershockey81 writes...
Scott Hartnell is apart of a bigger problem......
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
after seeing his Scott Hartnell's knee to knee take out of Johnthan Cheechoo, i hope this wake's up the anti-fighting crowd in NHL. Hartnell disgraceful hit on Cheechoo was dirty and thugish. Hartnell and other no name players know they can get away with this crap throughout the NHL because of the instagator rule.
This hit also shows that players have zero respect for ...
During the intermission between the 3rd and 4th overtimes, the clock struck 3 a.m. on the East Coast, and very promptly VERSUS left its Canucks-Stars coverage and flipped on some infomercial about pilates...... [b]are you kidding me?!??[/b] I know you have to pay the bills, but that is absolutely RIDICULOUS! There should be outrage from the hockey community over this and...
So, just got home from the 4OT thriller at the garage tonight, WHAT A GAME. I mean, they stopped selling beer after the 2nd intermission, so I wound up paying $4 bucks for Sprite, but that's all good. Go Canucks Go... and chants of TTTUUURRCCOOO filled the evening excitement as I basically lost my voice and drank ice cubes for 2 OT's. Skytrain was reasonable on the way ...
I'm laughing at myself as I type that title. How can I put a Shakespeare quote at the top of my hockey blog!!! It's not as if I quote him on a daily basis...or EVER...or that his world and the hockey world have much in common (hell, I had to look up the spelling of his name make sure it was correct!).
But it really is the only question that the Penguins need to answer r...
although it was an awesome night of playoff hockey besides Hartnell's dirty hit and im still waiting for an thought from a real nashville fan instead of the kool-aid drinkers. There is too many 5 on 3's that are determing these games too early. The Sens v Pens game was a prime example. Stop calling these phantom calls like the "Abusive language - bench" against Sens.
flyershockey81 writes...
19,000 + sat through pain and misery a game....
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
that's why they call Philadelphia the best fans in hockey
As expected, game 1 was another 1-goal game...only this time, quite amazingly, there were nine total goals! I was preparing to get some snacks ready for the 5th overtime when Vancouver finally ended it. The longest playoff game in Canucks history, the second longest playoff game in Stars history, and the sixth longest playoff game in NHL history had finally come to an en...
Perhaps it's because I'm getting older, but it seems to me the Playoffs get better and better each year. Yet, in the United States... hockey is invisible. It's a scourge on our nation that must be eradicated.
Thankfully, I have a plan.
We all have those friends that are huge sports fans, but that don't follow hockey. These poor souls are the targets. This Saturda...
I've been waiting for this game since the Sabres dropped Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals at the RBC Center in North Carolina last summer.
Little did I know I would BE at this game.
I gambled a bit and bought my first ever Mini Pack last August, with the assumption that the Sabres would be back and have another great season. More than anything, it was good for...
[b]Canucks vs. Dallas -- [/b]I was there in Game 1. Dallas pressed hard, Luongo saved the day, but the Canucks did take some bad penalties and looked out of sorts at times. Game 1 jitters? Considering we've played 2 games already now, no more jitters left. The latter OT periods definitely favoured the Canucks. I don't think Dallas can play any better. The Canucks sur...
The update you have ALL been waiting for...(does anybody even read this thing?). Game 1 was a steam roller of a game for the Sens. There were squashed Pens littering the ice all night long. And yes, this is comming from a LONG TIME Penguins fan. Game 2 presents quite a challenge for our kids...will they be able to respond like we all think they can?
[b]THINGS TO LOOK FO...
On Thursday, I took a glance at the list of possible free agent centers who could don the Orange and Black for the '07-'08 season. Here's a look at the defensemen (the Flyers other main need):
[b]Kimmo Timonen [/b](Nashville Predators) - The first thing that jumped out at me when researching Kimmo was his age - 32. Are the Flyers willing to give a four or five-year de...
SmokingChicken writes...
What the Off-Season Holds for the Predators, Part 2 of 3
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Just got done watching the Predators pwn the Sharks, 5-2. The Sharks just didn't seem to be 100% in it after Dumont's short-handed goal and his subsequent 5-on-3 PP goal. Series is now tied 1-1, and Vokoun is playing much better.
And I am now an advocate of extending Alex Radulov's contract by an extra 15 years or so.
Now for the purpose of this blog. Free agents tha...
(I hate to start the blog with this but c'mon...this is freaking hilarious...Turco was named the #3 star in the building and Henrik #2...LOL!!! What a joke!)
Marty Turco had 35 saves to preserve his 1st career playoff shutout, and the Dallas Stars played a full 60 minutes to win game two, 2-0, and steal the home ice advantage! The series shifts to Dallas for game 3, e...
Being born in New York and growing up in New Jersey I am often asked why the Bruins are my favorite team.
My dad, who was very involved in amateur and pro hockey in the NY area since the 1960's ingrained the game into my head, and believe me it was not difficult to do.
He had me on the ice at age three and I have played pretty consistently throughout the next 36 years o...
Mike Fisher writes...
A little introduction and why the Canucks lost last night.
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
OK, this is my lame attempt to write a Hockey Blog.
Keep in mind when you read it, that I am relatively poor and therefore I don't have cable. Because of this, I don't see a lot of games. My 'radio' is a little clock radio that changes reception drastically based on where I am in the room. All that white noise will definitely wake you up in the morning, but it doesn't g...
When I finally became a Hurricanes fan about 6 years ago, I never would have thought that this team would be where it is today. I never would have thought that they would become part of the community. I never would have thought that hockey would even become a sport played by the locals at any level. And I certainly never would have thought that they would ever win a Stan...
Anyone watch the Ottawa/Pittsburgh game today? Pittsburgh scored a goal (not an important one -- just the game-winner) off the transition -- that was created when Daniel Alfredsson missed a glorious scoring chance. Why?
His piece-of-you-know-what stick broke.
I don't know how many scoring chances for are missed, and how many scoring chances against are created by s...
As the Canucks wake up in Texas, getting ready for Game 3, I'm sure there's a few itchy chins in the Dallas area. Nobody's really sure how the playoff beard tradition got started, although [i]Wikipedia [/i]suggests it may have began with the New York Islanders.
Hockey players and fans are a superstitious lot. Personally, I'm fascinated by hockey ritual and have a few of...
I got "hooked on hockey" in the fall of 1967, with the "Second Six" expansion of the NHL into my hometown of St. Louis. While my 13-year-old imagination was captured by the fact that the goalie was the most vital member of the team (the Blues had been built around the great Glenn Hall,) I [i]also[/i] noticed that players such as the Plager brothers, Noel Picard, Terry Cris...
I thought the "NEW NHL" is supposed to bring offensive explosion to the NHL but someone forgot to tell the Minnesota Wild.
I looked at the roster of the Minnesota Wild and i found their is great offensive gifted players on that team including names like Demitra, Parrish, Carney, Gaborik and White. These players can score over thirty goals in a season but they are handc...
first it was Scott Hartnell then it was Alexander Radulov and now it's Colby Armstrong.
Suspend Colby Armstrong for the rest of the series to send the message that the dirty plays wont be accpted in the NHL.
the blows to the head have to stop
NHL isnt do crap until someone is left Paralyzed on the ice......
Eggshmeg writes...
MLB Honours Jackie Robinson, Should the NHL Follow Suit?
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Today around Major League Baseball, African-American ball-players were wearing the #42 in honour of the great Jackie Robinson, known for being the first African-American baseball player to break the colour barrier. This got me thinking, should the NHL do the same for the first black hockey player, Willie O'Ree? O'Ree, in case you didn't know, broke into the league in 1958 ...
Yes, I know this is a hockey site and that the title borders on sacrilege. But, stick with me here and you'll understand.
Reason #1: When your team is eliminated from playoff contention, a little piece of you dies. For me being a Hawks fan, that happened sometime in December.
Reason #2: Speaking of the Hawks, watching the games showcases just how far they are fro...
I was asking in the Chat room an Idea for a blog when my favorite blogster scoop (sorry Ek) gave me idea of a hockey conversation from my son so here is the first one of maybe many depending on how many he would like to do.
[b]Today blog is on what is wrong with Hockey[/b]
Flamestr: alright Dougstr what is wrong with hockey
Dougstr
Slashing penalties in t...
I didn't author this but I thought some you might enjoy it.
Hockey players...
will do anything just to be able to tell his teammates
a great story in the dressing room. Live the dream until they are 35
then realize they never made it. Ladies love us, guys want to be us, we
are the soul of the universe. You lace up the skates, put on the
gloves, strap on the...
I'm going to try something different and if people like it maybe I'll do it again in the future. Live updates to tonight's Sabres game...highlighting key plays and my thoughts as the game is going on. I would love to hear feedback, so please leave comments. Enjoy...
[b]10:14 p.m. EST:[/b] And that's it! Not the prettiest ending, but the Sabres hold on. The Isles po...
The Chicago Blackhawks had the NHL's fifth-worst record and only an 8% shot at drawing the 1st pick in the draft. I guess it was their lucky day. After grabbing Jonathan Toews last years draft, the Hawks get ready for a possible franchise changing decision in 2007.
Unlike some past drafts many would argue that there is not a clear cut #1 pick this season. Many are tout...
Beasts. Everywhere. It's a good thing I have my trusty guide with me. We step out of our vehicle and onto the dilapidated lot in Uniondale, Long Island. Nassau Coliseum stands like some archaic ruin, except the ancient Roman and Greek ruins are far better managed. My guide carries our hidden snacks and drinks in her deep-pocketed coat. The rain bleats down like the hammer ...
mojoworld writes...
Where are we at? + some good playoff lines (unders!) tonight
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Van-Dal: 2-1 Van leads. Good under bet opportunities here for handicappers after game 1. Still say Vancouver will just get it done and win out from here.
Ana-Min: 3-0 Ducks. Wow, really didn't see this coming and I'm not sure why I don't respect the Ducks team play more. In any case, now it's just a matter of if the Wild can make themselves look respectable. Off-season,...
I must admit, I am new to hockey. I started really watching hockey after the lockout. I always did like the sport, but never new how the game was played with the rules and such not and found it very hard to follow that puck on the tv. About seven years ago I met this lady, who this June will become my better half, who is a BIG flyers fan and, once we were able to afford...
Although the Sabres don't play tonight, there are still 5 games that should be very interesting.
[b]Atlanta/NYR[/b] - [i]Rangers lead series 2-0[/i]
Atlanta must win this game to have any chance. They already gave up both of their home games to start the series. It Atlanta can play well on the road for the next 2 games, they could have a shot at winning. However, I ...
Eggshmeg writes...
The Best the NHL has to Offer, for Non-Hockey Watchers
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
This blog is for those of you who don't follow hockey all that much but have decided to watch some playoff hockey and you want to know the best games that are out there to watch this round. I'm gonna give you my suggestions of games to watch from the east and west, whichever side you're on. The games I post will be the most intriguing ones I think are out there out there. ...
I love read thoughtless articles from writers across the country that know NOTHING about hockey. they try so so hard to write an article or talk hockey and they cant. let's look at a couple of examples. After Todd Fedrouk,"Fridge" know by Flyers Fans, was smoke in a clean fight by Orr, Gary Bettman made appreence on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia sports news show 'Daily Ne...
Now the Penguins are down 3-1 to the Senators. Yea it seems impossible but who knows. This penguins team has done so many unexpected things all year why not. This team wasn't even supposed to make the playoffs but they proved everyone wrong. The Pens may be able to catch the Sens relaxing a bit during game 5. If so look out. If the Pens would manage a way to prevail in gam...
The War Room in Toronto has gotten a lot of grief lately. But Kudos to the Hockey Operations folks that are bunkered down each night.
Matt Cullen's knuckle-puck bomb did indeed hit the ice inside the goal, millimeters (or millimetres, eh?) past the goal line for the series-sweep-clinching goal. Yeah, it took a while. But they got it right, which was the whole point of...
My evening started typically enough. Stuck in unmoving traffic to get over to JFK. My future brother-in-law was coming in for the game tonight...taking off from work as a chef in a very highly respected restaurant in Florida. I look up, half expecting to see bats, but instead the sky is thickly overcast in the gray fog which has enveloped Long Island since hockey came to t...
To read Part I:
http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=567&post_id=557
[i]We last left our hero, yours truly, with his trusty guide, her brother (the former Islander fan trumpet player) watching Game 4 of the Islander/Sabres series. A man donned in a Ranger jersey has sat in the seats, and bad vibes are back in the Coliseum.[/i]
"Leave it all on the ice"
...
I was trying to figure out what to write my next blog when my brother gave a talk on blessed be the Peace makers, when that gave me a idea on my nex t blog. So today blog is on
[b] BLESSED BE THE PEACE MAKERS. [/b]
The Linesman have to brake up break up biggest fighters. People like Derek Boogaard vs Brad May or how about Andrew Peters Vs Brian McGrattan,...
For those of us STARS faithful that fill the American Airlines Center each home game, that movie clip is engrained in our minds! Numerous times this year, Dallas has been behind the 8-ball...and numerous times this year, they have answered the call. Tonight was no different...Marty Turco was absolutely brilliant, and they found a way to finally solve Luongo. Now, there ...
Playoff elimination seems so final. Your team is done...there will be no Stanley Cup parade down main street this year.
It's a fact of life for 8 teams after round 1. Then 4 more in round 2. Then 2...then 1...
Yeah, in this crazy cup chase only ONE team gets to raise the hardware at the end of the road...and the other 15 playoff teams get to think about "what might h...
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...
[b]WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT IN LIFE PART 3[b]
When I started watching the game I began to slip and began to get stressed so my wife told me to go for a walk and forget the game. So I put on my coat and went for a walk, while I was walking our beautiful streets of Calgary , I over heard some body swear when Detroit scored there second goal I was walking in a back all...
Heroes:
DRURY- Captain Clutch adds 2 more GWG's to his already impressive resume 14 total GWG's in the post season.
BRIERE Line- Slow start follwed by solid game 4 & 5 performances.
AFINOGENOV- Anther slow starter... Turned disappointing series into a great ending with Series winning goal. Welcome back MAX NATION
Zeroes:
HECHT- 0 Goals, but an impressive 18 SOG ...
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...
seriously, people need to take a very,very deep breath about the McLennan slash. come on, real hockey fans will tell this used to happen all the time. I remember Ron Hextall jabbing the forward infront for position to see where the puck. Hextall did slash players and faced the consequences. He would a) face the player (thats call players policing themselves or b) get a fin...
I love to hear Chico Reish brag everytime about how brouder is the greatest goalie since rice bread and when he broke Parent solidified Marty as the greatest goalie is total BS.
After going to one of my favorite website, www.flyershistory.com and looking at the both seasons, i came to the conclusion that Marty record is a total fraud as Barry Bonds breaking Home Run rec...
Ladies and gentleman, a lot of people are looking at this second round series between the Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers and are claiming that the Rangers are going into this thing without any pressure on them. Of course they are the lowest seed left in the Eastern Conference and they are playing the Presidents Trophy Winners and the #1 seed. If they win, people...
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...
Flamestr
Dougstr who wins the west
Dougstr
SJ Sharks The best forwards in the west Joe Thorton and Johnathon Cheechoo
and Patrick Marleau . Good players and they can score
Flamestr
So Dougstr who do the Sharks play against ?
Buff
Three of the best forward in the NHL Daniel Brieere and Maxim Afinogenov
and Jason Pominville. Because...
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...
There are those in the media who have theorized the amount of fighting in NHL games is a big factor in the game's perceived weakness in the U.S. market.
Perhaps they are right.
Except they have the rationale wrong. It is not that there is too much fighting in the game, it is that there is not enough.
Sure, there are people who think fighting in hockey is awful. Bu...
I thought game 7's in the stanley cup playoffs were decided by the players? that third period was an embrassment to nhl. call after call was hooking or holding.
my god, even the Dave Strader was confused if There was a pentaly when Turco was pulled at the end of the game
BTW, Trevor Linden did a nice job on the hook(which was a pentaly) before scoring the game winni...
[b]East
#1 Sabres vs. #7 Rangers[/b]
I hate the sabres with a passion. i hate rangers with a passion. this is the series of picking between two evils. So i will go with a upset. Rangers are playing awesome hockey and Sabres had hiccups with Fishy Sticks.
[b]UPSET: Rangers in 7[/b]
[b]#3 Debbies v #4 Sens[/b]
This series might come down to goalies but i think...
alexkay writes...
Rangers v. Sabres is Nothing More Then Lundqvist v. Miller
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Anytime you read any blog about this Ranger/Sabre series you hear the same things over and over and over again. The Sabres fan say their depth is amazing and unbeatable and remarkable and the Ranger fans come back with saying that Avery will drive Buffalo into an insane asylum and Jagr is going to net 50 goals in however many games. Thats all great and fantastic except f...
Last night, went heavy on the 4.5u and well, the Canucks won and scored TWO frigg'n empty netters in the final minute and down went my money in the drain. That's ok, because I hit a nice $20 five game parlay (won $400) thanks to a few nice free throw's by Yao Ming to clinch the over. (1xNBA + 4xMLBs).
Looking at Conference Semi-finals now and the match-ups. My initial b...
At the golf course I belong to, I walked into the clubhouse Saturday afternoon to see Jason Chimera and Duvie Westcott had just finished playing. They were talking with the head pro about Chimera leaving for the World Championships, and about Duvie's health. I couldn't help but realize it was April 21, and already the players were fully into the golf season.
Year after ...
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...
Well, the job's open. Who wants it? There are a slew of potentials, even a few that have been vocal (Craig Patrick, Bob Clarke). Ownership will begin the interview process within the week, and hopefully now that some teams have been eliminated, the search can be narrowed. Dave Taylor from LA and Craig Button, formerly of Calgary, are rumored to be the front-runners, and th...
[b]Western Conference
#2 Anaheim vs #3 Vancouver[/b]
[b]Why Vancouver will win:[/b] Roberto Luongo is a candidate for the Hart Trophy, and he was arguably stronger yet in the first round against Dallas. There may be no tougher goalie to face in a best-of-seven series right now. Vancouver’s defense seems to know exactly when to pinch and when to retreat, and they re...
A blog isn't journalism. However, if you're a professional commenting on an issue in your area of expertise then you should be held to a higher standard, even in a blog. Jim Kelley fails in this respect in his Sportsnet.ca blog "The Dope on Suspensions",
(http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/jim_kelley/2007/04/23/the_dope_on_suspensions/#comments ). I wish he was just being ...
The first round of the 2007 Stanley Cup Playoffs was very exciting, even with the lack of close series. The matchups we got were outstanding, such as Nashville-SJ, Detroit-Calgary, Vancouver-Dallas, and there was so much passion to go along. How will round 2 pan out?
[b]Buffalo vs. New York Rangers[/b]
I love the Rangers right now, they're playing with a huge amount of...
Rangers look so disinterested tonight... Anyways, they don't have enough defensemen to contain the Sabres. I think only the Senators can match. I hope the Rangers win a few games, that way more Sabres players can get more points for my pool :)
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...
This season has seen nearly every team develop their unsung hero(es). It's time again to evaluate who means the most to their team. I've always felt that the Hart should encompass the regular season AND the playoffs, but the Conn Smythe isn't disappearing anytime soon. So, let's look at the candidates:
[b]1. Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver[/b]
It's a safe bet to say that ...
This season has seen nearly every team develop their unsung hero(es). It's time again to evaluate who means the most to their team. I've always felt that the Hart should encompass the regular season AND the playoffs, but the Conn Smythe isn't disappearing anytime soon. So, let's look at the candidates:
[b]1. Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver[/b]
It's a safe bet to say that ...
grapes17 writes...
Fighting revisted: Despite Fedoruk incident, it must stay
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
For some reason, we have become a society based on overreaction. If something happens once, no matter how much of a fluke the incident was, we must eliminate any possibility of it happening again.
Unfortunately, this thinking has permeated the hockey world in recent years. There was one tragic incident of a fan dying from a misdiagnosis of an injury caused by a puck, an...
After Mr. Sutter met with Media on his state of the Franchise Speech the Media walked away just as confused if not more. He refused to comment on the future of Coach Playfair or on the Contracts of Iggy and Kipper does that mean kipper and iggy are traded and Playfiar fired? Heck no it means that Sutter is not going half cocked and firing Playfair and jumping to any co...
I mean really. I wonder if there is still doubt in the minds of the Vancouver-ites who so quickly jumped off the Stanley Cup bandwagon after Game 1. In sickness or in health. Imagine our PP once we have KB and SS back. I mean really. Seriously.
While the Canucks were not perfect, the longer the game lasted, the more tired the youngsters on the Duck line 2 (pending ...
I love NHL playoff Hockey. The first round was fabulous. I have 2 games a night every night to watch at least. There were quite a few teams that I like playing.
The 2nd round is not so easy of a thing. Less teams I enjoy. Less hockey. The other night both games were on at similar times. There was no 2nd game to stay up and watch.
Plus it does get harder to...
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...
This is no way a blog meant to bash Nashville fans, because quite honestly, they have more to cheer about than we do in Columbus. But, the lack of hockey knowledge by these people who shell out hundreds to see a playoff game is baffling. Last night, I was watching a tape of Game 5 between San Jose and Nashville. Patrick Marleau's second goal of the game gives the Sharks th...
I wished NBC cut into the Rangers-Sabres game to show that Barbaro. that game was god awful. from the miss goal and on top of that the miss hooking call on that play. to phantoms calls
Today was an embrassment for NHL. I cant believe two referees on the ice can't make the correct call on ice.
I never saw a game inwhich the calls were slided to the Gaybres. Sabres are...
Well, we all saw the controversial no-goal today by Karel Rachunek of the Rangers. Whether you think it was a goal or not, the inherent problem with the process is that it's a bad rule. The purpose of the game from its inception is to use your stick to propel the puck into the net. So in my opinion, they need to legislate this concept more firmly...
The rule should be...
I posted this as a little reply in Tim Panaccio's "On Heidi, Barbaro and the Sabres-Rangers" but my little reply kept growing until I felt that I should post it as a blog and see if I could spark some discussion.
-----------------------------------------------
Canadian fan here with some thoughts.
I can't say that I disagree with anything Tim wrote about attract...
Eastern Conference Semi's, Game 3, Madison Square Garden, New York, New York.
The Rangers have jumped out to a surprisingly commanding 1-0 lead over the Buffalo Sabres, who have a 2-0 in the series. Jaromir Jagr put the blueshirts ahead earlier in the game, and now New York continues to dominate the game. Marcel Hossa takes a pass from Jagr and neatly gives it to Karel ...
Since the flyers are out of the playoffs and i love to look at stats after games and after brilliant jobs by the refs in yesterday's games i decided to look at one stat that should be alarming. THe Amount of Pentalies called in a playoff game
[b]27 Power Plays called in Two Playoff Games[/b]
The refs are carrying out buttman's message by continue to call the phantom ...
If you aren't yet familiar with Columbus Blue Jackets right winger Nikolai Zherdev, just take these two words as a hint: Alexei Kovalev. Same game, different body. If Zherdev could speak a word of English other than "puck" or "good", we might be talking about some of his comments in the media. But deep inside of the hearts of all Jackets fans, we know "Z" is one confused g...
[img:right]http://www.click2host.us/003/roberto_luongo706208.jpg[/img]The NHL announced its nominees for their annual year-end awards, Roberto Luongo was nominated for three awards and Alain Vigneault was nominated for coach of the year.
Luongo were among the nominees for the Hart Memorial Trophy (most valuable player to his team), Lester B. Pearson Award (most outstand...
Well as most Canadians may know. Especially those who follow hockey religiously.
The Politicians have way-ed into Team Canada Hockey Decisions.
Shane Doan has unproven allegations against him that in 2005 he uttered a racial slur
"F******g Frenchman did a good job" in reference to the all French Officiating staff who were working that night.
Now this is one person...
Boy, i cant argue with the NO-Goal Call against buffalo. that was a goal. this is a disgrace for NHL on so many levels that i cant explain.
NHL needs to replace those overhead camera with HD cameras.
BTW, Lindy Ruff should be embrassed for himself foR that tirade after the game instead of doing infront of the media and make ass of himself he shouyld done infront of...
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...
Since I am from Buffalo and now live in Illinois, you would think I would enjoy the Spring time heat that has finally found its way to the Midwest, but I am feeling the heat due to this playoff season and I am not enjoying it. I am feeling so stressed during these Sabres games, it is incredible. What other Sabres fans feel this? I haven't felt like this in the playoffs unt...
To see the following story with pictures and better formatting check out [url]http://www.NHLNow.com[/url]!
CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie):
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins; Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins; Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche.
NHL Jeff's Take: Malkin was amazing all season long. Yes, he started out on fire and slowed down a bit as the sea...
Over the last few years, we've seen a lot of two-headed monsters in the nets of NHL teams. We've seen Roloson and Fernandez, Miller and Biron, Giguere and Bryz, Nabokov and Toskala, Vokoun and Mason, and the list goes on...
Roloson and Fernandez were the first to split, and just a few months ago the Miller/Biron monster was broken apart. This summer, it appears we'll ...
Okay I normally don't pay much attention to what my Government does but this is nonsense come on Shane Doan had done nothing but represent his Country. It was proven that Shane Doan did not say the slur. It also happened two years ago Please lets email our MLA's and tell them on how we feel about waisting time and money, this has to be stopped Government has to know ...
this what i love blogging. you get to leak crap before the public see it up close
In this case, let's play a new game, leak 'New NHL' jerseys.
Today's Team, Dallas Stars
[img]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y125/Chazberg/starsnewunis.jpg[/img]
if you want to play along, just take advice of the almighty words of Dr. Gregory House "Well, Google It!"
A few thoughts before I move on to bigger and better issues! And yes, I fully expect the bitterness to flow from Luongo07 and Mojoworld!
(1) Roberto Luongo was absolutely brilliant throughout the playoffs...he is a monster. Without question, he is deserving of the MVP award. He played on his head last night but, as has been the case, could not score and could not ...
Here is the phone number for Vs. to get them to the hockey games in HD!
1-877-VERSUS-ON
1-203-407-3613
With every passing year, the Blue Jackets miss the playoffs and I'm forced to shift my focus as a fan. Maybe I'm alone saying this, but I would much rather watch a playoff game with two random teams than watch a regular-season game featuring my own. The passion of each team fighting for the ultimate goal lights a fire in everyone, including myself. This year, I'm especiall...
last night blog was a blog of frustration and being pissed off at the sport i love. plus i had little too much too drink last night in celebatation of cinco de mayo, which explains about everything for last night. Sorry if i oftened anyone.
For now on, im only blogging on the finals, Flyers and Ripping gary bettman to help make a change in this league and I’ll release...
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...
Alright, Sharks. The time has come to put Saturday's dull performance behind you and dig deep to keep the dream alive. It's times like these that the hockey world sees leaders emerge in the face of adversity and put their team on their back. Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau - this means you. Joe, let's awake from the dream that told you to seek out the miracle play and put th...
[b]Second Annual Grimmy Award Winners[/b]
Note: Since my last name is Grimm, the title of the awards are a take-off on my name and the music awards of a similar name.
[b]Hart Trophy: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins[/b]
Runners-up: Roberto Luongo (Vancouver), Vinny Lecavalier (Tampa Bay)
There have been heralded youngsters throughout the history of the NHL. Way...
Your intrepid author has called 4 of 4 Round 2, calling the exact amount of games 3 out 4. So, yes, I am tooting my own horn. Toot!
My predictions made back on April 26th
[url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=7150[/url]
My Pick Was: Ottawa in 6
Result: Ottawa wins in 5
I predicted that Ottawa would beat NJ in 6. They did it in 5, NJ completely unab...
Well another disappointing result for the Sharks. When will I be able to get on board with this team and really consider them a contender? This coming from a Habs fan with obviously no vested interest in this years Stanley Cup Playoffs, for obvious reasons. The Sharks seemingly had the goods to make an extended run, solid defense, good goaltending, #2 PP unit and a number...
Everyone is ripping me for the negative tone about "New NHL" but i want to let the number finally to back up my arugment themselves. these are attendence figures from games this season that are based on number of tickets distributed, not people attending. THe Actual attendance is lower.
Btw the number ever lie......
Mar-6 2007 Col @ Bos - 11,707
F...
In years watching hockey this might be the best final four teams left in the NHL playoffs in YEARS.
So lets start out West
[b]#1 Detriot Red Wings v #3 Anaheim Ducks[/b]
Detriot has been playing great hockey and beat a physical Calgary team and a bottom feeder team in san jose. The ducks beat up on wild and kim johnsson's head. They also had a great series against...
The announcement came down from the IIHF today that an NHL team, the winner of the European Champions Cup and at least one other European club will participate in tournament. The big question is, which NHL team?
The AP quoted Rick Nash as expressing concern over additional toll taken on the body after an already long season.
That said, it wouldn't make much sense fo...
The off-season is fast approaching, and while I don’t want to short cut the glory of the playoffs, we’re about to be subjected to another round of rumored expansion plans and rule change proposals to boost next year’s numbers. (Remember the “buffalo” nets?)
I don’t know if you were following the recent “big” news out of NASCAR, but it bears mention. (D...
I thought that I would let people know what the Flames Players are like and why it means so much to me when some get traded .
The year after the lockout the flames had their preseason camp at the Don Hartman arena instead of the Dome. My son and I decided that we would go down to watch them play, and to get some autographs. There is a lot of stories that I could t...
Sundin has met with doctors and Sweden, and he will not need surgery. He has a small tear in his labrum, but it will NOT require surgery to repair.
When this story first broke I was sent two newspaper articles from Sweden, talking about how angry Sundin was with this. The belief around people I talked to is that one side of ownership (Tanenbaum) wanted Ferguson fired a...
grapes17 writes...
WCF Preview: Babcock-Burke only one aspect of Wings-Ducks
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
When Brian Burke took over the post as Anaheim general manager in the summer of 2005, the future of then-Ducks coach Mike Babcock immediately came into doubt.
Sure, Babcock took the Ducks to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002-03, the first of his two years in Southern California. Yet from day one, it seemed there would be a clash between Babcock and Burke.
Babcock's Duck...
This article im about to share proves part of my therory this league is a)this league is in trouble, b) Bettman still doesnt get it and c) proves that causal fan still doesnt care about NHL
Can’t Follow The NHL
http://media.www.thetowerlight.com/media/storage/paper957/news/2007/05/10/Sports/Heatin.It.Up.Without.Espn.Nhl.Playoffs.Become.Distant.Afterthought-2898728.sh...
i love it on VS coverage that they say that buffalo fans invented the idea of having fans partying outside while during game.
Well they are wrong.
If you buy this dvd
http://www.amazon.com/NHL-History-Philadelphia-Flyers/dp/B000M7XR7Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-4451391-1782410?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1178840045&sr=8-1
and any flyers fan will tell you that the flyers fans wer...
First off, I was at the arena tonight...Another amazing atmosphere for sure. And not the prettiest hockey game in the world (turnovers, barage of penalties in the first two periods, plenty of hits, etc.), but certainly entertaining! Here's to much more to come between these two teams!
Now..Credit goes to where credit is due. Congratulations to the Ottawa Senators on ...
For those of you who do not recall a fateful night in February, this is all you need to know about the Eastern Conference Finals between Ottawa and Buffalo.
These teams do not like each other.
Not even a bit. As if it was not enough the Sabres have knocked the Senators out of the playoffs three times, the two teams engaged in a compelling brawl Feb. 22 at the Hot Sau...
Every year i make a mock draft based on CSS, ISS rankings and on what i read in the Hockey's Future forum. Here's my mock draft, the ranks 1 to 26 are ok and i based the ranks 27 to 30 on my playoffs predictions (i think Anaheim will win the cup so Edmonton will draft 30th with Anaheim's pick).
A chaque année je fais un mock draft en me basant sur les classements de la...
Gee, Lindy Ruff is a brilliant coach after all......
Congratulations Sabres! What a thrill to hear the spectacular voice of [b]Ronan Tynan[/b] before the Sabres/Rangers game on April 27. We don't know if he has opened any games in this current series. If he has, we haven't heard it. Why not? Through the whole long season the team owners and broadcast cognoscenti have seen fit to torture us with countless other so-call...
I love youtube. it has everything you want as a hockey fight fan. i want to share my top #10 fights on you tube
#10 Cam Neely TKOs Lindy Ruff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDt8pgmsfV0&mode=related&search=
your're not a hockey fan if you dont like cam neely
There is a choking situation in Buffalo....
[img]http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/jimmywhite81/choking_1.jpg[/img]
This isn't going to be a real Earth-shattering blog, nor is it going to be very long. Just a thought that had the misfortune of firing across my synapse gaps...
I always thought it would be sorta neat if the Stanley Cup were presented to the winning team's captain not by Mr. Bettman, but by the captain of the defending Stanley Cup Champion. So for this year, Rod Brind...
With the double elbows to the head from Pronger and Neidermayer on Tomas Holmstrom, there needs to be suspensions. Both of them should get at least a game. I know Pronger got away with out being called but the replay clearly shows both of those goons elbows up at the head.
Yes it could be seriously detrimental to the Ducks playoffs hopes but that is just to bad, you pl...
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...
I guess this is it – final blog of the season.
I wish I were writing this a month from now. Obviously we would have liked to keep playing, but you really need a lot of things to go your way to be successful in the playoffs.
A few reporters were asking me what I thought I had learned – that’s a tough question. I think I really realized how hard it is to win. Tho...
The last three games you picked Buffalo and you saw the results. Our city has a curse as it is, your picking jinx doesn't help.
All kidding aside, the Sabres really are in a huge hole.
Let's hope the 3-0 gives them a HUGE wake up call.
Here's to the team showing up tonight....here's to Miller doing his stuff again...here's for lots of shots and some goals (dare I...
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...
Every hockey web site, message board, forum, or mailing list at this point in the off-season has one Ryan Smyth rumor or another almost daily, so placing faith in any one rumor at this point is just about as sure-footed a strategy as throwing darts at a map of NHL cities. Personally, I've remained optimistic about the Islanders chances of bringing Smytty back, despite much...
You have a third period full of questionable penatlies that won't be called in real hockey game and their Network dumps their sorry asses for horse race.
it goes to show how popular NHL is really is and how screwed up this league is.
Well, we had an exciting playoff game, heading to overtime. Good game featuring two skilled teams, that were very evenly matched. However, NBC also owns the TV rights to a horse race, so a brief graphic and one time announcement at the end of regulation sent NHL fans scrambling to Versus.
The problem is, Versus is not available throughout the US. In a brilliant move com...
flyershockey81 writes...
Congrats to Sens...News for my Fellow Flyers Fans
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Congrats to Sens. You deserved to Win. You destory and expose the sissies the buffalo sabres are made of. This series proved that old style hockey still regins in the sport i Love. Someone needs to Bettman that phyiscal play is still apart of hockey......
[b]For my Fellow flyers fans let the debate begin.......[/b]
[img]http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h307/jimmywhi...
After reading the passinate blog that TIm Panccio wrote about the hack job by NBC. Maybe TIm and other NHL writers start addressing the real problem in this league..
Gary Bettman
There is only two writers who openly goes after Bettman on his mistakes and that guy is Larry Brooks of New York Post and then Toronto Sun NHL Writer Al Strachan.
Al Strachan knew fr...
From Neil Best from Newsday:
"In an interview with WFAN, commissioner Gary Bettman said the broad audience was worth the risk of overtime, but he left open the possibility of rethinking the Saturday afternoon strategy next year."
"Why not at least move the game to, say, MSNBC, which is in about 20 million fewer homes than NBC but 20 million more than Versus? [b]Becau...
For those outside of Buffalo, just an interesting little story....
I called HSBC Arena yesterday. I was hoping to buy season tickets. The response I got: "We're all maxed out for next season. We can take your name down for the waiting list though."
What?
It's not like I waited til the last minute. Last year I ordered my tix in August and had no problem.
You...
Yup, that's pretty much it. Giguere is cool and all, but at the end of the day, the Eastern teams have it more "figured out" than the western teams who are still playing scared. It's too bad the RW's couldn't do it. As much as we all love Hasek, in the end, it was not meant to be. (not sure how that came out, if it was sarcastic enough). In any case, may the best team...
Courtesy of 104.5FM and News Channel Five out of Nashville. Leipold has sold the team to Jim Ballsile(or however you spell his last name), that crazy Ontarian who made a bid to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Daunic just confirmed it's an outright sale.
Leipold has stated that the Predators will play the 07-08 season in Nashville, but after that nothing is guaranteed.
...
The 49th parallel has never looked so significant.
While Canadian fans were enjoying the standard high-quality broadcast from CBC's Hockey Night in Canada Saturday afternoon -- more on the afternoon part later -- fans south of the border were shut out as the Ottawa-Buffalo game went to overtime.
You would think American-based fans would be used to this by now. After ...
this was proved by sports blog Sports Media Watch
http://sportsmediawatch.blogspot.com/
this tv rating going back to 1995. add this to bettman brilliant work as the Commish. did anyone notice the differnece one final game between two top market teams in 1997 vs. rest of the games of the following years?
[b]1995[/b]
3.2: New Jersey at Detroit, Game 1 (Saturday, Jun...
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...
Mike Rathje. there is a name i havent heard for awhile in flyerland. In all seriousness, i know Mike is trying the hardest he can to come back and play for the orange and black but i think it's time for flyers to buy him out or he has to retire.
I met Rathje once, he is a great guy and a great heart for the game but it's decsion time for him......
Well, we have come to the last 7 games of the 2006-2007 NHL Year. Two teams are on the edge of the top of Mountain.
From the east we have Ottawa Senators and from the west we have Anaheim Ducks.
Both teams defy what Gary Bettman wants the NHL to be a passive, Euro league.
Lets recap how both teams got to the finals
[b]Ottawa Senators[/b]
In the first round, ...
Well it is a long weekend here in the states. There is not much hockey going on anywhere right now. I couldn't even get people together to play a pick up game.
I am anxious for the Stanley cup finals to start and dread it all at the same time. I am not a supporter of either team. Do I have a favorite? why, yes, but neither team is in my top 10 for NHL teams to roo...
As i am coming home from the jersey shore from the memorial hoilday on monday, i will start to watch the final 7 games of the the 2006-2007 NHL Season.
I finally give NHL credit for something....
i'll give them credit for scheduling the first game of stanley cup finals on memorial day night. the reason i will give them credit for scheduling the first game against b...
Game 1:4-2 Ducks Selanne GWG
Game 2:3-1 Sens Heatley GWG
Game 3:6-5 Sens OT Vermette GWG
Game 4:2-1 Ducks OT Pronger GWG
Game 5:3-1 Sens Spezza GWG
Game 6:5-4 Ducks R. Neidermeyer GWG
Game 7:1-0 Ducks OT Selanne GWG in one of the most dramatic Cup Finals Ever!!!! Go DUCKS!
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...
The recent problems in Nashville have brought up the whole relocation mess again, and there's a recurring theme that I keep hearing:
"[i]City A[/i] doesn't [b]deserve[/b] an NHL team. If anyone [b]deserves[/b] a team it's [i]City B[/i]"
Deserve?
Really???
I mean, we aren't talking about any Human Rights issues here. Nor are we talking about the basic needs ...
Nemmy700 writes...
Because teams from non-traditional markets deserve better.
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
There are two types of hockey fans, those that are irked at the concept of a Southern team winning a cup (ie. Carolina, Tampa, Dallas, to name a few) and those that aren't.
As a hockey fan, I'm tired of hearing what team "deserves" to win the cup based on the amount of fans a team has, or how devoted these said fans may be. This is professional sports. The NHL, as is ...
It has been pointed out by much of the media that Southern California is not a hockey town.
True, the term "Southern California" seems to imply a region, not a town, but in this hyper-sensitive metropolitan area where everyone wants to be their own metro area, it is the politically correct term.
Politically correct -- that is something Anaheim general manager Brian B...
"Mad" Mike Milbury is no longer an ISLANDER. MM has stepped down from his position today, and will only be an advisor to Wang's Chineese Hockey Project. But he no longer has reign over anything Islanders Related! Did you hear that, Pierre McGuire? MM is Gone.. we don't wanna hear of any more of his draft picks or trades!
-----------------------------------------
The ...
Only a few hours to go now until game 2 starts. I am pumped.
Lots to expect out of this one. Will the Sens be able to fight back or will the Ducks just keep on hitting everyone and wear down the Sens?
I really think that this is the Ducks chance. They have a great opportunity to go ahead 2-0 in the series and forcing the Sens to win 4 in 5 games. They have a lo...
My son and I were at a park day the other day and he was playing road hockey in which he scored many goals and killed us and wore me to a frazzle. Now I am writing this blog about how much I am out of shape I am writing because of what took place at the game. One of the younger boys was playing to who had his stick up to high and my son (dougstr) was trying to teach hi...
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...
For the past several years, Samuel Pahlsson toiled as an underrated player in the NHL outpost of Anaheim.
Have things ever changed.
Considered the likely candidate to win the Selke Trophy for top defensive forward during the regular season, Pahlsson might win another piece of hardware if the Anaheim Ducks go on to win the Stanley Cup.
It sounds strange to say a ch...
[img:left]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y102/Zacobius/matshor_78503.jpg[/img]So it's all over the news. It looks like Sundin is a lock for a 2 year deal worth 10 to 11 million. I wouldn't really call this news as it has been speculated for a long time. There is seems to be a split amongst the Leafs Nation. I think most would agree that Mats has been amazing in his 1...
I've been fighting off frequent fits of boredom this afternoon, which will quickly be remedied when I depart for Reelfoot Lake in west Tennessee. I've never been there, but they say it's beautiful.
Here's some of the latest signings and players you can expect to see in camps:
Thrashers: Tobias Enström (D, SWE), Ondrej Pavelec (G, CZE- from QMJHL)
Coyotes: Martin Ha...
It is not just the sight of the Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill that makes the Ottawa Senators glad to be home for games three and four of the Stanley Cup Finals.
With the home team getting the last change, the Senators will finally be able to get the line of Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley away from Anaheim's checking line of Samuel Pahlsson, Rob Nie...
So tonight will pretty much decide this series. Ottawa are on the ropes and Alfredsson, Heatley and Spezza continue to struggle against Anaheim's checking line, the Niedermayer-Pronger unit, and JS Giguere. But they return home to the Scotiabank Place with (hopefully) rabid fans who weren't even remote thoughts the last time the Senators won the Cup(except for that one 99 ...
teddye03 writes...
A hockey junky gets his fix (The price is not right)
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Thanks to free wireless internet in my hotel, combined with large quantities of caffeine, I get to do something I have not had the pleasure of doing in three weeks, watch a hockey game. After the depressing event of departing my cruise ship early this morning, the beautiful sights of Barcelona, Spain, combined with the opportunity to view a live stream and chat with my fri...
i wonder if that was buffalo or any usa team in the same exact situation would they called it a goal? dont nhl offical know how easy to revoke a usa passport
1 game for Pronger? Does the fact that he's a repeat offender play into this anywhere? I don't care if this is the Finals, that warrants more than one game, especially since Pronger is stupid enough not to learn from the Holmstrom incident.
Also, the league says they suspended him because McAmmond was hurt on the play. That shouldn't matter at all.
I wonder, if ...
if the league is going to be consistant in handing out suspendsion in regarding to blows to head, why wasn't Chris Neil suspended for his head shot in third?
Maybe because Ottawa is a team from Canada or maybe this done to by the league that desperatly needs as much prime time exposure as possible to gain any attraction it can, and is going to do anything it has to to g...
People have been jumping all over Duck's fans for complaining about the officiating. I don't recall anyone from the Ducks team complaining after game 3, though their frustration during the game was obvious. Bryan Murray, Jason Spezza, Dany Heatley, etc. were complaining to the press about the officiating after each of the first 2 games. Isn't it amazing that there have no ...
OPP Constable Lyndon Slewidge delivered one of the most stirring renditions of "O Canada" in recent memory before Game 2 -- as he does every night before Senators games. The coolest part was the enormous Canadian Flag being passed around the upper deck. Quite possibly the greatest Anthem since the 1991 All-Star game by Wayne Messmer and 20,000 Chicagoans.
But no Lyndo...
For all the talk of Daniel Alfredsson's goal in game three, the issue of what a distinct kicking motion entails may be a moot point.
After watching the replay dozens of times in super-slow motion on a top-quality HDTV, it appears the puck actually went in off Alfredsson's stick.
Stationed to the left of Anaheim goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Alfredsson directed t...
"It's a joke. It's a joke. It's been going on the whole series and the whole playoffs, that's a joke. Not one of those calls whether it was against Anaheim or against Ottawa was a penalty....they were bad calls and it's ridiculous at this point of the season that you have referees making these kind of bad calls....missing dives, making calls that aren't even penalties...Ra...
I cannot believe I even have to say this...but I've just lost all respect for Daniel Alfredsson. In case you think I've always disliked him, simply refer back to almost every playoff blog to see how I've talked about him. What in the world was he thinking? He went completely off the reservation. The shot at Scott Niedermayer was crazy enough...but then he goes and punc...
As we approach the last interesting days of this hockey season some of the blogs I have read recently have given me thoughts to ponder. I wrote before that we might see the beginning of 'parity' as star talent looks like it will disperse further from the traditional concentrations. If the cap increases that may not happen but certainly it will take a few more years for t...
I didn't get to see much of Game 3 as I was on a mini vacation on the weekend. Went to Seattle to check it out and had a great time. All that I saw was the last 10min of the first, Coach's Corner and funny enough, the Pronger elbow.
Now I did get to watch Game 4 and another solid game. This has been a very good series to watch and they have all been tight games. T...
Southern California -- for once, it's about the Ducks.
And hockey.
In Southern California, hockey fans often feel like they simply do not belong. The Lakers and Dodgers win championships routinely, even if it's been nearly two decades for the latter. Even the Angels have a World Series to their name, and they are a franchise considered cursed by many fans.
Sure, t...
To many fans of Canadian teams, the closest thing to seeing their team in the final rounds of the playoffs is to follow their next crop of superstars in the AHL playoffs. For the Montreal Canadiens, there couldn't be a better indication of the future of the most storied franchise in hockey history than the play of their AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. While many neve...
Game 3, had less than 1 million viewers, with it peaking at a .08 Rating In the Final 30 mins of the game, with only 3 % of TV Viewers watching this game.
[i]Last year's game 3 got a 1.7 Rating. Down big time for a Saturday full of repeats or movies.[/i]
Game 4 on the otherhand had a jump up to a 2.1 Rating (2.3 Million Viewers), with only 4 % of people watching TV...
Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals resumes tonight in sunny California, but for Ottawa the it's not so much the Ducks they have to be worried about - it's the crows waiting for the dead to fall.
Is it all doom and gloom if you're a Sens fan? Of course not, but getting this far and seeing your team out-matched in every possible area raises areas for concern. Out-matched ...
[img:right]http://www.wgr550.com/sabres/top10/media/02_mayday.jpg[/img]
Congradulations to Brad May on his first Stanley Cup Championship. nearly 14 years and 2 months ago Brad scored one of the biggest Stanley Cup Ot winning goals in history. Now his name will enter the history books as a Stanley Cup winner. It is nice to see him get his due.
With over 900 games pl...
I was just watching the Tonight Show and Jay was doing his stand up bit at the beginning and he made a really asinine comment. He said that there was a research study that was done that showed that people ate more while watching interesting television shows. He said that NBC's new slogan should be "watch more and take off the pounds" and he directly followed that up by sar...
Short blog here, just felt like getting my opinion out there into the ether. It's a common viewpoint on NHL expansion but what can i say, when theres no hockey games/trade/rumors to read about I need to let it all out somehow!
I think that in 4-5 years expansion will be more than likely. If this occurs, I would hate to see the NHL pick the wrong markets to expand into....
OnPoint writes...
Lindy Ruff is Duke Phillips and other random thoughts
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[b]Lindy Phillips? Duke Ruff? You decide[/b]
After enjoying the final moments of the Stanley Cup presentation (congrats to the Ducks, someday I hope to enjoy a celebration in Buffalo as well), a friend and I put on a DVD of one of our favorite television shows: The Critic. A long cancelled and mostly forgotten classic, for those of you who don't know. It's a cartoon s...
The NHL and NBC can not like this.. The Ratings from game 4 to game 5 went DOWN. A 2.1 for Game 4 went down to a mere 1.8 for the final game is not good for either the NHL or NBC.. The ratings are obviosuly down big time from last years Cup Finals..
There is one thing that really hits you when you see the Stanley Cup in person, and it is even more evident at the end of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The silver chalice has quite a presence.
The uninformed could walk into a room with the Stanley Cup, have no idea what hockey is, and recognize the trophy is something special.
Wednesday night in Anaheim, more than 17,00...
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...
I would like to begin with saying congratulations to the Ducks of Anahiem, their players, organization, staff and their 20,000 fans. It was a heart wreching experience to see our old GM (Brian Burke) and our old minor league coach (Randy Carlyle) and our free agent gaff (Scott Niedermayer) and our old fan favourite (Brad May)...well you get the point...it was a heart wrenc...
When my wife and I heard that Roger Neilson was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, we were saddened because we really enjoyed his spunk (and flashy ties). Like us, Roger was a born-again Christian and that shared faith was refreshing to see in a sport regarded as something less than holy amongst many of our peers. When we met Roger some months before, I was proud to have him...
First blog on here, but have been following HockeyBuzz/Eklund's site since almost day one. I admit though, that I do not follow MyHockeyBuzz, so I hope I'm not stepping on the toes of other writers with these points.
I've been following hockey since I can remember (possibly even while in the womb), and I love it for millions of reasons. I love the sport side of it, th...
So the Cup has been skated, the ice has been taken up, and the Zamboni's put in storage. In most respects, this is a sad time for me. I love the game, and wish it would go on year-round. But there is an up-side to the off-season.
There is a distinct list of overused hockey cliches that incite bleeding from my aural canals and cause migraines that ache with the intens...
Here is my quick breakdown of what I expect each team to do this year at the draft. I will show you what each team's weakness is and later I will post who I think each team will draft based on these facts, in the first two rounds. A mock draft if you will. Here is my breakdown:
[b]Anaheim[/b] - May need defensive help, but Brian Burke has a knack to make a good trade...
Okay, so with the NHL Entry Draft not too far off in the distance, I think it's time to educate some folks in what is the proper method of conducting a draft.
DO: Address your needs first. Get what you know you're going to need. If you're Bob Gainey, you don't want to draft a goalie and a wing with your two first rounders. Draft a center and maybe a blue liner like, say...
Here is my prediction of the first round basing it on each team's needs as pointed out in my previous blog. I believe this is the most accurate way you can do a mock draft, and I hope you people enjoy this. Here we go:
1. Chicago - Patrick Kane - RW
2. Philadelphia - Kyle Turris - C
3. Phoenix - Alexei Cherepanov - RW
4. Los Angeles - Sam Gagner - C
5. Washington...
Since the GM meetings were held this week, I have decided to make this post to fit the scenario IF the gms decide to put in bigger nets-
October 4, 2007- The first game of the NHL season in Anaheim has been delayed because they could not get the new bigger net through the zamboni entrance and onto the slushy ice rink. Finally, the game has started at midnight eastern ti...
This is an open question for all the NHLers out there. Unrestricted free agency is almost upon us and a handful of notable free agents such as Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, and Ryan Smyth to name a few, look like they will become UFA's.
So here's the big question. As a top level UFA how do you decide which team you will decide to sign with? For some it...
Sunday night at Anaheim Ice, the Thunderchickens defeated Le Doog 4-1 in a chippy and entertaining affair.
Odds are, you have not heard of either of these teams. The clubs play in the Gold Division of the Anaheim Ice Adult Hockey League, but they have something in common with the Stanley Cup Champions.
You see, Anaheim Ice is the practice rink of the Anaheim Ducks, w...
im bored. tv during the summer sucks full of repeats and reality tv. i found myself watching wrasslin tonight, inwhich i thought was pretty entertaining.
i wish there was something to talk about related to hockey.
why cant July 1 come any faster?
how is everyone holding up before July 1?
Loyal Readers,
Welcome to my first blog on the Hockey Buzz site. It is that time of year. Sometimes I think it is as much fun as the season. Our beloved Oil have a lot of holes to fill, no untouchables, loads of draft picks and room under the Salary Cap. That is an equation for an exciting off season.
The biggest hole in my opinion is defensemen. The new NHL you n...
Here is the continuation of my series of predictions for the upcoming 2007 draft. This will be the final installment seeing as I haven't prepared a third round. I would be happy to make one up if you want me to, but as of right now this is it. Enjoy!
Round 2
31. Buffalo - Thomas Hickey- D
32. Phoenix - Stefan Legein - RW
33. Vancouver - Michal Repik - RW
34. Wa...
Wow I was surprised when I flipped up the net to see on my TSN RSS (great way to get the latest news) that Sundin had re-signed with the Leafs, Chelios w/ the Red Wings, and a couple of other small signings.
Lets start off on the Sundin signing. If Fergy thinks he could get a good deal out of 5.5 million for Sundin, he is definetely not thinking straight since Kevin Low...
They are both returning for 07-08. Details not known at this time, but they have agreed to new deals with the Sabres. This per WGRZ-Channel 2 in Buffalo, broadcasted during this evening's 5 p.m. news.
WGR-550 is also reporting that Ruff has signed this evening.
The focus of the Sabres can now move STRICTLY to free agency.
Apparently, not everybody loves a parade.
Eschewing tradition, the Anaheim Ducks did not hold a Stanley Cup parade, opting instead for a rally in the south parking lot of the Honda Center.
Turns out, it was not such a bad move.
An estimated crowd of 15,000 was getting antsy as the festivities began an hour after the scheduled time of 6:30 p.m. To make matters wors...
NucksFan writes...
Top 10 Signs You Are Going Through Hockey Season Withdrawl
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[b]10.[/b] You are actually interested in the news that Chelios got re-signed by Detroit.
[b]9.[/b] Youtube is visited daily to find fan videos of the final seconds before The Ducks hoist the Stanley Cup.
[b]8.[/b] Your computer's desktop wallpaper is still your team's logo.
[b]7.[/b] You still sport the car flag of your team as you drive around town.
[b]6....
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 ...
Note to Preds fans: I don't necessarily want to see the Preds move to Hamilton because I think they have a very solid base of real fans who deserve a better fate, and because their rivalry with the Blues has been intense in the past few years.
However, if they do move, there will be an imbalance in the league and it will probably lead to the addition to 2 new teams in...
Chris Gratton was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2nd round pick in 07, or 08(Florida's option) according to TSN. This deal gives the Lightning some much needed depth at center and clears 1.5 million of cap space for Florida which will further fuel rumors that they are going to make a pitch for a big name UFA.
What do the terms EASTERN, WESTERN, Atlantic, Northeast, Southeast, Central, Northwest and Pacific mean to you?
Unless you are explaining the weather or refering to geographical locations, they don't mean anything to me.
I don't recall the exact year the division and conference names were changed (somenone help me out on that one) but I do remember thinking "WHAT?!!!...
Versus, the NHL's premier broadcast "partner"in the US, has seen fit to delay the Awards Show broadcast until 11:00 PM tonight. This so they can televise a bunch of gang-bangers in pajamas kicking each other in what resembles a large playpen.
Is there no limit to the league's self-loathing? How can they allow these continued slights? Are they incompetent, or is there...
The NHL awards show has been pushed back from 7:30 to 11pm EST in the United States on Versus and for what, not bull riding, not horse racing, but this time World Combat League Fighting. NHL.com has had it on there website all week that the awards show will be on Versus at 7:30 PM for all to enjoy, and again we get screwed by at network that the NHL leads us to beleive the...
Jsaquella writes...
What If You Had An Awards Show And Nobody Could Watch
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
First of all congrats to all the NHL award winners, especially Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby.
So, Thursday night, after a rough day at work, I get home. I get my mail and I see my wonderful-if ill gotten-HockeyBuzz hat has arrived. Immediately the day is brighter. I am going to have some chicken enchiladas and watch the NHL awards show on Versus.
Well, I get my me...
[b]Alain Vigneault - Vancouver Canucks[/b]
The NW is a cake walk of a division. 5 out of the 8 teams from the western conf. that made it into the playoffs had higher point totals than the NW divison winners the Canucks. Im not saying Vigneault and the Canucks didnt have a good season but there were obvious better choices for the award. Also i dont see how Randy Carlisle...
When I found out about the move that versus made last night it made me wonder if the NHL wants this game to flourish in the States. I have often heard that the NHL is a regional game and not national game in the USA, and they should stay that way. Well I am wondering if the NHL is marketing to be a regional sport.
They have their awards show and half the peop...
The NHL Awards show has too strong a Canadian flavor to it. We, who grew up on the border appreciate it. But, if the NHL wants the game to appeal more to the casual fan in the states they have to make these events more cross cultural. If I'm someone who knows a little bit about the game, a show like the one last night would keep me following the more American sports like f...
Last night, I was pretty ticked off about not being able to watch the NHL awards show. I find the awards show, with it's awful humor and poor production qualities, a great coda to the NHL season and playoffs.
Well, I wrote a blog blaming the NHL and Gary Bettman. Turns out it was a TV truck from the CBC. I still fault Bettman for a great deal of the NHL's issues, howev...
Wahington caps
[img]http://www.nhldigest.com/wp-admin/images/Capsnewjerseys.jpg[/img]
June 30th is the date when we will find out what the new salary cap is for the 2007-2008 season. In my opinion, it needs to be high. Higher than expected. Some of the numbers being thrown around are 48, 49, and maybe even 50. Eklund stated recently that the cap is set to rise to 52, and I don't mind that. Players want more money (obviously), teams are stuck and are willing...
Vancover Cauncks
[IMG]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h162/flyershockey81/canucks-uniforms.gif[/IMG]
ButlerGoalie writes...
Nashville is Latest Punch Line in Running NHL Joke
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Expansion, Relocation and Shootouts, oh my! When will the madness that has become the NHL ever end? Would Howie Morenz, Ace Bailey and Eddie Shore even recognize the sport they helped to create?
Did you hear the one about the priest, a rabbi and a minister going into a bar? I don't remember the rest of the joke, but the punch line is "The Nashville Predators."
Sadly,...
Im so sick reading from blogs and message boards of other teams complaining what my Philadelphia Flyers did before July 1.
Can someone please point to me in the CBA where it says where no transactions cant occur before UFA period begins? please?
People should be bowing themselves to Paul Holgram for what he did. He took a page out of the Bob Clarke School of Gm by...
I wrote earlier in my first blog about how the ratings etc. are not always what they appear, especially considering the total lack of any traditional/large US markets in the Stanley Cup Finals over the past four years compared to the other three major team sports.
I also mentioned, however, that certain things are just getting messed up by the NHL. Hence my surprise las...
Per TSN, http://tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=211407&hubname=
In order:
Penalty Shots. Really, this just brings it in line with what all of Canada has been doing for a few years now, and I agree with it. Why should you not be allowed a penalty shot when you get tackled from behind, just because the other team's player didn't wait another two-thirds of a second? A br...
Tout le monde le sait, le repêchage de la LNH commence demain à Columbus, la première ronde sera télédiffusée à RDS à 7hres.
voici le profil de quelques joueurs québécois qui pourraient être intéressants pour les canadiens:
Angelo Esposito
Esposito est un centre qui lance de la gauche. il patine très bien et il est très talentueux, mais il n'est pas ...
Patrick Cwiklinski writes...
Pittsburgh Penguins: The NHL's Next Superpower
Posted Friday | Comments 0
This season, for the first time in six years, the Pittsburgh Penguins managed to place fifth in the Eastern Conference to face the future Stanley Cup Finalists, the Ottawa Senators, in the first round of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. Though the Penguins ultimately fell short to the Senators, they reached a goal of making the playoffs, with a team led by its young ...
Some of you may have followed my predictions for the first two rounds of this year's NHL entry draft. Here are the results of my predictions comparing them to where they actually ended up. They are ordered in how I picked them, the number on the right is where they actually ended up, and the third number is how far off I was:
1. P. Kane - 1 = 0
2. K. Turri...
This by far maybe the biggest week in the history of the Sabres franchise in the post lockout era. Drury or Briere? Which one do you want because you can only have one? Does Chris Drury return back to colorado to where he started his career? Does he go home to California and reunite with his best friend Mike Grier? Where does Briere go? Big big questions surrounding the fr...
It has been a tough couple months to be a fan of the Nashville Predators. It has been painful to watch great hockey fans on this site have a feeding frenzy over the possible relocation of our team, and it has been extremely frustrating watching media and bloggers embellish facts and just plain tell complete lies to help their case that the city of Nashville does not ...
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:...
(A Near Flawless Prognostication Through Slightly Orange-and-Blue Colored Glasses)
So, here we are, less than a week to go before this year’s free agent frenzy. We’ll start to find out who’s going where on Sunday, if not sooner. For the New York Islanders and their fans, it’s hard to start throwing any new names out there at this point, what with very little res...
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...
Every year different NHL teams try to make an off season move that will change the shape of their franchise for the better, but sometimes we see the general managers of these respected teams hitting their heads over a desk asking "Why?". I've made a list of five players who, this season, didn't come as advertised and instead get paid for having a big name and nothing else....
well the 2007 draft is over and free agency is just around the corner...
waiting is the hardest part
I'll keep this one simple, straightforward, and to the point:
1) Chicago----Patrick Kane
Obviously the knock on Kane is size and for him he's going to have to use his agility more, which has been compared to Martin St. Louis', to continue to be productive at the next level. He runs the powerplay extremely well on the half wall and has great hands around the net. This sou...
It was on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2007, the last time flyers played in the 2006-2007 season.
That was also the day inwhich Flyers GM Paul Holmgren had the task to rebuild one of the storied franchise teams in the history of nhl from misery of being th laughing stock of NHL into one of the glourous Franchises in all of hockey.
Paul has succeded through many test such...
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...
Okay, I'll admit, Chris Drury and Daniel Briere are two very talented hockey players, but are they really worth the money some teams are willing to offer? Will Peter Forsberg have what it takes to still be an elite NHLer after numerous injuries? Is Scott Gomez really going to prosper outside of New Jersey? These are questions I've been thinking about lately and the answer ...
The announcement on Friday afternoon that the cap was going up to $50.2 Million was great news for leafs as they already have committed approximately $43 Million, which leaves $7-8 million to play with. if the cap had only come in around $48 Million mark before the NHLPA voted in favor of the 5% increase, they would've have only had about $5-6 Million, and wouldn't have be...
What i've seen today, was the most disgusting thing i ever see in my life... and that day begin with Dan Brière with a 52 millions contract and first year 10 millions... 10 freaking million... Crosby will ask for 300 millions if Briere worth that, comon why we lose a season if they continue to give contract like this...
3.6 millions to Sarich... SARICH is probably a 6...
brownelvis writes...
Why July 1st, 2007 Proves that the Lockout WAS Worthwhile ..
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Dan Tolensky wrote an interesting Blog wondering if July 1st, 2007 was the day that we wondered if the Lockout was a waste of time. I usually love what you're writing because he don't miss much. This time I think that he has. I say, however, that the NHL convinced the NHLPA that they would play for funny money that may, or may not, be worth an actual US Greenback ... fo...
Well we have entered into a new UFA season and the Dallas GM Doug Armstrong is doing nothing in the way of improving his team. While we see the big guns move cities its really hard to swallow that Armstrong says he doesnt think we need any additional players just tweaking of the ones we have. That statement has been uttered over and over the past few yrs by Armstrong. I gu...
What has free agency done for us lately?
That's the question that every NHL team should be asking themselves around this time of year. Now, that's not to say that we should do away with free agency, effectively making each player an indentured servant to the team that drafted them; however General Managers standing still on the big name free agents is encouraging to se...
OK we screwed up not keeping Drury and anyone who could check left the Year Before, Grier, Mckee.
So out of whats left of FA pool I will try and salvage a little of our dignity.
1. Sign Shanahan or Selanne. We need people to buy up these new Jerseys and two of the top sellers just left town. SHANAHAN BACK WITH RANGERS
...
Well sabres fans it's confirmed Teppo Numminen has resigned with the Sabres
[url]http://wgr550.com/sabres/fullstory.php?id=2491[/url]
According to nhlpa.com Sabres vetern Defenceman Teppo Numminen has a 2.6 million Dollar salary for 07-08.
Here is a link for the sabres team page on nhlpa.com:
[url]http://nhlpa.com/WebStats/PlayerSearchV2.asp?OIDTeam=9508[/url]
...
As a current television game show suggests, fifth graders can be as smart as adults. Yet, there are some things that fifth graders do not understand.
That’s because we as adults have the remarkable, and fruitless, ability to twist simple things into complicated ones that defy logic and explanation. Such is the case for the NHL standings.
In simpler times, the NHL...
As the first week comes to a close in sabres nation Post DB (Drury & Briere) Sabres fans had had to look inside them selfs to see where they stand with this team. The article written by eklund earlier was some good reading i hope all of you sabre fans have a chance to read it. All the points that were brought up were all good points. The Sabres are not dead in the water. T...
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 ...
With the recent departures of Co-Captains Daniel Breire & Chris Drury a lot of people have written off the 2007-2008 Buffalo Sabres. Not this fan! Well not anymore atleast.
Let’s take a minute to look back at this time in 2005. Many experts and fans around the league didn’t expect the Sabres to make the playoffs yet reach the ECF. The Sabres fought numerous in...
I was sitting reading that paper in my stained, moldy silk robe sipping my Starbucks latte, shoving a spoon full of chocolate rice krispses down my throat as I perused the Sports section of my local newspaper. All this UFA/RFA excitement of yesterday had me itching to see what was what. All this speculation on the blogs and HFboards, I needed some nitty gritty cold hard f...
As many of you are aware, earlier in the summer, the New York Islanders announced plans for the "NYI Blog Box," a consistent feature on newyorkislanders.com, where a select group of Islander fans become actual "correspondents" for the team. The Blog Box itself will be similar to the press box only in that members will be issued credentials for post-game interviews, etc. Ot...
Links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157600720204954/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy3OyB4VZPQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opC6wKLcoVc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDMnv7rm-Ws
There is no video from the first session due to battery conservation.
10 am Group
45= RJ anderson, 58= Oskar Bartulis, 61=Josh Beaulieu, 51= Freddie Cabana...
Well, on Friday last week, I was roaming around hockeybuzz noticing that nothing was going on, and I silently wished for some action. Boy, was that a mistake. Next thing I know, I see "Selanne to Philly (e4)" and I curse Ek. I wanted good rumours, not bad. I mean come on Ek, can't you weed them out. I immediately went to the comments and posted a comment that implied that ...
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...
[i]Last season, Sidney Crosby was the best player in the NHL. That is a simple fact. Anybody who disagrees can take it up with his newly acquired Art Ross, Hart and Lester B. Pearson Trophies. So why shouldn't he be paid as though he just completed a clean sweep of the three hardest to win individual trophies the league offers? I see no reason.[/i]
Some will argue t...
[i]The following also appears at [url=http://www.checkingline.com]The Checking Line[/url].[/i]
The past two free agent signing periods made Blues fans feel like the kids who got lumps of coal at Christmas time. But John Davidson and Larry Pleau put on their Blue Santa Claus suits, came down the Scottrade Center Chimney and delivered a shiny new Paul Kariya to Blues fan...
Multiple league sources have informed the Sabres as the team chosen to represent the league in an "Ice Bowl" on the first day of 2008. The opponent, most likely,would be the Pittsburgh Penguins as it should. The combination of Sidney Crosby and Malkin copuled with facing an appointent who's fans will fill the Ralph in a matter of hours will be outstanding. The genius behin...
Sidney Crosby must beat Derek Jeter. What do I mean by this? I mean that Sidney must get more votes then Derek Jeter in ESPN's Who's Now Competition and advance to the second round. But why should you and I care about this, and take time out of our day to participate in this competition? The answer is that this "competition" may not seem like much, but any time we can get ...
Eggshmeg writes...
The All Star Game - When Did It Become A Bad Thing?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I sat there last night watching the MLB all-star game (damn you NHL offseason lull!), and I realized that most of the MLB analysts had the same opinion as hockey analysts did earlier in the year about the NHL all-star game. There was no passion, this game has no meaning, what are we doing here? I even heard one analyst say that when he was a kid he absolutely loved watchin...
for his agent to say that he will not go a penny under his worth on the open market is a crock and simply a very stingy and selfish approach to getting his client back in the good graces of the nhl (teams and fans).
if yashin was smart, he would take a 1 million dollar contract and go play for a contender with big name players like the avalanche or mighty ducks. he cou...
[img]http://www.blazingconcepts.com/img/syd/kinghenrik.jpg[/img]
As I sat in my bedroom in the nude, watching reruns of Miami Vice on TV land and eating some cold pizza my red emergency Dr. Teeth phone rang. I reached over my pile of feathered boas, empty condom wrappers, ruffies and paternity suits I picked up the receiver and belched into it. A loud voice boomed in m...
The NHL just released the schedule for the 07-08 hockey season and at first glance it looks favorable for the Preds.
- Saturday Night Fever: The Preds have 14 Saturday home games. For a team trying to get butts in seats nothing is better than a Saturday home game.
- Never Far Away: The Preds have only tow long road trips...a five game swing in Late October that takes...
I very much enjoy the idea of having an outdoor game evey year. I would even propose that it would take the place of the all star game. Sscheduling it on January 1st? What are you thinking NHL? If you want to improve the popularity of the sport you don't try to compete with the U.S's most popular sport. If they want to improve the popularity the NHL could choose anyti...
Before I begin, let me dissuade your urges to assume that I'm just an Islander fan looking to speak negatively about another NHL franchise that is, seemingly, a bit worse off than they were at the end of last season. Quite contrarily, I am not and it remains to be seen just how the Sabres will fare when things play out come October. But the reason for my concern and the re...
My apologizes to anyone I ever offended with offensive language. I have used offensive language with some posters, especially if annoyed by the post posted by the poster. But, even so, I always tried to keep it in a fun format. Although, I understand, any offensive language can always be taken the wrong way, and have been annoyed by it, myself, when others have directed...
So, it’s Wednesday and I’m thirty minutes into an hour commute home to get to my son’s first street hockey game of this summer season. He’s coming off a winter where he played two separate seasons of inline hockey and went to a skating camp to prep him for ice hockey this winter. I tell you this so that you understand that he’s equipped to play, the money’s bee...
[b]I am just curious to know what are the number of back to back games your teams are sentenced to play next year? The Sabres get to play 20 back to back games. Just under a quarter of their schedule. I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess the Leafs, Senators and Canadians were protected in this way. I guess this is the way the NHL gets back at certain teams for thei...
Patrick Cwiklinski writes...
Playing For The Love Of The Game... Or Money?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Is it me or are NHL players just getting greedier and greedier? Just take a look at the salaries that some of these so called “superstars” are going to start making in the 2007-2008 season. Scott Gomez and Chris Drury are both great examples of unproven overpaid players. The New York Rangers jumped at the chance to pick up Scott Gomez for seven years at $51.5 million a...
There are a number of things that are currently annoying me and since misery loves company I thought I’d share them.
The Nashville Predators. Yes, they are a hot stove topic. I feel sorry for the fans in Nashville. They seem to be working so hard and getting no where. If you look at the current landscape it makes you wonder exactly what they would have to do to keep t...
mzator22 writes...
Analyzing Team's Free Agent/Trade Moves - Pacific Division
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
In this my second blog in as many minutes, I will analyze every team and their free agency acquisitions. Starting with the Pacific Division:
[b]Anaheim Ducks[/b]
Major Additions
[b]Todd Bertuzzi (2 yrs, $8 million)[/b] - I for one don't believe Bertuzzi deserves a 4 million dollar contract right now coming off back surgery and a season where he only played 15 game...
Okay, I get the fact that ESPN does not see Hockey as a number one sport or number four for that matter. However, when the passing away of a Legend, such as the late John Ferguson Senior, should there not be some form of respect shown here?
I think ESPN should be a shamed of themselves. There was not one mention on their Home page and his passing did not even enter into...
many fans, bloggers, gm's etc are worried about the spending spiraling out of control. but i feel they are wrong...
...the over the top mentality the flyers and rangers had this july 1st is going to cause a counter-reaction for the remaining gm's this season. i believe we will see more the likes of joe thornton and iginla type signings by the time the new year hits.
...
mzator22 writes...
Analyzing Team's Free Agent/Trade Moves - Central Division
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I'm back with my analysis! Here's the Central Division:
[b]Chicago Blackhawks[/b]
Major Additions
[b]Jonathan Toews (3 yr, 875 K)[/b] - I know that Toews is not a free agency acquisition or trade, but I thought that I would mention him because he will be a major factor this year for the Hawks. He has already played with men and did pretty well. I would go as far a...
Just before the 2006-2007 season started, I purchased myself an XM radio for the sole purpose of listening to Home Ice, XM204. And every day was great radio. Lots of hockey talk, hockey highlights, and hockey guests -- including our favorite anonymous hockey blogger. Great radio for the hockey fan.
And then..... the season ended.
And apparently, so did XM204.
W...
Having gone to the Habs rookie camp for the past three years, I have been able to see those who are lined up to play for Les Glorieux for many years to come. Last year it was Guillame Latendresse, Kyle Chipchura, Sergei Kostitsyn, and of course Carey Price who stood out from the hoi poloi. The focus of most of our prospects over the past few years has obviously been offens...
The tragedy involving the deaths of Chris Benoit and his family has been making a lot of news headlines. The 24 hour news services couldn't get enough of it in the days immediately after the murders and the recent findings that Benoit had steroids in his system (among other substances) at the time of his death is sure to push this story further into the living rooms of Ame...
Calgary Flames - C
Key Acquisitions:
Owen Nolan, Adrian Aucoin, Cory Sarich
Question Marks:
Offensive Production, Mike Keenan
One of the best defensive teams in the league got better and deeper on defense this off season. The additions of Cory Sarich and Adrian Aucoin make one of the best bluelines in the league better and solidifies the Flames as one of the ...
Jimmert44 writes...
Darcy Regier deserves better from the people of Buffalo!!
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
It has been 10 years since Darcy Regier has arrived in Buffalo and what a decade it has been. From the end of Ted Nolan, to the Adelphia/Rigas scandal, to the loss of our two captains Chris Drury and Daniel Briere, just to name a few obstacles that Darcy Regier has had to overcome as GM of our beloved Sabres.
A lot of fans don't understand the "behind the scenes" wo...
Well All Its #2 for the blogs we will now discuss why the Leafs actually need a Senior advisor!
the Maple Leaf organization is one filled with Red tape, hurdles, obstacles and over protective micro manging higher managment.
Richard Petty heads up one of the most successful brands in Canada. Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE). A brand which has its o...
murdoch writes...
nashville deserves the same shot florida and phoenix got
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
LISTEN UP HOCKEY FANS...
whatever the case of the financial this and financial that. i remember years ago hockey was 85% hockey talk, 10% 'whats a better hockey name, oggie ogalthorpe or darren puppa?, and about 5% hockey financials.
everyone needs to take a step back.
the sport is one that we all obviously know and love. 4pm on a tuesday rolls around and all the ...
I'll start off by saying that this is my first blog and I hope to write more in the future.
Now most people when they talk about the Oilers in this upcoming season based on what moves they've done and the players they've lost so far they would think that the Oilers would finish somewhere from 11th to 15th in the Western Conference and I can see why. At the trade deadlin...
Please forgive me for stepping away from hockey briefly, but I know this can reach a lot of people.
As you probably know by now, Atlanta Falcons QB Michael Vick has been indicted by the federal government for his part in running a dog fighting ring. The carcasses of roughly 3 dozen dogs were allegedly found on Vick's property and it has now been made public that at leas...
I was looking over one of my favorite forums and on there was a map showing the locations of all the teams in the league. This picture awoke me (already knew that it was bad) of how unfair the eastern teams have it.
These are prime examples of advantages out east. Drury moves from Buffalo to New York... He doesn't really have to move. Gomez moves from New Jersey to New...
begga79 writes...
Well, I wonder why ESPN wants Hockey back SOOOOOO bad...?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I just got done reading Ek's latest blog, and I could not keep myself from laughing out loud. ESPN wants hockey back, eh? Why, all of a sudden, does the NHL seem so interesting to ESPN? Could it be because Gary's "new" NHL is once again leaning toward the "big market" teams? The "haves" are beggining to have more, and the "have nots" are losing more? The Rags get two of th...
jarhead writes...
Boogaard Bros. Host Fight Camp; NHL Teams Target Enforcers
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Minnesota Wild tough guy Derek Boogaard is hosting a "fight camp" in his home province of Saskatchewan. His wingman, and sparring partner in this case, is his brother Aaron Boogaard, who recently signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization.
You could imagine how well this is going over with the "soccer mom" NHL fans. Some journalists are call...
Recently the fighting debate has come back into the forefront. Derek Boogaard's actions of teaching children how to defend themselves on the ice has brought the debate back up to a boiling point, with no end in sight. I have a hard time with fighing because, as much as I love to watch a good fight, I can sympathize with those who feel that it has no part in the game.
...
I am a Flyers and a hockey fan. I have been a hockey fan in a town where the Philadelphia Eagles have a death grip on the hearts, minds and sports talk radio souls of our area. Heck, even the Phillies and 76ers (ban) - who are just god awful - get more airtime than the NHL. There are those who say that hockey doesn't matter, save for a few towns in Canada, and that th...
First of all congratulations to Matthew Barnaby for his 14 years career in NHL. He will be remembered as one of great enforcers and fighters of this game. On Wednesday July 18, 2007, Barnaby told Buffalo television station WGRZ that he has retired from hockey. As a STARS fan, Barnaby was a great fighter for us and he won just about every fight last season, with exception o...
Before I get to the retro-fun, I would like to comment about the Nashville Predators situation. I went to a Predators game in Nashville about 5 years ago, and I was pleasantly suprised. The fans really get into the game, plus they also know about hockey. I was someone who believed hockey doesn't belong in the south, until I went to this game. It would be a great loss for t...
Hi my son and I attended the prospect Camp this week and I thought I would spend some time and give you an idea on who I thought gave the best impressions in the Camp
[b] 27 Andrei Taratukhin[/b]
By Far the best prospect Knows what to do with a puck very smart great passer. The thing that impressed me the most was his strength I had no idea of how strong he was w...
Soft. Stops to admire his passes. And a lot of choice words I won't use here have been used to describe Petr Nedved. Now, by no means I am I big Nedved fan, but I have to give him some props when no one else has - especially now that the NHL has given up on him, forcing him to play overseas.
As a longtime Rangers fan, when he first came to New York you saw a bit of the...
I have a oil on wood painting of Maurice "Rocket" Richard that was painted back in the 1950's. I purchased it from his estate auction after he passed a few years ago and it has since hung proudly in my hockey shop overlooking about 5000 sq. ft. of hockey gear. I just had an older gentleman that came in to get his skates sharpened and noticed it hanging on the wall. He puff...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
An open letter to the NHL Officials Association...
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Dear Sirs,
We have a great game. You have spent your careers and lives in service to that belief. It is your responsibility and sacred duty to do everything and anything in your power to ensure that NHL officiating remains beyond reproach. We have a great game and we need to keep it that way. The fans of tomorrow depend upon it.
I "bet" David Stern thought he h...
Since when does a 13 goal, 60 point season merit a player to get a 7 year contract, the first year of which will pay 10 million dollars? How about 18 million in salary going out to 2 centers who combined, barley have more points than 19 year old MVP, Sidney Crosby did? Scott Gomez and Chris Drury were both signed by the New York Rangers to a very large, and equivalently lo...
I am lucky. I grew up loving hockey, and I've always been drawn primarily to the skill, the finesse of games. I get excited every time I see a 2-on-1 developing, watching a well-machined powerplay unit can be beautiful, and watching the amazing acrobatics and reflexes of the famous netminders is breathtaking. I'm too young to remember the true glory days of the Islander...
Some random thoughts as I get ready to hit the open road later this week:
[b]Was the lockout a waste of time? Did I miss a year of hockey for nothing?[/b] I am a Flyers fan and I will lay that out first. I love that they signed Danny Briere for a long time and for huge money - because that is what it took to seal the deal. That being said, I do wonder if that lost y...
As kids, and even as adults, we often have the need to look up to our favorite athletes. Being 28, my first hero was #16, Pat LaFontaine. What more could you ask for from a hero? I suppose I could think of one thing; to be able to look up to my hero everytime I walk into my church, The HSBC Arena. That one thing was given to me two years ago when I was able to witness ...
hockeyisgd writes...
Jon Lester, Baseball, and why I'm a better hockey fan
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It's summer, and in North America (can't exclude the Blue Jays!) that means baseball is in full swing.
Last night was a rarity in Cincinnnati, OH. The Reds won a game against the Brewers, and the Cleveland Indians were on TV. Being an Indians fan in a rival market, I had an obligation to watch. The Indians were facing the Red Sox last night. Jon Lester, the Red Sox star...
After Jason Smith got traded there was one big question. Who will be the Oilers Captain? That is a question that probably won't be awnsered until training camp starts in September. With Jason Smith playing in Philadelphia now the Oilers don't have captain, now the obvious choice for captain WOULD HAVE been Ryan Smyth but he is no longer in Edmonton either so I thought I wo...
Yesterday kicked off the beginning of the 2007 Arbitration Hearings, with the Washington Capitals and Brooks Liach on the top of the list. A restricted free agent may file for arbitration if negotiations between the player and the team holding their rights reach a stalemate. This off-season 30 players filed for arbitration on July 5th, 11 of those cases have since negotiat...
Ok so here is what i dont get. You come on these sites (so far this is the best one i have found for not having the problem) and you find fans hating on other fans. prime example leafs and sens fans. I am a leafs fan thru and thru but in no way do i hate sens fans. I am not a huge fan of the team but in no way can i say they suck. At the same time the leafs did not ma...
Thinking about the state of the NHL recently has brought to mind something that I find to be very curious; the state of the NHL's fans. It seems to me that there has been an increasing sense of "hockey nationalism" growing over the past few years. Before I go any further, I feel I should point out that there is a distinct difference between patriotism and nationalism. P...
This article
Staal brothers arrested after party
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=214589&hubname=nhl
I was all set to write an article about how hockey should take advantage of the other sports PR nightmares but now it looks like hockey has a blemish of its own.
I will admit that it does not sound like the Staals offenses are anywhere near what we have learn...
As we sit and await training camp which opens September 13/07, many Leaf fans are wondering some of the same things
Will we make the playoffs this season?
Are the Leafs going to make a trade?
What will the line combinations be this season?
Will a rookie step up in camp and make the team?
These questions are no different then any other year as a die hard Leafs fan...
Before I start, let me just thank all of you out there for all your emails that you sent to me in the recent months.
For those who know me, I don't really have to say much. You know my track record, and I think, from my stand point, that it's a pretty darn good one. For those who are just tuning in for the first time to read my posts, you'll be the judge, and hopefully...
MLB -- Steroids -- Barry Bonds again named by Balco chemist
NBA -- Gambling and dictating the outcome of games -- Tim Donaghy
NFL -- Animal Cruelty -- Michael Vick
NHL -- CLEAN AS A WHISTLE!.....maybe?
The limelight on professional sports has shifted significantly these last few months from on-the-field to off it. Unfortunately, the incidents away from the [i]offic...
i hope the hockey media doesnt run with this stupid story about the staal brothers. they were at a loud party and got thrown in the paddy wagon. anyone have a penny?
hockey doesnt need to be glorifying the dramatic aspect of hockey. thats what espn does and why sidney crosby gets overturned on 'who's now'. the major sports of the nfl, nba and mlb have more ego than tea...
It's the end of July and the weather is beautiful outside. The 2006/2007 NHL season ended over a month ago and we are still 5 weeks away from the start of training camp for the 2007/2008 season. This is supposed to be the "Off Season" for Hockey. You wouldnt know that if you came to Hockeybuzz.com.
I signed up to be a Season Ticket holder on this site about two weeks...
As per Newsday:
[quote]"I managed to survive that long against long odds," he said. "It was an interesting time on Long Island." Of the ownership turmoil, he cracked, "We were leading the league in convicted felons."
That's the kind of funny, edgy line NBC is counting on from Milbury, who essentially will replace Brett Hull, another quote machine who left to work in ...
Philadelphia, PA. July 27, 2007
The puck drops in just over Two Months! Our Fly Guys begin a new season October 4th.
ARE YOU READY?
I AM!
Last Season was a mess. From an opening night shut-out disaster against the in-state rival Penguins (4-0 in Pittsburgh) to a General Manager hanging it up to the firing of a Hall-of-Fame Caliber Coach to the injury woes to...
First of all, let me preface this by saying I don't like the idea of offer sheets to Restricted Free Agents. I think it drives up the price of business in the NHL, I think it is going to force teams to take players to arbitration whom otherwise could have gotten deals made and I think it's going to cause prices to inflate in the NHL once again. The CBA, as it stands in t...
Before I begin, I'm going to make a quick comment on giving Bettman the powers that David Stern has. I personally think its not needed since the worst trouble hockey players get into are bar fights. There's no strip club shootings, or dog fighting, or any other high crimes that have happened yet, and until that does happen, don't give Bettman the power Stern has. Minor int...
Speaking to a source close to the Rangers front office, I've been informed that the Rangers are willing to swing a deal for Sens defensemen Wade Redden. I have also been told that if it doesn't happen, the Rangers will look at Jovo again, but will most likely go into opening night as is. Also, watch for Hossa to be moved. The Sharks have made an offer.
I have much more ...
I've been talking to a few people from both sides, and I've been told that the Oilers are trying to grab Hossa from the Thrashers.
Now even if both teams work something out, I've been told that Hossa is unwilling to sign a new deal, and will test the free agent market next summer.
Also, don't count out the Sharks or the Habs if the Thrashers really open up talks fo...
Its pouring cats and dogs up here in the catskill mountains so while I would normally spend my Sunday afternoon in the great outdoors, I am currently stuck in the cabin in my camp armed with only my brain and a Motorola Q. And so, I decided to write about the upcoming arbitration hearing of Sean Avery which will take place tomorrow.
A quick review, Avery, a 27 year old...
I've been kicking a few things around in regards to things that the NHL could do to improve, not only the game, but the state of the league in general. Here's what I've come up with. Enjoy!
1) Restructure Restricted Free Agency. In particular, restructure the offer sheets. I don't tend to think that using them is an underhanded or shady move, mostly because they are...
The NHL may be thinking of expanding again, and with the new rules in place it might just be a perfect time to expand and realign some teams in the league.
I think if the NHL does expand by two teams the perfect two choices would be Winnipeg, Canada since they do have a great fanbase and support for hockey in the NHL, there stadium can hold 15,003 and there team was mov...
In the past few days, I've been kind of thinking about how the Jackets are going to fare this season. Sure, they haven't signed all that much, and that angers me as much as the next guy. However, if you stop and smell the roses, you would be amazed at how Columbus might be better off by just waiting one more year. Because the Jackets didn't spend millions to get big names...
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...
With the signing of Sean Avery today, is it the end of shopping season for the New York Rangers? The scary part of this offseason is that Rangers went back to their spending ways, but when you realize what they were able to bring back it's not as bad as it seems. Scott Gomez and Chris Drury are upgrades over Michael Nylander and Matt Cullen. You have to love that the Range...
For all the morons who keep saying the Rangers are in trouble with the salary cap, you are WRONG. Yes, the Rangers ARE over the cap now but they can easily get under by the deadline without moving any players that would play for the team. So please, read this short explanation and educate yourselves. This way you wont end up looking foolish and being annoying.
The New ...
According to the Sports Business Journal, ESPN and the NHL have begun preliminary discussions that could see the NHL return to ESPN as soon as the 2008-09 season. Comcast owned Versus has exclusive rights to the NHL through 2011, but according to sources, would be willing to waive the clause if they could get something in return.
Several weeks ago Eklund also reported t...
First off how is it that Kevin Lowe has single handedly destroyed the financial system of the NHL. He signed a young kid with a lot of potential to an inflated contract for sure, but he needed to to get the kid out of LA. Brian Burke can cry all he wants, but he lost this time. I would say his 4 million signing of an old injured maligned player who never was a star in this...
I've heard plenty of voices over the past few weeks say that the salaries are spiralling out of control again and that the salary-cap really doesn't mean anything anymore. Obviously, this isn't entirely false inspite of what many fans of my Edmonton Oilers will tell you. Obviously as a whole this won't affect the salary cap as the cap is tied to league revenues. What thi...
Retro-Buzz III: Grant Fuhr
With all the negative press about Kevin Lowe and the Edmonton Oilers, why not shed a positive light on the team's history. Grant Fuhr was a spectacular goaltender who was the backbone of the Cup runs in the 1980s.
Pre-NHL
Grant Fuhr was born September 28, 1962 in Spruce Grove, Alberta, outside of Edmonton. In 1979, at the age of 17, Fuhr br...
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 ...
Originally posted at http://myoilers.ca
The news about new NHL team uniforms has been fairly slow so far this summer, there has only really been a handful of teams to unveil their new uniforms (Washington, Boston, Florida, Columbus, Los Angeles). I haven't heard much about the new Oilers uniforms other then some rampant speculation suggesting that they won't be changing...
So I was on NHL.com (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app/service=page&page=NHLPage&id=12880)
today and noticed they had a link to all the milestones acheived this year such as 400,500 and 600 goal and 1500 points. So I watched all the goals and points on video and found a couple of interesting connections.
Sundin Scores his 500th against Calgary. Sackin scores his 600th agai...
So our beloved Maple Leafs are interested in Scotty Bowman as president of the hockey side, again. Are the rumours true or is this just another summertime Leaf rumour? The fact is that the Maple Leafs make a ton of money every season whether they make the playoffs or not, it does make sense that they would use some of these funds to bring in a great hockey mind to put the ...
A month ago when the Sabres lost Chris Drury, Daniel Briere and Danius Zubrus in the span of about a week Sabres fans wanted someone's head. I think now that they have settled down a bit and took a step back, they have realized, the Sabres aren't all that bad.
The biggest loss of the three is definitely Chris Drury and he will certainly be the [img:right]http://nyrange...
Mike Cammallari gets 6.7 over 2 years? Derek roy gets 8 over 2. 63 vs 80 pts per season. last year players were gettin truck loads of cash for there hard work and all of a sudden this year players get paid no where near what they were gettin paid last year. Danny Briere and Scott Gomez recieved 5 million and Briere did not even reach the 70 pt mark. Sure he had a pt a game...
I'm one to welcome Naslund and Morrison back with open arms when their contracts are up. All i've been hearing in Canuckland these days is how Naslund isn't producing, how Morrison is invisible, and how Canucks fans cannot wait to get rid of their contracts. Well, i'm one to say: Don't get too ahead of yourself.
Canucks fans seem to easily forget that Markus Naslund was...
Hey everyone,
I don't usually do this, but yes, it's the Sabres side of me coming out again. I auditioned for the Sabres Emcee in-game entertainer contest, and well I've moved on to the second round. Yes, yes, this guy went down for a live audition at the Hot Sauce Bleu Cheese arena and got a chance to strut his stuff and apparently, it paid off.
At the end of this w...
I'm going to be doing a similar thing that rags2riches did but for the Canucks. In part 1 I will outline the projected lines (as of now - will update if any major trades or free agent signings happen between now and the beginning of the season). I will then profile each player on each line. I may also do this for every team because I know the NHL pretty well.
Line 1
...
In the past few weeks I've been watching ESPN in the morning to watch baseball highlights and to get my daily fix of the "popular" sports news. In these few weeks, I think I've been slowly hating ESPN more and more. Here's 5 reasons why I hate ESPN:
Stephen A. Smith
Where to start on this guy. First off, this guy makes himself sound like he is the only one in the worl...
I though it might be interesting to see how hockey ranks across NHL cities compared to other major sports in that city, this is my opinion as i have watched hockey in 15 different cities and discussed hockey with many fans in the cities that i was in, i hope to add 2 more cities this year in completing all 30 teams down the road, please feel free to correct me if your from...
FLAMESTR writes...
Sutter and Keenan Dream or Night Mare? How about Playfair?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I thought I would write a blog on a suggestion from a fellow Poster Flame Head
I hope I got his name right which was the relationship of Sutter and Keenan.
First of all I have been told that Sutter Learned his coaching ability from Mr. Keenan. Which mean there was a history between the two gentlemen and they have mutual respect, also Sutter knows how Keenan coache...
Yes, this is a one-year, [b]two-way [/b]contract. Many around these parts have harshly critiqued this move by Scott Howson. Why?
NHL Central Scouting provides the scouting reports to TSN, and many cringe when they scroll immediately to "career potential." Beech has an NHL-capable frame, and is listed with above-average playmaking skills and vision. Just because a player...
Ownership changes (or lack thereof) in the NHL has been a hot topic this off-season.
It seems to me that, for all its problems, the League must be in pretty good shape when there are buyers for franchises in a non-expansion (so far) era.
Granted, the converse argument can be made: if there are multiple teams up for sale, how good can that be for the League? To that, ...
Before I start, let me just say that last night I was so starved for hockey, I [img:right]http://nhldraftnet.aol.com/NHLDraftNet/file.php?ID=237[/img]watched The Mighty Ducks Two. For all of you movie buffs out there, its definitely not better the second time around. Emilio Estevez's struggle with fame and sponsorships was not a gripping tale. You're coaching pee wee hocke...
Taking a look at the current roster, one would think the Islanders can't be done shaping the team for the 2007-08 season. The additions that have been made thus far have been significant, surely, but have a glance at the depth chart (or the way I project it anyway) with me and tell me you don't see a little room for improvement.
For the purposes of this blog, let's simp...
First, an amendment to part 1 on the forwards. From all that I can gather, Sean Bergenheim inked a 1-way contract with the Isles and, thus, will more than likely be with the team post-training camp. (Thanks to psycomkl for the tip.) This is not necessarily a bad thing as, like I said in part 1, I like what Bergy brought to the table before he took his ball and sailed overs...
Before this post, I have a brief announcement. In September, WILY Radio at Purdue University will be airing the second season of High Sticking with Mike and James. I run the soundboard and co-host this live, commercial-free, 90-minute hockey talk show. The day and time is TBD, but will be posted when I find out. The show can be heard at www.wilyradio.com, and there will be...
We are roughly 4 weeks away from the start of training camp and the beginning of the 2007/2008 National Hockey League season. I want to take a look at the teams who finished 9-15 in the Eastern Conference standings for the 06/07 season. Are any of these teams ready to make a playoff run? Lets find out...
#9) Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs finished wit...
3 yrs:
Salary Breakdown: 2.5 , 3, 3.5
9 mill total.
Andy adds a little bit of everything both on offense and defense and we really like what he brings to the table,” said Islanders head coach Ted Nolan. “We talk about heart, grit and character and Andy Sutton has a ton of it all. He’s a big guy who plays big and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. He fills ...
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...
SabreCrazy07 writes...
20 Players 18 spots........A look @ Sabres lines for 2007-08
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With training camp 2007 about a month away lets take a look at some possible line combinations for the Sabres this upcoming season.
1. Vanek - Roy- Stafford
2. Pomminville- Connolly- Afinogenov
3. Hecht- Gaustad- Kotalik
4a. Paille- Ryan- Mair Extra: Peters (Size & Speed)
[i]4b. Paille - Mair- Paetsch [/...
Even though I live in Niagara Falls, My home town is and always will be Toronto. Everyday I pick up the Toronto Sun to keep tabs of the City I was born in, and today's front page had me in a grin from ear to ear. It read LEAFS ARE BACK! with a picture of Darcy Tucker racing down the wing in his blue practice jersey.
I know a lot has been said about the Leafs this past...
I can't delete my old blog from before the playoffs started. I've tried, and confirmed my request. But when I refresh my screen, or click on my profile again, there it is...staring me in the face like a bad tuna sandwich.
AArgh
Now who is ready for the season to start?
Jimmert44 writes...
Which Western Conference team is ready to step it up?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
In my previous blog we took a look at the Eastern Conference teams that finished 9-15 in the standings and missed the post season. Now lets switch gears and look at the teams who missed out on the 06/07 playoffs in the Western Conference and what they have done to improve and take a playoff spot away from a team that made it last year.
#9) Colorado Avalanche
Looking...
The concept of bringing Michael Peca to the New York Rangers occurred to me for a minute last month, but I figured there would be no way something like that could [img:right]http://mapleleafs.nhl.info.pl/news/data/upimages/Michael_Peca_10.jpg[/img] get done. Not with the Rangers currently over the salary cap and not with the teams' commitment to the youth movement over the...
hockeyisgd writes...
Tony Amonte and the Linux Penguin (no, not Sidney Crosby)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So after taking a slight beating in the last entry. I'd like to defend my list. There's reasons why I didn't pick certain teams over others. That's not to say that those teams will be great or what not. I respect all 30 franchises in the NHL, and did not look to disrespect anyone, in all honesty. In a list of 5 theres of course going to be teams that get snubbed.
Tony A...
The San Jose Sharks may very well resign Patrick Marleau before the start of the season , even though the word is the two sides are not talking contract right now. Marleau is up to his usual around here. Running the annual captains practices that have become tradition here in San Jose you would think Marleau feels very comfortable and is expecting the two sides will stay t...
In a galaxy far far......oh the hell with that. Everyone knows the Leafs haven't won a cup in 40 years but did you know that only 15 other teams since 1967 have won the cup in that 40 year period? Yep thats right only 15 different teams have won the cup in a 40 year period.
The New York Rangers went 54 years before winning it in 94. The Detroit Red Wings endured 42 ...
Ron Guillet writes...
Ron Guillet's Forecaster Special : The Buffalo Sabres
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Alright, folks. I've predicted players stats for the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. Now I'm going to the Buffalo Sabres, a team I have lots of respect for and holds a distant #2 to my Leafs. The following is a prediction blog of the players on the Buffalo Sabres and how much goals and points I think they will accumulate.
*NOTE*: I'm just assuming everyone p...
Another sign that the 2007/2008 National Hockey League season is getting close is that the National TV schedules are starting to come out. The Buffalo Sabres have 7 games on versus which is 2nd most in the league behind Detroit.
[b]Versus[/b]
Toronto Maple Leafs-10/15
Washington Capitals-11/26
Boston Bruins-12/10
Tampa Bay Lightning-1/29
Philadelphia Flyers-2/...
[b] [u] By: Jon Cunningham[/u] [/b]
[i]Please note, all apostrophes show up as an 'a' with ^ above it. I didn't do it, sorry. [/i]
[b] [u] [i]Hello All![/i] [/u] [/i] [/b]
In this blog, I will examine all the NHL Teams major additions and subtractions during the off season, and examine if the team is better or worse because of it.
Each team will have a rating of...
[img]http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2007-08/31894936.jpg[/img]
[img]http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/images/upload/2007/08/jersey_1_article.jpg[/img]
DEFINING A HOCKEY HERO 2
The positive feed back I got from Hockey Hero 1 gave me strength to do a Hockey Hero 2. I will make my comments on the bottom of the blog. Please also give comments to the people who participated in the blog , because without them there would be no blog. I will also make a comment after each poster pick, now on with the picks.
Thf picke...
So here's the problem. When I am at school at Purdue University during the winter, there are very few times where I can watch hockey (I can't buy the Center-Ice package because I live in the dorms). NBC tends to be the only time I can realistically watch hockey, and I had no problem with NBC until this past season. My beef with NBC is their game selection.
I probably ha...
With the 07-08 season on the rise, I wanted to post my predictions on the top 30 players in the league for scoring. I bet you can bet who is first on the list, I'd be totally and utterly insane not to put him there.
NOTE: I'm just going to assume everyone plays 82 games. But it ain't happening and I already know that, amigo's.
[u][b]Top 30 Scoring Leaders:[/b][/u]
1...
I'm going to look at all six divisions, starting with the home of the Leafs, the Northeast Division.
NORTHEAST DIVISION:
Boston Bruins: The sad-sack Bruins have done little to improve their team from last season. The major upgrade was bringing in goalie Manny Fernandez from Minnesota; however, Fernandez may have inflated numbers due to time spent on the defensive-min...
Alrighty, amigos. The following is my prediction for the 2008 NHL award winners. Some will be obvious, Mr.87, while some will be shocking... which is a good thing.
[b]President's Trophy[/b]: New York Rangers
[b]Prince of Wales[/b]: New York Rangers
[b]Clarence S. Campbell[/b]: Detroit Red Wings
[b]Art Ross Trophy[/b]: Sidney Crosby
[b]Calder Memorial Trophy[...
I don't know how those boxes got there.Sorry.
With just a couple of weeks left until training camp starts I thought I would write what I think the standings in the Western Conference would be if the teams would be if they were to use the players they had right now.
1.Anaheim Ducks
Additions: Shane Hnidy, Todd Bertuzzi, Mathieu Schneider, Dan Lacouture
Losses: Dus...
Paul Henderson scored the game winning goal in the final game of the Summit Series? I do, it was the day that hockey grabbed me by the shorts and is still taking me for a ride this day. I was born and bred in Toronto, and even though I was just growing into a leaf fan I wasn't quite there yet. On September 28th, 1972, my dad and I were waiting on the Long Branch platfor...
I am and will forever be a Maple Leafs fan, i know that the team hasnt brought Stanley home in a long time, hell i wasnt even born and 15 other teams have won the cup since 67 so it could be worse but that doesnt change the fact that i am a fan and will continue to be, friendships have been formed thanks to Leaf fans uniting, memories established and moments shared as we a...
Ron Guillet writes...
The Big Bad Bears? Projection Of The Boston Bruins
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
With the Leafs, Habs and Sabres done for player predictions, I'd like to move now to the Bruins, a northeast rival. While the Bruins flipped a page in the history books for a new era last season, they found out it was all for not and they landed in last place in the northeast division and missed the playoffs for the second season in a row. The acquisition of Zdeno Chara pr...
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...
Ron Guillet writes...
Trial Of Champions : Projection Of The Ottawa Senators
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Alrighty, compadre's, I've done the Leafs, Habs, Sabres and Bruins up to this point and now I'm going to the last team in the Northeast Division... The Ottawa freaking Senators. A team who I despise and loathe for several reasons, which includes Daniel Alfredsson, Chris Neil and Ray Emery ( not to mention Dominik Hasek played for them in 05-06) but let's get one thing clea...
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,...
BuffaloMat writes...
What cities do you think should be the two expansion cities?
Posted Monday | Comments 0
A lot of talk has gone on about how the two cities who should get the expansion teams when they do actually come out with them is Las Vegas and Kansas City. I don't see how either of these cities really should get a team considering they are both considered low in the ratings pools for popular sports cities. Don't get me wrong I know KC loves their Royals and their Chiefs....
[b]THE CALGARY FLAMES GET IT[/b]
I thought I would write another blog on what is really important in life. Most of these players understand what is really important for the NHL. You see the players understand that no how many records they break, or how many goals they score, it doesn’t matter if there are no fans to watch them! I am going to share some stories that sh...
It's getting awful close to training camp time for our beloved NHL teams and there are still teams clamoring to get the guys they need for the latest run at the cup.
For your respective favorite team, what would you do to bolster your chances? What free-agent would you sign, or who would you trade for?
If you are supposing a trade, try to make it realistic. For examp...
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1) New York Rangers (110)
2) Ottawa Senators (107)
3) Atlanta Thrashers (99)
4) Pittsburgh Penguins (108)
5) Buffalo Sabres (104)
6) New Jersey Devils (98)
7) Toronto Maple Leafs (95)
8) Philadelphia Flyers (93)
-----------------------------------
9) Carolina Hurricanes (92)
10) Montreal Canadiens (91)
11) Tampa Bay Lightning (86)
12) Flori...
Ron Guillet writes...
The Wang Enterprise : Projection Of The New York Islanders
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Alrighty, brotha's and sista's. With the Leafs, Habs, Sabres, Bruins and now Sens done in the projection departement, I thought I'd turn my attention to the Islanders. An orginization which has been the peak of many hockey jokes, kind of the like the Spanish News Team but IMO wrongfully so. They fought the odds last season and shut the door on my lovely Leafs and the clima...
Depth isn't all that Michael Peca will provide the Blue Jackets, and what a good thing it is.
It was reported tonight by the Columbus Dispatch and the NY Daily News that Peca's agent, Don Meehan, and Columbus GM Scott Howson are finalizing a one-year contract. Terms are not immediately available.
The official annoucement is expected Wednesday morning.
Peca's remar...
Apparently My HB won't let me reply on my own blog, so I'll attempt to do that to as many comments as I can here. I always make the time to try and reply to anyone who stops by and asks what's going through my head.
[b]1. What becomes of the Ducks if Selanne and Niedermayer retire?[/b]
First of all, I should state, as it wasn't articulated well in this post, that I w...
K. Lee has been doing an excellent series of blogs regarding the Sens all time team, and a lot of people have followed suit and posted their own all time teams full of the best players. It got me thinking that yeah, a team with Lecavlier, Crosby and Heatley would be nice, but it's been done. Therefore, I've decided to come up with the team that would draw the most pen...
Nashcity writes...
Has the game changed or do we just lack superstars?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
It is no secret that overall scoring has dropped in the NHL over the past 20 years, and while there are many factors as to why this is the case, the majority of hockey experts will say that the biggest reason this has happened is that the game has changed. What was once a wide open game dominated by skill and speed has now often become a chess match between coaches and the...
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...
Ron Guillet writes...
The Fire Burns : Projection Of The Calgary Flames
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Howdy my hockeybuzz fella's! I'm here to bring you another projection of another team, by the name of the Calgary Flames. A team which holds a tiny particle of my heart next to the other particle which is the Buffalo Sabres and the core, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Flames have done some decent moves this off-season: They've added Adrian Aucoin, Anders Eriksson, Owen Nolan...
Many Americans like baseball. This cannot be because it is an exciting sport to watch, because it is not. It is slow-paced, even in the rare event of an exciting play, the play itself might last all of 45 seconds, followed by 5 minutes of no action, then a return to the dull routine. teams can go hours without any offensive activity, and only the most routine and basic ...
Nashcity writes...
When building from the net out isn't the right philosophy
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Building from the net out is something you'll hear from time to time from general managers trying to combine all the elements of their managing philosophy into a nice, easy to understand sentence that most hockey fans can understand. How I understand it is this: When you are looking to improve your team, start with the goaltender and move on out - as if this is an order of...
[b]IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME?[/b]
Boy, if managers only knew! Every manager has made a bad transaction or trade. For this blog, I polled some of my friends to name the most memorable, horrible trades made by our beloved gm’s. I will be using their quotes with permission and of course putting my two cents worth at the end.
Jbug
That’s really a no brainer. ...
hockeyisgd writes...
More Peca talk, from a Blue Jackets fan's perspective
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
When I first heard there was an e3 rumor that Michael Peca was comming to Columbus, I kind of got a little excited. Now that he's signed I really have some mixed emotions about him being on the Jackets.
Why I like Michael Peca as a Blue Jacket
It seems to me that every year, that the Jackets are a team that look like they can be a decent team on paper, but it never tr...
So here you are Harrah's is ready to make the push. With a CSI mastermind loving the game can it be that far fetched that we will have the NHL in Vegas? VIP suites at ice level.... a 300 million ice making machine and slots on the bench.
Rest assured hockey in Vegas will change the way the rest of the NHL showcases itself.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/bas...
CBJ09 writes...
An Overhead View of the 2007-2008 Columbus Blue Jackets
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
How many days until training camp opens? Ahhh....too many, of course. It's 95 degrees in Columbus and the only thing representing hockey season is my order form for a new RBK Edge jersey.
I'm usually guilty of doing this too much, but for the sake of excitement surrounding the past 24 hours, I'll take a look at the "on paper" Columbus Blue Jackets.
[b]FORWARD LINES[...
CBJ09 writes...
An Overhead View of the 2007-2008 Columbus Blue Jackets
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
How many days until training camp opens? Ahhh....too many, of course. It's 95 degrees in Columbus and the only thing representing hockey season is my order form for a new RBK Edge jersey.
I'm usually guilty of doing this too much, but for the sake of excitement surrounding the past 24 hours, I'll take a look at the "on paper" Columbus Blue Jackets.
[b]FORWARD LINES[...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
The Flyers' Young Guns - Spotlight on Jeff Carter
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The great [b]Sir Winston Churchill[/b] once wrote about Jeff Carter saying, he is "a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma." Ok...so he was actually writing about Russia during his radio address in 1939; BUT, he [u]could[/u] have been writing about [b]Jeff Carter[/b]...couldn't he?
This young man, of only 22 years old, was born on January 1, 1985 in London, On...
By a round of applause how many Sharks fans are happy with the work done this summer ? I know some people like to see trades and big UFA signings just to see something change. I myself am not a fan of doing something just to do something.A good example is to look at the San Francisco Giants. They did just that and signed Barry Zito to a ludacris $126 million contract and l...
It just seems like it was yesterday when the philadelphia flyers ended their 40th anniversity season in hell.
Since then it seems like it all but heaven for flyers and their fans.
41 more days until we all can say "Game On"
Ron Guillet writes...
Stanley Cup Bound : Projection Of The Vancouver Canucks
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With the Vancouver Canucks making the Western Conference Final last season, under the guidance of newly acquired Roberto Luongo, is it unrealistic to expect a Stanley Cup appearence? Will Vancouver be the fourth canadian team to make the Stanley Cup Finals in the last four appearences? This Leafs fan thinks so.
After missing the playoffs in 05-06 the Canucks found thems...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Another of the Flyers' Young Guns: Mike Richards
Posted Monday | Comments 0
"Always do everything you ask of those you command."
-George S. Patton, Jr.
As some of you may know, I am a huge fan of General George S. Patton, Jr. He was a true leader in every sense of the word. He was a fearless warrior, a surprisingly thoughtful philosopher, a tortured historian with many former lives, a sometimes unstable egomaniac and an incredibly brillian...
Speaking with a few sources in the past day or two, I've been told that the Rangers and Coyotes are talking about a trade that would send Montoya, Malik and Kasper's salary to the Coyotes for Jovo and a top prospect.
At the moment, no one knows which prospects are being talked about, but we know that Rangers are asking for a forward in return.
Folks, I think from th...
[b]PLAYERS YOU LOVE TO HATE[/b]
This blog is part one of two. The idea came from steal_your_faceoff who will be known here as syf. Each of the friends below has suggested two names of players we love to hate; as usual I will leave my two cents worth at the end.
[b]SYF[/b]
SYF's first pick was Darius Kasparaitis, for that famed hipcheck (legal...yes) on Eric L...
I decided to write on something else besides hockey. I watched UFC 74 this past sat. and i have to tell you the amount of things that goes on into this even is amazing. This event goes to show why MMA in more popular than hockey at least in the States. the way they cater to the fans and provide a venue that allows people to meet the fighter is great. Hockey brass should lo...
I decided to write on something else besides hockey. I watched UFC 74 this past sat. and i have to tell you the amount of things that goes on into this even is amazing. This event goes to show why MMA in more popular than hockey at least in the States. the way they cater to the fans and provide a venue that allows people to meet the fighter is great. Hockey brass should lo...
I decided to write on something else besides hockey. I watched UFC 74 this past sat. and i have to tell you the amount of things that goes on into this even is amazing. This event goes to show why MMA in more popular than hockey at least in the States. the way they cater to the fans and provide a venue that allows people to meet the fighter is great. Hockey brass should lo...
I decided to write on something else besides hockey. I watched UFC 74 this past sat. and i have to tell you the amount of things that goes on into this even is amazing. This event goes to show why MMA in more popular than hockey at least in the States. the way they cater to the fans and provide a venue that allows people to meet the fighter is great. Hockey brass should lo...
I decided to write on something else besides hockey. I watched UFC 74 this past sat. and i have to tell you the amount of things that goes on into this even is amazing. This event goes to show why MMA in more popular than hockey at least in the States. the way they cater to the fans and provide a venue that allows people to meet the fighter is great. Hockey brass should lo...
There's been a ton of talk that the Habs and Sharks have talked about a trade that would send Patrick Marleau to the Habs, but speaking with a few sources, I've been told that the Predators, Oilers and the Sabres are also interested, and have offered better packages for Marleau.
Also, just because the Sharks are listening to offers for Marleau, does that really mean th...
I decided to put together my own My NHL Season Preview, please read and tell me your thoughts
I started with the Pacific Division
Phoenix Coyotes
First I have to say sorry to the fans of the Phoenix Coyotes, you will have the toughest of seasons to watch. Your team will have to play Anaheim, San Jose, and Dallas a total of 24 times. And you most likely propel Lo...
If there is one thing this off-season has taught me is that teams, even with a salary cap, won't be afraid to throw big money around to get what they need. That being said the next off-season should be interesting for the New York Rangers. Unless he's signed to an extension at some point this year, Henrik Lundqvist will be a free agent next summer and how embarrassing will...
I don't think goaltending has ever been this good in the NHL. Sure, there have been times when it has been better at the top end of the list, but the depth going into the 2007-08 season may be at an all-time high. These guys have the ability to carry their team on their back, and single-handedly steal hockey games on any given night. In the playoffs, they can be the single...
I have found a bunch of pictures of about 1/2 of teams new look Jerseys wil or might look like for the upcoming season.
Here are the links to the jerseys. Some look official and some are concepts. Some are nice and some are garbage. Cast your votes for best & worst.
[b]UPDATE(s)[/b] Leafs & Nucks
[b]Leafs Jersey Video[/b]
[url]http://www.cbc.ca/sports/player/index.ht...
There's a lot of hub-bub recently about the new RBK sweaters. And frankly, I think this could well be the darkest Jersey era in Pro Sports since the Chicago White Sox wore pajama tops and shorts....
However, one thing has struck me recently -- why do we still force one team to always wear white? I mean, when my Blues are playing, say, the Chicago Blackhawks, is there ...
As I see the slow progression of teams like Vancouver, Nashville, and Washington creep out with their new designs for their emblems and styles, I take a step back and begin to think really hard. I begin to wonder what these new looks would, well, look like with the basic jersey of the yester-years. The loose design with the nice "[i]flutter in the wind[/i]" character of ...
I usually do the random thougts blogs, but today I had a bug up my bum about something else-how lucky we hockey fans are that our sport is played at it's highest levels by men who are good guys, as well as great athletes.
For every NHLer that has off-ice issues-Rick Tocchet, John Kordic, Theo Fleury, Bob Probert-there's probably a hundred or so that are excellent role m...
Over the next few weeks, leading up to training camp, I have decided to do team previews for each team in the Northwest. First will be the Minnesota Wild.
[b]Key Acquisitions:[/b] F - Eric Belanger, D - Sean Hill, F - Petr Kalus
[b]Key Losses:[/b] G - Manny Fernandez, F - Todd White
[b][u]Forwards:[/u][/b]
[b]Overall: B[/b]
The forward squad will, essentially...
Im going to go ahead a host a two hour chat.
[url]http://www.talkshoe.com/talkshoe/web/talkCast.jsp?masterId=49211&cmd=tc[/url]
click the link, and lets get it started with the questions.
Ron Guillet writes...
The Big Apple Got Bigger: Projection Of The New York Rangers
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Alrighty my Hockey Buzz brotha's and sista's. With a nice handful of teams and their players predicted by moi, I thought I'd move to a team that I believe will be the powerhouse of the East... a team known as the New York Rangers. With a season under raps, the Rangers were eliminated by a mightier and badass'ier (yes, I make up words) team in the Sabres. But don't fret, th...
Hello fellow-hockey fans,
Well, we are coming up to September rather quickly, and just under a few weeks we will all witness the birth of another NHL season. I, honestly, don't know what to expect. There were a lot of off season moves that seemed to shift the pendulum in favor of different teams strength-wise. The examples are all around us. The Avalanche picking up...
Jussi Jokinen signs a 2yr deal worth $3.675mil! I myself think this is to high for someone is one sided. Dont get me wrong he is a gifted scorer and you can tell by watching him in the shootouts and the goals he scores. His 2-way game is what is hurting him and if he can improve that then there is no reason he can become a top player in the NHL. However i think the $1.8 wo...
Since the calender is fast approaching October, its time to sharpen our skates and make some NHL forecasts. We'll start with the Eastern standings.
1. Ottawa 52 24 6 110pts
2. Pittsburgh 52 25 5 109pts
3. Tampa Bay 46 32 4 96pts
4. Philadelphia 48 27 7 103pts
5. NY Rangers 48 28 6 102pts
6. Buffalo 47 28 7 101pts
7...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Marty Biron: Karn Evil 9 1st Impression - Part II
Posted Friday | Comments 0
"Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends
we're so glad you could attend come inside, come inside"
Emerson, Lake and Palmer (ELP) wrote those lyrics in 1973 - I was 5 - and embedded themselves in our rock and roll consciousness with a 29 minute 37 second exclamation of 1970s progressive rock.
Yeah...ok.
You are likely saying, "What in the name of R...
Hey there,
Well, this is my first post on Hockeybuzz and I think I should tell you all who I am and what I am going to blog about!
So, first off, I am a regular hockey fan (anyone suprised?) and not a hockey insider (...but i wish i was!). I'm your common "living room" DG that knows it all. Well, not to an extend that i will ask for a trade Murray - Sidney Crosby or ...
BuffaloMat writes...
Sabres Roster Nostalgia 91-92 Part 2: Pat LaFontaine
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.classicbuffalo.com/images/LaFontaine.jpg[/img]
If the video doesn't show up click this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TZL4BCePwA
EDIT: The video doesn't seem to be working. It's a wonderful video, check it out.
This tribute video sums up anyone can say about Pat LaFontaine. However I am going to still say words about him ...
These are some awesome sayings by Rick. He is a legend in Buffalo for everything he says and for being with the Sabres. He has the most animated sayings in the history of commentating in Hockey. Check these out.
For some reason video is messing up so here's the link to it. It's great, i'm sure you'll like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEfbyrKnKc0
Also c...
There have been a number of discussions in the last few weeks regarding the line combinations and pairings the leafs will use in the upcoming season, so I figured I might as well toss my hat into the ring.
[u][b]Goaltending[/b][/u]
The best option is to use a 60/40 split between Toskala and Raycroft, Toskala has never played the 65-70 games a #1, but is still a v...
Happy long weekend puckheads!!!
-I have been playing NHL08's demo almost non stop since it became available. The skating engine is unreal, as is the AI for the computer controlled players. It's a free download on XBox Live, for your 360 console. Well worth a DL and play for free.
-Speaking of the NHL games this year, the date for NHL 2K8 was bumped up to September 1...
[b]NOSTALGA IS A MAGIC THING [/b]
The other day my son and I went out with hockey sticks and a ball to play a game of hockey. We got into a penalty shot game like Shoot out in the NHL. Of course, he went on to skunk me; his shot is harder than mine. So why am I writing about my son kicking my butt in hockey?
It is really because it got me being nostalgic, rememberin...
It seems the trade between Toronto and San Jose has taken an interesting course. Mark Bell aquired along with Vesa Toskala by Toronto for first and second-round picks in 2007 and a 2009 fourth-round pick has tested positive for a substance abuse violation. This is the second time he has tested positive. Mark Bell was the 8th pick overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1998 h...
This is another classic example of John Ferguson Jr.'s incompetence as a GM, trading a 1st & 2nd round pick in 2007, and a 4th round pick in 2009 for Vesa Toskala and Mark Bell. This trade was dumb from day 1, first off this was the year the leafs finally had a chance to land a decent forward could've snagged Cherepanov or Esposito or many others that were still aroun...
Alright snap out of it people. Yes , the San Jose Sharks did sign Jeremy Roenick. Many are asking Why ?, Where will he fit in ?, Can he still play ? The answers to those questions are.....
[b]Why ?[/b]
Plain and simple, "Veteran Presence". This is something San Jose has lacked. Not to say they have not had quality vets on the team in the past, but a 9 time All Star, ...
Well the fantasy pools are soon or already up and running and I am letting Hockeybuzz bloggers pick my 2nd round guy! This is a very close knit pool with very knowledgeable hockey guys...
This is a straight forward pool, a point is a point, goalies get 2 for a win, 1 for an ot loss and 3 for a shutout (a shutout win is 5 added together).
Franchise players already selec...
This will end up on the main site, also, but I was tired of looking at my old blog from 6 months ago on this page. So here's a new one...
The new face of hockey lies under the current face of what you may be used to. The new face is not on Versus,, or even TSN. It is certainly not going to be between the few people who tune into NBC this season where we will watch Pie...
Now, I know what you're all thinking. Bold predictions? The guy's just going to take some blind stabs in the dark, then say "I told you so" when/if they happen. Well...You'd be about 90% right. I am going to take some blind stabs in the dark and I most likely will feel a sense of self-fulfillment if they happen. But this is much less about predicting the future (with ...
BuffaloMat writes...
Sabres Roster Nostalgia 91-92 Part 3: Pierre Turgeon
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.sabresalumni.com/2001/playerpics/turgeon-draft.gif[/img]
I was going to do Part 3 on Dale Hawerchuk but since it seems appropriate I thought I would do it on Mr.Pierre Turgeon.
Turgeon's 91-92 career pretty much was a wash with the Sabres but ended strong with the Islanders since he was part of a trade for Pat LaFontaine........... and since I a...
Here is my take on the whole [b]Carey Price[/b] bandwagon. [b]Carey Price[/b] has talent no question about that. His play over the last 5 yrs in WHL & AHL hasnt been all that great. People say the goalie is only as good as the defense. I agree with that to a point...A goalie that is hyped up as much as he is should be better than his defense. Thats what seperates the great...
I'd like to start by stating that this blog is not an outlash towards the media, especially the members of this site who are part of the media, but rather a commentary on how everyone can focus on the wrong issues.
In the lifeless lull of the hockey world during the month of September, everyone finds themselves bored, but excited for the upcoming season. Most of the exc...
Glenn Hall use to miss training camp to paint his barn. I like his excuse better.
Only 4 players have ever had more then 150 points in a season…….Gretzky Mario Yzerman and ?????? answer later in this blog.
I really really like The Plain White Ts good music check it out.
The Yankees were on the other night and my 3 year old Emma says Daddy they wear the same w...
Side note I felt that the vertical strip on the socks make the Flyers look like imperial storm troopers. HEre look and compare.
The storm Troopers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lil_munki/1352823284/?addedcomment=1#comment72157601938696529
Rookie camp photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157601938292851/
VIDEO!!!! (warning it takes time for youtube t...
[b]WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST THING YOU HATE ABOUT THE NHL?
[/b]
Today blog question is to name one thing that you hate about the NHL. Notice I said one thing; I am sure everyone could found a lot more than just one.
[b]spiegs13[/b]
One of the things that bothers me with the new rules - although it wasn't that different before - is when a player is on a mini-breaka...
[b]WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST THING YOU HATE ABOUT THE NHL?
[/b]
Today blog question is to name one thing that you hate about the NHL. Notice I said one thing; I am sure everyone could found a lot more than just one.
[b]spiegs13[/b]
One of the things that bothers me with the new rules - although it wasn't that different before - is when a player is on a mini-breaka...
[b]WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST THING YOU HATE ABOUT THE NHL?[/b]
Today blog question is to name one thing that you hate about the NHL. Notice I said one thing; I am sure everyone could found a lot more than just one.
[b]spiegs13[/b]
One of the things that bothers me with the new rules - although it wasn't that different before - is when a player is on a mini-breaka...
Heart.
When you hear the word, perhaps, the first thing you think of is that organ beating inside your chest.
You also might think of that hard rocking, but IMO god-awful, girl band comprised of the sisters - Ann and Nancy Wilson. Sorry, not a big Barracude fan.
When I think of the word "heart," I immediately think of it in relation to organized sports. Not ...
Anybody else sick of player nicknames these days? The good old days had Flyers with colourful names like Battleship,Hound Dog,Big Bird,Moose and The Hammer. That is great stuff, the fans could relate and loved the players.
Now nicknames consist of adding a y to the end of everybodies name…..BORING. Who needs Jonesy or Richy or Marty? Not me forget it, lets have some ...
Ok so I went out and bought NHL2K8 for my ps2 since I can't afford a 360 right now and I'm very dissapointed. The controls are very choppy and the game just doesn't seem like they tried. Maybe it's cause it's on the ps2 but I just don't like it but it's gonna have to hold me over. I've played NHL 08 for the 360 at a friends and MAN it blowes away any and every NHL game EVE...
Sorry about the title ... I know it is just plain bad.
I was looking at the Calgary Flames new look defense this morning and wondered what type of offensive prowess they had. This led me to look into how many goals and points they had combined for last year.
The names Aucoin, Eriksson, Hale, Phaneuf, Regehr, Sarich and Warrener as a collective group do not strike ...
I just read Scott Cullen's ([url]www.tsn.ca/nhl[/url]) previews for the upcoming season and was slightly surprised by his outlook and projections on the top 10 scorers for this upcoming season.
He has the top players ranked in the following order:
Crosby - 118 pts
Thornton - 107 pts
Jagr - 105 pts
Heatley - 104 pts
Ovechkin - 100 pts
Lecavalier - 94 pts
Hossa...
The NHL will open up NHL Center Ice Online FREE on Monday, and plans to show most teams pre season games live.. and FREE via the web. Most teams with their own video channel on their web site should have direct access to the center ice online channel during the preseason to catch preseason games for free starting Monday!
[i](its free for the preseason only.. so no you c...
When Cristobal Huet injured his hamstring last season Jaroslav Halak came in to the picture, and played well, yet they were still not able to get into the playoffs. Huet is now a proven first-stringer, and his absence certainly factored into why they did not make the playoffs. A healthy Huet should win his job back at training camp, unless Carey Price shows him up, but we'...
The NHL will open up NHL Center Ice Online FREE on Monday, and plans to show some teams pre season games live.. and FREE via the web. Most teams with their own video channel on their web site should have direct access to the center ice online channel during the preseason to catch preseason games for free starting Monday!
Freeview Lasts until Oct 9th, so Have Fun!
T...
9/16/07 Flyers camp
The links of course....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157602046504581/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVuxUNcM1gc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHcp_xthv6M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgMw6QsG07w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf22qswElo8
First I want to thank Hockey buzz’s own Steal your face off, the young man w...
First off I would like to say thank you to everyone who responded to my question on this topic. Fans, members of this site, and others, your input is appreciated. Also an extra special thanks to Ryan Garner for taking the time to lend some input on all of this. So here it goes.
It's that time of year again. The late blooming flowers are beginning to fade, and the leav...
Summer is almost over (although sunshine in Vancouver would make you thankful that it has shown up at last) and with a few weeks of football under our belt the NHL has begun. I read THN's 100 questions and yes, there are so many intriguing issues this season as the landscape of players has changed once again, the words Chemistry and Team Dynamics will afford us some inter...
At the Blues FanFest on Saturday, they handed out coupons for the next night's pre-season opener, a 5:00 Sunday night game against the Atlanta Thrashers. With the coupon, Lower-bowl seats were only $20.00... upper-bowl seats were free. Great deal!
Except....
What about the season-ticket holders, who are forced to pay upwards of $100 for the same ticket as part of t...
Hello all. I had this idea earlier today when i was watching the video on the main page. I want your help in compiling a HOCKEYBUZZ Sound Track. No doubut that hockey & music share a connection thanks to the likes of The Tragically Hip's songs: 50 Mission Cap, Fireworks & Lonely End Of The Rink. I want the readers of HockeyBuzz to help me come up with a collection of songs...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
HockeyBuzz - More than Demographics and Big Brother
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/130-126Big-Brother-is-Watching-You-.jpg?t=1190209704[/img]
There are companies out there whose reason for existence is to place you into a demographic. They have a pretty good chance of figuring out what you read, how much television you watch, what car you are most likely to buy and a hundred other factors that make up...
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
Moncton's motto reads: [b]Resurgo[/b], which I can assure you that it is not a Harry Potter spell. It is latin for [i]I rise again[/i]. And in 'Hub City', who hasn’t had a NHL game in over 30 years, NHL hockey is rising again - as it did when [b]Ted Nolan[/b], current coach of the Islanders, took the Mo...
Every end of August brings the excitement of the opening days of NHL camps everywhere. The smell of the freshly zamed ice, the first cut made in the ice by the powerful skates of NHL players. But, when camp opens everyone makes predictions. Now I understand they are just predictions but come on people, are they really necessary?
Predictions for the new season start afte...
Wondering why we don't give the one-eyed-bandit a chance to boost our PP? I'm down with McGillis, or maybe Berard doesn't want to come up here or is asking too much... anyways... just a thought...
9/20/07 Philadelphia Flyers training Camp Report
Pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157602089563404/
Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zp2Ni3fJAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNErUHwUCw4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPsav4zr42w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELVUQ0kBWWg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MI6TzCgIS60
ttp://www.youtube.co...
[b]Tonights Exhibition[/b]
Some quick words on how to watch tonight's game vs. Montreal. Evidently, due to 'broadband limitations' at the Bell Centre, Montreal, it cannot be seen live. Sacre le bleu! Are they kidding? Sadly they are not.
So, you can check Islanders TV on Friday for pre-game analysis. But can only see the game on Saturday to view the complete game an...
9/21/07 Flyers training camp report
First let me apologize to Mr. no number on the helmet I just learned as I write this that you are Rory Fitzpatrick. I apologize for calling you Nate Guenin.
Pictures
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157602101960908/
Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4OoSXi8Ls4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsJIE9a5MTQ
http...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Last Night's Game in Montreal, Plus Defensive Assessment
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Last night Montreal beat the Isles in OT.
[b]Jeff Tambellini[/b] had a good game, obviously been jumpstarted by some comments by Ted Nolan. Nolan recently picked him out saying basically he is expecting more from him consistently. Tambs had a goal and had been all over the ice. [b]Jon Sim[/b] has been plugging away like he has the last few games.
[b]Sean Bergenheim[...
[img:right]http://cdn.nhl.com/images/upload/2007/03/nhl_premiere.gif[/img]Hockey season is nearly upon us once again, pre-season training camps and exhibition schedules are in full swing, fantasy hockey drafts are the talk of the work place and hockey fans everyway wait with baited breath for that first puck to drop on the 07/08 NHL season.
For once i'm happy to say tha...
Since the comment part of myhockeybuzz still doesn't work, I thought I would give our Irish friend from Belfast a little love back on his post.
Ray - You have only been disrespected twice so far, so I offer two apologies. The idea of a British game in concert with the NHL game is warranted and I wonder why it posed such a problem? Call it a "double header" and give th...
Now that the Isles are back at home, several have been sent to Bridgeport. Thus, those player's presence on the waiver wire, as many have noticed. No reports have come in that anyone was grabbed by another team thus far.
Still on the Islander's roster: Jeff Tambellini, Aaron Johnson, Jeremy Colliton, Blake Comeau, Darryl Bootland, Kip Brennan (reported on waiver wire, b...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Pucks, fists and teeth fly at the first NYI/NYR game
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It was in the air.
The Rangers had a stinker versus the Flyers over the weekend. The Isles were now back home, facing their nemesis from the big city. And, of course, it was the preseason. No points on the line. Players playing for spots, or just to fit in with the rest of their team.
So, as the game started, it was not surprising to see Andy Sutton give Ryan Callaha...
NHL Network’s all-encompassing 2007/08 NHL national broadcast campaign offers hockey fans from coast-to-coast more live hockey than ever before with 40 live games, including six games with Pens’ superstar Sidney Crosby and exclusive live coverage in Canada of the second game from London, England. NHL Network also features a month-long ‘Free Preview’ of the network,...
All the hype for winger Hugh Jessiman in training camp this year was unwarranted. He hadn’t shown anything in two years of minor league hockey to make anyone believe he could have made the Rangers this year. In the first two preseason games Jessiman was invisible and I don’t know how that’s possible for a guy with a 6’6”, 230 pound frame.
The most emb...
I was disgusted by hearing Steve Downie left his feet to hit Dean McAmmond, I was even more disgusted when I seen the hit on Sportscentre. Dean McAmmond skating behind the net, turning the corner to head up ice, some argue he had his head down, and Steve Downie charges across the ice, leaves his feet to take him out. McAmmond was turning the corner, weather or not he had h...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
SYF's Top 10 List - Players you would like to see this year?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Before moving to the Top 10 list, I wanted to comment on the events that occured last night in the Flyers/Senators pre-season game.
The injury to Dean McAmmond is on the minds of all hockey fans, as it should be. The hit by Flyers prospect Steve Downie was unconscionable and flat out wrong. Irrespective of what Colin Campbell does, Downie should - and will - be punish...
Here's an oldie but goodie to share with you, originally written Aug 21st.
For the newest expert criticism, see my newest team blog which takes on ESPN and E.J. Hradek: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=9654
[b]The Experts?[/b]
So you are at your local magazine shop, or perhaps you are perusing your usual sports website...and suddenly you see a Hockey fo...
[img:left]http://hfboards.com/imagehosting/2020946fabb71c7c52.bmp[/img]
I cant believe the outrage over the Downie hit. if people want to be outrage, watch the game before making a call. Before the "hit", Scuburt hit on downie was alot worse than what Downie did.
Where was everyone crying when Neil did to Drury last year? Where was one when Colby Armstrong did it FI...
I have called Cablevision twice inquiring about the Center Ice package. At first I was told they weren't taking orders for it yet, but they would automatically add it to my bill once it did. OK, not a problem
Well, I noticed on the io.tv site that it's the only sports package that is not listed, so I called again today, and I was told there is some dispute between Cable...
He's being hung on the woodshed by hypocrites on this site and hypocrites around the nhl
One has to wonder who paid the most attention to the Anaheim/Ottawa finals - where despite the Senators finally being able to put it together to dispatch a myriad of good to excellent teams, they got run over by a meaner and tougher team who simply shut them down. It was clear on paper and it was even clearer as the games went on.
So now you have to wonder how much GM G...
sstrang writes...
Another myhockeybuzz predictons blog no one will read...
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Everyone does them and for my own sheer amusement (and to see my name on a website....) here goes:
Western Conference
1. San Jose
2. Detroit
3. Vancouver
4. Anaheim
5. Calgary
6. Colorado
7. Minnesota
8. St. Louis
9. Nashville
10. Dallas
11. Los Angeles
12. Edmonton
13. Chicago
14. Columbus
15. Phoenix
(1) San Jose vs. (8) St. Louis - San Jose in 4
...
Today blog is on another blog questions. So I force some of my friends to pick
What is your favorite hockey memory while growing up?
ZenSisyphus
Well, this is going to go down as the most common "best" memory, but I have to say the Miracle has to be it. I grew up in Colorado, and at the time our NHL team wasn't televised very frequently (maybe not at all), and ou...
With all the hits to the head lately why has they not been a severe suspension. Players wont get the idea until someone is suspended for more then a measley 4 games. Suspend them for 20 then if they do it again for a season. Will the NHL only do it when crosby gets his head cracked open. Dean Mchammond has been takin off the ice on a stretcher twice in the last 4 months. T...
As the pre-season winds down, here are some things to look out for regarding the Minnesota Wild.
1) Benoit Pouliot centers Gaborik and Demitra. After the last two games, the job could be his to lose. Pouliot will definitely get more chances to impress the coaching staff, but he may have found his niche on the team, and it could be between two of the more talented play...
Jon Jordan writes...
Isles/Rangers, Round 2: Live on NHL Center Ice Online!
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Round one on Monday night featured 10 fights, including the goaltenders squaring off, 6 ejections and 9 goals ... and, oh yeah, it also went to overtime!
Round two happens live tonight on NHL Center Ice Online through Islanders TV!
We're talking Islanders/Rangers, folks and, yes it is still the preseason but if Monday's contest is any indication, this one should be a...
1. Detroit Red Wings (Central Division Champions) -- A lethal combination of a talented team and a weak division. Ageless blueliners Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios join newcomer Brian Rafalski to form one of the league's elite defensive corps. Meanwhile, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk lead a typically strong Detroit attack.
2. San Jose Sharks (Pacific Division ...
In the past week we have had a front row seat to see how the current review committee, and Colin Cambell, determine player suspensions. We all saw the hit, the coaches responses, player responses, media input, public outcry, etc, etc etc. Its a long, and flawed, system that in the end determines a punishment which is usually met with and equal amount of approval and displ...
The NHL's current TV contract in the United States is clearly not working well at all. The NHL made a big mistake by signing a deal with Versus which is owned by Comcast, Comcast offered up the most money and the NHL in all its wisdom went with the highest bidder, not the best solution for league. The NHL tried to land a deal similar to what it had before the lockout, a 5-...
Good things to take away from last night's win:
1. Mike Comrie scored with a Bill Guerin assist. They just continue to produce on that first line. Ruslan Fedotenko is the unsung hero of this line, even when not on the stat chart, he does things that help his linemates pass and score.
2. Miroslav Satan scored two goals. We can talk about that 1st line all we want, but...
The season is upon us!
From the looks of things, it's going to be one helluva season. At this point, all of the speculation, all of the predictions, everything that has been talked about means absolutely nothing. The Ducks and Kings have kicked the season off in London and, despite all of the scheduling problems that it caused, it was extremely successful. The fans r...
1. Buffalo Sabres (Northeast Division Champion) -- The departures of Chris Drury and Daniel Briere got most of the off-season headlines, but the Sabres are as much about system as individual players. And the Sabres have plenty of offensive firepower in the likes of Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville, Maxim Afinogenov, Drew Stafford, Derek Roy..... you get the idea. The Sabres ...
By Tuesday Afternoon, the Isles are expected to FINALLY release the upcomign roster for the season. Reports coming out now still have Berard unsigned, but Berard has no plans to sign elsewhere, and is willing to wait for Snow and Nolan to sort out the mess of fowards..
The Clock is back on you Snowy.. you got Less than 12 Hours to decide!
[url]http://weblogs.newsday....
So much emphasis was put on the free agent extravaganza over the summer, when the Rangers seemingly signed two players that would put them over the top. Scott Gomez had tormented the team from across the Hudson with the New Jersey Devils and of course Chris Drury who squashed Rangers Stanley Cup hopes with a last second goal in last year's playoff series against the Buffa...
CaptPantalones writes...
Season preview: predictions, Sabres preview tomorrow
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Eastern Conference:
1. Pittsburgh Penguins: Last years youngest team added veteran help in Petr Sykora and Daryl Sydor to an already talented core. With Sidney Crosby up front and Marc-Andre Fleury in net, the Pens should build on last season.
2. Buffalo Sabres: Yes, the leaders are gone, but the students learned enough to carry the load. Derek Roy looks ready for an...
It's done. Of course, as I sit and wait for people to get back to me on who is on the ice in Syosset, the Islander's finally announce it:
[b]DEFENSE[/b] Berard waiting for trade to make room there is likely
They are carrying 8 for now
2 Aaron Johnson
8 Bruno Gervais
14 Chris Campoli
24 Radek Martinek
25 Andy Sutton
32 Brendan Witt
44 Freddy Meyer
47 Ma...
Hockey is the only thing im any good at thinking about.
Theres something really rewarding, as a goal tender, to feel the sting of the puck hit you. Or playing centre and watching a sweet pass hit the mark and the puck sliding by the opponents keeper. Its about grace. the feel of the ice under you. its about kids laughing about on a tiny rink as you chase after them. It...
duxown writes...
I'm back with Season Predictions and Ducks point projections
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Your first(in your hearts too I hope) Ducks blogger ever on myhockeybuzz is back. Yes I have predictions, what everyone wants to hear. Yes I will do the East as well, and yes they will all be.....wrong.
Western Conference:
1) Detroit
2) Anaheim
3) Colorado Avalanche
4) San Jose Sharks
5) Vancouver Canucks
6) St. Louis Blues
7) Los Angeles Kings
8) Minnesota Wild
...
[b]Playoff projections:[/b]
Eastern Conference Finals: Pittsburgh over Buffalo
Western Conference Finals: Calgary over Colorado
Stanley Cup Finals: Calgary over Pittsburgh
[b]Award predictions:[/b]
Hart (MVP): Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh
Art Ross (Scoring leader): Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh (123 points)
Rocket Richard (Most goals): Alex Ovechkin, Washingt...
I starting thinking about the roster decisions yesterday as I waited with extreme curiosity to what [b]Ted Nolan's[/b] take on the decisions made would be. I, like many of you, did not understand why Hilbert was on the 2nd line. Or why the gaggle of dmen still stood as a gaggle of dmen on the NHL roster. And I began to see it from another angle:
[b]When a 2nd Line isn...
[b]Question 1:[/b]
[i]Is Berard on this team or what?[/i]
All signs are to YES. Bryan Berard has been working out with the team, and also on the ice leading the powerplay. So evidently a contract is being hashed out between his agent and the team.
[b]Question 2:[/b]
[i]Trade happening?[/i]
This is unclear right now, even with so many Isles dmen sitting around....
Summer is over and the NHL's regular season is finally here! Changes abound, but how does your team stack up in our initial NHL Power Rankings? Disagree? Have suggestions? PM or comment!
[b]1. Ottawa Senators[/b]
From 1-6, their talent on defense is unmatched. Spezza and Heatley are simply magical. Is Emery's health a concern? Can Eaves and Kelly pick up w...
This is a two part post, first my I explain why the Wild take the 07-08 Stanley Cup Championship. The second I will highlight my first game day mock game, for this I will be playing against the opponent scheduled (today the Hawks) in a hopeful (or today, not so hopeful) representation of todays game.
Over the last few years the Wild have taken a good approach to signing ...
[i] "Just stop enough of the limitless critical comments on my life, just drop the judgement and all the pseudo-involvement in my life." -- Disturbed, "Just Stop." [/i]
It is unlikely the band knew Brian Burke when they wrote the song, which is ironically played at most Anaheim Ducks home games, but it could not be any more appropriate.
Just ask Kevin Lowe.
Or, ...
I walk to work with a kick to my step. Not that it's that great of a day. A foggy murk lays about the morning like a Yashin knee-injury. The air is humid. The city is its usual stale self. I walk outside MSG, home of our dreaded rivals. They won their first game, kicking off two lackluster periods where they were being booed by opening night fans. Chris Drury scored the ga...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Anatomy of a Hockey Buzzard: HockeyPuckusBuzzardus
Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]Anatomy of a Hockey Buzzard:[/b]
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/hockeyaccident12_edited-2.jpg?t=1191607046[/img]
[i]HockeyPuckusBuzzardus[/i]: a fascinating species of modern day hockey fan often found in their native habitat of the HockeyBuzz site, www.hockeybuzz.com. When not chasing, discussing or arguing rumors, they are known to frequent...
millertime writes...
Season Opening Outlook: The 2007-2008 Buffalo Sabres
Posted Friday | Comments 0
As the Sabres drop the puck on their 2007-2008 season tonight at HSBC Arena, I thought I'd share my outlook for this year.
I'm a devout Sabres fan, have been following the team since the Mogilny/LaFontaine era (I'm only 21), and I've studied the history of the team too, back to the French Connection days. I've stuck with the team through the really bad, the bankruptcy,...
Center Ice is available! And not a moment too soon, I was ready to just get it online and hook my laptop up to my TV to watch!
HunterRules writes...
Cablevision FINALLY Adds CI and NHL NET... with a catch
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Finally a deal is done and Center ice is here... But there is just 1 problem..
Want NHL NETWORK? well you wont get it with center ice.. thats right.. you gotta fork another 5 bucks over a month for the sports tier of trash to just see nhl network.
NHL Network however wont be available til later this month.
The Cablevision Ripoff Continues..
B.D. Gallof writes...
View From The Blog Box: Isles Home Opener is a Win!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I am sitting in an empty blog box, watching them practice the opening to the Isles home opener. I am jawing with one of the staff, as they work out the kinks with the sequences that includes kid skaters who will be dragging an American flag across the ice.
As I sit here, I can see that Eklund, and now Newsday have already reported that Meyer has been put on waivers. An...
DucksFan07 writes...
Why the NHL and Hockey will Always be a Fringe Sport
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Before everyone gets all hyped up and lights their posse torches, please let me say that I have accepted this fact and am completely at ease about it. In many respects, I am very happy about it. There are a lot of positives to having a limited, rabid, knowledgeable, fan base. Less bandwagoneers to fling on/off depending on the team's record. The downside is that we have le...
[img]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:nagITiFfeAvPsM:http://images.cnhi.zope.net/images_sizedimage_180211403/lg[/img]
[b]You know you're a hockey fan if:[/b]
* You know all the words to "O Canada"...in French...and you're American
* You hear "Prince of Wales" and you immediately discount the guy with big ears, perk up thinking Bettman might actually get one rig...
Despite the US having 24 of 30 NHL teams, countless minor league franchises, and a few hotbeds of college and even high school hockey, the popularity of the game below the 49th parallel is severely lacking, keeping it a so-called "niche sport". From my position as an American hockey fan, I hope to shed some light on this unfortunate phenomenon.
In the abstract, hockey s...
Despite the US having 24 of 30 NHL teams, countless minor league franchises, and a few hotbeds of college and even high school hockey, the popularity of the game below the 49th parallel is severely lacking, keeping it a so-called "niche sport". From my position as an American hockey fan, I hope to shed some light on this unfortunate phenomenon.
In the abstract, hockey s...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Columbus Day: Discover the Isles vs Washington at 2pm
Posted Monday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
While some celebrate Columbus Day, where he discovered the Americas in 1492. Well, he didn't really. The Vikings and even the Chinese actually might have found these lands long before. But, what is more important is that in 2007-2008 season, the NY Islanders found their first line and some offensive threa...
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
It was a strange sight to see my name on Sport Illustrated, yet there it was:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/richard_deitsch/10/08/islanders.bloggers/index.html
So, for those checking in to see what it is all about, here are some blogs worth reading that run the gamut from the [b]Island...
1 Yr 725 K
Will play Weds vs the Rangers.
For those of you who remember me from the Checking Line blog site, well, I am back and it's prediction time.
[b]Season Records:[/b]
Wins Predictions :
Actual Predictions:
[i][b]
Games:[/b][/i]
7:00 PM
Ottawa 4
Atlanta 2
Ottawa continues their dominance of the 1st month of the season with an impressive victory over the Thrashers.
[b]Goals:...
[i]The Bloggerazzi Peeks Out From Beneath An Article About The Isles Blog Box[/i]
As soon as the Sports Illustrated article hit the wire, I waited for it. That invariable swipe by those in a malleable establishment to judge and pigeonhole the Islander Blog Box. It didn't take long. The bash was led by one who was at the very most top of the hockey blogging food chain....
The Sharks end their season opening 4 game road trip in Chicago tonight. San Jose is coming off an embarrassing loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday. With a win tonight the Sharks can come home 2-1-1 and earning a point in 3 of the 4 road games. Not bad considering the team has looked like they have been going in and out of cruise control in all 3 games leading up to t...
So I didn't do too bad on the wins over the losses, but I didn't hit one single prediction on the head. It's ok, it was my 1st night, but it feels good to be back. Let's jump right into tonight!
[b]Season Records:[/b]
Wins Predictions : 7-5
Actual Predictions: 0-12
[b]Games:[/b]
7:00 PM
Atlanta 2
Buffalo 5
A battle of playoff hopefuls here in Buf...
Year after year the Toronto Maple Leafs make big off season changes in a hope end the 40 year Stanley Cup drought. This off season was no different. Trading the 1st round pick in last years NHL entry draft for goaltender Vesa Toskala & forward Mark Bell, and signing 40-goal man & unrestricted free agent to a 5-year/$20 Million contract. The Leafs management faile...
Surprises abound, except for the top two positions that see Ottawa and Detroit holding strong after the first week of play. Capitals and Lightning undefeated? Flames and Sabres winless? What's going on here?!
As always, suggestions and comments welcome! And if you want to see last week's rankings, you can find them under the archives link to the right -->
[...
Anyone still looking for my cannon past the Bloggerazzi's bow: http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=567&post_id=2810
But, enough on that. Now onto Toronto:
Bury them.
Toronto, a team that should be a winner, in a city that is hockey-crazed. I remember my brother and I heading there and experiencing the Ottawa vs Toronto game, smashed at some bar, along w...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/enemywithinisles.jpg[/img]
The Isles flew out from LI the other day on a high. A 3-1 record, their only loss outplaying, outshooting, but not out scoring Washington and Kolzig. Everyone was happy, everyone was chipper.
But then something happened on the way to Toronto. A transporter malfunction seemed to come into play, and the plan...
WildMTUFan writes...
NHL playing hardball with Charter, another loss for fans
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Today I got a call from a CSR at Charter Communications corporate headquarters about the NHL Center Ice package. They basically told me the same thing I've been hearing for the past week and a half, the NHL wants too much.
This is classic NHL (maybe just classic Bettman era, not sure.) in the premise that the league wants to make these huge deals, but doesn't think about...
Four games into the season and no season preview from me as I had promised. All I can say is sorry, but I have been very busy and could not find time to get it done before the start of the season. Since it is too late to do a preview, we will call this an Octoberview. I am going to get into a few different categories based on what has happened up until now. I am not going ...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
Every once in a while you see a photo and you think...man, I have seen that person before. When you put the face with the other photo and you get that lightbulb moment...you have "Separated at Birth?"
For example....let's start with Wade Belak, since everything is his fault anyway.
[img:left]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_1300.jpg[/img][img]http:/...
flyershockey81 writes...
THe Difference is they are wearing Orange and Black Jerseys.
Posted Friday | Comments 0
People thoughts on Flyers after Third game of 2007-2008 season
"I guess you're right. But the issue in these situations is about making the punishment fit the crime as opposed to making the punishment fit the criminal. If Daniel Briere had done this (OK, so he'd have had to get up on a box to take off Kesler's head as Boulerice did, but let's imagine it for a moment), w...
djvoiz writes...
80,000 people signed for it: We want the NHL back in Quebec
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Hello everyone, and welcome to my first blog here on MYHB,
First of all, you will have to excuse me for my English, which is not perfect since i'm one of those Frenchies in Quebec City, but I will do my best.
I will start from the very beginning. It was a saturday, back in october 2005. I woke up, and somehow, i had this idea of doing a Website and a petition, in ord...
just look at colin campbell's quote from his transcript
[b]COLIN CAMPBELL: No, I'm not concerned. They've always had that image that dates back to '72 when they were nicknamed "The Broad Street Bullies." If you look at the time that I've been associated with the National Hockey League doing this job, with discipline, I don't recall -- I think I've had a couple of player...
Where is Weller Suspension? that’s right the refs got it wrong giving him an match pentaly
Where’s Tootoo’s Suspension? I didnt happen
nhl still holding a grudge against the flyers all these years.....
This is going to deal with ways I think the NHL can improve. I am not just talking about the product, but the game.
-The current mess of head shots needs to be addressed uniformly. Jesse Boulerice and Steve Downie got deserved long suspensions. But what Of Jordin Tootoo? Or Matt Weller? Or Andy Sutton? It's time to start taking everything into consideration. The NHL ca...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157602398807368/
Ok well, the Flyers decided to practice earlier then what was posted on their site (which is a normal thing when it seems I am going to practice)
When I got there is was practice for standing in front and tipping it in and various other mini stations among the last few. Then it got to be Fitzpatrick, Upsh...
The Flyers need to get their act together, Boulerice deserved 25 games and I hope he doesn’t play for the Flyers again.
Jim Basillie will end up buying the Preds, this will be good news for Canada and bad news for Kansas City, in the long run this will benefit the NHL, not sure if Bettman can figure that out.
I still can’t get over the Bills Cowboys game from Mon...
As most of you already know, Jesse Boulerice was suspended for 25 games after his crosscheck to Ryan Kesler's face a couple days ago. The question is, was it enough?
By terms of Chris Simon getting the same sentence last year, yes, it's a perfect punishment.
But by terms of Steve Downie getting 20 for an unnecessary hit on Dean McAmmond, Boulerice should have gotten...
First I need to thank a ton of people. A shout out to all the Flyers fan Club folks I saw tonight. Very good to see all of you as always. Theresa that was a great story and an awesome experience for you.
The Fly Fan, Radoran, Hockey Fan as always a pleasure to hang out. Free Downie!
My new neighbors for seats very nice to meet you all. The guy at the back the ...
Sun, 14 Oct 2007 8:44pm
I sit here writing this from my Blackberry, soaking down a brew and smoking a stogie on this brisk autumn eve.I feel a bit like the Isles in that I've had a tough weekend of work, actually hit with three huge deadlines at my job, just as we are understaffed. I won't bore you with the details, just that after giving close to 15 extra hours of my t...
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...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Full Metal Jacket - Flyers week that was and week to come
Posted Monday | Comments 0
"[i]Atlanta, Jersey and the Canes[/i] are only a few days away, and the recruits of the [i]2007-08 Flyers[/i] are salty. They are ready to eat their own guts and ask for seconds." - [b]Full Metal Jacket[/b]
OK...so maybe Stanley Kubric doesn't know the first thing about hockey or the Flyers first homestand of the season. But the abovementioned quote, narrated by Matth...
Not sure if the channel is the same in all areas but for Comcast in Mass it is on channel 259
Just found this info looking around this morning...Google is your friend
"Effective Thursday, October 18, 2007, the NHL Network will be available on channel 401 as part of the iO Sports Pak and on channel 429 as part of the NHL Center Ice seasonal sports package. NHL Network will be available in all service areas (except Woodbury Spectrum--Oak Beach, Gilgo Beach and Dom...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Who's Line is it Anyway? Guerin to 3rd line. Hunter to 1st.
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[img:left]http://boredplanet.com/img/whosline.jpg[/img]
Upon a 3-3 start, which isn't bad. But then again, if you hold the "not bad" mantra, than you are not buying into the Isles brass and player expectation to be a playoff team. So, 3-3 is, in lieu of that, not acceptable. Furthermore, some habits and tendencies have been seen and adjustments seem to be being made.
...
Those of us living in Buffalo looking for the NHL Network on Time Warner Cable (TWC) will be waiting a while. According to the following story in [u]Business First[/u] on Monday, October 8, TWC cites lack of room and bandwidth for the unavailability of the NHL Network in one of the top viewing markets in the U.S. for the NHL.
As some of you may know, TWC recently droppe...
According to a source from another team out West and apparently they have some takers. " they may have to move the one they would least like to." what I am hearing is that the leafs are looking for speed and grit."
Today on the talkcast we will have the president of thunderblades, a new ice skate technology that will change hockey.
As stated by various sources the NHL network will be available in the WNY area by the end of the month. It is supposed to be channel 90 for Time Warner customers. If you go to the channel now it says reserved. Finally Time Warner has done something right.
The Sens are still roosted at the top of the Power Rankings, but Minnesota and a number of other clubs are closing in fast. Other teams like the Islanders, Capitals and Predators find themselves barely treading water after laying eggs in the 2nd week of the season.
Suggestions and comments welcome! And if you want to see any previous rankings installments, you can fin...
The Isles came to Washington last night with a lot of questions, being put back to earth with a .500 record. However, some of those got answered last night with wild game that saw [b]Bill Guerin[/b] tear it up with 3 goals, and a stellar performance by [b]Rick DiPietro[/b] in goal.
By no means was this a one-sided affair. Before Guerin led them to closing the Capitals o...
The Good The Bad and the UGLY.
The Good
Randy Jones, seriously Randy you aren’t Bobby Orr.
Anze Kopitar, this kid is only 20 wow what a future he has
Marty Biron, the Flyers have a goalie making saves I’ve seen it all.
The Minnesota Wild, they look like a heck of a team so far
My hustle, I’m still back checking at 38, that’s pretty solid
Jason ...
Thanks number 23 good to see you again. Jsaq nice to meet you as well.
Pictures first
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157602559859286/
Video 2nd
Clip1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhiV3sN1rhY
Clip2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-YhFC2yG3M
I was ontime for a change for practice only because I arrived @ 9:50 and the Flyers got on the...
First what a great night. Flyers did not play their best but they managed to win.
The first and third periods were good. The 2nd period was horrible, just absolutely horrible. I was glad to see that it didn't continue in the third. I liked that Stevens changed up the lines a bit. I thought Hartnell had a really physical game tonight. I thought Lupul also was very ...
Many writers have opined that the CBA is favorable to the owners, or favorable to the players, or favorable to no one. How many have actually taken the time to slog through all 475 pages of the current agreement? Don't worry. One need read only as far as the CBA Preamble. If what it states isn't true, then the integrity of the whole CBA is problematic. Frankly, it is prett...
Just when you were wondering: Why are the Isles carrying so many defensemen?
Just announced by the Isles:
[i]Islanders defenseman [b]Bryan Berard[/b] will be sidelined approximately 2-4 weeks with a groin injury suffered during the team's 4-3 overtime victory over the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum.
Berard two goals and two assists for ...
San Jose will be spending the next 3 days bonding. Last nights win was a much needed complete effort from our boys in teal. As the Sharks prepare for Fridays game in Detroit, the team is doing some work off the rink. The team will spend the next 3 days in Banff, singing campfire songs and roasting marshmallows, as they look to gel together as a team. This Sharks team posse...
Another fantastic Islander win Saturday night, this time in OT against the rival Devils, has Islander nation buzzing with excitement. Personally, I went to bed with a huge smile on my face after Bill Guerin's OT winner, just [i][b]completely [/b][/i]unable to wait for the next game!
This wasn't a back to back weekend, though, so no game Sunday ...
No Islanders to riv...
BluemanGuruu writes...
Why the Ducks Should Be Watched WIth Close Eyes By NHL
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
First off I want to say that the Blues/Ducks game was a well played game by a number of skilled players. After that I want to say the officiating was a bit questionable but understandable, those guys have a tough job and obviously don't see everything...but I'm sure they saw a few things they chose not to call. But what irks me more than anything is the style that the Du...
With all the new jerseys being released and having time to seep in I've decided to rank them, 1-30.
1. Minnesota
[i]Love the colours[/i]
2. Boston
[i]Little tweaks put them over the top[/i]
3. St. Louis
[i]Made a good jersey great[/i]
4. Los Angeles
[i]The purple looks sharp[/i]
5. Dallas
[i]Nailed the new design right on the head[/i]
6. Atlanta
[i]The baby b...
Sometime over the course of this week, I lost it. I shouted from the window at work, as if I was the publishing version of Howard Beale:
[b]'I'm pissed off and I'm not going to take it anymore!'[/b]
Unfortunately, my only reaction was some homeless man cheering, yelling me to jump. Heathens in this town.
What in hell was the NHL thinking? Herr Bettman, I'm goin...
I would like to start off by saying thank you to all of you who sent me stories of your favorite moments in Sharks history.
Many of us have our own fond memories of a time when the team or a certain player did something that just wowed us. Is wowed really a word? Who cares, right? Many of us also share the same moments as great times at the Tank or Cow Palace, for thos...
Apparently, Leafs General Manager John Fergusen Jr has been secretly talking to young Oshawa Generals forward, and future number 1 pick, John Tavares about maybe going pro, and signing a contract to play for the Toronto Marlies of the AHL next season. Is this their last resort at trying to end their 40+ year Stanley Cup drought without having to rebuild like most normal te...
Jiri Tlusty played his first National Hockey League game last night against the high octane, shake your boots and soil your pants Pittsburgh Crosby's. Jiri played well, he was fast on his feet and he was digging in the corners, which by the way resulted in a goal... off his rear end, we'll get to that later. He's also a smart hockey player, he keeps his head up and scopes ...
Many observers seem surprised the Los Angeles Kings find themselves one point ahead of cross town rival Anaheim in late October - with one game in hand yet.
It should not be a surprise, and do not look for the trend to reverse any time soon.
The Kings feature a wealth of young talent up front, including Anze Kopitar, Michael Cammalleri, Dustin Brown, and Alexander Fr...
I wanted to let everyone know that I'm taking a break from moderating the forums here at HockeyBuzz for a while. (No no... please.... hold your applause until the end. Really.... be seated....) Having a wife, three kids, a house, and an ever-busier job leaves less and less time to do the things I love with the people I love. So... time to start scaling things back a bi...
I'm sitting here in Uniondale talking about life, liberty and blogging with my fellow blog-boxer in Kevin Rosenblatt, who has an excellent blog http://islandersoutsider.blogspot.com as the Islanders Outsider. We are commiserating on our career paths, which are a lot alike.
Word has come down on Boston's Patrice Bergeron, who was hit from behind by Randy Jones from Phil...
WHERE IS Volchenkov's suspension?
[img:left]http://www.genericorp.net/~count/gorilla/gorilla-vs-mcammond.jpg[/img]
[img:left]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/jaberwock21/avatar.jpg[/img]
[img:left]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v394/jaberwock21/captfc13bb01f95f4230b20e45ee47e5eae.jpg[/img]
WHO'S NEXT?
[b]Free Jones!!!
Free Boulerice!!...
"I find your lack of faith...disturbing"
- Darth Vader
I feel Gary Bettman's hand around my neck. Or perhaps, like Darth Vader, he's using the force to clamp my ability to breathe. Hockey has been just too few and far between. The schedule this season is just screwy and self-destructive to the game.
2006 11 games:
Oct 5, 2006 AWAY Coyotes
Oct 7, 2006 AWAY Shar...
The announcement had hardly finished leaving Darryl Sutter's lips, and the jury was already out on newly appointed Calgary Flames head coach "Iron" Mike Keenan, and to no real surprise. Keenan is the poster boy for a roller coaster career, with few other bench bosses experiencing the ups and downs quite like he did. This Flames fan, however, held his tongue. Any reasonable...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/greatpumpkin.jpg[/img]
[b]The Great Pumpkin, Gary Bettman[/b]
A Thumb-in-Mouth Commentary
B.D. Gallof
Dear Great Pumpkin,
I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents. For it is another season of hockey. Despite the NHL's pigeonhole into the depths of Comcast's outhou...
TWC announced on October 31 that the NHL Network is now available on channel 171 in Buffalo! Also, Versus HD is now available on channel 771. Enjoy!
[b]RANDOM HOCKEY THOUGHTS[/b]
Someone asked me once what is really meaning of hockey? Why do fans come to hockey games? Why indeed do fan love this wonderful game. I can not speak for all fans but I certainly tell you why I love this game.
[b]
WHAT IS THE TRUE MEANING OF HOCKEY?[/b]
I remember watching hockey game as a young kid going to watch my friends ...
For those who haven't noticed, NHL Network (SD and HD) has launched on DirecTV channel 215 and it is automatically available to anyone who purchases the NHL Center Ice Package through DirecTV.
If you do not have Center Ice, you can still receive the NHL Network with a subscription through the "Choice Xtra" package.
B.D. Gallof writes...
Sillinger's Night of 1000 Games: Isles Beat Tampa 4-0
Posted Friday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
So finally, here we are. A game. Tampa comes to town off a bad loss. Hmmm, don't they all come to town this way. Well, the Isles best be ready. Tampa comes in with defensive inconsistency and no top tier goalie. Even Holmquist is not playing. In goal is Marc Denis. But this will be far from a pushover. Ta...
Howdy,
Well this sure is a strange turn of events... someone in Hockeybuzz's management has clearly lost their marbles and let a degenerate like me have the keys to the team blogger bathroom. I would really thank Eklund for giving me the opportunity to do this. Not that he was left with any choice after BD threatened to post his next 16 Islander blogs in Braille unless ...
With the 7th pick in the 1985 entry draft the New York Rangers selected Ulf Dahlen. Many of us Sharks fans remember Ulf as the guy with the yellow laces on his skates. He was a sort of John Voigt look-a-like, and a talented RW.
Ulf Dahlen played 966 career games over 14 seasons in the NHL. He accumulated 301 goals and 354 assists for a total of 655 career points. Mostl...
When a team is said to have potential year after year, at a certain point people start believing that potential is unfulfilled.
As the saying goes, potential is often a nice way of saying something simply is not very good right now.
Scratch the potential from Columbus Blue Jackets in that case. If you have not noticed, this team is very good.
How good? A playoff t...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/superarbour.jpg[/img]
Legends are hard to come by. Yes we hype the hell out of that flavor of the week/month/year. We heap accolades on them. Especially when a sport has been devoid of that and buzz for years. But they haven't accomplished even a dent to surface of what makes a legend. True legends are those we will talk about d...
From the outset of this season, John Ferguson and Paul Maurice have been preaching the need for the Maple Leafs to become a hard team to play against. This was to be accomplished as the players matured under a second season of Maurice's puck pursuit, hard forechecking system.
The idea of a team pursuing the opponent with speed and laying the body is enticing and shou...
Videos to follow..
739's last stand
[img]http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/9048/739or9.jpg[/img]
The Sign that Nolan Couldnt Stand Anymore:
[img]http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/6161/1499cb8.jpg[/img]
The Finale:
[img]http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/9485/1500cw1.jpg[/img]
More to Come..
B.D. Gallof writes...
Al Arbour Night: Magic Sweeps Long Island with Win 740!
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Please read my Hockeybuzz blog:
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=10812
In it you have images and words that try to capture the magic that was a special night for Islander fans.
- BD
The purpose of Flyers practice today was test my new camera and figure out what I needed to read up on in the manual.
Videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hF7or4FOQo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkBq3p8Dt3w
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157602918250862/
So the report is kinda lacking one because I left well before practice would hav...
They need more efforts like the one tonight in Montreal.
They played great. The other team was just better.
Goes without saying, the Habs have looked great to start this season. And Cristobal Huet played just phenomenal tonight. I've always liked him. I think it's unfortunate the Montreal media and Canadiens' fans can give him so much flack, but maybe that is hel...
[b]WHY THE WILD ARE CUP CONTENDERS[/b]
This blog will consist of who I feel are the best the four players on the team. Yes, I feel the Wild could be Stanley Cup Contenders. The thing I like about the Wild the most is the supporting cast of the players. They make these players who they are.
[b]PAVOL DEMITRA[/b]
Pavol has more skill to burn than most players have...
Funky vibes right from the start. First of all, a pitiful crowd for a NYI/NYR game. I see as many Ranger jerseys as Isles jerseys. Here is a prime example of why Isle fans need to show up for their team. Too many ticket were left available. Now, its not empty. Far from it. But NYI/NYR should be sell-outs, don't you think? Filled in a bit more now. Might be 60/40 Isles to R...
Its a sad day for me! Even with all the people who dont like Lindros for what he did not wanting to play for the Nordiques. I over looked that aspect and respecting him as a player, person and somewhat of a childhood idol. I played hockey growning up in the late 80's and 90's in Los Angeles and Gretzky was about to be traded to the Kings. I choose to look up to Lindros sin...
Maybe I don't understand the criteria. The All-Star game is in February. How is it possible that the All-Star Ballot selections have already been made before all the teams have played even 15 games of the 82-game season? If the powers that be can already make selections based upon the evaluation of nominal evidence that all these players named are having all-star years,the...
Hawks Craze writes...
Hawks hand Jackets 1st division loss with 5-2 win
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Chicago Blackhawks have been up and down so far this season, but Denis Savard took action after Sunday's loss against the Predators. Savard stated that the team "needed to change something up". As a Hawks fan, you should know what needed changing after Wednesday's win against Columbus.
Three separate Blackhawks defensemen put goals up on the board, none of which wer...
As many of you whom attend games at the Tank know, the most common heard phrase is, "SHOOT THE PUCK". Well that is exactly what the Sharks have been doing, shooting the puck. Unfortunately they have not been shooting it into the back of the net. Well maybe the back back of the net when they are behind it, but that does not count. So whats the deal with all the shots and no...
That one word is all that's needed tonight.
The NHL wanted it. The NHL is closer than ever of getting it.
The NFL says it has it. Then it has the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. Where do they fit under parity?
MLB says it has it. Then there's the Boston Red Sox.
NBA says it has it. Yet there's dynasty teams like the San Antonio Spurs.
It's ...
The Sharks and Ducks will meet tonight for the first time in in the 07/08 regular season. The last meeting between the two teams was a 3-1 Sharks victory in the preseason, the line-ups were a mix of tryout players and some vets. Now the teams meet with their rosters set.
Anaheim has had to deal with some early season injuries and currently sit in the 10 spot in the West...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRCmReg2Ms4
Ok all I think the Flyers made a mistake in not including Mike Richards as one of the Flyers for the All Star game. The folks they picked absolutely should also be there but I think Mike should have been named to the ballot as well.
I am campaigning to get Mike Voted in. Please watch and remember to Vote next week Mike Ric...
I just read an article by Helene St. James of the [i]Detroit Free Press[/i] ( [i]Cloud 9: Wings' streak ties record; Zetterberg extends his[/i]) in which she states that the Joe Louis Arena was only "two-thirds full" last night.
This is simply not true and anybody with a calculator can verify the actual percentage.
In fact, the actual attendance last night against Co...
HunterRules writes...
Isles Call Phoenix Bluff: Meyer back with Isles AGAIN
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
as per isles website..
[quote]Islanders GM Garth Snow reacquired the 26-year-old defenceman Saturday, picking Meyer up on re-entry waivers from the Phoenix Coyotes.
"The injuries we've recently had on our blue line prove you can never have enough depth," Snow said in a release. "We've always liked Freddy. He's an intense competitor and he's a very solid defenceman i...
I have a report to type up too but here are pics from tonight's game and today's practice. I haven't updated the practice pics yet but take a look. Right now I am off to bed Flyers have practice tomorrow I plan to attend.
Game
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603075918863/
Practice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603067689185/
...
[b]EDMONTON OILERS HAVE BITE[/b]
My thirty-team tour takes me to Edmonton. The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the Oilers is that they are one of the fastest teams in the league. Their forwards are also very offensively gifted and very young, with ton of potential for many years to come. I love this team, because they are still young and have this...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/returnoftheking.jpg[/img]
http://new.wavlist.com/movies/093/aod-hailking.wav
Garth Snow hemmed and hawed when he had to figure out a solution to his horde of defensemen at the start of this season. Bryan Berard sat for days waiting as the season started, and all he could do is practice on his own dollar as the Isles looked f...
OK It has been a busy couple of days. Here are all the links todays and yesrterday's practice pics are not updated with who is in pics and titles as of the time I am typing this report.
Pics
11/10/07 Practice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603067689185/
11/10/07 Game
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603075918863/
11/11/07 ...
So here we go another year... and another year at that in the shadows of the other various NHL teams. Picked my many so called experts to come in 30th place in the league. Some even went as far as saying "ok 29th at best." But yet another year of the Islanders battling not only for just a playoff spot, but this year it seems the division or home ice advantage in the fir...
Roberto Luongo mockingly threatened to retire if the NHL were to enlarge the size of the goals. In fact, Luongo is indirectly the reason the league is even considering the move.
The league is seeking ways to increase scoring. There are many reasons for the decline in scoring compared to the '70s and '80s. When it comes to goalies, today's netminders benefit from bette...
The season began with the Northwest haveing the advantage with 3 playoff teams (Wild, Canucks and Flames) and one should have (Avalanche). But in the early going, things have really shifted around.
The #1 division was a close call between the Northeast and the Central. The two divisions are historically strong on top and weak at the bottom but the lower teams have reall...
About a month ago, cable and satellite TV providers began airing the NHL Network in the US. It is only $5 extra dollars on my cable provider for the Sports Pack which included the NHL Network and a few other Fox Sports channels. At first I treated it as a trial and would decide after a month whether or not it is worth it, but that month is now over and I have made my choic...
Yesterday the Islanders found themselves in unfamiliar territory. They were on the road and actually played a game for the second time in a week. All scheduling jokes aside, the team wearing the white sweaters seemed like a very different team that became very used to wearing those home navy blues.
At home in those close battles with division rivals you saw the Isles ...
Hey guys! I have been wanting to do this for some time now, and after last nights talkcast I decided to go with something that made some kind of sense. It is just a name change so the blogs will still keep coming. I have not switched favorite teams or changed the way I look at this team. Same old style, although I will be trying to post more often. I have been trying to mo...
Jon Jordan writes...
If He Said It, Sean Avery Deserves Everything He Gets
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Howard Berger, you have my utmost support.
Wade Belak, you do too.
If Sean Avery did, in fact, make comments directed at Jason Blake regarding his battle with cancer, bigger questions still remain.
(For the record, I have no reason to believe that he didn't make these comments, considering the source(s) on two levels ... one, it came from Mr. Berger, whose reput...
Remembrance Day just passed up here in Canada and with American Thanksgiving on the way, it made me start thinking of reasons why I am thankful at this time of year, some of which I'd like to share with you all below.
*I am sooooooo thankful of the people who have answered our country's call, both in the past and now, who and continue to defend the lifestyle we lead and...
Ok everyone time is at hand vote for your favorite players. I strongly encourage everyone to not just pick from the list but to consider write in votes for their favorite players.
Here is my voting list yes I am a Flyers fan so please excuse my bias
Eastern Conference:
Danny Briere
Alex Ovechkin
Write In Mike Richards
Kimmo Timonen
Wade Redden
Marty Biron
...
[b]A FEW OBSERVATIONS OF MINE
[/b]
I would like to try to figure out why players do not have respect for each other. What exactly goes into a player’s mind when he hits another player from behind? Let me explain something to the hockey player - if you see a hockey number from the back, do not hit him. Then there these stupid head hits. Please explain to me why we m...
The San Jose Sharks are coming off one of their most complete performances of the season. You can almost feel the team beginning to change, turn things around if you will, since JR reached 500. Playing 3 games against the Coyotes in the last week has not been a bad thing either.
The Sharks head to Dallas tonight. The Stars are coming off losses to Phoenix and Los Angel...
To all Leaf fans around the world, dont you just hate seeing our beloved Maple Leafs lose especially in a tight affair to our hated rivals Les Canadiens. I know i do, i like most Leaf fans would love to see the Leafs go 82-0 in a season but nothing could be further from the truth, though the Leafs do try and try but continue to give away all the points that they can. The L...
The Rangers continue to get better,especially the young players. With Mark Staal ripping a shot past Marty 499 last nite, I expect his offence to take off too. His defensive game is rounding out nicely . Early in the year he was beaten wide now not only does he shut down the oposing foward but steals the puck and takes off up the ice. I attibute his progression to playing ...
I have an eerie, excited feeling about tonight's game, one I have not felt since last year. I had anticipated the Sabres' slow start to this year, and I even called it in my preseason blog. I also have said they will turn it around, and I truly believe that.
Tonight is a big game for them, and as I said, I just have this weird good feeling about it. The Sabres have b...
I got last minute tickets to the game and went down. I didn't see Jim Dowd's goal but I heard the goal horn as I walked into he building. I took it as a good sign but maybe it wasn't.
The Flyers played really well from the end of the 2nd. I think that what I did see of the first it was pretty even.
In the 3rd period going 4 minutes or so with no whistle was wi...
The San Jose Sharks are finally winning the games they should win. We have seen this team drop many games to divisional rivals who sit below them in the standings too often. For many years the Sharks have had trouble taking down inferior opponents, but that looks to possibly have changed. Many people have been saying woop-dee-doo they won 4 straight, ha against the Coyotes...
The game of hockey is steeped in tradition, with a rich history and an honourable character. The overriding tenor of hockey discussion over the past five years has focused on the need to increase goal scoring. To this end, Gary Bettman's NHL has continually tinkered with the rules attempting to increase the fabled 'Goals per Game' statistic. This approach is misguided ...
Videos
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-jeFGKuVBU
Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwMMnWW2fYs
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603221328745/
First It was nice talking to everyone today at practice. I hope we can hang out again sometime.
Thank you to all the players that stopped for autographs and pics post practice.
Gam...
Personally I am sickened but not shocked by the lack of press Martin Brodeur's 500th win gets in the media...To me this is like the 800 goal club, or 700 home run club, a club so exclusive only 2 or 3 people in thier given sport have been able to obtain it....yet the NHL has done nothing special to acknowledge the moment....not even todays "frozen moment"
You can make ...
Sorry it's been a while. I was on deadline in my glorious job in the world of publishing last week, and then, went away for the weekend.
Check out my newest Battle NY: Sibling Rivalry 2, which is a debate with my Ranger fan brother:
http://islanders.hockeybuzz.com/index.php?post_id=11195
Now, let's get to business . . .
So here we are, upon a Monday night dreary...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603245022363/
First let me say that the NHL fan Clubs rock. The Flyers fan club is one of the best there is out there. They always have a cool guest. I learn a great deal at these meeting and the people in the club are absolutely terrific.
I missed the start of the meeting due to traffic once I got over the bridge i...
The Isles put together another defensive gem to beat the Rangers in MSG last night, giving Rick DiPietro 100th win, and fittingly versus his nearest competitor, Henrik Lundquist.
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/100wins.jpg[/img]
"Isles Beat Rangers at MSG". A simple title to a simple win. Not easy. But, somehow automatic for a team that in the last several years, ...
The more i continue to watch the play of this New York Islanders team, the more respect I earn for Mr. Snow and the Islanders front office.
Who would think that Josef Vasicek (the last islander pick up in the offseason) would not only be leading the Islanders in goals scored with 8, but also be leading the NHL in shooting % with 33. Again Teddy Nolan is proving to be a ...
It is getting closer. I can smell the Turkey already. It is also time for a few more player evaluations. So here you go, 5 players and my take on them so far this season.......
[b]Joe Thornton[/b]
Well who can really complain. Joe is averaging over a point a game right now and has been the only guy who has a set spot on a line. everyone else bounces around but Joe st...
As if it is some ambiguous meaning, the Panthers quite simply do not understand the word "team". If any successful team knows it, playing like a team gets you into the playoffs, well that and will power which the Panthers also lack.
It still amazes me on some nights when I turn on the game, I find myself with a huge headache. Watching what seems like any other ordinary ...
JerZey_Devil2144 writes...
A chat about NHL History with Martin Brodeur....
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
This is not my own work, its courtesy of this mornings Newark Star-Ledger, but I thought that this was too good not to share with everyone out there, not just Devils fans but fans of the game...
Here is a lesson on hockey history from a surefire future hall of famer.
Which NHL dynasty was the best team: the Montreal Canadiens of the 1970s, the Islanders of the 1980s...
So here we are, upon a Thanksgiving, with many fans talking turkey about the dreaded post-Ranger malaise, which we now might need an inoculation for instead of the usual Flu shot. You know the drill. Where the Isles come off a big win with a hazy dull outing the very next game.
Now, despite the denials, there will always be a letdown after a big game, but this was the t...
[b]--NOTE—
This was written prior to Monday’s game against the Isles but I was unable to post it due to some technical difficulties.[/b]
Last time around it was pretty doom and gloom for most Rangers fans as the team got off to a shaky start. Although there were a few bright spots such as the incredible play of Henrik Lundqvist and the defensive play of some of th...
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603264955732/
Vids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLpqeIUytBY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zAjanmeYpk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX41d5aQI_U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z5TkzW9pwc
I got there VERY early! There was open hockey for kids with their parents. It looked fun.
Zamboni goes out the t...
By Jsaq and Number23-AKA H&B Olde Tyme Hockey
After doing a Flyers trade history review and analysis, I decided to tackle their entry draft record. Needless to say, it was a bit more difficult, so I enlisted the help of fellow Buzzard Number23. We are brothers-in-law, sort of a white trash version of the Gallof boys.
Anyhow, we decided to do this a little bit differ...
It had to happen. After all, there were articles on how the Isles were better than predicted. Lots of revisionist pieces from the same usual suspects who slopped down the usual naive vitriol about the Isles at the start of the season. Lots of opened eyes. Lots of kudos. And then they lost two in a row after big wins versus NJ and NYR.
So the panic monkeys all pushed the...
Don't let anyone ever tell you that hockey is just a physical game. It might be a game of snap decisions on the fly in such a fast-paced flow, but any professional player who has found success has mastered or at least, faced, the mental aspects of competition.
None could tell you a better tale of this process than [b]Andy Hilbert[/b] who hit so many posts, despite his t...
CaptShark writes...
We're Back ! Sharks Talkcast Tonight: Questions of Concern !
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It has been a week since the last Sharks talkcast and yet we have only seen one Sharks game since then. This schedule has just been absolutely ridiculous so far this season, what a joke. It has been hard for this Sharks to gain any momentum thus far, too many days between most games. Although their best stretch of the season came in a week where they played Phoenix three t...
Marian Gaborik ([b]B+[/b]) - I'm giving Gaborik a B+ and honestly, if he's played every game up to this point, he gets an A+. He seems as if he's finally figured out what it takes to be a top tier forward in this league, and he's having a tremendous season so far. He's had multi-point games in 3 of his last 4 and he's beginning to buy into playing on both sides of the pu...
The other day I came across the MLS soccer website, and just out of curiosity, decided to try and find out what the average attendance was for an MLS game. I was fairly shocked to discover than for the past 4 seasons, the average attendance at MLS regular season games was over 15 000, and in 2007 was nearly 17 000. I didn't think that soccer was by any means a major spor...
Thank you Bob, Joe and HF absolutely wonderful time.
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603311911309/
I actually made it to the game on time no warm-up pics but I heard the whole anthem from my seat.
Flyers looked absolutely terrible from the first bit. Then the glass broke It looked like the way the glass broke in front of me a warmups last y...
Two quick questions. I don't have a prize but for fun let's pretend that the person who gets them both right the fastest gets season tickets for life to the NHL team of their choice! (for the sake of competition don't go running to TSN or NHL.com to get the answer!)
What team leads the NHL in goals?
What team has allowed the fewest goals?
(Insert Jeopardy mus...
Brent Burns ([b]B[/b]) - Burns has had streaks of brilliance this season punctuated by streaks of inconsistency. He remains the Wild's D-man of the future; however he has struggled at times this season without Carney to guide him throughout the game. That being said, however, he is the Wild's most productive defenseman so far this season, as well as one of the top defens...
Here’s a note to all local NY media. DO NOT,DO NOT ,DO NOT, mix the Rangers with the Knicks in the same conversation. With all the turmoil going on surrounding Madison Square Garden, writers and broadcasters are quick to make broad statements lumping them together. I’m not quick to burn Charles Dolan at the stake either. Sure he’s like a glorified fan buying up as ma...
Ottawa rolls onto LI, with a giant mist of doubt for Isles fans.
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/themist.jpg[/img]
It rolls in like a blanket, covering Long Island from shopping mall to shopping mall. It unfurls itself right to Nassau Coliseum, laying right onto the ice. It is doubt and expectation as one of the top teams in the league comes to town.
When...
For all the bad things in the NHL, the schedule, the T.V. contract, and the not so great promotion of the league, we can rest assured that we have one great aspect; great players who are also great people. Hockey players are some of the most respected athletes on the planet. Out of all major pro sports you can still see the kids in the NHL players. The chance to lift Lord ...
I am not here to say that the Flyers should not have received the suspensions they have received. I am fine with the suspension. My problem is the inconsistency within the league with suspensions being handed down. Why does a player need to be injured for a suspension to be handed down?
Downie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322zqTkL0-c
Phaneuf: http://youtube.com/w...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Live Blog . . . Without a Net as the Isles Beat Ott S.O.
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
***[b]RETRACTION TO THE NYI/OTT LIVE BLOG LAST NIGHT:[/b]***
Bergie not the one on crutches as I walked down into the lockerroom area. Your moronic and tired Isles blogger mistook Aaron Johnson.
Anyone who missed my leadup on what this game means and all the doom and gloomers who felt the Isles were going to get torched: [url]http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user...
Players choose their numbers for various reasons. Some may chose a number that pays tribute to a family member, birth year or a favorite player from their childhood. Some players even change numbers because of bad luck, or their number isn't available because of a player already wearing it or it may be retired.
That brings me to Jay McKee the former shot blocking expert...
As we all know the schedule which is being used in the "New" NHL is crap and was crap when they voted it in.
[b]Here are a few reasons why it is crap: [/b]
1. [b]32 Games against teams in your division[/b] - Yes you do want rivalry with teams in your division but 8 games is quite a bit. Seeing the same faces for that many times may be a bit too much. The only good which...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Rangers Beat Isles, Ricky Needs to Sit, and Stitchgate!
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Isles are still amidst a complete powerplay outage. However, luckily, they had nary a chance as they let the NYR practice theirs instead. A tired and out-of-sorts team came to MSG, and got called for a lot of infractions, and somehow didn't get called for a few others, as they struggled against a Ranger team determined to stem the tide.
Ranger coach, Tom Renney, tol...
Why the NHL won’t expand in Canada?
Canada is the centre of the hockey world. With over 50% of the NHL’s players coming form Canada, we dominate who plays the game, how the game is played but not where the game is played. Everywhere you go in Canada hockey is the #1 sport and we Canadians are more loyal, knowledgeable, and die hard then any country about any sport. ...
There is always a lot of talk about how poor the marketing seems to be for the NHL. I wanted to talk about some of the brighter spots I have seen as of late. Most of what I will talk about is related to the Flyers since that is the team I see the most material on but I feel that things like this are happening around the league and in some cases are just being missed.
I...
B.D. Gallof writes...
When Bloggers Trailblaze Themselves Into A Mistake
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I've written quite a few things about the meaning and differences of bloggers to journalists. I have written about the meaning of the Isles Blog Box program, and even had to hammer back at those who used their lofty perches to criticize something before it even had much time, besides one game or two, to establish itself. Well, today is a new tale to tell about the life of ...
So we are a quarter of the way through the season and I thought I would offer up my analysis of the Preds on a player by player basis. Hockey is a team sport but when you analyze a team, it helps if you can have some individual stats to compare with. So here it goes.
Forwards:
Martin Erat -Currently leads the team with 24 points and is well on his way to passing his...
To read my latest on bloggers, including my own trials and travails, check it out:
[url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=11499[/url]
So here we are. Isles vs the Thrashers. Looks like Dubie starts against a returning Lehtonen. It looks like a better crowd than the shameful fan support for the Ottawa game.
CJ Papa reminds us how poor the Isles PP has bee...
First my Thanks to HF, thank you again for the ticket!
Second Thanks to Erica! You Rock! that was fun tonight have to do it again next time for Phantoms and Pete Zigoni.
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603352542933/
Tonight was just sad to watch. The first period they came out good. It looked like this was going to be the I will call the ...
When I think of the word ''fan'' I immediately see a drunken fat guy painted in team colors yelling at the rink with pride. But what really constitutes a fan? In many occurrences in my life, I've been faced with people who allegedly cheer for a team, but when things go awry, they turn away and grab the reins of another club. Actually most of the people I converse with in p...
We have all heard the cliche's about character, veteran leadership, and playing as a team versus as an individual. I will spare everyone 'most' of the cliche's, but the last 2 victories for the Predators have shown me something that I haven't seen consistantly from this team in past years.
How many times have we seen a team totally dominate the regular season only to...
I have to say that I've been a proponent of the shootout since the age of 9. I was playing shootout mode on one of the NHL games for Sega Genesis when I got the idea.
'Why don't they get rid of ties and have a shootout? They're so cool!' I thought. And hey, apparently, the only thing you had to do was shoot the puck just before crossing the blue line every time you cam...
An NHL team is allowed to field a team of 23. That's 12 forwards dressed, 6 defensemen and 2 goaltenders. Currently, the Minnesota Wild has a team of, seemingly, 18,000! Ok...Ok...Maybe a little less than that. As of the Vancouver game, however, they have a team of more than 23. Here is a list, included with what their contract is looking like:
[b][u]Forwards (15):...
The Watcher writes...
Kovalev : Understanding the Russian Enigma (Part I)
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Many players came to the hockey-crazed city of Montreal over the years hoping to win over a crowd who breaths hockey. To say the task is difficult would be an understatement. The Canadians fans love their team and it’s players with passion. As with every relationship that fuel on passion and love, hate is a big part of the equation. Bombarded with the opinion and ana...
It's frustrating. Two periods into a matchup with the Bruins and I can't take it anymore. Just put the puck in the net already!!
This offensive struggle has the Isles on the verge of losing [i]3 out of their last 4 [/i]and continue to slip in the standings.
This day last season the Isles were 14-9-3 (31 Points in 26 games). Viktor Kozlov netted 4 as the Isles beat th...
Over the past decade, the National Hockey League has been suffering from declining television audiences in the US. The trend has been accelerated by the season-long lockout in 2004-05 which - quite frankly - left a horrible taste in mouths of most casual American fans. Because of the size (and therefore dollars) wrapped up in the American television market, perhaps t...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Panic on the Streets of Uniondale as Isles Fall to Bruins
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Boston extends the Isles stumbling. Fans boo their team in the Coliseum. People seem to getting a bit panicked.
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/bostonpops.jpg[/img]
Suddenly there is panic on the streets! After all, the Isles have lost 3 in a row. The first time this season, amidst a power outage on offense and the powerplay. The holiday crowds, who were reeled i...
There once was a time when a struggling team could be counted on to make a trade in an attempt to change it's fate. There was a time when teams would swap key players in an attempt to shake up their roster and kick-start them onto the path of success.
That time is gone.
With the end of the lockout fans were promised more player movement along with more parity in the...
Sure, we all know that the NHL could use the national exposure on ESPN. But why does ESPN need the NHL?
Because ESPN is terrible.
Think about all the "sports" programming that airs in place of hockey:
I'll admit, the World Series of Poker was entertaining for about a day and a half...in 2003. Yet, the number of times I've seen poker reruns exceeds the number of ti...
Nyi28nhl writes...
The problem isn't only adding... but subtracting as well
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Many Islanders fans are calling for a blockbuster trade where the Isles would land themselves a top line scorer (such as Martin St. Louis, Patrick Marleau, etc.). Not that I would say know to getting a guy like St. Louis, but there is another dilemma that comes up.
[b]Who gets demoted?[/b]
[b]Mike Comrie[/b] and [b]Josef Vasicek[/b] are our #1 and #2 centers. Despite...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/getsmartisles.jpg[/img]
The Isles came out to Atlanta with some pop to their step. Yet, it all turned around quickly when giveaways on the powerplay led to two shorthanded goals. Looking at a 3-1 Atlanta lead, instead of laying down to die, they tied it up. Yes, they lost the shootout, but got a point back instead of nothing due to bungli...
[b]MORE OBSERVATIONS
PHILADELPHIA ON NOTICE GIVE ME A BREAK[/b]
The other day when the NHL put Philly on notice, it really made me laugh. I mean, who are they kidding? Come on, they love every minute of this! They love publicity, whether it is bad or good. Is the NHL really upset with Philadelphia? Or are they rubbing their hands with glee?
Seriously, you reall...
the first part and notes for a future blog where i lazily save it onto hockeybuzz instead on my own machine. i repeat, this is not a complete piece. any recomendations, questions and comments that are helpful are welcome. thank for your patience and consideration for my laziness. ;-)
here's something interesting my fellow fans. a quote from murray out of rutherford'...
I was sitting back watching the Blackhawks last night and decided to do my daily statistical update for my own personal knowledge. For the first time this year I decided to look and see who is leading this years rookie class in the NHL and low and behold Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews are standing above all other rookies in points this year thus far.
I'm sure ...
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
There is no amount of tweaking and humor that will seem to carry across what I thought was a defining moment to the Islander season last night. Last night's game versus the Florida Panthers was a very important barometer to the Isles fortunes. After a slide, and then a game against the Thrashers they shou...
[b]COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
THERE ARE REASONS TO SMILE[/b]
The next team on my tour is the Columbus Blue Jackets. People use to think of this team as the ones bringing up the rear, but you cannot necessarily say that any more. They have a strong base of players on which to grow. Every team has to have a strong core to build on, and the Jackets has that.
I like the ...
In the wake of recent discussions regarding fighting in the NHL, I feel I have to voice my opinion on to why it is so important in this league. The action of throwing down the fist cuffs and landing some hay makers on another human beings' face is certainly violent and dangerous, but not to that degree in hockey. This sport has lain its foundation on selling an up-pace, ag...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Thoughts from the NHL Store - A Bite Out of the Big Apple
Posted Monday | Comments 0
[img]http://s228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/th_thapple_bitecopy.jpg[/img]
Thoughts from the NHL Store - A Bite Out of the Big Apple
[b][u]What a weekend[/u][/b]...took the train from Philadelphia on Friday morning with my parents, wife, 9 year old daughter and 3 year old little man to head to the Big Apple. We had planned months ago to stay the weekend, see ...
There have been many blogs and and posts debating the validity of calling the Toronto Maple Leafs a .500 hockey team. Most notably is James Duthie's blog over at TSN, who brings up good arguments, but I think his perception is flawed. Some will say the Leafs are at .500 with a record of 12-12-6, while others say that they have a losing record at 12-18. Forunately for the...
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603423360618/
Vids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edI2HZoA8jU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA8MTv5kCl4
First thanks to Kristin, It was very nice to meet you. It was cool trying out your camera today. I hope my pics that I took with it come out good.
Ok Practice today Nitty 1st one out 10:15
To...
Nationwide Arena - 7pm EST
Tonight the Blue Jackets host the Ducks in the last game of the road trip series for the Ducks before they go home. David Vyborny was placed on injured reserve and will not be playing tonight against the Ducks. Instead a young prospect from the Crunch in Syracuse named Derek Mackenzie will be taking his spot for the time being.
...
Anaheim had a terrific power play kill throughout the whole game. After the Ducks tallied back in the second period there was a leverage that would be slightly turned once more for the Jackets until Over Time. Special teams for the Ducks was what won them this game, hands down. These teams are wonderful rivals because when they play each other, they tend to have some very...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Isles Pick Themselves Off the Floor on Saturday Night
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
So just when you think it might get worse, the Isles pull one out. Sure, it doesn't mean all is well. But it does show there is some signs of life from the waterslide lately. On Saturday night, Bill Guerin scored. Andy Hilbert scored. And Mike Sillinger, fresh of chewing Campoli's ear off, scored.
It reminds one, at least I have to speak for myself here, that despite s...
Now, I know that everybody is aware of problems with the current schedule and that the NHL has taken steps to try and rectify it. However with the Flames current road trip, I was curious about why the league would schedule them to have two separate road trips out to the East coast.
The Flames have to travel for a 6 games in 11 nights swing, including three of the five...
Fox Sportsnet took a big step in the right direction this month! Fox Sports Bay Area announced that it will carry 30 out of market NHL games this season. It will pick up feeds from Comcast Sportsnet Chicago, Comcast Sportsnet Mid-Atlantic, and Comcast Sportsnet Philadelphia. That means we will be able to watch Blackhawks, Capitols, and Flyers games on FSN Bay Area. Comcast...
I know this is late boys and girls but better late then never. I had my own hockey tonight which delayed me posting this....
Vids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBRgrmKOCYg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYRG0EOu8R8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHBNl5-ngWs
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603431244452/
Typical pregame skate. Lig...
The Isles return to Buffalo tonight, back to where this season started. Where two teams passed one another from last season's playoffs. Sure, there are only 3 points between the two teams thus far, and the Isles have been Jekyll and Mr. Hyde oft-times. But Buffalo's struggle in lieu of what a strong team they were last year is sobering for all.
Buffalo's step back can ...
Although it is not unusual for the winning Red Wings to make the front page of the local papers, they were presented by [i]Detroit Free Press[/i] writer, Tom Walsh on 12/11/07 in a less than winning light ([i]Filling Empty Seats in Hockeytown: Red Wings Bring in Exec to Combat Sagging Attendance[/i]). This article can be found online at http://www.freep.com
It appears t...
After 29 games this season, the New York Islanders are just a game above .500, the sheer definition of mediocrity.
What's that sound you hear coming from Uniondale, you ask? That collective groan that echoes throughout Islander Nation?
It's the big, fat, "[i]Uggggggghhhhhh[/i]!" of being a fan of a perpetually mediocre hockey team. It's what we've come to expect fro...
We are not going to rehash last night's game. Most of us saw it. Otherwise, you read about it. Some articles were less harsh, while the Isles broadcast was plenty harsh. But, that all aside . . .
What I'd like to talk about is Nolan's demeanor after this loss, and the steam coming out his ears.
"We just need more and have to have a better effort."
- Ted Nolan
Ted...
The Islanders came out last night like it was October. I saw hits. I saw chaos. I saw hard-work. I saw effort. And from it, things happened. Comrie worked the puck, causing a ruckus. Bill Guerin sat at the doorstep with his stick on the ice, at the ready. Bergie was pinballing and driving the Yotes nuts. Trent Hunter was hitting like he wanted to start quoting Ezekiel 25:1...
Remember all the talk of the new NHL coming out of the lockout a little more than two years ago? The new rules and enforcements of existing rules were supposed to change the game for the better, creating more offense and eliminating strict defensive systems.
For a year, they accomplished their goal.
Does that ever seem like a long time ago now.
In the third season...
sens rock writes...
Bill Daly : The NHL does not have a substance abuse issue
Posted Friday | Comments 0
For awhile, I believed this view that the NHL was a clean sport, and almost everyone played in good faith. But with the recent Mitchell report, and the realization that almost every substance abuse testing program that isn't from the IOC or WADA is pretty much a farce, I'm beginning to change my view.
To make a statement like Daly did, on behalf of an organization that...
pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603461988331/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603452728932/
A BIG THANK YOU! to all the wonderful folks I have talked to and hung out with all week. I have had a great time and I hope you have too. Enjoy the pics
Theresa awesome hanging out last night post game and today I hope you like al...
After the release of The Mitchell Report I some interesting words of wisdom from a great NHL vetern and soon to be Hall of Famer:
Chris Chelios, the fitness freak he is, believes his league is as clean as white as snow.
“For some reason, hockey’s never been involved, and I don’t think it ever will be,” the Detroit Red Wings defenseman said Thursday, just befo...
A little blogging piece about yours truly for your Saturday afternoon.
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/iamblogger.jpg[/img]
My mother always told me that there would be days like these. Then again, she also told me to wear clean underwear, clean my room, finish my vegetables, remove the cat from the oven, and PLEASE don't run around the house with a live hand gre...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603463328320/
It was kinda sad for me today. This is the last day I went to practice this week.
plus being a game day the skate is optional and only about half of the team skates.
It was pretty light even for a game day skate.
Todays feature player of the day Marty Biron cause he put on a really nice show for ...
I do not take responsiblity for this suggestion, it was my father who proposed this to me. However, he believes that the NHL would be best with the 16 teams that are making the most money and are the most economically sound. There should be no salary cap, and no need because only financially solid teams would be in the league, and in this way the talent pool is not diluted...
The Jackets traveled to Beantown last night to face the Bruins in what might be a very silent ride back to Columbus for the Jackets. To get shutout in any sport at
any level is always discouraging to say the least. Many of the Jackets weren't as
down as many teams would be, instead they were thinking positive as this was a
learning experience from a great defense th...
[url]http://youtube.com/watch?v=3hKeVb_G-PI[/url]
[url]http://youtube.com/watch?v=IzUPO3fadkc[/url]
I had missed this play, having had to head down to section 201 to join my fellow Blog Boxers. I had watched the game from seats in section 302, slapped inbetween the second-coming of Rosanne Barr, complete with Lee Press-On nails, and an updated version of Thelma and Lou...
[b]NASHVILLE -- ARE THEY GOOD ENOUGH?[/b]
The next team on my NHL tour is the Nashville Predators, a team that started out slow and has recently picked up. Why have they picked it up? Well I like their speed. They have a terrific coach, and a terrific young defense. The preds also have some very talented vets, and you get a very good mix of vets with young players.
...
It's clear that the Rangers are having problems with their defense. After four or more goals in the past four games, King looks tired ( wrist & flu). Most goalies in the NHL strive to be the #1 keeper,while others are content to be the # 2. Those that are happy playing the backup role need to be real artists. They need to stay sharp,play locker room good guy,and step ...
This just in, thanks to an Islanders official statement and Newsday.com:
Isles owner Charles Wang:
"[i]The actions of Chris Simon on Saturday do not reflect what the New York Islanders stand for. They were reckless, potentially dangerous and against out team concept of grit, character, and heart. The Islanders are going to provide some time for Chris away from the te...
It's clear that the Rangers are having problems with their defense. After four or more goals in the past four games, King looks tired ( wrist & flu). Most goalies in the NHL strive to be the #1 keeper,while others are content to be the # 2. Those that are happy playing the backup role need to be real artists. They need to stay sharp,play locker room good guy,and step ...
[b]HOCKEY FIGHTING NECESSARY?[/b]
Today blog is a blog poll on do you feel that allowing fighting adds to the violence in the NHL? I asked few of my friends, a hockey fan, and a hockey blogger on the hockeybuzz site. I also interview an exlinesman.
[b]Scott Gallof:[/b]
My answer to this is no, in fact I think that, if anything, fights can actually lower the degre...
Chris Simon and Jarko Rutu are very common names to those who follow hockey, both are well known for being "tough guys", and who have crossed the line on numerous occasions. Chris Simon has been suspended a total of seven times (assuming he gets suspended for this latest incident) in his 15-year career.
1) 1997 - Chris Simon, while a member of the Washington Capitals w...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603494308688/
OK My report needed time for reflection. I have lately found it hard to be in the Christmas spirit and I decided it ties back to watching my favorite team not play well. They have these flashes of absolute brilliance. Then it looks like something from a horror movie.
Taking periods off is not an optio...
The following link is to the article on ESPN regarding this issue
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3160690
This is my take on it.....This is going to get nasty and its a distraction neither can afford. Crawford is currently the head coach of the [b]Los Angeles Kings[/b]. The Kings have the worst record in the NHL at [b]12-20-2[/b] and this issue im sure ...
So I had just won the stanley cup with my Capitals team (god I love those jerseys), and I had signed all the free agents I needed. I realized that my farm team was pretty dry with good prospects, so I went into free agency one last time to look for some good ones that had slipped through the cracks. JACKPOT.
What I discovered were a few undrafted players hailing from Ca...
Somewhere, amid my day, I forgot to upkeep my petulant and crabby laptop. It's been screaming for a drive cleaning. So live blogging is out tonight as my laptop stutters like a 1970's Volkswagen.
Instead, we can chat about all the craziness that has gone on. Between the 30 games earned by Chris Simon to now word...confirmed by the Isles...that their blue chipper, Kyle ...
The Islanders continue to prove that, no matter how hard you may be working and no matter how many of the "little things" you're doing right, if you don't score goals, you just won't win.
I'm as frustrated as anyone when it comes to this team right now, mostly because of the inept offense. When you watch a hockey game, particularly one in which [i][b]your [/b][/i]team i...
Even those who don't follow baseball know who the [b]New York Yankees[/b] are. And these fans and potential fans know what the [b]Yankees[/b] are about - [b][i]winning[/i][/b]. We recall that earlier in the past season the [b]Yankees[/b] were faltering. Some pundits were predicting that, for the first time since time immemorial, the Yanks would not make it to the post seas...
Later today, I'll be taping a guest spot on The Hockey Ticket with Noah Borer on mvn.com. Noah had Steven Hindle, hockeybuzz's Capitals blogger, on a recent episode and his show is really beginning to take off.
We'll be discussing all things Islanders, as well as my thoughts on the Tampa Bay Lightning (as hockeybuzz's official Lightning blogger.) I hope to avoid spendin...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603524484029/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDsRha3P_VU
Well I will say That in tonight's game I ran the full gamut of emotions. I was happy I was sad but in the end I was left with heartfelt disbelief and disappointment.
The Flyers were absolutely competitive tonight. I watched a ton of games last year where aft...
[b]WHAT MAKES THE BLUES TICK?[/b]
The next team on my 30 team tour is the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are a terrific team to watch, and they are well coached. I really feel that the Blues have one of the best coaches in the league in Andy Murray. Murray has system in place, and more important, the players have bought into it . The Blues have the talent, but what make...
[b]WHAT MAKES THE BLUES TICK?[/b]
The next team on my 30 team tour is the St. Louis Blues. The Blues are a terrific team to watch, and they are well coached. I really feel that the Blues have one of the best coaches in the league in Andy Murray. Murray has system in place, and more important, the players have bought into it . The Blues have the talent, but what make...
WE ARE TOUGH...LET US PLAY THE GAME...LET THE PLAYERS POLICE THE GAME...
then we hear...
Look what they did...give them a suspension...why me? WHYYYYYYYYY...????
In the latest reach for getting someone else suspended, Flyer fans lead by one Tim P accuse Max Afinogenov of 1.) slew footing and 2.) kicking Scott Upshall. If you are an objective hockey fan, you can ...
[img:left]http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/images/upload/2007/12/balke_jason_n1.jpg[/img]
Every so often, at the mention Jason Blake, an Isles fan will spout off on how selfish he was with the puck. How he was a lockerroom cancer. How he was this. How he was that. What I will always recall of Blake, despite perhaps a mixed-bag of attributes, is that he was a 4th liner who m...
This is just a blog to get fans opinions on who the top 10 forwards are this season. I am not talking based on their age, history, or future potential. Based on simply their play up to this point of the season.
Who are your top 10 forwards of the 2007-2008 NHL season?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603566437633/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJ4H2IcbDwc
The Flyers came through with my Christmas presents. I got a win and Scott Hartnell's autograph.
Thanks to Theresa and Brooke as always great hanging out with you guys.
I thought the Flyers came out really strong. It seemed like Stevens was trying to mat...
Was it when Bob Pulford sent Ed Belfour out of town for Ulf Dahlen, Michal Sykora and Chris Terreri?
Or when Pulford "unloaded" Jeremy Roenick on Phoenix for Alex Zhamnov, Mike Mills (not the bass player from R.E.M.) and a draft pick who turned into the immortal Ty Jones?
Or was it just one (or all) of the many re-emergences of Pulford from the shadows of the Blackha...
I like numbers. Not as much as the typical baseball fan, but I like them nonetheless. So here's a nice list of them. My plan is to stare at them for a while, come up with a list of observations, and then make up some irrational impressions about what they mean.
Team Avg. Attend. %Cap
1.Montreal 21273 100
2.Ottawa 19631 106.1
3.Philadelphia 19489 99.9
...
During the 90's, Scotty Bowman, Barry Smith and the rest of the Detroit Red Wings were the nemeses of a crumbling Blackhawk organization.
Some 15 years later, it can be argued the Scotty Bowman, himself, is a small part of the Blackhawks' rebirth.
How so? Well, a few years back the Blackhawks hired Bowman's son, Stan, to their front office. A graduate of Notre Dame...
So, lets all take a moment to review the trials and tribulations of what 2007 has meant to us as Isle fans. Well, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. The Nolan era has put us in the playoff picture, but it is still fuzzy to see how that Polaroid will develop. It certainly got more in focus when the likes of Alexei Yashin hit the bricks. It also was more in focus when ...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603592730604/detail/
Thank you to all the folks I talked to today. That was great fun hanging out.
As I was driving to the Flyers practice facility I look in my Mirror and I have a Flyer behind me. Then at the red light there were 2 more Flyers one in each direction. I then pass another one coming. Never have had ...
Happy New Year everyone!
The High Sticking Show on www.wilyradio.com is comming back later this month. Stay tuned for more details, and I will keep you more up to date this time around!
So during New Years I played Rock Band. If you haven't had a chance to play it, and are a big Guitar Hero fan (like myself), you will really enjoy it! The drums are really fun, and th...
Twas the night before my short vacation to Los Angles and the second day of this new year. So I've decided to come up with a list of New Years Resolutions I believe our New York Islanders should have for the year 2008. If you have more ideas than what I came up with.. please leave a comment on this blog or drop me an email at [email protected]
1. [b]STAY HEALTHY[/b...
2007 had its share of ups and downs for the Islanders and their fans. From being a team picked to finish dead last, to clinching a playoff berth in the last game of the year, and the anointment of a new captain, there were some great moments this year. Without further ado, here are my Islander awards for 2007:(I'm going by the calendar year 2007. Late 2006 does not count.)...
I feel for the Panthers. I just left 80 degree weather for over a week and come back to this weather. That foul wind this morning made me want to turn around and go home. Florida comes into this freezing stretch with a third loss in a row, last one coming from NJ last night. The Isles are looking for their six win in seven games. Wade Dubielewicz performed admirably and on...
As a follow-up to my blog on the dwindling number of former [b]Winnipeg Jets[/b] still playing in the NHL, here's the breakdown of the one-time [b]Quebec Nordiques[/b]:
[u][b]Players[/b][/u]
[b]Adam Foote[/b]-CBS
[b]Martin Gelinas[/b]-NSH
[b]Jon Klemm[/b]-LA
[b]Aaron Miller[/b]-VAN
[b]Owen Nolan[/b]-CGY
[b]Martin Rucinsky[/b]-STL
[b]Joe Sakic[/b]-COL (the only re...
Isles and Ricky lose to the Panthers in OT. But what becomes a bigger story is the pads the NHL confiscated from DP after the 1st period. DiPietro could face a 2 game suspension. But is it really such a big deal?
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/rickydipietropadsofdoom.jpg[/img]
[b]NHL Rule 11.8: a goalkeeper who plays with equipment that has not been inspected and ...
Last night the Blue Jackets played their 41st of 82 games, and are now officially halfway through the season. With a record of 19-16-6, 44 points, the jackets are on pace for at least 80-90 points, which may be good enough for a low playoff spot in the Western Conference. Let's reflect back on this up and down season.
A great start
The Jackets got off to a great start ...
My weekly blog, you may enjoy it.
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/Buts/
It's on a Flyer website but it's more about hockey in general, enjoy.
B.D. Gallof writes...
Isles Head To Edmonton, Nolan on Nilsson, Okposo to Bridge
Posted Monday | Comments 0
If anyone still was not over the love-affair with Nilsson, who went to EDM as part of the Ryan Smyth trade, one should read Nolan's latest quotes on the subject to prove what has been written about many times here and elsewhere:
Nolan was not a Nilsson fan, and that made him expendable.
Nolan told it plainly to Robert Tychkowski, of the Edmonton Sun:
[i]"Nilsson ...
In another installment where I review the dwindling number of players remaining from a relocated franchise... today it's the [b]Hartford Whalers[/b].
[u][b]Players[/b][/u]
[b]Jean-Sebastien Giguere[/b]-ANA
[b]Bobby Holik[/b]-ATL
[b]Sami Kapanen[/b]-PHI
[b]Marek Malik[/b]-NYR
[b]Michael Nylander[/b]-WSH
[b]Nolan Pratt[/b]-BUF
[b]Chris Pronger[/b]-ANA
[b]Geoff San...
Just announced on the Dallas Stars broadcast tonight..... Mike Ribeiro is going to be a dallas stars for a good while! He signed a 5 year 25 million dollar deal today!
Ribeiro is having a career year and is on pace for 80+ points.
Personally, I am very happy with the move. It is a very good deal for both sides!
Turco just annihilated Gaborik on a breakaway!
mo...
First of all, Happy New Year to everyone whom I haven't "seen" yet. I have been kicking around a lot and haven't had much time to hit the Buzz of late.
Now that that little tidbit is out of the way, here's the thoughts:
-It's great that the Winter Classic got a stellar TV rating. I am sure that it was Bettman's wet dream-a huge full stadium, interesting weather, and ...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Serious Questions Need to be Asked as Isles Tank at Oilers
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Islanders came into 2008 by nipping a slide at that was from the end of November until mid-December. They came out of Colorado OT loss being railed on for not having their head in the game by the coach and captain. So, if this was still the Isles stepping up, you would have thought that the team would be raring to go at it versus Edmonton. Right?
Instead, they got l...
It has been rumored for a while that Jaromir Jagr could be on the move from the Rangers. According to sources Pittsburgh was looking into #68 coming back to ride shotgun along Sid. This season JAGGS has looked dynamic at times and far more often, lost at others. One can sense that this is how fires started in Cap city with the foward coming to Broadway for Anson Carter. Ca...
The upcoming Islanders home game on January 19th against the Philadelphia Flyers could turn out to be a very important night in team history. (And, no, not just because I'll be making the trip up for my first home game of the year either!) The Islanders are promoting this evening as "Town of Hempstead Night" and Kate Murray, the Presiding Supervisor of the town of Hempstea...
There were really two events last night at the Bell Centre: the classy tribute to the Canadiens-Blackhawks rivalry, and the game between the two clubs.
Have to say I had a few goosebumps seeing a lot of the old greats, and honestly the Habs have been my second favorite team for decades. I was never a great, or a very good, hockey player. But as good as I was, part of it...
Unlike the likely telegraphed tear from Hillary Clinton just a few days ago, designed to appeal to the New Hampshire woman voter, the Isles show of vulnerability last night in the first period was NOT the same thing. There was no "plan". No play of the media. Just an absolute flat rollout as one man somehow kept them in the game.
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/DP.jpg[...
As the Hawks' losing string reached seven last night, it's my hope that expectations within Blackhawk Nation are getting a bit more realistic.
Yes, there have been moments where this team has been 100% healthy that it's looked like a playoff team. And though the injuries have been ridiculous and crippling of late, they haven't been throughout the season. And injuries d...
I thought the entire hockey world had its eyes on [b]Steve Downie[/b] to see what he'd do next... Where's the widespread media coverage of his 3-game point streak (2g, 2a), including his long saucer pass to spring [b]Scott Hartnell[/b] on a breakaway for his hattrick goal against the [b]Rangers[/b]?
Who's worse: [b]Panthers[/b]' GM [b]Jacques Martin[/b], or [b]Panthers[...
Ok so As I sit here watching hockey and raiding my tissue box on a Friday night I found myself asking some questions and I don't necessarily know the answers to these so any help is greatly appreciated.
Immediate Question
Why Can't I watch the Flames game? I thought CI was supposed to show it all. well once again NHL network takes a game I can't see.
If you watch a...
First of all, as a new member of the My HockeyBuzz blogosphere family, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Steve Lehtinen and I am from Brantford, Ontario about 1 hour southwest of Toronto. I am a huge Toronto Maple Leafs fan and a hockey fan in general.
Now, on to bigger things.
The current state of the Toronto Maple Leafs is about as grim as it gets. The m...
After work on Saturday, the wife and I headed to New York to see "Mamma Mia" on Broadway. I agreed to this, mainly because I figured I'd get a chance to check out the NHL Store on 47th and 6th in Manhattan.
We walked into the store and were greeted by a NHL Chopper, built by the guys from Orange County Choppers. The bike was $100,000, which was just a tad out of my pri...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/glasshalfislanders.jpg[/img]
So, if you've sat and thought about this team this season, have you come to the same conclusion I have drawn? When asked: Is the glass half empty? Is the glass half full? My answer is:
"The glass is half Islanders"
Which is my witticism for neither. Both. Or that giant question mark that slams into our h...
Weekly thoughts and predictions.
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/Buts/
enjoy
I thought about this one for a while a said "Oh what the hell ". It's like Jack Burton in Big Trouble in Little China. Damn what a good movie! So if the Rangers are really going to give this cup run a shot their gonna need a quality 1-2 punch in net. Cujo has had alot of nice playoff performances in his career. Those of you lucky enough to have the NHL Network can see t...
February 26th will mark the NHL Trade Deadline. The day where all GM's take out their microscope and scan their team searching for the tiny or gaping holes that separate them from either a) the Stanley Cup, or b) the playoffs.
In a time where scrutiny is the word best described, one aspect has always got me wondering...the pressure. The weights that are tied to GM's bec...
Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcjvoyJDRj0
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603706311538/
Thank you to The Flyers Fan Club for Today's road Trip it was rocking!
Thanks to my Dad and everyone who went on the trip that was so much fun.
Thanks to Julie for coming down to say hi.
I left my house @ 7am to pick up my Dad and be at th...
The feeling going into the Leafs road trip in California was that the Leafs needed atleast 4 points to stay in the realistic playoff picture. The guys went out and got destroyed by the Ducks....of course the organization played the Ducks off as the Stanley Cup Champions and so in their minds the 5-0 loss was completely acceptable.
Then they went out the following night...
[b]Freddy Meyer[/b], god of thunder, strode across the ice, his eyes seeing opportunity. Jason Spezza, of soft hands and softer body, was about to gain the puck from Wade Redden. Meyer crashed into him with a mighty howl that careened off the Ottawa seats and turned cheering Canadian mouths into what resembled Cheerios. Spezza hit the ice, and it was like he and the Senato...
Jon Jordan writes...
Now That Was a Hockey Game! / Support the Lighthouse!!!
Posted Monday | Comments 0
From Freddy Meyer's [i]Witt-esque[/i] crunch on Jason Spezza to Rick DiPietro's near-miss empty netter, that was as complete a hockey game as the Islanders have played all season.
Of course, Ottawa fans and Islander haters alike will protest that the Sens were coming off a highly emotional contest against the Detroit Red Wings the night before and that they were without...
Having all that I can handle with reality, I don't do fantasy. Or fantasy hockey.
On the plus side, fantasy hockey forces homer fans, loyal to their team, to actually look at other good players in the league. To do well in fantasy sports, one must, of necessity, keep up with the scores, stats, and injury reports league-wide. Of course, I am sure there are plenty of fant...
Okay, I've had it with this 1pt for losing in OT/Shoot out. Officially, there are only 6 teams with losing records in the NHL. This is a joke. The NHL point system must go. I understand that they wanted to do away with ties. But this OTL crap is out of hand.
Gary Bettman and the rest of these idiots who think losing in OT/Shoot out is worth a point should be shot...
[i]"Control, control. You must learn control!"[/i]
- Yoda
Coach Ted Nolan said words to this effect. As did words come from some players. Keep focused. Don't come home and then come out flat. Be consistent. Be ready. Obviously, they all know what this team sometimes does. Add to this, ,most road-traveled teams tend to come home and stink up the joint. And for the 11,0...
I don't even know if they would be able to keep frozen ice in there, but for the Montreal Canadiens' 100th Anniversary, Olympic Stadium is an ideal venue for a Regular Season game (vs. Toronto, Boston or Ottawa on New Years Day).
If you have unsuccessfully tried countless times to get some Habs tickets, you know how fast this game would sell out. They could do a couple ...
[b]APOLOGY TO THE CALGARY FLAMES FANS[/b]
I noticed as a fan blogger now I have never really laid up on my bashing of the flames. Well that is plain wrong how can I really seriously consider myself a fan of the league if all I do is bash the home team I live in.
Well that is ending today I want to make sure that I am a fan of the NHL which includes well the ...
[i]"Come inside, the shows about to start
Guaranteed to blow your head apart
Rest assured youll get your moneys worth
The greatest show in heaven, hell or earth.
Youve got to see the show, its a dynamo.
Youve got to see the show, its rock and roll . . ."[/i]
- Emerson, Lake, & Palmer
The Isles went to NJ, and if you watched the pre-game show, you would hav...
Haven't been on here much in the past month what with Christmas and work but I just wanted to comment on a couple of things. I'm not going to discuss the Flames up and downs, simply some of the players performances and thoughts. Pictures however are from ESPN.com.
- Warrener has been a healthy scratch the last two games. Is he worse than Eriksson or Hale? I know Keenan...
The topic of how to best allot points for wins/losses/etc. in the NHL continues to be discussed.
I fully put my support behind the idea put forth by the Random Thinker himself, renowned HockeyBuzzard [b]jsaquella[/b]. ([i]the fact he's also my good friend and brother-in-law has little, if anything to do with it. In fact, it probably made me [u]less[/u] likely to listen)...
For a league that struggles to market to the mythical casual fans without upsetting the die-hard fans, the Winter Classic could not have been more perfect for the NHL.
A cold, blustery day with light to moderate snow in Buffalo provided the perfect backdrop for Pittsburgh's entertaining 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, but the game was about far more than the score....
[url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603738534916/[/url]
First I want to thank the Flyers organization for hosting the event tonight. It was awesome. The opportunity to get to meet the whole team and get things autographed is a huge thank you and it is much appreciated.
Thanks to all the folks I hung out with Tonight Erica, Brooke, Karen, HF, Sharon...
He looks like Mister Heat Miser. Please Barry Shave it off. You look like a complete bunghole.
In Ahead writes...
Kolzig Saves His Best for Last as Caps Move Into Third Place
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Edmonton Oilers were 11-2 in the shootout with 18 goals on 40 tries. The Washington Capitals were 0-2 and had allowed 7 goals in 14 attempts. Nothing had to give, but it did, and the Caps skated away with the victory after Olie stopped all 12 Oilers shooters and Matt Bradley scored for the first time in three career shootout tries.
The Caps' unlikely victory looked ...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Call to Arms! Lighthouse Project and more on a big weekend
Posted Friday | Comments 0
For anyone who follows sports or goes to concert on Long Island, they have suffered. It’s not that Nassau Coliseum is a bad place. Just an arcane relic to another time and place. We can sit in its cold embrace and shiver, and then tell people, well its a piece of old time history. But let's be real. It's time for something new. When Charles Wang took over the Isles, he s...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Live: Flyers Comeback 5-3. Nolan Not Happy with Effort
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[i]"No time for love, Dr. Jones"
- Short Round, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom[/i]
What's more important that Hilary beating back Obama in Nevada. Or Romney taking another for the Republicans. It is that I make my return to the Isles Blog Box to kick off 2008. Ok, not that stupendous. But, throw me a bone here.
I met Jon Jordan, our Tampa Bay blogger and fe...
Yes, we just lost 4-2 to Toronto, but I'm not speaking on emotion.
I'm speaking as someone who has watched this team closely all year long, their trials, triumphs, and tribulations.
This team is close of being a playoff team, but it's just not there at the moment. [b]It's one or two players short.[/b]
Look at the Sabres' recent losses to Atlanta and the Rangers, w...
dgutzman writes...
An Honest Evaluation of the Nashville Predators Part 1
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
So as it would be, I am sitting here in Nashville celebrating the XMAS with family and while everyone is still asleep, I thought I would think about putting up a new blog about the Predators. Its been a long time since I have due a new job I took on around last XMAS. But after watching last night loss(Not even going to comment on the offense or lack of effort), I thought...
The Capitals' win over Florida last night moved them to .500, the same exact winning percentage of the top teams in the Southeast Division. Atlanta, Carolina, and Washington each have a point per game, but only the Caps are moving in the right direction.
Bruce Boudreau puts the Capitals .500 record into perspective -- the way we've come to expect from the coach who seem...
The Kings are the nest team on my list, I know the kings fans are disappointed with this season. I feel the kings have a lot of potential with young players in the future. I feel the Kings have plenty of solid young players, to make there future bright.
Why be positive about the Kings? I say to that is the reason to do this blog there are plenty of reasons to be positi...
1,168 miles.
That's the distance from my front door to the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The last two times I'd made this trek, the home team had been shut out - once in a disappointing season opener, the other in a horrendous showing that turned out to be Butch Goring's last stand as Islander coach. On Saturday night, Richard Park made sure that wouldn't happen...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNGaMeCjnqo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603765387115/
Hi everyone sorry this is so late. I was with friends who have people visiting from Finland and I felt it more important to be social.
I got to the game last night early. I wanted to say hi to all my friend going into the Phantoms. I did not go to the Pha...
To start, I am completely behind the signing of Cliff Fletcher as interim GM. With the interim status he will be given the green light to undergo a series of changes in Leafs land, and all signs seem to point to the big, flashing rebuilding sign, I really don't have to explain why. However, some fans are skeptical on Fletcher because his track record of depleting youth and...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Isles Finally Beat Carolina 6-3 and Some Defensive Talk
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Two bitter defeats and the news on Campoli had to be on their mind. This team was facing a challenge. Nolan added to this by resting [b]Rick DiPietro[/b] (more on that later). So with Dubie in goal, the Isles went to Carolina in the daunting task to notch a win against a team that beat them twice. Once was a blowout, the second a come from behind win that whitened Isle fan...
In a previous blog, I stated that playing San Jose was a better measure of the Hawks' playoff-worthiness than the Hawks' previous four opponents.
And in some ways, so is Columbus, who the Hawks face off against tonight at the U.C.
With San Jose, it was more a question of: if the Hawks win, then yes, they should be considered a serious playoff contender. But if they ...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603792558331/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrmanMIMZu8
Thank you to my hockey team"hell if I know", HF, Rad, The Finns, Theresa, Brooke, Kristin, Sharon's Husband and Dad and anyone else who came to say hello. It is so awesome to see so many people.
I got to the game with great time. I parked over by the 11th...
[i]"Charlie, here comes the deuce. And when you speak of me, speak well. "
- Crash Davis, Bull Durham[/i]
We should have known what was coming. After all, Boston had an embarrassing and bitter defeat at the hand of the Montreal Canadians the game before. Meanwhile, their goalie, Tim Thomas was tapped to be an all star and to join Isles goalie Rick DiPietro when Marti...
famousjon writes...
HB power rankings should be renamed power rumors (e4)
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Collectively, the West has a 57-31-7 against the East, yet 5 of the top 8 teams in the rankings are in the East...?
Only one team from the West that has played 4 or more games against the East has a losing record against the East: Chicago at 3-4-1. Two teams are 1-2 against the East: San Jose and Minnesota.
Only one team in the East has had real success against ...
I kind of stole this idea from THN but heres a list of changes that I would make if I had one day to do anything and everything to the NHL. Let me know what you think and any other ideas that you would like to see.
[b]1. Florida Panthers move to Winnipeg [/b]
I don't know how this team manages to survive in Florida. They haven't made the playoffs since 2000-01. They h...
During Friday's coach's roundtable session on the NHL Network and NHL Home Ice XM 204, San Jose coach Ron Wilson responded in a curious manner to an interesting question.
The thought was, has the NHL suffered from a lack of characters in the game? Specifically, the examples of Tiger Williams riding his stick after a goal and Don Cherry's flamboyant style behind the ben...
The core fans are the ones who buy the products, the tickets, show up to games. The perimeter fans, you have to have them, just like you have to have and develop new fans all the time, but you better take care of that core fan first.
This is why the NHL needs to get back to cold weather cities, the Core is in the north, period.
My idea is a migration of teams nort...
Among the hardest qualities to evaluate in competition are the intangibles of "beauty" and "creativity." This is principally because those not in the creativity business erroneously assume that anyone can make competent evaluations of creativity or artistic merit based solely upon personal opinion, with no objective criteria in place. This is the "I don't know much about...
Conceptions around the NHL world differ on a newly implemented system – the NHL salary cap. It is a system that guarantees hope, even if it is an illusion to some, for less-talented teams that befall the lower class of the league.
The point of this experiment was too create a more competitive and intense league. So the NHL decided to bring in a system that rewards a p...
I thought I had seen it all when it came to people making biased comments regarding the actions of Philadelphia Flyer, Steve Downie, but Mr. Gage, it seems, has raised the bar when it comes to prejudice against the notorious rookie. In his recent Blog [url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?blogger_id=102[/url] , Gage concludes that Downie actually went so far as to fak...
Here we are, post All Star game, staring at the last 32 games this season. The games that will make us or break us. It will answer the question, are we playoff contenders or pretenders.
Of course, we start this chain of games off with another visit by one of the top teams in the NHL, the Ottawa Senators. The Senators came into the All Star break halting a 3 game skid wi...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603818156314/
Thanks to everyone who stopped to see me, Txted, called and I saw after the game.
Shout outs to Julie, Sportsnut88, Rad, JSF, Brooke, Karen, and Theresa
Thanks to Kristin for letting me go with you. That was very fun and I hope I laugh as much on Thursday night.
I called into Buzzcast on my way to th...
So, you want to be a playoff team? This has been the Isles wish since back over the summer, when Ryan Smyth evaded their extended grasp, and they were forced to change their free agent direction. It is why the Isles will likely not sell off pieces, making all efforts to achieve a spot and a chance at glory.
So, you want to be a playoff team? They've made strides with th...
NickBoston writes...
Blues vs. Leafs Recap; Who Should the Blues Acquire?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The first game back from the All-Star break was an unimpressive one for the Blues, but they managed to pull out a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night in the Air Canada Center in Toronto.
Keith Tkachuk scored two goals in the first 5:48 of the first period, and David Backes scored a goal of his own in the second period to lift the Blues to...
The Rangers Rolled over the other night and let Carolina take the game. The officiating opened the gate for the storm and missed a boarding call on Gomez. Then the reffs called Shanny for a lazy (give me a break call) . Oh well, the Rangers should have used this as motivation and ran with it. Instead the team got small and let the speed of the Canes take over.
I...
The final minute of Washington's loss to Montreal has drawn much debate over the past two days. People (mainly in the Washington camp) are upset that the Canadiens put their top power play unit on the ice in the final minute when they were up 3-0.
This is the National Hockey League, full of professional athletes that are being paid exorbitant amounts of money to play ...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603832119151/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-RDO4-r3m8
Shout out to everyone I saw tonight; Theresa, Brooke, Karen, Rad and of course the old friends I ran into by chance.
Thank you again to Kristin! It was a bad game but it was still fun hanging out.
Ok Flyers faithful I am to blame for tonight's loss. I had ...
Survivors on a deserted island.
No hope of rescue.
For the next 30 games, they will be tested beyond their limits.
For the Islanders are . . .
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/lostisles.jpg[/img]
Each player joined this club with hopes of success, but also leaving behind perhaps their troubled past of unfulfilled potentials. They gave themselves to a ...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603836578690/
Thank you #23 and Mrs 23 was good to hang out with you guys @ practice.
Shout out to all the outside peeps.
Cote was first one out. Niitty then Kukkonen.
The whole team skated today.
One slight line change Upshall with Briere and Gagne.
Lupul practiced they were mostly using him as 8th D...
My tour now takes me to the east. I will be blogging more often so I can go through all the teams in the East, so expect me to change mid-week to another Eastern team. The first team in the East takes me to the North Eastern Conference.
The Boston Bruins -- maybe one of the biggest surprises this season; well in my mind, they were, sorry Bruins Fans. I had no idea of ...
Brock was the next big thing. A huge specimen of a man who was NCAA Wrestling champ and best in the country. He, right after college, signed a big money deal with none other than Vince McMahon's World Wresting Entertainment. He was developed, cultivated, and went up the ranks with a huge push right to the top. Brock was champ. He was physically imposing. He was a hilarious...
CAPMESS11 writes...
RANGERS COULD PULL A TIKKANEN BY GETTING ROB BLAKE...
Posted Monday | Comments 0
In March 1994 I sat down to watch the Rangers take on Mark Messier's former team. The Oilers were in town, and I cranked up MSG just after dinner. Anticipating a great game, I got an extra suprise when the Rangers traded one of my favorite young players Doug Weight for Esa Tikkanen. It was a deal virtually done in the halls of MSG. Weight walked from the Rangers dressing r...
I posted this as a comment in one of the topics in the forum, but I felt it was long and detailed enough to post as my blog as well;
First of all....I would make no major changes to the game itself....maybe just eliminate the instigator penalty.
Some of you guys are arguing that owners would lose too much money expanding the ice surface........ummm.....why the hell d...
hambly writes...
NHL Players To Strike in Support of Sidney Crosby's Ankle
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[i]Disclaimer: This news piece is not-entirely-factual and is for entertainment purposes only![/i]
[img:left]http://phasezero.ca/img/news/crosby.jpg[/img] TORONTO, ON - The NHL Players Association has decided to strike until Sidney Crosby's sprained ankle recovers. "The players see no reason to play the game until Sidney's ankle returns to the ice," Paul Kelly, NHLPA E...
Coming out of the All-Star Break, the Blues started out great, winning their first two games against Toronto and Anaheim. But recently, they've squandered an opportunity at four easy points against an injury-depleted Colorado Avalanche team, and a down-and-out Tampa Bay Lightning squad. Saturday's game against Colorado was a perfect example of not taking advantage of a per...
[i]"It's tough. I'm not going to lie . . . Now is a time when we'll see what sort of character is on this team. We'd like everybody healthy and going, but that's not the case. We have to buckle down and right the ship."
- Ted Nolan[/i]
[i]"There are plenty of teams with guys hurt . . . We have to find ways to win. We can't focus who's hurt. We have to focus on who's h...
With [b]Alexander Ovechkin[/b] soaking up the spotlight, and [b]NBC[/b] repeatedly opting out of showing [b]Penguin[/b] games to showcase other teams, how bad has [b]Sidney Crosby[/b]'s injury [i]really[/i] been for the [b]NHL[/b]?
When are [b]Sabres[/b] fans more annoying, when the team is winning or when it's losing?
What's harder to find: a fully occupied row of s...
So it seems the Florida Panthers welcomed back Roberto Luongo by rewarding fans with TV's each time he allowed a goal. Nice. Though it did set the little hamster wheel in my head in motion...
Here, then, is the list of one promo I'd like to see each team offer:
[b]Anaheim Ducks:[/b] After each fight, 10 fans are invited to sit in the Ducks owners' box between Bria...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603881306439/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFlwc_Hi-5A
First Thank you to Theresa for taking me with you today. I enjoyed hanging out. I look forward to meeting up Thursday night.
2nd Hi Brooke, Karen, Sandy, TFF, HF, Flywing15 aka Sharon, Rosanne, Joanne
Joanne was in the pic for todays game. Brooke, Theresa,...
[i]"I got up feeling so down
I got off being sold out
I've kept the movie rolling
But the story's getting old now
I just looked in the mirror
Things aren't looking so good"
[/i]
Here we are . . .
[b]
Feeling Minnesota[/b]
You can almost hear Chris Cornell's throaty growl as you stare at the TV screen or read your morning paper about last night's game. Once ...
Sitting up in the 300 level for a sabres game at the HSBC arena lets you see everything. When Richard Zednik was hit in the neck with a skate out of the corner of my eye i caught Ryan Miller and Brian Campbell waving there hands and what looked like them to be yelling their heads off for a trainer to get to Zednik ASAP. Earlier in the night Miller had called for the refere...
The Blues today called up goaltender Chris Beckford-Tseu and forward Yan Stastny from Peoria, and have sent backup goalie Hannu Toivonen to the Riverman for conditioning.
Toivonen started Saturday night in a 6-2 defeat to the Dallas Stars, and was pulled in favor of a sick Manny Legace after allowing four goals. He is 5-6-3 in 16 games played this season with a goals a...
Mats Sundin the all time Leaf scoring leader is rumoured to be willing to waive his no trade clause for certain teams in a bid to help the Leafs future, i being a Leaf fan would love to see the Big Swede return in the summer, since at this time we do not have anyone who can replace Sundin's point production, Sundin will most likely be traded along with a current roster pla...
So here we are on a gray, dreary, snowy eve. Or as they call it in Buffalo and Toronto . . . [b]Tuesday[/b].
[i]"One game at a time"
- Ted Nolan[/i]
Ted is being interviewed for a pregame where he is talking about the good things in the last two games. And no matter the doom and gloom, they have played far better the last two. The pressure is on tonight. The colise...
I have talked to a couple of people tonight that have told me the Blues and Penguins are definitely talking trade. The Blues apparently have expressed interest in defenseman Ryan Whitney and forward Erik Christiansen, among a few others.
If a trade is indeed made, it looks as if defenseman Barrett Jackman is one of the definite names mentioned to be heading to Pittsbur...
10:07 p.m.: Some quick post-game wrap-up...Big win for the Sabres. Miller 1st star with 35 saves and Gaustad with the GWG. Other updates since Buffalo's game ended, the Habs win in OT 2-1, Boston holds on to win 2-1 and they actually pass the Rangers in the process, at least for now, as they have one more win and two games in hand.
Updated Eastern Conference standings l...
In case you haven't heard, oft-suspended Islanders forward Chris Simon is back practicing with the team as of yesterday, is eligible to return February 21st against Tampa and will do so immediately, according to coach Ted Nolan:
[i]"I can't see why he wouldn't get right back in the lineup. Other guys get injured and then get right back in. I don't see this as any differ...
It is official!
Blueshirts Goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvist has signed a six-year contract extension of $6.875 million per season. No more speculation on free agency after this season, our very own Olympic gold-medal winner can no longer be distracted with contract matters. The Rangers just bought you and we all can now reclaim your old moniker "The King." Or at least, here'...
tyler_31 writes...
Canadian T-Deadline Gameplan: Part I of IV - Calgary Flames
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and Canadian hockey fans everywhere stockpiling the beer and getting the work-escape plans ready, I thought that I would analyze each Canadian teams game plan for trade deadline day, highlighting each teams needs, possible trade bait, and what players they could be targeting. Today, I will begin with the Calgary Flames. Friday:...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603903730908/
First Post Happy Valentine's to all. I hope it was a good day for you.
Second Thanks to Anna for coming with me. That was fun we have to go again.
Third Shout out to everyone Mr And Mrs 23, Sandy and the kids, Brooke, Theresa and her Brother, Rad, Kristin, Rosanne, and anyone I may have forgotten.
...
tyler_31 writes...
Canadian T-Deadline Gameplan: Part II of IV-Edmonton Oilers
Posted Friday | Comments 0
With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, and Canadian hockey fans everywhere stockpiling the beer and getting the work-escape plans ready, I thought that I would analyze each Canadian teams game plan for trade deadline day, highlighting each teams needs, possible trade bait, and what players they could be targeting. Yesterday, I will did the Calgary Flames (See Archiv...
Probably a lot of you are wondering, when these trades are going to happen. Especially after the Ottawa trade. Now you think teams would want to respond right away well not really. They have 11 days. Also Commodore and Stillman are not BIG names. Yes, they are good players don't get me wrong and fill will fill a big role in Ottawa. Ottawa got what they needed. When I am ta...
In the "Salary Cap" world of today's NHL, all teams must configure their rosters to fit within the Cap currently set at $50.3M USD. And this system encourages a bargaining chip - the no trade clause.
While general managers employ this for different reasons, it ends up having the same effect. Some will use it to pursue players in the free agent frenzy to assure them of s...
[u][i][b]Part One of a three-part series.[/b][/i][/u]
Lately, lots of predictions are being made: who will/won't be traded; who will/won't make the playoffs; even who will/won't play in the Olympics [i]two years from now[/i](!?!)
In this space, I'll put forth my nominees for this year's Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.
The [b]Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy[/b] is...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/nolansimonempire.jpg[/img]
I like pugilists just like the typical hockey traditionalist. I spy Pierre MacGuire with his mug looking like someone just spilled his Chablis as he is forced by the NBC producers to watch fist fly. It is then that I pray that Mad Mike will then just lose his sanity, a la an Isles trade, and then take a swing...
Ron Guillet writes...
Cutting Your Losses : Marian Hossa and Brian Campbell
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
So Marian Hossa has decided to openly announce that his chances of re-signing with the Atlanta Thrashers are "slim". I'm here to tell you that I've had enough. If I'm a general manager and my player openly says something like this, c'est au revoir mon ami!
GM's and fans alike don't need this kind of attention around their team. The Thrashers are in the heat of battle fo...
With the Islanders once again currently sitting in 13th place in the East, I'm sure Garth Snow is contemplating the best approach on what to do with the Islanders at the deadline. The Isles are only five points away from the playoffs, but also only 4 points away from finishing last in the East.
Five points is not the most difficult task, but with five games remaining un...
If you ask me, right behind our timid, inconsistent offense that has had great difficulty burying the puck this season, this team has been lacking something else from last year that was notable throughout the season. It's not just Jason Blake's 40 goals or the fearless leader in Alexei Yashin....JUST KIDDING! No, it's not baseball swings with hockey sticks or number 3 expl...
As the Trade Deadline approaches, GM's around the NHL are gearing up for one of the most exciting days of the NHL schedule. It is the day where teams must decide their fate and either give the fans hope or preserve it for the years ahead.
While teams decide their future, so will GM's. It's an emotional, nerve racking affair for them; a last chance at redeeming their mis...
Well as I said before this past weekend could go a long way to determining the Flyers deals at the upcoming trade deadline. It looks like Hatcher is out for a month, as is Lupul, Gagne for at least that long, and now Downie is out with a "mild" concussion. I know this sounds like crybaby stuff, but when is the NHL going to protect the Flyers players within the rules like...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603929412638/
First THANK YOU KRISTIN FOR THE TICKETS!!!!
Second Shout out to everyone Karen, Brooke, Sandy and the kids, Erica, HF, Sharon, Theresa, and TFF.
Third a shout out to the nice gentlemen from Canada who stood outside with us die hards post game.
I got there in time for warm ups and we are trying out K...
[i]Cage goes in the water, Isles go in the water. Shark's in the water. Our shark.[/i]
Isles are on a three game win streak. Sharks on a 3 game losing streak. Trade deadline, meanwhile, which might be influential to both teams, is just over a week away.
Think this game doesn't mean much?
Au contraire.
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/islesvssharks.jpg[/img]...
millertime writes...
Monday, Feb. 18: The day the trade winds started to blow
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The dominoes are falling and a series of trades are finally just around the corner for NHL fans across North America (and the world).
-The news that [b]Peter Forsberg[/b] will NOT be returning to the NHL this season does away with a distraction that has put all General Managers on hold, as teams waited to see what Peter would do. Now that he's off the market, look for ...
[u][i][b]Part Two of a three-part series.[/b][/i][/u]
Here are my nominees from each team for this year's Masterton Trophy.
This does [i]not [/i]mean that I think each has an equal shot at the trophy, just that each is the most deserving from his team.
[u][b]The East[/b][/u]
[u][b]Atlanta--Mark Recchi[/b][/u]
Many doubted he had anything left when waived by th...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/islesmagic8ball.jpg[/img]
So the Isles have a streak of 4 wins going now. They finally beat the Flyers. TO has fallen. Atlanta went down in flames. The Sharks angrily lost another on the road. How quickly fortunes change in the thick of the close throng in points of the Eastern Conference.
So, step right up and see what the future ho...
Don't worry, I'm not implying that the Islanders are going to win 7 games in a row after losing 7 in a row, but they are making one hell of an interesting playoff push. With less than a week to go to the deadline, most fans have been speculating as to what Garth Snow will do. Will he pull the trigger on some firesale deals? Will he make a Stillman + Commodore/Eaves + Corvo...
Rob McGowan writes...
Why Blake Returning to The Isles May Be a Good Thing
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I've finally decided that instead of continuously posting on the boards about the potential trade of McCabe and Blake back to Long Island, that I'll just rant and rave here for my second post in one day....yes...I sadly do not know where my priorities are...or maybe I do ;) And since my last blog had plenty to say about Bryan McCabe, this one will discuss that speedy cog, ...
The NHL features three ways a team can lose a regular season game -- and a team can collect a point in two of them. There is something wrong with that. I am proposing teams collect points in a new way starting next season.
If a team wins in regulation or overtime, it garners two points -- the same as now. If a team loses in regulation or overtime, it gets NO points. ...
Why This Latest Pulp Fiction Making the Rounds Will Likely Not Be Happening
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/pulpgm.jpg[/img]
GM Garth and former GM, JFJ
Reports are flying around that Cliff Fletcher, the new GM for Toronto and our Garth Snow were discussing McCabe. Let's look a bit more into that and debunk the rumormill which has heated up due to it.
Bryan McCab...
It might just be me, but I have a feeling that this year's trade deadline will be the least active trade deadline day in recent history.
Seeing as how last year several teams had to mortgage their future (Nashville, Atlanta) only to get a slightly above average hockey players (Keith Tkachuk, Forsberg), I personally believe that GM's around the league will be gun shy. T...
[b][i][u]Part Three of a three-part series.[/u][/i][/b]
Here are my nominees from each team for this year's Masterton Trophy.
This does not mean that I think each has an equal shot at the trophy, just that each is the most deserving from his team.
[b][u]The West[/u][/b]
[b]Anaheim--Brad May[/b]
To play as long as he has in the role he does is saying something....
Isles shutout the Lightning, extending the win streak to 6. Simon returns to boos, and the Isles seem surprised? Let's give them a reality check . . .
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/greaselightning.jpg[/img]
There several stories to come out of last night's big win over Tampa. The obvious one is that our streak is now 6 wins. Another is that despite these last cou...
Recently there’s been a lot of talk about having goaltenders wear special jerseys with advertisements on them. When I first heard this idea I reacted like most hockey fans did, my initial reaction was I’ll believe it when I see it. I assumed that this was just another one of the NHL’s brain dead ideas hoping to increase revenues. I couldn’t possible have seen the N...
Man, do I wish that I DID predict that the Islanders were going to win 7 in a row when I wrote, [i]7 Down to 7 Up[/i]! But what are you going to do? With my luck if I go ahead and say that "you know what" will definately happen, then they won't accomplish "you know what"....confused yet? Okay good.
[img:right]http://assets.espn.go.com/media/nhl/2004/0129/photo/a_hunter...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603974466895/
First Thank you To Jessica for going with me tonight. It was fun catching up.
Second HI to all the Peep, Kristin, Theresa, HF, TFF, Brooke and Karen (thanks for the Phantoms game Updates live from Hershey).
Right now I probably should not be typing this blog I made a personal rule for myself that aft...
My Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157603971226293/
Erica's pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickilynn7/sets/72157603977891074/
First THANK YOU! To all the players and their wives. This was a great event. Your time is a valuable thing and it was appreciated that you did this today.
Second shout out to all the peeps.
Brooke and Kar...
"Thanks for nothing Mats". WHATT?! I saw this yesterday right after Berger broke the news of Sundin's decision to not waive his NTC.
Are you kidding me? You know what, no, obviously you aren't. You pathetic excuses for Lea-- no, hockey fans. How DARE you disrespect such a legacy like that of Mats Sundin. Seriously how about this.
Thank you Mats for your hard-work and ...
In my opinion, the re-signing of Barrett Jackman has set things in motion for the Blues to make a much larger deal before the 2:00 PM CT trade deadline Tuesday afternoon. For weeks, the Blues and Jackman had discussions on a contract extension, but it didn't get any further than both sides tossing out numbers. Jackman beleived he was worth "market value", that being the $3...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Live Blog From The Isles Blog Box: MAB & Simon Dealt
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Here we are. I'm sitting next to Jim Baumbach, of Newsday. He's decided to blog about us blogging about the trade deadline. You might remember him from the hubbub over asking if the Al Arbour game should count. He's been a good sport, despite his baseball background and hockey noob question that caused a ruckus with Isles fans.
His live blog: http://weblogs.newsday.com...
So another trade deadline has come and gone, with alot more trades then was expected on my part, now we will select 3 teams that we see as winners and 3 teams that we see as losers based on todays trades not on what picks might bring you down the road.
[b][u]WINNERS[/u][/b]
[b]Dallas[/b]- The Stars picked up one of the bigger names at the deadline picking up Brad Ric...
Salvador to Jersey..
Richards traded to Dallas..
Campbell to San Jose...
The frenzy is just starting to begin...
And Snow is in his office...ready to pull the trigger on a deal...and it is.......
A 7'TH ROUNDER TO SAN JOSE FOR ROB DAVISON!
Whew...almost worried we were out of the hunt for a second. What a relief. Hey I almost feel as good as when we lost out o...
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/bloggingheathen.jpg[/img]
Today was a big day. Just for me, as a hockey fan. I love the trade deadline. I love the energy and excitement. I was at ground zero of trade happenings in Isles land. Yes, many things did not happen, but alas, we will go more into that.
...
After a long and suspenseful NHL Trade Deadline, Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher felt the ripple effects from former GM, JFJ. With Bryan McCabe, Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle, Darcy Tucker and Pavel Kubina all refusing to waive their respective no-trade clause agreement, "Silver Fox" had to chip away the outer core.
Hal Gill, Chad Kilger and Wade Belak are no longer Toronto ...
millertime writes...
To all hockey fans: Don't Feel Bad For Us Sabres Fans
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I've been hearing a lot of "sorry to hear about Campbell," "I feel for you guys," "it's got to be a tough night for you," etc. from many of my hockey buddies across North America. I'm sure other Sabres fans have heard similar sentiment.
But please, don't feel bad for us. No reason to.
Let me start by putting it this way, this day is NOTHING, NOTHING compared to tha...
Note to Sabres fans: There is too much time left.
A rash of negative phone calls hit the WGR-550 AM airwaves yesterday in Buffalo as fans voiced their disapproval with how contract negotiations with D Brian Campbell were botched, forcing a trade.
It appeared that many fans were pointing the finger directly at GM Darcy Regier. This wasn't Regier's fault. This time yo...
NYIsles16 writes...
NYI: Post Deadline Thoughts on the NYI and Other Deals
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So here we are, February 27th, and the trade-deadline has come and gone. The anticipation is over and we can freely analyze every move that was made, or not made. As always, there is much criticism on Long Island, including some radicals going as far as saying that Garth Snow should be fired and shipped off the Island immediately. Before I analyze the Islanders and why Gar...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604001443823/
First Thank you to the Fan Club. Tonight's meeting was first rate as always.
Second Thank you Mike Richards! Tonight was very enlightening and entertaining.
Mike Richards talked to the Fan club for about 30 minutes or so.
He was asked a variety of questions. Everything from his thoughts on deadl...
How Garth Snow refused to be seduced by easy answers or swayed by buying or selling. Instead, he graduated this season, making careful and difficult considerations this trade deadline. Whether the fanbase agreed with it or not.
((Cue the Simon and Garfunkel))
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/thegmgraduate.jpg[/img]
I'm not sure what everyone expected of this...
As Blues fans may have noticed, rookie forward David Perron has been spending a lot of time in the pressbox during games instead of being out on the ice with his teammates. Perron has played in two out of the last six games recently. An article written by Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch describes why coach Andy Murray and team president John Davidson conti...
On the morning of Trade Deadline Day, XM204 played a clip of [b]Buffalo Sabres'[/b] GM [b]Darcy Regier[/b] discussing how the media places a lot of pressure on GMs to get something done at/by the deadline. He's right about that--to a point. In most cases, that pressure comes as a result of what a GM has--[i]or hasn't[/i]--done to deserve it.
Some GMs were definitely exp...
This blog is specified between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Pittsburgh Penguins -- two teams that have felt the cold and unfair hand of management stamp down on decisions, exiling the General Managers. It is a [i]proces[/i]s which can end a GM's tenure quite easily. The management sees an opportunity, exploits it whether or not the GM sees fit, and the repercussions always ...
We, for the most part, are on the final turn to the yearly horse race of the NHL. This is where either riders and horses pick it up, or fall away into the pack. Right now, the Isles are fading into the pack.
The Flyers had their tough spot a couple games back. A freefall that has them climbing out with now 3 straight wins (i should have been clearer in my yesterdays bl...
So the ceremony begins at 2 o'clock, with a glorious walk of champions. And no, I'm not talking about the bar and grill inside the Marriot. The 17 members that played for all the Islanders' Stanley Cup Championships will walk from the Marriot to the Coliseum, with Lord Stanley's Cup present, in honor of the hard-fought battles they endured during all those playoff years.
...
[i]"I think the most frustrating thing is letting four points slip away this weekend"
- Mike Comrie[/i]
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times . . .
There is a line that succinctly embodies a weekend of festivities and games which I had miss seeing in person. Apologies to those who were hoping to meet me there at the Blog Box. My next date there is at...
Isles at Rangers notes: Dubie in goal again!
Gervais still day-to-day
On Friday, February. 29th, at 8pm, at my swanky apartment in Freeport, was another first for sport bloggers. A blog box cocktail party. A giant leap for blogger kind as they descended his abode for booze, wine, beer, soda, cheese platters, shrimp, veggies, dips, and all sorts of goodies.
There...
Islanders vs. Rangers
Many fans on both sides have been waiting for this re-match. I remember 2 years ago when they decided to have each team play their division rivals 8 times a piece, how excited I was knowing that meant 8 Islander-Ranger games a year. I just can't get enough of these games.
Regardless of playoff positions these games seem to fire up both teams, th...
I thought I would have a look at the standings with a change in how points are awarded. I have taken each team[i]'[/i]s record (prior to games played on Tuesday March 4th) and divided them into Regulation wins and losses, Overtime wins and losses, and Shootout wins and losses.
I have awarded three points for a regulation win, 2 points for an overtime win and 1 point fo...
Most Isles fans like myself will be quick to point out most Islander Ranger games are do or die, but non more than the game that took place at the world's most famous arena last night. The Rangers came into the game rolling not losing in regulation nine straight games whereas the Islanders despite working hard over the weekend had only one goal to show for. The odds were...
[u][i][b]The problem is...[/b][/i][/u]
The date was April 19th. The year, perfectly enough, '99. The image is a hockey classic, not unlike Bobby Orr flying through the air, Patrick Roy throwing his hands up in surrender, or Brett Hull skating in the blue paint. A helmet-less Wayne Gretzky skating off the ice, waiving to the people who supported, loved, and r...
Every year, around this time, a certain goalie is linked with a certain trophy. Year in and year out, [b]Martin Brodeur[/b] is on the list of goalies who deserve the [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vezina_Trophy] Vezina Trophy[/url]. He's a fantastic player, and will enter the Hall of Fame without question. One goalie, who has been a rock for his team to build a playoff ...
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604063921785/
Shout out to everyone:
Thank you Candy for coming to the game
HI Dek and David so funny you guys were behind us. What are the odds?
Brooke and Karen that was so fun
Theresa and Her brother a pleasure as always awesome you got the Upshall puck
Kristin good observations and thanks for l...
[img]http://www.blazingconcepts.com/img/syd/blog/sibrivalry4.jpg[/img]
Two men enter. One man leaves.
Two bloggers from opposite sides of the hockey rivalry sit in the same box. And share the same questionable DNA. Yes, it can only be the Gallofs.
[b]B.D. Gallof, NY Islanders Blogger: [/b]
Well, here we are. Scott follows me like a puppy through the throng ...
The 2007-2008 NHL season has pretty much become a write-off for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans. Most of the blame for the mediocre season has fallen into the hands of one John Ferguson Jr. for many of the questionable decisions he made as Leafs General Manager. Trading Tukka Rask for Andrew Raycroft obviously tops that list , but neither of those players had a re...
Once again the Islanders sit in 11th place, nine points from last in the East, and only five points away from a playoff spot. Tonight they play a Flyers squad that has only won four games in their past ten, but holds onto that 8th seed in the east that the Islanders have set their desperate eyes on. All of this just leads me to one question.
[b]Can anyone figure this te...
There are several areas that get commonly looked at as ways to increase goal scoring and they are the “reduce the goalie equipment” and “make the nets bigger”. These are minor factors in amount of goals that are stopped. In watching games now, coaches have implemented a defensive systems that do not rely on hooking and grabbing – now they block shots. Just for...
In roughly one month, the blazing turbines of a rookie race -- which is unfortunately getting ignored from the media -- will cease. Let’s meet the candidates who will most likely raise some eyebrows for grasping the "Calder Trophy".
[b]Patrick Kane[/b]: The 19-year old Buffalo native debuted his NHL career with the Chicago Blackhawks. Initial expectations were that Ka...
It's a huge question many fans have to ask themselves. Do we all want our team to be in the playoffs? Absolutely. What fan doesn't? Do we want our team to win and advance, and hopefully make it to the Cup Finals? Without question. Are these questions feeble-minded? Without a doubt. But how about this one...Does this team deserve to make the playoffs?
Unfortunately, I do...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604079013986/detail/
First THANK YOU SCOTTIE UPSHALL
second Thanks gang was good seeing everyone IE Sandy and the kids, Theresa, Rosanne, Steve and Joyce.
Ok I am not an autographs signing person with the exception of team events where I can get a few players or the carnival where the proceeds are for charity. I had ...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Monday Morning Playoff Burger and Blues. Hold the Burger.
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Last week, the Isles went to MSG and brought back a hard fought win. It was probably their biggest win of the season due to the timing, rivalry and issues on their plate. It was a win in which we hoped would be the impetus to changing the gut-wrenching inconsistent mess they turned into mid-season.
Well, on Saturday night, they managed their biggest loss against a team ...
As spectators of sporting events we often have the urge to yell, shout, boo, clap or make any other type of noise we deem necessary to let somebody know just how we are feeling. It might be the common double-syllabic, repetitious chant using the opposing goaltenders first or last name in hopes they let in a soft one on the stick side. Perhaps it's the jeering directed to...
WOW! I just watched the end of the Montreal-New Jersey game on Versus, and how about those Habs?
I wish I would've seen this whole game, but ending up with 38 saves, obviously Carey Price had to be sensational. I personally have had some concern about Carey but he stepped up in a big game in a big way and I'd officially like to say I'm on the Carey bandwagon. This gu...
There are a few reasons this incarnation of the Islanders for the 2007-2008 season failed. It has little to do with buying out Yashin and not going over-the-top to retain Blake. Though, if the Isles had just gone up one more year, he might have been retained. The thought that Blake is over-the-hill and ineffectual now in Toronto is just premature. When TO swept in, evident...
Night after night on Sportscentre, hockey fans across North America are seeing 5-4, 4-3, or 4-2 games. Even with goal scoring on the rise (5 players have legitimate shots at 100 points this season) we all know it's only a matter of time before someone chimes up about how we can increase scoring in the NHL. I really don't think it's needed based on the statistics, but ideas...
[i]"We ask him over and over again not to play the puck as much," Nolan said of DiPietro. "He's one of the best puck-handlers in the league, but you just can't overhandle it. When you overhandle it, you get yourself in trouble a little bit."[/i]
Sounds like Ted Nolan is just a tad bit frustrated with DiPietro making mistakes handling the puck in consecutive games which ...
[b]*NOTE*:[/b] I will be writing a series of blogs discussing a handful of teams whose expectations were minimal to start the season or even now. Within these teams, I believe one will take home the Stanley Cup to their franchise.
The second team I will be writing about is the New York Rangers. They debuted their off-season with a bang last summer, acquiring the likes o...
1-1=2
Wait, what?
Itlan @8-)
We all know there is a slight rumble behind the scenes between GM Garth Snow and coach Ted Nolan. The discrepancy of DP's status/sitting. Perhaps even the moving of Simon. Sure, an eyebrow or two got raised. But to construe any rumble as the beginnings of large discord seems to be premature. TSN did not help as last night, the braintrust of Bob MacKenzie (who I do love), a...
In light of the recent stomping incident involving Chris Pronger and Ryan Kessler, I thought I'd share the email I wrote to Gary Bettman (cc to Collin Campbell). I am simply disgusted with the direction this league is headed.
Dear Mr. Bettman,
If the current reports regarding the Chris Pronger/Ryan Kessler stomping incident are accurate, I feel compelled to voice my...
Ok so I know I'm gonna get a lot of heat for this one. But it should get some reaction from the Blue seats. Axel has been back and forth to Broadway more than "Kristen" . His performances have been erratic and sometime they've been brilliant. Yet one thing is for sure # 27 is free again this summer. OK,Ok, so most of you want to shed salary and go after Brian Campbell...
DougStolhand writes...
The Pronger Stomp & Chris Simon's Take On Things
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Anaheim Ducks are coming off a nice 4-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night and the attention of the team and fans should be on the remaining nine games and what seeding the Ducks will have as they enter the Western Conference Playoffs. But instead all the talk has been about Chris Pronger and his alleged stomp on Vancouver's Ryan Kesler.
On Thursday t...
Happy Saturday morning
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/Buts/
enjoy
And the mountain spoke down to Chris Pronger . . . 8 games. Methinks he got off a bit light, but better than the big fat zero flub they made the first time round. Plus, Isles take on Montreal tonight.
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
Chris Pronger, according to TSN, you know, the guys where they think grainy footages are non-crim...
"It would be foolish to think we're rushing him in any way," Snow said. "He's been one of the best forwards in Bridgeport, averaging just under a point a game.
"He's earned a chance to put on an Islanders uniform and play at the NHL level. At the end of the day, it will be a good opportunity for him to compete. In no way are we rushing him. He's proven he's capable of p...
B.D. Gallof writes...
OkposoMania Running Wild as Isles Fall to Montreal Again
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
So after another drubbing upon the Isles, the Official Isles website has 4 stories and features on Kyle Okposo, along with the China story. And nothing about the 3-0 loss to Montreal last night. The game recap is buried. If you watched the game, you watched an ineffectual offense unable to make a dent in Halak, making him look like Hasek. And despite a better effort and go...
I don't have a mathematician's mind. But I like to write programs. My statistical analysis of the NHL started in 2003 when the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (as they were known back then) were looking like they were going to make the playoffs. I made a very simple Excel spreadsheet to track the progress of the standings points for the Ducks. It can be seen [url=http://itlan.kick...
[b]*NOTE*:[/b] I will be writing a series of blogs discussing a handful of teams whose expectations were minimal to start the season or even now. Within these teams, I believe one will take home the Stanley Cup to their franchise. So far, I've I wrote about two of these clubs, the Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers.
The Calgary Flames didn't start off with load...
Isles have Okposo and 50% off tickets so you can see him. But, they also plead for you not to buy into the hype. A mixed message if I ever saw one. And perhaps a slight schism in the internal politics of sales mechanics versus team dynamics, as a season is awash in disappointment. There is no doubt that people like the coach, GM and VP of Media Relations, Chris Botta (who ...
[i]Wade Dubielewicz gets the start tonight and Joey MacDonald has been recalled from Bridgeport of the American Hockey League. Rick DiPietro will have an MRI on his hip this afternoon and the Islanders expect to have results on Wednesday.[/i]
-Taken from the Isles web-site
Isn't that fantastic?! Our star-netminder that is here for another 13 years is having an MRI on...
[b]DP Iced: Gone for Season [/b]
DP is now out for the year, as now his right hip will be operated on. The poorest kept secret in hockey is now done. Rick has likely been hurt since the all star game, and has clearly contributed to his second-half falter. It might also explain his extended sitting after his grandmother passed away.
So, surgery on his left hip after ...
Throughout its history, the NHL has had its share of "characters," and now is no different.
We all know that [b]John Tortorella[/b] looks like [b]Fonzie[/b] and [b]Sidney Crosby[/b] looks like [b]Butt-head[/b], but here's a few you might not have noticed...
[b]Jacques Martin / [i]Ratatouille[/i][/b]
[IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y105/Number23/HockeyBuzz/...
Hockey has been one of the greatest things to ever enter my life. In most generations, kids get into hockey when they're young, very young. Sometimes even at the ages of five or six. I know a lot of people that have played hockey up through the years of middle school and then drop it like a bad habit. But the ones who continue on and play for their high school, play colleg...
tootooisapunk writes...
Problems with EA sports NHL 08 get used to it or speak up.
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Like many gamers, I have been waiting on the roster update for NHL 08. We all assumed it would be out in a reasonable time. Well it has finally come out [b]3 weeks after the trade deadline[/b] and it's full of glitches.
Systems lock up, connections drop, and lineups are full of holes. The Stars, my favorite team, and the Sharks (the other team in the Pacific) only have...
The Philadelphia Flyers head into the final eight games of their '07-'08 season with a 36-28-10 record, good enough for the 8th and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
For a franchise that finished dead last in the NHL last season, this would seem like an enviable position.
But looks can be deceiving.
Before a mild 3-2 victory over a paltry Thrashers clu...
OHHHHHHHHH BABY! Man as good as Joe Micheletti has been , man do I miss that phrase by John Davidson. Last night was an OH night as in the Rangers are now 6 and 0 Vs the Devils this year.
The Rangers stayed patient and played there system and with a beautiful Callahan pass to Drury in the slot ,OHHHH what a goal! There are a lot of un canny similarities to the year...
I just wanted to get some feedback from the Fishstick squad. All jokes aside it was nice to team up with my foes last week or so. With the Islanders and Rangers going to war a few of us had to inform the world just how intense the battles are. After seeing the Rangers/Devils last night, god it's great being a hockey fan in the NY area. Hats off to you who took the time...
millertime writes...
Fascinating--If Sabres win out, They're in the Playoffs
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
What does the Boston loss mean tonight?
If the Sabres win out - each of their last 8 games - they are in the playoffs. Period.
Nobody behind them can catch them if they win out and they would leapfrog Boston for a playoff spot, regardless of what currently-eighth-place Philadelphia does.
Buffalo will have tallied 16 points for those 8 wins and would finish with...
If there is one change that the NHL must it is the point allotment for wins and losses. Otherwise known as the "three-point
game." It is the most idiotic practice to award 2 points in some games and 3 in others. It makes it impossible to catch
teams in the playoff races when some games are offering up more points than others. This also contributes to a more bor...
ladynic writes...
3/20 Flyers fan Club, 3/21 Flyers/ Phantoms practice & Game
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Hi Everyone it has been a busy few days. I am doing just one report.
3/19 Fan Club Meeting
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604187799571/
3/21 Flyers and Phantoms practice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604191654583/
3/21 Rangers@ Flyers
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604201116469/
Here is the link for Erica'...
What better way to score your first NHL goal than on one of the greatest goaltenders of all-time, Martin Brodeur? How about the fact it was the game winner with just under a minute or two remaining in regulation that ended a six game skid?
[img:left]http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/images/upload/2008/03/okposo_032108.jpg[/img] You can tell he felt all that and more with a ...
The NHL has made a cultural shift since the lockout. In a game that was once dominated by players in their early to mid thirties, a youth movement has taken place. Now we have players like Crosby, Ovechkin and Phaneuf among many others who are dominating the game while in their early twenties. It is players like these that every team covets, and if you ask any GM in the...
As the regular season winds down we again see that the biggest issue with the competitive balance in the NHL is not East versus West, but the rivalries within the decisions. This season more than any in recent memory the difference within the divisions when coupled with the division-heavy scheduling is making some teams appear to be more in the playoff hunt than they shou...
Pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604220361470/detail/
Thank you Erica! That was fun.
Erica's pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickilynn7/sets/72157604228050714/
Shout out to #23, Jsaq, Sandy and the Fly Ladies, Karen, Brooke, Roseanne, Joyce & Steve, Theresa & Caroline and anyone else I may have forgotten.
My signs for the night (accor...
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 ...
In hockey, there used to be one goal....that was to win the Stanley Cup. It didn't matter how much money you made when you won it, it didn't matter how ready for the future the team was, the team's cap situation didn't matter.....no the business aspect stayed out of the history books.
It used to be when a team won the Stanley Cup, the team was engraved forever in hocke...
[img:right]http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20070408/capt.sge.nek63.080407234906.photo00.photo.default-512x379.jpg[/img] So the silence has been broken and Wade Dubielewicz has come out to say like many other players heading towards free agency, that Long Island is his home, he wants to stay and remain an Islander, and is happy playing for them.
But when did he actu...
[img:right]http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/afp/20070408/capt.sge.nek63.080407234906.photo00.photo.default-512x379.jpg[/img] So the silence has been broken and Wade Dubielewicz has come out to say like many other players heading towards free agency, that Long Island is his home, he wants to stay and remain an Islander, and is happy playing for them.
But when did he actu...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/neworleanstrip3.jpg[/img]
New Orleans is haunted. They say this as a matter-of-fact. Sure, there is that touristy aura to the French Quarter where drama club dropouts hark silly stories and half truths to Pa and Ma with the kids who have come in from Memphis. That's not the part of the French quarter I frequented. Instead we delved dee...
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 was unable to make the game in the Blog Box. Instead, I elected to watch it with my wife and two heathen Ranger fan brothers at Chez Gallof. We ordered in Sushi. Both my brothers were in the odd position of having to root for the Isles since Philly was right on their tail. Scott seems to feel that the Ranger's best matchup is with Carolina. He might be right, but it gets...
Jeff Tambellini, who was one of the main reasons Chris Simon was moved which thus allowed him a full-time position, has been sent down to the Islanders Bridgeport affiliate once again this season.
I really have to wonder what the organization's feel for Tamby is at this point in his career. He was the first round pick of the L.A. Kings back in 2003, picked at 27th over...
Ok folks I don't have a ton of time until later tonight to post a report.
Here are just pic links for now with more coming later. Enjoy
Devils Game
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604314558899/
NYC day tripping
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604314620453/
Islanders game
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604...
[b]With two games versus the Rangers this week, the Isles stand poised to spoil their playoff party[/b]
As the Isles season comes to a close with young players taking more and more minutes, one interesting thing has developed. The Isles might hold the key to the Rangers fortunes. The Rangers, Bruins and Flyers are knotted up at 91 points. Meanwhile, the Washington Caps ...
Pics of course
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604329647984/
Alright I talked quite a bit @ practice. So I wasn't wholley paying attention.
Participants
Coburn Umberger
Cote Knuble
Carter Jones
Richards Timonen
Tolpeko Kapanen
Parent Briere
Prospal Lupul
Upshall ...
Last night, at 11pm, I got the call. I had heard rumors back when I was traversing the French Quarter of New Orleans early last week. But I held off, thinking it would not happen. That it simply could not happen. Could it?
Last night, it did happen.
Alexei Yashin will be returning to the Isles for a 4 year, 16.5 million deal. This was done between his new agent, Bori...
rwrusso writes...
3 Point Games and the Skills Competition (aka Shootout)
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I love this time of year. Races for playoff spots and final positioning. Tons of meaningful games. Exciting hockey. But I can't help but be completely annoyed by the current point system and OT/shootout format used by the NHL. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't think twice about it last season, as Buffalo dominated the league and won the President's Trophy, all ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Brodeur and The Devils Aren't Fools This April Fools Day
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Sure, it's a day of practical jokes and funnies, but there was nothing funny about the Devils victory tonight at the Coliseum. Tonight Brodeur captured his 40th win of his career against the Islanders, leading his team once again to clinching a playoff spot for the 11th year in a row against our lowly Islanders. Just add Brody's accomplishment to the list of others that ha...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Some Points to be Made as the Isles Fall to NJ in OT
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/BlogBoxHeaderBanner.jpg[/img]
As you all watch the games and read the same articles, I won't bore you with the usual recap and such. I always assume you all saw what I saw. But I will share some of what I came away with from my last Blog Box Isles game for this season . . .
[b]BD's Game Key Stats [/b]
Matt Spiller getting HUGE...
grapes17 writes...
Varying broadcast qualities help understate hockey's popular
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Contrary to popular opinion, the national opinion of hockey in the United States is indeed... popular.
There is no need to look further than attendance numbers. The NHL's average attendance is virtually neck and neck with the NBA, with the NHL having a slight lead. When percentage of capacities is compared, the difference is greater, as the NHL is in the 93% range while...
Yes, the season has been over for a while now for Islander fans. Instead, we've at least been treated to a glimpse of the future. Anyone who has not been able to make a Bridgeport game now gets a good look with the Isles. The kids playing have created a lot of energy on the ice. And, despite the losses, they are still competing and playing hard, which shows Ted Nolan's ski...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
You know it's time for playoff hockey when...
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/hanson2.jpg?t=1207231935[/img]
[u][b]You know it's time for playoff hockey when...[/b][/u]
* You've stocked up on enough Molson, Export Ale and Labatts to keep the '84 Oilers feeling no pain for the next year and you remember that the Canadian border is over 1,000 miles away but you figure you could still make it th...
This Monday at 8PM we will be able to witness the lottery draft for the first overall pick in what is one of the deepest drafts in years. Right now, although it hasn't been solidified as definite, the Islanders sit in what appears to be the fifth worst spot, prompting the possibility of getting that 1st overall pick.
Sure, many probably figure the odds are not on our si...
Here are some numbers for you:
05-06 22 46 14 244 316
07-08 47 26 08 247 214
The top numbers represent the first year after the strike...Sidney Crosby's first with the Pens. That year the team won 22 games, lost 46, had OTLs of 14...scored 244 goals and had 314 goals scored against them.
The second set of numbers is from the 81 games played THIS year. With 47 win...
Rangers clinch their spot versus the Isles. There has to be nothing more satisfying to them. And that should be a stick in one's craw.
Ted Nolan seemed to satisfied with the Isles effort. Obviously, he is easy to please these days. The way the Isles played this game as compared to the NJ where they competed, is just night and day. And I find it hard to believe someone ...
Note: The following regulations are applicable to any team facing the Pittsburgh Penguins
By: Gary Bettman
[u][b]I. Assessment of Penalties[/b][/u]
[b]A.[/b] Penalties are assessed when a player commits: interference, roughing, cross-checking, slashing, hooking, holding, obstruction hooking, obstruction holding, fighting and instigating. (These terms will be expounded...
I was just taking a peek at the current standings, and something really caught my eye. Record in Last 10. The majority of every team's last 10 games have been versus division opponents, so you would think 2 or 3 teams would have winning records, and the opposite have losing records. Don't get me started on how stupid that type of schedule is when only 3 of 8 playoff spots ...
We're all getting riled up for playoffs and every now and then I still see people whining about the physical style that is hockey. This is hockey people. Hockey players get hurt, it's an outcome a physical game brings. This isn't a new growing problem, checking has been there since the beginning.
NHL teams made a mistake when they figured they no longer need tough guys...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604393421367/detail/
First THANK YOU ERICA!!!!!!!
I am very glad I got to go to the game.
Shout outs to "hell if I know" Sorry gang I didn't come visit.
Sandy and the kids.
Theresa and Caroline
Brooke and Karen,
HF
Rosanne, Joyce and Steve
Joe and Maureen
I got to the game as the Flyers came out for warmups...
Bad publicity of hockey starts with the media. In North America, minds are controlled by the media. The little attention hockey gets in USA should be positive publicity and what it has to offer "as it is". The game is always in the news about how it can be improved or what needs to be changed as far as rules go. The problem with NHL isn't the game itself, but how it's bein...
We Canadians understand that hockey should be in a place where people want the sport. Winnipeg, Hamilton, Quebec City ... anyone listening? However, when it comes to expansion teams this isn't the case; Bettman is still searching for his American audience and this just may be the place to find it.
LAS VEGAS; over 40 million tourists visit every year. It's one of the fas...
No Islanders, despite any spin otherwise, was happy with their disappearance at the Coliseum. As the post-game words were apologist effort, not a one sat satisfied with a 3-0 loss at home against their rivals. In fact, it only added to fan disappointment to the team and the season. It did not sit right.
So, last night, they ended it properly. With some respect for the ...
Well congratulations to all the qualified for the playoffs. As fans this is our favorite time of the year. Forget March Madness. This is the real fun tournament in the spring!
Some final analysis on the season and the unbalanced schedule. Previously I wrote about a plan to play a balanced schedule with 86 total games. 4 (2 home, 2 away) against all teams in the con...
Thoughts heading into the NHL playoffs....
-- Hockey fans should be thankful for the Washington Capitals. Since long-time minor league coach Bruce Boudreau took over on Thanksgiving, the Caps have arguably been the league's most exciting team.
Of course, having Alex Ovechkin helps, but Boudreau allows the Caps to play to their strengths. In a league full of stifling,...
The NHL draft lottery may have seen the Tampa Bay Lightning win the big prize, and most assume it to be Steven Stamkos, but the Blue Jackets made out better than anticipated.
Of course, after the first few weeks of the season, no one expected the Blue Jackets to be hunting for a lottery pick. Some didn't think they would be looking at a top-ten pick. But with the team s...
After watching the NHL draft lottery tonight, I realized that I had wasted about 20 to 30 minutes of my life and that I will never be able to get those minutes back. It got me thinking that there has to be a way to make this more of an event, something that provides the fans of non playoff teams something to cheer for in the spring. Afterwards the final of the NCAA baske...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Lighthouse Project Update and Reasons for Optimism on LI
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
At the Town of Hempteads public meeting on April 8, the Town Board will vote on a resolution to designate itself as Lead Agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act as well as issue a Positive Declaration on the application. These actions lead to the public scoping process, which defines the analysis required for the Environmental Impact tatement.
If possib...
An article in the current (April 8, 2008) issue of [b]The Hockey News[/b] announced that certain officials may very well decline to work this year's playoffs.
[quote][i]"Some veterans, who are winding down their careers, are expected to take a pass on the playoffs to allow younger referees and linesmen to work the post-season."[/i][/quote]
Naturally, the league hasn't re...
A few years back, awaiting the first round of the playoffs to arrive, I found myself in the midst of a marathon channel surf. I was waffled on my comfy sofa, with Stanley Cups dancing in my head...Why can’t those playoffs start already!!!!
Then it happened. I came across a French TV show that has marked me ever since. I sat up, eyes focused to the little screen like...
grapes17 writes...
Ovechkin takes top honors in third annual Grimmy Awards
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[i]Note: Since my last name is Grimm, the name is a takeoff on my name and the music awards of a similar name. These are not predictions, nor are they any kind of announcement of the actual awards.[/i]
[b]Hart Trophy (Most Valuable Player): Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals[/b][i]
Runners-up: Joe Thornton (San Jose), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh)[/i]
In the end, it wa...
Rob McGowan writes...
The Dust Has Settled, So How Do We Clean This Mess?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It's been a few days now since the season has ended for our beloved franchise, and once again we are sitting on the outskirts of the playoffs looking in, watching other teams compete. All we had was the draft lottery to look forward too, and the hype faded for me almost immediately. Something about seeing Mike Milbury at a panel near the table that would possibly hold the ...
[b]Following a humbling defeat at home[/b] by the Detroit Red Wings, Blue Jackets coach Ken Hitchcock claimed that he didn't think his team wanted to beat their division rivals. What he really wanted to say was that he's sick and tired of coaching AHL talent and trying to make a winner out of players that just don't have it, but I'm not going to put words in the man's mout...
The Philadelphia Flyers have now achieved their regular season goal, muscling their way into the playoffs on an emotional two-game win streak; but do the Broad Street Bullies have a chance at the ultimate goal? Their first impedance to immortality answers to the title [quote]Alexander the Great[/quote], and boasts astonishing numbers during the tail end of his team’s [qu...
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...
After spending my entire afternoon at a local outdoor roller hockey rink, soaking in the playoff atmosphere of phlegm and teary eyes combined with the hint of summer break on the horizon, I decided it's time to assess what team I want to make the most out of their playoff opportunity.
In the West I have always liked the Sharks, Ducks, Stars, and Calgary. The Ducks in p...
Hello all.
I am tired of going into other arenas and seeing things like Alex's Crazy 8's and beagle's dog pound. I am starting my own fan support section. I think you the Flyers faithful you can all be behind what I propose
Welcome to Rockin' Riles Rowdies.
I know the Wachovia center is going to rock those Caps coming in to the core. Let's show how Rowdy u...
For those of you who did not see the game, here is the YouTube link that shows what the notorious NHL pest, Sean Avery, did during Game 3 in Round 1 of the Rangers' series with the New Jersey Devils.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ec_2oKWe2Gw
This is absolutely atrocious, a joke, and by far an embarrassment. Sure, as a reader you may feel that I am being a biased Islande...
7 minutes to write this...I apologize if it's not up to my usual standards. But I've been reading and posting to the reactions over the Avery/Brodeur incident, and while I'm just as guilty as everyone else who's voiced an opinion on this, I do have to wonder: How is that a fairly non-dangerous play has merritted an instant statement by the league regarding the interpreta...
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...
First THANK YOU HF for your parking pass hope London is fun. Parking and traffic were the worst part of this whole night and you saved me big.
Second THANK YOU ERICA!!!!!! Great time as always thank you for being a fellow Rowdy.
Third YO Drew Rocking Riles shirt is 4-0-1!!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604565266662/detail/
Shout outs to R...
Gosh, it gets tedious to read the hockey reports in the [i]Sporting News[/i]. The title of a current epistle is [i]Ovechkin falling flat in playoff debut.[/i]
Are we watching the same games? Are we reading the same stat sheets? Do the Flyers get no credit for executing well?
Frankly, this type of reportage is more an indictment of the flawed mentality prevailing in ...
"Average is as close to the top as it is to the bottom, and I'm sick of being average," said Snow. "We've developed a strategy to become competitive every year, which is the key to winning the Stanley Cup. It's called "The Plan." And it involved three parts: drafting wisely, developing prospects and sprinkling in free agents. We're putting in all the resources to bringing ...
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](...
Ok Post game concourse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHGMkHG0SlE
God Bless America Playoff Style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4WCZD0hGBA
Link to my pics.... I am too tired to write anything....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604605331533/detail/
Phantoms Playoff Game tonight!
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 ...
You want find me saying this often, but I stand by Brodeur in his decision to not shake hands with the notorious pest, Sean Avery. The handshake is meant to show respect to one another after a hard fought series of the most demanding games of the year. Personally, I only think you should show respect for someone if you honestly have it. Avery does not respect anyone at all...
Nobody had ever seen anything like Sean Avery's stick-in-the-face antics against Brodeur. Most people thought it was unsportsmanlike behavior, not in keeping with the integrity of the sport of hockey. The NHL acted swiftly to clarify the rules, [i]aka[/i] the "[i]Sean Avery Rule[/i]" to make sure this never happens again without an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of 2 mi...
Just returned from the Verizon Center for Game 5 Flyers at Caps. I have some problems with the way people treat other fans at sporting events. I grew up in Philadelphia and have watched the Flyers, Phillies and Eagles since I was 5 years old in 1970. I am a lifetime fan and have watched all these teams through thick and thin.
I went to the game today in DC and watch...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Cold Hard Truth for NJ, Isles Futures, Milburied, etc
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Hard Truths in NJ, NYR Carries On, Islanders Focus On Futures, more...
[b]The Cold Hard Truths of NJ's Fall[/b]
NJ has been one of the most consistent top teams in the east for a long time now. And it is probably that fact that seems to blur some harsh realities that they are facing. Lou Lameriello is one of the best GMs in the league. And their scouting and draftpic...
Wow what a letdown tonight was. For the first 30 minutes the Flyers did everything right. Attack, defend, and goaltending. Then quickly the collapse happened. There was no passion in the last half of the game. The Caps beat the Flyers to every puck and out worked them all over the rink.
Now the Flyers face back to back nights, a situation where Biron has played poo...
ESPN.com currently has a poll on which sport has the best game 7's.
MLB, NBA, or NHL?
Come on, clearly this has to be NHL.
All, please go to [url]www.espn.com[/url] and submit your vote. Let the sports world know what an NHL game 7 means to us. [b]And in the process, let ESPN know that we want them to keep increasing their hockey coverage![/b]
Currently, the ...
Dear Flyers,
Yes, I know typically my rule of thumb is to not post the same night as the game. Things definitely seem different if you put 8 hours of sleep into something. I would agree to that almost everytime. I just don't have 8 hours of sleep and time to write this up.
Hey, I will be happy to take some blame on tonight's poor luck. I actually made pre game wa...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Sillinger on the Mend plus some Lighthouse Tidbits
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Canada's Leader-Post has an article Monday on the recovery of Regina native, Mike Sillinger. The article, written by Greg Harder, talks about how he just resumed walking without crutches after his initial surgery back in late February.
http://www.canada.com/reginaleaderpost/news/sports/local/story.html?id=1ef4f9ad-180e-4be3-b2d4-8510ebedefd0
In the article, Silling...
As the Dallas Stars finished a 4 - 1 victory at the American Airlines Center in Dallas over the defending Stanley Cup Champions, a loud audible sigh of relief was heard around the NHL. It occurred last night around 8:25pm Pacific Standard Time. I'm sure if you were awake, you heard the loud "[b]ahhhhhhh[/b]" from your own lips and from the collective lips of millions of ...
I must have missed that other mid-playoff presser the NHL held changing the rules. You know, the one where thy told the refs to not call interference. This Caps-Flyers game 7 is a joke. It's one thing to let the players decide the outcome of the game. It's another to let guys start plowing opponents into their goaltender and check guys without the puck. Someone let me...
millertime writes...
Hillary, Philly beat Washington; 2nd Round East Preview
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I don't mean for politics to enter a hockey website, but did anyone else see the irony in tonight's events?
7 minutes after the Flyers beat the Caps in Overtime, Hillary Clinton - who is fighting for a change in the highest office in D.C. - could be seen on CNN addressing supporters in Philadelphia.
That group Hillary addressed was a rambunctious bunch. I counted at...
What a way to end the series. Lupul who was the only forward that scored for the Flyers all season and didn't have a goal all series long. He looked lost. So tonight he played mostly with Briere and Prospal and saw time on the 1st powerplay unit. The move paid off in the first OT with Lupul tucking in the rebound on the powerplay to win the series.
As a Flyers fan, ...
Well I went 7-1 in the first round and only missed the Stars knocking off the Ducks. Not too bad. Now time for round 2.
West
[b]Detroit vs Colorado[/b]
The Avs have had a nice rest and they look very good. Detroit won against a division rival which is hard after 8 regular season games and 6 in the playoffs. I think the uncertainty in the net for Detroit will becom...
Well, it's probably the most cliche blog a hockey fan can possibly write, but here are my round two predictions!
[b]Montreal Canadiens vs Philadelphia Flyers[/b]
Both teams are coming off 7 game series, but the Habs have had an extra day off and have home ice advantage. The Flyers will be playing 3 games in 4 nights. The Habs should take games 1 and 2, but I expect t...
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]------------------------------...
When I wrote my first blog for all the hockey fans watching their team on the golf course while other teams competed in the playoffs, I announced that the Washington Capitals were my choice to go as far as possible. Unfortunately that all came to an end two days ago and now I have to sit back in my chair and decide once again.
We're left with Detroit playing the Avs and...
Today the NHL announced its finalists for the Lady Byng Award. And to be honest I was first shocked to see Pominville's name listed as a finalist. But then I realized that it isn't that far fetched for Jason to be nominated. Do you ever see 29 complain? He is a true professional on the ice. He lets his skill and hard work tell his story. I think he has a legitimate shot a...
Dear NHL teams, players and fans;
Is anyone else tired of players with broken sticks during key parts of the game? If I were an NHL coach I would combat this problem with one simple solution. Wood sticks for my defensemen at all times and my penalty killing forwards would also always use wood during the PK. I am so sick and tired of these flimsy composite sticks I cou...
Fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets have known tears of disappointment for seven years, but with the passing of team owner John H. McConnell, the tears cut deeper, and go far beyond the game.
The gentleman so highly regarded by players, coaches and fans all over the National Hockey League lost his battle with liver cancer on Friday. For fans like myself, his loss feels li...
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...
Marty...Marty...Marty...Marty. Biron outplayed Price tonight. One guy looked a little timid and one guy was dominate. I don't really want to hear any more about Biron not being a number 1 goalie. He has proven that he is one. Umberger, Carter, and Upshall dominated the play when on ice tonight. They were all over the place with offensive pressure and great defensive...
ladynic writes...
4/26/08 AHL Phantoms and NHL Flyers playoff extravaganza
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
First THANK YOU ERICA! awesome day!
2nd Thank you Brooke and Karen! Come on that was fun wasn't it?
Shout outs to Brenda, Jessica, KB, Rad, HF, Lou, Alan and Drew!
I knew this would be a long day. Phantoms playoff game 6 starting @ 1pm their last game having gone into 5 OT's . The Flyers playing @ 7pm away in Montreal but a viewing party hosted by the Flyers...
With work, school, and final papers/exams, it has been a bit tough to catch a lot of these playoff games, and it truly does disappoint me. Today I just had enough time to only catch the final buzzer of the third period of Game 2 in the Pens/Rangers series, and you can imagine that I liked seeing Avery get what he had coming too him...but there is a lot more to be seen from...
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...
The Pittsburgh Penguins look like they have made enormous strides. They have matched the Rangers in two heavy weight matches. In the first they were able to take three blows to the head and then come back with some cheap jabs and then one knockout punch. Yesterday, they held their own in their own corner playing defense until Staal roofed a shot past the King. As muc...
Great game. Flyers outplayed the Habs for the 45 minutes of the game. Then the penalty on Hatcher gave the Habs life. I thought the call was correct on Hatcher but there should have been on Boullion for hitting Umberger on the knee/thigh with his hip prior to the hit OR fighting with Hatcher after the hit. It should have been 5 on Hatcher and 2 on Boullion.
Once agai...
I have more to say but not enough time or inclination. Plus I believe many of the main page bloggers have echoed my sentiments.
I will post the video I took later of the booing during hte anthem and the a hole chant to the poor habs fans on the escaltor
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604794732975/detail/
After watching game 3 against the Rangers, I'd say pretty good.
But seriously. 7-0. In all likelihood about to be 8-0.
I wouldn't have predicted it, not in a long shot, but the Pens are proving why they're the cream of the crop in the East, and they're rising to the top at precisely the right time.
Their confidence is SKYROCKETING after this win at MSG. Not onl...
[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...
It's funny how Karma works in sports. For almost two season Glen Sather has had a love affair with Brooks Orpik and Ryan Malone.(two free agents) There were a few times when Slats almost pulled the trigger to bring the nasty D-man and the tuff power forward to NY for Petr Prucha plus.http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/01/14/changes_coming_for_rangers/ I...
From day one I have never been a fan of the Versus network. I remember right after the lockout the first game that was on was the Rangers/Flyers game. Man was I pumped up. The crowd was ready to go I was practically leaping out of my skin to get the game started. So it comes time for the opening face off and what happens the screen freezes and starts and freezes a few more...
First, let's make something very clear. I am happy for Daniel Briere and Martin Biron tonight. I loved them while they were in Buffalo, and I still love them. They're the type of guys I'm going to follow the rest of their careers, regardless of where they play. Also, kudos to the Flyers in general for coming up big when it mattered most in this pivotal game 4.
But.....
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...
Important FLYERS WON!!!!!!!
pics
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157604818620488/detail/
Shout out to all the Flyers players who stopped!
THANK YOU ERICA!!!!! That was fun!
Shout outs to Theresa, Lou, HF, Rad, Erik, Nads, Roseann, Joyce, Bill, Brenda, Sharon's Dad, My drunk seat neighbors in 210A.
Video.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i...
Growing up I was addicted to those 60's & 70's Scooby Doo cartoons. The Villains would almost always turn out to be the resident good guy in the episode. At the end the crew would pull the mask off to find out that this good guy was the evil character all along. How fitting, because at the end of last nights Rangers/Penguins game we found out that the possible MVP Malk...
MusicCityMadness writes...
MusicCityMadness Musings --- Crowd Control & Respect
Posted Friday | Comments 0
After reading Julie Robenhymer’s great columns on her “fan” experiences I’ve been formulating my take on the state of respect, or lack of, that I have seen in my 30 plus years of attending sporting events at different venues around the country.
Baseball is my first love, followed closely by Hockey. I really prefer to go to hockey games for live action so maybe ...
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 ...
I lost some steam in this round. After going 7-1 (only missing the Stars over Ducks) I set off to predict round 2. Well 2 series are complete in round 2. The Red Wings made me look bad. Not sure when the Avs got so banged up, but the Wings not only beat them, but they humiliated them. These games were blowouts and not even fun to watch. I would venture to guess that ...
This is an open letter to ask the "loyal" fans of the Montreal Canadiens.
How can you fans be confident with Carey Price proclaimed as the future of this storied franchise? Carey was shaky at best in this series. His lack of confidence was shattered that much more by the decision of Jack Adam's Award finalist Guy Carbonneau, to bench him for the service of Halak in game...
watching the Montreal - Philadelphia series I have to wonder why can the Canadiens have French language graphics on the ice as well as dasher boards while there are very few if any Spanish language text advertisements in the United States arenas???
In todays marketing 101, Español/Spanish speaking,reading and writing population is skyrocketing, everywhere we go we get ...
It almost seems that every year there is that one team that no one expects to make out of the first round but somehow manages to carry the "Cinderella" title all the way to the Cup finals, and I think we may be seeing that with the Philadelphia Flyers.
Two years ago we saw the Edmonton Oilers accomplish this task; finishing in 8th place in the West at the end of the reg...
I played in a tournament this weekend called the Wally Cup in Fort Erie, On. In our last game today we had a surprise opponent. Buffalo Sabre Dan Paille played on the other team. We were all shocked. You could really tell that he was going easy, he played defense and didn't take a shot. But he did make a couple amazing passes. I got my Picture taken with him after the game...
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...
Well I followed up a 7-1 first round with a 2-2 second round.
[b]Western Conference Finals[/b]
I like the Stars in a mild upset. They are playing great and getting the play in net they need from Turco. I think the Wings have cruised a bit too easily so far and the intensity of the Stars will allow them to jump out early in the series. It will be interesting to see...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Blog Box Loses Their Blogfather: Botta Resigns from Isles
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
My first interaction with Chris was way back in 2000 when Wang just assumed ownership. I was just a regular overopinionated fan (like that has changed) and they had asked through the Isles website for questions and feedback. I had always found him pretty open and candid, even back then.
Flash forward to today, as I read the newsfeed at 5:45am where there is an article b...
Well, I for one was surprised how quick each series ended, and really thought that the Rangers Penguins series would have been a bit closer. The San Jose Dallas series did go 6 games after Dallas got a quick 3-0 series lead, with a record 5 games being decided in the extra frame. Well lets get to what is currently at hand.
[i]Western Conference Finals[/i]
[b]1. Detroit...
[b]Money for Nothing . . . and your chicks for free[/b]
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/moneyfornothing1.jpg[/img]
It seems that the Isles are much like beachcombers these days. They have become that old frizzled sun-gnarled guy, complete with one of those metal detectors that used to be a minute fad in the late 80s. You know the sort; the ones who shuffle arou...
It's still early in the Rangers off season,but never too early to explore off season options. This is a quick post just on some forwards the Rangers could take a run at.
1) Ryan Malone- Not only could the Rangers bring him in but he could also apologize to Chris Drury for costing them the series. He's a hell of a young player with good hands and hulking si...
Tomorrow night the Detroit Red Wings organization will give everyone a free red t-shirt with the Winged Wheel logo on the front to, "Make the Stars see Red."
On the back the shirts have the official cartoon of "Al" the octopus as though he were in a police line-up. The actual purple octopus hanging from the ceiling of Joe Louis Arena and let down before the games is o...
We're down to the final round before the Stanley Cup. The remaining two teams after the Conference Finals will own some minor bragging rights to the East and the West, but the Cup is what defines it all. It defines every injury that was played through; every broken bone, blood gushing wound, any limp or ache: everything. And now we're only 14 games away from it all, at the...
[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...
This is a follow up to an early blog this season. I am still waiting to see if any fans are ready to put together the petition to bring back #16. If Sather lets Sean Avery walk, Aves will have no problem getting big market clubs to take him on.
Toronto- The hometown kid can not only replace #16 but put on Tuckers jersey as well. Avery could provide the leafs with...
Well the first open letter had so much success why not try it again.
Flyguys listen I know you can do this. I know you can win. I believe just as I believed this year and I believed you could turn it around last year.
Come on this is the rally cry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/2417843353/in/set-72157604565266662/
This is us showing we believe in you
h...
One of the worst things about the offseason is that there is a media blackout. In this cacophony of media silence, there will be slight reprieves as we approach the draft and then the leading up to the UFA period. But, most of us have either found themselves watching the playoffs or frustrating themselves with following baseball. Most hockey teams basically shut down and w...
Rob McGowan writes...
Could Blake still be missing LI? Here we go again...
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
As recently reported per TSN, Blake is open to the possibility of being traded this summer.
There's no question that the Leafs had a very poor season and have spent too much money on players that were not worth the cash, Blake being one of them. His 40 goal season from two years ago was not a part of his game play this year, as he finished with 13 goals and 52 points. ...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157605049851892/detail/
First Thank you erica! the ride to my car was so appreciated glad you were able to go with me again.
Shout out to Roseann, Karen, steph, Joyce, "hell if I know", Drew, Rad, TJG99, Kristin, Julie, Bettina, Theresa, Sandy, Brenda, HF and anyone else I was texting with.
I missed the whole first pe...
If this rumor of the Rangers exploring the possibility of brining Jay Bouwmeester to NY progresses, than I just want to get some feed back for both fan bases. I think the deal makes a lot of sense for both teams. The Panthers could use some young depth players to mesh with their young rising core. I would hate to loose him but Florida could ask for Brandon Dubinky wh...
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...
Okay so the draft is a little over a month away, we know that this draft is headlined by one Steven Stamkos, but as far as I'm concerned, the NHL draft goes 7 rounds, not just 1 pick. I decided to break down all seven rounds of the NHL draft and offer up some of the possibilities. This mock draft is based on the CSB Final Rankings.
[u][b]Round 1 [/b][/u]
1. Lig...
It was the X-mas of 91-92 I was 12 years old and already bleeding Red,White,and Blue. Having started watching Ranger games with the names of Kisio,Mallette,Turcotte,Beezer,Jonnie "O",and Mullen in the mix. There was Domi and "Knuckles" Nylan fading out his career,while a fresh kid from team USA named Mike Richter was knocking on the door of greatness. In 89-90 Neil Smi...
The [b]NHL[/b] web site has posted the transcript of [b]Gary Bettman's[/b] remarks before the [b]Wings/Stars[/b] game on 05/15/08.
In them we learn that at least one reporter had the ability to ask "a fascinating question" to which no clear answer was ever given, when queried if it is good for the league to have a dominating team like [b]Detroit[/b].
One wonders wh...
B.D. Gallof writes...
NY Islanders Creating Dialogue And Accountability With Fans
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night, with both Ranger fan brothers in tow to do a dry run on something we will be working over the summer, we went to the sparsely attended, yet extremely insightful and inclusive new initiative of the NY Islanders. The Isles plan on having these meetings every month, the next is likely June 4th. At these meetings, you have the opportunity to intermingle and kibbutz...
For so many reasons, I want to love Versus.
You know, the network formerly known as OLN. The network that stepped in to the NHL's rescue when ESPN wanted to cut back games to a very small number, as well as put all of them on ESPN2.
And they did so many things right at the start. They added Mike Emrick -- aka Doc -- as a play-by-play man. Emrick's enthusiastic call o...
First thank you Erica it was another great night and great adventure.
2nd shout outs to Roseann, Bill, Tina, Theresa, Rad, Brenda, Superfan aka Eric, Kristin and Rob
3rd Shout outs to the texting crew Amanda, #23, Jessica, Joyce, and Julie
4th Thanks to everyone who believed
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/2493932398/in/set-72157605086813569/
I left work...
HOCKEY GAME RANDOM THOUGHTS
I wrote this blog a long time ago thought we could some positive vibes. I know I posted this blog before but I thought it would be nice to remember what really important in life.
Have you ever noticed that when a hockey player goes crazy or makes a mistake it is on the tube for weeks? Every television station covers it, even the ones w...
Go Habs Go writes...
My interest in the Playoffs have gone away with the Habs
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Is it just me, or is the Stanley Cup Playoffs just boring as hell? The Dallas-Detroit series is a total snooze-fest, and up until last night, so was the Philly-Pittsburgh series. The last time I payed this little of attention to the NHL in the middle of May, was May 2005, the year of the Lockout!
The only entertainment that the NHL has given me over the past 2 weeks, is...
Full set
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157605111684829/detail/
Erica also went here is a link to her full set
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickilynn7/
I arrived at practice really early to wave at the players as they arrived. I had some pictures that I had printed to give to certain players if they should stop but I figured no one really would s...
[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...
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Dave Molinari reports the time is now for the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup, as several players will be free agents this summer and they'll lack the salary cap space to retain them all. The UFAs are "Marian Hossa, Ryan Malone, Jarkko Ruutu, Gary Roberts, Pascal Dupuis, Adam Hall, Georges Laraque, Jeff Taffe and Kris Beech, defensemen Brooks Orpik...
So the National Hockey League has released the schedule for this year's Stanley Cup Final:
[url]http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=SubseasonSchedule[/url]
Now although there are 3 Saturday Night games, (CBC has to be jumping for joy!), I don't see a reason why we have to wait 5 whole days for this freakin series to start! I know the main reason is to accomo...
Canada, remember when you would check your rear-view mirrors and you would see the rest of the world well behind? Well check again because they're not there anymore, I would check beside you in your blind spots because they all caught up.
Canada loves to boast about its superior hockey talent, and historically it has been just that. The NHL over history has been domin...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157605182417844/detail/
Today was sorta sad. I hate seeing the team leaving for the summer. I know that they had a great season and deserve vacations too but the end of the season is always the hardest day.
We had a group of what I will call the regulars out there today waiting for the team as they came out. Many stop...
I have to say, although I was the one who was duped it was actually pretty clever, and I have to admit, one of the better pranks that I've witnessed. And I will have all of you know that I am not as gullible as you will soon think. I actually am typically the one who is doing the pranking.
For instance, a few years ago I had my friend who was the back-up goalie for my ...
Tracer785 writes...
The Sabres have options but have to make some moves....
Posted Friday | Comments 0
So Im a huge hockey fan and i support my hometown Buffalo Sabres. Now what will the sabes do this offseason? Thats a question ive been pondering a lot lately, I have seen many players linked to the sabres and im wondering who will Buffalo get? Whether its Gaborik, Jagr, or even Shannahan...the Sabres nees a little change. They were pretty streaky last season. Especially M...
It has been 3 years since the lockout and 15 years since Bettman has taken over the job of NHL Commissioner. My question is this, has Gary Bettman helped our game or has he changed it too much far beyond recognition. Here are some pros and cons to consider, and please by all means add your own. I want to hear what fellow hockey lovers around the world think about the direc...
Seven games, decided by one goal in double overtime. And even then, it could go either way.
Yes, that is the prevailing thought for this year's Stanley Cup Finals between Detroit and Pittsburgh. Through three rounds, the Wings have lost just four games while the Penguins have just two defeats.
Two great teams that would be great teams at any point in the league's his...
Here we go, the last "Outsiders Looking In" Edition of the summer, and with only two teams remaining there should be plenty of us, so let's start talking some Stanley Cup hockey.
[b]The Pittsburgh Penguins vs. The Detroit Red Wings[/b]
A battle of talent that at times is so good it's obscene. Strong, impressive goaltending on both ends, young and rising stars that ha...
It's been a great ride for the Penguins in the 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
These guys have shown a lot of heart and character over the course of the first 3 rounds...and even through two scoreless games of the finals.
Even so, you can't help but get the feeling that time is running out on the Pens.
Two shutout losses in Detroit have demonstrated how complete a...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Call to Isles Fans: Town of Hempstead Town Hall 7pm Tonight!
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
http://islanders.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=NewsPage&articleid=364301
Visit the Town of Hempstead Town Hall on May 27 at 7 pm to join your fellow Isles fan as the Town of Hempstead has it's 2nd Scoping session. This is where towns come out to support, complain or harp about issues. It is a good time for Isles fans to also make their presence known, to...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
HockeyBuzzard in withdrawal-You know you miss hockey when...
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[img]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:HQmXbk6cMb30RM:http://fc05.deviantart.com/fs18/f/2007/159/7/2/gasp_by_Grumpylump.jpg[/img]
I have the shakes. You know...the tremors, the horrors, shaking delirium. Not from alcohol or anything that mild, I have the Hockey Shakes and I've got it [b][i]bad[/i][/b].
[img]http://tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:vZgX20_mEq32CM:http://...
Steve Willamson is my newest hockey hero.
The Orlando-based Tampa Bay Lightning fan completed every hockey fan's dream last winter, visiting all 30 NHL arenas in 30 nights.
Including Mellon Arena in Pittsbugh.
Why is that significant, you ask? It appears Williamson is not welcome in Mellon Arena. Neither are residents of New England, the South, the West, or much o...
Former Dallas Stars GM Doug Armstrong has reached a five-year deal to become the Director of Player Personnel for the St. Louis Blues. An official announcement could come as early as today.
Armstrong will work in an assistant capacity to current Blues GM Larry Pleau for the next two years, and then will take over the GM duties once Pleau's contract is up with the Blues....
It's no secret that the Leafs contain a very limited number of promising prospects. However, it wasn't long ago that Alexander Steen and Kyle Wellwood were compared to the Flyers' young duo in Mike Richards and Jeff Carter. Three years into their respective NHL careers, the Leafs youngsters find themselves on the backburner after promising seasons.
While the difference ...
Enjoy
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/Buts/
Have a great weekend.
Last pre-season I was introduced to the fabulous world of hockey by my boyfriend. He's originally from the bay area and has been following the Sharks franchise since they started years ago. He took me to the Rookie Exhinition game between the Sharks and the Ducks at the Anahiem Ice training facility. Being in such an intimate environment really sparked something in me, and...
Lighthouse Project's scoping sessions seemed to go well. Unfortunately, yours truly could not make these sessions. However, with contacts in the Town of Hempstead and those who are in the know, I've been given a unique eagle eye view of the process thus far. And today I am going to share that by giving you Nick Giglia's observations from both Lighthouse scoping meetings. N...
I grew up in Pittsburgh and now live and work in Cleveland, OH. As I sit in my office at work in Cleveland, I originally was getting frustrated and upset with all of my co-workers, most in their 30s, 40s, and 50s (I am the only one in my 20s) coming by my office and say things like "Whats goin on with your Pens" or "How bout that game on Saturday." Some were being snide, o...
With the Playoffs underway and the Stanley Cup taking center stage, there hasn't been too much talk in Islander Country of what to expect at the draft or next season. It's been pretty quiet, and I'll admit I've been waiting for some news, good news in particular...and it seems that I'm still waiting.
[b]Wade Dubielewicz will hit the open market[/b]
It was stated in N...
http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1139082/1/index.htm?bcnn=yes
enjoy!!!
Although I bleed Red,White,and Blue for my Rangers, the game of hockey always comes first. My dedication to the game and love for the sport continues to grow as I get older.But being a goaltender, I gain more and more respect for the warriors in the mask. Their helmets and equipment are not just an obsession but their own personal styles and techniques are an art with in ...
Yesterday/Early Today, all off us were caught up with the actual game held in real (really long) time. So it is understandable that many of you who participate in fantasy leagues might have missed Monday's good news:
The U.S. Supreme Court denied certiorari for [i]Major League Baseball Advanced Media v. CBC Distribution and Marketing[/i], 07-1099.
And even though ...
grapes17 writes...
Sykora, Gonchar, Ruth, Baun -- this was one for the ages
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
This is why we are hockey fans.
Monday night was a game for the ages, and if you do not believe that, consider the names of Bobby Baun and Babe Ruth were invoked sometime around the second or third overtime.
Pittsburgh defenseman Sergei Gonchar left the game early with an upper-body injury -- and this time, it really looked like the entire upper body -- after crashin...
I think my feelings are best summed up in a quote from [b][i]Anchorman[/i][/b]...
[i][Wes Mantooth to Ron Burgandy][/i][b][quote]From deep down in my stomach, with every inch of me, I pure, straight hate you. But dog-gone-it, do I respect you![/quote][/b]I sincerely hate the Red Wings, as any true-blooded fan of another team does ... but when the last save was made and...
Last night, before we were treated to another barnburner from two of the best in the NHL (I called Detroit in 6, by the way), I joined the Isles for another open house. This time it was the rolling out of the Business Club.
The description on their website nor emails did not quite touch how classy and a treat this would be. This food spread put the [i]Gallof hosted Blog...
Do you remember when hockey was fun to watch? You know, when we walked miles to to get to school; when there were no cars; you know, the dinosaur era when I was a young lad. The only difference, between the old NHL and the New NHL is that the NHL thinks they have put one over on us by saying we are in the new NHL era.
Every team has a designated thug or defensive forwa...
As he watched Marian Hossa's last second attempt to tie the game roll through the crease, Dan Cleary stood at the top of the crease with a stunned look.
The puck rolled across the crease -- it appeared to be a split second late anyway -- and Detroit goaltender Chris Osgood raised his hands to the hockey gods. The Detroit Red Wings had won their fourth Stanley Cup in jus...
Frankly, there is nothing like a Red Wings victory parade and one doubts that any other NHL team can do it any better than Detroit (although the Wings have had the opportunity to perfect the technique 4 times in the past 11 years). Fans started setting up positions before 6AM and everybody seemed to make it through temperatures pushing the 90s with a muggy dewpoint at 67...
With 12 days separating us from the NHL Draft, I believe it's time for the Isles to start locking up some of their key RFA's, but with the exception of Tim Jackman they have yet to do so.
Jackman was a solid fourth liner when called upon, but his role is to serve a spot in the minors. That leaves us with Bergenheim, Colliton, Tambellini, Nielsen, Walter, Regier, Brenna...
[b]HOCKEY FANS IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN[/b]
Today's blog idea came from a quote from a previous blog of mine. It is a quote by Brandon Felder from the blog Name one thing that is wrong with the NHL.
Brandon Felder
[b]I believe that the one thing wrong in hockey is the way other fans look down at each other. In my mind, it doesn't matter what team you root for, ...
So we know what the fans all want. [b]Nikita Filatov[/b]. No matter the site, Filatov seems to be far and away the top choice of Isles fans. Now before all those Russian bashers all come flying in, lets talk about this kid who just turned 18 years of age.
Unlike some others, namely last year's Ranger's draft pick, he is know for a great work ethic. Filatov brings his to...
With free agency fast approaching, there are many questions for the Blues to answer. The team has five unrestricted free agents and two restricted free agents, and they have to figure out who to sign and who to dump. The list is as follows:
[b][u]UFAs:[/u][/b]
Martin Rucinsky
Ryan Johnson
Mike Johnson
Yan Stastny
Matt Walker
[b][u]RFAs:[/u][/b]
David Backes
...
Tomorrow night is the NHL's version of The Oscars: The NHL Awards (boy, what a killjoy opening sentence).
I did one of these blogs a couple of years ago on my MySpace, with somewhat successful results. I went 4-for-8. You can read the predictions blog here:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=32863123&blogID=135769656&Mytoken=89AEB6AC-619E-...
Marty Brodeur may have had to have his best season to keep this Devils club stay in mix this year. His defense is a shell of it's championship days ,with two former devils d man winning cups in back to back years. Congrats to Scott Niedermayer and this years champ Brian Rafalski, good job Lou. With the likes of Rangers give away Karel Rachunek and Jonnie O' umm you bet...
These picks are just my opinion please leave your thoughts and ill try to give back explanations of any questions.
1. Steven Stamkos,Sarnia Sting, Center (6’1, 180 pounds), Canadian
2. Drew Doughty, Guelph Storm, Defensemen (6’0, 213 pounds), Canadian
3. Zach Bogosian, Peterborough Petes, Defensemen (6’2, 200 pounds), American
4. Alex Pietrangelo, Niag...
Happy Saturday.
http://flyerflies.com/blogs/Buts/
Enjoy or hate as usual!!!
It seems I get more and more who hate the blog each week, I like it.
Since the end of the season for the Toronto Maple Leafs, all the focus has been placed on restructuring management and the coaching staff. Now with Burke all but cemented as this team's eventual GM (a Burke/Wilson combo is the best possible scenario Leaf fans could have hoped for..imo), Fletcher needs to go into overdrive restructuring this roster.
We can speculate on ...
I received this email today...
[i]In the next week the NHL Fan Face Off team will be sending out a survey on NHL game attendance. In order to guarantee that we have a sufficient number of individuals attending games from each NHL team we need your help in recruiting new panelists for the NHL Fan Face Off Panel.
Please have your friends, family, colleagues, etc visit ...
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/eternalyashin.jpg[/img]
(Our hopes, dreams and our future fortunes are only possible if we forget our past. )
Let me all welcome you to the crossroads. The crossroads of where there is two different paths. One path is some hype and hopes, but likely mediocrity. The other is a tougher road ...
Ok,Ok this is just speculation but the Rangers and the Pens have a deep history of making trades. So no one can respond that the Pens would never move one of the best centers in the game to a division rival. But with hints in the air that Malkin may become expendable if Hossa signs back on in the Steel city,it's got to be explored.Looking back on past trades,the two teams...
According to the Ottawa Sun, SI.com, and XM Home Ice Radio, the Blues are trying to work a deal to get much-maligned goaltender Ray Emery out of Ottawa. One of the Blues' main targets this offseason is to find a suitable backup goaltender to starter Manny Legace.
The deal mentioned has Emery and offensive prospect Ilja Zubov going to the Blues for defenseman Jay McKee,...
The Fan 590 out of Toronto reported earlier today that the Blues have been approached by the Pittsburgh Penguins about the possibility of trading for winger Yvgeni Malkin. The Penguins are asking for the Blues' number four pick in Friday's draft, along with two or three prospects.
Los Angeles is also one of the teams in the mix for Malkin.
This may be just a pipe dre...
Before I get started with what to and not to expect this evening on Draft Day, I feel there are a few hot topics that should be addressed (and I know I'm a little late on these).
First off....Alexei Yashin. It's been causing massive hysteria on our island to think that our so-called youth movement may be quarterbacked on the frail shoulders of our former captain that w...
Flyers slated for #27 selection.
Previous draft comps..
2004 #29 Washington Mike Green
2003 #28 Anaheim Corey Perry
2003 #29 Ottawa Patrick Eaves
2001 #31 Buffalo Derek Roy
2000 #28 Philadelphia Justin Williams
1999 #26 Ottawa Martin Havlat
1998 #27 New Jersey Scott Gomez
1998 #29 San Jose Jonathan Cheechoo
There is a light at the end of the tunnel!
My w...
I believe this weekend, perhaps even today, will be the last of Maxim Afinogenov in a Buffalo Sabres sweater. Now, don't get me wrong, I am a Sabres fan of the utmost degree. My first game, albeit only six years ago or so, January 12, Sabres v. Islanders and Satan had put in his first goal in a long time ending a what came to be the norm - a slump. I have watched and li...
The draft is at 7pm which can be seen (hopefully) on Versus. Isles draft party doors open at 5:30pm. Two Blog Box members are in Ottawa on-hand. A gaggle of others, including yours truly will be on-hand at the Coliseum tonight. I have not decided if I will be live-blogging or just soaking it all in via camcorder and recorder, and then just doing a wrap-up later tonight or ...
Word around the Blues' front is that they're working on something major for tonight's draft. In the past day-and-a-half, they've traded longtime winger Jamal Mayers to Toronto for a third round pick, and acquired goalie Chris Mason from Nashville in exchange for a fourth round pick. The name I've been hearing bantered about the most is Ottawa's Jason Spezza.
Spezza is e...
Well, here we go Leaf Nation. It's June 20, 2008 and suddenly we're collectively being hit with flashbacks of 1993. Fletch is back in charge of our beloved (cough) Maple Leafs and Cito Gaston is managing the Blue Jays. At the moment, the Toronto FC might just be the best franchise in town...omg, my world truly is upside down.
However, we need not fear. The march bac...
[img]http://cdn.nhl.com/islanders/images/upload/2008/04/draft2008n.jpg[/img]
[i]Hi to every Habs and hockey fans who are taking time to read this blog! I hope you enjoyed the draft, as much as I enjoyed it! [/i]
Ok, the introduction had been done so, this is the time to talk about serious things. Before the 2008 entry draft, Montreal Canadiens GM Bob Gainey told the ...
So I'm sitting back on a lawn chair outside of the cheap motel my friends and I were staying at out in Montauk. Nothing special, just a nice weekend away with everyone on the beach....bonfires, beers, mallows....good times. As a few of us are sitting back with our cold brews, we listen intently to phone calls from home with updates of what's going on at the NHL draft. It w...
[i]The Tennessean is reporting that Shea Weber has signed a three year 13.5 million dollar deal to remain a Predator. Great signing...David Poile continues to work his magic and get things done. This sets up our blue line for the next three years. Weber and Suter are just going to get better and better! [/i]
[b]The first big hurdle[/b] in the hockey off-season took plac...
Looking into the Panthers draft day move that brought in two more young defenseman,they may be gearing up for a deal. With Jay Bouwmeester's status as an RFA the Panthers may be smelling a huge offer sheet or looking into dealing his rights for a new team to hammer out a contract. I was surprised they moved Jokinen for a deal involving two more D-men,but they may be co...
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...
Ok, I'm back. It took a little longer than anticipated to get over the loss in the Stanley Cup Finals, but I think I'm alright now. Every time I thought I was over it, something would happen or I'd see a highlight from the series and it just prolonged the entire healing process. Anyway, the draft is over and now free agency begins on July 1.
That being said, I've read s...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Isles Draft Analysis, including Matt Ebbs, from ISS Hockey
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
In days of yore, we'd be recovering from some sort of catastrophic calamity whose reverberations would be lasting years, not just days. Or in this case, one Friday evening. In the past, we'd wave goodbye to Luongo, the pick that was Spezza, the hulking brut of Chara, and sit and try convince ourselves that all would be ok. Even though, somewhere within us, we knew better. ...
Yet another UFA day is rapidly approaching, now just a measley week away.
As usual, hockey fans across North America are gaining excitement as this day approaches and the calendar is about to flip July.
And from a personal point of view, I couldn't be more excited - as usual - to see what my beloved team, the Buffalo Sabres, will do.
A year of disappointment, only...
I went to the first day of the Blues' development camp today. This is the second year of this event, where fans can watch some of the Blues' top prospects practice under the wings of some of the Blues' coaches and personnel. After watching the first day of practice, here are some of the things that stood out:
- Defenseman Jonas Junland definitely stood out from the rest...
I know this may not be a blog in the normal sense, but I am trying to figure out what hockey fans like when they watch NHL games on TV. Obviously everyone wants every game in HD, but in terms of the broadcast in general, what draws your attention? The TV crew cannot create a game, only the players can; however, during the first 5 minutes of the broadcast (called the Open...
I must begin by saying that this draft may go down in Devils history as the time when seeds were planted for the new era. Quite frankly, it’s about time. Defense alone will win you games, yes, but one needs simply to look back upon the last few playoff series where the Devils were eliminated to know that changes are necessary. In 2007 and 2008, the Devils were knocked ou...
After cooling off from yesterday's rant, I decided to come up with a wishlist of players I would like to see come to Pittsburgh. This is just meant to be something fun, since you all know you do the same thing with your own teams. Due to the number of guys that I'd like to see signed, I narrowed it down to 5. NOTE: These aren't in any particular order.
#5 John-Michael L...
Here are some notes from day two of Blues development camp:
- Except for a select few, everyone came out skating hard today. Some looked like they had something to prove to the coaches and staff.
- It wasn't as full today as it was yesterday. If I had to estimate, I'd say there were about 35 people in the stands today.
- One thing about Anthony Peluso: For such a ...
Today I had the chance to interview St. Louis Post-Dispatch Blues writer Jeremy Rutherford. Here's the transcript of the interview:
NB: What will be the biggest difference and/or change between last year's team and this year's team in your opinion?
JR: [i]Well I think it's one more step towards the youth movement. Last year you had kids like Erik Johnson and David ...
I'm a little perplexed right now about what to think with this scenario. First I hear that Brooks Orpik doesn't like Michael Therrien. Now all of a sudden according to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Orpik and the Penguins are sitting down in serious contract talks.
Let me explain my side of this.
Brooks Orpik is and has been one of my favorite Penguins players for qu...
Over the past few weeks Cliff Fletcher has started to completely dismantle the core of the "Toronto Maple Leafs".
I'm Gonna take a wild shot in the dark and say that captain Sundin is NOT going to be back in the blue and white next year, going to wherever he feels he has the best chance, and i say "Catch ya later" on the condition he doesn't screw the ...
[img]http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/12/blogtd5.png[/img]
[i]Hello everyone, I hope you are enjoying summer, your favorite team's draft picks and the most recent news in the wonderful world of hockey. Enough talk,let's go down into serious business...[/i]
Five days. This is the time remaining before the first of July, the starting moment of free agency signings. Per...
I'm a firm believer that things happen in groups of threes, for better or worse. I'm probably even tempting fate by writing this, but as far as I'm concerned we just got dealt two blows today.
Brooks Orpik has declined the Penguins first offer and former Penguin Martin Straka is heading home to play for his Czech team.
Both of these may not be as big a deal in the en...
The Calgary Flames put Rhett Warner, Anders Erickson, and Marcus Nilson on waivers. This leads me to wonder if there is a major move coming or a ufa signing. Either way, Sutter really had no choice but to do the move to improve their chances for the upcoming season.
The Flames would have had to put up with predictions of doom and gloom if they did not made changes for...
Here are some notes from day three of Blues Development Camp. Today was based solely upon endurance training.
- Today's training was maximum reps endurance skating. Players skate from goal line to goal line and are timed by a stop watch. It's basically a last man standing event to see who has the most endurance.
- Gold team was out first. They were split up into two ...
Yesterday, I had the chance to interview Blues' up-and-coming prospect TJ Oshie. Here's the transcript of the interview:
NB: TJ, you participated in this development camp last year. What's the biggest difference between last year and this year?
TJ: I think it's just being more confident and comfortable on the ice. Last year, I was new to everything and really didn'...
Well this was a mild surprise at best. Ray Shero sent the rights to Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts to the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 2009 4th round pick. Should Malone sign, this would become a 3rd rounder in 2009.
I am a little sad to see Malone go and a little angry from a fan's perspective that this deal didn't happen sooner. Here's why.
Since Malone's sophomore camp...
Tampa so far wins the "Offseason Award". After adding a former Phoenix Scout the club stepped up and added much needed support on the wings. They not only brought in Ryan Malone,but added some extra veteran leadership with Gary Roberts.If people think that Malone had career year playing with Malkin,wait till he gets his shot to play with Vinny! I still can't imagine ho...
Friday, I had the chance to interview Blues' President John Davidson on a number of topics. Here's what he had to say:
NB: We're in year two of the Youth Movement. What can Blues' fans expect to see from this year's team with the additions of TJ Oshie and Patrik Berglund to the roster?
JD: I think we're in a position where we have veteran players who can give us mo...
By this time tomorrow, many Isles fans may be sitting at their computers disappointed with lackluster results on the day of Free Agency...but many may not. Snow has all ready set up the safety net for the strong possibility of his club not signing any marquee free agents. We saw last year's Free Agency period kick start many Isles fans into an uproar, demanding refunds on ...
According to TSN, the Canucks have signed Blues' forward David Backes to a three-year offer sheet at about $2.5 million per-year. The Blues have seven days to match, otherwise, they receive a second round pick from the Canucks as compensation.
Honestly, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see the Blues match the offer sheet.
Stay tuned...
Nick Boston
[code]s...
NickBoston writes...
Canucks Offer for Backes Matched, but RJ is Gone...
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
As I mentioned in my previous blog not to be surprised if the Blues match the Canucks' offer for David Backes, they did.
Backes remains a Blue after the Blues matched the three-year, $7.5 million offer for the 23-year old winger. It was a smart move by the Blues, because as John Davidson said in an interview here in St. Louis, "Backes is a major part of our youth moveme...
Over the last few years the Rangers have made excellent moves in signing veterans.They signed Shanahan and his leadership had proved to be key in the development of the forwards. Shanny also took some of the pressure of Jagr in the locker room,allowing Jagr to concentrate on his Einstein books. The Rangers brought Jason Strudwick back in to the fold last year and his o...
Well these past two days have been rather uneventful for Pens nation. Unless you count the mass exodus that is going on as eventful, but I don't exactly find myself looking for my party hat as much as I am looking for the missing hair on my head and wondering why a bottle of tequila is empty.
Here I am a couple days from my vacation from work and instead of focusing on ...
The Calgary Flames have signed defensemen Jim Vandermeer and his brother, right winger Peter Vandermeer. The Flames did not stop there; they also inked winger Curtis Glencross.
So basically, Vandy will be in the slot of a fourth or fifth defenseman. Peter will be a Quad City roster spot depth move; do not expect him to fill a spot with the big club. Curtis will be...
Once the dust has settled after free agency period, a lot of players change teams. Some fans will be really happy about the players they acquired and promise that the Cup is just an afterthought while other fans will despair and kiss the playoffs good-bye. Regardless of what happens in free agency, after the players sign, all they are is, simply, names on a page. No matter...
The Islanders might finally be doing it right.
In adding defenseman Mark Streit to nurture an ailing power play on a 5-year deal for the [i][b]right[/b][/i] price, Garth Snow did his job well. This addresses a need and doesn't take away from any deserving youngster looking for ice time.
In bringing in cagey veteran Doug Weight to center the top line on a 1-year deal,...
According to Andy Strickland of ESPN 1380 in St. Louis, the Blues have re-signed winger Yan Stastny to a two-year deal. Terms of the contract have not been disclosed. The first year of the deal is a two-way contract, and the second year is a one-way contract.
Stastny, 25, played in 12 games with the Blues, notching one goal and one assist. He's expected to fill the role...
In the summer of 2006, the Devils’ attempt to fill out their roster with 2000 Stanley Cup members Alexander Mogilny and Vladimir Malakhov did not exactly work out as planned. Malakhov barely played and was subsequently traded to San Jose the following offseason, while Mogilny was barely a shell of his former self before sustaining an injury which allowed the Devils to wi...
With three days all ready passed since the opening of Free Agency, the Islanders seem to be pretty settled with their signings. With the exception of a few possible signings for their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, it's safe to say the Isles are done.
First off, before I go on any further, I would like to say, did I call the Doug Weight signing, or did I c...
With only a slim number of talented free agents remaining, fans can now take a look at their UFA acquisitions and either brag about the additions, or crawl into a dark corner pretending nothing happened. Of course, just because you landed yourself a Wade Redden doesn't mean you should be uncorking the champagne just yet, as the terms of the deal play a big part in determin...
After all of the pissing and moaning by Sharks fans (myself included) on July 1st and 2nd for Doug Wilson "sitting on his hands," the last 24 hours have provided PLENTY of change in the Silicon Valley.
First Rob Blake was signed to a 1-year, $5 million deal yesterday. A couple hours later, rumors were rampant that this would not deter Doug Wilson from further pursuing ...
Enjoy
http://flyerflies.com/blog/
Have a great weekend.
Ron Guillet writes...
The Los Angeles Kings Might Have Trouble Reaching Cap Floor
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
After a few crazy days of free agency, the dust is starting to settle and all that remains are second-tier players. In the midst of this, the LA Kings find themselves with a payroll of $US 28,340,000 million (thanks to Chip's Cap Central) going into next season. While they have six Restricted Free Agents to deal with, Jaret Stoll and Patrick O'Sullivan are the only ones of...
Hello to all during a summer in which the news has been filled about rising fuel costs, job losses, flooding, a declining home market, forest fires, and a war that still will not end.
But in these times, there has been plenty of wonderful and fantastic news to all who are either die-hard fans or slight fans of the San Jose Sharks.
The moves Doug Wilson has made have ...
Bob Gainey.
While this year's Free Agency period was filled with inflated contracts and long-term deals, only a few GM's sat back and watched the insanity unfold.
One of those GM's is Bob Gainey, a man who is responsible for the Canadiens' uprise to 1st place in the Eastern Conference with a very young team. While they stumbled in the playoffs, ultimately getting def...
After going over player rosters and watching some of the Jackets Press conference on the Tyutin trade, I looked at the line up. I saw # 49 Fritsche in the Columbus fowards column.He's not on the Rangers roster anymore either. However there are no updates to his contract status. He was filing for arbitration and I'm not sure if Sather let Dan Walk back to Ohio.
Ok so...
For the third summer in a row, the Islanders and Sean Bergenheim continue to be on complete opposite sides when it comes to a contract. Obviously, Sean Bergenheim and his agent Marc Gandler feel that he has proven himself worthy of a long term, lucrative contract, while Garth Snow still feels Bergenheim has some proving to do and should receive either a one or two year, lo...
The Blues signed RFA forward Steve Bernier to a one-year, $2.5 million contract today. The Vancouver Canucks have seven days to match the offer, or they will receive the Blues' second round draft pick in next year's draft as compensation.
Bernier, 23, totaled 32 points last season (16 goals, 16 assists) between the San Jose Sharks and Buffalo Sabres. He was acquired via...
With the Rangers prospects progressing with the hand of the coaches,they are also gaining much needed mentoring with veteran leadership. That veteran leadership role will need to be filled in Hartford in the crease. The Rangers moved Al Montoya last spring to the Phoenix Coyotes along with Marcel Hossa. In return the club thought they were getting an adequate goaltendi...
The world has come to an end. Well, not literally, but figuratively, with the signing of Big Burt. The Calgary Flames have signed Todd Bertuzzi to a one-year contract worth 1.95 million buckaroo's (I do know buckaroo's is not a word.)
The factor that makes this interesting is the call for mercy from the Flames. They are asking the fans to give Bert a second chance. T...
According to XM Home Ice Radio, there is a rumor that the Blues, Kings, and Blackhawks are working on a possible deal. The rumored deal has the Kings acquiring goalie Nikolai Khabibulin from Chicago and defenseman Jay McKee from St. Louis; St. Louis would get defenseman Tom Preissing from Los Angeles and forward Martin Havlat from Chicago; and Chicago would get St. Louis' ...
http://flyerflies.com/blog/?p=171
Al Strachan of FoxSports.com has published a blistering criteria of the NHL's current financial status today, declaring that the NHL is still destroying itself from the inside out. This comes in the wake of a disappointingly bloated 2008 free agent market in which a number of high and mid-level players seemed to get far more in their n...
enjoy or hate
http://flyerflies.com/blog/
Have a great weekend.
Rob McGowan writes...
Quiet on the Island With a Few Rumblings Here and There
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Since the start of free agency not much has occurred in Islander Country, but the media continues to draw attention to the Snow and Nolan rivalry, and it seems that there is definitely something brewing.
The early extension of Brendan Witt definitely raised a few eyebrows. Almost every fan I know was happy about this signing as Witt has been one of our most consistent ...
Ok so most of the non Rangers fans in the world continue to under estimate their young players. Enter Ryan Hollweg who virtually wrote his own release in game 3 of the Pens series. Although I didn't see the Leafs as an option, Holley will hit and grind it out up in T- DOT. I thought LA or Anaheim would have gambled on the fourth line winger, having been from Downy Calif...
[i](WWSYFD is not an acronym for some new, horribly disfiguring communicable disease...at least not yet)[/i]
For those who have not crawled out from under their rock and read Julie's blog...please do so. [url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16214[/url]
Not only will it make you smarter, more attractive and almost irresistible to the opposite sex (and some...
[b]Current Events[/b]
So you thought it was going to be just another boring summer? As Isles fans well know, boring it never seems to be. Many Isles fan harp on that the coaching change is just another dreaded blemish to the cavalcade that have traipsed past us over the long and arduous years as Isles fans. Those dubious bruises to our fan egos that have hit us over and...
markoftrad writes...
The backend of the Offseason and your Sens trade rumors
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Its the back end off the Off Season all the important guys are signed. Yes Sundin is out there but for the sake of argument he isn't an important signing unless he signs somewhere other than Montreal or Toronto. Niether team needs him or should sign him. Montreal has way to much young talent ready for the big show to "use up" a roster spot for and aging albeit talented Sun...
CAPMESS11 writes...
FORSBERG FOR X-MAS,COULD RANGERS LAND SWEDISH STAR?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Forsberg For X-mas, it just might happen. If predictions about Foppa's health stand pat, then he will be ready to get going sometime around the Holidays.The Rangers are currently holding out to see if they can land one more vet to accompany their young talent. Either they manage to pull one big rabbit out of a hat and grab Mats Sundin or bring back Brendan Shanahan for...
[b]The Last Word[/b]
Authority. A yoke that fits some, and others not so well. When Ted Nolan and John Muckler clashed in Buffalo, stories littered the landscape in their wake. Hasek vs. Nolan and other more seedier tales that seemed terribly unfair. But perhaps not more unfair as the many years it took for Nolan to return.
When Snow and Nolan crossed swords, there ...
With the news that Ryan Miller has signed for a 5 yr deal i am sitting here excited for the upcoming season. people all over town have been going Enroth this Enroth that saying that we have no chance to sign miller, hes good as gone. Well to those people shame on you! hes here for 5 more years after this one at a reasonable 6.25 a year. Miller is smart to resign here becau...
Just when we thought the website war between the NHL and the NY Rangers was finished, the Rangers have struck back.
According to Newsday [url]http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/rangers/ny-sprang0718,0,5919151.story?track=rss[/url], the Rangers have asked the US District Judge to dismiss the case. here is the article.
[i]Madison Square Garden Thursday asked a ...
Happy Saturday Morning
http://flyerflies.com/blog/
Have a great weekend.
There's not much to say now about the Ted Nolan firing as it's all been taken care of. From my perspective I have to say that I am not happy that we have lost the best coach that we've had since Peter Laviolette. Teddy was one of the only few bright spots on this team, causing a team of underachievers and overrated veterans to actually be a competitive hockey team. But whe...
Here's a Swedish newspaper claiming that Sundin has chosen to play for the Vancouver Canucks next year. Could be just a rumour, could be true. Who knows, but fuel to the fire.
[url]http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=672&a=806514&rss=2216[/url]
Google translated page:
According to information provided to DN leaving Mats Sundin Toronto for Vancouver.
Sundin ...
The Flames have apparently signed the tough enforcer. This came out of left field. I really thought the Flames were beginning to look like the 04 flames. They said they were going to be younger this season. This is a contradicting to that phillosphy.
This move also adds another 4th liner for the Flames. But there could be another sinister plot in Sutter's mind. Co...
Shout outs to
Karen, brooke, #23, Kristin, Donna, Theresa, Jeremy, Eric, and Erica.
They skated these kids very hard. At the end of the whole day several players jerseys were absolutely drenched all the way not in inch left unsweaty.
No one really stood out to me as head and shoulders above everyone else. Plus there was alot of skating drills as the Power Skati...
A short blog on today on the first day
Lalande, Kevin
Had a great day, his play has really improved. Kevin's lateral movement from side to side was very good. Still needs to work on his angles giving to much room for the shooter. But he is quicker than last year he looks like he has had a good summer working out.
Keetley, Matt
Looks like the old Matt as us...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Drugs & the NHL-Just How Big is the Elephant in the Corner??
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.abc.net.au/reslib/200710/r191754_722844.jpg[/img]
Mark McGwire
Jose Canseco
Barry Bonds
Roger Clemens
Andy Pettitte
Marion Jones
Floyd Landis
Chris Benoit
Bill Romanowski
Lyle Alzado...
The list goes on and on. Allegations of performance enhancing drug* use by professional athletes seems to be as common an occurrence on our...
[b]DAY 2 THE FORWARD AND DEFENCMEN COME TO CAMP
[/b]
Let me start out like this; I am telling you about this camp through my eyes. It is really hard to judge a rookie by a first day in camp. I can only tell you what I see. This is not a make-or-break statement about said rookies. Now, that being said, let's discuss the observations of camp day 2.
[b]
Group A[/b]
...
While it is not yet the end of July, it's hard not to think about the upcoming hockey season, especially given the current state of the Devils and everything that has happened since last season's disappointing playoff loss. It seems as though the Devils have addressed their most pressing needs, and in just two months time, we finally will get to see how the seeds planted t...
ladynic writes...
7/23/08 Trial on the Isle, Flyers prospect camp event (pics)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Shout outs to Erica, Brenda, Karen, Julie, Brooke, Theresa, Donna, Bill and Scott
Thank you to all the Flyers prospects for a great day.
I missed the opening act for this day due to bad online directions. When I got there the players were doing group shots on the beach.
I believe they may have gotten done sooner then expected.
When talking to Jim McCrossin l...
[b]DAY 3 PROSPECTS CAMP[/b]
First of all, I am going to try to have a small write up on every prospect except Boyd; he is not really a prospect. I want to apologize for some criticisms, I am just commenting on how they played, not on the person.
[b]GROUP A
FORWARDS
75 John Armstrong
[/b]
I actually saw some light at the end of the tunnel for Armstrong. His...
While listening to HTM on XM radio this morning on my way to work, Ron Rimmer made mention that people were complaining about the Winter Classic. Didn't hear why but it made me think. If this is going to be an every year event, what can be done to spice it up.
First thing I thought was make it an Original 6 matchup every year. We have Det v Chi this year so why not Rang...
[b]DAY 4 PROSPECTS CAMP[/b]
First of all, I am going to try to have a small write up on every prospect except Boyd; he is not really a prospect. I want to apologize for some criticisms, I am just commenting on how they played, not on the person.
[b]GROUP A[/b]
[b]FORWARDS[/b]
[b]75 John Armstrong[/b]
John continues to shine he is beginning to show why we d...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Quick Hits: Isles Training Camp, Coach Interviews, Gervais Resigned
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Isles will be doing their training camp once again in Moncton later this summer.
Of course, this year will be without their favorite adopted son, Ted Nolan, who led their Moncton Wildcats before his 2 year stint with the Isles. Nolan has some saying will one day likely return there after being paid off this year.
The Isles sans-Nolan will be interesting for ticket ...
You know when you turn on the TV and hear an update from TSN telling you that Player X has signed a deal for just over 20million over 5 years and then it shows on the screen it was 20.4million? Is it just me or is the biggest joke that 400 thousand US can be considered just over. How many people who read this can make 400k in that 5 year span? Are we really losing persp...
Shout outs to everyone. I think I texted everyone who kept me informed all the days I could not go. I hope that I lived up to the expectations.
Today there was alot of switching back and forth between rinks. It made the time go much faster so that they didn't have to wait for the zamboni to finish.
Today's scrimmage was very high tempo and physical. There wer...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
The Law of Unintended Consequences: The Cap & Cost Certainty
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Law of Unintended Consequences states that any purposeful action will likely produce some unexpected or unintended consequences. These consequences are almost always divergent from the intended result and, often, the polar opposite.
Two words uttered by Gary Bettman, in 2004, radically changed the landscape of the National Hockey League forever. This notion plunge...
With the summer coming to a close (as much as I want hockey season back, I hope this next month moves like a glacier) the Islanders are working hard to fill the vacancy left by Ted Nolan's removal.
The potential candidates have been mentioned constantly in the media. I am confident in who I think should be the next one to take the bench, but the list is filled with man...
millertime writes...
Latest problem in Pro Sports: Not honoring contracts
Posted Monday | Comments 0
You see it in the NFL. Currently, Buffalo Bills' Jason Peters is holding out of training camp until a new deal gets inked. He wants more money, even though he's already signed for the next three years.
You see it in MLB. Look no further than the whole Manny saga in Boston right now. And if you're not much familiar with that, here's the low-down: http://insider.espn....
This is in response to the previous blog about players not playing through their contracts and the fear that it will filter into the NHL because of the long term deals.
The true problem with this lies in football, and only football because the players contracts are not guaranteed and the team holds 100% leverage over the player. For example, Brian Westbrook signed a de...
Ok so before Rangers fans panic at the Nedved button understand his invitation is only an insurance policy. In the event that the Sundin train pulls into MSG the club will have to clear cap room. Moving a center like Blair Betts plus to a club like LA who still needs to reach the cap floor is an option. What's attractive to opposing teams is that a few of the Rangers su...
Ok so there is not much pro hockey going on right now. This does not mean that there are not still opportunities to see and support our favorite players.
Yesterday I went to King of Prussia Mall to see Riley Cote at the grand opening on Skin Industries store. For those of you out of town Flyers fans. King of Prussia mall is one of the largest malls in the United Sta...
It was just a few years ago when Maxim Afinogenov was loved by many in Buffalo.
"MAX NATION" was a craze! You heard a loud "ahhhh" take over the HSBC (Hot Sauce, Blue Cheese) Arena every time he touched puck.
Now Max is fading in popularity with his in-ability to play defense which tends to lead him to the BOX. And his mis-conception of how big nhl defensemen really ar...
As each day passes Leaf fans wonder what the hell is Mats Sundin thinking and when will he ever make up his mind on whether he wants to play or not and if yes where?
The question is will Sundin come back to the buds or has his time here passed?
I for one think Sundin might be leaning Toronto's way based on everything he has said in the past but lets not talk about th...
B.D. Gallof writes...
PuckDaddy Provides Summer Fun with Bettman Photoshop Contest
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Summer post Free Agency and draft is usually dog days to whip up hockey interest. Not on Greg Wyshynski's Puck Daddy blog, on Yahoo. Greg and Puck Daddy contributor, Sean Leahy (also of the excellent Going Five Hole Pens blog), came up with a brilliant contest this summer.
[b]The Puck Daddy Art Contest: Gary Bettman, Portraits in Heroism[/b]
http://sports.yahoo.com/...
There are those who play in NY and those who play for NY. In the NY sports market there are the types who follow the money and not their hearts and crumble under the big lights. But then there are those that blend into the bright lights and become one with the city. From baseball to hockey we have seen players come here only to crash and burn . There was Theo Fleury wh...
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...
Holy smokes batman! The Isles have fired and hired yet another coach!
Yes, for the umpteenth time the Isles have brought in a new vict-...er I mean coach to lead our guys in the blue and orange. However despite my sarcasm, I do believe this is a coach that can lead this team through changes, necessary changes to help reestablish a winning team on Long Island.
Scott ...
That’s right folks, it’s my favorite part of the summer…the part where you still have some time left before normal life resumes, yet hockey season is so close you can almost taste it. (In case you were wondering, it tastes like Cracker Jack.) And so, it is time for my 2008-09 predictions. I assure you that I purposely wrote and published this blog before so much as g...
Not much hockey to talk about these days???
I'll do my best to keep focused on hockey but my blogs are starting to be very un-hockey related.
Funny how none of the Leafs wanted to move at the trade deadline and now Tucker is gone, McCabe is on his way out and God only knows what's up with Meatball Sundin.
Jose Theodore a Washington Capital, that just doesn't sound...
leafs10 writes...
Could the N.H.L battle the K.H.L for expansion into Europe?
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
There is no way around the fact that the N.H.L's popularity in Europe has grown significantly over the last couple of season. Although mainly due to extensive N.H.L marketing and contracts with the North American Sports Network to broadcast more games then, ever the truth is that hockey on t.v is completely different than in real time. The excitment, the speed have never...
So, being that this the first blog I have ever written on here, I wanted to stay somewhat neutral with my topic. That means no Sundin or McCabe talk, no Radulov and CHL talk, no trade rumors or speculations. Just something fun.
What I want to know is if you were to make a team, using one player from every team, who would you pick? Now let me add the restrictions. You mu...
As of today, there are 8 NHL teams who have a vacancy at team captain. While it is not technically mandatory to have a captain (3 alternates can be designated instead), having a solitary figure at the forefront of team leadership is good for the team psyche. (Plus, I challenge the hockey scholars to find me a case where a Stanley Cup winning team did not have a captain.) S...
Most people argue and debate which is the best division, the toughest, weakest and toughest to win. But not many people have thought to see what was the most talented division and i will let you decide with the Allstar Teams for each division.
[u][b]Northwest All-Stars[/b][/u]
[u]Lineup[/u]
Iginla-Sakic-Gaborik
Smyth-Horcoff-Stastny
Sedin-Sedin-Hemsky
Gagne...
With the exception of Scott Gordon becoming the new head coach, Isles news has been pretty dry lately. However there has been one issue that has been on my mind lately, and that is the yet to be announced destination of 2008 first round draft pick Josh Bailey.
Word going around is that Bailey was asked by the Isles to move to Long Island. I haven't seen this published ...
[i]With his latest Sundin blog, TSN's Darren Dreger cites the Isles as a dark horse. Has Garth stared too hard at Brett Farve from across the street? How does this follow the plan? Well, it doesn't.
[/i]
A quick word on the latest rumor du jour, before I head out for some R&R upstate.
Dreger on TSN: "[i]One thing is certain, Sundin won't be pushed. His future...
The past 24 hours have showed a lot of progress and speculation with regards to the Meszaros contract negotions. I'm going to write the two sides opinions(or at least what we know) and my opion of who is right, and than you can comment your opinion.
[b][i][u]Murrary: Bryan murray would like to have Meszaros back. He would prefer to have MEszaros on a short term contract...
Today's headlines as we head into the new NHL season:
[b]Marian Gaborik and The Crystal Groin[/b]
Can a young star overcome all odds and finally remain healthy?
[b]Thunderstruck[/b]
Tampa Bay has made a lot of thunder, but is there any lightning?
[b]General Hospital[/b]
Peter Forsberg. (Need I say more?)
[b]Leafs Suck[/b]
again.
[b]The Mighty Pacific[/...
Nashville - When his plane touched down in Nashville a tired and weary PredJoe looked around as if to be expecting a welcome committee. There was none there. No signs. No banners. Nothing to welcome him home after months in Russia trying to live his dream as a hockey blogger.
"It was something I had to try or I would regret it the rest of my life," said an unshaven Pred...
While Steven Stamkos' name is being mentioned frequently when speaking of the Calder Trophy, it would be a mistake not to consider the likes of Patrik Berglund, Kyle Okposo, Shawn Matthias, Bobby Ryan, Fabian Brunnstrom and Kyle Turris, among others.
Turris, drafted third overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by Phoenix, is coming off a remarkable season with the Wisconsi...
chadkilger writes...
Entering Training Camp - Forward Line Combinations
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher recently announced that he is most likely sticking with his current roster until training camp starts and several pre-season games have been played. There are many questions with this 08/09 group of forwards, more than I can ever remember. For starters, there is no clear cut #1 Centre for the 1st time in over a decade. Mats Sundin is not on...
With the imposition of the salary cap taking some clout away from the financial Super Powers (or so they say), the “new” NHL focuses upon the importance of successful drafting and a constant flow of young players on cheap, entry-level contracts. With scouts now being dispatched to all corners of the globe, it’s getting to be quite a small world. The boundaries of t...
This morning some scientists cheered, others were thinking we were doomed. Not sure if anyone else has been following the story, but if you check CNN you will find one of the most interesting, and yet, disturbing, scientific stories in quite a while. One of the largest physics experiment ever conceived began just this morning as you were swilling down a Latte. Protons were...
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...
Ok, so I'm going to go out on a limb here and predict the regular season standings before the season actually starts (particulalrly the teams who'll actually make the playoffs). Here we go!
EAST:
1) Pittsburgh*
2) Montreal*
3) Washington*
4) NY Rangers
5) New Jersey
6) Philadelphia
7) Ottawa
8) Tampa Bay
-----
9) Boston
10) Buffalo
11) Carolina
12) Toronto
...
Sooner or later the powers to be have to wake up and publicly admit the NHL has a big problem in the U.S. gaining a fan base to compete with the NFL,MLB and even the NBA and NASCAR. You can't fix a problem you wont admit you have.
When poker shows on ESPN where out performing live primetime NHL broadcast
someone should have took notice and said "Toronto we have a pr...
Sure, Jason Pominville is no Eric Staal, but the timing of this 7-year extension for one of the NHL's brightest young stars could not have been worse for the Blue and Gold faithful.
7 years, $57.75 million is a lot of dough. That's $8.25 per season. You might say that this deal is the opposite of a hometown discount. I like Eric Staal, but I think that's a bit steep,...
hockeyfan89 writes...
Most Improved Teams. #1-30 : From Edmonton to Nashville.
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Well I noticed Ek the other day had the top five and five worst teams in the off-season out , and i decided to elaborate on it by creating in my eyes the top 30 . So from first to last here it is.
Remember this is not who has the better team , but rather who has improved signifigantly.
[b]1)[b]Edmonton[/b]-Added another further scoring threat in Cole , cont' developm...
ladynic writes...
9/12/08 Philadelphia Flyers and Phantoms on ice workouts
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Shout outs to the practice crew
Sami it was very nice to make your acquaintance today.
On the Phantoms side they did some type of testing today. It looked like the type of things I have seen them do as part of Physicals. The players that were on this side going through things were mostly Phantoms players.
The Flyers side of the ice hosted a double feature.
Fi...
Shout outs to my txting buddies for today since it was pretty much just me til rookie camp started.
I guess no one paid attention to my report from Friday but the Flyers are skating on their own and the Monday of Rookie on ice campwas no exception. I arrived @ 745 am to see the vets show their stuff.
Today's participants were
Vaananen, Timonen, Kukkonen, Gagne, Lupul...
I had the opportunity to attend the Colorado Avalanche's rookie camp today and here are some observations.
[b]Key players that stood out:[/b]
T.J. Hensick- Hensick heads the class of rookie camp. He is the second fastest skater to Kelsey Tessier (the guy looks like a young Pavel Bure). He has a shot that can be either hard or accurate but rarely both. He has great in...
Update, 3:30 p.m. EST: The entry I had posted here before is meaningless now! Pommer signs a 5-year extension this afternoon, reportedly between $5 and $6 mill per season. Thoughts? I think it's a great deal and I'm ecstatic to hear the news! No more distractions going into Camp. Let's get the season started, Sabres fans!
Sabres fans on pins and needles...Just wait...
We hav all be able to enjoy two sagas this summer. The Mats Sundin Saga , and now that it is finally losing its edge . The Radulov saga.
As we all know , Radulov bolted the NHL to the KHL for a boat load of money and all the vodka he can drink. In the confusion that followed no one was really sure exactly who was to blame ; Raddy for running for money , David Pollie not...
First things first. The Nashville Predators have proven they have a good GM a good Coach and a good Hockey Team. They do a good job at the draft table, have a good AHL affiliate and have a good building to play in. So good. But is good,good enough for a team struggling to meet even minimum attendance goals and still has not managed to compete in the local media and local b...
If you want to win your hockey pool and I know you do then read and remember the following.
I won't name the obvious players such as Crosby, OV and the Thornton's of the world as we all know about them. All these predictions etc are based on healthy seasons for the players.
Pay attention as some players are for keepers reasons.
Players I love
Forwards
Eric S...
The Oilers feel they can build from within the system. However, I've been reading "respectable" bloggers in regards to the 3rd line centre void. They have been bantering up ideas to bring in a Smolinski or a Marchant. So in my effort to silence the critics, so to speak, I for one strongly feel those statements are poorly executed. "IF" that were to be the case, why did the...
Shout outs to
Erica, Sandy, Amanda, #23, Liz, Jessica, Theresa, Donna, Matt, Mike, Jeremy, Roseann, Joyce, Bill, Eric, Joe, Lou, and anyone else I saw and talked to there were so many today.
Special Thanks to Karen and Brooke for my antics during meet the Flyers
Today was very very crowded and it was handled very well. The Flyers staff was ultra prepared and I felt...
The2ManAdvantage and Shawn Arseneault are on the scene, reporting back on day one:
[b]The2ManAdvantage's eyewitness report[/b]
[i]Training camp is a bit different this year. Instead of scrimmages, Scott Gordon is running practices. The drills are focused on speed, driving to the net, quick passing, and transitions. Gordon is fiery. Its great to watch and his energy ...
In the early 90's, a young man who would later become a big Blues fan and a scientist (proving not all scientists are smart) started taking an interest in hockey. Hockey seemed to be everywhere at the time. The game was gaining in popularity thanks to great players such as Lemieux and Gretzky. There were movies (yes I know they were the Mighty Ducks movies, but they wer...
Kyle Okposo, Jeff Tambellini, Frans Nielsen, Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau, Chris Campoli, and Bruno Gervais.
What we have listed here are the members of the upcoming youth movement for the New York Islanders. Some of these names carry pressure filled shoulders, while others are looking forward to making their first real mark in the NHL, but I think it is important tha...
NickBoston writes...
Blues to Look Outside Of Organization if EJ is out Long-Term
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I have read various reports about the status of defenseman Erik Johnson. Some have said he's fine, and others have said they've seen him walking around with a noticable limp. I honestly don't know what to expect, but if the MRI of Johnson's right knee tomorrow comes out not looking good, then expect the Blues to look elsewhere for help.
I just got done talking to a sour...
NickBoston writes...
Erik Johnson Out 3-4 Months with Torn Ligament in Knee
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The news has come out regarding the status of Erik Johnson's knee, and it isn't good.
I just got done talking to a source within the organization that told me the Blues' defenseman is out 3-4 months. Doctors in Cleveland discovered a torn ligament in his right knee after taking an MRI.
Johnson injured his knee last week while on a team golf trip.
Expect the Blues...
ladynic writes...
A little off track at the moment Flyers reports updates
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Ok all. I am having laptop issues so thus pictures are behind in being uploaded and reports are way behind on being posted.
Monday when I went to Practice this is what I saw
pp unit
richards, Knubler, gagne, Briere timonen
Upshall, Carter, Hartnell, Coburn, Jones
regular lines
gagne, richards briere
kalinski, powe, Giroux
Cote, Downie, Asham
Upshall, Cart...
The Blues announced the folowing cuts today:
Nicholas Drazenovic, TJ Fast, Nikolai Lemtyugov, Tomas Kana, Eric Neilson, Cam Paddock, Thomas Potulny, Ryan Reaves, and Julian Talbot have been sent to Peoria.
Jake Allen, Mark Cundari, and Anthony Peluso have been assigned to their junior teams.
That leaves the following players:
[u]Forwards:[/u] Paul Kariya, Brad ...
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....
Ok well I think I forgot most of what I wanted to write as my report. Now that I am caught up on pictures you will have many things to look at.
9/22/08
Flyers training Camp
the mood here was getting the kinks worked out. There was alot of different drills plus working on some individual things like faceoffs.
This was the first look at PK and PP units
http://...
What I have to say might sound crazy to some. But I'm going to pick my top nine teams in each conference to make the play offs. Top nine you say? Well considering that each season one of the divisions always appears a bit weaker than the others and nearly or completely blocks out a team with a better record.
Western Confernce:
Detriot- Though I think the road for ...
Source's close to the Zetterberg camp said that they have been told that there will be no contact talks between Henrik and the Red Wings till after December. My source has told me that the Red Wings want no distractions coming in to this season that might hinder them from having a strong start to the season. Once the New Year comes Henrik Zetterberg will be the first Win...
It's hockey season my friends WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Mike Richards is the new captain of the Flyers, he's young but I love the faith they have in him.
I hate when I'm behind a car with a personalized license plate and I have no clue what it says, damn that bugs me.
That being said I was behind a van last weekend and the plate said "Goatboy" Who doesn't lov...
First we had the Phantoms.
First thing I notice here is none of the D are in black like for the Flyers. D men are wearing Red and Green. Forwards wore either White or Orange.
Most of the practices earlier in the week were run by Kjell and Neil. today's was run directly by Paddock.
They did pretty standard drills. the one that caught my attention the most had...
webbontheweb writes...
Allsports top 10 hockey blogs for sports on the web
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It is starting to get to be that time of year again. As the leaves start to change colour and fall from the trees some may look at it as autumn, while I on the other hand look at it as the beginning of another hockey season.
View the rest of this post here
“No Guts No Glory”
Walt Webb
All Sports on the Web
[url]http://allsportsontheweb.com
The Blues have sent defensemen Alexander Hellstrom and Jim Jackson, and goaltenders Marek Schwarz and Ben Bishop to Peoria. The last line of cuts will come after after Monday and Wednesday's games against Toronto, which is a home-and-home series.
Nick Boston
It was a double does of hockey in Philly yesterday. Both Philly teams won.
While I did not attend both events personally I can still hook you all up with pictures from the Spectrum game.
Erica's pictures full set
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickilynn7/sets/72157607558870088/
Sandy's Pictures full set
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25870841@N07/sets/721576075...
Injuries are starting to pile up early into the year for the Blues' defense.
First was Erik Johnson's freak knee injury, then it was Jonas Junland injuring his shoulder in the first preseason game in Kansas City, and now comes word of another big injury.
Jeff Woywitka will be out for 4-6 weeks with a cracked bone in his right foot. The injury occurred after he blocke...
What's more disheveled than the status of the US economy these days? How about the Isles defensive core. Sutton is injured from training camp drills. Campoli from a crushing hit in a preseason game. What are those injuries and for how long....your guess is good as mine, because the Isles won't tell due to the newest slab of insular policy-making in the NHL. They don't have...
The Blues announced today they have assigned Trent Whitfield, Brad Winchester, Matt Foy, Charles Linglet, and Andy Wozniewski to Peoria.
The Blues also announced they have placed forward Cam Paddock on waivers. If Paddock clears (which is likely), he'll be sent to Peoria.
In Wednesday night's preseason finale against Toronto, Chris Mason is expected to start in goal ...
It's been a couple months now since the Stanley Cup was paraded around the Mellon Arena in the hands of the opponent. While the sting has subsided, the memory of that painful sight has not and you can bet it hasn't been forgotten by the likes of Sidney Crosby and Co.
Due to prior engagements, I will not be able to see much more than the puck drop on Saturday afternoon. ...
hockeyfan89 writes...
3 stars for the Habs/What's to be done about Pacioretty?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Well I had the rare treat of watching a Detroit -Montreal game last night . Each team didn't play their full rosters yet , but it was still a fantastic game.
Three players stood out for me last night who I think were the 3 stars for the Habs . Alexie Kovalev , Carey Price and Max Pacioretty.
First Alexie. Kovalev last night brought his full bag of tricks and was show...
I do this every year, just for fun. The so-called hockey experts have their say, and I figure why not have mine? I'm a huge hockey fan, I've been following the league since a youngster - my earliest memories the 93-94 season and the infamous 7-game series between the NY Rangers and Vancouver. So here I go.
[b]Regular Season Predictions[/b]
[b][i]Western Conference[/b...
Shout out to everyone.
Before the game the Flyers hosted the season ticket holder BBQ. They had TV's set up so that people could watch the Phillies.
I went to the Caps end for warmups cause I was hoping that Either Ovechkin or Green would be playing and I could get some pics of them. No luck.
[url]http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/2906637934/in/set-7215760...
Hey Everybody,
This is my first time making an NHL prediction, as I do not really like to throw myself out there, because it is almost a certainty to be wrong. However, I will give it a go this time, and I would like to see what everyone thinks about these picks.
[u]Eastern Conference[/u]
1. Montreal Canadiens
2. Philadelphia Flyers
3. Washington Capitals
4. Ne...
Eastern Conference:
1. Philadelphia- Their offense is arguably the best depth wise in the league, and they have some yound defensman that could really step up and do a good enough job to win the conference. And I think that Biron will do a good enough job as well.
2. Montreal- Fast, skilled, young, but I thinnk they will lose the conference by something as little ...
The Blues announced today that they have sent forward Chris Porter and defenseman Tyson Strachan to Peoria.
The roster as it stands going into the season opener October 10th looks like this:
[b][u]Forwards:[/u][/b]
Paul Kariya
Keith Tkachuk
Brad Boyes
Andy McDonald
Lee Stempniak
Jay McClement
David Backes
Patrik Berglund
TJ Oshie
Cam Janssen
Yan Stastny
D...
While ago I wrote a blog on saving the Preds, this is the part 2 of the Series on saving the NHL. Today's Story is on saving the Islanders in the NHL. Please excuse my writing skills by no means am I a good writer, I just say how I feel now on with the Blog. The Flames Blog will later in the Week.
Flamestr
[b]Introduction[/b]
First of all, let me apologize...
Nashville Predators Shea Weber canceled his interview with NHL.com's "NHL Live" for the second time at the last minute today. It was apparent as the show went on that co host Don La Greca was quite miffed at Weber for leading the show into believing he was going to be a call-in guest. Then after they promoted his spot for 2/3 of the show he canceled for the second time.
...
j19b0yle23 writes...
The times they are a changin, the AHL needs to follow suit
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The NHL draft class of 2008 was loaded with potential and filled with stars of the future. For some, it appears the future could be now. As the rest of the league gets set to drop the puck on the 2008-2009 season throughout the weekend some teams will find their average player age being pulled down by teenagers.
According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, [url]http://www.tsn.ca/...
Bill Meltzer did a fabulous job describing the game here
http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=17111&blogger_id=45
I am not out to recreate that just to share my thoughts and observations.
BIG THANK YOUS TO
Zack Hill for being very awesome.
Scottie Upshall, Scott Hartnell, JS Aubin, Glen Metropolit, Aaron Asham, Steve Eminger, Jeff Carter, Riley Cote...
In an online chat Blues President John Davidson had with fans today, he mentioned that despite the injuries and the influx of young defensemen on the roster, there will be no waiver wire pickups being made by the Blues going into the season.
There had been some preliminary discussions between the Blues and the agents for both Bryan Berard and Kyle McLaren, but Davidson ...
[b][u]EAST[/u][/b]
1-Montreal Canadiens
2-New Jersey Devils
3-Carolina Hurricanes
4-Pittsburgh Penguins
5-Ottawa Senators
6-Tampa Bay Lightning
7-Boston Bruins
8-New York Islanders
----------------------------
9-Washington Capitals
10-Philadelphia Flyers
11-Buffalo Sabres
12-New York Rangers
13-Florida Panthers
14-Toronto Maple Leafs
15-Atlanta Thrashers
...
onemoreastronaut writes...
Honestly, I was excited for the start of the season, really.
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I was so excited for the start of this hockey season. Why exactly I cannot say. Season opening the last few years ever since the lockout has been an event I've barely noticed.
Tonight, however, a mild ankle sprain kept me out of the lineup for my rec floor hockey game, which was ok, because the temptation of the raising of Detroit's Stanley Cup banner, the Wings-Leafs g...
I always enjoy playing out big Sabres games just before they take place on my PS2...sort of "predicting" if you will. I set the rosters up so that they match the Game Day rosters, and I go at it.
Historically, I'd say I pick the winning team about 75% of the time whenever I do this, so it's pretty accurate. In fact, I've done playoff games in the past in which I get the...
It's a rather atypical day for your hockey season to start. I've gone from freezing at night, wearing my footsie pajamas and electric blankets to wearing a short-sleeved shirt with the A/C running on my commute home from school.
I'm kidding, I don't own footsie pajamas, but I would look damn cute if I did.
But yes, back to the important stuff. Every year I would get...
I don't care what year, who is on the roster, or who might be coach. When it's the start of the season, there is an electricity in the air just the same. Even when Mad Mike was spinning us to oblivion like a Texas Twister, I still sat at this juncture with the same bustle and trepidation.
If you think about it, we came from a proverbial desert as sports fans. The late 9...
Paddock had the Phantoms do a pretty aggressive skate for a game day.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/2929209009/in/set-72157607916870391/
Aubin skated with the Phantoms
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/2929208059/in/set-72157607916870391/
Flyers seemed really really loose at practice. That makes me hopeful for the opener.
http://www.flickr.co...
Yes, this team is for real.
It is only two games, but look at what they've done.
An emotional 6-0 win (that one was for you Luc Bourdon) and then a 5-4 OT victory in hostile territory tonight. Northwest Division rival Calgary was the victim both times.
And I know how people say the preseason doesn't matter, but it's no fluke that the Canucks had one of the best r...
ladynic writes...
10/11/08 Rangers @ Flyers, 10/12/08 Phantoms Phan Club event
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Ok I am behind so only one post.
Thank you everyone I met or ran into last night at the Flyers games that said they saw my pics or thanked me for writing and posting. I guess I didn't realize how many people read and look at my things. It was greatly appreciated.
Flyers game
Warmups are starting to be helmet optional. Not sure where this trend started but it...
10/13/08
It was Kids Day on Long Island, and fans came out as the Isles tripped, clutched, held sticks, grabbed, fought, slashed, roughed, hooked, cross checked and probably did about 80% of it all over again.
Buffalo worked hard with their 7-1 drubbing of the Islanders, but perhaps not as hard as the refs. The refs called a total (at this time..it might still not...
Last Friday night the season started with the hopes of a shining youth movement getting underway to a successful first game. We saw Okposo make a good attempt on a penalty shot with Joey MacDonald putting on a promising performance in a 2-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils. It wasn't a win, but it left optimism for the following night's home opener at the Coliseum against the...
It is entertaining listening to fans as the hockey season starts out. The fans are screaming for Kipper before tonight's game. Before we all jump over, let’s remember that a team loses together and a team wins together.
Now thinking statistically, it's only three games, people, get a grip. Secondly, even if we were in trouble, it is not all Kipper's fault. Last time...
I can't begin to explain how good it felt to see the Isles give up a 2-0 lead and manage a win. Yeah I know...how can anyone be happy that their team gave up a 2-0 lead in the third period? It's pretty simple.
Dating back for say the past four or five years the Isles maintained this identity of "roll over and die" as opposed to the "never say die" Isles that they used t...
Alex Ponikarovsky also know as Poni in Toronto has scored 60 goals the past three season for Toronto but does not seem to get understand the concept of keep your stick down. Poni took another lazy penalty against the Rangers last night because he stopped moving his feet, thanks to the stellar play of Toskala the Leafs managed to get a point out of another shootout loss but...
The pest that we all love to hate will be making his return to Coliseum ice this Thursday when the New York Islanders host the Dallas Stars. Last night he made a more notable return to Madison Square Garden to face the Rangers. I didn't expect him to be out of line when playing against his former team, and from the little I saw my prediction was proved correct. But as usua...
stljam writes...
How Can I Get My Girlfriend to Like Hockey, the Sequel?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I want to take this opportunity to thank Hockeybuzz's own Julie Robenhymer for writing a much needed blog, "How Can I Get My Girlfriend to Like Hockey?" (You can read her blog here: [url]http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=16472[/url]). I wish I would have had that type of starter kit about 15 years ago but luckily it all worked out for me.
As you may have gue...
CAPMESS11 writes...
Cherepanov Tragedy Changes Rangers Plans : RIP # 17
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With all the Dollars and cents the KHL offers,it makes no sense that the hockey world lost one of its future stars. Regardless of his talents,not a single player should have their life in jeopardy playing pro hockey. With all the hazards the game brings naturally, ( Concussions,puck movement,stick infractions,and skate blades) to fight for your life on the bench seems ins...
Rob McGowan writes...
Tiger Tips: Parrish Plays With Tigers, Not the Islanders?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Islanders traded away Mark Parrish along with Brent Sopel to the LA Kings a few years back in return for Jeff Tambellini and Denis Grebeshkov. That year he missed a chunk of the season to a high ankle sprain but in 57 games with the Islanders he managed to put up 24 goals and 41 points, contributing as one of our more consistent forwards despite him being one of the st...
The Leafs are six games into the year and fans around the globe are wondering will the Leafs be able to score any goals?. The Leafs have scored a grand total of 11 goals and are on pace for a grand total of 150 goals forward, take into consideration that the Leafs scored 3 goals against Detroit in the season opener and 3 at home against St. Louis so we have 5 in the 4 othe...
Full pics set (yes only 11 pictures)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157608279983830/
Luca was very impressive to me. He handled himself very very well.
He gave the group a few laughs too at one point talking about the Old Guys on the team.
He speaks 4 languages. He talked about missing his pets and rooming with the Cote's.
He was a great g...
Dallas came to town with a thunderous ZZ Top crescendo. The Isles unfortunately channeled Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories as they gave away pucks to the Stars team as if they were going out of style. Add to all this is that Brendan Witt might be out for a spell. He left the game with a "Lower Body Injury" which looked a lot like a knee injury.
Don't let the 5 to 3 score fool y...
A good pass. Of course there are players who score their goals with impressive dekes and flashy moves, but those players are called stars...superstars. Not the Dallas Stars. But last night the Isles got trampled by Mike Rebeiro and his career-high four assists.
This brings me to my point. What does it take to score a goal? We know that the Isles were going to have trou...
So, on to the Hurricanes, who have posted themselves a 3-2-1 record to kick off the season. A respectable record, having only played two home games thus far, but the team has seemed to regress as the season goes on, as opposed to getting better.
Obviously I can't recap every game for you here, so I will give you some +/- ratings for players on the season....
+'s
B...
If someone was to ask me about the performance from the Calgary Flames, I would have to say it was the most impressive victory of the season. Why? because every aspect of the Flames games was at its best. What do I mean? Well, let me explain.
[b]Power Play[/b]
The Flames scored two powerplay goals, it was nice to see Bert score in the first period and Dion score a...
Oh boy... here we go again.
Another player out with a concussion after a great big shot to the head.
For those who havent seen it yet (which is highly improbable, as it's one of the biggest hits of the past couple seasons)....
[code][/code]
After I had a minute to cool down, as any fan would be upset watching their teams top prospect go down in such a way, I st...
I'm going to play off of the infamous "Ek Factors" for this one, and give you the "Mill Factors" for this game. BTW, before I get started, Ek and his family remains in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Get well soon Ek!
[b]Senateurs d'Ottawa[/b] (2-5-1, 14th in conference)
at [b]Buffalo Sabres[/b] (6-0-2, 2nd in conference)
Monday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m....
[b]POST-GAME[/b]
There were two mindsets in the locker room. One was the Isles were victimized by bad breaks and bounces. it was a close game until near the end. This is true, but good teams make their own luck or overcome.
Isles coach [b]Scott Gordon[/b] and team captain [b]Bill Guerin[/b] had another take: Isles lost when people broke from the system, out of positi...
There's some sarcasm in the title. I know why there are so many officials but I no longer know why they are all on the ice. Maybe the NHL should consider putting an official either between the penalty boxes or between the benches.
What, why? If you watch as much hockey as me you've probably noticed how manytimes the officials get in the way of the play or can't bel...
for gerz et all,
there are two sites on the internet from which you can steam sports from around the world, and i have found them to be streaming quite well (minimal to no lagging or buffering) this season. In terms of the Senators, for games that our usual channels are not broadcasting, you will be able to watch the feed from the opponents home tv station.
here are ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Okposo Needs To Play - Plus My First Blog Box Experience
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This past Monday was the first Islander-Ranger game of the season, so I figured, what better a game to get my first taste of the NYI Blog Box? Unfortunately the Isles didn't finish with the expectations that I had hoped, but it was an exciting game that showed areas of promise...and areas of concern.
Joey MacDonald cannot be blamed for the Isles poor start. That has to ...
[b]10/30/08 Isles @ Flyers[/b]
Shout outs to Erica, Roseann, Karen, Brooke, Jess, Amanda, Matt, Eric, HF, Sandy, Theresa, Debbie, and anyone else playing along with Tim Ramholt got traded for Gratton.
Ok I think everyone knows, I have seen the Flyers play the Isles WAY TOO MANY TIMES!
For a while I think that was to the only team in my game plan.
Erica wanted t...
So the Isles go into the third period against R.J. Umberger and the Columbus Blue Jackets with a 3-0 lead...very reminiscent of the 4-1 lead the Isles held going into the third against the Montreal Canadiens...but the Isles couldn't blow a 3-goal lead in two consecutive home games...could they?
...yes...yes they could.
And they did. Going into the third period the Is...
[img]http://boredplanet.com/img/electiondaywin.jpg[/img]
There are always a few factions after an election day. Those happy or at least satisfied. Another angry, with bitter canned rhetoric looking for anything that can assuage that sour taste in their mouth. Politics can bring out the best and worst of us.
I think any reaction to the election is valid and true to ...
Rob McGowan writes...
It's a Win, It's a Streak, But Isles Still Look Weak
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
You will never hear me complain of the New York Islanders beating the New York Rangers. Ever. Although the rivalry may have died down on the ice over the years, it has not died down for the fans, and a win is a win however they may come. Despite the Isles being on a two game winning streak after playing back to back games, the Isles were lucky to come out with a "W" after ...
NickBoston writes...
Karyia Becomes the Latest Casuality on Injury Front
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Can it get any worse for the Blues?
The rash of injuries the Blues have had early on this season has now spread to Paul Kariya. He is flying back to St. Louis to have an MRI taken on what is being called a "lower body injury" by the team. Kariya was injured in the second period of last night's game against Anaheim, and didn't return. While nothing has been leaked about ...
NickBoston writes...
Karyia Becomes the Latest Casuality on Injury Front
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Can it get any worse for the Blues?
The rash of injuries the Blues have had early on this season has now spread to Paul Kariya. He is flying back to St. Louis to have an MRI taken on what is being called a "lower body injury" by the team. Kariya was injured in the second period of last night's game against Anaheim, and didn't return. While nothing has been leaked about ...
NickBoston writes...
Karyia Becomes the Latest Casuality on Injury Front
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Can it get any worse for the Blues?
The rash of injuries the Blues have had early on this season has now spread to Paul Kariya. He is flying back to St. Louis to have an MRI taken on what is being called a "lower body injury" by the team. Kariya was injured in the second period of last night's game against Anaheim, and didn't return. While nothing has been leaked about ...
NickBoston writes...
Kariya Becomes the Latest Casuality on Injury Front
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Can it get any worse for the Blues?
The rash of injuries the Blues have had early on this season has now spread to Paul Kariya. He is flying back to St. Louis to have an MRI taken on what is being called a "lower body injury" by the team. Kariya was injured in the second period of last night's game against Anaheim, and didn't return. While nothing has been leaked about ...
I can't say that every Isles fan wanted a youth movement, but close to the majority did. The result thus far has been tough games with blown leads, merciful losses, and pounding headaches, but I hate to say it, this is what we asked for.
This is not a bad thing. It is what's to be expected. I'll admit, I myself was making those typical claims of 'trade this guy' or 'bri...
B.D. Gallof writes...
IMAGINE: Controversial Shoot Out Loss vs the Penguins
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[i]Imagine if 40 minutes meant anything. Imagine if 5 straight games, the Isles owned more than just the 1st and 2nd periods, Imagine if you could have seen under Dany Sabourin's 1/8 piece of blockers to see the puck which crossed the line for the tying Shoot Out goal.[/i]
The Isles led going into the 3rd period. Therein lied the problem. They have been unable to ment...
Shout outs to Karen, Krisitn, Roseann, Sandy, Jess, Amanda, Matt, Don, Rux, Eric, and all my regulars ;)
First the buzgate. I parked in the wachoia lot because I knew I was going to do my normal thing of waiting afterwards. I ran in to Scoop Cooper and walked over with him.
I could not believe the set up when I got over to the Buzzgate. The folks organizing this d...
I have to say that watching the Leafs this season has been exciting, the team skates, it is now scoring and more importantly winning some games. This could mean its time to plan the Stanley Cup parade route, all joking aside i don't expect very much from this squad but that may be part of the reason i enjoy watching them so much this season. There is one thing that i have ...
For the past few games we have watched this Isles squad play an impressive 40 minutes of hockey to conclude to the dismay of many fans with a 2 or 3-goal give-away resulting in a loss.
I was in Connecticut on Saturday and was unable to watch Satan and Fedotenko make their returns to Coliseum ice, but I got a text message from a buddy of mine that said it all in two wor...
I don't know about anybody else, but the officiating so far this season has been absolute crap!! I have Center Ice, and I've been to a number of games this season, and it has been absolutely horrendous!! So what's different this season and why am I complaining about it now? Because tonight, there were two critical calls that cost the Sharks the game against Nashville, a...
I'm fed up!! After the Sharks loss last night to Nashville, that could have very easily been a win had the refs done their freaking job right, something has to change! This game just happens to be the last straw. I've been watching a number of games this season since I have Center Ice, and it just as bad throughout the league. In every game I've seen there have be horrendo...
After competing for a period of time that is about 3.5 hours from preskate through the end of regulation and OT, NHL players are forced to participate in something that is as far from hockey to decide which teams wins. Hockey is the ultimate team sport requiring 6 players on the ice to perform as one to win a game or score a goal. However, the shootout is nothing more th...
The Isles were down early against a struggling Ottawa Senators team last night. Sure, they were under .500 going into the game, but you cannot undermine the power of Heatley, Spezza, and Alfredsson. The early lead had many pundering how bad this game could get, but then the impossible happened...
A "stale" Kyle Okposo, (as described by head coach Scott Gordon), newly pa...
The Tampa bay Lightning have fired Barry Melrose because of a bunch of overpaid, whining, pretty boys who didn't like being called out for making EXTREME amounts of money and being LAZY.
This is a sad day for hockey. Melrose demanded his players skate hard every shift. He stated that they are an incredibly talented team, but that gets you nothing if you don't work har...
Isles have a shot of a home-at-home sweep of the Senators. More interestingly, Josh Bailey has a shot of sweeping out a vet as a mainstay this season if he performs well in the next handful of games.
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/sweeptheleg.jpg[/img]
Ottawa comes to town probably pretty hyped up over a few things. Their stinker at home in Ottawa where those...
Shout outs to PFFC volunteers, EK, EO and Julie.
This was a great event. Proceeds go to Charity plus it was a long overdue day with Stanley for Bill Clement.
Erica and I arrived at noon. This was the line that we were greeted with
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3032289223/in/set-72157609137296854/
It took us an hour and 15 minutes to get through the ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Mac'in Net: Joey Comes Up Big as Isles Win Two Straight
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Last night's game against Ottawa started off with a fearful barrage of shots from the Sens. Almost 6 1/2 minutes in the Isles were being outshot 7-1, forcing Joey MacDonald to commit with some big saves to keep the game at a scoreless tie. At the end of the first the ice was tilted in the Senators favor. I looked up to the score board to see the Sens were not out-shooting ...
I love these ferry rides from Long Island back to school in Connecticut. They allow me to sit down and write up speculation pieces without worrying about having anything else to do. While most of my blogs usually contains facts or fun opinions, these ferry ride blogs are usually speculation pieces simply because I do not have internet, and I like to write down some fun tho...
16 games in, I am not very surprised about how the Avs are playing. They're having some problems with consistant effort and, in particular, burying the puck. Goaltending had a rather precocious start but has gotten better as of late (the loss to Columbus notwithstanding.) Here's my breakdown of the five areas:
[b]Offense:[/b] We have a lot of talent, that's for sure. Th...
Ok two reports on post…
11/16/08 Thrashers @ Flyers
My friends and I had some fun with Lupul. We made him these signs.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3040202806/in/set-72157609353503805/
This was the reaction
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3039391261/in/set-72157609353503805/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3040230518/in/set-72157609353...
The Isles shootout victory over the Vancouver Canucks Monday night lifted them to 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Sure, that's right around where this team finished last year, but keep in mind just a few days ago we were sitting at the bottom of the standings with thoughts of Tavares and Hedman swirling around our brains.
It's still a possibility (and a very good ...
I could never understand how teams made bold trades or adjustments when they were on top of the league. When Claude Julien got dumped by Jersey a few days before the playoffs I laughed. When the Rangers moved Mike Gartner to the Leafs at the deadline in 94 I cried ( well a little) . But the truth is sometimes these head scratchers become huge chess moves in capturing t...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
Global Markets Down - NHL "Stock" Soaring Into the Black
Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]Global Markets Down[/b]
[img]http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee162/JHRIV/primerate1.jpg?t=1227324887[/img]
I'm sure you've read the papers and heard the nightly news. On Wall Street, the Dow hits it lowest levels in 5 1/2 years. On Main Street, U.S. jobless claims hit a 16 year high. From the Great Wall to the Champs d'Elysee, global recession fears send Asi...
Turnovers and lack of physicality is what the Oilers identity has become this year. Seems to be game after game that a gawdy turnover just before the offensive blue line results in a scoring chance for the opposing team. It's worth noting that at this moment Hemsky ranks at number 15 in points but he is the only guy in the top 15 with a negative plus/minus. Hemsky is a ple...
[b]Final score: Avs 4 Kings 3 (SO) [/b]
The Colorado turned in a hard-fought but costly victory Saturday night.
Saturday night's game against the Kings saw a return of some of the up-tempo hockey we saw to start the season. The Avs put a lot of shots towards the net (29 shots on net). The Avs passed really well and got some good play from their top two lines.
The ...
I am looking at the current standings and have a problem with the way games are settled. If you read my blog, you know I hate the shootout, but this is more about the mystery 3 point games. If you look closely at the standings, the real margin between teams is totally blurred by the OTL column of the standings.
Here is the current standings with a column that I added ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Nielsen's Injury Brings Attention to Void In Isles Line-up
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
This is not going to be a typical blog by a fan that will rant about the Isles receiving a lack of justice in regards to the suspension laid upon Mike Mottau of the New Jersey Devils. As far as that subject goes I will say that it does seem a bit odd that Thomas Pock got five games for his hit the head of Ryan Shannon of the Ottawa Senators while Mottau only got two. Shann...
B.D. Gallof writes...
Want to incapacitate a player? Per the NHL... AIM LOWER
Posted Monday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.boredplanet.com/img/aimlower.jpg[/img]
[i]"I know it was to the head. I know Mike Mottau. He's not a dirty player, but it was a dirty hit. Thomas Pock is not a dirty player, but he had a dirty hit against Ottawa and he paid for it."[/i]
- Bill Guerin
When [b]Mike Mottau[/b] slammed into [b]Frans Neilsen[/b], it lit off a bright light on the ine...
[b]Crystal Ball Gazing[/b]
[i]A look at the Avs’ pipeline[/i]
While the Avalanche’s stars are starting to age, it is time to look at some of the prospects coming through the Avs’ pipeline. Prospects are listed based on NHL readiness. The number in parentheses is the estimated number of years to NHL readiness.
[b]Centers:[/b]
T.J. Galiardi- 6’2” 185 lb...
[b]Crystal Ball Gazing[/b]
A look at the Avs' pipeline
While the Avalanche's stars are aging (minus Paul Stastny and few others), it is time to look at some of the prospects coming through the Avs' pipeline. Prospects are listed based on NHL readiness. The number in parentheses is the estimated number of years to NHL readiness.
[b]Centers:[/b]
T.J. Galiardi- 6'...
We're 21 games into what has been a very up and down youth movement. This team started off with a 1-1 start, losing a close battle to the New Jersey Devils for a season opener, then winning their first home game of the season against the Blues, before being dismantled by the Buffalo Sabres a few days later. Fans got to see their beloved Isles at the bottom of the standings...
That's right, Josh Bailey is checking out. He's played nine NHL games and tonight will be his tenth, sending him packing.
I know you're all saying, "Wait...what?"
Yes...he's packing his bags and checking out of that hotel he's been living in for the past two months to live in a house with Okposo, Gervais, and Thompson since he now rightfully owns a roster spot with ...
Due to injuries and poor play, the Avs have made a change. It is a small change but one for the future. They put an "A" on the jersey of Paul Stastny.
Since made this club two years ago out of training camp, we knew he was the future. He was the guy to take the reigns from Joe Sakic. He was going to take this club into the forseeable future. What has this done?
In tw...
Your centers are Weight, Thompson, Bailey, and Sillinger...the Isles are up by a goal with less than a minute remaining in the third period with a face-off in their zone. Who do you put out there?
Mike Sillinger. His value on face-offs while with the Islanders has been paramount over the past two seasons and has been greatly missed in his absence. Weight and Nielsen ha...
neildo writes...
Is it time to push the panic button? part 2(Staff overview)
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Is it time to push the panic button??? Part 2
Ok, I m back. Guess I underestimate you guys and though nobody would read it.
Coaching staff
Not a lot to say about them. Craig Hartsburg has not been exceptional but as not been bad either. I like the fact that he shuffle his lines in the first 20 games that ways he looks at every possible option but I d like to see h...
I know its been a few days since Sean Avery's mouth did a drive-by on the topic of his "sloppy seconds" but I think its good to examine whether he is of good to this league or not. Its a relevant idea considering some analysts have made the bold prediction that Avery will not see NHL ice again.
I definitely am not out here to defend him. His words were utterly disrespec...
The news only got worse for Kyle Okposo yesterday...he was was expected to return to the lineup Thursday night to face Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals, but unfortunately he will be out of the line-up for another 4-6 weeks with a sprained right wrist.
Whenever I hear that one of the core factions of the youth movement are going to be out for a significant...
Time to start a lengthy conversation. Is it possible that the Flyers centers of Richards and Carter are approaching the top echelon of dominate players in the league. Unlike Crosby and Malkin, Richards and Carter do not play on the same line ever. Ovechkin and Semin can be considered but Semin is still not a top guy, this pair is all AO - who I consider the best player ...
If there were doubts, at least in fans eyes, they were erased Saturday night. Somewhere in a horrific loss to Atlanta, a beacon on light turned on upon a youth who more fits the Isles plans than the young man who went to Bridgeport for a conditioning stint.
There is not a doubt in my mind that Jeff Tambellini simply does not fit the Isles needs whether he blooms or not....
Shout out to the practice crew
There was not alot of spectators there today but I did notice that there seemed to be a very young news crew doing a story and taking footage of Flyers practice. I thought that was kinda cool.
So anyway I always have some story.
Go to practice got in my spot and this lady started putting signs up all around me. Then she walked off...
Some of the following would obviously require legal work, approval of the NHLPA and other unions and will not be popular with all. So please don't respond with, "The NHLPA would never agree to that"...I know, this is just my own thoughts and what not.
[b]First[/b] of all, adios to the shootout. It's a gimmick and a joke that the NHL uses it to settle games that can make...
It has taken two years but the Avalanche and its fans finally got to see what Chris Stewart brings to an NHL team.
Tonight's game against the Kings showed us what to expect of Chris Stewart. Looks like we have another good first round pick to aid us in our rebuild.
Stewart put on a show tonight. In his first few games he was immediately cutting up the ice, getting ou...
It has taken two years but the Avalanche and its fans finally got to see what Chris Stewart brings to an NHL team.
Tonight's game against the Kings showed us what to expect of Chris Stewart. Looks like we have another good first round pick to aid us in our rebuild.
Stewart put on a show tonight. In his first few games he was immediately cutting up the ice, getting ou...
It may come as a bit of a surprise to some, but as reported on Chris Botta's blog at Islanderspointblank.com, Jon Sim is officially on waivers and available to any of the other 29 teams in the NHL.
[img:left]http://www.cbc.ca/includes/promos/promo/sports/images/hockey-sim-jon_200.jpg[/img]So far this season Sim has 5 goals and 2 assists for a shallow 7 points. He was ...
Curtis McElhinney started in his second game of the year and third of his career. He played great stopping 35 shots but it still was not enough to earn him a win in the National Hockey League. Up 3-1 midway through the third period the Flames allowed the high powered Wings to score 2 goals in four minutes of play forcing the game into overtime. The Red Wings come at you no...
The GM meetings just happened in Florida. Much of the groundwork for some winter trades gets laid during these meetings. [b]Garth Snow[/b] knows his team needs some adjustments and tweaks. With [b]Mike Comrie[/b] and others coming back on the horizon, he's going to need to crafty making room since he's chosen to have[b] Josh Bailey[/b] remain on Long Island. Thus, [b]Jon S...
If I were in charge, I would completely restructure the game scoring system! The game today is not conducive to allowing 3-point games - it is too fast, has too many skilled players, and allows too many goals to be scored. When positions 5 - 12 in conference standings are separated by just 2 or 3 points for several months, then the league needs to take a good look at the...
How does one take a bad loss? And I don't mean just any loss. But, a REALLY bad one. The kind that is like a karate kick to the gut after eating a bowl of chili and half an apple pie. The kind that leaves you just plain stumped. Numb. Daffy. Pissed. Furious. All of the above. Or none of the above, and just a bad case of gas.
There is no two ways about it. Last night wa...
I never want to see my team lose as bad as this...but it happens...hell, in Jagr's debut game for the Rangers they lost 9-1 to the Senators and I think Jagr was held to one assist (don't ask me how I remember things like this, I just do). The major problem with last night's loss was that there was no heart in the Isles game. They quit once they were down 3-1. Their shifts ...
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...
Shout out to the whole crew at Yesterday's game.
I know quite a few of my crew were complaining about the afternoon game yesterday but sometimes it is nice to see the afternoon tilt.
As requested I took some video instead of doing pictures...
Here is my little bits of video from yesterday's game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SfjaWfUtc4
Anyway I knew it...
[img:left]http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Mats-Sundin-Photograph-C12544663.jpeg[/img]I can't start heavily criticizing Mats since he is not the first player to do what he is doing: sitting for half a season before deciding where he wants to play. But I have to say, it is completely wrong for athletes to do this.
I'll be the first to admit that I really do not know too ...
Recently Gary Bettman said Avery's remark offended him as a parent.
"To be perfectly honest I wouldn't want to have to explain to my 12-year-old daughter what he said," the commissioner said.
I find this humorous considering the NHL allows its teams and media partners to advertise viagra with a disclaimer: [i]in the rare event of an erection lasting more than 4 hours...
Shout outs to everyone.
This was a big hockey filled weekend.
I took in the Phantoms win Friday night over the Lowell Devils, The Flyers win over the Capitals and the Phantoms shootout loss to the Admirals on Saturday.
First I know you all want to see Randy Jones
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3121297625/in/set-72157611365592117/
http://www.flickr.co...
Well, happy holidays. Just a few ideas, that hopefully will spur a bit of conversation.
-I am one of those that don't care for the shootout, and I won't belabor the point, but I really hope if there is any change for next year, I hope that shootout wins are devalued for 2009-10.
-Maybe it's me, but why is Atlanta unable to come up with a jersey design that isn't hide...
In honour of the original sports guy Bill Simmons and on the eve of the World Jrs we introduce the 1st Canadian Sports Guys NHL Power Poll of the season.
[b]The John Tavares Division[/b]
30-Tampa Bay Lightning SEEN STAMKOS?
One thing is for sure about this Lightning team, Barry Melrose or Janet Jones-Gretzky wont have any money riding on them anytime soon.
29-NY Isla...
Well by this point in time the teams are fully composed. Bad teams are bad, good teams are good, and mediocre teams are well, mediocre. So let's hand out a few awards at this point in the season.
I must be fair here. I have seen very few games from the Western teams. For this reason I will concentrate only on the Eastern Conference for these awesome, fictitious aw...
To everyone on Hockeybuzz, I wish all of you a pleasant and Merry Christmas!!!
We may not see eye on eye on some ideas but overall we root on the team that plays the sport that we all love.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!
I originally thought that for this blog I would write a Christmas list to good'ol St. Nick listing all the necessary presents my Isles can use...but then I realized that list might be way too long. I have a list that not only addresses this season, but the years that follow. So instead, I broke it down to the basics, and it all comes down to one issue: this team needs work...
With yet another blow to the hockey team, losing Paul Stastny in the dying minutes of the game against Phoenix, the Avalanche have lost their top two centers on the team. The team has very little to hope for between the pipes, with Budaj showing his characteristic inconsistency and Raycroft trying to trick us into thinking he can hold down the number 1 job. With the team s...
In a game that would have even Jeff Goldblum studdering, the Avs beat the Red Wings.
It was a wierd game, Saturday night, one that the Avs were supposed to lose. Thanks to Oli Jokinen and a snow blower, the Avs were without Paul Stastny and Joe Sakic, respectively. They had Tyler Arnason taking Paul Stastny's spot. They were starting Peter Budaj, who hasn't played well...
Neither the Flyers nor the Phantoms had much success this weekend. Both teams lost Friday and Saturday. Saturday looked like both games might end by the same score but The Admirals seemed to turn and burn and the Phantoms ended up loosing 7-2.
I have faith that both teams will turn things around. Both teams have injuries to key players and the flu making rounds.
...
The effects of high altitude are well known in professional and amateur sports. On the plus side, the thin air means the athletes will be able to move with less drag and greater efficiency. However, unless trained or acclimated to altitude, most teams will not be able to perform at maximum level when playing in Denver. This is especially true when the athletes are hockey ...
Renny needs to let out the hot air or before long, he'll float away. After telling the media and the world that he would start benching important players and standing his ground,he send Corey Potter and his bruising size to Hartford again!. His promises are becoming empty,it's like a kid crashing the car into the garage and still being able to go to the party. What mad...
B.D. Gallof writes...
HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES: Why Are There Two Set Of Rules?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
When Mike Sillinger made his return from surgery, he was tested on a Bridgeport stint. The Isles were careful, applying the use of a conditioning stint to do just that, condition a player to the rigors of the AHL as a prelude to a return to the faster, stronger NHL. Bridgeport was then used for Jeff Tambellini to just to gain confidence, under the same idea. It is a tool f...
DP is hurt practically just as soon as he comes back from his umpteenth injury; Sillinger keeps bouncing to and from the IR; Martinek continues to hurt himself if he blows his nose too hard; Sutton blocks shots like an animal, but pays a price each year; and Nielsen is missing out on the first year of his NHL contract.
The list can go on and on. It's been hard to watch...
1. How much money does the Freeman Group really have for the Preds?
2. After 11 years have the Preds fan base shown any significant growth?
3. Do the Preds have the talent in the system to get past the 1st round of the playoffs
in the next 3 years (this year included)?
4. If no was your answer to question 3 do you think the Preds will still be here after
3 years...
Lets start off by wishing everyone a great 2009 and for Leaf fans a very interesting time as Brian Burke has had just about a month to evaluate the team and could be primed for some moves.
The question is who can you see Burkie trade package or waive as he continues the rebuilding process that Fletcher has commenced.
Here is a player by player breakdown of what might b...
First off I have to say that I am a die hard Maple Leaf fan, please don't hold that against me. More so I am a fan of the game, I can watch any game at anytime and find it enjoyable. So for those who are like me, if you could buy 1 crested jersey NOT from your favorite team who would it be and why? Which do you have already? Please do not include National team jerseys.
...
Howdy from Ottawa...tranist strike still going, looks like a union meeting Monday then a vote has to happen on the City's final offer no later than Thursday next week. It will be rejected, but some buses will be forced back on the roads. Rona Ambrose and her office will then try waste as much time as they can until the house of commons resumes, and the feds can make OC Tra...
Most of the time, third uniforms are a failure - in all sports. Lot's of teams will go with a color combo - usually to black - to look tough, one supposes. Or, they go with colors that are non-traditional for the team. Or, they find some "designer" to "update" the look.
Unfortunately, on the whole, one gets the impression that the creation of a third look is only d...
The Avalanche were handed a crushing defeat by the Blue Jackets last night, scoring first but then surrendering 6 unanswered goals. The defeat shouldn't come as any surprise to Avs fans (I'm sure it didn't) as Budaj continues to prove exactly how inconsistent he can be. One of the many fan irritants on the team, Budaj's play has resembled both ends of the spectrum, spectac...
Just six months ago many a grapevine was carrying rumor of NHL expansion while I lamented the integrity of a revenue bound salary cap. Even into the new season few had foreseen the sheer gravity of the global economic downturn and its impact on jobs, housing, businesses and every facet of life down to sport. Now as international markets stutter into a depression that many ...
This little blog takes involves many NHL teams however most of my proposed trades involve either the Leafs or the Canucks as they are the two teams that I know the most about. It is a pretty interesting read and I did do my research as far as caproom and contracts go.
When I take a look at the current standings it is fairly evident who some of the buyers and sellers...
Every year there is a consistent trend that the Isles pick up. I'm not talking about the never ending changes to the Isles third jersey, (which actually looks mighty good this year) but the way they start and finish their games.
First they went through this stretch where they would score the first goal and establish a comfortable 2 or 3 goal lead and then blow it eithe...
saneopinion writes...
All Stars or All stuffed? Is the game even necessary?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Listen, There is not even an argument that the first team all Stars should not be first team all stars. It used to mean something to be selected to the starting team, now it means that Montreal fans spend more on texting than Detroit fans.
If you, as a fan that stuffed the box, can really tell me that Toews deserves the starting center over Thornton then I would also a...
Howdy from Ottawa...2-0 Buffalo to start, 1st period. Ottawa really looks like a team that's been on the road for 6 straight games...but regardless of the score tonight everyone in sport will be talking about this...Jarkko Ruutu bit Andrew Peters on the hand during a scrum in front of the benches. Ottawa got the PP due to Peters flipping out (who wouldn't?). The first thin...
Howdy from Ottawa. Andrew Peters gives this 8-game road trip the Sens are on one biten thumb down.
4-2 loss, Matt Ellis (who?) scores 15 secs in, 0 for 5 on the PP, outshot Buffalo 11-4 in the 3rd period (held BUF without a shot for 13 mins until Vanek hit the empty net) and yet all anyone will talk about for the rest of the week is that Ruutu bites Peters.
If you miss...
Howdy from Ottawa...transit drivers vote today...obviously they are voting no...what a farce.
Ok so I hear that Christoph Schubert is being peddled by Bryan Murray...wow what a big news story, too bad it's 2 months plus old. Back in November Murray tried to trade Schubert but nobody wanted him. They still don't.
I also hear now there is talk Murray wants to move Verm...
Howdy from the Nation's Capital. A brutal start followed by a period and a half of strong play, followed by a poor 3rd (didn't have a shot for 14 mins) equals to a 1-6-1 road trip for the Sens...I hope they took the first flight out of Bean town.
The 6-4 score line looks bad on both teams as it was a giveaway-fest all night for both teams...although Ottawa clearly 'won...
Howdy from Ottawa where the Union of bus drivers rejected the city's 'final' offer...ho hum. Hate to be so coy about this but if we've survived this long, then why not double our pleasure and turn the 31 days so far into 62!
Ok time for the mid-season report cards...oh joy.
Dany Heatley - leads the team in points, PP goals and has a few game winners. Is a minus 6 and...
The Avs came away with 2 points in their latest match against the Blackhawks, arguably the best young team in hockey. Aside from the up tempo new style Avs fans have seen of late, Andrew Raycroft has been steadily making his case for the #1 job which has been held by Peter Budaj. Now critics (and most hockey fans) will agree that Raycroft sucks. Yes, this is sadly true how...
Howdy from Ottawa,
What seemed like a solid start for our Sens with good pressure really wasnt...outshot 14-9 and played most of the first in our zone. Ottawa had a much better second, first time in a long time we see the speed and forecheck back again. Shots were 14-4 in favour for our boys. Dare I say the best period in the last 10 games? They started the 3rd just the...
With the Isles off for the next few days, I figured I'd discuss with you my thoughts on what is probably the most intriguing trade rumor that I have read thus far. Again, they are just rumors, and although Hockeybuzz gets these rumors from "reliable sources," they are still just rumors that may not develop into anything more than just food for thought. But here we go.
W...
Howdy from Ottawa where the days are piling up on the transit strike, but the days count down till winterlude! Oh and if any MALE has been to 'Nordic Spa'...how is it? Like for a MALE? I might be dragged into going this weekend.
Ok so how many times have you either heard, read a quote or read an article/blog stating the following...'we need a puck moving defensemen" by...
The Avs beat the Penguins Saturday afternoon 5-3 and after this one I'm pretty sure we can all pump our fists knowing that the 'Wolski show' we're all seeing is for real. Matched up against Sid the dirty fighting Kid, we came out on top limiting the damage as well as putting up some key markers. Of course the other guys came through as well, David Jones and Cody McCleod pi...
[b] HOCKEY THOUGHTS THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY[/b]
[b]THE UGLY[/b]
The NHL again had to deal with one of its wayward sons this week. Poor Mr. Jarkko Ruutu tried to break his fast by chomping on Mr. Andrew Peters’ hand. For some reason, Mr. Peters put his hand in Ruutu mouth. I never thought the NHL would have to deal with the issue of cannibalism. I know, I am makin...
The heavily-anticipated trade deadline is less than two-full months away, and it seems as if the Isles veterans can sense that their terms with the Islanders may be coming to a close. We all know that this year is the start of a long growing process for the younger players that are supposed to be the future of the franchise. The veterans that were brought over the last two...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We’re toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in ...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We’re toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in ...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
When [b]Paul Stastny[/b] went down with a broken forearm, I, like many hockey fans, thought the Avalanche were done. We're toast, build to next year, get a high draft pick and start from scratch. However, several centers have emerged to give Avs fans playoff hopes once again.
First is [b]Wojtek Wolski[/b]. Since being moved to his new position, he has put new life in th...
Howdy from a very cold nation's capital.
Obviously a much needed night in Sens country. Heater, 'Fish, Dean, Phillips and Vermette all scored. Ruutu returned from suspension, Elliot was as Hartsburg put it 'Rock Solid". A total team game where only Jason Smith and Nick Folingo weren't plus-something.
I was dead wrong on the Sens making a move prior to yesterday's ga...
Howdy from Ottawa. Well I was right, a 2-game win streak. Sens fans no matter how bad it gets this year, it can't get as bad as ATL.
Outshot 31-30 and outplayed in the 2nd, yet for a team with the road wounds that Ottawa has any points on the road will do. A solid 3rd period locked down the win, two nights in a row where the team played a complete game defensively.
...
steal_your_faceoff writes...
One Haymaker is not Enough - Hockey Fights Cancer
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.geocities.com/psmith25/pics/domi1prob.gif[/img]
Bob Probert, Stu "The Grim Reaper" Grimson, Tony Twist, Dave "The Hammer" Schultz, Tie Domi, Dave Brown, Marty McSorely, Tim Hunter, Dave Semenko, Joey Kocur, Dave "Tiger" Williams...you get the picture. These men were among the most legendary, intimidating forces in the game and could change the momentum ...
Howdy from Ottawa. Our team showed alot of heart tonight, but gained but one point in the race for 8th seed in the East.
Early in the 3rd it seemed MTL would cruise to victory but then the Big 3 (namely Spezza and Heatley) caught fire and a timely goal by a late line combo by Hartsburg of Neil-Fisher-McAmmond sent the game to OT. In the extra frame Ottawa killed off a P...
[b]Kings 2, Stars 3/SO[/b]
Mike Ribeiro scored the lone goal in the shootout as the Stars beat the Kings 3-2. Ribeiro also tied the game with 1:12 left in regulation, and also racked up an assist. For LA, Alexander Frolov tied the game at two with just 17 seconds left in regulation, but it was not enough for the Kings, as they lost their fourth game in a row. Dustin Brown...
Every Isles fan and hockey fan by now has to have come to a complete understanding in regards to this dismal year for the blue and orange. This season was designed to ignite a maturation process for all the young, inexperienced players; to learn from mistakes, to understand the game, yada yada yada. But in a youth movement, there are supposed to be signs of progress. Each ...
It was an interesting past week in the NHL as we saw a few trades and some great games. First off, the Wade Dubielewicz situation was very interesting to say the least. The Isles have had serious problems with their goaltending, as Rick Dipietro has been hurt, and so has Joey MacDonald. Due to that, the Isles wanted to bring back Dubie because they didn't want to have Yann...
... is to get the eighth seed. Look at the Avs' schedule and you realize a pattern. January is a perfect example:
Wins: Chicago, Pittsburgh, Calgary, Nashville
Losses: Minnesota, Columbus (2x), Edmonton, St. Louis
Anyone else see a pattern? The Avs have been Detroit twice, played hard with San Jose and Boston but lost to teams like Columbus, Edmonton, Minnesota, F...
Howdy from Ottawa. Here is a quick look at what's going on in Binghamton, NY or as the locals call it 'The Parlor City'.
Currently the Binghamton Senators sit 4th in the East Division with a 22-13-3-3 record. If we were in the other divison in the Eastern Conference, the Atlantic, we'd be one point out of first place and not 12 points as we are now (Hershey is the best ...
On a day that the country paused to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, the St. Louis Blues went into the TD Bankworth Garden in Boston and stole two points right from under the skates of the Bruins.
It has to be because of the Monday afternoon holiday games this season for the Blues...there's no other explanation for it.
Remember back to October 13th of th...
NickBoston writes...
Blues' 2004 First Round Draft Pick Opts for Czech Republic
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Marek Schwarz, who was once considered to be the top goaltending prospect for the Blues, has left the Alaska Aces of the ECHL to play in his native Czech Republic, according to Aces' coach Keith McCambridge.
It's a sad story for a guy that the Blues spent a first round draft pick in 2004 on, and coming out of Sparta Praha of the Czech Republic was highly-touted as the n...
Howdy from Ottawa, where the sun is out on a Senators game day. OV8, Semin, Backstrom and Green are in town to face our boys in the battle of the capital cities. Is going to be a tough one, Sens will do good to gain a point in this one. Also of note is Jason Spezza left practice early yesterday with a sore back. He maybe out as C Peter Regin has been called up from 'Bingo ...
CAPMESS11 writes...
DOC EMRICK DRINKING GAME! EDDIE NO CHECK CALL PENS LOVE FEST
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
So the Rangers lose in Pittsburgh, and all you have to do is ask every other team what they think of the officiating when you play SID. It's almost predictable what happens ( sure the pens had some jump) the Pens get the first few spotted. Then when they have a few on the board the Rangers can have a turn . I hate these NBC Games and anything on VS involving NY. It'...
The Leafs are looking to rebuild and a bit of that will come from the draft and drafting the correct pieces of the puzzle is always difficult. The Leafs have been known to trade a lot of picks away and have not been great draft day players and until this past draft in which they selected Luke Schenn 5th overall the last time the Leafs had a pick in the Top 5 was all the wa...
The news just doesn't get any better for the Blues these days...
According to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Andy McDonald limped off the ice during practice at the United Center in Chicago today, with what appears to be another injury to the same ankle he broke in November.
McDonald slipped and fell in the corner of the ice, threw his stick down i...
The Dallas Stars are headed to the All-Star break after a solid 2 periods against the Florida Panthers. They finished the first half on a rare Florida road trip - Monday in Tampa Bay and tonight in Sunrise. The Stars had been stringing some wins and points together, but they blew a 2-1 lead late in the 3rd to the Bolts, and lost 4-2. Then tonight they skated out to play...
The NHL All Star game is in need of a major adjustment. While I do enjoy the skills competition and the young stars game, the big show is more of a big disappointment. First of all not all of the games stars are there, albeit some of them are injured and that is understandable. I really dislike the fact that every team needs to be represented and fan balloting system is...
We continue our reviews of prior Leafs drafts with the 1984 draft held in Montreal on June 9, 1984.
Legend: GP=Games Played, G= Goals, A= Assists, PTS= Points,
W= Wins, L= Losses, T= Ties, GAA=Goals Against Average, SO= Shutouts
[b]4th Overall Pick- Al Iafrate (Defensemen)[/b]
Leafs Regular Season Stats: GP- 472 G- 81 A- 169 PTS- 250
Leafs Playoff Stats: GP- 29 ...
First of all let me introduce myself. My name is Jason and I have been a Predators season ticket holder for 10 years. I'm 33 years old and grew up watching hockey in Nashville, TN. That's right, you read correctly, grew up watching hockey; not only on TV but also in person. I use to go to the old Nashville Knights ECHL games and fell in love with hockey at an early age. My...
Ok All I have the most busy hockey schedule ever over the last few weeks and have seen alot of hockey in the process.
First I would like to say my thoughts and prayers are with Garrett Klotz. I am not sure if anyone is aware that he suffered a seizure last night following a fight off the opening faceoff. I encourage everyone who reads this to send some positive ge...
Or so Mr. Campbell claimed when quoted by TSN. "We've all got obligations to the fans, the rights holders -- this game is being televised around the world."
Well, exactly how many people in the large USA hockey market of greater Detroit will be watching any of the All-Star festivities now with no Wings on the roster? Hope the rights holders and sponsors appreciate the n...
As we get ready for the second half of the season, I have my lead-pipe lock predictions for the second half. Some of my predictions will be positive, others will be negative.
1. The Columbus Blue Jackets will make the playoffs this season. Why? Steve Mason will single handedly lead them to the playoffs. Yes, I understand that he's a rookie and there is a possibility tha...
At the All-Star break, I have compiled remarks for all 30 NHL teams, each one being one sentance, and should sum each team up nicely.
Anaheim Ducks- A good solid team that has plenty of time to get it together, or to dismantle their establishment to rebuild for the future.
Atlanta Thrashers- They score a lot thanks to Illya Kovalchuk and Brian Little, but don't do mu...
Ring of Fire writes...
Journalism or not journalism? The hockey blog question
Posted Monday | Comments 0
[b]RING of FIRE[/b]
[img]http://www.tuthq.com/images/fire-1.jpg[/img]
#1
I was trying to think of the best way to do my first blog. I mean, what is a blog anyway? Its a bunch of words on the internet, right?
WIKI says
[i]A blog, a contraction of the term "Web log", is a Web site, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, des...
Even though the rumors of the Blues being up for sale have been constantly denied by everyone within the Blues organization, some people apparently aren't buying it.
Sportsnet hockey analyst Mike Brophy was on Fan 590 in Toronto today, and said that Chris Pronger could be traded to the Blues because they "might be put up for sale" and that "a new owner would love to hav...
With John Tavares being the likely candidate to go first overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, there have been various people have been saying how this kid is possibly better than Sidney Crosby and how he may in fact be the true "next one". Bringing a kid like this into the NHL can do wonders for the team that drafts him and for the league. Look what Crosby and Ovechkin did...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Just Droppin' Like Flies: Silly Done For Year
Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
This week has been a little crazy. My break came to an end and I had to quickly shift gears from being that lazy bum that sat on a couch playing Call of Duty: World of War and NHL 2009 to a student again. So far, it's not going so well. I go to class, but start writing down line combinations in my notebook on what I think the team might look like next year or go over who m...
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...
N.H.L. All-Star Game Should Show-Case the Best That Hockey Has to Offer
All-Star Weekend is a chance for the National Hockey League to showcase this great game and all of its aspects. Currently, the All-star game itself is, well, monotonous. As fun as the weekend is said to be, if I were just new to the game of hockey, and the all-star game was the first hockey game I...
I knew some club would find value in Dan Fritsche. Minnesota general manager Doug Risebrough seemed to find some,recognizing Dans versatillity. The Rangers get back Eric Reitz a 26 year old D- Man from Michigan. With one goal in 31 games in Minnesota the Rangers will have depth on the blue line. The question is are the Rangers not yet ready to promote Hartford kids C...
It's a question I have been pondering for quite some time. What truly makes a hockey game exciting, and what truly makes a hockey team exciting? The question first dawned after New Jersey's last game before the All-Star break, a 5-2 victory over the Habs. I remember after the game, I had a very happy debate with various Habs fans, along with one or two other Devils fans on...
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...
Recently I've seen a lot of questionable calls by officials on some hard hits in the NHL and NCAA. Cal Clutterbuck, for example, was given a 5 minute major and a game misconduct for his hit against Vancouver's Alex Burrows. Watching the game on Fox Sports I cannot help but ask if the NHL is trying to send a message that it wants to be the "No Hit League."
Did Clutterbuc...
Before I start with the call-ups, I wanted to mention the game the Blues played last night against Philadelphia. This is exactly the type of game the Blues' fans were expecting to see from the Blues coming out of the All-Star Break. The Blues showed heart, intensity, desire, and passion...something that seemed to appear obsolete against Ottawa Thursday night. With the exce...
I created a new site called PuckDrawn.com and it's pretty much geared towards the design geeks and those who love logo/jersey designs of the NHL. Feel free to stop by and let me know what you think. I'm not really a website/blog design guru, so i'll work out the kinks as I go...
[url]http://www.PuckDrawn.com[/url]
I think now is a good time to address the young defensive players for the Islanders and how they seem to be doing. There are several of young, developing forwards, but really only two main defense-man that stand out with the near future, and a third that may end up as a contributor later in his career: Chris Campoli, Bruno Gervais, and Jack Hillen.
[b]Chris Campoli[/b]
...
According to a league source, The Blues are very close to finalizing a deal to open the 2009-10 season in Stockholm, Sweden.
The opponent for the Blues in this game...
The Detroit Red Wings.
This has been going about the rumor mill for a while, but it seems as if this is really going to happen. What an opportunity for the NHL, the Red Wings, and the Blues to be ab...
Howdy from Ottawa. No more bus strike (old news, I know) and a new coach. No new players though or should I say yet.
Glad to be back blogging here. Lots has gone on in Sens country and to be frank there really was no need for me to beat a dead horse with countless blogs during another dark period for the franchise. Enough rival fans are laughing at us, we don't need to ...
[b]Getting defensive[/b]
The Avs are really stocked deep as far as defensemen go. They have a plethora of options as far as defense goes. In fact, it is not outrageous to suggest that in five years, not a single defenseman from the 2008-09 team will remain. Here is the list of defensemen currently in the Avs’ pipeline, listed alphabetically:
[b]Colby Cohen[/b]- 6�...
[b]Getting defensive[/b]
The Avs are really stocked deep as far as defensemen go. They have a plethora of options as far as defense goes. In fact, it is not outrageous to suggest that in five years, not a single defenseman from the 2008-09 team will remain. Here is the list of defensemen currently in the Avs' pipeline, listed alphabetically:
[b]Colby Cohen[/b]- 6'2" ...
Howdy from the nation's capital. Elliott deserved a better fate tonight, though the Sens showed signs of life in a third period for once this season.
Elliott and Bruins goalie Tim Thomas put on a goaltending clinic in the shootout, finally ending on a sweet move by Boston third-liner PJ Axelsson. It is still tough to figure out why Dany Heatley cannot score in the SO (n...
Howdy from Ottawa.
Looks like negotiations with Sens forward Chris Neil are going poorly as both sides are far apart on the money. As written yesterday, if Neil wants more than Ruutu than he is gone. It appears he wants more than Ruutu and if that doesn't change by or before March 4th (I highly doubt it will) then Chris Neil will no longer be a Senator.
So what is th...
[b]Devils 5, Thrashers 1[/b]
Zach Parise scored his 30th goal of the season, as the Devils rolled over the Southeast division bottom-feeders in the Atlanta Thrashers. Parise's 30th goal of the season came on the powerplay, and the young winger continues to get better and better. John Madden and Brian Gionta scored shorthanded goals for the Atlantic Division leading Devils...
Howdy from a bus-running Ottawa.
Much needed and deserved win for the Ottawa Senators tonight. Congrats to Cory Clouston on his first win as an NHL coach. For most of the season this club has not provided fans with there monies worth. But over the last two games Sens fans can leave with the feeling of money well spent. And that second period...whoa. Could that have been...
NickBoston writes...
Blues' Recent Success Has Fans, Team Thinking Playoffs
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The St. Louis Blues have been on quite a roll recently. They have won six out of their last 10 games, and have taken at least one point in nine of those 10. After defeating Colorado Saturday night 4-1, the Blues have crawled all the way back from seemingly nowhere to within five points of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
This has a lot of fan...
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...
The St. Louis Blues announced today that they have signed center Andy McDonald to a four-year contract extension.
McDonald has played in 16 games this season with the Blues, tallying six goals and 12 assists. He has been sidelined since November 16th, when he broke his ankle in a game against Montreal. McDonald was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this sea...
We continue our reviews of prior Leafs drafts with the 1985 draft held in Toronto on June 15, 1985.
Legend: GP=Games Played, G= Goals, A= Assists, PTS= Points,
W= Wins, L= Losses, T= Ties, GAA=Goals Against Average, SO= Shutouts
[b]1st Overall Pick- Wendel Clark (Defensemen)[/b]
Leafs Regular Season Stats: GP- 608 G- 260 A- 181 PTS- 441
Leafs Playoff Stats: GP...
After missing the past 36 games with a broken ankle, Andy McDonald has been cleared to play and will be in the lineup tonight when the Blues take on the Vancouver Canucks.
McDonald practiced at full-speed this morning and everything checked ok, so coach Andy Murray and the Blues' trainers gave him the green light to return to the lineup.
However, McDonald will not be...
Tonight's shootout loss was a hard fought defeat to the Los Angeles Kings, a team that the Isles should hope to reflect one day. The Kings have a nucleus of young skaters ranging from Kopitar, Frolov, and O'Sullivan to Doughty and Johnson. For the past few seasons they have sat at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, frustrating themselves and their fan base. No...
goldenj writes...
Sens beat Sabres again, Philly tonight and Paddock speaks
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Howdy from a rain-soaked nation's capital...Ottawa not Washington. Obama will be here though next week, for about 5 hours.
Excellent game last night from our Sens. Elliott was outstanding in goal and the club didn't look like a road team for once. They were agressive when needed and did a fantastic job on the PK, though without Thoms Vanek in the lineup Buffalo's PP ha...
The second I saw Doug Weight flex his knee and slam his stick on the ice in frustration I knew right away that Isles fans were going to be hit with bad news once again. All I hoped was that it wouldn't be for an extensive period of time...but then today at work I get a text message from a friend of mine who is constantly sharing the same woes as I do when it comes to this ...
NickBoston writes...
The Rest of the Week Could Determine Blues' Playoff Chances
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Blues passed phase one tonight. They defeated the reeling New York Rangers 2-1 in front of a packed house at the Scottrade Center, thanks to BJ Crombeen's 10th goal of the season late in the third period.
Now comes phases two, three, and four: beat Columbus and Nashville on the road, and Nashville at home.
The way the schedule pans out this week, not only for the...
The Edmonton Oilers (29-23-4) are going into tonights game against the San Jose Sharks (37-8-9) on a 3-game win streak which saw them post wins against Montreal, L.A., and Phoenix just last night. The Oilers are 4-1-1 in their last 6 games, the Sharks however have been on a slide as of late going 1-2-4 in their last 7 games with 3 shootout losses and 1 OT loss. Edmonto...
NickBoston writes...
Roman Polak On Road Trip, Could Play Thursday or Saturday
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Blues got some great news on the defensive front as Roman Polak, who has been out of action since breaking his foot almost a month ago, is on the team's current road trip and could be back in the lineup by Thursday at the earliest.
X-rays on Polak's foot Monday showed the broken bone in his foot is nearly healed. It's possible, though, that the Blues could hold him ...
Oh wait...This isn't the playoffs yet. But it's going to be hard to tell the difference when the Edmonton Oilers (29-24-4) take on the Dallas Stars (28-21-7). Once again this will be the Oilers most important game of the season. Funny how this keeps happening. The Oilers have the 7th best road record in the league and are looking to extend that record after suffering a los...
Last night's 6-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes was a tough pill to swallow, and it's never easy to deal with losing to our LIRR rivals the New York Rangers, but this team is working towards something a little more important than adding points in the win column: this team is working towards building an identity.
Islander-Ranger games, which are always exciting for the ...
terpstradust writes...
Strange Hockey Facts, Hockey History, Hockey Day in Canada
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Alright I thought that with Hockey Day in Canada coming up I would do a piece on it and dive into the origins of the game we all love. I also got an idea from my fiancee to put a list of strange facts about the game at the end of this article, so any thanks for that piece go to her.
Now we can debate all day as to where our national passtime began, like whether it was i...
General Manager Garth Snow decided to pull the trigger on a deal yesterday instead of waiting until the heavily anticipated March 4th trade deadline madness. In a deal with the Ottawa Senators receiving young defense-man Chris Campoli and center Mike Comrie, the Isles got back in return left-wing Dean McAmmond and San Jose's first round pick in this year's draft.
With ...
Brian Burke the Leafs general manager finds himself in a very interesting position as he tries to reshape this roster, rumours continue to swirl that he will move just about anyone on this roster but is not only open to taking on big contracts if they include some draft picks but also some key players to help speed up this rebuilding plan. Burke would love to be able to la...
HI everyone it has been a long time since I posted anything. Mostly I have barely had time for me then to even get something in writing and up for you guys too.
Anyway..... I had quite a full hockey weekend.
I saw the Flyers thursday, Phantoms Friday and both Flyers and Phantoms on Saturday in different locations. Then the crown jewel of the weekend was the Flyer...
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...
The Blues made a minor move today, placing forward Yan Stastny on waivers.
Stastny was just recalled yesterday after his two-week conditioning assignment with Peoria. Stastny broke his thumb in early January and missed almost a month of action.
The Blues will find out by 11 AM Wednesday if Stastny has been claimed by another team, which is not expected to be the case...
[img:left]http://images.google.com/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2009/02/03/danis-yann-ap-090203.jpg&usg=AFQjCNF2jQ4J8TjnDJSvhyq6xgplJIE1fw[/img]Yann Danis came to an Islanders team that had two goalies signed with one-way contracts, one of which belonged to Rick DiPietro who is here for the next decade and then some. It was all but ...
Current records for West vs. East:
West: 123-72-21
East: 93-100-23
To me, these numbers clearly show that the West is still dominate in the NHL. There have been talks of the torch being passed over to the East, but it appears that is not happening yet atleast. The Top 3 East teams have a combined 21-19-2 vs. the West. The Top 3 West teams have a combined 28-7-5 a...
Cam Janssen received a $2,500 fine from the NHL after his hit on Phoenix Coyotes defenseman Zbynek Michalek last night.
Janssen left his feet and got an elbow up on Michalek behind the Phoenix net during the first period of the Blues' 2-1 victory over the Coyotes last night.
The NHL stated, however, that he will not be suspended for the hit.
The hit that Janssen l...
There is plenty to discuss when it comes to the New York Islanders lately; tonight they host the all but forgotten 2007 trade deadline acquisition of Ryan Smyth and the Colorado Avalanche; our captain is floating in trade limbo as March 4th approaches; Sean Bergenheim is elevating his game to a potential leadership role; and of course, more trades are probably on the way. ...
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...
[img:left]http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m31/tonyjetblue/89and13.jpg[/img]Besides the swap of Comrie and Campoli to Ottawa for Dean McAmmond and San Jose's first round pick, the Islanders were quiet today on the trade front. I'm sure Snow had a few other offers on the table for other players on his roster, but the only deal in which Garth pulled the trigger sent Captai...
[img:left]http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m31/tonyjetblue/89and13.jpg[/img]Besides the swap of Comrie and Campoli to Ottawa for Dean McAmmond and San Jose's first round pick, the Islanders were quiet today on the trade front. I'm sure Snow had a few other offers on the table for other players on his roster, but the only deal in which Garth pulled the trigger sent Captai...
[img:left]http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m31/tonyjetblue/89and13.jpg[/img]Besides the swap of Comrie and Campoli to Ottawa for Dean McAmmond and San Jose's first round pick, the Islanders were quiet today on the trade front. I'm sure Snow had a few other offers on the table for other players on his roster, but the only deal in which Garth pulled the trigger sent Captai...
Great game tonight by the Flyers. All played well. Biron is showing the form from last season's playoffs. I am not sure why, but the team plays much more as a cohesive unit without Danny this year. It makes no sense.
Now my beef tonight is the fighting in the NHL. [b]I love a good fight[/b] however there are two types of fights that I hate and they both occurred ...
The National Hockey League (NHL) is the largest-scale professional ice hockey league in the world. Its ability to attract the most talented players from around the world has enabled it to grow from a small, six team, regional league in the 1950s to the thirty franchise NHL of present day. Notwithstanding the League’s concerted effort at continued growth and expansion, ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Okposo vs. Bergenheim...Who Will Lead the Isles In Goals?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Who would've thought that near season's end we would be discussing Sean Bergenheim and Kyle Okposo in a battle for leading the Islanders in the goal scoring department? Of course we can't forget Mark Streit, the very talented veteran defenseman who is only two goals shy from tying the previously mentioned.
Although Streit is a defenseman, he definitely cannot be counte...
This is a funny city we seem to live in, the same media who bad mouths the Leafs when they don't sign a free agent or make the better trade or are not able to win more games against Montreal or Ottawa now has turned their attention to wanting the Leafs to tank and finish last in the league.
I find it ridiculous that in reading a couple of daily papers, last night's game a...
I was really deeply saddened when I heard the announcement of Gary Roberts retiring. Don’t get me wrong, it was not the announcement per se, it was the way it came about. Meaning I would have liked Gary to go out on his terms, something he has earned. Being put on waivers without even warning him shows a lack of respect to him. Gary Roberts, being a warrior, should accu...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Giving Fans a Reason to Look Forward to Next Year
Posted Friday | Comments 0
They are winners of five in their past seven; Kyle Okposo leads the team with 16 goals; the original third-string goalie is playing at the level of a number one starter; Bailey, Okposo, Nielsen, Comeau, and Bergenheim are all in the same point range; Gervais is starting to look like a real defense-man playing along Mark Streit; Mike Iggulden comes up and has a very impress...
As of right now the Blues have a chance to be in the 8th spot come late Tuesday night.
Tonight:
Need the Ducks to lose.
Monday:
Need the Preds to lose
Tuesday:
Need to win. Need the Wild to lose
Wednesday:
Need the Ducks to beat the Sexual Predators. If the Ducks win tonight this game makes it impossible for us to keep the 8th spot.
The NHL is ridiculousl...
It seems as if the rest of the Islanders season will conclude without any player donning the heralded "C" over their heart. It's very possible that head coach Scott Gordon will appoint one of the current roster players the captaincy, but with only 12 games remaining, I have a feeling that Gordon is going to see which of his players seem fit to handle the responsibility at ...
Ok so now this is in no way bashing shootouts. I'm fine with the shootouts. But, why not make the game more interesting, and make teams fight for every game by eliminating the extra point for the OTL or Shootout loss? Looking at this year it would not effect the standings much, maybe a spot or 2 here or there, but if the extra point was eliminated, the Standings would look...
Bruno Gervais has always been one of the players on the Isles roster that has given his free time to charity and/or social events while also being very vocal and outgoing with the fans. However, after not scoring a goal in 100+ games and at times looking out of position and frustrated on the ice, Gervais was becoming a question mark for the Isles future on the blue line.
...
Don Cherry decides that Alexander Ovechkin went overboard on his celebration. I really do not understand why this is an issue. What is wrong with a player celebrating scoring their 50th goal? Pretending his stick is hot when scoring his 50th goal for the third straight year seems to have become a crime. I say it's great for the NHL to have a superstar with character. Chara...
I will start out by saying that I have yet to see Kyle Okposo play a game with as much intensity, energy, and fire in his short time spent wearing an Islanders jersey as I did last night against the Wild. All it took was for him to see his linemate Blake Comeau get drilled by one of the Minnesota players and suddenly fans had flashes of Dan Cloutier challenging the Islande...
Welcome to the No Ground Beef allowed Blog, I believe it is self explainitory....
Ok, most of you know that I am not a part of tank nation even though I know finishing as low in the standings gives the team a better chance at finding the next one. I just can't hope for a loss, can't do it, tried it, got sick to my stomach, end of story.
However that being said, ...
In a season that started out with mixed vets and kids heading for a downward spiral to the bottom of the standings pretty much from the get-go, to a release of some "bad apples" and increased reliance on prospects and AHL fill-ins, the year is coming to a rapid close with only seven games remaining. During the usual fun-filled playoffs, 16 teams will compete for a chance t...
Rob McGowan writes...
Not Weighting Around; Doug Extended For Next Season
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Before I begin, I just want to inform my readers that my former username was TopRtLW76. Being that I write for the NYI Blog Box, I felt it would be more appropriate to have my real name displayed instead. Sorry if this has caused any confusion.
But yes, Doug Weight has been extended for the 2009-2010 season. This is a great signing and one that fans should be happy to s...
I listen to people complain about the 3 point games and at this time of the year there are more complaints than ever. I hear Gary Bettman explain on his radio show that the races are more exciting than ever and the shootout is great for the game.
I say bullshirt! Nobody goes to the game hoping to see a shootout. I feel this is ruining the sport just like the 3 point ...
Phigment writes...
Why the NHL Standings are a farce and 3 Point Games stink
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I listen to people complain about the 3 point games and at this time of the year there are more complaints than ever. I hear Gary Bettman explain on his radio show that the races are more exciting than ever and the shootout is great for the game.
I say bullshirt! Nobody goes to the game hoping to see a shootout. I feel this is ruining the sport just like the 3 point ...
Phigment writes...
Why the NHL Standings are a farce and 3 Point Games stink
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I listen to people complain about the 3 point games and at this time of the year there are more complaints than ever. I hear Gary Bettman explain on his radio show that the races are more exciting than ever and the shootout is great for the game.
I say bullshirt! Nobody goes to the game hoping to see a shootout. I feel this is ruining the sport just like the 3 point ...
Phigment writes...
Why the NHL Standings are a farce and 3 Point Games stink
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
I listen to people complain about the 3 point games and at this time of the year there are more complaints than ever. I hear Gary Bettman explain on his radio show that the races are more exciting than ever and the shootout is great for the game.
I say bullshirt! Nobody goes to the game hoping to see a shootout. I feel this is ruining the sport just like the 3 point ...
[u][b]Eastern Conference[/b][/u]
[b]Boston vs Montreal[/b]
The Bruins are too good and Montreal is not stable in goal. Bruins win in 5.
[b]Washington vs NY Rangers[/b]
Too much Ovechkin and Greene for Lundqvist to steal the series. Caps in 6.
[b]New Jersey vs Carolina[/b]
This one is tough. Jersey sort of limped in before the playoffs and Carolina was hot! Both ...
Please read all the way to the bottom. This shootout needs to be abolished due to the overall impact that the "skills competition" that is being used to decide NHL hockey games during the season. While the "non-fans" love the shootout, the desired impact is nothing. ESPN still ignores hockey.
Final Eastern Conference Standings
Team Pts Adjusted Poin...
Alright Isles fans...take a collective sigh of relief. We've made it through 82 games...82 long, injury riddled games. Some were exciting, some were let downs, and some just plain ol' sucked. But there seems to be a very bright light at the end of the tunnel with the draft lottery tomorrow night on Versus.
I know, we're all salivating over the possibility of drafting J...
As we have moved through the season, I've had an eye toward the playoffs with my Flyers and have noticed a few shortcomings which I felt would prevent them from being able to get out of the conference to challenge for the Stanley Cup to be real contenders; [i]not [/i]pretenders as they are now.
Don't get me wrong. Coming off of a season where the home team couldn't eve...
Good God, what is happening to the NHL? Suspensions for "sending a message"? This has been part of the game since the beginning of time. What exactly is "sending a message"? The ultimate purpose of every hockey fight is to "send a message". Will fighting result in automatic suspensions?
Don't get me wrong, I believe that players that use their sticks as club weapons in...
First off, I would like to thank the New York Islanders for running the NYI Blog Box for a second straight year and allowing me to be a part of it this season. Over the course of the year I have met a lot of great people that helped me get adjusted to something that was very new to me while never making me feel like that "new guy." Despite the season being a long, hard sea...
After watching the NHL playoffs, I am seeing a disturbing trend that is rewarding players for unsportsmanlike conduct. This trend is players fabricating penalties. This is just as bad as players diving. During game 2 in Pittsburgh, there were 2 blatant unsportsmanlike plays performed by Pittsburgh players that lead directly to powerplays. The first call was a high stic...
I didn’t need the first few playoff games to learn that the NHL needs some officiating changes and a better policy on disciplining players. I have said numerous times going back through past instances whether it be Todd Bertuzzi or Alexander Perezhogin, that we need consistent strict rules on suspensions. The memo sent out this postseason was that the NHL did not want ...
It is much more than just a loss. All of the confidence the Rangers seemed to have after taking two games in Washington is gone. All of the frustrations experienced by the Capitals have dissipated. Look at the players and at the coaches and it is obvious which team is believes and expects to win, and which team is just hoping. Despite being up 2-1 in the series, the backs ...
I typically try to write thought provoking blogs. This time I just decided to write down the random things bouncing around in my head.
- Why do the Sharks turn back to Dr. Jekyll at game 83? Please turn back to Mr. Hyde.
- How does AO still not have a goal in the Caps / Rangers series?
- Is it just me or are penalties ruining playoff hockey? In the Caps / Range...
Brian Burke steps in front of the media last week and comes right out and lets everyone know that he is targeting John Tavares the potential first overall pick in this years NHL entry draft. Leaf fans jump for joy but when you sit back and think about it, what would the Leafs give up for the #1 overall pick. The guess here is at least two first rounders this years and next...
Just finished watching the Sharks/Ducks game, and all I can say is wow! It is so nice watching the other teams play where you can enjoy it to it's fullest, but later on tonight will not be the case. The all important Game 4 between New York and Washington. The Rangers have had a couple days to recover from their 4-0 loss in Game 3. Now all Rangers fans can do is ask the sa...
Rob McGowan writes...
Let's Back Up Here, MacDonald? Danis? Or Neither?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
For the overwhelming majority of the season the Islanders played their back-up and third string goaltenders, Joey MacDonald and Yann Danis. DP's injury forced him to pretty much sit out the entire season allowing these two net-minders to have a quality chance at proving themselves at the NHL level. But which one will be back next year to serve the role that was initially i...
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...
Sean Avery and John Tortorella have entered a new phase in their relationship, Parent-child. Avery was put in a time-out tonight by his coach after taking two selfish penalties at the end of game four almost costing the Rangers the lead. Avery has had 10 shots, 8 penalties , and has been a minus one in his four games in the playoffs. Torttorella finally had enough after ...
It recently dawned on me that our former captain will be searching for a new home once his playoff run comes to an end with the Pittsburgh Penguins, whenever that may be. The trade that sent him to the Pens has been finalized with that conditional fifth round pick going from a fifth, to a fourth, and finally to a third with them advancing to the second round of the playoff...
As Blair Betts lay on the ice yesterday afternoon, again the Gary Bettman Gestapo neglected to make a legit call in favor of the Rangers. It's become, predictable that the officials will miss a Capital crosscheck to the back of Avery. They failed blatantly in game 4 to rescue themselves as Callahan hit the ice with a trip and 18,000 fans managed to witness the crime. B...
nephew23 writes...
Hope Ducks are prepared to defeat the Sharks and the Refs
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Gonna be a long night since its obvious the league is really "hoping" for a game 7. Three penalties in the first 10 minutes. The directive has been issued! Ducks better really play smart and strong.
Make that 4 -2 . . .
Oops! Looks like the Ducks were prepared. But its far from over. I can hear Bettman screaming from here!
You may recall that, last spring, Capitals owner [b]Ted Leonsis[/b], who gets full marks for enthusiasm and accessibility, used the platform of his blog on USAToday.com to post his "Take" on the fans of Philadelphia:
=====
[i][b]Day 6: Tuesday, April 15 (Flyers 6, Capitals 3)[/b]
My family and partners traveled to Philadelphia —the city of brotherly love. After ...
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...
Well after going 7-1 last year, I struggled to a 5-3 first round this year. I should have known the sharks were going to play like "ill tempered sea bass" and not sharks again. Also I lost the Flyers and Devils series.
[b]Random thoughts:[/b]
* Glad to see Calgary lose after every writer on the continent anointed them the cup champs after the trade deadline. There h...
Before the season began I had these teams making the playoffs: Stars, [b]Red Wings[/b], [b]Sharks[/b], [b]Ducks[/b], [b]Flames[/b], Oilers, [b]Blackhawks[/b], Wild, [b]Penguins[/b], [b]Capitals[/b], [b]Devils[/b], [b]Rangers[/b], [b]Canadiens[/b], [b]Flyers[/b], Lightening, and Sabres. I didn't even have the Bruins making the playoffs ... LOL!
Before the playoffs star...
With 55 days until the one of the biggest drafts in Islanders history, the Islanders were helped out by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks this week. Last Saturday the Penguins ended the Flyers season guaranteeing the Islanders a third round pick. And Anaheim’s victory on Monday over the San Jose Sharks guaranteed them the Sharks 26th pick in the draft. So while G...
Rob McGowan writes...
First Overall: A Definite? A Gamble? Or Wishful Thinking?
Posted Friday | Comments 4
The Isles have the first overall pick...blah blah blah blah....Tavares or Hedman? Yada yada yada...we all know this by now. So what's with all the talk? The Isles are going to either draft a franchise defenseman or forward...right?
As usual during this time frame, there are a lot of rumors swirling around the pollen infested air to catch our attention and think, hmm, wh...
I normally I do not write this quick between blogs, but a mystery has occurred. I am perplexed and I need some help with a problem. Maybe some of you can help me.
The Red Wings seem to think that its alright to hit and run the Ducks goalie, Hiller, and the NHL seems to agree with them. Interesting -- when is running a goalie a penalty or not a penalty? It seems that ...
I wrote this on a now-defunct blog site over two years ago, and re-posted it here about a year ago. After seeing the Chad Larose video review at the end of tonight's Game 2 against Boston, I'm re-re-posting it... .well.... [url=http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=827&post_id=5145]a link to it[/url] at least.....
And just so y'all know, I'm gonna KEEP posting it u...
I guess I am going crazy again. I am amazed by Mr. Campbell’s knowledge of what is a penalty and what isn’t. I love the hitting, but this is really getting maddening. Again, I really do not care who wins the cup, but we have to stop running goalie interference. The League has to protect the goalies better. How is a cross check to the neck not called? These incide...
There is a lot of obvious attention being paid to the playoff series' that are at hand, and when it comes to Islander country most are focused on the possibility of obtaining John Tavares. But today I am going to take a look at the impending UFA's on the roster and give my reasons for why they should or should not return.
The first two that I will rule out are Yann Dani...
Is anybody really surprised this series is tied at 3 and heading toward a game 7 thriller Wednesday night in DC?
I'm not.
In fact, through 6 games we have seen just about everything we expected to see.
Great offensive playmaking and goals.
Great skill and determination by the 3 best forwards in the league.
Key contributions from 2nd, 3rd and 4th line players...
There seems to be an epidemic happening on a frozen pond every night. It seems to affect millions of people at a time. The new-found disease is called hockeyitis. Remember that, because it will get your husband to do many, many stupid things. But it seems to affect players who go out on some steel blades (through much research on my own, I have come to the knowledge that...
Interpretation is one of the most aggravating words in the English language. Everyone knows what is being said in a certain situation, and then you hear that it’s all in the interpretation. So many people interpret the same words totally differently.
For instance, take this November 14th proxy the League and Mr. Mays are having fits over. You see, it’s all in the i...
First off, I want to explain that I am aware that it has been almost two weeks since I wrote my last blog. Being that we are in the month of May, although that means fans are in store for intense games of hockey during the NHL playoffs, it also means final research papers and exams are due, and I simply did not have the time to write about my beloved Islanders.
But now...
All is quiet in the world of the Devils right now. Fans and players alike have one eye on next season while the other looks back at the year that was with a disgruntled groan of frustration. There has been a distinctly empty stretch since the team cleaned out their lockers, not that this is unexpected. So while Devils fans watch their lesser sports and wait for some news, ...
Since Lou Lamoriello took over as Devils General Manager in 1987, the Devils have earned a reputation as one of the best evaluators of draft talent in the NHL. Between Lamoriello and Director of Scouting David Conte—whom Lamoriello would contend really runs the show on draft day—save for an unfortunate stretch between 1999 and 2002, the Devils have always come through ...
This will be short and sweet. I've decided, upon the contemplation of my HB sabbatical and working on my own Isles site, www.IslandersIndependent.com, that for now...that is exactly where I want to be.
I thank Eklund and the many excellent bloggers here for their friendship and support. Everyone was swell, and it was a pleasure being here for almost two years.
I am...
While it is an exciting time to be an Islander because of the tremendous hustle and bustle regarding the first overall pick, you can bet your ass no one is having more fun than Penguin and Red Wing fans. For the second year in a row, the Penguins and Red Wings will be facing off in the Stanley Cup Final, and you can bet that both teams will be even more prepared for each o...
This was a really good event and I look forward to going this year. This is for a good cause, to help knock out MS.
Here is a link to my pics from last year
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157606797506365/
This year will be August 23rd at Swanky Bubbles from 12-3.
I hope all of you Flyers faithful will be able to attend.
It's been a little dry here on the Island, despite the continuous rainfall that has me worried about my upcoming weekend get-a-way to Montauk in two weeks, thus making it a tad difficult to find something to talk about in regards to the Isles.
I typically try to stay away from the Lighthouse talk. I share the same concerns and opinions of most of my fellow bloggers, but...
Okay folks, time to play GM once again and figure out what the team is going to look like next season...
[u][b]Under Contract Cap Hits[/b][/u]
(all numbers in Millions)
[i]Forwards[/i]
Eric Staal- $8.25m
Rod Brind'amour- $3.6
Ray Whitney- $3.55
Matt Cullen- $2.875
Sergei Samsonov- $2.533
Scott Walker- $2.5
Patrick Eaves- $1.4
Brandon Sutter- $1.04
Zac Boy...
I have a new blog that I'm waiting on because now is not the right time to publish it. So until that time arrives, I thought I'd fill the gap with a discussion on the Devils and retired numbers.
Now nobody can debate the legitimacy of retiring Scott Stevens' #4. He's either the first or second best Devil of all time, and there is no debating that. Without his leadership...
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 ...
Rob McGowan writes...
So It All Comes Down to One Game, Plus Some Isles Chatter
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
So after six games we are heading back to Detroit to watch the final game of NHL hockey of the year, with Pittsburgh fighting to win their first cup in over a decade.
Like I predicted, the series has relied heavily on the positive effects of home ice. If it continues to play out as the past six games have, then Detroit will skate away as champions once again. I'm still...
Howdy from Ottawa.
Hindsight is 20/20. It is real easy to critize an athlete or management after the fact. But quotes are that one little caveet that helps us draw the line from past to present. Here is one from Senators owner Eugene Melnyk.
"There's no question he'll be back next year. Bryan's done a great job," Melnyk said. "The way you judge a good GM is the way h...
Mr_X writes...
Who gets the "A" - Some Team Leadership - What about Neil?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
So here's something that really gets to me.. Yea I’m not liking what Heatley’s doing, but what was management thinking when they gave him the “A”, permanently?! I remember watching the first or second game since he'd been promoted; with that fancy letter on his jersey he started it off with an undisciplined 10 minute misconduct cross-check to a player the opposing ...
Hi! I'm Will! I love hockey!
There's an introduction to me. I'm pretty awesome. So yeah.
Oh, and check out my youtube channel! www.youtube.com/willytheleaf
Thanks all! I'll be writing here as draft day comes closer, and what I think the league, and the Leafs should do! Yay!
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, ...
There is no doubt that John Tavares is offensively gifted and has the hands of a magician. But for a team that is in serious rebuild mode, is Tavares the wisest selection for the Islanders to make? As time goes on I'm becoming less sure.
I've always believed the standard for a winner is building from the net out. And with DiPietro lock up for the next 30+ years, it only...
The NHL Entry Draft will soon be upon us and the Blues are looking to have another strong draft weekend.
The Blues have an amazing prospect cool, but it could stand to get better. After take the time to analyze team needs and prospects that could be available at the given times the team will be selecting players.
Round one: Given Jarmo's track record with late 1st r...
This will be the future headline in all the newspapers, tv stations and the internet once the free agent period begins on July 1, 2009. Brian Burke looks to place his own big stamp on the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer and rebuild this team back into a playoff contender this off season when the UFA period begins. The questions many Maple Leaf fans have, myself included is...
The June 26th NHL Entry Draft is not far away and now that the Stanley Cup Finals have come to an end, the hockey world now shifts its focus to the draft. Here are my predictions for who will go in the top 15.
[b]15. Anaheim Ducks – RW Scott Glennie (Brandon-WHL). [/b]Glennie has made amazing strides in the last year or so. He is definitely a bonafide goal scorer but...
Look for this years NHL Entry Draft to be a mirror reflection of last years draft (from a leafs perspective). When we all consider the possible moves that Brian Burke can make, one seems to make the most sense. He claims he does not want to give up too much, but we all know the steep price that comes with getting into the top 3. However, another significant jump from 7th t...
Alot of people have been wondering who the Islanders will select 1st overall in the upcoming 2009 NHL Entry Draft. There have been some rumblings lately that Matt Duchene will be the pick. Should we believe them? I dont think so.
The bottom line is, when the Islanders select a player 1st overall on friday night, that player should be and will be John Tavares. When you a...
Tonight the heavily anticipated NHL entry draft will be held with the Islanders set to make their first overall pick. The three top candidates are well-known by now: John Tavares, Victor Hedman, and Matt Duchene.
The order in which they should be listed has been debated over the past several weeks with them shifting over and over again. My personal take is that if we dr...
Tonight at approximately 7:17 Eastern time, the Coliseum erupted. That was because Islanders GM Garth Snow announced to the world that the Islanders were selecting John Tavares first overall in the 2009 NHL Draft. The 10,000 people at the Coliseum shook the Coliseum like it hasnt been shaken in years. However, that was just the first step.
Now its time to get John to th...
I have to start by saying that the 2009 Draft was the first one where I actually did some research beyond the top five prospects. I went full on, putting together a list of the players that I liked in the order I liked them, as if I was prepared to walk out to the draft table myself. The reason for this, aside from the fact that its summer and I find myself with quite a bi...
[img]http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2009/06/27/alg_tavares-cap.jpg[/img]A collective sigh, or booming scream from the 10,000 plus Coliseum crowd, was let out all at once when Garth Snow stood up at the podium to announce that the Islanders have selected John Tavares as the number one pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
From all the years the Islanders have walked up t...
So Rob Blake has re-signed in San Jose for 1 year, 3.5 million dollars.
I think it's a good deal. He is now making about the same as Vlasic and Ehrhoff, 1 million more than Doug Murray, and half as much as Dan Boyle.
This basically solidifies the San Jose defense with the following top 6 guys:
Boyle
Blake
Ehrhoff
Vlasic
Murray
Lukowich
I also think Blak...
Howdy from Ottawa where the jets just flew by...Happy Canada Day!
Here is the new link to this blog - www.mvn.com/colinjeffrey's301
Trying to re-design the blog soon, summer project. 301 of course is in reference to the movie '300' and its historical events.
Thanks again for reading...Eklund's hockeybuzz website is confident Heatley will waive the NTC and go to ED...
I remember when only the best of the best could control potential movement. I remember when GMs would fight hard against the agent for a no trade clause and I remember when the media would yell and scream at the GM on behalf of the fans for not caving on the no trade clause.
Fast forward and just about every contract of significant value comes complete with a NO MOVE...
As I was preparing to write up part two for the Islanders draft recap, I received an email from one of the readers of New York Islanders Net who knows our sixth round pick, Anders Lee, personally. Instead of keeping the draft recap a three part series, I decided to make it a four part series, with this entry focusing only on Anders Lee, and then picking up from there. Here...
With all the hype circulating around the draft, many, like myself, almost forgot that free agency was looming just a few days later. The Islanders were heading into July 1st with one real major concern, and that was finding a suitable back-up goaltender for Rick DiPietro. They did just that with Dwayne Roloson.
At first I was unsure of how I felt with the signing. He's ...
I remember when only the best of the best could control potential movement. I remember when GMs would fight hard against the agent for a no trade clause and I remember when the media would yell and scream at the GM on behalf of the fans for not caving on the no trade clause.
Fast forward and just about every contract of significant value comes complete with a NO MOVEMEN...
Now that the Fourth of July weekend has come and gone, and what a great weekend it was all around, it is time to settle back into the work week, and more importantly, some Islander talk. That being said, let’s take a look at Part III of our Draft Recap: the goaltenders. Part I covered John Tavares and Calvin de Haan, while Part II focused solely on 6th Round Pick Anders ...
NickBoston writes...
Thoughts on the Blues Offseason So Far, and NHL Free Agency
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Blues, coming off of last season's remarkable stetch run that led to their first playoff appearance since 2004, followed by a crash-and-burn effect in the first round of the playoffs against Vancouver, have seemed to be relatively quiet this offseason. Other than the typical few moves here and there to bolster depth, nothing has really stood out to me in what they've d...
Finally, part four of a four part series that has seen us recap the Islanders 2009 NHL Entry Draft. While it was somewhat successful for the most part, the two players we will look at today were somewhat off the charts for the Islanders and many other teams, however, they apparently have tremendous upside. Doesn’t it always seem as if the Islanders are taking the flyer p...
I tend to be a very stubborn guy typically, one who has trouble reconsidering my opinion once I feel strongly enough about something to have one. Imagine my surprise as that is precisely what I’ve found myself doing over the last couple of days; I’m reconsidering my take on Nik Zherdev. As recently as 3 days ago I was ready to watch Little Nikky leave town with his tai...
As a small time blogger, I often hear what is wrong with the League and what fans want to do fix it. What do you think was the biggest complaint I heard? Out of all the dangers in the League, people had the most problems is with the inconsistency of the refereeing.
The biggest problem that the fans are having with the refs how can one play earn a penalty one game and n...
HI everyone I hope you are having good summers.
If you are in hockey withdrawal, I would like to suggest attending your local prospect camp. These camps are generally free to watch. You get to see your future players and new draft picks.
Flyers prospect camp as a special event at the Jersey shore. It is called Trial on the Isle.
The players split into 3 grou...
When we look at the projected Islanders line-up for next season, we are able to notice two things: several important overall changes and several gaping holes that still remain. Obviously the addition of John Tavares will be a pleasant change to an offensively starved lineup, as long as he can transcend his OHL scoring abilities to the NHL level. Besides his marketability, ...
HI everyone Flyers prospect camp fell during my busiest week of the summer.
I had the pleasure to go Friday and Sunday.
Friday the Orange team again beat the very talented black 2-1.
Today the black team won in a shoot out care of Mr Dingle.
Pat Maroon continues to dominate during this camp. He really is a presence there.
Riopel and Morrison did excel...
I apologize for being away from the site all weekend. It was a very nice weekend here on Long Island, and I made sure to take advantage of it to the fullest. While I was gone, I did receive a decent number of emails asking for some opinions on some things related to the Islanders, so I figured instead of answering each one individually; I would answer them through the blog...
By Glen Miller
Today I thought it would be fun to look at some of this week’s UFA signings and how they may impact this coming season. Granted, most of the top signings occurred in the first 3 – 4 days of unrestricted free agency, but there were some interesting signings this week; some that affect the Rangers....
To read the rest of this article, please go to Ne...
By Glen Miller
Today the New Jersey Devils have announced the hiring of Jacques Lemaire to take over the reins of the club that he originally led to their first Stanley Cup, which was won in 1995. This was long rumored since Lemaire left the Wild organization after coaching that program since its inception in 2000 and also since Brent Sutter left his post as Devils head...
Off the top I'd Like to say that I Love the Winter classic and I will watch no matter what teams are playing, but with that said the game should be directed towards the non-typical hockey fans and Markets. The NHL doesnt have the Luxury of having 15 to 20 National games a week, the have 15 to 20 national games a YEAR, so having this game in the National Spot light is hug...
http://islesnet.blogspot.com
As you can tell, it has been quite the confusing day or two for Islanders fans in terms of the Alex Tanguay race. As of yesterday morning, there were about ten different opinions floating around the hockey blogosphere as to which teams were still in contact with Tanguay and his agent. I figured it would be an appropriate time to organize the...
Article taken from:
New York Islanders Net - http://islesnet.blogspot.com
Although the dog days of summer are here, it has been quite easy to continue the hockey talk considering the number of free agents that are still available, and the numerous trade winds that all seem to be blowing in the New York Islanders direction. Obviously, as I mentioned in a previous articl...
2007 Blues' first round draft pick, and highly-touted defensive prospect Ian Cole has decided to stay at the University of Notre Dame for his Junior year, instead of joining the St. Louis Blues for the upcoming 2009-10 season.
Cole recently had a meeting with General Manager Larry Pleau, Team President John Devidson, and team scout Al MacInnis to discuss his immediate f...
Boston gm has said he has no plans on trading Kessel. The problem with that is they only have 3.5 million in cap space with 21 players signed. In order to keep him they must get rid of contracts to clear up the money. My bets are on Kessel is traded this summer. I really do not expect it to be soon though. Boston will carefully consider all options and will wait until they...
Dallas gm Nieuwendyk has suggested that Zubov could be offered a contract from the team if he can pass a few tests first.
The defenseman's agent claimed nine teams have expressed interest in his client. I wont rule out zubovs return to Dallas but im hearing the Islanders have become very interested
Last year, the Islanders led the National Hockey League with more than 500 man games lost to injury. That is a pretty obscene number, taking into consideration the fact that these human beings are professional athletes, and they should be physically prepared for a grueling 82-game season. I will not begin to point fingers at the Islanders strength and conditioning staff, a...
The summer started off with the possibility of the Islanders not selecting John Tavares first overall and taking either Victor Hedman or Matt Duchene. But they did what was right and took the kid who has been watched and predicted for the past four years to go at the top with their first choice. Since then the Isles have been rumored to be in on the Sedin twins, Mike Komis...
BUFFALO — This October the cold, brisk air will surround HSBC Arena. The 2009-10 Buffalo Sabres will be on the ice in front of their typical sold-out crowd. All 18,690 will be in their seats while viewers across Western New York and beyond will be tuning in to Rick Jeanneret. The whistle will blow, the puck will drop and Sabres hockey will begin again!
But not yet.
...
NickBoston writes...
A Look at Free-Agent Defensemen...Are the Blues Interested?
Posted Monday | Comments 0
It's the question Blues' fans seem to be asking these days...
What about the defense, and are the Blues going to trade for/sign a puck-moving defenseman?
It's something the Blues have sorely missed since the days of Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis. Let's face it...they haven't had one since that time. The draft pick of Erik Johnson in 2007 was specifically designed to...
[b]By Glen Miller[/b]
New York Islanders Net
Compared to most teams, the Islanders’ off-season has been very quiet. While that might upset some Islanders fans and would certainly upset the fans of most every other NHL club, this is certainly the best move for the team. After several years of losing and trying to bring in veteran players to boost the club’s fortunes...
The Blues and defenseman Steve Wagner have come to terms on a one-year contract.
The new deal is a two-way contract, which means he'll earn $575,000 in the NHL with the Blues, or $75,000 in the AHL with Peoria.
The 25-year old defenseman will most likely begin the season in Peoria. At times, though, he has shown flashes of being a capable defenseman at the NHL level....
- Former Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber has signed with Atlant Mytischi of the KHL, the team has reported.
Gerber supposedly spurned an offer from the Pittsburgh Penguins at being their backup goalie this season, hours before the Penguins signed Brent Johnson. Gerber said that he wanted to play in the KHL to prove that he "still had it...
KevinJames writes...
The Difference Between Lalime and Biron: 400K For 25 Wins
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img]http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_7Ukm-B3o-WI/ReR310YSOMI/AAAAAAAAAks/x-Gg9gWv0So/s320/MartinBironAction.jpg[/img]
Biron Signs With Islanders, 1 YR at 1.4 M. Sabres Management Caught With Their Head In The Sand
Going into the summer, the Sabres had two glaring issues to deal with:
First, the Sabres desperately needed to acquire a few veteran defenseman. The Sabres took...
First off, I would like to personally send out my condolences to Eklund on the passing of his good friend, Burt the dog.
We're all thinking about you, Ek...thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Now to NHL talk...
A minor move was made today between the Hurricanes and Bruins. The Hurricanes acquired defenseman Aaron Ward from the Bruins in exchange ...
According to Mike McMahon of the Eagle Tribune out of Boston, free agent defenseman Derek Morris has apparently agreed to terms on a contract with the Boston Bruins.
McMahon attributes the report from two sources close to the situation saying that Morris, 30, agreed in principal to terms of the deal. However, Morris' agent, Brad Devine, has told various media outlets th...
The Blues today make a depth move, signing free agent defenseman Bryce Lampman to an AHL contract.
He will report to Peoria's training camp in September.
Nick Boston
During the first season after the lockout and of the new CBA, I had occasion to take the inaugural NHL Scouting and Management course offered through Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW). It was definitely interesting and well worth the price of admission. We had weekly chats moderated by ESPN’s E.J. Hradek that also including Barry Madigan who runs a highly respected Goal...
I thought I would do a blog on a much more positive note, something we need once in a while, don’t ya think? I want to talk about the underdog players and why they make good ambassadors for the game? I know it’s a purely objective, but I am writing, and you are all wrong if you disagree with me. I know some of them may be slightly obvious, but I might just surprise y...
After quite the busy and hectic weekend, I am very happy to be sitting down and just getting back to what I love to do: discussing hockey.
The hockey world seems to have come to quite the standstill over the past few days, with media outlets and bloggers alike scratching their heads for an idea to write about. These are the days when we begin to see prospect articles on...
Former Boston Bruins' winger PJ Axelsson has signed with Frolunda of the Swedish Elite League, this according to their official site.
The deal is a four-year contract. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Last season, in 75 games, he tallied six goals and 24 assists, along with 16 penalty minutes.
The Ottawa Senators were a team that had interest in signing Axelsso...
how you say that is beyond me.. really.. it makes no sence.. crosby plays with malkin, and the majority of his goals are tap ins.. you talk about all around players, lets loook at the stats...
when ovechkin is on the ice you fear him.. you fear his shot, his scoring, his hitting... that fear is not there for crosby.. crosby is great sure, but best player in the world.....
how you say that is beyond me.. really.. it makes no sence.. crosby plays with malkin, and the majority of his goals are tap ins.. you talk about all around players, lets loook at the stats...
when ovechkin is on the ice you fear him.. you fear his shot, his scoring, his hitting... that fear is not there for crosby.. crosby is great sure, but best player in the world.....
New York Islanders Net
http://islesnet.blogspot.com
Do you recall about two to three years ago when a simple look at the Islanders prospects would bring about a nauseating feeling? Between lack of depth and lack of quality, the Islanders were truly a team without any hope to compete in the future. After his first two seasons as general manager were quite unsuccessful...
Apparently I am not the only one wondering why the Flyers have not re-signed defenseman Danny Syvret.
http://lfpress.ca/cgi-bin/publish.cgi?p=271224&x=articles&s=knights
We have seen that Flyers sign quite a few players in the last few weeks and I think that this article that I have linked above brings up the best of the points. Syvret is ours and we don'...
I'm not on the NHL competition committee (yet), but if I were, one area that I would want to revisit is the puck over the glass rule. It doesn't seem like the punishment fits the crime when a defenseman inadvertently clears the puck over the glass and has to sit for 2 minutes. Is that really equal to an elbow to the face or hauling down a player from behind? The idea of...
Would anyone have expected the then-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to be perennial elites of the league when the expansion franchise was granted in 1993?
Their uniforms were atrocious. Their lineup was laughable. They owed their existence to a campy Disney movie.
Hardly the makings of a champion franchise.
Even the Kariya-Rucchin-Selanne line, easily among the best forw...
It is a Friday night during the summer and I am watching Sci Fi no surprises there.
My ponderance of the evening is player fan relations in the NHL. I think most of you know me. I am one of the diehards that waits for the Flyers players mostly after games but often after practices too. I have a jersey project the jersey is for me and me alone. I intend to frame it a...
The Blues made a depth move on defense today, signing defenseman Brendan Bell to a one-year, two-way contract.
Bell, 26, scored six goals along with 15 assists in 53 games with the Ottawa Senators last season. In his career, Bell has tallied seven goals and 21 assists for Ottawa and the Phoenix Coyotes.
This move gives the Blues an experienced blueliner that can be p...
As I'm here sitting down on a warm, summer night and Hockey entrenched in the offseason, I'm thinking about the state of the NHL and how can the league improve. Ever since the lockout, Hockey in general has really plummeted when it came to casual viewers in the U.S. Understandable in a way, because any sport that takes a leave of absence for a long period of time is going ...
New York Hockey Net
(http://islesnet.blogspot.com)
Commissioner Gary Bettman stepped to the podium yesterday at the Adam’s Playhouse, received a tremendous ovation from the 1,150 citizens in attendance, thanked the good officiating from the night before for the ovation (a joke, obviously), and then he proceeded to deliver a well-articulated speech. In his speech, Bet...
Repoted done
NickBoston writes...
Blues' Defenseman Johnson Recieves Medical Clearance
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Blues' defenseman Erik Johnson, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL in his right knee, has officially recieved full medical clearance from his doctors to resume on-ice hockey activities, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The 21-year old star blueliner was injured before the 2008-09 season even began, while on a team bonding golf t...
It's been widely reported that Ryan Getzlaf underwent surgery in Philadelphia for a lingering sports' hernia, but the O.C. Register is now reporting that Getzlaf could miss the start of training camp.
[url]http://ducks.freedomblogging.com/2009/08/03/ducks-getzlaf-could-miss-start-of-camp/16991/[/url]
Will this hurt the Ducks start to the season? As the article notes,...
There's been a lot of grumbling in Sabretown. Granted, a trip from a President's Trophy-winning season to two consecutive seasons of missing the playoffs - without major free agency splashes - would reasonably cause even the most diehard of Sabres fans to wonder what in heck Regier is doing to earn his paycheck.
At least, it seems reasonable.
What free agent moves ar...
This is my first in-depth look at the cap...so bear with me. As of today, the cap numbers being supplied from NHLSCAP.com state that the Rangers have about $2.9 million left for the 2009-2010 season. There are a few updates to make to that number and a few items left on Slat's "to-do" list that will have impact.
Here's where I think we are...
First, the additions.....
174 games in the NHL. 23 points. 110 PIM.
Hardly the statistics you'd see on an all-star player - but that's what Joe DiPenta is: a locker-room all-star.
The 6'2" 202 pound defender - who won a Cup with Anaheim in 2007 - is still fondly remembered in Anaheim not for his presence on the ice, but off it. Even after leaving the Ducks, he continued to do charity work for...
For the record I am still working on my DVR for off season it is at a hefty 58%. Tonight I am catching up on Burn Notice.
Most of you know I am the picture girl. I take tons of pictures I love trying to pick out some new thing to try and capture about hockey players on the ice. Famous sets I have are
Happy Camper (pix of players laughing or smiling)
http://ww...
Now, I've officially seen everything...
Former NHL goaltender Ed Belfour has been hired by the St. Louis Blues to become their minor-league goaltending consultant on a part-time basis, according to Jeremy Rutherford of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The job became available when Dave Rook left that same position to become the golatender coach of the Columbus Blue Jacke...
The movie Jerry Maguire started this phrase, and it even won an Oscar for Cuba Gooding Jr., but should it apply to someone trying to sell a hockey team or better a bankrupt team? Sure there have been some offers made to buy the team, but none that come close to the Balsillie offer. This decision shouldn't come down to just money, but because it is in the courtroom, it prob...
We're halfway through Gary Bettman's 15th year as the first ever Commissioner of the National Hockey League.
Bettman has been labeled in hockey circles as "controversial", an acceptable moniker considering the decisions Bettman has made pertaining to the NHL.
Like him or hate him, he's lived up to that moniker quite well.
With the latest news coming out that the ...
New York Hockey Net
http://islesnet.blogspot.com
With the great success of the Lighthouse Conference past us, it’s time for the speculative fun to begin. Here at New York Hockey Net, I can tell you that the minds are drying with topics to write about as the hottest days of August arrive. Here, and everywhere around the league, it is a sure-fire bet that you will star...
Before everyone jumps on me all at once to kick the crap out of me for providing false hope in regards to the Isles actually making the post-season, let me just say I don't see it happening either. This is just a thought that maybe Garth has higher expectations for this team, or maybe he's just doing some smart planning ahead.
I'd also like to say yes, I am well aware ...
The more posts and reliable news outlets I read there is a common theme. The NHL is anti Canada. Now, I know I may not be the most educated man on the planet or the most business savy, but there were some basic lessons in economics and business. There will be some people who may have a degree or more experience in the field I am about to talk about and I will take critici...
NickBoston writes...
A Look at the 2009-10 St. Louis Blues - Part 1: Goaltending
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Blues fans, we are just over four weeks away from training camp, which means one thing...
St. Louis Blues hockey is fast approaching for the 2009-10 season!
Coming off of a 2008-09 season filled with excitement, drama, ups and downs, and an unbelievable stretch run that catapulted the Blues into the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2004, I'm sure Blues fans are ...
With the great success of the Lighthouse Conference past us, it’s time for the speculative fun to begin. Here at New York Hockey Net, I can tell you that the minds are drying with topics to write about as the hottest days of August arrive. Here, and everywhere around the league, it is a sure-fire bet that you will start seeing speculative pieces about the thirty respecti...
This Friday I have a caught up DVR accept for ace of Cakes. Amazing what getting injured in hockey tournaments does for your DVR.
The last couple weeks I have covered hockey withdrawal and Player fan interaction.
I appreciate the feedback you all have given. I love hearing everyone’s stories.
The AHL schedule came out this week. I think you all know that i...
Rob McGowan writes...
The 2009-2010 Islanders: How They'll Look and What to Expect
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Although many are holding on to that thin thread of UFA hope where the Islanders will sign an enforcer as well as some type of play-maker/scorer, it seems that the Islanders roster is all but set.
Here are my line predictions. They may look somewhat similar to other bloggers, but I have a few scenarios in mind that may come into play over the year.
(In order)
...
As the lazy days of summer begin to fade away, NHL teams will soon begin to reconvene for training camp. So, in that spirit, I'd like to throw my 2009-10 final standings predictions out there. Nothing detailed, just straight to the point. I'll get back into the swing of heavy analysis next time around when I take a closer look at the Atlantic Division. Of course, predictio...
Can someone tell me why Brian Propp is not in the Hockey Hall of Fame? He played 16 NHL Seasons, played in 1016 games, 425 Goals, 579 Assists, for 1004 points. In NHL history he has the ,ost points by a left wing in the NHL playoffs (64 goals, 84 assists for 148 points). He played in the Stanley Cup Finals 5 times in those 16 seasons. He is a totally class act that ha...
Being a small-time blogger has it advantages, as I can pretty much say anything I want and no one cares. I know a lot of the players, but they do not know I am a blogger and do not follow me anyway. So it is not really putting myself out by saying what I wish would happen this season. But what do I know? I am just a small-time blogger, and like I said no-one is really r...
The 2nd Annual Cote Carnival was a great success. It was a great day and event for a great cause to knock out MS. Words can’t tell the story better then pictures.
Full set of pix
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157622000579083/
Ray Emery and Pat Maroon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3850988266/in/set-72157622000579083/
Jeff Carter and ...
Here we go again... The boys are all in town and prediction season is officially upon us as Canadians from all corners of this great country of ours begin the arduous task of trying to figure out what our Olympic team will look like. The fact is when you’re a nation like ours whose history, literally, can be traced along side this game we all love, it doesn’t get much ...
In an apparent attempt to apply pressure the U.S. Bankruptcy Court and more specifically presiding Judge Redfield T. Baum to rule in his favor, Jim Balsillie has submitted an amended proposal to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes. The amended proposal sets a deadline of September 14th for Judge Baum to accept Balsillie’s bid of $212.5 million for the team. He also asks that Ju...
Today I am going to write a general hockey blog avoiding the DP talks, Tavares interests, and disappointing predictions that many have for the Islanders next season. Instead I'm going to write about what I was just doing on my laptop, and it's something I frequently find myself doing when I'm bored. Or when it's the school year, I usually do this when I have to write a pap...
The days keep winding down to the open of the 2009-10 season and myself like many Maple Leafs sit pondering who will score this season for the Leafs and will any Maple Leaf actually crack the 30 goal mark? The last time that this has happened in Leafland with a player not named Mats Sundin, we have to go all the way back to the 2002-03 season when Alex Mogilny scored 33. T...
The NHL players should be playing NHL hockey - not the Olympics. I hate it now, I hated it the first time, I hated the NBA Dream Team. The Olympics should include non-NHL players for hockey. They could use AHL or Major Canadian Junior or College Players. Think about how great the Junior World Championships are and how good the hockey is, that is all we want for the Oly...
Why can't people understand that the Coyote franchise is on the hook for $750+ Million in lease dues for the arena under the financing of the arena. The league cannot move the team to the Eastern Conference at this late date. Image a trip for the LA Kings to Dallas, Phoenix, and then Denver. Now that trip would be to Dallas, Toronto, and Colorado. Not very fair to team...
Eastern Conference:
1.Pittsburgh Penguins
2.Washington Capitals
2.Boston Bruins
4.New Jersey Devils
5.Montreal Canadiens
6.Carolina Hurricanes
7.New York Rangers
8.Ottawa Senators
-------------------------
9.Philadelphia Flyers
10.Tampa Bay Lightning
11.Toronto Maple Leafs
12. New York Islanders
13.Florida Panthers
14.Buffalo Sabres
15.Atlanta Thrashers
...
I don’t know if any of you have caught this blog series on Puck Daddy’s blog
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy?keyword=5+Reasons+I+Love+Hockey
I have been thoroughly enjoying reading why other people love hockey.
I will say that it made me think if I had to knock it down to just 5 reasons what would I put about why I love hockey so much.
1. Eg...
Throughout much of this off-season, the bulk of the media-generated discussion surrounding the Maple Leafs rebuilding has focused on the solid moves of GM Brian Burke, and rightfully so. For the hard-core members of Leaf Nation, the internet blog discussions have covered a variety of areas, but when the discussion turns towards the Leafs young 'top six' potential for the ...
Here are my Eastern Conferene predictions:
1. Boston
2. Washington
3. Rangers
4. Pittsburgh
5. Carolina
6. Philadelphia
7. Buffalo
8. Toronto
---------------------
9. Montreal
10. New Jersey
11. Florida
12. Atlanta
13. Tampa Bay
14. Islanders
15. Ottawa
Boston:
Solid team. I expect a repeat performance from last year. They led the league i...
During the lock out I happened to bump into a very well known Flames Defenseman (won't name names here) and after telling me about all the various locations he had visited during his time off (yeah so hard done by) he went off about what a weasel Bettman is.
The players have never had it so good as they do now, the guys that have gotten them there have all been fired ...
As the season approaches....
Here are a few things I've been thinking about...
Heatley - Don't care. Enough already, trade him to a Russian team.
'Yotes - Don't care, it's stupid at this point. Let's keep a team in the league that is losing tons of money. Sorry 'Yotes fans.
Previous Cup Winners - Don't care. It's time for the new season to be upon us.
Thi...
One would be forgiven for trying to avoid the latest behind-the-scenes circus to befall the league and its players association. Amid the ongoing and incredulous tug of ego's taking place at the now infamous Phoenix courthouse, Paul Kelly, Executive Director of the NHLPA was fired after a ten hour marathon of meetings in Chicago on Sunday.
Kelly, who was thought to suppo...
East
1. Pittsburgh
2. Boston
3. Carolina
4. Philadelphia
5. Washington
6.Montreal
7. New Jersey
8. Tampa Bay
Out: Florida, Buffalo, Toronto, NY Rangers, Ottawa, Atlanta, NY Islanders
West
1. Detroit
2. Vancouver
3. Anaheim
4. Chicago
5. Dallas
6. San Jose
7. Columbus
8. Calgary
Out: Nashville, St. Louis, Edmonton, LA, Minnesota, Phoenix, Colora...
Booo to Comcast. They are at it again. They refuse to play with others. They are trying to create a monopoly in Philadelphia broadcasting. They are so paranoid about satellite TV that they have kept CSN off the DirecTV since it's inception. They claim that they are not capable of broadcasting to satellite.
Now they have increased the price of Versus to make it un...
The Blues have invited free agent defenseman Darryl Sydor and left winger Ryan Bayda to training camp on a professional tryout, sources have confirmed.
Sydor, 37, tallied three goals and 12 assists in 73 games played with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Dallas Stars last season.
Bayda, 28, had five goals and seven assists in 70 games played with the Carolina Hurricanes i...
Beware to all the DirecTV people out there that are NHL fans. You will not see any games on Versus this year. This means that if your team plays a game on Versus, that game will not be shown on CenterIce. Versus has EXCLUSIVE broadcast rights for those games within the US and judging by the way they negotiate with satellite providers, they will not relinquish those righ...
Who says the draft is so important? Sure, the overwhelming majority of players enter the NHL through traditional means. But, there is a lot of talent in the NHL right now that never heard their name called at the draft table. You could assemble quite a team from these overlooked gems. Maybe Jim Balsillie can start his own squad by sifting through the junior ranks and E...
Anaheim
-MVP: Ryan Getzlaf
-Key New Face: Saku Koivu
-Sleeper: Andrew Ebbett
-Super Sleeper: Luca Sbisa
Atlanta
-MVP: Ilya Kovalchuk
-Key New Face: Nik Antropov
-Sleeper: Anssi Salmela
-Super Sleeper: Jason Krog
Boston
-MVP: Zdeno Chara
-Key New Face: Marco Sturm (back from injury)
-Sleeper: Matt Hunwick
-Super Sleeper: Vladimir Sobotka
Buf...
ladynic writes...
Flyers Veterans Unofficial Practice/ Flyers Rookie Camp
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Rookie pictures are still uploading to Flickr here is the link for the vets
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/sets/72157622202651155/
The Veterans looked very good. Backlund was finally there and we saw his new mask
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3905187223/in/set-72157622202651155/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3905967706/in/set-7215762220265...
Few things are more frustrating for a hockey fan than to see your team draft a great prospect, watch him come up through the ranks to become a star, only to then see him leave as a free agent or trade. It's the reality of the NHL, but imagine if it wasn't so. Imagine a world where your team could keep every player it ever drafted. How different would the NHL landscape b...
A few thoughts…
It was actually Brian Burke, the proverbial King of controversy, that said the sooner this Coyotes Bankruptcy saga is all squared away the better it will be for everybody. Burke hit the nail on the head. If this mess is not resolved within the next three weeks than it will drag out over the entire season and not only distract the Coyotes players from c...
With training camp set to open soon with the start of the regular season just weeks behind, you would think fans would be gearing up and getting amped to watch Islanders hockey.
For some, that really isn't the case.
I have said it before and I will say it again, I am not one for politics. I am not well-versed in the matter (although I know I should be and have been ...
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...
I was not able to attend on Friday for Veterans unofficial practice and the rookie game. My friend Sandy did here are the links to her pictures
Veterans Practice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25870841@N07/sets/72157622348278282/
Rookie's practice
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25870841@N07/sets/72157622348412030/
Winter Classic Jersey unveiling
http://www.flickr....
In my post yesterday I mentioned that I think the Flyers really have the hang of things with training camp here is one of my prime exampled
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3920706599/in/set-72157622247610191/
There was only a fraction of the fans at today's camp session but still a pretty good turn out for a monday.
A few people have asked for some details...
Wow, I know that Gary Bettman has been busy with the Coyotes mess, but no response from the NHL for over 2 weeks that Versus and DirecTV have split ways. This means a 25% DROP in viewership for all Versus NHL games. I wonder if the sponsors of those games are getting a discount?
Here is what the Commish needs to do...
1. He needs to get Versus back on DirecTV or h...
Quick. What do you think of when you hear these names:
Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, NY Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Mapleleafs.
Teams likely to miss the playoffs? (SJ doesn't quite fit)
Cool Jerseys? (Islanders are kind a lame)
Teams that disappointed last season? (True, though Toronto didn't have high expectations)
If you read ...
Alright...here is my attempt to revive a blog that I lost a few weeks ago. It's my own fault really. I wrote a blog of about maybe six paragraphs about three players I thought fans might want to keep an eye on throughout the year, to hit submit on the tab and realize that my connection to the wireless router was lost. Just freakin' dandy.
So here we go, with a little ad...
Today the Rangers trimmed their roster down to 34 and competition for the last few spots are going to get tougher. The Rangers sent 15 players to the AHL Wolf Pack team including Nigel Williams, Miika Wikman, Mike Sauer, Brodie Dupont and Sam Kllassen. They also sent five junior players to their junior teams. Five other players (Arnason, Byers, Locke, Owens and Rissmiller...
Each and every year, I decide it is humorous to put myself on the line here (and at the wrath of every single individual), and put forth my predictions for the final standings. While I am only a blogger, I like to think of myself as somewhat of a smart hockey-mind, and I understand that I will be ripped apart by fans of all backgrounds who feel that I betrayed them by not...
Every team needs a great supporting cast, a machine, to do the dirty work and chip in every now and then. These players are best when they are responsible, inexpensive and full of heart. In the past the Sens have had issues with secondary scoring that only was not apparent the year we went to the cup finals. We have always had a plethora of guys to plays the roles, but it ...
I am off all week and will have several reports.
Goaltending coach Jeff Reese worked all 3 goalies before practice with the help of Braydon Coburn, Danny Syvret, Jason Ward and James Van Reimsdyk.
Jeff Reese
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3943210222/in/set-72157622428886754/
Backlund
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3943207356/in/set-721576224288867...
A few days ago, Kyle Okposo was the recipient of a devastating open ice hit in a pre-season game against the Calgary Flames, delivered by none other than Dion Phaneuf. Since then he has returned to New York for further testing for what has been diagnosed as a mild concussion. After watching the hit several times, I will state my opinion: it was clean. Perfectly clean. He n...
This is part 5 of 5 in this series, and I just want to thank everyone for the feedback and emails! The support and feedback, whether negative or positive, is always appreciated!
So without further ado....
[b]Carey Price[/b]
When Carey Price was drafted, 5th overall, in the 2005 NHL entry draft, a lot of people were unsure as to why the Habs grabbed this kid. As go...
First Kimmo Timonen was not on the ice for today's practice. I am sure the beat writer guys will comment on that
Colors
Dark blue- Gagne, Richards, Pyorala
White- Briere, Carter, Hartnell
Orange- JVR, Giroux ,Asham
Yellow- Maroon, Ward, Laliberte
Green- Cote, Kaspar, Betts
Red- Powe, Lappy, Carcillo
D
Pronger -Carle/Syvret
Parent - Coburn/Syvret
Jones ...
Several of the finest lines in the NHL were split up in the offseason, opening the door for some emerging combinations to take the stage for the 2009-10 season. Although most of these threesomes won't be matched up on a regular basis (due to positions or coaches not wanted to load up on one line), it's a great option for the coaches to assemble these lines when they're in...
Here's a little light reading on this Friday, the last before the 2009/2010 NHL regular season begins.
1. Theo Fleury will end up playing for some NHL team by the end of the season. And, he’ll be good too. Calgary made a mistake not giving this guy a chance to prove he can still do it.
2. Rookie of the Year in the NHL will be Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightnin...
I don't know that I need to rehash the game. Pre season is more about shaking off the rust and I can't complain too much about scoring goals on the Devils.
Maroon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3952603876/in/set-72157622451556374/
Pronger
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3952599348/in/set-72157622451556374/
Emery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat...
With training camp over, and a slew of exhibition games that probably should have been cut in half if the league knew what was good for them (I mean, auditioning new guys is one thing, but by the end, the coaches know who’s staying and going, and they’re just playing whoever they don’t care about hurting), it’s time to face reality. The blue and white came out with...
I listen each week on XM to the HomeIce show that Commissioner Bettman hosts and people bash the Versus coverage of the game all the time. The Commish is smart. He listens to these complaints that beg to get the NHL on ESPN, and he lets the fan rant, and then he calmly dispels the fan by saying how Versus is doing a great job, the NHL gets exclusive coverage, the channel...
As a DirecTV subscriber, I was all set to see the Wings Swedish opener this Friday on Versus. But, because of the cut-throat, in-bred telecommunications world, I have to make other plans.
So I miss my team's opener. Too bad for me. Too bad for Wings fans. Really too bad for hockey. However, I have no intention of calling up DirecTV to complain or rearrange my life by...
Again I don't think that I need to rehash the last preseason game. I am glad that the regular season starts tonight for the league and tomorrow for the Flyers.
Here are my pics including Coburn's fight. Poor Coby
Syvret
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3970782166/in/set-72157622493273780/
Carter
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3970017143/in/set-72...
EAST
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. Carolina
6. New Jersey
7. NY Rangers
8. Ottawa
9. Montreal
10. Florida
11. Buffalo
12. Toronto
13. Tampa Bay
14. Atlanta
15. NY Islanders
WEST
1. Detroit
2. San Jose
3. Vancouver
4. Chicago
5. Anaheim
6. Calgary
7. Minnesota
8. St. Louis
9. Dallas
10. Columbus
11. Edmonton
12. N...
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 ...
That time is here. Face off is almost 48 hours away between the Habs and the Sabres. What awaits for the loyal fans of Buffalo this season?
After looking through what happened in the off-season, I feel that Buffalo is yet again, not prepared or ready for the season to start. Looking at the final roster, I don't feel this team is any better than the team last year. There...
I can't remember the last time the Islanders had their first game of the season be their home opener. If my memory serves me correctly, they usually started on the road, but tonight they have the privilege of opening up in front of their home town fans. Lucky for us we get to watch them start against the defending Stanley Cup champs.
The lines are predicted as follows:...
Rob McGowan writes...
Although They Lost, Isles Home Opener Was A Success
Posted Monday | Comments 0
...and I am not just saying that because John Tavares scored.
The Isles were playing host to the defending Stanley Cup champions, a roster that includes Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Marc-Andre Fluery, Chris Letang, and so on. After the first period we were tied at one and John Tavares had his first NHL point. And let me tell you, the second that kid touc...
The Rangers are now 2-1 and show a lot of promise. The attacking style of play has shown a lot in the past three games. First, that it will produce goals and opportunities. Second, that the players are buying into the concept. Third, that it does leave openings for the other team. As for last nights 3-2 win over the Devils give the credit to the young guys and Torts.
La...
Just found this great site that list all the free agents for the summer of 2010 with top ten Rankings you should check it out.
Pretty cool site.
[url]http://www.nhlfreeagents.com[/url]
I think we all know while I could do the game analysis that all of you have rehashed last night's game to death at this point in the day. So let's just do the pictures and call it a day.
The most requested pix in msgs to me today
Richards and Ovechkin
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3991864276/in/set-72157622415044485/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325...
The Toronto Maple Leafs have started the season as many non Maple Leaf fans would have hoped for losing their first three games with the possibility of making it four when the defending Stanley Cup Champions come to town on Saturday. The Maple Leafs have scored eight goals in these three games but is their any forward on the Leafs that scares any opposing team that faces t...
After the season opener, the Islanders proved that they were capable of coming out strong. To prove that it was not a home opening fluke, they needed to start tonight's game the same way that they did last Saturday. For the most part that is exactly what the Islanders did; they came out with energy and chances in the first ten minutes or so, but that fell short once the Se...
Thursday night was by and far the worst game I think I have seen the Flyer play this season. They seemed very out of sync with each other and the hockey itself. Hopefully that will remedy itself tonight vs the Ducks.
Giroux faceoff
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3997211783/in/set-72157622554300080/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/3997972484/in/set-721...
[img]http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20091011/thumb.bed21253d478472186ec7ad266d65949.sabres_predators_hockey_tnmh121.jpg[/img]
Buffalo has began their season by scoring four goals in the first three games of the season. For most teams, this would be a huge problem. The Sabres managed to escape with five out of a possible six points to start the year.
Buffalo's real test wil...
I am not here to rehash this game but I will say that it was a shame to have them tie in the final minute and then loose in a shoot out.
Person I blame the guy behind me who with 2 minutes left starts yelling "No Shoot out". Game was not even tied at that point.
Good Signs for a Saturday game with this one being my favorite then the rest....
http://www.flickr.c...
[img]http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20070420/sabres_77895.jpg[/img]
The day Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.....will shock the hockey world.
The loyal fans of Buffalo have been waiting, and still are, for the Sabres to win their first Stanley Cup. It has been almost 40 years, and the team has yet to win it all.
They have come close a few times over the years:
...
Well, it happened. Why is it the Flames always find a way to do this? They came out like gangbusters and managed to lose the game, in what became the biggest comeback in league history. I'm not going to say I knew they'd blow the 5-0 lead, but one thought did cross my mind after the fifth goal - "Is five goals enough for the flames?" Just as I thought 3 goals wasn't enough...
And no, I'm not talking about the amount of work they will have to do IF the Lighthouse Project ever passes.
The Islanders had a typical let down Saturday, scoring three goals in a solid 50 minutes of hockey to watch it fade away in the final 10, losing in the shootout to a team they had all but beaten in regulation.
Monday they had a chance to make up for it with a...
While maybe not as dramatic as last night, this hockey game was basically the same story. Came out hard and physical and got the all to familiar lead in the first period, only to slowly back off and allow the Jackets back into the hockey game. Missed passes, giveaways, lazy defensive zone play, and penalties spelled the end. Kipper stood on his head again, but the guy need...
Well, a game removed from the biggest collapse in NHL history and the Flames should come out angry as all hell, right? Wrong
The Flames were out shot 33-23 and if it were not for Kiprusoff, this game would have been 6-1. Kipper made several tremendous saves to keep the Flames up 1-0, but finally succumbed to the pressure of a 5 on 3 powerplay and let in two goals in jus...
On tap tonight: The Vancouver Canucks.
The Flames have a lot to prove tonight. A big rivalry game should be all the fuel needed to re-stoke the fire under this hockey team, but with this group you just never know. Brent Sutter has been surprisingly calm and collected over the past week and is preaching patience with the new system. If this pace continues, however, you ...
[i]"The Coyotes managed a sellout in their home opener when all tickets were sold for $25 or less. The team's second home game on Thursday night drew an announced crowd of just 6,899."[/i]
- The Canadian Press
Here it goes: Give the team to Balsillie, move them to Hamilton and make some money in a healthy location.
[b]Phoenix, I'm sure you are a nice city but as an ...
First off, sorry for taking so much time to start writing again, I had Swine Flu and im obviously still alive :)
1. Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
2.Will the Canadiens make a trade?
3.How many shut-outs will Pascal Leclaire get?
4.Does Vancouver beat out Calgary for the NW title?
5.Will the Flames make it past the first round if they make the playoffs?
6.Should ...
First off, sorry for taking so much time to start writing again, I had Swine Flu and im obviously still alive :)
1. Will the Leafs make the playoffs?
2.Will the Canadiens make a trade?
3.How many shut-outs will Pascal Leclaire get?
4.Does Vancouver beat out Calgary for the NW title?
5.Will the Flames make it past the first round if they make the playoffs?
6.Should ...
Well, I believe Mr. Dion Phaneuf must have been reading this blog because he took my advice and gave his body up for the team to save a goal. Good for you “Neon Dion”, you did yourself proud! Not to mention a +2 on the night; a vast improvement from prior games for #3.
In other news the Flames managed to play their most complete game of the season last night, beati...
Let's put it this way folks; there are only two full weeks left in October and the Isles have seven games left to play. So far they've played six and have done everything but win. Throw in the fact that both goalies have combined to let in 10 goals in the past two games and the same forwards are the only ones contributing on a nightly basis.
TIME TO WAKE UP GUYS!
The...
As per Islanders trend each year, the roster currently includes an extra skater for the defensive department. The core consists of Mark Streit, Bruno Gervais, Andy Sutton, Freddy Meyer, Brendan Witt, Radek Martinek, and Jack Hillen. With an extra d-man, Gordon has been sitting Bruno for the past two games in order to get Hillen some playing time. Although injuries always s...
Iggy's Back...A solid effort by the Flames last night, and they were led by their Captain Jarome Iginla. After last game where Iginla played hard and had chances, you knew this was coming. Skating down the right wing and letting go an absolute bomb of a wrist shot top corner right off the bar. Vintage. Classic. Standard. Call it what you want, it was a beauty. Add that to ...
I am just making sure that the Flyers were not dropped from the NHL. I have seen 1 game played by the Flyers in the last 11 days! Who makes the schedule for the league and why do the Flyers play the fewest games during October and November every year. At the moment, the Penguins have played 50% more games (9 vs 6) games compared to the Flyers. This means simply that d...
What's the date? Are we still in October? We are! And the Isles won a hockey game?!
Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
Wait, no I'm not...the Isles still managed to give up a two goal lead late in the third period and went to the shootout, once again.
Being in the Blog Box last night provided for some gut-wrenching moments. One in particular was when John Tavares was...
Once again, Isles fans are getting to see an Islanders team that is incapable of holding a lead. I cannot stress enough that this is a result of having a young squad, but it is also due to the fact that some of these guys should not be playing in the NHL. But of course, fans are starting to point fingers, looking for a scapegoat.
Let's start with the fourth-liners, and...
Colin Campbell said on NHL Live this afternoon that there was nothing illegal about Mike Richards' hit on David Booth Saturday night.
"He did not jump. He did not elbow him. He did not hit him in a place where he wasn't expecting it. It was an area where you expect to get hit, both the player passing the puck and the player doing the hitting," Campbell said.
Campbell...
I am guessing that when the season began not many expected the Colorado Avalanche to have only 1 regulation loss through 11 games and be leading the Western Conference. A team that was scheduled to be occupying the cellar of the west for most of the year has come out of the gate on fire due to some stellar goaltending from journeyman tender Craig Anderson. Toiling in the C...
Just a few quick thoughts before I hit my pillow…
The Flames have no problem starting games anymore; it is simply playing the rest of the 60 minute game that they seem to have issues with. Leading 2-0 a minute into the game and the Flames stepped off the gas pedal and idled in neutral for most of the game. They were so close to running Anderson from the net, yet they ...
I attended last night's first Islander/Ranger tilt not as a blogger, but as a fan. At times in the blog box I may shout or slam my first on the table, but for the most part, I try to keep myself contained since I'm representing the Islanders as a member of the media. But as a fan, I get to let loose.
And boy, did I enjoy this one. The perspective you get as a blogger in...
Rob McGowan writes...
Catching Up With Islanders Draft Pick Travis Hamonic
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This past Wednesday I had the privilege of catching up with Travis Hamonic, the Isles 53rd overall selection in the 2nd round of the 2008 NHL entry draft. He is currently playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors in the WHL up in Canada. Right now he leads the league in scoring as a defenseman. He’s played in 15 games, scoring 7 goals, 13 assists, and is a +3 with 23 PIMs. I th...
The NHL is celebrating Jacques Plante becoming the first goaltender to wear a mask, but as usual the league has screwed everything up.
It is true that Plante popularized the mask, first wearing it 50 years ago Sunday, but the NHL actually began in 1917. This date is important because on February 20, 1930 Clint Benedict returned from a broken nose wearing the first mask....
I’ve crusaded against the OT point ever since the NHL got rid of ties. Why a losing team should get anything is beyond me. So, I’ve got a plan to remedy this situation: either go back to ties, or stop giving out the loser point.
[b]The history[/b]
Believe it or not, the OT point served a purpose at one time. Back when you could tie, teams were perfectly content to ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Streak Comes To An End With A Rough November Ahead
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Last night the Islanders completed a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. A swap of shut-outs between Ryan Miller and Marty Biron as the Isles lost 3-0 in their visit up north.
The Islanders did not play their best game. As a matter of fact, you can see the expression on Okposo's face in the post-game that he was very disappointed with his play, as well as the rest of the te...
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...
This is my submission into the Journalism Dream Contest for the Globe and Mail. Go Here and vote for me:
http://journalismdream.theglobeandmail.com/entry_article.asp?id=826
The number 12 jersey slung on over his shoulder pads, the captains "C" prominently displayed over his heart.
All that embodies leadership, courage and the eternal drive to win is present in everyt...
Once again the unbalanced schedule by the NHL has some teams playing many more games than others at this point in the season. At times it gives very unrealistic views of teams. For example, the Senators have 16 points (as of 11/9/09) and appear out of the playoff picture at the moment, when in fact which has gathered those points in just 14 games. By reorganizing the st...
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 ...
Three Star Flames players authored very influential performances Tuesday night in the Bell Centre: Mikka Kiprusoff, Jarome Iginla and Dion Phaneuf.
For the fourth straight game the Flames received great, if not amazing, goaltending and subsequently extended their winning streak to four games. Kiprusoff was simply brilliant between the pipes on Tuesday night stopping ev...
After a few weeks into the season, many great stories have been told already. Maybe the most surprising to everybody is the Colorado Avalanche. Why have they been so good? Only Miss Cleo knows the real answer. Maybe it's because they are young, fast, relentless, and maybe naive enough to not understand pressure yet. They had no expectations from anyone in the hockey wo...
Rob McGowan writes...
Lift The Puck! Isles Lose to Caps In 11-Round Shootout
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Islanders managed to get a quick 3-1 lead after being scored on within the first eight seconds of the first period against the Washington Capitals tonight. However, the score was eventually 4-3 Caps by the end of the second period. The Isles were granted two late powerplays, the latter resulting in the game tying goal that got the Isles that point that they would have ...
As we continue to look back at the past decade in the NHL, there were a number of rule changes that have significantly affected the state of the game today. Many of these were positive changes, but a few were downright awful. Most of the changes in the last 10 years happened as a direct result of the lockout. Here's a look at the 4 best and 4 worst rule changes over the...
Yeah, I know the Meat Loaf song goes "Two out of three ain't bad," but three out of four is even better.
The Isles started off their road trip with an over-time loss in the shootout, an 11-round one at that, to the Washington Capitals. It was a game in which the Isles let the Ovenchkin-less Caps back in after gaining a 3-1 lead in the first period. Last night the Isles ...
Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff, Miikka Kiprusoff. 5 times, because he has been that damn good.
The solitary reason the Flames snatched three of four points over the weekend. The only reason the Flames did not get beat by the 29th ranked Toronto Maple Flakes.
Kipper has been an impenetrable force over these first 18 games this ...
landsharkhockey writes...
Best of the Decade Awards: Vezina, Norris and Hart
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Each year, the experts get together and vote on the best players in the game. As part of my decade in review, I'd like to look back at the last 10 years and award the Vezina, Norris, and Hart Trophies to best candidates, covering their play over the entire decade. Some worthy candidates were passed over in these categories, because they only played a handful of seasons, ...
Rob McGowan writes...
It Wasn't a Hat Trick, But Isles Walk Away With Two Points
Posted Monday | Comments 0
"It's weird!" - This was Matt Moulson's post-game answer when asked how it felt to win a game in regulation on the road.
Well, it should feel weird considering that the Islanders have gone to over-time or the shoot-out in their past three away games. From 3 points, to 4, to now 6 points taken out of a possible 8 and the team moves to 7-2-2 in their past 11 games.
N...
A battle for first place in the Northwest division turned out to be a bit of a snoozer. Coming off a 3 game road trip in which they secured 5 of 6 possible points, the Flames came out looking tired. Getting beat to numerous pucks, the Flames could never find their groove in a loss to the Avalanche. For the second time this season on home ice, the Flames fell 3-2 to the Avs...
Well the Flames came out looking good against the Hawks tonight…no, let me start again. The Flames special teams were outstanding tonight…wait, lets try it one more time. The Flames stunk up the Saddledome in one of the most humiliating losses on home ice in recent memory. There, that sums it up better.
In a game that was reasonably close through half the game, tu...
I received an interesting email today from the Columbus Blue Jackets. I’ve been on their mailing list for a couple of years after buying tickets from their website, but haven’t unsubscribed as I enjoy getting some of their offers. For example, last month, I received an offer of a lower bowl ticket, a pre-game buffet in the club section and a beer in their in-arena pu...
There are not too many Friday night games for the Islanders, and that's usually a good thing for me. Being that I am 21 years old, I usually like to go out on my Friday's. I also work until 9 and will miss most of the game since they usually start at 7, and being that I work with people who despise hockey, I will not get to watch it on TV.
But I will get to watch tonigh...
The Islanders gave away a win last night that they should have easily held on to. The Wild were playing with a depleted roster that is trying to perform under a new system, much like the Islanders of last year. Despite gaining a 2-1 lead after being down a goal in the first period, the Isles failed to hold on in the final minute as Owen Nolan buried the puck passed Biron. ...
Headshots are the hot topic around the league now and I am glad. As a Flyers fan we have lost 2 of the best players ever to wear Orange and Black to head shots. These two players are Eric Lindros and Keith Primeau. The problem that I have with the league now, is that similar hits as the ones that injured these two are now called “dirty” and yet the league put Scott ...
So the Islanders have not gained a point on this second leg of their first real road trip of the season. Tonight the Islanders and John Tavares make an appearance in Toronto. And of course, the media is going to have all their attention on JT’s first return to his home on ice.
Hopefully Tavs will put on such a good show that Brian Burke will want to find Garth Snow a...
********************************************************************
Headshots are the hot topic around the league now and I am glad. Let’s look at some possible ways to protect both the players and keep hitting in the game. These hits are not new to hockey; if you watch the NHL videos over the years these hits are advertised as a reason to watch the game.
[b]Solut...
I was brought up understanding that all men are created equal, regardless of who you are. This should be true for the NHL. Regardless of whether you play for the worst team in the NHL, or the best team in the NHL, the top scorer in the league, or you struggle to get one point each season, you should be treated with the same.
What I said in my introduction is not the cas...
The Islanders finished the month of November with a 6-6-2 record, bringing them to an overall record of 10-10-7 with 27 points at 11th place, just one point out of the final playoff spot. I’m sure many fans would agree that if anyone said over the summer that the Islanders would be a .500 team on the cusp of a playoff berth by the start of December that they would have t...
November; a month that the Flames wished had more days in it. After a respectable opening month of October going 7-4-1, the Flames dominated the month of November going 10-2-2 asserting themselves as one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference. The Flames also hold the best road record in the league going 10-1-3 over 14 games away from the dome. With tonight’s 5-...
Kamal Panesar writes...
Is there something rotten in the state of Habland?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Sorry about that weak Shakespeare referrence, but it was my attempt at cleverness. Guess it didn't work out too well, eh? Much like Kyle Chipchura's career with Montreal didn't work out too well.
Nice segue! Heh. But I digress...
Kyle Chipchura - selected 18th overall in the 1st round of the 2004 NHL draft - was picked by Montreal as much for his tangible as his inta...
Rick DiPietro will be playing in net for a professional hockey team for the first time in over a year this coming Saturday for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. All I have to say is ...FINALLY!
It's been a long time since Isles fans have seen Ricky on the ice in game action. Since his absence began, Joey MacDonald, Yann Danis, and the newly acquired pair of Dwayne Roloson an...
Cam Neely was the prototype power forward in hockey. He could skate, fight, cause chaos in the crease, and SCORE(LOOCH hope you read this).
He came to the Bruins in a trade with Vancouver during the 1986-1987 season. The Bruins shipped over Barry Pederson to the Canucks for Neely and the third overall pick in the ’87 draft which became Boston blue liner, Glen Wesley....
Unfortunately, the amazing run away from home ice had to end sometime. With tonight’s 2-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes, the Flames failed to pick up a point on the road for the first time since October 13th, when they fell 2-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Another streak ended tonight as Miikka Kiprusoff allowed a goal for the first time in 159 minutes and 10 seconds aft...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Fall to Lightning, DP Makes It Through 40 Minutes
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Last night the Islanders lost 4-0 to a team that had played the night before and did not return until very early Saturday morning after their flight back from New Jersey. It was also a showdown of Victor Hedman vs. John Tavares, two draft picks that that will be debated for many years to come.
It would only be fitting for Hedman to score his first NHL goal when he woul...
It had been leaked on the Internet that Garth Snow is looking to add a mobile, veteran defenseman to the Islanders thin blue-line. If Snow finds a willing trade partner, he might want to add someone with size, grit and the willingness to stick up for his teammates.
The Islanders lost a tough one tonight, 6-2 to the Flyers. It's never encouraging to see your team let up ...
The Flames returned home, after their longest road trip of the season, to face the much improved Atlanta Thrashers on Wednesday night. The Flames did not disappoint their fans as they played a solid game and won 3-1 for their second consecutive win at home, after losing 4 of their previous 5 on home ice. The old cliché of ‘having their best players play like their best...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Secondary Scoring Remains As A Major Problem
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
As is the case with most young teams, the Islanders have had many interesting third periods in which they either lost the lead, or fought their way back after being down early. (Ahem…hence the abundance of overtime losses). Last night was a case of the latter, but not all late efforts will be rewarded, and Jason Blake made sure to remind us that with his late goal with ...
I thought I would take a look at the Detroit Red Wings, and how some things never last...
Dynasties in sports are something to behold. The Yankees, the Bulls, and the Patriots all have held this title in their respective sports. The Detroit Red Wings have held this title in the NHL for the better part of the last 13 years. However, the Red Wings are a team on the decl...
The Flames lost to the Minnesota Wild Friday night by a score of 2-1. They lost in overtime. The Flames scored the first goal of the game. All this being said, the Flames were severely outplayed by Minnesota and were out shot 46-23. They failed to register a shot until the 14th minute of play and only mustered 3 shots on net in the first period; the Wild fired 19 Kiprusoff...
habsteen26 writes...
End of Decade Report: Top 10 best of the Decade: Pt 1
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With this decade ending in exactly 18 days, one must ask him or her self:How does one judge skill? Is such a player a great Hitter? Shot Blocker? Great Passer? Pure Sniper? Dangler? Or just a plain old pest? This blog not only counts down the top NHL players and goalies, it provides you, the reader and avid watcher of our great sport, the identies of such players. Well, wi...
In my last blog, I felt the Islanders should give players like Trevor Smith or Jesse Joensuu a chance to play with the big club if they were going to continuously sit guys like Comeau and Tambellini over fourth liners such as Jon Sim. The next day Jesse Joensuu was called up from Bridgeport and played his first NHL game of the season.
"It was awesome. It's part of livin...
Jean Charest, Premier of Quebec, said this week that after talking with Gary Bettman, he is confident NHL hockey will return to Quebec City. “It is going to happen,” said the Premier, citing plans to build a new arena to lure the NHL back to Quebec’s capital city.
Cela est une grande idée Jean. But here’s why it ain’t gonna happen.
1. Population of Quebec ...
The year 2009 is coming quickly to an end and I have decided to take a look at the best Toronto Maple Leaf player on a decade by decade basis covering Toronto clubs from 1920-2009. The Maple Leafs were known as the Toronto St. Pats until the 1927 season when the team was purchased by Conn Smythe and the named changed to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This organization has had ma...
The laundry list of Islanders problems can start at the top of a 12-story building and flow all the way down to the pavement at Charles Wang's feet. It can start from way back when the Islanders chose to trade away players such as McCabe, Chara and the first-round pick that turned into Spezza, to the constant Lighthouse debacles.
This team has been struggling for what ...
After three straight losses, the Flames came back and beat, what was statistically, the best team in the Western Conference. Coming off of a mini two game road trip where the Flames failed to earn a point, they were determined to gain some sort of momentum heading into an elongated amount of games on home ice. However, they did not manage to exactly blow the Los Angeles K...
Although I didn't write it in a previous blog, I PROMISE you that I believed that the Islanders were going to split the home-and-home series with the Rangers, and that the visiting team would win each game. Yeah, I know that sounds like complete BS since I am speaking in retrospect, but that WAS my prediction.
The first game at the Garden was a well-played game by the I...
Ok I am only home due to snow.
I thought I would share my pictures from the game. I had great seats 6 rows off the ice.
First signage....
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/4197576546/in/set-72157623030117206/
Carter
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/4196800157/in/set-72157623030117206/
Richards
http://www.flickr.com/photos/neat1325/4196805085/in...
Twas the night before Christmas when all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, not even Jarome.
The Jerseys were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Stanley soon would be there.
The Flames were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of hockey pucks danced in their heads.
And Sutter in his ‘kerchief, and King in his cap,
Had just sett...
Twas the night before Christmas when all through the Dome,
Not a creature was stirring, not even Jarome.
The Jerseys were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Stanley soon would be there.
The Flames were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of hockey pucks danced in their heads.
And Sutter in his ‘kerchief, and King in his cap,
Had just sett...
As I start this blog there are only 28 minutes left on Christmas. The last blog I wrote was a week ago on the 18th and I am actually annoyed at myself for not having a chance to write in the mean time. But I will say it has been a hectic week as I'm sure it was all the other bloggers and readers out there.
During this week, yours truly finished all of his assignments a...
The Calgary Flames are moving in the wrong direction in the Western Conference standings. After tonight’s dreadful loss at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks, the Flames now sit in 8th spot in the West, only 2 points up on Detroit. The Flames are falling faster than Tiger Woods bank balance. With only 1 win in the last 7 contests, the Flames continue to play horrifying a...
The Islanders lost a rough one to the Flyers yesterday for their matinee game on a Sunday afternoon. It was a tough loss to swallow, especially for Marty Biron, a goaltender looking for just his third win of the season. Although the Isles played hard, it was frustrating to watch them make a pass that should have been a shot or struggle to carry the puck out of their own zo...
tml1967 writes...
Toronto Maple Leafs turn for Winter Classic and we know where
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Winter Classic has come and gone once again and this time at Fenway Park was another spectacle to watch, there is nothing like watching professional players, playing outdoors in what can come across to us as a game of shinny. We can all relate to that growing up and going into our backyards or the local community rink with temperatures below zero, the frost coming out ...
Why is it that the NHL looks at every goal to make sure it was a good goal, and yet can still miss the application of a simple rule on a “good goal”? This is directly due to the fact that the NHL thinks that its referees do not need the benefit of replay to call the game correctly. I listen to Bettman on his weekly XM Radio show and he states that the game is too fl...
Why is it that the NHL looks at every goal to make sure it was a good goal, and yet can still miss the application of a simple rule on a “good goal”? This is directly due to the fact that the NHL thinks that its referees do not need the benefit of replay to call the game correctly. I listen to Bettman on his weekly XM Radio show and he states that the game is too fl...
You had to know with the way that the National Anthem was sung that this game was going to be ugly and at times filled with disappointment. Before I even get to the way the game was played, the Islanders might want to start having try-outs before they let just anyone sing on the ice. The woman that sang had such a hardcore accent that it was hard to understand her, and whe...
Some thoughts I needed to share. Panic looms with every loss especially the ones at home. The Rangers are constantly under pressure even if they win. Look at them now instead of looking at our 6-2-2 record in the past ten games as pretty good. The constant woes of lack of scoring and home ice advantage seem to take center ice. Which I think falls heavily on the team....
There is a country full of Canadian men who wish they had been good enough at hockey to have a shot at the NHL...even a shot. Most of us grunts would even say a life of riding buses in the AHL playing hockey and still making okay money would be something else, in fact my best hockey memory is a sweeping glove save I made on an ex-NHL player, a save that made me have dreams...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Avoid Snowballs, Robbie Schremp With Goal Of The Year?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Alright...it is a bold argument to make being that 2010 is just a wee seven days old, but if anyone saw Robbie Schremp's goal last night, they would understand why he might have a case for the best goal of 2010.
Over the course of his young career, Schremp has had a very difficult time finding his way onto an NHL line-up. If you watch him play, it is evident that the k...
From the Philadelphia Inquirer:
[i]An NHL executive said last night that replay officials in Toronto were not given the proper replays by Fox Sports in Pittsburgh on Thursday, when they ruled that Simon Gagne's goal did not count against the host Penguins.
Gagne swatted a second-period rebound that Penguins goalie Brent Johnson smothered and appeared to carry into th...
First some of the other topics....
The hit on Pat Maroon if you didn't see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKDeWpc9ah8
Here is the latest article this kid has a great attitude it is good to see.
http://poststar.com/sports/article_4f26d346-fc11-11de-9bbc-001cc4c002e0.html
Everyone loves Lappy I think that this is your chance to show it. It's all about ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Chris Osgood and Kenny Jonsson Return To The Coliseum
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Being that the Islanders are going to play host to the Detroit Red Wings tonight, I knew right away that Chris Osgood would be in the building. It was then posted on Twitter and Chris Botta's blog at Islanders Point Blank that Ozzie will not be the only former Islander returning to the Coliseum tonight. Kenny Jonsson will be in attendance as a fan to support his former tea...
Flyers vs Stars
The recent play by the Flyers is the way this team was built to be played. Laviolette has provided the players with stability in the lineup and with some time to adjust to the new system, the players have responded. Tonight they drubbed Dallas 6-3 and the game was not that close. Dallas scored 2 goals in the last 9 minutes to get 3. The Stars look in d...
Anytime you win a game against an opponent by the score of 6-0, you will obviously have plenty of positives to talk about, but the most important part of this Isles win is that the younger players are owning the score sheet.
Chris Osgood was forced to return in net at the Nassau Coliseum last night. He heard a few cheers from the crowd that remember him from his brief ...
tml1967 writes...
The Leafs waddling through their worst month since lockout
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue on their waddling days of January which has been the teams worst month statistically since the lockout, if the team is to succeed in its quest to make the playoffs again then they need to come to grips with one of the coldest months of the year in Canada. The team is 1-5-0 so far this month and continue to struggle in their penalty kill and...
The Calgary Flames lost tonight to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins. Stricken by a slew of bad penalties and untimely giveaways, the Flames could not handle the strength and of a better Penguins club. The Penguins are faster, bigger, stronger and compete harder in every battle, and it showed on the scoreboard. Despite being able to outshoot the Pengui...
Okay many of us have spoken out in reference to Burrows and Auger and althoug Burrow should've have publicly stated his opinion, I still think it was the right course of action. Finally a player stated what everyone else (fans) thought in how a referee could have it out to a player. Its a darn shame the NHL chose to fine the player and not the ref. Oh well...
Contrac...
Hey everyone...
As many of you know, the first major trade rumor regarding the Isles has been spread about all over the web, and it involves Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atlanta Thrashers.
If you want to read my thoughts on the subject, go to http://thehockeywriters.com/isles-in-on-kovalchuk/ as I wrote a blog all about it.
As you can see, I have started blogging for The...
Habs To The Top has a new poll up...How would you grade the Habs 1st half of the season?
Read their mid-season report:
http://www.habsaddict.com/2009/12/habs-mid-season-grades.html
And place your VOTE to tell us what you think the grade should be. The poll closes on Saturday during the third period of the game vs. Ottawa. Vote now!
http://www.HabsAddict.com
ht...
The Bruins could really struggle to play .500 hockey for the rest of the year unless they can make a serious trade, and obviously I’m talking about Ilya Kovalchuk.
The loss of Marc Savard to a torn MCL could force Boston to use one of their valuable draft picks they received in the Kessel trade far earlier than they imagined. In fact, as bad as Toronto is playing, the...
The Bruins could really struggle to play .500 hockey for the rest of the year unless they can make a serious trade, and obviously I’m talking about Ilya Kovalchuk.
The loss of Marc Savard to a torn MCL could force Boston to use one of their valuable draft picks they received in the Kessel trade far earlier than they imagined. In fact, as bad as Toronto is playing, the...
The three and a half hours of sleep I received before work this morning were well worth it — Around 1:30 a.m. (on the East coast), big Zdeno Chara bore down San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov and unleashed his 105 M.P.H. cannon from 20 feet out.
Chara’s lone goal in the shootout completed a 65+ minute effort for the Black and Gold last night in San Jose and g...
Rick DiPietro made his first return on Coliseum ice last night against the Buffalo Sabres, the second placed team in the East with 64 points and a 29-11-6 record. It took Overtime and a shootout for a decision to be made, but DP shined in a 3-2 win and a shootout that lasted 8 rounds.
It only took a matter of 20 seconds or so before Ricky made his first save of the gam...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Win Four In A Row And Hamonic Visits The Coliseum
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Islanders hosted the 2nd placed New Jersey Devils today at the Nassau Coliseum and won a decisive 4-0 victory for Rick DiPietro's first shutout of the year in only his third game played, putting the Isles to 9-2-1 over their past 12 games.
You can tell that the Isles 15-year man is regaining his confidence in net. At least twice he was seen catching the puck with h...
Everybody raise your hand if you thought that the 7-1 beat down on November 19th against the Chicago Blackhawks would be low point in the season? I would venture to guess that most everyone’s hands would be in the air. Well, the Flames have shocked us once again with their ability to look like a minor affiliate. 9-1…was that a rouge we scored? Was that a football game?...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Fall To Devils In First Loss At Home In Seven Games
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
At this point of the season, every game needs to be looked at as if it is a playoff game if the Islanders hope to make it passed 82 games for 2010. Last night the Devils came back with a point to prove; they are at the top of the standings in the East for a reason, and after being shutout by the Isles 4-0 last week, it had to be expected that they were going to come out st...
Question: What is the difference between a falling tree and the Calgary Flames?
Answer: A tree never gets booed out of its own forest.
Lucky consecutive loss number 7 for the Flames tonight, as they were shut out for the 2nd time in 3 games on home ice. They have scored a staggering 2 goals in their last 4 games at the Saddledome. They must be reading the Tiger Woods...
The Islanders had recent success against some of their more challenging opponents in the Red Wings, Sabres and Devils over the past week but have been unable to stay on board that train to the end of January. First they lost a tough one to the New Jersey Devils, and last night they were embarrassed by Alexander Semin and the Washington Capitals.
It was a rough one to w...
The Islanders have had Joel "The Wrecker" Rechlicz sitting in the minors but have felt that he needed time to develop his game, as an enforcer, in the AHL before he could be considered as a legitimate NHL fighter.
Trevor Gillies, an AHL journeyman, has been playing with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this season as well. Last year he played in 30 games with the Albany Riv...
Toronto Maple Leafs fans went to bed last night with a bitter taste in their mouths after watching their beloved Leafs blow a 3-0 lead against the Vancouver Canucks on Hockey Day in Canada. This morning many started their Sunday as they normally would but what most fans did not expect was to get hit all of a sudden by a Burkie Blast. Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke...
The Flames have officially pressed the panic button.
Losing 10 of your last 11 games is not fun and usually signals change on a professional sports team. To add into the fact that you play in a Canadian fish bowl where every move is over-scrutinized to the extreme, you cannot help but think that the Calgary Flames GM Darryl Sutter made a move that he did not necessaril...
Here we are with a just a few games left before the Olympic Break and the Islanders roster is in a spin-cycle. As of today, Marty Biron has been sent down to Bridgeport for a conditioning stint that will last out for the weekend, Brendan Witt may be close to a return, and Trevor Gillies previously passed through waivers and has returned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.
...
Every Islander fan has seen that Garth Snow is capable of making a shake-up when the time is right. Last year he moved from the bottom of the first round all the way up to the 12th overall pick to select defenseman, Calvin de Haan. The year before that he moved down from the 5th overall pick to the 9th to take Josh Bailey. And in his first year as General Manager, Garth Sn...
While I haven't used this blog as much as i would like its definitely time to post again. Tonight the Caps enter the Garden on a 11 game win streak. The Rangers however are coming off of a 1 and 2 west coast trip. What's the goal ?
As far as the trade goes I was on board. To me there is no point having a player who just gets scratched every night. I t...
In a game the Calgary Flames desperately needed to win, they actually came through and delivered beating the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Curtis Glencross had a hat-trick and former Maple Flake Matt Stajan scored the other goal as the Flames dominated from start to finish despite loads of penalty trouble. Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff was again on top of his game, helping lead t...
Hey everyone,
Today I attended the Islanders morning skate and had the opportunity to interview John Tavares, one-on-one, after their practice, courtesy of the Islanders PR staff Seth Sylvan and Kimber Auerbach.
If you would like to check it out, head over to this link:
http://thehockeywriters.com/one-on-one-with-john-tavares/
Feel free to leave comments and se...
Rob McGowan writes...
As Isles Start To Sink, Joensuu and Martin Get The Call
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Seven losses in a row, folks. That's how many consecutive games the Islanders have surrendered to their opponents in a stretch where they have only scored nine goals. Secondary scoring has always been an issue with this team, but when the top guys of Tavares, Okposo and Moulson aren't getting the job done, and Josh Bailey is on the Injured Reserve, this team will really st...
The Flames fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning in overtime tonight by a score of 2-1. A hurtful reminder of the last time Calgary lost 2-1 in the St. Pete Times Forum. For those who do not know, it was game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final, a loss that Flames fans will not soon forget.
Two goals by Ruslan Fedotenko was all the Lightning needed that night, as the Flames ran ...
The Flames ran into a very hot team and two very hot players tonight in a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Jason Spezza and Brian Elliott led the way for the Sens who have now won 11 of their past 12 games.
Spezza, for his part, has 12 points in those last 12 games; 10 of them being goals. Brian Elliott, who has won 9 in a row himself before losing to the Leafs on Satu...
Rob McGowan writes...
Matt Martin Makes Most Of Opportunity In Isles Win
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
An Islander forward last night, making his NHL debut, had an immediate impact with each shift he took in the Islanders first win in the past 8 games. Could it have been a case of first-time nerves and adrenaline working it's magic to help the youngster provide the spark this team needs? Possibly. But what we might also be seeing is the toughness and grit this team has lack...
I feel like I am in the F$%&ing twilight zone every time I watch this Flames team play hockey. Every game is the same, regardless of who the opponent is. Every goalie is a Vezina trophy winner and every defence is the second coming of the 1995 New Jersey Devils. This Flames team has such ineptitude to scoring goals; you have to wonder if they could find the net agains...
Sayros writes...
3 Maple Leafs in Top 10 Scoring that aren't in the Olympics
Posted Friday | Comments 0
As of tonight, there are three Canadians in the top 10 in NHL scoring that will not be heading to Vancouver for the Olympics. Here's how your top 10 breaks down by Nationality:1 Russian, 2 Swedes, 6 Canadians, 1 Slovak. Of the 6 Canadians in the top 10, Brad Richards, Steven Stamkos and Martin St. Louis are not currently Olympians. To begin with, I find it interesting that...
Rob McGowan writes...
Live Blog From Nassau Coliseum: Isles vs. Lightning
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
For anyone who is watching the Isles/Lightning matinee tilt that is at Nassau Coliseum today, I have been live blogging from the NYI Blog Box in Section 201. Head over to The Checking Line.
The direct link is as follows: http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/live-blog-nassau-coliseum-isles-vs-lightning
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
h...
The Islanders have gone 2-9-0 in their past 11 games heading into the Olympic break, lowering their spot in the standings to a disappointing 13th seed with 58 points, trailing the 8th place Montreal Canadiens by 6 points while only maintaining 3-point lead over the Carolina Hurricanes.
"It would have definitely been more enjoyable if we had a bunch of wins before the b...
I saw on TSN today that they compared their pre-season rankings to the current standings in the NHL, so I thought I would do the same.
October predictions
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Boston
4. Philadelphia
5. Carolina
6. New Jersey
7. NY Rangers
8. Ottawa
9. Montreal
10. Florida
11. Buffalo
12. Toronto
13. Tampa Bay
14. Atlanta
15. NY Islanders
1....
With all the Olympics going on and the NHL on freeze this gives a lot of time for the GM's to talk about various trades. You know how this time of the season gets right before trade deadline, there is a lot of trade talk going around"SILLY SEASON".
The BRUINS Rumors: who seem to be trying to get the most out of this deadline they are looking at Defensemen Dan Hamhuis fo...
I purposely did not put an "equals" sign at the end of that equation for two reasons. One - I was never good at math and definitely do not plan on solving it or using any algorithm's where I can substitute numbers to come up with an answer; Two - because the end result is yet to be determined, and although DP and KO are not part of this year's winter Olympics, I still hope...
I'll be offering my period-by-period recap and thoughts as they happen today, as the road to the gold medal officially begins today, when Team USA takres of Team Switzerland in the men's quarterfinals.
To see my live in-game thoughts, go to http://twitter.com/Nick_Boston
[u]First Period:[/u]
Well, that's certaintly not how the USA drew it out...
The first five mi...
TRADE RUMORS: "SILLY SEASON" Part 3
Calgary:as i reported the other day they are Very much in on Horton from FLA
Penguins: Back in on Whitney
Rangers:Horton/Booth/possibly colorado Defensemen Liles
.
Bruins:still Dan Hamhuis /Keith Tkachuk/Whitney/Now Souray
LA Kings:Now back on Whitney vs Pens/Bruins
Capitals:Hamhuis/possible a foreign player no names ye...
"SILLY SEASON".
Transactions already made:
Thrashers Acquire Evgeny Artyukhin from Anaheim for Nathan Oystrick and a Conditional Draft Choice in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft
Oilers have dealt Grebeshkov to Nashville for a second round pick.
Florida trades Jordan Leopold to Pittsburgh for a 2nd round pick in 2010
Matt Stajan has agreed to terms with Calgary Flame...
Why the media has a bad name: When we last left the Flyers they had just swept back to back home and home series against one of the toughest rivals in Flyers history (the Devils) and then against the Canadians. I have already recapped these four games in an earlier blog. However, since then I have become aware of some comments made on a Montreal newspaper blog site. I h...
Time to end all the speculation….did anyone notice that after Canada won the gold medal that Chris Pronger was shown standing there with his arm around Mike Richards. I thought that the media said that these two players did not get along. They sure didn’t seem like that. This was not just a simple hug between teammates; this was a genuine hug between a player that ...
Rick DiPietro is out indefinitely with swelling of his left knee and was unable to practice this morning at Syosset as a result.
Check out my article at The Hockey Writers to read up all about it!
http://thehockeywriters.com/rick-is-out-once-again/
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/RoMac76
Dear Mr. Bettman,
I have read numerous articles regarding the plans for the 2014 Olympic games. I understand that you are toying with the idea of not letting the NHL players participate, and going back to the old format used prior to the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
I plead that you don't do this. The 2010 Olympics was better than any all-star game that could be put togethe...
NickBoston writes...
Kariya On His Way Out, and a Former Blues' Star Returning?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It's looking more and more likely that the Paul Kariya era in St. Louis is about to end.
There have been rumors floating around St. Louis from varying sources (including one very reputable source) that Blues winger Paul Kariya is on his way out of St. Louis, and is headed up north to play for his hometown Vancouver Canucks. These same sources have said that Kariya has w...
According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun, the Blues front office sent out an e-mail today to the other 29 teams notifying them that winger Brad Boyes is availabe for trade.
The Blues did the same thing last week in regards to defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo.
Boyes does not have a no-trade clause in his contract, so moving him would be much easier than someone like ...
NickBoston writes...
Only Minor Moves Made as Blues Head Into Home Stretch
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
After all of the speculation concerning the possible movement of Paul Kariya, Keith Tkachuk, Brad Boyes, and Carlo Colaiacovo, the Blues listened to the offers given but said "Thanks, but no thanks".
Instead, the Blues kept their main roster together as they head into the final 20 games of the season, and potentially a spot in the playoffs.
Rumor had it that Kariya w...
In an hour the Islanders will be hosting the Boston Bruins, the seventh placed team in the East that sit seven points ahead of the orange and blue. The Isles are only six points out of the playoff race but only have 18 games remaining, including this afternoon's tilt.
Here's the long and short of it: If they play today's game the way they played the Atlanta Thrashers T...
Maybe they were listening when everyone in the hockey world was laying into them for the horrible moves they made at the trade deadline and the atrocious game they followed with that night. The Calgary Flames (32-24-9) were a team that could not score. They have suddenly turned on the afterburners with ten goals in 2 games.
Leading the way is Jarome Iginla who recorded...
On September 19, 2009 the Toronto Maple Leafs traded away their first and second round picks in the 2010 draft along with their 2011 first round pick to acquire 36 goal scorer Phil Kessel from the Boston Bruins. Leafs Nation for the most part jumped for joy as the team had acquired a 21 year old sniper and top six forward for the squad. The Toronto Sports papers, radio sta...
As I have discussed this with another HB blogger (Ice), we are on the same page in reference to Cooke.
As Ice noted in the larger sense what needs to end is the INTENT from the players. We can also throw in the lack of respect that the players have for each other as well. I originally mentioned INTENT because in all the hits the intent appears to be to injure the play...
Rob McGowan writes...
Two Points Fly By As Isles Still Have Growing Pains
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
If the Islanders were looking to make a statement, tonight was the night. If the Isles were looking to prove that they were due for a win on the road as they have lost their last seven road games in a row, tonight was the night. If the Isles really wanted to end a 14-game losing streak against the Philadelphia Flyers, tonight was the night. If the Isles wanted to win in an...
I have been saying to anyone that will listen (not many)...for some time now...that it's not hits to the head that are the problem in the NHL, it's the blindside hits that create the most potential for injury.
I'll get to that more in a second...
When it comes to hits to the head, the NHL is in a very difficult spot in terms of making rules that apply specifically to...
The Calgary Flames won their 4th game in a row tonight for the first time since early January when they strung together 5 straight victories.
Mikka Kiprusoff blanked the Ottawa Senators 2-0, for his 4th shutout of the season and his first since November 30th; when he shutout the Nashville Predators 5-0. Kiprusoff was sharp all night long as he blocked all 33 shots the ...
As the Isles playoff hopes became more and more of a dream rather than a reality, the team decided to do what's best for one of the most respected leaders in the game. Team Captain Doug Weight will miss the remainder of the season with surgery in his left shoulder to repair a torn labrum and torn rotator cuff. He had been battling the injuries since November.
"If Thursd...
There was a point in the season when #57 would not be seen on the ice, but over a recent stretch that extends beyond the Olympic break, Blake Comeau has been finding a way to make each of his shifts count.
He currently has 12 goals and 15 assists for 27 points, a new career high in all three categories. Those may not be top-six forward numbers, but Comeau has emerged a...
The big talk lately is all about the Toronto Maple Leafs trading away this years and next years first round draft pick to the Boston Bruins, some fans have accepted this, some fans are not sure what to think and others are mad as hell based on the Leafs current position in the NHL. I have decided to do some research on a team by team basis to see which teams in the NHL hav...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Send Gold Medalist To The Bench, Silence Media
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Put that as your headline, Vancouver.
Last night the Islanders visited the Canucks and defeated them 5-2, ending their seven game home winning streak. John Tavares exploded with a five point effort, a new career high that paved the way for the win.
The Islanders started the game with a very strong first period, coming away with a 2-0 lead on eight shots. The goals c...
The score in tonight’s Avs-Flames game was 3-2 for 5th time this season.
It’s as if no other outcome is possible.
However, this time, the Calgary Flames finally beat the Colorado Avalanche on the back of a stand out performance by Miikka...err Vesa Toskala?
Is Calgary the place to go when you are Finnish, a goalie, and not performing how you should? Is Darry...
This time of year everyone is ranking teams and trying to handicap the most productive teams in the playoffs. I have been watching a stat that might be as good an indicator as any. Here I will rank the teams in each conference based on goal differential. This stat is a good indicator because it shows how many easy games a team has had during the season. Too many easy g...
Frustrating. That about sums up how the Isles and head coach Scott Gordon felt after last night's collapse to the Anaheim Ducks. Gordon was so frustrated that when MSG Network's Rob Carlin questioned him about the team's third period let downs throughout the year, he walked away without giving an answer during the live post-game show.
That can be seen as a sign of a co...
There are 11 games left in the season. The Flames are playing one of the four opponents that they definitely should beat. Miikka Kiprusoff is the Flames MVP and starting goalie. Vesa Toskala, the Flames back-up, starts in between the pipes.
Can someone please explain this to me?
I don’t care about Brent Sutter’s hunches that Miikka can’t play the Wild and tha...
THE FACTS
The Penguins currently sit 2 points ahead of the New Jersey Devils for first place in the Atlantic Division.
The Devils have a game in hand on the Penguins.
Without getting into specific scenarios (and assuming the teams play to the same W/L records the rest of the way), if the Devils win that "game in hand" they will win the division based on the NHL ti...
How we feel as Fans also Rangers FAQ
As we all know the Rangers aren't looking so hot. Sadly enough i want to say were probably won't make the playoffs this year(Lets Hope Im Wrong on this one).But with the rangers coming down to the final stretch of games. And most of them being away games ,which doesn't help us.We have less games then the Bruins ,an we have less poin...
The 'we'll be better next year' mantra has already started on Long Island. The season has 8 games remaining on 2009-2010, and the Islanders have almost solidified themselves with either a top-3 or top-5 pick in this year's upcoming draft. Throw in to the mix that Rick DiPietro has yet to play another game, allowing many to assume that his come back year may be shut down pr...
According to Sportsclubstats.com the Calgary Flames have a 4.7% chance of making the postseason. A slim, faint, flicker of hope, but hope nonetheless.
The schedule is not very easy but the Flames have no other options than to run the table for the rest of the season, and even then they need help to get into the tournament.
If they win all six remaining games then ...
Last night the Islanders faced off against the New York Rangers for the last time this season at Nassau Coliseum, losing 4-3 in regulation. After a strong start where the Islanders scored a power play goal early and then added to it with another tally before the end of the first twenty minutes, the Isles would come out flat in the second and fail to connect on a 5-on-3 opp...
According to Dictionary.com a ‘nemesis’ is defined as an opponent or rival whom a person cannot best or overcome.
Well, the Blackhawks are, by definition, the nemesis of the Calgary Flames.
A team they have not beaten, in the regular season, since the 2007-08 campaign. A team that ousted the Flames in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs last year, and...
Hockey players are some of the most athletic, flexible and well-built athletes in professional sports. Not only are they trained in strength and endurance, but they also have to have the ability to skate; a skill that is not easy to acquire. Think about it: hockey players add the skills they develop with their hands to the use of a hockey stick, and then combine speed, agi...
After weeks of uncertainty the Calgary Flames are officially eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention. This ends days, weeks and months of faint hope and un-needed stress for most Flames fans who still wanted to believe this team was destined for the big dance.
It was the 3rd overall pick in the 2009 draft, Matt Duchene, who officially eliminated the Flames, when...
Lets Start off by saying im wrong. I know it not usual, but i dont think im the only one.We all were pretty sure that when the Rangers Lost to the Bruins last meeting that the season was pretty much Over. well they proved me and most fans wrong. By coming back with a bang winning most of there games in the final attempt to make something of the season.
So What it comes ...
Many of you probably looked at the headline and said, "Uh, who?" But many Islander fans know plenty about Michael Haley and are very excited to see him dress in an Islanders uniform for the first time when they face-off against the New Jersey Devils tonight at the Prudential Center.
Haley is a pugilist at 5'11 and 198 pounds that loves to drop the gloves, sticks up for...
Head over to The Hockey Writers to see my blog about the last Islanders home game of the season with a few quotes and opinions about the direction of this young hockey team!
http://thehockeywriters.com/the-isles-have-a-bright-future-in-sight/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
After showing promise after the Olympic break and a couple of high-profile trades the Maple Leafs have little right to take anything for granted and need to make continued changes in the off-season if they want to guarantee themselves a playoff spot and not a tee time in April.
1) The Ponikarovsky Deal
While I was disappointed to see Poni shipped to the Pens he is a pe...
Fingers were crossed and prayers to the hockey Gods were made, but it all came down to the luck of the draw - something the Islanders did not have land in their favor. The draft lottery was conducted last night and the Isles went in with the 5th worst record in the NHL. That gave them an 8.1% chance of moving up to grab the first overall pick. Instead, they ended up standi...
Well, the season finally comes to an end and the Calgary Flames have missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003. What is wrong? What needs to be done? What has transpired that led to this? Well to diagnose the problem we must go back to the beginning.
The season opened in early October with a much hyped match-up between the Flames and their arch rival Vancouver ...
Check out my seasonal review for the New York Islanders at The Hockey Writers!
http://thehockeywriters.com/2010-islanders-seasonal-review/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Yes, I am FULLY aware that the playoffs are going on right now. About every other blogger on this site is having a field day with playoff blogs - and I don't blame them. Whether or not their respective teams are in it, they are doing a great job providing their perspectives on the most exciting time of the year for the NHL.
I am still rooting for the Hawks, Kings, Coyo...
Is it just me or are there a lot of people in Calgary cheering for the Phoenix Coyotes?
Case in point, I was out on Friday night at a bar on 17th avenue grabbing a couple of beverages after the Hitmen game, while catching glimpses of the Yotes Wings game on the screen behind me. And to my amazement, and less than the time it took for me to order a beer an enormous cheer...
I am writing this post in the obvious glow of having the Flyers dispatch the Devils in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Even though the Devils were the #2 seed and had home ice, I felt the Flyers were the favorites going into the series. I picked the Flyers to win the series and didn’t consider it a risky or homer pick. In the last 16 games versus Marty Brodeur a...
Whichever way you cut it, the Leafs endured a torrid season that no statistical tinkering can mend. Regardless, if there is one thing most opposing NHL fans can agree on it’s the increasing need for an overhaul in the leagues points’ structure and the farcical awarding of points in the overall standings.
Where once every game had two points at stake, either by means...
I am impressed by this post by Ted Leonsis on his blog. I had to share!
http://www.tedstake.com/2010/04/29/congratulations-to-montreal/
In between rounds here and watching lots of hockey and loving the NHL Playoff commercials, so I thought who is the best player I have ever witnessed? I started watching hockey in the early 70s and have seen most of the modern era. I am not trying to disrespect anyone and I am doing this completely from memory. I am sure I will miss someone, just point them out to me. I...
Doug Weight is the current captain of the New York Islanders, but for how long?
Weight appeared in only 36 games this year due to injuries to his shoulder that eventually forced him into shutdown mode since his ailments required surgery. In that short time-frame, he scored 1 goal and 16 assists for 17 points. Despite having a solid outing on offense the year before, th...
At the start of the playoffs, you might have figured that the player with the most points would be a superstar like Sidney Crosby, and you wouldn’t have been wrong with that assertion. What many people did not see coming were the two players that follow Crosby in that category: Joe Pavelski and Mike Cammalleri.
The San Jose Sharks have been desperately searching over...
What defines a Cinderella team when it comes to the NHL playoffs?
I would have to say that the team finished the regular season in either 6th, 7th or 8th place and managed to come on top with multiple upset victories in the playoffs, pushing the franchise to the Stanley Cup Finals. In recent years, fans have seen the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oi...
The Philadelphia Flyers are going to be the toughest opponents that the Montreal Canadiens have faced thus far in this year’s playoffs. That’s not only because Peter Laviolette’s 2010 squad is somewhat reminiscent of the old school Broad Street Bullies, but because they are a team that wins by out-working their opponents and doesn’t rely on raw talents like Ovechki...
''What we want to do here is put an end to the death watch; to other people's speculation. We move forward.'' – Ken King, CEO and President of the Calgary Flames-
The ‘Death Watch’ he was referring to was that of Darryl Sutter’s relationship with the Calgary Flames organization and whether or not he would be the General Manager of the team for the upcoming 2010-...
[b]Analysis of How the Flyers 2010 Were Built[/b]
You hear it all the time, build through the draft and let the team grow up together. The Flyers of the 70s and 80s were built this way, however in the 90s they became focused on winning now and built mostly through free agency and trades. This team is built in a very interesting way. All of the star players except for ...
“Ken came out and said that, but it wasn’t important for me to have that publicly. It’s more important what happens internally.”
Darryl Sutter made these comments in response to Ken King coming out last week and publicly endorsing the Flames GM. We all are aware of Sutter’s dealings with the media and how he, how do I say this, would rather eat hot garbage tha...
This blog is a project with Tyler, a good friend of mine, who is a blogger from hockeydigest.com. You can follow him at twitter at http://twitter.com/nhldigest. I highly recommend you follow him; he has a great hockey mind.
I am tired of the diving, especially in the playoffs. What drives me nuts is the inconsistency in calling the penalty. So here's the question:
...
Hey everyone, remember me? Yes, it has been almost a month since I've posted a blog. I got very busy with finals around the end of May. But I will also admit that I have been enjoying some time off to myself to relax a little after completing my first semester of Graduate school. For those interested, I got a 4.0.
It has been relatively quiet in Islander country lately...
Traditions are important. The names of the Conferences and Divisions should have been left alone. But that was done only to try and draw in and keep fans. The NHL will do anything to try and woo Americans into not just loving their home team but to want to watch hockey in general. For example: Fox and their 'glowing' puck experiment; or the over explanation of what all the...
As promised, today I interviewed Kyle Okposo over the phone to talk about the World Championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, and more! Check it out here!
http://thehockeywriters.com/one-on-one-with-kyle-okposo/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Dwayne Roloson answered any question that lingered about who would be the Isles starter by the end of the 2009-2010 season. During last year's off-season, the Islanders signed Roly to a two-year deal to be Rick DiPietro's 1-A back-up that could handle a heavy work load if he were to injure himself for the umpteenth time. However it became clear that Rick wouldn't be ready ...
My name is Landon Ewaniuk, I'm a disabled young man, I live for watching hockey. I'm not the greatest writer in the world, but a few months back I started my own site: [url]www.hockeyfanland.com [/url] Please stop by! My goal is to connect and talk hockey with the games great fans!!
It’s been a LONG time since I wrote a hockey blog of any sort. Actually, as far as I can recall, the last blog I wrote on hockey or the Oilers was the day after Ryan Smyth was traded to the Island.
That’s a long time for me.
But, the itch to hold an open forum to air out my thoughts on the game as been fed, and now needs to be scratched. (If that makes any sense)...
If you haven't bought your tickets, now is the time...the Islanders draft party is set for this Friday at the Nassau Coliseum with the 5th overall selection solely in Garth Snow's hands. Yours truly, (as usual every year) will be unable to attend due to work obligations...but here is a brief primer of the scenario's that I think might go down on draft day.
In order...
...
Check out my post at The Hockey Writers talking about the newest addition to the New York Islanders, 2010 5th overall pick, Nino Niederreiter!
http://thehockeywriters.com/el-nino-storms-into-long-island/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
WarHero writes...
Habs trade up for 22nd pick, take D-Man, Jarred Tinordi!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Folks, The Habs Brass has impressed me yet again!
Montreal GM Pierre Gauthier saw an opportunity to move up in the draft and jumped on it! The Habs traded 1st(27) and 2nd rounds picks to Phoenix for 1st(22) and 4th round picks, all 2010.
According to various sources, the player Vancouver was waiting for was in fact, Jarred Tinordi. I can only assume that Gauthier c...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Create Roster Space, Changes Coming July 1st?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Islanders have decided to not tend qualifying offers to Sean Bergenheim and Jeff Tambellini, making them set to become Unrestricted Free Agents on July 1st. Nathan Lawson, Dylan Reese, Dustin Kohn, Rob Schremp and Matt Moulson were tendered their offers, extending the Islanders rights to keep them with the big club. You can expect that they are likely to accept their o...
Here are some quick little nuggets of news pertaining to the Blues on this, the first day of free agency...
- The Blues got a real bargain in re-signing Alex Steen for what they did. The Blues were expecting to have to pay a lot more than the $3 million per season they signed him for today. This now frees up money for other uses the Blues may need in free agency.
- I...
Breathe in...breathe out....
I have been on several Islander message boards and blogs—and there are some pretty irate, zany, wacky and down-right pissed Islander fans throughout Long Island. Trouble is—I can't quite understand why.
Okay–I know today was July 1, and I know everybody figured the Isles would do something to address the holes in the line-up, but ...
I woke up on Canada Day feeling like it was Christmas day as the NHL Free Agent Frenzy was upon us and all sorts of excitement was about to unfold. Some big moves right off the bat that saw Gonchar sign with the Sens. I saw that Vancouver had thrown a pile of money at Manny Malhotra. I had to look twice when I saw that New York gave Derek Boogaard $6.5 million over 4 years...
I don't know if anybody else heard it yesterday... a loud and resonant “WTF???"(Why the face?) emanating from the general Flames fan-wagon. I heard it echo from my living room moments after passing my lips also, but the more I think about it, the more I agree with the move. Sure, Olli Jokinen was overpaid and “underperformed” last year for the Flames, and I still w...
New post at The Hockey Writers discussing the rumors of Ilya Kovalchuk and a 10-year $100-million deal.
Check it out!
http://thehockeywriters.com/is-kovalchuk-island-bound/
and please, feel free to leave comments there too!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
So, Why Not Canada?
That is the question TSN and the Globe and Mail are asking. There is a lot passion in Canadian hockey fans. We all know what's best for the game, we feel strongly when we've been wronged. We get mad at the Commish when he goes on TV during an interview and says that he didn't want the Jets to leave Winnipeg. Really Gary?? That's so nice of you to sa...
Check out my piece at The Checking Line discussing the Isles actions thus far in Free Agency! And if you're not already a member, sign up! It's free and there are plenty of blogs to read covering all topics around the league. Or check out the Fan Forum where you can share your thoughts as well!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/grading-isles...
This is a question that many news reporters and Leafs fans are wondering when it comes to the Tomas Kaberle saga, is it possible for Leafs general manager Brian Burke to switch gears and move the younger Luke Schenn for a top forward instead of the veteran blueliner. The one thing that most NHL teams covet is a puck moving offensive defensemen and Tomas Kaberle more then f...
Check out my article at The Hockey Writers with quotes from the future stars of Long Island including Nino Niederreiter, Travis Hamonic, Brock Nelson and Kirill Kabanov!
Here's the link: http://thehockeywriters.com/isles-prospects-shine-in-summer-scrimmage/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Article from LA Times By Derrick Lightfoot
The World Cup is over, and I'm not that big into baseball, so the only thing I can cling to sports wise right now is the Kovalchuk saga—but it's safe to say most want this story to end (the New York Post even reported a Canadian national TV outlet has proposed a LeBron-esque one-hour special as to where he will play, but thi...
I for one think so...I think KOVIGREED may be using the devils as a way for other teams to give him more...Honestly we have all known Lou..and Lou doesn't leak stuff out...All the BS that we have heard in the past weeks about 12yr deal 17 year deal by the Devils are probably Kovigreeds/Jaygreeds plan to make the Kings give him what he wants...I for one think Lou should jus...
jsiha writes...
Kovalchuk desperately wants to be the highest paid Russian!!
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Kovalchuk desperately wants to be the highest paid Russian player and best archrival Alexander Ovechkin’s annual salary of $9.58 million per season.
And while Kovalchuk’s talent is, at times, on par with the “Great No. 8,” it’s likely that the only place that Kovy’s going to get $10 million per season is in the Kontinenal Hockey League, where a club in St. P...
When the Flames gave up three or more goals, they only won 10 of 37 games; proof that scoring goals was a serious issue for the team. However, despite the inability of the Calgary Flames to put pucks into the opposing net, rarely did they have too many issues with keeping the puck out of their own net. They ranked 5th in the league in ‘goals against per game’ with 2.48...
If leaked reports are to be believed the NHLPA is preparing to file a grievance pertaining to the NHL’s rejection of the unprecedented 17 year, $102 million contract filed last week by the New Jersey Devils for Russian forward Ilya Kovalchuk. The report suggests that even if the Devils and Kovalchuk can agree on a restructured deal, the NHLPA may still decide to file a g...
Source NJ.com
Are NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and Devils general manager Lou Lamoriello now at war?
Considering that Lamoriello has been a key figure in Bettman's past labor battles against the players, such a war seemed unlikely not too long ago.
But the Devils' decision to hold a press conference last Tuesday announcing the signing of a 17-year, $102 milli...
This is less of a blog and more of an article on Nyren that I wrote for another website. Thought it had some local flavour and might give some more insight into another potential Flames propspect.
Calgary Hitmen defenceman Giffen Nyren does not belong to any National Hockey League team; not yet at least.
After being invited to the Minnesota Wild camp last summer, he...
Over that past few days I have heard over and over that Burke will begin to entertain offers for Kaberle once the Kovalchuk situation gets ironed out. To a certain degree I agree with this thinking, because I do believe that if the Kings do not get Kovalchuk (which I do not believe they will), then I feel that Kaberle will be a King and I truly believe Wayne Simmons will ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Whom Should The Isles Target? Are The Isles Finished?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Check out my post at The Checking Line, talking about the Isles current roster and how I see them producing! Register and leave comments!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/your-2011-new-york-islanders
And also, check out my post at The Hockey Writers, taking a look at the remaining NHL Free Agents and whom I think the Isles should target!...
Once again the league is featuring the Penguins in the Winter Classic. If this doesn't show that Bettman's favorite team is the Pens then I don't know what does.
I get the feeling he thinks Cindy is the only marketable player in the NHL because everything he does somehow seems to involve him or his team. I would rather see another Max Talbot "you can call me superst...
flyerscup2011 writes...
Flyers overlooked when it comes to awards/ credit
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I was reading a post a week or so ago about the 10 General Managers your team should want to rebuild your team. Based on the fact that Paul Holmgren took the team that finished dead last in the entire NHL only to take his team to the Eastern Conference Finals the following season only to lose to the stacked Penguins. How does that not make him top 5 maybe even top 3 or b...
Many people around hockeybuzz who talk about a rebuild don't look far enough into the future to project what a team will look like when a rebuild is complete and said team is actually a contender. A lot of people including our very oilers blogger Richard Cloutier often project the entire roster in 3 years time to be made up of all current oilers or prospects but if you loo...
After reading in a post today on TSN, it was identified that Taylor will not attend the summer evaluation camp for Hockey Canada. By skipping the camp by rule, he will be ineligible to play in Buffalo this Christmas. Which in turn basically states he will be playing top six minutes in Edmonton come this fall. Is this a good thing for both parties? Is Hall ready for a y...
Check out my blog over at The Checking Line discussing Jon Sim's contract renewal with the New York Islanders! Register and leave comments!! They are ALWAYS appreciated, whether positive or negative!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-take-simple-route
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Forbes has recently put out a list of the best fans for the four major sports leagues in North America (MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL). The list includes the top four teams from each of the leagues. The NHL is represented by the following teams:
3. Detroit Red Wings
6. Pittsburgh Penguins
11. Montreal Canadiens
16. Chicago Blackhawks
This excerpt from the Forbes article e...
This has been a quiet off season for the Toronto Maple Leafs when it comes to the unrestricted free agent market. The Leafs signed Colby Armstrong when the gate opened July 1st and Brett Lebda on July 7th, they also look to have loaded up the Marlies with a few other minor signings but the biggest move of this off season will not be a free agent signing and may just be the...
I've been reading blogs and their comments for awhile now and find some funny as to bragging about past exploits of their favorite team, where teams should be and not be and find some of the reasoning to be a bit tired and not at all accurate with reality so I put this little history lesson together for my first blog on HB for others to enjoy, learn some hockey facts and f...
NHLNumbers writes...
Best Draft Years Between 1998 - Present (Anaheim to Detroit)
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Total Games Played and Player Quality Considered - All results are open to debate
Anaheim Ducks 2003 Draft
Rd 1. Ryan Getzlaf
Rd 1. Corey Perry
Rd 6. Drew Miller
Rd 8. Shane O'Brian
Atlanta Thrashers 2000 Draft
Rd 1. Dany Heatley
Rd 6. Darcy Hordichuck
Boston Bruins 2006 Draft
Rd 1. Phil Kessel
Rd 2. Milan Lucic
Rd 3. Brad Marchand
Buffalo Sabres ...
Check out my interview with Josh Bailey over at The Hockey Writers! Please feel free to leave comments!
http://thehockeywriters.com/one-on-one-with-josh-bailey/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
[i]Marty: "Oh, this is heavy, Doc. I mean, it's like I was just here yesterday."
Doc: "You were here yesterday, Marty, you were."[/i]
Remember this? When Marty and the Doc were forced to go back to 1955 to steal back the ‘Grey’s Sports Almanac’ from young Biff so that he wouldn’t become rich and powerful and eventually kill Marty’s Dad George and marry Marty...
Wayne Gretzky's lowest point total in the 80's was his NHL rookie debut, 137 points. He topped out at 215 points, he also had 212 and 205 point totals. Ridiculous. Todays NHL the max out has been 125 points by "Big Joe" Thornton. Why are point totals so much lower? I mean Crosby is portrayed as the closest thing to Gretz, but I can only see him matching Messier, Crosby wou...
The Flames and Roger’s Sportsnet just announced a deal on Tuesday that would see the cable outlet broadcast Flames games until the year 2020. They will broadcast at least 58 Flames games every year and be the clubs Official Television Broadcaster and digitial service provider. It was also announced that fans won’t have to “rely” on Flames Pay-per view for games no...
The Flames signed Craig Conroy to a two-way contract today. He will make the league minimum $500,000 if he plays in the NHL.
He is 38 years old and in the twilight of his career. He scored all of THREE goals last season in 63 appearances.
Now, I don’t mind that the Flames stay loyal to someone, but stay loyal to him by making him a coach or a consultant or somethi...
Check out my new post at The Hockey Writers discussing the teams' contract issues as many of the players on the current roster will be looking for long-term contracts after next season!
http://thehockeywriters.com/garth-snows-toughest-job-lies-ahead/
Please feel free to leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Before I begin, I want to say that I am not like a lot of other Leafs fans. In other words, I am not going to sit here and tell you that the Maple Leafs are going to make the playoffs and maybe even win the Stanley Cup just because they haven't for so long now. With that being said, if you disagree with what I am about to say than don't comment saying that I am just someon...
[img]http://ryannellis.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/nhllogowallpapers.jpg[/img]
Instead of annoying board-posters, I will now post my own hockeybuzz blogs. If you'd like to catch up on what we've been talking about over at sabretake, you can visit us at http://sabretake.com
Now, onto our latest article:
Now that our “Down the Road” segment is out of its misery(...
Check out my post at The Checking Line discussing Rick DiPietro's next step in his road to recovery with the New York Islanders! Please register and leave comments!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/dipietro-shoulders-weight-next-season
Also be sure to check out the article on the front page of the New York Islanders official web-site dis...
I have taken some time over the past week to sit back and wait to see how the Kaberle and potentially the Kovalchuk situation would play out before writing my next blog. Well one of the shoes dropped on the weekend with Kaberle remaining a Leaf. I know this has set off a firestorm in Leaf Nation as to whether this move was correct. At this point it is irrelevant because...
Every year some average Nhl player or young stud who hasent lived up to expectations has a huge breakout season. Jussi Jokinen went from a waiver pickup to a 30 goal 65 point player. Genrally younger players tend to breakout in their 3rd or fourth campaign. In this blog i shall post up 10 players who i think will breakout this year . Here are my top 10 breakout players for...
New Jersey- The Devils made some great moves in the offseason to already improve a team that finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference last season. The Devils added Anton Volchenkov and former Sabre Henrik Tallinder. Along with those two big defenseman, the Devils also acquired Johan Hedberg, who will backup Martin Brodeur, and Jason Arnott, who is now in his second stint wit...
Hey. HEY! Wake up! I SAID WAKE UP!!
What the hell is going on these days? A whole lot of nothing, that’s what. We’d love to post about trades, free agent signings, jersey unveilings and the like, but it’s just not happening! Christ, even the NHL’s website’s most recent topic is how they’re investigating loophole contracts. You know times are tough when the N...
In part one of my 2010-2011 fantasy report I looked at 10 forwards who'm I expect to breakt out. In this report I will look at 5 Defencemen and 5 Goaltenders Who are expected to produce and break out. I will give an ion depth analysis on every player. Without further ado.
Defencemen:
1. [b]Eric Johnson [/b](St-Louis Blues) Johnson did not play a sinlge game in 08-0...
With the addition Wednesday of Michel Goulet as their Western Professional Scout, the Calgary Flames have slowly surrounded Darryl Sutter with some much needed help for the upcoming season.
Sutter has been on the hot seat with many fans, including myself, since the end of the season due to the Flames disappointing finish in last years regular season. With the addition o...
Carey Price has been used as a scapegoat for this Montreal Canadiens team. Ever since the ever contreversial trade of Jaroslav Halak to St Louis Price has been tabed as the number one netminder by Pierre Gauthier. This tactic though has obviously backfired as Price has yet to sign a contract. Word out there is that Price wants 3 years at 3 million plus and Montreal wants 2...
The Washington Capitals were far and away the best regular season team last year. The Caps scored 36 more goals than any other team in the league, with a home record of 30-5-6, winning the Eastern conference by over 15 points. In a conference that was considered “weak”, a team with those credentials should have, and was considered a favourite, to go very deep into the ...
This Summer, the National Hockey League has been looking at ways to improve the game. From moving the faceoff circles to eliminating shootouts, NHL officials have targeted a few ideas that could be beneficial to the entire league.
After the NHL lockout, the shootout came into effect and many fans were excited about it, as expected. The shootout was something rarely seen...
Sabrefan28 writes...
NHL Rejection of Kovalchuk’s Deal: Better Late than Never...
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
[u]NHL Rejection of Kovalchuk’s Deal: Better Late than Never on Nixing Bogus NHL Deals.[/u]
If you like/dislike this blog post please participate in the forum at my new website below:
[url]http://watercoolersportstalk.weebly.com/#/[/url]
While this isn’t exactly NEW news, I think it’s very important news for hockey fans. The NHL rejected the Devils, 17 ye...
Rob McGowan writes...
Rob Hisey: Potential Goal Scorer Finds Way To Isles
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Check out my recent post at The Hockey Writers, taking a look at Rob Hisey and his value to the New York Islanders line-up! Leave comments!
http://thehockeywriters.com/rob-hisey-potential-goal-scorer-finds-way-to-isles/
Also check out islanders.nhl.com to see featured articles from the Blog Box that were recently written by Dee Karl, Ken Dick and myself!
-Rob McGo...
[img]http://www.portlandpirates.com/photos/news/Pirates-logo-on-black.gif[/img]
As the season draws near for us crazy Sabres fans, we tend to forget that another season of Pirates hockey is about to unfold as well. Then again, can you blame someone for forgetting about a farm team in Portland, Maine(apologies to all our Portland, Maine visitors)? It was this question that...
Hey puckheads. So starting today, I'll post a new NHL Who Am I? trivia every Friday. You guys smashed the first one the other day, but they won't always be as easy as that.
I'll post the answer and details of the previous NHL Who Am I? before posting the new one.
[b]NHL Who Am I? #1 - Ed Olczyk[/b]
1. I was drafted 3rd overall by an Original Six team.
-He ...
Check out my new post at The Checking Line discussing who may be the likely candidate to have a breakout season in 2010-2011! Register and leave comments, feedback is always appreciated!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/who-will-be-next-unsung-hero-isles
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
I've also start...
After months of political manoeuvring and speculation… and pending ratification, Donald Fehr appears primed to formally take office as the Executive Director of the NHLPA with the Ilya Kovalchuk saga providing an appropriate backdrop. Despite having earlier dismissed himself as a candidate for the role, the former MLBPA hardliner is now expected to spearhead the players ...
Courtesy of http://www.etownhockey.com/2010/08/oilers-defense-review-and-where-leafs.html
The Oilers are coming off their worst season in franchise history. Some of the work Tambellini has accomplished this offseason has been a staggering over haul, but mostly on the front end. The forwards are looking promising for the future, but how about the defense?
Name - age...
Check out my recent article at The Hockey Writers as Doug Weight's contract is finalized for the 2010-2011 season! Leave comments under the blog, it's always appreciated!
http://thehockeywriters.com/isles-keep-on-the-weight/
P.S. Check out my Facebook fan page for my blogs and add it to one of your pages!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-McGowans-Islanders-Blogs/13...
This is perhaps the greatest collection of players ever to compete against each other. I had the pleasure of stumbling across the NHL Network showing all 3 games of the final round in succession last night. Wow was that great hockey! As I watched the game I kept thinking how exciting the series was live and how great it was to re-watch the games knowing how great most ...
Hey Blogolites! Happy Labour Day. I hope you all enjoy it. You know what I love about Labour Day? Besides the fact we get day off, it means that NHL training camps are right around the corner. And thank God because this off-season seems like it's lasted forever. At least it has to me....what about you?
On that note, let's get to another NHL Who Am I? trivia. I k...
New post up over at The Hockey Writers looking for YOUR predictions as the Islanders head into the 2011 season. Will they make the playoffs? Will they get better production from their offense? What are your thoughts on Rick DiPietro continuing his come back?
http://thehockeywriters.com/nyi-2011-a-playoff-team/
Leave comments under the blog, they are always appreciate...
People who know me or read my blog, understand that I do not care much for Darryl Sutter and the way he has chosen to run this franchise.
Well, Sutter’s comments on Thursday at the Flames Charity Golf tournament struck a chord with me, as they tend to do.
Before I rant though, let’s start with a good quote from the farmer himself:
[i]"This is going to be th...
Well its getting close to training camp time in the NHL, and that means it time for some preaseason predictions and rankings. I'll be putting my conference and award predictions up soon and here is my ranking of the top 60 players in the NHL.
1. Sidney Crosby - No brainer here.
2. Alex Ovechkin - Doesn't quite have the championship pedigree to reach Crosby, defenseman ...
Check out my post at The Checking Line discussing the possibility of Nino Niederreiter making the Islanders roster out of training camp! Register and leave comments to talk about whether or not you think he should make the team!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/will-el-nino-rain-down-long-island-year
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!...
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement that was reached during the canceled 2004-05 NHL season brought with it some new rules and concepts which have changed the way team personnel are managed, and the league was dubbed the “New NHL”. The majority of these rules were financial based and have largely impacted the general managers in the league, limiting the high spendi...
With the season just around the corner, I thought I would run down the roster on the Flames one player at a time and prognosticate, if I may, about what lies ahead for each individual player. I would like to start this 22 part series by looking at the one, the only, Jarome Iginla.
The Captain. The team’s life blood. The franchise.
These are some of the words used ...
Last year, the Calgary Flames traded for Jay Bouwmeester’s negotiating rights two days before the free agency period had opened and subsequently signed him to a 5-year deal with a cap hit of $6.68 million dollars per season.
Jay Bouwmeester WAS the biggest off-season acquisition of last summer. A big ticket, free-wheeling defenceman who could quarterback a power play...
When talking about players who were drafted in the 7th Round of an NHL draft, not many players really stick out at you. Sure, there are the Henrik Zetterberg’s(7th Round in 1999) or Pavel Datsyuk’s(6th Round in 1998) of the world, but for the most part the best a late-rounder will be is a third line grinder or bottom tier defenceman.
Enter David Moss, drafted #220...
Check out my post at The Hockey Writers discussing who may or may not surprise Islanders fans with a chance to be part of the starting line up at the Islanders home opener on October 9th!
http://thehockeywriters.com/islanders-training-camp-roster-spots-are-open/
Leave comments in the comments section under the blog!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on twitter!
http://tw...
Let’s do some role-play.
Robyn Regehr plays Maverick , Jordan Leopold is Goose, and Dion Phaneuf is the Iceman. Maverick and Goose were a great pair, as documented, but once Goose was blown up (traded) Maverick has never been able to find that perfect wingman.
“You can be my wingman anytime.” Iceman finally accepts Maverick, and vice-versa, at the end of Top ...
Check out my post at The Checking Line with predictions for the Atlantic Division for the 2010-2011 season. I'm sure many of you will either see where I'm coming from or completely disagree - and I want to hear it on The Checking Line! Register and leave your comments at the end of my blog!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/atlantic-division...
Brought back from the depths of darkness, Alex Tanguay is back in a city he loves and playing with a player, Jarome Iginla, which he dearly missed.
Tanguay spent the last year wallowing away in Tampa Bay, getting ever so slowly pushed out of the team picture. By the time the season ended, it was clear that Tanguay did not want to be in Tampa, and Tampa did not want any ...
[b]Primary Staff:[/b] Joe Nieuwendyk (GM), Marc Crawford (Head Coach)
[b]2009-10 Stats:[/b] 82GP 37W 31L 14OTL 88PTS
[b]Place: [/b]5th Pacific, 12th West, 20th NHL
[b]Top Scorer:[/b] Brad Richards – 80GP 24G 67A 91P
[b]Captains:[/b] Brendan Morrow (C), Stephane Robidas (A), Brad Richards (A)
[b]OFF-SEASON MOVES
OUT:[/b]
Warren Peters (Signed with Minnesota)
...
Answer: Trevor Kidd, Niklas Sunblad, Cory Stillman, Jesper Mattsson, Chris Dingman, Denis Gauthier, Derek Morris, Daniel Tkaczuk, Rico Fata, Oleg Saprykin, Brent Krahn, Chuck Kobasew, Eric Nystrom, Dion Phaneuf, Kris Chucko, Matt Pelech, Leland Irving, Mikael Backlund, Greg Nemisz, and Tim Erixon.
Question: Name the Calgary Flames first round picks for the last 20 year...
Coming over in “The Trade” from the Toronto in late January of last season, Niklas Hagman was considered to be the most highly skilled player that took the westbound trip to Calgary.
A six foot tall, quick, Finnish forward with loads of unused potential was bound to help the Calgary offence going forward.
The following 27 games didn’t exactly yield the projec...
There's a new post up at the new and improved "The Checking Line" web-site! If you haven't already, you need to register and get involved on the forums and comment on the blogs of this site as it continues to head in a great direction!
Here's the link to my most recent post: http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/sending-message-kabanov
Leave ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Streit Out Of Luck, D-Man To Miss Six Months Of Action
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Check out my latest post over at The Checking Line discussing Mark Streit's injury and the affect it will have on the upcoming season for the New York Islanders!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/streit-out-luck-d-man-miss-six-months-action
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my recent post at The Checking Line, reporting the latest news on Kyle Okposo and the recent addition of Mike Mottau to the Islanders defense!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/misery-loves-company-okposo-out-indefinitely
Also, check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers that covers injuries, training camp, and the upcoming p...
With the news that Olli Jokinen has suffered a minor injury in last night’s pre-season tilt with the Phoenix Coyotes, I thought it was time to look deeper into the man they call the Joker.
If you read my column, and I believe there is maybe one person out there who does (Hi Dad!), you know I have never, how can I best put it, enjoyed having Olli Jokinen troll the ice ...
Hey Pucksters! I hope you are all as excited as I am for the puck to finally drop for the 2010/2011 NHL season. It's been a long summer.
With the start of every new season, as some of you know, comes my ultra-fun annual $100 million salary cap pool. If any of you are interested in joining, leave your email in the comments section, my inbox or email it to me at phenom...
Every year the NHL has individuals that surpass a milestone, like having scored the most goals on Tuesdays in the month of November … on the road in afternoon games. So let’s look ahead and see what kind of movement we’ll see on the all-time lists going into this season.
Martin Brodeur is often referred to as the best goalie of all time. It’s a valid argument to...
“You may say that I’m a dreamer. But I’m not the only one.”- John Lennon
What if...
What if the Flames won the Stanley Cup this year?
What if the Flames don’t make the playoffs this year?
What if Darryl Sutter doesn’t make it through the season?
What if Iginla scores 50 again?
What if Olli scores 40?
What if Olli scores 10?
What if...
Darcy Tucker has officially called it a career. "After spending the whole summer anticipating I would play, it got to a point where I knew it was time."
"I just knew, during workouts I didn't have that same feeling," Tucker told TSN, "and I needed to be fair with my family."
Darcy Tucker had a successful career playing the role of a grinding pest. After beginning hi...
Hey there, stranger. Long time no see.
Yes, we’ve been M.I.A. for quite a while. Mike, Trevor and I have been busy with life, so we haven’t been able to keep this blog as updated as we would like. However, on my day off, I’m going to give my prediction for the Buffalo Sabres this year. Hopefully, they see this post and decide to contribute their own predictions as...
Hey all....there's been great interest in my $100 million salary cap pool so far. It looks like it's going to be a very exciting season! If interested, leave your emal in the comments section or in my inbox or email me at [email protected]. Now onto the next NHL Who Am I? trivia....
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #4[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted 120th overall.
2. I won t...
The preseason wouldn't be complete without a healthy dose of meaningless predictions. As always, I'm here to serve. Feel free to laugh and hold me accountable if nothing I say comes to pass.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Devils and Flyers will certainly contend, but there's no touching what Pittsburgh has assembled this season. I don't ...
The predictions I'm seeing for this year just don't make any sense to me, so I'm going to give this a shot on my own... We'll see how it shakes out at the end of the year.
1. Vancouver Canucks
It pains me to say this, but when I look at the rosters in the West, Vancouver just seems to be the strongest bottom to top this year. The weakness with this team is defense, b...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Grab A Waiver Pick Up And Head For Opening Night
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Check out my two most recent posts:
Here at The Checking Line I take a look at the Islanders recent pick up in Michael Grabner. This site has taken off over the past year and has really developed into a solid and entertaining hockey site. Register and become a member so you can enjoy the forum and leave comments on each blog that you read!
http://thecheckingline.com/...
Will the Calgary Flames make the playoffs?
That seems to be the question I hear more than any other when I watch TSN, Sportsnet, TheScore, or drop in on conversations at the local watering hole.
So, will they?
Well it’s a little more complicated than that. It involves beating out seven other teams in a very, very competitive Western Conference.
I could go...
I really think the only thing I can contribute to a blog site such as this is some insight into the world of NHL bettors.
Throughout the week, I'll post a quick blog if I see some nice Sportsbook lines or opportunities for a Pro-Line parlay.
Please, feel free to leave your picks in the comments section and I'd love to know people's thoughts on the games I've chosen...
What a start to the 2010-11 National Hockey League season for the Calgary Flames.
They looked fast, they looked hungry, and their power play was really clicking. Oh, no wait, that was the Edmonton Oilers. Damn.
I don’t really know where to begin.
How do you describe such a pathetic effort? How do you wait five and a half months to redeem yourself for a disappo...
Hey all.....just a reminder, anyone interested in joining the PhenomPool $100 million Salary Cap Pool, the deadline is tonight. Leave a comment or email me with any questions or concerns.
Here we go with another Friday NHL Who Am I? Trivia. I'm sure you guys will get this one quick too. You guys are hard to stump!
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #5[/b][/u]
1. I was a 6th ...
Western---
1)San Jose
2)Vancouver
3)Chicago
4)St. Louis
5)LA
6)Edmonton
7)Nashville
8) Colorado
Eastern---
8) New York Rangers
7) Carolina
6) Buffalo
5) Toronto
4)Pittsburg
3)Philly
2)Boston
1)Washington
Tonight the Islanders open their season at home against the Dallas Stars in what starts year 3 of the slow painful rebuild and also year 1 of the remaining 5 years on the lease at the once glorious Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. As we all know owner Charles Wang stated at the Islanders media day last month that he will no longer be silent or keep the media and fans in ...
Today I will be doing a live blog for the Islanders/Rangers game today from the press-box at Nassau Coliseum for The Checking Line!
Stop by a little before 1 PM to join in on the chatter! http://bit.ly/9JHL85
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
It was a good news bad news type of week for the Calgary Flames.
Good news: They recorded their first win
Bad news: They recorded their first loss
Good: They scored a power play goal
Bad: The goal was scored into an empty net and was one of twelve chances in two games
Good: Calgary beat a very good team in the LA Kings
Bad: Calgary was clobbered by the O...
Just a quick hit this morning in reference to the latest blind side hits.
Ryan Miller wants the league to send a message to let all the players know that blind side hits should not be tolerated anymore. I applaud his stance on the subject.
What I have an issue about is that the league can fine, suspend all of the players but in the end the players themselves have to...
The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to visit the Pittsburgh Penguins tonight at the Consol Energy Arena. The Penguins have yet to win at home this season and get another opportunity to erase that stat tonight against a Leafs team that is hoping to remain undefeated.
[b]A few fun stats regarding tonight's teams:[/b]
Phil Kessel: 2GP 2G 1A 3P is on pace for 82 goals and 1...
Heading into tonight’s game with the perennial bottom dwelling Florida Panthers, the Calgary Flames are faced with a few interesting decisions.
1. Which veteran defenceman will suit up in place of Adam Pardy: Sarich or Staios?
Well I have to believe Cory Sarich gets the nod here but I have been wrong before. I personally don’t like either option and would rather...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers discussing the Isles recent loss to the Washington Capitals and Nino Niederreiter's first NHL goal!
http://thehockeywriters.com/el-nino-strikes-in-washington/
Leave comments in the comments section under the blog if you think Nino will end up remaining an Islander for the rest of the year!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on...
“SHUT UP! Enough already, Ballstein! Who cares about Derek Zoolander anyway? The man has only one look, for Christ's sake! Blue Steel? Ferrari? Le Tigra? They're the same face! Doesn't anybody notice this?” – Mugatu
This is how I feel.
The Calgary Flames are Derek Zoolander. Derek Zoolander is the Calgary Flames. Regardless of the grammatical nightmare that ...
"I love winning, man. It's like, better than losing."
-Tim Robbins as Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh, Bull Durham
That's probably what the remaining Leafs from opening night last season are quietly thinking to themselves. I doubt they'd say it aloud though, in fear of jinxing the you-know-what. But it is such a good feeling for Leaf fans too. Yes, we realize the season...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line with a recap and thoughts on the Islanders OT loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins: http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-force-ot-cant-get-w
Register and leave comments in the comments section under the blog!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Like my Facebook p...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers that takes a look at how Trevor Gillies and Zenon Konopka are doing what they do best and helping the Islanders win hockey games...leave comments under the blog in the comments section!
http://bit.ly/aAa4lF
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
tml1967 writes...
Which Maple Leafs should have a statue outside the ACC?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue their impressive performance to start the season taking 9 out of a possible 10 points as the club looks to break their longest playoff drought in club history. The team is oozing confidence, looks faster and has one of the better back ends in all of hockey but there is something else brewing.... with the opening of Maple Leaf Square the cl...
"You don't have to worry about that. He's not going down there to get confidence. But he's an awesome kid. He's a farm kid, and you know clearly what direction he's going.”
-- Darryl Sutter’s comments regarding TJ Brodie and his demotion to the AHL.
The question I pose is this: What is it that makes farm kids such good hockey players? Are they seemingly toughe...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line discussing the latest injury to the Islanders defense. Register and leave comments under the blog!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/macdonald-out-four-six-weeks
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my recent post at The Hockey Writers discussing John Tavares' first NHL hat trick in the Islanders loss to Florida last night. Leave comments!
http://bit.ly/cwnHL4
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Who the hell are these guys and what did they do with the Calgary Flames? You know who I’m talking about right? The team that finished 2nd last in goal scoring last season and was averaging less than two goals a game heading into Friday night -- yeah that would be them.
Well, something happened to change the tides and now the Flames are looking like world beaters ever...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line discussing Parenteau's latest hot streak as he leads the Islanders in points!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/pa-parenteau-finds-success-isles-uniform
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Well, at least the problem isn’t scoring goals anymore.
The Calgary Flames, after averaging less than two goals for their first half dozen games, have become an offensive powerhouse reminiscent of the 84’ Oilers – averaging nearly four and a half goals per game.
It’s simply ironic that once the Flames start scoring, the defence decides to take a break. They...
Stop by at The Checking Line for my Isles/Habs live-blog tonight from the press box at Nassau Coliseum around 7 PM. The Isles look to take a win after being defeated in Montreal, as the two teams will conclude their home-and-home series tonight on Long Island!
Here's the link: http://thecheckingline.com/calendar/habs-isles-liveblog
Hope to see you all there!
-Rob ...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers covering Matt Martin's first NHL goal with my take on why the Isles have hit a 3-game losing streak:
http://bit.ly/9gzWEg
Feel free to leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as I take a look at the recent four game losing streak that has the Islanders in a slump:
http://bit.ly/chvweL
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as I report about Rob Schremp's season debut tonight as they visit the Carolina Hurricanes!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/rob-schremp-returns-isles-line
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
“In view, a humble vaudevillian veteran, cast vicariously as both victim and villain by the vicissitudes of Fate.”
Is that Jarome Iginla? Well, it’s entirely possible.
A man who is both chastised for what he doesn’t do, but loved for what he does. It’s a fascinating situation to be in and now that November is upon us it is historically Jarome’s, and the ...
My son is in his third season playing ice hockey. We live is Southeastern Pennsylvania. He started in 5th grade playing Middle School Hockey. While this is the lowest level of organized hockey outside of house leagues it may also be the most dangerous as 5th graders often find themselves lined up against 8th graders. They can find themselves facing competitors four years t...
This is my first blog on here so let me take a minute to introduce myself to all of you.
My name is Mike and I am a DIE HARD Islanders fan. One of the few remaining since the golden era of hockey here on Long Island.
I tried not to get caught up in all the hype to start the season with the Islanders making a miracle run to start things off. I will be the first to a...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line with a preview of tonight's grudge match between the Islanders and Flyers!
Register and leave comments!!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-will-look-revenge
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers analyzing the Islanders recent seven game losing streak as fingers are starting to point at who is to blame and what should be done:
http://bit.ly/aizxI5
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
You can't help but think there is just something special happening with the Blues.
This isn't the same team that would cough up third-period leads last year, or would get caught watching the play, getting pushed off the puck, or getting pushed around physically.
No, this is a Blues team that has flipped last year's script and are doing to opponents what they fell vic...
Do you remember the scene from National Lampoon’s European Vacation when the Griswold’s enter a traffic circle and then gets stuck in it and goes around and around and around and around, unable to break through and drive in another direction?
Well, the Calgary Flames are the Griswold’s and are stuck in said traffic circle.
With every gut-wrenching 2-1 loss, wi...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as the Isles embark on their annual West Coast road trip looking to shake off their seven game losing streak:
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-head-out-west
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Hockey Writers to read my latest post discussing whether or not it is time for Garth Snow to shake things up as the Islanders losing streak has now hit eight games.
http://bit.ly/aEMWIj
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as I take a look at the Isles goaltending situation and whether or not Rick should play the last game on their current west coast road trip!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/when-does-gordon-bring-back-dp
Register and leave comments at The Checking Line!!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitt...
Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs host the Nashville Predators at the ACC and are looking to finally sever their connection with their mistress – Ms. Losestreak. Nashville enters the match-up looking to extend a small winning streak to three games, while Toronto has lost their last four games at home. Their last win at home was also their last 2 point game prior to the st...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers discussing Jack Capuano's recent promotion as head coach of the New York Islanders!
http://bit.ly/bZPZNH
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
New Isles post over at The Checking Line! Check it out here as I take a look at the Islanders recent struggles:
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/will-it-reach-12
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Rob McGowan writes...
Looking For Help From Within; Isles Call Up Joensuu
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Isles have called up Jesse Joensuu in search for offense as they face the Florida Panthers tonight at the Nassau Coliseum!
http://bit.ly/bTtcJa
Also be sure to stop by The Checking Line tonight as I will be contributing to the live blog George Prax will be hosting with updates from the press box at Nassau Coliseum...
Rob McGowan writes...
"We Had A Couple of Passengers Tonight." Isles Lose No. 12
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Islanders have now lost twelve straight games in a row and head to Atlanta, looking to avoid loss number 13.
http://bit.ly/coTzRG
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Why can they not stay out of the game?
The Flyers have played three entertaining games this past week. The first game was a great matchup between two red hot teams, Montreal vs. Philadelphia. So guess what happens during a 1-0 game in the second period, the zebras show up and call 19 penalties in the last 2 periods to ruin all the flow of a great game. Next Philly pla...
The Calgary Flames lost 2-1 to the New York Rangers tonight.
The Flames had their chances to tie the game, but were stymied by the post, Martin Biron’s pads/glove, or a combination of both.
This is an all too familiar tale.
So what else can I say that hasn’t be said already. Nothing really, and so instead I will look at some individual efforts that have stu...
Pretenders and Contenders
Now I cannot say that I have seen every team in the league play this year, but I have seen a very high percentage play. So by each division I will look at each team and do a little prediction for the outcome of the season for each team.
Eastern Conference
I have seen all the teams in the East play and have a great feel for the teams.
At...
Stop by for tomorrow's Isles/Devils matinee game as I will be hosting a live blog, along with George Prax, for The Checking Line from the press-box at Nassau Coliseum! Be there for the start at 12:45!
http://thecheckingline.com/calendar/isles-vs-devils-liveblog-special-1245pm-start
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Islanders have loaned Josh Bailey to their AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers...
http://bit.ly/dIGra8
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Hockey Writers for my latest post as the Islanders have ended the 14-game losing streak with a 2-0 shutout victory of the New Jersey Devils this afternoon
http://bit.ly/hQcuYW
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Today I am doing another part of the Flames Questions. Here are the answers from Brad Windsor, a very good blogger from Myhockeybuzz, who follows the Flames:
Which area do we fix first? You have 3 options
A. Coach - Do we need to send Coach Sutter on his way? Is the system the problem?
B. First Line Centre for Iggy - Do we need a Centre for Iggy? Would he succeed ...
The Flames beat the best the league had to offer, or at least the best in terms of points coming into today, downing the Philadelphia Flyers 3-2 in a shootout.
The win didn’t come without its share of controversy as the Flyers had an apparent winning goal disallowed in overtime due to Chris Pronger doing his best impersoation of Sean Avery. With the Flyers on a power...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers that takes a look at the Islanders offensive struggles as Jack Hillen and Andrew MacDonald are close to returning to the line-up
http://bit.ly/gGoVL2
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as the Isles prepare to square off against the New York Rangers tonight at 7 PM!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/time-restore-rivalry
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Isles have completed their home-and-home series with the New York Rangers!
http://bit.ly/eJz3u7
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line with a fun little bet between myself and Mark Trible, the Flyers blogger at TCL, after the Isles lost to their division rivals 3-2 in their Sunday matinee match-up.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/orange-and-black-years-end
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitte...
On a day in which Sylvester Stallone got elected into the boxing hall of fame (huh?) and Graham James gets out on bail(you have to be kidding me right?), the Calgary Flames climbed out of last place – at least for the time being.
With the Oilers shootout loss, the Flames sit one point ahead of the junior high school misfits, but unfortunately the Flames have played o...
Head over to The Hockey Writers for my latest blog about the Islanders, discussing the effect the lack of a veteran presence in the current line-up can have on the development of the younger players
http://bit.ly/eriC4N
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Isles fell last night to the Atlanta Thrashers in a 5-4 loss, but there were some unsuspecting visitors at the Coliseum last night that made the building a rocking place to be...
http://bit.ly/dVtavP
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
You guys usually blast right through these.....hopefully I can make you think, at least for a couple of minutes.
[b][u]NHL Who Am I? #7[/u][/b]
1. I was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings
2. I have won 2 Stanley Cups with different teams.
3. I was a star with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL.
4. I had one 50-goal season in the NHL.
5. I won the Stanley Cup and...
A third period collapse by the Sharks leads them to a losing record for the 8th separate time this season, putting them back outside the playoff picture at 9th in the conference and 4th in the division.
The game started with a fast pace, but not many quality chances, until Niclas Wallin of the Sharks fired a hard shot past Anders Lindback to make the game 1-0 Sharks aft...
Thursday, December 16, 2010, New York Rangers vs. Phoenix Coyotes:
Yesterday evening, the New York Rangers came back to the Garden in search for their third straight win. After their impressive wins over NHL powerhouses, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins, respectively, the Rangers were coming home with all the momentum. All that stood in their way was, Western...
Stop by tonight around 7PM as I will be hosting a live blog for the Isles/Coyotes game live from the Nassau Coliseum press-box with George Prax from The Checking Line!
www.thecheckingline.com
Don't miss it!
-Rob McGowan
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers discussing the trade rumors that surrounded Dwayne Roloson as the Isles lost in the shootout to the Phoenix Coyotes
http://bit.ly/gtSp18
Leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Ever since the beloved Winnipeg Jets,pulled the plug and high tailed it to the desert the city has been awaiting the arrival of a new NHL franchise. The chances of the NHL returning to Winnipeg any time in the near future is highly unlikely and here are a few reasons why>>>>>>>>>
#1: Lets first look at sports that are in Winnipeg already, the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball ...
Well things in LEaf Nation are not any better then they were last year, perhaps Burke is still trying to clean up his blunders and the remains blunders left over from Fergie. Burke has done so far what he can to try and help the Leafs win some more games, he has upgraded the blue line and the goaltending, he has dealt player and got players and yes he has d...
Read my latest about Josh Bailey's return to the NHL after a succesful demotion to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at The Hockey Writers!
http://bit.ly/h0I1sS
Happy Holiday's everyone!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The blizzard worked in the Islanders favor as they continue to snowball along after a big win against the Montreal Canadiens tonight at Nassau Coliseum...check out my post at The Hockey Writers for more!
http://bit.ly/gNM5ny
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Rob McGowan writes...
The Kids Are Alright, Isles Youngsters Aren't The Problem
Posted Monday | Comments 22
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line, taking a look at the current core of this team and how the 2011 year has been treating them statistically
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/kids-are-alright-isles-youngsters-arent-problem
Register and leave comments! Also be sure to check out Better With Popcorn (BWP) at betterwithpopcorn.com...
Everyone is back from their Christmas break, and getting into the rythm of the hockey season again- except for the Sharks, who looked like their heads were still in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. They came out with one of their poorest efforts yet, getting shut out for the 5th time this season and losing an important 2 points needed to pull ahead of Los Angele...
...has the Sharks at 7th place in the Western Conference, one point away from being left out of the playoff picture again.
The high-scoring affair got started at 7:08 of the first period, when Kyle Brodziak scored a power play goal for the Wild. Joe Thornton later tied it on a San Jose power play to make it 1-1 after 20 minutes.
The second period picked back up where...
Hockeygirl101 writes...
Another Chicago Matchup, Another Much Needed Victory.
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Sharks powered past a 2nd period breakdown to beat the Chicago Blackhawks for the third time in three tries this season. It's refreshing to see the team pull together late instead of bowing to defeat, and as a reward they gather an important two points that put them in 5th place in the West as they head to Los Angeles to play the weary Kings for the second time this we...
Check out my latest post over at The Hockey Writers as the Islanders head into the second half of the season riding a two-game winning streak and having gone 6-3-1 in their last ten!
http://bit.ly/e73mBS
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as I take a look at Garth Snow's recent move of trading Dwayne Roloson to the Tampa Bay Lightning
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/roloson-dealt-tampa
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
tml1967 writes...
The Greatest Toronto Maple Leafs Defensemen of All Time
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The boys in blue and white continue to falter as they look headed to another missed post season unless they somehow can turn it around. A new year is upon us once again and I though it would better to have my first blog of 2011 take a look at some better moments and memories in Leafs history, so hear goes Leafs Nation as we take a stab at the Greatest Toronto Maple Leafs d...
Check out my recent post at The Hockey Writers as Kevin Poulin makes his NHL debut with Rick DiPietro sidelined with another injury
http://bit.ly/e2gq1o
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Islanders have extended a one-year contract for one of their defenseman and recalled a familiar face from Bridgeport. Head over to The Checking Line to read the article!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/jurcina-extended-and-colliton-recalled
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/Isl...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Kevin Poulin is giving Nathan Lawson a run for his money to remain with the team once Rick DiPietro returns to the line-up
http://bit.ly/gLhtTE
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
I'm sure I won't stump you guys, but here goes anyway......
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #8[/b][/u]
1. I was a 1982 1st round draft pick.
2. I played for 9 NHL teams in my 21-year career.
3. I made the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1983.
4. I’ve never won the Stanley Cup.
5. I made it to the finals only once, but lost to the Detroit Red Wings.
6. I hold the NHL re...
A very small percentage of making the playoffs, yet the team must still charge forward. Head on over to the Sports Roundup for the latest musings as the Flames look forward to playing the Sens and the Leafs this weekend.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/01/dwindling-playoff-hopes-for-flames.html
Also check out why a certain blogger at TSR dislikes the Toronto Ma...
Check out my latest post at THW discussing John Tavares recent scoring streak
http://bit.ly/eF8wqS
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Feel free to refer ESPN's, TSN's, and CBS's Power Rankings for Week 16, as linked below. If you'd like a much less subjective ranking, however, please continue reading...
[url]http://espn.go.com/nhl/powerrankings[/url]
[url]http://www.tsn.ca/fantasy_news/rankings/nhl/[/url]
[url]http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/powerrankings[/url]
So, last week (Week 15), I took a ...
Despite an off season overhaul and the appointment of Dion Phaneuf as the 18th captain in club history, the Maple Leafs have yet to turn around a sinking ship and prove that they can in fact become playoff contenders.
An early season winning streak that saw the Leafs record a 4-0 record out of the gate created false hope for Leaf fans and team management that the team w...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as Kyle Okposo will make his season debut tomorrow night against the Washington Capitals
http://bit.ly/eLJH3q
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Rob McGowan writes...
What Does Matt Moulson Mean To The New York Islanders?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Check out my most recent post at The Checking Line discussing the rumors that are swirling around Matt Moulson's future with the New York Islanders
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/what-does-matt-moulson-mean-new-york-islanders
Register and leave comments!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Nothing has ever come easy to Jonas Gustavsson in his hockey career. He has had to work for everything that he has achieved and has strived to prove naysayers that he is capable of being a starting goaltender in the NHL.
After displaying a dominant performance in his final season with Farjestad of the Swedish Elite League, which included a 1.96 goals against average, 0....
The Philadelphia Flyers are the beast of the east right now and any team that flies into the Wells Fargo Area gets scared. The Flyers are a very talented team with the likes of Chris Pronger, Jeff Carter just to name a few, nobody ever expected them to make the run they did last season going all the way to a game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final then falling short, to a speedy H...
Head over to www.thecheckingline.com tonight for my live blog as the Islanders will host the Washington Capitals in Kyle Okposo's season debut!
Don't miss it!!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers as the Islanders have claimed Evgeni Nabokov off waivers for the remainder of the season!
http://bit.ly/gUu5Tb
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Here are my NHL Power Rankings for Week 17... Please refer back to my last post for Week 16, and a description of the fields...
[img]http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j354/meckelangelo/Week17.png[/img]
Again, let me know if you have any questions.
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as Evgeni Nabokov has been suspended by the New York Islanders for not reporting to the team!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/its-official-nabokov-has-been-suspended
Also check out some other great articles with plenty of thoughts on the All-Star game:
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/matt-...
Ever wonder why this day has such importance in the hockey world. Head on over to the Sports Roundup for a look into why it has become such a red letter day in sports history.
http://bit.ly/i1OT5J
The Flames are rolling into the All Star break with four straight wins and now sit only two points out of a playoff spot. Head on over to the Sports Roundup to read more about the Flames impressive string of play.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/01/flames-roll-into-break.html
Newman
@TSRNewman
www.thesportsroundup.com
www.thecheckingline.com
HunterRules writes...
NHL Guardian Project.. aka The Guardians of CORRUPTION
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Islander has been put up for vote numbers of times, only to lose out by slim margins, but was the vote actually legit? It Appears the Answer was NO.
The Guardian Website suffered a slipup today and some Islander fans caught their Reveal today of the Islander Guardian, but that is where this story turns to Corruption:
[img]http://i54.tinypic.com/2he991w.jpg[/img]
...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as the Islanders have signed Matt Moulson to a three-year contract extension
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/moulson-extended-three-years
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers discussing Josh Bailey's season and what his future may have in store for him
http://thehockeywriters.com/whats-buggin-bailey/
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Changes to the Game
I read an article from Bob McKenzie and Scott Bowman about some changes that Scott Bowman suggests that the NHL should make. Bowman is a hockey genius and those people that are old enough to remember the Detroit vs. Philly finals, knows that Bowman watched everyone try to stop Philly physically and fail miserably against Lindros and company. So the g...
Let me begin this post by congratulating our very own Michael Grabner on his stellar performance this evening in Carolina. I don't think anyone is shocked by the outcome and like I have said a million times before, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!!!!
To catch up a little bit, I know I am a few days behind but the blog went live last night so I wanna address some recent headl...
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...
The Islanders kick off the second half of the season against the Atlanta Thrashers on Tuesday night, game #50.
So what should we expect to see from this team in the remaining 33 games?
In my opinion we are going to see the Islanders improve. I think their second half record will be a nice improvement from the first half. I also feel that this second half will be a...
If you haven't gotten the drill by now, here's some information... I'm doing Power Rankings. However, unlike most websites, I don't pull names out of a hat, or collect votes among "experts". I actually use a system. Mathematics. I'm aware that the hockey analysts of the world love numbers, but seem to hate math. Well... Nonetheless, here are the Week 18 Power Rankings.
...
First off, WELCOME back Kyle Okposo. He picked up his first two goals of the season. Travis Hamonic also grabbed his first of the year and first of his career. So it was a great night for the first timers.
I will keep this short. It was a great night all around. A few minor breakdowns and 1 fluke goal. I'd say if they keep up this play and this strong effort they will p...
As a society we are obsessed with comparison. Our insecurity is palpable and on display in a very public way. Social media like Twitter and Facebook while marketed as tools of openness and connection provide greater concealment as they are devoid of real intimacy, an essential component of most meaningful relationships. However, while they allow us to hide behind a veil...
So after listening to all the feedback from last nights game I have thought long and hard about what I would say on here today.
I realize a little extra caution is necessary since I am the new kid on the block. So allow me to express my opinion and not use a single vulgar word in the process.......this time.
I am as big of an Islanders fan as anyone out there. I am a...
Check out my latest post at The Hockey Writers, taking a look at Rick DiPietro's season thus far...
http://thehockeywriters.com/?p=24101
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Flames finally won a game in Atlanta. First time EVER. They keep pace in the playoff chase. Come on over to TSR and read up on the latest from your home town heroes.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/02/calgary-flames-finally-win-in-atl.html
Newman
www.thecheckingline.com
www.thesportsroundup.com
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Ragingpikey writes...
Is it possible to grade coaches? Abolish the Jack Adams?
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Concerning NHL year-end awards, deciding who is the most deserving candidate to take home (x) awards, is always a fickle question. Take the James Norris, for example. Some people would argue that unless a younger player was unquestionably the most dominant patroller of the back end, the trophy should otherwise be awarded to a previous winner. In other words, in tight races...
The word is spreading like a wild fire, Rick DiPietro's selfish flashy play once again bites the Islanders in the butt and this time the pain will last 4-6 weeks.
I can't say I am all that unhappy, I am glad Poulin should get the nod as starter.
I have been following the blogs, tweets, and other forums and people seemed to have mixed reviews on the fight the other ...
Head over to The Checking Line as I report about Rick DiPietro's latest injury and the questions it creates for the goaltender's future for this season and the one that follows
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-between-pipes
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Checking Line (www.thecheckingline.com) for a live blog of the Islanders/Senators match-up, as well as the Philadelphia Flyers vs. the Dallas Stars, all starting at 6:45 PM!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Hockey Writers for my interview with Matt Moulson after the Islanders 5-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators!
http://thehockeywriters.com/?p=24164
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
First I want to apologize for the late post. We were celebrating my 30th birthday and what an ending to an awesome night.
The game was action packed from start to finish.
I was lucky enough to be sitting in section 118, so I got an up close look at Matt Martin pounding Z. Smith of Ottawa.
So during the week people were taking jabs at the Isles saying they lack hea...
First off, while I love broadcasting legend Bob Cole, Mike Emrick of NBC and Devils radio is the best in the business at the moment. I love the creativity and dark tones Emrick brings to the games, while his sidekicks, Eddy Olczyk and Pierre Mcguire are always amusing and insightful. I say this as I enjoy taking in the NBC game of the week: Pens V. Caps! Sure to be a b...
The Flames can't be stopped. They roll past the Sens 5-2 to keep pace in the Western Conference playoff race. Come over to the Sports Roundup to read the latest on the home town heroes.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/02/different-strokes-flames-and-sens.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
www.thesportsroundup.com
www.thecheckingline.com
Head over to The Checking Line for my latest post as the Islanders have acquired Al Montoya from the Phoenix Coyotes in the absence of Rick DiPietro and Kevin Poulin
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/ring-around-goalie
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Checking Line tonight for my live blog from the Coliseum press box as the Islanders and Penguins go head-to-head at 7 PM!
www.thecheckingline.com
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
What a 2 days it has been. I didn't blog about last nights game because my goal wasn't to do a blog after each and every game breaking down the periods. I wanna write about what is happening with this team.
I have said a million times we are building a winner. I have been laughed at, made fun of and insulted. I have tried explaining to people the transition that the tea...
NYI247 writes...
New Picture of Max Talbot after last nights game posted
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
http://nyi247.blogspot.com/
first pic on right. Check it out, Oh an I added the Pens fans right below it
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line with a full recap of all that transpired in last night's grudge match between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/pummeling-penguins-isles-win-9-3-fight-filled-match
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Sabres have 57 points and are just 3 points back of the eighth and final playoff spot heading into this Sundays afternoon game vs. the Islanders. They have 2 games in hand on Carolina who sits 9th and play them three times. Atlanta now sits 8th at 60 points after beating the Rangers 3-2 Friday night. We have 4 games in hand on Atlanta and the Rangers who hold 7th wi...
Check out the new post. The Pens, their owners and their fans are such little babies and I have fun with that
http://nyi247.blogspot.com/2011/02/21310-pre-game-post.html
The past few weeks I have been watching the Oilers very closely. Even though they have been losing of late, they are not playing bad overall the team seems to be gaining more confidence as the season progresses. A few forwards that have impressed me of late, Linus Omark who more and more every game seems to look more comfortable especially with fellow country men Magnus Pa...
This guy has some nerve coming out and BASHING the league and the Islanders for what took place Friday night.
Learning starts at home, and this idiot signs a weekly paycheck to probably the dirtiest player in the NHL.
I don't like what Gillies did. I will say that first. It was careless and tasteless. Had he taken a shot like that at Cooke I would be singing a diff...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line discussing Mario Lemieux's stance on Friday night's game between the Pens and Isles, including Zenon Konopka's reaction
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/lemieux-laces-isles
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Yesterday afternoons game between the flyers and kings was a well played game and wound up being a 1-0 defeat for the Flyers. I am not concerned with the outcome of the game but a particular call within the game. Entering the last 7 minutes of the game Pronger was hit into the boards from behind questionably. Pronger was square to the boards and hit hard from behind sendin...
What an ending!!!!
I am ALMOST at a loss for words right now. 2 months ago this would have been another loss however this new and improved version of the Islanders continues to shock and awe people.
Michael "The Rocket" Grabner scored AGAIN and Josh Bailey notched his first goal in 20+ games.
This team continues to amaze me. I can't say I am all that surprised how...
What an ending!!!!
I am ALMOST at a loss for words right now. 2 months ago this would have been another loss however this new and improved version of the Islanders continues to shock and awe people.
Michael "The Rocket" Grabner scored AGAIN and Josh Bailey notched his first goal in 20+ games.
This team continues to amaze me. I can't say I am all that surprised how...
Check out my latest blog at The Checking Line as P.A. Parenteau has been extended by the New York Islanders beyond this season
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/parenteau-pay-off
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Before I launch into my game analysis I just wanna thank everyone who took the time to introduce themselves to me at the game tonight. I also want to say what a pleasure it was to meet the one and only Dee Karl. I also had the honor of meeting Dani, the NY Islanders social media manager. A true professional. Oh and I got to meet Stan Fischler. I even took a picture with hi...
You know how every single time something that you are doing is coming to an end you reflect back and imagine a million ways you could have made it better? Well the 2010-2011 season is coming to a close and looking back at all the ups and downs of the season so far, I have made a top 10 list of things I wish would happen in the 2011-2012 season.
List is subject to chang...
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #9[/b][/u]
1. I was born in Brandon, Manitoba.
2. I played for 3 different NHL teams in my 13-year career.
3. I began and ended my career with the same team.
4. I have 1 career playoff goal.
5. I’ve been to the Stanley Cup Finals twice, but lost both times.
6. I have 3 family members that have also played in the NHL.
7. I am currently ...
Over the past few days we have continued to see the Islanders keep their hot pace going. They are slowly creeping up the standings at a pace of 2 points a night. Right now the main focus is on the Devils but keep watching the Islanders, as they have one of the best records in the second half so far.
I was fortunate enough to secure my $20 tickets early however I was on...
New blogger trying out the stuff. I'm a huge hockey fan and I may have some insight that could be interesting to some readers. Lets go to work.
The Ottawa Senators are in action tonight against the Florida Panthers. Two teams who have really shit the bed this season, it looks to be a great one...
Pfff.
Its hard to come by a Senators player who hasn't been mentione...
Head over to www.thecheckingline.com tonight for a live blog from the Nassau Coliseum press box as the New York Islanders host the Washington Capitals tonight at 7 PM!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Well Long Island wasn't a happy place to be tonight.
I was totally amped up to attend tonights game after the amazing ending to the Philly game on Thursday. I thought for sure the team would come out on fire against the caps who got tossed around by the Rangers last night 6-0.
On Thursday they didn't play their best hockey of the season but their heart and determinat...
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
The Flames hit a speed bump Wednesday night as they fell to the Chicago Blackhawks. Come on over to the Sports Roundup to read more:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/calgary-flames-hit-speed-bump-in-chi.html#more
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
www.thesportsroundup.com
www.thecheckingline.com
Some people seem to think that something good always comes away from something bad.
Well that just may be what happened to the Islanders after Tuesdays tough loss in the winding down seconds of the third period and ultimately finalized in OT.
Holding a 1-0 lead with just a few seconds remaining to the game they gave up the tying goal and later in OT Ovechkin sealed t...
Rob McGowan writes...
Trevor's In Trouble: Gillies Faces Another Likely Suspension
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Head over to my article at The Checking Line to read more!
http://bit.ly/gSK7Cy
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Come stop by at www.thecheckingline.com for a live blog from the Nassau Coliseum press-box as I will be covering the Islanders matinee against the visiting St. Louis Blues!
Join in at any time during the game to talk about what's happening on the ice or anything that's going on in the hockey world!
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
New post over at The Checking Line covering the Islanders 5-2 win over the St. Louis Blues this afternoon at the Nassau Coliseum
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-defenders-tune-out-blues-5-2-win
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Well another phenomenal weekend in the Islanders world has come and gone.
On Saturday we were witness to the destruction of another west coast team, the St. Louis Blues.
The game started with a highlight reel goal by John Tavares (1G, 1A-2 Points) breaking his 9 game goal slump. Mark my words, that will be a top 10 finalist when they vote for the best goals of the se...
The Flames are rolling! Thanks to Jarome Iginla and two special teams units that are firing on all cylinders. Come over to the Sports Roundup to read more and stay tuned for a podcast later in the day!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/flames-win-iginla-and-special-teams.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
www.thesportsroundup.com
www.thecheckingline.com
http://nyi247.blogspot.com/ GOTTA SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT
Come on over to the Sports Roundup to listen to our podcast for March 7, 2011!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/podcast-march-7-2011.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line discussing the possibilities and consequences of Garth Snow's ability to sign Devils forward Zach Parise to an offer sheet this summer.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/will-garth-snow-sign-zach-parise-offer-sheet
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Today we weigh the Flames playoff chances after a tough loss last night to the Coyotes. Come on over to TSR and have a listen!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/podcast-march-11-2011.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line covering the Isles/Bruins game last night where the Islanders came back for a 4-2 win
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-come-back-and-defeat-bruins-4-2
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
thanx to tsn.ca for this
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/jetsmeter/
As the season comes to a close and the Islanders off season quickly approaches, the issue of the new arena will once again become a talking point. I decided to take a little road trip over to Jersey and check out the new arena.
In my life I have been fortunate enough to visit several Baseball stadiums across the U.S. . In my travels I made it a point to visit Wrigley F...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line discussing the possibilities on whether or not Jack Capuano will return as head coach for the New York Islanders next season
http://bit.ly/eo6AN9
Also keep a look out at The Checking Line (www.thecheckingline.com) for a contest that will be starting tomorrow if you follow our twitter and facebook pages! Prizes will be re...
So far this year it’s been true nightmare for the NHL executives because of the violence that is happening in our sport.
First and foremost do we all forget that hockey is a violent sport? In some ways, I think we all forget that notion because of the amount of injuries that is happening this year. Plus, it doesn’t help that some of the injuries are the star pla...
It's been a couple of weeks since I've posted something, but lately, all the talk about trying to minimize the number of head shots in the NHL has intrigued me a little bit.
Since Zdeno Chara's hit on Max Pacioretty last week, the league has been under scrutiny by many outside organizations for not coming down hard on the towering Bruins defenseman. But, I agree with...
http://nyi247.blogspot.com/
Rob McGowan writes...
Islanders Agree To Terms With Prospect Aaron Ness
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Check out my latest article at The Checking Line as the Islanders have agreed to terms on a contract with 2008 2nd round pick, Aaron Ness
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/islanders-agree-terms-prospect-aaron-ness
Also be sure to check out the facebook and twitter contest that is going at The Checking Line! Prizes are available!
http:/...
As the NHL playoffs are approaching, many teams are still in playoff contention and are battling to move up in the rankings. 16 of the 30 teams will make the postseason, but is it better to be battling for one of the lower spots?
Sabres fans saw what happened during the President’s Trophy-winning season in 2006-2007. Although they had a great team, they were upset by ...
The Flames playoff chances were severely hurt this past week with three straight losses. Come on over and check out my first ever exclusive TCL(The Checking Line) blog.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/newman/calgary-flames/flames-playoff-hopes-fading#comments
Also be sure to head over to The Sports Roundup to here the latest podcast! We talk mostly Flames and throw ...
Head over to The Checking Line for my latest piece as Rick DiPietro will likely be starting one of the next two games for the New York Islanders
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/dipietro-ready-return-line
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my blog http://nyi247.blogspot.com/
I spoke with Stu Siegel today, former Long Islander and current owner of the Florida Panthers.
Stu set the bar for NHL owners by donating $10,000 to the Japan relief fund.
follow him on twitter @StuSiegel . Tell him you heard about his donation and send him some love.
I hope my NY Islanders step up.
Lets see w...
With GM meetings underway in Florida this week, the main concern around the league right now is headshots and the growing rate of concussions. My personal opinion on this hot topic is the league should have a no tolerance policy and the player should be handed a heavy fine plus a minimum of 7 game suspension. Along with the player being punishied I believe the team should ...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as DiPietro made his return to action as the Islanders downed the Panthers 4-3 in the shootout!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-tame-panthers-shootout-win
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Hey guys...I'm looking to help promote The Checking Line, as well as the Islanders blogs that I post there. I am the head Islanders blogger for the site and have a facebook page where I post links to all of my blogs. Be sure to click the link and "like" it so you can keep up throughout the year!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-McGowans-Islanders-Blogs/137174856326185
...
After the Islanders played the Penguins a couple of months back in what is now labeled the fight night on Long Island, I wrote a blog about the game, the outcome (suspensions), and Mario's feedback afterwards.
While I am not a big time journalist or even a well known blogger I still feel that I have a responsibility to my readers to be fair when it is called for.
A...
New post over at The Checking Line that takes a look at Frans Nielsen's season with the New York Islanders that may warrant consideration for the trophy that is awarded to the best defensive forward of the year.
http://t.co/NwesXnd
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Flames have put themselves in a massive hole with 6 losses in their last 7 games. Come over to the The Sports Roundup to see hear more.
www.thesportsroundup.com
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Head over to The Checking Line for my latest post discussing Zenon Konopka's impact on this team and why he should be resigned for next season
http://bit.ly/fF1hJl
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Calgary Flames need to win their remaining six games and get some help from both the Ducks and Stars to even have a chance and playing hockey past April 9th. How did this all happen? Come on over to the Sports Roundup and read more. Be sure to follow me on Twitter as well at twitter.com/TSRNewman
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/03/flames-have-run-out-of-time.ht...
Check out my blog http://nyi247.blogspot.com/
Follow me on Twitter @nyi247
I have been discussing Zenon Konopka's role on the Islanders for a pretty long time now and as the season wraps up there are more and more people discussing his future on Long Island.
There is no denying what he has brought to this team over the past season and how big of an impact he has h...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as the Islanders lost a hard fought battle last night to the Philadelphia Flyers
http://bit.ly/ekBdp8
Also, The Checking Line is working on putting together a team of Isles writers. So far, I am the only Islanders blogger on the site so I am looking to see if anyone else would consider joining our team. Send me a messag...
check out my blog http://nyi247.blogspot.com/
Now that the Islanders are officially out of the playoff race it is time to start looking towards next season and see what improvements need to be made to become a contender next year.
First let me say, I think this season was a huge success. Sounds crazy, I'll explain. As last season concluded, myself and many other fans...
Head over to The Checking Line to see all about the news as Al Montoya will be kept in an Islanders uniform through the 2011-2012 season!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/al-montoya-extended-one-year-contract
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Checking Line for my latest post that takes a look at prospect Matt Donovan and his first professional contract wit the Islanders
http://bit.ly/fW9rhd
Don't forget to check back tonight at TCL for Daniel Friedman's post-game blog of the Isles Devils game and definitely stop back tomorrow night for a LIVE BLOG for the Islanders/Rangers game, coming to...
Head over to The Checking Line at 7 PM for a live blog of the Islanders/Rangers game at 7 PM coming to you from the Nassau Coliseum press-box!
http://t.co/L1ynuyS
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Head over to The Checking Line for my latest post, taking a look at the Islanders defense and it's depth that has helped the team through it's injury struggles throughout the season.
http://bit.ly/dHnJGk
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
I am quite aware that I am late to the party (or blogsphere I guess) when it comes to the regards of our much beloved (and maybe maligned) Oilers, but after a majority of a season expressing my views to friends and co-workers; someone finally stepped up and said share your views with people who care. You see I do not live in Edmonton, and as such I am a vast minority here...
As many know, no NHL franchise has faced more adversity on and off the ice in the past years than the Phoenix Coyotes. Riddled with financial loss, poor ownership and a poor on ice product, many wondered when the Winnipeg/Los Vegas Coyotes would exist. The past two years however have shown a remarkable turn around in the franchise by two great men, GM Don Maloney and Head ...
This is actually a draft of a 2,500 word college report, so I did not post it on the MYHB site. However, if you want to attempt to read it, it is available [url=http://hockeybuzzalex.blogspot.com/2011/04/concussions-proposal-to-nhl.html] here. [/url]
Hope to have a real blog up sometime this week.
Go Ran-Guhs
Edit: Just saw I got 100+ hits on that link, wow guy...
What am I? Nuts? So the Flames aren't totally out of it yet. Yes there is little to no hope, but there is still a little which has a lot of fans grasping at straws to cheer this team to the bitter end. Come to the Sports Roundup to read on.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/hope-its-horrible-thing.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Rob McGowan writes...
Could Haley Be Next Year's Konopka For The Islanders?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Head over to The Checking Line (and register and leave comments for your thoughts on the matter) for my take on whether or not Micheal Haley will have Zenon Konopka's job next season.
http://bit.ly/huL2qg
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my interview with top Islanders prospect, Nino Niederreiter at The Checking Line!
http://bit.ly/gT1Uun
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my interview with top Islanders prospect, Nino Niederreiter at The Checking Line!
http://bit.ly/gT1Uun
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
In case you missed it I was on the CBC Homestretch this afternoon talking about the Flames playoff chances. Come to The Sports Roundup to have a listen.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/tsr-talks-to-cbcs-homestretch.html
Newman
Follow me on Twitter: twitter.com/TSRNewman
I guess it's time for another NHL Who Am I? It's been a while, hasn't it??? So, without further ado, let's get to it......
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #10[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted by an Original Six team.
2. I became a coach after my playing career was over.
3. I played for 3 NHL teams in my 17-year career.
4. I won a Stanley Cup with the 2nd team I played for, als...
The Islanders and Penguins had their final meet of the season that ended in a 4-3 SO loss for the home team. Rob McGowan reports.
http://bit.ly/gclFJ2
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
TSR makes our first round predictions and I'm thinking I might have been hopped up on something when I made mine. I think a couple of first round upsets are in order in the east. Maybe I'm way off, but this is more fun!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/first-round-nhl-playoff-predictions.html#more
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
The Islanders season has sadly come to an end, but there are plenty of reasons for optimism heading into next season...and concerns as well.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-2011-end-year-review
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Here are some thoughts on the 1st game of the playoffs:
The Sabres should not have won this game. There were several factors that gave them the edge they needed to capture home ice advantage in this series.
Ryan Miller is back, I missed him. He was the goaltender we saw last season and in the olympics. He was a stablizing presence, coving his angles and not letting r...
Game 1 of Buffalo and Philadelphia in the 2011 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals was pretty tedious. In fact, it got downright boring at times.
Game 2 was neither. It began as exhilarating, and, at least for Sabres fans, eventually degenerated into something infuriating.
The first period took over 51 minutes to complete between a bevy of scrums, ten minor penalties an...
Garth Snow will have his hands full when it comes to retaining the core of his team as there are several RFA's heading into this summer's off-season
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-rfas-who-will-stay
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Two nights after a tough 5-4 loss in Philadelphia, the Buffalo Sabres will be taking the ice at the HSBC Arena, looking to take a 2-1 series lead in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Here are four keys to victory for tonight's game in Buffalo:
- The Sabres must play better defensive hockey.
Sabres' goaltender Ryan Miller has faced...
The Flames season is over. So lets take a look back at what went wrong. Come on over to the Sports Roundup to read more!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/calgary-flames-post-mortem.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
There are three rookies who have scored over 30 goal this season, one of which will be awarded the Calder Trophy. The trophy is awarded annually to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League.
Calder Trophy Nominees:
# POS PLAYER GP G A P +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG
53 C JEFF SKINNER 82 31 32 63 3...
Jay Feaster is the acting GM of the Flames. When will the tag be removed or will it be removed? Come over to The Sprots Roundup to read more and feel free to comment on what you think might happen.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/jay-feaster-acting-to-be-or-not-to-be.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
"I'm going to sleep on it, and probably give you nothing," Coach Laviolette said to reporters after Friday's heartbreaking loss in Philadelphia. The assembled crowd laughed, and then someone said, "So it's business as usual, then," which brought more laughter and a confirmation from Peter Laviolette. "Business as usual," he agreed.
That statement was in reference to...
I write this article, as an unbiased fan. I write this, as someone who loves the sport of hockey. This first-round of the 2011 playoffs has been exciting, and nothing but dull. 6 of the 8 playoff series have gone at least 6 games. However, there is something amiss in the NHL.
I plan on using 3 examples in this situation.
First: Game 3 of the Vancouver vs Chicago se...
The first round was epic. Can the second round provide the same drama? Come over to TSR for our second round thoughts and predictions.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/04/round-two-2011-nhl-playoff-predictions.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Conroy might be able to provide two Flames players with some perspective this offseason. Come read more at the Sports Roundup!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/05/craig-conroy-common-denominator-for.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line that takes a look at Sean Bergenheim's recent success and how Josh Bailey's future should be considered when comparing him to the former Islander.
http://bit.ly/iGWFFs
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Please check out this blog
http://hempstevensloves.com/dear-nhl-are-you-watching-what-you-are-missing/
P.S. Have a Nice Day :)
The O.Fitz
Rob McGowan writes...
Have The Islanders Finally Gotten Their New Arena?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Islanders are holding a press-conference tomorrow with Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano about a plan to renovate the Nassau Coliseum. Head over to The Checking Line to read my take on the news that is at hand
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/have-islanders-finally-gotten-their-new-arena
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http:/...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Fans Will Vote To Decide Fate Of Arena Proposal
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Read my latest post at The Checking Line covering the press conference today from Nassau Coliseum as Islanders fans have been given the opportunity to decide the fate on the new arena proposal
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-fans-will-vote-decide-fate-arena-proposal
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Rob McGowan writes...
Right Now Commitment Is Key For The New York Islanders
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Check out my latest post discussing which RFA the Islanders should look to sign next as well as a recent run-in with an ex-Islanders defenseman.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/right-now-commitment-key-new-york-islanders
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Evgeni Nabokov's agent has stated that his client will be reporting to Islanders training camp in September. Head over to my post at The Checking Line to read more...
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/will-evgeni-be-ready
Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The reports are becoming more and more numerous that the Atlanta Thrashers organization will be (or already has been) sold to True North Sports and Entertainment, which would move the team up to Winnipeg. There has been a lot of speculation as to how the Conferences will shuffle to make room for a team going from the Southeast Division in the Eastern conference to (ostens...
Rob McGowan writes...
Islanders Fans Urged To Rally at Tomorrow's Hearing
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Tomorrow the Nassau County Legislative hearing will be held to determine if the arena proposal will be turned to a public referendum on August 1st. Read on more at my post at The Checking Line to learn more
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/islanders-fans-urged-rally-tomorrows-hearing
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter....
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #11[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted in the first round of the 1984 Entry Draft by a Canadian team.
2. I’ve played over 1200 NHL games with 6 different teams.
3. I won the Memorial Cup with the Ottawa 67’s.
4. I had one 50-goal season and one 40-goal season, both with the same team.
5. I won the Stanley Cup with the team that drafted me.
6. ...
Read my latest post at The Checking Line discussing the busy week that just passed for the New York Islanders and what might be the next move made by Isles GM Garth Snow
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/islanders-are-making-noise-early-off-season
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
"Going to Winnipeg!" But how long can it last this time. The Rev takes a harsh look at the reality of keeping hockey afloat in a very small market. Also, the Flames lost a coveted prospect in Tim Erixon, but did they even have a choice in the matter? Come to the Sports Roundup to read more on these two topics.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/06/welcome-to-winnipe...
I am a diehard Atlanta Thrashers fan (R.I.P. Icebirds) who now finds myself at a couple of crossroads. My team is gone and Atlanta will likely never get another opportunity to host the NHL in Atlanta again, though Eklund seems to think we do have a chance. While I'll always hold out hope that someone like Anson Carter, Tom Glavine or an unknown person gets a group togeth...
The Islanders are just weeks away from selecting another top prospect with the fifth overall pick at this year's NHL Draft. Whom might Garth Snow choose? Head over to The Checking Line to find out!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-look-another-big-draft-day
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
LeafsFanInOTT writes...
Overlooked? 2011 NHL Entry Draft Preview: Shane Prince
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As the 2011 NHL Draft nears, hockey fans salivate at the thought of tomorrow’s stars donning their team’s jersey.
Obviously, the big names are out there for everyone, even the casual hockey fan, to see.
Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Gabriel Landeskog, Adam Larsson, the names that have been talked about from day one of this season.
There are guys such as Jonathan ...
[img]http://cdn.nhl.com/oilers/images/upload/2008/08/tambellini_steve.jpg[/img]
The Edmonton Oilers hold the first overall pick and General Manager Steve Tambellini has publicly stated that he would move the pick if he got the best deal for his team. Do you think he should move this pick or should he stay the course and keep the pick?
I think if he gets a hell of ...
Check out this interview at The Checking Line with New York Islanders forward Blake Comeau, as we discuss playoff hockey, the arena proposal and his off-season plans!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/one-one-blake-comeau
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
As you read you will see that I kind of get "tuned" up and no matter how hard I try not to be just a "homer", I just can't agree with the way some of the calls and non calls go. Sometimes I watch the game and get cr@p from my da for criticizing the Nuck players for penalties not called against them, but by and large the most obvious non calls are quite often replayed by th...
Marinus1103 writes...
An improved NHL - a view from the other side of the Ocean..
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I have loved and followed hockey ever since the ´88 olympics in Calgary.. This is just the best game ever invented.
As a European fan - having lived only 1 year in Toronto - it is hard to get a proper connection and information feed on the most honourable and dynamic professional sports existing, although the internet has brought significant improvements with regards ...
I can't stand them. The other thing that pisses me off is that a lot of people in Calgary including a lot of the bars are supporting them. It makes me so angry but seeing them lose tonight was so great. Come read why here:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/06/why-i-dont-like-canucks.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Stanley Cup Break Down
First off, congratulations to the Boston Bruins, they truly deserve it. Also I’d like to say congratulations to a Hall of Fame career to Mark Recci, who has been my favorite player. It’s sad to see a guy who can still play like a 30 year old hang his skates. He defiantly has a few years left in his tank.
Where did it all go wrong for the C...
[u][b]NHL Who am I? #12[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted in the 2nd round in 1983.
2. I’ve won the Stanley Cup more than once.
3. I was involved in a 3-way trade with two ex-Leafs, but Toronto was not part of the deal.
4. I won my first Cup with the team that drafted me.
5. My brother was drafted by St. Louis. We played 1 year together.
6. I have won one major ind...
In the 2009-2010 season, Tampa Bay Lightning was having a hard time. After their magical cup run in 03-04 they just never found their magic again. Making it once to the playoffs but losing in the first round, then missing the playoffs for the next three seasons. Finishing in last, 2nd last, and 6th last in the following three seasons. Something had to be done. Owner...
What a day for hockey fans! Regehr could be headed to Buffalo if he agrees to waive his no trade clause. What does this mean for the Flames? Come to TSR to read more:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/06/bye-bye-birdie-robyn-on-his-way-out-of.html
Newman
twitter/TSRNewman
EDM: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
COL: Huberdeay
FLO: Landeskog
NJ: Larsson
NYI: Hamilton
OTT: Strome
WIN: Couturier
PHI: Beaulieu
BOS: Murphy
MIN:Zinebejad
AVS: Brodin
CAR: Bartschi
CAL: McNeil
DAL: Armia
NYR: Grimaldi
BUF: Siemens
MTL: Saad
CHI: Oleskiak
EDM: Gibson
PHX: Klefbom
OTT: Jensen
ANA: Jenner
PIT: Rattie
DET: Musil
TOR: Puempel
WAS: ...
puck-off writes...
Why isn't the jets logo on the top of either NHL.com or HB
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I guess it's too expensive to make the changes in these crappy economic times!
puck-off writes...
Why isn't the jets logo on the top of either NHL.com or HB
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
I guess it's too expensive to make the changes in these crappy economic times!
Check out my coverage of this year's Islanders activity at the NHL Entry Draft with a look at 5th overall pick Ryan Strome and more!
http://t.co/T1muBIv
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
It's a hot topic.
Apparently there's a major realignment coming thanks to the move to Winnipeg.
4 divisions, 7 in two divisions (in the West), 8 in the other two (in the East).
How do you think it'd look?
I have it:
[b]Western Conference[/b]
[u]Gretzky Division[/u]
Vancouver
Calgary
Edmonton
San Jose
Anaheim
Los Angeles
Phoenix* (But for how long.....
Since the NHL's departure from Atlanta to Winnipeg the question has been on everyone's mind as to how the New divisions would look. That answer has been put off one year by the NHL, as the Winnipeg Jets will be playing in the SOUTHeast division with the likes of Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay and Washington.
There have been rumors floating around about a new 4 division ...
Robyn is gone. Tanguay is back and the Flames no longer have to worry about Ales Kotalik sucking it up on the ice. Come to TSR where I look at what the impact of the both the trade and the signing mean to the Flames
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/06/regehr-traded-and-tanguay-signs.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Read the latest at The Checking Line with updates from Micheal Haley, Travis Hamonic and Matt Moulson as to their thoughts on Ryan Strome and what they have planned for the summer!
http://t.co/B1X18Ae
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
P.S. I apologize for the multiple posts of the Strome article, my browser was not working properly.
Since the NHL's departure from Atlanta to Winnipeg the question has been on everyone's mind as to how the New divisions would look. That answer has been put off one year by the NHL, as the Winnipeg Jets will be playing in the SOUTHeast division with the likes of Carolina, Florida, Tampa Bay and Washington.
There have been rumors floating around about a new 4 division ...
TOP DEFENCEMEN OVER THE AGE OF 35
Roman Hamrlik
Sami Salo
Niclas Wallin
Bryan McCabe
TOP DEFENSIVE
Scott Hannan
Brent Sopel
TOP OFFENSIVE DEFENCEMEN
Ed Jovanovski
Christian Ehrhoff
Tomas Kaberle
FORWARDS
TOP SNIPERS
Andrew Brunette
Erik Cole
Simon Gagne
Jussi Jokinen
Scottie Upshall
“Set Up Artists”
Tim Connolly
Vil...
After a long absence, I'm back...
It's been a while since I've written a blog, but with the July 1st "Free Agent Frenzy" upon the horizon, I felt it was a fitting time to return to what I enjoy...writing about my hometown St. Louis Blues.
From now through the entirety of the upcoming free agent period, look for updates regarding player movement as it pertains to the ...
The St. Louis Blues announced this morning they have re-signed forward TJ Oshie to a one-year contract worth $2.35 million.
Oshie, 24, played in 49 games last season, registering 12 goals and 22 assists with a +10 rating. Oshie missed significant time after breaking his ankle in a scrum during the end of a game against Columbus last October.
In three seasons with the...
www.HockeyBuzz.com
www.NHL.com
www.CapGeek.com
www.NHLPA.com
to track your favorite team: www.*teamname*.nhl.com
A quick update for you all...
There seems to be some growing interest in the Blues' front office in signing one of either Jamie Langenbrunner or Tomas Fleischmann.
Langenbrunner's interest is obviously because of the connection he and General Manager Doug Armstrong had when both were in Dallas.
Langenbrunner, as I mentioned in a previous blog, would provide some...
Jagr Watch is officially out of hand if you ask me. I do not have anything against Jaromir Jagr for taking time to make what he feels is the best career move. I do have a problem with all of the false news stories. As of right now, it seems as if Jaromir has not given any indication of which team he would like to play for next year. He wants to make the perfect decisio...
Quick update before I go back to work...
The Blues are finalizing a deal that would bring back forward Matt D'Agostini.
The deal should be announced soon, but sources indicate it's a two-year contract.
More to come,
Nick Boston
http://twitter.com/Nick_Boston
Like the last three years, the first day of the NHL Free Agency Period is met with the same response from Blues' fanantics around 4 PM CT.
They're losing their minds.
Frustration, anger, disgust...
Those would be three of many words that could be used to describe the Blues and their activity (or lack thereof) in the free agent market.
This year more than ever,...
Quick Update:
The Blues have signed goaltender Brian Elliott to a one-year, two-way contract.
Elliott, 26, played in 55 games with Ottawa and Colorado last season, tallying a record of 15-27-9 with a 3.34 GAA and an .893 save percentage. Elliott also had three shutouts last season.
Elliott is expected to battle with goalie Ben Bishop for the backup goaltender job ...
Rob McGowan writes...
Isles Get Reasonable, Sign Marty Reasoner to Two Year Deal
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Check out my take on the Reasoner signing for the Isles this afternoon as free agency continues at The Checking Line
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/%5Bfield_full_story_ref-title-raw%5D/isles-get-reasonable-sign-marty-reasoner-two-year-
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Welcome to Hard Disc Hockey; our blog of all things NHL, and bits of info from other areas of the sport of hockey. I hope you enjoy, hate or otherwise react to the comments posted here. I look forward to your discussion of these posts.
Well here we go! Today is July 1st, the day all NHL GMs and fanbases believe is the beginning of a Stanley Cup Championship. For one...
[img:right]http://www.nhlhockeyportal.com/edmontonoilers/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/EdmontonOILERSlogo.gif[/img]
[b]On Friday, I though there was going to be little or no signing by the Oilers turned out that the Oilers were one of the busyer teams. As I was listening to alot of the Brad Richard crap on TSN the Oilers were busy making there team better. He is what...
The Blues yesterday afternoon announced the signing of defenseman Kent Huskins to a one-year, $1 Million contract.
Huskins, 32, played in 50 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, registering two goals and eight assists and had a +8 rating.
Huskins gives the Blues another left-handed shot on defense that they've been rumored to be looking for.
[u]Other r...
The Flames decided not to go ballistic this weekend and probably for the best. Feaster, I thought, made some sound moves and really good non-moves. Come read my thoughts and remember to follow me on Twitter:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/07/non-moves-flames-strategy.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Two signings the Blues have made today...
The Blues Tuesday afternoon signed center Scott Nichol to a one-year, $600,000 contract.
The 36-year old veteran played in 56 games last season with the San Jose Sharks, tallying four goals and three assists. Nichol has also spent time in his 12-year career with Buffalo, Clagary, Chicago, and Nashville.
Nichol is known ar...
Wherever and however you are reading this today, thank you for making the Gray Area part of your day. This is the first ever blog written on the Hockey Buzz website. My goal is to reach more hockey fans around the world through this site. I think you will find I write very upfront about what I think about the teams around the league and grade my favorites the harshest of ...
The Blues today signed forwards Jason Arnott and Jamie Langenbrunner to one-year contracts.
Both players signed for $2.5 million, with bonuses adding up to potentially $2.8 million.
Langenbrunner, 35, played in 70 games with New Jersey and Dallas last season, registering nine goals and 23 assists. The former Devils' captain was also the team captain of the 2010 USA O...
As it sits, the salary cap for the 2011-2012 season is set at $64.3 million dollars. The only way they could get the salary cap that high is to raise the salary cap floor. The salary cap floor is set at $48.3 million. Look, I am all for the salary cap. I think it makes the league more fair in a way that no team can "pay for championships." I do not like how some teams...
TonyFerrari16 writes...
My First Blog! Me, Toronto, Optimism and outlook on the NHL!
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Hello to all hockey fans that read this blog and any of my future blogs! I am a student of Hockey! I have been a hockey fan since the day I was conceived! (I know it sounds impossible but I came out in a Leafs sweater!) I play pick up, mostly because I was never good enough to actually play and couldn't afford to play when I was a child. I love the sport. I am new to ...
Will it be Mark Streit? Kyle Okposo? John Tavares? Or could it possibly be some else? Head over to my post at The Checking Line for a look at who might be next to captain the New York Islanders.
http://t.co/J8juNlB
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Blues today signed forward Jonathan Cheechoo to a one-year, two-way contract.
Cheechoo, 30, played in 55 games last season with Worchester of the AHL, totaling 18 goals and 29 assists. The former 56-goal scorer last played in the NHL in 2009-10 with the Ottawa Senators.
Cheechoo will make $600,000 on the NHL roster, and $225,000 in the minors with Peoria of the ...
Now that the Caps have traded away Eric Fehr to reduce from the salary cap when will they sign young Defender Karl Alzner who had a break out year last year. Questions still remain before opening training camp. Does Tom Poti retire? Will the Caps trade either Mike Green or Alexander Semin? If Poti goes on LTIR that will solve some of the problems. I heard today Green going...
[b]Ryan White Signs 1 year deal with Montreal[/b]
First of all, congratulations to Ryan White for signing a one year deal with the Habs. Good signing for the Habs. White plays with a lot of poise and is one of maybe 2 players who will drop the gloves at any moment so they need a guy like him to play physical for them. He has a year to prove he belongs because there are ...
The Blues today re-signed forward Ryan Reaves to a one-year, two-way contract.
The 24-year old enforcer agreed to a deal that will pay him $525,000 on the NHL roster, and $105,000 with Peoria of the AHL.
Reaves is penciled in to be the team's fourth-line tough guy, replacing Cam Janssen, who signed with the New Jersey Devils late last week.
Last season, Reaves pla...
Check out what's new at The Checking Line to read about the Islanders prospect scrimmage which included Kirill Kabanov, Nino Niederreiter and Ryan Strome's highlight reel breakaway goal
http://thecheckingline.com/node/4353
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
The Calgary Flames have made some small moves in the last week or so. But were they good moves and moves they really needed to make? Come over to TSR and read more
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/07/calgary-flames-in-july.html
Also remember to follow me on Twitter at: @TSRNewman
Newman
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line discussing the New York Islanders rally that will soon be held to encourage people to vote yes in favor on August 1st to build a new Nassau Coliseum!
http://t.co/7BFHgix
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
What if there was never an 87 in black and gold? How would that team shape up? What if the Ducks won the lottery and chose Sidney Crosby? Can you imagine Sid with a Ducks' sweater on his back? What would the Penguins look like today?
The Penguins would obviously be a very different team. They would not be nearly as good but to be honest, but they would still be a g...
With the Leafs currently having only 1 more guy to sign and that signing will be completed in the next month or so, really, there's no rush, Luke Schenn might be the next franchise player, what i mean by that is, players who actually stay with there franchise more than 10 yrs...aka Joe Sakic, Mats Sundin, Steve Yzerman, Ray Bourque types of guys; he seems to love it in Tor...
Not sure if some of you realize this but Buffalo and Washington are over the NHL's cap limit.
Buffalo is over the cap by $3,595,357. Already an exorbitant number, it will more than likely go up since they still have yet to sign defenseman Marc-Andre Gragnani. Gragnani made $500,000 last season so you could expect some sort of raise. This would put Buffalo above $4 milli...
Maple Leafs fans we are just a few weeks from training camp, thats right Leafs Nation just a few weeks away from September and another run by our beloved Buds to end this playoff misery that we having been suffering from since the end of the lockout.
The Leafs have made a few changes from the club that ended the season in April:
In: Tim Connolly, Matthew Lombardi, Co...
Read my latest at The Checking Line as I take a look at the Trent Hunter/Brian Rolston trade with the New Jersey Devils
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/islanders-acquire-brian-rolston-devils
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Read my latest post at The Checking Line as I put aside the political hogwash that takes up most of the talks in regards to the Islanders arena as I share my reasons for voting yes on August 1st.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/were-all-islanders-reasons-voting-yes
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Taking a look back into last year and the seasons before we have seen some night and day goaltenders, but im taking a close look into team build and how the goaltender has progressed over thier careers. Here is my list ...
[b][u]1. Tim Thomas - Boston Bruins - $5 million cap hit - 37 years old[/u][/b]
08-09 he posted great numbers while splitting duties with Manny Fer...
bamdoucet writes...
Predictions for 2011-2012 Standings ! Playoffs ! Trophy's !
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Might as well be a month ahead of everyone's blogs saying whose gonna finish where and whatnot...not like anyone cares, but this is for my own sake and something official when a team makes the playoffs that no one even considered, i might be the one who told u so and have it officially out there, but anyways, i say 50% of what im about to write will come true! if not, i wi...
This is purely my opinion and that is based on observations over the past 20 years or so that I can clearly say I was a full blood member of the Leafs Nation.
1. The New york Yankee syndrom: From what most people say they hate that the leafs would buy their way into the playoffs, and clearly there is no point in saying otherwise because it is very true. It seemed as t...
The August 1st referendum failed, Blake Comeau has been re-signed, the realm of uncertainty looms about the aging Coliseum and a third jersey has been leaked on the Internet. Read my latest piece at The Checking Line as I report what has been happening on the Island.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-fans-ask-whats-next
-Rob McGowan...
You guys are always good at these. I hope I can stump you for at least 3.5 seconds this time!
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #13[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted by an Original Six team.
2. I won 1 Stanley Cup in my career, with my hometown team.
3. I’ve had four 90-point seasons, but never scored more than 40 goals.
4. I only played for one U.S. franchise.
5. I signed with...
Over the past several seasons, we have seen an enormous amount of transition in the Blues franchise. Since 2004, the Blues have seen 2 owners, 3 Head Coaches, and 2 GM's and now the franchise is for sale yet again. How has this affected the team?
Well, beginning in 05-06, the Blues have wound up with 57, 81, 79, 92, 90, and 89 points in each season respectively, whic...
With high expectations from the fans, much of the success or failure of this season for the St. Louis Blues rides on the shoulders of David Backes.
Named to the All-Star Game last season, Backes racked up a very solid 31 goals and 62 points last season, all the while amassing 93 PIMS and a +32 rating. While not exactly the season many were hoping for from the team, Bac...
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #14[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted by a Southeast Division team.
2. I have over 500 goals in my career.
3. I have played for 4 NHL teams.
4. I have won the same category at the Skills Competition twice.
5. I was traded to a Canadian team after 14 years with the team that drafted me.
6. I’m a two-time 50-goal scorer.
7. I scored 7 goals, incl...
Looking at the Edmonton Oilers roster and watching America's Got Talent gave me an idea. I have combined the two into one wicked blog posting. I will look at 3 acts on the Edmonton Oilers and view them from Howie, Sharon and Piers points of view imagining they know something about the game we love. Howie might have some knowledge based on his place of origin, but I don'...
The NHL is entering into its last season under the current collective bargaining agreement. The NBA has currently locked out its own players. This is an amazing opportunity for the NHL to grow the game and expand to an audience that doesn't know what they are missing. I have a feeling that the NBA situation will not resolve itself quickly leaving many people in "non-tradit...
It is the time of year where NHL professional prognosticators and armchair fans begin making predictions. Actually, that time of year starts when the season ends for most. However, in August, we now have an idea of what most teams will look like after the dust has settled on free agent frenzy and most players are signed where they will start the year. As an Edmonton Oil...
I hadn't gotten into the blogging game until after this season has ended. But I have had a lot of NHL opinions bottled up inside for many years. Though most of my blogs have been (and will continue to be) based more on statistics, I figured since I leave for vacation tomorrow let me just pop the cork and let some bottled NHL rants come flying out. No stats, just unfilte...
The Flames signed Scott Hannan to a one year deal worth one million dollars. It's an okay signing but the Flames are stuck once again doing the exact same thing. Come read more here:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/08/scott-hannan-new-flame-but-same-old.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
The Islanders have made some adjustments to their forward lines but have been quiet when it comes to shaking up the defense. Could Garth Snow make a few changes before the start of the season? Rob McGowan reports at The Checking Line.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/look-defense-island
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitt...
It is always a sad in the world let alone Hockey when a young person dies, Rick Rypien clearly was a person who not only fought others but had a big battle in his own head somehow the NHL is failing these guys to find the help they need. It's no secret that tough guys are always put in the spotlight to fight but that pressure more than any other guy is proven to be the mos...
Sad news out of the NHL today. 27 year old forward Rick Rypien has passed away.
Rypien, a heart and soul player for the Canucks for the past 6 seasons, took time off from the game close to the end of the 2010-2011 season to deal with some personal issues not related to substance abuse.
At 5'11 190lbs, Rypien was said to be undersized yet he took on players as big as...
Before we start, I'd like to send out my thoughts, prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Rick Rypien. He was a great player who had a bright future in the NHL and also a player who knew his role and played it tremendously. He will be deeply missed in the hockey community. The speculation is that Rypien committed suicide. Having gone through this with family ...
New rules are part of the NHL’s mandate to increase scoring and it’s fan base. New rules make traditionalists cringe and create frustrated feeling in fans that have already bought in. In the end the idea is that the league feels scoring equals entertainment which equals money.
How are the nets? Too big? Too small? Shrink the goalie equipment, enlarge the nets, creat...
Today Brian Rolston and I discussed his anticipated role with the New York Islanders for the upcoming season, his past experiences with the New Jersey Devils and his thoughts on the possible changes to the game that the NHL is currently considering.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/one-one-brian-rolston
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitt...
FLYERSROCK! writes...
2011/2012 NHL Predictions: Part 1 of 8: East Standings
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Hi! I'm Flyersrock, and right now I'm bored, so I'm going to be starting a "series" of blogs with my opinion on what I think the 2011/2012 NHL season will look like. There are going to be 8 parts of this "series". This will include how i think the East Standings, West Standings, East playoffs, west playoffs, and the Stanley Cup Final will turn out. The other 4 blogs will b...
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...
FLYERSROCK! writes...
2011/2012 NHL Predictions: Part 2 of 8: West Standings
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Ya, not going to do any shout outs here, because that's not the type of guy that I am.(joke) Although I do think "Rangers"(saw a guy post in the NYR blog that he doesn't like it when people call them "Rags" fans) fans are being a little tough on Drury. The guy thought he would get signed somewhere. If your boss said "here's a raise for you before you leave", would you say ...
FLYERSROCK! writes...
2012 NHL Predictions: Part 3 of 8: East Playoff Predictions
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
What the hell! They didn't give me enough space for my title! Well tonight i'm going to do my predictions for how I think the East playoffs will finish. Here we go! Happy readings!
[u][b]ROUND 1[/b][/u]
1. Washington vs. 8. NY Rangers- Washington in 6. Why?: Washington re-loaded this off-season, and finally got their #1 goalie, much like the Flyers did. The reason I ...
Hey everyone, new to this site and writing my first blog and what better way then to predict where my favourite team (Edmonton Oilers) will finish this year in the standings. To figure this process out I will do process of of elimination to determine where the other teams in the Western Conference will finish.
In no particular order, the top six teams in the west our V...
biggs36 writes...
Oiler 2011/2012 Stat Predictions and line combinations
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
This is my Edmonton Oilers stat predictions, line combinations and my awards for the 2011/2012 season.
OILERS 11-12 STAT PREDICTIONS
NAME GP G A PST PIM +/-
T.HALL 80 31 37 68 37 6
A.HEMSKY 68 23 43 66 30 4
J.EBERLE 82 22 37 59 28 -1
S.GAGNER 82 20 34 54 42 -1
R.WHITNEY 82 6 43 49 66 14
S.HORCOFF 78 15 29 44 82 1
R.SMYTH 82 23 21 44 47 -4
M.PAAJA...
We all know that an earthquake in Virginia was felt throughout Long Island yesterday, but the question on most minds of Islanders fans is if Nino Niederreiter will be cracking the line-up this season.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/will-el-nino-strike-island
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
With hockey enthusiasts left to count the days until the puck drops again, I believe it would be a good time to share my predictions as to what will unfold between now and next April. Enjoy.
Eastern Conference:
1. Washington Capitals
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Boston Bruins
4. New York Rangers
5. Tampa Bay Lightning
6. Buffalo Sabres
7. Montreal Canadiens
8. Phil...
You guys are way too good at these....and I hope you aren't wiki-cheating.....but here we go with another Who Am I?
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #15[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted by an expansion franchise.
2. I was the first freshman to win the Hobey Baker Award.
3. I had two 100-point seasons for the team that drafted me.
4. I played for 4 NHL teams.
5. I’ve won th...
It's been a while since I posted a blog here. In fact, I haven't posted anything in ages!
I decided to write a bit about the situation that prevails here in Quebec City regarding the new arena and everything that revolves around it.
First off, I think I speak for everyone here in Quebec when I say Congratulations to Winnipeg! It is so amazing that you got your team b...
[img]http://www.cyberpresse.ca/images/bizphotos/435x290/200910/30/120459-maire-sortant-regis-labeaume-multiplie.jpg[/img]
There has been alot of people complaining about the fact that Quebec City's new arena would be built using mainly public money.
When we take a look at the situation it is easy to end up with this conclusion, but there is more to it than what it lo...
Langkow was traded for Lee Stempniak. What does the move mean for the Flames? Did Jay Feaster make the right move? Follow the link!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/08/langk-you-very-much-daymond-langkow.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
This is intended as a reference only, but I thought I'd crunch the numbers for you all so you don't have to.
What I did was take the top 20 Goal Scorers from each NHL season since the lockout, and added their goal totals, ONLY IN THOSE SEASONS IN WHICH THEY FINISHED AMONG THE TOP 20. I think this approach gives you a better idea of how each player fares in comparison t...
FLYERSROCK! writes...
2012 NHL Predictions: Part 4 of 8: West Playoff Predictions
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Well I guess I sort of lied when I said it'd be 2-3 days for the next blog, as it's now 6 days after... my bad. :)
Today as you could tell by the title, i'm doing how I think the West playoffs will turn out this year! Cheers!
[u][b]ROUND 1[/b][/u]
1. Vancouver vs. 8. Calgary- Vancouver in 5. Why?: Simple: Vancouver has everything. Great offence, great defence, and a...
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...
We've heard it before. We reacted the same each and every time.
It may have been a family member, friend, co-worker, or anyone in our lives.
You hear stories about the son of so-and-so who was found hanging in the kitchen, or whats-her-name's dad turned the car on in the garage and went to sleep.
Every time the reaction is the same.
Yet, it keeps happening.
We hav...
FLYERSROCK! writes...
2012 NHL Predictions- Part 5 of 7: Stanley Cup Finals
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
First off, I'd like to say that I've had a pretty miserable week so far. 1st with going bcck to school. Then on Tuesday I found out that my great grandpa, who was a former scout for the NJ Devils, had passed away. My grandma and grandpa got a call from Lou Lamoriello, who gave his condolences to our family. He was also still paying him, even though he retired about 5 years...
dude84 writes...
Review of NHL11 *Demohttp://www.hockeybuzz.com/control_panel
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The EA NHL series of video games has been ongoing since 1991 with NHL Hockey on the Sega Mega Drive. Since its first installment it has been the go to game for hockey fans all over the world save a few year when the 2K series of games took over for a short period in the early 2000’s but now EA’s is the only company making NHL games for the two big consoles the PS3 and ...
dude84 writes...
Review of NHL11 *Demohttp://www.hockeybuzz.com/control_panel
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The EA NHL series of video games has been ongoing since 1991 with NHL Hockey on the Sega Mega Drive. Since its first installment it has been the go to game for hockey fans all over the world save a few year when the 2K series of games took over for a short period in the early 2000’s but now EA’s is the only company making NHL games for the two big consoles the PS3 and ...
dude84 writes...
Review of NHL11 *Demohttp://www.hockeybuzz.com/control_panel
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The EA NHL series of video games has been ongoing since 1991 with NHL Hockey on the Sega Mega Drive. Since its first installment it has been the go to game for hockey fans all over the world save a few year when the 2K series of games took over for a short period in the early 2000’s but now EA’s is the only company making NHL games for the two big consoles the PS3 and ...
dude84 writes...
Review of NHL11 *Demohttp://www.hockeybuzz.com/control_panel
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The EA NHL series of video games has been ongoing since 1991 with NHL Hockey on the Sega Mega Drive. Since its first installment it has been the go to game for hockey fans all over the world save a few year when the 2K series of games took over for a short period in the early 2000’s but now EA’s is the only company making NHL games for the two big consoles the PS3 and ...
The EA NHL series of video games has been ongoing since 1991 with NHL Hockey on the Sega Mega Drive. Since its first installment it has been the go to game for hockey fans all over the world save a few year when the 2K series of games took over for a short period in the early 2000’s but now EA’s is the only company making NHL games for the two big consoles the PS3 and ...
The EA NHL series of video games has been ongoing since 1991 with NHL Hockey on the Sega Mega Drive. Since its first installment it has been the go to game for hockey fans all over the world save a few year when the 2K series of games took over for a short period in the early 2000’s but now EA’s is the only company making NHL games for the two big consoles the PS3 and ...
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...
cuppacoldtea writes...
Banning Bare-Knuckle Boxing and Changing the Culture
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
One of my favourite youtube videos of all time was Larry Robinson coming back on to the ice during a preseason beach clearing brawl to find Dave Schultz and beat the snot out of him. Like all hockey fans, violence has always been a part of the game for me and I am just as guilty as anyone for condoning and encouraging it.
Having said that, I have to admit that a few ye...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as former New Jersey Devils forward Jay Pandolfo will be attending the Islanders training camp on a tryout basis.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/jay-pandolfo-gets-try-out-islanders
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Check out my new website dedicated to giving you all the best and most up to date fantasy information for the upcoming NHL Season.http://fantasyhockeytalkandtips.weebly.com/
Hey all.....happy Labour Day to my fellow Hockeybuzzards!!! I wish you well and all the best with your friends and loved ones.
Here we go with another NHL Who Am I? You guys usually smash these in no time at all, so I'm gonna try to make them harder.....and maybe a little trickier. You guys are hard to stump though. Good luck!
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #16[/b][/u]
...
Welcome to my first blog! Hopefully I will bring a fresh perspective to your Buzz experience.
Here is what I promise. I will spell check my blog. I will speak from experience, in what I know and not how I can impress you. I am not an insider, don't pretend to know all the players nick names and if I don't won't disrespect the player by giving him a new one. I won't ...
11 Forwards
Alex Ovechkin : A constant threat to score 50 goals and 100 points there has been no one with more consistent point production and health in recent memory. need I say more?
Steven Stamkos: Will he score 50 goals? It’s either that or high 40s there is not much mystery to what his goal and point totals will be and that’s always a good thing.
Henrik Sedin...
11 Forwards
Alex Ovechkin : A constant threat to score 50 goals and 100 points there has been no one with more consistent point production and health in recent memory. need I say more?
Steven Stamkos: Will he score 50 goals? It’s either that or high 40s there is not much mystery to what his goal and point totals will be and that’s always a good thing.
Henrik Sedin...
11 Forwards
1. Alex Ovechkin : A constant threat to score 50 goals and 100 points there has been no one with more consistent point production and health in recent memory. need I say more?
2. Steven Stamkos: Will he score 50 goals? It’s either that or high 40s there is not much mystery to what his goal and point totals will be and that’s always a good thing.
3. He...
So anyone out there in need of a website that not only gives you the in and outs of the hockey world? I mean not just the major teams in the leagues I mean even the low traffic teams like the hurricanes Panthers and Columbus Blue Jackets. All the teams have fantasy relevant players and sleepers that everyone should be able to find out about. So have a peek at the newest we...
PhReAk0909 writes...
My 2012 NHL Eastern Conference Standings and reasons
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Well, i have been an avid reader of hockey buzz for many years now.. i finally decided to write a quick blog on how i think the Eastern conference 2012 season will play out:
[b]East[/b]
1. Pitsburgh
[i]Reason:[/i] I firmly believe that this is the team to beat in the east... having done what they did last season without crosby for the better part of the season and wit...
As die hard Buffalo Sabres fans, we have certainly had to suffer through our share of disappointments. Beyond that, we have also hung on every word of hope sent to us from owners and managers. Who could forget John Rigas standing before a crowd in downtown Buffalo, declaring that he was going to supply the tools to "get the job done" Looking back, I am not quite sure ex...
Josh Bailey is the last impending RFA for the New York Islanders that still is without a contract for next season. Will he be reporting to training camp? Or will he be without a job in 2012? Check out my report at The Checking Line.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/baileys-clock-ticking
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitt...
FLYERSROCK! writes...
2012 NHL Predictions- Part 6 of 7: League Leaders
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
I decided to cut out the Draft predictions, as that would just be a waste of a blog, and too short. So now I am onto who I think will be the league leaders in the major stats catagories. It will include the Points leader, Goals winner, Assists champ, GAA leader, Save % leader, Wins leader, and shutouts leader.
Well then, here we go!
[u][b]TOP 10 POINT GETTERS [/b][/u]
...
This is my first ever Hockey Buzz blog so put your opinions in the comments and I don't really care what you say cause I'm not one of those people in this world that gets butt hurt over stupid things. But I would Love to hear your opinion.
Pacific Division Northwest Division Central Division ...
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...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
1. San Jose Sharks:
Forwards: 9/10 The Jan Jose Sharks are the deepest team in the league when it comes to the centre position with more NHL quality centres then they have spots. One thing is missing from the forward corps and that is and elite level winger to go with Thornton and Marleau or to spark the second line. This is the role Dany Heatley was supposed to fill but...
I sat down at my computer last night, excited to watch some hockey. It had been months since the last time I saw the puck drop. After a summer filled with horrible hockey occurrences, it was nice to see some hockey action. Unfortunately, it came in the form of a 6 - 1 drubbing of the Calgary Flames, from the San Jose Sharks at the rookie tournament.
The Flames started o...
With today being the release of EA's NHL 12, and amidst everyone's "top 5 hockey games" lists I'd thought I'd put my 2 cents in as well. For those of you not into video games, skip the next paragraph.
The most underrated hockey video game of all time was NHL Stanley Cup for SNES. Everyone says that about whatever their favorite game was growing up, but that was mine. ...
Prospect camp is on. Generally I like the format and I like seeing how the prospects play amongst guys at a similar development level. I hate seeing incidents like with Kyle Greentree a couple years back where he was challenging to be a late cut but at the prospect tourney gets run from behind by an Oiler plug missing his shot. For what?
So who’s been bad and good? Th...
Rob McGowan writes...
Tavares Nets Six Year Contract Extension With Isles
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The New York Islanders have locked up number one center, John Tavares to a six-year contract extension that will keep him with the organization through the 2017-2018 season. Rob McGowan reports.
Head over to The Checking Line to read more!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/tavares-nets-six-year-contract-extension-isles
-Rob McGowan
...
So with all the free time ive had on my hands at work with business slowing down /summer coming to an end im usually left with countless hours to surf the net. Unfortunatley all of the good sites are blocked ( Youtube, Yahoo, Hotmail etc) which means im left looking up meaningless stats and reading NHL blogs for the majority of my 8 hour shift. I might as well put all of t...
IanCunninghamTB writes...
Lightning Hit The Ice in Brandon This Weekend
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
The Tampa Bay Lightning Training Camp is officially under way!! After a day full of physicals and off-ice assessments, the team will travel to the Brandon Ice Sports Forum for their typical on-ice sessions and Blue/White games.
The on-ice workouts begin at 10 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. As always, the practices an...
mat_latourelle writes...
10 rookies to watch during training camp (Part 1)
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[b]Ryan Nugent Hopkins
(Edmonton Oilers)[/b]
Ryan Nugent Hopkins is this year’s first overall and like the many players taken at first overall before him, he plans on making the team right away. In fact, the last first overall pick not to start in the NHL the season that he was drafted was Erik Johnson in 2006. History of course is on his side, but do the Edmont...
mat_latourelle writes...
10 rookies to watch during training camp (Part 1)
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
[b]Ryan Nugent Hopkins
(Edmonton Oilers)[/b]
Ryan Nugent Hopkins is this year’s first overall and like the many players taken at first overall before him, he plans on making the team right away. In fact, the last first overall pick not to start in the NHL the season that he was drafted was Erik Johnson in 2006. History of course is on his side, but do the Edmont...
The 2012 season is just around the corner as the Islanders prepare to embark on the year that will hopefully be different than the previous three of the rebuild. Check out my post at The Checking Line that provides an insightful look at the upcoming season.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/and-islanders-will-finish
The 2012 season is just around the corner as the Islanders prepare to embark on the year that will hopefully be different than the previous three of the rebuild. Check out my post at The Checking Line that provides an insightful look at the upcoming season.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/and-islanders-will-finish
-Rob McGowan
Follow...
To Whom It May Concern,
This is a forewarning to all GMs, owners, and fans who enter the perils of "Player Holdouts". Prepare yourself for a giant letdown. History dictates the player will always win. Not the team or it's fans, the player and his agent always win.
Why does this hold true?
The player has the least to lose. He may not have a salary ...
djvoiz writes...
Bill 204 adopted: Quebec's hopes reaching new heights
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
It's such a great day for everyone who dreams of the return of the Nordiques in Quebec, like myself.
I have been dreaming about this for so long and now, its unreal to take a moment and realize that a new NHL-ready arena will be built and delivered during the 2015 summer.
The "Assemblée nationale" voted for Bill 204 today, which means that it secures the deal betwee...
Well it’s been a long summer. Actually it’s been 95 days since Zdeno Chara lifted the Cup over his head. It’s also been the worst summer in hockey history as the hockey world was plagued by death. This season will be a season for mourning of Derrick Boogaard, Rick Rypien and Wade Belak and all those on the Russian Lokomotiv team. It hasn’t been easy to digest.
...
I realize this isn't regarding the Flames, but it's a story that needs to be heard. I recently joined forces with Ritch Winter, a player agent who represents such players as Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky. The site is designed to give the hockey agent community a voice.
He was very close to a couple of players that perished in the Russian plane crash and this is his e...
I realize this isn't regarding the Flames, but it's a story that needs to be heard. I recently joined forces with Ritch Winter, a player agent who represents such players as Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky. The site is designed to give the hockey agent community a voice.
He was very close to a couple of players that perished in the Russian plane crash and this is his e...
I realize this isn't regarding the Flames, but it's a story that needs to be heard. I recently joined forces with Ritch Winter, a player agent who represents such players as Marian Hossa and Tomas Kopecky. The site is designed to give the hockey agent community a voice.
He was very close to a couple of players that perished in the Russian plane crash and this is his e...
IanCunninghamTB writes...
Lightning Play in Orlando; On Jerseys and Gilroy
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
September 22, 2011--The Tampa Bay Lightning are off to a slow start in the 2011 pre-season, dropping back-to-back decisions to the St. Louis Blues, 3-1 and 4-3. The two teams played a home and home set of games, with the latter taking place in Orlando's New Amway Center, home of the Orlando Magic. It was the first hockey game...
Yesterday the Islanders announced the new captain of the team, but there was also something else to report: a new proposal for the Nassau Coliseum. Head over to The Checking Line to read more:
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-files-new-captain-new-arena-proposal
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
A quick look at the Yahoo! NHL front page shows this as the main article
Same Old Story - New and improved Matt Cooke boards a guy
[url]http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/New-and-improved-Matt-Cooke-boards-a-guy;_ylt=AijT3EETh3umNq2YGz92hut7vLYF?urn=nhl-wp13351[/url]
Those of you that read my blog...(I think 5 now?) know I have spoken out against Cooke...
IanCunninghamTB writes...
Bolts Cut Roster in Half. Travel to La Belle Province.
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
The Tampa Bay Lightning trimmed their active roster down to 27 yesterday, sending 26 players packing in the process. This round of cuts sets up the difficult decision still remaining for Steve Yzerman and Co., with four more players set to be released. Thus, trimming the active roster down to the required 23 spots.
The foll...
Hey all! The 2011/2012 NHL season is just around the corner (finally!) and with that as always comes PhenomPool's annual NHL $100 million Salary Cap Pool. If any of you are interested in joining, send me an email at [email protected] or leave your email address in the comments section and I will forward you a copy of the file. There's a $25 entry fee and the deadl...
I'm sorry but this year's Winter Classic is a joke. It's all about the marketing and nothing to do with the hockey this year, and I hate to see the NHL waste one of it's few opportunities to rope in casual hockey fans by overexposing the same U.S. media markets. What does the state of Pennsylvania have on Gary Bettman? I mean 4 Winter Classic appearances combined betwee...
Check out my latest post at The Checking Line as the Islanders have made a few decisions regarding the roster as training camp and pre-season are quickly coming to a close
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-files-inching-closer-season
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Can Roman Horak stick with the big club? And for how long? It's been the surprise of Flames TC. Come over TSR to read more
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/09/roman-empire-horak-looks-to-stick-with.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
tml1967 writes...
30 Insane Predictions for the Maple Leafs upcoming season
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The 2011/12 Maple Leafs season is two days away against our arch rivals the Montreal Canadiens, the Buds will be looking to make the post season for the first time since the lockout. The club is one of only two clubs to have failed to do so (Florida Panthers the other) and will be looking to charge into the post season. Can the club score enough goals? Will the penalty kil...
The New York Islanders have signed Jay Pandolfo and Ryan Strome just in time before the start of the 2011-2012 season. Rob McGowan takes a look at the contracts and what they could mean for the rest of the roster.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/strome-and-pandolfo-earn-contracts-islanders
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://...
Realignment 2012 is happening. The board of Governors along with the GM's announced publicly that realignment would be sorted out before the new year and that those changes would be put into effect at the start of the 2012-2013 season. That's all fine and dandy... except for the fact that we have no clue which team will end up in which conference/division come next season....
Can't make it to the game? Be sure to head over to The Checking Line for a live blog coming to you straight from the Nassau Coliseum press-box at 8 PM, covering the Islanders home opener against the Florida Panthers!
Both Panthers and Islanders fans are welcome, as well as all fans from any team!
www.thecheckingline.com
I will also be on Blog Talk Radio tonight fo...
The Islanders fell short in a disappointing 2-0 loss for their home opener against the Florida Panthers. Rob McGowan reports.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-fall-home-opener-vs-panthers
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Welcome back for another installment of 10 questions! I'm your host, habsteen26. So without further ado, here we go!
1) Which coach will get canned first? Ron Wilson, Bruce Boudreau, or Alain Vigneault?
2) Chris Campoli?
3) Which Canadian 'bubble' team is most likely to make the playoffs? Winnipeg, Calgary, or Toronto?
4) Who will have the highest +/- this ...
the Flames were soundly beat last night. Sign of things to come? Or just a prime example of how far the Flames are from being a good team. Read more here:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/10/flames-downed-in-opener.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Well that went about as well as could be expected eh? Not only did the Sabres return from their European business trip with a valuable 4 out of 4 points, but they did so in a dominating fashion. I liked the fact that despite the distractions of sightseeing in Europe, when that puck dropped in Helsinki on Friday night the Sabres were focused on hockey and nothing else.
...
After a nine-day wait to begin the regular season, the Jets looked sloppy and out of sync with each other in a 5-1 loss to the Habs on Sunday. Now that all the hooplah surrounding the return of the team has subsided somewhat, the team is leaving on its first road trip of the season.
Time for this team to spend some time together and do a little bonding. I suspect a li...
The Islanders managed to pull out a win against the Minnesota Wild on Monday but have struggled to get pucks to the net. Rob McGowan takes an in depth look at the Isles offensive struggles.
http://thecheckingline.com/node/4745
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Hello everyone,
I am currently a college student at Montana State University, but am origionally from San Dimas, Ca and was born and raised a Ducks fan. I live and breath Ducks hockey during the NHL season, ask any one of my room mates or people that have lived a floor below me. Anyways I would love to start writing a blog on the Ducks, to express my joy and frustr...
[img]http://wwwcache.wralsportsfan.com/asset/racing/nascar/2008/09/25/3611612/25368-nhl-400x300.jpg[/img]
[b]Follow me on Twitter @AarifDeenReport please.[/b]
We are now 8 days into the new NHL season. We’ve got goals, fights, suspensions (with videos), shutouts, and yes! The first classless act of the season from Mr. Arron Asham (albeit he’s a good guy, and ma...
IanCunninghamTB writes...
Too Early To Assess Bolts; Renovated Forum Ready To Shine
Posted Friday | Comments 0
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
The Tampa Bay Lightning sit below the .500 mark for the first time under Guy Boucher’s tenure as head coach of the hockey club. The team has allowed at least four goals against in the past three contests, the end result being one point of a possible six. This after starting the season with a convincing 5-1 victory over a ...
So Mr. Cherry versus the pukes, eh?†is the main story this week as I start my column off. I have a couple of comments here. First of all, the players deny saying what Cherry said they did. Plus, in my opinion, fighting has not been the problem with the NHL. The fighting issue has taken a second seat to head shots. So far as I am concerned, Cherry's comments on f...
The Islanders top line has started to click with Moulson, Tavares and Parenteau finding the back of the net. But will the rest of the team be able to keep up? Head to The Checking Line for a look at the team's offensive depth.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/where-isles-second-act
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.co...
Watching the Edmonton Oilers play Saturday night brought a couple thoughts to mind, good and bad. Needless to say, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is here to stay. Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle are very, very good hockey players and by the end of the season 'great' may be a more fitting adjective. They have tons of young offensive pieces in place with Paajarvi, Gagner, Hemsky, Omark a...
Watching the Edmonton Oilers play Saturday night brought a couple thoughts to mind, good and bad. Needless to say, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is here to stay. Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle are very, very good hockey players and by the end of the season 'great' may be a more fitting adjective. They have tons of young offensive pieces in place with Paajarvi, Gagner, Hemsky, Omark a...
Watching the Edmonton Oilers play Saturday night brought a couple thoughts to mind, good and bad. Needless to say, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is here to stay. Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle are very, very good hockey players and by the end of the season 'great' may be a more fitting adjective. They have tons of young offensive pieces in place with Paajarvi, Gagner, Hemsky, Omark a...
Watching the Edmonton Oilers play Saturday night brought a couple thoughts to mind, good and bad. Needless to say, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is here to stay. Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle are very, very good hockey players and by the end of the season 'great' may be a more fitting adjective. They have tons of young offensive pieces in place with Paajarvi, Gagner, Hemsky, Omark a...
A brutal 1-3 start has lots of fans wondering if we're in for another playoff-less season in Calgary. Should we be worried or is it too early to tell? Come read for yourselves, and I swear I try to be positive...
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/10/should-calgary-flames-fans-be-worried.html
Newman
twitter.com/TSRNewman
Iban3z writes...
Flyers Homestand Recap/ My take on NHL Shots to the Head
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The first ten days of hockey have wrapped up and I couldn’t be happier with what I’ve seen from the Philadelphia Flyers. As of Saturday the Flyers are 3-0-1. Seven points out of eight is a good start for a team that is just gelling together.
The Flyers faced the Western Conference champions, the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday and played a pretty solid game. The only...
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
Roman Hamrlik of the Washington Capitals recently played in his 1,315th game in the NHL, making him the leader in games played by an Eastern European born player. The Czech defenseman started his career with the expansion 1992-93 Tampa Bay Lightning. Hamrlik remembers the challenges of making the transition to the North Ame...
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
The Lightning penalty kill looked abhorent over the weekend in a home-and-home series with state rival, the Florida Panthers. In total, the Panthers struck seven times on the power play, along with one short handed marker for eight special teams goals in two games. Florida has only one power play goal in its other two conte...
Hey everyone...if you like reading my work at TCL, make sure you like the new official page on Facebook! "The Checking Line - Isles Edition"!
Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Checking-Line-Isles-Edition/189290674480375
Liking the page will bring my work as well as Brian Bock's, Evan Pivnick's and John Madonia's right to your news feed with all your...
P.A. Parenteau has been impressive so far on the season, but what will happen to his spot on the top line when Nino Niederreiter rejoins the Islanders line-up? Rob McGowan takes a look at what might unfold as the season rolls along.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/pa-perfect
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/Isle...
IanCunninghamTB writes...
Limited Options For Yzerman to Bolster Blueline
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
Last night on the NHL on TSN, Pierre Lebrun mentioned that Tampa GM Steve Yzerman is looking to add a top-four defenseman in the near future. Lebrun is the latest addition to TSN’s expert panel of NHL Insiders, joining fellow Insiders Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie, along with host James Duthie. This group forms unarguab...
Hey peeps.....hope you have enjoyed the beginning of the 2011/2012 season of the Coolest Game On Earth. Here's another NHL Who Am I? to whet your appetite a little more. It might not be as easy as some of the others. Then again, you guys are good.
[u][b]NHL Who Am I? #18[/b][/u]
1. I was drafted by the Stanley Cup Champions.
2. I was involved in one of the most...
The Islanders have fallen to .500 after losing two straight in Florida. Is it time for head coach Jack Capuano to shuffle up the lines? Rob McGowan takes a look at the Islanders' play over the past six games.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/are-isles-better-500
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Like us...
The Montreal Canadiens are 1-5-2 as of right now. What the hell is happening right now? bad luck?, no talent? Oh My Goodness, is it too early for a major trade? I know it doesn't work like that but something is going to happen for sure. A step up from a leader, big aquisition who knows, rumours fly everywhere! and from what we hear it's almost never what anybody thought......
While neither goalie has proven themselves to be a top flight NHL starter, there is a twist to the story.
Reimer, once thought to be nothing more but a future backup goalie is the Leafs number one guy.
Monster, once thought to be their future number one goalie is starting to look like nothing more then a possible back up.
My question is, Do you think Monster can s...
First let me say this is my first blog on this site, so any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
I know it's not even one month into the season, and a lot of fans may be upset reading this, but remember it is only my opinion.
This season is looking more and more like a complete right-off. This team is going nowhere fast, and even if by some miracle we do sneak int...
While geneticists on Terra Nova hope to head off global warming (oops! Climate change nowadays) by discovering the insidious Luongo genome, NBA owners and players are at an impasse over whether or not Booby Lu is in fact responsible for all of the woes facing pro sports today.
A bit of a stretch you say? Well, considering that callers to Vancouver sports radio shows are...
Curious as to what is new with top Islanders prospect, Ryan Strome? Well there is plenty, and you can find it all out in my interview at The Checking Line!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/one-one-ryan-strome
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Be sure to "like" The Checking Line's new Islanders Facebook ...
The Islanders played a full 60-minute hockey game last night but lost in overtime due to a questionable call on Travis Hamonic. Rob McGowan provides the post-game report at The Checking Line.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/islanders-get-hammered-sharks
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Be sure to "lik...
I'd like to begin my blog by saying hello. This Is is my first blog and I'd like to warn all other bloggers that I may be stealing their readers cause I am about as good at writing as Ovechkin is scoring goals. My favorite team is the e 1st place oilers and the majority of my blogs will be about them. So let's get down to busieness.
The oilers play yet another home gam...
I'd like to begin my blog by saying hello. This Is is my first blog and I'd like to warn all other bloggers that I may be stealing their readers cause I am about as good at writing as Ovechkin is scoring goals. My favorite team is the e 1st place oilers and the majority of my blogs will be about them. So let's get down to busieness.
The oilers play yet another home gam...
I'd like to begin my blog by saying hello. This Is is my first blog and I'd like to warn all other bloggers that I may be stealing their readers cause I am about as good at writing as Ovechkin is scoring goals. My favorite team is the e 1st place oilers and the majority of my blogs will be about them. So let's get down to busieness.
The oilers play yet another home gam...
I'd like to begin my blog by saying hello. This Is is my first blog and I'd like to warn all other bloggers that I may be stealing their readers cause I am about as good at writing as Ovechkin is scoring goals. My favorite team is the e 1st place oilers and the majority of my blogs will be about them. So let's get down to busieness.
The oilers play yet another home gam...
I'd like to begin my blog by saying hello. This Is is my first blog and I'd like to warn all other bloggers that I may be stealing their readers cause I am about as good at writing as Ovechkin is scoring goals. My favorite team is the e 1st place oilers and the majority of my blogs will be about them. So let's get down to busieness.
The oilers play yet another home gam...
Rob McGowan writes...
Nino Niederreiter and Trevor Gillies Assigned to AHL
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Read my latest at The Checking Line to see the latest transactions made by the New York Islanders
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/nino-niederreiter-and-trevor-gillies-assigned-ahl
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
Be sure to "like" The Checking Line's official Islanders Facebook page to keep track all ...
I am going to take a look at the Flames last ten years of first round draft picks and tell you if I think it was a bust or not.
Chuck Kobasew 2001 1st rd. 14th overall.
Kobasew wasn’t the only player from the 2001 draft that became a regular NHLer for the Flames. David Moss was the other player but besides those the rest of the draft has become a bust. Kobasew ...
I am going to take a look at the Flames last ten years of first round draft picks and tell you if I think it was a bust or not.
Chuck Kobasew 2001 1st rd. 14th overall.
Kobasew wasn’t the only player from the 2001 draft that became a regular NHLer for the Flames. David Moss was the other player but besides those the rest of the draft has become a bust. Kobasew ...
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
There has been an abundant amount of speculation the past week or so regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning’s goaltending situation. Namely, that a change is needed to keep the hockey club competitive with increasingly difficult Eastern Conference squads. The NHL Standings as of November 1st read more like science fiction com...
Well I work on this during the intermissions of the Flyers game, and finally finished... here are some funs NHL Stats guys! :thumbsup:
[u]Eastern Conference[/u]
[u]Atlantic: 53 GP[/u]
Pits: 13 GP, 18 P
Phil: 11 GP, 13 P
NYR: 10 GP, 11 P
NJD: 10 GP, 9 P
NYI: 9 GP, 8 P
[u]Northeast: 54 GP[/u]
Tor: 11 GP, 15 P
Ott: 12 GP, 14 P
Buf: 10 GP, 12 P
Mon: 11 GP, 1...
[u][b]NHL Who AM I? #19[/b][/u]
1. I scored 1200 points in the NHL.
2. I played for 5 teams in my 19-year career.
3. I had seven 40+ goal seasons.
4. I made it to the Stanley Cup finals my rookie year, but lost.
5. I made it back 14 years later with a different team only to lose again.
6. My jersey has been retired by an OHL team.
7. I spent 8 ½ seasons wi...
leafer91 writes...
Next Couple Drafts Could Bring One Team A Solid Future
Posted Friday | Comments 0
From the 2001-2002 season to the 2003-2004, the Pittsburgh Penguins found themselves at the bottom of the Atlantic Division three years in a row. Placing so low in the standings allowed Pittsburgh to draft the likes of: Marc-Andre Fleury, Evgeni Malkin, Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal. Drafting these players has taken the Pittsburgh Penguins from being the laughing stock of...
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...
4blindmice writes...
DON CHERRY = BLUSTER OVER SUBSTANCE TIME & TIME AGAIN
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Wouldn’t it be nice if just once Ron MacLean actually challenged one of Don Cherry’s outlandish assertions and made him support it with some substance?
Seriously though, if you throw in a few Cherry-wanna-be’s, like Mike Milbury or Doug MacLean, the so-called expert analysis segment of your favourite hockey program is filled to the brim with unsupported rhetoric f...
Brian Rolston said he would play better if used on the top two lines; in his first game on the second unit, Rolston scored his first goal of the season and played on the most succesful line against the Washington Capitals last night. Rob McGowan reports.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/time-brian-rolston-revival
Like TCL's Islanders Fac...
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
Three games into November, the Tampa Bay Lightning have managed to secure four of a possible six points, capped off by a thrilling come from behind shootout victory in Florida. Although the Bolts surrendered three points to division rivals Carolina and Florida, the focus at this point in the season is on gathering points, r...
I saw earlier that the gauntlet was thrown down in regards to fighting in the NHL. I’m glad that the fights have cooled off in the NHL. However, lets be honest. No one is going to get killed, and fighting will not be banned in the NHL.
First, how does one define a fight in the NHL? I look at it as when 2 players drop the gloves, and start throwing punches. Simple eno...
Rob McGowan takes a look at the current goalie rotation that is currently plaguing the Isles ability to win hockey games.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/montoya-minutes-al-needs-play
Follow us on twitter @TCLIsles (twitter.com/TCLIsles) and like our Facebook page with all of our Islanders blogs and more!
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
...
....at the option of the team management.
For the life of me I cannot understand this debate. Team management determines a course of training for its players, diet, game plans, travel plans. etc. Why should they not have a say in protection? Let's not be naive here. Players are "assets" with values that affect the balance sheets of their teams. The salary cap only emp...
The NHL All-Star ballot came out today. Much to my surprise (insert sarcasm), Sydney Crosby was on the list... despite having not played a single NHL game this season.
First and foremost, the players that are placed on the All-Star ballot are players that are having a good season up to this point. Keep that in mind as this blog progresses.
I find this strange, that...
Blake Comeau was the subject of several trade rumors for the Islanders this summer and has been struggling offensively this season. With certain prospects pushing for roster spots, will Blake Comeau make it to the end of the year as a New York Islander? Rob McGowan reports.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/comeau-gonna-go
Want a chance t...
I’ve watched the replay numerous times. One thing needs to be done... and a clear message needs to be sent.
Milan Lucic needs to be suspended, or have SOME type of consequence for his hit on Miller tonight.
There’s no question. No matter how many times that I see the hit on Miller, Lucic intended to hurt him, and didn’t need to. The intent to hurt was clear. ...
It's over. Hagman is finally leaving Calgary. Come to the The Sports Roundup to find out what it means and a little more about his run in cow town.
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/11/hagman-claimed-by-ducks.html
Newman
Rob McGowan reports the latest Isles news at The Checking Line as Nino Niederreiter has been recalled from his conditioning stint with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/el-nino-way
Be sure to read Brian Bock's post-game report for last night's game against the Vancouver Canucks as well!
http://thecheckinglin...
After their Stanley Cup Victory last June the Boston Bruins racked up a whopping $156,000 bar tab in just one of their many celebrations, that seemingly didn't stop until sometime in early November. Now you can add a Miller Lite to that tab, a 180lb soaking wet Ryan Miller to be exact. Saturday night Ryan Miller of the Sabres came way out of his net to play a puck and af...
Ken Campbell is wrong. Very, very wrong. In his latest gem of an article he proclaimed that the Leafs have never had a "true superstar" on the team, that Sundin doesn't belong in the HHOF in his first year of eligibility, and the HHOF is biased towards Toronto players.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/42947-Campbell-Hall-of-Fame-Leafs-bias-will-benefit-Sundin.htm...
Right now the Buffalo Sabres remind me of Cerberus the three headed hound from Greek mythology. In this case however, instead of a menacing multi-headed beast guarding the entrance to the Underworld, the Sabres have their own triple threat in Vanek, Roy, and Pominville.
Thomas Vanek (11g, 11a, 22pts) is tied for second in the NHL in scoring, despite averaging less time...
A terrible strech of games hasent ended yet as the Ducks fall again, this time in a Shootout to division rivals, the LA Kings.
Iban3z writes...
NHL:Miller, the "1-3-1" Flyers Winning ways, Howe HOF Speech
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
I’m a little behind in my blogs. I apologize for that. A lot has been going on throughout the hockey world.
I want to touch a little bit on the Milan Lucic hit on Sabres’ goaltender Ryan Miller. Lucic wasn’t suspended nor fined for the hit however, this has left plenty of fans upset. NHL Dean of discipline, Brendan Shanahan has a shot of having consistency when i...
Evgeni Nabokov appeared to be on the trading block before suffering a groin injury Thursday night that put him on the Injured Reserve. Rob McGowan explains how this may actually increase his value later on in the season.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/nabokovs-injury-may-increase-his-value
I will also be appearing on Hockey This Week ...
Daniil Zharkov, 17 year old Left Winger of the Ontario Hockey Leagues Belleville Bulls is beginning to turn heads with his recent play. Zharkov has 5 goals and 1 assist on the season. Not impressed?, What if I told you his season only began five games ago?. That is right, Zharkov has been sidelined since the preseason with a broken left clavicle.
Zharkov was Belleville...
Rob McGowan writes...
Their Worst Game Of The Season, Isles Lose 6-0 To The Bruins
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Rob McGowan provides the post-game report at The Checking Line as the Islanders were victimized in an effortless 6-0 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Boston Bruins.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/their-worst-game-season-isles-lose-6-0-bruins
-Rob McGowan
Follow me on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter....
Let's re-enact the plot from the seminal classic "Trading Places" with Eddie Murphy and Dan Akroyd. I have a full day ahead of me as the Sabres new head honcho and while the very confused Darcy Regier spends the next 8 hours trying to find my car keys and navigate the rough and tumble Jersey neighborhoods, I have some phone calls to make.
[b]8am- [/b]I just entered the...
So I was watching the Pittsburgh game last night and just got onto thinking of what Dan Bylsma was able to accomplish over the past year and a half, while missing his top 2 players (Crosby and Malkin) for a significant portion of time. It got me thinking how much I would love to have a guy like this running the Leaf’s bench and then it got me thinking even more. Currentl...
At differing points each year, I like to get out the spreadsheet and calculate how the standings might look if the NHL reweighted its points system. These adjustments must always be taken with a grain of salt -- changing the points system invariably would change team strategies, especially late in games -- but I do think they provide additional perspective that can help us...
Rob McGowan takes a look at the current state of the New York Islanders as well as providing some suggestions as to what needs to be done for both the long and short term benefits of this hockey team.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/where-have-isles-gone
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.faceboo...
I had the chance to speak at length with Neil Sheehy, a former Flame and now hockey agent, about his playing career and his transformation into a hockey player agent. Click the link below to read more:
http://www.theagentsofchange.com/2011/11/neil-sheehy-agent-of-change.html
Newman
OK .
Where do i start.
Do you know what is sad? When a Die-hard Avs fan like myself has to witness so many bad played games by the Avs that i consider not cheering for them anymore. But i cant do that, because that means i would have to stop liking hockey altogether. And honestly, i still love the Avs.
So i was thinking on my way home after the 3-0 loss t...
Rob McGowan writes...
Still Without Power On The Island; Isles Lose 1-0 To Devils
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Rob McGowan brings you the post-game report at The Checking Line as the Islanders have been shutout for the sixth time this season
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/still-without-power-island-isles-lose-1-0-devils
-Rob McGowan
Follow our Isles staff on Twitter!
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
Its official: Its been one of the wackiest quarters in NHL history.
After the most tragic summer in the NHL in recent memory, maybe even ever, we have indeed had quite the first quarter of the NHL season. The Minnesota Wild are 2nd in the NHL, The "revamped" Columbus Blue Jackets are in last (
Rob McGowan shares his latest on the current situation surrounding Nino Niederreiter and why he might not have been playing the past few games.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/where-world-nino-niederreiter
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
It’s been a tough week for the Flyers. They played 5 games in eight days going 2-3-0. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Flyers lost Andreas Lijia to injury for six weeks, JVR for 1-2 weeks, Jagr has been Day-to-Day and Chris Pronger will miss the next four weeks following successful knee surgery. The Flyers also waived streaky forward, Andreas Nodl who was picked up by th...
Going into this season, the Bluejackets made a splash, trading for Jeff Carter, signing Prospal and Wisniewski, kids like Clitsome and Johanson coming on, mixed with stud Rick Nash and carry overs Vermette, Mason, Umberger and Brassard.The CBJ actually going into the season have a top six payroll, and looked likely to compete for a bottom three playoff spot.
well, i...
Sabres42 writes...
Hello Inconsistentcy...Miller Clarifys and Bobby Ryan
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Inconsistency seems to be theme in Hockey Heaven these days. After another home loss to the struggling Islanders, with the Sabres putting up 1 goal on Al Montoya it may be time to worry. Roy, Stafford, and Leino continue to be ice cold and struggle. Roy had 2 point blank chances to tie it on a 5 on 3 and was stoned once and missed the net on the second chance. Leino ha...
Rob McGowan shares his latest at The Checking Line, discussing the recent play of rookie forward, David Ullstrom since his call up to the New York Islanders.
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/ullstrom-making-most-opportunity-isles
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
by Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
The Tampa Bay Lightning recorded a record of 6-7 in the month of November, dropping three spots to eleventh in the fifteen team Eastern Conference. In the process, Tampa surrendered eleven of a possible eighteen points available to Eastern Conference opponents, including six points to three teams that were below the Bolts i...
Sabres42 writes...
An Early Look at The Potential Trade Deadline Movers
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
It's December 1st and all the Bobby Ryan chatter over the last few days I couldn't help but notice the NHL Deadline is less than 3 months away. Another intriguing factor of this year's deadline is all the potential stars that could be on the move. Parise, Ryan, Iginla, Luongo, Nash, Carter, Weber, Suter, Hemsky, Alfredsson, Spezza, Stastny, Lecavalier, Semin, Bouwmeester...
The Flames blew a 3-1 lead with less than 5 minutes left in the third. You wanna hear a rant...well here it is because I'm pissed off!
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2011/12/new-low-flames-lose-to-jackets.html
Newman
Brassards agent rips Arniel for leaving him in the locker room as a healthy scratch again, saying Arniel is making Brassard the scapegoat for the teams wretched start. Well......
Rumors have it columbus is trying to trade Brassard. Two ways to fascilitate this, one, play them and feature their skills to prespective bidders. Two, sit them and hope that absence makes...
I understand the frustration fans are having with the way the season which began with so much promise is starting to get away from them, it begs the question, should the sabres trade Ryan Miller? And if so, to whom and for what? It is a soft goalie market, I dont think you could get close to market value, but what does this Sabres team need to right the ship?
Al Montoya has been playing excellent lately, making himself the team's number one goaltender. But with Rick DiPietro's contract keeping him here for many more years to come, how long will Montoya's run last?
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/have-isles-become-montoyas-team
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLI...
We have some big news to deliver to our readers at The Checking Line. Make sure to read this letter as you won't want to miss what is in store for you!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/letter-our-readers
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
Matt Moulson has been named the NHL's First Star of the Week. Rob McGowan reports for The Checking Line: Islanders Edition with that and more!
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/moulson-seeing-stars
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com
www.facebook.com/TCLIsl...
Rob McGowan writes...
Drawing The Line: Isles Will Move To "Conference D" Next Sea
Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
The NHL Board of Governors voted in favor of a very dramatic change to the set up of the NHL's Conferences for next season. Rob McGowan reports for The Checking Line on how this may effect the New York Islanders and the rest of the league.
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/drawing-line-isles-will-move-conference-d-next-season
-R...
The NHL announced yesterday that for the 2012-2013 season, the teams would be shuffled into a four-conference league. This is a huge win for the Detroit Red Wings organization and for their fans. For years, Mike Ilitch and Company has been yearning for a ticket into the Eastern Conference, and they thought they might have their chance when Atlanta moved north. They now ...
The NHL and the Board of Governors has approved a plan that will dramatically change the landscape of the NHL regular season and playoffs. With any new plan there are going to be pros and cons. Unfortunately for me I feel that the cons dominate the pros in the new setup.
Here is some of the fallout from the changes:
[b]Creating divisional rivalries:[/b] The sche...
Rob McGowan writes...
Drawing The Line: Isles Will Move To "Conference D"
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Rob McGowan takes a look at where the New York Islanders will fall into the new Conference changes as well as what it might mean for the team and the rest of the league.
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/drawing-line-isles-will-move-conference-d-next-season
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
...
By Ian Cunningham
[email protected]
A 5-1 drubbing at the hands of the league’s lowest scoring team, the New York Islanders, has left the Lightning coaching staff shaking their heads in disbelief. Is this the same team that stymied opponents routinely down the stretch and in the post-season last year? While the personnel have not turned over to any great d...
Rob McGowan writes...
Hit On Nino Warrants Suspsension For Stars Defenseman
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Islanders won a hard fought 5-4 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night, and it can be termed hard fought for many reasons; the Isles saw a three-goal lead get washed away to a tie in the second period; Rick DiPietro pulled his groin, forcing Al Montoya to start the third period; the Stars kept coming back on the score board; and last but not least, Nino Nieder...
Rob McGowan writes...
Hit On Nino Warrants Suspension For Stars Defenseman
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Islanders won a hard fought 5-4 victory over the Dallas Stars on Saturday night, and it can be termed hard fought for many reasons; the Isles saw a three-goal lead get washed away to a tie in the second period; Rick DiPietro pulled his groin, forcing Al Montoya to start the third period; the Stars kept coming back on the score board; and last but not least, Nino Nieder...
43.1 Checking from Behind – A check from behind is a check delivered on a player who is not aware of the impending hit, therefore unable to protect or defend himself, and contact is made on the back part of the body
I agree, to a degree, with the suspension of Leino. Pushing the envelope a little bit, given Shanny's track record this season. I've watched the video a l...
The Islanders, who are boasting the worst offense in the league with only a dismal 59 goals for (the second worst team is the L.A. Kings with 63), were heavily criticized for one specific thing over the past three months; not scoring enough goals. (Shocking, right?)
After being shutout several times this year, the Isles were becoming a one-trick pony; if the line of Mou...
Hello all,
Most of you have known me on here for quite some time as one of the Islanders bloggers on the site, via My Hockeybuzz. I have very much enjoyed my time posting here, getting to know some of you and exchanging thoughts about the New York Islanders, whatever the topic might be.
However, most of my posts will not be showing up on the main page anymore as I a...
Brian Rolston, Jay Pandolfo, Marty Reasoner and Steve Staios were added to this Islanders team during the off-season to provide veteran stability throughout the line-up; Rolston was acquired for cap room and an added offensive punch over Trent Hunter, Pandolfo and Reasoner were brought in for defensive support on the bottom line, and Staios added grit and experience to a r...
Since the beginning of the 2011-2012 season, Claude Giroux, Sidney Crosby, Jeff Skinner, Brayden Schenn, Daniel Paille, Peter Muller, Joey Hishon, Radek Martinek, Marek Zidlicky, Nino Niederreriter, Michael Sauer, Milan Michalek, Zbynek Michalek, Kris Letang and Andy Mcdonald have all been diagnosed with concussions.
While the NHL attempts to remove hits to the head, ...
The Islanders announced on their home page yesterday that goaltender Evgeni Nabokov was close to making his return to the Islanders line-up.
Per the Isles official web-site:
“Nabby is close,” Islanders Head Coach Jack Capuano said after practice at Iceworks. “He’s been practicing. Yesterday and today, he had good days.”
Read more at The Checking Line - I...
So been bored and decided to browse what some of the recently built arena's cost to be built and what they would cost to build now. As we all know the arena referendum would've given the isles $350 million to build a new arena. And that raises a question. Why that much cash for a arena? Now I was all for the referendum as any die hard would've been, but looking back did we...
A Concussion Epidemic?! - 12/15/11
This week may have been the worse week for the NHL in terms of Concussions that it has ever experienced. The Hurricanes have lost Jeff Skinner and Joni Pitkanen. The Flyers have lost Chris Pronger and Claude Giroux. The Ottawa Senators have lost Milan Michalek. The Wild have seen the return of power forward Guillaume Latendresse, only ...
pdg123 writes...
Concussion Daily: What the Pronger Announcement Means...
Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]...for the Philadelphia Flyers: [/b]
They now know they will be at least 52 more regular season games without their top defender and captain, Chris Pronger. Although the efforts of Marc-Andre Bourdon and Kevin Marshall have sufficed, this cannot be effective over a long-term span, and a trade for a proven defender is necessary if the Flyers are serious about a St...
Rob McGowan reports on the recent accusation against former Islanders GM Mike Milbury; assault and battery on a twelve-year old child
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/former-isles-gm-mike-milbury-accused-assault
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
Rob McGowan provides a quick look at how some of the Isles top prospects have been performing so far this season
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-prospect-check-12192011
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
Read my latest at The Checking Line (Isles Edition) where I take a look at the recent injuries to the Islanders and explain what it might mean for the team as the season moves along.
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-injuries-starting-mount
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook...
It is the time of year to give and receive gifts from friends, relatives, and Santa. It is no exception for NHL teams. The following provides the wish lists that all 30 NHL teams have given Santa.
[b]Anaheim:[/b] Where to begin here? Anaheim is going to have an Eric Cartman sized Xmas list this year. Getting the RPG line on track, getting Visnovsky in the lineup re...
My latest post at TCL - Isles Edition takes a look at the play of P.A. Parenteau and how he has been one of the best Islanders skaters so far this season
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/pa-parenteau-isles-unsung-hero
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
Here is an update on the Islanders top prospect, Ryan Strome as he continues his strong play for Team Canada in this year's World Junior's Tournament
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/strome-looks-home-world-juniors
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
The Isles would go on to win 4-1 over the Edmonton Oilers on Ken Morrow night. The Checking Line - Isles Edition provides you with the post-game coverage.
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/isles-strike-oil-4-1-win-over-edmonton
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/IslesRM
http://twitter.com/TCLIsles
www.facebook.com/TCLIsles
They haven't announced the names of the 4 conferences that take affect next season. I think they should go back to the classic Adams, Norris, Smythe, and Patrick.
Or maybe something new: Gretzky, Orr, Hull, and Richard.
What say you?
As many of you might know I have teamed with hockey agent Ritch Winter to bring fans closer to the game of hockey. Here is the latest post on Agent of Change about free agency and what agents go through on July 1st. Check it out:
http://www.theagentsofchange.com/2012/01/ritch-responds-july-1st-and-free-agency.html
Newman
40 games in the season the Flames sit in 12th spot in the west. What's been good so far this season. Read more here:
http://www.thesportsroundup.com/2012/01/calgary-flames-mid-season-report.html
Newman
Tonight is the big game. Re-match from the World Junior Gold Medal game last year in Buffalo. As a Canadian, I was really cheering the Czech's on last tonight against Russia. In such a tight game, Grigori Zheldakov scored the game-winner for Russia following a power-play from the Czech's. Daniel Krejci was hit on the follow through of a Russian players stick, and stayed do...
Rick DiPietro was sent home for medical evaluations, despite already being on the Injured Reserve, before the Islanders began their road trip last night in Carolina. Click the link below to read more at The Checking Line - Isles Edition.
http://islanders.thecheckingline.com/blog/rob-mcgowan/new-york-islanders/dipietro-salt-open-wound
-Rob McGowan
http://twitter.com/...
The Maple Leafs are in an all familiar spot in the standings since the lockout, out of a playoff position once again thanks in part to a dismal month of December that saw the club go 4-6-3 and in a tight Eastern Conference that sees 10 points separating 3rd place from 12th place in the Conference the Buds need to get their game back on track
The team plays nine out of t...
Grab your pen and paper parents.... Next Christmas's number #1 hit will be the next edition in Activision's première video game series... Call of Duty 9: Hockey Warfare 1!!
I am stoked!! Activision has sent me a few prototype trailers, and it is appears to be the real thing!!
So like the preceding editions of this game, you take on the views of varios facets of the...
What a guy! Isn't he beautiful?!
I have chosen to write my next blog about one of my favourite sports personalities of all time.
Nothing irritates me more then people who constantly berate and chastise Don Cherry when they don't even know the guy.
Off-screen, what does Don do? Spends his time helping the hockey community in every way he can. He visits hospitals...
Jarome Iginla joined the exclusive 500 goal club on Saturday night. Now, there are talks of him once again leaving town. I don't think it's going to happen though. Come over to The Checking Line to read more!
http://thecheckingline.com/blog/newman/calgary-flames/mr-500-jarome-iginla
Newman
Many people in the hockey community feel that the amount of concussions suffered by NHL players is a serious issue – and it is. It is no secret that the number of reported concussions in the NHL has been on the rise over the last number of years compared to the past. This can be attributed to a number of things. First, the knowledge of concussions and the symptoms have i...
Whats going on with the Washington Capitals? There’s a question I think every hockey fan and analyst are asking themselves these days, especially when you look at the southeast standings. The Florida Panthers have a four point lead over the Caps for the division lead, something I would think no hockey analyst would ever have guessed at the start of this campaign. Ovechki...
Wow, so going to write a blog about the lowly Edmonton Oilers eh? Well If there were only 30 Oilers bloggers I would definitely be at the very bottom of the standings. Bear with me and maybe some of what I say will be interesting (probably not).
So out of some stroke of luck I've managed to make it to two regular season games this year, a terrible loss to the Senators w...
I know this is an old subject, however I have not had the chance to post this as of yet. So here it is.
This is my tribute to one of the best captains, and most talented players in NHL history.
To start off, I’d like to say congratulations to Jarome Iginla, for scoring his 500th goal – a feat performed by only 42 other NHL players. It may not have been the prett...
Now I realize this will be posted on the Flames site, but this is a fascinating INSIDE look into the Edmonton Oilers from an agent who deals with the team on a regular basis. In another installment of Agents of Change, Ritch Winter takes an in depth look into the current predicament in Edmonton and whether or not Tom Renney is the right fit at Head Coach of the young team....
Well isn't this a nice turn of events. We are reaching the season's halfway mark and not only is Ottawa still competitive, they are a force. The Senator's 25-16-6 record has brought fans to the edge of their seats during every game and their excitement is only matched by the players themselves. While the 613 was trying to convince itself it was excited about a lengthy rebu...
Well isn't this a nice turn of events. We are reaching the season's halfway mark and not only is Ottawa still competitive, they are a force. The Senator's 25-16-6 record has brought fans to the edge of their seats during every game and their excitement is only matched by the players themselves. While the 613 was trying to convince itself it was excited about a lengthy rebu...
Even a broken clock is right twice a day, a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut...there are a million colloquialisms that could be used to describe Jeremy Roenick's broadcast career. However in this case, I'm going with he hit the nail on the head.
Read the full article on prohockeytalk.com here: [url]http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/17/trade-talk-makes-f...
The Flames put in a valiant effort tonight against the Sharks but came up just short. Lots of positives to take out of tonight though.
So why don't you head on over to The Checking Line- West to read more! A brand new sub site to The Checking Line that will be your go to for Flames, Oilers, Canucks, and Jets news! Come check it out!
http://west.thecheckingline.com/b...
After coming out of LA and San Jose with 3 out of 4 points, and taking both games to a shootout, I've come to realize that Feaster does not deserve all of this criticism he is receiving. Feaster and the Flames have impressed me this year.They've battled through adversity, and have showed that the Flames' organization does infact have some NHL-ready prospects.
After the ...
Depth down the middle is a key ingredient to success in the NHL. The most consistent teams in the league over the past 5 years have definately benefitted from having a strong top 3 centreman in the top 9 scoring-line scheme.
Pitt: Crosby, Malkin, Staal
LA: Kopitar, Richards, Stoll
...
Word on the street (New york Post) is that the New Jersey Devil are in talks with the NHL to get a cash advance if you will because they are losing money and losing money fast.
[quote]
"Vanderbeek, who owns 47 percent of the team, does not have the money to fund losses, while billionaire Ray Chambers, who also owns 47 percent, no longer wants to fund the team.
Las...
The Sabres rolled into New Jersey losers of 5 in a row and 12 straight on the road. Advantage Devils right?
But low and behold something we Sabres fans have all be yearning for quite sometime a big much needed W.
Leopold got things started by being Johnny on the spot to tap in Gerbe slapshot that ricochets off the glass and bounced right in the crease for an easy ta...
The Flames head into the break with the exact same record through 50 games as last season. We all know what happened there. But will this year be any different? Come over to TCL-West and find out!
http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/newman/calgary-flames/flames-shut-out-sharks
Newman
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
As we hit the all-star break this weekend with the Fantasy Draft kicking things off this evening at 8 P.M., the 2011-’12 NHL season has officially reached it’s mid-point. There have been many surprises — and equally as many disappointments — across the league this season on both an individual and team basis. In anticipation of the second half of the season, slated ...
Is it just me or did the all star break come out of nowhere? With less than 35 games left for each team we are getting into crunch time! First of all I'm going to talk about the first two thirds of the season. A lot of surprises regarding the leafs! I've had the pleasure of watching every leaf game this year and have come to one conclusion, were building something great he...
Most Habs fans and media believe that the Canadiens should retool at the deadline. I am of the same opinion. I really think this is the time for the Habs to retool, not rebuild.
I would like to see this happen under the watchful eye of a new management team and would love to see Gauthier and Gainey let go. As much as I respect Gainey, I don't think he made the right cho...
So I realize a lot of people like to crap on the All-Star Game because it has no meaning, no intensity, and nobody really cares about it anymore. But I like it, I always have. Why? Because it’s an NHL event and I enjoy watching hockey players display their talents and I love seeing different players from different teams playing and interacting with each other. I like...
While Garth is boo-hooing that Pominville was taken too late in the fantasy draft, the rest of us are getting ready for the “game” known as the NHL All-Star Game.
Now, I’m not upset that Buffalo is under represented. There’s not really anyone from Buffalo who deserve to be in the game. Thomas Vanek is the only other Sabre that I could argue should be in the gam...
For years now people have been complaining that the NHL Allstar game has worn out is luster and that it needs to go. With players seemingly opting out any chance they get and the much maligned fact that it does not resemble a real NHL game, it's a fair take. I for one though believe that it's much ado about nothing.
When i was growing up I always tuned in to see the S...
The Flames disposed of veteran forward Brendan Morrison on the weekend sending him to the Chicago Blackhawks for Brian Connelly. Good or bad? Come over to TCL-West to read more:
http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/newman/calgary-flames/brendan-morrison-traded
Newman
Have you ever wondered what it is like behind the scenes in the NHL? What would it be like to meet and interview the biggest stars in the NHL? I recently had the chance to find out as I had access to the NHL All-Star media event at the Westin Hotel in Ottawa during the All-Star weekend. Here is an account of my experiences with the biggest names in the NHL.
As I walked ...
In his latest blog response, hockey agent Ritch Winter takes a look at issues with the press and the problems with objectivity in sports journalism.
Check it out:
http://www.theagentsofchange.com/2012/01/ritch-responds-press.html
Sabres rolled into Montreal refreshed and raring to go after the All Star weekend. Sabres defeated the Habs 3-1
The Habs jumped into a 1-0 lead at 4:09 mark of the first period courtesy of Pacioretty, Sabres responded early in the 2nd at the 4:01 courtesy of the man we have all been waiting for to step up and put the puck in the net Ville Leino, just the 4th of the seas...
Ever wanted to know how to become an NHL Agent? Do you need to be a lawyer? What education do you really need? Well, NHL agent Ritch Winter answers all those questions and more in his latest post
http://www.theagentsofchange.com/2012/02/ritch-responds-becoming-agent.html
Sabres in search for another win tonight versues the Rangers but didnt get exactly what they wanted although it was fisty hard fought game.
Things got off to a rough start for Kelly Sutherland who took a puck to the face
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qe3kABCdWmY&feature=youtu.be
1st Period: Miller was clutch in goal stopping everything that came his and bai...
I can't believe the nads on Mario Lemieux, kidnapping Sam Gagner and posing as him for a couple games just to finally break one of Gretzky's records......gotta hand it to the Magnificent One though, he looks pretty good hanging with those kids.
Seriously though, imagine if Brian Burke has been talking to Edmonton about Gagner before all this, as has been mildly rumoured...
Blue chip prospects are running all over the NHL this year. With the 2010-11 season a little past the half-way point, now is a good time to catch up with the top five of the 2011 draft class and get a progress report of how our young hot-shots are doing.
[b]Ryan Nugent-Hopkins[/b] was undoubtedly the most highly touted prospect in the 2011 NHL draft. The crafty left ha...
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...
ProphetofHockey writes...
2012 NHL Trade Deadline and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It seems that every year Toronto is home to what seems like thousands of rumours regarding "big deals", "a top 6 forward", and a "blockbuster deal". This year however seems to be even worse, and more drastic, there is no question that the Leafs organization are still in the re-building process, but Leafs Nation is quite happy with the results this season thus far.
As a...
ProphetofHockey writes...
2012 NHL Trade Deadline and the Toronto Maple Leafs
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It seems that every year Toronto is home to what seems like thousands of rumours regarding "big deals", "a top 6 forward", and a "blockbuster deal". This year however seems to be even worse, and more drastic, there is no question that the Leafs organization are still in the re-building process, but Leafs Nation is quite happy with the results this season thus far.
As a...
Wanna hear about the day Glen Sather punched Ritch Winter and why Ritch deserved it? Come to the Agents of Change to find out.
http://www.theagentsofchange.com/2012/02/ritch-responds-day-glen-sather-punched.html
This Sabres script has been written before and the story, for me , is getting very old. Since 1997 the Sabres have made the playoffs or just missed them 12 out of 13 years. And I, for one, don‘t want them to win more then 10 games over the next 2 months. It in no way helps them to just miss the playoffs a 5th year. In fact, losing the rest of our games gives us a g...
[img:right]http://media.mlive.com/redwings_impact/photo/10581756-large.jpg[/img]
Detroit, who has been unbeatable at home since December took the reigns to the top spot in this week's NHL Power Rankings. They dethroned the New York Rangers who continue to win but aren't dominating like that team from Hockeytown. The Red Wings broke the NHL single season record of most c...
The Flames moved into a playoff spot in Saturday for the first time all season with a 1-0 shutout win. Kipper continues to play out of his mind but the PP is all of a sudden stuck in neutral. What gives? Read more here:
http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/derrick-newman/calgary-flames/flames-playoff-spot-pp-struggling
Newman
RobSkorochocki writes...
TAKING IN THE HUMONGOUS BIG GOALIE SITUATION IN PHILADELPHIA
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
When Ilya Bryzgalov signed a 9 year, $51 million dollar contract on June 23, it wasn’t even the biggest Flyers news of the day. The signing of the enigmatic Flyers netminder took a backseat to the trade of Jeff Carter to Columbus and the shocking blockbuster deal that sent Flyers fan favorite and captain Mike Richards to Los Angeles in return for Wayne Simmonds, highly t...
When I was young my vacations always revolved around one thing; my mothers love of history. Now usually they were incredibly boring for me, save for one, our trip to Philadelphia. Instead of going to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed or gazing upon the cracked beauty of the Liberty Bell, we all stayed cramped in our hotel room to watch t...
When I was young my vacations always revolved around one thing; my mothers love of history. Now usually they were incredibly boring for me, save for one, our trip to Philadelphia. Instead of going to see where the Declaration of Independence was signed or gazing upon the cracked beauty of the Liberty Bell, we all stayed cramped in our hotel room to watch t...
Okay, before I even start, I know this is totally far-fetched and would never happen in a million years and people will be jumping down my throat after they read this scenario. But the 2012 trade deadline is fast approaching and I was bored at work so I started daydreaming and came up with an exciting (and totally non-reality based) 3-way deal, including 18 bodies and f...
The Maple Leafs have done a complete 180 degree turn from their usually post lockout performances and that is not a good thing Leafs Nation. The club has gone 4-6-2 since the all star game and an even worse 1-6-1 in their past 8 and as February 24/12 comes around the club looks like they will be sitting in a familiar spot post lockout..... out of a playoff spot.
The clu...
Without further ado...
1. Columbus- Nail Yakupov, LW, Sarnia Sting
- Columbus succeeds to 'Fail for Nail' and select the best player in this draft.
Comparable: Alex Ovechkin
2. Edmonton- Ryan Murray, D, Everett Silvertips
- Although most scouts believe Grigorenko will go second overall, the Oilers address their needs on defense by taking the best blueliner in th...
The Flames lost their third straight game on Saturday night and second straight in a shootout. What should they do before the trade deadline hits? Should they do anything? Come on over to TCL-West to debate!
http://west.thecheckingline.com/blog/derrick-newman/calgary-flames/flames-lose-third-straight-trade-deadline-looms
Cam Neely played hockey with the Ridge Meadows Hockey Association for the majority of his minor career and has been named to the Maple Ridge honorable people list. After a stellar season with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League in which he led the team to the Memorial Cup Championship, he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks ninth overall in the 1983 ent...
Saturday, 06.14.2008 / 11:17 PM / 2008 Draft
Brampton Battalion center Cody Hodgson already is a student of the game of hockey. But he got a master's-level education during the Under-18 World Championships in April when he suited up for Team Canada at the event.
With long-time NHL coach Pat Quinn serving as professor, Hodgson earned high honors. As team captain, he l...
Its been awhile for me writing a blog. Period. My last blog was March 5, 2010. My blog before that? January 15, 2010. Since I last blogged, we've seen 2 Stanley Cup winners hoist the Cup, Team Canada win gold at the Olympics, a riot in Vancouver, the passing of popular enforcers, the passing of an entire hockey team, hundreds of trades and signings, 2 Winter Classics, and ...
When reading The Hockey News’ preview for the 2011-2012 NHL season back in October, I laughed when they predicted the New York Rangers to finish first in the Atlantic Division. With the division being dominated by the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, along with the emergence of the Pittsburgh Penguins this past half decade, it...
[b]Follow me on Twitter for prospects news, analysis and Calgary Flames updates @RyanHB
[/b]
In this edition of my blog, I will look at a Calgary Flames' prospect, in Michael Ferland.
Over the past couple of years I've been watching Ferland play, and develop into the player he is today. I will go over his strengths, weaknesses and projected placement- in a precursor ...
[img]http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/p/sp/getty/79/fullj.953db0c6ffe5f772bda1229576988201/953db0c6ffe5f772bda1229576988201-getty-141679603.jpg[/img]
[b]Shots from around the league[/b]
The battle for the top seed in the Eastern Conference is heating up between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Rangers. The Rangers gutted out a 2-1 overtime victory over the Det...
As March nears it's end, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a familiar spot in the standings; near the bottom. The Leafs, who haven't made the playoffs since before the lockout, have been floundering in recent years, and seem no closer to postseason success now then they did at this time last year, or even two years ago. The one difference between this year and the...
Two months ago, it seemed as though the Leafs were destined for their first playoff appearance since the lockout. Lupul and Kessel were clicking almost every night, and when they didn't, Grabovski and co. would pick up the slack. The defense was solid, and Jonas Gustavsson was playing his best hockey. Trips to the penalty box were few and far between. It was the best o...
Crawfish77 writes...
Buffalo's EPIC comeback via the hands of the Maple Leafs
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Who is ready for the NHL Playoffs? Although I think the, "Because its the cup" slogan for this years playoffs is a complete miss compared to the prior, "History Will Be Made" edition. The NHL playoffs are still very easy to get geared up for regardless. If you haven't seen the highlights or watched the Buffalo/Toronto game from last night, do it now! For my boy @Brimau5, a...
Sven22 writes...
3-point games are insanity -- a (very) brief case study
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
CALGARY FLAMES
In games that ended in regulation:
Record: 32-29
Winning/points percentage: .[b]525[/b]
In games that ended after regulation:
Record: 5-16
Winning percentage: .238 (5 wins in 21 attempts)
Points percentage: .[b]619[/b] (26 out of 42 possible points)
So, just to be clear, going 5-16 in overtime is considered more successful and efficient than go...
Hello again.
As usual, my compulsions toward both hockey and numbers have led to to create a big ol' NHL spreadsheet, in which every team's record is broken down into its constituent components -- regulation wins, overtime wins, shootout wins, shootout loses, overtime loses and regulation loses.
With these numbers, I can run any kind of standings adjustment I choose....
Now that my team has been eliminated from the playoffs (as predicted) I can look at the playoffs objectively. Here's my take on the quarterfinal match ups in this years NHL playoffs.
I'm writing on this site, click on the link below to read the whole article.
http://betweenthebenches.com/?p=1103
tml1967 writes...
Toronto Maple Leafs embarrass themselves and their fans
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
This season is finally over and after a lot of promise and hope, the Maple Leafs collapse, which saw them go 7-18-4 from February 6th at the time they sat in 6th place in the Eastern Conference and dropped all the way down to 13th by the time the season ended, with the fifth worst record in hockey. What the hell happened?
We can point fingers at everyone in the organiza...
[b]The best way to build a contender is through the draft so we'll start here.[/b]
Habs have the #3 pick, it's simple if he is available, draft Alex Galchenyuk. We need wingers on fwd more than anything but that doesn't matter Gally is a game changer, they won`t have many chances at a player like this.
[b]Sort out the contract mess[/b]
Re-sign Price at a reasonabl...
For those in the hockey world currently in their offices watching the playoffs. Which is, currently being seen on a international stage, they must be a little cautious with the use of the phrase "This is just playoff hockey". To be clear I am not the type of fan who believes that checking should be banned or that the players cannot defend themselves. You could define me a...
The two obvious choices to meet in the cup finals this year were, the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Vancouver Canucks (sorry TSN, the monkey is looking way better now). Yet, both are less than 24 hours away from a trip to the golf course and to be quite honestly they deserve to be. Both team have 3 glaring reasons why they are now looking like the lower seed in their series'...
[img]http://cache.deadspin.com/assets/images/11/2011/09/medium_puck_daddy_chats_with_brendan_shanahan_about_making_suspension_videos_colin_campbell_criti.jpg[/img]
By Ryan Wilson
Follow me on Twitter [b]@gunnerstaal[/b]
As each day passes in the playoffs it seems that it also comes with a new disciplinary issue. The one thing that most people who are dire...
RobSkorochocki writes...
HOLY HENRIK! CONTROVERSIAL GOAL OVERSHADOWS RANGERS WIN
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Once again, with just under a minute remaining in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Series between the top seeded New York Rangers and eighth seeded Ottawa Senators, we had some controversy in a game which already included a few questionable calls on both sides.
The Rangers were leading the Senators 3-1 when agitator Chris Neil (who faked being injured jus...
With Draft day looming, a lot of questions are in play.
Do we draft A potential top 6 forward in (Grigorenko, Forsberg, Galchenyuk).
Do we trade up with Edmonton (Who is in dire need of depth at D, and could get it in Ryan Murray.).
Do we trade for rights to an upcoming UFA (Parise).
There is a lot to think about, with one solid line (Pacioretty, Cole, Deshairn...
More and more it’s becoming abundantly clear that the Lightning will be holding onto the 10th overall pick at this year’s NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh. Whether you agree with the move or not, it shouldn’t come as that much of a shock when you consider that Al Murray, the Lightning’s chief amateur scout, has been quoted as saying that Steve Yzerman will be taking ...
What makes a Cup Champion? It's no longer what one may think. Just because someone has a super star, or 1 All-Star caliber line doesn't guarantee a Cup.
http://betweenthebenches.com/?p=1708
With my local home team out of the playoffs after a mostly successful season, you can understand how attention has turned to the completed sale of the team and toward potential moves the team may make for next season. There have been many articles written about the financial struggles and questionable long-term profitability of teams like the Blues and Coyotes. Articles ...
Since there is a new CBA pending I thought of some things I would like to see changed in the NHL. Of course the CBA will focus on salaries and some minor rule changes,so my thoughts are complete fantasy. However these are the ways i would like to see the NHL changed.
1. Conference re-alignment: I know the NHL tried this already but their whole blow it up and start over ...
The Stanley Cup finals are upon us but I don't really care about it. Whether the Los Angeles Kings or the New Jersey Devils win, I could care less. I'm more interested in what's going to happen at the draft. Not too long ago a rumor surfaced that the Edmonton Oilers were entertaining the idea of trading the 1st overall pick to Columbus in a package deal including the 2n...
Hello all first off this will be the first bit of any sort of writing since high school so bare with me.
Coaching situation
Ever since the WHC there has been rumors of Brent Sutter becoming the next coach of the Oilers. I highly doubt that rumor will come true. Dont get me wrong Sutters a solid coach but I think he'll sign with another team thats closer to a contend...
Hey there HockeyBuzzards!
I'm introducing a new attraction for the summer, maybe every weekend, where I post a funny NHL-themed picture for the HB community to take some amusement in, comment on and have a little fun with. It's just a way you can all have a few laughs amidst all the bantering about trades and drafts and free agent signings. Some of these rumour blog...
With the NHL Draft getting closer I thought I would try and write about some of the top prospects out there and American defenseman Jacob Trouba is the first one I thought I would talk about.
A gem in the USA hockey system this 6-2, 195 blueliner is destined to play in the NHL someday but it will take some time. He will attend Michigan University this Fall and he will n...
Tim Thomas had one of the best goaltending seasons of all time in
2010-2011, and in the Stanley Cup Finals he posted a .967 save
percentage (a cup record). Thomas was the biggest part to the Boston
Bruins winning the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years. He was
great with the fans, and the media, always answering questions in his
own quirky way (of course until ...
Hello all first off this will be the first bit of any sort of writing since high school so bare with me.
Coaching situation
Ever since the WHC there has been rumors of Brent Sutter becoming the next coach of the Oilers. I highly doubt that rumor will come true. Dont get me wrong Sutters a solid coach but I think he'll sign with another team thats closer to a contend...
Hello all first off this will be the first bit of any sort of writing since high school so bare with me.
Coaching situation
Ever since the WHC there has been rumors of Brent Sutter becoming the next coach of the Oilers. I highly doubt that rumor will come true. Dont get me wrong Sutters a solid coach but I think he'll sign with another team thats closer to a contend...
mochoson writes...
Crowded Creases; Several Young Goalies Likely on the Move
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
It is often said that the most important position in sports is that of the goal-tender. While not every sport has a goal-tending position, you’d be hard pressed to find a player, coach, or member of management in sport’s like hockey and soccer that would disagree with the above. In the NHL, General Managers looking to build their team from the ground-up will agree that...
hockeyjunkie05 writes...
Leafs Plan from 2012 Entry Draft Forward..Or what it shud be
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With the 2012 NHL Entry Draft less than 2 weeks away i thought it would be a good time to post my first blog and look at what I think Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs should do to improve their team. In the last few months the Leafs have been linked to several players and prospects but none moreso than Rick Nash, Roberto Luongo and most recently both top prospects N...
Hey, this is my first blog and I would appreciate any feedback or [u]constructive[/u] criticism. I have always enjoyed the draft and the speculation and trades it brings. And the opportunity for all us fans to play NHL GMs for a day (or months before). I have only watched 3 of these guys live and only 2 of them several times for consistency so I am not pretending to be an ...
This is a continuation from my last blog where I had a mock top 10. Just to remind you once again, I really don’t know these players that well so I am not trying to be an expert on them.
11) Cody Ceci-D
Washington Capitals
In Ceci, Washington gets a big bodied 2 way defensemen that a lot of teams are really high on. He has loads of offensive upside scoring at n...
I wrote another blog where I talked about how I could see Brian Burke pulling off some big deals to make Toronto into a legitimate playoff team. Another way I could see Toronto’s offseason going, one that would take more patience, is to trade up in the NHL draft to acquire some star power. We know Burke likes those big deals and isn’t afraid to go after some players he...
Right winger Nail Yakupov is the consensus number one pick at this year draft. With Edmonton already possessing some big time offense, a star RW (Eberle), and a fairly small top six, they could very well trade down to round out their roster. I have created 3 different deals where the Oilers trade the 1st overall pick.
1) Yakupov and Oliver Roy (G) dealt to Ottawa for M...
A few tidbits on a quiet Sunday afternoon......
*Roberto Luongo was apparently in Toronto over the past couple days to meet with the Leafs and look at houses, schools, etc. Take that for what you will, but it's starting to look more and more like Bobby Lu will be wearing blue and white next season.
*Speaking to a source close to the Subban family, it appears PK is...
andydrmm writes...
Live, Uncensored, Draft Blog (posted after the 1st Round)
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Before anyone freaks about the title of my blog, don’t worry. My goal with this, as I sit down at 7:50 pm (all times EST), to watch the NHL draft, is to throw my thoughts out about the draft as it unfolds. Unfortunately, you the reader will get to read it after the draft is over. Sorry! So, here we go, enjoy… And yes, I will be focusing my thoughts on the Sabres.
Le...
Michael_Stuart writes...
Lightning Draft Andrei Vasilevski and Slater Koekkoek
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
After a rather uneventful evening at the Tampa Bay Lightning draft table, the organization has come to acquire two very talented youngsters. Of course, the selections which took place at 10th overall and 19th overall were met with some controversy but as a whole, fans should be very happy with what transpired today! Get my thoughts on what happened with the Lightning ove...
As I sat watching the NHL Draft tonight, I realized after Tampa Bay selected Slater Koekkoek tenth overall, that the Ottawa Senators would have a chance to select an extremely gifted player that many thought would not make it that far. In the four picks prior, I knew Ottawa would have a choice of Filip Forsberg, Mikhael Grigorenko, Radek Faksa, Zemgus Girgensons, Cody Ceci...
The 2012 NHL Draft is now in the books, and reaction is pouring in from fans all around the league. As in any draft, there were surprises. Scouts' rankings were all over the board and that made for a very exciting weekend, as we saw players drop and rise. Now, with all 30 teams having made all 211 picks, allow me to list and explain a few teams that won big in the draft, a...
On the heels of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, it seems clear that Brian Burke and The Toronto Maple Leafs had a clear strategy of what they were going to do. They would draft the best players available and fill the holes in the line-up through trade as evidenced by their selection of two defensemen in rounds one and two. They subsequently traded a defenseman, Luke Schenn t...
So, with the NHL 2012 Draft now officially over the week-long wait til free agency begins. The Rangers did not make any real noise at the draft and the rumors of a Rick Nash trade continue to swirl overhead. One potential suitor for Nash, or Bobby Ryan, has been very active, as the Flyers traded away both James van Riemsdyk and Sergei Bobrovsky in separate deals. Whether H...
After announcing Chandler Stephenson Friday night in Pittsburgh, the Capitals waited 81 picks before George McPhee took the podium again.
This gave Washington ample time to deliberate who would complement their draft class best. Instead of following the hype of the “best defensive draft ever,” the Capitals were one of four teams to not draft a defensemen by the t...
rgreco40 writes...
Flames Bring Back Sarich Refusing to Admit the Need to Rebui
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Flames Bring Back Sarich Refusing to Admit the Need to Rebuild
Cory Sarich agreed to a two-year, two million dollar contract to return to the Calgary Flames this morning.
Bringing Sarich back puts some more size at the blue line, but it shows Calgary’s lack of commitment to rebuilding.
They lost prized Swedish defender Tim Erixon to the Rangers in the Scott Gome...
Hey HockeyBuzzards,
It’s going to be a fantastic, exciting weekend as we countdown the minutes to the opening of NHL Free Agency (or Christmas, as we die-hards know it) and we can end months of speculation as to who is going where and what dominoes will ensue. I hope No-trade-a Clause brings all of you (well, some of you anyway) what you’re hoping for.
Also, H...
TheJerseyDevil1 writes...
Why the Avalanche Need to Make a Strong Push for Semin
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Hello all,
As it finally turns to open season for UFA hunting, despite the array of recent signings, Colorado still sits with a roster of just 16. So where does Sherman go from here?
The Av's have 8 forwards, 6 defensemen, and 2 goalies signed as of July 1st. There are still a couple notable RFA's who should reach deals like Erik Johnson and Jamie McGinn. With some ...
-------
Preface: Everyone can feel free to bark and scream at the title to this blog post, but if you manage to read through this long-winded explanation then you will begin to understand (and appreciate) its meaning.
-------
I'll start by saying this is one of my days of the year (behind Trade-Deadline Day, in which I have been "sick" my fair share to watch the entire ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
The Blues need someone to pair up with pietrangelo. And the Blues as you remember from the playoffs petro went down, no one was there to carry the load.. Shattenkirk could not handle it by himself. Figuring that Jason Garrison signed 6 years 4.7/year. Figuring carle will recieve 4 years about 4.9/ year.. Now carle will most likely wait till suter goes. The blues do have ...
Pretty quiet July 1st for the Rangers this year. It was heartbreaking to watch Brandon Prust sign elsewhere, but good for him getting the contract and secondary city that he wanted. I don't mind the Arron Asham signing to help ease the pain. Asham is one of those guys you hate to play against. He toes the line on being dirty at times, but does his job well and will drop th...
Why does every year feel more and more painful as a Leaf fan? I think that after this year the new CBA will work to the advantage of the leafs or at least put the on a level playing field with the rest of the NHL teams. Burke doesn't believe in these long term contracts, and even though it sucks to see big names pass up Toronto year after year, there is a method to his mad...
What a day for the Minnesota Wild.
On the fourth day of the Zach Parise and Ryan Suter chase, and America's birthday, the Wild completely transformed their franchise. Both Parise and Suter, who are childhood friends, decided to accept matching 13 year/$98M contracts to play in the "state of hockey." Instantly the Wild emerge as a viable playoff team in the West.
At...
So here goes....
I am [b]NOT[/b] an NHL Insider. I don't have any inside sources or unparalleled accesses. If I do post about breaking news or rumors, I guarantee it will be second-hand information.
Here you will [b]NOT[/b] find trade and free agent rumors that you've not heard before, exclusive interviews with NHL Pros and Executives, or behind the scenes photos...
I find it funny how people are saying that Habs gm Marc Bergevin didn`t do enough on Free Agent Frenzy Canada Day July, 1 2012. Bergevin addressed the need of "team guys" and "gritty players" by adding Colby Armstrong, Francis Bouillon and Brandon Prust. Let`s look at what else Bergevin has done since being hired.
A list of hirings by Bergevin since taking office : ...
Hey HockeyBuzzards,
Today, PPP will phocus on a few recent re-signings in sunny California.
Firstly, the San Jose Sharks re-signed 25-year-old Marc-Edouard Vlasic, one of their most dependable defensemen to a five-year extension, keeping him locked up until the 2017-18 season. Vlasic has quietly become one of the steadiest young rearguards in the Western Conferenc...
a-mak15 writes...
Brian Burke's inactivity should not be lauded and tolerated
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
It's been an inescapably quiet summer for Brian Burke and his boys in blue. The Toronto Maple Leafs are currently being shut out on the trade front, have whiffed on every prized free agent on the market and, as is customary with the franchise, the team has largely ignored addressing its unmistakably glaring needs for a top-line center and a quality goaltender.
If the n...
It seems that the NY Rangers were mentioned as contenders in every big prize during the lead up to the Draft and the FA period. But it seems between the huge moves made by the Penguins and the Wild, the Rangers (along with most the rest of the NHL) were left debating on making passes at Shane Doan, rolling the dice on Alexander Semin and recently seem to have let the idea...
It seems that the NY Rangers were mentioned as contenders in every big prize during the lead up to the Draft and the FA period. But it seems between the huge moves made by the Penguins and the Wild, the Rangers (along with most the rest of the NHL) were left debating on making passes at Shane Doan, rolling the dice on Alexander Semin and recently seem to have let the idea...
It seems that the NY Rangers were mentioned as contenders in every big prize during the lead up to the Draft and the FA period. But it seems between the huge moves made by the Penguins and the Wild, the Rangers (along with most the rest of the NHL) were left debating on making passes at Shane Doan, rolling the dice on Alexander Semin and recently seem to have let the idea...
It seems that the NY Rangers were mentioned as contenders in every big prize during the lead up to the Draft and the FA period. But it seems between the huge moves made by the Penguins and the Wild, the Rangers (along with most the rest of the NHL) were left debating on making passes at Shane Doan, rolling the dice on Alexander Semin and recently seem to have let the idea...
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...
How can the Habs prepare for future success?
Heading into the 2012-2013 season a lot of uncertainty faces the Montreal Canadiens. The organizations fans would have you believe that they are a move or two away from contending for the cup. This however, is not the case.
After a disappointing basement finish, the organization needs to address several needs. The 2011-20...
[b]For everything hockey - 24/7 news updates, scores, humour, blogs, and everything else in between, please follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind.[/b]
We are now currently just a few days into the most horrifying month of the year for the entire hockey world. Seriously now, August definitely is the worst time to be a hockey fan. Free agency has die...
The NHL's Collective Bargaining Agreement will soon expire leaving both NHL owners and the NHLPA (NHL Players' Association) scrambling to get a new deal done that satisfies both parties. The first proposal showed the serious issues between the owners and the players and while the initial proposal is clearly one-sided, it can be worked out in time for the next NHL season. T...
[b]For everything hockey - 24/7 news updates, scores, humour, blogs, and everything else in between, please follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind.[/b]
LINK TO PART ONE: [url]http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=13838&user_id=131735[/url]
Today is day two of a six-day series that will look at the job done by the 30 GM’s around the league. Fr...
[b]For everything hockey - 24/7 news updates, scores, humour, blogs, and everything else in between, please follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind.[/b]
LINK TO PART ONE: [url]http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=13838&user_id=131735[/url]
LINK TO PART TWO: [url]http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=131735&post_id=13858[/url]
[b...
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 am one of the biggest hockey fans around, and I do believe the players and owners will get a deal done before shutting down for the whole season, however, I do think the season will be delayed, maybe halfway through October. I am with every hockey nut out there, and I will be very upset if there is no NHL this year.
Since we are on the subject, and the NHL lockout is...
Most people believe both the NHL and NHLPA are responsible for the current labor dispute. But suppose it was decided that to save the season and not loose any games, an arbiter was appointed to resolve the labor dispute between the NHL and NHLPA. This arbiter would working on under the following rules.
1. The arbiter can only choose one of the latest offers from either...
I’ve had this rattling around in my head the past few weeks, and just haven’t had the time to sit down and put it together. Maybe it’s due to the fact that I’m “signing” a long-term “contract” of my own when I get married next week. There’s been a lot of talk surrounding the length of contracts in the NHL, and it’s even a focal point in the current CBA ...
suraj1017 writes...
5 Reasons the New CBA Needs to Get Done Before September 15
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The NHL and NHLPA have reached a point of potentially experiencing a second NHL lockout in less than a decade.
There are significant losers if this does happen, and very limited winners as well.
So, why has it not been resolved?
That's for both parties to figure out, but it seems the difference in desires for the new CBA will continue to hinder the possibility o...
When the 2012 offseason began Brian Burke promised the Maple Leafs’ real offseason would begin on July 1st. Free Agent frenzy did bring a few new names to the club but none of those names happen to be pinned to a top six slot let alone a first line center role. There is still time for a move but as it stands now, are the Leafs improved enough to snap the seven year abs...
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...
[b]Random Oilers Thoughts - The "[i]I forgot my password[/i]" edition. [/b]
Yes folks, I am back after taking a few months off. Why did I come back? I never wanted to leave actually. I forgot my password/user name. Lame. I'm sure a quick email to the site admin would of helped but for whatever reason never fired one off. Oh well, no doubt everyone has had their fill of ...
Eric Mellin writes...
NHL Quick Hits: Ovechkin Bald? The Summit Series and more.
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
(This is from my blog at www.ihjjr.com)
Quick Hits
Ovechkin made an appearance today at Kettler Ice Plex with Backstrom, Orlov, Johansson, Ribeiro and a few other players to take part in some on ice practice. Ovie showed up with a shaved head, citing that he did in homage for his 700 or so 'brothers' who are about to make war with the NHL and its owners. He sent Twitte...
I wonder how the American government would run if the nation's laws shut down every 5 or 6 years while the Republicans and Democrats hammer out a new deal. Of course, it would take forever because both sides would have to invariably agree to everything.
Granted, the process isn't like politics or legislation of laws, but in comparing this CBA system to systems that p...
So the new NHL game came out and i saw another writer asking if people would like to see the Sabers simulated day by day and he would write about it. I personally thought it was a great idea and I'de like to offer the same thing. Let me know if you'd like to see the Blackhawks season simulated day by day and maybe see the same scores we will once the season actually stars....
Whether many read this blog or not I felt compelled to put my 2 cents out into the Blogging Universe regarding the collective bargaining situation between the NHL and the PA.
First of all, I believe anyone deserves to get paid when they put in the effort and make the sacrifice to succeed. I believe in fairness and goodwill. I don't believe people should be punished fo...
He saved the Penguins on the ice and raised two Cups as their captain. After his retirement, he saved them financially. He rolled what salary he deferred as a player a primary ownership share in the franchise. He also saved the team once more time by securing a new facility for the Penguins, which ultimately prevented them from moving cities.
All of the above-mentioned...
So I got married 18 days ago, and ventured off on my honeymoon. I left knowing that the risk of a lockout was coming up. For 10 days, I didn’t look for much information, mainly due to the fact that I was sitting in the middle of the Caribbean without cell phone signal. Plus, I didn’t want to pay the money for wi-fi on the boat. When I got back to Fort Lauderdale, and h...
I haven’t been following the NHL Lockout news as closely lately because frankly it’s been depressing and there hasn’t been much in the way of news to come out. There also hasn’t been any serious meetings either. I am hoping that NHL Network and NBCSN decided to give us some AHL hockey this season because I don’t think we’re going to have an NHL Season. It could...
With the St. Louis Blues home opener scheduled for less than a month away, we, as Blues fans, should be waiting for the NHL premiere of Vladimir Tarasenko and the proud moment when we get to lift a championship banner to the rafters, but instead Vladi is in Russia and the banner is probably getting hung up without a celebration.
So, what is there to do during the lockou...
andydrmm writes...
Who's Playing Overseas? Who Were We Supposed to Play Tonight
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
’m reading a lot of stuff regarding how a lot of NHL players are heading across the Atlantic to play hockey this year. That’s great. No, I’m not being sarcastic. I think if the guys have a chance to play, go for it.
Why should we get so excited about it though?
All the players going overseas says 1 thing, and 1 thing only to me.
Get ready for a nice, long, l...
I saw earlier today, the rumor (on several sites) that the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, in all his infinite wisdom, may consider using replacement players should the NHL remain in a lockout come November. This is extremely risky, even just to have it be a rumor.
There are thousands of hockey players in the world who want a shot at the NHL. I went to college with a few...
As frustrating as the lockout is for me and the many wonderful hockey fans, I had the realization that this affects many people in a much more personal manner. Without the NHL season many are out of work or have a reduced income.
As we all know the economy is not running strong at the moment and many struggle week to week or month to month already. The lockout has a tri...
They adopt a new system that hybridizes the marketplace and the cap approach, which theoretically allows a team to spend as much money as they want. “That’s what Goodenow wanted!”
But wait... let’s go over some limitations.
The new team structure would be presented as such, assuming a 50/50 split in revenue is reached (it’s really no secret the NHL offere...
Man, I got to say this NHL lockout really does suck. The more time that passes the more I realize how much I am starting to miss that routine of getting back into a new hockey season. You know what I mean; September roles around and your thoughts begin to drift further and further into that beautiful abyss that is the NHL season. Your thinking about how trades and signings...
There’s a lot of buzz right now about there being a deal on the table between the NHL and NHLPA. I’ll believe it when they announce “There’s a deal we both agree on, and that we’re starting the season on _______ date.” For now, I’ll leave the speculation to everyone else, and write about something different (as well as a quick hit on Corey Tropp).
I’m no...
archromat writes...
Aftermath: The 50 Best Players going into 2012/2013
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Ladies and gentlemen, after I constructed a math system last year to try to project numbers and the worth of players in a mathematical spectrum, I made a couple of tweaks here and there and bring you a taste of what’s to come. Not only will I give you the best and the worst, I will be highlighting the players moving in deals to see which team wins according to a system ...
AarifDeen writes...
There's Two Separate parts to the CBA Negotiations
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]For everything hockey - 24/7 news updates, scores, humour, blogs, and everything else in between, please follow me on twitter at https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind.[/b]
Something that was already a given, has further been proven now with the latest updates of the CBA negotiations.
In case you haven’t heard the news yet (which obviously means you’ve probably b...
Much has been written about the NHL's latest offer to the NHLPA, tendered October 16. Instead of getting into the numbers [which require various assumptions] and debating the merits, I'll focus on the actual details of the offer and discuss whether they should be acceptable to the NHLPA. In no particular order:
[b]1. Term[/b]
The NHL proposes a 6-year CBA with a "mut...
Listening to the players; I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players; I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players; I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players; I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players; I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players, I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players, I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
Listening to the players, I get the feeling we are not as close to the end as we all have hoped. It seems that the players are willing to turn in their Hockey uniforms to talk numbers like a stockbroker which would keep talks at a stand still. Everything that has happen thus far can be blamed on both side being stubborn but, now that the NHL has made a real offer it gave...
The following blog is published on my site. and the original URL is:
http://replacebettman.com/post/33933352781/nhl-proposal
I have posted the complete article here for you consideration.
October 19, 2012
Below is an Open Letter to both the NHL and NHLPA. I am telling each party in simple uncomplicated and straight foreword terms what my thoughts, feelings a...
So like everyone else in the hockey world, I’ve been following all of the news with the proposals presented by the NHL and the NHLPA this week. I do not, repeat, [b]DO NOT[/b], agree that this is going to lead to any more negotiating or more talks at this point in time. This past week has just been a botched public relations move that was handled poorly.
Gary Bettman...
After seeing the article yesterday evening on Yahoo Sports that the NHLPA offered to Tuesday to sit down and talk on Wednesday, I found myself a little disgusted. Yes, more disgusted than I already was with this whole process. Apparently, the NHL advised that did not feel it is necessary to talk if the NHLPA did not have a new proposal to bring to the table.
Am I missin...
The comments from the media over the last several days following the swapping of proposals between the NHL and NHLPA would leave many fans to think a deal is oh-so-close, and that a slight massaging of details will have the 2012-13 season finally underway in a few short days. The reality, however, is that the two sides are still quite a ways apart – and no amount of che...
understanding about how the proposals compare, the better. The one thing that has been sorely missing from all of the talk, though, has been the possible flaws in each side’s proposal and whether new problems are created.
Let’s rewind to August, 2005. The NHL and NHLPA had finally signed off on a new CBA, the 2005 Entry Draft had been held, and the free agent fren...
Can somebody explain to me why the National Hockey League is allowed to negotiate a collective salary rollback? Do they not believe, as most all people do, that all contracts should be honored as signed? How would the owners react if Comcast/NBC reneged on their pact with the league? I cant imagine they would be very happy. It is because I believe this practice to be unfai...
I sit here today and watch Hurricane Sandy roll across the east coast, what could I do today? So I decided to take a stab at crossing the divided between the NHL and NHLPA. So they were negotiating, or at least gave the impression two weeks back with the offers. Both sides are playing the public relations game instead of actually negotiating. Let me take a quick poll,...
I like to share stories in my life that are relevant to the situations I see in the media. The metaphor is such a beautiful thing to be able to reveal to many what has been hidden in the foundations of the world.
Today, yesterday, the day before, the NHL and NHLPA have been meeting, and this came after a week-end of Daly meeting with S. Fehr giving us promise that thin...
Here's a short blog about something that peaked my interest. A viewpoint from someone with a keen mind for business who has not been following the CBA shenanigans. My Dad.
My father followed hockey in the 70s but lost interest by the time I really got into it. I think the focus of building his business, raising a family and being an awesome father consumed his time. ...
Every morning, I open the hockeybuzz website as well as other websites to get updated from the news around the NHL and around the world, and I see on TSN more and more players migrating to Europe, so I thought this would be a good opportunity to talk about this migration.
Now a lot of people are on the player's side, often because they've been part of unions or strikes ...
I was planning on coming home from work, quickly changing, and hopping on the I-90 to head to Rochester for the Amerks vs Heat game. So why am I writing this? My wife is feeling under the weather, and I’m taking care of her. In the end, that’s way more important than a hockey game. My back up plan? Watch the game on Time Warner Sports Network. Downside with that, they�...
Last night, I was pointed to a [url=http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/179740001.html]blog entry from Michael Russo at the Minneapolis Star-Tribune[/url]. In that posting, Russo states that he has copies of exhibits put forward by the NHL in discussions with the NHLPA illustrating the gap that really exists between both sides.
Based on the exhibits Russo shows, th...
Thanks to unnamed sources, I've obtained an exclusive transcript of tomorrow's meeting between the NHL and NHLPA. The following is a rush version; the full version will be available tomorrow.
[b]Bettman:[/b] We're still insisting on a 50/50 split of HRR, starting immediately, with limits on contract lengths, variation in salary by year.
[b]Fehr:[/b] We're still insist...
It's been a long time since I wrote anything here...sometimes life hands you more than you are ready to deal with and it takes a while to get caught up.
Too bad the NHL and NHLPA can't say that about this lockout.
Today is November 19th and there has yet to be an NHL game played in the 2012-13 season.
Everybody knew what is happening...would happen...right?
The...
As we all await (some eagerly, some for morbid curiosity) news of how the latest round of negotiations between the NHL and NHLPA have gone, I thought I'd discuss an oft-mentioned point in both the 2005 CBA and this year's CBA's discussions: the Players Share of HRR.
Many people have asked why various items aren't included in HRR, ranging from game-used merchandise to p...
Hockey players have usually been a classy lot, that maybe sometimes they were outspoken, but most of them remained tight-lipped and stand-up people off the rink. Few other sports can bolster the class that hockey players (in general) have. Many wear suit and ties to games and make it a habit to keep clean shaven during the regular season, also keeping their hair trimmed ...
[url=http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?user_id=48072&post_id=14164]I wrote a post last month[/url] that talked about how the media was incredibly optimistic that because the NHL and NHLPA were meeting, a deal could be close at hand. At that time, I didn't buy it because the two sides were too far apart on key issues. Fast foward about 4 weeks, and it's deja vu: the ...
Suffice it to say, I was shocked like everyone else was when news came out that talks had broken down between the NHL and NHLPA yet again. After hearing from some of the media about how progress was imminent and a breakthrough might be at hand, discovering that the NHL had yet again dismissed the NHLPA’s graciousness was … what’s the word, predictable?
The proble...
Now I used to get into a lot of arguments online, so I know a lot of the tricks that people do in order to gain the upper hand. One of them is being employed by both sides of the negotiation, and it came more to life yesterday.
Most arguments have to do with language, words (semantics), what meanings they package, and how they're contextually used. Since language is a...
Since there is no NHL people with gaming interests should go out and buy NHL 13 to fill there hockey needs. NHL 13 is not like all the other NHL's made by EA Sports. The reason is that the "Be A Pro" is harder than the ones in NHL 12. There are new physics to the game as well, like the skating is very different they call it "True Performance Skating" what they mean by that...
If Bettman's suggestion goes through and Fehr and Bettman are lesioned from the situation with players and owners doing the raw negotiations, a deal will get done much faster so long as they keep it that way. It will. But one side will probably be a clear winner at the end of all of this because they'll quickly establish a language and the more persistent will probably o...
Coming this Friday the NHL and the NHLPA will announce if there is a season or not. Pierre Lebrun of ESPN reports that both sides want to make a deal. The sides met yesterday for 11 hours. The deals they made on Wednesday were that there will stay the same with the five-year term limits for contracts and they will stay with the five-year term limits for contracts and the 5...
The very constitution is about to be rewritten! They're trying to destroy our social liberties, the freedom we sacrificed countless lives to obtain! We knew this was going to happen! We knew that they were going to try to trick us as soon as we signed that last CBA that rolled back 24% of our salaries!
Rollback 24% more of our salaries, I tell you! We will NOT be limite...
Chip McCleary writes...
Unfounded Optimism, III - Maybe the Final Chapter
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Well, here we are yet again – another round of the media proclaiming success and happiness was imminent, and yet another round of reality rearing its ugly head to stomp on all those dreams. Predictable, really – and yet, some people just can’t help but make themselves giddy hoping for things to happen, no matter the ultimate cost.
Myself, I’m thrilled that talk...
Dear NHL and NHLPA,
Thank you for ruining not only the 2012-13 NHL season but the game in general with your greed. The image of this once proud sport has been tarnished and may never recover from a third lockout in eight-teen years. You believe your fans will come back no matter what happens but I'm here to tell you that we fans will not be back. We have had it with...
It’s Friday night, I’m at home watching... nothing. Well that’s not true. My wife is playing a Wii game while I sit here with a beer typing my blog. I’m reminded once again of the fact that there’s not NHL hockey on my TV, and the pain that it brings hockey fans.
I’m seriously concerned of the long term impacts that it looks like this lockout will have. I�...
Lets talk about numbers for a minute.
Sense the 2005-06 NHL season the NHL had 0% of its players holding out for a new deal when they where already under contract.
That is called honor and loyalty
Sense the 2005-06 season the NFL, NBA, MLB has had its players holding out for more money when they where already under contract
That is call no honor and no loyalty
...
Don Cherry is making headlines these days by saying that the NHLPA should be put to a vote on the latest offer that the NHL submitted to the PA. Of course, Fehr is not likely to do it, but when we see why, the reasons are suspect.
The reasons not to put things to a vote are as follows:
1. Lose respectability from other players and get chastised for opposition.
2. Und...
In the past couple of days, NHLPA head Donald Fehr spoke at a meeting of the Canadian Auto Workers union. In his remarks, Don outlined all the things that his union has in common with the CAW, and it has been reported in the media he received a standing ovation from the audience. Apparently the membership of the CAW have been too busy building cars to pay much attention to...
5/7 PCL
There is no reason way the owners should have put 5/7 year contract trem limit on the table
if the owners want a 5/7 year contract term limit then that is the owners responsabilty not the play. Basicly what i'm saying is that should be an agrement amongs the owners not the player. I do howerver agree that there should be a cap limit on length of contract term...
Is everybody healing up after the Probert-esk emotional pummeling dealt out by Donald Fehr? Good, now lets hit some high points of todays CBA talk.
I think a 10 year CBA is a horrible idea. That assures a work stoppage in 10 years time. I think if they have a shorter CBA, 4 years with a mutual option for 2 , it will allow the league and players an opportunity to...
Prosperity. Prosperity. Prosperity.
If there is anything that we can learn by looking at recent history, both in the NHL, and in other professional sports, it's this; labour peace results in nothing but money, money, money. Baseball hands out multi-million dollar contracts to players with very average stats like so much toilet paper, mainly because everyone, teams, player...
BrentD10 writes...
NHL Player Salaries in Comparison to "the Best of the Best"
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
First of all, I'd like to say thanks to all the people that have given me feedback about my first couple of posts on this blog. All comments and feedback are appreciated, pro and con. However, one comment captured my attention, and is worthy of a response. One person commented:
"People who state our hard earned money to pay for tickets, probably have never played hockey a...
So that I can stop hearing complaints about my owner's bias, I need to set the record straight. I am not biased for the owners: I'm biased for this version of the game.
Before that, let me take you through a little of my own history.
In the early 1990s, we used to play League Sim which was a program based on Wayne Gretzky's Hockey (an old hockey game for the compute...
As much as I hated to see it, the last NHL lockout made sense to me. The gap between haves and the have-nots was growing at a ridiculous rate, and truth be told, I was glad to see the NHL take action before it got too far out of control like it has in Major League Baseball. The results of that lockout speak for themselves. Parity has returned to the league and ultimately...
If there is one thing anyone who follows the NHL knows, even the mere mention of the name, "Gary Bettman" evokes a response. The NHL Commish is a polarizing figure, no more so than when a new CBA is being formed, and especially when there is a strike or lockout. Everyone, from the casual hockey fan, to the players in the League, has an opinion of "Bettman", and surely aren...
The NHL says it's waiting for the players to make a 'take it leave it' offer.
The NHLPA says it's waiting for the league to 'resume talks'.
You know what I am waiting for?
I am waiting for:
A simple display of common sense by both parties that will allow an agreement to be reached before the NHL cancels ANOTHER season.
Some kind of understanding that a partn...
BrentD10 writes...
A Picture Says a Thousand Words, Even If You Don't Mean Them
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The picture of Evander Kane, standing on a balcony in Las Vegas, using stacks of money as a prop phone that he then posted on Twitter is a really telling indication of how some players really don't seem to understand the circumstances they are in. Sure, from a personal standpoint, the Winnipeg player has got the means. He's played in the NHL for a couple of years, and he's...
Hello everyone hope you all had a great Christmas and happy new year. For the average hockey fan its been a tough and disappinting season to say the least. Luckily some of the best hockey of the year can be found threw the holidays in the annual World junior tournaments. As my first blog on the sit ide like to do my personal opinion of the nhl draft rewind segment. Now pe...
Hello everyone hope you all had a great Christmas and happy new year. For the average hockey fan its been a tough and disappinting season to say the least. Luckily some of the best hockey of the year can be found threw the holidays in the annual World junior tournaments. As my first blog on the sit ide like to do my personal opinion of the nhl draft rewind segment. Now pe...
Hello everyone hope you all had a great Christmas and happy new year. For the average hockey fan its been a tough and disappinting season to say the least. Luckily some of the best hockey of the year can be found threw the holidays in the annual World junior tournaments. As my first blog on the sit ide like to do my personal opinion of the nhl draft rewind segment. Now pe...
Hello everyone hope you all had a great Christmas and happy new year. For the average hockey fan its been a tough and disappinting season to say the least. Luckily some of the best hockey of the year can be found threw the holidays in the annual World junior tournaments. As my first blog on the sit ide like to do my personal opinion of the nhl draft rewind segment. Now pe...
With Eklund breaking the news that the amnesty clause is back in the lastest proposal offered by the NHL, it's time to play who gets the gate.
This is not just for Sabres fans, as it's for any teams fans.
Which player would you amnesty from your favorite team?
You can give two choices, ranking them 1. and 2.
There are going to be obvious choices, like Gomez with ...
It’s almost comical to read the comments that inevitably follow online articles reporting on the NHL Lockout, especially those that are the, “That’s it! I’m done! I’ll never follow the NHL again!” variety. The funny part is when you read another article 3 days later, there’s the same person, with the same comment. And then, a week later, the same comment from...
Now that the lockout has reached a tentative agreement (you know, pending board of governor approval and to make sure that there's little misunderstanding when it's committed to paper), we can now reflect on the way we were prior to the resolution of this nasty lockout.
Though we lost a full season in 2005, less proverbial poo was flung at that time as is flung this tim...
With the a 6-5 overtime loss to Russians, Canada's national junior team not only leaves Ufa with the disappointment of no gold medal, but also with the knowledge that they are the first Canadian team in fourteen years without a medal of any colour. That's a tough pill to swallow for anyone, let alone a bunch of teenagers who are faced with a level of expectation that most...
Imagine you are the crew chief of an Indy Car team, and you were just informed that this year’s Indianapolis 500 has been rescheduled as the “Indy 275”. That’s pretty much the challenge that has been put in front of NHL GMs, coaches, and players. With a 48 game schedule, this season will have a unique character. A hot streak will give that much more of an advantage...
I could do the overdone “Yay, lockout’s over!!” blog, but I won’t. There’s a few reasons, but those will be revealed more as time progresses towards the start of the season. However, I’m more concerned with how the NHL handles the next few days as teams head to camps.
First, is the development of a schedule. We’ve lost enough games, and people have paid d...
Welcome to my very first blog. I know that I am mostly writing to myself at this point in time but perhaps eventually 2 maybe even 3 people might stumble across one of my collections of ramblings.
I should start with a little bit about myself: I'm certainly not a writer by no stretch of the imagination. I have no professional background, I did the minimum English req...
The firing of Brian Burke in Toronto should serve as a clarion call to other executives and coaches in the NHL, alerting them to the fact that the natives are restless. As bizarre as the timing of the Leafs removing Burke is, it only serves to reinforce the heightened sense of urgency that many franchises have, not just the Maple Leafs. However, in the case of the Leafs, t...
What a wonderful day, I'm playing a show tonight with my band [www.deathbyrobot.ca], I took the day off work, I'm sitting here with a hot cup of Timmy's and hockey talk is in full swing. What more could I ask for? Not a whole lot me thinks.
Anywho I figured today would be a good day to attempt a blog that actually discussed the Edmonton Oilers and my thoughts on the t...
Forget my initial opening for this. I’m currently hiding with my father, from the baby shower (for my sister), which is taking place beneath our feet. We currently have plenty of beer in a snow bank outside to keep it cold because the fridge is in the middle of the party, and there’s no way that we’re going down there.
Why am I here? Few reasons; playoff football...
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...
How is it that there could be a player making so much money that he couldn’t play in the NHL, and needed to be sent to the minors, and at the same time there could be a player making so much money, that he couldn’t be sent to the minors, and needed to play in the NHL? Well, that’s essentially the description of the more than slightly odd circumstances that Wade Redde...
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 ...
Before the lockout I thought the NHL was doing great and getting more and more popular by the year, I wasn't exactly right but not wrong either. The NHL hit record revenue with [b]$3.3 Billion [/b] in the 11-12 season. When the lockout finally ended I turned on ESPN, NESN, CSN, NBC expecting a panel of analysts talking hockey and big banner across the screen, but I was sho...
That sound you may have heard over the last few days, as NHL teams have hosted their first games, is the collective sigh of relief coming from all associated with the League, as it appears that the fan interest (so far) is fully intact. The threats of boycotts, both physical and financial, have to this point been just that, threats, and haven't translated into reality. Hoc...
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...
We're five games into the NHL season, and it's fair to say that the Islanders do look better than many, including myself, were expecting. I believe that if Capuano wants them to make a serious push for a playoff spot, which is still quite the task, the lines need to be shuffled slightly. The Isles cannot afford to blow games with dead weight taking up a roster spot.
Wi...
We're five games into the NHL season, and it's fair to say that the Islanders do look better than many, including myself, were expecting. I believe that if Capuano wants them to make a serious push for a playoff spot, which is still quite the task, the lines need to be shuffled slightly. The Isles cannot afford to blow games with dead weight taking up a roster spot.
Wi...
Well, it's early, perhaps too early to be writing this, but where would the fun be if we didn't jump in and make some observations at this point? As I wrote just prior to the season, the short season could result in some surprising results, for both individual players and for teams, both good and bad. As examples, I stated that some teams who would normally be a lock to be...
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...
We all remember Terry Pegula’s emotional speech after he took over the Buffalo Sabres on February 22, 2011. We all know that he started his speech with “Who am I? I am a Sabre fan and have been since 1975.” He continued to go on with this speech by thanking Tom Golisano for “Saving my hockey team.” Then, he went on to turn to the great Gil Perreault and told him ...
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...
This isn’t your typical “they’re over playing Miller” blog. The way the Sabres are currently playing, there’s a different element in play here. There’s a huge mental element that I feel may come back to bite Buffalo in the rear.
While I missed last nights game, I saw the highlights as well as how Miller bailed out the team last night, big time. After gettin...
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...
I will not try to calculate cap or anything, this is for fun, and what I believe could potentially be an ultimate team. I will pick 4 lines, 3 sets of d, and two goalies. The point is to create a team not of superstars but together will play as a team.rnrn1st UnitrnJames Van Riemsdyke - Sidney Crosby - Steven StamkosrnrnThis unit will have JVR is front of the net, and Cros...
[img]http://blog.nj.com/devils_main/2009/03/medium_kip310.jpg[/img]
It has been a scorching rumour and topic in Calgary for the past year or so now in Calgary- What should the Flames do with Jarome Iginla and Miikka Kiprusoff? As per Capgeek.com, the Flames have five UFA’s and four RFA’s this upcoming off-season. There’s no secret that the Flames are a team cons...
At 6-6-2, the Minnesota Wild have started the abbreviated season with another mediocre start despite the hype regarding their off season acquisitions.
The issue for the Wild this season has been their lack of offensive output. At first all their offense was coming primarily from the 1st line. The Parise-Koivu-Heatley combination combined for 21 points in their first 5 ...
It's the quarter mark of the Nhl shortened season, so here is my prediction.
Eastern Conference
1. Boston Bruins
2. New Jersey Devils
3. Carolina Hurricanes
4. Pittsburgh Penguins
5. New York Rangers
6. Toronto Maple Leafs
7. Montreal Canadiens
8. Philadelphia Flyers
9. Washington Capitals
10. Tampa Bay Lightning
11. Winnipeg Jets
12. Ottawa Senators
13. ...
icechiphockey writes...
NHL Prospects Who Could Make An Impact Next Season
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Shortened 2013 NHL season might have just started, but there is already some decent buzz surrounding the upcoming draft after the season. While the focus seems to mostly be on mock drafts and projectability, here is a look at three players who could make an impact for a NHL team next fall.rnrnSean MonahanrnMonahan has the size (6’2”, 195 pounds) and experience (thr...
Before anyone starts reading this, I have to add that this is not a rumor. This is strictly opinion, and I have no hard facts backing this up. I will state stats on various players, and that’s the only fact that’s here.
I keep hearing trade talk surrounding the Buffalo Sabres. Yes they won last night against the Bruins. Too bad they can’t play them all year round...
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...
This was written at around 5:30 on my dinner break. (Can’t post while at work). I wrote it, e-mailed it home, and am posting now.
It’s finally happened. Those of you who read my blogs regularly know that I’ve been calling for this for quite a long time. Recently, the question “Will this day ever come?” has crossed a lot of people’s minds. However, it’s fin...
Let’s do a little free association shall we? I’ll say a word, and then you say the first thing that comes to mind. No hesitation ok? Let’s give it a try.
Awful- “Sabres”
Sloppy- “Sabres”
Lackadaisical - “Sabres”
Passive- “Sabres”
Hmm, you seem to be preoccupied with the Sabres, and you seem to have a negative view towards them at the m...
First off, it's been a while since I've written an article (here or anywhere), so I thought I'd go for it again. Hi to all those I don't get the chance to "chat" with anymore!
With that out of the way, I went back to check the box score of all of the games so far this season to check out how the Sabres have been playing from a period-to-period perspective.In looking ba...
[b]Tale of the Tape[/b]
BOS 11-2-2 NYI 8-10-1
Goals For: BOS 2.87 NYI 2.90
Goals Against: BOS 2.20 NYI 3.37
Special Teams BOS: PP 14.9%(23rd) PK 94.8%(1st)
Special Teams NYI: PP 24.4% (5th) PK 84.1% (9th)
Bruins Road Record 7-1-1
Islanders Home Record 2-7-0
Season Series: 1-0 Boston (4-2 January 25th)
Currently Riding: BOS 3W NYI 1L
[b]Pr...
It's something that probably should have been done last year, but teams and fans are getting the first look at what could be the new NHL realignment plan. As with every situation and idea, not everyone is going to be happy about it and not everyone is going to be upset. Here is the proposed realignment, courtesy of TSN.ca-
[b]West:[/b]
Pacific- Anaheim, Calgary, Ed...
Several issues are facing the Sabres today. There’s so many disasters in Buffalo right now and there’s several voices looking at this. I figured instead of doing a “Here’s another night of disappointment” blog after the Sabres game (1-1 right now), I’d look at some of the issues facing the Sabres.
[b]Power Play[/b]
Say what you will, the power play again...
The score does not do this game justice. It’s not too often you can sit down and enjoy a 4-1 loss, but this was the exception.
The first period saw both teams come out physical early on, trading hits and matching each other’s physical agenda. Isles head coach Jack Capuano did his best at the beginning of the frame to avoid the Tavares-Chara match-up that, apparently...
One of the things that irks me (and most teams in the East) about the new proposed realignment is the fact that the East would have 16 teams, and the West has 14. One prevailing rumor is that there will be two expansion teams added to the league shortly after this realignment. It's not news to most that Seattle is the front runner if expansion happens, but the way this rea...
It's an off day, so why not talk about Charles Wang? He's always worth a few words.
Two weeks ago the NY Post came out with a story regarding Charles Wang and his interest in selling the Islanders.
It’s been no secret for the past few seasons that Wang was entertaining the thought of selling the storied franchise, but it’s also been no secret that he’s asking f...
[b]Update[/b]
[i]Boulton IN, Ullstrom OUT
Cizikas/McDonald to 3rd Line
Reasoner/Boulton to 4th Line
Martinek OUT, Finley IN[/i]
[b]Tale of the Tape[/b]
TOR 12-9-0 NYI 8-11-1
Goals For: TOR 2.81 NYI 2.80
Goals Against: TOR 2.43 NYI 3.40
Special Teams TOR: PP 16.5%(19th) PK 81.7%(15th)
Special Teams NYI: PP 23.5% (6th) PK 84.9% (7th)
Leafs Road R...
After fighting back from a two goal deficit, the Islanders came away with a point after Dion Phaneuf scored in overtime to win it for the Leafs.
Both teams came out very physical in the first period, with hits totalling 16-13 in favour of the Maple Leafs. For comparison, hits were 21-16 at the end of the Boston game and that was a physical one.
Kyle Okposo made a sli...
I’ve really had to wrap my head around this blog. It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had something even remotely positive to write about with this team. Well, the Sabres finally delivered something mildly positive to bring a glimmer of hope to the fans of Buffalo.
Remember, it’s just a glimmer.
Buffalo has gotten 6 much needed points the last 3 game...
[b]Tale of the Tape[/b]
OTT 12-7-3 NYI 8-11-2
Goals For: OTT 2.14 NYI 2.86
Goals Against: OTT 1.82 NYI 3.48
Special Teams: OTT PP 15.8%(20th) OTT PK 89.2%(3rd)
NYI PP 23.5% (5th) NYI PK 84.9% (7th)
Senators Road Record 3-6-1
Islanders Home Record 2-8-1
Season Series: 1-0 Ottawa (3-1 February 21st)
Currently Riding: OTT 1L NYI 3L
[b]Projected Lines[/b]
[i...
Leafsfan88 writes...
Why The Leafs' Holzer and Kostka are Getting So Many Minutes
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
After looking a bit deeper into what got these guys into Randy Carlyle's good books while John-Michael Liles, who hasn't played all that bad, sits on the sideline I discovered that both Holzer and Kostka are right-handed.
While this doesn't seem to be earth-shattering news, of the Leafs NHL defensemen, only Holzer, Kostka, Cody Franson, and Mike Komisarek are right han...
Yesterday the Islanders were able to stop a three game skid by beating the Ottawa Senators on home ice. No, it’s not a typo. The Islanders actually won a game on home ice. I caught only bits and pieces of the game. Afternoon games are not made for people with kids, unless you’re at the game.
Brad Boyes got the Islanders on the board first with a nice shot over the g...
First and foremost, this isn’t going to be an article complaining about how Kaleta was suspended. He deserved the suspension, to a degree. I’m also going to look at Kaleta’s roll with the Sabres, because despite arguments, I wouldn’t want to see him on another team.
We all saw what happened, and I don’t think anyone denies that Kaleta was going to be suspende...
[b]Tale of the Tape[/b]
MTL 14-4-4 NYI 9-11-2
Goals For: MTL 3.04 NYI 2.82
Goals Against: MTL 2.32 NYI 3.41
Special Teams: MTL PP 19.0%(11th) MTL PK 82.6%(15th)
NYI PP 22.1% (5th) NYI PK 84.2% (10th)
Canadiens Road Record 6-1-2
Islanders Home Record 3-8-1
Season Series: 1-0 New York (4-3(OT) February 21st)
Currently Riding: MTL 1W NYI 1W
[b]Projected Lines[...
Im sorry but what?rnrnhow the hell did kaleta get a 5 game suspension for a nudge?
that hit was barely a hit, Richards fell more than he was pushed, especially the day before the air jump on lundin was only a 4 gamer. to me this makes no sense
What will happen to Ville Leino?
well Regier needs to figure out what is going on with his 2011 off-season flop.
Leino had a stellar career high 53 points with the flyers before he came to buffalo but can he repeat it? no i dont think so nor do most.
last year he missed 11 games due to injury and played a mediocre season being demoted to the 3rd line. Ruff trie...
The Islanders kept up with the Canadiens and battled their way to a 6-3 victory, their second win in as many games at home. A more balanced attack by Capuano and Co. led to fresh legs that were able to keep up with the speedy Canadiens. The Islanders offense is scoring at a rate that keeps them in the tops in the league, possibly something that Montreal didn't consider and...
As the Sabres have hit the half way mark of the regular season they currently sit on the outside looking in. They have underachieved during the first 24 games and now making the post season seams almost impossible. The rangers currently hold the 8th spot with 4 points but contain a 3 game in hand edge over dull sabres.
[u]whats the issue?[/u]
-Well Miller has be...
As the Sabres have hit the half way mark of the regular season they currently sit on the outside looking in. They have underachieved during the first 24 games and now making the post season seams almost impossible. The rangers currently hold the 8th spot with 4 points but contain a 3 game in hand edge over dull sabres.
[u]whats the issue?[/u]
-Well Miller has be...
[b]Tale of the Tape[/b]
NYR 11-8-2 NYI 10-11-2
Goals For: NYR 2.52 NYI 2.96
Goals Against: NYR 2.43 NYI 3.39
Special Teams: NYR PP 14.7%(24th) NYR PK 83.3%(11th)
NYI PP 23.1% (5th) NYI PK 82.7% (14th)
Rangers Road Record 2-4-1
Islanders Home Record 4-8-1
Season Series: 1-1 (4-1(NYR) February 7th , 4-3(SO)(NYI) February 14th)
Currently Riding: NY...
I’m starting this with a quote from [i]Moneyball[/i]. Yes, I know it’s a baseball movie. No, I don’t care.
“The problem we’re trying to solve is that there are rich teams and there are poor teams, then there’s fifty feet of crap, and then there’s us.”
Brad Pitt’s character is describing his ball club, the Oakland A’s. Based on this, I propose th...
ggarritty11 writes...
Oilers Rebuild vs. Blackhawks Rebuild (5 year rebuild)
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Edmonton Oilers are constantly being compared to the Chicago Blackhawks based on the rebuild route they have chosen. Rebuilding is FINE, but don't be convinced that this is the same type of rebuild as the Chicago Blackhawks. I'm going to go over the breakdown of the Chicago rebuild in comparison to the Edmonton rebuild. CHICAGO MISSED THE POST SEASON FROM 02/03 - 07/08...
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...
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...
I'm starting to wonder... how good could this team be if they had a PP that could score goals? They've gone from a team that couldn't score a 5 on 5 goal to save their lives to a team that can't seem to find any way to score with an extra skater or even two extra skaters. They've now scored 4 or more goals in 4 of their last 8 games and scored a season high 5 last night ...
Randy Carlyle is very close to going from hero to goat in Leafland if the results don't change and soon. The team was 15-9-0 and in 5th place just a short time ago and all was well, but a recent 0-3-1 slide has the microscope focusing on the bench boss and a few of his curious decisions. It is difficult to be too hard on Randy, however, this Leafs team has played a much mo...
Now that I have your attention... It’s only in my dreams that this were real headline. Several moves were made today by the Buffalo Sabres, and it’s just simply mind numbing the way that these things went down. I would have written this sooner, but I decided that I needed to watch a good hockey game tonight. So my wife and I went to the Rochester Amerks game.
Discla...
Well the Wild offense seems to finally be figuring things out and not a moment too soon. They've scored 4 or more goals now in 5 of their last 9 with again a new season high of 6 goals yesterday afternoon against the Avalanche. They'll need to keep turning up the offensive heat in the coming weeks as the schedule starts to get a lot deeper against teams that are categori...
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...
Could the NHL Compliance Buyout redefine the term Rent-A-Player? The latest CBA allows NHL teams two player buyouts before the beginning of the 2013-14 NHL season. The buyouts will not count toward the salary cap. Could this cause the rich NHL teams to acquire a bad contract before the deadline with the intentions of buying it out this summer?
It is far fetched to belie...
I'd say the Wild are starting to come full circle. After weeks of questioning the team chemistry and increasingly mounting question marks in coach Yeo, and this team is starting to look like what Wild fans were expecting with the off season acquisitions of Parise and Suter along with a bevy of young talented players making their mark in a shortened season.
Backstrom ha...
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...
We're now 15 games into Ron Rolston's time as coach, and I grabbed some numbers to see some form of comparison between he and Ruff's tenure this year. I thought I'd start with goaltending and get a sense of our overall defensive numbers.
Let's start with the 2 coaches' records:
Ruff: 6-10-1
Rolston: 7-5-3
Rolston started rough, 0-2 start from a lousy team who cou...
I know that there’s a lot of buzz surrounding the Sabres right now. Personally, I’m a little miffed by this. However, I can understand why Sabres fans are very excited with the upcoming games. There’s thoughts of adding to the Sabres win streak with their next 3 opponents. They may even hit the season high win streak of 4 games! Sabres fans are starting to get excite...
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.
...
2 weeks ago, I wouldn’t have thought that the Buffalo Sabres would lose to the Panthers, Lightning, and Capitals, and then beat the Penguins, Senators, and Devils.
It’s like we’re in opposite land or something. Not that I’m complaining, but it is nice to see the Sabres beat some good teams for a change.
There seems to be something different about this Sabre...
How many times have we seen the Buffalo Sabres do what they’ve done this week?
The Sabres came up with 3 great wins against the Penguins, Senators, and Devils. They pulled themselves into a great position, having gotten within 4 points of the elusive 8th place seed in the Eastern Conference. Hope, for the fans of Buffalo, had been restored.
Heading into Tuesday ni...
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...
Yes, I know I’m a week early. I know that Buffalo’s final game of this season is next Friday against the Islanders. But that matters not, since the Sabres have lost to the New York Rangers tonight. Another must win game for the Sabres that they failed to rise to the occasion for.
And doesn’t that sum up the Buffalo Sabres for the past few years?
The past few s...
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...
Multiple headlines making the waves today in the hockey world due to last nights interviews and player reactions. There is no doubt that media plays an enormous role in today's sports world and sometimes, like today, it's too much.
Let's start with Duncan Keith, who is being accused of being sexist due to his comment toward a Team 1040 reporter in Vancouver. The rep...
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...
I think my title speaks for itself. I was convinced that today was the day that Darcy’s reign of terror in Buffalo came to an end. I was wrong. However, I didn’t think that things would take the turn that it did during the press conference at First Niagara Center.
There’s one direction that the Sabres are headed in right now. Straight down. The fans don’t even ...
The following is simply a list of my picks for the various NHL awards, not predictions.
Hart Memorial Trophy:
Alex Ovechkin - Sid the Kid was hands down the MVP for the first 3/4 of the season, but after his injury, it turned into the Ovi Show. If Crosby had remained healthy he would most likely be handed this award, or if Sergei Bobrovsky's Blue Jackets had made the p...
I can’t say that the end of the Buffalo Sabres season has been that painful. To be completely honest, I’m not really looking forward to next season. However, in the mean time, I’ve been enjoying some extremely entertaining hockey in the first round of the 2013 NHL playoffs.
Unfortunately, things are getting out of control.
It seems like every playoff season, ...
After an [i]exhaustive[/i] search for a head coach, the Sabres have named their man. Ron Rolston will remain behind the bench for the Buffalo Sabres in the upcoming years. However, some individuals seem to be up in arms about this.
I don’t know what all the fuss is about.
Let’s look at this team that he had to coach. They weren’t exactly a team of all-stars. ...
Captain_Kurtz writes...
Captains of The 30 NHL teams and ranking out of 10. part 1
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
What makes a good captain? Is a good captain your best player offensively or is a good captain the heart and soul of the team? You decide. [u]Anaheim Ducks-Ryan Getzlaf[/u] Ryan Getzlaf was drafted by the Ducks 1st round (19th overall) in the 2003 entry draft. He was named captain by the team prior too the 2010-2011 season. Despite a horrible 2011-2012 season when he had 5...
This is the start of my off season assessment of the Buffalo Sabres players. I figured I would start with two on again, off again line mates in Tyler Ennis and Marcus Foligno. On paper, these are 2 completely different players. Ennis is 5’9”, 157 lbs while Foligno is 6’3” and 226 lbs. However, both of them can add a lot to the Sabres.
Before I kick this off, I�...
[i]Ryan Leong filling in for Cam Gore who is on assignment. Cam will be back for Game 4.[/i]rnrnLogan Couture is coming of age.rnrnCouture has been mentioned numerous times on this blog how important he is to this team and this game only punctuates how he is the unquestioned 'leader' now. Sure the Sharks still have Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau but even the fans are awa...
[i]Ryan Leong filling in for Cam Gore who is on assignment. Cam will be back for Game 4.[/i]
Logan Couture is coming of age.
Couture has been mentioned numerous times on this blog how important he is to this team and this game only punctuates how he is the unquestioned 'leader' now. Sure the Sharks still have Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau but even the fans are awa...
Tyler Myers.
I already know that just by saying his name, a lot of people’s attention just caught this blog. He’s been with the Sabres his entire NHL career, and after having a dazzling rookie career, he seems to be struggling.
Prompting the question...
What happened to Tyler Myers??
First off, his point totals have significantly decreased since his rooki...
By ranking groups of players in tiers based on over-all ability, readiness, and /or upside, each NHL team can get a road map as to who may be on the board at various slotting points.If a team is trading an established player than might involve picks or even the trading of picks, the GM and his staff want to know exactly how large the tier will be with that newly acquired d...
In my last blog (http://my.hockeybuzz.com/...&user_id=183597I) I partially talked about the possibility of Nino Neiderreiter being traded to the Oilers this summer to bring more size to the top 6 (6' 2'') and to get a more legitimate top six left winger. Granted, Paajarvi is bigger than Nino (6'3'' vs. 6'2'') but this past year Paajarvi has become a good power forward and ...
Hey everybody, in this blog i'm gonna be doing a live blog covering the memorial cup final between the Halifax Mooseheads and the Portland Winterhawks. It's gonna be a good game and I hope you enjoy it.
To start out I'm gonna do a prediction and do a little talking about the 2 teams. In this game we have the projected top 3 picks in this draft (Jones, MacKinnon, Droui...
This is my first attempt at writing a blog so all constructive criticism and opinions are welcome. Ill write with some depth on the top ten picks, and then just make the rest quick with little explanation and based on current standings because the playoffs are not finished yet.rnrnThis year in hockey has been full of ups and downs for Oilers fans, our season was over quick...
This is my first attempt at writing a blog so all constructive criticism and opinions are welcome. Ill write with some depth on the top ten picks, and then just make the rest quick with little explanation and based on current standings because the playoffs are not finished yet.rnrnThis year in hockey has been full of ups and downs for Oilers fans, our season was over quick...
Hey everybody!
While watching the Halifax Mooseheads all season and especially during the memorial cup I couldn't help but notice how well MacKinnon and Drouin play together. They are ranked 2 and 3 on the NHL's central scouting report and after they leave Halifax, they will proberly never play together again. But while I was watching the memorial cup final on Sunday ...
There’s one name that has been surrounded with controversy this past season with the Buffalo Sabres. That man, is Mikhail Grigorenko. The number one draft pick for the Sabres had very high expectations placed upon him. The way [i]some[/i] people wrote about him, I have expected him to show up in a cape, looking like a super hero. He could do no wrong according to some.
...
[b]1. Colorado - Nathan Mackinnon[/b]
A big showing in the memorial cup + the hiring of Patrick Roy makes Nathan Mackinnon too much to pass up. COL's prospect pool is stronger on D than up front and Mackinnon, Duchene, Landeskog are the avs answer to RNH Hall Eberle
[b]2. Florida - Seth Jones[/b]
Panthers go for BPA - Seth Jones and Gudbranson will be a ridiculo...
Your 2013-2014 Toronto Maple Leafs
The whole city of Toronto and those of us in the die-hard “Leafs Nation” fan base were on top of the world with just over ten minutes to play in the third period of a crucial game 7 against our rival, the Boston Bruins. We were taunting Boston fans, we were criticizing all the analysts who had the Bruins beating us in four or fiv...
Your 2013-2014 Toronto Maple Leafs
The whole city of Toronto and those of us in the die-hard “Leafs Nation” fan base were on top of the world with just over ten minutes to play in the third period of a crucial game 7 against our rival, the Boston Bruins. We were taunting Boston fans, we were criticizing all the analysts who had the Bruins beating us in four or fiv...
Apparently the Vancouver Canucks and New York Islanders are talking trades. The Islanders have inquired about Roberto Luongo and are interested in the following type of deal. The New York Islanders would move Rick DiPietro and possibly Evgeni Nabokov and some sort of prospect and draft pick for Roberto Luongo.
TSNBobMcKenzie: "It’s believed NYI would, under right cir...
Oh yes according to Elliote Friedman Tim Thomas may try and attempt a comeback to hockey after taking a year off for personal reasons. Thomas may not return to the NHL but instead go to Europe, maybe Finalnd where he spent 4 seasons playing for Jokerit, Karpat and HIFK. Another option in Europe will be the Swedish Elite league or the KHL, Thomas played 23 games with AIK in...
NHL Rumors and Speculations page. This page is devoted only to rumors and speculations that are not confirmed unless stated ‘Confirmed Source’.
Brad Richards (Under Contract): The New York Rangers could explore options (compliance buy-out) to rid Brad Richards humongous big contract he signed a couple of summers ago. Richards was used as a fourth liner and was scrat...
The Oilers made a move this week. Yes, I said they made a move. This is what it's gonna be like now, no more Mr. Nothing Tambelini. MacT is actually gonna make moves to try to improve the team. MacTavish is going to try to make the team better but he's not going to make any moves that are gonna screw us in the future. In summary, he's not gonna masively over-pay for a...
Edited June 7th
While watching the Halifax Mooseheads all season and especially during the memorial cup I couldn't help but notice how well MacKinnon and Drouin play together. They are ranked 2 and 3 on the NHL's central scouting report and after they leave Halifax, they will proberly never play together again. But while I was watching the memorial cup final on Sunday I...
I figured, since I keep hearing trade rumors about the Buffalo Sabres goaltenders, it was about time to address it. Buffalo has a huge issue when it comes to goalies, but I think it’s a good issue;
They’ve got a LOT of goalies in their system.
As I’m sure a lot of you have figured out, I’m going to be focusing on Ryan Miller and Jhonas Enroth. I’ll also st...
Damn.
This is a big blow for Edmonton's bottom 6. Temmu Hartikainen has signed a contract with Ufa in the KHL and is leaving the Oilers organization. This sucks for the Oilers because Hartikainen was a big young physical presence that was ready to start playing on the 3rd line next year and was going to be a big part of their future for years to come. And I just lear...
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...
First off, follow me on twitter @PHI_Flyers to talk some hockey
I thought it would be fun to steer away from everyone dissecting one team for the offseason coming up and look at players trade values. I'm going to break down each team and put their key players into either ELITE value, HIGH Value, and AVG value. Im not going to include every player so if you feel there is...
Yes as you can see its still June 20th... but close enough :lol: This is my 2nd last Mock draft, my last one will come the 29th or 30th... please refer to my last blog to see how many spots changed! (Link to June 14th mock: http://my.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=14944&user_id=51280)
[1][img]http://1.cdn.nhle.com/avalanche/images/logos/medium.png[/img] C Nate MacKi...
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...
With the NHL entry draft just around the corner and with all the controversy sorrounding it this year, I thought I should put in my two cents. With this being a deep draft year it will be interesting to see how it stacks up to the rest. So with no further ado, ladies and gentlemen, this is the Oilersrule66 2013 NHL mock draft.
____________________________________________...
Draft Predictions At Number Six (Flames)
Hi everyone, over the last few days I’ve been asking twitter followers of mine who they think the Calgary Flames will pick at number six in their own opinion.
So let’s hear what they said.
Ryan Smiley (@BacklundFan11)
- Im gonna have to say I’d pick Max Domi of the London Knights (OHL).
He’s probably one of ...
Mock Draft 2013 By @Justinbeatty777:
#1 – Colorado – Seth Jones
Why: All-Star future number one defenseman who could pass him up.
Avs need a number one dmen for their future plans. But however Roy has a future with Nathan and has watched him a lot and loves his play so it could go either way.
#2 – Florida – Nathan MacKinnon
Why: A beauty to watch, a workh...
Like many others here, I really enjoy speculating about prospects and the draft and this year's draft seems to have the potential to be pretty exciting. I'm not going to pretend to be an expert or anything, because I'm not. The only players I know well is the three London knights slated to go in the first round from taking in quite a few knights games in the past two years...
For more on the Flyers draft/prospects, follow @FlyerProspects on twitter.[url]www.twitter.com/flyerprospects[/url]
With the 11th overall pick in the NHL draft, the Flyers will have a lot of top end talent to choose from. Here are some of the players that might hear their name called by Paul Holmgren come draft day
[b]Rasmus Ristolainen, D, TPS, SM-Liiga [/b]
Rist...
zontar writes...
2013 NHL Draft: Drafting for Need vs. Best Available Player
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
There seems to be some debate on whether it's a better draft strategy to draft for organizational need or draft the best available player.
If you look back to the 2010 NHL draft (Taylor vs. Tyler) the Oilers had to choose between the best available player (Taylor Hall) and the player who filled an organizational need (Tyler Seguin). Oiler fans were divided as both team ...
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...
There's nothing I enjoy more than the days leading up to the NHL Draft. Last year was the first time in the past 3 years I didn't write my mock draft, and it just didn't feel right. So this year, I'm back again to share my thoughts on how the 2013 NHL Draft might go. This is a strong year in my eyes, with 5 players who could dramatically change the fortunes of a few lucky ...
Sunday, my wife and I ventured off to Buffalo for lunch with her mother, and then for the ever popular Sabres Draft Party. This blog is going to cover the Sabres draft, and the atmosphere in First Niagara Center as the day progressed.
Like many others, we arrived at FNC and I was on my phone following up on every rumor that I could find. I had donned my Taro Tsumimoto ...
Hey all, I am back with another blog. I hope you enjoy it and feel free to follow me on
Twitter @NewfieMikey
The Oilers had an interesting day at the Draft, MacT was in on a lot of players but did something we Oiler fans are quite used to...Got close to but didn't land a number of
immediate roster players. Apparantly he was trying to get Cal Clutterbuck (who wen...
The 2013 NHL Draft on Saturday was eventful to say the least. From surprise picks to trades, we experienced everything. Last week, Matt Lee and I laid out our predictions. First, we’ll show you how we each fared in predicting the Top 10 selections in the draft. Second, we will break down EVERY pick of the 1st round. Third and last, we will tell you who we thought were wi...
Who is Myles Bell? I believe that was every New Jersey Devils fan's reaction when he was drafted in the sixth round, 160th overall, on Sunday. If you look up his stats from the past season, you will find that he was recently converted from defense to forward, he had 38 goals, 55 assists for a total of 93 points in just 69 games. That is A LOT of points for someone taken i...
I won’t take anything away from right wing David Clarkson. When he deploys his A-game, Clarkson is a rugged power forward with tons of offensive upside, the type of player any team would want. With that said, I cannot put enough emphasis on the wording of that previous sentence, more particularly, the first five words of it, an allusion to the glaring shortcomings that h...
The New Jersey Devils agreed with free agent power forward Ryane Clowe on a 5 year $24.25 million contract on Friday.
When I woke up on Friday morning, checked twitter and I saw that the Devils were the front runners to sign Clowe because they knew that Clarkson was not coming back, I had mixed feelings. Not because I wanted Clarkson back because I certainly did not. ...
Despite losing David Clarkson, who parted ways with the Devils for greener pastures and a chance to play for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, the Devils efficiently utilized the opening of the unrestricted free agent period by supplementing their offensive depth. As we all know, the Devils brought in wingers Ryane Clowe, Michael Ryder, and Rostislav Olesz, respectively si...
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 ...
Hi there. I've been a long-time reader but never bothered to make an account. I figured I'd try my hand in voicing my opinion on things now that it's the off-season and there isn't much Shark talk happening.
[b]On Draft/Free Agency:
[/b]
It's no secret that the Sharks have been actively inactive during the off-season. It's for a good reason, though.
San Jose spent ...
[b]Twitter : @ProspectReport[/b]
I checked out the Calgary Flames' scrimmage today, and just felt it necessary to post a few thoughts, going over who impressed, and who didn't. It's going to be a quick blog. For those who don't follow me on twitter, I run my own scouting service, and cover the Flames for a few sites - just starting to post here as well.
Mark Jankowsk...
The Sharks Dev Camp wrapped up a few days ago and the organization couldn't wait to feast their eyes on first round choice Mirco Mueller.
Both Bob McKenzie and Craig Button selected Mueller 16th in their Mock Drafts, while ISS Hockey had Mueller ranked in the 2nd round.
Mirco is 6'3", 184lbs (per hockeydb.com) and came second only to Seth Jones in rookie defenseman ...
With the NHL and IOC (supposedly) close to an agreement to include the world's best players to play in Sochi on February, there will be much debate on who will be representing their respective countries on the world's biggest stage. In this series of blogs, I will tell you who I would have on my team if I was choosing and why. Just like most championship teams, I'll s...
I'm writing a quick blog about my thoughts on the Wings lineup for the opener against Buffalo. And addressing why I think this is the best lineup to get points.
Franzen/Datsyuk/Zetterberg
Nyquist/Weiss/Alfredsson
Abdelkader/Helm/Tatar
Miller/Andersson/Eaves
Ericsson/Kronwall
Smith/Kindl
DeKeyser/Quincy
Lashoff
Injury call ups: Emmerton, Jurco, Jarnkrok, Sh...
Hello, my name is Daniel Jackson, i am 22 years old and i have been reading this site for 3-4 years now. i am quite interested in writing blogs and i plan on writing many here. I am a HUGE avalanche fan, so you will see many directed to them, but i would like to cover every team in a "look to the season" with projections, lineups, breakout players and whats to come for the...
Well this years biggest fish in Free Agency landed with the leafs and the fans and media have drooled all over the signing. David Clarkson is a hulking, moderately young winger, who can bang, and score at a good pace. I feel like its irrelavent to sit here and worry about the contract since teams have proved that it is possible to trade long contracts see: Flyers and also ...
West:
1. Chicago
2. Los Angeles
3. St.Louis
4. Dallas
5. Anaheim
6. Vancouver
7. San Jose
8. Edmonton
9. Minnesota
10. Phoenix
11. Winnipeg
12. Nashville
13 Colorado
14. Calgary
Teams:
Last Season: Pacific:
Los Angeles
Anaheim
2.Anaheim Vancouver
13Calgary San Jose -- Wild Card
1Chicago Edmonton – Wild Card ...
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...
[img]http://cdn.rapidmanager.com/echl/files/MarcelNoebelsTrenton1213.jpg[/img]
[b]Marcel Noebels[/b]
In the 4th round of the 2011 entry draft, the Flyers selected the Tornisvorst, Germany native, Marcel Noebels. Noebels had come over from DEL, German Ice Hockey League, the season before and played for a bad Seattle Thunderbirds team in the WHL. Noebels had a decent r...
Please feel free to correct me on any grammar or vocabulary mistakes.
Today I got a message to research two players, Akim Aliu and Wojket Wolski. I'll start with Akim Aliu.
Akim Aliu is 6'3, 225 pounds, plays right wing and 24 years of age. He was born in Okene Nigeria. But moved to Ukraine early in his life. He then moved to Canada when his parents where nervous of ...
I am the GM of the old West & East Conference and I can only trade players out of their conferences , those are the 15 deals that I am proposing. ( Salary Cap , Team Needs, Depth Areas and Years Remaining on the contract are all factors included).
1. MTL - ANA Andrei Markov for Emerson Etem 1st round draft pick (2014)
( Explanation: Someone that can mentor Cam Fo...
The Sharks raised a few eyebrows when they gave Joe Pavelski the identical deal that Logan Couture received. Each player got a nice raise, going to $6M per for five seasons on their respective extensions.
The purpose of this blog is to calm the naysayers about Pavelski's new deal.
Here are the stats for the last three seasons for each player.
[b]Couture[/b]
[i]...
Here's a little known fact: The Sharks have been a playoff team in 14 of the last 15 NHL seasons. The only other NHL team that boasts that consistency? The Detroit Red Wings. The only problem is that there were 11 different Stanley Cup winners during that 15 year period, and none of them are named the Sharks.
In the 8 years of the previous CBA, the Sharks made the playo...
Hey everyone,
Let's jump right into it shall we?
Calder - Drouin
Lady Byng - St. Louis
Vezina - Rinne
Art Ross - Sid the kid
Rocket Richard - Stamkos
James Norris - Letang
Ted Lindsay - Crosby
Hart - Giroux (had to be a little bias, forsee a 100 pt season - 30 more than the next Flyer)
Jack Adams - Patrick Roy
Big year for the Lightning (offensively), Ben ...
I've talked a lot about the dealing one, two or three of San Jose's key players lately. I'm not saying I agree with shipping them all out, but I am saying that the interest of the organizations future has to be considered when re-signing players. Say you re-sign the 37-year-old Dan Boyle for two years instead of shipping him out at the deadline for a first+prospect, or mor...
There are arguments to be made for what age range actually defines a players "prime years". The differing opinions on the topic leave us with no concrete definition, only speculation.
The typical range goes anywhere from 24, on the low end, and 32, on the high end, which is spread out through several websites, posts and on-air discussions. The typical labeling stretche...
It’s tough being a Sabres fan these days. There’s not a lot of hope or optimism surrounding the team. The Sabres website did a great job the other day playing up the NHL.com article on Rick Jeanneret’s infamous “May Day” call. I started thinking about some of my favorite memories watching the Buffalo Sabres.
Now I have to emphasize this, these are 2 of my fav...
With the summer silence still in effect around the league, here are some random thoughts.
[b]99 Problems But A Russian's Not One[/b]
[i]If you look at the roster listed on sharks.NHL.com you'll see a full list of Americans and Canadians, with one Swede, a Fin and a Czech. The thoughts of any player bolting to the KHL aren't a worry for San Jose.[/i]
[b]Smooth Sche...
There are several sites/posts around that will tell you that placing Martin Havlat on the LTIR list will magically fix the cap problem for this season. They'll also try to convince you that Havlat on LTIR creates this magical bag of cap space for the Sharks to head to the mall and use as they see fit.
They're wrong.
Martin Havlat being placed on the LTIR, as the cap ...
The pre-season can't come quick enough.
The Sharks lineup should look relatively the same as far as personnel go, but there could be some rotations in the make up of the lines.
Here are my 2013/14 Sharks projected lines:
[b]Forwards[/b]
Marleau - Couture - Pavelski
Wingels - Thornton - Burns
Torres - Kennedy - Hertl
Sheppard - Desjardins - Burish
[...
Team USA has chosen to bring 48 players to orientation camp, which is basically a meet and great golf tournament.
Of those 48 players that were selected for camp, only 25 will be chosen to make the trip to Sochi, Russia for the 2014 Olympics. 20 of those players will dress for each game, leaving five in the pressbox. Here’s my roster for Team USA in Sochi, based on th...
This past season in the KHL a format was introduced to non-playoff teams vying for top spot in the KHL Draft. The teams that failed to reach the post season would do battle in a consolation tournament, with the winner being awarded the first overall pick.
What if the NHL did that?
It would almost certainly increase competition and avoid “tanking” during the regul...
Team Canada enters the Olympics like they enter any International tournament, the favorites to win.
After winning a nail-biting Gold Medal in 2010 on home ice, the Canadians will bring a younger roster to Sochi in hopes of a repeat. There are probably around three forward lines and two defense lines worth of players that are going and are really non-negotiable. The fina...
The newly aligned Pacific Division features 4 returning teams and 3 newcomers. In Shark Opponents I'm going to take a look at how the Sharks did against Pacific Division teams. It's going to be in three parts. Part One is this blog, The Returnees (Anaheim, Phoenix, LA). Part Two is The Newcomers (Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver). Part Three is The Departed, which will cover t...
Welcome to Part Two of Shark Opponents.
[b]The Newcomers[/b]
[b]v.s. Calgary[/b]
San Jose played three games against the Flames in 2013, sporting a record of 2-1.
The Sharks had trouble scoring against Calgary, recording only 7 goals in the three games. but Antti Niemi held the Flames to 6 over the same period of games.
San Jose outshot (103-82) and out-face...
Welcome to the final installment of Shark Opponents. Over the first two blogs I've covered how well the Sharks did against the returning Pacific Division teams (9-7-2) and the incoming teams from the former Northwest Division (8-1-0). Part Three goes over the Dallas Stars, who moved from the Pacific to the new Central Division, as well as the Red Wings and Blue Jackets, wh...
There's an elephant in the room that keeps getting a giant blanket thrown over it.
Brent Burns.
For starters, I'm a Brent Burns fan. I think he's a good player who attracts no negative attention to himself off the ice, or on the ice, as a person. The problem, for me, is that Burns' play doesn't merit his $5.76M per season salary within the Sharks system.
San Jos...
“I point the finger squarely on (NHL agent) JP Barry, the man who blessed us with the (Dany) Heatley mess.”
Doesn’t it feel like every time the Senators hit center stage in the NHL world Eugene Melnyk is quoted saying something as blasphemous as this?
I mean if it’s not his personal vendetta against Matt Cooke being publicly announced after his top defense m...
While I may be a Flyers fan, the Oilers will always be my 2nd favorite team, and they have been since the day I was born. I've decided to mix it up and write a blog for a different team.
Today I will sum up the Oilers offseason to date. That includes everything from the Draft, Free Agent signings, re-signings, trades, and management changes.
[b][u]Management Changes [...
Creating a blog like this will bring obvious controversy, agreements and disagreements. I know that. However, the Oilers are without a captain for the 13/14 season, so why not blog about it? The Oilers could always go the 3 assistant captains route, however, i feel that with all the young players the Oilers have, they will put a C on one of their younger players sweaters. ...
The Avalanche invested further in their young captain by shelling out $39 million over the course of seven years.
Patrick Roy and Joe Sakic are trying to work with their current roster as no major moves were made in free agency to sign any available players. Other players were acquired through trades and picking up any free agents seems unlikely as the owners are choosi...
The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia are approaching quickly. Bitter rivalries, intensity, dedication and honour are just some of the great reasons to be excited for this tournament. I find the roster selection and the thought of all these great stars playing side by side very interesting. Does a team like Canada throw a bunch of offensive players on their roster and...
Time for my 3rd blog on the Oilers in the past 3 days! In this feature I will be guessing how many points I think the Oilers players will get during the upcoming 2013/2014 NHL season.
I believe some players are due for a breakout season, or atleast a bounceback season. Of course, roster spots could still change.
I will be doing the top 9 Forwards, top 5 Defense, and the...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Shark Talk: Jersey Teasers, Travel and Drug Testing
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Sharks released two video clips on Instagram account, one yesterday and one today, of the new jersey for the 2013/14 season. The black armor jersey will remain the same, with only the home/away jerseys getting minor changes. Here are the still frame shots of the clips.
[img]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5347/9545452649_84f3ccd049.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www-thescor...
Due to this being a great idea and most popular demand by Oiler fans, today's blog will focus on how the Oilers can improve their bottom 6 FW.
When you look at the Oilers bottom 6 you currently have these 7 players...
3rd line: Smyth-Gordon-Hemsky
4th line: Jones-Lander-Joensuu/Brown
To me that isn't a terrible bottom 6, but you definitely have a very weird and ...
You may have come here for the Omark, Boyes and the Cap part of the blog, but I'm going to make you stare at the complete new jersey's first.
[b]Away[/b]
[img]http://2.cdn.nhle.com/sharks/images/upload/2013/08/SJS_WEB_NewJerseyAway_950x741.jpg[/img]
[b]Home[/b]
[img]http://1.cdn.nhle.com/sharks/images/upload/2013/08/SJS_WEB_NewJerseyHome_950x741v2.jpg[/img]
...
Note: I can't seem to post comments so bare with me. I can only post short words, but not full sentences.
The Avalanche are very much stocked up with centers and their defensive woes are bound to bite back.
Here is their current line-up on D:
[b]Erik Johnson[/b]:
The former #1 draft pick will be making this his fourth year with the Avs after being traded by...
Expectations. We are closing in on the end of August here in Alberta and with that hockey has become a topic of conversation because the cool wind is a reminder that training camps is just around the corner. Now being an Oiler fan has not been easy the last couple years, this time every year it has been the same thing. Hockey fans have all been saying the same thing about ...
Ok Ok we all know that the market is a little dry and maybe looking like the Sahara Desert right now, but there are still plenty of NHLers out there without jobs. We have seen the top end talent go but there are still some warriors out there, some depth out there, heck even some projects out there. C'mon, hockey is these peoples careers and would definitely not take a club...
If you follow the oilers, it should come as no surprise that EDM will more than likely be without their 1C, Nugent-Hopkins, to start the season and are pretty thin at C already. The 4C job will be up for grabs between Lander and Will Acton. Acton having never played an NHL game.
Here’s a few possibilities on how I see the F depth chart to start the season:
Option ...
Devan Dubynk, the Big Easy as some would like to call him or Dubey as I like to call him. The big goalie that has never seemed to get the complete trust from fans to take the team to the next level. He always seems to let in that one goal that can deflate the whole team. But he is capable of making that big save but at times it always seemed too late. Every year he has bee...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Shark Talk: NHL14, Broadcast Schedule, Quick Notes
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The NHL14 Demo is out and I'm impressed.
I was disappointed in the game last year with not much new added, save for the skating engine. This year they've upped the fighting engine, smoothed out the skating engine and it appears that speed is more realistic.
I'm a huge fan of the fighting engine. It's extremely more realistic. You can heave haymakers, uppercuts and g...
The Oilers 2013/2014 is going to be a wild ride one way or another. After 7 years of dwelling in the basement the fans are hoping this is the year they will be rewarded for their patience with a playoff appearance. After reading over my previous two blogs, I believe there are a few things that need to happen for the Oilers to be in the second season for the first time si...
I've decided to go back in time and select an Oilers dream team from the year 2000 and up. There are a couple requirements I took into consideration.
1) No rental players - so no deadline day acquisitions that left the year after
2) None of our young guns on the team today (lets bring up the past to make it a little tougher) So no Hall, Nuge, Ebs, Yaks, Shultz
Feel ...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Off The Ice: Olympics, SF Bulls, Young Stars Classic
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Ek posted a poll about NHL participation beyond Sochi, so I thought I'd have a few thoughts on the topic.
The reason the NHL players go to the Olympics is because they want to. They want to represent their countries in their sport on the biggest international sports event in the world.
The only thing holding up Olympic participation in any year has been the owners an...
nayefj writes...
What will it take for the Avs to make a serious Cup run?
Posted Friday | Comments 0
[b]I still can't seem to post any comments on MyHockeybuzz without the words "mySQL Error in statement" appearing and my comment not showing up. Just to let you know I'm not ignoring anyone's comments.[/b]
Liles was mentioned a couple of times in the comments so I'd like to address this point for a bit.
Sure, Liles was great with the Avs during his time in Denver. No...
The IIHF released the results of a survey they did encompassing all 62 member countries regarding the number of registered hockey players in their systems.
The international government of hockey said that the number of players has increased by almost 40,000 since last year, an increase of almost 2.5%, bringing to the total world-wide to over 1.6 million players.
Cana...
Have you heard the knews?! Dun Dun Dun...Another one bites the dust. One more for the list of players the Oilers have mismanaged. What's this list you may ask? Well follow me down the rabbit hole into a world of disappointment, heartbreak, remorse, disgust, and woe (Thanks Thesaurus.com!).
The List (Feel free to make your own or add to the one provided.)
Sheldon Sour...
The San Jose Sharks have a trio of "big fish" for the trade market this year. When the season starts Dan Boyle, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau will all begin collecting paychecks for the last year of their current contracts, with no extension for any of the three. You can consider this season, from opening night until the trade deadline, an evaluation year.
I can't e...
Abeltshauser has been quietly enjoying success in the shadow of Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin while he finished out his junior career in Halifax.
The 6'5", 225lb German native was part of the 2013 Mastercard Memorial Cup winning Mooseheads this past season. He was named to the tournament all-star team and collected two goals and a helper in the final game.
In ...
For those of you who don't follow me on Twitter and Don't know me, My name is Josh Rimer and I'm excited to join Hockey Buzz. I've been in the Hockey Biz since I was 16 years old. Spent half my life in Canada and the other half in the US. I got some great ideas that I'm going to be writing about in this space, and I'm pretty sure that you will enjoy it! My first piece ...
While Doug Wilson has done a fantastic job of assembling a competitive roster year in, year out, there has been much left to the imagination via the NHL Entry Draft for the Sharks.
San Jose has a history of owning a weaker amateur scouting group, which has led to less than intriguing first round picks. There are exceptions, of course, with the likes of Logan Couture, bu...
TheWad87 writes...
Do the Leafs Have a Goaltending Controversy Brewing?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
When the Leafs acquired goaltender Jonathan Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings this past summer, two things were made clear by this move. One, the Leafs would have one heck of a goaltending duo this upcoming season—and two, the Leafs will more than likely have a goaltending controversy on their hands at the end of all of this.
I've always said its never a bad thing to...
It's that time of the year again. The Toronto Maple Leafs open their pre-season schedule September 15th at 6:00 PM in London as the Philadelphia Flyers play host to the Leafs.
With current holdouts Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson still question marks to begin the season with the team, the Leafs prospect pool might be getting a long look this upcoming training camp.
With...
I'm on vacation right now, if you didn't figure that out from the title. There is zero Sharks news as of the moment so I decided I'd throw a bunch of random thoughts out. Forgive any grammar and spelling errors, I'm using one of those newfangled iPads.
- Linus Omark, as it has been reported a few days ago, is going to make a case for himself on the Oilers roster this ye...
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...
TheWad87 writes...
The Importance of Cody Franson and Why He Needs To Sign
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Coming into the league, Cody Franson was never the best skater, he was really never the best defender, but one thing was certain with Franson, he had a very electric and accurate shot.
Whether it was a slapshot from the slot, or a snapping wrist shot from the blueline, Franson's accuracy with his shot is nearly unmatched.
In junior, Franson—who played with the Vanc...
I was thinking about the Sharks roster while I was on vacation, and I thought about who the top players on the team were. Then I thought about who were the most important players, not necessarily the best players. Here are my top 5 most important Sharks players for the upcoming season.
[b]5. Matt Irwin[/b]
[i]The biggest question, for me, is whether or not Irwin can...
tonylynch15 writes...
Rangers Season Starts With A Trip To Traverse City
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
[img]http://www.kare11.com/images/640/360/2/assetpool/images/130426112048_Danny_Kristo_1280.jpg[/img]
Danny Kristo photo by Getty Images
[b]By Tony Lynch (@TonyLynchSaid)[/b]
[i]Blueshirt Off My Back is a series of NY Rangers related thoughts, musings and reflections by Tony Lynch.[/i]
Labor Day may mean that Summer is over, but it also signals the return of hock...
The Leafs begin their quest for redemption this season as the club opens their 2013-14 preseason schedule tonight in London against the Philadelphia Flyers.
After their horrendous game seven collapse at the hands of Patrice Bergeron and the Boston Bruins this past spring, the Leafs re-tooled and brought a new found edge to the team that was sorely lacking in some instan...
By Tony Lynch (@tonylynchsaid)
The Rangers' preseason officially kicks off tonight when the Rags take the ice against the Devils in Newark. Before they take the ice, here's a recap of how the Rangers prospects fared in the annual Traverse City Prospect Tournament. Though the team did not fare well in the standings at the tournament, finishing 1-2-1, a number of players ...
You remember going to your first dance as a kid? I remember my first dance, because my parents forced me to go. The one thing that got me to go is how my father explained to me about how going to a dance was an opportunity to ask a girl to dance with me that normally I wouldn’t talk to. Now I was in grade 6 when I attended my first dance, and the thing about being in gra...
Here are one man's picks for where every team will finish this season. It goes without saying that most will be end up being wrong! If there's one thing I've learned in 40+ years as an NHL fan, its that every season is pretty much unpredictable!
*teams will make the playoffs!
Metropolitan (BTW, I still think that's a stupid name for a division!)
1. Pittsburgh*: Th...
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...
TheWad87 writes...
Why John Scott Should Be Banned Longer Than David Clarkson
Posted Monday | Comments 0
You hear it all the time, "Who cares! It's preseason, the games mean nothing!".
Tell that to the members of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres.
The game itself was rather tame for the first two periods last night, but all hell broke lose in the third period after a fight between Leaf tough-guy hopeful Jamie DeVane, and Sabres winger Corey Tropp.
The fight ...
During the preseason, the NHL has tried to make the game more safe for the players. The NHL is currently testing [b]hybrid-icing[/b], and have cracked down on [b]taking helmets off before a fight[/b]. But is the NHL really doing enough to make the game more safe?
When it comes to it, it is basically a crapshoot. It seems like no one can predict what the NHL wi...
[u][b]Three Things That Are Wrong With The NHL[/b][/u]
1. The 20-year-old AHL Rule: If someone can explain to me what the difference between a 19-year-old kid and a 20-year-old kid is, please do. I'm all ears. Don't say maturity, because I don't want to be lied to. There isn't any magical switch that happens for a person between their 19th birthday and 20th where a ligh...
The San Jose Sharks currently have 32 players remaining at camp, meaning they will have to send off 9 more players before the roster deadline.
I'm going to make my predictions on who is going to be re-assigned.
[b]In Goal[/b]
Harri Sateri
[b]On Defence[/b]
Taylor Doherty
Matt Tennyson
[b]Up Front[/b]
John McCarthy
Matt Nieto
Bracken Kearns
Matt Pel...
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...
Quick intro of myself since this is my first blog on Hockeybuzz...
I'm a college student at University of Connecticut and a huge NHL fan. I played junior A hockey since I was 16 years old, going back to my what would have been, second year of midgets. I played in the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, North American Hockey League for a few games, Eastern Junior Hockey Leagu...
The Sharks final cuts are in. Here are the players that have been assigned to Worcester in the AHL.
[i]Taylor Doherty
Bracken Kearns
John McCarthy
Harri Sateri
Matt Tennyson[/i]
And the one player who was assigned to San Francisco in the ECHL.
[i]Matt Pelech[/i]
Sharks.nhl.com also said that Anthony Stewart has been released and won't be offered a contract....
[i]Before I get into the predictions, I've created an ESPN fantasy league in hopes of finding 9 other people willing to join. There are currently 7 teams left, so join up! Here's the link:[/i]
[url]http://games.espn.go.com/fhl/leagueoffice?leagueId=54437[/url]
[u][b]30 Teams, 30 Predictions[/b][/u]
Anaheim – A flavor of the shortened season, they fail to make pl...
Finally the NHL season is here.
While there only being three games tonight, it's enough to have all hockey fans excited for the new season to begin. Teams and management have worked hard to adjust to the new cap and prepare their teams for a full regular season grind.
Toronto and Montreal kick off the night with the first puck drop and couldn't be more of a classic...
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...
The Chicago Blackhawks host the Washington Capitals in the opening night of NHL action between two of the NHL's top franchises. Who will come out on top? Find out in the highlights of today's featured game of the National Hockey League on EA Sports NHL 14 - play-by-play calling by Eric Munter.
[url]http://youtu.be/8HOY4pfwoJY[/url]
[i]First I'd like to thank the nine readers who joined up for the fantasy league. Draft is Sunday at 10ET, see you there![/i]
Finally. Hockey in Locktober ,err, October.
The Sharks open up the season tomorrow night against the Vancouver Canucks, a team they had some feisty battles with during the pre-season. The Canucks and Sharks are two of the premier teams in the ...
[b][i]Update: Stuart will be sitting out tonight per David Pollak.[/i][/b]
The Sharks kick off the 2013/14 season tonight at home against the Vancouver Canucks. The two Pacific Division rivals met twice in the pre-season with the Sharks taking the first game 3-2 and the second 5-0, but as we all know, the pre-season means nothing.
Last season the Sharks were a perfec...
This is my first blog, so I figured to start off with a hotly contested subject as the new season starts. Just who is the best goaltender in the NHL. By all accounts I read through this summer, that distinction belongs to either Quick or Lundqvist. Lundqvist has played 3 more seasons than Quick, and since I am a Rangers fan I decided to reduce Henrik's numbers to only 5...
Catch the highlights as the Detroit Red Wings as they hosted the Buffalo Sabres on October 2, 2013. Who will come out on top? Find out in today's featured game of the National Hockey League on EA Sports NHL 14 - play-by-play calling by Eric Munter.
[url]http://youtu.be/hA_GWhRIuWQ[/url]
Catch the highlights of the Pittsburgh Penguins as they hosted the New Jersey Devils on October 3, 2013. Who will come out on top? Find out in today's featured game of the National Hockey League on EA Sports NHL 14 - play-by-play calling by Eric Munter.
[url]http://youtu.be/S9eS2mHz1_g[/url]
There are 2 games in the books for the Buffalo Sabres. 2 games, 2 loses. To be honest, it hasn’t looked pretty despite the close scores. Buffalo made it look close last night against Ottawa, but a lapse in the dying moments cost them at least a point. As predicted, Ryan Miller keeps Buffalo in games, to give everyone that glimmer of hope.
The opening 2 games of the s...
Well, many people could see this one coming after the poor start the Flyers had. I had a gut feeling this one was coming. Not even just because of a 0-3 start, but just how the team looks in general. I for one, had great optimism for the Flyers because of their offseason additions this year and felt they would get back on track with a training camp and full season. Now, ...
Well, after a week in the its safe to say that Patrick Roy is the right man for this Avalanche team. After 3 games the Avs have set a franchise record in starting 3-0-0 since the move to Denver, Colorado. Something that past great Avs teams have never done. The team is working really hard and it seems that Coach Roy has them bought in to the aggresive game, everyone is lay...
By the time that I finish writing this blog, Buffalo will have lost their 5th game in a row. It is 4-1 Columbus at this time, 5 minutes into the 2nd period.
Before reading this, I offer a disclaimer;
[b]I am not going to sugar coat this.[/b] No matter how much I hate having to write this, I’m keeping this grounded in reality.
I have heard a lot of dissent over...
Catch the highlights of the Florida Panthers as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 11, 2013. Who will come out on top? Find out in today's featured game of the National Hockey League on EA Sports NHL 14 - play-by-play calling by Eric Munter.
[url]http://youtu.be/Cb-c_q7yC6I[/url]
[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...
Deep_Blue writes...
Why the Leafs (for the most part) deserve their 5-1 record
Posted Monday | Comments 0
As this is my first post, I'm not sure if it's displaying properly. If someone notices any issues, please let me know how I can fix them. Thanks.
Right now is a very odd time to be a Leafs fan for sure. Despite a 5-1 record, if you read the papers around town, listen to local sports radio, watch Canadian sports news stations or read almost any Leafs blogs, the universa...
Meeqsb writes...
The Good, the Bad and the Outlook on All 30 Teams... Part 1!
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With the season having just started I figured now would be a good time to go through every team in the league and look at how they are doing and how they are headed. So without further ado.
[u]Anaheim[/u]
The good: This team has insane depth at Goalie with 2 nhl starters and 2 of the top rookie goaltenders in their system. The ducks have a lot of flexibility with wher...
A wise man once told me that history is bound to repeat itself. This is the main reason why many Leaf fans have stayed loyal. For us, the loyal Blue and White army, we still believe history has proven we will move back into supremacy. Now I'm not here to begin blowing the horn of victory just yet. But, the masked men in between the pipes have begun to show us the capabilit...
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...
The rumors are flying all over about Nail Yakupov and his future with the Edmonton Oilers. While Yakupov has had a poor start with no points so far, he is arguably one of Edmonton's most talented players. The 1st overall pick in the 2012 draft has been scratched twice by new rookie head coach Dallas Eakins. Yakupov was not very happy about being scratched two games in a ...
Catch the highlights of the MINNESOTA WILD as they host the DALLAS STARS on October 12, 2013. Who will come out on top? Find out in today's featured game of the National Hockey League on EA Sports NHL 14 - play-by-play calling by Eric Munter.
[url]http://youtu.be/7dD0qr6H2do[/url]
Another night of Sufferin’ with the Sabres is underway at First Niagara Center. We all knew that this season wasn’t going to be pretty, but we didn’t think that it was going to be this bad. I’m editing a quote from the movie [i]“Moneyball”[/i] to sum up the Sabres season at this point;
“There are good teams, and there are bad teams. Then there’s 50 feet ...
While I was watching the Sabres game Saturday night, I was on Twitter live chatting like normal. As the team’s play, I guess the right terminology would be “improved” as the game reached its late stages, several reporters were mentioning the excuses that would be used for this game to justify the eventual loss.
I started having flashbacks at this point.
2 yea...
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 ...
A couple of years ago I wrote an article on the NHL’s concussion issue. As the NHL seems to become more of a “do what we say league,” their latest installment of rules has me scratching my head.
Last week Darren Dreger of TSN reported that the linesmen have been instructed to stop a fight if the players remove their helmets beforehand. Earlier in the season the NH...
What these Maple Leafs have lost since the offseason in speed and skill they have gained twice over in heart and leadership. The Maple Leafs now seem to take pride in wearing the blue and white. I understand that the leafs have only played well in 2 games this year (against Nashville and Pittsburgh) but they are competing for two points every game. This Leaf team is able t...
In recent years this so called "City of Champions" has been riddled with, I am sorry to say "losers". The city has seen it's storied NHL franchise celebrating the 1st overall pick like they have won Lord Stanley's Cup...
Every time I drive into Edmonton I want to hop out of my truck and change the sign from "City of Champions" to "City of RETIRED Champions"...sure Oiler...
As I sit down for yet another episode of “Sufferin’ With the Sabres”, I look back on a week of rather painful hockey. Yes, I know that can be said for any week of Sabres hockey. The Sabres looked abysmal against the Rangers, and lost a tough battle to the Stars in Lindy Ruff’s return to Buffalo. Plus, the week started with the Sabres sending Thomas Vanek to the Isl...
Not sure where this rant will end up but I just want to share my feeling on what I think could be one of the Oilers issues and it goes back to the old adage that 'Size does Matter'.
I was looking at the Oilers first round draft picks since around 2001 and something was apparent to me...the Oilers draft smaller forwards then most teams. I came to this conclusion without ...
He is north of 6 feet tall, has amazing skating ability, has a great pair of hands, can pass, and shoot. But, can he take a face-off? This question will be answered in the coming weeks. If van Riemsdyk is able to be close to 50% in the circle then the Leafs might have found what they were looking for.
The prototypical number 1 center has forever been described with the...
Devan Dubnyk was the Oilers first pick in the 2004 draft being selected 14th overall from the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL in a year that he won gold at the World Under 18 Championships with a 3-3 record with 1 shutout and a 2.51 GAA and .917 SV%.
Dubby has had a tough start to his season this year after coming off what you could call his best stats year in the 2012-13 s...
There’s a lot of rumblings right now about Ron Rolston, and how he needs to be fired, even after last night’s surprise victory in San Jose. At this point in time, I really can’t jump on this bandwagon, nor do I plan on it. Rolston is starting to look more and more like a scapegoat to take the blame.
Why, you ask? I’ll get to that.
I’ve got several reasons...
MattBranidis writes...
How The Canucks Are Ruining The NHL For The Rest Of Us
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I am going to do anyone who is reading this article a huge favour, go to youtube and type thunderous hockey hits. Then sit back and enjoy the lost and continually dying art of the body check. These days there are many available links to hockey highlights that purport to show a huge must see hit, yet rarely am I impressed. Recent rule changes and the over enforcement of old...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Back In The Win Column: Sharks Edge Flames In OT
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Let the air out of your lungs Sharks fans.
With an unusually eerie feeling heading into overtime against the Calgary Flames, the first thought that came to mind was 'Uh-oh'. As much as I believe in patience it's hard to avoid the thoughts of the last five games and how four of them were lost in the time exceeding regulation.
Recent history wouldn't repeat itself, tho...
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, ...
This morning, I went to get my medical treatment and got plugged in for my infusion. I had just written my morning blog, which I normally do during my treatment, and had started watching Netflix. Suddenly, my phone went off stating that the Buffalo Sabres were having a “major” news conference at 10:30 am.
My mind of course starts racing as I hop on Twitter, which h...
Tonight's game marks the end of the season series between the Sharks and Canucks. It's pretty early to be ending a season series, but I'm sure these two teams have had enough of each other. Four of the Sharks first 19 games have been against Vancouver, as well as a few pre-season games and a four game sweep of the 'Nucks in last years playoffs.
The Sharks took the firs...
This quote by head coach Todd McLellan pretty much sums up the game for the Sharks.
[quote]"We weren't the better team tonight and we have been on the other end of that where we were the better team and found a way not to win it. Tonight we found a way to come back."[/quote]
The Sharks weren't the better team, fact. Vancouver dominated most of the play for 50 minutes...
In October I posted a prediction for each of the thirty teams. Now that we're just about 25% through the year, let's see how out to lunch I really was.
30 Teams, 30 Predictions
Anaheim – A flavor of the shortened season, they fail to make playoffs.
[b]Obviously this doesn't seem to be true thus far, with Anaheim 2nd in the West. I guess Bruce Boudreau wasn't ...
TheWad87 writes...
JML to Carolina?- Top Three Hurricanes the Leafs Can Acquire
Posted Monday | Comments 0
According to Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Mail, the Leafs and Carolina are discussing a trade that involves John Michael Liles. Earlier in the week, Darren Dreger reported the Leafs and Carolina were talking a Liles trade, but nothing was imminent.
Links: http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Mike-Augello/Leafs-Holland-Not-A-Stop-Gap-Swapping-D-Men-Kessel-Has-The-Flu/120/5...
Jonathan Bernier has been nothing short of spectacular for the Maple Leafs this season. Yet, it would seem every couple of games, a goal is scored that would only happen in E division men's league. Are these house league horn sounders a tell-tale sign of things to come or just bad luck.
Bernier is one of the most fundamentally sound goaltender in the NHL. For a small g...
It seems like distant memory since the announcement came that Buffalo Sabres fans were done with Darcy Regier. I am still lobbying for November 13 to be a paid holiday across Western New York. Unfortunately, the scoreboard still says that the Sabres are losing games.
I said this on my Twitter account earlier in the week. Every time Ted Nolan comes out and makes a state...
Although this season was somewhat predictable when it comes to how the Sabres would finish, last nights win against the Maple Leafs was a step moving forwards. The Sabres finally started playing with life and emotion. Ted Nolan has really changed the culture here, regardless of his record as Head Coach. He promised back at his first press conference that the culture in Buf...
for all the best edmonton oilers memes created by my buddy and i like my facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook.com/Oilerstroll
https://www.facebook...
I know I’ve been quiet lately. I blame it on the holiday season being in the full effect. That and my job is a nightmare. The same can be said with the Buffalo Sabres to be completely honest.
Despite the new leadership, the team continues to struggle. The Buffalo Sabres may be playing with a lot more heart now, but they still can’t manage to put the puck in the back ...
CaseyPSH writes...
Phoenix Coyotes Prevail On The Road Over Colorado Avalanche
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]By Casey Gagnon, Phoenix Sports Hub
E-Mail: CaseyPSH at yahoo dot com
Twitter: @CaseyPSH
PhoenixSportsHub.Blogspot.com[/b]
The Phoenix Coyotes needed players to step up Tuesday night in Denver to fill voids in the lineup. Forward Antoine Vermette and goaltender Thomas Greiss received the message loud and clear. Both played as solid a game one could ask for, an...
tylercastro writes...
Three Straight Games with 6+ Goals for Blackhawks
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Chicago Blackhawks come off their third win in a row against the Philadelphia Flyers Wednesday night at the United Center in Chicago. A 7-2 win caps off 3 games in four nights, outscoring opponents 19-6. Antti Raanta has taken over for Corey Crawford and has let in 2 goals in each of his starts/reliefs. Raanta has stopped 64 of 70 total shots in three games. The two Pa...
Jay Feaster is now out as the Calgary Flames GM. As well as assistant general manager, John Weisbrod. The Flames went 92-80-33 under Feaster since the 2010-2011 season, failing to make the playoffs, yet staying over .500. Brian Burke, President of Hockey made the decision Thursday morning, where he then called a meeting for nearly everyone in the organization. Players sai...
Mr. $36 million dollar man, David Clarkson, Toronto Maple Leafs forward, will sit out again from the Leaf's lineup. Clarkson has a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for his sly shoulder to head of St. Louis Blues LW, Vladimir Sobotka. Clarkson, already suspended once this season for leaving the bench to assist in a fight. The automatically cost him not only ...
tylercastro writes...
PIT vs. CHI Stadium Series Tickets Sold Out after One Day
Posted Friday | Comments 0
We all know the top dominating team's of each conference of today's NHL. The Pittsburgh Penguins of the east, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks of the west. As of today the Penguins are 2nd in the Eastern Conference (21-10-1 43 points), under the Boston Bruins with 43 points, and the Blackhawks are 23-6-5, 51 points, and 1st in the Western Conferenc...
The Pittsburgh Penguins showoff their new jersey for the game that will be played on March 1st of the new year against the Chicago Blackhawks. The jersey will an away white, like normal, with strops on the mid-sleeve and bottom of the sweater. A tweet that I read earlier in the day compared the jersey to a familiar rivals, Boston Bruins jersey. It made it a whole lot more ...
Well last night I thought Maple Leafs right wing, David Clarkson, would get 5+ games for his hit to the head on Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka. I did feel wrong after I let that post out. I brought my thinking down to more like 3 games tops. Clarkson luckily for him and his team only received two games. But that doesn't take away the fact that Clarkson is now going to miss...
Yesterday was another long arduous day at work. I watched the snow fall outside my office and accumulate on the cars in the parking lot. Finally, 5 o’clock came, and I booked it for home where my wife was waiting. She was decked out in her fleece, and several layers, she continued to bundle up. I quickly shed the shirt and tie, and threw on my long johns. After grabbing ...
We're approaching the new year and the Flyers sit at 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 14-15-3 record. The inconsistency issues - aside from the mostly stellar play between the pipes for Canadian Olympic hopeful, Steve Mason - continue to plague this team in a year where there are fewer excuses than last season.
They have been one of the healthier teams in the leag...
tylercastro writes...
Chicago Blackhawks on the Other Side TOR 7 vs. CHI 3
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
For three straight games the Chicago Blackhawks scores 6+ goals in a game. The game against the Toronto Maple Leafs had a different story line to it. This match up was also about answering. The Maple Leafs answered the Blackhawk's goal 2 out of their 3. The first time Patrick Kane's second period goal was answered by Nikolai Kulemin 1:21 later. Next it was Phil Kessel answ...
tylercastro writes...
Back to the W's; Raanta, Toews give Kings a Setback
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Chicago Blackhawks do what they do best and don't let a bad games get any further than the night it was played. After the 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Hawks come out with 3 first period goals against the Los Angeles Kings, which no team had scored any first period goals against the LA in 18 games! Where does that come from? But anyone knows if any team had ...
A new thing i'm going to try is called, My "Team on the Move." This is going to be based on my opinion, of course. So my first team on the move is going to be... the Calgary Flames! Why not? The Flames have already played three games since the firing of Jay Feaster. They have earned at least 1 point in each of those three games. The exact record, 2-0-1. Calgary's leading s...
Legend - MT - Must Trade, PT - Potential Trade, NT - No Trade yet rumoured
Anaheim: MT: None, team is playing together, PT: Cogliano (He may get a fair return to really improve the team)
Boston: MT: None, the epth is not one to mess with, PT: Erickson (he has not been as expected an could get moved for a more useful player), Soderburg (minus on Bruins, there could be...
Legend - MT - Must Trade, PT - Potential Trade, NT - No Trade yet rumoured
Anaheim: MT: None, team is playing together, PT: Cogliano (He may get a fair return to really improve the team)
Boston: MT: None, the epth is not one to mess with, PT: Erickson (he has not been as expected an could get moved for a more useful player), Soderburg (minus on Bruins, there could be...
First and foremost, Happy Belated Holidays to everyone. I know it’s been quite awhile since I was on here. Due to my work situation, and the Holidays which proved more interesting than normal, caused my absence. However, that hasn’t kept me from staying on top of the Sabres, and watching what has appeared to be an improved team attitude.
A lot has happened througho...
Today, the Buffalo Sabres took a step towards the rebuild and hired the GM that Pat LaFontaine feels can lead the Sabres out of the darkness. Tim Murray has been brought in to assess talent and build the Stanley Cup champions that the Buffalo faithful deserve.
I was at work this morning when I received my notification stating that the press conference was scheduled for...
The Leafs finally win a game, an actual win…that’s if you think winning in a shootout should count that is. rnrnA boring hockey game, a boring result, but that’s exactly what the Devils do to you. The Leafs were outshot again and hemmed in their own zone for long periods of time and no this is not a recording its an actual fact and as Ovechkin would put it “I swe...
Lets call a spade a spade and let it be known that neither Edmonton or Calgary have a competitive enough hockey club to put a dent in the NHL standings. They are even total opposites as to the blueprint of the team. Lets get these owners in a room and combine forces to make a legitimate team that comes from Alberta that we can both be proud of.
Dont get your panties in ...
[b]Game day Preview:
Red Wings @ Flyers 1/28/14 RED WINGS (23-18-11) at FLYERS (25-22-6)[/b]
The Flyers have lost 4 straight, making it the worst losing streak since October. With The Stanley Cup Playoffs about 11 weeks away, and with the standings so closely bunched together in the Eastern Conference, each game seems like it will have serious postseason implications ...
[b]Flyers dominate Red Wings, win 5-0 [/b]
Before the game even started, most would have said it would not have ended well for the Philadelphia Flyers, even with the injures in Detroit. Steve Mason had other ideas and was superb for the Philadelphia Flyers, shutting out the Detroit Red Wings, leading the Flyers to a 5-0 win. Steve Mason made several highlight reel ...
The Philadelphia Flyers are 28 games away from the end of the regular season, and as it stands, their record is 26-22-6 in 54 games (58P), which is good enough for 3rd place in the Metropolitan Division, given they have played 1 more game than the Carolina Hurricanes (57P), and the Columbus Blue Jackets (56P). While they currently sit in a playoff spot, the two aforementio...
[b]Game Day Preview: 2/1/14 - 4PM EST
FLYERS (26-23-6) at KINGS (30-20-6)[/b]
[img]http://imageshack.com/a/img836/4536/rfic.jpg[/img]
The Flyers continue their three-game California road trip looking to improve on the start, losing 5-3 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. The Flyers will look to improve their power play. They lead the NHL with most goals against w...
[b]Mason, Flyers shutout Kings[/b]
[img]http://imageshack.com/a/img571/791/v9ww.jpg[/img]
Steve Mason made 35 saves & recorded his second shutout in his last three games as the Philadelphia Flyers blanked the Los Angeles Kings, 2-0.
"You've got to have a short-term memory," Steve Mason said. "People like to talk about negative things, and as players, you've just...
Hello Hockey Buzz community! I would just like to take this first post heading into the Olympic break to introduce myself to the fans, devoted readers, and hockey enthusiasts.
A quick hockey bio; my favorite player ever is a left wing from Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, Guillaume Latendresse, I am a lifelong fan of the Minnesota Wild and like most devoted fans, was a fan bef...
The longest week of many of our lives is upon us: the NHL trade deadline week. I've been checking twitter constantly, this site among many others, feverishly waiting for the first deal to go down.
I think many of us will be disappointed, particularly with the Penguins at the deadline.
The Penguins' ability to make a deal at the deadline has been crippled as a result...
Seeing as how there's a Sharks post every thousand days or so, I'll throw some quick thoughts out.
The NHL has finally returned to action. So, what did we learn from Sochi?
Well, we learned that Niemi is above-average at keeping the pine warm for Tukka Rask and that he should not be fatigued whatsoever when the Sharks take the ice again.
We also learned that Joe P...
mgraves19 writes...
Should NHL players participate in the 2018 Winter Olymics
Posted Friday | Comments 0
With the NHL resuming action from its Olympic break this week and the trade deadline approaching, the question still remains if the NHL will be back for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea.
Just before the Olympics began, many hockey fans including myself believed this was the last Olympics that NHL players will participate in. However, NHL Gary Bettman did report ...
Friday, February 28, 2014 (or March 28, 2014 if you read the Buffalo News), marked the end of an era in Buffalo. It was an era that a lot of people didn’t necessarily want to see end, but we knew was coming, even if we didn’t want to admit it.
[b]Ryan Miller, is no longer the goalie for the Buffalo Sabres. [/b]
Miller has been haunted by trade rumors for the pas...
The Hurricanes are going to miss the playoffs again.
This is less of a prediction and more of an inescapable reality at this point. One could spend days dissecting this team in an effort to understand why the Hurricanes have only made the playoffs once in the past 8 seasons but rather than sitting here and tossing blame about like the overzealous poo-flinging monkeys w...
Yes, it's trade deadline day for the Sharks too, even though you'd never know it by reading the main blogs here. I digress with my disappointment.
I'll update this post when I can with fresh information.
[b]**Update 1:04 pm EST**[/b]
[i]All is quiet on the trade front for the Sharks. The Setoguchi play is still out there, but it seems to me that San Jose isn't int...
There were no surprises out of San Jose today as the Sharks stood quietly on the sidelines as the trade market disintegrated around the league.
There were several big name players sent packing today, with most garnering a laughable return. I can't remember the last time this many quality players were dealt at the deadline for as little of a return as teams received. The...
With the Flyers picking up their game after an abysmal start and catapulting into third place in the Metropolitan Division before the Olympic break, it was clear they were not going to be sellers this season. It is clear there is plenty of talent on this roster to win a sum of games, unlike inferior squads in Florida, Buffalo, and Long Island. However, they lack a few esse...
[b]"[i]It may require some suffering."[/i][/b]--Darcy Regier, April 2013.
Truer words were never spoken than those uttered by our defamed, former General Manager last spring. Still it was a bitter pill to swallow for the beleaguered fans in our crusty post-industrial city, especially coming from the captain of the ship who, while not exactly crashing the franchise into...
[i][b]The Elusive Finn[/b][/i]
Building on the success of the [b]Where's Waldo[/b] franchise and catching on like wild fire across Sabres' Nation is the [b]Where's Leino[/b][b] Drinking Game[/b]. The elusive Finn has been rumored to have made appearances in various Arenas across the U.S and Canada and has accounted for a substantial Salary hit for the Sabres, but can...
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 ...
Wild Fans, and NHL fans!
Stay tuned, I will be posting a pregame with thoughts about the Wild and their recent struggles and successes before the 9:00 p.m. central time start!
Go Wild!
[img]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT7uWEEoG-n0v7xWud8yaUK7VigxXGs2o-Up57hO1TiQMgw_VxM[/img]
Ilya Kovalchuk is still a destructive thorn in the side of the New Jersey Devils franchise.
Kovalchuk perfectly executed a blueprint that would set the Devils back, costing them as much as possible.
First there was the notorious contract: 17 years for 1...
As the end of one of the worst seasons in the history of the Buffalo Sabres comes to a close, once again I start to wonder what the future holds. Like many other Buffalo fans I am optimistic in the offseason. It’s a chance to dream of a brighter future. One where the possibility of winning the Stanley Cup is attainable. After witnessing the struggles of this past year, a...
Hey guys, to commemorate this crazy season I will be doing a few top lists. First addressing the obvious problems. I'm running them 10-1 but they aren't necessarily in that order. Just doing them as they come to mind.................[b]10[/b]. [b]The absence of Terry Pegula.[/b] We've become of accustom to Mr Pegula being absent when the team isn't playing well. But for a ...
The NHL Playoffs are back again! Wednesday night kicks off the start of the playoffs once again in the NHL. The new NHL format has created some very good match ups in the first round of the playoffs, and are likely to create more great match ups as the playoffs move on.
Sixteen teams have earned their spot in the playoffs with one goal in mind: to win the Stanley Cup. H...
Hello everyone, before I begin this blog I'd like to introduce myself before I start, as this is my first time blogging on the site. I'm Joey and I would consider myself a big fan of the Sabres and of hockey in general. I do have season tickets to Buffalo Sabres' games so I (should) know my stuff. Enough about me for now. I'd like to thank Eklund and all of the...
Welcome to the National Hockey League! Where our inconsistencies make our league a laughing stock in sports!
The NHL are up to their usual antics of throwing random suspensions at players for their illegal actions during hockey games. It has been a reoccurring event for the NHL to be doing this ever since the Department of Player Safety was created.
The latest string...
The Sabres have many roster questions going into the 2014-15 season. As a college student going to school out of state it was very tough to watch such a bad team play all season. I am proud to say though that I stuck with this team all year, and hopefully will be rewarded this year and next year with some electric prospects. The question of Reinhart or Bennett is one I can...
Round 1 has officially come to a close, thus inaugurating the annual first wave of NHL Playoff MVP speculation. Undoubtedly, there are those who will claim that it’s simply to early to judge, but we’re pretty sure that even such purists secretly guess-timate as to which first round fire will keep burning. What can we say, we simply can’t help ourselves. With that, he...
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...
The final four teams remain in the National Hockey League Playoffs with the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs coming to an end in early to mid June.
On June 15th, or 48 hours after the Stanley Cup has been awarded, the NHL compliance buyout period begins. All 30 NHL teams will have until June 30th to use a compliance buyout on up to two players on its roster. These buyouts wil...
So after an abysmal season that began full of hope, the Sens enter the summer knowing that they lost the 10th overall selection. To be honest, I am actually okay with losing that 10th overall pick, Stefan Noesen, and Jakub Silfverberg for Bobby Ryan. Not to say the Sens won`t have a pick. I can see them dealing someone, most likely Spezza for a mid-late first. I would love...
Hello to all who are reading, I'd like to introduce to you my series of Buffalo Sabres Report Cards for any prospects who have played int he 13-14 season. I won't just be covering players who played for the Sabres or Amerks but I'll also do it for juniors or college leagues etc. So, let's get started now... I figured I'd start with probably the best prospect in the orga...
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 ...
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, ...
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...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Cup Windows Closing (Or Have Closed) Fast For SJ/VAN
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Throughout their existence, teams go through periods of time which can be identified as their Stanley Cup Windows. In any season there are several teams who are being watched a little closer as their windows begin to slide closed with every turnover, birthday and injury.
The two biggest windows that are closing, or may have already been slammed shut after this year, are...
andydrmm writes...
Return from Hiatus- Ready for NHL Draft and Sabres Hockey
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
First and foremost, my apologies from disappearing from the world for a bit. I With having my original job privatized, then getting a new job immediately afterwards, been a bit busy. However, I’m back for the 2014-2015 with renewed vigor.
We’re now officially a week away from the 2014 NHL draft. There’s one way to look at the past season;
You can’t get much ...
DirtyPierre writes...
Spezza to Blues, Kessler to Ducks and Thornton Options FTW
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Spezza will be on the St. Louis Blues for next season. Look for a return of Derek Roy and a 2nd round draft pick with a prospect in return. Spezza will fit in extremely well with the offense in St. Louis.
Kessler is in the cross hairs of Anaheim, and the Ducks wont let any other team snag him without having a good back door plan to add forward with heavy fire power.
...
Tim Thomas, Ilya Bryzgalov, Ray Emery. Under talked about and under appreciated potential difference makers in net for many teams. All three of these tenders could use a nice change of scenery, or if re-signed they need a confidence boost from their respected teams. These guys have potential to carry a good portion of the game load serving as back-up for any team, or they ...
The obvious choices for Ryan Miller are the Pittsburgh Penguins and Anaheim Ducks. The only issue with Miller going to the Pens is his asking price, so a solid second option would be Hiller. The Capitals are in need of another tender, so which ever goalie the Pens don't go with between Miller and Hiller watch for Washington to try and court them to their team.
Penguins ...
Hey all, I was bored tonight and I decided to throw together a blog on some ideas I think may help the Oilers next season as well as my draft prediction. I am only going to try and predict the first 10 picks and it's going to be a crapshoot at best.
1. Florida takes Aaron Ekblad 2. Buffalo takes Sam Reinhart 3. Edmonton takes Leon Draisaitl 4. Calgary takes Sam Bennett...
According to all the NHL sites we are seeing teams like Ottawa, Toronto, San Jose and Carolina are all not shying away from trading their Captain's. rnrnNew York Rangers already bought out and traded their 2014 Captains and Montreal has yet to resign their's. Buffalo and Columbus don't even have one.rnrnSo why is the role of the captain so important and prestigious if so m...
According to all the NHL sites we are seeing teams like Ottawa, Toronto, San Jose and Carolina are all not shying away from trading their Captain's. rnrnNew York Rangers already bought out and traded their 2014 Captains and Montreal has yet to resign their's. Buffalo and Columbus don't even have one.rnrnSo why is the role of the captain so important and prestigious if so m...
Franklin Steele writes...
San Jose Sharks 2014 NHL Draft Targets - Forward Edition
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Almost all the chatter surrounding the San Jose Sharks lately has been about Joe Thornton and, to a lesser extent, Patrick Marleau. The former has expressed through his brother-agent that he *really* doesn't want to leave the Sharks, while Marleau doesn't believe that he'll be traded.rnrnUnless you're a fly on the wall of Doug Wilson's office, it's hard to know for sure wh...
Franklin Steele writes...
San Jose Sharks 2014 NHL Draft Targets - Forward Edition
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Almost all the chatter surrounding the San Jose Sharks lately has been about Joe Thornton and, to a lesser extent, Patrick Marleau. The former has expressed through his brother-agent that he *really* doesn't want to leave the Sharks, while Marleau doesn't believe that he'll be traded.
Unless you're a fly on the wall of Doug Wilson's office, it's hard to know for sure wh...
ZzHockey writes...
Will a trade benefit Colorado more than signing a UFA?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
With the St. Louis Blues having huge interest in Paul Stastny what will Colorado do?
When it comes down to it, the loss of a Centre is not really that big a deal to Colorado, they have an unbelievable amount of depth that no other team in the NHL has. Stastny would be a huge blow speaking of chemistry between Landeskog, MacKinnon and himself, but not something that can...
DirtyPierre writes...
Nylander Over Ehlers?! Leafs Missed The Boat On This One
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Nikolaj Ehlers is a great young, proven skilled player who can play in the North American style of hockey. Ehlers aside from having proven independent skill, he's a great team player and a winger to boot and a left winger at that. He thrived on the Halifax Mooseheads playing with talent like Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin. He could easily fit in on a third or even se...
Oilers have had a very busy week, numerous trades, and our Stanley Cup, the Draft.
On June 25th, the Oilers traded their 5th round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Nikita Nikitin. Oilers then signed Nikitin on June 26th to a 2 year, 4.5 million dollar contract. Nikitin put up 2-13-15 in 66 games played in the 2013-2014 season. His career high is 7-25-32...
I wanted to start this on draft day, but that wasn't in the cards, so I'll take it from free agency on out. I'm going to start with a quick overview of each contracted guy on the roster (and a few on the Phantoms) which will include chances he makes the regular season roster. Then I'll head into moves we could, should and have to make. And then finally, what the roster cou...
Jarome Iginla made a huge impact on a 2013/14 Boston Bruins squad that many thought were destined for a second Stanley cup in four years. Ultimately though, the Bruins fell short as they were unable to get past their demons against Montreal in the second round. Iginla was a bright spot scoring 30 goals and 61 points in 78 games in a Br...
Tim Murray and the Buffalo Sabres made big news on Tuesday, the start of the NHL's Free Agency period. To kick it off they made a trade with the Montreal Canadiens to acquire defenseman Josh Gorges. Gorges, 29, was a former alternate captain on the Canadiens and was being actively shopped. Not many saw this one coming at all, including myself. Gorges had rejec...
Brian_Sloane writes...
Flyers Free Agency Thoughts / Giroux Being an Ass (Get it?)
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Happy Independence Day! Here we are, a few days into Free Agency 2014, and guess what? The Flyers have not made any crazy big trade, or signed an aging free agent past his prime to a deal worth too much money. What is going on here!? This is what happens when the salary cap limit works against a team. We have not been used to seeing anything like this in a few years. Sure,...
This year was the first year I attended a Bruins development camp and it definitely was a fun experience. The Prospects only spent about an hour on the ice but there were a few standouts in my eyes.
David Pastrnak, the Bruins 2014 first round pick was very exciting to watch and brought some hope to the team’s prospect wing depth. The young Czech forward showed a lot o...
Attitude.
This should be the word trending in Buffalo this coming NHL season and it already has been a little. Savvy Sabres fans have either recognized the moves by Murray as mindset changers or at least they are trusting what the GM is saying. Whatever your position is on the moves made this offseason, this season has a different feel to it. No question.
The real qu...
[b]Make your ultimate lineup with current salaries and with a $69M cap hit. Post in comments!![/b]
[b]DISCLAIMER!!!!! THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT ONLY AND IS HEAVILY BAISED TOWARDS PLAYERS I LIKE.[/b]
Benn - Kopitar - Tarasenko
Landeskog - Pavelski - Saad
Ladd - Backes - Nyquist
Komarov - Jenner - Shaw
Doughty/Vlasic
Ekman-Larsson/Pietrangelo
Gardiner/Hamilton
...
So just sitting here bored and looking at the NHL divisions, thinking about what the standings will look like at the end of next year. So got talking with my buddy MHejduk and we've decided to write a blog for each division. I'll write for the east he'll right for the west. We will then write about the playoffs and eventually come up with a East champion and a West cham...
[b]AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT HIS CAREER AND THE ARBITRATION HEARING MOVING FORWARD[/b]
The Colorado Avalanche and Ryan O’Reilly are facing an arbitration hearing just six days away. The rare ‘club-elected’ hearing was set after the Avs refused to extend a 6.5 million dollar qualifying-offer to the young forward.rnrnIt’s a story that seems all a bit too familiar for the ...
jtallas7 writes...
Why The Bruins Off-Season Revolves Around Krug and Smith
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Bruins have been virtually non-existent during this off-season. We have signed a bunch of useless depth players who will hopefully never have to play a minute during the season. These signings have left us with around 3m left in cap space. This is barely enough to sign either of the top 2 priority's , Krug and Smith. The worst part about that is if you can only sign on...
bred20 writes...
Will the 2014/15 season be David Krejci’s last in Boston
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
By Erik Caron
The common theme this offseason has been the Bruins stay in cap hell and some have even suggested next offseason will be just as hard when the Bruins have more of their own key free agents to sign to new contracts. First line center David Krejci is just one of the Bruins upcoming pending free agents who will be looking for a deal in the summer of 2015. Asi...
AarifDeen writes...
Ryan O’Reilly Signs For Two Years: What It All Means
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
[b]Follow me at twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind[/b]
As first reported by TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Colorado Avalanche and Ryan O’Reilly both
confirmed Wednesday morning that the two sides agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth 12 million dollars. The contract will pay him 5.8M in 2014-15 and 6.2M in 2015-16. The deal was struck between Pat Morris and Joe Sakic in the w...
The Leafs adding David Booth was a great success. T.O. needed another left winger, and snagged a decent one at a very modest price tag. Admittedly, Booth struggled to produce with the Canucks, but if he can reach the stats he found during his time with the Panthers he can be a dangerous player for the Leafs deep into their line up.
Reimer re-signing,especially with the ...
By Erik Caron
The last big fish is still swimming in the pond. The Avalanche came to terms with RFA forward Ryan O’Reilly last week while the Rangers came to terms with RFA forward Chris Kreider. The Toronto Maple Leafs signed RFA defenseman Jake Gardiner to a five year 20.25 million deal. None of those names though compare to the one big name that has yet to be sig...
We do a podcast for Bullet News Niagara on the Niagara Ice Dogs of the Ontario Hockey League. We also discuss the OHL at large as well in the podcast. For all OHL and Niagara Ice Dogs fans, it is a must listen! [url]http://www.bulletnewsniagara.ca/index.php?p=Sections&id=1957[/url] Visit us on twitter: [b]@NiagaraDogPound[/b]
stljam writes...
NHL to revamp the Draft Lottery. Let's hope it rewards wins
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Much has been written about the strength of the 2015 NHL draft class with Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel appearing to be the cream of the draft crop. You know the class or at least the cream of the crop must be something special when Sidney Crosby says that McDavid "reminds me of me". Is the strength of the 2015 draft class at least partially the cause of June's action b...
stljam writes...
NHL to revamp the Draft Lottery. Let's hope it rewards wins
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Much has been written about the strength of the 2015 NHL draft class with Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel appearing to be the cream of the draft crop. You know the class or at least the cream of the crop must be something special when Sidney Crosby says that McDavid "reminds me of me". Is the strength of the 2015 draft class at least partially the cause of June's action b...
The San Jose Sharks are going to head to camp without any defined leadership.
Head Coach Todd McLellan revealed the news that letters were being removed from the captain group to give everyone a clean slate, an equal opportunity, heading into the new season.
I'm calling his bluff.
I'd be willing to bet that this is just another move by GM Doug Wilson to push Thorn...
Going into camp it's a pretty well known fact around the team that 19 year old Mirco Mueller is going to get more than his fair chance at making the San Jose Sharks roster for opening night.
Listed at 6'3" 195lbs on the Sharks website, Mueller is a steady, defensive defenseman who won't be lighting up the scoresheet anytime soon. That's OK, though, because Brent Burns i...
I’m going to start by saying, if you haven’t noticed already, that I don’t want to trade Thornton and Marleau. I don’t believe they are the problem with San Jose, but I’ll entertain Doug Wilson’s tyranny.
I’m going to trade both players in this blog.
First up on the chopping block is [b]Joe Thornton[/b]. This trade idea started with Matt Henderson’s p...
Let's say, for arguments sake, that neither Thornton nor Marleau will be wearing a letter when the Sharks open the 2014-2015 season. Let's assume that they are 'passing the torch' to the younger players in the organization.
Who gets the letters? Let's look at the real candidates, and there aren't many.
Logan Couture
Joe Pavelski
Marc-Eduoard Vlasic
Brent Burns
...
9 of 12.
That's how many regular season away games the San Jose Sharks will be playing in the month of October. It's 11 of 14 if you include the final two pre-season games. For a team being forced to seek out a new identity, or any identity at all, it's not an easy start to a grueling 82-game campaign.
With, presumably, new leadership guiding the ship, the Sharks ros...
This is a precursor blog and will include my team I have assembled in the last 4 years. I will break down some of the rules each roster allows and will give you a deeper look into how in depth these leagues can get at a certain level.
First off, I will start at the roster and cap management. On the Major roster you are allowed 25 players that can accumulate points (head...
MrBeanTown writes...
Fantasy Island - Your Top 5 Left Wingers for 2014-15
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Seeing I have already rather the “Top 5 Goalies” for your fantasy leagues this year, I will move onto a position that seems to be lacking in comparison to others in the league. Here you will get your Top 5 Left Wingers for fantasy purposes in 2013-14.
To keep it in context, these are the scoring categories I base my rankings on:
[b]Skaters[/b]
Goal: 2
Assist:...
Before I get into detail about my top 30 fantasy players, let me first show you the scoring setting my league uses.
Goals - 1
Assists - 1
SHP - 1
GWG - 1
Wins : 2
Losses : -1
Goal Allowed : -1
Shot against : 0.1
Shutout - 2
__________________________________________________
1: Tuukka Rask
2: Ben Bishop
3: Carey Price
4: Sergei Bobrovsky
5: Sidney Cro...
After a long hiatus I am back to writing. I know that the NHL added some new rules this year. I like some changes and dislike others. I like the removal of the spin move on the shootout. This move always had the puck going away from the goal which is not the design of the shootout. I also like the move to speed up face-offs after an icing. This will keep the intended...
I have been thinking about the upcoming NHL Season and I think I have a pretty good grasp on every teams attempted identity change. In the next few days I will write a preview on every NHL team and then try my best to predict the league standings around the NHL Trade Deadliine in early March. So lets get right into it:
[b]Anaheim Ducks[/b]
The Ducks finished #1 in th...
mochoson writes...
Now What? Options moving forward for the Jackets, Johansen
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The case of arguably the most prominent restricted free agent remaining unsigned this summer took another turn yesterday. Columbus Blue Jackets President John Davidson chose to voice his displeasure surrounding the contract situation between the team and restricted free agent center Ryan Johansen. Not only did Davidson himself voice his displeasure on a personal level, he ...
I do this almost every year for fun and I'm usually more wrong than right but I still enjoy it.
[i]Regular Season[/i]
[u][b]Atlantic[/b][/u]
1. Boston Bruins
2. Tampa Bay Lightning
3. Ottawa Senators
4. Montreal Canadiens
5. Toronto Maple Leafs
6. Detroit Red Wings
7. Florida Panthers
8. Buffalo Sabres
[u][b]Metropolitan[/b][/u]
1. Pittsburgh Penguins
2....
[b]EASTERN CONFERENCE
[/b]Metropolitan Division
1. NY Rangers
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Columbus Blue Jackets
[/b] Atlantic Division
1. Boston Bruins
2. Montreal Canadiens
3. Detroit Red Wings
[/b] Wild Card
1. Tampa Bay Lightning
2. New Jersey Devils
[b]WESTERN CONFERENCE
[/b] Central Division
1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. St. Louis Blues
3. Co...
Two of the four major sports in North America have challenges. Hockey is not one of those sports. After Baseball added challenges before the 2014 season it made me wonder; why doesn't hockey? After watching the game on Saturday between the Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers, it made you wonder, how is such an obvious call missed? For those whom are not aware, Alexan...
The past 7 years, the Edmonton Oilers have seen 5 coaches. After some questionable line combinations by Eakins, it has some fans wondering… Will he be fired? Well there are a few key aspects to look at. For example, Eakins’ record as the Head Coach of the Edmonton Oilers is 29-46-10. That is not good enough to make the playoffs. Eakins also has not always handled delic...
Sam Reinheart was selected #1 overall in the 2014 NHL Draft this year, As the young man has given Buffalo some light headed into this early young NHL season entering November. Sam Reinheart has earned his first point in the NHL last night as the Buffalo Sabers beat the San Jose Sharks by a final score of 2-1. In his 9th game with the Sabers Sam finally found himself on the...
I don't even know where to start with this except for just stating my opinion. I really don't think that Fucale is as good as everyone has been saying he is. Yes I know, start the criticizing please. I've said before to people that Fucale is only as good as the team that's playing around him. That being said, he's not a bad goalie by any means. I just feel that he is simpl...
Being "game ready" is more than just being physically fit to play hockey. It's about more than just having honed your body, stick-handling, passing and shooting skills. It also consists of being in the right mindset to play the game of hockey to one's best ability, and being motivated to continue to build upon the foundation that a player has already set for himself. You h...
I wondered how long it would take us to get here – how long until everyone in Chicago and around the country, including the great Jeremy Roenick would start blasting the lack in goal production of the Chicago Blackhawks to the rest of the Nation on national television. But there he was and there we continue to be – all of us collectively together starting to write of...
I was prepared for an all-out war, a battle between the two teams I thought were going to be in the Stanley Cup Final last year. But as it turns out; Montreal didn’t show up to fight, only Carey Price did. There are a few things that could open articles this morning, I’ve seen a lot of them already, but I’d like to start with giving credit where credit is due. What a...
Happy Throwback Thursday Feather Faithful!
What better way to start "week 5’s around the dots" than with a throwback close to our own hearts here in the WINdy city. Last evening the Chicago Blackhawks unveiled their sweaters for the upcoming Bridgestone Winter Classic against the Washington Capitals on New Year’s Day. It will be the second Winter Classic the Hawks ...
CHICAGO- The San Jose Sharks (8-5-2) will swim into the Madhouse this evening for a date with the Chicago Blackhawks (7-6-1) that will pit two Western Conference playoff contenders against each other for the first time this year. This will be the first Western Conference match-up for the Hawks since Winnipeg came into town last Sunday and stole two points, in literally one...
The NHL's next potential superstar could have a serious injury following a fight that took place on Tuesday night in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters are the league's best teams this season with a 16-1-0-1 record after 18 games this season in the OHL. Their top player on the roster, and potentially the top overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, i...
I wanted to break down what the Colorado Avalanche so far this season. The Avalanche have had a rough start that many people did not expect, although some expected a slower start, not many expected this slow of a start.
Breaking down the subtractions and additions to the roster as of 11/16/2014:
Paul Stastny; signed a 4 year deal with the St. Louis Blues. Stastny st...
Raderstorf8 writes...
What better place than here!? What better time than now!?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
CHICAGO- It was a Saturday evening around 7:23 PM when I sat into my seat - beer in hand I looked around at the other 22,000 people doing the very same thing - thinking the very same thoughts. That's when the lights went out - that's when the decibels inside the Madhouse began to rise. The Chicago Blackhawks in recent years have become the epitome of what a professional sp...
This is the center of most importance when it comes to winning the Cup in the NHL. Teams that are deep at center, even if they do not have what would be considered a true number 1, elite level player, are the teams that are most often in the final 4 and competing for the Cup. Certainly it helps to have that elite top of the line player, but it is not mandatory when you are...
Hello everyone, this is my first blog, so I am going start with an introduction. My name is Brendan, one of the owners of @WTPHockeyFacts on Twitter. I am a young, but very knowledgeable hockey fan (take a look at our Twitter account for proof, many of those facts are found by myself, through research and my extensive hockey knowledge). I have been a hardcore Edmonton Oile...
[b]Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DailyNHLGrind[/b]
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...
The Christmas break has had me thinking a lot about where this Blues team stands after 34 games. The 3-game losing streak was ugly. They gave away points like a 3-button coat at the Salvation Army. The 5-0 drubbing in Colorado was the icing on the cake.
I agree that this team is getting complacent, but every Blues fan has seen this before, many years now. These are the ...
Flyers storm into the Music City tonight for an 8pm puck drop after the three day holiday break. This will be the 4th of a season long 8 game road trip in which they started out nicely with a 3 game winning steak. This also marks the first meeting with former bench boss Peter Laviolette since becoming the head coach of the Predators last summer. Lavy's return will remind F...
stricker518 writes...
BREAK HURTS FLYERS, LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK IN THE DESERT
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Another break in the schedule proves to be a costly one for the Flyers when they have gotten on a roll a few times this season. Entering the Christmas break having won three straight and enjoying a 6-1-3 stretch where they gained points in 9 of 10 games all came to a screeching halt in Nashville on Saturday night. Lavy's first game against his former team showed Flyers man...
saneopinion writes...
Potential NHL moves to further dissuade tanking (Oilering)
Posted Monday | Comments 0
There is no Hippocratic oath in the NHL, there is no solemn swear to always try to win especially if the prize for losing is such a benefit. Conner Mcdavid, a “Generational Talent”, who can be the Crosby/Tavares/Stamkos type player for your organization. Failing first overall you get Jack Eichel who is projected to be a first line center.
Pretty sweet deal for bein...
Maples leafs take on the Ducks at 10pm ET
Rumors, rumors.....rumors galore! For those of you that haven't figured it out yet.....that's all they are. Smoke. No fire. Lets start with a guy like Taylor Hall. He plays like a bull in a china shop. Good player? You know he is. Reckless, Yup. Uncoachable? Nobody really knows. Nobody would really say until after he was traded....if he was traded. What are you going to ge...
In the recent past I’ve been spouting the need for the NHL to revise the point system to reflect a more accurate landscape when it come to teams who win in regulation. My idea for a point system would be 3 for a win, 2 for an O.T. win, 1 for a shoot out win, and zero for losers. I did my research on this prior to last night’s games so they’re already outdated but I w...
For the past several years, there has been a vocal contingent of loyal hockey fans clamouring for a new-and-improved point system. These fans claim that there is an inherent illogic underlying the current system. And it's hard not to agree; the idea that some games are valued at 3 points, while others at 2, is curious at best.Certainly, the most popular suggestion is to us...
Since the All-star break the Winnipeg Jets have not been playing the same style of hockey that made them successful prior to the break. Everyone was devastated when the teams top 4 defenseman were sidelined with injury and many fans started cheering for the McDavid sweepstakes. However, Chevy worked the lines and made an exceptional trade acquiring Harrison for a 6th round...
Our readers and fans can spend the day going over the recent trades made by the Buffalo Sabres, but as I finish typing this post, the subject will have been well worn out. I am a long time Leafs fan, and have become accustomed to hearing over and over again, every insignificant gossip surrounding the organization.
I hope you are not speculating that this post is about t...
The Sedin twins are a bit odd to say the least. It’s evident that many players around the NHL, agree. Two players put their views out to the public on a local radio show, Stars’ Captain Jamie Benn and leading scorer Tyler Seguin. Benn said on the radio show “Who knows what else they do together,” when one of the host said he “heard the Sedins room together” to ...
I still am unsure why Adams continues to get playing time on this current Penguins team. Honeslty, I beleive all he is, is a puck pusher. His speed has declined and whatever is left of his skill set.
What I don't understand is why scratch Downie and not Adams. Most people would have thought after the Bylsma/Shero era that the Adams project would come to an end. Don't g...
It was nice to see that the NHL in Quebec city is always present during the media tour that attracted an impressive number of journalists at the site of the multi-purpose arena. Throughout the visit, Mayor Régis Labeaume was illustrating what will be the amphitheater Hockey plan.rnIt was in the lobby entrance that he described what the atmosphere will look like in a playo...
I know what you're thinking. Madness! Insanity! The Penguins have the world's best player in Sidney Crosby. But hear me out before you start chartering my bus to the looney bin. People often praise Oakland Athletics' GM Billy Beane for being a trailblazer in the name of building a team outside the box. Pittsburgh Penguins' GM Jim Rutherford has an opportunity to c...
In another bold move by [b]Sabres GM Tim Murray[/b], this one coming ahead of the [b]April 1st Mascot Trade Deadline[/b], longtime Mascot "[b]SabreTooth[/b]" has been traded to the [b]Florida Panthers[/b] for a [b]7th round pick[/b] in [b]2019[/b]. Initial reports by [i]SteelOpus[/i] from '[i]diebytheblade[/i]' have been confirmed, sending the beloved Cat to Florida ahead...
Well the games go by, and by, and... bye bye, another one gone! One game in the loss column is better than one for the win and jeepers who is ready for the end of this Maple Leafs season? Whomever else out there floating through purgatory, waiting for it to end, and get to some real action such as the playoffs... you know what I'm talking about here! Sure, it's fun to watc...
stefm45 writes...
Being a Hockey fan in Sunny South Africa (Yes South Africa)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
To say its difficult is an understatement. With the extremely early mornings or late nights (huge time difference) and the lack of coverage down here it is hard. I am writing this piece for my blog to give people in America and Canada and anywhere else (if you are South African... Wow) an insights into a fan's perspective who lives in a country that barely recognises Ice...
People around the NHL world are, as predicted, crying foul over giving the next generational player to a team already with a glut of forward talent that isn't developing (certainly not beyond expectations, mostly below them). I think I saw this in the Simpsons once, when Homer got lodged in the water slide, so they tried to solve the problem by sending more kids in to try...
The Edmonton Oilers are set to draft Connor McDavid 1st overall after winning the lottery last Saturday. Now we're wondering who else completes the top 5 ? So many solid prospects to choose from. I'll do a mock draft of the first five picks.rnrn
[b]1. EDM: Connor McDavid,Center.[/b] A no brainer at this point. The Oilers will have amazing depth at center for years to co...
Since I love to innovate and work on broken systems, I have yet another method to help "fix" the draft.
What was the worst team in the league last year? Well... it depends... what stat are you looking at?
Enter the problem. I'm a big fan of the Devils, admittedly, so I would like the idea of the Devils drafting a breakout forward to help fix the offensive woes that ...
So, cause I have some time on my hands (cue the Styx references, LOL), here is one man's prediction on how the top 10 draft picks go:
1. Edmonton-Connor McDavid C
What? You're surprised? Yeah, didn't think so. Edmonton makes the obvious choice and likely looks to deal one of their other young forwards for some help on D.
2. Buffalo-Jack Eichel C
Some consolati...
Normally I wouldn't write this many posts, but this was an exception.
There had been speculation that since the new owners were being tentative on their "state of things" conference at the end of the year that changes were coming. Lou said it was his idea to step down, but since the speculation was there, I think it's fair to say that the situation may have been a bi...
We are now officially less than one month away from the [b]NHL Draft.[/b]
As of right now, the [b]Flyers[/b] currently hold two first round picks, sitting at [b]#7 and #29/30[/b] depending on whether the Lightning win the Stanley Cup or not. While the front office may be looking to shop one of the two, this installment focuses on seven option the Flyers could take with...
ianmcnamara558 writes...
Leafs Looking for Quality, Volume of Prospects in Pipeline
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Since the departure of Mats Sundin, the Maple Leafs have lacked a true No. 1 centre. Looking at successful clubs like Chicago, Los Angeles, Anaheim and Tampa Bay might make management envious; they can count on Jonathan Toews, Anze Kopitar, Ryan Getzlaf and Steven Stamkos to hold down their top position year in and year out. Which is why they could understandably feel co...
Well, here I am hanging out at home and I am feeling bored so I thought "Hey, why not write a quick blog so I can read responses that say either 1. How stupid I am, 2. Good read or maybe some random 3rd option"
So let me start off this with a quick statement, Eichel is not a better prospect than McDavid. Thanks and now on to the blog.
I decided to write a quick blurb...
The year will be fun as so much can play out. Leafs could potentially be competitive shortly now that we have Babcock and keep Phaneuf and Kessel but that will involve many ifs and the tea eventually doing another rebuild shortly as the team will deplete its prospect depth way to soon. For long term and guaranteed success they need to be traded as they are Toronto's best a...
First of all, i want to introduce myself, that you have a feeling who is going to write :D My name is Tom, 30 years and a native of Bavaria, Germany so please be not so hard on me if there are gramatical mistakes.
There were irritating rumors that the Oil own 5 of the first 63 picks, but our own 3rd round pick was traded and we have the 79th and 86th pick instead from ...
This entire blog will be split into three: Forward, Defense and Goaltending. This blog will be about Edmonton's forwards.
In this blog I will be keeping track of Edmonton's cap salary remaining. Without signing anyone this yet, Edmonton is at 18 million remaining. Last season Edmonton had one of worst centre depth. This season it looks like they may have on of the b...
It’s no secret that the penguins are a position to capitalise on the ‘big four’: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury. At least not with some of the current crop they continue to renew and obtain every year.
Mike Johnson was unable to prove his worth this season. His coaching ability is not in question, neither is his team management. Hi...
For a die-hard Buffalo Sabres fan living in the hockey mad metropolis of Edmonton, Alberta…it couldn’t have gotten much worse than April 18th, 2015.
I figured suffering through back-to-back seasons of utter ineptitude resulting in two straight 30th place finishes…and knowing full well I would witness the Sabres also lose out on the 1st overall pick in the NHL entr...
Finally, the playoffs are over. Thank goodness. The drudgery!
Who cares? Make fun of me if you would like. I was bored to tears after the first round of the playoffs and I didn't watch many games thereafter. I've been bored after the first round of the playoffs for a long time. Truth be told, the three most exciting playoff teams I've ever watched were Toronto, Phi...
KIMMOOOOOOO!! Nothing made me more happier on Monday night than watching Kimmo graciously lift the cup over his head in absolute euphoria. The thing he's been working for his entire life which had eluded him up until now is finally his. He can finally call himself a champion. After a wonderful career in which he was a 5 time all-star (probably would have been a 6th if ther...
KIMMOOOOOOO!! Nothing made me more happier on Monday night than watching Kimmo graciously lift the cup over his head in absolute euphoria. The thing he's been working for his entire life which had eluded him up until now is finally his. He can finally call himself a champion. After a wonderful career in which he was a 5 time all-star (probably would have been a 6th if ther...
You know what this is! Why give some long drawn out explanation with a thesis paragraph and other formulaic writing nonsense? (Not that I'm not guilty of using the odd trope here and there!). Cite me if I'm wrong and laugh in my face... go ahead, do it!
NOTES:
1. Some of the prices I put forth would be ridiculous in any other year, but because of the really strong cro...
KABOOM.
Many have speculated and this week starts the changing of the guard in the NHL. The LA’s, Chicago’s, and Boston have run into a huge obstacle… Namely the salary cap. With so many teams rebuilding, retooling and shifting gears this week promises to be the beginning of the most active off season in over a decade. So what can we expect?
Anaheim – One mu...
1. Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid, C. Not much to say here. The Oilers will pick the generational talent from the Erie Otters.
2. Buffalo Sabres: Jack Eichel, C. Barring a cognitive meltdown, it’s safe to say Sabres’ GM Tim Murray will be calling Mr. Eichel’s name with the No. 2 pick. Hard to be upset about missing out on McDavid when this guy is your consolatio...
Posted this in the Leafs thread a few days ago.
Edmonton: Connor McDavid. Yadda.. Yadda..
Buffalo: Jack Eichel. Yadda.
Arizona: Dylan Strome. Contending in that division will be difficult without a horse at centre to hitch your wagon to. Could end up being the best player available.
Toronto: Mitch Marner. Skill is important. Apparently.
Carolina: Noah Hani...
JoeyNarsa50 writes...
Marner, Strome could be Ontario talent for Babcock and Leafs
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
If Mike Babcock and the Toronto Maple Leafs are serious about bringing talented Ontario born players to the club, the upcoming NHL Draft could be their biggest opportunity.
Friday in Sunrise, Fla., comes Toronto’s next chance to draft the first key piece to the rebuild and some believe they will concentrate on local talent, a notion that the new Leafs’ bench boss ha...
The old saying stands true; one man’s trash can be another man’s treasure. With the NHL qualifying deadline of June 29th behind us, we as fans of our respective teams can now go and dig thought the trash of unqualified RFAs of other teams. We imagine how they could fit in to our teams, how a fresh start could jump start their careers. Now I know that treasure could...
1. Valeri Nichushkin: Forward / RW
Nichushkin is going to be a force for the Dallas Stars this upcoming season. He is a power forward with the offensive skills of an elite play maker. He is not going to be on many people's radar seeing as he only played 8 games this past season. In his rookie campaign in 2013-14, he put up 34 points in 79 games. He also managed to m...
It is more than likely that the NHL will be expanding. Now we don’t know where the league is expanding too yet, or how many teams it will be adding, but for this list let’s say two teams and their both in the west, (Sorry Quebec Nordiques fans). For this list I will be using the rules of the 2000 draft as well as a few additional rules.
---2000 NHL expansion dr...
Welcome to the GM Mode[code]Today I will be taking a look at the Buffalo Sabres and analyze a series of “hypothetical” moves that the Buffalo Sabres should make.Buffalo Sabres GM; Tim Murray is faced with many decisions since after the NHL Draft of 2015. He may not have had the first overall pick but the second pick (Jack Eichel) is a great starting point for a team t...
We are almost three weeks passed the start of free agency, and there are still some good players just sitting there waiting for a contract. The thing is contract spots are all but used up on most teams and the teams that do have contract spots open don’t have the cap to sign anyone else. For this blog is just going to be a quick reference guide to each team’s contracts...
5. Claude Giroux(73 points) and Jacub Voracek(81 points):
This duo is a little unlike the rest, as the Flyers have had very little success in the past few seasons. The team has absolutely no depth and is a fairly weak throughout the lineup. However, this duo is able to keep the team somewhat competitive night in and night out. They are going to be one of the most d...
In this short article, I will discuss the top centerman with regards to two way play. Modern day NHL is much more focused on a two way game, rather than just offensive statistics. Advanced statistics have shown us the importance of players who can contribute at both ends of the ice. These stats are especially important for centerman, as they have so much responsibility ...
We all know that Steven Stamkos is going to get paid, the question is by whom? Let me start this by saying that I really do think that the Lighting will resign Stamkos, the thing is how much is that one player worth to his team. The rumors out there are that a new contract for Stammer will be in the 10-12 million dollars per season range for 8 years. This agreement would ...
In this article I will outline the top three teams' in the Eastern Conference entering the 2015-16 season. There's some moves still to be made, but I believe that the majority of the blockbuster deals are completed.
5. New York Islanders: ( 47-28-7 : 101 Points)
The Islanders finished the 2014-15 season with a first round elimination at the hands of the Washington...
According to Eklund’s post this morning, the Boston Bruins are making a BIG push for Winnipeg’s [b]Dustin Byfuglien[/b]. This is hardly the first rumor involving Byfuglien and Boston. It is yet another in a steady line of rumors indicating Boston GM [b]Don Sweeney[/b] is still in the market for proven NHL talent on the blueline.
For the Black & Gold, there’s a l...
There’s no argument, the biggest acquisition GM [b]Don Sweeney[/b] has made thus far in his first offseason is winger [b]Matt Beleskey[/b]. The former Anaheim Duck was signed to a four year contract worth $3.8mil / per. Coming off of a 22 goal performance (Beleksey’s first of 20 or more) in the 2014-2015 season the 27 year old was widely considered among the top forw...
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...
Since we’re in the midst of the Augustine dog days of the offseason, I’ve decided to take a deeper dive into the bigger picture as it pertains to the Black & Gold.
This will be a three part series focusing first on the should be positives for Boston, “the good”. Then, probable trouble spots for the club, “the bad”. And finally, the question marks heading...
First and foremost before I begin . I should introduce myself. No I'm not a writer . Maybe the more I type the more it will become obvious . Iam a union ironworkers so I am usually breaking my back instead of breaking a fingernail typing . Iam however a hockey fan . Like most fans of the game Iam constantly seeking anything to read , watch or listen to that relates to hoc...
Since we’re in the midst of the Augustine dog days of the offseason, I’ve decided to take a deeper dive into the bigger picture as it pertains to the Black and Gold.
This will be a three part series focusing first on the should be positives for Boston, “the good”. Then, probable trouble spots for the club, “the bad”. And finally, the question marks heading ...
Today I’ll wrap up my deeper dive into the Black and Gold before we officially shift gear into the 2015-2016 season and Bruins training camp.
There are question marks across the all levels of the Boston Bruins organization. With camp just under way, the club is searching for a lot of answers. Not just on the ice, but in the locker room and TD Garden offices as well....
The Vancovuer Canucks have gone from the leagues best team, to an outdated veteran roster that requires a serious rebuild. The team is still competitive, but is not capable of making a run for the Stanley Cup with their current roster. The core of the team is closing in on their last few NHL seasons.
The Sedin twins have been the best players on the Canucks roster f...
The NHL has been in conversation about expanding the amount of teams from 30 to 32, and it’s closer than many believe. With these talks comes rumors and there are an abundance of them. In this blog, I will explain the three cities that, in my eyes, are top contenders. This is speculation of course and my view and I'm writing this blog solely to start a discussion u...
With the dust settling on training camp, and a fair amount of knuckles being iced after a fiery tilt with the Washington Capitals last Thursday night - let’s talk about the Boston Bruins heading into 2015-16 season.
[b]The Defense...Could Be A Dumpster Fire[/b]
One question mark for the Black and Gold headed into the year has already been answered: [b]Dennis Seiden...
Whether hockey fans like to admit it or not, hockey players are celebrities, and with that status come partying, hitting women and driving into Tim Horton's. Anyhow, it's how the NHL goes about with dealing issues that arise and they do a good job. In contrast the NFL worries more about the Deflate Gate than actual issues that their players commit, such as beating wives or...
The Pittsburgh Penguins have made it very clear that they are committed to dominating via an overpowering offence. They have a very deep core of forwards, many of which are able to play top six minutes. Unfortunately for some of these guys, this depth is going to drastically cut their ice time.
When we look at the top six for the Pens, we instantly notice the big tw...
The hunt for a defenseman is on for Columbus.
Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch suggests the Devils and the Jackets may be talking a trade. Porty reports interest in Adam Larsson for Columbus and Cam Atkinson for New Jersey. Apparently, New Jersey has been eyeing Atkinson for a couple of seasons. Last season, Todd Cordell of Hockeybuzz rumored Columbus and New J...
What craziness around the league, huh? Let's just focus on Columbus here.
First thing first has to be star center Ryan Johansen. Joey did not play in Saturday's game due to an illness, and was flown back to Columbus for evaluations. Aaron Portzline reported Johansen was checked this summer for an accelerated heart rate. The agent of Johansen says his injury has nothing...
Anyone can say that the Oilers have been rebuilding since 2007 but have they? Sure they have added some big name talent in proven players such as Eberle, Hall, RNH and Nail. Plus hopefuls such as Reinhart, Nurse, Draisatl and even Schultz for some prospecting sites. Still this is the first real year of anything resembling an attempt to improve the franchise all around.
...
The Columbus Blue Jackets are apparently underwhelmed by the offers for right winger Cam Atkinson. Atkinson has been rumored to be on the move since the trade deadline and has come close to being moved. At last year's trade deadline, Colorado, Boston, New York (Rangers), and Montreal were interested in him. Instead of getting moved, the Connecticut native signed a 3 year, ...
Since this is HockeyBuzz it would be only suiting for me to talk about hockey in some way, shape, or form. So with that being brought to light I would like to share my thoughts on the NHL expansion and some NHL franchises in the picture at the moment.
First off, can we all agree that it would be a wise move for the NHL to actually execute this plan of expansion? To som...
Fedorov Is First
Sergei Fedorov becomes the first player inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame that played for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Federov had a legendary career in Detroit, playing offense and defense. He also played for the Might Ducks of Anaheim, Columbus, and Washington, before finishing his career back in Russia. For me, I only saw Fedorov as an older pl...
Is the NHL even watching the same game I am? (I know you guys miss me and my blogs, admit it).
Brian Burke has been a loud advocate of fixing a true problem in the game: scoring chances.
Watch a game... really closely. Teams are so obsessed with possession and collapsing defense these days that most shots are boring ones from the perimeter. Bigger nets and fixing g...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 18- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Arizona Coyotes
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
In the second game of a back-to-back, the Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice and are set to battle the Arizona Coyotes.
This is the first time these teams are meeting this season, and the Coyotes made some light changes. They lost Sam Gagner in a trade to the Philadelphia Flyers. They added Nicklas Grossmann and the contract of Chris Pronger from the Philad...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 19- The Young Streak Continues
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
What a victory for the home team last night. The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the St. Louis Blues by a final score of 3-1. This improved the Jackets record to 7-12-0. The Blues record sticks at 11-8-0.
For the Blues, their only goal scorer was Kevin Shattenkirk. Other players that got points include Magnus Paajarvi and Dmitri Jaskin. My player to watch, Colton Pa...
The Columbus Blue Jackets' rumors have decreased as a result of consecutive wins; however, there is still discussion around the league of players' availability.
Let's start with the number one center. According to The Fourth Period, teams around the league called Columbus regarding Ryan Johansen. Simply, almost every talented superstar is somewhat discussed in trad...
Last night, it was reported of the trade request by New York Islanders defenseman Travis Hamonic.
It is a surprise call by a young potent defenseman whom could improve from a top-4 to maybe a poor man's top-2 d-man. The apparent list includes Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver.
The Manitoba native's reasoning for the trade is family reasons, so nothing ...
On Wednesday, the NHL announced a new realignment of the NHL All-Star Game for the upcoming game in Nashville, Tennessee.
Here is the new format...(via NHL press release)
*The 2016 Honda NHL® All-Star Game will be a three-game tournament played in a 3-on-3 format with a prize pool of $1 million to be paid in its entirety to the tournament’s winning team.
*...
The NHL announced that each team will have a five-day bye week starting in the 2016-2017 regular season as a result of the 3-on-3 All Star Games. Each team's bye week will occur between the start of the new year and prior to the NHL Trade Deadline.
Some of it make sense as the players get some rest that they deserve, plus the inclusion the NHL sponsored World Cup n...
The NHL announced that each team will have a five-day bye week starting in the 2016-2017 regular season as a result of the 3-on-3 All Star Games. Each team's bye week will occur between the start of the new year and prior to the NHL Trade Deadline.
Some of it make sense as the players get some rest that they deserve, plus the inclusion the NHL sponsored World Cup n...
It's time to fire up the cannon for quarter season thoughts of the Columbus Blue Jackets, as that's where we are right now.
The Jackets are currently 8-14-0 with a grand total of 16 points in 22 regular season games played. Their first eight games were part of a losing streak that ended the coaching career of Todd Richards in Columbus. Not long after his exit, gene...
Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Thanksgiving getting to me. Maybe. In this weird rumor blog, I discuss the Ryan Johansen rumors in Columbus
Let's start with the facts- Darren Dreger reported that Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen might be available as teams have called Columbus about his availability. Also, one team said he is "softly" in play.
Let's state th...
Breathe in...
Breathe out...
Thanksgiving getting to me. Maybe. In this weird rumor blog, I discuss the Ryan Johansen rumors in Columbus
Let's start with the facts- Darren Dreger reported that Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen might be available as teams have called Columbus about his availability. Also, one team said he is "softly" in play.
Let's state th...
In Pittsburgh, there was an incident in the second period between Penguins captain Sidney Crosby and Blue Jackets alternate captain Brandon Dubinsky.
During the incident, Dubinsky and Crosby were in front of the Penguins goalie. Dubinsky was playing the man and was trying to create space for himself to score a goal, and Crosby was putting pressure on him.
Dubin...
What good hockey for Columbus the past couple of days. The Jackets played three games in four nights, and in three different cities, and went 2 for 3 during the stretch. Here is what happened.
On Wednseday, the Jackets were in Newark battling the New Jersey Devils, and won 2-1. The Devils' goal came from Adam Henrique, and the only assist was from Mike Cammalieri. ...
What good hockey for Columbus the past couple of days. The Jackets played three games in four nights, and in three different cities, and went 2 for 3 during the stretch. Here is what happened.
On Wednseday, the Jackets were in Newark battling the New Jersey Devils, and won 2-1. The Devils' goal came from Adam Henrique, and the only assist was from Mike Cammalieri. ...
A quarter way through the season and no trades by the Blue Jackets to acquire a defenseman. With plenty of teams with defensemen on the market, here are some logical ones that may make some sense in Columbus.
1. Roman Polak, Toronto Maple Leafs. This should not come as a surprise to anybody. The Leafs are at the bottom of the league and are looking to rebuild. The ve...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
It has been a while since news of the Blue Jackets has been said. So here it goes.
Lake Erie Adds
With there being more injuries in Columbus, more players from Lake Erie have been recalled. Last week, Bill Zito signed former Blue Jacketd Manny Malhotra to an AHL tryout offer. Malhotra has previously played with Vancouver, San Jose, Carolina, and Montréal. Welco...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Multiple Players On Waivers- Claim Them for Nothing
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
This afternoon, the Edmonton Oilers placed defenseman Mark Fayne on waivers on the purpose of assisgnement. If he clears, he would be assigned to the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League. Earlier this season, there was discussion of a potential Fayne-Hartnell swap. Fayne has one assist in 24 games this season. If he were to come to Columbus, he may surpas...
The Lightning are dancing on fire... cool imagery.
Not so cool if they lose a former first overall for, to put it bluntly, sweet **** all.
Take it from a Devils fan... it hurts (thanks, Kovy).
So now the Media are overblowing a story about Stamkos "liking" a tweet about the possibility of him coming to Toronto. Meanwhile Stamkos is probably like, "All I did w...
Does Jarmo have the upper hand when he's listening to offers for Johansen because of how strong we are down the middle even without him? Dubi, Wild Bill, Wennie, Soupy (with Jens, Fligs, and Chaput able to step in) = stacked.
On Tuesday, Aaron Portzline answered fans' questions through an online chat. It is amazing he can do what he does. He is an amazing writer. Ho...
As a Canucks fan I've been looking forward to this years entry draft a fair amount and keep thinking how much better off the Canucks would be if Jared McCann and Jake Virtanen could be learning in the Ahl but alas they played junior hockey in the Chl and aren't allowed to make that jump yet. So they are stuck playing 8-10 min a night in the NHL because they aren't quite re...
Let the excitement begin now for an event next year. As many now, the NHL is bringing back the World Cup of Hockey next year in Toronto. Today, the league announced training camp sessions and pre-game action prior to the event. Major cities were picked globally to present these activities, including Columbus, Ohio; Washington, DC; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Montréal, Q...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
With the holiday season in full bloom, here are some things that the Columbus Blue Jackets players, coaches, and management might be asking for for this time of year.
1. A time machine. This bad start of the season is the reason why they are in a big hole, at the bottom of the league. If Tortorella was here since the start of the season, the Jackets would be above ...
Luke D
It is never to early to get excited about the draft, especially if
you are a Leafs fan.
In 2015, the new-look Maple Leafs clearly showed that they are good at drafting because they went for skill and speed instead of size and grit and traded one of their most overpaid players, (Phil Kessel) for future picks and prospects. The 2015 draft was clearly a success...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more.
WJC
Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden.
Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more.
WJC
Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden.
Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more.
WJC
Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden.
Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more.
WJC
Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden.
Here are som...
The latest deferment of news and happenings is back to start the new year. Today's will discuss the World Junior Championships, trade rumors, injuries, and more.
WJC
Congrats to Team USA and captain (and Blue Jacket prospect) Zach Werenski and winger Sonny Milano on winning bronze in an 8-3 route on (CBJ prospect) Gabriel Cleasson's Team Sweden.
Here are som...
This afternoon, the Columbus Blue Jackets have placed defenseman Kevin Connuaton on waivers for purpose of assignment to the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL). Connuaton, 25, was a third round pick of the Vancouver Canucks in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He was dealt to the Dallas Stars in exchange for center man Derek Roy. Connuaton was claimed off w...
Every team in the NHL has now played 41 games in the 2015-2016 NHL regular season.
Columbus ranks dead last in the NHL with 36 points. They are on pace for at least 70 points by the time the season ends, keeping them close to or at the bottom come April.
The Jackets current leading point scorers (top 3) are Scott Hartnell (31), Brandon Saad (30), and Cam Atkins...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
In the latest installment of the Ottawa Sun, Bruce Garrioch wonders if the Blue Jackets could be interested in Canadiens center Lars Eller. Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen drafted Eller when he was with the Blues. His reasoning is that he believes the Blue Jackets are in need of a number one center. You could agree with that, but the Jackets have wingers that could pl...
With Columbus recently acquiring Seth Jones from the Nashville Predators, I look around the league at future top pairings in the league to see who could be really good and bad. These are also bold predictions as players' potentials are getting better and better, and there are some really good players left off as this is a look ahead. If you don't like what you see, ple...
With my recent blog of future defensive parings, I am doing one of other guys that may become valuable defenders.
Anahiem: Cam Fowler, Brendan Montour
Arizona: Jared Tinordi
Calgary: TJ Brodie
Carolina: Ryan Murphy, Hayden Fleury, Roland McKeown
Chicago: Ville Poka, Viktor Svedberg
Colorado: Duncan Siemens
Columbus: Zach Werenski, Dillon Heatheringto...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be move...
CBJ- Center of Attention
With the blockbuster trade of 2016 happening in Ohio's capital, the team's future goes from finding a number one defenseman to a new number one center. With a solid three man backend in Seth Jones, Ryan Murray, and Zach Werenski, the team seems to be okay for the future. With Brandon Dubinsky being the team's number one center followed behind by...
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...
1. Scott Hartnell for Colin Wilson will happen on trade deadline day.
2. Columbus will have a second half very much like last season's.
3. Curtis McElhinney will backup Jonas Korpisalo until Sergei Bobrovsky comes back.
4. Jared Boll will be waived and sent to the AHL.
5. Zach Werenski joins Columbus this season.
6. One or both of Dalton Prout and Jus...
What may have been a joke turned into a blessing in disguise John Scott. So this is where I came up with a great way to do the all star game. Keep the 3v3 and each division. Very entertaining.
Keep fan voting with a twist - Player must have played minimum 20 games. This prevents Ahlers and injured players. Otherwise fair game because anyone who plays in the NHL deserves...
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 ...
In an era of prequels and sequels, innovation sometimes comes to not be identified when presented to the masses. Yet it is this same backdrop that fosters the innovative spirit: the drive to create a comprehensive model. rnrn3-on-3 hockey is an amazing innovation. Not only does it add a new dimension (in which the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives) but it has dee...
John Scott is now a household name... Let that sink in for a minute. The gentle giant who was voted in as Captain of the All Star game last weekend turned everything on its ear, and made the "joke" a reality. He BECAME the All Star event, and gave everyone exactly what they were looking for.
One thing that a lot of people forget, is that the goons and 4th line players ...
Updated: Feb. 2, 2016
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now bec...
Prior to the NHL All Star Weekend, Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman hit a referee from behind. The ref got up and seemed to be okay after the collision. Prior to the hit, Wideman was hit from behind by Nashville Predators winger Miikka Salomaki. Wideman appeared to be dazed, and immediately went to the bench holding his arm, but claimed he had a concussion.
Her...
In an era of prequels and sequels, innovation sometimes comes to not be identified when presented to the masses. Yet it is this same backdrop that fosters the innovative spirit: the drive to create a comprehensive model. rnrn3-on-3 hockey is an amazing innovation. Not only does it add a new dimension (in which the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives) but it has deep ho...
West:
Chicago Blackhawks - This team is a dynasty and no one can argue. Not many needs a good prospect cupboard headlined by Dano. A cheap top 9 rental and depth defenseman wouldnt hurt. Possible: Matthias or Gryba
Dallas Stars - You can make a team through trades, atleast thats what Burke was taught in Toronto, but Nill is a masterful trader. He acquired his top two c...
On Friday night, after Columbus defeated Calgary in regulation and Carolina defeating Winnipeg in regulation, there was a six way tie for last place in the NHL. Those six teams- Columbus, Toronto, Edmonton, Buffalo, Calgary, and Winnipeg. All six of these teams are looking to improve between now and the end, and the parody leads to ask who is the worst team of these six, o...
A rumor came by this weekend that the Columbus Blue Jackets could be looking into acquiring winger Loui Eriksson from the Boston Bruins as he appears to be pricing himself out of Beantown. His price tag is one hard to grab as it varies between one of two things.
One day, it is a first round pick; next is a top four defenseman. If Boston truly wants a first round pick f...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
You can win OR you can cash in... should be Stamkos' choice. But...
You know, I really hate the precedence set by Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
Let's not kid ourselves. The two of them are vital to the success of the Chicago Blackhawks. (Of course they are; they're the product of tanking). So now the GM can manoeuvre his team around these two guys and they'l...
Recent rumors have been that the Columbus Blue Jackets may be looking to dangle defenseman Jack Johnson. This article will explain why and why not to listen to the rumors.
First, here is a quick breakdown of his career. Johnson was drafted third overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. A couple months later, he was traded to the Los Angeles Kings...
In early January, the Columbus Blue Jackets traded center Ryan Johansen to the Nashville Predators in exchange for defenseman Seth Jones. Jones is a pending RFA at the end of this season, and will be expecting a major raise after two really good seasons with the Nashville Predators.
After seeing and hearing what he did for the Predators against the Blackhawks without ...
Last night, the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Ottawa Senators by a final score of 4-2.
Ottawa got both their goals in the final frame. Bobby Ryan netted his 20th goal of the season two minutes into the third period. With less than five minutes left into the game, Cody Ceci got his 6th goal of the year. Mika Zibanejad got assists on both goals; and Erik Karlsson an...
With the Blue Jackets reportedly looking to trade defensemen Jack Johonson and Fedor Tyutin, they will need to find defensive replacements whether it's internally or externally. Here are a couple of guys on other teams that may intrigue the Blue Jackets.
[u]Justin Schultz[/u]
If Jack Johnson is on the trade block, there needs to be an offensive defenseman to replace...
[i]Disclaimer: this is an opinion piece; look elsewhere for advanced stats and rumors pulled out of a writers rear end. This is about venting, raging, and breathing fire over a variety of topics. So dear reader if your looking for anything other than a Don Cherry type I suggest you dig elsewhere, here be dragons.[/i] rnrnrn When watching the NHL in its 2015-2016 season I...
With the trade deadline coming up, this blog will look at which Blue Jackets could be moved, and what asking price might be. The order will go as I do with the lineups- forwards first, defensemen second, and goaltenders last.
Offense
Scott Hartnell (LW)
It seems like the reason current Flyers general manager Ron Hextall traded him here is the reason why the Blue Ja...
Last season, it was around this time of the year where the team took it upon themselves to not tank and perform up to expectations. The same seems to be happening this year, and it is a great learning curve for the young prospects on this team. However, the difference between last year and this year is new players, injuries, and a new coach.
First up is the players. L...
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes who will be moved? W...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Trade Deadline Preview- Metropolitan Division
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
With the trade deadline being on February 29th, this article will be the beginning of a four part series of where I preview what each team needs, where they stand, and what they could acquire or move. The order of teams will go by where they stand in the standings. For February 20th, the Metro goes as follows:
1. Washington Capitals
2. New York Rangers
3. New York Isl...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Trade Deadline Preview Pt. 2- Atlantic Division
Posted Sunday | Comments 2
With the trade deadline being on February 29th, this article is the second of a four part series of where I preview what each team needs, where they stand, and what they could acquire or move. The order of teams will go by where they stand in the standings. For February 21st, the Atlantic goes as follows:
1. Florida Panthers
2. Boston Bruins
3. Tampa Bay Lightning
4....
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Trade Deadline Preview Pt. 3- Central Division
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With the trade deadline being on February 29th, this article is the second of a four part series of where I preview what each team needs, where they stand, and what they could acquire or move. The order of teams will go by where they stand in the standings. For February 21st, the Central goes as follows:
1. Chicago Blackhawks
2. Dallas Stars
3. St. Louis Blues
4. Col...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Trade Deadline Preview Pt. 4: Pacific Division
Posted Monday | Comments 0
With the trade deadline being on February 29th, this article is the second of a four part series of where I preview what each team needs, where they stand, and what they could acquire or move. The order of teams will go by where they stand in the standings. For February 21st, the Pacific goes as follows:
1. Los Angeles Kings
2. Anaheim Ducks
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Ari...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ-Making A Case For An Outdoor Game In Central Ohio
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With the recent announcements of outdoor games in 2017, and the recent outdoor games for 2016, is it time for the Columbus Blue Jackets to throw their hats into the ring?
First, let's go over the games for 2016. The Winter Classic was on New Year's Day between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. Not to down the city of Boston and the people of Massachusetts, b...
The Lake Erie Monsters are looking to get stronger as they look towards a post season appearance. Columbus is looking to do that by placing defenseman Justin Falk for the purpose of player assignment.
Falk is on a two-way contract, but since there were injuries to the defensive core of the Jackets, he was called up early in the season. Now, the team is healthy, and is ...
The Lake Erie Monsters are looking to get stronger as they look towards a post season appearance. Columbus is looking to do that by placing defenseman Justin Falk for the purpose of player assignment.
Falk is on a two-way contract, but since there were injuries to the defensive core of the Jackets, he was called up early in the season. Now, the team is healthy, and is ...
In 2014, startling news shook the National Hockey League to the core, and none of it was positive. About two years ago, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, saying he had only $50,000 in necessities. Johnson stated his parents were to blame for spending money on present luxuries and gambling on the defenseman' future earnings.
...
With so much criticism about his play this year, Thursday night's impressive performance may have eliminated the doubt in Columbus' captain Nick Foligno.
On Thursday night against the New Jersey Devils, the winger scored a hat-trick and added an assist. He has nine goals this season, but also had 23 assists, which is near the top for his team.
That is extremely impr...
Zak MacMillan writes...
My Reactions to Trades- Deadline and Before (Longest Blog Pd
Posted Monday | Comments 0
SubTitle: My Longest Blog Ever
What is better than seeing and hearing about trades at the trade deadline? Reacting to the trades from the deadline. This blog is my thoughts on the trades that happened prior to and the day of the NHL Trade Deadline.
__________________________________________________________________
[b]During the Week[/b]
_____________________________...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Rumor Chart(2/29/16) Final Time Before the Draft.Enjoy!
Posted Monday | Comments 0
CBJ- Rumor Chart
Welcome to the Columbus version of the rumor chart. This is a very simple way to get fans the latest rumors of players that could head to Columbus. However, this chart will also show other teams that will be interested in players. This chart will also show players rumored to leave Columbus, and teams interested in them as well. The question now becomes ...
This trade deadline was one filled with rumors, and the first I have publicly covered. From a Columbus standpoint, this is the quietest deadline Jarmo Kekalainen has participated in.
There were rumors of Scott Hartnell, Fedor Tyutin, and Gregory Campbell being traded, and all remain in Columbus sweaters. For the players, it means they are safe, for now.
However, th...
Over the last few seasons, I've noticed a trend picking up among GMs. Of course, it's easy to notice that not as many teams are going to dump their first round picks for a rental--everyone should have taken the hint when well-managed teams were reluctant to do so. But this next trend might be a little more invisible to the common eye.
The trend I'm speaking of is the ...
On Wednesday night, March 2nd 2016, there was the unveiling of the jerseys and preliminary rosters for all the teams competing in the World Cup of Hockey.
For the Blue Jackets, three players made it onto Team North America, a team that makes up the best players ranging between the ages of 18-23, but not over 24.
Ryan Murray, Seth Jones, and Brandon Saad are the thr...
The most heard argument AGAINST a return of Ilya Kovalchuk in the NHL is that he really f*cked the New Jersey Devils by leaving them for the KHL, a couple of years into a huge contract. In 2010 the Devils acquired Kovalchuk (and defenseman Salmela) in a deal with the Atlanta Trashers for Oduya, Bergfors, Cormier and a 2010-1st round pick. Atlanta was unable to resign Koval...
We don’t get to hear the greatest broadcasting phrase in hockey enough these days but never fear – these obvious and totally simple to implement solutions will ensure a skyrocket in goals scored in the NHL and we’ll get to hear a lot more:
He shoots he scores!
Il lance il compte!
Стреляет Он забивает гол! - russian
Han skjuter han poäng...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Looking at OHL Playoffs + Predictions & Prospects
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Eastern Conference
1 KINGSTON FRONTENACS (46-17-5) vs
8 OSHAWA GENERALS (27-33-8)
Top Prospects
Kingston: LW Michael Dal Colle (NYI), LW Lawson Crouse (FLA), D Ronald McKeown (CAR), RW Spencer Watson (LA), Lucas Peressini
Oshawa: C Anthony Cirelli (TBL)
2 BARRIE COLTS (43-22-3) vs
7 MISSISSAUGA STEELHEADS (33-30-5)
Top Prospects
Barrie: RW Kevin ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Looking at the NCAA Ice Hockey Championships + Predictions
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Tonight is the start of the NCAA Ice Hockey Championships that are taking place in Tampa, Florida this year. Here are the match ups in round one.
Quinnipiac
V.
Rochester Inst.
Top Prospects
Quinnipiac- Travis St. Denis
Rochester
_____________________________________________
Yale
V.
U. Mass-Lowell
Top Prospects
Yale
U. Mass-Lowell- LW CJ Smit...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Which Guy is Right for Columbus in 2016 NHL Draft
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets will be looking forward to a long offseason, but for the upper management, it will be only the start of their work. Columbus has five draft picks in this year's draft- their first, second, third, sixth, and seventh. Their fourth round pick is in Chicago courtesy of the Brandon Saad blockbuster; their fifth is in St. Louis from the Jordan Leopold trade.
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Russians Relocating? What Does This Mean For CBJ + NHL
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
As you could tell by the title of the article, this article is about Russian hockey players and what in the world is going on with them. Hockey is a business and for the apparent stereotype for Russians is to be number one. The question is whether or not these Russians are looking at that at this point in there careers. This article will look at four Russians in particular...
rebel_deucer writes...
Ranking all 30 NHL coaches... A statistical review
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The rankings will give a point 1 gets 30, and 30th gets point
Enhanced Stats: SAT
1. LA Kings, 2. Pittsburgh Penguins, 3. Anaheim Ducks, 4. Nashville, 5. Dallas, 6. Tampa, 7. St Louis, 8. Detroit, 9. Toronto, 10. San Jose, 11. Carolina, 12. Winnipeg, 13. Montreal, 14. Washington, 15. Chicago, 16, Philadelphia, 17. NYI, 18. Boston, 19. Edmonton, 20. Florida, 21. Calgary, ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 81 & 82- Hope For Next Season After Win
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Work and illness have put me down the past couple of days but it did not slow down the Blue Jackets. The Jackets managed back to back wins, including a domination and a come back.
First, the Jackets defeated the Buffalo Sabres in First Niagara Center by a final score of 4-1.
Buffalo's lone goal came in the early stages of the second period. Sam Reinhart scored his ...
Eastern Conference:
Washington X-Factor - Kuznetsov, Why Ovechkin alone cannot carry a team, hes great always showed character in the playoffs and wants that cup, he needs the other Russian to prove that Russia can dominate in the playoffs and rise to the occasion for Washinton. Two .9 + pts per game over the playoffs is always better than 1.
Florida - Jagr - He is the...
To all my readers,
This is a pre blog to my actual blog. As the Jackets are not in the playoffs, it is not as easy as it once was to right blogs on a regular basis as there was action regarding them. My plan for the offseason is to keep you up to date. I will continue making playoff predictions for the NHL and also for other leagues and tournaments, including playoffs i...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Playoff Thoughts: Politics, Fights, and Comebacks Coming
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs have been intense and physical thus far. There are multiple series that are three games to one, followed up with pushing, shoving, name-calling, and fist-flying. However, this blog will discuss the dominating issues in the game that have been trending over the past several days.
The major issue has come from the Chicago Blackhawks - St...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Blue Jackets' Associate Coach Craig Hartsburg Retires
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The associate coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets has retired to spend time with his family. Hartsburg, 52, has enjoyed three seasons in Columbus, including a postseason appearance. Hartsburg coached three games this year when John Tortorella was out with broken ribs, going 2-0-1.
With his retirement, this means Tortorella can go out and get a guy he likes, unless he p...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Playoff Thoughts: Round Two Predictions and More
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs will draw to a close on Wednesday night, the same time the second round of the playoffs commences.
On Wednesday, the round one matchup (game 7) is between the Pacific Division winning Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the first wild card team Nashville Predators. The series has been a sea saw battle as these teams are on the sa...
Njuice writes...
Marner’s a Longshot to Make Leafs in 2016-2017: Here’s Why
Posted Friday | Comments 0
First off let me make one thing clear – Mitchell Marner is amazing! Marner Magic is real folks and he will be a superstar in the NHL. Let us take that to the bank today and profit from the dividends for the next 15 years.
People say “Oh he’s way too fancy he’ll get killed in the NHL.” To those people I say please watch the games. Watch the OHL final and ...
archromat writes...
Why not equal distribution of talent? I'll tell you...
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Suppose they ditched the lottery 1, 2, 3 system (which is even more erratic than the previous system), why wouldn't they just take the fourteen teams that missed the playoffs and lottery the whole list, replacing them all randomly?
"Chaos" says one GM, "Disaster" says another.
Do you know why? Because the first overall pick is worth six times as much as the fourteent...
Aside from the draft lottery occurring at the end of April, there is still hockey in session in early May.
In the Stanley Cup Playoffs:
San Jose leads Nashville 2-0
St. Louis and Dallas are tied 1-1
Pittsburgh and Washington are tied 1-1
Tampa Bay and New York are tied 1-1
In the CHL:
Seattle and Brandon are facing off for the WHL Championship, and mo...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Sign Defenseman Markus Nutivaara to Entry Level Contract
Posted Friday | Comments 0
After four years of draft eligibility, the Jackets' 2015 seventh round draft pick, Finnish defenseman Markus Nutivaara has signed a two year entry level deal with the organization. My guess is because of his age, he signed to a lesser term, but it is good to see the Jackets lock up a young defenseman. The funny part is all this is another Finn is buying into Finnish genera...
Welcome to another Q & A session of mine. This time, I answer questions from Rob Mixer from NHL.com and his Mailbag. These questions are posted through Twitter, which explains the hashtags.
What's a bigger need for the CBJ, improving the defense or finding help at center?
Both are very important things to look find at any time of year, and they are two of the h...
The Iceman writes...
Lack of scoring, killer instinct among what dooms Isles
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Frustrating, soul crushing, disappointing are just a few words that can be used to describe the feeling among all in Islander country after a 2-1 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning in game 4 of this eastern conference semi-final matchup. The lightning now have a commanding 3-1 lead in this best of 7 series with a chance to close it out Sunday back in Tampa Bay. The I...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Playoff Thoughts: Management Changes; Conference Finals
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Welcome to my NHL Playoff Thoughts blog, the second round edition. Thus far, there has been plenty of changes in management, and we have our Conference Final matchups.
As for the management changes, there have been changes of guard in six teams- Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Ottawa, Anaheim, and Calgary.
The Coyotes made a gutsy move in promoting assistant general m...
Is Steven Stamkos going to be a New York Islander come July 1st? Well if you have a copy of the latest NHL video game, then yes he will be. It's time to address this rumor going around in regards to the one who will be the top UFA this summer. Well, more like bury this rumor that for whatever reason won't go away.
It began not long ago by Eklund, the annonyms one who r...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL Playoff Thoughts: Management Changes; Conference Finals
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Welcome to my NHL Playoff Thoughts blog, the second round edition. Thus far, there has been plenty of changes in management, and we have our Conference Final matchups.
As for the management changes, there have been changes of guard in six teams- Arizona, Florida, Minnesota, Ottawa, Anaheim, and Calgary.
The Coyotes made a gutsy move in promoting assistant general m...
Just for the fun I will try to complete a second team Canada roster for the world cup from which whom was not taken.
Forwards
Line 1 Perry - spezza -Hall
Line 2Nash -Carter - ladd
Line 3 sharp - bozak - lucid
Line 4 Neal - Jordan staal - cammalleri
Defence
Subban - campbell
Letting - seabrook
Giordano - hamhuis
Phaneuf
Goalies
Luongo - fleury - Crawford...
With the Stanley Cup Finals about to get underway, we now have a handful of games remaining for the 2015-2016 hockey season. And with that comes one of the most exciting times for fanbases of teams who are looking to upgrade for next year, the offseason. First comes the draft which is roughly a little more than 3 weeks away. Followed by July 1st, aka free agency.
For ...
The Lake Erie Monsters have swept the Ontario Reign 4-0 in the best of 7 series. The Monsters' top six has really stepped up and has made themselves a force to reckon with against the Eastern Conference Champions.
The Monsters have a new leading point scorer- Lukas Sedlak, who has averaged a point per game in the playoffs (13 points in 13 games). On the defense, Zach We...
The Lake Erie Monsters have swept the Ontario Reign 4-0 in the best of 7 series. The Monsters' top six has really stepped up and has made themselves a force to reckon with against the Eastern Conference Champions.
The Monsters have a new leading point scorer- Lukas Sedlak, who has averaged a point per game in the playoffs (13 points in 13 games). On the defense, Zach We...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Multiple Guys on World Cup Rosters/Several Snubs
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Some of the best players in the world will be playing in a competitive tournament representing their nations. There are eight teams in the World Cup of Hockey- USA, North America, Europe, Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Czech Republic. Out of all those teams, there are six Blue Jackets on the World Cup rosters.
Sergei Bobrovsky (Russia)
Brandon Dubinsky (USA)
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Multiple Guys on World Cup Rosters/Several Snubs
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Some of the best players in the world will be playing in a competitive tournament representing their nations. There are eight teams in the World Cup of Hockey- USA, North America, Europe, Canada, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Czech Republic. Out of all those teams, there are six Blue Jackets on the World Cup rosters.
Sergei Bobrovsky (Russia)
Brandon Dubinsky (USA)
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ: Ex-Jacket Defenseman Grant Clitsome Retires
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Winnipeg Jets lost one of their bottom pairing defenseman for good. And same with the league. Defenseman Grant Clitsome, a former Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick, has announced his retirement at the young age of 31.
Clitsome was a ninth round draft pick by Columbus in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. In 93 career games with the Blue Jackets, he had 36 points (9-27-36).
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Detailed History of the 3rd Overall Pick- 2010-2015
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Looking around at summer ideas for blogging, Peter Tessier's idea of reviewing the history of top draft picks is one that got. Besides being a hockey fan, history is something I enjoy almost as much.
Since the Columbus Blue Jackets draft third in the 2016 NHL Draft, I will be looking back in the past to see who was draft in this spot in previous drafts.
Today, it w...
Over the past couple of years, there have troubles around NHL players and law enforcement and court systems. Seymon Varlamov. Slava Voynov. Clayton Stoner. Sean Avery. Ian White. Aaron Ward. Dan LaCouture. Jack Johnson. Linden Vey. Mike Richards. Jarrett Stoll. Alex Galchenyuk. Devante Smith-Pelly. Garett Ross. Patrick Kane. Evander Kane. And the list continues to grow. ...
Over the past couple of years, there have troubles around NHL players and law enforcement and court systems. Seymon Varlamov. Slava Voynov. Clayton Stoner. Sean Avery. Ian White. Aaron Ward. Dan LaCouture. Jack Johnson. Linden Vey. Mike Richards. Jarrett Stoll. Alex Galchenyuk. Devante Smith-Pelly. Garett Ross. Patrick Kane. Evander Kane. And the list continues to grow. ...
We are less than four weeks away from the 2016 NHL Entry Draft...and the rumours are starting to fly!
There is a refreshing air of mystery around what Tim Murray and the Buffalo Sabres are going to do at this year's draft. The past two seasons saw the team, despite back-to-back last place finishes, drop to the number 2 spot. Last season, the Sabres surprised no one ...
nylander39 writes...
2016 NHL draft from the perspective of a crazy Leafs fan
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
This is blog number 2. I got a few good comments so I decided to write again. Like before I welcome your comments and feedback.
When the leafs won the NHL draft lottery I went crazy, so crazy that I accidentally woke up my roommate. ( Whoops ) But really, what guy in his early 20s is asleep at like 8pm on a Saturday.
This draft has the ability to give the leafs the...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Call For Controversy: What Is Wrong With the NHL
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Over the past couple of years, there have troubles around NHL players and law enforcement and court systems. Seymon Varlamov. Slava Voynov. Clayton Stoner. Sean Avery. Ian White. Aaron Ward. Dan LaCouture. Jack Johnson. Linden Vey. Mike Richards. Jarrett Stoll. Alex Galchenyuk. Devante Smith-Pelly. Garett Ross. Patrick Kane. Evander Kane. And the list continues to grow.
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
No. 1 CBJ Draft Target: RW Jesse Puljujarvi (Finland)
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Jared Crozier, the Ottawa Senators of Hockeybuzz, started the idea of coming up with ideas of looking at who the Senators could target in the upcoming draft. Now, it's my turn to do so with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It's already a forgone conclusion that Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine are the top two draft picks. Columbus at the third pick has options on the table...
After years of fighting for his life, his life has ended before our eyes. For what seems to be the first time that I can remember, the NHL has lost an all time great. Maybe the greatest player to have died has done so at the age of 88.
Gordie Howe's death comes out of the blue to many, but expectant and unsurprisingly to others. He has been in a battle for survival s...
After years of fighting for his life, his life has ended before our eyes. For what seems to be the first time that I can remember, the NHL has lost an all time great. Maybe the greatest player to have died has done so at the age of 88.
Gordie Howe's death comes out of the blue to many, but expectant and unsurprisingly to others. He has been in a battle for survival s...
We are just over a week until the NHL draft when hopefully things will happen so bloggers have new material to work with again. Until that point here are a few thoughts from around the NHL.
Gordie Howe... man 2016 has not been a kind year. When Muhammad Ali passed I thought it couldn't get any worse. I was very wrong. While I am far too young to share any personal stori...
Months ago, I wrote about Yzerman's conundrum in terms of the Drouin situation. I said his choice was to stick to principle or to cave into his demand, expressing doubt that he would stick to his principles.
But he did, and to my surprise, it all paid off.
Yzerman is not out of the water since he has a Stamkos issue to worry about, but now that the Drouin situatio...
The job Buffalo Sabres GM Tim Murray has done since taking over the reins has, in my opinion, been largely underappreciated. Rebuilds aren’t easy. They often times can take a long time, with many wrong turns…ill-advised attempts to short-cut the process.
But just two years in…Murray’s got the Sabres flying back into contention. The roster is young, fast, a...
Zak MacMillan writes...
#2 CBJ Draft Target: C Logan Brown (Windsor Spitfires OHL)
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
With plenty of options on the board for Columbus, they have the room to do what they want.
One guy that has been on the ride is center Logan Brown, an underrated guy that could become a number one center.
At 6' 4" and coming out of the Ontario Hockey League, he has a chance to be a successful guy.
However, the Jackets seem to be high on him according to sev...
CBJ Rumor Chart- Offseason
This chart won't be that big but there are rumors and activities out there throughout the entire league. This chart brings those rumors to light in one place, with Blue Jackets guys and who is rumored to come to Columbus.
1. Scott Hartnell (Columbus Blue Jackets)- EDM, LA, OTT, FLA, BOS, STL, MIN, NJD,PIT, NSH
2. Nick Foligno (Columbus B...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Rumors- Captain and Other Players From Around the League
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With my rumor chart live, I will also have tons of rumors ready for the week in paragraph view. Today, let's discuss who has been in the news lately.
Let's start with the captain. Sportsnet first reported that there could be some teams looking at Captain Nick Foligno. He makes $5.5 million per season, and comes off what might being one of his worst years of his career....
Calder Memorial "Rookie of the Year"
C Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
LW Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks)
D Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers)
My Winner: McDavid.
Veznia Trophy "Best Goalie"
G Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)
G Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning)
G Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)
My Winner: Holtby.
Frank...
Calder Memorial "Rookie of the Year"
C Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers)
LW Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks)
D Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers)
My Winner: McDavid.
Veznia Trophy "Best Goalie"
G Braden Holtby (Washington Capitals)
G Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning)
G Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)
My Winner: Holtby.
Frank...
With Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine going one and two respectively, Columbus had the rest of the deck to draft whoever they wanted. The best player available according to many was Jesse Puljujarvi. Jarmo Kekalainen went with his list, which was a major off the grid move to acquire a center.
On his 18th birthday, a life changing move happened to Pierre-Luc Dubois by b...
CBJ Rumor Chart- Offseason
This chart won't be that big but there are rumors and activities out there throughout the entire league. This chart brings those rumors to light in one place, with Blue Jackets guys and who is rumored to come to Columbus.
1. Scott Hartnell (Columbus Blue Jackets)- EDM, LA, OTT, FLA, BOS, STL, MIN, NJD,PIT, NSH
2. Nick Foligno (Columbus B...
- 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...
One thing is for sure. July 1st in hockey season and the Rangers go together like peanut butter and jelly. The Rangers have always had a history of striking and landing the big fish on hockey's Christmas, Free Agency day one. This year is different. There is Steven Stamkos, a 26 year old franchise center on the market and he will have no shortage of teams looking to land ...
The 2016 NHL Draft was filled with interest and intrigue. In my review, I will provide who was selected by Columbus, and will let you, the reader, learn a little more about them. I will also be reviewing the whole draft as well, and letting you guys in on who I think were winners and losers of the draft.
Listed Players Selected
#3- C Pierre-Luc Dubois (Cape Breton...
dizzleskill writes...
The Trade That Almost Changed The Draft And 3 Teams Futures
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
So i was talking to someone with direct knowledge of the situation that there was almost a 3 way trade done on day 1 of the draft just before it began.
They had mentioned that there was a trade in the works that would have sent the 3rd overall pick (clb) to calgary for the 6th overall pick + but that the blue jackets did not want to move to the 6th spot.
Enter the oi...
July 1 came and went, and the Jackets are mostly the same roster, despite heavy rumors of big acquisitions. There were rumors of Frans Nielsen and David Backes (per Rob Mixer), Eric Staal (per Eklund and Kevin Allen), Sam Gagner (per Hockey Press and Eklund), and Jason Demers and Dan Hamhius (per Michael Grosso).
Nielsen, Backes, and Demers took long term deals with lo...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Ex Blue Jackets Signed And Those On The Open Market
Posted Monday | Comments 0
D Kevin Connuaton (from Arizona to unrestricted free agency)
G Jeremy Smith (from Boston to Colorado)
D Justin Falk (from Columbus to Buffalo)
LW Jerry D'Amigo (from Buffalo to unrestricted free agency)
D James Wisniewski (from Carolina to unrestricted free agency)
RW Tim Jackman (from Chicago to unrestricted free agency)
G Michael Leighton (from Chicago ...
07/19/2016
Welcome to my first ever blog, I hope you enjoy.
I remember a sense of relief coming over me when the Leafs won the draft lottery. Excitement and anticipation have taken over since, but at that time it was simply relief. Relief in sports is the worst; it usually means even though you can always sink lower, rock bottom is so very close!
Hockey fans l...
During free agency, the headlines are always dominated by the big name signings. Milan Lucic heading to Edmonton, Kyle Okposo going to the Sabres, Andrew Ladd signing with the Islanders. And while these types of signings usually have a big impact on the teams that they sign with, the smaller, low-key signings can be just as important. While Brett Connolly is no Lucic or Ok...
After one of the most successful regular seasons in franchise history, the Washington Capitals have a chance to repeat that same performance this season. Unlike most contending teams, the Capitals were able to retain almost every important roster player, with the biggest lose being letting Jason Chimera leave via free agency. But even with Chimera on the Islanders’ roste...
This is another huge blog of mine, similar to the one I did at the draft. This blog will discuss the winners and losers of the free agency period, wrapping around who signed where and who was traded where.
What each time has done:
Anaheim Ducks
After an early first round exit from the playoffs, they let go of a slew of veteran forwards with salary in Brandon Pi...
With rumors swirling since the trade deadline, and the need for top six forwards around the league, the rumors of Scott Hartnell being traded are back for Columbus.
According to The Hockey Press, there were discussions between the Blue Jackets and the Senators involving his services. THP further discovered a potential deal may have involved Matt Pumpel (former 2011 1st...
With rumors swirling since the trade deadline, and the need for top six forwards around the league, the rumors of Scott Hartnell being traded are back for Columbus.
According to The Hockey Press, there were discussions between the Blue Jackets and the Senators involving his services. THP further discovered a potential deal may have involved Matt Pumpel (former 2011 1st...
mochoson writes...
Mock Expansion Part 1: 4th line, Depth Forwards, & Goalies
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
We still have an entire NHL season to play before next summer’s coming expansion draft. Unfortunately, we also still have quite a few weeks until even the World Cup preliminaries begin, let alone NHL hockey. At this point, you’ve more than likely read at least a handful of mock expansion drafts already. Well, guess what? Here’s another. Yes, I realize NHL rosters are...
What would you name the Las Vegas team? i like the idea of the Las Vegas ... really, i have no idea, but does anyone else have any idea of what the name would be? there is some pretty good possibilities. i'm not a big fan of the hawks or (k)nights idea, as is the something(k)nights or somethinghawks. not actually the word something, but something before knights/nights or h...
09/02/2016
Hockey, Hockey, Hockey. I waste a lot of my life reading hockey articles, following hockey writers and researching hockey players. I’m at the point where I’ve decided to put my thoughts down on paper, even if they are just for me. I have always enjoyed writing, but could very well find out in a hurry that I am quite lousy at this blogging thing. Turnin...
09/04/2016
Once in a while we will be fortunate enough to witness a goalkeeper such as Matt Murray arrive in the NHL at a very young age and make an incredible impact, circumstances can instantly create hockey heroes.
All players start to hit their stride at different points in their career; a good poolie watches closely to recognize indicators. I have been intere...
As the World Cup of Hockey slowly approaches, the Blue Jackets have been a busy team under the radar.
With the loss of Jared Bednar to the Colorado Avalanche organization, the Jackets named John Madden the head coach of the Cleveland Monsters. Madden is a NHL veteran from the New Jersey Devils and Minnesota Wild; and spent last season as an assistant coach for the Flor...
Ottawa Senators: - Pierre Dorion
No offence to Bryan Murray but his time was long overdue he did good for what he could but last couple years showed that the Senators needed a fresh face. Enter Dorion and at the moment we cannot say much about Dorion as he hasn't done much other than the coaching hire. I totally disagree with Murray's comments on Cameron as Cameron could...
Zak MacMillan writes...
WCH: Is Tortorella the 2016 Version of Herb Brooks?
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
With the preliminary matchups wrapping up in the World Cup of Hockey, not much has been discussed about Team USA besides head coach John Tortorella and his methods.
First, he asked a question in regards to an issue that occurred in another sport- about the controversy of the National Anthem. His response- he "would bench anyone who sits during the anthem." This call fo...
The Columbus Blue Jackets' best prospects will travel to Traverse City, Michigan to compete in a tournament against other teams' prospects. There are eight teams in the tournament including Columbus- Minnesota; Detroit; Carolina; New York Rangers; St. Louis; Chicago; and Dallas.
The tournament starts on Septetmber 16th and wraps up September 20, and features three of C...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ: Which Ex-Oiler Has A Shot of Making the Jackets
Posted Friday | Comments 0
With training camp coming out soon, the Jackets have signed three players to professional tryout offers, and all three are former Edmonton Oilers.
C Jarrett Stoll
D Marc- Andre Bergeron
RW Mike Brown
Stoll is a veteran center that can also play the wing. He has played with Edmonton; Los Angeles; New York Rangers; and Minnesota in his career. He won two ...
The official start to the tournament starts today and goes until October 1, but nothing gets a conversation going like an opinion. So let's start.
Division One
United States of America
Canada
Czech Republic
Europe
Division Two
Sweden
Russia
Finland
North America
Canada and USA will advance. The Czech and Europe are two of the weaker t...
The official start to the tournament starts today and goes until October 1, but nothing gets a conversation going like an opinion. So let's start.
Division One
United States of America
Canada
Czech Republic
Europe
Division Two
Sweden
Russia
Finland
North America
Canada and USA will advance. The Czech and Europe are two of the weaker t...
World Cup of Hockey
The semifinals are starting soon for the World Cup, and Group A features Canada against Europe. Group B features Sweden and Russia, which means the only Blue Jacket remaining in the tournament is Sergei Bobrovsky. The players from Team North America and Team USA are expected to be home by the weekend.
Traverse City
The Blue Jackets could n...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ: Who to Watch; Who Could Make It; And Preseason Action!!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
With training camps officially opening up all across the league, and with the World Cup of Hockey in the semifinals, this creates an interesting scenario in Columbus.
With the USA and North America guys in question of coming straight into camp or taking a couple days off, this gives the youth movement in Columbus more time to impress, besides the Traverse City Tourname...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ: Who to Watch; Who Could Make It; And Preseason Action!!
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
With training camps officially opening up all across the league, and with the World Cup of Hockey in the semifinals, this creates an interesting scenario in Columbus.
With the USA and North America guys in question of coming straight into camp or taking a couple days off, this gives the youth movement in Columbus more time to impress, besides the Traverse City Tourname...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- The Roster Cuts: Who Got Cut, and Where They Go
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
In the span of 24 hours, there have been plenty of cuts.
On Wednesday September 28, the Jackets cut the seven players, and announced the injuries to two of the team's top prospects-
1. Vitaily Abramov --> QMJHL
2. Sam Ruopp --> WHL
3. Kole Sherwood --> OHL
4. Calvin Thurkauf --> WHL
5. Francis Beauvillier --> UFA
6. Jeremy Brouder --> UFA
7. Stephen Gibson -->...
In the span of 24 hours, there have been plenty of cuts.
On Wednesday September 28, the Jackets cut the seven players, and announced the injuries to two of the team's top prospects-
1. Vitaily Abramov --> QMJHL
2. Sam Ruopp --> WHL
3. Kole Sherwood --> OHL
4. Calvin Thurkauf --> WHL
5. Francis Beauvillier --> UFA
6. Jeremy Brouder --> UFA
7. Stephen Gibson -...
In the span of 24 hours, there have been plenty of cuts.
On Wednesday September 28, the Jackets cut the seven players, and announced the injuries to two of the team's top prospects-
1. Vitaily Abramov --> QMJHL
2. Sam Ruopp --> WHL
3. Kole Sherwood --> OHL
4. Calvin Thurkauf --> WHL
5. Francis Beauvillier --> UFA
6. Jeremy Brouder --> UFA
7. Stephen Gibson -->...
With all the players retiring this past week, I will go through who has left the game. The four players in age vary in age from the youthful age of 26 to the veteran of 39. Two were first round picks; one was undrafted. Two were forwards; two were defensemen.
Cody Hodgson announced his retirement from hockey to join the youth development and fan development programs in...
Over the past couple days, the NHL has two new captains. In Edmonton, the Oilers named Connor McDavid the captain, being the youngest player in NHL history. The Oilers also named newly acquired Milan Lucic; center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins; and winger Jordan Eberle the alternative captains. The Florida Panthers named Derek MacKenzie the captain, with defenseman Aaron Ekblad and ...
Over the weekend, the Edmonton Oilers have traded former a number one overall pick in exchange for a minor league prospect and a conditional draft pick, continue the question of what is going on in Edmonton.
Sticking with what recently happened, Russian winger Nail Yaukpov has been dealt to the St. Louis in exchange for center Zach Poricho and a conditional 2017 3rd ro...
Last night at 5pm, the 30 teams around the league announced their opening night rosters after weeks of training camps, preseason matchups, and competitive World Cup of Hockey.
The Blue Jackets have some guys that I did not expect to make the opening night rosters, including Lukas Sedlak; Markus Nutivaara; and Scott Harrington; however, they sent Gregory Campbell to t...
Last night at 5pm, the 30 teams around the league announced their opening night rosters after weeks of training camps, preseason matchups, and competitive World Cup of Hockey.
The Blue Jackets have some guys that I did not expect to make the opening night rosters, including Lukas Sedlak; Markus Nutivaara; and Scott Harrington; however, they sent Gregory Campbell to t...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL: Predicting Standings- Who Makes and Misses Playoffs
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Pacific Division
1. Anahiem Ducks
2. Los Angeles Kings
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Arizona Coyotes
5. Calgary Flames
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. Vancouver Canucks
Central Division
1. Dallas Stars
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Nashville Predators
4. St. Louis Blues (X)
5. Minnesota Wild (X)
6. Winnipeg Jets
7. Colorado Avalanche
Atlantic Division
1. Tampa B...
Zak MacMillan writes...
NHL: Predicting Standings- Who Makes and Misses Playoffs
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Pacific Division
1. Anahiem Ducks
2. Los Angeles Kings
3. San Jose Sharks
4. Arizona Coyotes
5. Calgary Flames
6. Edmonton Oilers
7. Vancouver Canucks
Central Division
1. Dallas Stars
2. Chicago Blackhawks
3. Nashville Predators
4. St. Louis Blues (X)
5. Minnesota Wild (X)
6. Winnipeg Jets
7. Colorado Avalanche
Atlantic Division
1. Tampa B...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 1: Underrated Rivalry; Comeback Loss
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a loss in their home opener to the Boston Bruins, being doubled up by the final score of 6-3.
The Bruins' top line was superior as they had all six goals for their squad.
David Pasternak opened the scoring for his team in the second period, with Brad Marchand getting the lone assist; and scoring on the empty netter in the final mi...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 1: Underrated Rivalry; Comeback Loss
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets suffered a loss in their home opener to the Boston Bruins, being doubled up by the final score of 6-3.
The Bruins' top line was superior as they had all six goals for their squad.
David Pasternak opened the scoring for his team in the second period, with Brad Marchand getting the lone assist; and scoring on the empty netter in the final mi...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 2: Columbus Blue Jackets v. San Jose Sharks
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The second game of the season is at home for the Blue Jackets tonight where they take on the defending Western Conference Champions- the San Jose Sharks.
The Sharks were really impressive last season make it so far to the Stanley Cup Finals, being two games short of their first ever Stanley Cup. Over the course of the offseason, the Sharks made a few changes, adding to...
The situation between veteran center Gregory Campbell and the Columbus Blue Jackets has gone very sour, and the league had remained very quiet about it.
Gregory Campbell, an NHL veteran, has had a bottom six role with the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins, including winning a Stanley Cup, prior to joining Columbus.
This year, Campbell did not make the Blue Jac...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Notes from Around the League and the World
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
One week into the regular season, and the league has enjoyed excitement from all 30 teams. Since I mainly cover the Blue Jackets, this team will discuss one of those 30 teams.
Cleveland Monsters
The Lake Erie Monsters won their first two games of the season against the Rockford Ice Hogs, the affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The Monsters saw production from for...
In a recently written article by "Down Goes Brown" on The Hockey News, Sean McInode writes who are five general managers besides Chuck Fletcher of the Minnesota Wild to be on the hot seat.
The very first one he mentions is Jarmo Kekalainen, stating: (via THN)
"On the one hand, you could argue that Kekalainen hasn't been given enough time in Columbus....
Edmonton Oilers - Tale of two cities
- This team started as a team you question defensively as against Calgary they should have lost. Then you have the drubbing against the injury riddled Sabres. Looking bleak and the team tightens up and wins two fairly sound games. Also if this team does well I would like to point out it isn't Chiarelli, its him finding haystack and...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Weekend of Wins; California Trip for Game Number Five
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I'll do a quick wrapping of the weekend that I should've done but events came up. On Friday night, the Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks; and on Saturday, the Jackets beat the Stars.
The final score of the Blackhawks game was 3-2 for Columbus. The Jackets got goals from Zach Werenski; captain Nick Foligno; and Wild Bill. The Hawks got goals Tyler Motte and Richard...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Weekend of Wins; California Trip for Game Number Five
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I'll do a quick wrapping of the weekend that I should've done but events came up. On Friday night, the Blue Jackets defeated the Blackhawks; and on Saturday, the Jackets beat the Stars.
The final score of the Blackhawks game was 3-2 for Columbus. The Jackets got goals from Zach Werenski; captain Nick Foligno; and Wild Bill. The Hawks got goals Tyler Motte and Richard...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 6- Power Outage; Sharks bite Blue Jackets
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The San Jose Sharks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets by a final score of 3-1.
The scoring started with early with Finnish winger Joonas Donskoi. The breakout from the playoffs netted his first goal of the season on the power play; the lone assist came from ex Devil and Coyote defenseman David Schlemko. In the final period, the Sharks got two goals from center Tomas H...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 7: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Anaheim Ducks
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The final game of the California trip takes place in Orange County for the first meeting of the season to take on the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
The Ducks have had quite the offseason after being pushed out of the playoffs in the final game of the first round against the Nashville Predators. They've fired head coach Bruce Broudreau and hired Randy Carlyle. They traded F...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 7- Strong Start Leads to Shutout; CBJ Win
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets have blanked the Anaheim Ducks by the final score of 4-0.
All the Jackets goals came in the first period, to the surprise of many, including me. All four were scored by two players.
The first two goals were scored 21 seconds apart. Sam Gagner scored his first goal was a Blue Jacket; Scott Hartnell and Lukas Sedlak had the assists. The seco...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 7- Strong Start Leads to Shutout; CBJ Win
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets have blanked the Anaheim Ducks by the final score of 4-0.
All the Jackets goals came in the first period, to the surprise of many, including me. All four were scored by two players.
The first two goals were scored 21 seconds apart. Sam Gagner scored his first goal was a Blue Jacket; Scott Hartnell and Lukas Sedlak had the assists. The seco...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No 10- Columbus Blue Jackets @ St. Louis Blues
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets are at the Scottrade Center to battle the St. Louis Blues. Both teams are in different spectrums of direction. The Jackets have won their last three; the Blues lost their last two. The Jackets are also on the end of a back to back series, where the Blues are starting.
The Blues and Blue Jackets played in the preseason under split squad circums...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 10- Blue Jackets Get the Blues; OT Loss
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
"Holy jumping" as what Darren Pang would say. In St. Louis last night, the Blue Jackets suffered a 2-1 overtime defeat.
The Blues honored defenseman Jay Bowmeester for playing 1,000 NHL regular season games, and scored the team's first goal of the game, which was his first of the season. The only player with an assist on the goal was former Blue Jacket Scottie Upshall...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Seth Jones on IR with a Fractured Right Foot
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that defenseman Seth Jones will be out for three weeks a hairline fracture in his foot.
The injury came in the game Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. Per Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:
"#CBJ D Seth Jones out three weeks w a hairline fracture in a foot."
"#CBJ Seth Jones said a tie-up in front of the ne...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ- Seth Jones on IR with a Fractured Right Foot
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that defenseman Seth Jones will be out for three weeks a hairline fracture in his foot.
The injury came in the game Saturday night against the St. Louis Blues. Per Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch:
"#CBJ D Seth Jones out three weeks w a hairline fracture in a foot."
"#CBJ Seth Jones said a tie-up in front of the ne...
CBJ- Can the Offense Keep Up?
Looking at the current goal differential and stats of some of the Blue Jackets players, can the offensive production that they have keep up throughout the entire 82 game schedule?
Starting with the overall goal differential, the Jackets are currently a plus +11 and are a currently a non-playoff team.
Does that stat fade true to the ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 11- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Anaheim Ducks
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The series finale between the Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks concludes tonight at Nationwide Arena.
The Ducks have won their past two games, and getting an even bigger lift tonight when defenseman Hampus Lindholm makes his season debut after holding out and signing a long term extension. The Blue Jackets lost their last game played in overtime, and are without Brandon ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Anaheim Ducks by the final score of 3-2 in overtime.
Just over a minute into the game, Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano attempts to clear the puck up the boards, but Boone Jenner keeps it in play, and passes the puck to a wide open Scott Hartnell, whose in front of John Gibson, who somehow saves the puck, and Boone Jenner slips it in...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 12- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Boston Bruins
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets travel to the TD Garden tonight to combat with the Boston Bruins, in what is one of the most underrated rivalries in the NHL.
This is the second half of the back of back games for Columbus after playing Anaheim last night, and winning in overtime. The Bruins last played on Tuesday, suffering a 3-2 regulation loss to the NHL best Montreal Canadiens.
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 12- Fast and Furious Five: Unanswered Goal
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Boston Bruins wowed the Columbus Blue Jackets in a dominant first period effort, winning by a final score of 5-2.
Capitalizing off a Zdeno Chara turnover, Alex Wennberg got the puck to captain Nick Foligno, who potted his fifth goal of the season by beating Tukka Rask on the blocker side for a 1-0 lead. Wennberg's assist was 13th of the year and 9th in his past six...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post Game Lucky No. 13- Home Domination Double Up
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets offensive success continues on a 8-4 onslaught against the St. Louis Blues on Saturday night.
The Jackets opened the scoring in the first period on a behind the net play from Lukas Sedlak. The AHL breakout was able to get to the puck first on a dump and chase play, got it to Scott Hartnell, who got it to the eventual scorer Sam Gagner, who cam...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game N. 14- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Washington Capitals
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets are finally playing a divisional team, being the last year's President Trophy winners. The Washington Capitals play here tonight and in Pittsburgh tomorrow, so the pressure is on.
The Capitals had a quiet offseason, but made their roster younger and more skilled in contrast to a veteran and grittier team. They lost Jason Chimera; Mike Moore; Sean Colli...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 14- Comeback Columbus Costs Capitals Point
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets woke up late in the third period to defeat the Washington Capitals by the final score of 2-1 in overtime.
The Capitals opened the scoring in the midst of the second period off a sniping shot from the usual passer in Nicolas Backstrom. The Swedish forward wristed a shot underneath Bobrovsky's glove for a 1-0 lead for the Caps for his second goa...
Let's get this story rolling. The title says it all. Even though there are many quality rookies in the NHL making debuts, Zach Werenski should get it after his performances so far this season.
He is currently sixth in the league in points with 13 points in 14 games. In the entire league. He has the most points with the least amount of games played in the top ten. That'...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 15: Columbus Blue Jackets v. New York Rangers
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The battle in the Metropolitan Division continues for the Jackets where they take on the high scoring New York Rangers tonight. The Rangers have been an absolutely dominate team all season long, dominating puck possession, which means more plays and more goals (+34).
The Rangers made the playoffs last year as an older club, but cap issues made them change to be younger...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 15: Columbus Continues Streak
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The defense of the home streak reigns supreme over one of the hottest teams in the NHL. Last night, the Blue Jackets defeated the New York Rangers by the final score of 4-2.
A JT Miller turnover in center ice results in a William Karlsson slap shot beating Henrik Lundqvist in between the legs for a 1-0 Columbus lead. Wild Bill's goal was his third of the season.
A ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 16- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Washington Capitals
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The start of a back to back for Columbus begins with an afternoon tilt in the nation's capital against the injury rattled Capitals. The contest begins at 12:30 pm.
The Jackets will look to continue their hot streak at home on the road, while the Capitals will look to find a way to win without some top players. In their most recent games against the Red Wings, they had ...
The Jackets maintain their composure to defeat the Capitals in the final minute of regulation, by the final score of 3-2.
In the first period, a Jack Johnson turnover to Nick Backstrom slips in between Sergei Bobrovsky's legs for a 1-0 Washington lead. The ice breaker was his fifth goal of the season.
In the second period, the Jackets even the score with a Nick Fol...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 17- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Colorado Avalanche
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The second game of back to back nights for Columbus brings them back home to take on the different looking Colorado Avalanche.
Going with the different look, the Avs made a lot of changes to the roster in the summer. Their former head coach, Patrick Roy, resigned from the team. They lost five players to European teams, including enforcer Patrick Bordeleau; former first...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 17- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Colorado Avalanche
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The second game of back to back nights for Columbus brings them back home to take on the different looking Colorado Avalanche.
Going with the different look, the Avs made a lot of changes to the roster in the summer. Their former head coach, Patrick Roy, resigned from the team. They lost five players to European teams, including enforcer Patrick Bordeleau; former first...
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...
The winning streak at home has come to an end by way of an overtime defeat to the Colorado Avalanche. The final score was Colorado 3, Columbus 2.
Nine minutes into the first period, the Jackets get a mini series of lucky bounces for a 1-0 lead. Cam Atkinson shot the puck from the side of the net; hitting off Nikita Zadarov's stick; and off Mikko Rantanen's skate to get...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 18- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Calgary Flames
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets busy week if games continue where they take on the struggling Calgary Flames.
The Flames are continuing to find a winning way after making the postseason two years ago. This summer, they fired veteran coach Bob Hartley for former Stars coach Glen Gulutzan. They traded Patrick Sieloff to Ottawa. They let a lot of experienced players walk, including goal...
Opening Note: My apologies for being away for a lengthy period of time. The long weekend of extra hours kept me unavailable to bring updates to you guys. It may end up being the same way coming up at Christmas time.
No onto the time that was for the Jackets.
Game 18: Shut Out Surprise
On Wednesday night, the Jackets suffered a surprising defeat to the strug...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 21- Columbus Blue Jackets v Tampa Bay Lightning
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets welcome the Bolts to the Nationwide Arena tonight. These two teams last played on Black Friday, and revenge might be on the mind of Tampa Bay.
The Lightning are a very explosive team, even with the loss of Steven Stamkos. The dynamic forward sustained a long term injury in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. They are also without former Blue Jacke...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 21- Columbus Blue Jackets v Tampa Bay Lightning
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets welcome the Bolts to the Nationwide Arena tonight. These two teams last played on Black Friday, and revenge might be on the mind of Tampa Bay.
The Lightning are a very explosive team, even with the loss of Steven Stamkos. The dynamic forward sustained a long term injury in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings. They are also without former Blue Jacke...
The Columbus Blue Jackets scored five straight goals to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning by the final score of 5-1.
In the first period, the Blue Jackets opened the scoring off a snap shot from William Karlsson. Wild Bill sniped the puck on the blocker side of Andrei Vaslievisky for the goal. For Karlsson, it was his second goal of the season. Josh Anderson and Ryan Murr...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 22- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Colorado Avalanche
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Happy December everyone!!! The countdown to Christmas begins.
The Blue Jackets are back on the ice tonight in the Mile High City of Denver, Colorado to take on the Avalanche.
These two teams are playing each other for the first time since the trade they made late last week- swapping depth defensemen Cody Goloubef and Ryan Stanton.
These two squads also recently...
CBJ Post-Game No. 22- Mile High Fun
The Columbus Blue Jackets managed to hold on and defeat the Colorado Avalanche, by the final score of 3-2.
The opening goal came just about five minutes into the game. Jack Johnson got the puck at the blue line, made a shot pass to Scott Hartnell, who lost control of it, and Brandon Saad found the puck, and got it last Varlamov fo...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 24- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Arizona Coyotes
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight.
The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 24- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Arizona Coyotes
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight.
The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 24- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Arizona Coyotes
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight.
The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 24- Columbus Blue Jackets v. Arizona Coyotes
Posted Monday | Comments 0
I know the game is in progress but I am a bit behind yet again. The Jackets are wrapping up their series finale against the Arizona Coyotes tonight.
The Coyotes lost to the Jackets badly over the weekend. The score doesn't show it, but the other stats do. If your starting goalie is facing 60 shots in a game, the goalie is getting tired and the defense is weak. In Arizo...
Did I mean the player or the term "to win"?? Last night, the former Coyote center led his current team in front of Nationwide Arena to a 4-1 victory over Arizona.
Tobias Reider opened the scoring midway through the first period for a 1-0 Arizona lead. On the breakin from the power play, Alex Goligoski passed the puck to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who found Reider open on a ...
Did I mean the player or the term "to win"?? Last night, the former Coyote center led his current team in front of Nationwide Arena to a 4-1 victory over Arizona.
Tobias Reider opened the scoring midway through the first period for a 1-0 Arizona lead. On the breakin from the power play, Alex Goligoski passed the puck to Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who found Reider open on a ...
CBJ Post-Game No. 25: Winging It
The Blue Jackets defeated the Detroit Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena by the final score of 4-1.
Cam Atkinson opened the scoring in the early portion of the first period off a short handed goal. Atkinson's goal was his ninth of the season.
In the second period, sophomore Dylan Larkin got the best of former teammate Zach Werenski on ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 27: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Edmonton Oilers
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets commence their three game road trip of Western Canada. Tonight, they battle the star studded Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers continued their search for change in the offseason, and personally, in a very bad way. They traded Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils in a horrendous one for one deal for Adam Larsson. They also dealt the consistently scra...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 27- Pumping Oil (Winning Streak At Seven)
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Jackets continue their winning streak efforts at seven consecutive games, defeating the Edmonton Oilers by the final score of 3-1.
The Oilers opened the scoring with a first period goal, and driven by the fourth line. Former Blue Jackets center Mark Letestu cycled the puck with former first rounder Zach Kassian, who got the puck to the driving Tyler Pitlick for the...
Want some more?
Winning!!
Sticking with the times. Onto the serious stuff.
Hockey.
The Metropolitan Division is the best division in hockey. Personally, it's shocking, but is it expected?
Last season, the President Trophy winning Washington Capitals came from this division. The reigning Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins came from this division.
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 28- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Calgary Flames
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Western Canada road trip continues for the Jackets, as they continue their time in Alberta. Tonight, they battle the Flames.
The Flames have been a confusing team to watch this season. They were riding a six winning streak with Chad Johnson taking the reigns as the number one starter. Against Tampa Bay, they lost badly, and yanked Johnson.
The Flames goaltendin...
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 ...
Happy 2017 folks!!! Ik it's not the greatest attention grabber, but it's been so long since I've been able to blog. I'm glad to be back. And I'm back in the thick of things in Ohio's state capital.
The Blue Jackets wrapped up the end of the month and the end of 2016 with a hot streak, and start the new year on the same streak. They have won 16 straight games:
1. T...
That seems like common sense doesn't it? After riding high on the 16 game winning streak, the Blue Jackets have lost their past two games.
CBJ Post-Game No. 37- Shutout
The Blue Jackets winning streak ended on Thursday night to the Washington Capitals by the final score of 5-0.
Daniel Winnik opened the scoring in the first period of a rebound attempt that beat S...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on in a back to back situation to defeat the Philadelphia Flyers by the final score of 2-1 in overtime.
In the first period, Flyers defenseman Andrew MacDonald had a goal waived off by an interesting goalie interference chalk by John Tortorella. The call came with less than two minutes into the first period. The booming slap shot coming f...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 40- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Carolina Hurricanes
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Southern road trip for the Blue Jackets commences with a trip to Raleigh, North Carolina to take on the youthful Hurricanes. This is their first meeting of the season, and all three season meetings will be happening in the next 11 days. Crazy, isn't it? But that's how the schedule works.
Flashing back to the offseason, here's a quick look at what the Canes have don...
Nothing like a good pun right? Onto the serious stuff, the Columbus Blue Jackets lost to the Carolina Hurricanes by the final score of 5-3.
Cam Atkinson opened the scoring with less than two minutes, beating Cam Ward on a nice little deke from behind the net. His goal was his 20th of the season, becoming the third player in franchise history to score 20 goals in four s...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Cannon Shots: All Star Goalies, Trophy Picks, Rumors
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
With a day off en route to Tampa, Florida, today will be a day to discuss about the NHL All Star Game, the new goalie tandem in Columbus, mid season picks, healthy scratches, playoff format, and trade rumors.
Over the past 48 hours, the National Hockey League has announced the All Star Rosters and coaches and jerseys. Representing the Jackets in the Metropolitan Divisi...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 41: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their Southern road trip with back to back matchups in Florida. First, the struggling Tampa Bay Lightning.
Tonight is a special night for the Bolts as they retire a legendary player for the franchise in Martin St. Louis. Number 26 will be raised to the rafters. The un drafted winger played most of his career with the Lightning, and wa...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 42- Columbus Blue Jackets @ Florida Panthers
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets road trip wraps up tonight with a flight to Sunrise to take on the miserable Florida Panthers.
This is the first time these two teams have meet since the firing of former head coach Gerald Gallant. The Panthers general manger Tom Rowe has been the head coach since late November/early December. They have seen Jaromir Jagr play like his age; Roberto Luon...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Update 2017: Southern Trip; Bobrovsky In and Out
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
CBJ Post-Game No. 41- Korpisalo
The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning by the final score of 3-1.
The Bolts opened the scoring on their home ice in the first period. Jonathan Drouin scored his 13th goal of the season. Valtteri Flippula and Ondrej Palat had the assists.
Josh Anderson evened the game for his 10th of the season. David Savard ha...
The Islanders’ owners are “committed” to New York but are keeping their options open with regard to Barclays Center, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said during his news conference during the league’s All-Star Weekend.
“They’re committed to the franchise, they’re committed to New York and the great fan base that has followed the Islanders,” Bettman said, r...
CBJ Update: February Fever
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a busy remainder of January since I last blogged. The last time I blogged was after a victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. This blog will cover the games they won throughout the remainder of February; the All Star Game; and injury updates on the back front—as well as trade rumors.
CBJ Post Game No. 4...
CBJ Update: February Fever
The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a busy remainder of January since I last blogged. The last time I blogged was after a victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. This blog will cover the games they won throughout the remainder of February; the All Star Game; and injury updates on the back front—as well as trade rumors.
CBJ Post Game No. 4...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 51: Columbus Blue Jackets v. New Jersey Devils
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to combat the New Jersey Devils in their first meeting of the season. Isn’t it crazy that it comes with 60% of the season already in the books? The last time these teams met, Patrick Elias was still on the Devils. That’s how far back it has been for these two divisional squads.
Both teams are coming off back to ba...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 51: Columbus Blue Jackets v. New Jersey Devils
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to combat the New Jersey Devils in their first meeting of the season. Isn’t it crazy that it comes with 60% of the season already in the books? The last time these teams met, Patrick Elias was still on the Devils. That’s how far back it has been for these two divisional squads.
Both teams are coming off back to ba...
The New Jersey Devils withstood the Columbus Blue Jackets in their first matchup of the season by the score of 5-1.
Taylor Hall, my player to watch, opened the scoring in the first period with his 12th goal of the season. Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri had the assists on the goal. Jacob Josefson extended his team’s lead with his first of the season in the early portio...
The New Jersey Devils withstood the Columbus Blue Jackets in their first matchup of the season by the score of 5-1.
Taylor Hall, my player to watch, opened the scoring in the first period with his 12th goal of the season. Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri had the assists on the goal. Jacob Josefson extended his team’s lead with his first of the season in the early portio...
As I alluded to in yesterday's blog, today is more or less about the Jackets, but more so about other talking points in a quick off day. Yes, I know the by week is coming up and there's where I should do that, but since there was an eventful sports weekend in the world, that will be discussed. Furthermore, I will talk about injury updates in Columbus, plus the winter park;...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Pre-Game No. 52: Columbus Blue Jackets @ Detroit Red Wings
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on the ice tonight to take on the Detroit Red Wings, in their final game in the Joe Louis Arena. The Blue Jackets history with the Red Wings has been short as they were an expansion franchise, but the Jackets do have some history at the Joe. They are 12-24-5 all time in the Joe, and they played each other so much over the years as a resul...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 3-2 in overtime.
The Red Wings opened the scoring in the early portion of the first period by defenseman Nick Jensen. The bottom pairing defenseman scored his second goal of the season. Dylan Larkin and Riley Sheahan had the assists.
Brandon Dubinsky evened the game with his seven...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 3-2 in overtime.
The Red Wings opened the scoring in the early portion of the first period by defenseman Nick Jensen. The bottom pairing defenseman scored his second goal of the season. Dylan Larkin and Riley Sheahan had the assists.
Brandon Dubinsky evened the game with his seven...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Pre-Game No. 53: Columbus Blue Jackets v Vancouver Canucks
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets return to home ice tonight to take on the previous team that John Tortorella coached in the Vancouver Canucks. Tort’s time with the Canucks was short and brief as they were a non-playoff team that season. The Canucks were able to select Jake Virtanen with the bad year they had under him, plus they hired current bench boss Willie Desjardins.
...
The Vancouver Canucks managed to shut out the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 3-0.
Daniel Sedin opened the scoring in the second period with his 12th goal of the season. Brother Henrik Sedin and former Calgary Flames prospect Markus Granlund had the assists.
My player to watch for the Canucks added to his team’s lead. Former Boston Bruin Loui Eriksson s...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 54—Columbus Blue Jackets v. Detroit Red Wings
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice tonight to take on the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings have suffered a tragic loss over the past 24 hours with the death of their owner, Mike Ilitch, at the age of 87. The long-time owner brought the Red Wings to the promise land, being at helm of four Stanley Cup victories, and helping management develop players the righ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 54—Columbus Blue Jackets v. Detroit Red Wings
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets are back on home ice tonight to take on the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings have suffered a tragic loss over the past 24 hours with the death of their owner, Mike Ilitch, at the age of 87. The long-time owner brought the Red Wings to the promise land, being at helm of four Stanley Cup victories, and helping management develop players the righ...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 2-1 in regulation.
Boone Jenner opened the scoring with his 10th goal of the season. Brandon Dubinsky got the lone assist.
Thomas Vanek evened the score at 1-1 with his team’s only goal in the matchup. The power play goal was his 14th goal of the season. Henrik Zetterberg and Da...
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Detroit Red Wings by the final score of 2-1 in regulation.
Boone Jenner opened the scoring with his 10th goal of the season. Brandon Dubinsky got the lone assist.
Thomas Vanek evened the score at 1-1 with his team’s only goal in the matchup. The power play goal was his 14th goal of the season. Henrik Zetterberg and Da...
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, ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Game No. 55-- Columbus Blue Jackets v. New York Rangers
Posted Monday | Comments 0
The Blue Jackets home stand continues tonight with a battle with the Blue Shirts. For the fourth time this season, the Blue Jackets take on the New York Rangers live from the Nationwide Arena.
The Jackets have won two of three meetings so far. The first contest was the one where Matt Calvert left the game and came back with stitches to score the game winning shorthande...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Post-Game No. 55- Vessey Vessels Rangers Past Jackets
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The New York Rangers hold on to defeat the Blue Jackets by the narrow margin of 3-2 in regulation.
In the first period, the Blue Jackets' power play went to work. Brandon Saad found Brandon Dubinsky, and he beat Antti Raanta down below the shoulder to fire the cannon. Dubinsky's goal was his eighth this season. Seth Jones and Brandon Saad were credited with the assists...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Pre-Game No. 56:Columbus Blue Jackets v Toronto Maple Leafs
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
The Columbus Blue Jackets return on the ice tonight to take on the league’s most covered team… the Toronto Maple Leafs. Both teams are very similar. They are both young teams that have playoff aspirations. Both teams are extremely impressive offensively. Both have young up and coming groups that are going to push them elite squads. Both teams have elite goaltending fro...
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their bye-week by not playing and relaxing, and watching the teams that are playing climb up the standings. The New York Rangers have now officially surpassed the Blue Jackets, placing them in the first place Wild Card spot. However, the Blue Jackets have two games in hand, and are only just one point behind. However, stats have shown la...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Pre-Game No.59: Columbus Blue Jackets v. New York Islanders
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The home stand for the Blue Jackets continues in a final matchup tonight with a battle with Brooklyn. The Blue Jackets are fresh off their mandatory five day bye week, and the team prepares itself to take on one of the hottest teams in the NHL. The Islanders switched head coaches from Jack Capuono to Doug Weight, and the team has benefited greatly from the change. The Isla...
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their success of a bye week with back to back wins against the two New York teams.
CBJ Post-Game No. 59—Shutout Blowout
The Columbus Blue Jackets shut out the New York Islanders by the final score of 7-0.
The Jackets got three goals in the first period. Jack Johnson opened the scoring
with his third goal of the season. David...
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their success of a bye week with back to back wins against the two New York teams.
CBJ Post-Game No. 59—Shutout Blowout
The Columbus Blue Jackets shut out the New York Islanders by the final score of 7-0.
The Jackets got three goals in the first period. Jack Johnson opened the scoring
with his third goal of the season. David...
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue their success of a bye week with back to back wins against the two New York teams.
CBJ Post-Game No. 59—Shutout Blowout
The Columbus Blue Jackets shut out the New York Islanders by the final score of 7-0.
The Jackets got three goals in the first period. Jack Johnson opened the scoring
with his third goal of the season. David...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Update: Canadiens and Trades! And PreGame v. Wild
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
CBJ Post-Game No. 61—So Close, But There’s A Price to Pay
The Columbus Blue Jackets sustained an overtime defeat by the hands of the Montreal Canadiens by the final score of 1-0 in overtime.
Last night was the debut for newly acquisition for defenseman Jordie Benn, who they got from the Dallas Stars in a trade for defenseman Greg Pateryn and a 2017 4th round draf...
CBJ Post-Game No. 62—Wild Shutout
The Columbus Blue Jackets got the one important goal to shutout the Minnesota Wild by the final score of 1-0 in regulation.
The lone goal came from Brandon Saad, who scored his 19th goal of the season. Nick Foligno had the lone assist.
This game was the debuts for Lauri Korpikoski and Kyle Quiency in Blue Jackets uniforms. Korpi...
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...
archromat writes...
Six observations about Olympic Mess and Hockey World Cup
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
Players have been reacting chiefly negatively to the NHL's decision to not participate in the Olympics.
1. [b]Evaluating the Strength of Tradition[/b]
NHL is trying to replace the Olympics with this "World Cup" device. Now let's put hockey world cup into context with football/soccer world cup. The World Cup of Football was started in 1930 in Uruguay and has been a ...
Eastern Conference:
Washington Vs Toronto
This is a series that many will think is a wash in the park for Washington, but if there is any team with the speed, skill and tenacity to beat Washington other than Pittsburgh it's the Maple Leafs. That being said, it's too early for the leafs. Washington wins in 6 games as the Leafs make it a series but never really stood a ...
It was old, but it was loved. It was beat-up, but we cherished every moment. It was ugly, but my God was it beautiful. The Joe Louis Arena embodied the true spirit of the hard-working, self-reviving city that it represented. It wasn’t just the home of the Red Wings, nor did it just reside in Detroit. The Joe Louis Arena was Detroit. When it opened in 1979, it was nothing...
Every year the media comes up with all these story-lines for the teams that eventually do succeed as if everyone should have known all along that they were going to. During Anaheim's miraculous 2003 run, it was that they won a lot of one goal games so they were used to playing under pressure. Some of the biggest miracle runs was not that one, but rather the Kings in 2012...
5-3 in the first round decent predictions. Best one is predicting the leafs to make a series with the caps but still ultimately lose.
Western
Preds Over Blues in 5
This was a toss up but the blues are not paying to their capabilities and the preds have decent forward and the BEST defense in all of the playoffs and a streaky goaltender.
Oilers Over Ducks in 6
I a...
When do you think the next NHL trade will happen?
The title is kind of blunt, isn't it?
I remember watching it a few years. It wasn't exactly can't miss television.
Hey guys, I got a great idea... it's 26 degrees outside, so let's go inside and watch a bunch of hockey players pick up trophies with deadpan faces and speaking with all the emptiness you'd expect in a hockey interview during the intermission. "Uh, i...
The Avalanche looked absolutely terrible this year. Roy's probably laughing at the team, but he shouldn't; he helped make this disaster. Roy and Sakic were stuck between two dynamics: Roy wanted a bigger team that was hard to play against and Sakic... I don't know what Sakic wants to do. I don't think Sakic knows what Sakic wants to do.
I can look at the Avalanche li...
For the elite few who have been reading my blogs (and for that I honestly do wish to say thank you) you know that I have been rather critical of the Oilers over the past several weeks. My reason is simple. For a team that has Connor McDavid on the last year of his ELC, they have made startling few changes to improve from last years success and instead banking on internal g...
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....
Toronto -(August 2, 2017) Patrick Marleau is a talented player and well-respected in the NHL. A lot can be said about his notable accomplishments 2-time Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and in 20 years in the NHL Marleau has only failed to score at least 20 goals 5 times and one of those years was lockout shorten season. This article isn't about how good of a player ...
The issue:
He is not a play making center. His unique ability to not pass to his teammates allows him to barely have any primary assists or even assists in general for that matter. And for someone who does this, you'd expect them to take a lot of shots. Although he has bad shot generation. Some of you might feel it is because Canucks were a bad team last year. But he was ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
CBJ Analysis: Columbus Counting on Youth Movement
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
After having the most successful regular season in franchise, the Columbus Blue Jackets look to add to that legacy this season. This article will go over the offseason moves that the Jackets have done.
Starting with the Expansion Draft, the Blue Jackets made a major salary dump by dealing David Clarkson, a 2017 first round pick, and a 2019 2nd round pick in exchange fo...
The Toronto Maple Leafs season got off to a dream start on Wednesday evening as they demolished the Jets by a score of 7-2. This was a thrilling game to watch and a satisfying way to kick off the NHL season (unless you're a Jets fan). The game started with an early onslaught from Winnipeg as they were gifted 3 powerplays in the early going thanks to a slow s...
"It's kind of fun eh? But its dumb." That is what coach Mike Babcock had to say about the wildly entertaining home opener for the Leafs. The high-flying offense continued to wear out the mesh, but poor defensive play raised concerns for the bench boss as well as the fanbase.
The blue and white opened the scoring 3 minutes in on a tip-in by former and current Leaf Domini...
Any delusions of the Maple Leafs cruising to a perfect 82-0 season were eliminated Wednesday night as the Devils handed them their first loss of the season by a score of 6-3. This was a rough game for the Leafs as the speed and relentlessness from the Devils forced them into a lot of critical mistakes.
Things started well enough with JVR slipping one between goalie Cor...
With just two games to go until the Buffalo Sabres officially hit the halfway mark of the 2017-18 season...they find themselves in familiar territory. Competing with the Arizona Coyotes for the rights to highest odds in this springs NHL Draft Lottery.
And while it seems like the same old story (something I wrote about earlier), it also feels slightly different. Yes,...
Let’s get one thing straight: the Carolina Hurricanes goaltending has been putrid.
The Canes poor netminding is the number one contributor to their position as only the final wildcard spot. That’s right – the Hurricanes should be higher. So let’s take a look at how to fix that problem.
Out of 50 goalies who have played at least 500 minutes at 5v5, Scott Darl...
Calgary Flames: Just who are these flames? Last year it looked as though the only issues were goaltending and blueline depth. Those issues looked to be shored only to have consistency plague them. No wonder Gulutzan went on a tirade. They need others to step up namely Bennett.
Edmonton Oilers: Simple, Chia Pet Chiarelli is at the helm. Still waiting for first domino, Ch...
The NHL challenge has been another addition to the game which follows the successful model in the NFL, giving another reason for anticipation for fans.
But its reach has not yet been refined.
Years ago, the "horseshoe" blue line allowed Matt Duchene to score a goal for the Avalanche, and yes, that was a blown non-call by the linesmen. It's a tough job, sometimes...
“The Buffalo Sabres are a dumpster fire! How can you cheer for that team?” Says the guy who is currently a “die-hard” Tampa Bay Lightning fan…fresh off his two-year run as hardcore Penguins backer. We all know those guys. And while they are seemingly basking in championship glory year-after-year. Johnny Bandwagon will never get to experience the highs and th...
Well these rumours are a surprise.
One deflected shot in the playoffs to win vs. Penguins, plus capitalizing on Rinne's terribad performance in the Stanley Cup Finals last year, the Sens win the cup with that Cinderella run.
Now they're burning on the other side of the rift of fire and screaming out to Lazarus, "Help, help! We're in tribulation!"
So is it a go...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE - Episode 17 - 2018 NHL Trade Deadline Preview
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 17 - 2018 NHL Trade Deadline rnrnrnDebate 1 | Trade Reviews – A breakdown of all trades that have taken place leading up to NHL Trade DeadlinernDebate 2 | Trade Targets – What players will be on the move, and what teams will they end up on.rnrnThe NHL Trade Deadline is one day away. Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown all the t...
I've decided to bring my novice talents to HOCKEYBUZZ. I also am far from an NBA person however couldn't resist the line. I will be providing my takes on hockey at all levels. I'm a self proclaimed hockey junkie, I've coached at the youth level for 10 plus years and enjoyed every second. Play men's (BEER) league hockey as well. Please feel free to reach out and lets have s...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Flameout in Calgary, Canadian Media, and Panthers Alive
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 19
Flameout in Calgary, Canadian Media, and Panthers Alive and Well
Debate 1 | The Calgary Flameout
Debate 2 | Canadian Media Criticism
Debate 3 | Florida Panthers Alive and Well
Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown the Calgary Flames struggles and discuss the multitude of reasons for their drop in the standings. They...
I have been a casual fan of New Jersey Devils (NJD) since the 2011-2012 Stanley Cup Finals push and like to run small analysis on the team every now and then. I also am the fan that argues with friends trying to prove how NJD is better as a team than other teams.
Enough about me, lets dive into the reason why I have this Blog. The Final Push for playoffs. NJD have 15 g...
In the wake of young superstar Brock Boeser going down with an injury he suffered as he crashed into an open bench door. We ask the question, should there be a rule implemented that only allows bench doors to be open during stoppages in play?
[https://www.spreaker.com/episode/14254040]
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 20 - Carolina Chaos
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 20
Carolina Chaos, NHL Player Poll, and No Playoff Surge
Debate 1 | Carolina removes Ron Francis at General Manager
Debate 2 | NHL Player Poll – Who are the players favorites
Debate 3 | What teams are playing themselves out of the playoffs.
Brad Burud and Blake Friars are ready to debate. What is going on in Carolina...
AarifDeen writes...
Is Carl Soderberg having an underrated offensive season?
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
For NHL standards, 32-year-old Carl Soderberg is a grizzled old veteran waiting to be replaced by a young up-and-coming star. It also doesn’t help his case that he plays for a team that has preached developing younger players at the NHL level. The Colorado Avalanche are the youngest team in the NHL with an average age of 25. Soderberg is one of just two regulars on the t...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Inside Edge Hockey News Radio Show - Episode 7 - Flames Fall
Posted Friday | Comments 0
Inside Edge Hockey News Radio Show - Episode 7 -
Flames Fallout, New Taylor Hall, and Season Ticket Drives
The Inside Edge Hockey News Brad Burud discusses the struggles this year in Calgary. Will the Flames make big off-season moves if they fail to make the playoffs. Why is Taylor Hall thriving in New Jersey? How would Regina do with a season ticket drive?
[htt...
AarifDeen writes...
Where does Nathan MacKinnon's primary-point-production rank?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Nathan MacKinnon collected his fourth weekly NHL three-star honors this afternoon after posting six goals and two assists in four games for the Colorado Avalanche. MacKinnon’s eight points were one off of leader Alex Pietrangelo’s nine points. But as he’s been doing all season, MacKinnon has done a fantastic job collecting primary points. He scored six goals and adde...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 21 Rule Controversy
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 21
Rule Controversy, Serious Cup Contenders, and Playoff Format
Debate 1 | Offsides/Goalie Interference solutions – General Managers Meetings.
Debate 2 |Serious Stanley Cup Contenders
Debate 3 |NHL Stanley Cup Playoff formats – What system do you like?
Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss offside controversy, and go...
AarifDeen writes...
MacKinnon deserve the Hart Trophy for his consistency
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Hart Trophy has been a hot topic around the NHL for the better part of this entire season. It seems like there’s a new name added to the list of potential nominees each week. While reporters everywhere have dug into all the reasons why certain players should win, I’ve decided to look at the consistency of these players throughout the year in regards to offensive pr...
This year's playoff hunt has now hit boiling point. In both conferences, x teams are vying for x - 1 spots, so two teams are going to lose their respective games of musical chairs.
I think what irritates me about this scenario is that both of these teams that fail to make the playoffs will quite likely end up with a higher than true 500 stat (that is 41+ wins) and es...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 22 Hart Trophy Race,
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 22
Hart Trophy Race, Burning ELC Contracts, and In or Out of Playoffs?
Debate 1 | The race for the Hart Trophy.
Debate 2 | Should teams burn a year on an entry level contract by having players play games after their college season ends.
Debate 3 | In or Out? The Playoff Race is on.
Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss t...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Instigator |Episode 11 GOAL! Are you Kidding Me!
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Instigator |Episode 11
GOAL! Are you Kidding Me!
Cam Ward allowed one of the weirdest goals ever last week. The puck was rung around the boards by Arizona Coyotes Alex Goligoski. Ward exited his net to stop the puck. The puck stuck in his skate, and Ward (not knowing where the puck was) slid to the front of the net in order to defend his foot slid into the net. T...
I've written about this a few times because I hate the one thing that improves your team the most comes down to lottery balls without rhyme or reason except for teams improving their odds through something that can be about 50% arbitrary (see the Avs from last year to this year, who doubled their points with basically one less player).
This year, some of those perennial...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 23 2018 Stanley Cup P
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 23
2018 Stanley Cup Preview and Predictions
Debate 1 |2017-2018 Regular Season Prediction Recap
Debate 2 |2018 Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Preview/Predictions
Debate 3 |2018 Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoff Preview/Predictions
Brad Burud and Blake Friars are pumped and ready to get the Stanley Cup Playof...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Canucks Legends Retire and Humboldt Broncos Tragedy
Posted Friday | Comments 0
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 8
Canucks Legends Retire and Humboldt Broncos Tragedy
Brad Burud is joined with guest Blake Friars to discuss Vancouver Canucks legends Daniel and Henrik Sedin. The Sedins announced their retirement two weeks prior to the end of the regular season, and the final games were very exciting and the tribute was amazing. We ...
Quite a title isn't it? Now that I have your attention, what does this title really mean in terms of this time of the season? The answer is comparing last season's successes to this year's expectations. Specifically, the Washington Capitals and the Columbus Blue Jackets, and why this battle of "underdogs" is in existence and what could come from it from either side; and wh...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast - Stanley Cup Incidents and 2-0
Posted Monday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 24
Stanley Cup Incidents and 2-0 Series Leads
Debate 1 |Stanley Cup incidents – We review five incidents that took place in week one of the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Debate 2 |Eastern Conference Series Recap
Debate 3 |Western Conference Series Recap
Brad Burud and Blake Friars are all fired up about week one of the Stanle...
[b]Lars Eller[/b] breaks through for the Washington Capitals as they defeat the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 3-2, in double overtime.
Three of the five goals were scored in the second period. Washington opened the scoring with help from defenseman Matt Niskanen, his first of the series. Tom Wilson and Alex Ovechkin got the assists.
Five minutes later, ...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast -Stanley Cup Round Disappontment
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 25
Stanley Cup Round One Disappointment and NHL Coaches Shuffle
Debate 1 |NHL Coaches Shuffle
Debate 2 |Western Conference Round One Recap and Round Two Preview
Debate 3 |Eastern Conference Round One Recap and Round Two Preview
Brad Burud and Blake Friars debate the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Was it what ...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 26 Off to Round 2
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 26
Off to Round 2 of Stanley Cup Playoffs and Draft Lottery
Debate 1 |Draft Lottery System
Debate 2 |Eastern Conference Divisional Finals
Debate 3 |Western Conference Divisional Finals
It is off to round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown all four series. The good, the bad and the...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Instigator |Episode 13 High Scoring = Boring Hockey
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Instigator |Episode 13
High Scoring = Boring Hockey
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are off and running and goal scoring is at break neck pace. Is this good for the game? Does it make for more exciting games? Or does it make for really, really boring hockey? Fans have been screaming for more goals for years and years. Well you got that in round one of the Stanley Cup Pl...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Instigator - Draft Lottery a Missed Opportunity
Posted Friday | Comments 0
The Instigator |Episode 14
Draft Lottery a Missed Opportunity
I really like the NHL Draft Lottery process, but I have a huge problem with how it was presented to the public this year. This is a made for television opportunity that the NHL wasted. So what should they have done, and how could they capitalize on this opportunity? Give a listen!
[https://www.spreaker....
After being an NHL player for 11 seasons, an NHL player agent for 22 years and an entrepreneur, I am on a mission to show others the work ethic and discipline that is needed to get the most out of their lives.
You can follow me on Instagram @realtomlaidlaw and on Facebook at Tom Laidlaw. You can follow and subscribe to my podcast (True Grit Life) on iTunes and I wi...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Caps Hoist Cup, Island of the Unknown, and Draft Talk
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 27
Caps Hoist Cup, Island of the Unknown, and Draft Talk
Debate 1 |The Washington Capitals win the Stanley Cup
Debate 2 |New Management for the New York Islanders
Debate 3 |Will the NHL Draft be an active trade day
The Washington Capitals have won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. How did they do it? Brad Bur...
SeanyCanuck writes...
Caps win! Caps win! First blog for a fanatic Canuck fan.
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Hello all, my name is Sean Desjardins and I currently live in Fort St John, BC after moving from Vancouver three years ago. My favourite teams are the Canucks and the Lightning and I love aggressive, puck control, pinching teams like the Lightning and Nashville. I love hockey at all times of the season, but fully understand the draw of the playoffs as the effort and stak...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast - NHL Draft Shuffle,
Posted Monday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 29
NHL Draft Shuffle, Flames/Canes Trade and Top Targets
Debate 1 |NHL Draft – Winners and Losers
Debate 2 |Flames/Canes Blockbuster Trade
Debate 3 |NHL Free-Agents and Trade Targets
Its NHL Draft time and Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown the winners and losers, and what players moved up and what players fell in...
29 August, 2018
Hello Hockeyverse. I know it has been so long since I have last blogged, but now I have come back, with more rest and focus on getting the best work to you guys possible.
However, I am looking this year to continue my work with more than just the Blue Jackets, focusing on the entire league, and the other minor and developmental leagues.
Today, I will...
After a crazy ride of a year where two teams many predicted to not come close to a cup were in the final; it is time to follow that up with more predictions.
Western Conference:
Central:
1. Nashville Predators - 115 pts
A slight dip just because it can be difficult to maintain, but this is the team to beat in the Central.
2. Winnipeg Jets - 113 pts
A closer figh...
We're about a month away from puck drop, and I don't remember being more excited for October to arrive. It's a bit a of wierd statement coming from a Habs fan, considering the state of the team, so I figured I'd share my excitement with you guys.
First part : it could be quick...Wait, what could be quick? I'm talking about how the 2018-19 season is going to go for the ...
The NHL season starts in 23 days and it's a long way until April so here is my Playoff Prediction for the 2018-2019 Season.
Metropolitan: 1. Capitals 2. Penguins 3. Devils
Atlantic: 1. P-Lightning 2. Maple Leafs 3. Bruins
Wild card 1: Panthers Wild Card 2: Flyers
p* Presidents Trophy Winner
No playoffs for the Blue Jackets? Well, the distraction of Art...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE Hockey Podcast -Predictions and Team Previes
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Brad Burud and Blake Friars are back for season two of THE DEBATE Hockey Podcast. The 31st episode is all about predictions and the NHL season ahead. They breakdown and debate which NHL teams are on the move up and which are on the move down. Then they talk Eastern and Western Conference and give you insight on who will win each division and most importantly the Stanley...
In this today, we will hit the news and noteworthy information on the contract extensions on the front office and coaching staff, and tournament and training camp notes.
Front Office staff and management were all given new contract extensions, including President John Davidson, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, and associate general manager Bill Zito.
Davidson has be...
Training camps for all 31 teams have opened up, with tryouts signed; players dealt; extensions handed out; and new faces coming aboard across
the entire league. For the Blue Jackets. The Jackets have one of the youngest rosters in the entire league, with plenty of open spots.
One big spot to look up front is third/fourth line center. The Jackets have three centers figh...
Wh Keep Panarin is a Bad Idea
It was announced earlier today by TSN's Darren Dreger that the Blue Jackets have no interest in trading winger Artemi Panarin. Dreger added they were working to continue convincing him to stay with the team for the long haul. Panarin is a pending free agent, and is making $6 million dollars this season, and will seek a bigger raise on a new...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
20 Preseason Questions - THE DEBATE Hockey Podcast
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 32
20 Preseason Questions
Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss the monster Erik Karlsson trade, Robin Lehner Mental Health struggles, and Humboldt closure. Then they dive into 20 preseason quesions. Who is this years biggest bust? Who is the biggest rivalry? How many Canadian teams will make the playoffs? The questions keep co...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Suckerpunch, Unsigned RFA’s, and Preseason Standouts
Posted Monday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 33
Suckerpunch, Unsigned RFA’s, and Preseason Standouts
Brad Burud and Blake Friars prep for the start of the NHL season by discussing preseason standouts. Lots of great young talented showcased in the preseason, and some will be taking roster spots. Domi suckerpunched Ekblad – the reaction and the results of this stupid ...
Ottawa Senators forward Zack Smith was placed on, and cleared waivers over the past 24 hours. Smith is a career long Senator: drafted by the club in the third round, 79th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He was part of a team last year that crashed below the Earth's crust, and is offering him to clubs at a lesser value, after going through the waiver wire. Smith was al...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Hot Seat, Injuries, and Young Roster Breakers
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 34
The Hot Seat, Injuries, and Young Roster Breakers
Brad Burud and Blake Friars prep for the start of the NHL regular season. What coaches and general managers are on the hot seat. There are definitely a few that better be looking over their shoulder. Injuries have already plagued some teams heading in to night one of the regu...
October 4, 2018
The regular season for the Blue Jackets opened on the road against the Detroit Red Wings at the Little Caesar's Arena.
The Wings are a team in a full rebuild, focusing on youth as their older players either retire or continue to get injured. The Red Wings lost their captain, Henrik Zetterberg, to a career ending back injury, forcing him to leave his ...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE Hockey Podcast - Hot Starts and Controversy
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The NHL season is one week old and its time for Brad Burud and Blake Friars to discuss what went down in week one of the season. Who is off to a hot start and who is struggling. Injuries are taking their toll on numerous teams. I think we are all in agreement when we say we are tired about hearing how great the Toronto Maple Leafs are…. we discuss. And, don’t forget th...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Instigator |Episode 16 1,260,162 Thank You’s to the NHL
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
The Instigator |Episode 16
1,260,162 Thank You’s to the NHL
Well the wildly overpaid goon for the Washington Capitals is back at it again, but this time the National Hockey League makes him pay for it. In the Capitals final preseason game, forward Tom Wilson landed a vicious head shot on St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. The was needless and extremely danger...
October 11 2018---- Sorry for being super busy over the weekend. Other committmnets came in the way from producing any furhter articles over the weekend.
Firstly, I will catch everyone up with the game action, injury news, and then look at the competition this evening, with the return of two former Blue Jackets players.
The Blue Jackets opened the season on the road ag...
Written by Zak October 12 2018
The Columbus Blue Jackets held on to defeat the Florida Panthers by the final score of 5-4, in regulation.
Zach Werenski opened the scoring on the power play with his first of the season. Artemi Panarin and Cam Atkinson had the assists. Panarin added onto the lead with his third of the season; Pierre-Luc Dubois had the assis...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Player Survey, Calgary Flames, and Dirtiest Player
Posted Friday | Comments 0
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 10
Player Survey, Calgary Flames Outlook, and Dirtiest Player
Brad Burud talks about a NHL player survey done by Kevin Allen of USA Today. What do players think about concussions, surprise teams, expansion, and the potential lockout. The answers may just surprise you. Then Auddie James joins the show to breakdown the C...
October 15,2018
Written by: Zak MacMillan
The Tampa Bay Lightning routed the Columbus Blue Jackets by the final score of 8-2!
AH! WHAT DOES THIS MEAN??? Is it the end? Call for a shakeup! Deal the rentals! No no, stay calm. It's just one game against one of the top teams. First, let's go over the results, then analyze.
Starting in the first, the past came back to...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Matthews$, Offer Sheets, Pettersson Slam and Teams in Troubl
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 36
Matthews$, Offer Sheets, Pettersson Slam and Teams in Trouble
Brad Burud and Blake Friars are fired up to talk Austin Matthews money. Is his future in Toronto? How much will he get paid? Can the Leafs afford him? What is the chance of an offer sheet on him or William Nylander? Then they dive (or slam) into the Elias Petterss...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Instigator |Episode 17 Death Threats…C’mon People
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
The Instigator |Episode 17
Death Threats…C’mon People
Well the Elias Pettersson hit from Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson was one thing, but death threats is way out of line. The suspension was handed down from the NHL and it was two games. Was it a little much, yes maybe, but then in the week following Matheson has now received death threats from Van...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 37
Legal Pot and Pulling the Goalie
The NHL regular season is in full swing. Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss the legalization of marijuana in Canada, and how it will effect hockey. Then they dive into when is the proper time to pull your goalie. Analytics is changing when coaches are choosing to do this, and more goals a...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
The Instigator |Episode 18 Stop the Childish Celebration
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
The Instigator |Episode 18
Stop the Childish Celebration
I am all for having fun when you play hockey. That is why we play the game..but what the Carolina Hurricanes have been doing after wins at home has me shaking my head. What is happening to this league. This is the most childish celebrations I have ever seen. Just when you thought that was the extent of the cele...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 38 - Memorable Goals,
Posted Friday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 38 - Memorable Goals, Coaching Turnstile, and the Soft NHL
Brad Burud and Blake Friars are back at it with another jammed packed episode of THE DEBATE Hockey Podcast. Every hockey fan has a list of memorable goals. They reminisce what goals they really remember as WOW Goals! Then the conversation amps up as they discuss the state...
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 11
Goalie Outrage and Place your Bets
NHL goalies are outraged by the new equipment regulations and claim that the reduced size chest protectors are leaving them exposed to injury. Numerous goalies have spoken out about the bruises they are receiving and are pushing for changes. Brad Burud talks about the current situa...
It has essentially been a great start for Canadian Teams. All teams are competing in some way for playoffs. That being said, we are seeing the senators fall as they should have. Other teams have been hot and cold. So what do we make of all this?
Let's start with the East.
Toronto Maple Leafs:
This team is always going to be the most hated and most liked, that will n...
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 39 - Canadian Success and the Best Line in Hockey
One month into the NHL season Canadian teams are off to a historically strong start. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk about each of the Canadian teams. What their strengths and weaknesses are and the most important question. How many of the Canadian teams will make the playoffs. ...
The Instigator |Episode 19
Malkin Hit on Oshie | Overreaction?
When Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin drove his shoulder in to the head of Washington Capitals forward TJ Oshie the hockey world went crazy. Half of the people were screaming for a suspension and half thought the match penalty was outrageous. It was an interesting play and call. Brad Burud brea...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Nylander Sign or Trade and the Inconsistent Oilers
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 40 - Nylander Sign or Trade and the Inconsistent Oilers
Are you sick and tired of thinking and speculating what will happen with William Nylander. Brad Burud and Blake Friars are too. For the last time they break down possible trade scenarios for Nylander, and discuss the possibility that he still may sign with the Toronto Maple L...
Inside Edge Hockey News Radio Show - Episode 12 - Goaltending Disaster
The NHL season is one month old and one of the most surprising stories of this young season is the struggles that goaltenders are having thus far. The numbers are disastrous. Brad Burud discusses what goalies are struggling, and gives insight into why these struggles are taking place. He talks abo...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Panic in Pittsburgh and Players Under the Radar
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 41 - Panic in Pittsburgh and Players Under the Radar
Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk Pittsburgh Penguins. Should there be panic in the "Steel City" or is all the panic premature. The Penguins find themselves in last place and the hockey world is so not used to seeing that. Then its time to breakdown all the players off to hot st...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 42
NHL Playoff Marker Thanksgiving
It is NHL Playoff marker number one. American Thanksgiving has become a marker point for who is in and out of the playoffs. Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss and debate who they think will fall out of the playoffs and who they think will push up into a playoff spot. Some of the predictions a...
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 13
Who is the NHL’s Top Sniper?
Every hockey fan loves watching the sniper blast a slapper over the top shoulder of the goalie. Brad Burud of Inside Edge Hockey News breaks down all the best snipers currently playing in the National Hockey League. Then Blake Friars of The Debate Hockey Podcast joins the show to gi...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Nylander Saga Finally Ends and Wilson Antics
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 43
Nylander Saga Finally Ends and Wilson Antics
The William Nylander saga is now over in Toronto. What does this mean for the Leafs. What does it mean for their salary cap future, and what does it mean for pending RFA players. Brad Burud and Blake Friars are breaking it all down, and they are full of opinions. Then Tom Wilson i...
The Instigator |Episode 20
Reaves Night of Revenge
Vegas Golden Knights tough guy Ryan Reaves got his revenge on Washington Capitals enforcer Tom Wilson. It came with a vicious blind sided hit. Was it revenge for beating them in the 2018 Stanley Cup Finals or was it revenge for all of the dirty hits and players he has injured over the past few years. I am guessing th...
THE DEBATE - Hockey Podcast - Episode 44 - Seattle Joins the Party
The National Hockey League has officially announced the expansion of teams to thirty-two. Seattle will join the party for the 2021-2022 season. Brad Burud and Blake Friars give their thoughts on Seattle and talk about their odds of success and the hurdles that they will face. They then move topics to ...
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 14
Getting Ready for Christmas Hockey Style
Brad Burud takes a break from the day in and day out hockey talk of the National Hockey League. It's time to talk Christmas gifts. Hockey fans love hockey related Christmas gifts. Gift ideas of all price ranges are discussed, and then hockey author Howard Shapiro joins the...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 45
Philly Disaster and Bye Bye Berglund$
The Philadelphia Flyers are not in the Christmas spirit as they fire head coach Dave Hakstol. The team is in disarray and Brad Burud and Blake Frairs have their opinions, and they are not very nice. It seems like Philadelphia forgets how to be professional sometimes. Then Patrik Berg...
The Instigator |Episode 21
Winter Classic Rerun: Same Teams Every Year
The Winter Classic is set to play on New Years Day. A great tribute to how hockey began, outside, but…why in the world do we have to watch the same teams each year. This years matchup is the Chicago Blackhawks versus the Boston Bruins at historic Notre Dame Stadium. Sounds epic right, not so muc...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 46
Stars Blasted by Ownership
Dallas Stars ownership blasted superstars Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin in the media. The vulgar statements sent shock waves throughout the hockey world. Brad Burud and Blake Friars discuss the crazy situation, and give insight on what set off this tyraid and what will the ramifications be. Then the...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 47
Midseason Shockers and All-Stars Skip Out
The NHL has hit the midseason mark. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk about the biggest surprises thus far. There are some very interesting ones. Can you believe the amount of goals scored? Then it is time to talk NHL All-Star Game, and players electing to skip out. With Alexander Ove...
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 15
Midseason Report Cards and Trophies
The National Hockey League has reached the midpoint of the season. Brad Burud hosts a jam packed show that features midseason grades for all 31 teams. Tampa Bay and Calgary highlight the good grades and Philadelphia and Los Angeles bring home the bad grades. NHL Awards are the nex...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 48
Buyers, Sellers, and the Bait
The NHL trade deadline is just six weeks away and its time to start the speculation and decisions on who are the sellers and who are the buyers. Brad Burud and Blake Friars breakdown what teams are prepared to sell off for assets and what teams are looking to add that special player that will he...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 49rnrnMcDavid Frustration and the Wild WestrnrnThe Western Conference Playoff race is in full swing as we head into NHL All-Star weekend. Brad Burud and Blake Friars take a look at the race and give their opinions on what team will fall out of the race first and what teams will survive the battle for the wildcard spots. Then its ti...
When the Oilers hired Peter Chiarelli, it reeked of desperation to the point where ownership thought that giving autonomy to someone who won a cup would guarantee a cup. They never did a background check nor looked as to why he may have been fired just said look there is a cup, he is perfect. His resume is that of talent degradation and he did just that again for Edmonton....
rebel_deucer writes...
I Say Keep The All Star Game... Here's Tip To Improve
Posted Sunday | Comments 0
Look I know that many think the all star is stupid, a farce, hurts the league and doesn't belong. Many seem to forget this is mainly an event for kids and hence why the nhl keeps it and continues to try and improve it. Some of it has worked. Lately people seem to get into the 3 on 3 tournament. Here are some ideas I think would improve the game for the fans.
1st - Keep...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 50
The NHL in 10 Years
Brad Burud and Blake Friars celebrate 50 episodes by diving into the NHL and looking at how the league will change in the next 10 years. They take a look at 10 critical questions that the NHL faces in the next 10 years and how the league will change.
1 – Concussions and Safety of the Game
2- Fighting an...
The Instigator |Episode 23
Columbus “Pull the Trigger”
Trade or not. Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky has put the Columbus Blue Jackets and General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a difficult position. Do you keep them for a playoff run or gather assets for the future and still take a playoff run?? Time for a decision. Brad Burud from Inside Edge Hockey News gives...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
West Race Expands and Trade Deadline Cool Down
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 51
West Race Expands and Trade Deadline Cool Down
The NHL bye weeks are finally done. All-Star break is behind us and now it is time to race to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk about how the Western Conference has widened. Seven teams are fighting for three spots, and only three teams are really out of...
INSIDE EDGE HOCKEY NEWS – RADIO SHOW | EPISODE 16
Sellers, Sellers, and Kind-of Sellers
The National Hockey League trade deadline is two weeks away. A lot is yet to be determined on just what teams will be sellers and what teams will hold off. Brad Burud breaks down what teams are all in, and what teams are still borderline. It looks like it will be a very active t...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 52
Hey! We are fans too…
It is our most selfish episode ever, but a damn good one. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk about what they love. It is time to talk about their favorite teams. Blake talks about why he is a Vancouver Canucks fan. Talks about his greatest moments as a Canucks fan and tells you why he thinks they wi...
archromat writes...
A Bunch of Questions: about offside, tavares, sabres, etc
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
In no particular order:
I notice goalies have been getting much taller lately; I also notice that the "slap shot" is going away. Is this all a result of those mega flex sticks that do the work for the player? If there was an insane reversion to the wood sticks, would the goalies get smaller again and would the slap shot make a comeback?
The Sabres looked really good...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Carolina Hurricanes Finally Getting Results They Deserve
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Have the Carolina Hurricanes turned a corner? Or have they simply been playing this good all year without results?
Spoiler alert: it’s the latter. Let’s start at the beginning of the year and go through the 31st of December.
The Hurricanes controlled 56.33% of shot attempts at 5v5 through the first 38 games of the year, yet they only sported a 16-7-5 record which...
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 56
Playoff Format and Playoff Ready Goalies
It is very close to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk playoff format. Should it be 1-8 in the conference? Should it be choose your opponent? or Should it stay as is? They definitely have their opinions on this one. Then it is time to argue what goalies ar...
The Instigator |Episode 27
Who is the Right Captain?
How important is a good captain to the growth of a hockey franchise? What type of player makes the best captain? All questions that are critical to a teams success. Do all NHL teams have the correct person as captain or has the pressures to select the young goal scorers outweighed the importance of leadership. Brad...
INSIDEEDGEHOCKE writes...
Surprises and Disappointments of the 2018-19 Season
Posted Wednesday | Comments 0
THE DEBATE – Hockey Podcast | Episode 57
Surprises and Disappointments of the 2018-19 Season
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are quickly approaching and with that is the end of the regular season. Brad Burud and Blake Friars talk about all the surprises and disappointments from the season. The positives are amazing. Jordan Binnington saving the St. Louis Blues season, and...
The Instigator |Episode 28
Doughty: Criticism to Boost Your Ego
This week Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty set the hockey world a buzz with this comments prior to a game in Calgary. He praised Mark Giordano, but criticized Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson on their defensive capabilities. He then took aim at Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames. He claimed that...
A lot of rabble rousing has occurred this season with Toronto and Boston headed on a third date, and know what third dates mean. It means Toronto fans get really unhappy because their team gets ... again.
So when the Toronto fan base is angry, it causes a rumble in the hockey world, largely because they have the greatest influence over the network that arguably still h...
Let the hounds circle. It is time for heads to roll the leafs lost again in game 7 in round 1. Forget the fact that both teams were considered top 5 teams and even matched. Forget the fact that the leafs and Bruins both had a strong series. This is the leafs and every year is cup or bust. Here is my thoughts on the hounds all against Dubas & Babcock.
I will start w...
Let the hounds circle. It is time for heads to roll the leafs lost again in game 7 in round 1. Forget the fact that both teams were considered top 5 teams and even matched. Forget the fact that the leafs and Bruins both had a strong series. This is the leafs and every year is cup or bust. Here is my thoughts on the hounds all against Dubas & Babcock.
I will start w...
Toronto Boston was supposed to be the talked-about series the next day... was among fans of those teams, I'm certain, but much of the talk was amount the Sharks' 5 minute power play after their captain hit their head on the ice.
I let this slide: I always thought passively that it was the right call, but on the wrong player, so whatever. Vegas is the team that couldn...
Tim Chiasson writes...
Carolina Hurricanes Could Benefit From Special Teams Changes
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
The Carolina Hurricanes are dominating the NHL playoffs at 5v5, but their special teams play has left much to be desired.
Carolina’s weakness in the playoffs has been their penalty kill and power play units struggling to find success. The Hurricanes poor special teams play nearly wasted a dominating possession performance against Washington.
Tampa found out just ho...
Nuttybynature writes...
Can Holland be the saviour Oilers desperately need?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 1
Is Holland a great GM or is Holland a terrible GM? Both statements are lies and both are truths. Why is that, like any other GMs and even his Oiler predecessor, he has had trouble during the cap era. The question is how much is his fault and how much has he learned.
One of the greatest things of his Red Wings dynasty days and passed was the ability to assess talent and ...
Oh the fun part when your team is eliminated. The blame game. The leafs is no different, and everyone will love to blame Babcock. Babcock this and Babcock that but the real question is how much is really on Babcock. This is a personal opinion from what I saw.
First, we will start with Babcock. As I havr already stated before, he does come with obvious flaws, but the mor...
Before I write this post, I will ask you to put these concepts in order of importance.
- Flawless Officiating
- Fun to play
- Entertaining
- Profitable
Now you might ask: "why can't we have them all?": but it's known when you try to accomplish everything, you more usually end up accomplishing nothing: see Theresa May's approach to Brexit as an example.
So now...
Rookiefan writes...
Why Jacob Trouba is the Only RFA that NJD Should Offer Sheet
Posted Monday | Comments 0
New Jersey Devils (NJD) did not make it to the playoffs this season (2018-2019). Since then both Taylor Hall and Ray Shero have stated that NJD needs more talent. This prompted a lot of fans to look toward the UFA and the RFA class of 2019 in order to fill in the roster spots.
This article only looks at those few RFA players that the fan base wants to offer sheet. Ther...
archromat writes...
A Trade is Like a Storm - On Marner, Subban, Trouba, etc.
Posted Monday | Comments 0
Storms are born near the equator of the planet and flow outwards. They are born from water currents in the oceans. They are born when low pressure systems get pinched by high pressure systems. They are born when accumulated water vapour creates conduction between two positive spheres in the planet, causing electrical exchange we know as lightning. (See Electric Univers...
10. Patrick Laine
Of all the entries on this list, Laine’s inclusion is a bit of an oddity. It’s not like the young sniper had a terrible season. He still hit the 30-plus goal plateau and finished the year with a more than respectable 50 points. It’s just his numbers could have been so much better.
After a somewhat slow start to the season, Laine went absolutel...
I have been rather critical of several GMs in the past that have certainly proven me wrong - namely Sakic's situation a few years ago about how his team lacked an identity, and Yzerman's dealing with Stamkos even though I believe that situation was still handled clumsily - and I have defended some of Chiarelli's moves - that Griffin Reinhart deal with Barzal was available ...
Disturbing news shows that Evgeni Kuznetsov tested positive for cocaine. https://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Aivis-Kalnins/Evgeni-Kuznetsov-suspended-by-the-IIHF/246/101058 Enter the stream of “we don’t see this in the NHL like in other sports” commentary. And yet, we do see it. Every year. Being a Red Wings fan, I saw Bob Probert get in a LOT of trouble. We saw Mike...
Injuries. Every single year someone’s career gets a little derailed by getting hurt at either a prospect tournament, training camp, or in the preseason. It feels like that, anyway.
The prospects tournament in Traverse City is incredible. https://www.centreice.org/page/show/467296-nhl-prospect-tournament Take a look at that schedule. In 5 days (one day off in the mid...
Insane, I know.
I can only imagine the thoughts of many fans when they read a headline like this: "Let's see what this idiot has to say". It's like you're reading Vice.
But the way I see it, the Leafs' salary structure wasn't so much spoiled by Tavares, since he deserved a payday and he's obviously an elite center. Yet a one-two of Tavares and Matthews, while t...
Frank Seravalli wrote a good piece regarding the NHLPA potential opt out of the current CBA https://www.tsn.ca/nhlpa-weighing-risks-of-poking-the-bear-1.1360531 It reads pretty much as I expected. Escrow is the thorn in the players side. 12.5% of paychecks gone back to the league. It’s a bizarre groupon that the league owners managed to acquire with the revenue split of...
Kudos to George Malik for getting these out http://themalikreport.com/2019/09/05/some-quick-thoughts-regarding-the-red-wings-prospect-tournament-roster/
Although I’ve let it be known that I think there is too much for these prospects in terms of tourney/camp/preseason, I am excited about the actual tournament. Looking at the lineup I see Zadina, Hirose, Veleno, and Ku...
In a show of courtesy and generosity, all the games in Traverse City are being streamed this year. Click on this link: https://www.foxsports.com/southwest/story/watch-dallas-stars-compete-in-traverse-city-prospect-tournament-sept-6-10-live-streams-090519
8 teams including :Detroit, Toronto, Dallas, Minnesota, St. Louis, New York, Columbus and Chicago.
Obviously I�...
Could the Leafs be about to troll the NHL?
Negotiations are usually a meet in the middle kind of thing, unless the middle is more than what the other side has to offer.
So the settlement? Four years at 9m/y. That is what I believe the final number will be around.
When you negotiate, what's "fair" usually isn't on the table, because people don't live in a fair wor...
The Red and White game yesterday was fun (ish) to watch. Guys working hard to get jobs. Noticeably absent were Dylan Larkin and Mike Green. Andreas Athanasiou left about halfway through and didn’t return. Coach Blashill is calling it “tweaks” and “precautionary measures”. It leaves a bad feeling in the stomach all around.
So far, we’ve seen injuries to Alec...
Hello everybody in support of the Union Blue. It has been a busy summer for myself, hence for my inexistence of writing blogs for the hockey world to see. Now that things have calmed down personally, I am back and returning to the rink just like the team is. So, let us get caught up with the team, shall we?
Let us start with a flashback and reflection on the past before...
In my spare time, I pythoned up a sim, but part of that sim was creating a power ranking based on a self-invented hundred balance system (ie, 132 = 32% stronger than average; 75 = 25% weaker than average). This system is entirely statistically based with zero input, but I shall only explain why I "believe" the teams are where they are and what issues they might need to ad...
Greetings! I have returned for my next instalment of power rankings. If you have read the first one, then you'll be familiar with what I am about to say: these power rankings are based entirely on statistical performances and they are churned out by a python code that examines every game in the last ten regular season weeks played (bleeding into the last year for now). N...
In the spirit of Hallowe'en and All Saints Day comes this week's power rankings, which I'll now be making on a monthly basis.
I must repeat the disclaimer: the stats entirely determine the power ranking: I only try to rationalize what the stats are pointing out.
1. Boston Bruins 9-1-2 POWER 130 LW: 1
The Scary: Boston's dominance in both NFL and NH...
Similar to the Power Ranking on TSN, NHL SN, I will post a blog and show the changes. My rankings will be completely based on the NHL Standings at this point. This will show how much teams have climbed or dropped due to a winning streakor losing streak.
1. Washington Capitals - The Cup Champs 2 years prior are showing why they are still favourites.
2. St, Louis - The ...
Don Cherry was always an outspoken individual in terms of politics, so he made his remarks and Sportsnet said it's the last straw.
I always hated Sportsnet, and this is just an honest and candid opinion. As my friend put it, "it's like watching AHL level of broadcasting". TSN's hockey coverage rivaled American channels covering the NFL. I'm not going to hide behind...
James and Doug discuss the recent firing of Don Cherry, they break down the Leafs recent games vs Philadelphia and Chicago (20:00) , the ins and outs of why the Leafs seem to be struggling, the waiving of Hutchinson, the OJHL and the Markham Royals (1:02:40), Toronto Jr Canadiens (1:07:25) and the Toronto Patriots (1:10:55), and more! [url]https://soundcloud.com/offsidehoc...
[url]https://twitter.com/OFFSIDETALK/status/1194653568562806785[/url]
Lets try and get excited as a group for tonights game vs. the Knights and James from Offside can show you how.
[url]https://twitter.com/OFFSIDETALK/status/1196947269972611074[/url]
Join James as he walks through tonights game.
[url]https://twitter.com/OFFSIDETALK/status/1198279822356729857[/url]
The Calgary Flames dropped there third straight decision Thursday night, in a disappointing loss to the Nashville Predators. A Nashville Team that came into the game three points back of the quickly falling Flames, is now a single point back of them with two games in advantage to boot. Calgary is quickly falling behind, and unless they start playing with some urgency and h...
1. Cancel the NHL draft (picks would just all move back a year, so if you have 3 1sts this year, you get them next year instead).
There was an opportunity in 2005 absolutely wasted. They could have simply cancelled the draft and changed the minimum draft age to 19*
*Every year, up to three to five players at 18 are NHL ready. Sometimes none are ready. Perhaps if y...
Nine years.
If you think where you were nine years ago...how much your life has changed...and how much you know now, that you didn’t know then...it really brings into question the [i]actual[/i] sanity of those who have called themselves a fan of the Buffalo Sabres since before that time.
- 691 games
- 431 ending in defeat
- 7 different coaches
- 4 different ...
Blame Dubas, Why did Keefe load up the first line? Dubois' fault for injuring Muzzin. None of these of the reasons. Did they help, no it did hurt but this team is flawed and many know it.
First, this team needs to mature in a different way. They need to realize what playoff hockey is. Losing to Washington and Boston both times was wow we gave it all we got they were the...
I believe that the NHL needs to realign the divisions into smaller divisions, similar to the NFL.
Check out my idea for a new idea for NHL Realignment starting with the 2021 - 2022 season. Find out what division your NHL team moves to in the NHL Realignment plan! Also, this NHL Realignment has changes to the schedule structure, playoffs and if Florida and/or Arizona...
The NHL playoffs are in full swing and with no set date for the NHL Draft here is my Mock Draft and how I see things playing out.
1. New York Rangers: Alexis Lafrenière
This may be the easiest pick in the draft. The Rangers get a top line left wing who can blossom under Artemi Panarin’s tutelage.
2. Los Angeles Kings: Tim Stützle
The Kings are rebuilding and ne...
Part two of my NHL Mock Draft.
9. Minnesota Wild: Cole Perfetti
The Wild luck out with Perfetti dropping a few spots. Perfetti was second in OHL scoring with 111 points.
10. Winnipeg Jets: Anton Lundell
Winnipeg has issues on the backend with the loss of Byfuglien, Trouba and Myers but they go with Lundell. Lundell plays similarly to Mikko Koivu. A solid ...
The Bubble Cup Tournament has crowned our 2020 Stanley Cup Champions during the crazy coronavirus pandemic. The winner has been the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Bolts winning has shown the best team can win the sport's true prize.
Tampa was part of the round robin for conference seeding with Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington. The fallen foe Dallas Stars dealt with St. L...
hockeyaddict89 writes...
5 pause worthy moments of the 2020 NHL Offseason
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Stud of a year for movement. A lot of excitement for tons of teams. I can't tell you how many times I full on stopped what I was doing to tune in to what was happening. Here are a few of them:
1) [b]THE HABS EXTENDING JOSH ANDERSON FOR A BAZILLION YEARS DESPITE NOT PLAYING A GAME. [/b] It's the sign of a risk taker to give a long term deal to a player who had a good yea...
hockeyaddict89 writes...
Will Matthews be like Mats and go the way of Sundin?
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
I thought this would be fun to see where everyone stands on this.
SO, do you think Mathews will go the way of Sundin? A great player who drives and leads play on the ice, but ultimately doesn't win a cup for them? Or is he going to take it home eventually a la Ovechkin.
While they are entirely different players, both were stars on their respective teams and were the...
As I get my self acquainted with this new NHL I am taking a page out of Ek's book and writing some wacky predictions I think will happen this year (or like I am sure a lot of people are saying next year). I have never covered the entire league like this before. Hope you enjoy!
To be clear, with in these predictions I am working in a frame work that there will be 4 div...
When the 2021 Sabres team finally hits the ice mid-January, at minimum, 310 days will have passed since the last time they stepped off as 3-2 SO winners over the Washington Capitals.
That team was just trying to get to the finish line of yet another playoff-less campaign. Eichel had done all he could to try and drag them into relevancy...but he would again come up short...
Additions/Subtractions
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
+C Grant, RD Shattenkirk, RD Welinski, C Lettieri
-- D Irwin, RW Sherwood, RW Sherwood, RD Gubdransson, G Boyle
Arizona Coyotes
+ GM Armstrong, C Hunt, LW Larsson, C Hayden, RW Pitlick, C Brassard,
-- 2020 2nd (sanctioned), 2021 1st (sanctioned), GM Chayka, RW Hinistroza, C Richardson, LW Hall, C Stepan
Boston Bruin...
Here are three reasons why the Habs will win the North Division! I dont think you can disagree on any of the below and if you do, please comment! rnrn1. Superior tendies:rnrnThe 2020-21 NHL season is a 56-game sprint with 11 back to backs for the Habs played over 116 days. Having two superior tendies is very key to a team’s success. The Habs have Carey Price (save %. 90...
The regular season kicks off tonight for the Columbus Blue Jackets where they do battle with the Nashville Predators at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee with a empty crowd. This is the how the season will go for the most part. Empty. Fanless. Temporarily. Talk is that may change in Tennessee. Tune into Fox Sports Ohio or Fox Sports TN for game feed and covera...
The start of the season wouldn’t be a normal season without an uphill battle for the Union Blue. Starting off on the road, they begin with the short end of the stick to the hosting Nashville Predators, by the final score of 3-1.
Columbus is improving off of last season with starting first on the scoresheet, with alternate captain Boone Jenner lighting the lamp with t...
CBJ Post-Game Numero Trois- First of Many
It may have taken some time and patience, but after three games on the road, the Columbus Blue Jackets win their first game of the season, by the final score of 3-2 in regulation against the Detroit Red Wings. Happy 20 years, Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Day, and happy hockey Columbus. In their first televised game on the big N...
Hershey, PA – January 26, 2021—
Franchise Blockbuster Deal Between Columbus, Winnipeg
Over the weekend, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Winnipeg Jets have completed a deal involving three former first round draft picks in a four-piece deal. On the 23rd of January 2021, the Blue Jackets have traded center ice-man Pierre-Luc Dubois with a 2022 third-round draft pic...
We are almost a quarter into the season and it already has been filled with drama, heroes and zeros, and a ton of surprises.
Let's take a look at them:
[u][b]1) MARC ANDRE FLEURY[/b][/u]
After all the talk this off-season about potentially dealing him, he has had a great start to the season. It's only been three games played for him but he is sitting at:
3-0-0 ...
Zak MacMillan writes...
Columbus Fans Are Panicking, And Here's Why They Shouldn't
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
Changes are a brewing in Ohio's capitol. Here we are, beginning of March 2021, with the Columbus Blue Jackets in a losing predicament in the wild west Central Division. The Blue Jackets currently have a 0.457 winning percentage, with a 8-10-5 record thus far into the season. They are only better than the Detroit Red Wings in winning percentage, and are tied with Nashville ...
The rumors are beginning to swirl around the franchise that for the first time since the 2015-16 season that the postseason is not in their plans. In the surprising Central Division, they sit outside of the playoffs with the struggling Nashville and Detroit clubs. With their performance thus far, who could be moved?
Pierre-Luc Dubois. Kidding. That already happened.
...
Zak MacMillan writes...
What's Kraken - Who Makes Sense for Seattle on Columbus
Posted Tuesday | Comments 0
With Columbus' rough stretch going on, let's venture into the expansion draft in July 2021. The Blue Jackets are in a much better predicament than 2017 came. Let's rewind:
The Columbus Blue Jackets dealt:
2017 1st Round Draft Pick (#24 -> LW Kristian Vesalainen)
2019 2nd Round Draft Pick (#50 -> LW Samuel Fageno)
RW David Clarkson (LTIR)
To Vegas Golden Knights
D...
The Boston Bruins returned home on Thursday as they took the ice against the New York Islanders. Coming into the game Jaroslav Halak would be getting the start with Dan Vladar serving as a back-up. Both Ondrej Kase and Tuukka Rask remained on the injured list. Zach Senyshyn would be getting his first NHL action of the year after being called up Thursday morning.
[u]1st...
The Bruins are coming back into action tonight at 7 pm when they take on the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Bruins are currently 1-3-1 in their last 5 games, including the 4-1 to Pittsburgh on Monday. Although Tuukka Rask did travel with the team, he is still out due to injury. Jaroslav Halak played yesterday in the Bruins 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh so, Dan Vladar will be getting h...
No love or attention to some interesting teams, players and events these days. So here they are:
1) THE PANTHERS
Apparently Florida is only known for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Disney land. There is no such team named after the state. I really don't know what needs to be done for people to talk about them. They are off to their best start historically. Barkov and Hu...
The Bruins will be traveling to Buffalo tonight to take on the 6-18-4 Sabars, who are currently last in the league. The Bruins morning skate has been canceled this morning due to an unnamed player entering the Covid-Protocol list. However, expect Jaroslav Halak to get the start tonight with Dan Vladar serving as the backup. The Bruins have lost 5 of their last 8-games, so...
As of writing the NHL has postponed 46 games due to covid, almost an entire teams worth of games (shortened season down to 56 games) have been postponed! Yet the NHL doesn’t seem to care nor do they seem like they want to. I see some pretty clear ways they could curve the spread of the virus, now given none of these are perfect nor will they fully stop the spread of Covi...
Avalanche, Golden Knights and Lightning are extremely strong. Likely end of story. In the first round I predict two upsets. They will be Nashville over Carolina and Montreal over Toronto. Nashville over Carolina will be the result of playoff experience prevailing. Nashville still have some extremely talented players with a ton of playoff experience. Still will go 7 games. ...
Before the turn of the calendar, the Columbus Blue Jackets announced the return of President John Davidson to the fold, after a two year stint in the Big Apple with the New York Rangers. JD and Jarmo Kekalainen are both now on new multi-year deals with the organization to bring this team back to the glory. Just like the first contracr for Kekalainen, he is back on the draf...
The year was 2012 and Galchenyuk was selected No.3 overall by the Montreal Canadiens. Recognized as an offensive threat dating back to his days with the Sarnia Sting, Galchenyuk's ability to get on the scoresheet was undeniable. Defensively not as strong of a player, but sometimes the risk is worth the reward.
[u][b]OHL[/b][/u]
In 101 games with the Sting Galchenyuk p...
Another year and yet another loss. Every year it becomes more excuses. So here comes every leaf fan's favourite part. How to fix the leafs? To solve this problem, lets look at what happened.
The leafs had a great regular season of more consistency than usual. But throughout the season, small items looked to become bigger. Thornton was showing his age each day. Near the ...
Welcome to the second edition of the changes happening in Columbus this summer, and we are only halfway through the month of June. This series covers the coaching changes in the Metropolitan Division; the Final Four; Expansion and Entry Drafts; Currency; NHL Fan Choice Awards; trade rumors; changes in the hockey operations; and contract signings.
Staffing Changes
B...
Since the Leafs season ended in disappointment in a round one loss to the Montreal Canadiens, it has left many fans and management wondering and questioning what can be done to improve this roster? With the cap constraints as a result of the flat-cap, and the star forwards of this team, it will be interesting to see how the Leafs tackle on signing free agents of the team o...
Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 Draftkings Preview
Puck drops Monday night at 8pm eastern for game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Lightning look to repeat as champions against the team nobody thought would be here and trying to complete a dream playoff run with their first cup in 28 years, the Montreal Canadiens. This is basically hockey’s version of Rocky 1, the Lightnin...
Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 DFS Review
Game 1 didn’t go exactly as planned, but that’s the way it goes in DFS. Hopefully some of you fared better than I did. Let’s review the strategies and plan to make some adjustments for game 2 tonight.
What did we want to happen: After going through all the games for both the Canadiens and the Lightning we determined that thi...
Bank Roll Management
Part 1 of my Daily Fantasy Sports Strategy Series
Starting in August I’m going to be putting out articles touching on some strategies to use while playing daily fantasy sports (DFS). We’ll cover bank roll management, contest selection, correlation techniques and how to approach chalk plays and contrarian plays. This first part will address ba...
Part 2 Contest Selection
This is part two of my series of daily fantasy sports strategies for an entire season. Earlier we covered bank roll management, establishing a budget and high percentage plays to build your bank roll. This week we’re going over contest selections. We’ll discuss the differences between contests, Mass Multi Entry (MME) vs Single Entry and Thre...
Atlantic - 1. Tampa Bay Lightning 2. Toronto Maple Leafs 3. Florida Panthers
Metropolitan - 1 Carolina Hurricanes 2. Washington Capitals 3. New York Islanders
Wild Cards - 1. Boston Bruins 2. New York Rangers
Playoffs Lightning VS Rangers - Lightning Wins in 5
Maple Leafs Vs Panthers - Maple Leafs Wins in 6
Hurricanes VS Bruins - Hurricanes Wins in 7
Capitals VS Isla...
The NHL season starts tonight with the Pittsburgh Penguins taking on the back to back defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning followed by the Seattle Kraken making their NHL debut against a team who’s early success they’d love to replicate the Vegas Golden Knights. Throughout the season I’ll use this space to highlight the best games on the slate for fanta...
Night two of this NHL season brings us five games on the slate and plenty of questions. Alexander Ovechkin is a game-time decision, Nathan MacKinnon is in the COVID-19 protocol and Nicklas Backstrom is opening the season on long term injured reserve, Austin Mathews isn’t ready to return, so there’s going to be plenty of opportunities for other players to step up. We’...
Last night was a good example of our thought process of chasing volume and opportunities being correct but not delivering the desired results. We targeted the Montreal, Toronto game and the Vancouver, Edmonton game, despite the lackluster scores for both of those games I still believe they were the correct games to target. The Oilers and Canucks combined for 73 shots on th...
Last night’s slate was an absolute eruption in offensive game play, every game on the slate totaled at least five goals and five teams scored six or more goals on their own. For myself specifically it was a tale of two games, The New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes game probably couldn’t have gone any better. The four players I highlighted here in the breakdown ...
I wanted to start doing a second daily post to hold myself accountable, this one is just to run down what I said in my breakdown posts and see how things played out. Today I covered the game environments of all three games on the slate and highlighted some of the players I liked in each game.
Chicago Blackhawks @ New Jersey Devils
Players highlighted:
Jane Koukkan...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Tonight’s main slate featured 12 games, in my breakdown I highlighted the games I thought would be most conducive to fantasy scoring and some players I thought would be good plays. In the After Action Review I go back over the games and players I highlighted to hold myself accountable and see what adjustments I can make going forward.
Calgary Flames @ Edmonton Oilers
...
NHL Single Game Slate 1 Breakdown
There’s only one game on the slate tonight so that means it’s a single game breakdown. Now with single game slates individual plays are what we focus on as well as correlation of line mates and power play partners and what we believe the game script will be. Also with captains/MVPs scoring at the elevated point rate makes them the m...
Last nights battle of Alberta definitely lived up to the battle part as Calgary defenceman, Rasmus Andersson headbutted diminutive Oiler forward Kailer Yamamoto. Andersson was given a double minor on the play for elbowing and roughing, Yamamoto was not given any penalties. Today The NHL gave Rasmussen Andersson a 5000$ fine for the dirty play. So as a fine was given, the h...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
The After Action Review is my way of holding myself accountable and identifying adjustments going forward. Tonight’s slate only had four games and I picked out two that I believed would deliver potent fantasy environments.
New York Rangers @ Toronto Maple Leafs
Players Highlighted:
Nick Ritchie ($3,400 DK, $4,200 FD)
All Ritchie managed to do was record a shot ...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
After every slate I hold myself accountable and take a look at how my Breakdown takes panned out over the course of the slate. With 11 games on this slate I chose 3 games that I believed would set themselves apart and deliver fantasy ecstasy.
Dallas Stars @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Players Highlighted:
Evan Rodrigues ($3,500 DK, $4,600 FD)
I had high hopes for Rodrigu...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the breakdown we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities against (PPOA...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
TheMananimal writes...
Why the Leafs should have re-signed Jack Campbell
Posted Wednesday | Comments 18
Since the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Jack Campbell in February of the 2019 – 2020 season, Campbell has been nothing short of spectacular for the Leafs in goal. In a short sample during that season Campbell posted a record of 3-2-1 in the Blue & White with 2.63 GAA and .915 SV%. The Leafs ultimately were eliminated in the play-round of the playoffs with Frederik Anderse...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
The Crease Report finds the best goaltending values on a given slate by looking at a goalie’s own metrics and the quality of team defense played in front of them. Team shot maps, shots against (SA), scoring chances against (SCA) and high danger chances against (HDA) are all weighed and considered to determine the best matchups. In addition to the individual goaltenders a...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
In the Shot Attempts-Thru Percentage Model we’ll examine players that are getting a higher amount of shot attempts (SA) and their thru percentage (Thru%) to identify those players getting shot attempts to the net but aren’t scoring goals at a level consistent with with the number of attempts they’re taking. Shooting percentage (Shoot%) and shots on goal (S) will also...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
DelcoDave writes...
Gambler’s Guide Minnesota Wild @ Philadelphia Flyers 3/3/22
Posted Thursday | Comments 0
Minnesota Wild @ Philadelphia Flyers
After giving us a slight reprieve from all the losing streaks they’ve been on this year the Flyers got right back to their losing ways dropping the game against the Oilers 3-0. Minnesota is in the middle of their own four game losing streak as they head to Philly for a quick two game road trip. The Gambler’s Guide went a perfect 5 ...
Here in the environmental study we’re going to identify the games with the best fantasy scoring environments for everyday of the NHL season. To do this we’re going to look at teams’ scoring chances for (SCF), scoring chances against (SCA), high danger chances for (HDF), high danger chances against (HDA), power play opportunities (PPO) and power play opportunities aga...
Everyone has them, here's mine:
[b]EVANDER KANE WAS A GOOD SIGNING[/b]
Say what you will about the mans personal life, but you can't complain about his play. The team may still be battling to solidify it's playoff spot, but Kane has done his fair share to keep them in it. Holland is not a GM who should be given any kudos; like any at all, but he can get it here. Kane...
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...
Hockey_Nutter writes...
Changes are needed... The question is what changes
Posted Monday | Comments 10
The curse lives on. The excuses live on. The reality is one thing, Toronto did not finish the job.
The stars and the famed core showed up. They played the way they should and did many good things that should have resulted in wins. Overall, Toronto was the better team by inches but they still lost.
This shows that changes are needed. All bets are off type of changes,...
During the 2021-22 season of the national hockey league, the Toronto Maple Leafs had a historic performance accomplishing 50 wins for the first time, 30 wins on home ice, finishing with 115 points, and setting three new franchise records.
With such an impressive season, the Leafs would secure home ice in round one of the playoffs for the first time since 2004, the year...
For the sixth consecutive year under the Auston Matthews era,’ the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, unlike in previous years the elimination this year left a positive feeling among many fans of “Leafsnation”. The Leafs managed to take the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Tampa Bay Lightning to a...
Well, it’s great to see the Sabres name on a league record.
Well, it’s great to see it coming from the uncontested leader of this team, Ras“Bobby”Dahlin.
So tonight “ Bobby” potted another one. 5g, 3a.
I believe Dahlin wants to see his name stand on league records long after he’s gone. If you want to try to break his record, Dahlin’s not going to mak...
Well, it’s great to see the Sabres name on a league record.rnWell, it’s great to see it coming from the uncontested leader of this team, Ras“Bobby”Dahlin. rnrnSo tonight “ Bobby” potted another one. 5g, 3a. rnI believe Dahlin wants to see his name stand on league records long after he’s gone. If you want to try to break his record, Dahlin’s not going to mak...
Tom Dusome writes...
Players for your bottom six without breaking the bank
Posted Saturday | Comments 0
Here is a list of players I think could be on the move this trade deadline (unlike ivan barbashev) that will be keys to support a contender looking to better their bottom six add depth to their blueline or assurance in goal.
[u]Pending UFAs[/u]
Accairi
Blueger
Glendening
Kerfoot
Kessel
Lyon
Motte
Namestnikov
Stetcher
Sundqvist
Watson
[u]Players with term...