Ugh...I really wanted to have something ready but between a plane ride and sleeping all day I'm wiped. Hopefully I'll get to something tomorrow, in the mean time:
Line-up Notables
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Pittsburgh: There grocery list of injuries include: Brooks Orpik, Eric Godard, Mike Comrie, Aaron Asham, Mark Letestu, Chris Kunitz, Eric Tangradi, and Dustin Jeffrey...oh, some guys named Crosby and Malkin are out too. Marc-Andre Fleury is expected to start.
Toronto: Colton Orr and Jonas Gustavsson are out. James Reimer may start.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators
Philadelphia: Ian Laperriere, Blair Betts and Oskars Bartulis are out, Chirs Pronger is considered questionable. Brain Boucher may start.
Ottawa: Pascal Leclaire, Peter Regin, Daniel Alfredsson, and Sergei Gonchar are out, Chirs Neil is doubtful for tonight. Craig Anderson may get the start.
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Montreal Canadiens
Carolina: Eric Staal is out. Cam Ward will start.
Montreal: Andrei Markov, Josh Gorges, Jaroslav Spacek, and Matheiu Darche are all on IR. Carey Price starts tonight (even though he's questionable).
Boston Bruins vs. Vancouver Canucks
Boston: Trent Whitfield and Marc Savard are the only injuries for the Bruins. Tim Thomas is expected to start.
Vancouver: Alexander Elder, Lee Sweatt, Kevin Bieksa, Andrew Alberts, and Rick Rypien are all out.Roberto Luongo will start tonight.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Blasphemy Thursday
The main reason for the title is that...
Toronto vs. Montreal is TONIGHT
Um, I'm no schedule maker (and that there usually is one weekday game between the two) but honestly, whats the point in having them play each other when its not a Saturday - only exception being a back-to-back series, or if they meet in the playoffs.
It was REALLY, REALLY hard to write that playoff part with a straight face.
Kovalev to the Penguins...again
As reported earlier, the Penguins gave up a condition 7th round pick and...wait...really, a CONDITIONAL 7th round pick. Should have just let him go on waivers. But the upsetting thing is that the prophecy isn't happening....yet.
Toronto vs. Montreal is TONIGHT
Um, I'm no schedule maker (and that there usually is one weekday game between the two) but honestly, whats the point in having them play each other when its not a Saturday - only exception being a back-to-back series, or if they meet in the playoffs.
It was REALLY, REALLY hard to write that playoff part with a straight face.
Kovalev to the Penguins...again
As reported earlier, the Penguins gave up a condition 7th round pick and...wait...really, a CONDITIONAL 7th round pick. Should have just let him go on waivers. But the upsetting thing is that the prophecy isn't happening....yet.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saturday Night Hockey: The Night Before The Heritage Classic
Damn afternoon games...I'll be back later though.
AND...I'm back with about an hour to spare before midnight, so lets get started:
Trades! Trades! Trades!
The last few days provided the type of excitement that only the deadline should (side note: there goes TSN's deadline show). Here's a recap of the traded that happened in the last ten days:
Nashville: Mike Fisher
Ottawa: 1st-round pick 2011, conditional pick 2012
Trade Analysis: Well we finally know the redneck translation for "Yoko Ono". Now this isn't necessarily her fault, but I do remember an interview in which Mike suggested that he moved there after retirement, so...
Philadelphia: Kris Versteeg
Toronto: 1st-round pick 2011, 3rd-round pick 2011
Trade Analysis: Simple explanation of the term "If you can't beat them, trade for one of their guys and see how it works." As for the Leafs, I really like to know how a 27th overall pick (we're assuming here) is better than a lottery one.
Anaheim Ducks: 7th-round pick
Toronto: Aaron Voros
Trade Analysis: Ah yes, more truculence for the Leafs, exactly what they need. The only question I have about this trade is that why couldn't this be part of the Beachemin-Lupul trade that happened the week before
Ottawa: 2nd-round pick 2011
Boston: Chris Kelly
Trade Analysis: Just the Sens trying to clean house.
Anaheim: 5th-round pick 2012
Montreal: Paul Mara
Trade Analysis: The Habs NEED Defensemen. Won't be surprise if Souray ends up going to Edmonton then taking a 3-hour drive south for a certain game held in a certain football stadium.
Ottawa: 6th-round pick 2011
Anaheim: Jarkko Ruutu
Trade Analysis: Another house-cleaner for the Sens, nothing to see here.
Ottawa: Craig Anderson
Colorado: Brain Elliott
Trade Analysis: Quite a few people don't get the sense of this trade, but I think it's being used as a "change of scenery" one. It's obviously working since (*SPOILER ALERT*) Anderson just recorded a shut-out against the Leafs. Then again, if Price can do it, anyone can.
Boston: Rish Peverley, Boris Valabik
Atlanta: Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart
Trade Analysis: Obviously Boston is in need of a franchise player and they are counting on Boris Valabik to be that guy. Just kidding, just a cap-space movement for...
Boston: Tomas Kaberle
Toronto: Joe Colborne, 1st-round pick 2011, Conditional 2nd-round pick
Trade Analysis: HOLY S***, Kaberle finally moved. Actually this was expected, and the Leafs somewhat make up for the Kessel move. The somewhat being that one of the first-rounder's is already selected, the other one is about 20 places lower than it should be, and the 2nd-rounder is conditional.
Carolina: Derek Joslin
San Jose: Future Considerations
Trade Analysis: Yes, finally the Sharks get a proven playoff performer in this Future Considerations guy...wait...ok...well...uh...no big deal then.
Carolina: 2nd-round pick 2012
San Jose: Ian White
Trade Analysis: Oh come on. You guys JUST traded an hour ago, couldn't this be done sooner?
St. Louis: Brock Beukeboom, 3rd-round pick 2011
Tampa Bay: Eric Brewer
Trade Analysis: Well the Blues are starting a re-build mode of sorts. Nice way to start it off with the spawn of Jeff Beukeboom. As for Brewer, it's about time he played on a winning team.
St. Louis: Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk, Conditional 2nd-round pick
Colorado: Erik Johnson, Jay McClement, Conditional 1st-round pick
Trade Analysis: Kind of hard to make out this deal. Assuming St. Louis is in re-build mode, the win here favours the Avs.
Alumni Game
It was nice to see CBC airing the first period of the Alumni Game. It was extra nice to see the Habs...er..."Alumni" win 5-3. It does pain me to call them that after taking a look at the rosters. Side note: funny how the Flames team was 1/4 Leafs (ok, only the Mustachioed one played for the Leafs BEFORE the Flames, but still, some things never change). The Habs must have been desperate for guys for this game. Originally I called Blasphemy on the fact that Eric Fichaud was their goalie. After seeing the name Martin Gelinas on the roster, I had to immediately apologize to Fichaud (since he actually played for the Habs). Couldn't Calgary be nice and send over Nattress or Conroy? In the end though I'm glad the Habs won this one, now let's see if the current Habs can keep the streak going.
Canada Games
I was at the Nova Scotia-Ontario hockey game a few days ago. Here are 4 thoughts on the game:
1. Not just this game, but the Games themselves I have an issue with. I was hoping for the best amateur athletes in Canada, not an all U-20 event. That is all for that.
2. Surprisingly, Nova Scotia kept it respectable with a 5-3 loss (hey, better than the 5-0 lost against the same Ontario team in the round robin). I will say though that, overall, goaltending killed them, but there were a few defensive mistakes that were costly too.
3. P.K. Subban's brother Jordan was playing for the Ontario team and end up getting a goal. Not much of a celebration afterwards but (reportedly) it didn't stop Mike Richard's younger brother for getting after him for the lack of respect he showed.
4. Tie Domi's kid was also on the Ontario team. From what I remember he only got a goal. But what I do remember is that the kid didn't even get into a fight. How is he suppose to live up to his name with that type of play?!?!
Line-up Notables
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Edmonton Oilers
Atlanta: On the IR: Jim Slater, Alexander Burmistrov, and Freddy Meyer. Chris Mason will start this afternoon.
Edmonton: Only Ryan Whitney is out. Devan Dubynk gets the start.
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa: Pascal Leclaire, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jesse Winchester are out, Chris Campoli and Sergei Gonchar are questionable for tonight. Craig Anderson might make his first start for Ottawa tonight.
Toronto: Jonas Gustavsson, Mike Brown, Colton Orr, and J-S Giguere are out. James Reimer is expected to start.
Dallas Stars vs. Vancouver Canucks
Dallas: Jamie Benn, Brad Richards, Krys Barch, and Adam Burish are out, Nicklas Grossman is questionable. Andrew Raycroft is expected to start tonight.
Vancouver: The only team to make the Habs defense injury problem look tame has Alexander Elder, Lee Sweatt, Kevin Bieksa, Andrew Alberts, Dan Hamhuis, Keith Ballard, and Rick Rypien out. Roberto Luongo will start tonight.
AND...I'm back with about an hour to spare before midnight, so lets get started:
Trades! Trades! Trades!
The last few days provided the type of excitement that only the deadline should (side note: there goes TSN's deadline show). Here's a recap of the traded that happened in the last ten days:
Nashville: Mike Fisher
Ottawa: 1st-round pick 2011, conditional pick 2012
Trade Analysis: Well we finally know the redneck translation for "Yoko Ono". Now this isn't necessarily her fault, but I do remember an interview in which Mike suggested that he moved there after retirement, so...
Philadelphia: Kris Versteeg
Toronto: 1st-round pick 2011, 3rd-round pick 2011
Trade Analysis: Simple explanation of the term "If you can't beat them, trade for one of their guys and see how it works." As for the Leafs, I really like to know how a 27th overall pick (we're assuming here) is better than a lottery one.
Anaheim Ducks: 7th-round pick
Toronto: Aaron Voros
Trade Analysis: Ah yes, more truculence for the Leafs, exactly what they need. The only question I have about this trade is that why couldn't this be part of the Beachemin-Lupul trade that happened the week before
Ottawa: 2nd-round pick 2011
Boston: Chris Kelly
Trade Analysis: Just the Sens trying to clean house.
Anaheim: 5th-round pick 2012
Montreal: Paul Mara
Trade Analysis: The Habs NEED Defensemen. Won't be surprise if Souray ends up going to Edmonton then taking a 3-hour drive south for a certain game held in a certain football stadium.
Ottawa: 6th-round pick 2011
Anaheim: Jarkko Ruutu
Trade Analysis: Another house-cleaner for the Sens, nothing to see here.
Ottawa: Craig Anderson
Colorado: Brain Elliott
Trade Analysis: Quite a few people don't get the sense of this trade, but I think it's being used as a "change of scenery" one. It's obviously working since (*SPOILER ALERT*) Anderson just recorded a shut-out against the Leafs. Then again, if Price can do it, anyone can.
Boston: Rish Peverley, Boris Valabik
Atlanta: Blake Wheeler, Mark Stuart
Trade Analysis: Obviously Boston is in need of a franchise player and they are counting on Boris Valabik to be that guy. Just kidding, just a cap-space movement for...
Boston: Tomas Kaberle
Toronto: Joe Colborne, 1st-round pick 2011, Conditional 2nd-round pick
Trade Analysis: HOLY S***, Kaberle finally moved. Actually this was expected, and the Leafs somewhat make up for the Kessel move. The somewhat being that one of the first-rounder's is already selected, the other one is about 20 places lower than it should be, and the 2nd-rounder is conditional.
Carolina: Derek Joslin
San Jose: Future Considerations
Trade Analysis: Yes, finally the Sharks get a proven playoff performer in this Future Considerations guy...wait...ok...well...uh...no big deal then.
Carolina: 2nd-round pick 2012
San Jose: Ian White
Trade Analysis: Oh come on. You guys JUST traded an hour ago, couldn't this be done sooner?
St. Louis: Brock Beukeboom, 3rd-round pick 2011
Tampa Bay: Eric Brewer
Trade Analysis: Well the Blues are starting a re-build mode of sorts. Nice way to start it off with the spawn of Jeff Beukeboom. As for Brewer, it's about time he played on a winning team.
St. Louis: Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk, Conditional 2nd-round pick
Colorado: Erik Johnson, Jay McClement, Conditional 1st-round pick
Trade Analysis: Kind of hard to make out this deal. Assuming St. Louis is in re-build mode, the win here favours the Avs.
Alumni Game
It was nice to see CBC airing the first period of the Alumni Game. It was extra nice to see the Habs...er..."Alumni" win 5-3. It does pain me to call them that after taking a look at the rosters. Side note: funny how the Flames team was 1/4 Leafs (ok, only the Mustachioed one played for the Leafs BEFORE the Flames, but still, some things never change). The Habs must have been desperate for guys for this game. Originally I called Blasphemy on the fact that Eric Fichaud was their goalie. After seeing the name Martin Gelinas on the roster, I had to immediately apologize to Fichaud (since he actually played for the Habs). Couldn't Calgary be nice and send over Nattress or Conroy? In the end though I'm glad the Habs won this one, now let's see if the current Habs can keep the streak going.
Canada Games
I was at the Nova Scotia-Ontario hockey game a few days ago. Here are 4 thoughts on the game:
1. Not just this game, but the Games themselves I have an issue with. I was hoping for the best amateur athletes in Canada, not an all U-20 event. That is all for that.
2. Surprisingly, Nova Scotia kept it respectable with a 5-3 loss (hey, better than the 5-0 lost against the same Ontario team in the round robin). I will say though that, overall, goaltending killed them, but there were a few defensive mistakes that were costly too.
3. P.K. Subban's brother Jordan was playing for the Ontario team and end up getting a goal. Not much of a celebration afterwards but (reportedly) it didn't stop Mike Richard's younger brother for getting after him for the lack of respect he showed.
4. Tie Domi's kid was also on the Ontario team. From what I remember he only got a goal. But what I do remember is that the kid didn't even get into a fight. How is he suppose to live up to his name with that type of play?!?!
Line-up Notables
Atlanta Thrashers vs. Edmonton Oilers
Atlanta: On the IR: Jim Slater, Alexander Burmistrov, and Freddy Meyer. Chris Mason will start this afternoon.
Edmonton: Only Ryan Whitney is out. Devan Dubynk gets the start.
Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ottawa: Pascal Leclaire, Daniel Alfredsson, and Jesse Winchester are out, Chris Campoli and Sergei Gonchar are questionable for tonight. Craig Anderson might make his first start for Ottawa tonight.
Toronto: Jonas Gustavsson, Mike Brown, Colton Orr, and J-S Giguere are out. James Reimer is expected to start.
Dallas Stars vs. Vancouver Canucks
Dallas: Jamie Benn, Brad Richards, Krys Barch, and Adam Burish are out, Nicklas Grossman is questionable. Andrew Raycroft is expected to start tonight.
Vancouver: The only team to make the Habs defense injury problem look tame has Alexander Elder, Lee Sweatt, Kevin Bieksa, Andrew Alberts, Dan Hamhuis, Keith Ballard, and Rick Rypien out. Roberto Luongo will start tonight.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
HDIC Game Thoughts
Ottawa Senators vs. Edmonton Oilers
If anyone wonders why these two teams are in last, look no further then the first period of this game. Mistakes and turnovers were the story for both teams, but the bad bounce on Ottawa's second goal explained the Oilers for most of the game. Edmonton did pick it up in the second and third, but couldn't grab the lead. It's kind of saddening since Ottawa barely played better after the first. The big difference was that the Sens were able to capitalize on the Oilers mistakes more than vice-versa. Overall, both teams seem to try and force plays to happen. The few higlights of this game include Penner’s 2 goals (really nice shots off the post both times) and the Kovalev-Regin 2-on-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
The beginning of this game wasn't much better than the other one. Maybe the only difference was that the Sens and Oilers were able to score a couple while both teams here either didn't or couldn't create chances. The only highlight of the first period would probably be the fight between Subban and Lupul. Thank god they (in this case, the Habs) picked it up in the second. The Habs scored two near-identical goals in which the Leafs failed to recognize the guy in the slot BOTH times. They later added one more in the third to win 3-0. I'd like to know what the hell Darryl Boyce was thinking in the third period. Three penalties, with the added insult of shooting the puck at Subban on the third might have given his team no chance to comeback, much less break the shutout. In other news, Mike Richards just praised #47 on the Leafs for his “physical play”. As a Habs fan, it’s hard to say it, but I felt a little sorry for the Leafs. Their best chance (and I’m using that term loosely) was probably whenever MacArthur had a shot. Other than that, Kessel only added to the even more depressing Kessel-Tracker (half of me wants to praise CBC for the idea, the other half thinks that stuff should stay on TSN). Hopefully, their next matchup will be better, but with the same result in the end.
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
I missed some parts of this game, but from what I seen it was a hell of a lot better than the other two. Enough said. More? Well, for starters both teams actually had good chances instead of just shots on net. More physical than the other games (then again, the Habs-Leafs was the only other rivalry game and even then the odds of Habs repeating Wednesday night was pretty slim). Overall this was a better game than the other two, it’s a shame though that, due to the time change, it's kind of hard to stay up for it (note: general opinion that excludes me).
If anyone wonders why these two teams are in last, look no further then the first period of this game. Mistakes and turnovers were the story for both teams, but the bad bounce on Ottawa's second goal explained the Oilers for most of the game. Edmonton did pick it up in the second and third, but couldn't grab the lead. It's kind of saddening since Ottawa barely played better after the first. The big difference was that the Sens were able to capitalize on the Oilers mistakes more than vice-versa. Overall, both teams seem to try and force plays to happen. The few higlights of this game include Penner’s 2 goals (really nice shots off the post both times) and the Kovalev-Regin 2-on-1.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
The beginning of this game wasn't much better than the other one. Maybe the only difference was that the Sens and Oilers were able to score a couple while both teams here either didn't or couldn't create chances. The only highlight of the first period would probably be the fight between Subban and Lupul. Thank god they (in this case, the Habs) picked it up in the second. The Habs scored two near-identical goals in which the Leafs failed to recognize the guy in the slot BOTH times. They later added one more in the third to win 3-0. I'd like to know what the hell Darryl Boyce was thinking in the third period. Three penalties, with the added insult of shooting the puck at Subban on the third might have given his team no chance to comeback, much less break the shutout. In other news, Mike Richards just praised #47 on the Leafs for his “physical play”. As a Habs fan, it’s hard to say it, but I felt a little sorry for the Leafs. Their best chance (and I’m using that term loosely) was probably whenever MacArthur had a shot. Other than that, Kessel only added to the even more depressing Kessel-Tracker (half of me wants to praise CBC for the idea, the other half thinks that stuff should stay on TSN). Hopefully, their next matchup will be better, but with the same result in the end.
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
I missed some parts of this game, but from what I seen it was a hell of a lot better than the other two. Enough said. More? Well, for starters both teams actually had good chances instead of just shots on net. More physical than the other games (then again, the Habs-Leafs was the only other rivalry game and even then the odds of Habs repeating Wednesday night was pretty slim). Overall this was a better game than the other two, it’s a shame though that, due to the time change, it's kind of hard to stay up for it (note: general opinion that excludes me).
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Leafs/Habs Live Blog - Part Deux
10:40pm - GAME OVER. Habs win 4-0. This is the second time the Habs shutout the Leafs this season, giving me the idea that I should start doing this for all of the Habs games. Thanks for joining us, not sure if/when we’ll do this again. My thoughts on the 3 games will be posted either after the Flames-Canucks game or sometime tomorrow.
10:39pm - Gionta almost makes it 4-0 with an inclose shot that just missed the top corner.
10:37pm - Darryl Boyce with a cross-check on Subban, then fired the puck at him after the whistle. 5-on-3 for the Habs.
10:36pm - With the Leaf net pulled, Joey Crabb gets a penalty for high-sticking.
10:34pm - God damn Kostitsyn, tries to clear the puck but break his stick instead. The Leafs keep the puck in the zone and MacAuthur almost scored off a tip.
10:32pm - The Leafs are getting desperate, literally shooting from everywhere (Schenn took one from centre).
10:29pm - Plekanec (again) gets a partial break, but this time a Leaf defenseman was able to tie him up to prevent a shot.
10:27pm - Leafs finally killed a penalty that was theirs.
10:24pm - Darryl Boyce with another penalty, this time tripping.
10:23pm - Desharnais tries to set up Pouliot in the slot but he couldn't get a stick on it.
10:21 pm - Leafs are now 0-for-5 on the PP tonight. Habs with a few chances afterwards.
10:17pm - Another goal, another penalty right after for the Habs. Lars Eller for hooking.
10:14pm - GOAL. Desharnais does a rink-wide give-and-goal with Gomez ask he tips the pass through Giguere. 3-0 Habs.
10:12pm - The Leafs are (somewhat) getting shots on net, but they’re from a distance, nothing of quality. Habs on the powerplay, Darryl Boyce gets called for hooking.
10:10pm - Plekanec with another breakaway (albeit a partial one), another save for Giguere.
10:06pm - The third period begans, but just before that Elliott Friedman mentioned that he wishes he could have covered a Nordiques-Habs rivalry. Well if he worked on TSN Wednesday then he could have had a similar experience.
9:47pm - Komisarek gloves the puck in front of the net, causing a faceoff, and getting away with what should be a penalty. The period ends after the faceoff. Habs 2 Leafs 0.
9:43pm - Phaneuf gets called for high-sticking, the Habs get 1:40 of PP time.
9:42pm - Leafs still get nothing going on the PP. Versteeg is starting to be this period's Wisniewski on the powerplay.
9:40pm – Kostitsyn with a stupid penalty (is there any other type of penalty for him?). He shoved a Leaf player into the boards after touching the puck for an icing.
9:36pm - Habs continue were they left off before the penalty, going back onto the attack.
9:35pm - Leafs have another unsuccessful PP. It's true that if Kaberle was willing to shoot the puck, the Habs wouldn't be able to ignore him.
9:32pm - Momentum’s gone, Habs get a too many men penalty.
9:31pm - Another goal. Almost the same as the last as Pacioretty feeds Gionta in the slot who scores. 2-0 Habs.
9:26pm - FINALLY, Desharnais gets the puck behind the Leaf net and passes to Pouliot in the slot who gets it pass Giguere. 1-0 Habs
9:22pm - After another series of back-and-forth with no results, Moen gets a pass over the blueline and trys to go shortside with no success.
9:17pm - Penalty over as the Leafs go back to their original PP philosophy: Kill your own powerplay
9:16pm - Plekanec gets a breakaway pass but couldn't finish as Giguere stopped him.
9:15pm - Hamrlik called for tripping, Leafs on their second powerplay.
9:14pm - CBC's first Kessel-Tracker shown. Kinda funny that most of the time he's in the defensive zone.
9:11pm - Habs keeping the pressure up, but not getting anything done. Versteeg almost had a breakaway but was leveled by Spacek at the Habs blueline.
9:09pm - Second period about to being, really hoping something happens here.
8:55pm - Did I mention I'd fix the last post with an update....well I'm kinda struggling with keeping up with this too. So update might have to wait until tomorrow.
8:54pm - For the most part this hasn't been a good game, the fight has been the only real highlight (and maybe one or two chances). It's still scoreless after the first period.
8:51pm - Habs with one last shot before the period ends. Easy save for Giguere.
8:49pm - Here we go, first fight of the night: Subban vs. Lupul. Subban lands a few good shots, but ends up on the ice after missing one.
8:48pm - Up to this point, it has been: Leafs shoot, Habs clear, Leafs come back, shoot, Habs clear again.
8:42pm - Habs with pressure, almost get a goal on a wrap-around attempt.
8:39pm - Leafs moving the puck really well on the PP, it's just a shame that their pointman has a no-shooting clause in his contract (along with the no-trade one)
8:38pm - Habs with their first penalty of the game. Ryan White for holding.
8:36pm - Habs turn on the offense with a blast from the point curiosity of Weber. Giguere had to stretch to make a save with the pad.
8:31pm - The Leafs get a 3-on-2, MacAuthur gets a shot off that almost got pass Price.
8:29pm - After some back-and-forth action, the Habs get one by Giguere with a shot from the point, now only if it hit the net.
8:25pm - Habs putting pressure on with a few chances in front of the Leafs net, unable to do anything.
8:23pm - Uneventful powerplay from the Habs.
8:22pm - Wisnewski is showing how much the Habs miss Markov on the PP, turned the puck over a couple times. Price also shows why Hab goalies should never try to handle the puck, almost gives it away for an easy goal.
8:20pm - First penalty of the game assessed to Ledba for interference.
8:19pm - Another whistle. As is stands right now, the Habs can't get anything going and the Leafs can't capitalize on the mistakes.
8:18pm - Kessel with two chances...from a distance, easy saves for Price.
8:17pm - The way the Habs are playing right now, it looks like they belong in the earlier game.
8:16pm – 15 seconds in and the first whistle because the net got knocked off
8:12pm-MDK: That's a midget team? Thought it was the Habs lineup
Me: Shut up
8:11pm - Bear with me, I'm trying to edit the updates I have ready for the last post. Will try to get them up before the end of the first.
8:10pm - The Donald with his usual grand entrance. Also good to see the Governal General there too.
7:49pm - Great feature on Roger Neilson, knew about the video studing but the other behind-the-scenes stuff was interesting
7:36pm - Wow, the rights to talk about Kessel's struggles just shifted to CBC. Subban wears a HNIC toque for an interview.
7:30pm - Welcome to the second live blog featuring the Habs and Leafs. Last time the Habs won 2-0, so let's see if the Leafs can tie it up, or the Habs go...well...2-0.
*Note: All times Atlantic
10:39pm - Gionta almost makes it 4-0 with an inclose shot that just missed the top corner.
10:37pm - Darryl Boyce with a cross-check on Subban, then fired the puck at him after the whistle. 5-on-3 for the Habs.
10:36pm - With the Leaf net pulled, Joey Crabb gets a penalty for high-sticking.
10:34pm - God damn Kostitsyn, tries to clear the puck but break his stick instead. The Leafs keep the puck in the zone and MacAuthur almost scored off a tip.
10:32pm - The Leafs are getting desperate, literally shooting from everywhere (Schenn took one from centre).
10:29pm - Plekanec (again) gets a partial break, but this time a Leaf defenseman was able to tie him up to prevent a shot.
10:27pm - Leafs finally killed a penalty that was theirs.
10:24pm - Darryl Boyce with another penalty, this time tripping.
10:23pm - Desharnais tries to set up Pouliot in the slot but he couldn't get a stick on it.
10:21 pm - Leafs are now 0-for-5 on the PP tonight. Habs with a few chances afterwards.
10:17pm - Another goal, another penalty right after for the Habs. Lars Eller for hooking.
10:14pm - GOAL. Desharnais does a rink-wide give-and-goal with Gomez ask he tips the pass through Giguere. 3-0 Habs.
10:12pm - The Leafs are (somewhat) getting shots on net, but they’re from a distance, nothing of quality. Habs on the powerplay, Darryl Boyce gets called for hooking.
10:10pm - Plekanec with another breakaway (albeit a partial one), another save for Giguere.
10:06pm - The third period begans, but just before that Elliott Friedman mentioned that he wishes he could have covered a Nordiques-Habs rivalry. Well if he worked on TSN Wednesday then he could have had a similar experience.
9:47pm - Komisarek gloves the puck in front of the net, causing a faceoff, and getting away with what should be a penalty. The period ends after the faceoff. Habs 2 Leafs 0.
9:43pm - Phaneuf gets called for high-sticking, the Habs get 1:40 of PP time.
9:42pm - Leafs still get nothing going on the PP. Versteeg is starting to be this period's Wisniewski on the powerplay.
9:40pm – Kostitsyn with a stupid penalty (is there any other type of penalty for him?). He shoved a Leaf player into the boards after touching the puck for an icing.
9:36pm - Habs continue were they left off before the penalty, going back onto the attack.
9:35pm - Leafs have another unsuccessful PP. It's true that if Kaberle was willing to shoot the puck, the Habs wouldn't be able to ignore him.
9:32pm - Momentum’s gone, Habs get a too many men penalty.
9:31pm - Another goal. Almost the same as the last as Pacioretty feeds Gionta in the slot who scores. 2-0 Habs.
9:26pm - FINALLY, Desharnais gets the puck behind the Leaf net and passes to Pouliot in the slot who gets it pass Giguere. 1-0 Habs
9:22pm - After another series of back-and-forth with no results, Moen gets a pass over the blueline and trys to go shortside with no success.
9:17pm - Penalty over as the Leafs go back to their original PP philosophy: Kill your own powerplay
9:16pm - Plekanec gets a breakaway pass but couldn't finish as Giguere stopped him.
9:15pm - Hamrlik called for tripping, Leafs on their second powerplay.
9:14pm - CBC's first Kessel-Tracker shown. Kinda funny that most of the time he's in the defensive zone.
9:11pm - Habs keeping the pressure up, but not getting anything done. Versteeg almost had a breakaway but was leveled by Spacek at the Habs blueline.
9:09pm - Second period about to being, really hoping something happens here.
8:55pm - Did I mention I'd fix the last post with an update....well I'm kinda struggling with keeping up with this too. So update might have to wait until tomorrow.
8:54pm - For the most part this hasn't been a good game, the fight has been the only real highlight (and maybe one or two chances). It's still scoreless after the first period.
8:51pm - Habs with one last shot before the period ends. Easy save for Giguere.
8:49pm - Here we go, first fight of the night: Subban vs. Lupul. Subban lands a few good shots, but ends up on the ice after missing one.
8:48pm - Up to this point, it has been: Leafs shoot, Habs clear, Leafs come back, shoot, Habs clear again.
8:42pm - Habs with pressure, almost get a goal on a wrap-around attempt.
8:39pm - Leafs moving the puck really well on the PP, it's just a shame that their pointman has a no-shooting clause in his contract (along with the no-trade one)
8:38pm - Habs with their first penalty of the game. Ryan White for holding.
8:36pm - Habs turn on the offense with a blast from the point curiosity of Weber. Giguere had to stretch to make a save with the pad.
8:31pm - The Leafs get a 3-on-2, MacAuthur gets a shot off that almost got pass Price.
8:29pm - After some back-and-forth action, the Habs get one by Giguere with a shot from the point, now only if it hit the net.
8:25pm - Habs putting pressure on with a few chances in front of the Leafs net, unable to do anything.
8:23pm - Uneventful powerplay from the Habs.
8:22pm - Wisnewski is showing how much the Habs miss Markov on the PP, turned the puck over a couple times. Price also shows why Hab goalies should never try to handle the puck, almost gives it away for an easy goal.
8:20pm - First penalty of the game assessed to Ledba for interference.
8:19pm - Another whistle. As is stands right now, the Habs can't get anything going and the Leafs can't capitalize on the mistakes.
8:18pm - Kessel with two chances...from a distance, easy saves for Price.
8:17pm - The way the Habs are playing right now, it looks like they belong in the earlier game.
8:16pm – 15 seconds in and the first whistle because the net got knocked off
8:12pm-MDK: That's a midget team? Thought it was the Habs lineup
Me: Shut up
8:11pm - Bear with me, I'm trying to edit the updates I have ready for the last post. Will try to get them up before the end of the first.
8:10pm - The Donald with his usual grand entrance. Also good to see the Governal General there too.
7:49pm - Great feature on Roger Neilson, knew about the video studing but the other behind-the-scenes stuff was interesting
7:36pm - Wow, the rights to talk about Kessel's struggles just shifted to CBC. Subban wears a HNIC toque for an interview.
7:30pm - Welcome to the second live blog featuring the Habs and Leafs. Last time the Habs won 2-0, so let's see if the Leafs can tie it up, or the Habs go...well...2-0.
*Note: All times Atlantic
Saturday Night Hockey: Hockey Day in Canada Edition
It the annual CBC Hockey Day in Canada, so make some nachos, grab a beer, and get ready for solitary confinement for the day. While this may or may not (ok, there's a good chance of it) be my plan for the day, I'll be around to update the post. For now though:
Line-up Notables
Ottawa Senators vs. Edmonton Oilers
Ottawa: Daniel Alfredsson, Pascal Leclaire, and Jesse Winchester are out. Brian Elliott starts today.
Edmonton: Ryan Whitney and Gilbert Brule are both on IR. Nikolai Khabibulin gets to start.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
Toronto: Colton Orr and Mike Brown are on IR while Colby Armstrong is out for at least another week. J-S Giguere starts tonight.
Montreal: Josh Gorges, Andrei Markov, and Mike Cammellari are all on IR, Hall Gill and Mathieu Darche are questionable. Carey Price will start
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
Calgary: Daymond Langkow, Alex Tanguay, Adam Pardy, and Raitis Ivanans are out. Miikka Kiprusoff gets the start.
Vancouver: There lengthy injury list includes: Dan Hamhuis, Guillaume Desbiens, Rick Rypein, Alexander Edler, Lee Sweatt, and Keith Ballard. Roberto Loungo might be in net tonight.
Update: Since I wasn’t planning on a live blog, I’ve decided to scrap what I got (which, in reality, wasn’t much). Next weekend I’ll won’t be as restricted as I was today (believe it or not I actually did something).
Line-up Notables
Ottawa Senators vs. Edmonton Oilers
Ottawa: Daniel Alfredsson, Pascal Leclaire, and Jesse Winchester are out. Brian Elliott starts today.
Edmonton: Ryan Whitney and Gilbert Brule are both on IR. Nikolai Khabibulin gets to start.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens
Toronto: Colton Orr and Mike Brown are on IR while Colby Armstrong is out for at least another week. J-S Giguere starts tonight.
Montreal: Josh Gorges, Andrei Markov, and Mike Cammellari are all on IR, Hall Gill and Mathieu Darche are questionable. Carey Price will start
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
Calgary: Daymond Langkow, Alex Tanguay, Adam Pardy, and Raitis Ivanans are out. Miikka Kiprusoff gets the start.
Vancouver: There lengthy injury list includes: Dan Hamhuis, Guillaume Desbiens, Rick Rypein, Alexander Edler, Lee Sweatt, and Keith Ballard. Roberto Loungo might be in net tonight.
Update: Since I wasn’t planning on a live blog, I’ve decided to scrap what I got (which, in reality, wasn’t much). Next weekend I’ll won’t be as restricted as I was today (believe it or not I actually did something).
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday Night Hockey: Pre-Superbowl...Wait What?
This won't be a continuing feature like the Saturday Night one, but will be around in case I don't get to anything that night and want to push it back a day. So lets do some house-cleaning shall we?
NHL
Brett Favre Peter Forsberg is back with the Minnesota Vikings Colorado Avalanche as of today, signing a pro-rated $1-million deal. The bonus for Colorado here is that Forsberg has yet to play a game in Europe, making the signing a typical free agent one (a.k.a no waivers). See Nabakov, it does pay to sit instead of going to Russia.
Right now I'm watching the end of the Habs-Devils game, and Kovalchuk's empty-net shot just summed-up his season - he his the POST! It counts though as Subban was trying to take him down on a partial-breakaway. But still, hitting the post on an open net?!?!
The Penguins extended their injury list this weekend, as Malkin is out with a knee injury and might even need surgery.
International Hockey
Two weeks ago, a U16 Invitational was held amongst Asian teams. While China won the tournament, the thing that caught my attention was the fact Hong Kong had a 12 year old player. There's an Asian Gretzky! If he ain't drafted in 6 years then something's wrong.
Sticking with what I can get off the IIHF website, Finland held it's own Winter Classic, with HIFK beating Jokerit (both Helsinki teams) 4-3. What? No Oulu? what type of game is that?
The KHL had it's All-Star Game this weekend, with Team Jagr winning 18-16 over Team Yashin. Reinforcing what every hockey fan who watched the NHL over the past two decades knew.
As required, the day before the KHL All-Star Game, a Skill's Competition must be completed. During the Hardest Shot Competition, Avangard Omsk defenseman Denis Kulyash "shattered" Chara's record with a 110.3 mph blast. I doubt it will stand as the record though once the KHL-to-NHL conversion is done.
Hockey Related
The new Detroit-Windsor bridge needs a name, with Gordie Howe's name being a possibility. DO IT!
NHL
Right now I'm watching the end of the Habs-Devils game, and Kovalchuk's empty-net shot just summed-up his season - he his the POST! It counts though as Subban was trying to take him down on a partial-breakaway. But still, hitting the post on an open net?!?!
The Penguins extended their injury list this weekend, as Malkin is out with a knee injury and might even need surgery.
International Hockey
Two weeks ago, a U16 Invitational was held amongst Asian teams. While China won the tournament, the thing that caught my attention was the fact Hong Kong had a 12 year old player. There's an Asian Gretzky! If he ain't drafted in 6 years then something's wrong.
Sticking with what I can get off the IIHF website, Finland held it's own Winter Classic, with HIFK beating Jokerit (both Helsinki teams) 4-3. What? No Oulu? what type of game is that?
The KHL had it's All-Star Game this weekend, with Team Jagr winning 18-16 over Team Yashin. Reinforcing what every hockey fan who watched the NHL over the past two decades knew.
As required, the day before the KHL All-Star Game, a Skill's Competition must be completed. During the Hardest Shot Competition, Avangard Omsk defenseman Denis Kulyash "shattered" Chara's record with a 110.3 mph blast. I doubt it will stand as the record though once the KHL-to-NHL conversion is done.
Hockey Related
The new Detroit-Windsor bridge needs a name, with Gordie Howe's name being a possibility. DO IT!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Saturday Night Hockey
Ugh, busy day, but I'll be back later to get something done, so stay tuned...
Line-Up Notables
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York R: Derek Boogaard, Alex Frolov, Chris Drury, Ruslan Fedotenko and Eric Christensen are out. Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start.
Montreal: Josh Gorges, Andrei Markov, and Mike Cammalleri are all on IR. Carey Price gets the start.
Ottawa Senators vs. New York Islanders
Ottawa: Pascal Leclaire and Jason Spezza are out, Matt Carkner is doubtful. Brain Elliot might start tonight.
New York I: Rick DiPietro joins Doug Weight, Mark Streit, Mike Mottau, Mark Eaton, Rhett Rakhshani, Nathan Lawson, Milan Jurcina, and Trent Hunter on the injured list, Evgeni Nabakov still hasn't reported. Kevin Poulin will be in net.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres
Toronto: Colton Orr, Mike Brown, and Darryl Boyce are out, John Mitchell is questionable. James Reimer is scheduled to start.
Buffalo: Patrick Kaleta and Derek Roy are out. Ryan Miller will be starting tonight.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Edmonton: Ryan Whitney and Gilbert Brule are on IR, Dustin Penner is doubtful for tonight. Nikolai Khabibulin gets the start tonight.
Columbus: Ethan Moreau and Rostislav Klesla are out. Mathieu Garon might start.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames
Los Angeles: Scott Parse and Marco Strum are on IR. Johnathan Quick might start tonight.
Calgary: Daymond Langkow, Steve Staios, and Raitis Ivanans are all on IR, Niklas Hagman is questionable for tonight. Miikka Kiprusoff will start tonight.
Line-Up Notables
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York R: Derek Boogaard, Alex Frolov, Chris Drury, Ruslan Fedotenko and Eric Christensen are out. Henrik Lundqvist is expected to start.
Montreal: Josh Gorges, Andrei Markov, and Mike Cammalleri are all on IR. Carey Price gets the start.
Ottawa Senators vs. New York Islanders
Ottawa: Pascal Leclaire and Jason Spezza are out, Matt Carkner is doubtful. Brain Elliot might start tonight.
New York I: Rick DiPietro joins Doug Weight, Mark Streit, Mike Mottau, Mark Eaton, Rhett Rakhshani, Nathan Lawson, Milan Jurcina, and Trent Hunter on the injured list, Evgeni Nabakov still hasn't reported. Kevin Poulin will be in net.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres
Toronto: Colton Orr, Mike Brown, and Darryl Boyce are out, John Mitchell is questionable. James Reimer is scheduled to start.
Buffalo: Patrick Kaleta and Derek Roy are out. Ryan Miller will be starting tonight.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
Edmonton: Ryan Whitney and Gilbert Brule are on IR, Dustin Penner is doubtful for tonight. Nikolai Khabibulin gets the start tonight.
Columbus: Ethan Moreau and Rostislav Klesla are out. Mathieu Garon might start.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames
Los Angeles: Scott Parse and Marco Strum are on IR. Johnathan Quick might start tonight.
Calgary: Daymond Langkow, Steve Staios, and Raitis Ivanans are all on IR, Niklas Hagman is questionable for tonight. Miikka Kiprusoff will start tonight.
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