I think everyone knew that some goaltenders would be on the move, but I was a little surprised at the names, and the teams that made deals.
The biggest move, had to be the Nashville Predators dealing starting goaltender Tomas Vokoun to the Florida Panthers for a collection of high draft picks (next years 1st rounder, and two second rounders). Vokoun will fill a big hole for the Panthers in net who will most likely lose Belfour to free agency, retirement, or jail this summer. The Predators were so pleased the backup netminder Chris Mason's performance last season during Vokoun's injuries that they have bet the farm on him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell from the San Jose Sharks for a first round pick, a second round pick, and a fourth round pick in 2009. Toskala will challenge Andrew Raycroft for the starting role in Toronto. Mark Bell who had a nightmarish season beginning with a pre-season drunk driving episode will look to rebound for the Leafs.
There were some other talks of movement involving other keepers. The Boston Bruins were trying to acquire Manny Fernandez from the Minnesota Wild but a deal never came to fruition. Apparently they are now turning their sights towards Anaheim Ducks backup Ilya Bryzgalov. For more rumors check out Spector!
The Philadelphia Flyers locked up forward Scott Hartnell to a 6 year $25.2 million dollar deal, and defenceman Kimmo Timonen to a 6 year $37.8 million dollar contract. Both players were acquired by the Flyers from the Predators for a first round pick (the same one Nashville sent to Philadelphia in the Forsberg trade), and would have become unrestricted free agents at the beginning of July. The Flyers also locked up goaltender Anterro Nittymaki to a two year deal. I think the Flyers are going to bounce back hard from last season. In fact judging by the talent they are acquiring in bunches, I expect them to very competitive next season.
The free agency period is looming and there are some very big names about to jump into the deep end of that pool. Forwards Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Ryan Smyth, Sheldon Souray and Michael Nylander top the list and should command big dollars if they hit the open market. The Islanders are apparently hard at work trying to re-sign Smyth before he goes UFA as are the Rangers who would love to keep Nylander centering Jagr. The Sabres are hoping to hold onto one of their free agent forwards, and I think there is little chance Gomez will be back in New Jersey. Should be a very exciting week, leading up to July 1st.
Set to be one of the premiere goaltenders on the UFA market this summer, Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere opted not to test the free agent waters and sign a lucrative long term contract with his current club.
The Ducks and Giguere agreed to a four year deal worth $24 million. The contract will pay Giguere $5.5 million for years one and two, $6 million for the third, and $7 million for the final year of the deal. Giguere probably would have commanded $7 million per season on the open market but was obviously very happy with his current situation, especially after winning the Stanley Cup. As the backbone, and an integral part of the Anaheim Ducks Championship season, they are certainly setup well to defend their title.
Quick Shave:
The Florida Panthers re-signed their blossoming superstar forward Nathan Horton to a six year deal worth $24 million. Horton enjoyed a breakout season (as did the Panthers) scoring 62 points (31 goals, 31 assists) and was a +15 in 82 games. Keep an eye on him for your fantasy teams this year. With the NHL Entry Draft little more than 24 hours away, there are lots of rumors flying around. The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to deal defenceman Adrian Aucoin to the Calgary Flames, a trade that Aucoin has apparently blessed with the waiving of his no-trade clause, the Minnesota Wild's goaltender Manny Fernandez could be on the move today or tomorrow as well.... with Boston and Phoenix apparently very interested, and even though Lightning GM Jay Feaster denies it, there are plenty of trade rumors swirling around Tampa Bay Lightning forward Brad Richards. Keep an eye out at Spector's Hockey for the latest. The man is good.
It's official. John Muckler has been fired as the GM of the Ottawa Senators.
Head coach Bryan Murray has been promoted to the General Manager position. Owner Eugene Melnyk stated that he wanted to make the move prior to the NHL Entry Draft, and hopes that his move will keep the Senators from being a 'one trick pony' .... I'm assuming he wants to see his club play for the Cup again in the near future.
Muckler had one year left on his contract, and for him, this has to be tough to swallow. The Senators had an amazing regular season, finishing 48-25-9, and an incredible playoffs that saw them march through the Eastern Conference untested until they ran into the Anaheim Ducks.... who summarily destroyed them. Regardless, his work as GM for the Senators especially last season hardly warranted a dismissal. In any case he can join former Devils head coach Claude Julien and cry in their beers.
Quick Shave:
This is amazing to me, and I forgot to make mention of it earlier. The Montreal Canadiens managed to find a suitor for the services of the much maligned forward Sergei Samsonov. His destination? The Chicago Blackhawks. The Habs traded Samsonov to the Hawks for defenceman Jassen Cullimore, and forward Tony Salmelainen. Now I'm very unfamiliar with the players the Canadiens recieved, but what I am familiar with is that the Habs would have bought out Samsonov's contract had they not found a trade for him. The Blackhawks have hopes for the forward who was a healthy scratch from the Montreal lineup last season for 18 games. The Chicago Blackhawks love their Russian born players..... perhaps a union alongside Martin Havlat will jumpstart Samsonov's offense.
Maybe. It appears the Ottawa Senators will be replacing John Muckler as the team's General Manager.
The Ottawa Senators will be holding a press conference today at 1PM EST to make an announcement. Rumors out of the Ottawa Sun are speculating the Head Coach Bryan Murray who's contract is up at the end of the month will assume to role as GM.
Sens owner Eugene Melnyk apparently told Muckler over the weekend that he would be replaced as Ottawa's GM. Tough rocks for Muckler as he put together a team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals this year. Melnyk has apparently torn a page from the Lou Lamoriello playbook. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Not much of a surprise last night as far as who the NHL's MVP was last season. Sure a case could be made for goaltenders Martin Broduer and Roberto Luongo (a case could be made for Brodeur almost every season), but there was little doubt that Sidney Crosby would take the NHL Hart Trophy.
Crosby received 91 first place votes to become the youngest league MVP since Wayne Gretzky won the Hart Trophy in 1980. Crosby did become the youngest player ever in NHL history to win the Art Ross Trophy for leading the league in scoring with 120 points during the regular season. Sidney Crosby also won the Lester Pearson Award as the most outstanding player as voted on by the players. Crosby became the 7th player in the NHL history to win the triple crown of the Art Ross, Hart and Pearson awards. He also makes a mean quiche (that's what I've heard). Talk about living up to the hype!
Crosby's teammate, Pittsburgh Penguin forward Evgeni Malkin won the Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year. Malkin came off a pressure filled pre-season that involved defecting, and recovering from a dislocated shoulder to lead all rookies in scoring with 85 points (33 goals, 52 assists). He was also the first player in almost a century to score goals in his first 6 NHL games. Malkin became the first Penguin to win the rookie of the year honors since Mario Lemieux did it in 1985.
While New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur fell short of the Hart Trophy, his regular season campaign had to be recognized. Brodeur won the Vezina Trophy for the NHL's best goaltender, the third time he has received the honor. Brodeur won an NHL record 48 games during the regular season and led the league in shutouts with 12.
Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom captured yet another Norris Trophy (the other Norris trophy) as the NHL's top defenceman. It is the fifth time Lidstrom captured the award, and the first time that has been achieved since Boston Bruins defenceman Ray Borque did it.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Rod Brind'Amour captured his second straight Selke Trophy for best defensive forward (I still ask this... where is the award for best offensive defenseman?). Vancouver Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault received the Jack Adams Trophy for the NHL's best coach, Pavel Datsyuk won the Lady Byng Trophy for most sportmanslike player, and Phil Kessel, defenceman for the Boston Bruins won the Masterton Trophy for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
For the most part, no surprises. All the awards went to those who really deserved the. I still think Ted Nolan should have at least gotten a nod as Jack Adams Trophy finalist for his work in turning the Islanders around.... but his time will come again soon.
Quick Shave:
The Calgary Flames announced Mike Keenan as their new head coach yesterday. The rumors swirled briefly Wednesday, and were capped off with his introduction on Thursday. Keenan will replace Jim Playfair who will remain on the staff as an associate coach.... until Keenan fires him. GM Darryl Sutter is obviously looking to light a collective fire under his team (no pun intended) and by hiring the taskmaster Keenan has certainly done so. How long before we hear rumors of Keenan wanting to trade Iginla? If you remember he was tyed to trade rumors involving then Florida Panthers keeper Roberto Luongo, and St. Louis Blues forward Brett Hull.
The race for teams to re-sign their potential unrestricted free agents has begun.
The Toronto Maple Leafs re-signed their captain and forward Mats Sundin to a one year deal worth $5.5 million. The new contract includes and no trade clause.
The Leafs reportedly wanted to sign Sundin to a longer contract, but he preferred a shorter term deal. Sundin also gave the Leafs a home town discount from his previous deal which payed him $6.3 million last season. The shorter contract also means that his retirement is also on the horizon.
Sundin played in 75 games last season for the Leafs recording 76 points (27 goals, 49 assists).
The Detroit Red Wings announced the re-signing of their age defying defenseman Chris Chelios yesterday as well. Chelios and the Wings agreed on a one year contract worth $850,000 with incentive bonuses.
Chelios now 45, will turn 46 during his 24th season in the NHL, and needs just two more playoff games to pass goaltender Patrick Roy for most NHL post season games played.
Chelios has been a mainstay on the Red Wings blue line for the better part of a decade now, and he shows no sign of slowing down. He was a big part of the defence corp that helped pick up the slack during the playoffs after defenseman Mattheiu Schneider was sidelined with a broken wrist. For the money, it's hard to argue against the Red Wings keeping him in the fold.
The Anaheim Ducks are our new Stanley Cup Champions and you'd think we'd all get a much deserved break.... especially after seeing Schwarzenegger lift the Cup and ressurrect some old one liners from his acting (did I say acting?) days, but it's not meant to be. The NHL's busy off-season begins later this week, and doesn't let up until the start of the 2007-2008 campaign. Here' a look at the upcoming NHL calendar:
Jun. 15: Deadline for 1st club-elected salary arbitration Jun. 22 - 23:NHL Entry Draft in Columbus Jul. 1: Free Agency period begins Jul. 5: Deadline for player-elected salary arbitration Jul. 6: Deadline for 2nd club-elected salary arbitration Jul. 10: Deadline for players to elect Group V free agency Jul. 20 - Aug. 4: Salary arbitration hearings held Aug. 6: Deadline for salary arbitration decisions Sept. 29 - 30: Ducks, Kings open season in London, ENG
Obviously the biggy is the NHL entry draft in 2 weeks, and the UFA period that kicks off a week after on the 1st of July. Trade Rumors are already swirling around the league about who is going where, so to keep up to date on that head on over to Spector's Hockey. The boys from the Face Off Hockey Show will also be in Columbus for the Draft and will surely put on another stellar broadcast (half in the bag.... or out of the bag.... depending on whether you are an optimist of pessimist).
I myself will do my best to keep everyone up to date as the comings and goings of players around the league as well as any news that pops up! Enjoy your summer my bearded (and pitted) friends!
Another amazing playoffs left us with a wide array of some of the finest playoff beards to date.
One of the Ottawa Senators most glaring weaknesses this post season was their lack of playoff beard depth. The chin mullet has become a phenomenon that can mysteriously make or break teams in the playoffs. Point in case. Last season Michael Peca shaved his playoff beard between the Western Conference Finals, and the Stanley Cup Finals. His actions, while at the time may not have seemed significant, may have cursed his club. The Edmonton Oilers watched their goaltender Dwayne Roloson go down with an injury and their Stanley Cup dreams dashed. This season, New York Rangers forward Matt Cullen sculpted his playoff beard to a more manageable playoff goatee.... and just when it looked like they would take a 3-2 series lead over Buffalo, the playoff beard curse struck, allowing Sabres forward Chris Drury to tie the game with 7 seconds to go, and helped lift his club past the Rangers.
The Senators, aside from defencemen Chris Phillips (who's playoff beard still couldn't fend off the lack of jaw fuzz depth on his team... which perhaps led to his flub in Game 5) and Tom Preissing had little to Yeti factor. Most of the Senators looked like Jeff Friesen on day 2 of not shaving. Daniel Alfredsson who's attempted season after season to grow a playoff beard unsuccessfully, did finally give up during the playoffs and shaved. Granted his facial hair was comparable to the thin wispy hairs that Homer Simpson sports atop his skull, but it was a playoff beard nonetheless.... and he shaved it. Thus bringing about the playoff beard curse.
The Anaheim Ducks aside from being a stellar hockey club from top to bottom, showcased beard growth that this country hasn't witnessed since the Civil War. Anyone of them could have taken the Chuck Norris Trophy for best playoff beard. I had several favorites on this team, but two of the standouts for me were hulking winger Dustin Penner, and grinding forward Todd Marchant. Penner looked like a man who had been locked in solitary confinement for 3 years, and Marchant was the spitting image of a young Santa Claus (remember the old animated puppet Christmas shows, that told the tale of how Chris Kringle became Santa.... ok right now I am really dorking out) before his beard went white. Either one of these gentleman would have been worthy of the Playoff Beard's greatest award.
However, the master of the beard took center stage once again. Anytime this gentleman is in the playoffs, his beard is a beacon of hope for all (except for stock holders of shaving related corporations), not to mention his play. His skill, determination, and of course playoff beard have helped 2 different organizations capture the Stanley Cup for a combined 4 times. His latest efforts also saw him honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player. Well it is time to honor this warrior of facial hair one more time.
Please join me in congratulating Anaheim Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer as our 2006-2007 Chuck Norris Trophy winner for best playoff beard!
Congratulations Scotty. Home Depot is having a sail on hedge trimmers this week, and if you have any trouble shaving that thing, I know a great landscaper.
Your 2006-2007 Stanley Cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks!
The Anaheim Ducks closed the doors on the Ottawa Senators, and the 2006-2007 NHL season last night by capping off the campaign as this year's Stanley Cup Champions. Anaheim becomes the first team from California to ever win the NHL's most coveted trophy.
As I stated before the series began, the Ducks were instantly annointed as the Cup favorites moments after they acquired defenceman Chris Pronger from the Edmonton Oilers. This team lived up to it's billing, big time.
The start of game 5 looked as though Ottawa had already lost and were gonna mail it in. Down 2-0 on goals by Rob Niedermayer and Andy McDonald the Senators looked all but finished. Daniel Alfredsson redeemed himself from his antics in Game 4 by cutting the lead to one goal, and gave the Senators new life, however a fluke goal by Ottawa defenceman Chris Phillips seemed to take the wind out their team (Phillips and Emery tried to clear the puck from behind the net, and Phillips lost the puck in Emery's skates who directed into the net as he skated back into position). Alfredsson got his team back in the game with a short handed opportunity late in the second, but Anaheim defenceman Francois Beauchemin quickly countered his scored with a power play goal less than a minute later. It was all Ducks after that. Two unanswered goals by Travis Moen (his second of the game), and Corey Perry and a Jean Sebastien Giguere stop on a penalty shot sealed the 6-2 victory, and the Stanley Cup Championship for the Anaheim Ducks 4 games to 1.
The Conn Smythe Tropy for most valuable player of the playoffs was awarded to Anaheim Ducks defenceman and captain Scott Niedermayer. A case really could have been made for a number of players to win the award including goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere, and forwards Andy McDonald, and Ryan Getzlaf, but it's hard to argue with the choice. Niedermayer has now been the backbone of four Stanley Cup Championship teams. If the Conn Smythe could be awarded to a line, I would have picked the Rob Niedermayer, Travis Moen, Samuel Pahlsson line. This group not only shut down the league's best players enroute to the Cup but also provided a substantial amount of offensive production. They made the Senators top line of Alfredsson, Spezza (Spezza and Coach Murray had a bit of blow up during the second on the bench after his inability to put the puck on net.... I wonder if his future is now in question in Ottawa) and Heatley look ordinary throughout the series.
Teemu Selanne finally hoisted the Stanley Cup after 14 NHL seasons, and his emotions before and after the game may be a prelude to the future Hall of Famer's retirement. I only hope the thrill of winning the Cup will inspire him to return to play again as his production over the past two seasons has returned to super star levels.
Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks on an amazing season and winning the Stanley Cup!
Feel free to shave now gentleman. Buy Gilette stock this morning as it is sure to spike today!
Quick Shave: After finally getting rid of Mike Milbury, the New York Islanders announced that they will be excising their remaining cancer by buying out the remainder of forward Alexei Yashin's contract. Yashin had 4 years left on his ridiculous 10 year contract. The Islanders will owe Yashin $17.63 million as part of the CBA two-thirds buy out option rather than the $26.45 million if he stayed on the roster. The Islanders will receive a cap hit of $2.2 million a year for the next 8 seasons (it may be 4, but the wording on this is a bit confusing). Regardless, the Islanders can look forward to the future as they will attempt to retain Ryan Smyth who they got from Edmonton at the trade deadline in February, and forward Jason Blake, both of who are eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1st.
Well that's the season folks, but there is still more to come. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the Chuck Norris Trophy this week, as well as the NHL awards, the NHL Entry Draft, and free agency in July. The action never stops at Playoff Beard.com.
I'd like to extend a thanks to everyone who has helped make this site so much fun, especially Stache, Jeff, Paul, and Jeff. Thanks for all of your support!
The Anaheim Ducks took a commanding lead in the series against the Ottawa Senators 3-1 last night with their 3-2 win. Ducks forward Andy McDonald scored two quick goals in a minutes time during the second to tie the match, and assisted on Dustin Penner's game winner in the third period. The Ducks will have an opportunity to wrap up the series and claim the Stanley Cup in game 5 Wednesday night in Anaheim.
What was Daniel Alfredsson thinking last night? With less than 5 seconds to play in the second period last night, the Ottawa Senators captain carried the puck past center ice, turned his body and directed a slapshot at Anahiem Duck's defenceman Scott Niedermayer. Ducks forward Samuel Pahlson, and Ottawa's Mike Fisher recieved matching penalties in a scrum that followed the shot. What will the NHL do in response to Alfredsson's stupidity? It's hard to imagine him not being suspended considering how they came down on Pronger, and Alfredsson's blatant attempt to injure Niedermayer.
The NHL delivered it's decision much quicker this round and served Anaheim Ducks defenceman Chris Pronger with a one game suspension for his hit on Dean McAmmond. Pronger elbowed McAmmond in the head during the third period of last night's game 3 that sent the Ottawa forward buckling to the ice and sliding lifelessly into the corner.
No surprise here, other than the fact that Pronger only recieved one game. He's lucky Campbell wasn't harsher with the suspension considering it's his second infraction of the playoffs.
Awesome game! Probably one of the best I've seen all playoffs this year, but at the same time, can anyone remember a game loaded with so many bizarre moments?
This match was loaded with unusual moments that included Jason Spezza parading around in Patrick Eaves jersey late in the first after his was torn (at one point I was thinking that Patrick Eaves could be Spezza's twin... although it's hard to say what number beer I was on at that point), Mike Fisher's goal from the point off a face off that saw only four Anaheim Duck players on the ice (Getzlaf jumped on late but was unable to help, and I doubt a fifth player would have changed the outcome of that play), Daniel Alfredsson's goal that was redirected off his skate (from my point of view I was convinced he didn't kick it, and it was a goal, however all I was certain it would be called off), the late third period scrum which saw both Ottawa's and Anaheim's second lines take a hiatus in the sin bin (pretty sure it was the Sens second line... how cool was Fisher? He could have brained Getzlaf if he wanted too... class is what he's about), and Pronger's elbow to McAmmond's head that went uncalled (however I won't be surprised if Pronger see's a suspension headed his way.... and I wonder if he might get more than one game considering he was already warned with a suspension during the series with Detroit?)
On top of all that, this game was loaded with great hockey. The Senators finally found a way to break through the Ducks defence, and more importantly goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere. I loved the way both teams battled back. Just when you thought the momentum was about to shift, the other team would score. They should package this game, put a bow on it, and deliver it to everyone who doesnt' think hockey is an exciting sport.
The Senators ended up taking control late in the third on a goal by Dean McAmmond, and got some padding from a score by Anton Volchenkov midway through the third period to help Ottawa to a 5-3 win over the Ducks. The Senators cut the Ducks lead in the series to 2-1. For Ottawa, it was a promising game. They got scoring from all of their lines, including their big gun line (even though they were still held in check), and peppered the Giguere with 29 shots. Anaheim still played a great game and unfortunately had a few bad breaks on the Alfredsson score (from their point of view, they probably think they got hosed on the Aflredsson goal, but I still say it was a valid goal), and Dean McAmmond's game winner that bounced off of Pronger into the net. Now they will have to wait and see how the league rules on Pronger's hit. News of that will be sure to hit very soon.
Come on Ottawa! Time to light the fire, bring your 'A'game, lock on and get tone (thanks to Billy C for that one!), give it 150%, play 60 minutes, etc., etc.
Game 3 tonight in Ottawa is going to be huge. The Senators have got to find a way to break through the Anaheim Ducks stifling defense which has shut them down for the better part of 5 periods now (4 and change perhaps?). I wonder if Coach Murray will break up his top line of Heatley, Spezza and Alfredsson who seem unable to dump the puck deep and chase even though they have repeatedly preached that philosophy prior to both games 1 and 2. Their line has always been one of possesion and transporting the puck, but they have been stopped at the blue line and forced to the perimeter by the Ducks defence, and the solid back-checking of their forwards. Game 2 saw Ottawa limited to only 16 shots, which is not going to be enough to win this series. The Senators powerplay which was solid in Game 1, was blanked in Game 2 on four opportunities.
The Ducks just have to continue to do what they are doing, and if they continue to play at the same consistently high level a sweep is not out of the realm of possibilities. Game 3 kicks off tonight at 8:00 on NBC.... hopefully for the entire match.
Enjoy the game!
The Dragons:
At the start of the season the Dragons had a full roster, but as the campaign rolled on the injury bug has hit the team hard. Wrist injuries, concussions and alcoholism have take their toll, but the Dragons continue to battle through adversity. After last week’s amazing win with no bench, the Dragons continued to persevere with the luxury of only 1 substitute last night. Captain Mark Giordano (not to be confused with the Calgary Flames defenceman) scored two early goals (in the first minute which certainly set a league record, and Mike McCarthy’s natural hat trick was enough to complete the 5-4 win. Jose ‘Tight Slacks’ Alicea was dominant in net once again preventing the Indians from gaining any sort of advantage and Mike Reilly forgot that we played in a no-checking league, twice doing his best Scott Steven’s impression by standing up the rushing forwards on the blue line. Bill Ecklyn, as usual was a brute on defense battling for loose pucks and winning the battles even in several 3 on 1 situations. The Bosher was also solid, missing two empty net opportunities and drinking at least three quarters of a bottle of water. Great game boys!
With two games in the Stanley Cup Final books, it's time to get down to what's really important.
PLAYOFF BEARDS!
It seems almost poetic that one of the finest playoff beards ever, cultivated by Anahiem Duck's defenceman Scott Niedermayer is on display for all the world to see. The man has truly transformed growing facial hair into an Olympic event.
Playoff Beards and the NHL playoffs have gone hand in hand now for almost 30 years now, and this season has once again proven that standard. The battle for the real Norris Trophy is on!
Last season there were a plethorough of face mullets and in the end, one Bret Hedican (defenceman of the Carolina Hurricanes) outshined the rest and took home the coveted Chuck Norris Trophy. I'm sure many of you have your favorites, but right now, I already see a player who may very well take home the title. Much like Hedican of last year, this player has emerged as Captain Bosh's favorite. Who is it?
As much as I would love to give the man his due honors, I think it only fair to wait till after the Cup is being hoisted by our new champions. Soon after that I will reveal the winner. Barring any unprecedented hair growth over the next week, or an act of terrorism by Gillette, this player will be hard to beat.
I think everyone knew that some goaltenders would be on the move, but I was a little surprised at the names, and the teams that made deals.
The free agency period is looming and there are some very big names about to jump into the deep end of that pool. Forwards Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Ryan Smyth, Sheldon Souray and Michael Nylander top the list and should command big dollars if they hit the open market. The Islanders are apparently hard at work trying to re-sign Smyth before he goes UFA as are the Rangers who would love to keep Nylander centering Jagr. The Sabres are hoping to hold onto one of their free agent forwards, and I think there is little chance Gomez will be back in New Jersey. Should be a very exciting week, leading up to July 1st.
Set to be one of the premiere goaltenders on the UFA market this summer, Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere opted not to test the free agent waters and sign a lucrative long term contract with his current club.
Not much of a surprise last night as far as who the NHL's MVP was last season. Sure a case could be made for goaltenders Martin Broduer and Roberto Luongo (a case could be made for Brodeur almost every season), but there was little doubt that Sidney Crosby would take the NHL Hart Trophy.
Crosby's teammate, Pittsburgh Penguin forward Evgeni Malkin won the Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year. Malkin came off a pressure filled pre-season that involved defecting, and recovering from a dislocated shoulder to lead all rookies in scoring with 85 points (33 goals, 52 assists). He was also the first player in almost a century to score goals in his first 6 NHL games. Malkin became the first Penguin to win the rookie of the year honors since Mario Lemieux did it in 1985.
Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom captured yet another Norris Trophy (the other Norris trophy) as the NHL's top defenceman. It is the fifth time Lidstrom captured the award, and the first time that has been achieved since Boston Bruins defenceman Ray Borque did it.
Quick Shave:
The race for teams to re-sign their potential unrestricted free agents has begun.
Chelios now 45, will turn 46 during his 24th season in the NHL, and needs just two more playoff games to pass goaltender Patrick Roy for most NHL post season games played.
Another amazing playoffs left us with a wide array of some of the finest playoff beards to date.
However, the master of the beard took center stage once again. Anytime this gentleman is in the playoffs, his beard is a beacon of hope for all (except for stock holders of shaving related corporations), not to mention his play. His skill, determination, and of course playoff beard have helped 2 different organizations capture the Stanley Cup for a combined 4 times. His latest efforts also saw him honored with the Conn Smythe Trophy for the most valuable player. Well it is time to honor this warrior of facial hair one more time.
The Anaheim Ducks closed the doors on the Ottawa Senators, and the 2006-2007 NHL season last night by capping off the campaign as this year's Stanley Cup Champions. Anaheim becomes the first team from California to ever win the NHL's most coveted trophy.
After finally getting rid of Mike Milbury, the New York Islanders announced that they will be excising their remaining cancer by buying out the remainder of forward Alexei Yashin's contract. Yashin had 4 years left on his ridiculous 10 year contract. The Islanders will owe Yashin $17.63 million as part of the CBA two-thirds buy out option rather than the $26.45 million if he stayed on the roster. The Islanders will receive a cap hit of $2.2 million a year for the next 8 seasons (it may be 4, but the wording on this is a bit confusing). Regardless, the Islanders can look forward to the future as they will attempt to retain Ryan Smyth who they got from Edmonton at the trade deadline in February, and forward Jason Blake, both of who are eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1st.
Well that didn't take too long.
Awesome game! Probably one of the best I've seen all playoffs this year, but at the same time, can anyone remember a game loaded with so many bizarre moments?
CAN YOOUUUUUUU DIG IT!!!!!
The Dragons:
