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I'll be writing pretty much every day on everything that's going on in the hockey world!
I'll be writing pretty much every day on everything that's going on in the hockey world!
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Farewell to Joe Nieuwendyk
Wendel Clark was drafted 1st overall in 1985. Two hundred and fifty-one picks later, the Flyers took Paul Maurice with the final pick in the draft. But it was the player taken at #27 out of Cornell by the Calgary Flames who would go on to become the best player from the draft year.
Joe Nieuwendyk became a star as soon as he got to the NHL. In his rookie year he won the Calder Trophy, scoring 51 goals and adding 41 assists. In year two he matched his goal total from the previous year and added another ten in the playoffs, as the Flames beat Montreal to win the Cup. During his tenure in Calgary, Nieuwendyk had 274 goals and 616 points in 577 games. Following a sixth straight year without winning a playoff round, the Flames decided to make a move for the future, trading the 29-year old to Dallas for Corey Millen and the Stars' recent first round pick, Jarome Iginla.
While some may think the Flames got the better end of the deal in acquiring Iginla, they would go on to miss the playoffs in all but one of the next 8 seasons and it took seven full years before Iginla took his game to the next level. Of course Nieuwendyk helped to carry the Stars to the finals in back-to-back years, winning the Conn Smythe in 1999 as Dallas won their first Championship in franchise history. In my opinion Dallas made a fantastic deal - the cost of acquiring a future Hall of Famer and winning a Cup was high but absolutely worth it.
In 2001-02 with the Stars struggling, they decided to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade, sending Nieuwendyk and Langenbrunner to New Jersey for Arnott, McKay and a 1st round pick. Joe's stay in New Jersey was short - just one full season plus the final 14 games in 02 - but it did bring him his third ring on his third team.
After winning the Cup in 2003, Joe became a free agent and decided to come home to Ontario, reuniting with his friend Gary Roberts. The Leafs had a strong team and expectations went through the roof with the addition of Nieuwendyk along with trade deadline deals for two more future Hall of Famers Francis and Leetch. Joe battled through injuries and finished third on the team in scoring with 50 points. As usual it was in the playoffs where he took his game to a new level, scoring 6 goals in 9 games and carrying the Leafs to a first round win over Ottawa. The aging team ran out of steam in the second round, losing to Philadelphia.
Most thought that this would be the final stop in his illustrious career, but Joe would stay just one season in Toronto after failing to come to terms on a new contract the next summer. Negotiations with GM John Ferguson Jr. went down to the wire but in the end Nieuwendyk and Roberts decided to move down South to play for the Panthers. After the lockout a lot of veterans had trouble keeping up in the new NHL. Joe Nieuwendyk was not one of them - at age 39, he had 26 goals and 56 points in 65 games. Unfortunately he struggled with injuries throughout the year (something that plagued him for much of his career) and in the end it was his back that forced him to call it a career today. It's a shame that he couldn't make one last run at the Cup and retire on his own terms but we did have the privilege of watching him for almost 20 years.
Nieuwendyk also represented Canada twice in the Olympics. All Canadian hockey fans will remember him doing whatever it took to bring home the Gold in Salt Lake. He took on a defensive role where he excelled and was outstanding in the faceoff circle. He led by example and did whatever it took to win.
Joe Nieuwendyk was a star on and off the ice. He may have won three Cups, an Olympic Gold, the Conn Smythe and Calder trophies and was a four-time all-star, but I'm sure one of his proudest accomplishments was winning the Kings Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1995, for Humanitarian of the Year. I've never met him but I have the utmost respect for the way he carried himself on the ice and off.
The debates have already started over whether Nieuwendyk is a Hall of Famer. To me there is no doubt that he is. He may not have as many goals as Ciccarelli or as many Cups as Anderson, but if I had to pick a team to play Game Seven for the Cup and could take anyone from the past 20 years, there are few names I would take ahead of Joe Nieuwendyk. He was a consummate pro. A leader. A warrior. A winner.
Congratulations on a fantastic career Joe and I look forward to seeing you continue to impact the game off the ice for years to come.
Thumbnails used from Getty Images
Joe Nieuwendyk became a star as soon as he got to the NHL. In his rookie year he won the Calder Trophy, scoring 51 goals and adding 41 assists. In year two he matched his goal total from the previous year and added another ten in the playoffs, as the Flames beat Montreal to win the Cup. During his tenure in Calgary, Nieuwendyk had 274 goals and 616 points in 577 games. Following a sixth straight year without winning a playoff round, the Flames decided to make a move for the future, trading the 29-year old to Dallas for Corey Millen and the Stars' recent first round pick, Jarome Iginla.
While some may think the Flames got the better end of the deal in acquiring Iginla, they would go on to miss the playoffs in all but one of the next 8 seasons and it took seven full years before Iginla took his game to the next level. Of course Nieuwendyk helped to carry the Stars to the finals in back-to-back years, winning the Conn Smythe in 1999 as Dallas won their first Championship in franchise history. In my opinion Dallas made a fantastic deal - the cost of acquiring a future Hall of Famer and winning a Cup was high but absolutely worth it.
In 2001-02 with the Stars struggling, they decided to pull the trigger on a blockbuster trade, sending Nieuwendyk and Langenbrunner to New Jersey for Arnott, McKay and a 1st round pick. Joe's stay in New Jersey was short - just one full season plus the final 14 games in 02 - but it did bring him his third ring on his third team.
After winning the Cup in 2003, Joe became a free agent and decided to come home to Ontario, reuniting with his friend Gary Roberts. The Leafs had a strong team and expectations went through the roof with the addition of Nieuwendyk along with trade deadline deals for two more future Hall of Famers Francis and Leetch. Joe battled through injuries and finished third on the team in scoring with 50 points. As usual it was in the playoffs where he took his game to a new level, scoring 6 goals in 9 games and carrying the Leafs to a first round win over Ottawa. The aging team ran out of steam in the second round, losing to Philadelphia.
Most thought that this would be the final stop in his illustrious career, but Joe would stay just one season in Toronto after failing to come to terms on a new contract the next summer. Negotiations with GM John Ferguson Jr. went down to the wire but in the end Nieuwendyk and Roberts decided to move down South to play for the Panthers. After the lockout a lot of veterans had trouble keeping up in the new NHL. Joe Nieuwendyk was not one of them - at age 39, he had 26 goals and 56 points in 65 games. Unfortunately he struggled with injuries throughout the year (something that plagued him for much of his career) and in the end it was his back that forced him to call it a career today. It's a shame that he couldn't make one last run at the Cup and retire on his own terms but we did have the privilege of watching him for almost 20 years.
Nieuwendyk also represented Canada twice in the Olympics. All Canadian hockey fans will remember him doing whatever it took to bring home the Gold in Salt Lake. He took on a defensive role where he excelled and was outstanding in the faceoff circle. He led by example and did whatever it took to win.
Joe Nieuwendyk was a star on and off the ice. He may have won three Cups, an Olympic Gold, the Conn Smythe and Calder trophies and was a four-time all-star, but I'm sure one of his proudest accomplishments was winning the Kings Clancy Memorial Trophy in 1995, for Humanitarian of the Year. I've never met him but I have the utmost respect for the way he carried himself on the ice and off.
The debates have already started over whether Nieuwendyk is a Hall of Famer. To me there is no doubt that he is. He may not have as many goals as Ciccarelli or as many Cups as Anderson, but if I had to pick a team to play Game Seven for the Cup and could take anyone from the past 20 years, there are few names I would take ahead of Joe Nieuwendyk. He was a consummate pro. A leader. A warrior. A winner.
Congratulations on a fantastic career Joe and I look forward to seeing you continue to impact the game off the ice for years to come.
Thumbnails used from Getty Images
Amazing Goal - Should it Count?
Bouchard's skate is clearly in the crease and making contact with Khabibulin's pad, but he was also in full control of the puck at the time - tough call...
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday in Review
Quite a bit of news today other than the Eagles' big win tonight:
Tonight's Games:
* Bruins win a thriller over Montreal, 6-5. Before the game there was a ceremony to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Canadiens' franchise - players like Schmidt, Bucyk, Cheevers, Bourque, Lafleur and Beliveau were on hand for the festivities. Outside of the Yankees I don't think there is a pro sports team in North American that has such a rich history
* 10 different players had goals in this one, with Brad Stuart potting a pair. Primeau and Sturm also scored for the Bruins, giving the trio 13 on the season, 6 more than Joe Thornton
* Marc Savard had a three point night, bringing his season total to 31. I wonder how many teams are regretting not making a move for him (Calgary perhaps)?
* Huet got the hook for the first time this year.
* Marty Turco picked up shutout #2 on the year, beating the Sharks 1-0.
* Dallas had just 13 shots on goal (5-4-4) but won anyway
* Modano scored the lone goal of the game before leaving with a "lower body injury". Seems like a lot of those going around.
* The Stars were also missing Morrow, Lindros, Miettinen, Daly and Sydor due to various injuries
* Phoenix came from behind to upset Nashville, 3-2. The Coyotes outplayed the Preds and outshot them 42-21 - 16-3 in the third
* Georges Laraques picked up two more assists - his 6th multipoint game in his last 12 games
* The Oilers shutout Vancouver 4-0 behind 36 stops by Roloson
* The Canucks continue to really have trouble scoring while Luongo struggled as well, allowing 4 on 18. Vancouver has no scoring depth and are relying way too much on the twins and Naslund.
Today's News
* Stillman activated: You have to think that the Canes will look to deal a forward for some help on D. Maybe they'll even look to Vancouver?
* Bob Clarke back with Philly (as Senior VP). Sounds like a very low-stress position that still allows him to stay active with the franchise. Good move for all..
* Canada's World Junior hopefuls announced - 11 returnees from last year's Gold Medal squad. One of the most interesting battles will be in goal where Carey Price and Leland Irving should be pushed by Jonathan Bernier and Steve Mason.
* Viktor Kozlov named first star of the week. 6 goals in 2 road games put him in a class with Red Bereson, Gretzky, Sittler and Mikita. Something about Chad Kilger and Viktor Kozlov stealing the headlines this weekend feels very strange to me.
* NHL salary cap going up - apparently somewhere between $46 and $47.5 mil. Good news for the league and for the upcoming UFAs.
* Balsillie interviewed by team owners. As expected it sounds like it went well. The big date is fast approaching (Dec 20) when the decision is expected on the Slots licence for Downtown Pittsburgh:
''Obviously if they get the (slots) licence there's a contractual commitment to the team,'' said Bettman. ''If there isn't (a licence) then there will be an opportunity, I suppose, for other places to make their interests known. Although he reiterated, as did the executive committee, that we would like this team to stay in Pittsburgh if it's possible." (TSN)
* Schedule changes discussed. Sounds like Bettman is on board, the players are on board and the fans are definitely on board. However, everything I've read has said any changes that are made won't be made for another year, which is too bad (if true)
'I did indicate that the majority of players who I've spoken with would certainly support some increased play outside of their division,'' said Saskin. ''We all recognize there are challenges and competing interests anytime you make adjustments in the schedule, but the benefit of seeing more teams in the regular season is one that is understood and supported by the membership.'' (TSN)
Tonight's Games:
* Bruins win a thriller over Montreal, 6-5. Before the game there was a ceremony to commemorate the 97th anniversary of the Canadiens' franchise - players like Schmidt, Bucyk, Cheevers, Bourque, Lafleur and Beliveau were on hand for the festivities. Outside of the Yankees I don't think there is a pro sports team in North American that has such a rich history
* 10 different players had goals in this one, with Brad Stuart potting a pair. Primeau and Sturm also scored for the Bruins, giving the trio 13 on the season, 6 more than Joe Thornton
* Marc Savard had a three point night, bringing his season total to 31. I wonder how many teams are regretting not making a move for him (Calgary perhaps)?
* Huet got the hook for the first time this year.
* Marty Turco picked up shutout #2 on the year, beating the Sharks 1-0.
* Dallas had just 13 shots on goal (5-4-4) but won anyway
* Modano scored the lone goal of the game before leaving with a "lower body injury". Seems like a lot of those going around.
* The Stars were also missing Morrow, Lindros, Miettinen, Daly and Sydor due to various injuries
* Phoenix came from behind to upset Nashville, 3-2. The Coyotes outplayed the Preds and outshot them 42-21 - 16-3 in the third
* Georges Laraques picked up two more assists - his 6th multipoint game in his last 12 games
* The Oilers shutout Vancouver 4-0 behind 36 stops by Roloson
* The Canucks continue to really have trouble scoring while Luongo struggled as well, allowing 4 on 18. Vancouver has no scoring depth and are relying way too much on the twins and Naslund.
Today's News
* Stillman activated: You have to think that the Canes will look to deal a forward for some help on D. Maybe they'll even look to Vancouver?
* Bob Clarke back with Philly (as Senior VP). Sounds like a very low-stress position that still allows him to stay active with the franchise. Good move for all..
* Canada's World Junior hopefuls announced - 11 returnees from last year's Gold Medal squad. One of the most interesting battles will be in goal where Carey Price and Leland Irving should be pushed by Jonathan Bernier and Steve Mason.
* Viktor Kozlov named first star of the week. 6 goals in 2 road games put him in a class with Red Bereson, Gretzky, Sittler and Mikita. Something about Chad Kilger and Viktor Kozlov stealing the headlines this weekend feels very strange to me.
* NHL salary cap going up - apparently somewhere between $46 and $47.5 mil. Good news for the league and for the upcoming UFAs.
* Balsillie interviewed by team owners. As expected it sounds like it went well. The big date is fast approaching (Dec 20) when the decision is expected on the Slots licence for Downtown Pittsburgh:
''Obviously if they get the (slots) licence there's a contractual commitment to the team,'' said Bettman. ''If there isn't (a licence) then there will be an opportunity, I suppose, for other places to make their interests known. Although he reiterated, as did the executive committee, that we would like this team to stay in Pittsburgh if it's possible." (TSN)
* Schedule changes discussed. Sounds like Bettman is on board, the players are on board and the fans are definitely on board. However, everything I've read has said any changes that are made won't be made for another year, which is too bad (if true)
'I did indicate that the majority of players who I've spoken with would certainly support some increased play outside of their division,'' said Saskin. ''We all recognize there are challenges and competing interests anytime you make adjustments in the schedule, but the benefit of seeing more teams in the regular season is one that is understood and supported by the membership.'' (TSN)
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Al Iafrate... Al MacInnis... Chad Kilger?!?
According to Sportsnet.ca, Chad Kilger set the record today for hardest shot recorded. During the team's skills competition, Kilger had a 106.6 MPH slapshot, which broke the NHL record (105.2 MPH by Al Iafrate) and minor league record (106 MPH by Shawn Heins).
Kilger also won the fastest skater competition, posting a lap time of 14.233.
So let me get this straight: Chad Kilger has the hardest shot - ever. AND Chad Kilger is the fastest skater on the Leafs.
Ummm this can't be the same Chad Kilger that I'm thinking of. The one who was drafted in the first round ahead of Langkow, Doan, McLaren, Dvorak, Iginla, Giguere, McKee, Biron, Sykora, Nabokov, Morozov and Denis and whose year-by-year goal totals are:
7
4
3
15
3
14
8
9
2
1
17
It can't be the same guy who has 3 goals and 2 assists in 36 career playoff games, can it?!
I wonder if Anaheim, Winnipeg/Phoenix, Chicago, Edmonton and Montreal are now regretting giving up on such a talented player.
I also wonder if the radar gun was calibrated properly and how he beat out Gill and Belak to win fastest skater.
Kilger also won the fastest skater competition, posting a lap time of 14.233.
So let me get this straight: Chad Kilger has the hardest shot - ever. AND Chad Kilger is the fastest skater on the Leafs.
Ummm this can't be the same Chad Kilger that I'm thinking of. The one who was drafted in the first round ahead of Langkow, Doan, McLaren, Dvorak, Iginla, Giguere, McKee, Biron, Sykora, Nabokov, Morozov and Denis and whose year-by-year goal totals are:
7
4
3
15
3
14
8
9
2
1
17
It can't be the same guy who has 3 goals and 2 assists in 36 career playoff games, can it?!
I wonder if Anaheim, Winnipeg/Phoenix, Chicago, Edmonton and Montreal are now regretting giving up on such a talented player.
I also wonder if the radar gun was calibrated properly and how he beat out Gill and Belak to win fastest skater.
The Week Ahead
Just in case you were planning your week out, I decided to take a quick look at the week ahead:
(4) Monday, December 04, 2006
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
San Jose at Dallas 9:00 PM
Nashville at Phoenix 9:30 PM
Edmonton at Vancouver 10:00 PM
(8) Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Ottawa at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Florida at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Atlanta at Toronto 7:30 PM
Chicago at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Detroit at St. Louis 8:00 PM
Carolina at Calgary 9:00 PM
Columbus at Colorado 9:00 PM
(5) Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Ottawa at Washington 7:00 PM
Montreal at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 PM
Carolina at Edmonton 9:30 PM
Nashville at Anaheim 10:00 PM
(10) Thursday, December 07, 2006
Toronto at Boston 7:00 PM
Pittsburgh at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
St. Louis at Detroit 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Florida 7:30 PM
Montreal at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Atlanta at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Calgary at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Phoenix at Chicago 8:30 PM
Nashville at Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Colorado at San Jose 10:30 PM
(4) Friday, December 08, 2006
Anaheim at Washington 7:00 PM
Philadelphia at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Dallas 8:30 PM
Carolina at Vancouver 10:00 PM
(14) Saturday, December 09, 2006
NY Rangers at Ottawa 3:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Atlanta 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Boston 7:00 PM
Toronto at Detroit 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Montreal 7:00 PM
Florida at NY Islanders 7:00 PM
Washington at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Chicago at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Columbus at St. Louis 8:00 PM
Dallas at Phoenix 9:00 PM
Vancouver at Calgary 10:00 PM
Colorado at Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:30 PM
(3) Sunday, December 10, 2006
Ottawa at Columbus 6:00 PM
Edmonton at Chicago 7:00 PM
Florida at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
(4) Monday, December 04, 2006
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
San Jose at Dallas 9:00 PM
Nashville at Phoenix 9:30 PM
Edmonton at Vancouver 10:00 PM
(8) Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Ottawa at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Florida at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Atlanta at Toronto 7:30 PM
Chicago at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Detroit at St. Louis 8:00 PM
Carolina at Calgary 9:00 PM
Columbus at Colorado 9:00 PM
(5) Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Ottawa at Washington 7:00 PM
Montreal at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 PM
Carolina at Edmonton 9:30 PM
Nashville at Anaheim 10:00 PM
(10) Thursday, December 07, 2006
Toronto at Boston 7:00 PM
Pittsburgh at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
St. Louis at Detroit 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Florida 7:30 PM
Montreal at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Atlanta at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Calgary at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Phoenix at Chicago 8:30 PM
Nashville at Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Colorado at San Jose 10:30 PM
(4) Friday, December 08, 2006
Anaheim at Washington 7:00 PM
Philadelphia at New Jersey 7:30 PM
Edmonton at Dallas 8:30 PM
Carolina at Vancouver 10:00 PM
(14) Saturday, December 09, 2006
NY Rangers at Ottawa 3:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Atlanta 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Boston 7:00 PM
Toronto at Detroit 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Montreal 7:00 PM
Florida at NY Islanders 7:00 PM
Washington at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Anaheim at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Chicago at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Columbus at St. Louis 8:00 PM
Dallas at Phoenix 9:00 PM
Vancouver at Calgary 10:00 PM
Colorado at Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Nashville at San Jose 10:30 PM
(3) Sunday, December 10, 2006
Ottawa at Columbus 6:00 PM
Edmonton at Chicago 7:00 PM
Florida at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Weekend in Review
Sorry for the lack of activity over the weekend. Since I've posted there have been 20 games over the weekend.
* Tonight the Kings pulled off a big upset over the Ducks. Cloutier looked confident in net for the first time in a LONG time as the Kings came up with a split in the home-and-home weekend series.
* Bryzgalov had to leave the game tonight with an undisclosed "lower body" injury.
* In the earlier game, Viktor Kozlov had a four goal night, bringing his season total to 11. Last season Kozlov had all of 12 goals, and he has only cracked the 20-goal mark once in his 12-year career. On Saturday night he had 2 goals and an assist, so it was quite the weekend for Viktor, who may be finally living up to his draft status - 13 years later!
* Also, Shanahan had a hat trick to tie Hossa for the lead league with 20.
From Friday/Saturday:
* Ovechkin will not be suspended for his hit on Briere. Fortunately for all, Briere was not hurt on the play
* The Leafs continue to struggle, blowing a lead in Montreal
* Ryan Miller was pulled and the Sabres gave up 7 to Washington
* The Wings lost on a late goal to San Jose on a bad turnover at the blueline
* Ottawa looks to be back in a big way
* New Jersey won a pair - over Pittsburgh and in the shootout over Philly
* Patrick Elias is heating up, with 5 points in his last two games
* Hasek had another shutout, beating Minnesota on Friday night. Joey McDonald started the San Jose game on Saturday.
* Chicago also won a pair, beating St. Louis and Nashville. On Saturday the Hawks got three goals and an assist from somebody named Jeff Hamilton
* Columbus' Fredrik Norrena shutout the Oilers 4-0. The loss was very costly for the Oilers, who lost Ryan Smyth with a fractured thumb
Chris Cuthford and Glenn Healy called the first ever NHL game from ice level on Friday night. It was interesting to hear them work from between the benches and there were some interesting moments like the short interview of Lindey Ruff during a stoppage of play. I hope TSN continues to try new things and push the boundaries to bring the games closer to their viewers.
* Tonight the Kings pulled off a big upset over the Ducks. Cloutier looked confident in net for the first time in a LONG time as the Kings came up with a split in the home-and-home weekend series.
* Bryzgalov had to leave the game tonight with an undisclosed "lower body" injury.
* In the earlier game, Viktor Kozlov had a four goal night, bringing his season total to 11. Last season Kozlov had all of 12 goals, and he has only cracked the 20-goal mark once in his 12-year career. On Saturday night he had 2 goals and an assist, so it was quite the weekend for Viktor, who may be finally living up to his draft status - 13 years later!
* Also, Shanahan had a hat trick to tie Hossa for the lead league with 20.
From Friday/Saturday:
* Ovechkin will not be suspended for his hit on Briere. Fortunately for all, Briere was not hurt on the play
* The Leafs continue to struggle, blowing a lead in Montreal
* Ryan Miller was pulled and the Sabres gave up 7 to Washington
* The Wings lost on a late goal to San Jose on a bad turnover at the blueline
* Ottawa looks to be back in a big way
* New Jersey won a pair - over Pittsburgh and in the shootout over Philly
* Patrick Elias is heating up, with 5 points in his last two games
* Hasek had another shutout, beating Minnesota on Friday night. Joey McDonald started the San Jose game on Saturday.
* Chicago also won a pair, beating St. Louis and Nashville. On Saturday the Hawks got three goals and an assist from somebody named Jeff Hamilton
* Columbus' Fredrik Norrena shutout the Oilers 4-0. The loss was very costly for the Oilers, who lost Ryan Smyth with a fractured thumb
Chris Cuthford and Glenn Healy called the first ever NHL game from ice level on Friday night. It was interesting to hear them work from between the benches and there were some interesting moments like the short interview of Lindey Ruff during a stoppage of play. I hope TSN continues to try new things and push the boundaries to bring the games closer to their viewers.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Thursday in Review
So I didn't see Marty Turco in my cab or Sidney Crosby in my shower today but after a couple slow nights it really felt like hockey was back:
69 goals + 1 exciting shootout in 10 games.
50% of teams scored 4+ goals.
The Leafs have scored just twice in three games since the return of Mats Sundin.
Dan Cloutier has now given up 8 goals on 17 shots over his last two starts.
Dany Heatley continued to lead Ottawa with 2 goals and an assist. Not to be outdone, Marian Hossa had the hat trick and also added an assist.
Huet stopped 44 but the Habs still lost 4-2.
It took 14 shooters before Tim Thomas stopped Fedotenko to give Boston the win. Boston has won 8 of their last 10.
Jamie Heward took an skate to the face from Modano and was cut really badly.
Philly won with all their young defencemen in the lineup (and no Rathje)
Phoenix, Colorado and Nashville combined for 19 goals in their wins.
Emery and Lehtonen had shutouts.
Just when it seemed like the power may have been swinging back to the goalies, we get a night like tonight where only 3 teams get 1 or no goals (out of 20) and 5 starters (25%) get the hook.
Mike Smith: 4 goals on 14 shots
Alex Auld: 5 goals on 17 shots
Manny Legace: 5 goals on 17 shots
Dan Cloutier: 3 goals on 5 shots
Dwayne Roloson: 6 goals on 20 shots
Game Winners: Hossa, Ju. Williams, Kessel, Semin, Heatley, Knuble, Radulov, Doan, Arnason, Getzlaf
Goalie of the Night: Kari Lehtonen
Sniper of the Night: (tie) Marian Hossa
Defenceman of the Night: John-Michael Liles
Clutch Play of the Night: Getzlaf on the PP (2nd game winner in a row)
69 goals + 1 exciting shootout in 10 games.
50% of teams scored 4+ goals.
The Leafs have scored just twice in three games since the return of Mats Sundin.
Dan Cloutier has now given up 8 goals on 17 shots over his last two starts.
Dany Heatley continued to lead Ottawa with 2 goals and an assist. Not to be outdone, Marian Hossa had the hat trick and also added an assist.
Huet stopped 44 but the Habs still lost 4-2.
It took 14 shooters before Tim Thomas stopped Fedotenko to give Boston the win. Boston has won 8 of their last 10.
Jamie Heward took an skate to the face from Modano and was cut really badly.
Philly won with all their young defencemen in the lineup (and no Rathje)
Phoenix, Colorado and Nashville combined for 19 goals in their wins.
Emery and Lehtonen had shutouts.
Just when it seemed like the power may have been swinging back to the goalies, we get a night like tonight where only 3 teams get 1 or no goals (out of 20) and 5 starters (25%) get the hook.
Mike Smith: 4 goals on 14 shots
Alex Auld: 5 goals on 17 shots
Manny Legace: 5 goals on 17 shots
Dan Cloutier: 3 goals on 5 shots
Dwayne Roloson: 6 goals on 20 shots
Game Winners: Hossa, Ju. Williams, Kessel, Semin, Heatley, Knuble, Radulov, Doan, Arnason, Getzlaf
Goalie of the Night: Kari Lehtonen
Sniper of the Night: (tie) Marian Hossa
Defenceman of the Night: John-Michael Liles
Clutch Play of the Night: Getzlaf on the PP (2nd game winner in a row)
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday in Review
Three games tonight, all decided by one goal, all in regulation.
11 goals in total.
Philadelphia 4:52, Mike Knuble 8 (Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne)
Nashville 13:32, Steve Sullivan 7 (J.P. Dumont, Shea Weber)
Nashville 6:18, Alexander Radulov 5 (Dan Hamhuis, Chris Mason)
Philadelphia 13:29, R.J. Umberger 7 (Randy Robitaille, Geoff Sanderson)
Nashville 14:51, Martin Erat 6 (Paul Kariya)
Minnesota 2:54, Mattias Weinhandl 1 (Todd White)
San Jose 6:19, Joe Pavelski 3 (power play) (Matt Carle)
San Jose 7:02, Steve Bernier 8 (Christian Ehrhoff)
Dallas 18:06, Jere Lehtinen 4 (Loui Eriksson, Mike Modano)
Chicago 11:43, Tony Salmelainen 1 (Duncan Keith, Mikael Holmqvist)
Chicago 18:12, Tuomo Ruutu 5 (unassisted)
Nobody had a two point night.
Chris Mason finished in a 27-way tie in the nightly scoring race.
Ten of 11 goals were scored at even-strength.
Team powerplays were a combined 1 for 20.
It's interesting that the last couple of nights the goalies have been stealing the headlines.
On Tuesday there were four shutouts (including Auld), three goalies that gave up just one goal and five teams that gave up two goals out of a total of 10 games. By my count that's 60% teams scoring 2 or less on the night.
On Monday there were 7 total goals scored in two games (plus a shootout goal). Sunday was better with 16 goals in 3 games but Saturday, out of 11 games there 14 teams (64%) who scored 2 goals or less.
Tonight the six goalie combined for a group GAA of 1.83 and a .927 save percentage.
Something to watch for over the next little while - it may be just a anomaly. Or maybe, the dreaded 'trap' is starting to sneak back into the game? It's worth noting that Sharks had the most shots with 31 and that a team had 10+ shots in a period tonight only five times (28%).
Stay tuned...
Game Winners: Erat, Bernier, Ruutu
Goalie of the Night: Nik Khabibulin
Sniper of the Night: (tie) Tony Salmelainen, Mattias Weinhandl
Defenceman of the Night: Dan Hamhuis
Clutch Play of the Night: Ruutu on a breakaway with under 2 minutes left
11 goals in total.
Philadelphia 4:52, Mike Knuble 8 (Peter Forsberg, Simon Gagne)
Nashville 13:32, Steve Sullivan 7 (J.P. Dumont, Shea Weber)
Nashville 6:18, Alexander Radulov 5 (Dan Hamhuis, Chris Mason)
Philadelphia 13:29, R.J. Umberger 7 (Randy Robitaille, Geoff Sanderson)
Nashville 14:51, Martin Erat 6 (Paul Kariya)
Minnesota 2:54, Mattias Weinhandl 1 (Todd White)
San Jose 6:19, Joe Pavelski 3 (power play) (Matt Carle)
San Jose 7:02, Steve Bernier 8 (Christian Ehrhoff)
Dallas 18:06, Jere Lehtinen 4 (Loui Eriksson, Mike Modano)
Chicago 11:43, Tony Salmelainen 1 (Duncan Keith, Mikael Holmqvist)
Chicago 18:12, Tuomo Ruutu 5 (unassisted)
Nobody had a two point night.
Chris Mason finished in a 27-way tie in the nightly scoring race.
Ten of 11 goals were scored at even-strength.
Team powerplays were a combined 1 for 20.
It's interesting that the last couple of nights the goalies have been stealing the headlines.
On Tuesday there were four shutouts (including Auld), three goalies that gave up just one goal and five teams that gave up two goals out of a total of 10 games. By my count that's 60% teams scoring 2 or less on the night.
On Monday there were 7 total goals scored in two games (plus a shootout goal). Sunday was better with 16 goals in 3 games but Saturday, out of 11 games there 14 teams (64%) who scored 2 goals or less.
Tonight the six goalie combined for a group GAA of 1.83 and a .927 save percentage.
Something to watch for over the next little while - it may be just a anomaly. Or maybe, the dreaded 'trap' is starting to sneak back into the game? It's worth noting that Sharks had the most shots with 31 and that a team had 10+ shots in a period tonight only five times (28%).
Stay tuned...
Game Winners: Erat, Bernier, Ruutu
Goalie of the Night: Nik Khabibulin
Sniper of the Night: (tie) Tony Salmelainen, Mattias Weinhandl
Defenceman of the Night: Dan Hamhuis
Clutch Play of the Night: Ruutu on a breakaway with under 2 minutes left
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Many Happy Returns
Chris Pronger: 1 A, +1, 26:06 TOI - Ducks Win
Martin Gerber: stopped 29 of 30 - Sens Win
Alex Tanguay: 1 G, 1 A, +1 - Flames Win
Anson Carter: 20:26 TOI - Canucks Win
Also last night, two Canadian teams suffered key injuries. McCabe left the game late with an ankle injury that right now doesn't sound too serious (although he will be evaluated today) and Hemsky left with a shoulder injury. According to Dan Tencer at hockeybuzz he left the building in a sling and will also be evaluated today. This one has potential to be severe which would be a tough blow for the Oilers..
Martin Gerber: stopped 29 of 30 - Sens Win
Alex Tanguay: 1 G, 1 A, +1 - Flames Win
Anson Carter: 20:26 TOI - Canucks Win
Also last night, two Canadian teams suffered key injuries. McCabe left the game late with an ankle injury that right now doesn't sound too serious (although he will be evaluated today) and Hemsky left with a shoulder injury. According to Dan Tencer at hockeybuzz he left the building in a sling and will also be evaluated today. This one has potential to be severe which would be a tough blow for the Oilers..
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday in Review
I'll try to get my thoughts from tonight's games online by tomorrow afternoon. Right now I'm not feeling well so I'm going to get some sleep..
Credit to Marty Gerber for coming up big tonight against his former team.
Speaking of goalies, Kolzig stopped 48 of 50 and Huet was flawless in a 1-0 shootout win.
Not to be outdone, Tim Thomas stopped allowed one goal on 46 shots and Toskala was perfect too.
So far Pronger has been upstaged on the night by a talented group of goalies..
More to come...
Credit to Marty Gerber for coming up big tonight against his former team.
Speaking of goalies, Kolzig stopped 48 of 50 and Huet was flawless in a 1-0 shootout win.
Not to be outdone, Tim Thomas stopped allowed one goal on 46 shots and Toskala was perfect too.
So far Pronger has been upstaged on the night by a talented group of goalies..
More to come...
Coming to Hockeybuzz.com
Thanks to everyone who have been visiting the site - those who have been coming since the beginning and those who've recently discovered it. It's been really fun writing over the past six weeks and I'm amazed at the amount of people from all over the world who have been reading what I have to say.
When I started this site on a Saturday afternoon in October, I wasn't really thinking about anything other than finding a distraction from some work that I had to do. I wasn't even thinking that anybody would want to read it. As you can surely tell I'm not a professional writer by any means, nor do I have any inside sources. But I do love hockey as much (or more) than anyone else and I can talk about hockey pretty much 24/7.
Just this past weekend I got a call from Eklund at hockeybuzz, asking me to start writing for his site. I thought about it for a while because I really do like being able to focus on my own site, even if it gets a tiny fraction of the readers that his site does. In the end I realized that it's an opportunity too good to pass up. It's a chance to reach a much broader audience and be on a site where there is much more interaction with the readers.
What I was hoping to get from you guys are some thoughts on what you like/don't like on this site so I can decide how/what to post on hockeybuzz. E-mail me at dtolensky@hotmail.com if you have any thoughts.
Thanks again for your support, your time and your passion. I'll let you know when my first post is up on the site!
Danny
When I started this site on a Saturday afternoon in October, I wasn't really thinking about anything other than finding a distraction from some work that I had to do. I wasn't even thinking that anybody would want to read it. As you can surely tell I'm not a professional writer by any means, nor do I have any inside sources. But I do love hockey as much (or more) than anyone else and I can talk about hockey pretty much 24/7.
Just this past weekend I got a call from Eklund at hockeybuzz, asking me to start writing for his site. I thought about it for a while because I really do like being able to focus on my own site, even if it gets a tiny fraction of the readers that his site does. In the end I realized that it's an opportunity too good to pass up. It's a chance to reach a much broader audience and be on a site where there is much more interaction with the readers.
What I was hoping to get from you guys are some thoughts on what you like/don't like on this site so I can decide how/what to post on hockeybuzz. E-mail me at dtolensky@hotmail.com if you have any thoughts.
Thanks again for your support, your time and your passion. I'll let you know when my first post is up on the site!
Danny
Monday in Review
Just two games tonight, both on Versus/OLN and both very good ones:
Detroit wins 2-1 over Dallas
* The Wings snap their 5 game winless streak by scoring two shorthanded goals in the third period
* Turco and Hasek was another great goaltending match (there have been quite a few recently)
* Lidstrom is amazing. The guy just never makes mistakes. Years from now when Kronwall is a top defenceman a lot of the credit will go to playing with one of the best.
* Hudler has been a disappointment so far. He looks very small out there and not very confident
* Aside from the LA game, Lindros hasn't done too much recently
* I can't explain what is wrong with the Wings' powerplay.. with that talent they should be in the top half of the league. Instead they're at the very bottom with just twelve goals
LA wins 3-2 over New Jersey in a shootout
* Kopitar and Frolov both made sweet moves in the shootout
* Garon seems to be taking over the job from Cloutier, he made some clutch saves
* Yet again the Kings were carried by their four young emerging forwards - Brown crashed the net hard and Cammalleri's goal was a beautiful shot right in the top corner
* Without Brodeur the Kings would have won this one in regulation. They've now won two in a row at home against tough opponents
* Derek Armstrong played probably his best game of the year
* Jersey scored twice on the powerplay - they still need to start generating more offense at 5-on-5
Game Winners: Schneider (SH), Kopitar (SO)
Goalie of the Night: Dominik Hasek
Sniper of the Night: Mike Cammalleri
Defenceman of the Night: Nik Lidstrom
Clutch Play of the Night: Kopitar's shootout goal
Detroit wins 2-1 over Dallas
* The Wings snap their 5 game winless streak by scoring two shorthanded goals in the third period
* Turco and Hasek was another great goaltending match (there have been quite a few recently)
* Lidstrom is amazing. The guy just never makes mistakes. Years from now when Kronwall is a top defenceman a lot of the credit will go to playing with one of the best.
* Hudler has been a disappointment so far. He looks very small out there and not very confident
* Aside from the LA game, Lindros hasn't done too much recently
* I can't explain what is wrong with the Wings' powerplay.. with that talent they should be in the top half of the league. Instead they're at the very bottom with just twelve goals
LA wins 3-2 over New Jersey in a shootout
* Kopitar and Frolov both made sweet moves in the shootout
* Garon seems to be taking over the job from Cloutier, he made some clutch saves
* Yet again the Kings were carried by their four young emerging forwards - Brown crashed the net hard and Cammalleri's goal was a beautiful shot right in the top corner
* Without Brodeur the Kings would have won this one in regulation. They've now won two in a row at home against tough opponents
* Derek Armstrong played probably his best game of the year
* Jersey scored twice on the powerplay - they still need to start generating more offense at 5-on-5
Game Winners: Schneider (SH), Kopitar (SO)
Goalie of the Night: Dominik Hasek
Sniper of the Night: Mike Cammalleri
Defenceman of the Night: Nik Lidstrom
Clutch Play of the Night: Kopitar's shootout goal
Monday, November 27, 2006
Trent Yawney Fired, Denis Savard Takes Over
If the Hawks ever win the Cup under Savard, I have a pretty good idea who will get to lift it first..
But given that this franchise has been in disarray for so long I don't think they need to worry about that right now. The Hawks have not won a playoff round since 1996 and have only been to the playoffs once in the last 8 years.
Over those eight years, they've gone through far too many head coaches: Craig Hartsburg, Dirk Graham, Lorne Molleken, Bob Pulford, Alpo Suhonen, Al MacAdam/Denis Savard (co-coaches), Brent Sutter and Trent Yawney.
It seems the Hawks have been grooming Savard for this role since his retirement in 1997. Here's hoping for the sake of Hawks' fans that this move will bring some stability behind the bench and will help to get things turned around in the right direction.
On an another note, I have to point out the resemblance to another star who has been in the news recently:
But given that this franchise has been in disarray for so long I don't think they need to worry about that right now. The Hawks have not won a playoff round since 1996 and have only been to the playoffs once in the last 8 years.
Over those eight years, they've gone through far too many head coaches: Craig Hartsburg, Dirk Graham, Lorne Molleken, Bob Pulford, Alpo Suhonen, Al MacAdam/Denis Savard (co-coaches), Brent Sutter and Trent Yawney.
It seems the Hawks have been grooming Savard for this role since his retirement in 1997. Here's hoping for the sake of Hawks' fans that this move will bring some stability behind the bench and will help to get things turned around in the right direction.
On an another note, I have to point out the resemblance to another star who has been in the news recently:
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Sunday in Review
Just three games on the schedule tonight but no shortage of storylines:
* Mike Wall wins for Anaheim in his first NHL start.
* Both Giguere and Bryzgalov were out with "lower body injuries" so Wall got the start with David McKee backing him up
* Selanne potted #501 and 502
* McLennan started just his second game of the year for Calgary and gave up four goals for the second time
* Huselius had a pair but Friesen, McCarty and Lundmark are all still looking for their first
* Pronger was fantastic, as usual, with 2 assists, 28:59 played and was a +1
* Calgary has now lost three of four and still need offensive help
* Anaheim has points in 6 straight and all but two games this season
* Rookie Johan Holmqvist led the Lightning over Ottawa, his 8th win in his last 9 starts
* St. Louis, Richards and Kuba each had a goal and an assist
* Marty is two goals behind Shanahan for the league lead
* What's interesting about Tampa is that they often have their star forwards leading the team in ice time - tonight it was St. Louis with 26:18 and Richards with 24:40.
* Corvo was a -2, on for both Lightning goals that were scored within 36 seconds
* With Volchenkov out, Meszaros led the Sens in ice time
* Despite a three-year deal it doesn't look like Denis is getting his job back any time soon
* Another former Rangers' 7th rounder out of Sweden played very well in net but Lundqvist lost the game in OT on a Chris Drury deflection
* Buffalo is now 11-1 on the road and haven't yet lost two in a row all year
* Combined, these two top-10 powerplay units were 1-15, the only goal by Max Afinogenov
* Straka scored both goals for New York as he continues to take advantage of his spot on Jagr's line
* Miller was great tonight - in his 15 prior starts he's actually given up 4 goals eight times. Of course the Sabres have scored so much that nobody has really noticed.
Game Winners: Teemu Selanne, Brad Richards and Chris Drury
Goalie of the Night: Johan Holmqvist
Sniper of the Night: Teemu Selanne
Defenceman of the Night: Chris Pronger
Clutch Play of the Night: Chris Drury's goal
* Mike Wall wins for Anaheim in his first NHL start.
* Both Giguere and Bryzgalov were out with "lower body injuries" so Wall got the start with David McKee backing him up
* Selanne potted #501 and 502
* McLennan started just his second game of the year for Calgary and gave up four goals for the second time
* Huselius had a pair but Friesen, McCarty and Lundmark are all still looking for their first
* Pronger was fantastic, as usual, with 2 assists, 28:59 played and was a +1
* Calgary has now lost three of four and still need offensive help
* Anaheim has points in 6 straight and all but two games this season
* Rookie Johan Holmqvist led the Lightning over Ottawa, his 8th win in his last 9 starts
* St. Louis, Richards and Kuba each had a goal and an assist
* Marty is two goals behind Shanahan for the league lead
* What's interesting about Tampa is that they often have their star forwards leading the team in ice time - tonight it was St. Louis with 26:18 and Richards with 24:40.
* Corvo was a -2, on for both Lightning goals that were scored within 36 seconds
* With Volchenkov out, Meszaros led the Sens in ice time
* Despite a three-year deal it doesn't look like Denis is getting his job back any time soon
* Another former Rangers' 7th rounder out of Sweden played very well in net but Lundqvist lost the game in OT on a Chris Drury deflection
* Buffalo is now 11-1 on the road and haven't yet lost two in a row all year
* Combined, these two top-10 powerplay units were 1-15, the only goal by Max Afinogenov
* Straka scored both goals for New York as he continues to take advantage of his spot on Jagr's line
* Miller was great tonight - in his 15 prior starts he's actually given up 4 goals eight times. Of course the Sabres have scored so much that nobody has really noticed.
Game Winners: Teemu Selanne, Brad Richards and Chris Drury
Goalie of the Night: Johan Holmqvist
Sniper of the Night: Teemu Selanne
Defenceman of the Night: Chris Pronger
Clutch Play of the Night: Chris Drury's goal
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