Thrashers Tucker'ed out
The Atlanta Thrashers perhaps still flying after their victory over undefeated Buffalo Sabres Saturday night, came crashing back down to earth, in a special teams showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. A penalty filled first period, saw Atlanta quickly gain the advantage from a 5 on 3 powerplay goal by Ilya Kovalchuk, but then give it away to the Leafs by rewarding them with a 5 on 3 powerplay of their own. The Leafs capitalized on that opportunity with a goal by Darcy Tucker, then in consesecutive power plays they scored two more in less thatn a minute on goals by Tomas Kaberle, and again by Darcy Tucker. Mats Sundin assisted on all three power play goals, tying a Toronto Maple Leaf record.
Quick Shave:
Good news for Pittsburgh Penguins fans, Jordan Staal has earned his spot on the team, and will not be returned to the OHL, as originally expected by many. This is a great move by the Penguins organization as Staal has certainly shown that he can compete in the league, and has been invaluable as a penalty killer for the club, already tallying 3 short handers. Peter Forsberg is determined to lift the Philadelphia Flyers out of the cellar, and last night recorded two goals for his team against the Chicago Blackhawks. Robert Esche made 26 saves to record his first win of the season by way of 3-0 shutout. Richard Zednik scored 2 goals, and once again Olaf Kolzig faced his 30+ shots (38 to be exact) to help defeat the Calgary Flames 4-2 last night. Calgary has dropped 2 of their last 3 games, and have already lost 3 games now at home.....last season they only lost 7 (according to the announcers, which is really impressive). The Anaheim Ducks still remain unbeaten in regulation as they defeated the St. Louis Blues 6-5 in the shootout on goals by Teemu Selanne and Ryan Getzlaf. TSN.ca just released their latest Power Rankings, and the list is loaded with some surprise teams....most notably Pittsburgh at 8th, and Washington at 15th. Bet no one thought they'd be hanging tough at this point. To check out the complete list click here. The Los Angeles Kings embarassed and completely outworked the New York Rangers 4-1 last night. Defenceman Brent Sopel had 2 goals on the evening, and goaltender Mathieu Garon was stellar in net, stopping all but 1 of the shots the Rangers threw at him.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Montreal 7:30 PM
All Canadian action tonight! Can Ottawa sustain the offence it's been putting up lately, and can whoever gets the call for the Habs (Aebischer, or Huet) handle the attack if the Senators provide it? I guess we'll find out my bearded friends! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Happy Halloween!
Posted by: jeff | October 31, 2006 07:15 AM
Aaghhgghhghgh!! Darcy Tucker sighting!! Help me! That burnt caterpillar on his chin is blinding me!! His over-emotional goonishness beneficiary of Sundin having no one else to pass to is burning my eyes! Make it stop! Make it stop!!!
Whew. Had to splash some Holy Water in my eyes, but I'm cool now. Speaking of face creatures though, you may have seen a few good ones last night on VS. First of all, Clement and the crew welcomed a new guest to the play-by-play fold in John Forslund, whose day job is the play caller for the Hurricanes' broadcast team. Not only does he have maybe the slickest (and I mean that literally) hair in hockey, but he has these insanely carved out sideburns that although they are thin in volume are nonetheless pretty impressive in length. And then, holy moly, did you get a glimpse of Martin Lapointe's soul patch? It looked like someone cut a triangle out of their black velvet Kid Rock poster they won at the county fair and then glued it to Martin Lapointe's chin. I'm guessing if you hold a blacklight up to that thing you'd find some sort of rockin' little design. So, color me impressed.
On the other hand, I'm not so impressed with the Rangers. Bosh, dude. Seriously, give us some analysis. What are they missing from last year?
Very happy about the Staal decision. One of the only decisions made by the organization in the past 8-9 years that didn't have an overwhelming stink of financial prudishness to it (unlike the signing of, say, Lasse Pirjeta for example three years ago). Even if he doesn't score a goal for the rest of the year, I think there's no reason to expect he won't be completely helpful on the PK (which was 29th overall last year, I believe). He has a rare opportunity to be an 18 year old on an NHL team and not be totally isolated from his teammates because of his age. He also comes in knowing that the focus ISN'T on him, which is another luxury for a #2 pick. All in all, it feels like the right decision. The wheels may fall off the proverbial cart next week and the Pens could sink to last, but that's something Staal should experience as well. Just preferably not anytime soon...
Posted by: Stache | October 31, 2006 07:29 AM
Part of the reason the Rangers stunned everyone last year, was they played team defense, probably for the first time in 7 years. They aren't doing that this year. They have let up 4 goals in just about every game they've played so far, including the ones they've won.
Since the defense has been lackluster, it is exposing other problems now. Lundqvist has not been on top of his game. Jagr's shoulder still isn't back to 100%. Marek Malik was great last year has been less than spectacular, and turnover happy lately. Petr Prucha hasn't been getting enough ice time. Tom Renney's coaching scared. Last years' team was young, but it had drive. This years team is a little too non-chalant, and doesn't battle. Renney needs to drop the hammer some more, before the wheels really do come off.
Posted by: Captain Bosh | October 31, 2006 11:20 AM
I just want you all to know that I've spent the ENTIRE DAY walking around campus in full hockey equiptment (+stick, -skates, 'course) and a wings jersey.
And this is MY hockey stuff, six years old, torn to ribbons, and funky as all hell. I was nice enough to air it out last night so that nobody dies when I walk into class.
I'm doing my part to enlighten the hockey ignorant masses. Are you doing yours?
Posted by: jeff | October 31, 2006 02:27 PM
Oh, and heres a trip back in time for you
http://proicehockey.about.com/library/blplayoffbeards.htm
This is sort of sad: it shows a time when Satan (Chris Pronger) had a playoff beard...
Posted by: jeff | October 31, 2006 02:31 PM
Hmm. I don't remember ever seeing Pronger with a beard. Perhaps it was because the Blues never really did crap in the playoffs??
And, yep, I'm with you. Dressed as a hockey player for a party on Saturday. No way could I have worn that crap all day long - my gloves smell like Bobby Holik's sink. You have dedication for certain, young Jeff.
Posted by: Stache | October 31, 2006 10:41 PM
Shayne Corson! Did he even play in 2005?
That playoff beard list is a mess. I reported that Alfredsson actually sported the Friesen last year....no beard. Pronger was shaved so clean during the playoffs, his neck was bleeding before several games.
Posted by: Captain Bosh | November 1, 2006 12:16 AM