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At the Garden last night, with my father, watching the Rangers I saw something I hadn't seen in over a decade....and never prior to 1994....satisfaction. In past years happiness on the face of my dad at a Ranger game was as hard to come by as a newspaper without Brad and Angelina on the cover. Frankly, I'm amazed that he came back to watch hockey at all this season after the lock out.
You don't my father, but you know the type. He is from a breed of gentleman who actually waited the 54 years to see the Rangers win that elusive Stanley Cup. These are the men who watched their beloved Brooklyn Dodgers leave for California and never watched baseball again. Men who loved John Davidson when he was between two red steel pipes rather than Sam Rosen and Al Trautwig. Stubborn, angry men, who regardless of deteriorating eyesight continue to sit in the 400's and scream at the revolving door of mercs that have flooded the Garden ice for the past 7 years till they are hoarse. They still scream, but its a different kind of scream. One of approval, for a New York Ranger team that shows up every night, puts forth an effort worthy of support and finally, for the first time in over 10 years, a team that actually cares about the jersey they wear.
Granted, last night, while my dad was happy, (he loves Ville Neimenen, "that son of bitch works his ass off!"), the Rangers fell apart in the final two minutes and gave the game to Philadelphia. In the spirit of so much giving, big Don happily taught the five year old in the row ahead of us a variety of words he probably won't ever hear again, unless he does time. It was good to see the old man back, it reminded me of how far this team really has come.
This New York Ranger team has done a lot to bring hockey back to this city. It's still not recognized by the papers as far as back covers (unless Messier retires), but even Larry Brooks can't be pissed off this year. You've made a lot of old men happy very proud this year guys. Keep up the great work!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Alexander Ovechkin has been pulling away in the rookie race for over a month now, and we have all been so focused on that fact, that we have overlooked that he is now challenging for the league lead in scoring. With 34 goals, 31 assists, Ovechkin's 65 points has him in 6th place overall, just 2 points behind Ottawa's Dany Heatley, and 11 behind current leader Jaromir Jagr with 76.
What's more impressive is his style of game. He is not intimidated by anyone, fights through checks, delivers hits, and grinds it out. He's like the Yule Brenner android in WestWorld (sweet flick, if you haven't seen it ,do so)...you can shoot him, set him on fire, rip his face off, it doesn't matter.....Ovechkin can't be stopped, ..his played has been so tremendous that he has also been chosen to represent Team Russian in Italy in 2 weeks during the Olympics.
To sum it up in the immortal words of Sho Kosugi....."Only Alexander Ovechkin can kill Alexander Ovechkin".
If you have the NHL Center Ice package, check out a Capitals game. The OvechCAM is cool as hell. Washington does a great job of promoting their young star....pssst...NHL WAKE UP!!! The future is in Washington!
Chuck Norris Award:
Last evening during the Kings / Ducks game, Mattias Norstrom took a Ryan Getzlaf slapshot in the mouth. Norstrom dropped to one knee, then stood up and skated to the bench, while blood poured from his mouth. He walked through the bench to the locker room, and all the while looking aggrivated rather than upset. That is one tough son of a....Norstrom is the first winner of the CNA. Congratulations.
Last nights Scores:
Philadelphia 3 NY Rangers 2 F (OT)
Toronto 4 Florida 2 F
Boston 5 Ottawa 0 F
Calgary 2 St. Louis 3 F (SO)
Detroit 5 Minnesota 4 F
San Jose 2 Dallas 3 F (OT)
Los Angeles 3 Anaheim 4 F (OT)
Game of the night:
Carolina at Montreal 7:30 PM
I'm curious to see how and where Doug Weight fits in during his debut with the Carolina Hurricanes. The current depth of the Hurricanes right now has him pencilled in as a third line center. I guess we'll see. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The strong get stronger....The Carolina Hurricanes are really going for it this year!
Just reported by TSN, Doug Weight the St. Louis Blues leading scorer with 44 points and Erkki Rajamaki are headed to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for three draft picks and three players.
Rumors were abound that Weight would be headed to Ottawa or Vancouver, and would have to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt. He obviously felt, along with everyone else, that the Hurricanes are headed in the right direction this season.....if they weren't a favorite to win the Cup before today, they are now. Playoff Beard Alert: Doug has shown potential in the past, and now that he is on a team that will make the playoffs this year....its roast duck with mango salsa time!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
There is panic in the air in Toronto...the Leafs have lost 8 straight going into tonights matchup against the Florida Panthers.
Pat Quinn's head is apparently on the chopping block, rumors of Sundin being traded, Jason Allison being traded to San Jose for Nabokov, cats and dogs living together MASS HYSTERIA!!!
This just in...Dallas has just won another game by shootout.
The Leafs sadly caught the injury bug, and have lost Eric Lindros (Lindros on IR, come on!?) the teams leading scorer and top defenceman Bryan McCabe and Darcy Tucker (he returned to play Saturday night and did register a goal). Ed Belfour is playing himself out of the line up, having been pulled several times during the losing streak.
General manager John Ferguson Jr. is in a tough spot. The Leafs do not have much salary cap room, and is trying to improve the team internally. Defensive depth has always been an issue, and now that weakness has been blatantly exposed. He has not said much in support of Quinn, but usually when GM's back a coach pubicly through the press, they end up firing them a week later, so a 'no vote of confidence' may actually be a good thing here for Quinn. Playoff Beard Alert: None really, but if they do make it to the playoffs, I like Belfour....he is a hairy beer drinking guy and belongs behind the wheel of a tractor trailer hauling rocket fuel.
I expect the Leafs to make a deal soon, for a defenseman or men (perhaps Leetch, who they shouldn't have let go in the first place) and a goalie (rumors about Nabokov have been floating, but I think we can also expect some movement involving Dwayne Roloson, Marc Denis, and one of the Sabres goalies).... Rumors are abound in Leaf nation, for a full rundown and further details, check out Spector's Hockey hosted by Lyle Richardson. Great site for all things hockey.
Also for some great hockey talk, check out the boys at the Face Off Hockey Show. They air live every Wednesday at 9:00pm EST over the internet. Drop by and check them out!
Last nights scores:
Tampa Bay 1 Washington 2 F
Calgary 5 Chicago 3 F
Edmonton 4 Phoenix 3 F (SO)
Game of the night:
Philadelphia at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
An Atlantic Division show down between the first place Flyers, and the second place Rangers (man who saw this coming?). What's better is that I will be there to see the action live, so look for me....I will be the guy wearing the Rangers jersey.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 I just wanted to drop you guys a quick rundown of the top 8 teams in the NHL right now. So here you go:
Carolina Hurricanes:
Probably the biggest surprise this season (them and the Rangers), the Hurricanes have come flying out of the gates and absolutely dominated play in the first half. Sophmore Eric Staal leads the team with 65 points (7th in the league), a ressurgent Rod Brind'amour with 16 powerplay goals (leads the league with 805 Face Off wins) and stellar goaltending from Martin Gerber with 25 wins. Milbury castoff Peter Laviolette has organized his team into a legitimate cup contender.
Ottawa
See below.
Detroit Red Wings
Manny Legace has transformed from backup to starting goalie and has looked good in the role. He is a big part of the Red Wings continued dominance. Shanahan has adjusted well to the new rules (especially since he helped write them) and leads the Red Wings with 23 goals. Youngster Pavel Datsyuk is ready to take the face of the team from Yzerman, he has 39 assists and leads the team with 58 points. The Red Wings have surprised alot of sceptics thinking that the older players like Chelios, Lidstrom, Yzerman, and Schneider wouldn't be able to cope with new speed of the game, but they were obviosly wrong. The new Red Wings, look like the old Red Wings....damn good. Playoff Beard Alert: Brendan Shanahan, Chris Chelios, Matt Schneider
Dallas Stars
Another day, another shootout victory. Marty Turco is playing the best hockey of his career, and this team looks like the same one that won (stole) the cup from the Buffalo Sabres several years ago. Modano has found his legs again and leads the team with 50 points. Jere Lehtinen, one of the best defensive forwards in the game leads the team with 25 goals. Dallas currently sits 1 point behind the Red Wings in the West. Playoff Beard Alert: Sergei Zubov, Marty Turco
Philadelphia
Sitting 3rd in the East right now, the Flyers are actually on a bit of a slide, coming off a 6-0 beating at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Simon Gagne is having an amazing year with 34 goals, obviously the benefactor of being the linemate of Peter Forsberg. Unfortunately for the Flyers, and everyone expected this was Forsberg's injury history. When healthy he is probably the best player in the league. When healthy. He is currently out with a groin injury (again). Not counting last evening, Antero Nittymaki has provided Philadelphia with tremendous goaltending filling the void left by Robert Esche. Playoff Beard Alert: Peter Forsberg, Robert Esche, Derian Hatcher, Michal Handzus
Buffalo Sabres
Truly a team effort here. Like the Hurricanes, this is a team that has shocked everyone. Why? Rapid adjustment to the new NHL rules, speed, and work ethic. Ales Kotalik leads the team with 19 goals, Tim Connoly with 29 assists, and Chris Drury with 40 points. Stellar goaltending from Martin Biron and Ryan Miller round out the Sabres winning formula. The Buffalo Sabres sit fourth in the East with 65 points, just 3 behind the Flyers.
New York Rangers
Truly the biggest shock in the league has got to be the Rangers. Even as a fan I have kept my fingers crossed for the last 8 years hoping for the best....what has happened has been more than many of us in the blue seats could ever have imagined. The Rangers keys to success are very similiar to the Sabres, and Hurricanes. The most important being hard work. Every night they bring it. The coaching staff which has been exceptionally led by Tom Renney have this team prepared to play every night. Rookie goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has led the Rangers to 21 victories and rookie Petr Pruccha has 25 goals on the year. The return of Jaromir Jagr has been a huge part of this turnaround, leading the league with 75 points. The Rangers are tied with the Sabres with 65 points, and if they continue their inspired play, we could see the first New York Ranger team in the playoffs since 1996. I am holding my breath for this one.
Last nights scores:
Tampa Bay 6 Philadelphia 0 F
Detroit 1 Dallas 2 F (SO)
Pittsburgh 1 NY Rangers 7 F
Anaheim 6 Los Angeles 2 F
NY Islanders 4 Boston 3 F
Montreal 4 Toronto 3 F (OT)
Atlanta 1 Carolina 4 F
Nashville 3 Columbus 4 F
San Jose 2 Phoenix 6 F
Vancouver 4 Colorado 3 F (SO)
Game of the night:
Tampa Bay at Washington 3:00 PM
This one is all about Alexander Ovechkin. Just watch this kid play, he is the future of our sport.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Trust in Bosh....Bosh is good....Bosh is wise.
If you don't beat Dallas in regulation, you won't beat them in the shootout....well no one has been able to thus far(this is their third shootout in 3 days by the way!). Marty Turco made 27 saves to finally beat the Detroit Red Wings (first time in his career) this afternoon. Dallas is currently second in the West and now just two points behind the Detroit Red Wings.
Oh yeah, Manny didn't listen to me either. Jussi Jokinen scored and is now 8 for 8 on shootout attempts.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Senators were picked by just about everyone and their mothers to finish first and win the Stanley Cup. Thus far they have done little to dissapoint. They are first in the NorthEast Division with 72 points and are second overal in the league (2 points behind the surprising Carolina Hurricanes, who have been one of the few teams able to solve the Senators this year).
The trade of Marian Hossa to Atlanta for Dany Heatley, has really been one of great success for both clubs. Heatley was the perfect compliment for Alfredsson and Spezza (originally it was slated to be Brandon Bochenski and not Alfredsson, after a ridiculous pre-season, but he froze up in the regular season and was sent down to the minors). Hossa has not lost a step in Atlanta with 61 points and is helping to bring the Thrashers their first playoff birth in franchise history (they are currently 8th overall in the East).
The top line of Daniel Alfredsson (70 points), Dany Heatley (67points), and Jason Spezza (54points) continues to dominate. They are a combined +87, which means, and to quote Ivan Drago's manager from Rocky IV..."Whatever he hits....he destroys!" As if that wasn't enough, the Senators top defensive pairing of Zedeno Chara (29 points, +21) and Wade Redden (39 points, +31) are both having Norris calibre seasons. What's left? Dominik Hasek in goal. Who at the age of 40 still continues to play at an extremely high level (see my fantasy report article to see how much buttocks he is kicking).
Playoff Beard Alert:
Daniel Alfredsson is one of my Top 5 picks for best beard this year. Why? Well in the past, he has shown tremendous skill in the facial hair category, and his lid was so big 2 years ago Michal Handzus was quoted as saying "that guy needs a trim". Given that and the extremely good chances that Ottawa will be playing into the later rounds, I expect to see Alfredsson looking like the Wolfman and ordering the roast duck with the mango salsa.
Last Nights Scores:
Minnesota 3 Columbus 4 F
New Jersey 0 Florida 4 F
Game of the Night:
Detroit at Dallas 2:00 PM
Both teams are humming, and as I said in Thursday's GOTN, you have to beat Dallas in regulation because they don't lose in the shootout. Colorado didn't take my advice and of course, Dallas won its seventh consecutive game on shootout and remain undefeated in it. By the way, if this one does go to a shootout....psssst....Manny....Jussi Jokinen will be going to the backhand. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Just reported on TSN, Marty will be staying with Devils for at least another six years. The deal is worth $31.2 million U.S., and will keep him with New Jersey till he retires (unless he's got some Chelios in him, and plays till he's 62).
I guess he really took advantage of the team's recent turn around (and my earlier report of him being the hottest player in January, your welcome Marty) to cash in. Nothing like a 10 game winning streak to pad your bank account. New Jersey and Brodeur....perfect together.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Hottest players in the last month:
Martin Brodeur
With 11 wins and 4 shutouts in the New Year, Brodeur has helped the Devils right the ship and get back into the playoff hunt. Earlier this season I was worried the new rules, and smaller pads had transformed Brodeur into Mike Dunham, but it seems that he has adapted and is fully recovered from his injuries.
Sidney Crosby
Even with the Penguins falling apart, retiring a player a week, putting the 'for sale' sign on the front lawn, Crosby has continued to rack up the numbers with 8 goals and 14 assists for the month of January. This kid has the weight of the Winnepeg (Pittsburgh) Penguins, as well as that of the entire NHL on his back. Considering the media attention (which is often brutal towards him) and his age, Crosby's game has obviously not suffered. I haven't seen a first round draft pick dominate like this since Alexander Daigle.
Scott Gomez
Another reason why the Devils have turned it around is the recent play of Scott Gomez. It doesn't hurt that your linemate Patrick Elias returned from IR and the other guy riding shotgun Brian Gionta is putting every puck you pass to him in the net. Gomez has 10 goals and 12 assists in the past month and doesn't show any sign of slowing down, unless he faces the Rangers (actually he did score agains them Sunday night, but they stopped your win streak!!! WOOO HOOO).
Dominik Hasek
The Dominator has continued his excellent play, and is a big reason why the Senators are so good right now. In the last month he has 8 wins and 2 shutouts, including a recent whooping of the Leafs (who are going down faster than a Value Jet right now). As long as he stays injury free (the groin has been the most popular injury in the NHL and on Broke Back Mountain this year), the Senators should be a shoe-in for the Cup.
Alexander Ovechkin
Hands down he is the man. Ovechkin has started to separate himself from the rest of the rookie class this year and in January has 13 goals and 10 assists. If you didn't see his highlight reel goal last week, then visit www.ovechkinfans.com/. Probably the coolest goal I've seen since Marek Malik's against Kolzig!
Last Night's Scores:
Washington 2 Boston 3 F
Pittsburgh 3 NY Islanders 4 F (SO)
Carolina 5 Atlanta 1 F
Buffalo 8 Toronto 4 F
Montreal 0 Ottawa 3 F
New Jersey 0 Tampa Bay 1 F (OT)
Vancouver 1 Detroit 2 F
Phoenix 5 St. Louis 3 F
Nashville 1 Minnesota 5 F
Calgary 0 Chicago 2 F
Dallas 3 Colorado 2 F (SO)
Edmonton5 Los Angeles 3 F
Anaheim 2 San Jose 0 F
Game of the Night:
There really isn't one, because there are only two this evening, so I will give you both.
Minnesota at Columbus 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Florida 7:30 PM
I'm leaning towards the Columbus game, just because of Rick Nash. He's another guy who's been on fire lately since missing half the season with a knee injury.
Enjoy the games, and see you tomorrow.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I never had the opportunity to say my goodbyes to Mark Messier (because I procrastinated in getting this site up), but I just wanted to take a moment to pay my respects. I think Mike Richter summed it up best January 12th, when he said:
"We are here to pay tribute to probably the most complete athlete to ever put on a pair of skates."
That really says it all. As a Ranger fan, he did everything and more for our team and city. There will never be another player, or more specifically a Ranger like him.
On a less serious note, I noticed something rather funny. During the retirement ceremony, while raising the #11 banner to the ceiling, the camera panned to a smiling Mike Richter, Eddie Giacomin, and Rod Gilbert, the only three Rangers to have their numbers retired prior to Messier. The image of these three men, reminded me of the final scene in Star Wars Return of the Jedi, where Luke Skywalker looked at the ghosts of Yoda, Darth Vader, and Ben Kenobi. Maybe I'm geeking out hard here, but admist 30 minutes of sniffling (yeah i got emotional) it provided a much needed comedy break.
This year has seen the retirements of Messier, Hull, Lemieux, Francis, MacInnis, and Stevens to name a few....as these greats wind down their careers, they do so as the future stars of the NHL continue to blossom. Kovalchuk, Iginla, Heatley, Crosby, Ovechkin, Staal, Lundqvist, Svatos, Phaneuf, and Prucha (feel free to add more) have all given us a lot to smile about. To think that we will have these kids around for the next 15-20 years is truly exciting. Look at what they have shown us so far and imagine what they will do when they mature as players.
The young guns of the league are truly prepared to carry this NHL on their collective backs. If there was ever a time for the NHL to market itself, and its product, this is it.
Last Nights Scores:
Montreal 5 at Philadelphia 3
Carolina 4 at Florida 3
Washington 1 at Pittsburgh 8
St. Louis 3 at Dallas 4
Edmonton 6 at Anaheim 3
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Colorado 9:00 PM
Will Marty Turco ever lose a shootout? Dallas has gone six for six now in the Shootout, which means teams that play them better beat them in regulation.
The Avs are have started to turn it around thanks to the play of rookie Marek Svatos, and even Hjeduk has started to play. David Aebischer will be looking to drop the gloves again tonite....probably not, but man that would be funny. Enjoy the game!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Another day in the NHL, and another great calls it a career.
Lemieux was thrilling to watch. He immediately made the players around him better, and was always a threat to score everytime he touched the puck. He leaves the game as the 7th all time leading point scorer with 1,723 in 915 games. He helped the Pittsburgh Penguins to 2 Stanley Cups, and was both times awarded the playoff MVP Conn Smythe Trophy. Mario was the NHL MVP Hart Trophy winner three times, the Art Ross Trophy winner (Leading Scorer) six times and a perennial NHL All Star.
The city of Pittsburgh will miss him, and the sport of hockey will miss him even more. Thank you Mario.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I'm Captain Bosh. N.Y. Ranger fan.
First I'd like to thank you for dropping by and checking out my site. Hopefully this will be the first of many joyous visits to the wonderful world of PlayoffBeard.com.
I plan on offering commentary on all things Hockey, and of course the beard. Not just any beard, the Playoff Beard. Mid April, as the NHL season winds down, and the lines are drawn....our heroes put down their razors in favor of sticks. The only blades we will see for 2 months, will be strapped to the bottom of their feet, as they begin their quest for Lord Stanley's Cup, and the admiration of Chewbacca's wife.
In the past years, we have seen fabulous growth from Ray Borgue (the undisiputed champion in my opinion), Scott Neidermayer, JS Giguere, and Robert Esche.....and of course tragedies....the infamous porn mustache sported by then New Jersey Devil Jeff Friesen.
I promise that my hockey commentary will be at least 43% fact (more than likely it will be around 20%), but 100% FUN (dork, but here comes the big close...) and you will always leave here with a smile....and hopefully come back for more....similiar to McDonalds, or a downtown massage parlor.
That being said, lets get started!!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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