Professor Bryzgalov
Now that HBO 24/7 is done until next season, we can all take solace in the fact that a star has been born. Ilya Bryzgalov churned out gold during his air time. Here is what we learned from him (brackets are my input):
- That the universe is "humangous big", and all problems are nothing compared it it.
- The Flyers are goalie-killers (so basically Ottawa-lite).
- China law dictates that if you kill tiger, you get death penalty.
- His husky is basically a hot girl.
- Defensemen are crazy for blocking shots (he's actually got a point here).
- He has many faces. Including ones for home, public, on ice, days off, and HBO cameras.
Original photo by Getty Images
Thems Fightin' Words
As Brian Burke pointed out in a recent press conference (wait, Burkie doing a presser? Noooo). Here is the money quote (via the National Post)
"The only lament I have on this is the fear that if we don't have guys looking after each other, that the rats will take this game over. … I know the Greenpeace folks will be happy with this," Burke said. "But I wonder where we're going, where Brendan Shanahan's getting six hearings every two days … I wonder, the accountability in our game and the notion that players can stick up for themselves and each other, I wonder where we're going with that."As per anything involving fighting, either Campbell or Proteau have to write a column blasting it. (Side note: I'd love to see the cat "fight" between them on who gets to write that column).
As for the actual press conference, this is one of the few times I agree with Burke. The role of a notable enforcer is going to hinder hockey now that rats are free to run around and not have to back it up. I'd say notable because it seems like anyone up to fight only goes after the same type of player. Really, outside of beating Matt Carkner (and Tebowing on ice) has Colton Orr been effective? I really hate to praise the Bruins, but they are one - if not the only - team that are willing to back up their actions. Other then that, the NHL will eventually turn into a bunch of Avery's (maybe a bit hyperbolic). There was a time when some of the toughest guys on the team were the stars (Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard). Then the league evolved to having an actual policemen on the team to protect the players (think Dave Semenko). Now, we are starting to see just staged fights between heavyweights, while - going back to the Avery example - there are guys who just run around pestering everyone and IF they go to back it up, it's against a guy who has 2 career fights...and both of them were in the CHL. Is this a cry against the instigator rule? probably, it has helped with the fazing-out of policemen on the team, which just turn into fighters, now heading towards obsolete.
Side Note: I really hate using "evolve" in this rant since it seems like the NHL is devolving in toughness and player accountability.
The Mayans Were Right
In the 2 games the Leafs played in 2012, they have a PK percentage of 100%. Good bye world.
Lineup NOTables
Not only are all seven Canadian teams playing, they are in seven different games. DAMN YOU NHL SCHEDULING!!!
Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins
Vancouver: David Booth (knee), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Aaron Vopatti (shoulder), and Aaron Rome (hand) are out. Cory Schneider starts.
Boston: Marc Savard (concussion) is out while Brad Marchand (hangover...I mean "flu-like symptoms") is questionable. Tim Thomas is in net.
Ottawa Senators vs. Philadelphia Flyers
All-Stars: Peter Regin (shoulder) and Jesse Winchester (concussion) are out while Chris Phillips (concussion) is probable. Craig Anderson gets the start.
Universe: Ian Laperriere (concussion), Jaromir Jagr (
Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars
Edmonton: Ryan
Dallas: Philip Larsen (concussion), Tomas Vincour (knee), and Sheldon Souray (ankle) are out. Richard Bachman starts.
Winnipeg Jets vs. Buffalo Sabres
Winter-peg: Bryan Little (foot), Derek Meech (lower body), and Dustin Byfuglien (knee) are out. Ondrej Pavelec will start.
Buffalo: Tyler Ennis (ankle), Ville Leino (foot), Corey Tropp (upper body), Colin Stuart (lower body), Christian Ehrhoff (upper body), and Andrej Sekera (upper body) are out while Derek Roy (upper body) is doubtful. Jhonas Enroth is in net.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit: Patrick Eaves (jaw), Darren Helm (groin) and Tomas Holmstrom (groin) are out. Jimmy Howard starts tonight.
Perfect PK: Colby Armstrong (concussion), Tyler Bozak (upper body), and John-Micheal Liles (concussion) are out while Dion Phaneuf (face) is probable. Jonas Gustavsson is expected to start.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens
Tampa Bay: Adam Hall (upper body), J.T. Wyman (upper body), Ryan Malone (lower body), Ryan Shannon (lower body), Mattias Ohlund (knee), and Victor Hedman (concussion) are out. Mathieu Garon might start.
Protesters: Andrei "le Knee du Right" Markov, Scott Gomez (groin), and Ryan White (hernia) are out while Brian Gionta (lower body) is probable. Price du Carey gets le start.
Minnesota Wild vs. Calgary Flames
Minnesota: Guilliume Latendresse (concussion) and Jarod Palmer (upper body) are out. Niklas Backstrom is expected to start.
Flame-outs: David Moss (ankle), Matt Stajan (ankle), Alex Tanguay (upper body), Mark Giordano (leg), Derek Smith (ankle), Scott Hannan (upper body), and Henrik Karlsson (sprain MCL) are out. Rene Bourque is suspended. Miikka Kiprusoff starts.
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