That's the only thing I can come up with to explain Friday night's confounding defeat of the Washington Capitals at the hands of the New York Islanders. At the Verizon Center, no less. It's confounding because the Capitals dominated the game in shots on goal and chances, not to mention by the third period it appeared the Islanders had all but thrown in the towel.
Propelled by Dwayne Roloson making 17 saves in the third period alone and forcing the game to overtime. The overtime winner went to Mark Streit, with an assist by John Tavares, of course. Tavares may not become the Calder trophy winner this year, as the draft class has more or less translated well in the bigs, but he is going to have quite the career. Every time he touches the puck, something happens, he's able to create chances and space, and if he's not scoring, he's finding someone who can. I can't really place who's style of play he mimics, I feel as though I've seen someone play like this before, the Ovechkin and Crosby comparisons aren't accurate, neither are the Jason Spezza comparisons. I don't know if Malkin is the closest I can come to, Tavares says he thinks he plays like Dany Heatley, but Heatley is a lot faster in my opinion.
Whatever the case, the Capitals powerplay put up astronomical numbers by this year's standards, netting two in six attempts. The Capitals powerplay situation is a bit confusing to me as well, they're not unable to score for lack of talent, but before tonight it seemed they were struggling just to hold the other team on defense. Really, the Capitals actually played relatively well, they didn't play like a team that should have lost the game tonight, I chalk the loss up to the fact that once Dwayne Roloson got warmed up, he started playing out of his mind. Put a hot goalie in front of a great offensive team like the Caps and see that offense become frustrated when they can't put it away.
Both teams this season have shown they're a bit hesitant this year to just put their foot on the other teams throat and just put the game away, so the third period was an edge of your seat type period. Especially with the Capitals getting so many chances and failing to capitalize (no pun intended).
What really needs to be seen from the Islanders standpoint, they're a team that should have some confidence right now, they need to build upon these two big wins this week. The Capitals on the other hand, and I feel I say this every time they lose, they need to play their game, simplify, get pucks on net and crash. They've proven they can be successful when they sort of dumb down their game and stop overthinking everything, and I'm confident they'll rebound, by hell or high water, they'll come back and I'm expecting them to eventually go on a tear. Right now, I think the Capitals are looking at the Penguins and saying "we should be there right now." All in due time.
Capital Punishment?
The Washington Capitals have been rolling since they were on a slight losing streak earlier this season, and they'll look to continue their ways against the New York Islanders, who just came off a big win against the crosstown rival New York Rangers.
Reigning league MVP and Rocket Richard winner, Alexander Ovechkin will be looking to break through against the Islanders, as in their last meeting the Isles defense was able to hold Ovi pointless through 60 plus minutes of hockey. The Caps have to be the favorite in this game and there aren't many teams which the Caps would be underdogs to.
In other New York news, the Rangers take on the Minnesota Wild in Minnesota tonight, and the Rangers will look to rebound from the 3-1 loss they suffered on Long Island Wednesday. Marian Gaborik, who would have been returning to the Xcel Energy center for the first time since signing with the Rangers in the off season has been scratched, though he's expected to make a start in Boston on Sunday. Chris Higgins is out with a lower body injury and Sean Avery is also out with his right knee nagging him again. Dane Byers, P.A Parenteau and Donald Brashear will fill those spots on the roster tonight.
Picks for tonight are something like this:
Washington will take the Islanders
Pittsburgh's season will continue to roll on past the Blue Jackets
Toronto will NOT beat the red hot Sabres
The Rangers should make quick work of the Wild, even with their injuries
Chicago should be able to overtake Montreal
Dallas will beat Florida
I have to favor Anaheim over the injury ridden and Luongo-less Canucks, while Raycroft can be a starter anywhere else, I have my doubts about Vancouver.
I think the Avs great start can continue tonight against San Jose.
Reigning league MVP and Rocket Richard winner, Alexander Ovechkin will be looking to break through against the Islanders, as in their last meeting the Isles defense was able to hold Ovi pointless through 60 plus minutes of hockey. The Caps have to be the favorite in this game and there aren't many teams which the Caps would be underdogs to.
In other New York news, the Rangers take on the Minnesota Wild in Minnesota tonight, and the Rangers will look to rebound from the 3-1 loss they suffered on Long Island Wednesday. Marian Gaborik, who would have been returning to the Xcel Energy center for the first time since signing with the Rangers in the off season has been scratched, though he's expected to make a start in Boston on Sunday. Chris Higgins is out with a lower body injury and Sean Avery is also out with his right knee nagging him again. Dane Byers, P.A Parenteau and Donald Brashear will fill those spots on the roster tonight.
Picks for tonight are something like this:
Washington will take the Islanders
Pittsburgh's season will continue to roll on past the Blue Jackets
Toronto will NOT beat the red hot Sabres
The Rangers should make quick work of the Wild, even with their injuries
Chicago should be able to overtake Montreal
Dallas will beat Florida
I have to favor Anaheim over the injury ridden and Luongo-less Canucks, while Raycroft can be a starter anywhere else, I have my doubts about Vancouver.
I think the Avs great start can continue tonight against San Jose.
Rangers look like a totally different team without Marion Gaborik.
I've been debating how to attack this subject the whole drive home, and I came to two conclusions:
1) The Rangers don't look so great without Gaborik, it's amazing how much of an impact he's made in his short tenure with the Rangers thus far. The Rangers powerplay looked as anemic as it did last season, registering one shot on goal in two chances. I was able to feel the tension of the Ranger fans around me, as they groaned every time the Rangers had an open side of the net and missed. It wasn't even that the Rangers weren't taking shots, they actually out shot the Isles 35-32 by the end of the game, it's just the shots the Rangers took were from such unbelievably bad locations that I found myself asking why would you shoot from there?
2) The second point is less on the game and more on the crowd itself. It's sort of unbelievable what the Islanders scoring the third goal did to Ranger fans in the audience. It's was akin to the Hulk's "you won't like me when I'm angry," it's as if they ripped through their clothes and turned green and started attacking anything within striking distance. I'm also not sure where a lot of the Ranger fans went after that goal was scored, and if they weren't being thrown out for fighting, they were running for the hills to beat the traffic. The normal "let's go Rangers" chants reverberated through the Coliseum through the first two periods, which was answered by the Isles fans chanting "Rangers suck," and of course the chicken dance was played as it usually is in Rangers-Islanders games at Nassau Coliseum.
A bonus thought, the Islanders REALLY, REALLY need a new arena. I guess I didn't notice it as much when I was sitting ice level for the Capitals game, but from the 300 seats, the Coliseum is looking horrible. There's actually not much appealing about the place, and I found myself saying over and over "I hate this place." I'm not really 100 percent sure that it's going to happen, but it really should. The Islander Ranger rivalry is one of the best in all of sports, and it'd really be a shame to see the Isles leave.
I really wish there was a lot more to talk about, but much like most Rangers Islanders games, it was just a chippy affair where one team really took the reins and that was more or less it, they're never great offensive shows or anything, although I have to believe if Gaborik was healthy, he'd put on a clinic.
Rangers fans should be a little concerned about the fact that the organization has been pretty tight lipped on what's ailing Gaborik, I do hope he returns soon, because the Rangers sure could use him right about now.
Oh and for your Tavares tracker, he put up the third goal of the game for the Islanders, so he now has 4 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points total. Not bad for a 19 year old kid.
1) The Rangers don't look so great without Gaborik, it's amazing how much of an impact he's made in his short tenure with the Rangers thus far. The Rangers powerplay looked as anemic as it did last season, registering one shot on goal in two chances. I was able to feel the tension of the Ranger fans around me, as they groaned every time the Rangers had an open side of the net and missed. It wasn't even that the Rangers weren't taking shots, they actually out shot the Isles 35-32 by the end of the game, it's just the shots the Rangers took were from such unbelievably bad locations that I found myself asking why would you shoot from there?
2) The second point is less on the game and more on the crowd itself. It's sort of unbelievable what the Islanders scoring the third goal did to Ranger fans in the audience. It's was akin to the Hulk's "you won't like me when I'm angry," it's as if they ripped through their clothes and turned green and started attacking anything within striking distance. I'm also not sure where a lot of the Ranger fans went after that goal was scored, and if they weren't being thrown out for fighting, they were running for the hills to beat the traffic. The normal "let's go Rangers" chants reverberated through the Coliseum through the first two periods, which was answered by the Isles fans chanting "Rangers suck," and of course the chicken dance was played as it usually is in Rangers-Islanders games at Nassau Coliseum.
A bonus thought, the Islanders REALLY, REALLY need a new arena. I guess I didn't notice it as much when I was sitting ice level for the Capitals game, but from the 300 seats, the Coliseum is looking horrible. There's actually not much appealing about the place, and I found myself saying over and over "I hate this place." I'm not really 100 percent sure that it's going to happen, but it really should. The Islander Ranger rivalry is one of the best in all of sports, and it'd really be a shame to see the Isles leave.
I really wish there was a lot more to talk about, but much like most Rangers Islanders games, it was just a chippy affair where one team really took the reins and that was more or less it, they're never great offensive shows or anything, although I have to believe if Gaborik was healthy, he'd put on a clinic.
Rangers fans should be a little concerned about the fact that the organization has been pretty tight lipped on what's ailing Gaborik, I do hope he returns soon, because the Rangers sure could use him right about now.
Oh and for your Tavares tracker, he put up the third goal of the game for the Islanders, so he now has 4 goals, 4 assists, and 8 points total. Not bad for a 19 year old kid.
John "don't get me wet" Tortorella vs Scott "my system never works past the second" Gordon
Ah yes, the New York hockey rivalry 2009-2010 edition begins today, and while the results this year probably won't be much different from the last, it's always fun to be a part of.
Gordon and Tortorella are assistant coaches for team USA, and while Gordon was gushing and blushing over Tortorella like a school girl with a crush, Torts refused to answer the same questions about Gordon. You have to love the game face Tortorella puts on for game nights, it's not part of your job to compliment how great a coach is when his team has a 1-4-5 record. No, Gordon doesn't really deserve compliments yet, he hasn't earned them, and he won't until the Islanders start winning.
Tonight would be a great night for the Islanders to get themselves in gear, maybe the first high energy atmosphere to come to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum will make them feel like they need to deliver a "big game" type performance. Lord only knows, the Islanders could use a big game performance every night out, but I digress. Unlike other teams who are fighting to stay where they are (i.e. the Phoenix Coyotes), the Islanders seem content with their same old losing ways and blaming the fact that the Lighthouse Project isn't being built yet.
I'm a supporter of the LHP, I grew up going to Islander games, and for as much as I cannot stand the way they've been playing, I do think they should get a new arena, if only so the Rangers can keep their pushover of a little brother. I do think if the Islanders had a tradition of winning past 1983, getting the Lighthouse approved would have probably been much easier.
Alas, I'm somewhat tired of reading about off ice politics when it comes to the Islanders as well, and if you're here, reading this, the political part probably isn't as important as the game of hockey that's going to be played at that old barn in Uniondale tonight. So moving forward...
The New York Rangers have been oh-so-hot lately, but they'll have to do it tonight without oft-injured Marion Gaborik tonight. This is not a very big test for the Rangers, since the Islanders have been luke warm at best, since the start of the season, posting the leagues SECOND worst record, only behind the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What the Islanders need to concentrate on, if they want to win, which I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt that they don't like losing, is simplify their game and just play smart defensively, especially in the third. What the Rangers need to do to win is, well, just continue playing the way they've been playing, and not really change a thing. That, and just hope the preseason predictions regarding the health of Gaborik don't come to fruition, or Ranger fans are in for another season of screaming "SHOOOOOOOOOOOOT!"
Other notes: Vinny Prospal has proven to be a key player in the Rangers offense this season, and that's one thing I can say has nothing to do with Gaborik and more to do with Prospal's presence of mind when on the ice and his nose for the net. Jeff Tambelllini is coming off his first multi-goal night as an Islander, scoring two in the Islanders third straight loss on Monday, if he can keep that going and Matt Moulson can play his game, Henrik Lundqvist can be facing more than a few scoring chances. John Tavares started the season on fire, but he's been simmering since, so the Islanders really need to get secondary scoring going, since the kid cannot be expected to carry the entire team.
Regardless of the winner, this should be a hard fought game and should be a fun one to watch, I'll probably post a game wrap up post later on tonight, you know, after the game.
Gordon and Tortorella are assistant coaches for team USA, and while Gordon was gushing and blushing over Tortorella like a school girl with a crush, Torts refused to answer the same questions about Gordon. You have to love the game face Tortorella puts on for game nights, it's not part of your job to compliment how great a coach is when his team has a 1-4-5 record. No, Gordon doesn't really deserve compliments yet, he hasn't earned them, and he won't until the Islanders start winning.
Tonight would be a great night for the Islanders to get themselves in gear, maybe the first high energy atmosphere to come to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum will make them feel like they need to deliver a "big game" type performance. Lord only knows, the Islanders could use a big game performance every night out, but I digress. Unlike other teams who are fighting to stay where they are (i.e. the Phoenix Coyotes), the Islanders seem content with their same old losing ways and blaming the fact that the Lighthouse Project isn't being built yet.
I'm a supporter of the LHP, I grew up going to Islander games, and for as much as I cannot stand the way they've been playing, I do think they should get a new arena, if only so the Rangers can keep their pushover of a little brother. I do think if the Islanders had a tradition of winning past 1983, getting the Lighthouse approved would have probably been much easier.
Alas, I'm somewhat tired of reading about off ice politics when it comes to the Islanders as well, and if you're here, reading this, the political part probably isn't as important as the game of hockey that's going to be played at that old barn in Uniondale tonight. So moving forward...
The New York Rangers have been oh-so-hot lately, but they'll have to do it tonight without oft-injured Marion Gaborik tonight. This is not a very big test for the Rangers, since the Islanders have been luke warm at best, since the start of the season, posting the leagues SECOND worst record, only behind the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What the Islanders need to concentrate on, if they want to win, which I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt that they don't like losing, is simplify their game and just play smart defensively, especially in the third. What the Rangers need to do to win is, well, just continue playing the way they've been playing, and not really change a thing. That, and just hope the preseason predictions regarding the health of Gaborik don't come to fruition, or Ranger fans are in for another season of screaming "SHOOOOOOOOOOOOT!"
Other notes: Vinny Prospal has proven to be a key player in the Rangers offense this season, and that's one thing I can say has nothing to do with Gaborik and more to do with Prospal's presence of mind when on the ice and his nose for the net. Jeff Tambelllini is coming off his first multi-goal night as an Islander, scoring two in the Islanders third straight loss on Monday, if he can keep that going and Matt Moulson can play his game, Henrik Lundqvist can be facing more than a few scoring chances. John Tavares started the season on fire, but he's been simmering since, so the Islanders really need to get secondary scoring going, since the kid cannot be expected to carry the entire team.
Regardless of the winner, this should be a hard fought game and should be a fun one to watch, I'll probably post a game wrap up post later on tonight, you know, after the game.
According to the NHL rule book, Colton Orr should be suspended for three games.
If he will or won't, obviously remains to be seen, but my guess is regardless of the ruling, someone will start to whine about it. For those who don't think it's a something he can be suspended for refer to Rule 76: Physical Abuse of Officials, Category III, it calls for a suspension of no less than 3 games for deliberately applying force to an official for the sole purpose of getting free from an official during or immediately after an altercation.
Now, I'm by no means calling for his head or anything, I could careless about officials being pushed during fights, the physical part of the game is always going to be there and I think as long as you're in the rink there's a good chance you can end up in the middle of that. The referees were kind of getting involved when the fight wasn't winding down, there's a risk there. Most of these suspensions can be avoided by telling the referees to stand back until you're sure the fight is over, both players were still on their feet, no one had the upper hand yet, I think the refs jumped the gun a bit with that one. I won't be surprised if Orr is suspended, no one really should be, the only argument you can have is whether or not the refs stepped in before they should, which is a total judgement call, and no one will ever win either way.
I want to add, in this same game the Maple Leafs actually got their first win, downing the Ducks 6-3.
Update: The NHL, somewhat unsurprisingly, decided against suspending Orr, he was fined, apparently the refs on the ice can pretty much make the call on ice whether or not an offense was suspendable in this case. I'm not really for or against it either way, the ref involved should have a big say in whether or not a player gets suspended in this situation, if the linesman who was pushed didn't feel like he should be suspended, I don't think I can really disagree.
I want to add, in this same game the Maple Leafs actually got their first win, downing the Ducks 6-3.
Update: The NHL, somewhat unsurprisingly, decided against suspending Orr, he was fined, apparently the refs on the ice can pretty much make the call on ice whether or not an offense was suspendable in this case. I'm not really for or against it either way, the ref involved should have a big say in whether or not a player gets suspended in this situation, if the linesman who was pushed didn't feel like he should be suspended, I don't think I can really disagree.
Now I'm no expert on hitting..
...this doesn't seem clean to me. I can't really get into detail because my obvious bias will shine through, but I've never seen someone need to go that low on a hip check. I'm just saying.
Update: Scuderi did not receive a suspension on this hit, I could've telegraphed that, I knew nothing was going to be done other then a slap on the wrist, Scuds did receive a fine for the hit though.
Update: Scuderi did not receive a suspension on this hit, I could've telegraphed that, I knew nothing was going to be done other then a slap on the wrist, Scuds did receive a fine for the hit though.
Help support hockey fights cancer.
Okay, so if you haven't already heard, @dani3boyz and @speakofthedevs had a friendly bet going on while Dani, an Islanders fan, made a bet with Carlos, a Devils fans, that if the Devils won, Dani would have to wear a Devils shirt to an NHL Tweetup event on November 24th, of course the bet was reciprocated and Carlos agreed to wear an Isles shirt if the Islanders won. Well, you can guess the outcome, as the Islanders lost and forcing Dani to wear a Devils shirt.Of course, everyone came to the revelation that a die-hard Islander fan will never have a use for a Devils shirt after the said bet was fulfilled, so they decided to raffle it off for charity. Hockey Fights Cancer was their charity of choice, the charity was founded back in 1998 by the NHL and NHLPA to raise money for cancer research and the NHL has put emphasis on every type of cancer research in the month of October by having various types of cancer awareness days at games and things of the nature. I'm going to really just copy and paste the rest from Dani's original post which was posted on the NHLTweetup website.
Fan or Follow for $400
(Don't know what this is about? Read the posts from the bottom up.)
An update from Dani:
Fan or Follow for $400
Really. It's that simple.
I got a wonderful DM from @StarScene today. It was an offer to bring Carlos and me well over our $1000 goal for Hockey Fights Cancer by donating $400 if YOU help him with his personal goal of 1000 Twitter followers and 500 Facebook fans.
All the details are here in his blog post.
Pretty awesome, huh?
So many people have been so extremely generous already. If you've given, we thank you. If you wish you could but your budget doesn't allow, we thank you for the thought and we very much understand. THIS is something we can all do and it won't cost us a PENNY! So, here's the plan and some ideas on how we can make this happen together....
This is where the "community" comes to play in social media. Don't be afraid to ask your followers/friends/fans for help. Why wouldn't they want to? It won't cost them a thing and it's putting $400 more toward finding a cure for this deadly disease.
- If you aren't already, follow @StarsScene on Twitter.
- Tweet him out as a #hockeyfollow and explain his goal.
- Become a fan of StarScene on Facebook.
- Recommend him to your Facebook friends.
- Are you a blogger? Write a quick blurb with a link to his page(and this one!) explaining what a wonderful thing he has proposed.
- Tweet, tweet, tweet about all of this!
As of midnight 10/20 he had 52 Facebook Fans and 628 Twitter followers. I've read StarsScene... He's worth a follow! Oh, and anyone that knows me knows I don't DO Facebook. In the name of charity, I am now a fan of StarScene. Are you?
- October 21 12:24am
Something for charity, and now for #Isles fans, too...
Don't know what this is about? Read the post on the bottom first.
An update from Dani:
I'd say I've been a pretty good sport about all of this. I lost my wager withCarlos fair and square and now I'll be wearing a Devils shirt at theNovember 24th NHLtweetup. Know what? I had a feeling he was a prettygood sport too and it turns out I was veryright. From that, another way to raise money for Hockey Fights Cancer was born. This is the way it played out on Twitter:
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Me: Hey... @speakofthedevs I have a proposition for you, but I need to know... Do you consider yourself a good sport?
Carlos: @dani3boyz Ummmm....of course! Whatcha got?
Me: @speakofthedevs Would you, saaay... Wear a shirt that#Isles fans would be interested in winning alongside my #Devilsshirt in November?
Carlos: @dani3boyz Hmmm...It crossed my mind, just because you've been so good about all this. ...and, it IS for charity.... :D#Isles #Devils
Me: @speakofthedevs No way?! Because you're a good sport, of course. #closetislesfan #Isles #Devils
Carlos: @dani3boyz Why not, I'll do it. It'll make for some interesting (and confusing) photos!! XD #closetdevilsfan#closetislesfan #Isles #Devils
Me: Yesss! *hug* You da BESTEST! RT @speakofthedevs@dani3boyz I'll do it. It'll make for some interesting (& confusing) pics! #Isles #Devils
Me: RAFFLE UPDATE! I'm going to donate an #Isles shirt for @speakofthedevs to wear that will be raffled off alongside my#Devils shirt!!!
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So now,Isles fans, for the price of a fancy cup of coffee you have a chance towin a men's XL orange Islanders logo tee. Don't make the poor Devils fansuffer in vain. ;)
A recap on the rules: For every $5 donation to Hockey Fights Cancer you'll receive one entry into the raffle. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF WHICH RAFFLE ITEM YOU ARE ENTERING TO WIN.Wantto donate to the cause but don't care to win either shirt? Just put anote about that during your donation. Please also make a note ofyour Twitter ID for both raffles and donations so we know who you are! Online entries and donations will be accepted up until the day of theevent(11/24) but you can also enter at the event itself. If you win but aren't present, the shirt will be mailed to you.
Other ways to help:
- Tweet thelink and tag it #Isles and #Devils so no one misses out on an opportunity to enter!http://nhltweetup.chipin.com/hockey-fights-cancer
- Add the Chip In widget to your website or blog! Click here for details and instructions.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at dani@nhltweetup.com.
- October 19 1:02am
Lose a bet, charity wins!
At the November 24th NHLtweetup, @dani3boyz will be sporting a team shirt of a different color. There was a friendly wager made between her and @speakofthedevs on the outcome of the Islanders / Devils preseason game in which the loser would have to wear the opposing team's gear to the aforementioned event. As it was, the Islanders lost to the Devils 4-2 and Dani promised to make good on her bet.
Seeing Dani wearing anything other than her beloved Isles gear at an NHLtweetup event is probably something that will only happen once in this lifetime so Carlos (@speakofthedevs) came up with an awesome idea, since she will never wear that shirt again (for obvious reasons), and it probably won't fit him, to raffle off the Devils shirt she'll wear to raise money for Hockey Fights Cancer.
The rules are simple: For every $5 donation to Hockey Fights Cancer you'll receive one entry into the raffle. Want to donate to the cause but don't care to win the shirt? Just put a note with your online donation. Online entries and donations will be accepted up until the day of the event (11/24) but you can also enter at the event itself. If you win but aren't present, the shirt will be mailed to you.
The shirt (women's size small) will be brand new and only worn long enough to take a bunch of embarrassing pictures that will be sure to haunt her for many years to come. At least her humiliation will be benefiting a cause that's near and dear to her heart... Just like that Devils shirt will be for the night!
Follow @nhltweetup on Twitter for updates on the event and the progress of the raffle.
- October 13 12:00pm
You can go to the original source site here, and from now until the raffle is up I'm going to have the widget right on our homepage, you can find that on the top right corner. It's really a great idea with awesome intentions and I would love for them to surpass what they were expecting to donate. If you don't have any cash to donate, help @StarsScene by either following on twitter or fanning him on facebook to help reach those goals so $400 can be donated for you, too. Ideally, I'd say do both, there can never be enough money raised for cancer research. Also, @speakofthedevs decided to wear an Islanders shirt anyway, which will also be raffled off. Do it!
Maybe #KyleWellwood Ate Your T-shirt
As we noted earlier this week, Kyle Wellwood and his now epic faux-besity is the toast of Twitter. We commemorate the triumph with SHB's debut t-shirt, which can be found at SHB's new t-shirt shop, Short Handed Schwag.
Mr. Wellwood was the unfortunate victim of a Mike Komisarek slap shot in Saturday's fan-hyped Leafs-Canucks game - an injury that couldn't have possibly come at a worse time as his internet popularity was, ahem, "trending" upwards. We wish the best for K-dub and hope he's back on his feet again soon devouring small children and planets alike.
If you don't get the "dingo" reference, A) god help you and your Seinfeld-less existence, and 2) jump on the video clip from Season 3's episode "The Stranded" that follows. And thank me later.
Washington Capitals at New York Islanders.
Okay, it is of my own admission that this was a weird game for both teams. The Capitals being outshot in the first and second periods, the Capitals playing 60 minutes worth of hockey as opposed to 50 minutes and the Islanders collapsing in the third.
Well, aside from the Isle's collapse in the third, the game was weird. I went to this game last night, and I have to admit there were points where I felt like the Caps were letting the Islanders get ahead of them, they were being beat to almost every loose puck, and Jose's five hole was probably large enough to drive a truck through. Dwayne Roloson, on his own accord, wasn't much better, he let in a few softies, and this talk of wide open legs and softies is frankly making me sick, so we'll move forward from there.
Ovechkin probably took 75% less shots in this game than he did in any game last year. I know in the off season he said he was tweaking parts of his game to make him a better player, apparently he's been asking Nicky B. for some passing tips. Mike Green looks like he's finally coming around for this season, he registered a few points last night. Brooks Laich proved once again why he could be the key to the Capitals' success this year, he registered an assist and the game winning goal in overtime.
There was a lot of messy play, I don't know if it was because the ice probably wasn't in the best condition because of it being almost 80 degrees out yesterday or what. There were tons of mishandling of the puck, and a lot of just overall miscues by both teams. It's almost bad to say this, but both teams looked relatively even, but that was the case all last season too. The general consensus at the Coliseum is people want the Isles to stop the aggressive forecheck and worry more about playing in their own defensive zone in the third, I lean towards that opinion myself, actually.
It did get frisky at some points, but I think roughing was as far as any of it went. No huge OMG hits last night, for that you'd have to turn to the Flyers Panthers game, which Mike Richards absolutely annihilated David Booth with what was in my opinion, a clean hit.
Speaking of the Flyers, the Capitals host the Flyers on Tuesday, a reprise of what was a classic game they played in the second week of the season, which the Flyers downed the Caps in OT. The Isles' next opponent is the Montreal Canadiens, who blew them out on Thursday, the game is also at the Bell Centre, the Isles hope this trip will be a little more friendly than when they played there this past Thursday.
Some other non-game related news, Trent Hunter said he's coming along well and expects to be back in action for the Islanders soon, he's currently out with a strained pectoral muscle, which he always seems to be battling some sort of strain.
Well, aside from the Isle's collapse in the third, the game was weird. I went to this game last night, and I have to admit there were points where I felt like the Caps were letting the Islanders get ahead of them, they were being beat to almost every loose puck, and Jose's five hole was probably large enough to drive a truck through. Dwayne Roloson, on his own accord, wasn't much better, he let in a few softies, and this talk of wide open legs and softies is frankly making me sick, so we'll move forward from there.
Ovechkin probably took 75% less shots in this game than he did in any game last year. I know in the off season he said he was tweaking parts of his game to make him a better player, apparently he's been asking Nicky B. for some passing tips. Mike Green looks like he's finally coming around for this season, he registered a few points last night. Brooks Laich proved once again why he could be the key to the Capitals' success this year, he registered an assist and the game winning goal in overtime.
There was a lot of messy play, I don't know if it was because the ice probably wasn't in the best condition because of it being almost 80 degrees out yesterday or what. There were tons of mishandling of the puck, and a lot of just overall miscues by both teams. It's almost bad to say this, but both teams looked relatively even, but that was the case all last season too. The general consensus at the Coliseum is people want the Isles to stop the aggressive forecheck and worry more about playing in their own defensive zone in the third, I lean towards that opinion myself, actually.
It did get frisky at some points, but I think roughing was as far as any of it went. No huge OMG hits last night, for that you'd have to turn to the Flyers Panthers game, which Mike Richards absolutely annihilated David Booth with what was in my opinion, a clean hit.
Speaking of the Flyers, the Capitals host the Flyers on Tuesday, a reprise of what was a classic game they played in the second week of the season, which the Flyers downed the Caps in OT. The Isles' next opponent is the Montreal Canadiens, who blew them out on Thursday, the game is also at the Bell Centre, the Isles hope this trip will be a little more friendly than when they played there this past Thursday.
Some other non-game related news, Trent Hunter said he's coming along well and expects to be back in action for the Islanders soon, he's currently out with a strained pectoral muscle, which he always seems to be battling some sort of strain.
I'm Not Saying Kyle Wellwood Is Fat...
...but the Twitterverse is. Twitter, a public validation of one's opinion so long as it's kept to 140 characters minus hashtag space, occassionally vindicates itself with a good running meme joke and this one's a beauty.
It started yesterday with a Toronto Maple Leafs fan's blog mandate to take the good fight to Vancouver Canucks fans via twitter for the upcoming 'Nucks-Leafs tilt. The weapon of choice would be the hashtag #KyleWellwoodIsSoFat, referencing former Leaf/current Canuck Kyle Wellwood, with hopes of having it trending by Saturday. Consider it a success, as it was trending by today off and on. To their credit, Canucks fans joined in on the fun too (maybe something to do with the legitimate concerns about Wellwood's conditioning last season). Check 'Nucks fan/blogger Richard Moat's Twitter profile for a veritable onslaught of Wellwood cracks.
In reality, Kyle Wellwood is a 5'10" 180 lb. center for your Vancouver Canucks. In fact, rumor is he dropped 15 pounds this past offseason. But I suppose when you weigh as much as each Sedin twin while giving up 3-4 inches in height, the inches around one's waist may look a bit disporportionate. And while the word on the tweet is Wellwood = Shamu, frankly, I find he bears a more striking resemblance to The State alum Tom Lennon:
Given the running meme, I reckon we should let Lieutenant Dangle wear the short shorts. And in a final confession, I must admit that I did call Kyle Wellwood fat. Sorry, Kyle. But I'm a sucker to fall in line with the cool kids. Plus, I'm still bitter that I couldn't get #chriskunitzisahack to trend during last years playoffs.
Ovechkin 1, Kovalchuk 0, well, kinda.
Although that title is misleading, Kovalchuk tallied, Ovechkin didn't.
Even in the win, the Capitals cannot be happy with their 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers tonight. The Capitals took a somewhat commanding 5-2 lead in the second period on 3 goals scored within 88 seconds, but that was about the end of the Capitals playing smart hockey. It seems as though it's impossible for them to play 60 minutes of hockey, which has happened with a lot of teams this season and it's somewhat disheartening. The game would have been tied up with just seconds remaining in the third if Maxim Afinogenov had been able to put away a late powerplay goal. Kovalchuk had just netted one the shift prior, and it looked like Kovalchuk was going to singlehandedly bring the Thrashers back to win it. They ultimately fell short, but the Caps cannot keep giving up in the third period if they want to be considered an elite team in the league. I can't tell if it's complacency or just laziness that has been fueling the Capitals meltdowns in the third, but they need to correct it.
On the plus side, Eric Fehr came back and he was getting involved quite a bit, including scoring a goal. Alexandre Giroux put a goal on the board with an assist from Keith Aucoin, and the Caps finally got the secondary scoring they've been waiting for, with Alex Semin being out because of being "sick and sore," as Joe B and Locker put it, and Alex Ovechkin didn't factor in on any goals, which is somewhat of an anomaly this year, Ovi has 16 points in 9 games. Also Jeff Schultz had two assists and a 182 foot goal(not on the empty net), in what was probably the best game he's ever had in his entire career.
So while the Caps still won, I'm sure Bruce "Gabby" Boudreau will still have plenty to yell about at practice tomorrow.
Even in the win, the Capitals cannot be happy with their 5-4 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers tonight. The Capitals took a somewhat commanding 5-2 lead in the second period on 3 goals scored within 88 seconds, but that was about the end of the Capitals playing smart hockey. It seems as though it's impossible for them to play 60 minutes of hockey, which has happened with a lot of teams this season and it's somewhat disheartening. The game would have been tied up with just seconds remaining in the third if Maxim Afinogenov had been able to put away a late powerplay goal. Kovalchuk had just netted one the shift prior, and it looked like Kovalchuk was going to singlehandedly bring the Thrashers back to win it. They ultimately fell short, but the Caps cannot keep giving up in the third period if they want to be considered an elite team in the league. I can't tell if it's complacency or just laziness that has been fueling the Capitals meltdowns in the third, but they need to correct it.
On the plus side, Eric Fehr came back and he was getting involved quite a bit, including scoring a goal. Alexandre Giroux put a goal on the board with an assist from Keith Aucoin, and the Caps finally got the secondary scoring they've been waiting for, with Alex Semin being out because of being "sick and sore," as Joe B and Locker put it, and Alex Ovechkin didn't factor in on any goals, which is somewhat of an anomaly this year, Ovi has 16 points in 9 games. Also Jeff Schultz had two assists and a 182 foot goal(not on the empty net), in what was probably the best game he's ever had in his entire career.
So while the Caps still won, I'm sure Bruce "Gabby" Boudreau will still have plenty to yell about at practice tomorrow.
John Buccigross is on crack.
This is precisely why I think the NHL did not go with renewing with ESPN and opted for the hardly-much-better Vs.
I don't know where to start with this. Perhaps I'll start with numbers, which were culled from the ESPN website, just to prove they have access to the same information I have.
Datsyuk's numbers last year read as such:
81 games played 32 goals, 65 assists total of 97 points. +34 with 22 PIMs, on the PP Datsyuk registered 11 goals 25 assists. Oh yeah, did I mention he won the Lady Byng trophy for the third straight season, and the Frank J. Selke trophy for the second straight season? If Datsyuk was at the end of his career, why is he putting up numbers that a lot of players in their "prime" can only dream of. Is he Ovechkin, Crosby or Malkin? No. Is "past his prime" in Pavel Datsyuk's world still better than most players career years? Absolutely.
Enough on Datsyuk, let's dissect the Swede, Henrik Zetterberg. He played in a respectable 77 games last season and put up 31 goals, 42 assists and that was good for a respectable 73 points. For those that can't figure it out on their own, that's good for just under one point per game, actually, .95 points per game if you REALLY want to get technical. Zetterberg had a +/- of +13, which for a mostly offensive forward, is pretty respectable, granted he's not Datsyuk, but not many people are, which is what made Datsyuk the Frank J. Selke trophy winner.
Are the Wings off to a slower start than usual? Is Buccigross correct in his assessment of their goaltending situation? For the time being, yes, but name the last season people thought Chris Osgood was going to have a great year. We've seen this before, and we know that Chris Osgood doesn't play like this forever, when he turns it on, he's almost impossible to beat, especially in big game situations. Which brings me to my next point. Why is it that ESPN covers hockey for maybe five minutes a day when Sportscenter has it's Ovechkin or Crosby highlight from last night's game, and they feel like they're an authority on the sport? Further more, why do people care what John Buccigross has to say? Great, he co-hosted NHL 2Night and had absolutely no connect to the game whatsoever before he started being "the hockey guy" for ESPN.
The short version of this is basically, John Buccigross doesn't know what he's talking about, and Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg still have plenty of time before anyone should write them off as "past their prime."
First of all, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg are no longer in their NHL prime. Datsyuk is 31 and Zetterberg is 29. Those are not "prime" ages to play a nine-month NHL season (training camp to the Cup finals).
We've noted in this space for years -- hockey is a young man's game. Maurice Richard was 23 when he scored 59 goals in 50 games during the 1944-45 season. Bobby Orr was 22 when he scored 120 points and flew through the air to win his first Stanley Cup in 1970. Wayne Gretzky was 21 when he went 92-120-212 in the 1981-82 regular season. Sidney Crosby was 21 this past June when he became the youngest NHL captain to raise the holy grail.
Younger players are more energetic, more durable, heal quicker and, most important, have heightened mental clarity because younger people think only of the present, which is the key to creativity and productivity. I'm not saying Datsyuk and Zetterberg are Joe Paterno and Bobby Bowden and will never win another Stanley Cup. Just realize that players get injured more in their 30s and begin a downward arc in their production.
Secondly, the Wings are probably at the end of their run. Their best players are older and their younger players are average NHL players. They continue to live off their power players and struggle with their penalty killing and goaltending. The injury to Johan Franzen is enormous. The Red Wings will struggle to score goals and that is a problem because they are not constructed to prevent them. Coach Mike Babcock may have to make some alterations to the Wings' normal style of play and GM Ken Holland may have to reach into his bag of tricks and try to find a goaltender.
The first step is a healthy Datsyuk and Zetterberg, and go from there. Detroit won't win the Central Division, but it has all season to get ready for the playoffs, when Franzen can hopefully return healthy. There is still a lot of good in Detroit, just maybe not championship good.
I don't know where to start with this. Perhaps I'll start with numbers, which were culled from the ESPN website, just to prove they have access to the same information I have.
Datsyuk's numbers last year read as such:
81 games played 32 goals, 65 assists total of 97 points. +34 with 22 PIMs, on the PP Datsyuk registered 11 goals 25 assists. Oh yeah, did I mention he won the Lady Byng trophy for the third straight season, and the Frank J. Selke trophy for the second straight season? If Datsyuk was at the end of his career, why is he putting up numbers that a lot of players in their "prime" can only dream of. Is he Ovechkin, Crosby or Malkin? No. Is "past his prime" in Pavel Datsyuk's world still better than most players career years? Absolutely.
Enough on Datsyuk, let's dissect the Swede, Henrik Zetterberg. He played in a respectable 77 games last season and put up 31 goals, 42 assists and that was good for a respectable 73 points. For those that can't figure it out on their own, that's good for just under one point per game, actually, .95 points per game if you REALLY want to get technical. Zetterberg had a +/- of +13, which for a mostly offensive forward, is pretty respectable, granted he's not Datsyuk, but not many people are, which is what made Datsyuk the Frank J. Selke trophy winner.
Are the Wings off to a slower start than usual? Is Buccigross correct in his assessment of their goaltending situation? For the time being, yes, but name the last season people thought Chris Osgood was going to have a great year. We've seen this before, and we know that Chris Osgood doesn't play like this forever, when he turns it on, he's almost impossible to beat, especially in big game situations. Which brings me to my next point. Why is it that ESPN covers hockey for maybe five minutes a day when Sportscenter has it's Ovechkin or Crosby highlight from last night's game, and they feel like they're an authority on the sport? Further more, why do people care what John Buccigross has to say? Great, he co-hosted NHL 2Night and had absolutely no connect to the game whatsoever before he started being "the hockey guy" for ESPN.
The short version of this is basically, John Buccigross doesn't know what he's talking about, and Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg still have plenty of time before anyone should write them off as "past their prime."
Selling The Coyotes
A lot of numbers were floating around Glendale, Arizona, the home of the Phoenix Coyotes, during the NHL’s 2009 offseason:
200, as in the estimated millions of dollars the franchise has lost since 2001.
212.5, as in the millions of dollars RIM kingpin Jim Balsillie offered, without the NHL’s knowledge let alone approval, to purchase the franchise from owner Jerry Moyes, a bankrupt shell of a trucking service *cough* “magnate” *cough*.
140, as in the reported millions of dollars the NHL offered to purchase the franchise, with the intent of keeping the dogs in the desert.
45, as in the number of miles between Buffalo, New York, home of the Sabres and Hamilton, Ontario, Balsillie’s proposed relocation site for the Coyotes.
99, as in the former playing number of Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest hockey player of all time.
161, as in the number of losses over The Great One’s Magic Johnson-esque four-year run behind the bench. And maybe the most important number on the list.
Ultimately, four potential buyers lined the field – the league, Balsillie, Chicago Bulls owner and title run spike strip Jerry Reinsdorf, and a group known as Ice Edge Holdings – and none were approved by bankruptcy court Judge Redfield Baum.
A win for the NHL’s right to approve franchise ownership and placement was equally a relief for local fans and, certainly, the players as the cloud of potentially wearing sweaters that read “Hamilton SwiftBerrys” lifted and the season could begin. And in one of the most surprising, and best, stories of the season so far, the Coyotes have taken the season by the throat – a 5-2-0 start as of this post has them sitting in 7th place in the Western Conference and one point back of the hot and cold San Jose Sharks in the Pacific Division.
How’s that, you ask? It’s the defense, Mr. Balsi- er, stupid. And puck possession. Let the players finally throw some of their own numbers around:
10, as in the number of goals allowed through 7 games, between goalies Ilya Bryzgalov (7) and Jason LaBarbera (2).
1.43, as in the Coyotes GAA. That’s #1 in the league, sports fans, up 23 spots from the 24th ranked 3.04 GAA in 2008-09.
26.9, as in the Coyotes’ Shots Against Per Game average, good for 5th in the league and a significant improvement over last season’s 31.6 SA/G. Makes sense – the less shots you allow, the fewer goals you should give up.
84, as in the Coyotes’ 2009-10 Penalty Kill % through 7 games, good for a respectable 11th in the league. Last season this was the 28th ranked unit in the league at 76.8%.
52.8, as in the Coyotes’ Face-off Win % so far in 2009-10, tied for fifth in the league. In 2008-09 the Coyotes ranked dead last in FOW% with a 44.8%.
30, as in the number of aforementioned super-goalie Ilya Brzygalov. Bryz leads the league in Save % (.953) and GAA (7) among the #1s in the league. Critics will note he’s only faced 148 shots (see that # 26.9), but prorating his numbers with the number of shots that current league leader Mikka Kiprusoff has faced, 265, still leaves him with an outstanding 12.5 GA and a 2.04 GA.
2, 18 & 33, as in the numbers, respectively, of offseason defensive acquisitions Jim Vandermeer, Sami Lepisto and Adrian Aucoin (no relation to the Caps’ Keith, Bears fans). A couple of gritty veterans in Vandermeer and Aucoin with career +/-s of +4 and +24, and a young, confident and slick-skating Finn in Lepisto whose offensive prowess could make his acquisition for a 5th rounder from the Capitals a real steal.
The defense is loaded with experience and athleticism, and just smart hockey sense. But let’s not let the defense steal the show…
14 & 17, as in the numbers of exciting newly signed wingers Taylor Pyatt and Radim Vrbata – Pyatt coming over from Vancouver after a pair of 37 point seasons playing alongside the Sedin twins, and the electric Vrbata returning to the team that drafted him and already leading the team with 3 goals.
23.75, as in the average age of the young guns that not only have a hand in the Coyotes current early success, but figure to play major roles in coming seasons – RW Peter Mueller (21), C Martin Hanzal (22), LW Lauri Korpikoski (23), D Keith Yandle (23), C Daniel Winnik (24), Lepisto (25), RW Scottie Upshall (26) and D and alternate captain Zbynek Michalek (26).
19, as in the number of career Winnipeg Jet/Phoenix Coyote left winger Shane Doan – one of the most respected players and captains in the league who’s off to a great start with 6 points in 7 games and attacking the season the only way he knows how – with the sack and controlled reckless abandon with which he laid into the Blue Jackets’ Jason Chimera in the Coyotes’ home opener.
17,532, as in the number of the announced crowd for said sold-out home opener in Glendale – a disheartening 2-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but a served notice that there are living, breathing hockey fans here in the desert.
1, as in the number of guys dressed as the pope at the White-Out home opener. Enter your “need the help” and “don’t have a prayer” jokes here. But it’s also the number of catch-phrases picking up steam around the team. “Pack mentality” is that punny gem from head coach Dave Tippett, the man who has molded this group of NHL almost-nomads to his liking, a pretty impressive feat for a man given the job just weeks before the season began. He’s got them focused and believing in the system.
Will it last? Who knows. It’s early and speculation and wonder is half the fun right? But it may be that Tippett’s also instilled a bit of business sense in Glendale: the Phoenix Coyotes don’t need to be sold. They’re selling themselves. And you should be buying.
200, as in the estimated millions of dollars the franchise has lost since 2001.
212.5, as in the millions of dollars RIM kingpin Jim Balsillie offered, without the NHL’s knowledge let alone approval, to purchase the franchise from owner Jerry Moyes, a bankrupt shell of a trucking service *cough* “magnate” *cough*.
140, as in the reported millions of dollars the NHL offered to purchase the franchise, with the intent of keeping the dogs in the desert.
45, as in the number of miles between Buffalo, New York, home of the Sabres and Hamilton, Ontario, Balsillie’s proposed relocation site for the Coyotes.
99, as in the former playing number of Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest hockey player of all time.
161, as in the number of losses over The Great One’s Magic Johnson-esque four-year run behind the bench. And maybe the most important number on the list.
Ultimately, four potential buyers lined the field – the league, Balsillie, Chicago Bulls owner and title run spike strip Jerry Reinsdorf, and a group known as Ice Edge Holdings – and none were approved by bankruptcy court Judge Redfield Baum.
A win for the NHL’s right to approve franchise ownership and placement was equally a relief for local fans and, certainly, the players as the cloud of potentially wearing sweaters that read “Hamilton SwiftBerrys” lifted and the season could begin. And in one of the most surprising, and best, stories of the season so far, the Coyotes have taken the season by the throat – a 5-2-0 start as of this post has them sitting in 7th place in the Western Conference and one point back of the hot and cold San Jose Sharks in the Pacific Division.
How’s that, you ask? It’s the defense, Mr. Balsi- er, stupid. And puck possession. Let the players finally throw some of their own numbers around:
10, as in the number of goals allowed through 7 games, between goalies Ilya Bryzgalov (7) and Jason LaBarbera (2).
1.43, as in the Coyotes GAA. That’s #1 in the league, sports fans, up 23 spots from the 24th ranked 3.04 GAA in 2008-09.
26.9, as in the Coyotes’ Shots Against Per Game average, good for 5th in the league and a significant improvement over last season’s 31.6 SA/G. Makes sense – the less shots you allow, the fewer goals you should give up.
84, as in the Coyotes’ 2009-10 Penalty Kill % through 7 games, good for a respectable 11th in the league. Last season this was the 28th ranked unit in the league at 76.8%.
52.8, as in the Coyotes’ Face-off Win % so far in 2009-10, tied for fifth in the league. In 2008-09 the Coyotes ranked dead last in FOW% with a 44.8%.
30, as in the number of aforementioned super-goalie Ilya Brzygalov. Bryz leads the league in Save % (.953) and GAA (7) among the #1s in the league. Critics will note he’s only faced 148 shots (see that # 26.9), but prorating his numbers with the number of shots that current league leader Mikka Kiprusoff has faced, 265, still leaves him with an outstanding 12.5 GA and a 2.04 GA.
2, 18 & 33, as in the numbers, respectively, of offseason defensive acquisitions Jim Vandermeer, Sami Lepisto and Adrian Aucoin (no relation to the Caps’ Keith, Bears fans). A couple of gritty veterans in Vandermeer and Aucoin with career +/-s of +4 and +24, and a young, confident and slick-skating Finn in Lepisto whose offensive prowess could make his acquisition for a 5th rounder from the Capitals a real steal.
The defense is loaded with experience and athleticism, and just smart hockey sense. But let’s not let the defense steal the show…
14 & 17, as in the numbers of exciting newly signed wingers Taylor Pyatt and Radim Vrbata – Pyatt coming over from Vancouver after a pair of 37 point seasons playing alongside the Sedin twins, and the electric Vrbata returning to the team that drafted him and already leading the team with 3 goals.
23.75, as in the average age of the young guns that not only have a hand in the Coyotes current early success, but figure to play major roles in coming seasons – RW Peter Mueller (21), C Martin Hanzal (22), LW Lauri Korpikoski (23), D Keith Yandle (23), C Daniel Winnik (24), Lepisto (25), RW Scottie Upshall (26) and D and alternate captain Zbynek Michalek (26).
19, as in the number of career Winnipeg Jet/Phoenix Coyote left winger Shane Doan – one of the most respected players and captains in the league who’s off to a great start with 6 points in 7 games and attacking the season the only way he knows how – with the sack and controlled reckless abandon with which he laid into the Blue Jackets’ Jason Chimera in the Coyotes’ home opener.
17,532, as in the number of the announced crowd for said sold-out home opener in Glendale – a disheartening 2-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, but a served notice that there are living, breathing hockey fans here in the desert.
1, as in the number of guys dressed as the pope at the White-Out home opener. Enter your “need the help” and “don’t have a prayer” jokes here. But it’s also the number of catch-phrases picking up steam around the team. “Pack mentality” is that punny gem from head coach Dave Tippett, the man who has molded this group of NHL almost-nomads to his liking, a pretty impressive feat for a man given the job just weeks before the season began. He’s got them focused and believing in the system.
Will it last? Who knows. It’s early and speculation and wonder is half the fun right? But it may be that Tippett’s also instilled a bit of business sense in Glendale: the Phoenix Coyotes don’t need to be sold. They’re selling themselves. And you should be buying.
The Islanders top the Hurricanes in shootout for first win of the season.
In what can only be called a miracle, the Islanders were able to hang on in the shootout to win the game, off the end of John Tavares' stick to be exact.
The kid has been everything Isles' fans could have hoped for, he never gives up on the puck and has a nose for the net. While I'm sure it was wearing on the entire team to be winless through their first six games of the year, the Isles have played with the desire to win, and I haven't seen them giving up on the game. Actually, the Isles have taken a lead into the third period in most of the games, it seems like they just burn out by the end of the second. Scott Gordon's "overspeed" system is obviously tough to maintain for the kids, most of whom actually would be AHLers on any other team, tonight they gave up 2 goals to blow the lead in the third. Tavares didn't register any points in regulation, but he did score the shootout ending goal, all three Islander shooters scored in the shootout, their line up was Jeff Tambellini, a fresh off surgery Frans Nielsen, and the aforementioned number one draft pick, John Tavares.
While I'm sure Islander fans have become somewhat accustomed to the shootout already this year, what they haven't gotten used to is Dwayne Roloson's incompetency in the shootout. Roloson before tonight made zero saves in six attempts, and even after tonight he only made one save, putting all the more pressure on Tavares to put the game away. The shootout maybe the most glaring issue to Islander fans, especially since their oft-injured number one goaltender, Rick DiPietro is one of the BEST goalies in the shootout. Dwayne Roloson, I've said it before is a positional goaltender and his style doesn't lend itself very well to shootouts, which has been shown throughout his career, not just this season. Say what you will, he's a step above Joey MacDonald and Yann Danis.
The real hero of the game tonight was surprisingly, Andy Sutton, whom has actually been under fire by a lot of fans for not using his big frame at all, well, tonight he did. We also got to see some of the scoring ability he had prior to joining the Islanders, he earned himself a goal and an assist, and he was close to getting a Gordie Howe hat trick after Andrew Alberts hit Tavares rather late, Alberts declined Sutton's invitation to dance, and Sutton had to settle for a roughing penalty.
Matt Moulson has continued to be a story for the Islanders, he picked up his fifth goal on the season tonight, all of which were more or less on the goalie's doorstep. Tim Jackman picked up his first goal of the season and has been a MUCH better option for the Isles in place of Joel Rechlicz. Brendan Witt was the only player to drop the gloves tonight against Scott Walker, and while the fight was even to a point, it was Witt in the end who ended up on his back, advantage goes to Walker in that one.
The Islanders still need work, particularly in their own defensive zone late in the game. The penalty killing thusfar has been somewhat of a strength and their 5-on-5 numbers are hardly anything to write home about so far. I think they need to consider adding more grit, and maybe slowing down to a more defensive pace for the third period, then the Islanders may be able to return to past glories. Also, stop putting pressure on Tavares and comparing him to Mike Bossy, got it?
The kid has been everything Isles' fans could have hoped for, he never gives up on the puck and has a nose for the net. While I'm sure it was wearing on the entire team to be winless through their first six games of the year, the Isles have played with the desire to win, and I haven't seen them giving up on the game. Actually, the Isles have taken a lead into the third period in most of the games, it seems like they just burn out by the end of the second. Scott Gordon's "overspeed" system is obviously tough to maintain for the kids, most of whom actually would be AHLers on any other team, tonight they gave up 2 goals to blow the lead in the third. Tavares didn't register any points in regulation, but he did score the shootout ending goal, all three Islander shooters scored in the shootout, their line up was Jeff Tambellini, a fresh off surgery Frans Nielsen, and the aforementioned number one draft pick, John Tavares.
While I'm sure Islander fans have become somewhat accustomed to the shootout already this year, what they haven't gotten used to is Dwayne Roloson's incompetency in the shootout. Roloson before tonight made zero saves in six attempts, and even after tonight he only made one save, putting all the more pressure on Tavares to put the game away. The shootout maybe the most glaring issue to Islander fans, especially since their oft-injured number one goaltender, Rick DiPietro is one of the BEST goalies in the shootout. Dwayne Roloson, I've said it before is a positional goaltender and his style doesn't lend itself very well to shootouts, which has been shown throughout his career, not just this season. Say what you will, he's a step above Joey MacDonald and Yann Danis.
The real hero of the game tonight was surprisingly, Andy Sutton, whom has actually been under fire by a lot of fans for not using his big frame at all, well, tonight he did. We also got to see some of the scoring ability he had prior to joining the Islanders, he earned himself a goal and an assist, and he was close to getting a Gordie Howe hat trick after Andrew Alberts hit Tavares rather late, Alberts declined Sutton's invitation to dance, and Sutton had to settle for a roughing penalty.
Matt Moulson has continued to be a story for the Islanders, he picked up his fifth goal on the season tonight, all of which were more or less on the goalie's doorstep. Tim Jackman picked up his first goal of the season and has been a MUCH better option for the Isles in place of Joel Rechlicz. Brendan Witt was the only player to drop the gloves tonight against Scott Walker, and while the fight was even to a point, it was Witt in the end who ended up on his back, advantage goes to Walker in that one.
The Islanders still need work, particularly in their own defensive zone late in the game. The penalty killing thusfar has been somewhat of a strength and their 5-on-5 numbers are hardly anything to write home about so far. I think they need to consider adding more grit, and maybe slowing down to a more defensive pace for the third period, then the Islanders may be able to return to past glories. Also, stop putting pressure on Tavares and comparing him to Mike Bossy, got it?
Ilya Kovalchuk... the 100 million dollar man?
Elliot Friedman of the CBC is saying Ilya Kovalchuk of the Atlanta Thrashers could very well become the second player under the NHL's CBA to make $100 million dollars, fellow Russian, Alex Ovechkin being the first. The most Kovalchuk can make per season is $11.36 million, which means he would need to be signed for a 9 year extension.
In my opinion, and let me let the dogs out of the yard now so you know my slant on Kovalchuk. I think Ilya Kovalchuk has been the single best goal scorer in the NHL for the last few seasons, yes, Ovechkin has scored more goals, but Kovalchuk's goal to shot ratio is MUCH better than Ovechkin's, and one would have to think if Kovalchuk took the same amount of shots as Ovechkin, he would put up scary/amazing numbers. If you're not putting Kovalchuk up there next to the likes of Ovechkin, Malkin and Crosby, you're probably not doing something right. Kovy is in fact, a legitimate franchise player, and Atlanta should do whatever they can to make sure he plays a good majority of his career for them.
In an era of penny pinching due to the CBA, I'm normally against big contracts like this, but with Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta will be getting a return on every single penny they spend on him, and that's why I think this would be a great move. It'd be hard to see Atlanta as Stanley Cup competitors in coming seasons without Kovy.
In my opinion, and let me let the dogs out of the yard now so you know my slant on Kovalchuk. I think Ilya Kovalchuk has been the single best goal scorer in the NHL for the last few seasons, yes, Ovechkin has scored more goals, but Kovalchuk's goal to shot ratio is MUCH better than Ovechkin's, and one would have to think if Kovalchuk took the same amount of shots as Ovechkin, he would put up scary/amazing numbers. If you're not putting Kovalchuk up there next to the likes of Ovechkin, Malkin and Crosby, you're probably not doing something right. Kovy is in fact, a legitimate franchise player, and Atlanta should do whatever they can to make sure he plays a good majority of his career for them.
In an era of penny pinching due to the CBA, I'm normally against big contracts like this, but with Ilya Kovalchuk, Atlanta will be getting a return on every single penny they spend on him, and that's why I think this would be a great move. It'd be hard to see Atlanta as Stanley Cup competitors in coming seasons without Kovy.
Michael Nylander assigned to Grand Rapids Griffins for conditioning.
It was only a matter of time before the Washington Capitals looked to move centerman, Michael Nylander, who has not made a start this year and hardly factored into last year's playoffs.
Nylander has been seeming increasingly inadequate for Bruce Boudreau's high paced, aggressive forechecking style. At 37 years old, Nylander has had a hard time keeping up with the youth of the team, however a no move clause has prevented the Capitals from dumping him sooner. Earlier in the week, Dynamo Moscow had shown interest in Nylander, however they had some concerns about his conditioning. The Capitals solution? Rather than use precious space in their already ridiculously deep AHL system in Hershey, the Capitals sent him to Grand Rapids, the Red Wings AHL team. Nylander didn't have to clear waivers because the Capitals sent him down for conditioning.
I hope this works out well for Nylander, I don't like watching a guy sit on the bench when it's pretty clear he still has a few years left in him. Nylander has spent tenures with the Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and two tenures with the Washington Capitals. At his best, he's a great playmaking center, at worst, he's the Capitals current headache. Russia is the only place Nylander has said he'd waive his no trade clause for, so Capitals nation was ecstatic to hear about Dynamo Moscow's interest.
Now the waiting game continues, provided Nylander can be productive in his conditioning, the Capitals may finally be able to get their big contract off their backs, here's hoping for the best for all parties involved.
Nylander has been seeming increasingly inadequate for Bruce Boudreau's high paced, aggressive forechecking style. At 37 years old, Nylander has had a hard time keeping up with the youth of the team, however a no move clause has prevented the Capitals from dumping him sooner. Earlier in the week, Dynamo Moscow had shown interest in Nylander, however they had some concerns about his conditioning. The Capitals solution? Rather than use precious space in their already ridiculously deep AHL system in Hershey, the Capitals sent him to Grand Rapids, the Red Wings AHL team. Nylander didn't have to clear waivers because the Capitals sent him down for conditioning.
I hope this works out well for Nylander, I don't like watching a guy sit on the bench when it's pretty clear he still has a few years left in him. Nylander has spent tenures with the Hartford Whalers, Calgary Flames, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers and two tenures with the Washington Capitals. At his best, he's a great playmaking center, at worst, he's the Capitals current headache. Russia is the only place Nylander has said he'd waive his no trade clause for, so Capitals nation was ecstatic to hear about Dynamo Moscow's interest.
Now the waiting game continues, provided Nylander can be productive in his conditioning, the Capitals may finally be able to get their big contract off their backs, here's hoping for the best for all parties involved.
Role Reversal
In probably what has been the most upside-down beginning to hockey since I can't remember, the LA Kings are winning, as well as the Avs, the Habs are just winning their first game, and the Devils are struggling to hold on to each and every game. Add to that the Boston Bruins, whose heartbreaking loss in the playoffs last year brought in an arena full of fans only to leave in disappointment to a near shutout as Vezina Trophy winner Tim Thomas let in 4 goals from atypical scorers.
I feel like I've just entered the land of Willy Wonka or something, where everything is kooky, but it all will make sense in the end if we just pay attention and don't eat the blueberry gum.
It's fascinating to see hockey fans scramble and freak out, even at the beginning (myself included) at how their team is about to fall apart, when there hasn't even been 10 games played yet in the 82 game season. It's also incredible to see coaches already shuffling lines, as if they've even had time to get used to many of the players they've just been paired with already. For many teams, the shine will fade, and for some it won't. We speculate whether the Thrashers or the Avs or the Kings are for real this year. Will Gaborik stay healthy and keep the Rangers alive all year? What about the Coyotes? What about the Caps and their fairweather start: is it just bad luck or was last season a glitch? Will Tavares stay or will he be a difference maker like Ovi for the Isles? What about Duchene? All the questions and predictions of what will happen in post-season play are already so premature. Barely 10 games, and we are trying to guess if the Pens will make it to the Cup again? Pshhh. C'mon folks. Enjoy the season. We've waited long enough for it to get here. Or at least I have.
I tell myself this as much as I tell my friends... it's early (and they have to continually remind me). The kinks will be worked out. The seasons will balance. Until then, enjoy the fact that hockey is on almost every night (or it would be if the NHL schedule weren't such a trainwreck). Cheer on your team, and then enjoy the rivalries of others. This isn't a sprint... it's a marathon. Let's see who's left standing in March.
I feel like I've just entered the land of Willy Wonka or something, where everything is kooky, but it all will make sense in the end if we just pay attention and don't eat the blueberry gum.
It's fascinating to see hockey fans scramble and freak out, even at the beginning (myself included) at how their team is about to fall apart, when there hasn't even been 10 games played yet in the 82 game season. It's also incredible to see coaches already shuffling lines, as if they've even had time to get used to many of the players they've just been paired with already. For many teams, the shine will fade, and for some it won't. We speculate whether the Thrashers or the Avs or the Kings are for real this year. Will Gaborik stay healthy and keep the Rangers alive all year? What about the Coyotes? What about the Caps and their fairweather start: is it just bad luck or was last season a glitch? Will Tavares stay or will he be a difference maker like Ovi for the Isles? What about Duchene? All the questions and predictions of what will happen in post-season play are already so premature. Barely 10 games, and we are trying to guess if the Pens will make it to the Cup again? Pshhh. C'mon folks. Enjoy the season. We've waited long enough for it to get here. Or at least I have.
I tell myself this as much as I tell my friends... it's early (and they have to continually remind me). The kinks will be worked out. The seasons will balance. Until then, enjoy the fact that hockey is on almost every night (or it would be if the NHL schedule weren't such a trainwreck). Cheer on your team, and then enjoy the rivalries of others. This isn't a sprint... it's a marathon. Let's see who's left standing in March.
Are the Atlanta Thrashers for real?
If you were to ask me which team would have a great start to the season, the Atlanta Thrashers would not have been at the top of my list.
Not because of lack of talent, they are owners of the most talented pure goal scorer in the league, in my opinion. However, as talented as he is, Ilya Kovalchuk has more or less been a bright spot in a pretty low point in the franchise's short history. Two seasons in a row, the Thrashers have posted records below .500 and spent both seasons in 4th in their division.
That's what makes their 4-1-1 start so impressive, in a division which has more struggling teams than winning teams at the start of the season. The Thrashers are poised to be the only team to really put any sort of pressure on the Washington Capitals, who are the hands down favorite to run away with the division. Three out of four of the Thrashers' wins have come on the road, which is even more impressive.
The big story from tonight's game vs. the Montreal Canadiens is Ondrej Pavelec's absolutely awesome performance in goal. Pavelec stopped 34 of 35 Canadiens' shots on goal, which forced the game to a shootout, which is where the love for Pavelec ends. Not that I even allow your performance in a shootout effect the way you play, especially as a goaltender, there are some goalies who are better suited for shootouts, Pavelec being more of a positional goaltender, his style falls on it's face in shootouts, apparently. He DID blank Mike Cammaleri in the SO, if you wanted to find something to be happy about in the shootout, there ya go. His play through 65 minutes though was absolutely awesome. Halak made the start for the Habs and he didn't look bad in net either, it was a good change of pace taking the whining Carey Price out of net, AND the Habs ended their five game skid, without baby Carey Price in net.
Kovy and crew have their work cut out for them on Thursday, hosting Ovi and HIS crew, and while I highly doubt there's ever been bad blood between the two, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ovi gunning for Kovy. While the Habs host what should be an easier victory than tonight's against the New York Islanders. Now that I said that, the Isles will probably win their first game on Thursday, sorry Habs fans.
This is probably shorter and less descriptive than I wanted, but the baseball playoffs have been drawing a lot of my attention.
Not because of lack of talent, they are owners of the most talented pure goal scorer in the league, in my opinion. However, as talented as he is, Ilya Kovalchuk has more or less been a bright spot in a pretty low point in the franchise's short history. Two seasons in a row, the Thrashers have posted records below .500 and spent both seasons in 4th in their division.
That's what makes their 4-1-1 start so impressive, in a division which has more struggling teams than winning teams at the start of the season. The Thrashers are poised to be the only team to really put any sort of pressure on the Washington Capitals, who are the hands down favorite to run away with the division. Three out of four of the Thrashers' wins have come on the road, which is even more impressive.
The big story from tonight's game vs. the Montreal Canadiens is Ondrej Pavelec's absolutely awesome performance in goal. Pavelec stopped 34 of 35 Canadiens' shots on goal, which forced the game to a shootout, which is where the love for Pavelec ends. Not that I even allow your performance in a shootout effect the way you play, especially as a goaltender, there are some goalies who are better suited for shootouts, Pavelec being more of a positional goaltender, his style falls on it's face in shootouts, apparently. He DID blank Mike Cammaleri in the SO, if you wanted to find something to be happy about in the shootout, there ya go. His play through 65 minutes though was absolutely awesome. Halak made the start for the Habs and he didn't look bad in net either, it was a good change of pace taking the whining Carey Price out of net, AND the Habs ended their five game skid, without baby Carey Price in net.
Kovy and crew have their work cut out for them on Thursday, hosting Ovi and HIS crew, and while I highly doubt there's ever been bad blood between the two, I wouldn't be surprised to see Ovi gunning for Kovy. While the Habs host what should be an easier victory than tonight's against the New York Islanders. Now that I said that, the Isles will probably win their first game on Thursday, sorry Habs fans.
This is probably shorter and less descriptive than I wanted, but the baseball playoffs have been drawing a lot of my attention.
What better way to start a hockey blog...
...then to talk about Brian Burke's big blunder?
It's not so much the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs are the worst team in the league, they were pretty close to the worst team last year. It's more the fact that they're waiting on Phil Kessel to be their savior, as if one player can turn around the whole team, just ask the New York Islanders how that's worked out thusfar.
Sure, Kessel will score them a lot of goals, he always does. But this Maple Leafs team is SO fundamentally flawed that I don't think having a guy like Kessel can help much, if at all.
The Leafs spent their night, in Toronto against what could very well be the hottest team in the league right now, the New York Rangers. A lot of people, myself included doubted how sound of a move it was by Rangers' GM Glenn Sather to sign an injury prone Marian Gaborik, and I must say, I'm now a believer in the decision.
The Rangers absolutely romped the last place Maple Leafs earlier in the week, in a 7-2 victory which saw the Leafs do every possible thing to set themselves back. Mike Komisarek has become nothing but a huge minus player since joining the team, or maybe he was on the Habs just the great players around him lessened that effect. Tonight the Leafs looked a bit better than they did last time they played the Rangers, but not much.
By better I mean Joey MacDonald, of all people, played better than Vesa Toskala did earlier this week. The rest of the team was still utterly abysmal. Not to undersell the Rangers though, they've proved to have a potent offense this year, and it's not just coming from Gaborik. Brandon Dubinsky has been one of the most consistent producers for the team, which is a mixed bag of youth and veterans. Dubinsky added a goal and assist tonight, ending up being a +2 on the night and one of the best players of this young season. He shows poise on both sides of the puck, unlike many of the "star" talent Burke signed in the off season. Sure, Phil Kessel is a great player, and he is an elite scorer, but the Maple Leafs are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, period. They've made the Capitals look like a trap team, but whereas the Capitals aren't the most solid defensive team ever, it's because they're taking chances at the other end of the ice and scoring goals. The Leafs do neither of which very well, and I have a hard time believing it'll all change once Kessel is in the line up.
What's most frightening about all of this, is from game to game, the Maple Leafs aren't doing anything spectacularly. Aside from playing bad hockey, of course. Alex Ponikarovsky is one of two plus players on the whole team, with a somewhat shocking +5, how you can be a plus player on a team that hasn't won a game yet is beyond me. The other plus is Ian White, who is currently a +3. I have November 23rd penciled in as the date that either the Islanders or Maple Leafs will win their first game this year, I happen to lean more towards the Islanders at this point, though. At least the Islanders have put up a fight for the most part, in their home opener they gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a run for their money, the Maple Leafs on the other hand, not so much.
The whole point of this rambling post is probably just to say, bottom line, in the salary cap era, if you don't spend your money wisely, you won't win. Here's to you, Brian Burke, I'd say you would get the number one overall draft pick next year, but you don't have any first round picks.
It's not so much the fact that the Toronto Maple Leafs are the worst team in the league, they were pretty close to the worst team last year. It's more the fact that they're waiting on Phil Kessel to be their savior, as if one player can turn around the whole team, just ask the New York Islanders how that's worked out thusfar.
Sure, Kessel will score them a lot of goals, he always does. But this Maple Leafs team is SO fundamentally flawed that I don't think having a guy like Kessel can help much, if at all.
The Leafs spent their night, in Toronto against what could very well be the hottest team in the league right now, the New York Rangers. A lot of people, myself included doubted how sound of a move it was by Rangers' GM Glenn Sather to sign an injury prone Marian Gaborik, and I must say, I'm now a believer in the decision.
The Rangers absolutely romped the last place Maple Leafs earlier in the week, in a 7-2 victory which saw the Leafs do every possible thing to set themselves back. Mike Komisarek has become nothing but a huge minus player since joining the team, or maybe he was on the Habs just the great players around him lessened that effect. Tonight the Leafs looked a bit better than they did last time they played the Rangers, but not much.
By better I mean Joey MacDonald, of all people, played better than Vesa Toskala did earlier this week. The rest of the team was still utterly abysmal. Not to undersell the Rangers though, they've proved to have a potent offense this year, and it's not just coming from Gaborik. Brandon Dubinsky has been one of the most consistent producers for the team, which is a mixed bag of youth and veterans. Dubinsky added a goal and assist tonight, ending up being a +2 on the night and one of the best players of this young season. He shows poise on both sides of the puck, unlike many of the "star" talent Burke signed in the off season. Sure, Phil Kessel is a great player, and he is an elite scorer, but the Maple Leafs are one of the worst defensive teams in the league, period. They've made the Capitals look like a trap team, but whereas the Capitals aren't the most solid defensive team ever, it's because they're taking chances at the other end of the ice and scoring goals. The Leafs do neither of which very well, and I have a hard time believing it'll all change once Kessel is in the line up.
What's most frightening about all of this, is from game to game, the Maple Leafs aren't doing anything spectacularly. Aside from playing bad hockey, of course. Alex Ponikarovsky is one of two plus players on the whole team, with a somewhat shocking +5, how you can be a plus player on a team that hasn't won a game yet is beyond me. The other plus is Ian White, who is currently a +3. I have November 23rd penciled in as the date that either the Islanders or Maple Leafs will win their first game this year, I happen to lean more towards the Islanders at this point, though. At least the Islanders have put up a fight for the most part, in their home opener they gave the Pittsburgh Penguins a run for their money, the Maple Leafs on the other hand, not so much.
The whole point of this rambling post is probably just to say, bottom line, in the salary cap era, if you don't spend your money wisely, you won't win. Here's to you, Brian Burke, I'd say you would get the number one overall draft pick next year, but you don't have any first round picks.