Hooray, the last of the U20 championships. This time, we travel to New Zealand (wait what?)
North Korea is unable to attend this year.
U20 Division III - Bulgaria, China, Israel, New Zealand (host), Turkey
1 (Promotion) - China
2 - New Zealand
3 - Turkey
4 - Bulgaria
5 - Israel
China was relegated last year, so they are prime candidates to win this and get promoted back to division II. Since New Zealand is the host, they will want to show up and compete. Turkey is usually the "odd man out" at the top end and will try to break through. Bulgaria had a bad tournament last year and I except that to continue. It's Israel's first U20 tournament, so I don't have too much confidence in them.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Comparing The Jaroslav Halak/Carey Price Tandem
FINALLY, I get to doing this comparison. Well, semi-comparison. Basically I think the big difference when they were a tandem was the mentality. I think that Price caved to the pressure of having a guy battle him for starting duties while Halak strived under it. Let's take a journey down memory lane, when Halak was bouncing between the NHL and AHL, while Price was just finishing up an excellent junior career
During the 2006-07 season, Price was just finishing up his junior career with the Tri-City Americans while Halak spent the season bouncing between Montreal and Hamilton. Near the end of the AHL season, Price was sent to Hamilton, and played a few games before the playoffs. In the NHL, Guy Charbonneau stupidly put in Huet against the Leafs, leaving Halak to watch the Leafs come back to win 6-5*. Instead of Halak getting sent down to help back up Price, he was allowed to join Slovakia in the World Championship. Halak was ok, getting a win (shutout no less) and a loss in two games. Price backstopped the Bulldogs to a Calder Cup, winning the Jack A Butterfield Trophy (Playoff MVP) in the process.
Since Halak wasn't a factor in 2007-08, we'll skip ahead. Over the next two seasons, Halak posted numbers that were either in line with or better than Price's. Here is the combined stats for the two seasons (stats from hockey-reference)
Halak: 79 Games - 44 Wins - 27 Losses - 6 "Ties" - 2.63 GAA - 0.920 Sv%
Price: 93 Games - 36 Wins - 36 Losses - 15 "Ties" - 2.80 GAA - 0.909 Sv%
In fairness to Price, this also includes Halak's out-of-this-world 2010. Never-the-less, the stats show that Price has struggled in a tandem role. Since Halak was gone, Price hasn't had a backup meant to push him for the starting role. This probably allowed him to relax more, not having to constantly look over his shoulder, and become the all-star goalie he is now. Jaroslav Halak has maintained some pretty good numbers in St. Louis, it is surprising thought that Brian Elliot is pressuring him this season.
I have come to terms on the fact that Price is the future of the Habs (and now the only player worth a damn on that team...it seems), but I'll always have a soft spot for Halak.
*I was at this game, and I still stand by the fact that had Carbo decided to ride the hot-hand (Halak) instead of the guy just getting over an injury (Huet), the Habs would be in the playoffs that year.
During the 2006-07 season, Price was just finishing up his junior career with the Tri-City Americans while Halak spent the season bouncing between Montreal and Hamilton. Near the end of the AHL season, Price was sent to Hamilton, and played a few games before the playoffs. In the NHL, Guy Charbonneau stupidly put in Huet against the Leafs, leaving Halak to watch the Leafs come back to win 6-5*. Instead of Halak getting sent down to help back up Price, he was allowed to join Slovakia in the World Championship. Halak was ok, getting a win (shutout no less) and a loss in two games. Price backstopped the Bulldogs to a Calder Cup, winning the Jack A Butterfield Trophy (Playoff MVP) in the process.
Since Halak wasn't a factor in 2007-08, we'll skip ahead. Over the next two seasons, Halak posted numbers that were either in line with or better than Price's. Here is the combined stats for the two seasons (stats from hockey-reference)
Halak: 79 Games - 44 Wins - 27 Losses - 6 "Ties" - 2.63 GAA - 0.920 Sv%
Price: 93 Games - 36 Wins - 36 Losses - 15 "Ties" - 2.80 GAA - 0.909 Sv%
In fairness to Price, this also includes Halak's out-of-this-world 2010. Never-the-less, the stats show that Price has struggled in a tandem role. Since Halak was gone, Price hasn't had a backup meant to push him for the starting role. This probably allowed him to relax more, not having to constantly look over his shoulder, and become the all-star goalie he is now. Jaroslav Halak has maintained some pretty good numbers in St. Louis, it is surprising thought that Brian Elliot is pressuring him this season.
I have come to terms on the fact that Price is the future of the Habs (and now the only player worth a damn on that team...it seems), but I'll always have a soft spot for Halak.
*I was at this game, and I still stand by the fact that had Carbo decided to ride the hot-hand (Halak) instead of the guy just getting over an injury (Huet), the Habs would be in the playoffs that year.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday Night Hockey: What I Missed
As typed out yesterday, I didn't have much time to write anything of note. Today, I got a bit of time, so I'm gonna get a few things off my chest (before I have to upgrade to a D-cup).
NHLPA Rejects Realignment
Helllllooooooooooo Lockout
After the NHL figured out how the league would look for next season, the NHLPA goes and rejects it. Their arguments were that they didn't have an input on how the teams would be realigned (fair enough) and that they wanted a schedule before approving it (oh come on).
The kicker (#1): The NHL didn't need the NHLPA's input.
The kicker (#2): The NHL didn't need the NHLPA's consent to approve this plan.
That's right, the NHL unnecessarily went to the NHLPA and ask if they wanted this?
One reason was to avoid having a labour war before CBA negotiations. Give me a break, if that was so, then why wasn't this kept under wrap. If anything, it's just an excuse to by the NHL some sympathy before we go into another damn lockout.
It's sad, a Basketball Commissioner and a Baseball Players Association head are fighting over the future of hockey.
Dustin Penner vs. Delicious Pancakes
Winner: Pancakes
Obviously, Penner being injured by pancakes is the front runner for "most hilarious injury of the year" award. At least Penner was a good sport about it. First coming clean about how the injury happened, then teaming up with MayorsManor to introduce "Pancakes With Penner", which will raffle off tickets so people can have a chance to have breakfast with Penner and his back spasms. All proceeds go to charity.
For a bit of context on Penner's injury, read this.
Hmmm...The Kings have Pancakes, the Leafs have waffles...the next time they meet can we call it the "Breakfast Bowl" (or whatever the hockey equivalent of a bowl is)?
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Media
After a report about how the Pens locker room was divided on Crosby and the captaincy, the players decided to respond like this:
Captaincies for everybody!
Jaroslav Halak Shuts Out Carey Price
Ok, he shut out the Habs, but the way Montreal has been playing (a bit more on that in a sec), it's basically Carey Price. I think when Halak got traded I was going to compare the two. Well, I forgot. I will have something up about them tomorrow, for now:
YEAH HALAK!
Mike Cammalleri Comments/Traded
Mike Cammalleri came out Wednesday, complaining about the Habs losing attitude. And he's right, the Habs are playing like they want to lose. Need proof? TOMAS FRIGGEN KABERLE was in the shootout last night.
Fire Gauthier!
While Cammalleri has been slumping, he also hasn't been used properly over the pass couple of games. To trade him for a guy who is currently suspended is ridiculous. Plus, why the Flames would take Kari Ramo is beyond me, he ain't coming back to the NHL.
Fire Gauthier!
Ok, a positive about this trade is that over the past two years Bourque has put up better numbers than Cammalleri in the regular season (which is good), but Cammalleri has been a more of a playoff performer, while Bourque...well, "Flames" and "Playoffs" haven't exactly gone together for a while. Yes yes, it's not a guarantee that a team will make the playoffs, but the Habs have been consistent in remaining in the top 8 in the East when the season ends (usually in the bottom portion). Overall, I don;t like this trade. At best the Habs get a few extra goals at just over half the cap hit, but one more illegal hit by Bourque means he's done fore the season (presumably).
Fire Gauthier!
Oh ya, Cammalleri scored against the Kings last night.
Did I mention the Habs should fire Gauthier yet?
Sutter vs. Sutter Coaching Duel
Since the Broncos were getting killed (giving me another reason to hate the Patriots), I decided to watch this game, and let me tell you it was really, reazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Huh? Wha? Sorry must have dozed off, where was I?
Youth Olympics
I'm not going to actually write anything in-depth about this, but I do have something interesting from it to point out. One of Russia's goalie is Maxim Tretiak, the grandson of Vladislav Tretiak. Unfortunately, we are going to have to wait for any Summit Series references as he wasn't in net when Russia and Canada faced off. Russia won 4-3 by the way (which no one in Canada cares about since the kids aren't between 17-19 years old).
Lineup NOTables
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York Hockey Rangers: Michael Sauer (concussion), Jeff Woywitka (foot), and Steve Eminger (shoulder) are out while Brandon Dubinsky is questionable (shoulder). Henrik Lundqvist will start.
Fire Gauthier: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Brian Gionta (bicep surgery), and Ryan White (hernia) are out. Rene Bourque is suspended. Peter Budaj might start.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Delicious Pancakes: Simon Gagne (concussion) and Scott Parse (hip) are out. Jonathan Quick might be in net.
Edmonton: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder), Jordan Eberle (knee), Cam Barker (ankle), Ryan Whitney (ankle), Tom Gilbert (ankle) and Alex Plante (concussion) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Anaheim: Devante Smith-Pelly (foot) and Dan Ellis (groin) are out. Jonas Hiller will start tonight.
Vancouver: David Booth (knee), Andrew Ebbett (collarbone), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Aaron Vopatti (shoulder), and Sami Salo (concussion) are out. Roberto Luongo is in net.
NHLPA Rejects Realignment
Helllllooooooooooo Lockout
After the NHL figured out how the league would look for next season, the NHLPA goes and rejects it. Their arguments were that they didn't have an input on how the teams would be realigned (fair enough) and that they wanted a schedule before approving it (oh come on).
The kicker (#1): The NHL didn't need the NHLPA's input.
The kicker (#2): The NHL didn't need the NHLPA's consent to approve this plan.
That's right, the NHL unnecessarily went to the NHLPA and ask if they wanted this?
One reason was to avoid having a labour war before CBA negotiations. Give me a break, if that was so, then why wasn't this kept under wrap. If anything, it's just an excuse to by the NHL some sympathy before we go into another damn lockout.
It's sad, a Basketball Commissioner and a Baseball Players Association head are fighting over the future of hockey.
Dustin Penner vs. Delicious Pancakes
Winner: Pancakes
Obviously, Penner being injured by pancakes is the front runner for "most hilarious injury of the year" award. At least Penner was a good sport about it. First coming clean about how the injury happened, then teaming up with MayorsManor to introduce "Pancakes With Penner", which will raffle off tickets so people can have a chance to have breakfast with Penner and his back spasms. All proceeds go to charity.
For a bit of context on Penner's injury, read this.
Hmmm...The Kings have Pancakes, the Leafs have waffles...the next time they meet can we call it the "Breakfast Bowl" (or whatever the hockey equivalent of a bowl is)?
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Media
After a report about how the Pens locker room was divided on Crosby and the captaincy, the players decided to respond like this:
Captaincies for everybody!
Jaroslav Halak Shuts Out Carey Price
Ok, he shut out the Habs, but the way Montreal has been playing (a bit more on that in a sec), it's basically Carey Price. I think when Halak got traded I was going to compare the two. Well, I forgot. I will have something up about them tomorrow, for now:
YEAH HALAK!
Mike Cammalleri Comments/Traded
Mike Cammalleri came out Wednesday, complaining about the Habs losing attitude. And he's right, the Habs are playing like they want to lose. Need proof? TOMAS FRIGGEN KABERLE was in the shootout last night.
Fire Gauthier!
While Cammalleri has been slumping, he also hasn't been used properly over the pass couple of games. To trade him for a guy who is currently suspended is ridiculous. Plus, why the Flames would take Kari Ramo is beyond me, he ain't coming back to the NHL.
Fire Gauthier!
Ok, a positive about this trade is that over the past two years Bourque has put up better numbers than Cammalleri in the regular season (which is good), but Cammalleri has been a more of a playoff performer, while Bourque...well, "Flames" and "Playoffs" haven't exactly gone together for a while. Yes yes, it's not a guarantee that a team will make the playoffs, but the Habs have been consistent in remaining in the top 8 in the East when the season ends (usually in the bottom portion). Overall, I don;t like this trade. At best the Habs get a few extra goals at just over half the cap hit, but one more illegal hit by Bourque means he's done fore the season (presumably).
Fire Gauthier!
Oh ya, Cammalleri scored against the Kings last night.
Did I mention the Habs should fire Gauthier yet?
Sutter vs. Sutter Coaching Duel
Since the Broncos were getting killed (giving me another reason to hate the Patriots), I decided to watch this game, and let me tell you it was really, reazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Huh? Wha? Sorry must have dozed off, where was I?
Youth Olympics
I'm not going to actually write anything in-depth about this, but I do have something interesting from it to point out. One of Russia's goalie is Maxim Tretiak, the grandson of Vladislav Tretiak. Unfortunately, we are going to have to wait for any Summit Series references as he wasn't in net when Russia and Canada faced off. Russia won 4-3 by the way (which no one in Canada cares about since the kids aren't between 17-19 years old).
Lineup NOTables
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York Hockey Rangers: Michael Sauer (concussion), Jeff Woywitka (foot), and Steve Eminger (shoulder) are out while Brandon Dubinsky is questionable (shoulder). Henrik Lundqvist will start.
Fire Gauthier: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Brian Gionta (bicep surgery), and Ryan White (hernia) are out. Rene Bourque is suspended. Peter Budaj might start.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Delicious Pancakes: Simon Gagne (concussion) and Scott Parse (hip) are out. Jonathan Quick might be in net.
Edmonton: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder), Jordan Eberle (knee), Cam Barker (ankle), Ryan Whitney (ankle), Tom Gilbert (ankle) and Alex Plante (concussion) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Anaheim Ducks vs. Vancouver Canucks
Anaheim: Devante Smith-Pelly (foot) and Dan Ellis (groin) are out. Jonas Hiller will start tonight.
Vancouver: David Booth (knee), Andrew Ebbett (collarbone), Steven Pinizzotto (shoulder), Aaron Vopatti (shoulder), and Sami Salo (concussion) are out. Roberto Luongo is in net.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday Night Hockey
Got called into work early, so...
Best Case Scenario: I'll have something up later
Worst Case: HELLO Sunday Night Hockey
Lineup NOTables
New Jersey Devils vs. Winnipeg Jets
New Jersey: Travis Zajac (Achilles), Jacob Josefsen (collarbone) and Andy Greene (foot) are out. Martin Brodeur is expected to start.
Winnipeg: Dustin Byfuglien (knee), Derek Meech (groin), and Zach Bogosian (lower body) are out. Ondrej Pavalec gets the start.
New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Avery-less: Michael Sauer (concussion), Jeff Woywitka (foot), and Steve Eminger (shoulder) are out while Brandon Dubinsky is questionable (shoulder). Mathieu Biron will start.
Orr-less: Colby Armstrong (concussion), Tyler Bozak (shoulder) and John Michael0Liles (concussion) are out. Jonas Gustavsson is in net.
Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa: Jesse Winchester (concussion) and Peter Regin (shoulder) are out. Craig Anderson starts tonight.
FIRE GAUTHIER: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Brian Gionta (bicep surgery), and Ryan White (hernia) are out. Rene Bourque is suspended. Carey Price gets the start.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames
Delicious Pancakes: Simon Gagne (concussion) and Scott Parse (hip) are out while Anze Kopitar (upper body) is questionable. Jonathan Quick is in net.
Cammalleri: Brenden Morrison (upper body), David Moss (foot), Alex Tanguay (upper body), Matt Stajan (ankle), Scott Hannan (upper body), and Derek Smith (ankle) are out. Miikka Kiprusoff starts tonight.
Best Case Scenario: I'll have something up later
Worst Case: HELLO Sunday Night Hockey
Lineup NOTables
New Jersey Devils vs. Winnipeg Jets
New Jersey: Travis Zajac (Achilles), Jacob Josefsen (collarbone) and Andy Greene (foot) are out. Martin Brodeur is expected to start.
Winnipeg: Dustin Byfuglien (knee), Derek Meech (groin), and Zach Bogosian (lower body) are out. Ondrej Pavalec gets the start.
New York Rangers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Avery-less: Michael Sauer (concussion), Jeff Woywitka (foot), and Steve Eminger (shoulder) are out while Brandon Dubinsky is questionable (shoulder). Mathieu Biron will start.
Orr-less: Colby Armstrong (concussion), Tyler Bozak (shoulder) and John Michael0Liles (concussion) are out. Jonas Gustavsson is in net.
Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa: Jesse Winchester (concussion) and Peter Regin (shoulder) are out. Craig Anderson starts tonight.
FIRE GAUTHIER: Andrei "Right Knee" Markov, Brian Gionta (bicep surgery), and Ryan White (hernia) are out. Rene Bourque is suspended. Carey Price gets the start.
Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames
Delicious Pancakes: Simon Gagne (concussion) and Scott Parse (hip) are out while Anze Kopitar (upper body) is questionable. Jonathan Quick is in net.
Cammalleri: Brenden Morrison (upper body), David Moss (foot), Alex Tanguay (upper body), Matt Stajan (ankle), Scott Hannan (upper body), and Derek Smith (ankle) are out. Miikka Kiprusoff starts tonight.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Saturday Night Hockey: Bryzgalov-ism and Leaf Notes
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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