Best of the Worst
A great collection of some of the nastiest hits the NHL has ever birthed..... and the suspensions that were rewarded to them. The Bertuzzi interview at the end of this is a gem.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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November 30, 2007
November 29, 2007
Rangers find a way...
Rick DiPietro has been a Ranger killer this season. In their previous 3 meetings the Rangers fell to the New York Islanders and DiPietro afforded his cross town rivals only 4 goals throughout. The Rangers doubled that figure last night.
Jaromir Jagr has begun to rediscover his scoring touch, potting his second goal in as many games. He also added an assist on a sweet tic tac toe pass to Martin Straka who fed Brandon Dubinsky for the insurance score. Chris Drury also scored a goal and an assist in the Rangers 4-2 win over the Islanders. DiPietro made 27 saves in the loss.
The Rangers now have 30 points and are now tied with the Philadelphia Flyers for the Atlantic Division lead.
Quick Shave:
Is every Canadian team slumping right now or is it me? The Ottawa Senators, the Calgary Flames, the Toronto Maple Leafs.... what is going on? The Ottawa Senators lost their 5th straight last night in spectacular fashion to the Nashville Predators. The Sens overcame a two goal deficit late in the third period to tie the match 5-5, but got sloppy with less than half a minute to play and allowed Martin Erat to bury the game winner with 22 seconds to play. The Predators won 6-5. The Toronto Maple Leafs managed to take a little heat off of themselves and their highly scrutinized GM John Ferguson (out West currently enjoying the GM meetings) by defeating the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. The Leafs can be thankful that their win will obviously shift the Canadian media towards their Ottawa neighbors for at least a day.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 27, 2007
Return of Bertuzzi
Todd Bertuzzi will return this evening to face his old team the Vancouver Canucks.
Now three teams removed since being traded by the Canucks to the Florida Panthers for goaltender Roberto Luongo (then traded later last year to the Detroit Red Wings), Bertuzzi visit's his former home now as an Anahiem Duck. While Luongo has gone on to flourish, Bertuzzi has been stuck in neutral, hampered by injuries, this season's latest a concussion, which has sidelined him since October 15th. His return to the lineup is perhaps a bigger deal for the Anaheim Ducks.
These homecomings of sorts for players nowadays are more common place, but still seem to tug at our heart strings, and most certainly our curiousity. I'm sure many will be watching this match tonight, but is it really that big of a deal? I watched the Ryan Smyth return last month to Edmonton.... and it was exactly what I expected it to be. Smyth was blubbering uncontrollably prior to the match, and wasn't much of a factor during the game itself. The return is more about the fans. How will they receive the high priced merc that walks through their doors in another squads colors? Ask Chris Pronger if he felt slighted that he didn't get a reception similar to the one Smyth received.
Tonight's Prediction: Bertuzzi wells up, as fans serenade him with praise (except for the real fans up top who will give him the real 411), and then he will go pointless tonight, -2 rating, and 4 minutes in penalties. Regardless of my pessimisstic view, I still snagged him on one my fantasy rosters.
Quick Shave:
The city of Philadelphia is loaded with idiots. That much is certain. The Philadelphia Flyers are a personification.... or rather a celebration of those idiots. What the hell is wrong with this club. I'm all for physical hockey, don't get me wrong, but I'm for hockey first and foremost. This season, the Flyers have set a standard, that when they see an opponent's skull they must smash it with a stick, or an elbow, or thrust said cranium into the boards. WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU GUYS! No need to answer, because I know. You are from Philadelphia. Last night, Flyer's forward Scott Hartnell hit Andrew Alberts face first into the boards (eerily similar to the way Jones hit Bergeron last month). Hartnell recieved a game misconduct (which will surely be followed by a suspension of some sort today or tomorrow) and Alberts left the game with a head injury (deemed unspecified....huh?). In any case, the Boston Bruins while they didn't out muscle the Flyers, they did outplay them. The Bruins won 6-3 on a two goal evening from Glen Murray, and rookie goaltender Tuuka Rask won his second game in as many starts. The Dallas Stars have been unstoppable since they relieved Doug Armstrong of the GM duties. Last night, the Stars defeated the New York Islanders 3-2 in overtime on a game winner by Mike Modano, his second of the game. The Stars have now won 6 in a row, and are at the top of the Pacific Division.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 26, 2007
Let's do it for Patrice! Let's get those Flyers!
The Blood Feud continues tonight!
The Boston Bruins visit the Philadelphia Flyers tonight in what could be a particularly nasty affair. The new look Philadelphia Flyers whose renewed physical play has them battling for tops in the Atlantic Division as well as leading the NHL in man games lost to suspension. When last these two squads faced one another, Flyers defenceman Randy Jones hit Bruins center Patrice Bergeron face first into the boards. Bergeron broke his nose, and suffered a concussion and has yet to return to the lineup. Chances are slim he will return this season, and there is the possibility that his career may be in jeopardy.
Jones can expect to be a target this evening, and better keep his head on a swivel.... and perhaps carry a trident. Enjoy the game!
Quick Shave:
Trouble in paradise? The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tail spin right now, and rumors are flying, specifically centering on GM John Ferguson Jr., and his upcoming dismissal by Leafs ownership. Ferguson himself is publicly denying a report that he tried to fire head coach Paul Maurice last week but was apparently overruled. Ferguson being fired is inevitable. How it will help the Leafs, is unimaginable. The post cap era has essentially hand-cuffed every NHL GM, and there is little if anything a new GM will be able to do for the Leafs.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 21, 2007
The Face Off Hockey Show
Tonight's Show:
November 21st Show
Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey
TONIGHT AT 9PM EST!!
Click here to listen.
These guys are still among the best for your hockey news and entertainment. Plus they have unparallelled access to Lyle Richardson of Spector's Hockey, and the Hockey News!
I've been spending alot of time on the new NHL Network lately, and I have to say I'm enjoying it. Particularly NHL on the Fly. This program is about the closest we are going to come to NHL Tonight (at least until the NHL goes back to ESPN). NHL on the Fly is pretty much what it sounds like.... hockey players fishing. Just kidding, they are playing water polo.
The coverage is great, and very in depth. If you miss a game, I recommend you tune in.... their spot on the Dallas Stars implosion versus the Los Angeles Kings was great (for everyone but Doug Armstrong). They do a terrific job of recapping the games. The oldies games are terrific too. I watched Darryl Sittler's 30 point game (I exaggerate slightly) last week.... you gotta love the no helmets back then.... even though some of those hairstyles could pass as helmets back then.
Last comment. Brian Burke, GM of the Anaheim Ducks was a guest of GM John Ferguson in Toronto last night and he gave another great interview. When asked about forward Teemu Selanne, and Scott Niedermayer and what the future holds for the pair he gave a classic Burke-ism. Burke stated that they are going to put Teemu's face on milk cartons because they have no idea where he is and what he is doing. He did say the Niedermayer is training, and is expecting to make a decision soon. He also talked briefly about waiving Bryzgalov and why.... he didn't like any deals that were coming to him so he waived him. I can only assume he wanted picks and no salary back in the trade, but I find it hard to believe no one was willing to offer that... however he did waive him so I guess that was the case... ok I'm going to end this sentence now.
Here's to all of you and your families. Have a very happy Thanksgiving!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 18, 2007
Brodeur nets 500th win
There will come a day, when we all look back and say to our kids, and perhaps our grandkids and say that we saw the greatest goaltender that ever played the game. Martin Brodeur will one day be the greatest.
While the above statement is often met with defiance, it's impossible to deny what he has accomplished during his NHL career. Martin Brodeur passed yet another milestone last night in backstopping the New Jersey Devils to a 6-2 victory over their Atlantic Division rivals the Philadelphia Flyers. The win was the 500th of his NHL career, a mark that has only been surpassed once before by Patrick Roy. Roy currently holds the record for most wins by a goaltender ever with 551, a mark that Brodeur will most certainly pass by next season.
Broduer was denied his 500th win several times over the past week, by cross-town rivals the New York Rangers, and Islanders but finally got over the hump last night with his 26 save performance.
Congratulations Marty!
Quick Shave:
I love it when I'm right. Did I say the Leafs were due or what? Seriously I'm as shocked as you are, but not only did the Toronto Maple Leafs defeat the Ottawa Senators last night (a team that has summarily spanked them all year) but they shut them down and out! The Leafs scored three unaswered goals, and netminder Vesa Toskala made 22 saves to record the 3-0 shutout win. His first in a Maple Leaf uniform. Ilya Bryzgalov paid immediate dividends for the Phoenix Coyotes yesterday, stopping all 28 shots he faced to give his club the 1-0 shutout win over the Los Angeles Kings. The New York Rangers moved into first place in the Atlantic Division last night thanks to an overtime goal by defenceman Jason Strudwick that lifted the Blueshirts over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-3.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 17, 2007
'Yotes claim Bryzgalov
That didn't take long.
The Phoenix Coyotes claimed goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers early this morning and is expected to play for the Coyotes this afternoon when they face the Los Angeles Kings. The Coyotes will get a significant upgrade in net from their current tandem of Alex Auld and Mikael Tellqvist in Bryzgalov, and he in turn will get a shot at proving that he can be a legitimate number one goalie in the NHL.
Keep your eyes and ears out for Niedermayer's return from semi-retirement to play for the Anaheim Ducks.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Ducks waive Bryzgalov
This is a major shocker to me.... and honestly I'm surprised it hasn't met with more press.
The Anaheim Ducks waived their backup goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov yesterday. Bryzgalov has been a mainstay on the rumor mills since last year, and his name has been popping up frequently this young season as there are several teams desperate for a legitimate goaltending presence ( which I think Bryzgalov is, and has been, but has unfortunately been positioned behind a very solid keeper in Jean-Sebastien Giguere). Bryzgalov has been linked with every NHL franchise that needs help between the pipes this year including the Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and i'm sure the Toronto Maple Leafs. I will be even more shocked if this guy isn't plucked off waivers today.
Ducks GM Brian Burke has obviously been unable to find a suitable trade partner for his keeper, or a deal that will satisfy his precariously tight salary cap issues. Isn't it odd that this waiver move comes just a week after Burke has been championing the cause of team's being able to parlay some of a player's salary in a trade? Even more curious is that Bryzgalov is put on waivers after rumors of a possible return by former captain and defenceman Scott Niedermayer? All of these things couldn't be coincidence could they? Certainly not. Burke is obviously trying to clear cap space for Niedermayer's return. I can't imagine dumping an asset like Bryzgalov otherwise. This could be a very interesting storyline.
Quick Shave:
Martin Brodeur is finding it almost as difficult to reach that 500th win as it was for Alex Rodriguez to hit his 500th homerun (I know it's a baseball reference, but in the New York area the media has been focused on Rodriguez, Don Imus, how much the Jets suck, and little else). The New York Islanders got a short handed score from Josef Vasicek and that was all they needed to defeat Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils 1-0. Broduer made 25 saves in the match, but it was one short of the 26 Rick DiPietro made to win the game. It was a pretty big night for a few goaltenders last night actually, as Johan Hedberg made 31 saves to help the Altanta Thrashers to a 3-0 shutout win over the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Buffalo Sabres recieved a strong effort from netminder Ryan Miller who made 36 saves in a 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Toronto 7:00 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
I think Toronto is due. The Ottawa Senators have had their way with the Leafs for as long as I can remember, but every match these teams play is always a classic. I know the Leafs don't like playing defence, but there is no denying that they are one of the most potent offensive teams in the league. If they every focused on back-checking they would be a scary team indeed. The Ducks and Sharks will clash late night this evening, in what will be a preview to a certain post season clash. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 16, 2007
The 2Man Advantage
I wanted to give a shout out to Nemmy and Scott, the gentlemen who make up the dynamic duo known as The 2Man Advantage. They have been rapidly producing quality videos that include their brilliant commentary, and some great interviews with current and past NHLers. You can find their growing body of work by clicking here.
Below is one of my favorites as the lads sit down with a half nekkid Neil Smith and discuss his days as a scout and a NHL GM:
Keep up the great work guys!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 15, 2007
Gomez assists in Rangers win
New York Ranger Scott Gomez visited his old team, in their new building for the first time this season and was greeted.... well, not so warmly. Get used to it. You are going to be hearing that for the next 8 years.
Gomez responded well, scoring two assists, as did the Rangers who won their third game in a row defeating the New Jersey Devils 4-2. Their seventh victory in eight games, and after a sluggish start, have climbed back to within a point of the Atlantic Division leading Philadelphia Flyers.
The Rangers youngsters have been the biggest story so far this season. Rookie defenceman Marc Staal (brother of Eric and Jordan) scored his first NHL goal last night against the Devils. Staal has quickly rounded into form, and as he has matured, the Rangers coaching staff have rewarded him with more ice time. Staal's physical play has also been appearing lately, and although he does make an error from time to time, his confidence is growing. Nigel Dawes and Brandon Dubinsky have also thrived in the lineup. Dubinsky was awarded the golden spot of centering Jaromir Jagr's line, and has two goals since taking the position (worth a fantasy look) including one last night.
New Jersey Devils goalender Martin Brodeur was going for his 500th win for the second time this season last night, and was forced to remain at 499. I find it ironic that he didn't get number 500 last night, as 400 of those 499 wins obviously came at the Rangers expense.
Quick Shave:
I used to think Vincent Lecavalier was way overrated. I think I was drunk when I was thinking that, because this guy is special. Lecavalier defeated the Carolina Hurricanes by himself last night (just kidding... kind of) scoring a hat trick and adding to helpers to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to victory 6-1. Impressive. Most Impressive. The Carolina Hurricanes who lost Erik Cole to another neck injury the other night still have a solid hold on the Southeast Division and are just 3 points behind 1st place Ottawa in the East.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:30 PM
Anyone for a little Eastern Conference Championship rematch? Have these two teams gone in opposite directions since last they've played or what? Ottawa looks unstoppable, and the Sabres... unstartable? This could be the kind of game that snaps them out of the funk. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 11, 2007
500 for JR
Jeremy Roenick achieved the milestone that was the impetus behind him postponing his retirement last night. The 500th goal of this nearly two decade career.
The goal itself was probably the most unusual of his career as well, as Roenick looked to be dumping the puck deep, and it took an odd bounce and was inadvertantly directed into the net by Phoenix netminder Alex Auld. The goal stood up as the game winner as well, as the San Jose Sharks went on to defeat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-1.
Congratulations JR!
Quick Shave:
Anyone stay up late to watch the Dallas Stars against the Los Angeles Kings last night? Yeah, neither did I, and I'm sorry I didn't. I resubmit my aforementioned statement that the Kings are a blast to watch, and are perhaps going to be this season's Cardiac Kids. The Dallas Stars had a very comfortable 4-0 lead going into the third period before the Los Angeles Kings scored 5 unanswered goals and took the 5-4 lead. Modano scored the tying goal late in the third to force overtime for the Stars. Kings sophomore forward Anze Kopitar scored the game winner midway through the extra period to cap comeback win 6-5. Watch the highlights. The announcers are beyond hilarious during this one.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 08, 2007
Modano sets American mark
Mike Modano surpassed Phil Housley on the NHL career points record by an American player last night. Modano scored twice early (just 5 minutes in) against the San Jose Sharks last night to record his 1,232nd, and 1,233rd points. Modano was believed to have tied the record last weak, after assisting on a goal, but review following the game determined he never touched the puck.
The 37 year old, Michigan born player has spent his entire NHL career with the Stars organization (formerly the North Stars when in Minnesota). Modano surpassed Housley's mark in some 200 fewer games. The Stars went on to defeat the San Jose Sharks 3-1 last night (mostly because of Stars goaltender Marty Turco who made a record 326 saves last night.... just kidding, he only made 38.... nice MT, nice).
Congratulations Mike!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 07, 2007
Lindros Retires
This Thursday, Eric Lindros will make it official and call it a career.
After several injury plagued seasons with the New York Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Dallas Stars, Lindros will finally hang up his skates. Lindros never truly rediscovered the dominance he once exerted on the ice when centering the top line for the Philadelphia Flyers during the 90's. In his 13 year career he was never able to remain healthy enough to play a full season (he came close in New York), but still managed to capture the Hart Trophy in 1995 as the NHL MVP. Injuries unfortunately, most notably a never ending series of concussions kept Lindros from ever achieving his full potential.
In 760 games played, Eric Lindros amassed 856 points (372 goals, 493 assists) and was a +215. He also collected 1398 minutes in penalties. In his 53 playoff appearances, Lindros collected 57 points (24 goals, and 33 assists). It remains to be seen if his numbers will be good enough to garner him Hall of Fame consideration, but he will be difficult to overlook.
As a Ranger fan, I loved to hate him when he was a Flyer, but always enjoyed watching him play. He was one of the most intimidating forces on the ice in his prime. I honestly will miss the 'E' Train.
Quick Shave:
I wanted to send out my congratulations to Coach Al Arbour for coaching his 1500 game for the New York Islanders Saturday night, as well as picking up his 740th victory with the club as they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2. Garth Snow, Ted Nolan, the New York Islanders, and their fans deserve a huge amount of credit for what they did in honoring Arbour. Miroslav Satan who scored the game winner Saturday night, repeated the effort last night against the New York Rangers topping of a 3 goal third period to lift his club to a 3-2 win. The Ottawa Senators own the NHL right now, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Sens won their 13 game of the season over the Leafs 5-2 last night. The Atlanta Thrashers continue to roll on the winning side since Waddell became their head coach defeating the Washington Capitals 2-1 last night in the shootout.
Game of the Night:
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh 7:00 PM
Remember how Sidney Crosby and the Penguins owned the Flyers last season? I believe it was a season sweep. Think the Flyers will be looking for some payback? Tune in and enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 05, 2007
Forsberg's return in doubt?
Today could mark the beginning of the end.
The career of one of the best hockey players of our generation, Peter Forsberg could very well be on the brink. News today, arrived from Sweden where Peter Forsberg was practicing with his country's national team that his ankle was unable to sustain the workout. After an hour on the ice, Forsberg's ankle forced him to end the practice, and perhaps his return to hockey and the NHL.
Forsberg plans to meet with doctors to see if there are alternatives, but even he seemed to lack hope. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Good luck Peter.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 03, 2007
Spezzator
The Ottawa Senators fans can relax as their club has locked up a major piece of their offensive future for at least the next half decade.
Just prior to the open of the season (hours before), the Senators locked up winger Dany Heatley to a long term deal in order to prevent him from reaching free agency. With the threat of potential offer sheets looming, the Senators acted and signed their prize center Jason Spezza to a long term deal.
Spezza and the Senators agreed on a 7 year deal worth $49 million, which included a no movement clause (so for the next 7 years, Spezza cannot use the bathroom... I'm here all week!). The signing of Spezza has many rumor mongers believing that Senators defenceman Wade Redden will not be back with the club next season, unless he's willing to play at a discount (I think he is currently making $6.5 million per year). In any case, the Senators did the right thing in locking these two up... otherwise risking what the Buffalo Sabres went through last July, and how that has affected their play this year.
Quick Shave:
So anyone remember Bosh's playoff surprise picks a month ago? I'm sure you can all remember laughing at the Bosher, but right now, this prognosticator is looking pretty good. The Philadelphia Flyers, and the Los Angeles Kings are both sitting in first place in the respective divisions (Atlantic, and Pacific). If you haven't had a chance to watch either team yet this season, give them a look. The Flyers are a faster team this year, but are playing with an edge not seen since their Broadstreet Bullies days (hence Colin Campbell has been handing out suspensions to the club faster than flu shots), and the Los Angeles Kings have a couple of lines loaded with offensive talent, and seemed to have finally found some consistency in the net.
Rumors are floating around, as they always are, but some of the more interesting ones, include the firing of some more head coaches. Specifically John Tortorella off the Tampa Bay Lightning whose club is currently elbows deep in a four game losing streak, and Ron Wilson of the San Jose Sharks, a team that was picked to win the Stanley Cup and is barely playing .500 hockey. New York Rangers head coach Tom Renney's name has also been popping up, but the play of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist may be saving his job.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
November 02, 2007
Thrashers give Sens a scare
I remember last season numerous times, how I chose to tune to another game when the one I was currently watching looked like a rout.... and sadly how many times I discovered that moments after I switched the channel, that game turned into an unbelievable comeback and victory for the losing team.
This season I have exercised some more patience, and have been rewarded handsomely for doing so. A second period outburst from the Calgary Flames not 2 weeks ago erased a 3 goal deficit from the Minnesota Wild, a late third period drive by the San Jose Sharks turned a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, into a 4-2 win for the boys in teal... and last night, the Thrashers rebounded late in the third period against the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators nearly threw away a 5 goal lead to the Altanta Thrashers last night, but managed to hold to win the game 6-4, but the last half of that third period was terrific. Thrashers star forward Ilya Kovalchuk put on a clinic scoring a hat trick (2 on the power play) and pulling his team within one goal of tying the game at 5. The Senators eventually regained some composure after a 10 minute, 4 goal breakdown, and got some insurance on a Daniel Alfredsson empty net goal (the 300th tally of his career), which eventually sealed the game. Regardless, the Thrashers showed tremendous pride last night battling back, and also gave the Bosher a heck of a show!
Quick Shave:
Henrik Zetterberg's kung fu is strong. Do I really need to say much more than that? Zetterberg scored his 11th and 12 goals of the season (which leads the NHL) and lifted the once again unstoppable Detroit Red Wings over the Calgary Flames 4-1 last night.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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