Saturday Night Hockey: New Year's Eve

Happy New Year...s Eve

And Happy 100th Post to us this year. Just because I don't want it to be another mailed-in SNH, I'll do a semi-actual post.

Spengler Cup

WHAT...THE...F***. How does Canada lose 8-1 to HC Davos, then not win against a weaker Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams team?!?!

Deep breath

Ok ok, I'm good. A lost against HC Davos isn't too surprising, but 8-1 is friggen unreal. Then having to go to overtime and lose in the shootout to Wolfsburg is just the icing on the cake.

The finals pitted host HC Davos against the "Russian invite" Dinamo Riga. This wasn't too surprising as the finals of this tournament usually involves 2 of the 3 teams (Canada/HC Davos/Russian invite). HC Davos won 3-2, their first Spengler Cup win since 2006.

World Juniors

Dear Canada,
Don't be happy about your victory against Denmark. You didn't even cover the spread.
Sincerely,
Gamblers

No, I didn't have money on that game, why you ask?

The fact you couldn't bet on the "Money Line" (who would win) is bad enough, although I think betting Russia in the other game was something along the lines of a $200 bet equaling a 1 cent win.

Sticking within the group, what's going on with the US? It's like they forgot to play (insert Americans don't know hockey joke here). Now they are going to the Relegation Round, which means they'll at least end up first in something.

NHL

I got nothing here. All I know is that Cunneyworth should win the Cup and shove it down the throats of the French Media and Ilya Bryzgalov needs a reality show, NOW!

Lineup NOTables

Edmonton Oilers vs. New York Islanders

You probably know what happened by now, keep moving.

Ottawa Senators vs. Buffalo Sabres

Ottawa: Peter Regin (shoulder) and Jesse Winchester (concussion) are out. Craig Anderson will start.
Buffalo: Ville Leino (lower body), Nathan Gerbe (concussion), Tyler Ennis (ankle), Corey Tropp (head), Andrej Sekera (upper body), Colin Stuart (knee), and Christian Ehrhoff (upper body) are out. Ryan Miller is expected to start.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Winnipeg Jets

Toronto: Colby Armstrong (concussion, what concussion?), Mike Brown (back), Tyler Bozak (shoulder), Philippe Dupuis, (upper body) John Michael-Liles (concussion), and Mike Komisarek (arm) are out. James Reimer starts tonight.
Winnipeg: Bryan Little (foot), Jim Slater (rib), Dustin Byfuglien (knee), Randy Jones (shoulder), and Derek Meech (lower body) are out. Ondrej Pavelec gets the start.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Florida Panthers

Montreal: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Ryan White (hernia), Scott Gomez (groin), and Brian Gionta (lower body) are out. Carey Price is in net.
Florida: Sean Bergenheim (lower body), Jack Skille (shoulder), Marco Sturm (head), Marcel Goc (concussion), Mikael Samuelsson (back), and Scottie Upshall (upper body) are out. Jose Theodore might start.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings

Vancouver: Byron Bitz (groin), David Booth (knee), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Aaron Vopatti (shoulder), and Aaron Rome (thumb) are out while Chris Higgins (hand) is questionable. Roberto Luongo maybe starting tonight.
Los Angeles: Just Scott Parse (hip) and Simon Gagne (upper body) are out. Jonathan Quick is expected to start.

United States U20 vs. Canada U20

US: Jack Campbell starts tonight.
Canada: Devante Smith-Pelly (foot) is out, leaving Ducks to quack in mourning. Scott Wedgewood is in net.

Sunday Night Hockey: World Juniors Preview

Merry Christmas

Here is part two of our Holiday Previews. Today is World Junior time as it takes place in a far away place called Alberta. Kind of figures I move a year before they hold this tournament.

Group A - Latvia, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland

BEK                             MDK
1- Russia                      1- Russia
2- Sweden                    2- Sweden
3- Switzerland             3- Slovakia
4- Slovakia                  4- Switzerland
5- Latvia                      5- Latvia

BEK's Take: Russia just edge's out Sewden for first place in this group. Switzerland continues it's now-annual darkhorse run. Slovakia and Latvia will be fighting it out in relegation.

MDK's Take: Russia will dominate because they are a strong team and play better if they worship a vodka bottle. Sweden is second because they have decent players. Everything else is obvious. Latvia is last because they suck.

Group B - Canada (Host), Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, USA

BEK                             MDK:
1- USA                        1- Canada
2- Canada                    2- USA
3- Czech Republic       3- Finland
4- Finland                    4- Czech Republic
5- Denmark                 5- Denmark

BEK's Take: Again I pick a team over Canada (hey, it worked last year). The Czechs and Finns will fight it out over who gets to move on. And Denmark is...well...Denmark.

MDK's Take: In Group B Canada is going to be the same as last year because they are awesome. USA is second because its obvious. and the rest is well expected.

Saturday Night Hockey: Spengler Cup Preview

Merry Christmas Eve.

Just like last year, our Spengler Cup and World Junior previews fall on Christmas. This time, they are going to be spread out so Spengler Cup tonight and World Juniors tomorrow. Oh, and screw you TSN for putting the Spengler Cup on TSN2. Why couldn't Sportsnet retain the TV rights dammit.

Grizzly Adams Wolfsburg

Goalies: Daniar Dshunussow, Lukas Lang
Defensemen: Robbie Bina, Marvin Degon, Christopher Fischer, Kevin Hecquefeuille, Benedikt Kohl, Nathan Paetsch, Benedikt Schopper, Armin Wurm
Forwards: Colin Beardsmore, Mike Bishai, Patrick Davis, Matt Dzieduszycki, Sebastian Furchner, Tyler Haskins, Kai Hospelt, Andre Huebscher, Christoph Hohenleitner, David Laliberte, John Laliberte, Vincenz Mayer, Norm Milley, Ilkka Pikkarainen, Patrick Pohl
Top Threat: A top 5 team in the DEL, with the leading scorer and point-getter Kai Hospelt.
Weakness: Spell-checking names for the game sheet.

HC Vitkovice Steel

Goalies: Martin Falter, Roman Malek
Defensemen: Franco Collenberg, Tomas Kudelka, Marek Malik, Ctirad Ovcacik, Petr Puncochar, Gian-Andrea Randegger, Adam Sedlak, Tomas Voracek
Forwards: Jiri Burger, Michal Hlinka, Radim Hruska, Peter Huzevka, Jan Kana, Lukas Klimek, Lukas Pabiska, Petr Pohl, Ondrej Sedivy, Juraj Stefanka, Petr Strapac, Juraj Sykora, Roman Szturc,  Nathan Walker
Top Threat: They have Marek Malik, so shootouts are covered.
Weakness: They didn't bring Viktor Ujcik along? They deserve last place.

Dinamo Riga

Goalies: Chris Holt, Maris Jucers
Defensemen: Janis Andersons, Oskars Cibulskis, Guntis Galvins, Rodrigo Lavins, Niclas Lucenius, Sandis Ozolins, Jekabs Redlihs, Krisjanis Redlihs, Arvids Rekis, Kristaps Sotnieks
Forwards: Girts Ankipans, Martins Cipulis, Martin Karsums, Jamie Lundmark, Gints Meija, Ville Nieminen, Aleksandr Nizivijs, Ainars Podzins, Mikelis Redlihs, Janis Spurkts, Juris Stals, Juris Upitis, Fredrik Warg
Top Threat: Basically Latvia's national team.
Weakness: See "Top Threat".

Kolten Flyers

Goalies: Michael Fluckiger, Ronnie Rueger
Defensemen: Sven Berger, Eric Blum, Felicien Du Bois, Micki Dupont, Thomas Mettler, Philippe Schelling, Nicolas Steiner, Duvie Westcott, Benjamin Winkler
Forwards: Matthias Bieber, Simon Bodenmann, Yannick Herren, Denis Hollenstein, Arnaud Jacquemet, Marcel Jenni, Steve Kellenberger, Samuel Keller, Romano Lemm, Michael Linger, Lars Neher, Niklas Nordgren, Michael Nylander, Vojtech Polak, Tommi Santala, Victor Stancescu, Sebastien Sutter, Samuel Walser, Roman Wick
Top Threat: Damn that offense looks good, and their defense and goalies aren't half-bad either.
Weakness: They are below HC Davos in the standings. Seriously, I don't have an actual weakness for them.

HC Davos

Goalies: Reto Berra, Leonardo Genoni
Defensemen: Rene Back, Beat Forster, Robin Grossmann, Janne Niinimaa, Tim Ramholt, Lukas Stoop, Ramon Untersander
Forwards: Jan von Arx, Pavel Brendl, Dario Burgler, Robbie Earl, Peter Guggisberg, Fadri Holinger, Mathias Jorggi, Raphael Kuonen, Josef Marha, Jan Neuenschwander, Anton Ranov, Sandro Rizzi, Gregory Sciaroni, Peter Sejna, Lukas Sieber, Janick Steinmann, Petr Sykora, Petr Taticek, Reto von Arx, Dino Wieser, Lukas Willi
Top Threat: GAH, what's with the Swiss teams having nice-looking rosters?!?!
Weakness: For TSN, they still think that this Petr Sykora was the notable one (psssst, it's really the guy who had a cup of coffee with Washington)

Team Canada

Goalies: Jake Allen, Marty Turco
Defensemen: Shawn Heins, Jordan Hendry, Joel Kwiatkowski, Cory Murphy, Maxim Noreau, Ryan Parent, Travis Roche, Derrick Walser
Forwards: Eric Beaudoin, Blaine Down, Rico Fata, Mark Hartigan, Brett McLean, Kurtis McLean, Glen Metropolit, Pascal Pelletier, Joel Perrault, Brandon Reid, Byron Ritchie, Stacy Roest, Jean-Pierre Vigier, Jeremy Williams
Top Threat: The best collect of ex-NHLers Canada could find.
Weakness: Turco probably will be starting, so fans can't win bets against him.

Hockey's Naughty List

This guy is the new Bruins mascot

With Christmas only a day away, Santa is just finishing his list and checking it twice. While most NHLer's have been good (thank you Shanny), there are still some that have found their way onto the naughty list. Here are some that have just done that.

Every candidate has three subjects:

Reasons - Why they are naughty
Redeeming Qualities - What saves them
Naughty Ranking - On a scale from 1 to 10 how naughty they are (10 being the highest)

Ron Wilson

Reasons: Unfriendly to media (from blasting them to lying), statistically horrible coach.
Redeeming Qualities: This tweet.
Naughty Ranking: 6

Milan Lucic

Reasons: Running goalies, cheap shots that go unsuspended, playing for the Bruins.
Redeeming Qualities: Santa knows who he is.
Naughty List: 10 0 (stupid Colin Campbell tampered with the list)

Tim Thomas

Reasons: Not pumping his opponents tires, very naughty. Also, a Bruins player.
Redeeming Qualities: Won Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe. Pretty good for a journeyman goalie.
Naughty Ranking: 2

Matthew Barnaby

Reasons: A domestic dispute and a DUI, very very naughty. Also analyses hockey (recommended by ESPN)
Redeeming Qualities: None (although driving on three wheels is kind of impressive)
Naughty Ranking: 9

Mike Milbury

Reasons: Recent altercation at a kids game, being himself ("Mad Mike").
Redeeming Qualities: Is still somehow considered an ex-GM
Naughty Ranking: 9

Sidney Crosby

Reasons: Not coming back from his concussion soon enough, leaving the NHL to find someone else to promote. Guys who haven't watched hockey since 2007 still call him a diver.
Redeeming Qualities: Still the best hockey player in the world.
Naughty Ranking: -1

Jaromir Jagr

Reasons: Teasing Pittsburgh into thinking he would come back, then signs with in-state rival Philadelphia
Redeeming Qualities: Even at 39, he's still Jagr-ing it up.
Naughty Ranking: 4

Bell and Rogers

Reasons: Two telecommunications companies who are in direct competition with each other teaming up to by the Leafs? EXTREMELY NAUGHTY
Redeeming Qualities: None, it's Bell and Rogers
Naughty Ranking: 11

Showing Some International Love: U20 Division I and Division II Results

In the fog of 24/7, recent concussions, and All-Star voting, there is something lost, the beginning of this year's World Juniors. Yaya, it's not really "lost" because the preview takes up 80% of Sportscentre on TSN, and that's only team Canada. But the real start is in the the lower divisions. They started almost two weeks ago, and even though I forgot to do a preview, I'll make it up with the results...lazy, lazy results.

U20 Division IA - Host: Germany

Final Standings
1 (Promotion)- Germany     5W-0L- +25GD
2- Belarus     3W-1OTL-1L- +11GD
3- Norway     3W-2L- +6GD
4- Slovenia     1W-2OTW-2L- +4GD
5- Austria     1W-1OTL-3L- -15GD
6 (Relegation)- Great Britain     0W-5L- -31GD

U20 Division IB - Host: Poland

Final Standings
1 (Promotion)- France     4W-1L- +13GD
2- Kazahkstan     3W-1OTL-1L- +2GD
3- Italy     2W-1OTW-2L- +5GD
4- Poland     2W-1OTL-2L- +4GD
5- Croatia     2W-3L- -13GD
6 (Relegation)- Japan     0W-1OTW-4L- -11GD

U20 Division IIA - Host: Ukraine

Final Standings
1 (Promotion)- Ukraine     3W-2OTW-0L- +14GD
2- Lithuania     3W-2OTL-0L- +8GD
3- Hungary     2W-1OTW-2L- +9GD
4- Spain     2W-3L- -8GD
5- Netherland     1W-1OTW-3L- -14GD
6 (Relegation)- South Korea     0W-2OTL-3L- -9GD

U20 Division IIB - Host: Estonia

Final Standings
1 (Promotion)- Romania     5W-0L- +35GD
2- Estonia     4W-1L- +37GD
3- Serbia     3W-2L- -8GD
4- Belgium     1W-1OTW-3L- -6GD
5- Australia     1W-4L- -24GD
6 (Relegation)- Mexico     0W-1OTL-4L- -34GD

Saturday Night Hockey

Ugh, another busy Saturday...well you know the drill.

Oh, and Winnipeg fans, I know you booed Doan when when he came back (gutless....gutless). If you guys dare boo Selanne, I'll go back to referring to you guys as the Thrashers.

Wait, one more: JACQUES MARTIN FIRED!!! PLAN THE PARADE!!!

Lineup NOTables

Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Vancouver: Byron Bitz (groin), Andrew Ebbett (foot), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Aaron Vopatti (shoulder), and David Booth (knee) are out while Daniel Sedin (back) is questionable. Roberto Luongo will start.
Telecommunications Slaves: Mike Brown (back), Matthew Lombardi (shoulder), and Mike Komisarek (arm) are out. James Reimer starts tonight.

New Jersey Devils vs. Montreal Canadiens

New Jersey: Jacob Josefson (clavicle surgery) and Andy Greene (toe) are out while Henrik Tallinder (wrist) is questionable. Martin Brodeur is expected to start.
Montreal: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Ryan White (hernia), Scott Gomez (groin), and Brian Gionta (lower body) are out while Travis Moen (foot) is questionable. Carey Price starts (who else would)

Anaheim Ducks vs. Winnipeg Jets

Anaheim: Jason Blake (wrist), Saku Koivu (groin), and Matt Smaby (thumb) are out. Jonas Hiller will start.
Winnipeg...for now: Tobias Enstrom (collarbone) and Derek Meech (lower body) are out while Nik Antropov (foot), Alexander Burmistrov, and Randy Jones (upper body) are questionable. Ondrej Pavelec gets the start.

Edmonton Oilers vs. San Jose Sharks

Edmonton: Only Cam Barker (ankle) is out. Devan Dubnyk gets the start.
San Jose: Douglas "I swear I'm Swedish" Murray (hand), Jim Vandermeer (upper body), and Antero Niittymaki (hip) are out. Antti Niemi will start tonight.

Saturday Night Hockey

Work then an exam today...wait what?

One more thing, I fall asleep for one day and the Habs go out and get Kaberle? Ugh...


Lineup NOTables

Montreal Canadiens vs. New Jersey Devils 

Montreal: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Brian Gionta (lower body), Scott Gomez (groin), and Ryan White (hernia) are out while Chris Campoli (leg) is questionable. Carey Price starts.
New Jersey: Travis Zajic (achilles), Jacob Josefson (clavicle surgery) Cam Janssen (sternum), Andy Greene (toe), and Anton Volchenkov (hand) are out. Martin Brodeur will start this afternoon

Vancouver Canucks vs. Ottawa Senators

Vancouver: Bryon Bitz (groin), David Booth (knee), Andrew Ebbett (foot), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), and Aaron Vopatti (shoulder) are out while Chris Higgins (foot) is doubtful. Corey Schneider is expected to start.
Ottawa: Peter Regan (shoulder), Filip Kuba (upper body), and Sergei Gonchar (upper body) are out. Craig Anderson is in net.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Detroit Red Wings

Winnipeg: Nik Antropov (lower body), Eric Fehr (shoulder), Aaron Gagnon, Tobias Enstrom (collarbone), Ron Hainsey (lower body), and Derek Meech (lower body) are out. Ondrej Pavelec gets the start.
Detroit: Patrick Eaves (jaw) and Jan Mursak (ankle) are out. Jimmy Howard will start tonight.

Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames (Again?)

Edmonton: Taylor Hall (shoulder), Cam Barker (ankle), Ladislav Smid (upper body), Taylor Fedun (femur), and Corey Potter (ankle) are out. Andy Sutton is suspended. Nikolai Khabibulin might start.
Calgary: David Moss (foot), Anton Babchuk (hand), Mark Giordano (leg), and Henrik Karlsson (knee) are out. Miikka Kiprusoff gets the start tonight.

Hooray For Radical Realignment

As of Monday, the NHL Board of Governors approved of a complete make-over of the NHL. For a better look, here is the CBC graphic:

First off, WHY IS FRIGGEN FLORIDA AND TAMPA IN THE "NORTHEAST" CONFERENCE?

I realize that the sticking point was keeping state rivals Pittsburgh and Philadelphia in the same division conference. But that would have been easily fixed. Just swap the Pennsylvania and Florida teams. I know a big issue was the East/West geographical divide, but shouldn't the same apply for North/South on something like that? Before someone says why this doesn't bug me for teams like Edmonton and LA being in the same conference, I'll remind you there aren't a dozen teams between them. For a good look at the travel issues, check out On The Forecheck's breakdown of travel by each team for this and last season. Spoiler Alert: Lou Lamoriello is scared of a plane.

The Phoenix Situation

Honestly, this one is relocation proof. Phoenix stays, no move. Phoenix moves to Seattle, no move. Phoenix goes to Hamilton or Quebec City, moves to "Northeast" Conference and only adds another team to conference. Phoenix moves to Kansas City, moves to "Central" Conference then...uh...Hello Detroit to the "Northeast".

Conference Names

Bring back Smythe, Norris, Patrick, and Adams (start top left, go clockwise when looking at above picture). I hear the idea that naming them Gretzky, Howe, Lemieux, Orr or other famous players would be good, but as a Habs fan I'd be damn if I have to refer to my team as the Orr Conference Champions (just typing that was painful).

Playoffs

Right now, it stands are the top four teams from each conference enter the playoffs in a divisional round. Then another divisional round. Then....well...whatever. They will figure that out later.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this. It cuts down on potential "Cinderella teams" and there is too high a chance of seeing the same teams battle year after year. Not that the Leaf/Sens battle a decade ago wasn't good, but repetition can get tiresome.

Wales and Campbell Trophies

The Wysh brought this to light: what happens to the Prince of Wales and Campbell Trophies?

Here's my proposal:  Have the conference playoff champions enter a draw. Two are drawn for the Prince of Wales trophy and the other two battle for the Campbell.

Sunday Night Hockey: FIGHT!!!

I'm working on something, I swear. Stay tuned...

Monthly Standings

The Leafs still second? That will change.

Six Thoughts:

• Really no surprise in the Atlantic
• Bruins from worst to first? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
• FLORIDA? FLORIDA! WHAT THE HELL?
• Ok, not that I turned off caps lock, we are back to (semi-) normal in the Central
• MINNESOTA? MINNESOTA! (ok ok I'll stop)
• The biggest surprise is that the Ducks are last...and maybe San Jose being in third (still early though)

Chaos In Finlandia

Ah, the beauty of the rarely seen line brawl.

It starts off with a collision in the corner, one Pelican goes into turtle mode while a HIFK tries to rip him apart. Then we get Arttu Luttinen (#9 Pelicans) trying to man-handled two guys before settling with Siim Liivik (#72 HIFK).

Cut to a faceoff in the Pelicans zone. You swear the linesman* couldn't drop the puck soon enough. The Pelicans just wanted to get their gloves off and fight. The best part is that since it was a powerplay for HIFK, there was gonna be an odd man out. Poor #3, seemed so eager to get at someone, then dejectedly skates back and watches. Also, a tender moment between #13 of HIFK and #4 of the Pelicans.

*Great, now I know what the next alternative jersey fad will look like.

Two Quick Notes

1. Yes yes, Winnipeg has a team. But in reality they were booing their franchise. Especially Shane Doan, the only guy still with the franchise. Winnipeg's logic: Boo us, yay Atlanta.
2. It's nice to see the Habs win vs. the Kings last night, but why did LA's only goal be scored by Dustin Penner?!?!

Links

The Wysh with an interesting take on coach firings.

Well, nice to see Pavel Bure be recognized by ONE Hall of Fame

Kerry Fraser: Voice of reason in a cloud of confusion...wait what?

Lineup NOTables

(Confession time: Most of the time I guess the starting goalies of each game. Most of the time I only need to change 2 of those guesses. Last night, thought, was brutal. Only had 3 right before I updated it. The later late game saved me from going below .500)

Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche

Detroit: Patrick Eaves (jaw) and Jan Murek (ankle) are out. Ty Conklin is in net.
Colorado: Peter Mueller (concussion), Mark Olver (head), and Erik Johnson (groin) are out. Semyon Varlamov starts tonight.

Minnesota Wild vs. Anaheim Ducks

Minnesota: Guillaume Latendresse (concussion), Justin Falk (back), Mike Lundin (back), Marek Zidlicky (concussion), and Niklas Backstrom (groin) are out while Cal Clutterbuck (thigh) is questionable). Josh Harding will start.
Boudreaus: Jason Blake (wrist), George Parros (eye), Matt Smaby (thumb), Lubomir Visnovsky (finger) and Dan Ellis (groin) are out. Jonas Hiller will start.

Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks

Calgary: Alex Tanguay (shoulder) David Moss (foot), Scott Hannan (knee), Mark Giordano (leg), and Anton Babchuk (hand) are out. Henrik Karlsson gets the start.
Vancouver: Mason Raymond (back), Byron Bitz (groin), Andrew Ebbett (foot), Arron Vopatti (shoulder), and Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder) are out. Roberto Luongo is expected to start.

Saturday Night Hockey

Nothing today because of work, might have something tomorrow.

Hey, it's not like we posted a few times this week to keep you entertained.

But honestly, who makes a student work on weekends...oh, almost every employer?...I'll shut up now.

Lineup NOTables

(Only one team [Vancouver] off and an early game? The schedule makers did this on purpose)

Montreal Canadiens vs. Los Angeles Kings (Why is the early game on the West Coast?!?!)

Montreal: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Andres Engvist (lower body), Scott Gomez (groin), Ryan White (hernia), Chris Campoli (leg), and Jaroslav Spacek (upper body) are out. Max Pacioretty is suspended. Carey Price is in net.
Los Angeles: Mike Richards (upper body), Scott Parse (hip), Willie Mitchell (lower body), and Alec Martinez (upper body) are out while Dustin Penner (hand) is questionable. Jonathan Bernier is expected to start.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins

Toronto: Colby Armstrong (ankle), Mike Brown (back), Matthew Lombardi (shoulder), and Mike Komisarek (arm) are out. James Reimer will start tonight.
BOO-ston: Only Marc Savard (concussion) is out. Tuukka Rask gets the start.

Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals

Ottawa: Just Peter Regin (shoulder) is out while Chris Neil (ankle) and Filip Kuba (upper body) are questionable. Craig Anderson will be in net.
Hunters: Jay Beagle (concussion), Mike Green (groin), and Tom Poti (groin) are out while Roman Hamrlik (lower body) is questionable. Michal Neuvirth starts tonight.

New Jersey Devils vs. Winnipeg Jets

New Jersey: Jacob Josefson (clavicle surgery) is out. Johan Hedberg will start.
Winnipeg: Tobias Enstrom (collarbone), Brett Festerling (upper body), Randy Jones (ankle), and Derek Meech (lower body) are out. Ondrej Pavelec starts tonight.

Calgary Flames vs. Edmonton Oilers

Old Alberta: David Moss (foot), Mark Giordano (leg), and Anton Babchuk (hand) are out. MMiiiikkkkaa KKiipprruussooffff gets the start.
New Alberta: Taylor Hall (shoulder), Ben Eager (back), Taylor Fedun (femur), Andy Sutton (groin), and Corey Potter (ankle) are out. Nikolai Khabibulin might start.

A Look At The KHL: The Yablonski Rule

Something happened recently that has saddened a select part of the hockey world:

Pauline Gretzky shut down her twitter account. (Good news...SHE'S BACK!!!)

Oh, and the KHL is is expected to introduce a new rule to curb goons from Nother America to play in their league. This rule is named after Jeremy Yablonski, he of 1 game with the Blues back in 2003-04, but most may know him as a former Senators farmhand.

So time for me to shake off the rust and remember how to do this.

Overview

Right now, they have put in a rule stating that each team may dress only one "tough guy" (must be a Russian translation for "goon"). Well there goes have of Vityaz Chekhov's roster. Wait wait, I got more:

• Vityaz Chekhov translated to English is "Hanson Brothers"
• Vityaz Chekhov - Making the Bruins look soft

If you didn't catch it, Vityaz Chekhov is the team gooning up the KHL. If you look at their roster, you can see why. Here are some examples of them...uh..."playing":

(against Avangard Omsk in 2010)

(last month vs. Dinamo Riga)

(even the coach gets involved)

(and this is why Yablonkski is sitting home eatting chips now)

The KHL is also trying to adopt a rule that would see only North American born players with at least 80-120 NHL games (no hard number yet) be allowed to play in the KHL. While this does help their efforts in cutting down on goons, it also alienates the guys who are minor league superstars that either just couldn't make the NHL or never got a proper shot.

North Americans in the KHL

Through extensive (re: 5 minutes) of research, I've counted 25 North American born players* that are currently in the KHL. Here is a list of the players that would be eligible to stay if the rule was set at 80 games:

• Jamie Lundmark (Dinamo Riga)
• Nick Tarnasky (Vityaz Chekhov)
• Deron Quint (Traktor Chelyabinsk)
• Dustin Boyd (Barys Astana)
• Brandon Bochenski (Barys Astana)
• Josh Gratton (Barys Astana)
• Kevin Dallman (Barys Astana)
• Nigel Dawes (Barys Astana)
• Andrew Hutchinson (Barys Astana)
• Chris Simon (Metallurg Novokuznetsk)
• Brent Sopel (Metallurg Novokuznetsk)
• Randy Robitaille (Metallurg Novokuznetsk)

That's only 12 players (48%) that would be allowed to stay. Of note, half of them play on the lone Kazakhstan team (Barys Astana).

*Goalies not included

The KHL Draft

Another side effect of the proposed rule is the inablity for KHL teams to draft North American players. Of course, 2 things already affect this:

1. Any KHL team (that isn't Vityaz Chekhov anyway) won't waste a pick on a noted junior goon (Now that I think about it, Dynamo Moscow did draft Zach Kassian in 2009. Soooo, there goes that point)
2. Anyone over this side of the world would blow off the chance to play in the NHL in favour of the KHL

This rule would just eliminates any team wanting to pick a North American player in the CHL. Although, those picks were just used to control the players KHL rights anyway. Ak Bars Kazan is just waiting for Taylor Hall's contract to expire.

MDK's Rant of the Calgary Flames

The title says it all ladies and gentlemen!

The NHL's Black Monday

The day after the NFL regular season is known as the day coaches hit the unemployment line after a bad season. It is usually referred to as "Black Monday" (or Tuesday...I'm not 100% on the day)

Today was the NHL's version.

The Capitals fired Bruce Boudreau, something that has been a loooooooooong time coming. It's hard to put all of the blame for the Caps problems on Bruce. The Alexs aren't producing (and for a guy with the last name Semin you expect that), the poor giveaways on defense, and the slipping in goaltending are all hurting the Caps right now. You got to admire how Boudreau went out though. Having the balls to bench Ovi in a crucial last minute of the game and scratching Semin, and BOTH of those moves worked. I hope he is back in the NHL soon, especially for the entertainment value.

Dale Hunter is in to replace Boudreau. It's nice to see the Caps give one of their all-time greats the gig, but having only coached in the OHL, I don't expect the Caps to improve immediately (like Hitchcock with the Blues).

In other firing:

The Hurricanes fired Paul Maurice...neh

The Hurricanes hired Kirk Muller...NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Carolina Hurricanes are your 2012 Stanley Cup Champions

Saturday Night Hockey: What Happened?

Who has two thumbs and has been burnt out since Tuesday from work and school?

(Points to self) "this guy"

Seriously, Crosby had a hell of a comeback then what happened?

NOTable Lineups

Edmonton Oilers vs. Colorado Avalanche

The Nuge's: Taylor Fedun (femur), Cam Barker (ankle), Andy Sutton (groin), and Corey Potter (ankle) are out. Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start.
Colorado: Peter Mueller (concussion) and Mark Olver (head) are out.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Boston Bruins

Winnipeg: Tobias Enstrom (collarbone), Brett Festerling (upper body), Randy Jones (ankle), and Derek Meech (lower body) are out while Ron Hainsey (lower body) is questionable. Ondrej Pavelec starts tonight.
Boston: Only Marc Savard (concussion) is out. Tim Thomas will start.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Montreal Canadiens

Crosby: Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Ben Lovejoy (wrist), an Brian Strait (elbow) are out. Marc-Andre Fleury gets the start.
Not Crosby: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Andreas Engqvist (lower body), Ryan White (hernia), Chris Campoli (leg), and Jaroslav Spacek (upper body) are out while Andrei Kostitsyn (lower body) and Scott Gomez (lower body) are questionable. Carey Price...you know the deal

Vancouver Canucks vs. San Jose Sharks

Vancouver: Mason Raymond (back), Byron Bitz (groin), Andrew Ebbett (foot), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder) are out while Kevin Bieksa (hip) and Roberto Luongo (upper body) are questionable. Cory Schneider might start.
San Jose: Frazer McLaren (hip), Alex Stalock (knee), and Antero Niittymaki (hip) are out. Antti Neimi is starting.

Merry Cros-mas

And on the 62th game, he shall returnith

(How's that for a pun headline NHL!)

Yes, the prodigal son of the NHL returns, and he shall be televised!

Something tells me this is how NHL's office and Penguins fans are taking the news of Crosby's return:

Saturday Night Hockey: Hockey Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame

Congrats to Mark Howe, Joe Nieuwendyk, Doug Gilmour, and Ed Belfour for being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The moment of the night was definitely when Mark Howe put his dad's jersey on.

This segment is still longer than Eddie's speech.

My guess for next year's ballot:

• Joe Sakic - virtually guaranteed
• Brendan Shanahan - if he's not inducted, he'll produce a Shanaban video for each board member that voted against him
• Jeremy Roenick - just out of shear awesomeness
• Pavel Bure - he's been snubbed for a few years, he's due. And speaking of being due...
• Pat Burns - HOW IS HE NOT IN YET!!!!!!

The Leafs New Goalie: An Empty Net

Need I say more?

Links

Check out Puck Daddy's seven top player/goalie collisions

Must Read: Micheal Farber on the demise of the slapshot

All your information about international games from the past week is here.

Lineup NOTables

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Winnipeg Jets (DAMN EARLY GAME!!!)

Philadelphia: Jaromir Jagr (lower body), Ian Lapierrere (concussion) and Blair Betts (knee) are out. Sergei Bobrovsky gets the start
Winnipeg: Tobias Enstrom (collarbone), Derek Meech (lower body), Randy Jones (ankle), and Ron Hainsey (upper body) are out. Ondrej Pavelec starts this afternoon.

Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Washington: Mike Green (groin), Jay Beagle (concussion), and Tom Poti (groin) are out. Tomas Vokoun will start.
Toronto: Matthew Lombardi (arm), Clarke MacArthur (upper body), Mikhail Grabovski (leg), Colby Armstrong (ankle), Mike Komisarek (arm), James Reimer (whiplash or concussion...take your pick) are out. Jonas Gustavsson might start tonight.

New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens

New York: Mike Rupp (knee), Wojtek Wolski (hernia), and Marc Staal (concussion) are out. Mathieu Biron gets the start tonight.
Montreal: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Andrei Kostitsyn (lower body), Ryan White (hernia), Chris Campoli (leg), and Hal Gill (illness) are out while Jaroslav Spacek (upper body) and Andreas Engqvist (lower body) are questionable. Carey Price is in net.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Edmonton Oilers

Chicago: Michel Frolik (shoulder) and Brent Seabrook (lower body) are both questionable. Ray Emery will get the start.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins': Darcy Hordichuk (knee), Taylor Fedun (femur), Ryan Whitney (knee), Cam Barker (knee), Andy Sutton (groin), and Corey Potter (ankle) are out. Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start.

Lucic/Miller Incident

"Last Saturday, an incident occurred between the Boston Bruins and the Buffalo Sabres..."

*wakes up*

Whoa, had a Shanaban dream...anyways, by now everyone knows about Lucic's hit on Miller, and if not, here it is:

Obviously, it's legal to hit a goalie. It's actually stated in the rule book TWICE.

The Hit

The hit was legal (if it was a skater - nice shoulder-to-shoulder check) but it was also avoidable. Lucic just glides into it. From the second angle (first replay) it looks like Lucic was off-centre to Miller, making the hit easier to avoid.

Lucic wasn't suspend, which was the right call, but I still wanted to see him gone for a few games.

No, your bias against the Bruins.

The Issue

Since the hit, a lot is being made about more protection for goalies. It's either "not enough" or "too much". Right know I think it's good, but if I had to pick a side, it would be for goalies to stay near the crease. A great analogy is that goalies in hockey are like quarterbacks in football: high-price investments meant to lead a team to victory. They also have specific rules to protect them.

Personally, I think having more physicality between goalies and players would make the game more entertaining. Here is an easy solution: add a new crease.

Better artist rendition than last time

Inside this crease, goalies are untouchable. It will allow for goalies to come out and possess the puck without having to worry about opponents not allowing them to cover the angles. Once the goalie handles the puck outside the outer crease, it's goalie season.

So come on NHL, lets make it happen.

Oh, and one more thing: GET RID OF THAT F***ING TRAPEZOID

Quick Word On Habs/Islanders Tonight

Be back later on (or maybe Friday) with a take on the Lucic/Miller incident last weekend. But right now an interesting point I heard during the podcast of Marek vs. Wyshynski today.

The 4 Swiss players in the NHL are playing in one game tonight:

Raphael Diaz and Yannick Weber for the Habs
Mark Streit and Nino Niederreiter for the Islanders

Three conclusions about this:

• Just wait until David Aebischer gets called up.
• For a neutral country, Switzerland produces a lot of defense(men).
• I'm betting this will be the first game (post-shootout) that we will see result in a tie.

Saturday Night Hockey: No Crosby

Busy day, going to keep it short and sweet this week.

Still No Crosby Yet

After weeks of playing the guessing game on his return, Crosby is still not playing in an actual game yet. While it was regarded as an estimated date, yestarday Sid was not dressed, and it's the smart move for Pittsburgh.

With back-to-back games, there would be a lot of questiuons flying around if he was only able to play in one of those games. With their next two games on Tuesday and Thursday, the day in-between can be used to evaluate him to see if he needs more time off or he's ready to go (provided he plays Tuesday)

The Only Goal Legally Scored By A Broken Stick

During a Swedish Allsvenskan between VIK Västerås HK and IF Malmö, this happened:

Two things pain me about this clip

1. I like Malmö
2. As a goalie, seeing the puck go off a teammate and in the net is one of the more painful ways to be scored on. 

Links

The NHL released it's All-Star Game fan ballots. Speculation on if Crosby can take the physicality of this game begins.

The Deutschland Cup is on and...wait, why is Canada not in it?

Speaking of international tournaments, also check out the European Hockey Tour

Congrats to L'henry Fabrice for defending France's net for 20 years.

Lineup NOTables

Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (Hall of Fame Game)

Ottawa: Peter Regin (shoulder) and Matt Carkner (knee) are out, Chris Neil (scared of Colton Orr) is questionable. Craig Anderson starts tonight.
Toronto: Colby Armstrong (ankle), Tim Connolly (Tim Connolly Syndrome) and James Reimer (whiplash? concussion? I dunno, ask his mom) are out while Mike Komisarek is questionable. Ben Scrivens is expected to start.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Columbus Blue Jackets

Not-Winning-peg: Eric Fehr (shoulder), Tobias Enstrom (collarbone), and Derek Meech (lower body) are out while Randy Jones (ankle) and Ron Hainsey (upper body) are doubtful. Ondrej Pavelec might start tonight.
Colum-bust: Kristen Huselius (pectoral surgery), Radek Martinek (concussion), Mark Dekanich (ankle), and Curtis Sanford (groin) are out. Steve Mason will start.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Nashville Predators (Nashville`s 1000th game)

Montreal: Ryan White (hernia), Andrei ``Right Knee`` Markov, and Chris Campoli (leg) are out while Mike Cammalleri (knee), Scott Gomez (upper body), and Andrei Kostitsyn (lower body) are listed as questionable. Peter Budaj is in net...wait...NO PRICE?!?!
Rinne-ville: Nick Spaling (lower body) and David Legwand (upper body) are out. Pekka Rinne is going to start.

Calgary Flames vs. Colorado Avalanche

Calgary: Brendan Morrison (knee) and Anton Babchuk (hand) are out. MMiiiikkkkaa KKiipprruussooffff starts tonight.
Colorado: Brandon Yip (arm) and Mark Olver (head) are out while Peter Mueller (concussion) is doubtful. Seymon Varlamov will start.

About The 1-3-1

Ladies and Gentlemen, the most exciting hockey play you'll ever see:

Ok, so "most exciting" might be an over-statement.

Basically, Tampa bay is set up in a diamond-plus-one with no pressure on the defense. Obviously, there is a lot of opinions on this. There is no way to beat the 1-3-1...or is there?

Here is a list of ideas I came up with (plus one I stole but give credit for) to beat the system:

• Do What The Flyers Did: Stall, just stall. Pass the puck around in the defensive zone and see if the lone "forecheck" will bite.
• Draw A Penalty: Looking at the video, there are a few times Lightning players had one hand on their stick and out to guard. Why not leisurely skate bye and "trip" over the stick, causing them to be penalized...or maybe you...either way, a penalty will eliminate the trap (for 2 minutes)
• Hit The Player...With The Puck: You remember the scene in The Longest Yard were Crewe throws the ball directly at the ref for not calling the game fair? Well drastic times calls for drastic measures. If the first guy isn't letting you do anything, then why not send him a message. Hey, technically it's legal (aka no penalty). Plus, if you hit him in the same spot as Crewe did to the ref, you get a highlight for the blooper reel.
• Fight: Yes, this does go with the first point. With everyone in the neutral zone standing around, go up a Lightning player and agitate them into dropping the gloves. BONUS: The crowd will wake up. 
• Install A Shot Clock: Via Puck Daddy comes the idea of installing a "shot clock" so teams have to advance the puck. The downside is that this opens up for more 1-3-1's to be used across the league.
• Ask Marc Savard: Apparently he's psychic.
• Get Jacques Lemaire To Coach All Games Against The Lightning: What better way to combat a trap with the trap.
• Constant Give-and -Go's: Speaking of short passes...Since the defense is more zone-oriented, set up so passing is constant. See below (yes, it was rushed together on Paint, but you'll get the point)

Artist Rendition...A horrible, horrible rendition

• Flying V: If the Mighty Ducks series taught us anything, is that the Flying V is unbeatable. 

Saturday Night Hockey: Standings/Realignment

There will be more later. Right now, your stuck with this:

Monthly Standings

Remember when I said I would try to milk every bit out of our division board's teet before realignment? (ok, so not the exact words used). We are going to use it to do a month-by-month look at the standings. Here is the first installment:

A few interssting things:

• The Atlantic Division looks like the only one that could end up that way
• Leafs first?!?! Bruins last?!?! The Hockey Gods must be crazy!
• Looks like Florida's offseason spending is paying off (for now)
• Only team out of place: Detroit
• First Place: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Not First Place: Not Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
• Anaheim off to a slow start. Did Teemu come back?

Realignment

Another day, another realignment plan. Here's what the NHL is now considering:

Right now, just Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are angered over this since it lessens their rivalry. There is an easy fix to this. Put Philly in Pittsburgh's division. Yes, it does get rid of the New York area rivalries, but its the only way to satisfy this situation.

Also, for the survival of the franchise, Columbus has to be in the "Northeast" Division. Detroit can stay "Central" and not have to complain about the long road trips.

Links

If the Devil(s) go bankrupt, who do they sell their soul to? (Forbes)

The man behind hockeydb (Globe)

Ever wonder where the cheapest beer in the NHL is? The Wysh has go you covered (Puck Daddy)

You now how people say its "politically correct" to rename teams nicknamed after Native Americans? Here's the other side to that. (Grand Forks Herald)

Lineup NOTables

(Before I being, does the CBC run the NHL schedules on Saturday? There is always at least 3 eastern Canadian teams playing but only 1 western team.)

Boston Bruins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Last place Bruins: Marc Savard (concussion) is out while Benoit Pouliot, Rich Peverley, and Dennis Seidenberg are questionable. Tim Thomas is in net.
First place Leafs: James Reimer (whiplash) and Colby Armstrong (ankle) are out. Ben Scrivens gets the start.

Buffalo Sabres vs. Ottawa Senators

Pegula-ville: Jochen Hecht (concussion) and Tyler Ennis (ankle) are out. Patrick Kaleta is suspended. Jonas Enroth will start.
Ottawa: Daniel Alfredsson (concussion), Peter Regin (shoulder), and Matt Carkner (knee) are out. Craig Anderson is expected to start

Winnipeg Jets vs. New Jersey Devils

Winter-peg: Eric Fehr (shoulder), Tobias Enstrom (collarbone), Ron Hainsey (upper body), Derek Meech (lower body), Chris Mason (groin) are out while Mark Stuart (upper body) and Randy Jones (foot) are questionable. Ondrej Pavelec is expected to start.
New Jersey: Travis Zajac (achillies) and Jacob Josefson (clavicle surgery) are out, Ilya Kovalchuk (leg), Andy Greene (lower body), Johan Hedberg (back) and Eric Boulton (hand) are probable. Martin Brodeur starts tonight.

Montreal Canadiens vs. New York Rangers

Montreal: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Scott Gomez (upper body), Ryan White (hernia), and Chris Campoli (leg) are out. Carey Price gets to start.
Softest. Team. Ever: Mike Rupp (knee) and Marc Staal (concussion) are out, Wojtek Wolski (groin) is doubtful. Henrik Lundqvist is in net.

Edmonton Oilers vs. Phoenix Coyotes

Kids and the Hall: Ales Hemsky (shoulder), Darcy Hordichuk (knee), Taylor Fedun (leg), Ryan Whitney (knee) are out while Cam Barker (shoulder) is questionable. Andy Sutton is suspended. Nikolai Khabibulin could be in net tonight.
Phoenix: Michal Rozsival (head) is out, Martin Hanzal (lower body) and Cal O'Reilly (groin) are questionable. Mike Smith might start tonight.

Saturday Night Hockey: What Happened?

Well That Was A Hell Of A Night

Thursday night was...interesting.

Winnipeg and Philadelphia played without goalies. If you don't believe me, see what a good friend of mine captured:

Philly's empty net still has a better save percentage than Brzygalov.

Ok, in all seriousness it was a crazy game. Winnipeg blew a 6-2 lead, trailed 7-6, then came back and won it. Winnipeg also becomes the first Canadian team to shutout Jagr this season. If that was said 10 years ago, it would be a lot more impressive.

In not-as-crazy news, Montreal won 2-1 against Boston, and scored 3 goals in the process. Think that one of their goals got called back? Think again. Here is Boston's lone goal:

Three Things:

• BROKEN STICK, NO GOAL DAMMIT.
• That was the start of Plekanec's two goal night
• So, now do we demand Halak back?

Poorly played by Price, but he otherwise played a good game, and won. This won't be remembered for long.

Also, the Leafs won.

And the Oilers handed the Capitals there first regulation lost of the season.

(Is it just me, or did it seem like just last week Canadian teams couldn't by a win?)

Quick Word On The Habs

Perry Pearn was a scapegoat, no questions. The Habs needed something to spark the team and, unfortunately, Pearn was in the line of fire.

Milestones

Here are a few milestones (that mostly happened last week)

• Hal Gill's 1000th game
• Joe Thornton's 1000th game and 700th career assist
• Niclas Lidstrom's 1500th game
• Carey Price's 100th win
• Jonathan Quick's 100th win and 3 game shutout streak (ended Thursday against the Stars)

Other News

Congrats to Hungarian team Dunaujvarosi Acelbikak  and Latvian team Liepajas Metalurgs for advancing to the third round of the Continental Cup

Sad day for the University of Huntsville-Alabama. Their hockey team is leaving NCAA Division I hockey due the the shift in conferences. They're now operating as an in-house operation.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins stays with the Oilers. In other news, the sun came up today.

Lineup NOTables

Ottawa Senators vs. New York Rangers (Dammit, it's an early game)

Ottawa: Peter Regin (shoulder), Bobby Butler (groin), Matt Carkner (knee), and Alex Auld are out. Craig Anderson gets the start.
Avery-less: Marc Staal (concussion) and Mike Rupp (knee) are out. Henrik Lundqvist starts this afternoon.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

CROSBY'S STILL OUT! STOP ASKING!: Jordan Staal (lower body), Tyler Kennedy (concussion), Zbynek Michalek (finger), Brian Strait (elbow), and...well...you-know-who are out. Brent Johnson is in net tonight.
The Phil Kessel's: Colby Armstrong (ankle) and James Reimer (whiplash) are out. Jonas Gustavsson gets the start.

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens

Boston: Marc Savard (Matt Cooke'd) and Benoit Pouliot (flu) is out. Tukka Rask is starting tonight.
Le Losér Winnér: Scott Gomez (upper body), Ryan White (hernia), Chirs Campoli (leg) and (as usual) Andrei "Right Knee" Markov are out. Carey "Finally Got  Win #100" Price is in nets.

Winnipeg Jets vs. Tampa Bay Lightning

Winnipeg: Eric Fehr (shoulder) and Ryan Hainsey (upper body) are out while Chris Mason (lower body) is questionable. Ondrej Pavelec will likely start.
Tampa Bay: Only Mattias Ohlund (knee) is out. Dwayne Roloson is expected to start.

Washington Capitals vs. Vancouver Canucks

Washington: Jay Beagle (Arron Asham'd), John Erskine (shoulder) and Tom Poti (groin) are out while Mike Green (ankle) and Michal Neuvirth (foot) are questionable. Toman Vokoun gets the start.
The Cory Schneider's: Mason Raymond (back), Bryon Bitz (groin), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), and Aaron Rome (hand) are out. Roberto Luongo starts.

Sunday Night Hockey: The "How NOT To" Edition

How NOT to Prove a Point


In the recent Ask Adam, this question was asked:

Hey Adam, In last week’s mailbag, Mitch Wood from Battleford, Sask., wrote, ‘This is almost as terrible as when Americans needed a streak on the puck because they couldn't tell where it was. I wish they’d stop messing with our game!’ And the title of the mailbag was “American Leafs”?!?!


I am tired of seeing the Anti-American sentiment on this site. I know you can’t stop people making these comments, but you sure can keep them from showing up in your blog. I'm just shocked that in your response to the ignorant Mitch Wood, that you didn't mention the American Fans had nothing to do with Mr. Glow Puck, and we despised it just as much.


I apologize ahead of time to the Canadian people that don't fit this next part, but I’m tired of Canadians thinking they own hockey. The Original Six NHL teams had three Canadian teams and three American teams. If it wasn't for American revenue and media, hockey would not be as big as it is today. Are there some American markets that can’t support hockey? Sure, just as there are Canadian markets that couldn’t support hockey. So where are all the anti-American feelings coming from?


John Mason, Newark, N.J.

First off, kudos to John for not classifying all Canadians as that (and I’ll admit at times I share in the Anti-American sentiment towards hockey). That said, I’m pretty sure that there was TWO Canadian teams and FOUR American teams when it was the original six. Yes, American media is much more powerful than Canadian media, so hockey’s popularity would increase ten-fold, but the revenue part is different. While I can't seem to find an updated version, a Forbes 2008 run-down shows that 3 of the team 5 teams who generate the biggest revenue are Canadian. The average revenue generated by Canadian teams is $114 million compared to the American average of $85.95 million (the top 6 American teams average $108). T.V. deals (hard to argue with) and having the Winter Classic (Canadian idea) every year does help though.

And its not like anti-Nationality sentiment is just in hockey. Anyone whose read ESPN this summer knows
about the article accusing the Blue Jays of “sign-stealing” and backing up with stats that, in reality, proved almost nothing in these accusations (and anyone can have “anonymous” sources). Also look at what the abortion of a site called Grantland published last month. Yes, the guy who wrote it was Canadian, but don’t tell me that he wasn’t paid to keep up appearances. You swear if they ran The Leafs Nation's response to it then he would have been hung.

But I digress.

How NOT to be a Journalist (A Two Parter)


Earlier this week, there were two poorly thought of articles.

The first one was an attack on the Colorado Avalanche and how no one in the area is paying attention to the team (the article was removed). I’ll refer you to Puck Daddy’s beautifully done rebuttal (it’s a hell of a lot better than what I can come up with).

The second should be no surprise. An editorial by The Province saying that Luongo should go for Vinny Lecavalier. First off: BAHAHAHAHAAHAHAH really? Second, Canucks fans/writers got to calm the f*** down. You team started just as bad last year and end up winning the President’s trophy and came within a game of winning the Stanley Cup. Luongo is a top 5 goalie in the league while Lecavalier is pasted his prime. If he came to Vancouver, not only would he be THIRD on the depth chart (behind Henrik Sedin and Kesler) but the second he goes two games without a point you almost guarantee that everyone would want Luongo back. Cory Schneider is a good goalie but I don’t think he could be a permanent start (tandem goalie on the other hand).

Lineup NOTables

Only one game tonight, so why not highlight it.

Phoenix Coyotes vs Anaheim Ducks

So-to-be-goners: Michal Rozsival (upper body) and Kurt Sauer (post-concussion syndrome) are out. Mike Smith might start.
The Once Mighty Ducks: Jason Blake (wrist) and Matt Smaby (thumb) are out. Jonas Hiller is expected to start.

Saturday Night Hockey

Gone to a friend's cottage today, if there's any time I'll write something. If not, then probably do something for Sunday. In the meantime...

Lineup NOTables

Nashville Predators vs. Calgary Flames

Nashville: Mike Underwood (shoulder), Martin Erat (upper body), Roman Josi (upper body), and Francois Boullion (coming back to Montreal, please please please...I mean concussion) are out. Pekke Rinne gets the start.
Calgary: Just Mikael Backlund (broken finger) is on the IR. Miikka Kiprusoff is expected to start.

Minnesota Wild vs. Vancouver Canucks

Minnesota: Mike Lundin (back) is out while Mikko Koivu (sweet chin music via Heatley) is questionable. Niklas Backstrom is going to start.
Vancouver: Byron Bitz (groin), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Mason Raymond (back), and Aaron Rome (hand) are out while Mikeal Samuelsson (groin) is probable. Cory Schneider is expected to start.
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Ottawa Senators

Western Losers: Jared Boll (thumb), Kristian Huselius (pectoral surgery), Jeff Carter (foot), Mark Dekanich (ankle), and Curtis Sanford (groin) are out while Marc Methot (lower body) is questionable. James Wisneiwski is still suspended. Steve Mason will start.
Eastern Losers: Bobby Bulter (groin), Peter Regin (shoulder) and Matt Carkner (right knee) are out. Craig Anderson is expected to start.

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens

The "wait, how do they only have one regulation loss?" Leafs: Tim Connolly (for being himself), and Colby Armstrong (ankle) are out while Clarke MacArthur (lower body) is questionable. James Reimer will start tonight.
The "bring out your injured defensemen" Habs: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Chris Campoli (leg), Jaroslav Spacek (upper body), and Ryan White (hernia) are out while Scott Gomez (upper body) is questionable...though should be out. Carey "I got 99 problems but a win ain't one" Price gets the start.

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Winnipeg Jets

Carolina: Zac Dalpe (lower body) is probable. Brian Boucher might start.
Loser-peg: Eric Fehr (shoulder), Aaron Gagnon, and Kenndal McArdle are out while Ron Hainsey (upper body) and Jim Slater (partying "flu-like symptoms") are questionable. Ondrej Pavelec starts tonight.

New York Rangers vs. Edmonton Oilers

Avery-less: Michael Sauer (shoulder) and Marc Staal (concussion...thanks Eric) are out while Wojtek Wolski (groin) is questionable. Henrik Lundqvist goes for the Westen Canada sweep.
Edmonton:  Darcy Hordichuk (knee), Ales Hemsky (shoulder), and Taylor Fedun (broken femur) are out while Sam Gagner (ankle) and Taylor Hall (illness) are questionable. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Nikolai Khabibulin is expected to start.

Saturday Night Hockey: Lawsuits, Taunting, and Player/Goalie Battles? Oh My

No video for tonight, just a bunch of ramblings.

Suing Cherry? Why I Never...

Well now, Cherry's gone done tick off the wrong people. Chris Nilan, Stu Grimson, and Jim Thomson are upset and are considering a lawsuit against Cherry for his comments.

Now, I don't know the stances Stu Grimson and Jim Thomson had made in the past. Nilan, on the other hand, floored me with his recent comments:

Nilan also clarified his stance on fighting and cleared up a misunderstanding that might have led to Cherry’s comments in the first place.

“I never said I wanted to see an end to fighting,” Nilan said. “What I don’t like is a guy calling up another guy for a fight.

The defense presents Exhibit A, an interview last month with QMI Agency after the death of Wade Belak:

Chris Nilan, one of the league's top enforcers a generation ago for the Montreal Canadiens, says it's time for commissioner Gary Bettman to snuff out fighting for good.

"The NHL should ban fighting because it's no longer a factor in the games," Nilan told QMI Agency.

I rest my case your honour.

Arron Asham is Going to Knock You the F*** Out

If your name is Jay Beagle that is.

During Thursday's Caps/Pens game, Beagle took a shot at Kris Letang.  Now, Letang isn't exactly a big guy by NHL standards (6'0" 201lbs) and is a two-way defenseman, so he's not exactly expected to fight back. Arron Asham on the other hand is expected to protect his teammates (despite being around Letang's size - 5'11" 205lbs). So he did the right thing and stood up for Letang (although there are other sources saying Beagle was the challenger). So Asham and Beagle fight. Two punches later, Beagle is down and Asham is skating away victorious.

Now here is the "problem". After the fight, Asham begins taunting, first with an arm waving gesture (like an umpire calling a player safe in baseball) then by putting his hands together and pretending to sleep. Obviously, taunting now-a-days is frowned upon, so he gets heat for it. Here is the problem though, he doesn't realize the severity of the situation until AFTER his escort to the penalty box.

Of course, after the game apologizes are exchanged and every should (spoiler alert: that's the key word) be fine. Was it wrong? To the majority yes, but anyone who has ever played a sport in there life (or any sort of competitive competition) knows that emotions can run high and get the better of you. This is such an incident where this applies. So anyone calling for Asham's head should lighten up, he's not the only one whose has ever taunted after a fight.

Best. Player/Goalie Exchange. Ever.

If you ever want to see a player and goalie fight, seach YouTube.

If you want to see them exchange words, then read how Justin Bourne treats goalies and Bobby Goepfert's response.

As a guy who plays on both sides of the puck (ya, that does look/sound bad, but I'm rolling with it) I don't mind the verbal abuse and actually enjoy the shoving matches that occur in the front of the net. Anything else is annoying.

Lineup NOTables

Figures, all six (er...seven) Canadian teams are in action:

Calgary Flames vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Calgary: Mikael Backlund (finger), Raitis Ivanans (concussion), Brendan Morrison (knee) are out. MMiiiikkkkaa KKiipprruussooffff gets the start.
Toronto: Tim Connolly (Tim Connolly syndrome) is out while Nazem Kadri (knee) is doubtful. James Reimer Reimer is in nets.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Montreal Canadiens

Colorado: Mark Olver (head) and Brandon Yip (arm) are out. Semyon Varlamov is expected to start.
Montreal: Micheal Cammarelli (leg laceration), Ryan White (hernia), Jaroslav Spacek (upper body), Chris Campoli (leg), and (as always) Andrei "Right Knee" Markov are out. Carey Price, starter, 'nuff said.

Ottawa Senators vs. Washington Capitals

Ottawa: Matt Carkner (knee), Jesse Winchester (shoulder), and Bobby Butler (groin) are out. Alex Auld is expected to start.
Washington: Tom Poti (groin) and John Erskine (shoulder) are out while Jay Beagle (for obvious reasons) and Michel Neuvirth are listed as probable. Tomas Vokoun may start.

Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets 2011 vs. Phoenix Coyotes Winnipeg Jets 1996

Winnipeg (New): Ben Maxwell, Kenndal McArdle, Eric Fehr (shoulder), and Aaron Gagnon are out. Chris Mason is going to start.
Winnipeg (Old): Michal Rozsival (upper body, supposity head) and Kurt Sauer (post-concussion syndrome) are out. Mike Smith gets start.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers

Vancouver: Ryan Kesler (hip), Mason Raymond (back), Byron Bitz (groin), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Nolan Baumgartner (foot), Aaron Rome (hand) are all out. Robero Luongo may start.
Edmonton: Ben Eager (concussion), Ales Hemsky (shoulder), Sam Gagner (ankle), and Ryan Whitney (ankle) are out. Devan Dubnyk might start.

Whose Gonna Win Tonight? Find Out Here

Once again, we took a camera, ourselves, and our jerseys and see what we could come up with. Enjoy!

Note: Yes, right now we're just doing predictions. Once we get more use to this we will talk about other news in the hockey world.

Sunday Night Hockey: Welcome Back Winnipeg

Will update post later, right now headed out to a thanksgiving dinner.

Update: Here are a few things I should get off my chest.

Explaining My "Hatred" For The Jets

Ok, maybe hatred is a bit strong, but I don't like the Jets. It all started when they (True North) went after the Thrashers. If the NHL would have conceded the Coyotes and move them back, I'd have no problem, but once that road was closed, they pursued the Thrashers. From what I seen, the NHL didn't do much to help Atlanta keep their team. So this is were the NHL shares some of the blame for my dislike: They team-blocked Jim Balsillie on THREE attempts, but allow True North to take a team hands down - albeit after failing to get the Coyotes. Moving on, after the over they completely mismanaged the team. Fired the GM, told the coach that he had to be interviewed TO KEEP HIS JOB, took too long to released their logo and jerseys, and - the most important in my opinion - WANTING TO FORGET THE THRASHERS. Fine, Atlanta didn't work out, but you don't try to whitewash the past. Even the Coyotes kept the whiteout and the retired numbers. Yes, even though Kovalchuk is the only noticeable player to play for the franchise for an extended amount of time, he's never going to have is number retired like other franchises.

Leafs Are Point-Shavers

While I'm in a ranting mood, what the hell was with the Leafs "collapse". Confession time: I gamble (not $1000, let'em-roll gambling, but small bets). So this may be the only time I'll complain about a Leafs win, but how do you blow a 5-1 lead? It's like Reimer summoned his inner Raycroft.

I did end up getting paid for the Leafs win, but not the extra I had on the Leafs winning by 2+ goals.

And yes, start making degenerate gambling jokes since I bet on the Leafs.

Video Time

There was another incident involving us and a camera, let's see what was recorded:



Other notes about last night:

Nice CLEAN hit by Phaneuf, but we can still expect a Shanahan video.

• Phil Kessel got a hat-trick = PLAN THE PARADE
• Sorry about the lack of analysis on the Pens-Flames game. Was switching between the game, MLB playoffs and CFL.
• What I do remember was Cooke's medicine getting served to him (small doses but it’s a start.)

Lineup NOTables

Montreal Canadiens vs. Atlanta Thrashers Winnipeg Jets

Montreal: Blair Betts (lower body back to Philly), Brendon Nash (shoulder), Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Lars Eller (shoulder), Ryan White (groin), and Chris Campoli (leg) are out Carey Price gets to start.
Winnipeg: Eric Fehr (shoulder) and Aaron Gagnon are out. Ondrej Pavelec probably will start

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Edmonton Oilers

Pittsburgh: Just like last night - Sidney Crosby (concussion), Nick Petersen (concussion) Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Robert Bertuzzo (knee), Boris Valabik (knee), and Brooks Orpik (hernia) are out. Late addition - Evegni Malkin out with lower body injury. Brent Johnson is expected to start.
Edmonton: Ryan Whitney (ankle), Sam Gagner (ankle), Ben Eager (concussion), Ladislav Smid (shoulder), Taylor Fedun (leg) are out while Taylor Chorney (knee) is probable. Devan Dubnyk will start.

Saturday Night Hockey: Opening Night Review

About Thursday Night

So...that opening game was...uh...ok, I can't sugar coat Montreal's performance. I've played in Beer League games that weren't as sloppy as Montreal's play.

(deep, calming breath)

Optimist side: It's only the first game
Pessimist side: Ya, but it was against the Leafs
Optimist side: Well they did improve from last season
Pessimist side: Yeah, from being ECHL caliber to AHL caliber
Optimist side: But you got to give Reimer credit, it's not like he only faced two shots. He made a few key saves
Pessimist side: And, unlike Price, wasn't going to lie down and let that first goal in
Optimist side: Price, if anything kept the Habs in the game
Pessimist side: Three words that will end this arguement: Dion Phaneuf Scored
Optimist side: Touché

Other Thoughts From Opening Night:

• Went 0-for-3 in my opening night predictions. Now I know what it feels like to be A-Rod.
• Didn't see any of the Philly-Boston game, but the highlight goal from Giroux makes you think that Jagr found his new Mario.
• Speak of Jagr, congrats to him on getting his 1,600th point.
• Hands up, who would have thought that Matt Cooke would have lead the league in scoring? No one.
• Either Penguins shooters are very patience in shootouts, or Luongo wants the damn thing to be over with.

Lineup NOTables

Ottawa Senators vs Toronto Maple Leafs

Ottawa: Peter Regin (shoulder), Jesse Winchester (shoulder), and Matt Carkner (looking at Colton Orr knee) are out. Craig Anderson may get to start tonight.
Toronto: Tim "Fragile" Connolly (shoulder) and Nazem Kadri (knee) are out. James Reimer gets the start.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Calgary Flames

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby (concussion), Nick Petersen (Crosby impersonator concussion) Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Robert Bertuzzo (knee), Boris Valabik (knee), and Brooks Orpik (hernia) are out. Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to start.
Calgary: Brendan Morrison (knee), Raitis Ivanans (concussion), Mikael Backlund (finger), and Brett Carson (back) are out, Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond is suspended for having too many L's in his name. Miikka Kiprusoff starts tonight.

Thursday Night Hockey: Regular Season Starts...NOW!!!

(Note: Sorry for the lateness, wing night took longer than expected. Hey, got back in time for Cherry.)

We did a video earlier of our predictions for tonight but the video isn't loading properly. We are going to try to get it on the site before the end of the first games. In the mean time:

UPDATE: Thanks to MDK for uploading it on youtube. Here is le video:




Doesn't it just bring a tear to your eye seeing brotherly-love like that?

Lineup NOTables

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston Bruins

Philadelphia: Ian Laperriere (concussion) is out, Jody Shelley and Tom Setito are suspended. Ilya Bryzgalov gets to start.
Boston: Marc Savard (concussion), and Steve Kampfer (knee) are out. Tim Thomas starts tonight.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Montreal: Blair Betts (lower body), Brendon Nash (shoulder), Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Lars Eller (shoulder), Ryan White (groin) are out. Carey Price gets the start.
Toronto: Tim Connolly (shoulder), Nazem Kadri (MCL) are out. James Riemer is in net.

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Vancouver Canucks

Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby (apparently something to do with his head? Nah he'll be fine...), Dustin Jeffrey (knee), Brooks Orpik (hernia) are out. Marc-Andre Fleury gets to start.
Vancouver: Ryan Kesler (hip), Nolan Baumgartner (foot), Aaron Rome (finger), Steve Pinizzotto (shoulder), Mason Raymond (back). Roberto Luongo starts tonight.