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 I've spent the better part of November watching the New York Rangers spiral out of control towards the basement of the standings.
Saturday night capped off a month of uninspired hockey as well as a back to back rout, this time provided by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and their majestic superstar forward Sidney Crosby. As I watched Crosby skate smoothly over a sea of hats following his third tally and fifth point of the evening, I wonder what's the point. The Rangers have one good forward. One good defenceman. And, when he decides to play, one good goaltender (something is up with Lundqvist... he's hiding an injury, and not doing a good job of it, because he's playing like a pile of ass). Now if I were playing NHL 93', I'd be set with this roster. However, three players do not make a formidable NHL roster.
If the Rangers do make a late push and manage to pull themselves into the playoffs.... so what. They are an also ran club who will be little more than an appetizer for their first round opponents. The downside is, aside from a few lucky recent picks, the Rangers are not well known for the skill at drafting great NHLers.... which is why we Ranger fans watch the Parise's and Getzlaf's tear it up in the NHL, while Hugh Jessiman dominates the ECHL.... so hoping for the Rangers to drop to the bottom of the standings is ill-advised.
Ahhh the despair... it reminds me somewhat of the late 90's and early 2k's when the Rangers were a laughing stock... and in many ways still are.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The high skilled, high profile, and high paid players of the NHL emerged last night in a big way... well most of them did anyway.
 In San Jose, the Sharks newest acquisition, super forward Dany Heatley finally delivered for his new club. During the Sharks home opener, Heatley joined the NHL Hat Trick club and helped lift his team to a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton tied a Sharks record by assisting on 4 of those goals.
In New York, the Rangers prized forward Marion Gaborik scored two quick goals and snatch a 4-3 victory from the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also became the first to keep Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin off the score sheet.
The Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek scored a late power play goal to help his club to a 2-1 victory over the unstoppable Phoenix Coyotes.
 In St. Louis, the Blues opened at home for the first time and were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 300th career NHL goal, then later deposited his 301st. Kovalchuk now has two back to back two goal games to open the season... not bad for a guy in a contract year. Atlanta better lock him up now.
The Calgary Flames remained undefeated last night as they tied the Edmonton Oilers 3-3 with little more than a second remaining in the game, then went on to complete the comeback win 4-3 on an Olli Jokinen shootout goal.
Quick Shave:
The New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings picked up their first victories of the season, and the Pittsburgh Penguins shut down the Philadelphia Flyers handing them their first defeat of the season. The panic around the league, especially in Canada regarding the slow starts that some of their clubs have gotten off to is borderline hilarious. The Canucks, Red Wings, and Sharks all got off to horrendous starts, and many of the NHL's elite goaltenders have had games they'd love to forget. Speculation about what Steve Yzerman will do regarding Team Canada's goaltending because of the awful play of Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward has many leaning towards Steve Mason.
I say to everyone... RELAX. The season is barely a week old. For you fans of teams that have stumbled out of the gate... it's ok... your clubs will get going. On the flip side, you fans of clubs who've rocketed out to a fast start.... don't get overly excited because it could come to a crashing halt. Enjoy your beer, and your hockey my friends, this is just the beginning.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins for capturing the Stanley Cup!!
What an unbelievable series and finale. The Pittsburgh Penguins topped the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 Friday night, and win the series 4 games to 3.
Penguins forward Sidney Crosby became the youngest captain to ever lead an NHL team to a Stanley Cup. Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin won the Conn Smythe Trophy for most valuable player during the playoffs, leading all players with 36 points.
Marian Hossa's season didn't end as he evisioned it would when he signed with the Detroit Red Wings some 11 months ago. Let's face it, Friday night Hossa was taken out behind the shed by irony and karma and well... you can figure it out. Ridiculous as it may sound, that's just what I predicted would happen last summer (click here if you don't trust in Bosh).
If you really think about it, there's no reason why we shouldn't be watching both of these clubs face off in the finals again next year. The Red Wings lost the Stanley Cup by one game. Hossa should sit tight, either commit to the club for the long term or sign another 1 year deal. The Red Wings aren't going anywhere. However, neither are the Penguins.
Let's talk serious now folks. The playoff beards, and the Chuck Norris Trophy winner. He's out there... and he wears a Pittsburgh jersey. Sorry folks, no Cup win, no Norris Trophy... grab a razor and a kleenex. I have a few front runners in mind, but I'd like to hear from the bearded faithful before I bestow this honor on our next Yeti wearing skates. Sound off!
Congrats again to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the city of Pittsburgh and all you die-hard fans!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Is there anything better than a Stanley Cup Final Game 7? Perhaps a Game 9, when then NHL officially switches to the 2-3-2-1-1 format... but until that blessed day arrives... we must embrace this 7th and final match of this Championship series.
Up to this point, we've heard it all. Who's better, who's faster, who has the better defenseman, offense, goaltending, biggest sticks, playoffbeards, hottest chicks, etc. The fact remains that the series is even, and both clubs truly have been equal to the task (as much as I hate that phrase and want to slam my face through my television everytime Emerick spits it out). The one pattern... the home team has won every game. If your life was on the line (perhaps you are seated with a goblet filled with red wine generously laced with Iocane powder) the smart move would be to choose the home team once more.
 Regardless of the home ice advantage, I think we are in store for a legendary game tomorrow night. Two outstanding hockey clubs, loaded with scores of future Hall of Famers will leave it all on the ice (another overused string of words that send shockwaves through my spine) for one final game.
Good luck gentlemen, and everyone, enjoy the game!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I've said since last summer that I expected the Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins to meet up in the Stanley Cup Finals again this year, and I was hardly alone in that thinking. It's not much of a stretch considering the star power, youth and depth of both clubs... in fact, I would hardly be surprised if both teams are in the same position again next year.
Last year the Red Wings defeated the Penguins in 6 games to take the Stanley Cup... this year I think the results will be considerably different. The Red Wings have been hit with the injury bug, and hit hard. Some of their biggest players like defenceman Niklas Lidstrom, and forward Pavel Datsyuk were forced to watch from the sidelines in the Western Conference Finals. However, Detroit seems to have a bottomless pool from which they can draw talent from and plug in players to fill those voids... and again found a way to win.
The Pittsburgh Penguins look like a different team this post-season. A year older and wiser, they have used their experience to march right back to the Stanley Cup Finals, and I doubt they will be blinded by the stage they are on this year. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have been an incredible one-two punch this playoffs for the Penguins and I think they will continue to be dominant in the Finals. More than anything, I don't think Sidney Crosby will allow his club to fall this time, and will find a way for them to win.
As I stated above... Playoff Beard Prediction: Penguins in 6 games.
The playoff beards this post season have been remarkable once again. The Penguins pre-pubescent squad has been bolstered by some veteran playoff beard in Bill Guerin (who's got a beauty salt and pepper version of the Niedermayer growing), and Max Talbot once again looks like homeless man who happened to find a pair of skates. In Detroit... where shaving seems to be illegal now, Dan Cleary, and Johan Franzen are sporting Castaway style facial hair, and Henrik Zetterberg looks like the young version of Santa Claus (you know the puppet version before his beard went white)... but will his playoff beard bring gifts to all the good little fans of Detroit this season?
There is one playoff beard I've been very impressed with this playoffs, but I'm inclined to keep it to myself for the time being... I'm certain you've seen it, and it is a dark horse in the runnning for the Chuck Norris trophy this year. In the meantime... sound off. I want to hear from my fellow Beardians who you think deserves the Norris Trophy.
Enjoy the Finals everyone!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Well it's official folks... the Detroit Red Wings will meet the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals... again. The Red Wings finished off the Chicago Blackhawks this evening in 5 games defeating their opponents 2-1 overtime.
A year ago unrestricted free agent forward Marian Hossa ditched his Penguin blacks, for a one year contract and a fresh new Red Wing jersey and a quest to win a Stanley Cup with a team that he was certain would help get him there. Little did he realize that he may actually have to face off against the club he abandoned. Could there be more pressure on any single player in this series than Hossa? Captain Bosh thinks not!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Is there anything better than watching a Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins game these days?
In this age of politically correctness (not sure if that's even a word), it is great to see players from two teams openly discuss how they don't like each other. Especially from the NHL's biggest stars. Ovechkin dislikes Malkin. Malkin dislikes Ovechkin. Semin thinks Crosby is overrated. Crosby dislikes Ovechkin. It's beautiful.
Last night the Caps delivered a 6-3 pounding to the rival Penguins on the back of a two goal and one assist night from Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals snapped a three game losing streak, while the Penguins spiraling into a deeper slump have now lost 8 of their last 10. Rumors are abound that Coach Michel Therrien is on borrowed time, and his tenure behind the bench may be ending soon.
Sidney Crosby also left the match with an injury, which in the post-game he declared as being insignificant, but the Penguins have to be concerned.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Sidney Crosby put on show last night for the hometown Pittsburgh faithful scoring three goals and adding assist to lift the Penguins easily over the Brodeur-less New Jersey Devils 4-1. Devils goaltender Scott Clemmenson was assaulted with 30 shots on net.
Crosby who started the season slow now has 10 goals in his last nine games, and 6 in his last three. He now has 34 points in 23 games on the season.
Brian Burke was named the new President and General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs yesterday... wow what a shock. Burke recieved a 6 year deal reportedly worth $3 million per year. The Leafs rewarded their new leader with a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers yesterday.
Are the Boston Bruins really this bad ass? The Bruins dismantled the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 yesterday, securing their ninth straight home victory and chasing Wings keeper Ty Conklin from the match. The Bruins are now tied for the Eastern Conference lead with the New York Rangers.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Sidney Crosby has been listed as day-to-day with a hip injury that occurred during Thursday night's 4-1 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes. Crosby left during the third period of the game and did not return to action.
Almost like a page torn from Pro Wrestling, Washington Capitals rising star Alexander Semin called out Crosby and the league by asking "What is so special about Sidney Crosby?". "I don't see anything special there. Yes, he does skate well, has a good head, good pass. But there's nothing else." To read his entire interview, click here.
Semin is clearly shouting from a position of strength right now, as he flew out of the gate putting up 16 points (8 goals, 8 assists) in his first 9 games and is tied for the lead league in scoring with Pens forward Evgeni Malkin. The Capitals have also been lucky that Semin's production has somewhat masked the curiously slow start by superstar winger Alexander Ovechkin.
What reaction this kind of statement will bring is unclear, but I wouldn't be surprised if Gary Bettman swoops in to squash any controversy that may develop. Crosby is not the kind of player to respond to this, but I would look for some reaction from his fellow teammates and the next time the Pens and Caps meet... that is gonna be fun.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The sleeping giant has finally woken.
Sidney Crosby recorded his 100th goal, his 200th point, and his 300th point last night as helped lift the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1. Crosby was on a line with Evgeni Malkin for the first time this season and the combination paid immediate dividends as Crosby had a goal and 3 assists, and Malkin assisted on all 4 of the Penguins tallies. Malkin now has 201 points in 166 games.
Crosby's former teammate, Marian Hossa set a milestone last night as well recording his first goal as a Detroit Red Wing. The goal was an OT winner that killed a remarkable New York Rangers comeback last night and gave the Red Wings the 5-4 win. The score was also Hossa's 300th career score.
This game was great for the record. The Red Wings scored less than 30 seconds into the game and then again minutes later to take a quick 2-0 lead. It looked like the Rangers were going to fail this bench test outright, but managed to turn the game around and even take the lead late. The Red Wings however, are still the Red Wings, and are the Stanley Cup Champions for a reason. Detroit was able to tie the match, force OT, and close the game out quickly on Hossa's goal.
Quick Shave:
What is up with the Philadelphia Flyers? The Flyers have yet to record a victory this season, after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last year, and surrendered their 5th straight loss last night to the San Jose Sharks.... a game that they had they carried the lead throughout. Perhaps allowing 44 shots on net is the first reason why. Was last year an abomination? Did they over-achieve, or are they under-achieving now? Questions like these are going to start being raised and Coach Steven's will soon be on the chopping block if this club doesn't begin to turn it around. Remember, Denis Savard was just fired a few days ago for losing three (a he won a game too), and Atlanta axed Bob Hartley after he dropped 6 straight last season.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Thus far, the New York Rangers free agent signings are already paying dividends.
UFA defenceman pickup Wade Redden opened the scoring for the Rangers, and Scott Gomez potted the game winner to complete the 2 game sweep against the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 yesterday afternoon, drawing a close to their European road trip.
The Tampa Bay Lighntning, who were extremely active during the off-season neglected to focus on improving their defense, and most critics pointed out that as a major concern. In their first two matches of the season, the Lightning have allowed nearly 80 shots on net. On the positive side, Tampa has upgraded their goaltending with the tandem of Mike Smith and Olaf Kolzig. The pair allowed only 4 goals over the weekend, however, continuing to face 40 shots an evening will require a Luongian effort...
Speaking of goaltending.... have the Ottawa Senators found a keeper in backup Alex Auld? Auld made 30 saves yesterday to help the Senators to a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and return from their European trip with a split. Auld's performance may give coach Craig Hartsburg something to think about as he clearly provided better support in net than Martin Gerber did a night earlier. Keep an eye on this one... and you may want to pickup Auld for your fantasy roster. Sens forward Dany Heatley had a great weekend collecting three goals against the Penguins, all on the powerplay.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Markus Naslund scored in his debut as a New York Ranger yesterday, to help lift his new club to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Ligntning. The game which marked the beginning of the NHL season was played in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Rangers badly outshot the Lightning throughout the game, but were stoned by Tampa Bay netminder Mike Smith (the featured acquisition for the Lightning in the Brad Richards trade last February) who made 39 saves on the game. Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky scored a power play goal with roughly 5 minutes remaining in the game to seal the victory. The second part of the 2 game set will be played today at noon EST.
While goaltending was the strength for the Tampa Bay Lightning it is still a question mark in Ottawa. The Senators fell 4-3 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Penguins who were playing their opener up North in Stockholm, Sweden. Ottawa goaltender Martin Gerber failed to provide the confidence in net that his club was looking for and let in several soft goals including the overtime winner that was deposited by Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy (worth a fantasy look, as he's riding shotgun to Malkin for the time being... he scored two including the game winner yesterday). The Penguins and Senators will meet again later this afternoon to conclude their two game matchup.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Chicago Blackhawks placed goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers today.
Khabibulin appeared to be the goalie on the way out after the Blackhawks made a surprising dip into the free agent pool and signed UFA keeper Cristobal Huet to a 4 year deal worth $22.5 million. Khabibulin was on the final year of a 4 year deal worth $27 million.
The Blackhawks are believed to working on a trade for the Khabibulin but his high salary makes moving him difficult, if not impossible.
The Pittsburgh Penguins got some rough news today (as did NHL Fantasy Managers) when they announced that the club would be without star defenceman Sergei Gonchar for 4-6 months. Gonchar will undergo surgery to repair his left shoulder. Gonchar was injured during the a pre-season game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
 The Penguins also lost defenceman Ryan Whitney till December with a foot injury.
The Anaheim Ducks re-signed forward Teemu Selanne to a two year deal worth $5.25 million this week, just days after clearing cap space by trading defenceman Matthieu Schneider to the Atlanta Thrashers.
Selanne sat out more than half the season last year as he contemplated retirement, but with 26 games remaining chose to return to action.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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
 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
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
 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
Is it me, or did Hillary Clinton steal Brian Engblom's lid?
I know that's a little off topic, but everytime I see the Senator on TV, I can't help but wonder what she'd look like with a playoff beard (it may help her bid for the Presidency.... actually no that's a bad idea). I digress.
Let's get to it....
EASTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
Pittsburgh Penguins versus Philadelphia Flyers
Everyone is saying that this is going to be THE series of the playoffs. I'm having a hard time finding an argument to counter that statement. Cross-state, intra-state.... call it what you will (including perhaps the most tedious stretch of road to travel if you happen to be going cross country), there is little love lost between these two clubs... and perhaps the two cities. Do people from Philadelphia hate the people in Pittsburgh? Most likely, and I'm sure the feelings are mutual. The Flyers have had a knack for driving Captain Sidney Crosby crazy, and have been successful in taking him out of his game.... however, Crosby has had some highlight reel performances against the Flyers. To be fair, both clubs are amazing. The Penguins have matured so quickly in the last 3 years, and the Flyers... HOLY CRAP! You sucked big time last season, and now they are in the Eastern Conference Finals! This series should be nasty from the opening faceoff, and should be an extended one, but ultimately I think the Penguins will find a way to win it.... even though the Cros-beard isn't happening. Jeff Friesen is still laughing.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Penguins in 6 games.
WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS
 Detroit Red WIngs versus Dallas Stars
For all the attention the Eastern Conference matchup is getting, I think this playoff series could be even more entertaining. The Detroit Red Wings appear to be on a mission, and have more or less cruised through the first two rounds with little difficulty (a slight road bump in Nashville, but a goalie change was just what the Babcock ordered). I think the easy road ends here and their first test will be at hand. The Dallas Stars knocked off the defending Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks in round one, and the second seeded San Jose Sharks (for all the crap I gave them, they still are a formidable hockey club... don't hate me for being right Shark fans) in round two. The Red Wings looked good in round one, and amazing in round two, but let's boil this down a bit. Yes they swept the Colorado Avalanche in 4 games, but who did they really defeat? The Avs were so decimated by injury that they were ready to call me up for game 5..... sadly the Bosher never got his opportunity. Side Note: Kris Draper with a playoff beard looks like Chuck Norris' stunt double. This series is going to be a long back and forth battle, and could hold a few surprises for everyone.
Playoff Beard Prediction: Stars in 7 games.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 How bummed is Peter Forsberg right now for not signing with the Philadelphia Flyers?
How grateful are you Flyers fans that he chose to sign with the Colorado Avalanche and spend his time on their training table?
Who would have thought that the Philadelphia Flyers would rebound so hard following a disastrous 2006-2007 season where they finished at the bottom of the league? Even I cannot say that I saw such success headed their way. Playoffs I thought were possible... but to the Final Four? Inconceivable?!?!
Believe it or not, the Flyers have finally figured out the formula to playoff success... goaltending. Martin Biron outdeuled Montreal Canadiens goal keeper Carey Price last night in their 6-4 win that closed out their second round series in 5 games. The Flyers goal scorers are also on fire, recieving contributions from just about everyone right now. Daniel Briere is second in playoff points, and R.J. Umberger is second in playoff goals, and Vaclav Prospal is feeding the puck to everyone, and is among the leader in assists.
Just across the state, the Pittsburgh Penguins wrapped up their second round series with the New York Rangers. While the Rangers made it look interesting, I think after Game 1, there was no question who the winner of the series would be. The Rangers did manage to avoid the sweep, but were essentially bested in almost every aspect of the game. The Penguins bring a potent powerplay, loaded with top notch forwards and now ride a goaltender in Marc Andre Fleury who defeated Vezina nomineed Henrik Lundqvist. The Penguins closed out their series in 5 games, and so far, have lost only once during the post-season tournament.
The Detroit Red Wings are on a mission. They easily dispatched the Colorado Avalanche in 4 games (they hammered the Avs in game 4, 8-2, and Johan Franzen (I heard a sick stat the other day on the NHL Channel, that Franzen has 26 goals in his last 26 games played... crazy) recorded his second hat trick of the series) and made Jose Theodore look mortal again... and most likely destroyed any bargaining power he had going into unrestricted free-agency this summer. While the Avs weren't healthy I doubt they would have done much against the Wings. The Red Wings now wait to learn who they will face in the Conference Finals.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Philadelphia Flyers hung on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens last 3-2... barely. The Montreal Canadiens mounted a furious comeback, and in the final moments of the third, pounded the Flyers with shots but were unable to solve goaltender Martin Biron for the second straight game.
Biron helped the Flyers climb back into the series on Saturday and last night helped them take a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately for Habs goalie Carey Price, for every action there is an equal yet opposite reaction. Price was yanked in favor of back up Jaroslav Halak after surrendering the third goal to the Flyers.
Aside from this series, the rest of the games in this round are very one sided.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dominated the New York Rangers in the first two games of their series. The Rangers blew a commanding three goal lead Friday night and fell to the Penguins 5-4. On Sunday, they tightened up, and were shutout by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. I can't say enough good things about this club right now. They overcome adversity, they play good team defense, and they have made Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist look ordinary. They have yet to lose thus far in the post season, and really look like a team of destiny right now.
Now for the bad. While I appreciate the effort, Sidney Crosby's playoff beard (term used very loosely) is undescribable. While teammates Ryan Malone, and Marian Hossa have brought the Beardgame, Crosby.... well he just can't. I will never take anything away from him as a player, but I have found his flaw. Pittsburgh fans.... we have found the new Jeff Friesen. Officer Crosby... the donuts are on us.
 I got some crap for my opinion on Joe Thornton last week, and my belief that he is not a big time playoff performer. Two games, 1 assist, two losses. The man has all the skills and tools necessary to carry this club to the promised land, but for some reason fails to do so, or at least has so far. On the positive side, the man does wield a formidable playoff beard... hopefully that facial magnificence will one day translate to Stanley Cup glory. The Dallas Stars look amazing. After knocking of the reigning Stanley Cup Champs, they look poised to easily dispatch the Stanley Cup favorite San Jose Sharks. They bring a 2-0 series lead back to Dallas tomorrow night. Marty Turco is the man.... and he is finally getting his due..... take a page from his playbook Joe.
 The sleeping giant has awoken in Detroit. After an amazing regular season, the Detroit Red Wings were tested in round 1 by the Nashville Predators, but now head to Denver with a 2-0 series lead, and look to continue their dominance over an injury depleted Colorado Avalanche lineup. The Red Wings have brought Avs goaltender Jose Theodore back down to earth and have made him look like the Theodore of old (not the MVP old Theodore... last years Rogaine Junkie Theodore). Rumors are abound that back up goaltender (formerly number one) Peter Budaj may start game 3 for the Avs. There is also a chance that Forsberg may return from the groin injury that has hampered him this round. Either way, the Avs better pulll something out of their hats.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Pittsburgh Penguins dealt the Ottawa Senators the final blow tonite, defeating them 3-1, and taking the round 1 series in 4 straight games.
The results are a complete turnaround for the Senators who last year dispatched the Penguins easily in round 1, and then marched through the Eastern Conference on their way to the Stanley Cup Finals. The Senators started the season spectacularly, but finished spectacularly awful. Winning 18 of their final 48 games, the Sens squeaked into the playoffs, and went out with a whimper. Perhaps the firing of GM John Muckler over the summer in favor of coach Bryan Murray was a hasty move?
The Penguins continue to prove that they are a now team. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have grown from young players with star potential to NHL Elite. Both players scored in the statement game that saw their young club become the first this playoffs to close out a series and advance to round 2. They will be a tough team to contend with.
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
The Rangers became the first club of this series to win a home game, and also take a commanding 3-1 series lead. Rookie defenceman Mark Staal scored his first ever NHL playoff goal late in the third period, which was the eventual game winner and helped lift the Rangers to a 5-3 victory.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Washington Capitals experienced a lot of firsts last night. The franchise first playoff appearance in the post lock-out era and the first playoff game for many of it's participants.
The Capitals enjoyed an early lead, then entered the third period down 4-2 by two goal games from Philadelpia Flyers Daniel Briere, and Vaclav Prospal. For the most part, the Flyers were able to shut down Alexander Ovechkin, keeping him without a shot in the game till the third period. Big players do big things in big spots. With roughly 4 minute remaining in the game, Ovechkin potted the eventual game winner, giving the Capitals the 5-4 win, and the 1-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers.
For the Flyers this loss may be devestating. They did everything right and still couldn't come away with a victory. Keeping Ovechkin from being productive, and also buidling a two goal lead going in to the third period should have been keys to a win. The Flyers should perhaps spend time trying to take Washington Capitals defenceman Mike Green off his game. Green scored twice last night, and was the leading scoring defenceman during the regular season with 18 goals.
 New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers
The Rangers will return home to Madison Square Garden on Sunday night, and take with them a 2-0 series lead over the New Jersey Devils. The Rangers defeated the Devils 2-1 last night, the second time in a row, and ninth time this season. Another defensive affair, yet with more scoring opportunities and much more spice. These two clubs don't like each other and it really began to show last night. The game really came down to goaltending once again, with Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist coming out on top once again. Lundqvist made 26 saves on the night. Brodeur was solved in the third period once again, mostly due to a bump from his own defenceman Colin White which allowed Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr to deposit the puck on the near side. 23 seconds later, Rangers forward Sean Avery sent a wrist shot through traffic which held up as the eventual game winner.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Ottawa Senators
Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber made 49 saves but even his performance wasn't enough for the Senators to capture a win. Perhaps because the Senators allowed a total of 54 shots to be fired out their goaltender? The Senators did battle back from a 3-0 defecit to tie the game at 3 goals a piece in the third, but Penguins forward Ryan Malone potted the game winner of the with less than 90 seconds to play in the game and sealed the game with an empty netter a minute later. Penguin Evgeni Malkin had three assists on the night and Peter Sykora scored twice. While the Senators were finally able to get a goal past Fleury (as well as two others), the Ottawa defence seems to be completely overwhelmed with the Penguins offensive corps. They stormed the Sens and had it not been for Gerber, the Pens could have finished the game in the first period where they outshot their opponents 20-8. Game 3 comes to Ottawa Monday night, and their are rumors that captain Daniel Alfredsson could make a return. How effective he would be, is hard to say, but I have to imagine an injured Alfredsson is better than no Alfredsson at all?
 Minnesota Wild vs. Colorado Avalanche
The Minnesota Wild evened their series 1-1 thanks to an overtime score by Wild defenceman Keith Carney to give his club the 3-2 win. Colorado Avalanche forward Peter Forsberg scored his 64th career playoff goal and gave the Avs the 1-0 lead in late in the first period. The Miinnesota Wild finally scored on Avs netminder Jose Theodore in the third. Wild forwards Pavol Demitra and Mikko Koivu scored. Koivu's goal came with less than 2 minutes to play in the game, and looked like it would hold up as the game winner till the Avs Miljan Hejduk scored to force overtime with 44 seconds left in the game. Defenceman Keith Carney prevented the Wild from heading to Denver for game 3 down 2-0 in the series.
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Detroit 2:00 PM
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
Dallas at Anaheim 10:00 PM
The Ducks, Bruins and Predators will all attempt to rebound today after some rather lopsided losses in game 1. Especially the Ducks. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 New York Rangers forward Scott Gomez stung his former club the New Jersey Devils last night by setting up three goals enroute to their Game 1 victory.
The game was a tight affair for most of the evening. Scoreless in the first, the Rangers and Devils traded goals in the second and then New York broke it open in the third and won the game 4-1. Rangers forward Ryan Callahan recorded a short handed score midway through the third that would hold up as the eventual game winner. Sean Avery provided some insurance late in the game and Nigel Dawes sealed the win with an empty netter. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves, and a few brilliant ones that kept the Rangers in the game. Game 2 is Friday night.
Quick Shave:
Talk about role reversal! The Pittsburgh Penguins lit up and shut down the Ottawa Senators last night 4-0 and took game 1 of the series convincly. Penguins goaltender Marc Andre Fleury made 26 saves to record his first career playoff shutout. Pens forward Evgeni Malkin scored a goal and added two helpers, and big surprise Gary Roberts returned, fresh from the IR list to score two goals. The Senators looked like the same team that limped into the playoffs. If they don't right the ship soon, the series will be over very quickly.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Look at them now!
The Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that most thought would be a powerhouse in years to come, has become that powerhouse today. Loaded with young talent, the Penguins took huge steps this season and overcame many obstacles including playing without their best player for almost a third of the season in Sidney Crosby, and last night clinched the Atlantic Divisions title. Breath.
After defeating the Philadelpia Flyers last night (and putting them close to post season elimination) 4-2 the Pens secured the Division title for the first time in a decade. Sidney Crosby scored two goals, and Evgeni Malkin recorded the game winner. They also pulled ahead of the Montreal Canadiens for the Eastern Conference lead, and are guaranteed no less than the second seed in the playoffs.
 The Penguins set themselves up for a possible matchup with the Washington Capitals, if they can deliver. Ovechkin vs. Crosby sounds awfully nice!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New Jersey Devils for their second straight meeting 2-0 last night, and cushioned their lead in the Atlantic Division to 4 points. They also moved within one point of Eastern Conference leading Monteal.
Pens goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made 31 save of the 2-0 shutout win and Ryan Malone and Marian Hossa scored. Captain Sidney Crosby sat out for his seventh straight game. The Penguins have hardly missed a beat since losing him and have gone 16-8-4 in his absence.
Quick Shave:
The race for the final spots in the Eastern Conference could have gotten a lot tighter last night, but the Philadelphia Flyers (who defeated the New York Rangers 2-1 in OT), and the Boston Bruins (who hammered the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-2) refused to cooperate. The Maple Leafs playoffs may have ended last night. The Washington Capitals kept pace by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2, but still remain 2 outside.
How about them Edmonton Oilers? Are they playing out of their minds just to piss Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke off? Three points out...
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be without their superstar forward and captain Sidney Crosby tonight.
Crosby has had discomfort in his right ankle since the Pens last game, on Sunday when they defeated the Washington Capitals 4-2. Crosby had just returned to the lineup three games prior after having missed 21 games with a sprain in the same ankle.
After tonight's the game versus the Buffalo Sabres, the Penguins have a three day layoff and Coach Therrien is playing it cautious and decided not to play their captain. The Penguins are currently second in the Atlantic Division, just one point behind the first place New Jersey Devils, and two points behind the Montreal Canadiens who hold the Eastern Conference lead.
 Quick Shave:
Anyone watch the matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Philadelphia Flyers last night? That was hockey! Granted that was a match I would have shut off when the Flyers took a 3 goal lead into the third, but thankfully I exercised some patience and watched an outstanding comeback by the playoff hopefull Leafs, who won the game in OT 4-3. Tonight's game is another must win for the Leafs, as the finish off the home and home in Philadelphia this evening for what has to be another must-win. Unfortunately for the Leafs, this may all be too little too late, and every win that takes them closer to a possible post-season berth, also takes them further from a possible first round draft pick in this summer's NHL Entry Draft. In any case, tonight's game is clearly the Game of the NIght! Enjoy!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Marian Hossa made his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins and 13 shifts later was sidelined with an injury.
In unfornutate incident, Hossa and Boston Bruins forward Glen Murray had an accidental knee on knee hit. Hossa left the game with a slight MCL sprain. He is expected only to miss a week.
The Boston Bruins won their fifth straight easily defeating the Penguins 5-1. Goaltender Tim Thoms made 27 saves just missing his second consecutive shutout. They have now 7 wins in the last 8 games, and are now within striking distance of the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Quick Shave:
The Eastern Conference is really anybody's to grab. There is no clear cut favorite to walk away with the Conference Championship, and only 9 points separate East leading New Jersey Devils from the 8th place Philadelphia Flyers. The Ottawa Senators who had a healthy lead a few months ago are crashing and burning right now. Bryan Murray was on the bench last night after firing coach John Paddock but his presence did little to inspire the club as they fell for the third straight game, this time to the Philadelphia Flyers 3-1. It's going to be another tight race that goes down to the final games of the season again, but this time the focus will be on seeding rather than who makes the playoffs.
Brad Richards debut with the Dallas Stars would have to be called a huge success. Richards scored a career high 5 points, setting up 5 goals, including linemate Nik Hagman's first ever NHL Hat Trick. The Stars defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 7-4 last night.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Pittsburgh Penguins made a huge splash at the zero hour, just minutes before the 3:00 trade deadline to acquire Marian Hossa from the Atlanta Thrashers.
Hossa was widely considered this year's trade deadline prize especially after Toronto Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin withdrew his name from rumors by waiving his no-trade clause. The Penguins acquired Marian Hossa, and forward Pascal Dupuis from the Thrashers in exhange for forwards Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, prospect Angelo Esposito and a first round draft pick.
The Thrashers were unable to sign Hossa to a long-term contract prior to the deadline and much like the Sabres who dealt defenceman Brian Campbell earlier today, chose to trade their asset, rather than lose the player to free agency this summer.
Hossa has 26 goals and 56 points this season, and will most likely be united with Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby upon his return from injury.
The Penguins also acquired defenceman Hal Gill from the Toronto Maple Leafs for a pair of draft picks.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Did I jinx Alexander Ovechkin by calling him the League MVP? Or did I light a fire under the butt of Evgeni Malkin?
It looks like Sidney Crosby's injury has become a blessing in disguise. Evgeni Malkin has blossomed into a true superstar over the past month, since taking over the role as team leader in Crosby's absence. Rather than fall apart, the Pittsburgh Penguins have climbed to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. After last night's 5-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens, they share the Atlantic Division lead with the New Jersey Devils and sit in a three way tie for second in the East with the Habs, now just one point behind Eastern Conference leading Ottawa.
Malkin scored a goal and added two assists, which brought his NHL scoring lead total to 82 points. He now has 21 points in his last 9 games. Food for thought. How scary is this team going to be when Sidney Crosby does return?
Quick Shave:
The New York Islanders won their sixth straight last night as Rick Dipietro made 32 saves to complete the 1-0 shutout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Islanders recent streak has now brought them within a point of the final playoff spot in the East. Isles forward Chris Simon returned to action after serving a 30 game suspension for tap dancing on Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jaarko Ruutu's leg. The Buffalo Sabres have clearly turned their season around and continue to pile on the points after an easy 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs (who have clearly given up). The Sabres are in seventh place in the East with 68 points. The Philadelphia Flyers are in freefall right now. They dropped their ninth straight last night to the San Jose Sharks 3-1, and dropped out of the playoff race into the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. Flyers forward Simone Gagne is out for the rest of the season with concussion problems, and there will be no help coming from Peter Forsberg whose comeback is highly unlikely. Recent acquisitions Martin Biron in net, and Daniel Briere have not met expectations, and I perhaps cursed them by saying they would make the playoffs this year. Rumor has the Flyers desperate to make a deadline deal to help salvage their season and playoff hopes. Keep an eye on them.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Many thought the Pittsburgh Penguins were done when they lost captain Sidney Crosby, myself included. The team that surrounds Crosby when he is in the lineup however took it upon themselves to pick up the slack in his absence.
Initially the stone wall goaltending of call-up Ty Conklin sent the Penguins on a tear rather than a slide. More recently however, Evgeni Malkin has stepped up in a big way, refusing to let his club fall behind. In fact his efforts of late have thrust the Penguins to the top of the Atlantic Divsion, and into second place overall in the Eastern Conference.
Yesterday afternoon, Malkin scored a goal and added three assists to help the Pens to a 4-3 win over their cross-state rivals, the Philadelpia Flyers. Malkin has now collected 15 points in last five games, and 21 points since Crosby was injured January 18th.
Quick Shave:
A bit of very frightening irony last night during the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres game last night as Panthers forward Richard Zednik was slashed across the throat by teammate Olli Jokinen's skate as he was up-ended by a check. Zednik raced to the bench while blood flowed from the cut and was immediately taken to a Buffalo Hospital. Word as I write this is that he is stable. Nearly two decades ago, Buffalo Sabres goaltender Clint Malarchuk suffered a similiar injury, when he had his jugular cut in a game versus the St. Louis Blues in 1989.
Get well soon Richard.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Pittsburgh Penguins suffered a pretty big blow last night in their 3-0 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Pens captain Sidney Crosby sustained an injury to his right ankle.
Crosby has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, which could keep out of the lineup for up to two months. The Penguins doctors will re-evaluate Crosby today to determine the full extent of the injury.
Quick Shave:
Did the Buffalo Sabres have a mean-on tonight or what? Their 10 game losing skid came to a screeching halt tonight as they took out their frustrations on the Atlanta Thrashers. The Sabres torched the Thrashers 10-1, thanks in part to just about everyone, and near perfect goaltending by Ryan Miller, who made 23 saves. Lucky me.... I started Johan Hedberg last night who allowed 7 of the Buffalo goals. Well done JH!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin joined the NHL Hat Trick club for the first time in his career.
Malkin's scoring production was just a small part of the 6-2 thumping the Penguins put on the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. The Leafs who have looked vulnerable since their starting goaltender Vesa Toskala was place on IR, and have now lost 7 of their last 9 games.
The Pittsburgh Penguins returned to indoor hockey behind the solid goaltending of Ty Conklin who made 33 saves, and is now 6-0 as a starter since being called up to fill in for the injured Marc-Andre Fluery, and the incapable Dany Sabourin.
 Quick Shave:Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla is unstoppable. Iginla scored his 30th, and 31st of the season last night, including the game winner which lifted the Flames 3-2 over the San Jose Sharks in overtime. The previous evening saw Iginla pot two in the Flames 4-3 win over the New York Rangers. Speaking of which, the Rangers who were without leading scorer Brendan Shanahan were unable to solve Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo last night. Luongo made 27 saves and help the Canucks to a 3-0 shutout win over the Rangers. The victory was his 6th of the season by shutout. The Colorado Avalanche are dealing with the injury bug lately. After losing captain Joe Sakic for the next few months, they will also be without free agent acquisition Ryan Smyth for 8 weeks due to a fractured ankle.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
That was something really special yesterday. Pond hockey in front of a crowd of over 70,000 people.
The Winter Classic lived up to it's billing yesterday, for the NHL players, and it's fans as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 2-1 in a game that saw snow, freezing rain, more snow, overtime and a shootout. Sidney Crosby made the afternoon count by beating Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller between the pads for the shootout winner.
The conditions may not have been perfect for the cleanest of play, but they were perfect in my opinion for this event. The NHL may have found a great marketing tool yesterday. Every radio program and news channel has been talking about the match. Perhaps it's a step to putting the NHL back on the map in the U.S. Hopefully they will continue to make this a regular event every year.
Our Playoff Beard.com correspondent in Buffalo, Michelle, was sitting pretty at the game in Section 330, and provided us with some great stills of the game. Special Thanks to her for her efforts and braving the cold! Enjoy!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The NHL's star's shone brightly last night.... blindingly bright.
I don't know why, but the New York Rangers really tend to bring the best out in players. Unfortunately, that best usually belongs to a player on the opposing team. Last night the Rangers got a fistful of Marian Gaborik and the Minnesota Wild as they were outclassed 6-3. Gaborik put on a show for the hometown crowd scoring 5 goals and assisted on the Wild's 6th goal. The Wild scored on three power play opportunities and ruined the opening game of the Rangers pre-holiday road trip. This was the first time the Rangers visited Minnesota in 4 years. It is doubtful they are looking forward to returning there.
Sidney Crosby helped the Pittsburgh Penguins get back into the win column last night with a Gordie Howe hat trick. Crosby scored a goal, setup Evgeni Malkin for a pair, and yes, threw down for the first time in his NHL career, to lift his team to a 5-4 shootout win over the Boston Bruins. Crosby dropped the gloves with Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Ference during the second. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Colby Armstrong also had three assists on the night.
 Tampa Bay Lightning forward Vincent Lecavalier broke the hearts of the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second time this week. Just two nights removed from a late third period collapse to the Carolina Hurricanes, the Leafs allowed a late goal by Lecavalier in the final minute of the game to lose to the Lightning 2-1. Rookie netminder Karri Ramo made 31 saves to help the Lightning to victory. Could he be the answer in net they are looking for? Keep your fantasy radar on.
 Atlanta Thrashers goaltender Kari Lehtonen is starting to rediscover his game again, after returning from his groin injury. Lehtonen made 28 saves and made Todd White's early third period (14 of saves came in the final frame) power play goal stand up to end the Ottawa Senators winning streak 3-2. Ottawa Senators goaltender Martin Gerber made 42 saves on the night, but his teammates were unable to solve Lehtonen.
Really Quick Shave:
If you didn't have enough reasons to subscribe to NHL Center Ice, here's one more.... and its a good one. The first channel of NHL Center Ice (mine is 415) is now called League Wide. League Wide essentially gives you 4 games simultaneously on one screen, while also providing the scores to the rest of the games down the left side. Now you won't have to worry about turning off that blow out game that becomes a miracle comeback in the third! That blister on my thumb from jockeying the remote to switch from game to game is actually starting to go away now as well.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 'Tis the season.....
With the first third of the season now in the books, this is usually the time of year when the war of attrition begins to take it's toll on the NHL players phsyically.
The Vancouver Canucks lost a pair this week, as their goaltender Roberto Luongo will be out of action (currently listed day to day) for the immediate future with a rib contusion, and the NHL's current Iron Man Brendan Morrison will end his streak of consecutive games played at 542 as he undergoes wrist surgery this week. The Canucks were beginning to get their game together after a slow start and made a push to the top of the Northwest Division. Obviously losing Luongo for any period of time is a crushing blow to this team, as he is the cornerstone of the franchise. Markus Naslund who has rediscovered his game back on a line with the dancing Sedins will have to continue his great play to weather Luongo's absence.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be doing without the services of their number one goaltender also as Marc-Andre Fleury will be out of the lineup for most of the next two months with a high ankle sprain. Fleury was injured on the Pens Western Canadia trip against the Calgary Flames. The injury comes at a time where many were questioning Fleury's ability in net to truly be their number one keeper, and rumors were abound that the Pens might be looking at signing veteran Curtis Joseph as a backup. For now, backup Dany Sabourin will have to shoulder the load.
The San Jose Sharks sent forwards Jonathan Cheechoo and Jeremy Roenick to the land of the injured reserve list this week. Cheechoo sustained a groin injury against the Buffalo Sabres last weekend. Cheechoo had off-season hernia surgery, and has obviously not recovered fully. Jeremy Roenick who has experience a rebirth with the Sharks this season will be out of the lineup with a knee injury.
Quick Shave:
How about Mark Recchi? Placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins and picked up by the Atlanta Thrashers on re-entry waivers, Recchi played his first game with his new club this season, and the results were very positive. Recchi scored twice for the Thrashers last night in a losing effort as they fell to the Boston Bruins 5-3. Bruins new goaltender Alex Auld won his third straight for the club making 23 saves. If he's available in your fantasy leagues, grab the kid, and ride him while he's hot. Ryan Miller made 28 saves last night for the Buffalo Sabres as they defeated the New York Islanders 5-3. Jason Pominville had three assists, Maxim Afinogenov had a pair of helpers, and Ales Kotalik recorded a goal and an assist. For the Sabres to return to the dance, they need all of these guys to play like this night in and out. The New York Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan did all he could to get his team back in the game last night against the Washington Capitals last night. In the third period Shanny setup Straka for a score, and then tied the game himself 4-4. In overtime however he lost his edge, and the Caps took a two on one down the ice where Mike Green deposited the game winner. The Ottawa Senators have their game back. They thumped the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 last night thanks to a Dany Heatley who had a pair of goals, and 31 save performance by Martin Gerber. Goaltender Ray Emery left in the first period because he felt soreness in his hip. No word yet on how badly injured he was but it was said by Sens officials that he could have returned in an emergency (a Gerber collapse).
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Not even for $50 million! Two games, 6 periods, 125 minutes, 2 hot goalies..... and tons of question marks. The New York Rangers are looking for answers, and they haven't found any so far this season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury stoned the Rangers last night (just a few days after Manny Fernandez of the Bruins did) by stopping all 36 shots he faced. Evgeni Malkin scored the lone goal for the Penguins, helping his club complete the 1-0 shutout victory.
On the positive side (which there are few), the Rangers have tightened up defensively, allowing only 1 goal in regulation over the past two games. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist made 21 saves last night, and has been strong in net for the Rangers this season, but has recieved little to no offensive support..... and before the last two games, little defensive support either. It is probably two early to panic yet, but if things don't turn around dramatically for this club soon, changes will be made, especially for a club that is currently kissing the salary cap ceiling. I'd hate to see it, but with the way things are in professional sports, I find it hard to imagine Coach Tom Renney's job not already being on the clock at this point. Hopefully patience will win out.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I just heard this on Mic'd up with Mike Francesca tonight that the NHL will be playing another regular season game out of doors (the last being the Oilers vs. the Habs post Hall of Fame game a few years ago) this year..... well this season.
January 1st, 2008 will see the Pittsburgh Penguins face off against the Buffalo Sabres in an outdoor match at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
This is a great move for the NHL and something that should be come a standard every season, and perhaps more than just one matchup. This is the kind of marketing the NHL needs. For a hockey hater like Francesca to talk hockey on a Football Sunday really speaks volumes.
Until then.... strap on the long johns boys!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Holy Crap.
I can't think of a time where I've felt like a bigger jackass. Not 24 hours after exclaiming that the NHL, free from scandal, had an opportunity available to them, to rise above the other professional sports leagues whose credibility is in freefall. So what do the NHL players do? Add more fuel to the fire.
Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal, and his brother Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jordan Staal enjoyed themselves a little too much at a bachelor party. The brothers and more than a dozen others were arrested for disorderly conduct following the celebration of Eric Staal's upcoming August marriage.
Sigh.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The best player in the NHL got his due, and the Penguins made sure he would continue his stellar play in Pittsburgh for years to come.
Pittsburgh Penguins forward and captain Sidney Crosby agreed to a 5 year contract extendsion worth $43.5 million. The deal will pay Crosby $8.7 million per year. The contract will begin right after this season which concludes his entry-level contract and will keep him in black and gold until the 2013 season. The Pittsburgh Penguins now have the foundation to build a championship team for years to come.
Crosby has been dominant in his short two year NHL career scoring 222 points (75 goals, 147 assists) in 160 games played. He also helped carry the Penguins back to the playoffs and in his first 5 NHL playoff games recorded 5 points (3 goals, 2 assists).
Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers are very close to wrapping up their off-season signing fest. After securing free agent forwards Scott Gomez, and Chris Drury, the Rangers focused on re-signing their own players. Tuesday the Rangers agreed to terms with forward Brendan Shanahan on a one year deal worth $2.5 million, that is backloaded with incentives and bonuses that he will easily achieve and push the contract to $5.3 million. Yesterday the locked up their star goaltender Henrik Lundqvist for one year at $4.25 million. The Rangers will likely lock Lundqvist up to a long-term deal in January. Alexei Yashin is jackass. I don’t think I need to elaborate further on that, but I will. Apparently Yashin is not pleased with the offers NHL teams have been throwing his way this off-season. Is this guy kidding me? Yashin had an average year for the New York Islanders last season recording 18 goals and 32 assists, but was demoted to the fourth line and scratched more times than I can remember last season. If Ted Nolan couldn’t motivate this guy, I doubt anyone can. He also has a history of not being a team player, holding out, disappearing in the playoffs….the list goes on and on. So he threatens us, with the possibility of playing in Europe next season. If that’s the case, I got two words for you. See ya. The New Jersey Devils are on the hunt for a new coach and may have targeted Brent Sutter. Sutter is the owner, GM and head coach of the Red Deer Rebels of the WHL, and have announced a new conference today. Sutter may announce that he’s stepping down as the GM and Coach of the Rebels. This could be the precursor to him be anointed with the head coaching duties in New Jersey. We’ll see.
The 2007-2008 NHL Schedule was released yesterday as well. You can check it out here. Look at the Rangers lineup in late March and April. They finish the season (the final 10 games I believe) playing only Atlantic Division opponents. I thought that was pretty cool!
I apologize for the sporadic posts of late folks. The Bosher came home last month to find his office under water following a Noah’s Ark like rainstorm. Things are almost back to normal, and I’m looking forward to pelting you with nonsense all summer long. Thanks for your patience!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 last night, and effectively put an end to one of the biggest surprises of this NHL Season.
The Penguins, made a brilliant run for the playoffs, and challenged for the Atlantic Division Title, but ultimately they were outmatched by an Ottawa Senators team that appears on a mission. The Senators got three goals in the second period by Dany Heatley (the game winner), Antoine Vermette (a really nice break away score) and Chris Kelly (the icing), and goaltender Ray Emery stopped all 20 shots he faced to complete the 3-0 shutout win, and close out the series 4 games to 1.
The Senators look strong. Their goaltending looks solid, and while their offense has always been potent, it's their defense which has been impressive so far this post season. Stingy as far as allowing shots, and quality chances, but also gifted offensively, often joining the rush, or setting up the breakout with a great pass.
Playoff Beard Alert: Dany Heatley. It's a little patchy right now, but if this guy gets another round of growth, he'll be saying "Tina's here! We're getting back together!"
For the Penguins, congratulations on an amazing season. I don't think this team over-achieved, but rather gave all of us a glimpse at the scary potential they have. The Penguins will be a force in the very near future.
 Quick Shave:
The Calgary Flames surely are a dominant team at home. The Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on a pair of scores by Daymond Langkow to tie the series 2 -2. The Flames must now continue their play if they wish to move on. If they only play well at home, then they are going to be in some trouble. The Anaheim Ducks closed out their series with the Minnesota Wild last night with a 4-1 win. Jean Sebastien Giguere started in net for the first time in the series last night and made 26 saves to help the Ducks advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Vancouver Canucks looked to join the Ducks by moving to the second round of the playoffs, but the Dallas Stars had different plans. Dallas goaltender Marty Turco out deuled Roberto Luongo (both goaltenders have been solid) stopping all 21 shots he faced and forward Brendan Morrow scored the lone goal in overtime to defeat the Canucks 1-0, and stave off elimination (I love that term… when’s the last time you staved something? Go out and stave this weekend! STAVE ON!). Vancouver leads the series 3-2.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:00 PM
San Jose at Nashville 9:00 PM
The Islanders and Predators need to STAVE off elimination tonight, or hit the golf courses. This Lightning and Devils series while early looked like the one of the more more boring matchups is actually becoming pretty exciting. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
It's happened folks. The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched a playoff spot, following their 4-3 win over the Washington Capitals last night. A feat that no one so possible, except for yours truly.
Let's take a look back at what Bosh said in October....
"My playoff team prediction surprise is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Yes I'm being laughed at by everyone right now, but I think these kids will have what it takes to capture a playoff berth."
Time to line up and kiss the beard my friends.
Sidney Crosby now has 113 points and leads the NHL in scoring. Crosby is also leading the Pittsburgh Penguins back to the post season for the first time since 2001. I would like to introduce all of you to the face pelt that young Sid will be sporting in the playoffs (more likely in 5 years), a gorgeous avalanche of chin fur knowns as the Cros-beard! A playoff beard of epic proportions (and I said, probably unattainable until the lad actually begins shaving)!
Can the Pittsburgh Penguins sustain this drive and possibly take the Atlantic Divsion title? Will the Penguins be able to deal with the grind and pressure of the playoffs? Will anyone on this team aside from Gary Roberts be able to grow a playoff beard? These questions and more will be answered in little less than 2 weeks!
Quick Shave:
The regular season is really winding down, as more and more teams clinch playoff spots, less opportunities become available for those at the bottom fighting to get in. Last night the New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, and San Jose Sharks all joined the Penguins in clinching playoff berths. Things got much tighter in the Eastern Conference as the Montreal Canadiens won their fifth straight by defeating the New York Rangers 6-4. The Habs moved into 8th place with 86 points. The Toronto Maple Leafs kept pace by defeating the Carolina Hurricanes 6-1 and are now locked in a three way tie for 9th with the Canes and Islanders. The Vancouver Canucks win over the Colorado Avalanche was a costly one for the Avs. They fell 7 points behind the Calgary Flames for the final playoff spot in the West as the Flames stretched their lead with a 1-0 win over the Minnesota Wild. Unless the Flames totally collapse, the Wester Conference has it's players, now it is just a matter of positioning. Vancouver, Dallas, San Jose, and Minnesota are all separated by a single point. The Wild could conceivably go from 7th to 3rd. In the West, it is still anyone's game, and likely the playoff picture for the 6th, 7th, and 8th spots won't be made clear until the final game of the season. The Montreal Canadiens may have themselves a goaltending controversy by week's end. Cristobal Huet is looking to return by the weekend from a hamstring injury that had him sidelined since February, but the Habs are riding their hot rookie netminder Jaroslav Halak who has been a huge part of their turnaround. Will Huet be the odd man out? How many NHL ready goaltenders can the Canadiens actually produce?
 Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo, and New Jersey Devils keeper Martin Brodeur are both within striking distance of Bernie Parent's win record of 47. Parent backstopped the Philadelphia Flyers to 47 wins in 1973-74. That is sweet. Luongo has really come through huge for the Canucks this year, and New Jersey should rename the franchise to the New Jersey Broduers.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at Buffalo 7:00 PM
OH YEAH!
 We could be looking at an Eastern Conference Finals preview tonight.... unless you look at my original predictions where I said it would be the Rangers vs. the Hurricanes.... blew it on that one. The Devils and Sabres are the top two teams in the East (alongside Ottawa and Pittsburgh) and should make a ton of noise in the post season, as well as making a ton tonight. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Why am I quoting a Steely Dan tune? No idea, but it was in my head, so hopefully you will be humming it to yourself all day now. Share my torture.
Without Rick DiPietro the New York Islanders collapsed. Backup goaltender Mike Dunham took the helm in his absence (which I pointed out he doesnt fare well at this time of year.... he helped the Atlanta Thrashers pack their bags for the golf courses following a disastrous appearance against the Washington Capitals in the final game of the season).... the Islanders would have been served better by leaving the net empty and playing with the 6th skater.
Goaltender Rick DiPietro returned to form last night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, stopping 35 of the 36 shots he faced, and leading his team to a 3-1 victory. With the win the Islanders moved back towards the playoff bubble, with 81 points. Good enough for 10th place, and just 1 point out behind the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Montreal Canadiens.
The Islanders have some games in hand on the teams in front of them, and also have a pivotal matchup against the New York Rangers on Sunday afternoon. A massive two points will be on the board.
 Quick Shave:
The Carolina Hurricanes faced only 10 shots last night from the Washington Capitals, and they almost lost! Probably because John Grahame was in net (tell me the Hurricanes and Islanders aren't going to go hunting for new backups this off season). Grahame let 3 goals in on 6 shots! He was pulled and goaltender Cam Ward returned for the first time since having his knee lacerated in the third period. Ward made four saves, and Eric Staal and Andrew Ladd scored early in the third to take the win 4-3. The Hurricanes remain in 8th place overall in the Eastern Conference. The Montreal Canadiens are really scrapping to remain in the playoff hunt as well. They exploded in the second half of the game to take down the Boston Bruins 6-3 last night. The Habs sit in 9th place in the East. The Minnesota Wild who won their 8th straight last night, 5-2 over the St. Louis Blues are 1 point behind the Northwest Division leading Vancouver Canucks, and the third seed in the West. In fact, if the Anaheim Ducks keeps playing as poorly as they have lately (they fell to the Phoenix Coyotes last night 2-1), then Vancouver and the Wild have a legitimate shot at the 2nd seed, which they are just two points shy of now. The San Jose Sharks hammered the Atlanta Thrashers 5-1 last night on the heels of a dominant performance from their top line. Jonathan Cheechoo joined the NHL Hat Trick club, Milan Michalek had a goal and two helpers, and Joey T. assisted on three... in fact everyone on the Sharks scored last night. The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-1 last night and moved with 2 points of the Thrashers for the Southeast Division lead. Martin St. Louis potted two, and past the 40 goal mark.
Game of the Night:
Toronto at Buffalo 8:00 PM
Dallas at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Do or die time for the Leafs tonight, and they face no easy opponent in the Buffalo Sabres. The Ducks have been one of those teams at the top that seem to have been mailing it in for the last few weeks, and certainly need to up their game before the post season, or its gonna be first round and out for a lot of these guys. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The best way to avoid the dreaded two goal lead? Don't lead by two goals.
The Rangers and Penguins played a tight game yesterday... and Pittsburgh goalie Jocelyn Thibault was big in net for his team again. Thibault stopped 39 of 40 shots last night keeping the game tied 1-1. The 42nd shot by Jaromir Jagr with less than a minute to play in the game proved to be the back breaker. The shot was actually a feed to Nylander but deflected of a Pens defenceman's stick and went past Thibault. A goal however, is a goal, and the Rangers took the much needed two points in the 2-1 win.
The Rangers are now sitting in 7th place in the Eastern Conference with 81 points, and sit just one point behind 6th place Tampa Bay, and one ahead of 8th place Carolina. The pressure has now shifted to the Islanders, Leafs and Habs who all sit tied in 9th with 78 points.
Game of the Night:
Boston at Montreal 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
New Jersey at Toronto 7:30 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:00 PM
Lot's of pressure on the bubble boys tonight. Everyone is in control of their own destiny at the moment, so win and you're in. The beard may be 20 days away, but the playoffs are already on! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
WHY!??!?!?! WHY?!?!?!? WHY!?!?!?!?
Why can't the New York Rangers convert a two goal lead going into the final frame of the game into a win? It's mind boggling! As you well know by now, the Rangers let a crucial two points in the standings slip away in the final 20 minutes of the game. The last team they pulled this feat off against was of course the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rather than finishing the win, the Rangers allowed the Penguins to once again, climb back into the game by ladeling powerplay opportunites on their opponents, which they happily converted, and lost the game in overtime 3-2.
Penguins forward Sidney Crosby scored the game tying goal in the third, reaching the 100 point mark for the second straight season. In doing so, Crosby became the youngest player ever to score 100 or more points in two NHL seasons. Good on this guy. Bad on the Rangers.
 Quick Shave:
Unfortunately for the Rangers, the Toronto Maple Leafs found a way to win last night against the Ottawa Senators. The Leafs fought back to tie and win the game 4-3 on a two goal evening by forward Darcy Tucker. Tucker scored the game winner in overtime, and helped the Leafs into a two way tie with the Carolina Hurricanes for 8th place in the East. The Florida Panthers, another team in the East in pursuit of one of the much coveted playoff spots continues it's rise. Last night they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 and brought themselves within 4 points of the post season. The Montreal Canadiens kept their playoff hopes alive as well last night on a late goal by Alexei Kovalev (who is apparently not a Hab favorite since allegedly speaking openly to a Russian reporter about his club.... although he denies it) to lift them narrowly over the St. Louis Blues 4-3. The New Jersey Devils moved within a point of the Buffalo Sabres for control of the Eastern Conference by defeating them 3-2, on a big 31 save night for Martin Brodeur. The win was Brodeur's 41st victory of the season.... where he goes, so do the Devils.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at NY Rangers 12:30 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 8:00 PM
A chance for redemption for the Rangers, and an opportunity for the Hurricanes to pad their playoff cushion. The second GOTN is a sweet West Coast matchup between the Northwest leading Canucks, and the Pacific leading Ducks. The Canucks have been so good lately, that they trail the Ducks by only 6 points in the West. Playoff implications are on the line for both games! Enjoy my friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Sidney Crosby became the youngest NHL player ever to reach the 200 point mark last night during a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
The 19 year old scored his 27 the goal, and 98th point of the season last night in the loss. Crosby is just 2 points shy of his second consecutive 100 point season (last seaon he scored 102 (39 goals, 63 assists) in 81 games last year). Can he be one of the youngest to be sporting a playoff beard this season? Can he grow a playoff beard? Does he shave? All this and more are sure to be discovered very soon.
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Anaheim 8:00 PM
The big boys clash tonight. Anaheim is 3 points behind the Nashville Predators who lead the Western Conference with 90 points. Should be an epic clash! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 When the hate you in Montreal.....they really hate you. Sidney Crosby is the newest player to wear the scarlet letter in the Bell Centre as the Canadiens crowd verbally assaulted him for most of the game.....their is but one way to silence them Sid...but coughing up the puck in overtime is not the way to do it.
Tomas Plekanec stole the puck from Sidney Crosby and set up Habs defenceman Sheldon Souray for the game winning score midway through the overtime period and give the Canadiens the 4-3 win. It was Souray's 5th game winning goal of the season, and his 44th point (18 goals, 26 assists). Souray leads the Montreal Canadiens in points and goals.
David Aebischer made 31 saves to preserve the victory for the Canadiens. Aebischer has been playing alot more lately, and I believe yesterday was his third start in four games. I wonder if Carbonneau is showcasing him prior to the trade deadline? Aebischer could be an affordable playoff rental for a team that is lacking confidence in their goaltending..... Tampa Bay perhaps?
Quick Shave:
The Washington Capitals dispatched the New York Islanders in a tight affair yesterday. The only other game on the pre Super Bowl schedule. Capitals forward Alexander Semin scored the only goal in the shootout to give his club the 2-1 win over the Islanders. Ovechkin was shutdown for most of the game and held to a single shot on net.
 Game of the Night:
Detroit at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Only one game on the evening, but it should be a pretty good one. New York Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan welcomes his old team the Detroit Red Wings to his new home. The Red Wings as usual have taken care of business this season, while the New York Rangers have been given the business, and sit outside the playoff bubble. Tonight's match should be emotionally charged, and perhaps Shanny will give his old mates some chin music. Enjoy the game!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Just about everyone will be watching the Colts and Bears kick it off this evening.....but the elite will be enjoying a rematch of Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens as they do battle for the second time this week.
The Penguins came away with the 5-4 shootout victory after blowing a 2 goal lead in the third to the Montreal Canadiens days ago in Pittsburgh. Their last meeting had fights, hits, and scoring galore, followed by Coaches slinging verbal assaults at each other and the referees. Today the Penguins travel North to the Bell Centre in Montreal to face their rivals today at 2:00 PM EST. Crack those brews open early kids and enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Two nights ago, I turned off the New York Islanders vs. Detroit Red Wings game too early. The Islanders had a healthy 3 goal lead on the Wings entering the third and for the most part looked like this was the Islanders game to blow. And blow it they did.
Last night, the Penguins had a 3-1 lead on the Habs, and I did the same thing.....however the force called me back, and I turned the game on late in the third to find the score 4-4. What I witnessed from that point forward was some of the best hockey I've seen this season. First off, you have to watch the highlights of this game (you can find them here) which from the start was deemed 'playoff' style hockey by Pierre McGuire (who sounded less angry than usual last night...perhaps they expanded his mini-sin bin?). The opening face off began with a Maxim Lapierre butt end to Sidney Crosby's ribs which dropped him to the ice (I think he over exaggerated the fall a bit, but he did take the hit)....the tone of the game was more or less set from that point forward. The Penguins as I said took a 2 goal lead, and that is when the Bosher decided to move on to more zambonied pastures.....much to my misfortune.
Colby Armstrong took a run at Canadiens captain Saku Koivu and smeared him across the end boards......which Habs defenceman took exception to, and smeared Armstrong's face all over the ice by essentially beating the stuffing out of him. Souray was given the door, and ejected from the game. By the time I returned the Habs had tied the game up, and Pierre McGuire was preaching about how this game should be bottled and marketed by the NHL to the world. Corny expressions aside, the man was right. Intense, exciting, and passionate play was certainly on display.
I think NHL Center Ice needs to have a 'Red Zone' style channel similiar to NFL Ticket, that automatically switches your screen to the game that is most exciting (jumping between a night where 11 games are playing can be difficult.....thus my missing portions of this one).
Overtime was outstanding. How great is 4 on 4 hockey? Almost as good as 3 on 3, which part of the overtime consisted of, and that had to be the coolest thing I've seen. The big difference in this game, was Marc Andre Fleury, especially in overtime. He stopped several golden opportunities, and was solid in the shootout. Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malking scored the eventual game winner during the shootout. Sidney Crosby still hasn't potted one yet, missing again last night, going 0-7 on the season.....but let's be honest.....you don't throw away a Ferrari because it has a scratch on it. This kid is incredible, and finished the evening with 3 assists.
How's this for a pre-Superbowl appetizer? The Penguins visit the Habs Sunday at 2:00 PM. Talk about game of the night (day)!
Quick Shave:
I'm not going to curse this guy with my praise, but you have to give it up for Yanic Perreault. The Phoenix Coyotes forward who has become Captain Clutch this season, scored another game winner (he now has 5 on the season) late in the third, to help his team beat the Nashville Predators 3-2 last night. Huge win for the Coyotes. Their confidence has to be riding an all time high right now, and deservedly so. If Perreault is available in your leagues, grab him (I own him in two now). Vancouver Canucks forward Markus Naslund put the finishing touch on a 5-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers last night. Naslund's game winning goal was his 4th tally in 9 games and is showing signs of breaking out of his goal scoring slump (which is awesome since he is also on my roster). The Dallas Stars swept the home and home series with the San Jose Sharks by taking the second meeting 4-2 last night. What's going on with the Carolina Hurricanes? They can't seem to buy a win lately. Last night they were shutout by the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0. Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist made 31 saves for his first ever NHL shutout. The Buffalo Sabres beat up on the Boston Bruins again last night (doesn't seem like these two teams have played each other 20 times this season) 3-1. Chris Drury of the Sabres had two goals on the evening, and backup keeper Martin Biron made 33 save to complete the win. Recently traded Jamie Lundmark scored his first goal of the season last night for the Los Angeles Kings. Unfortunately the goal came in a losing effort to the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 in overtime.
Game of the Night:
St. Louis at Detroit 7:30 PM
Columbus at Calgary 9:00 PM
Only two games on the card for tonight, but both look good to me. Two upstarts versus two powerhouses. Columbus and St. Louis have both been climbing and stringing victories together, but both are clearly under-dogs in these matches. Manny Legace will try to outduel his old team in Detroit, and Craig Conroy will try and make his reunion in Calgary continue in style. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Mr. Jokinen does it again!
Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers become the first player to join the NHL Hat Trick club for a second time this season. Jokinen scored three goals against the Montreal Canadiens in mid November, and last night deposited three past backup goaltender Jocelyn Thibault of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Panthers went on to defeat the Penguins 5-2.
Jokinen has owned the Penguins lately. In his last six games against Pittsburgh, he has scored 8 goals. He now has 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) on the year, and has the Florida Panthers just 4 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot. I still submit that the playoffs are still open to every team in the league save Philadelphia. In the Eastern Conference, right now there are 8 teams separated by 7 points or less fighting for the final two spots in the conference. Sweet!
Quick Shave:
Ok, I know I said you watch it, but wow....the St. Louis Blues actually defeated the New Jersey Devils, and fulfilling the requirements (that I imposed) of a credible playoff contender. Blues goaltender Manny Legace stopped 24 shots, and 13 in the final period to lift his club to a huge 3-2 win. While in last place in the West (tied with Columbus with 37 points), they still have a legitimate chance to turn their season around. They are 9 points removed from the playoffs right now with 39 games remaining. Peter Forsberg is returning to the lineup for the Philadelphia Flyers tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. Forsberg has missed 16 games this season and the Flyers have gone 0-13-3 without him. Talk about an impact player. His return may be too little too late, considering that it could be short lived, but if he can stay healthy, and productive Forsberg would be very attractive trade bait. Otherwise, I can only imagine him retiring come season's end.
Game of the Night:
Detroit at Phoenix 9:00 PM
Alright, I'm jumping on the Coyotes band wagon! This is a huge test for the Yotes (much like last night's match for the Blues last night). Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The bad news is raining down on Steel Town this week.
A week ago Jim Balsillie pulled out of the deal to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise for $175 million, and just a few days later, the Pennsylvania gaming panel awarded a slots license to another bidder, rather than the Isle of Capri Casinos which had promised to build the franchise a new $290 million dollar stadium if they secured the license. Compounding that, Owner Mario Lemieux issued a statement yesterday suggesting the team will begin looking into relocation.
Talk about a crap storm for the fans of the Penguins, who have been mired for years in bankruptcy, the gutting of their club's best players, and having to watch an awful product on the ice. Now, the Penguins boast two of the NHL's best players in Crosby and Malkin, and the franchise appears to be turning a corner by showing signs of it's future greatness. Similiar in many ways to the Quebec fans who had to not only watch their team up and leave for Colorado, but a year later see that same franchise hoist the Stanley Cup. The Penguins club will be a winner in the very near term, and it would be a crushing blow to the fans of this city to move the franchise to which they have been so dedicated.
 Quick Shave:
Dallas Stars goalie Marty Turco has shutdown the West's second best club for the second straight time. The Dallas Stars defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-0 last night. Turco made 20 saves for his 4th shutout of the season. Well my game of the night prediction was anything but. The Buffalo Sabres marched into Nashville and hammered the Predators 7-2. Buffalo Sabres, Pominville, Afinogenov, and Kotalik all had 2 goal games in the rout over the Nashville Predators. After going on a 5 game winning streak, the New York Rangers have taken a major turn for the worse, and have lost 4 straight. Last night they did their best Leafs impression, by carrying a 2-0 lead into the third and blew it, to lose to the Florida Panthers by the final of 3-2. The Montreal Canadiens continue to roll, and the Philadelphia Flyers continue to roll over. The Habs beat the Flyers 4-2 last night. The St. Louis Blues have a 2 game winning streak! Last night they defeated the Los Angeles Kings 5-2 for their second straight. The Calgary Flames and Colorado Avalanche game was postponed last night because apparently Denver looks like Hoth from the Empire Strikes Back right now. I recommend seeking shelter within the intestines of a Taun Taun, or Jose Theodore. I guess the scrum at practice did little to help the Ottawa Senators. The Tampa Bay Lightning whooped up on the Sens for a 4-2 victory. Muckler, Murray....can you say FIRED?
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Carolina 7:00 PM
Let's see how the new look Islanders matchup against the Stanley Cup Champs. The Islanders made a few roster moves before the trade freeze, that actually lightened their salary cap load to the tune of $6 million. Is GM Garth Snow planning a big pickup for a playoff push? Could be. Look for Markus Naslund to find the net three times tonight as the Canucks visit Columbus. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Wow! What else can you say. Sidney Crosby's play this week has been nothing short of amazing. After lighting up the Flyers for 6 points Wednesday night, Crosby continued his NHL Player of the Week performance by potting a goal and set up all three of Ryan Malone's goals, for a 4 point evening. Welcome to the NHL Hat Trick Club Mr. Malone!
The Pittsburgh Penguins dominated the Islanders until the third period, where even Mark Recchi admitted they got a little lazy, but still went on to defeat the New York Islanders 7-4. Islander goaltender Rick DiPietro allowed 5 goals on 29 shots (way to blow up my goalie stats bro), and backup Mike Dunham did his share by allowing 2 more on 6 shots. Penguins keeper Jocelyn Thibault made 28 saves on the evening.
The Pittsburgh Penguins passed the Islanders for 3rd place in the Atlantic Division and are now in 6th place overall in the Eastern Conference. My prediction that we would see Sidney Crosby sporting a playoff beard this year doesn't seem so ridiculous now does it?
Quick Shave:
The Washington Capitals are another team that is riding on the shoulders of their young superstar. Alexander Ovechking scored the game-tying goal against the Atlanta Thrashers with less than a minute remaining, then just seconds into the overtime period potted the game winner. The final goal was his third of the game, and although the three didn't come during regulation, I submit that Ovechkin should be admitted into the NHL HTC. That being said....CONGRATULATIONS TO STACHE! Playoff Moustache called the AO hatrick, and will now recieve a drawing of Ovechkin, or another player if he wishes. Well done sir! Well done indeed! The Toronto Maple Leafs barely avoided another third period implosion against the Carolin Hurricanes last night. Leading the Canes 3-1, the Leafs allowed 2 goals, and it appeared they would let another lead slip away, until forward Alexander Steen scored the eventual game winner with 6 minutes to play. Has Jose Theodore lost his starting goaltending job in Colorado? It appears so. Former backup Peter Budaj made his third consecutive start and 18 saves to propel the Colorado Avalanche to a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
Although the early game of Pittsburgh visiting Montreal to play the Habs looks good, this game is the main event. The two monsters of the West throw down for what should be an awesome game, and certain playoff matchup. Iginla gets my nod for the HTC as he and the Flames visit the Phoenix Coyotes. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Philadelphia Flyers hate Sidney Crosby. Everytime this kid plays the Flyers he puts on a show for them...much to their dissapointment. In 13 games against them, Crosby has 29 points, 15 of them coming in 5 wins over the Flyers this season.
Last night was clinic....I know the phrase can be overused, but there is no other way to describe his performance last night. Granted Crosby didn't join the HTC as I predicted, he scored a career high 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) against his cross state rivals, and propelled himself to the NHL scoring lead with 47 points (3 ahead of Jagr).
The Pittsburgh Penguins torched the Philadelphia Flyers 8-4, on multi point games by Sergei Gonchar (2 goals, 3 assists), Ryan Malone (1 goal, 3 assists), and Mark Recchi (1 goal, 1 assist). Jordan Staal scored another short-handed goal for the Penguins as well. The Penguins converted three powerplay opportunities on the evening.
Good news for the Flyers last night though. Kyle Calder scored his first of the year.
 Quick Shave:
Teemu Selanne's 2 goal evening last night, lifted the Anaheim Ducks to yet another road win on their East coast travels. Last night they defeated the Atlanta Thrashers 2-1extending their road winning streak to a club record seven games. The Ducks have now won 10 of their last 11 games. Ducks goaltender and fixture between the pipes for the last nine games made 34 saves for the win. The St. Louis Blues failed to get a victory for the new coach Andy Murray for his second game, losing their ninth straight, this time to the Colorado Avalanche. Pierre Turgeon, appearing in his third game since returning from injury, scored his second goal, and Peter Budaj made 25 saves to complete the 4-1 win.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Dallas 8:30 PM
The New York Rangers carry their 4 game winning streak into Dallas tonight, so look for Jagr to join the HTC and take back the NHL scoring lead from Sidney Crosby! Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Last night's matchup between Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals was a reunion of sorts for sophomores Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin who battled all of last season for the Calder Trophy, which Ovechkin eventually took home.
Both superstar rookies from last season were overshadowed by Ovechkin's Russian Olympic teammate, and this year's rookie phenom, Pittsburgh Penguin Evgeni Malkin. Malkin scored the game tying goal in regulation, and set up Sidney Crosby for another score. The Penguins fought back from a 4 goal defecit to tie the game and force overtime, and the eventual shootout.....a place that has not been friendly to the Penguins this season.
Malking went on to score the game winner in the shootout for the Penguins, and goaltender Marc Andre Fleury stopped the remaining two Cap shooters, after Ovechkin opened the scoring.
After the game, Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin, and Olaf Kolzig both admitted they stopped playing when they recorded the 4 goal lead, and allowed the Penguins the opportunity to fight back into the game. Ovechkin set up Capitals captain Chris Clark for the second and third scores, and had a physical game for his team. Both Crosby and Malkin ended the game with a goal and assist each. Evgeni Malkin now leads all rookies in goals with 15. He has 15 helpers as well for 30 points on the year so far.
Judging by their play last night, and in recent games, it's more than fair to say that the Capitals and Penguins have an opportunity to make the post season this year. The Capitals currently sit in the final playoff spot in the East with 33 points, while the Penguins are in 9th with 31 points (currently tied with Ottawa and Toronto....and Toronto will most likely end the season with 31 points).
Quick Shave:
If you can't stand the heat. Fire the Kitchen. That's the St. Louis Blues motto. The Blues fired head coach Mike Kitchen in favor of former Los Angeles Kings coach Andy Murray, in the hopes that he can revive a team that currently sits dead last in the NHL with 18 points. The Philadelphia Flyers have waived forward Petr Nedved for the second and most certainly the last time this season. Nedved has 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists), and is a -20 rating in 21 games this season. San Jose Sharks goaltender Vesa Toskala stopped 23 shots to lift his club to a 4-0 shutout win over the Phoenix Coyotes. The third shutout for Toskala this season, and the 6th by the Sharks tandem of Nabokala.....or Toskalov. Stache's Fantasy Recommendation, Joe Pavelski scored his 5th goal in 9 games....still worth the pickup if he's in your leagues. Is it possible for the Carolina Hurricanes goalie John Grahame to start a game without letting a goal in the opening minute? Yes. Last night against the Colorado Avalanche were unable to score until the second minute of the game.....good job Johnny! The Hurricanes did eventually grab the lead 2-1 early in the third on a goal by Justin Williams (and assist by Grahame believe it or not!), but did themselves in with too many penalties. The Avalanche converted three power play opportunities to win the game 5-2. Nashville Predators rookie Alex Radulov has officially earned a spot with the big club after scoring 8 goals in his first 16 games. If he is available in your fantasy league he is definitely worth the look.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at New Jersey 7:00 PM
Columbus at Dallas 8:30 PM
Buffalo and Jersey for obvious reasons.....both teams are on top of their games. Game 2, is to see how the Blue Jackets fare against a real team. Ottawa was a big step, but I still think they are flawed.....Dallas has had some injury problems, but Turco has been back on his game, so finding offence will be difficult. Oh, Havlat will join the HTC tonight against the St. Louis Blues. Enjoy the games my friends.....it's so easy a therapist can do it!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
You gotta love this kid, and if you don't, jump on board now, because Sidney Crosby is the man.
Out for the past three games with the NHL's most popular injury, a groin problem, Sidney Crosby returned to spark the Pittsburgh Penguins back into the win column. He also sparked winger Colby Armstrong into the scoring column by assisting on the right winger's first and second goals of the season.
The New York Islanders who are without Alexei Yashin now for the better part of December were unable to put the equalizer past Marc-Andre Fleury who made 33 saves on the evening. The Pittsburgh Penguins won the game on a shot banked off of DiPietro by Chris Thorburn for a 3-2 victory.
Quick Shave:
 Atlanta Thrashers forward Bobby Holik spoiled his former team's comeback by putting his own rebound in during the overtime period to lift his club 5-4 over the New York Rangers. It was a night of returns as former Carolina Hurricanes keeper Martin Gerber made 29 saves and help his new club the Ottawa Senators to a 4-1 victory. Could be a massive confidence booster for Gerber who has looked below average most of the year. One goalie who is really having a great run right now is the Montreal Canadien's Cristobal Huet. Huet stopped all 36 shots he faced and gave the Habs the 1-0 win over the Florida Panthers in the shootout, and now has the best GAG and save percentage in the NHL. Teemu Selanne waited till the last 16 seconds of the third to tie the game for the Anaheim Ducks and force overtime against the Edmonton Oilers. That was all Ryan Getzlaf needed, as he potted the game winner halfway through the extra time to give the Ducks the 3-2 OT win. Chris Pronger was booed when he first hopped to the ice, and everytime he played the puck thereafter. He should pretty much expect this welcome every time he returns to Rexall....as if that is a big surprise.
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Second place in the Pacific, faces off against second place in the Northwest. The Minnesota Wild's star forward Marion Gaborik who has been out with a groin injury (go figure) has been practicing could make a return, but the club is being cautious with him. They will need all the star power they can to put the puck past the San Jose tandem that most recently blanked the Blues last night. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Following a rough west coast road trip, and dropping five straight, the Penguins were looking to stop the bleeding last night against the Flyers. A team they have owned in their previous two meetings.
Rookie scoring leader Evgeni Malkin scored with less than three minutes to play in the third to lift the Penguins over the Flyers 3-2. Malkin now has 9 goals on the season. The scoring was provided by all of Pittsburgh Penguins Young Guns. Sidney Crosby and Jordan Staal got the early goals for the Pens. The Flyers fell for the sixth straight game.
During their skid, the Penguins were finding difficulty just taking shots. Sidney Crosby was kept from shooting for three straight games on their West Coast trip. My esteemed colleague Playoff Moustache commented that the Penguins were parading to the penalty box several nights ago, and players like Crosby and Malkin, who aren't penalty killers, were put to limited use during the game. A little discipline is always a good thing, especially when it means keeping your best players on the ice at all times.
Quick Shave:
 The NHL announced that they will be honoring Mark Messier with a monthly award given to the player with the best leadership. The Mark Messier Award. This is an amazing honor, if you really think about it. Wayne Gretzky, and Gordie Howe don't have awards....although there is the Gordie Howe Hat Trick (Goal, Assist, Fight), but that is more of a badge of honor. The leadership award named after Messier will be presented tonight at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers play host to the New Jersey Devils, and since no one on the Rangers truly deserves it, I have to assume it's going to Martin Brodeur, who got a couple of shutouts last month. Really, this trophy should be going to Chris Drury of the Buffalo Sabres, Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks, or J.S. Giguere of the Anaheim Ducks.....but if I'm right about Brodeur....I'll take that.
After years of abuse at the hands of Philadelphia Flyers fans, you'd think that if the tables were turned I'd be just as ruthless.....while critical I have been, I almost feel bad for them now. As bad as things have been in Philadelphia, they are equally bad across the border in Ottawa. If not for the situation in Philly, the Ottawa Senators would definitely had come under the microscope sooner. However, the axes have begun to fall early this season. The Columbus Blue Jackets dropped their coach Gerard Gallant yesterday, as they are another team that has begun the season with a horrendous start, and also a team that had much higher expectations. The Montreal Canadiens beat up on the Ottawa Senators last night 6-3, their 7th loss in 8 games and further fanned the rumor flames that change would be coming. My boy Cristobal Huet made 36 saves on the evening....(GUY keep starting this guy!!!). My other boy....Cam Ward, didn't fare as well. Our Game of the Night matchup rematch between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes was a blowout, then a tight game, then a blowout again as they dismantled the Canes 7-4. Ryan Smyth scored both goals for the Edmonton Oilers last night to give them the 2-1 win over the Colorado Avalanche. Smyth was the recipient of a nasty knee on knee hit from Avs d-man John-Michael Liles late in the third that upended the forward. Smyth who has had knee problems in the past had to be helped to the bench by goalie Dwayne Roloson. No word on his status yet. Los Angeles Kings forward Alexander Frolov lead the scoring for his team with 2 goals and an assist to lift his club to a 3-2 victory over the San Jose Sharks.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Detroit at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Two fer Tuesday! Ok that was lame. Well we gotta watch the first game which i believe is on VS.....so Messier will on 'In the tent with Clement' to present his new honor tonight. Not a bad hockey game to watch either. The late game looks like a good one too. Wings and Canucks. Nice. Like Beer and Pretzels. 'Cept Canucks are saltier. Enjoy the games my bearded friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Pittsburgh Penguins forward, Evgeni Malkin has collected his first of what will most certainly be many accolades by being named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for October. Malkin became the first player to record goals in each of his first 5 games, which was last done in 1992-1993. Last night he got his 6th and 7th goals in his 6th NHL career game, a feat that hasn't occurred since 1917. Malkin has more than answered the hype surrounding him, and is on his way to establishing himself as the newest superstar in the game. For more on this visit TSN.ca.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Martin Brodeur is still recovering from that deke Evgeni Malkin landed on him last night. Wow! 4 games, 4 goals. Evgeni Malkin has lived up to his billing, and tonight scored perhaps his best goal of the season, taking a long lead pass from Crosby, splitting the Devils two defender, and completing the feat with a spin and backhander that completely pants-ed Brodeur. A punch to the glass and a roar was all Malkin needed punctuate a goal which will undoubtedly be the play of the week.
The Pittsburgh Penguins young stars shined brightest last night against the Devils, with Malkin, and Crosby eaching scoring a goal and an assist, and Staal the Younger scoring his first even strength tally of the year, to help their club to a 4-2 victory. The Penguins have now won three in a row (something they haven't done since 2004), and sit atop the Atlantic Division in first place.
Quick Shave:
It looks like Saturday night wasn't a fluke for the Ottawa Senators. Last year's Stanley Cup Favorite, has regained it's form, and is beginning to score in chunks again. Ottawa's latest victim, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who they beat decidely 6-2. Mats Sundin scored his 366th goal on a wrister past Ottawa's Martin Gerber glove hand. Sundin passed Dave Keon on the Leaf's all time scoring list and trails only Darryl Sittler.
Game of the Night:
Edmonton at Anaheim 10:00 PM
The first meeting between Chris Pronger and his old team the Edmonton Oilers. While this game probably won't be as heated or widely hyped as when Pronger returns to Edmonton, it should have some fireworks. The Oilers have been playing some outstanding hockey of late, and their newest forward Petr Sykora is lighting the lamp with regularity. How will they matchup against the blue line of Anaheim? Watch the game and find out! Enjoy the games and may the beard be with you!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The San Jose Sharks are beginning to realize their potential this season, and are lining up the giants of the West and knocking them down one by one. Just two nights removed from shutting out the undefeated Dallas Stars, 2-0, the Sharks took advantage of a penalty filled game to score 5 power play goals, and win their sixth game over the Detroit Red wings 5-1.
Joe Thornton who had been quiet for a few games finally hit paydirt (thank you! he's my first rounder in one league!) by setting up winger Jonathan Cheechoo on the powerplay, and assisting on another. Patrick Marleau had two goals on the night (and seems to be blossoming in his second line center position), as did Milan Michalek, Mark Bell, and the aforementioned Cheechoo.
The Sharks have been platooning the goaltending between Vesa Toskala and Evgeni Nabokov since the start of the season. Both have responded well to the every other game starts. Nabokov has already pitched to shutouts, and Toskala responded last night by making 21 saves against the Red Wings.
Quick Shave:
As if things couldn't get worse for the Philadelphia Flyers. After watching 13 goals go by them in the last two games, and three of their own get sent down to the farm, they lost captain Peter Forsberg to a wrist injury for at least the next game. This was bound to happen sooner or later. Or sooner than later. The Flyers were dismantled by the Lightning 4-1 last night and don't appear to show any signs of life. The Pittsburgh Penguins and their young guns Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin stole a game from the Islanders in OT last night 4-3. Malkin scored his second goal of the season, in his second game of the season and just looks special out there. Crosby had three assists on the night. The New York Islanders have looked solid with Mike Dunham in net and for the fourth straight game have managed to secure a point in the standings. I think these guys are gonna be alright.....but what happens when DiPietro returns? Whats up with the Ottawa Senators? This is the biggest shock that has been quietly swept under the carpet....until now!!! BOSH is draggin' it back out. The Senators have lost 4 straight, and what's worse....they can't score. Dany Heatley got his first goal last night. First goal? He, Daniel Alfreddson, and Jason Spezza have been scarily quiet. There are rumors that GM John Muckler is looking into acquiring Yanic Perrault (from Hockey Night in Canada, and Spector on the Face Off Hockey Show), but I'm not sure that he will be the panacea for this team. Another team up north, the Calgary Flames are having a rough start too. Still unable to find the offence they long for, they are now having trouble getting the same goaltending they got a season ago from Vezina winner Miikka Kiprusoff.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at Buffalo 8:00 PM
Oh hell yeah! Rematch of the season opener and I think the Hurricanes will be ready. If anyone can topple the monsters from West New York its the boys from Raleigh! Enjoy the games!!!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
It seems almost appropriate that the future stars of the NHL cut their teeth against probably the greatest goalie the NHL has ever seen. A season ago, young Sidney Crosby (as if he's old now), began his NHL career with the Penguins against Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils. Crosby did manage an assist in the game, but the Devils proved too much for his team. Last night saw Brodeur initiate the Penguins latest franchise addition in rookie forward Evgeni Malkin. Malkin's debut was delayed due to a separated shoulder which occurred during the pre-season, but the effects of the month old injury did little to prevent him from making everyone aware of his potential greatness.
Malkin scored his first ever NHL goal, by slipping a loose puck past the veteran Brodeur during the second period of the game. He looked smooth and confident on the ice and even broke the glass behind Brodeur with his slapshot! It may have been me, but Malkin at 6 foot 4 inches looked eerily similiar to Mario Lemieux at times. Never really impressing with speed, but more with a casual grace and total puck control that helped him skate the Devils defence on more than one occassion. However, the night was not for him alone. Never to be outdone, Martin Brodeur closed the door on the Penguins stopping 37 of the 38 shots he faced and helped the New Jersey Devils to a 2-1 victory. The win was the 450th of his career, and Broduer now only trails Ed Belfour with 457, and Patrick Roy with 551. There is little doubt that he will one day surpass them both. Congratulations Marty.
Quick Shave:
The Philadelphia Flyers still reeling from their pummelling at the hands of the Sabres two nights ago, placed three players on waivers yesterday in an effort to inject some youth, and perhaps enthusiasm into the roster. Petr Nedved was the notable of the three being sent down, and if he isn't picked up his playing days could well be over. Nedved had been demoted to 4th line duty and penalty killing with the Flyers this year, a far cry from his first line center spot of just a few seasons ago. The New York Rangers were shut down by the Nashville Predators and Tomas Vokoun last night 3-0. Vokoun who was awful to start the season (so much so I traded him after week one) is beginning to find his game again (damn). Martin Havlat just keeps on scoring! Havlat and his Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Habs 2-1 last night!
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Detroit at San Jose 10:30 PM
Let's watch Malkin again tonight! Mike Dunham has resurrected his career on the Island, and has helped them get 5 out of 6 points in the last 3 games. The Red Wings continue their west coast road trip and land in San Jose to face off agains the Sharks! The Sharks have been a lot of fun to watch, even though most teams have been shutting down Thornton lately the rest of the team has been providing offence in his absence. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner was on his way to making the Edmonton Oilers pay early this morning. Jonathan Cheechoo lit the lamp three times for his first hat trick of the young season. Down 4-2, the Oilers mounted an unlikely comeback in the third period. Powered by Ryan Smyth, and his hat trick, the Oilers scored 4 unanswered goals to beat the San Jose Sharks 6-4.
Ryan Smyth broke Wayne Gretzky's record (set in '88 if I heard correctly), for the fastest three goals by an Edmonton Oilers player. Smyth potted the first two on the power play 14 seconds apart, and nabbed the third less than a minute later.
What a hockey game! It really looked as though the Sharks had this one in the bag, and apparently they did too, and came out way too complacent in the third. The Oilers stormed Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov who faced multiple breakaways (one of which Ales Hemsky finished the scoring on) and odd man opportunites, and looked as though he was left to fend for himself. Edmonton looked like the same refuse to die team we all witnessed in last years playoffs. Dwayne Roloson looked like the playoff version of himself, weathering the Sharks attack for the final period with little difficulty. Two Hat Tricks in one game! That's nice.
Quick Shave
Not to be out done, Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils joined Mattheiu Schneider, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Ryan Smyth in this week's Hat Trick Club by helping his team climb back into the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Gionta, just re-signed by the Devils last week, potted three goals in the third to tie the game 6-6, and force overtime, and the eventual shootout where New Jersey won 7-6. The Calgary Flames still can't find the offence they long for, but their opponents aren't able to find any when facing Miikka Kiprusoff. Jarome Iginla scored the only goal of the game, and that was all the Flames needed as Kiprusoff shut the door on the Ottawa Senator, stopping all 33 shots he faced for the 1-0 win. The Pittsburgh Penguins are showing signs of the juggernaut they are destined to become. The Penguins had a back and forth matchup against the New York Rangers that saw Sidney Crosby have a 4 point evening including the game winning power play goal with seconds remaining to give his team the 6-5 win. Jordan Staal, the younger brother of Hurricanes forward Eric Staal potted his first ever NHL goal on a beautiful shorthanded breakway against Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist. The second overall pick in this years Entry Draft, had a terrific game and is giving the Penguins all the reason in the world to keep him on the team. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators for the second time in two weeks, and kept them from finding their first win. Martin Havlat, whom the Blackhawks picked up in a trade from Ottawa, and signed for the long term has really answered the bell. Havlat had a goal last night against the Predators and in 3 games has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists). The Minnesota Wild are still unbeaten after taking it to the Washington Capitals in a shootout victory 3-2. UFA acquisition defenceman Kim Johnsson potted both goals in regualtion on the powerplay.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Detroit 7:00 PM
A Friday the 13th matchup! This one is for you Jeff! The unbeaten Buffalo Sabres storm in to Detroit tonight to face off agains the Red Wings. This is a great test for both teams. The Red Wings have the opportunity to answer the critics against one of the hottest teams in the league. Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Crosby and company came out tonight and made Bosh look pretty good in picking them to make the playoffs this year. Yes Sidney Crosby looked great and scored a goal and an assist in the 4-0 shutout victory, but the real hero of the evening was Marc-Andre Fleury.
The Penguins were outshot 40-21 in the game, but Fleury stopped them all and even killed of two, powerplays where the Flyers carried a two man advantage. I would say this kid thrives on adversity. Having all but lost his starting job to veteran Jocelyn Thibault, Fleury was named the number 1 goalie in the Penguins final pre-season game. Fleury responded with an amazing effort, and his team finished it for him and their new prospective owner, Canadian businessman Jim Balsillie, who was in attendence and had to love what he saw.
Eric Staal's younger brother and Pittsburgh's first round draft pick Jordan Staal made his NHL debut tonight and is expected to remain with the team at least until the return of center Evgeni Malkin is able to return.
Shanahan scores his 600th in Ranger debut
The New York Rangers officially introduced forward Jaromir Jagr as the 24th captain in franchise history, and he responded by opening the scoring 29 seconds into the game. After that Shanahan made his presence known in his New York Ranger debut by potting two goals, his 599th, and 600th of his career. Shanahan becomes the 15th player to join the elite goal scorers club. The Rangers went on to defeat the Washington Capitals 5-2.
Luongo shines for Vancouver
Another debut, and another success. Roberto Luongo played his first game between the pipes for the Vancouver Canucks, stopping 27 shots and helping his new team defeat the Detroit Red Wings 3-1.
Havlat and Chicago defeat Nashville in goalfest
An evening of debuts that for the moment appear to be looking for the teams that have acquired them, continued in Nashville tonight. Chicago's newest forward Martin Havlat scored 2 goals and 2 asssist in his Blackhawks debut, and helped Chicago come from behind twice to defeat the Predators in a wild 8-6 win.
Islanders fall hard in Phoenix
Ok, not all debuts were easy one's tonight. Ted Nolan's return to coaching after nearly a decade is one he would probably like to forget. The Islanders $65 million dollar goalie Rick DiPietro was lit up early and often by the Coyotes who went on to defeat their New York counterparts 6-3. DiPietro was eventually pulled in favor of his backup Mike Dunham who started the third. Wayne Gretzky's team looked good at even strength and on the powerplay, and forwards Doan, Nagy and Reinprecht were all over the scoresheet.
The Late Game!
I don't want you West Coasters not to feel the love from the Bosher, so I stayed up and watched an unbelievable game between the St. Louis Blues and the San Jose Sharks. This match was back and forth with Mark Bell looking like he had sealed the game with a goal to make it 4-3 in the final minutes, but the relentless Blues kept up the attack, pulled Legace from the net, got a fortunate half-man advantage from Ville Nieminen's broken stick and tied the game on a Keith Tkachuk goal with seconds remaining. The match went to OT where Curtis Brown buried the game winner halfway through the extra period! What a game!
The first two nights have come and gone in the NHL, and I feel like the NHL Center Ice package has already paid for itself. If you haven't gotten it yet, they are running a free preview which I'm pretty sure is running till next week. Give it a look. If you are a hockey fan, this is the best investment you can make! If you order early, I think they will knock $20 off the price. Tell them Captain Bosh sent you (just so you can hear them say 'Who?').
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
That's the good news. The bad news is that Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin will need six weeks to recover from the dislocated shoulder he received after a collision with teammate John LeClair. The young forward is expected to miss as much as 10 of the Penguins first games. Dissapointing yes, but if his shoulder needed to have surgery he could have missed much more, if not all of the season. Sacrificing the month of October at this point, seems a blessing for the Penguins and Malkin.
Steve Yzerman joins Wings management
The Detroit Red Wings announced yesterday that their first ballot hall of famer Steve Yzerman would become it's Vice President. The position would have him working closely with Senior Vice President Jim Devellano, GM Ken Holland and Assistant GM Jim Nill.
Sean Burke waived
The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed their goaltender Sean Burke on waivers. Burke had an awful 2005-2006 campaign and has obviously been outplayed by newly acquired goalie Marc Denis and Johan Holmqvist. Burke's $1.6 million salary will still count against Tampa Bay's cap regardless of whether he plays in the minors or chooses retirement. Unless he is picked up off of waivers by another team.....which will probably be the Red Wings once Hasek's groin detonates on the ice.
Jagr cleared to play
Good news for us! New York Rangers Jaromir Jagr has been cleared to begin full practice with his team. According to Coach Tom Renney Jagr will be included in 'all forms of practice' which includes contact drills. If all goes well perhaps he will see some ice time in the pre-season against the Islanders or Boston later this week.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I managed to find some video of the collision between the Pittsburgh Penguins John LeClair and rookie Evgeni Malkin. Click here to view it.
The one good thing I will say about the clip, is that Malkin is fast! Holy cow can that kid move. Hopefully that shoulder is up and running sooner rather than later!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Dallas Stars have re-signed Brendan Morrow to a six year deal worth $24.6 million. The deal keeps Morrow, one of the Stars most consistent forwards in the lineup till he's 33, and prevents the possibility of losing him to Unrestricted Free Agency, which he would have been eligible for next summer.
Brendan Morrow had a career year last season scoring 65 points (23 goals and 42 assists) and still remained devoted to his defensive responsibilities posting a team high +30 rating. This is a great signing for the Stars, they hold on to one of their best home grown players who would most certainly been scooped up in free agency next year.
Malkin's status
Evgenin Malkin suffered a dislocated shoulder last night during the Penguins victory over the Flyers. He sustained the injury while colliding into teammate John LeClair. Malkin attended practice this morning, but did not participate. His team mates said he looked much better than the previous evening as he left the ice clutching his arm. His game ready status is still not known, and wheter or not he will be available for the team's season opener is still undetermined. His shoulder will be re-evaluated next week, and a clearer timeline should be made available.
No Jagr for Rangers opener?
Speaking of shoulder injuries. The New York Rangers MVP forward Jaromir Jagr is still recovering from his off season shoulder surgery and Coach Renney and staff are treating him with kid gloves. While he is being put through a rigorous exercise regimen twice daily, he has been restricted from any on ice contact drills, which include scrimmages and pre-season exhibition matches. The word is still uncertain as to whether Jagr will be activated for the home opener agains the Caps on October 5th.
Red Wings Captain to be announced at Opening Night
The Red Wings still haven't made it official and named the successor to retired Steve Yzerman. Although it's a good bet it will be mainstay blueliner Nicklas Lidstrom who just re-upped with the Red Wings for two more seasons, my boy Jeff has pointed out that Datsyuk, or Zetterberg, two of Detroit's younger and future of the franchise, may get the nod. Looks like we will all have to wait till the 5th.
Tonight's Games:
Boston at NY Islanders 6:00 PM
Nashville at Carolina 7:00 PM
Chicago at Columbus 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Detroit 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:30 PM
Washington at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Montreal at Toronto 7:30 PM
Phoenix at Dallas 8:30 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Unreal! After everything this guy went through to get to the NHL he's knocked out in his first game? Not even a regulation match, but a pre-season game, and by his teammate John LeClair?!?
According to reports from TSN.ca suffered an 'upper body injury' which is playoff speak for shoulder, after colliding with his Penguins teammate John LeClair. No official word is being given on the exact nature and status of the injury, but I'm sure all eyes will be on Malkin and the Penguins over the next few days. This is truly a blow the Penguins organization, the fans, and to Evgeni Malkin. Hopefully the kid pulls through.
Rangers roll over Devils again!
I know, I know, it's still pre-season, but my boys are taking it to the Devils, and appear to be coming out strong. Henrik Lundqvist, Vezina finalist, shutout the Devils 2-0. The Rangers out shot the Devils 21-1 in the first period. Greg Moore helped set up Matt Cullen and Petr Prucha for the scores.
Fantasy News
Apparently Fantasy Leagues everywhere have high hopes for Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, and Washington's Alexander Ovechkin. The Playoff Beard .com League is no different as both guys went in the Top 5. There's a really great Fantasy article on TSN.ca you guys you should have a read through, that offers some obvious picks and a few sleepers. Check it out here!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
I'm almost getting tired of writing about this kid, but something tells me he is going to be a huge addition to not only the Penguins, but the NHL. On Friday, Evgeni Malkin, the newest signed Penguin, hit the ice with the Penguins latest draft pick Jordan Staal, and over 20 other rookies. Malkin's only flaw at the moment is his English. His skill is apparent, and his coaches have little doubt he will be able to adjust to the NHL, but not understanding English makes taking direction difficult. Give AO a call Evgeni, and you'll be speaking it in no time!
Markus Naslund to remain Canucks Captain
Canucks coach Alain Vigneault stated that he never had any doubts that Naslund would remain captain of the team. Although there was some speculation due to the sweeping changes Vancouver has made over the past 4 months. Changes that saw a new coaching staff and the replacementt of 14 players on the roster from last season.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Could this entire Malkin drama finally be coming to a close? It appears that way as far as Evgeni Malkin is concerned. Malkin's agent has stated that contract negotiations would begin following the Labor Day Weekend, and that has come and gone. The Penguins also have a news conference prepared for some time today to announce the signing.
Malkin's deal is supposedly a mirror image of Alexander Ovechkin's contract which is $984,200 per year with incentives that could bring it as high as $2.85 million.
Whether Malkin's former Russian team, Metallurg, will sue for compensation or not is almost a certainty. What sort of compensation, if any, they will receive is another matter all together.
Fantasy Season
Stache has already drafted and perhaps we will do a little evaluation later this week on his team, but for the rest of us it is time to gear up for our Fantasy Seasons. I was thinking of starting a Playoff Beard League. Let me know if there is any interest and I will get on it right away. Time to start doing your homework guys. I'm going to post a new Fantasy Draft, and some players who I think will be sleeper picks, who I think will have break out seasons.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Evgeni Malkin intends to sign a contract following Labor Day Weekend and attend rookie camp on September 7th. According to TSN.ca Malkin's dream of playing in the NHL is becoming closer to a reality. While Malkin's former Russian team Metallurg Magnitogorsk (did that team buy a vowel of what?) may not be finished pursuing the matter legally, they appear to have less leverage every day. Several meetings have been scheduled and cancelled between the NHL, and Russian Federation head Vladislav Tretiak over the matter, so it remains to be seen what will come of this.
The only thing that really matters to me, and I'm sure most everyone....is that Malkin is playing hockey for the Penguins in the NHL. After that....everything else is just a Lady Byng Trophy.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Evgeni Malkin has finally surfaced.....in Los Angeles, California! After several days of living in parts unknown, Malkin finally made his way State-side and is receiving counsel on how best to find himself in a Pittsburgh Penguins uniform this season.
Malkin met his agent J.P. Barry in Helsinki, Finland when he was in possession of his passport, and the two went into hiding till he could secure a travel visa. Once recieved he made his way to L.A. For all the details on this story check out the article at TSN.ca.
One step closer to Steel Town folks!
Anaheim trades Vishnevski
After a nasty arbitration hearing, and a reluctant acceptance of $1 million (and change) award, the Ducks finally rid themselves of defenceman Vitaly Vishnevski. Anaheim traded Vishnevski to the Atlanta Thrashers for forward Karl Stewart and second round pick in next years entry draft.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Evgeni Malkin is officially no longer a member of Metallurg Magnitogorsk. According to Russian law any employee (including hockey players) have the right to resign and give two weeks notice to their employer regardless of whether or not they are under contract.
This law may be the biggest bit in the butt for Metallurg for two reasons. First, he has every right to terminate his contract under the law, and because Russian did not sign the transfer agreement, they may not be in line to receive any compensation for Malkin.
According to TSN.ca, Malkin is apparently still in Europe, and will be arriving in the United States along with his representation within the next 24 hours. Once he lands we will apparently be treated to endless press conferences on his thoughts and reasons behind the last weeks events.
I can tell you one thing for sure... the kid just wants to play hockey in the NHL. I really hope that happens this year.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
What's wild right now, is that the whereabouts of this kid are still unknown. Malkin's team Metallurg has been anything but quiet in the last 48 hours stating emphatically that they will be compensated and will sue the NHL if need be. They are seeking a minimum of $2 million in compensation for him, using franchise soccer player trades as a bench mark for their case. For some more light reading on this check out TSN.ca.
My buddy Playoff Moustache sent me a great article from ESPN which covers more about Malkin's team taking the NHL to court. The quote from Metallurg Magnitogorsk's General Director Gennady Velichkin in bold on the right I took some exception to. He states: "They all like to talk about democracy, the American way and then they shamelessly steal our best players. This is pure sports terrorism." Firstly, we don't know if the Penguins or the NHL were involved with Malkin's extradition from his team. Right now, this kid could be acting under his steam, or by the influence of his agents. If the Penguins are involved in anyway, then I would have to side with the Russian team, in that they should receive compensation for the player. I am without a doubt behind Malkin in that this kid just wants to play hockey in the NHL. I really think everyone has lost sight of that, which is truly sad. I would love to see the future owner of the Penguins (if the sale goes through) Sam Fingold step up to the plate and promise to compensate Metallurg and get Malkin in uniform this year for the Penguins. What a statement that would make to the fans huh? I'm sure there will be more to come.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Although I think that term died with Communist Russia, it looks alot like Evgeni Malkin is pulling a page from the Sergei Federov handbook and has skipped town, while his team Metallurg Magnitogorsk was training in Finland. TSN.ca is reporting the Malkin has collected his belongings and passport and has left his team. Malkin has made it clear to everyone including my mom, that he wants to play in the NHL this season for the Penguins, and perhaps he has become tired of all of the bureaucracy and taken matters into his own hands. His current whereabouts are unknown, but I can make one guess where his eventual destination will be. I'm keeping my fingers crossed....along with all of Pittsburgh and my boy Playoff 'Stache!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Not for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not for Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins and their prized Russian prospect will have to delay their embrace for another season. Malkin has signed a one year deal that replaced a contract that would have kept him in Russia for 2 more years. This contract will leave him a free agent at the end of 2007, and availabe finally to the Penguins.
Malkin's agent J.P. Barry has been quoted as saying that Malkin wants to play in the NHL, and Barry still has hopes that it could happen this season. Recent events would suggest otherwise.
Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Malkin was the second player taken overall in 2004, behind fellow countryman Alexander Ovechkin. For the Pens, this is a blow, but not a huge one. Yes, it would be great to have this kid in the lineup this year, but the core of this team is solid, and his arrival next year will only improve it further. The waiting sucks, believe me I know. As a Ranger fan who waited almost a decade to see his team reach the post season...patience is a virtue, and it will be rewarded.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
According to reports from TSN.ca, Real Estate Broker Sam Fingold signed a letter of intent yesterday to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins. The deal will be worth around $175 million.
Originally, Fingold was interested in moving the Penguins to Kansas City, and there were rumors about the Penguins going to Hartford, Connecticut, where his business is currently located. However, the good news about the sale is that Sam Fingold is committed to keeping the team in Pittsburgh, and will also seek to get a new arena for the team.
If the deal goes through Sam Fingold will be obtaining a young team which will eventually be one of the most explosive rosters in the league. The future is certainly a bright one for the Penguins, and it could be gettting brighter.
Sabres avoid arbitration with Connolly
You have to hand it to Darcy Regier. This guy probably hasn't slept in weeks. A dozen players slated for arbitration and only Daniele Briere's case has been heard, all other cases have been avoided by signing long term agreements with the players. The latest, is center Tim Connolly. Connolly signed a 3 year deal worth $8.9 million. Another Sabre that had a carerr year, Connolly scored 16 goals and 39 assists in 63 games.
Ottawa re-signs Schaefer
Ottawa followed the Oilers playbook and avoided all the arbitration hearings schedule. Peter Schaefer the last player on the card, signed a 4 year deal worth $8.4 million. Schaefer also had a career season, scoring 20 goals and 30 assists. He was also on my fantasy team and kicked some butt for the Bosher.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Not a bad couple of months for Mark Recchi. Get traded at the deadline, from a bottom feeding team in the Pittsburgh Penguins, to a legitimate Cup Contender in the Carolina Hurricanes. Three months later you've won your second Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes, shaved your playoff beard (which was breathtaking I might add) and a month after that you return home to Pittsburgh and come full circle as a true rent-a-player. Man, John LeClair must be pissed! Pulling a page from the Doug Weight handbook, Recchi returns to the team that essentially helped hand him a Stanley Cup ring.
For what it's worth, he was definitely a big part of the Hurricanes scoring 16 points (7 goals and 9 assists) over the 25 game Cup run. In Pittsburgh he will most likely provide veteran leadership to a squad of young up and coming players and perhaps anchor one of the top two lines. It is pretty honorable of him to return their after all that organization has done for him, especially in the past few months.
L.A. Kings re-sign Sean Avery
The Kings have re-signed forward Sean Avery to a 1 year deal worth $1.1 million. Avery was headed to arbitration but he and the Kings managed to avoid going to the hearing with the early contract signing. Sean Avery didn't finish the season with the Kings as he was suspended for the final three games after having words with assistant coach Mark Hardy during workouts. GM Dean Lombardi was quoted as saying "We are very happy to have avoided arbitration with Sean Avery and have him in the fold for another year. He greatly increases our jackass depth of the team, and we look for him to provide ample penalty minutes, game misconducts and suspensions".
Rumor has it the Kings are looking to sign currently incarcerated St. Louis Blues forward Mike Danton once he's available for parole.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
According to reports from TSN.ca. Gennady Velichkin, Evgeni Malkin's current team wants Pittsburgh to buy out his current contract, and they are following a much higher standard than the current $900k option which they consider a handout.
This sucks for the Penguins. Malkin would be an amazing addition to this team, and would certainly be a linemate to rookie sensation Sidney Crosby. Hopefully the NHL will address this situation and make sure this kid is playing over here next year. Keep your fingers crossed Playoff Moustache!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 For my good buddy the Playoff Moustache.....
Sidney Crosby became the youngest player in the NHL ever to reach the 100 point mark in one season. He had three assists last night in the Pens 6-1 victory over the Isles. Sidney Crosby has 38 goals and 62 assists on the season. Crosby tied the rookie scoring record set by Mario Lemieux in 1984-85. Look for great things from this kid in years to come. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
The Penguins and Capitals have some great seasons ahead of them!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Calgary Flames acquire Jamie Lundmark from the Phoenix Coyotes for a draft pick.
Vancouver Canucks acquire Eric Weinrich from the Blues for a prospect and a pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire Oleg Kvasha from the Islanders for a third round pick.
Dallas Stars acquire defenceman Willie Mitchell and a 2007 2nd round pick from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenceman Martin Skoula and Shawne Belle.
Philadelphia Flyers acquire forward Nikos Dimitrakos from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a third round draft pick.
Colorado Avalanche acquire forward Jim Dowd from the Blackhawks in exchange for a fourth round pick.
Ottawa Senators acquire forward Tyler Arnason from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Brandon Bochenski and a pick.
Edmonton Oilers acquire forward Sergei Samsonov from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Marty Reasoner, a second round pick and a minor league player.
Atlanta Thrashers acquire defenceman Steve McCarthy from the Canucks in exchange for a condition pick in 2007.
Detroit Red Wings acquire defenceman Cory Cross from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth rounder.
Nashville Predators acquire Brendan Witt from the Caps in exchange for a first round pick and forward Kris Beech.
New York Rangers acquire defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh from the Ducks in exchange for a third round pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire defencemen Jamie Rivers from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a seventh round pick in 2007.
Damn! A whole lotta action! I'll give you guys some breakdowns, plus winners and losers tomorrow!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired Mark Recchi from Pittsburgh for forwards Niklas Nordgren and Krys Kolanos and a 2007 2nd round pick.
The Vancouver Canucks have acquired defenceman Keith Carney from Anaheim for a draft pick and prospect to be named.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 
Alexander Ovechkin and Capitals finished the final matchup between them and the Penguins on a strong note with a 6-3 victory last night. Ovechkin took a 10 point lead in the rookie scoring race over counterpart Sidney Crosby with a goal and two assists. Ovechkin has recorded the most goals by a rookie since Teemu Selanne exploded with 76 goals in the 1992-93 season for the Winnepeg Jets. He is currently 4th overall in the league for scoring. Regardless of who wins the Calder Trophy (which is almost certainly in the bag for Ovie), we all win. Having these two guys in the NHL for the next 20 years is going to be outstanding!
Trade Alert:
The New Jersey Devils acquired defenceman Ken Klee from the Toronto Maple Leafs for prospect right wing Aleksander Suglobov.
Last night's scores:
NY Rangers 2 Atlanta 3 F (SO)
Ottawa 2 Florida 6 F
Carolina 2 Philadelphia 3 F (SO)
Pittsburgh 3 Washington 6 F
Game of the night:
Los Angeles at Detroit 7:30 PM
I haven't watched a whole lot of either of these teams this year, who have both had terrific seasons, so I'm going to check this one out. I highly recommend you do the same. Detroit is first in the West and Los Angeles is sitting in sixth. Enjoy the games.
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
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