Flaming Bertuzzi
The Flaming Bertuzzi. A cocktail made from exotic top shelf liquors, or a finishing move employed by professional cage fighters? You decide.
Yesterday was the day of the veterans... or a day for the veterans. A week after the initial free agent signing explosion, the older players who flew under the radar have begun to get scooped up. Todd Bertuzzi, was signed by the Cagary Flames to a one year deal worth $1.95 million, the Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Mark Recchi to a one year deal worth $1.25 million, and the Minnesota Wild acquired forward Owen Nolan for two years at $2.75 million per season. Center Brendan Morrison is close to finalizing a deal that will bring him to the Anaheim Ducks.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman put an end to the feud (much to our dismay) between Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke, and Edmonton Oilers GM Kevin Lowe yesterday, a few days after Lowe finally shot back after a years worth of Burke's verbal barbs. Got to give Lowe a ton of credit, as he really ripped Burke, and gave me some new perspective on the guy. Maybe the Leafs should think twice before annointing him the savior of their franchise, he may leave it in worse shape than it already is. Isn't it funny how Bettman had to step in, after Lowe shot back? Little favoritism for Burke there? Me thinks there is!
The NHL is close to finalizing the third Winter Classic, which would reportedly be held at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The outdoor match would be between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Detroit Red Wings on New Years Day. The last two have been great, and I really hope that this becomes an annual event.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
July 04, 2008
Thank you Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr officially signed a two year deal with Avangard Omsk of the Russian CHL today, effectively ending his Hall of Fame NHL career.
As a Ranger fan, all I can do is wish him the best. I want to thank him for his play, his passion, and bringing the New York Rangers back to a place of respectability not only within the NHL, but the entire sports world.
Thank you Jaromir. You will always be a Ranger.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
July 03, 2008
A Fistful of Signings...
The Jaromir Jagr era appears to be over in New York, as the Rangers have moved on and signed unrestricted free agent winger Markus Naslund to a two year deal worth $8 million. Jagr's inability to make a decision on his playing future and GM Glen Sather's lack of patience to wait for him to make up his mind forced the Rangers to pursue other alternatives. The Rangers also signed defenceman Dmitir Kalinin to a one year deal.
The San Jose Sharks prepared for life after Brian Campbell by signing veteran defenceman Rob Blake to a one year deal worth $5 million.
The Montreal Canadiens signed tough guy Georges Laraque to a three year deal worth $4.5 million. The Habs also signed buy-out casualty goaltender Marc Denis to a one year deal.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The dust settles...
July 1st is always a date to look forward to on the NHL calendar as it usually brings with it the feeling of hope, new beginnings and excitement, and after October those same notions more often than not, rapidly become unfulfilled expectations, let-downs, and bitter dissapointment. This summer obviously has brought us more of the same.
The Detroit Red Wings obviously made the biggest news this week, with their short-term marriage with free agent prize Marian Hossa. Hossa who was a singular thorn in their side in the Stanley Cup Final while facing off against them as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins was difficult to overlook. Similarly, Hossa saw the team that dispatched him and his new team mates an easy path to winning and getting his name on the Stanley Cup. The Pittsburgh Penguins are apparently upset with the manner in which Hossa has quickly switched sides and joined the enemy, and one could hardly blame them. However, the Penguins have just finished locking up superstar winger Evgeni Malkin, defenceman Brooks Orpik, and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to long-term deals that will keep the franchise moving in the right direction. They also picked up forwards Miroslav Satan, and Ruslan Fedotenko to plug the gaps left by Hossa, Malone, and Ruutu. Wouldn't it be ironic if the Penguins and Red Wings meet once again in the Stanley Cup finals this year... and this time around the Penguins come out on top? Or perhaps it would be poetic.
The Chicago Blackhawks landed defenceman Brian Campbell, the top blueline free agent to a multi-year deal in the $70 million range. They also signed free agent goaltender Cristobal Huet to a long term deal worth roughly $5 million per year. A curious move that could foreshadow the trade of current goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin. Otherwise the Hawks will be carrying over $10 million in salary for their goaltending tandem. Either way the Blackhawks should be fighting for a playoff berth next season, as they had already made tremendous strides last year thanks in large part to the youth of their club, specifically Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews.
The Edmonton Oilers made some big moves that should also have them battling for playoff contention as well. The Oil went the trade route and acquired star winger Erik Cole from the Carolina Hurricanes and defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky. With Visnovsky and Souray on the powerplay, the Edmonton Oilers will be a scary squad to take penalties against... although there have been some Souray trade rumors swirling. Edmonton is also on the Jaromir Jagr watch, and has apparently tendered the big winger a contract offer.
The New York Rangers brought free agent defenceman Wade Redden to the Big Apple for a modest sum of $6.5 million a year over the next years and re-signed defenceman Michal Rosival to a 4 year deal worth $20 million. Redden had an awful season last year in Ottawa, but then again, so did everyone else on the Senators. GM Glen Sather is banking on Redden rediscovering his game... I hope he's right. The Rangers also acquired Nikolai Zherdev and Dan Fritsche from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Fedor Tyutin and Christian Backman. Jackets fans, you will enjoy Tyutin's play, and as for Backman... well you will enjoy Tyutin's play. The Rangers bid farewell to UFA pest Sean Avery who fled South to Dallas where he signed the multi-year deal he was looking for at nearly $4 million a season, and unfortunately may have also disrespected Jaromir Jagr enough to see him in another jersey next year, or maybe even another country.
The Washington Capitals picked up goaltender Jose Theodore for $9 million over the next pair of seasons, and locked up their stud blueliner Mike Green for $21 million over the next 4 years.
The New Jersey Devils welcomed former Devils Bobby Holik and Brian Rolston back into the fold. Holik signed a one year deal worth $2.5 million and Rolston for $20.25 over the next four seasons. The Devils also re-signed Jay Pandolfo for $7.5 million over 3, and defenceman trade deadline pickup Bryce Salvador for $11.6 million for the next 4 years. I like what the Devils have done, and they are apparently still looking for more scoring and testing the waters on a few of the B-list wingers still available.
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed everyone. I kid you not. Forward Ryan Malone signed for $31.5 million for the next 7 years, and former Pens teammates Gary Roberts and Adam Hall followed suit by joining the Lightning. Tampa Bay signed forward Radim Vrbata for $9 million over the next three, and goaltender Olaf Kolzig to a one year deal worth $1.5 million. The new ownership has come out swinging, and stacked the forward lines, but they haven't addressed their blueline yet, and rumors are circling their one big gun in the back Dan Boyle. Regardless of what happens, the offensive corps will be a formidable one and this team doesn't look to be repeating last season where they finished in last place.
For an up to the minute look at all the transactions occurring in the NHL, check out the TSN Free Agent Tracker, as there is certainly much more to come.
The two big fish still remain unsigned. Former Toronto Maple Leaf Mats Sundin, and former New York Ranger Jaromir Jagr. Both have already recieved lucrative deals, but both players have their own sticking points. Jagr is looking for more than one year, and Sundin is not sure if wants to continue playing. Both seem content to wait the summer out now and take time before making a final decision. The Vancouver Canucks reportedly offered Sundin a $20 million contract for 2 years, which would make him the highest paid player in the league, and he is rumored to also have recieved very competitive offers from the Habs and Rangers as well. It is looking more and more like he will either retire, or eventually rejoin the Leafs. As the summer rolls on, most teams will have to make decisions on their rosters long before he makes up his mind. The Leafs will most likely be the only club with the cap space available to sign him in August. For Montreal and Vancouver to gamble on waiting for him, could be disastrous. Jagr has a 3 year deal from a Russian club waiting for him at $35 million tax-free. I could hardly blame him for taking it. There are also reports that the Penguins are trying to lure him back to Steel-town. No matter where they end up, I do hope that both continue to play in the NHL. It would be a shame to see them retire.
Have a Happy 4th of July everyone! Remember to keep your beards away from the fuse.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 26, 2008
Return of the Beard
No hesitation or mid-season returns this year. Anaheim Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer officially announced that he would back with his club for the final year of his contract.
Unlike last year, GM Brian Burke asked that Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne make the decisions regarding their playing future known prior to the free agent deadline on July 1st. Niedermayer is ready for action. Selanne who is an unrestricted free agent has yet to decide, but is rumored to either play for the Ducks or retire.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and GM Cliff Fletcher may not be finished cleansing the roster of it's aging high priced talent just yet. Defenceman Bryan McCabe is now in the hot seat, and may be asked to waive his no-movement clause. A standoff may be in the making here, as rumors are swirling that if McCabe does not comply with Fletcher's wishes, he will not be welcome at the Leafs training camp. McCabe has stated that he will not be forced into any decision and a grievance would be filed with the NHLPA if necessary.
In other Leaf news, 42 year old free agent to be Gary Roberts would like to join the club, but reports are that Fletcher would not be turning to him for veteran leadership. I think I would have to agree with Fletcher on that one.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 25, 2008
House Cleaning Party
Remember in the film The Terminator, when Arnold Schwarzenegger took a stroll through a police station with a pair of assault rifles, and proceeded to casually mow them down? Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher is doing the same thing to his club's roster right now.
Over the past week, Goaltender Andrew Raycroft, and forward Kyle Wellwood were put on waivers; the preliminary step towards buying out a player's contract. Fletcher granted the Montreal Canadiens exclusive negotiating rights with soon to be UFA Mats Sundin, effectively putting an end to that era, and today placed forward Darcy Tucker on waivers... again taking a step towards his eventual buyout.
Kyle Wellwood was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks yesterday. Rumors have been swirling around defencemen Bryan McCabe and Pavel Kubina regarding their status with the team, and there is a very good possibility that Fletcher is not done yet.
Really no big surprises. Following the trade deadline in February, the Leafs attempted to move everyone, but all of the players exercised their no movement clauses, handcuffing Fletcher... till now. The buyouts, trades, and shake-ups were expected, and the gutting of this roster has begun. The Leafs will be a very different looking club come fall.
The Ottawa Senators also did what most expected and bought out the contract of their goaltender Ray Emery. Emery was the focus of much of the alleged turmoil within the Senators locker room that eventually saw their coach fired, their team collapse, and the Penguins sweep them in a quick four games in round 1. Emery is now eligible for unrestricted free agency next week on July 1st. He did lead his club to the Stanley Cup Finals a year ago, so the talent is obviously there.... along with the attitude. Defenceman Wade Redden who also had a disastrous season is not expected to be playing for Ottawa next year and could have a new home by next week as well.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made a nice move and signed their captain and franchise player Vinnie Lecavalier to a long term contract today. The new deal would keep Lecavalier in black and blue for the remainder of his professional career and pay him $77 million over the next 9 years. I can't wait to see him and Steven Stamkos breathe life back into this club. I'm sure their new head coach Barry Melrose is very pleased at the toys he has in his sandbox.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 21, 2008
NHL Entry Draft
Well not much happened last night.
RIIIIIGHT.
The Calgary Flames made the most noise yesterday, and perhaps even outshone the Tampa Bay Lightning and their first round draft pick of highly touted forward Steven Stamkos.
The Flames first made a move to acquire forward Mike Cammalleri from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for it's 17th overall pick and a second rounder in 2009. The Kings who had more picks than any team in the draft (125 I believe) moved the second round pick and their 28th overall to Anaheim in exchange for thier 12th overall.
The Flames were hardly done. Calgary forward Alex Tanguay who has been the poster boy for trade rumors over the past year was finally dealt. Tanguay was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for their 25th pick overall and a second rounder in 2009.
Another rumor mill resident, Olli Jokinen finally saw rumor become reality last night. The Florida Panther shipped Jokinen West to the Phoenix Coyotes for defencemen Keith Ballard, Nick Boynton and the 49th pick in this years draft.
The Columbus Blue Jackets traded their 19th and 67th picks to the Philadelphia Flyers for forward R.J. Umberger.
The Montreal Canadiens have reportedly gained exclusive negotiating rights for forward Mats Sundin from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and most likely won't be made public unless Sundin does in fact sign a contract with the Habs.
Believe it or not, there was actually a draft going on during all of this. Here's a look at the first round:
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: Steven Stamkos - Center
2. Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughtly - Defenceman
3. Atlanta Thrashers: Zach Bogosian - Defenceman
4. St. Louis Blues: Alex Pietrangelo - Defenceman
5. Toronto Maple Leafs: Luke Schenn - Defenceman (the Leafs swapped picks with the Isles)
6. Columbus Blue Jackets: Nikita Filatov- Left Wing
7. Nashville Predators: Colin Wilson - Center
8. Phoenix Coyotes: Mikkel Boedker - Left Wing
9.New York Islanders: Josh Bailey - Center
10. Vancouver Canucks: Cody Hodgson - Center
11. Chicago Blackhawks: Kyle Beach -Center
12. Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Myers - Defenceman
13. Los Angeles Kings: Colten Teubert - Defenceman
14. Carolina Hurricanes: Zach Boychuk - Center
15. Ottawa Senators: Erik Karlsson - Defenceman
16. Boston Bruins: Joe Colborne - Center
17. Anaheim Ducks: Jake Gardiner - Defenceman
18. Nashville Predators: Chet Pickard - Goaltender
19. Philadelphia Flyers: Luca Sbisa - Defenceman
20. New York Rangers: Michael Del Zotto - Defenceman
21. Washington Capitals: Anton Gustafsson - Center
22. Edmonton Oilers: Jordan Eberle - Center
23. Minnesota Wild: Tyler Cuma - Defenceman
24. New Jersey Devils: Mattias Tedenby - Left Wing
25. Calgary Flames: Greg Nemisz - Center
26. Buffalo Sabres: Tyler Ennis - Center
27.Washington Capitals: John Carlson - Defenceman
28. Phoenix Coyotes: Viktor Tikhonov - Left Wing
29. Atlanta Thashers: Daultan Leveille - Center
30. Detroit Red Wings: Thomas McCollum - Goaltender
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 13, 2008
A O K
Alexander Ovechkin took center stage at the NHL Awards last night, and just about every honor as well.
The Washington Capitals superstar forward won the Hart Trophy (NHL MVP), and the Lester B. Pearson award (for being kick-ass in the eyes of the players). Ovechkin also won the Rocket Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals this year (65) and the Art Ross Trophy for most points (112).
The Capitals were honored even further when their newly appointed coach Bruce Boudreau was awarded the Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the year. Boudreau took over the Caps in November and helped turn the team around and lift them into the post-season... with a little help from Ovechkin.
Here's a rundown of the rest of the awards:
Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year):
Patrick Kane - Chicago Blackhawks
Norris Trophy (Best Defenceman):
Nicklas Lidstrom - Detroit Red Wings
This was Lidstrom's 6th Norris trophy, a few more and he will surpass Bobby Orr.
Vezina Trophy (Best Goaltender):
Martin Brodeur - New Jersey Devils
Bit of surprise, because I would have expected the voters to go with Nabokov, but Brodeur deserved it more in my opinion. He will one day go down as the greatest goaltender in the NHL.
Pavel Datsyuk Bynged it up. Jason Blake took the Bill Masterson Trophy, and Vincent Lecavalier won the King Clancy Trophy.
Quick Shave:
Coaches are being fired and hired at alarming rate this year. Here's the rundown on that:
Ron Wilson - hired as head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Marc Crawford - fired as head coach by Los Angeles Kings
Todd McLellan - hired as head coach of the San Jose Sharks
Craig Hartsburg - rumored to be announced as head coach of the Ottawa Senators as early as today
That's just this week. I really like the moves that the Sharks and Sens (rumored) have made. Rather than recycle a veteran coach, they are giving some new blood a shot. Both McLellan and Hartsburg are rookies as far as coaching in the NHL, but both come from winning pedigree, and I think their enthusiasm and objectivity will pay off for both clubs.
The Leafs pick up of Ron Wilson should also bear fruit, but it may take more than one season. Keep an eye on the Leafs over the next couple of weeks. The NHL buyout period begins next week, and rumors are swirling that this roster is going to explode.... where the pieces will land will be anyone's guess. Don't expect to see Tucker, McCabe, Sundin, or Raycroft wearing blue next year. Brian Burke will most likely be your new GM by the end of the summer. I know he has another year on his contract in Anaheim, but there is little that will prevent the union between he and the Leafs. Aside from a few anti-tampering rules put in place by the NHL.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 09, 2008
Hasek calls it a career
Detroit Red Wings goaltender Dominik Hasek officially called it a career today, announcing his retirement after 16 years in the NHL.
Hasek leaves the NHL as the one of the greatest netminders of all times. Twice a Stanley Cup Champion, a 6 time Vezina Trophy winner, and a two time winner of the Hart Trophy for the league MVP which he won consecutively in 1997 and 1998.
Hasek will certainly be a first ballot NHL Hall of Famer. For more on this story click here.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 05, 2008
2008 Chuck Norris Trophy Winner
The phenomenon, or philosophy rather of the playoff beard continues to grow, and it seems like more and more of the faithful are joining the flock.
Playoff beards were everywhere. Players and fans alike. Gillette tried to get in on the action by promoting their products as playoff beard enhancements ( which makes about as much sense as washing my car with 80 grade sandpaper). As backwards as their promotion was, they should see a spike in the stock prices as the razors can finally come out, and attempt to do battle with some of the thickest facial undergrowth we've ever seen.
Both the Penguins and Red Wings showcased some amazing playoff beards. For the Pens, it's difficult not to point out Ryan Malone, Maxime Talbot, Marian Hossa, and even a pre-pubescent Sidney Crosby was starting to look like Zorro towards the end of the finals. However... the Red Wings achieved peace through superior playoff beard. It is a rule of mine that the Norris Trophy can only go to a winner of the Stanley Cup and that is the standard I've used for the past 2 years, and this season is no different. Doing otherwise would be like handing the Conn Smythe to Jean-Sebastien Giguere while the New Jersey Devils celebrated winning the Stanley Cup... ooops.
The Red Wings Playoff Beard Corps were nothing short of spectacular. Holstrom. Maltby. Zetterberg. The list goes on and on. But one man stood above and beyond the call of the playoff beard.
Not only did he bring his standard issue chin mullet to the finals and help his club to another Stanley Cup final, but this man did his finest impersonation of the red bearded G.I. Joe Arctic Trooper Snow Job (that's Snow...). While this certainly helped push him past his competition, I must be honest, that my decision was almost finalized before the series started (provided he and the Wings won). The reason for this individual becoming Bosh's early favorite? He looks like Chuck Norris. The man could be his stunt double. It almost made me weep.... and I assure you, that if Chuck Norris layed eyes upon this particular beard.... he would cry as well. But as you all know, Norris is incapable of crying. All that being said...
Please join me in congratulating Detroit Red Wings forward Kris Draper as our 2007-2008 Chuck Norris Trophy winner for best playoff beard!
Congratulations Kris. See you next beard!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 04, 2008
2007-2008 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings
Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings!
That being said... man was I hoping for a Game 7! And it almost happened. Gotta give credit to the Pittsburgh Penguins for making a series of this, and to both clubs for delivering a very memorable Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Penguins 3-2 and closed out the season by winning the Stanley Cup in 6 games. Henrik Zetterberg who score the game winner also captured the Conn Smythe as the most valuable player during the playoffs. Zetterberg captured his first career Stanley Cup and collected 27 points during the playoffs, a franchise record for Detroit. Niklas Lidstrom became the first European captain to lead a team to the Stanley Cup. SOooo many stories. Osgood's comeback, which was almost the turning point for this club when Hasek fell apart in round one. Darren McCarty's inspirational comeback to professional hockey.
Congratulations!
The Pittsburgh Penguins transformation and maturation during this season has been remarkable. Their growth during this playoff series is nothing short of amazing. I think this group finally discovered what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, but unfortunately found the key to that just a little too late. Fear not. This club will be a dominant force for years to come, and I would be more surprised to not see them back in the Stanley Cup Finals next season. Marc-Andre Fleury has become the goaltender everyone thought he would be when he was drafted number 1. Crosby has certainly grown into the leader that everyone expected he would be. Malkin also woke up, and perhaps next year will realize how important an all-out effort is. Marian Hossa finally became a post-season performer! It would be great if they could retain him. I said before the series began that the Penguins would need to lose big before they win big. Well now that that is over with, it is time to get down to business boys. Congratulations on amazing season.
Now to the important business. Who will win the Chuck Norris Trophy? The options are endless, truly. You will find out soon enough who sported the finest playoff beard this year!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
June 03, 2008
Staved!
The Pittsburgh Penguins have staved off elimination after a thrilling triple overtime affair. Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury backstopped his club to a 4-3 win on a 55 save effort to force a game 6 and bring the series back to Pittsburgh.
Fleury made a save after save this morning to keep his club's season alive, and if the Pens do go on to win the Stanley Cup, he has to be seriously considered for the Con Smythe Trophy.
From a fan perspective this game was unreal. I'm still on edge right now, and am trying to figure out how I'm going to be able to get some sleep. Unbelievably great hockey. Detroit holds a 3-2 series lead and now has two more opportunities to win the Cup.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 29, 2008
Rebound
Big players do big things at big moments. Sidney Crosby is the man.
Granted the kid can't grow a playoffbeard yet (although high marks for the effort sir), he refused to quit and let his Penguins fall without a fight to the Detroit Red Wings. Crosby finally got Pittsburgh on the scoreboard in the series last night with his first of two goals. His efforts clearly energized the club. The Pens also got some secondary scoring, and the eventual game winner from forward Adam Hall, who's second effort goal was actually a thing of beauty.
The Red Wings kept things interesting and carried the play late in the game, but the Pens held on to win 3-2, cutting the Detroit series lead to 2-1. This was a great game to watch, especially the third period. Back and forth action, and an incredible amount of physical play.
Unfortunately we have to wait till Saturday for Game 4, but at least we get a break from Mike Milbury for an extra day. That Ovechkin interview during the second intermission was painful (no fault to Ovechkin). Congrats Mike. You've gone from crappy GM, to really crappy analyst. By the way, I love the "you guys are the coaches" segment on NBC (not really). Mike what would you do if you were the coach of the Pens. "I'd trade everybody, for little or no return. Mostly no return."
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 27, 2008
Puck Possession
The Red Wings are halfway there. Amazing.
Even though I picked the Wings to take this series in 5 games, I am surprised that they have been so dominant thus far. They have found the secret to defeating the Penguins... by completely shutting them down, and keeping them off the scoreboard. Two straight games. Two shutouts.
The Red Wings have done a fabulous job at limiting the opportunities by the Penguins, but when they have broken through, Chris Osgood has been there, and been spectacular. Detroit has done an incredible job in keeping Crosby and Malkin off their game, and last night their frustration was beginning to show through. The Penguins have been unable to mount a sustained attack.
The Red Wings are also recieving scoring from their secondary players. While they managed to hold Zetterberg to just an assist, and Datsyuk off the scoresheet, the door was opened for Holstrom, Stuart, and an amazing goal by Valtteri Filppula.
The playoff beards. We have a banner crop this year my friends, and choosing the Chuck Norris trophy winner is going to be near impossible. Playoff beards appear to be required uniform for the bulk of the Detroit roster, and I have to give credit to the facial hair development being displayed by the largely pre-pubescent crew of the Penguins. Well done lads. You all look like you've been lost at see for months.
Game 3 shifts to Pittsburgh on Wednesday, and to NBC as well. The Versus crew bid us farewell this evening, and I have to give them credit. They've all really grown on me like a... playoff beard. However, the network switch should bring us into the loving embrace of our own Bill Clement, as he welcomes us into his tent, and his heart.
In the Tent with Bill Clement! We got tone baby!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
May 23, 2008
Dream Matchup
Could the NHL have asked for a more favorable Stanley Cup Finals matchup than the Detroit Red Wings versus the Pittsburgh Penguins? Probably not.
The markets involved are big hockey towns. Both teams play an exciting style of hockey (which for us is great, but for the casual fans might be just what the sport needs to grow itself). The Red Wings have lived up to their regular season billing, and the NHL's brand name of Sidney Crosby is finally going to the big show. I say finally as if we've had to wait and ponder for decades (like Dallas Drake, who incidentally has one of the coolest names in hockey if not all of sports. I'm sure if hockey hadn't worked out for him a career in auto-racing would have been there to scoop him right up) when we would get to see this superstar strut his stuff and legitimize himself amongst the greats of the sport. This is his third season in the NHL, and he arrives at the big dance. Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins have matured at an astounding rate. Transforming themselves from a franchise of the future, to a team of now. I think management saw something in the club in February that gave them the confidence to pull the trigger on the Marian Hossa deal. We've all watched as the Pittsburgh Penguins have easily cut a path through the Eastern Conference (only losing two games) to the Stanley Cup Finals.
The Detroit Red Wings were dominant once again in the regular season, and while they may have shed their playoff choke label last season by attending the Western Conference Finals (losing to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks), any season that they don't win the Cup almost seems like failure (which is a tough standard to live up to). The Red Wings have also for the most part blazed through the Western Conference, and even though they received a few wake-up calls along the way (in Nashville, and Dallas), they always seem to bounce back hard.... much to the dismay of their opponents.
Both clubs are playing inspired hockey, and are clearly the class of their Conferences. So who wins? This is perhaps one of the more difficult choices I've ever had in determining a winner. Is their a clear-cut favorite? Can one bet against the best player in the NHL? Here's how I see things unfolding....
The Pittsburgh Penguins remind me of the baby Oilers of the early 1980's. A team that achieved amazing success throughout that decade and even beyond. However prior to that success, that team faced defeat... especially when they were smacked in the mouth by the New York Islanders. I think most franchises need to lose big, before they can win big. The Oilers needed to see what it took to win. So did the Red Wings. The Devils. The Hurricanes. The list goes on. All these teams grew from those heart breaking losses and became champions. Unfortunately for the Penguins, I think it is there time to lose. Their future will be a bright one, but the present will be very gloomy.
I expect the Red Wings to come out hard, put their foot on the throat of the Penguins and not let up. I think the Penguins defense, will be overwhelmed, and their offense will be unable to find the room to navigate through the Detroit blueliners. While I would love to see this series go long, I don't think that will happen.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Red Wings in 5 games
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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