Rebuilding Buffalo
It was an eventful week in Buffalo. They fire GM Darcy Regier and head coach Ron Rolston. In to replace them are Pat LaFontaine (as President of Hockey Operations) and Ted Nolan (as the interim head coach).
The Sabres are in the midst of starting a rebuild, but this doesn't seem like the time to clear house on the staff side. It was almost a guarantee that Regier would be fired, it was just a question of when. Firing him now instead of the offseason seems ill-timed. His free agent track record of late hasn't been good, but for a team that is in a rebuild he does the one thing a GM should be good at in that scenario: Trading. The Sabres should have let him ride out the year, see what he could bring back after trading away Miller (and maybe Ott? not much for veteran trade value on that team) then fire him once the season ends and let a new guy take it from there. As for Rolston, this move may come back to bite the Sabres later on. We've seen the effect that constantly changing coaches has on players (looks at Edmonton). Not having that consistency in the dressing room dose seem to have a negative effect. With Rolston, he coached some of the younger guys in the AHL, he has that connection with the team. As the Sabres head coach, he lasted under 60 games. It was time for a shakeup in Buffalo, but it might have come too soon.
As for the new guys, this is pretty mixed. LaFontaine seems to be that prototypical ''hire former player to run things'' hire. He doesn't have any management experience (outside of a short-lived consultant position with the Islanders) so it will be interesting to see how he does in this position. Ted Nolan isn't really new, as he coached the Sabres before (and won a Jack Adams!). The big knock on him is that he hasn't coached in the NHL since 2008. He hasn't been inactive though, leading Latvia to 10th and 11th place finishes in the last 2 World Championships and a spot in Sochi. He is titled the interim head coach*, but that interim tag will no doubt be removed. The Sabres did respond yesterday with a win, but it is still a long season in Buffalo. The hope now is for their young players to keep developing and for this rebuild to turn this franchise around.
*When was the last time an interim head coach did not become the full time head coach? I can't remember.
Suspension Of The Week
This weeks suspension is Nazem Kadri running wild on Minnesota goalie Niklas Backstrom (pun fully intended). As a Habs fan and a goalie, I'd say 30 games sounds better than 3 games, but I don't want to be that mean. I get that Kadri is more focused on the puck and tipping it, which lead to his body shifting so it's square to Backstrom. I could argue that if he had left his body angled to Backstrom, he probably gets away with just a penalty and no suspension. Being square to Backstrom and going with some speed led to Backstrom being injured and Kadri sitting for 3 games.
Lineup Notables
Buffalo Sabres vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Ted Nolan's: Mike Weber (upper body) is out. Ryan Miller is expected to start.
Maple Donuts: Tyler Bozek (lower body) and David Bolland (ankle) are out. Nazem Kadri is suspended. James Reimer might be in net.
New York Rangers vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York R: Rick Nash (concussion), Taylor Pyatt (concussion) and Dominic Moore (oblique) are out. Cam "Don't Call Me Max" Talbot is in net.
Montreal: Alexei Emelin (knee) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price starts.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
Edmonton: Steve MacIntyre (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs) and Richard Bachman (groin) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Calgary: Curtis Glencross (sprain MCL) and Mark Giordano (ankle) are out. RReettoo BBeerrrraa starts tonight.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Sunday Night Hockey: Florida Coaching Change, Helmet Guy
Florida Fires Coaches
Friday was an eventful one for the Florida Panthers, as they fired head coach Kevin Dineen and assistants Gord Murphy and Craig Ramsey. In their places are Peter Horachek (head coach), Brian Skrudland (assistant coach) and John "Not the Football Guy" Madden (assistant coach).
It's hard to fault Dineen and his staff. For one, it's the Florida Panthers. Not to dig into them too much, but just going through their roster, it's easy to see this is a team that will end their season in early April. The one good thing about the roster is that they do have a good core of young players still developing (Huberdeau, Bjugstad and Barkov to name a few) so they could be competitive in a few years. It also doesn't help that they operate on a shoestring budget. The Panthers are last in the league in spending. I'm normally one to disregard the "spend to contend" notion, but if there was ever a need to spend to bring in talent and not bodies to hit the cap floor then this would be it. Maybe Horachek does turn the team around (a loss against Ottawa though isn't the start he probably had in mind), but he'll have his work cut out for him.
Chicago Likes To Pardy Hard
As a fan you usually have a shot at getting a puck go out of play. You may even be lucky enough to receive a players stick if they are willing to part with one after the game. A helmet though is something unheard of...until Wednesday when onedrunk brave Blackhawks fan yanked the helmet off Adam Pardy. I do have to hand it to him though, glass was down and he jumped at the opportunity to take home free memorabilia and become a blooper highlight for years to come.
Lineup Notables
New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York I: Thomas Vanek (upper body), Lubomir Vishnovsky (concussion), and Brian Strait (upper body) are out. Kevin Poulin is in net.
Montreal: Daniel Briere (concussion), Brandon Prust (shoulder), Alexei Emelin (knee) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price will start.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Edmonton: Steve MacIntyre (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs) and Richard Bachman (groin) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Chicago: Michal Handzus (upper body), Brad Mills (lower body) and Michael Kostka (lower body) are out. Corey Crawford gets the start.
San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets
San Jose: Raffi Torres (knee), Adam Burish (lower body) and Brent Burns (upper body) are out. Antti Niemi gets the start.
Winnipeg: Jim Slater (hernia), Mark Stuart (hip), Jacob Trouba (upper body) and Paul Postma (blood clot) are out. Ondrej Pavelec will probably start.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Anaheim Ducks
Vancouver: Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Anaheim: Saku Koivu (NOOOOOO!), Jakub Silvferberg (hand), Matt Beleskey (upper body), Sheldon Souray (wrist) and Viktor Fasth (lower body) are out. Jonas Hiller starts tonight.
Friday was an eventful one for the Florida Panthers, as they fired head coach Kevin Dineen and assistants Gord Murphy and Craig Ramsey. In their places are Peter Horachek (head coach), Brian Skrudland (assistant coach) and John "Not the Football Guy" Madden (assistant coach).
It's hard to fault Dineen and his staff. For one, it's the Florida Panthers. Not to dig into them too much, but just going through their roster, it's easy to see this is a team that will end their season in early April. The one good thing about the roster is that they do have a good core of young players still developing (Huberdeau, Bjugstad and Barkov to name a few) so they could be competitive in a few years. It also doesn't help that they operate on a shoestring budget. The Panthers are last in the league in spending. I'm normally one to disregard the "spend to contend" notion, but if there was ever a need to spend to bring in talent and not bodies to hit the cap floor then this would be it. Maybe Horachek does turn the team around (a loss against Ottawa though isn't the start he probably had in mind), but he'll have his work cut out for him.
Chicago Likes To Pardy Hard
As a fan you usually have a shot at getting a puck go out of play. You may even be lucky enough to receive a players stick if they are willing to part with one after the game. A helmet though is something unheard of...until Wednesday when one
Lineup Notables
New York Islanders vs. Montreal Canadiens
New York I: Thomas Vanek (upper body), Lubomir Vishnovsky (concussion), and Brian Strait (upper body) are out. Kevin Poulin is in net.
Montreal: Daniel Briere (concussion), Brandon Prust (shoulder), Alexei Emelin (knee) and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price will start.
Edmonton Oilers vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Edmonton: Steve MacIntyre (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs) and Richard Bachman (groin) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Chicago: Michal Handzus (upper body), Brad Mills (lower body) and Michael Kostka (lower body) are out. Corey Crawford gets the start.
San Jose Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets
San Jose: Raffi Torres (knee), Adam Burish (lower body) and Brent Burns (upper body) are out. Antti Niemi gets the start.
Winnipeg: Jim Slater (hernia), Mark Stuart (hip), Jacob Trouba (upper body) and Paul Postma (blood clot) are out. Ondrej Pavelec will probably start.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Anaheim Ducks
Vancouver: Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Anaheim: Saku Koivu (NOOOOOO!), Jakub Silvferberg (hand), Matt Beleskey (upper body), Sheldon Souray (wrist) and Viktor Fasth (lower body) are out. Jonas Hiller starts tonight.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Saturday Night Hockey: Alberta Is Funny
Battle of Alolberta
So yesterday was interesting, especially for those on Highway 2. The Flames and Oilers made a trade, about both end up as losers. The Flames, a team that should be focused on a rebuild, go out and get a 27 year old defenseman in Ladislav Smid. To their credit, Giordano is out so at least I can see the (temporary) reason why they get him. The Flames also get goalie prospect Olivier Roy, which doesn't make sense when you see what they gave Edmonton. The Oilers received prospects Roman Horak (forward) and Laurent Brossoit (goalie). Yes, the Oilers - who need help on the backend - traded for a forward, the last of their needs. As for Brossoit, his career might be stuck revolving around Edmonton (first with the Oil Kings, now the Oilers). This make no sense for the Oilers.
...And speaking of moves not making sense for the Oilers: Ilya Bryzgalov. Yes, the parks loving, scared of bears spaceman has landed in Northern Alberta. Has the Oilers goaltending been a concern? Yes, but it's still early. Dubnyk is having a down year so far, Labarbera hasn't been the backup he was expected to be, and Bachman has the best numbers so far but is now injured. Bryzgalov was more of a product of the system in Phoenix, a system that isn't Edmonton's. But who knows, maybe Bryz turns out to help the Oilers get back on track, and that would be humangous big.
Suspension of the Week
Almost went the week incident free, but near the end Jesse Winchester jumping elbowed the face of despair (and Chris Kelly), earning him 3 games rest. It seems like Shanny is losing his touch in the videos. He only mentions the elbow and Chris Kelly not making any moves. Nothing about Winchester's body shift or his leap into the elbow (although that might be the result of the momentum from the body shift). Since there was no injury and he has no priors, 3 games sounds right. Congrats Jesse Winchester, the second SotW winner.
Lineup Notables
Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Rocket Man: Steve MacIntyre (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs) and Richard Bachman (groin) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Cinderella Man: Steve Downie (concussion) and Chris Pronger (concussion) are out. Steve Mason will start.
Florida Panthers vs. Ottawa Senators
Florida: Steven Pinizzotto (hip) and Ed Jovanovski (hip) are out. Jesse Winchester is suspended. Tim Thomas might starts this afternoon.
Ottawa: Erik Condra (leg) is out. Robin Lehner gets the start.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
Toronto: Tyler Bozek (lower body) and David Bolland (ankle) are out while Colton Orr is questionable. Carter Ashton is suspended. James Reimer should be in net.
Boston: Only Marc Savard is out. Tuukka Rask is expected to start.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver: Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Los Angeles: Jeff Carter (lower body) is out while Jarrett Stoll (upper body) is questionable. Jonathan Quick starts tonight.
So yesterday was interesting, especially for those on Highway 2. The Flames and Oilers made a trade, about both end up as losers. The Flames, a team that should be focused on a rebuild, go out and get a 27 year old defenseman in Ladislav Smid. To their credit, Giordano is out so at least I can see the (temporary) reason why they get him. The Flames also get goalie prospect Olivier Roy, which doesn't make sense when you see what they gave Edmonton. The Oilers received prospects Roman Horak (forward) and Laurent Brossoit (goalie). Yes, the Oilers - who need help on the backend - traded for a forward, the last of their needs. As for Brossoit, his career might be stuck revolving around Edmonton (first with the Oil Kings, now the Oilers). This make no sense for the Oilers.
...And speaking of moves not making sense for the Oilers: Ilya Bryzgalov. Yes, the parks loving, scared of bears spaceman has landed in Northern Alberta. Has the Oilers goaltending been a concern? Yes, but it's still early. Dubnyk is having a down year so far, Labarbera hasn't been the backup he was expected to be, and Bachman has the best numbers so far but is now injured. Bryzgalov was more of a product of the system in Phoenix, a system that isn't Edmonton's. But who knows, maybe Bryz turns out to help the Oilers get back on track, and that would be humangous big.
Suspension of the Week
Almost went the week incident free, but near the end Jesse Winchester jumping elbowed the face of despair (and Chris Kelly), earning him 3 games rest. It seems like Shanny is losing his touch in the videos. He only mentions the elbow and Chris Kelly not making any moves. Nothing about Winchester's body shift or his leap into the elbow (although that might be the result of the momentum from the body shift). Since there was no injury and he has no priors, 3 games sounds right. Congrats Jesse Winchester, the second SotW winner.
Lineup Notables
Edmonton Oilers vs. Philadelphia Flyers
Rocket Man: Steve MacIntyre (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs) and Richard Bachman (groin) are out. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start.
Cinderella Man: Steve Downie (concussion) and Chris Pronger (concussion) are out. Steve Mason will start.
Florida Panthers vs. Ottawa Senators
Florida: Steven Pinizzotto (hip) and Ed Jovanovski (hip) are out. Jesse Winchester is suspended. Tim Thomas might starts this afternoon.
Ottawa: Erik Condra (leg) is out. Robin Lehner gets the start.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins
Toronto: Tyler Bozek (lower body) and David Bolland (ankle) are out while Colton Orr is questionable. Carter Ashton is suspended. James Reimer should be in net.
Boston: Only Marc Savard is out. Tuukka Rask is expected to start.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings
Vancouver: Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Los Angeles: Jeff Carter (lower body) is out while Jarrett Stoll (upper body) is questionable. Jonathan Quick starts tonight.
Game Recap: Moncton Wildcats vs. Halifax Mooseheads
Moncton Wildcats vs. Halifax Mooseheads
Final Score
Moncton - 0
Halifax - 4
Goalscorers
Moncton: None
Halifax: Jonathan Drouin, Andrew Shewfelt, Brent Andrews, Connor Moynihan
Goalies
Moncton: Alex Dubeau (L)
Halifax: Zach Fucale (W)
Fireball Player
(He's so hot, nothing is gonna put this guy out)
Fucale gets the shutout, stopping 25 shots along the way. There was one puck that got past him but it was called back since it was ruled a high stick.
Snake Bitten Player
(No amount of sucking will help get the poison out of him)
Yeah I can't think of anyone to put here. Might end up rethinking this section.
Play of the Game
(Every game has a defining moment, this is probably it)
Not my top pick, but the shorthanded goal Brent Andrews scored. It was Hertl-esque. This is more against Dubeau than Andrews on the goal, but when a player cuts that kind of (deep?) angle towards the net were he is basically parallel to the net, the between-the-legs move is almost guaranteed to happen.
Notes
My phone was running low so not many pictures. Basically stuff before the opening faceoff plus the celebration after the game.
Final Score
Moncton - 0
Halifax - 4
Goalscorers
Moncton: None
Halifax: Jonathan Drouin, Andrew Shewfelt, Brent Andrews, Connor Moynihan
Goalies
Moncton: Alex Dubeau (L)
Halifax: Zach Fucale (W)
Fireball Player
(He's so hot, nothing is gonna put this guy out)
Fucale gets the shutout, stopping 25 shots along the way. There was one puck that got past him but it was called back since it was ruled a high stick.
Snake Bitten Player
(No amount of sucking will help get the poison out of him)
Yeah I can't think of anyone to put here. Might end up rethinking this section.
Play of the Game
(Every game has a defining moment, this is probably it)
Not my top pick, but the shorthanded goal Brent Andrews scored. It was Hertl-esque. This is more against Dubeau than Andrews on the goal, but when a player cuts that kind of (deep?) angle towards the net were he is basically parallel to the net, the between-the-legs move is almost guaranteed to happen.
Notes
- This game was televised on Sportsnet, something I didn't realize until I got there and the doors were still closed at 6:30 (AST).
- It was also DND night, so the Mooseheads wore light blue and red jerseys to celebrate the 50th year of the Sea King helicopter (and the 49th anniversary of the Sea King lawn ornament)
- My play of the game was Drouin's goal. Dangled a guy at his own blue line, got a breakaway, and scored a shorthanded goal.
- It seemed like Darcy Ashley could get away with murder this game. A few times he took after-the-whistle shots and got away with it.
- For a rivalry like this, kind of surprised there was only one fight. Reid Halabi (MON) easily took down Liam Alcalde (HFX).
- Quite a few scrums though. Even one that needed a ref (you know, the ones with the orange armbands) to step in and break it up.
- I know he plays for Moncton, and he's from Boston (so two strikes), but Conor Garland is a guy who has greatly impressed me dating back to when I first saw him last season. He currently is not on the ISS Top 30 list, but I can see him squeaking on as the season progresses.
My phone was running low so not many pictures. Basically stuff before the opening faceoff plus the celebration after the game.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Saturday Night Hockey: Trading Places, Inaugural Supension Of The Week
Trades!
There has been quite a bit of movement around the hockey world this week. Here are some of the more noteworthy transactions.
To New York I: Thomas Vanek
To Buffalo: Matt Moulson, 1st-round pick (2014 or 2015), 2nd-round pick (2015)
Trade Analysis: I'd have to admire Garth Snow for going out and pulling the trigger on this trade. It is a steep price for Vanek (especially since his contract ends after the season), but with the Metro Division sucking so far now is the time to go out and make a push. As for Buffalo, they are starting off the rebuild with the high draft picks. Moulson is a good player, but probably won't be as productive since he won't be playing with Tavares anymore. He is also on an expiring contract and could possible be playing out the string in Buffalo (or get traded again) before signing back on the Island.
To Jail: Semyon Varlamov
To Colorado: Future Considerations
Trade Analysis: Well, this is ugly. Wednesday night Varlamov turned himself into police, and was charged with second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault. So far Varlamov stayed the night in jail, posted bail, and has re-joined the team. I'm going to take a page out of the Avalanche's book and say no comment, but will add that what Varlamov (allegedly) did is despicable and should serve time if proven guilty (and to give it up Russian conspiracist [sp.?], we all know Barulin is starting in Sochi because he's the KHL guy).
To Philadelphia: Steve Downie
To Colorado: Max Talbot
Trade Analysis: This (and probably with any other Avalanche move this year) smells like Roy wanted to get rid of someone, in this case it's Downie. I don't get this move for the Avs, Downie has been good this year playing with Duchene while Talbot has been dismal on a bad Philly team. Talbot does add experience and does upgrade the penalty kill, but that's about it.
To KHL: Jokerit Helsinki
To SM-liiga: Weakness
Trade Analysis: It was officially announced on Wednesday that Jokerit Helsinki, one of the most historic Finnish clubs, is moving to the KHL. I don't like this move since it weakens the SM-liiga and gives the KHL another team from another league. It would be fine if they expanded to Finland and not steal a team from the top league.
Suspension of the Week
We had two contenders this week (John Scott's infraction happened last week, so it doesn't count). Martin Hanzal got 2 games for a hit to the head of Jeff Petry, and Carter Ashton got 2 games by boarding Derek Smith. This weeks winner is...
Carter Ashton
A boarding call with the guy a couple feet from the boards probably has more damaging results than an elbow to the head along the boards. Hanzal does get points for the run-up beforehand and for being a repeat offender, but in the end it was a normal hit that was high. Ashton sees all back and just gives Smith a good push into the boards. Being a first-timer probably gives Ashton a break on the suspension length. Overall, Ashton committed the worst of the two fouls, and ends up being our inaugural winner of the Suspension of the Week.
Side Note: Have we ever seen a suspension being reduced/not given in for a player that "minimized contact"? I'm starting to think every time they make a video they just throw out the "minimized contact" line to make the offense seem worst.
Fun fact: both victims this week are defensemen playing in Alberta.
Lineup Notables
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets
Chicago: Michal Handzus (upper body) and Michael Kostka (lower body) are out. Corey Crawford is in net.
Winnipeg: Jim Slater (lower body), Jacob Trouba (upper body), Mark Stuart (hip), and Paul Postma (blood clot) are out. Ondrej Pavelec starts this afternoon.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vancouver Canucks
Rob Ford: Tyler Bozek (lower body) and Mark Fraser (knee) are out while Nikolai Kulemin (ankle) is probable. Carter Ashton is suspended. Jonathan Bernier is expected to start.
Twin Powers: David Booth (lower body), Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Colorado Avalanche
Montreal: Max Pacioretty (hamstring), Daniel Briere (concussion), Brandon Prust (shoulder), Travis Moen (face), Alexei Emelin (knee), and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Peter Budaj gets the start in goal.
Colorado: Jamie McGinn (knee) is questionable. Jean-Sebastien Giguere might start.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Detroit: Jonathan Ericsson (upper body) and Jonas Gustavsson (neck) are out while Darren Helm (lower back) is questionable. Jimmy Howard should be in net.
Edmonton: David Perron (neck), Jesse Joensuu (back), and Steve MacIntyre (knee) are out while Taylor Hall (knee), Ryan Smyth (groin), Ryan Hamilton (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs/I don't want to know why those are the two injuries) and Devan Dubnyk (ankle) are all questionable. Devan Dubnyk might start tonight.
There has been quite a bit of movement around the hockey world this week. Here are some of the more noteworthy transactions.
To New York I: Thomas Vanek
To Buffalo: Matt Moulson, 1st-round pick (2014 or 2015), 2nd-round pick (2015)
Trade Analysis: I'd have to admire Garth Snow for going out and pulling the trigger on this trade. It is a steep price for Vanek (especially since his contract ends after the season), but with the Metro Division sucking so far now is the time to go out and make a push. As for Buffalo, they are starting off the rebuild with the high draft picks. Moulson is a good player, but probably won't be as productive since he won't be playing with Tavares anymore. He is also on an expiring contract and could possible be playing out the string in Buffalo (or get traded again) before signing back on the Island.
To Jail: Semyon Varlamov
To Colorado: Future Considerations
Trade Analysis: Well, this is ugly. Wednesday night Varlamov turned himself into police, and was charged with second-degree kidnapping and third-degree assault. So far Varlamov stayed the night in jail, posted bail, and has re-joined the team. I'm going to take a page out of the Avalanche's book and say no comment, but will add that what Varlamov (allegedly) did is despicable and should serve time if proven guilty (and to give it up Russian conspiracist [sp.?], we all know Barulin is starting in Sochi because he's the KHL guy).
To Philadelphia: Steve Downie
To Colorado: Max Talbot
Trade Analysis: This (and probably with any other Avalanche move this year) smells like Roy wanted to get rid of someone, in this case it's Downie. I don't get this move for the Avs, Downie has been good this year playing with Duchene while Talbot has been dismal on a bad Philly team. Talbot does add experience and does upgrade the penalty kill, but that's about it.
To KHL: Jokerit Helsinki
To SM-liiga: Weakness
Trade Analysis: It was officially announced on Wednesday that Jokerit Helsinki, one of the most historic Finnish clubs, is moving to the KHL. I don't like this move since it weakens the SM-liiga and gives the KHL another team from another league. It would be fine if they expanded to Finland and not steal a team from the top league.
Suspension of the Week
We had two contenders this week (John Scott's infraction happened last week, so it doesn't count). Martin Hanzal got 2 games for a hit to the head of Jeff Petry, and Carter Ashton got 2 games by boarding Derek Smith. This weeks winner is...
Carter Ashton
A boarding call with the guy a couple feet from the boards probably has more damaging results than an elbow to the head along the boards. Hanzal does get points for the run-up beforehand and for being a repeat offender, but in the end it was a normal hit that was high. Ashton sees all back and just gives Smith a good push into the boards. Being a first-timer probably gives Ashton a break on the suspension length. Overall, Ashton committed the worst of the two fouls, and ends up being our inaugural winner of the Suspension of the Week.
Side Note: Have we ever seen a suspension being reduced/not given in for a player that "minimized contact"? I'm starting to think every time they make a video they just throw out the "minimized contact" line to make the offense seem worst.
Fun fact: both victims this week are defensemen playing in Alberta.
Lineup Notables
Chicago Blackhawks vs. Winnipeg Jets
Chicago: Michal Handzus (upper body) and Michael Kostka (lower body) are out. Corey Crawford is in net.
Winnipeg: Jim Slater (lower body), Jacob Trouba (upper body), Mark Stuart (hip), and Paul Postma (blood clot) are out. Ondrej Pavelec starts this afternoon.
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Vancouver Canucks
Rob Ford: Tyler Bozek (lower body) and Mark Fraser (knee) are out while Nikolai Kulemin (ankle) is probable. Carter Ashton is suspended. Jonathan Bernier is expected to start.
Twin Powers: David Booth (lower body), Jannik Hansen (upper body), Dale Weise (lower body), and Jordan Schroeder (ankle) are out. Roberto Luongo will be in net.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Colorado Avalanche
Montreal: Max Pacioretty (hamstring), Daniel Briere (concussion), Brandon Prust (shoulder), Travis Moen (face), Alexei Emelin (knee), and Davis Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Peter Budaj gets the start in goal.
Colorado: Jamie McGinn (knee) is questionable. Jean-Sebastien Giguere might start.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Detroit: Jonathan Ericsson (upper body) and Jonas Gustavsson (neck) are out while Darren Helm (lower back) is questionable. Jimmy Howard should be in net.
Edmonton: David Perron (neck), Jesse Joensuu (back), and Steve MacIntyre (knee) are out while Taylor Hall (knee), Ryan Smyth (groin), Ryan Hamilton (knee), Tyler Pitlick (knee), Justin Schultz (groin/ribs/I don't want to know why those are the two injuries) and Devan Dubnyk (ankle) are all questionable. Devan Dubnyk might start tonight.
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