Forward Marc Savard has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Boston Bruins. The deal will pay Savard an average of $4.2 million a year for the next seven years, essentially making him a Bruin for life.
Savard was in the final year of a four year contract and would have been eligible for unrestricted free agency come this summer. Last year he led all Bruins in scoring with 88 points.
The Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin came to play last night and walked all over the Boston Bruins.
Ovechkin assisted early on a tally by Brooks Laich and scored twice more to help the Caps to an easy 4-1 win and paying immediate dividends to Fantasy Managers who were lucky enough to nab him.
The Montreal Canadiens rallied late to force overtime and eventually steal a 4-3 victory from the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. New Habs additions Mike Cammalleri (2 assists) and Brian Gionta (1 goal ) helped their new club to the opening night victory. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta looked to be quickly rediscovering the chemistry they once had in New Jersey a few seasons ago. On that note... seeing Gomez in a Montreal Canadiens sweater is going to take some getting used to... especially considering I was just getting used to him wearing a New York Rangers jersey.
The biggest surprise last night had to be the San Jose Sharks... and how badly they crapped the bed. The Colorado Avalanche honored Joe Sakic by raising his number to the rafters of the Pepsi Center, then soundly defeating the Sharks 5-2. The only Shark that seemed to show up last night was Patrick Marleau who potted both goals for San Jose and is clearly showing now ill-effects to having his captaincy removed and handed off to defenceman Rob Blake. The Colorado Avalanche looked a much younger and faster club than the Sharks that looked like they were coming off a playoff hangover.
The Calgary Flames defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-3 last night, they're first opening night victory in 6 years. Flames goaltender made 39 saves to help his club to the win.
Quick Shave:
Brendan Shanahan removed himself for the New Jersey Devils lineup yesterday, announcing that he felt that he could not play at a level that he wanted to. I gotta give massive credit to Shanahan who could have coasted and just collected his paycheck for the season, but rather chose not to disrespect his club, the NHL or his legacy. Good man.
Couple of early afternoon deliveries arriving today from Europe as Florida Panther open up their season against the Chicago Blackhawks (I believe in Stockholm) and the Detroit Red Wings follow up against the St. Louis Blues in Helsinki... although those cities could be reversed... hard to say. Todays games get started at noon!
"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of Tim Thomas Fantasy Hockey owners suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened. "
- Obi Wan Kenobi
The Boston Bruins had their 6 game winning streak stopped last night.... or completely destroyed last night as the Washington Capitals hammered them 10-2. Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin scored a hat trick during a 6 goal explosion in the first period. The three scores helped Ovechkin eclipse the 50 goal plateu for the second time in his career. Ovechkin also added a pair of assists in the game, and leads the NHL with 52 goals.
Recently acquired goaltender, Cristobal Huet won his second game as a member of the Washington Capitals making 20 saves before leaving with mild back spasms.
Goaltender Tim Thomas who has been solid for the Bruins this year was anything but last night. Thomas was yanked twice during the game and allowed 7 goals on 24 shots.
The Caps are now just 4 points shy of the 8th and final playoff spot currenlty held by the Philadelphia Flyers. The Bruins remain in 6th place.
Quick Shave:
The Colorado Avalanche have had a rough season regarding injuries this season, and recieved some rough news yesterday. The Avs have lost forward Marek Svatos for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, and forward Ryan Smyth will be out indefinitely as he recovers from a concussion and minor shoulder separation. Both players were injured in a game over the weekend against the Los Angeles Kings. Ryan Smyth had just returned from the injured list recovering from a broken leg. The Avs do have some good news as they recieve an injection of new players in defenceman Adam Foote and forward Peter Forsberg. Foote has been playing since acquired last week prior to the trade deadline, and Forsberg is expected to make his debut this evening. The rematch between last year's Stanley Cup Final combatants took place last night (and early on into this morning) and little has changed in that time. The Anaheim Ducks still own the Ottawa Senators. The Sens seemed powerless to create an offense, save for a few minutes in early in the third, and the goaltending of Martin Gerber probably did little to inspire confidence in Coach Andy Murray.... who was ejected late in the third as the game got a little spicy towards it finale. The Ducks look like the team to beat again this year, and they are playing like the machine that marched to the Cup last season. The Ducks defeated the Sens 3-1 last night.
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.
The Boston Bruins have themselves another new goaltender.... welcome Alex Auld everyone! Auld joins Tim Thomas, Manny Fernandez, and Tuuka Rask in what is now the most heavily populated crease in the NHL.
Since being scooped up from the Phoenix Coyotes off of waivers (a casualty of the Ilya Bryzgalov acquisition), Auld has been near flawless in net for the Bruins. In his second straight game, Auld made 44 saves to help his new club to a 4-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Auld made 25 saves to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night 2-1 (ending the Leafs win streak) in his first game wearing black and gold. He will have ample opportunity in Boston to showcase his stuff as Tim Thomas recovers from a groin injury. Marc Savard had a big game for the Bruins, scoring one goal and assisting on another.
So what is up with the Buffalo Sabres? Yes they lost two huge players in Daniel Briere and Chris Drury to unrestricted free agency, but they weren't the only reason the Sabres made it to the Eastern Conference Finals last season, were they? What's happened to Maxim Afinogenov? What happened to Thomas Vanek? Miller anyone? Perhaps this team is coming off a playoff hangover of sorts and has had a slow start? The Sabres were the class of the NHL last season, and rode the pole position for most of the year... now they are just 3 points removed from being the worst team in the NHL. MEDIC!
Quick Shave:
A night after having their nine game winning streak snapped by Brendan Shanahan and the New York Rangers, the New Jersey Devils started a new streak, by losing their second in a row last night, this time to the Washington Capitals 3-2. Jason Blake looks like he may be finding the scoring touch that landed him a lucrative free agent contract and a shiny new address in Toronto. Blake scored (along with twin towers Mats Sundin, and Nik Antropov... among others) and helped the Toronto Maple Leafs hammer the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-1. Anaheim Ducks defenceman Chris Pronger scored an overtime winner to help his club to a 4-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets (who aren't the pushovers they once were). The Los Angeles Kings sophomore center Anze Kopitar was one of the NHL's three stars last week, and it's great to see the kid finally getting some recognition. I've been watching Kopitar since last season (in a purely heterosexual manner mind you) and even picked him up on one of my fantasy rosters then (this year he was a no brainer pick). Kopitar was over shadowed by Evgeni Malkin's rookie campaign last year, but has continued to roll in his second season. He had 8 points last week, and is currently riding a six game point scoring streak (7 after tonight), and has 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) on the year. His defensive game still needs some improvement, but that is something every player on the Kings really should address. The Kings have their work cut out for them if they want to make the post season (and keep me from looking like an ass... although my Flyers pick is still holding water).
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
After laying waste to Western Canada, the Pittsburgh Penguins return home to Pennsylvania for a nice rivalry matchup against Flyers. Enjoy the games!
The Boston Bruins visit the Philadelphia Flyers tonight in what could be a particularly nasty affair. The new look Philadelphia Flyers whose renewed physical play has them battling for tops in the Atlantic Division as well as leading the NHL in man games lost to suspension. When last these two squads faced one another, Flyers defenceman Randy Jones hit Bruins center Patrice Bergeron face first into the boards. Bergeron broke his nose, and suffered a concussion and has yet to return to the lineup. Chances are slim he will return this season, and there is the possibility that his career may be in jeopardy.
Jones can expect to be a target this evening, and better keep his head on a swivel.... and perhaps carry a trident. Enjoy the game!
Quick Shave:
Trouble in paradise? The Toronto Maple Leafs are in a tail spin right now, and rumors are flying, specifically centering on GM John Ferguson Jr., and his upcoming dismissal by Leafs ownership. Ferguson himself is publicly denying a report that he tried to fire head coach Paul Maurice last week but was apparently overruled. Ferguson being fired is inevitable. How it will help the Leafs, is unimaginable. The post cap era has essentially hand-cuffed every NHL GM, and there is little if anything a new GM will be able to do for the Leafs.
Anyone stay up with the Bosher last night and catch the goal scoring explosion between the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins? No? Well then allow me to sum up.
Neither the Kings or the Bruins played defense, and I think the goaltenders opted out of playing as well as the Bruins took the win 8-6. At one point, I was close to switching the game off as the Bruins took a commanding 5-3 lead early in the third, but instead I chose to hang in for the duration (what was I gonna do watch baseball?). The Kings fought back to tie the game 5-5. Just over a minute later the Bruins scored again to regain the lead 6-5, and then potted two more to seal the victory.
Bruins forward Phil Kessel recorded a hat trick on the evening, and Marc Savard had a huge night scoring a goal and assisting on every other goal scored (I exaggerate slightly, but the man did have 4 helpers). Manny Fernandez had a rough night in net, but managed his first win of the season in Bruins jersey, while youngster Jonathan Bernier had a brutal evening allowing 7 goals on 30 shots for the Kings. Kings forward Anze Kopitar scored twice and Michael Cammalleri had a goal and an assist. The big loser on the night was Los Angeles Kings defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky with a -3 rating..... in fact I think I was a - rating after watching this one. Great game, lots of goals, a decent scrap.... but nothing on the defensive side of the puck.
Interesting note on the Bruins. I believe they have one more West Coast game on this season opening road trip (San Jose I believe but don't quote me) and after that they don't leave the Eastern Time Zone again for the remainder of the year. Talk about choice schedules?
Quick Shave: Philadelphia Flyers forward (and jackass) Jesse Boulerice was handed a 25 game suspension for his cross check to the jaw of Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler Wednesday evening. The penalty for his infraction is longer than his career in the NHL..... in any case, the Flyers have certainly got depth at moron. Scott Gomez finally potted one for the New York Rangers last night, helping his club to a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals. The Rangers face off against the Ottawa Senators tonight. The Calgary Flames picked up their first win of the season thanks to some late game heroics by forward Matthew Lombardi. The Flames forward scored twice to lift his team over the Dallas Stars 3-2 last night.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at Montreal 7:00
Two seasons ago this was the hottest ticket in town. Hopefully both feel like rekindling that energy and delivering a solid performance! Enjoy the games!
The Eastern Conference is tearing a page from the Western Conference regular season finish last year, as 5 teams battle for the final 2 playoff spots.
The New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders are all separated by one point in the Standings. Huge wins last night for the Leafs and the Habs have them tied for 8th in the Eastern Conference with the Carolina Hurricanes. In fact all five of these teams have been battling so hard for their playoff lives, that they now have the Tampa Bay Lightning in sight, who site 6th in the East with 84 points.
The Toronto Maple Leafs moved into 8th place after an emotional yet close match against the New Jersey Devils. The last time the teams met, Tomas Kaberle was lost for an indefinite period after an apparent late hit by Devils tough guy Cam Janssen. The Leafs Wade Belak and Devils Cam Janssen had themselves an old fashioned donnybrook.... they are actually still fighting now. After quenching their thirst for revenge the Leafs got down to business and collected their two points for the win, by defeating the Devils 2-1. Goaltender Andrew Raycroft bested Martin Brodeur by one save, as they both faced 25 shots, and Leafs Captain Mats Sundin added two assists on the night for his 900th point in the blue and white. Congrats Mats..... that rhymes! I'm good. Sundin has been a point streak of late, so if you in the fantasy playoffs, make certain you are starting him.
The Habs followed suit, and collected a much needed two points over the Boston Bruins (who are also fighting for a playoff spot, but are rapidly losing ground) with a 1-0 victory. Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 30 saves for his first NHL shutout, and rookie forward Guillaum Latendresse scored the lone goal and game winner late in the second to complete the win. One of the scary things about the Canadiens this season has been their lack of offense. Do you realize their leading goal scorer is defenceman Sheldon Souray with 24 goals? Scarier still, is that he is so focused on his goal scoring for his team that his defensive responsibilities have been neglected, and has collected a -23 rating for the year. I love defenseman that score (that sounds questionable) but not at the cost of defense. I digress... in any case the Habs are keeping pace with the East's playoff hungry and are now tied for 8th.
The Calgary Flames had a fire lit under them last night. It's called the Colorado Avalanche. With their lead in the standings diminishing, the Flames took it to the Detroit Red Wings last night (who are tied for the second best record in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, and just a point shy of the Nashville Predators who own the one spot with 100 points) for the 2-1 win. Goaltender Dominik Hasek attempted to draw a penalty with some theatrics but failed, and it cost him and the Wings a goal. What's funny is his explanation:
'Somebody bumped me in the head, I don't know it if was my teammate or their player, and I fell down on my back,'' the 42-year-old goaltender said. ''I was a little bit confused, I didn't know what was going on and before I got up, they scored that goal.'' (from TSN.ca)
and Red Wings Coach Mike Babcocks retort:
'It wasn't interference at all. Our goalie tried to draw the penalty and he dove and they shot it in the net,'' Babcock said bluntly. ''The bottom line is embellishment is something that happens in our games, probably too much, and when you try and draw a penalty and they shoot it in our net, it's a tough one.'' (from TSN.ca)
Ummm, Dominik me thinks you are lying sir. Anyway, he cost his team a win that could have propelled them into first for the Presidents Trophy Race. Flames keeper Miikka Kiprusoff made 30 saves to complet the 2-1 win and cushioned their lead on the Avs to 6 points. Good news (maybe) for the Red Wings as forward Todd Bertuzzi (please excuse my Bertuzzi as he is still wearing his Florida lid) may make an appearance for his new team on Thursday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets. A little fine tuning prior to the playoffs perhaps?
Game of the Night:
Nashville at Vancouver 10:00 PM
The big boys in the West throw down tonight, as the Central Division and league leading Predators try to stay ahead of the Wings by defeating the Northwest Division leading Canucks who are also trying to stave off the Minnesota Wild (who have won 7 straight games by the way.... which is sweet, because I picked up Wild goaltender Nicklas Backstrom and he has been HUUUGE for me.... and he's helped the Wild a bit too). Enjoy the games brothers and sisters of the face pelt!
What happened yesterday? Defense was thrown out the window and goaltending..... well there wasn't much of that to be found on the ice either.
Let's start off with the biggest shocker. Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils may have delivered the worst game of his life yesterday afternoon. The Carolina Hurricanes pounded the future Hall of Famer for 4 goals on 12 shots, and he was immediately pulled in favor of backup goaltender Scott Clemmensen, who allowed 3 more. The Hurricanes defeated the Devils 7-2 and moved into sole possession of the 7th seed in the East. The good news for New Jersey is that when Brodeur falters like this, he rebounds rapidly and for lengthy periods of time. Expect several shutouts next week.
Tell me the New York Islanders aren't missing Rick DiPietro. Since he's been out with a neck injury the Islanders have allowed 18 goals in three games. Backup goaltender Mike Dunham gave up 6 goals on 33 shots last night to the Florida Panthers. Panthers keeper Ed Belfour didn't fare much better but fortunately for him, he only allowed 5. The Panthers won the game 8-5, as captain Olli Jokinen scored a pair in the third to break the game open and help his team into 12th place with 73 points, just 6 points out of the playoffs. The Islanders, unable to keep pace are now tied for 9th, with Toronto and Montreal with 78 points.
At Madison Square Garden, the Bruins had a rough evening last night as well. They started off the game looking good, peppering New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with 13 shots in the first.... till the wheels came flying off in the second. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was yanked after giving up three consecutive goals and was replaced by Joey MacDonald..... who let in four more, and was replaced by Thomas..... everyone got that? The Ranger defeated the Bruins 7-0 and took control of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves on the evening for his 6th career shutout.
In Phoenix (thats pronounced PUH - HO - Nixx), Curtis Joseph was lit up for 6 goals as the Colorado Avalanche had their way with him and the Coyotes. Captain Joe Sakic scored two goals, as did rookie Paul Stastny, who is really starting to give Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin a run for the Calder Trophy. The Avalanche won the game 6-3 and continued their recent playoff push. They are now 6 points out of the playoffs behind the Calgary Flames.
Dominik Hasek and the Detroit Red Wings had an off evening as well. Usually the Red Wings don't allow more than 20 shots, and in some case less than 15. The rest Hasek takes care of. The Vancouver Canucks launched 38 at the Red Wings keeper, and put three past him (wasnt' there a game earlier in the season where they were only able to put 11 shots in total on net the entire game?). The Canucks won the game 4-1 on a 33 save performance by Roberto Luongo and kept their control of the Northwest Division over Minnesota by 1 point. Detroits loss combined with Nashville's win dropped them back into 4th place in the West but still with the second best record in the League.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
The last time these two teams faced off it was awesome! Ottawa had the game in hand, so I turned it off. Pittsburgh of course waited till they knew I wasn't watching and came back to win the game in the shootout. I'd expect a similiar offensive treat. Enjoy the games!
The NHL Hat Trick Club welcomed back Buffalo Sabres forward Daniel Briere for the second time this season following his three goals in his teams total domination of the Boston Bruins 7-1 last night.
Briere got the second hat trick of his career for the second time this season, and helped the Sabres break out of their three game losing streak. Briere has now scored 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in his last 6 games. The Sabres also recieved goals from Jason Pominville, Thomas Vanek, Chris Drury, and Paul Gaustad. Maxim Afinogenov pretty much assisted on everything last night. Martin Biron made 25 saves on the evening.
Briere also became the fifth player on the Buffalo Sabres to record 20 or more goals this season, making them the only team to accomplish that feat thus far. This team appears destined for great things come playoff time.
Quick Shave:
Craig Conroy's return to the Calgary Flames was a successful one, much to the dismay of the Los Angeles Kings last night. Facing his old team the day after he was traded from them, Conroy scored twice, and helped the Flames defeat the Kings 4-1. The Atlanta Thrashers handed the New Jersey Devils their second straight loss (I guessed I cursed them with the Brodeur Vezina talk huh Stache?) 5-4 in the shootout last night, and have drawn even with them in the East. Ilya Kovalchuk scored two goals in the match, and Marian Hossa finished the game in the shootout with the game winner. The New York Islanders blew it last night. This was one of those games where you see the 3-0 lead in the third period and say to yourself....they're done. So I thought. The Detroit Red Wings powered back in the third to force overtime where Henrik Zetterberg potted the game winner midway through overtime to give his team the 4-3 victory. Islanders what happened?! Now I wish I hadn't changed the channel. The Columbus Blue Jackets are stealing a page from the Phoenix Coyotes playoff push handbook, as they took their fourth win in a row last night. The Jackets beat Roberto Luongo (who perhaps I just cursed like Brodeur) and the Vancouver Canucks in the shootout 3-2 on a game winner by Zherdev. Marc-Andre Fleury stopped all 32 Florida Panthers shots he faced last night to hand the Pittsburgh Penguins the 3-0 shutout win.... and now that I have commended him....he is officially cursed. Sorry Stache. The Toronto Maple Leafs beat up on the Carolina Hurricanes last night 4-1, thanks to a pair from Nik Antropov. The Hurricanes are crashing and burning lately, losing four of their last five. The Leafs remain in the hunt for the playoffs just sitting outside the playoff bubble. The Dallas Stars tied their game 2-2 against the San Jose Sharks with 2.2 seconds left on a goal by Phillippe Boucher to force overtime and the eventual shootout. Dallas Stars forward Mike Ribiero scored the game winner for Dallas to take the 3-2 victory. Sharks rookies Ryane Clowe, and Joe Pavelski scored on their first ever shootout attempts last night. Pavelski's goal was especially sweet, ringing both posts behind Turco. Mark Messier expressed his desire yesterday to return to the game in a few years in a general management capacity. I've always pictured him in more of a coaching role, but he appears more interested in creating a competitive roster within the new salary cap era of the NHL. I wish him luck with that endeavour.
Game of the Night:
Phoenix at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Oh yeah! Who won't be watching this one. If you told me this would be a great game to watch in November I would have slapped you and shaved your beard. Now....I offer only a hug, while striking you firmly on the back. The Ducks have returned to form, thanks to the return of most of their core players, and the Coyotes seem to be answering the bell against everyone since their mid-season turn around. This is another big test for the Yotes, but one I won't be surprised to see them pass. Enjoy the games!
It took him a few games to get going (I believe it was 8 before he recorded his first goal), but Ilya Kovalchuk is firing on all cylinders now (is that the most overused sports expression next to 'We're going to bring our 'A' Game ? ). Kovalchuk recorded his first hat trick of the season, and the three goals, now have him tied for second overall in thee league in scoring with 23 (Jaromir Jagr also has 23). Only teammate Marian Hossa has more with 24 points.
Kovalchuk was deadly on the powerplay last night where he scored all of his very similiar looking goals. His teammates kept feeding him the puck, and he kept bombing shots from the point.....and they kept going in. Atlanta went on to defeat the Boston Bruins 5-3. Johan Hedberg won his third straight start, and I wonder if we are having the beginnings of a goaltending controversy, or is Bob Hartley considering the new flavor of the month of platooning his netminders that is the new norm in the NHL? Lehtonen played badly last week, and Hedberg played so well, that Hartley has begun to ride him. Could be interesting to see what happens, however, no matter how you look at it, at least goaltending isn't an issue in Atlanta this season.
Quick Shave:
Alexander Ovechkin, and Captain Chris Clark of the Washington Capitals completed a comeback win over the Ottawa Senators last night in OT. Trailing by 2 goals, Ovechkin scored 2, to force OT, where Semin fed Clark for a breakaway to put the game away. The Senators have now lost 4 in a row....and Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun is surely calling for Muckler's and Murray's heads. The Anaheim Ducks showed they were the better birds, and team, by defeating the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in OT. Teemu Selanne scored the game winner. Sidney Crosby has not recorded a shot in his last three games. The Tampa Bay Lightning hammered the New York Islanders 5-1 last night. Martin St. Louis who also started the season slowly is now riding a 9 game point scoring streak. The Philadelphia Flyers lost again. This time to the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-1 who skated circles around them. It almost looks as though the Flyers have given up, and if that is the case, it's time to blow this team up sooner rather than later.
Games of the Night:
Carolina at New Jersey 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Montreal 7:30 PM
Minnesota at San Jose 10:30 PM
I rarely do this, but can you blame me? These all look like great games to watch....so I give them all to you! Who loves you. That's right....Bosh does. May the beard be with you.
Do you think Todd Bertuzzi had something to prove last night? He certainly silenced some of his critics last night with his 4 point night which included the first goal of the season for himself, and for the Florida Panthers.
The game was close till the second period, then the Panthers went on a goal parade, scoring 5 unanswered tallies to defeat the new look Boston Bruins (new players, same great taste) 8-3.
Alex Auld who came over in the trade with Bertuzzi was outstanding, stopping 34 shots. The Panthers spread the scoring around as Mike Van Ryn, Juraj Kolnik, Nathan Horton (fantasy owners, keep an eye on this kid, I think this is gonna be his year), Chris Gratton, Olli Jokinen, and Joe Niewendyk all potted goals. Niewendyk's goal was his 561st, and passed Guy LaFleur on the NHL scoring list....he now sits 19th. Boston's Zdeno Chara was an even rating for the night and did provide 2 assists for Boston, while their other big name acquisition, Marc Savard got his first point on an assist the Bruins.
Quick Shave The Devils spanked the Hurricanes last night, using the same tactic the Cane's used in the playoffs to defeat them. Deflection, deflection, deflection. Every goal on Cam Ward last night was redirected in front of him and easily found the back of the net. Brodeur recorded his first win by way of shutout 4-0 over the Hurricanes. Watch out for the Sabres! As Playoff Moustache said the other day, this team looks like they are still playing playoff hockey. Last night was no different. Discouraged (actually furious) by some third period penalty calls, the Sabres rallied from a two goal defecit against the Habs on scores by Captain Daniel Briere and Maxim Afinogenov to tie the game late in the third. Ryan Miller and the Sabres went on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens for their second win of the season, again by shootout. The Sedin twins are at it again for Vancouver. Daniel and Henrik Sedin combined to tie the game 2-2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and got together once more to finishe the game less than a minute into extra time. Roberto Luongo recorded his second win of the season for Vancouver. Blue Jackets goalie Pascal LeClair was solid stopping 41 of 44 shots. The Anaheim Ducks still have a little rust to work out, but hints of what the scariest powerplay in the NHL were clearly apparent last night. Watching Selanne and Pronger bomb shots from the points was impressive, and the way the forwards in front were able to cycle, retrieve and get the puck back to them to reload was outstanding. J.S. Giguere was outstanding in net, stopping 41 shots, as the Ducks beat the L.A. Kings 4-3.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Saturday night is great! There are a ton of games to choose from, but I feel these two, especially the playoff rematch between Buffalo and Ottawa will be outstanding. Buffalo looks terrific, and despite the criticism, I like the new jerseys. I love the players numbers on the right breast, it gives them a 'soccer' look and feel. Hopefully Spezza will score a goal for Stache tonight. The Flyers are coming off a humiliating defeat against the Pens two nights ago, and should be ready to go against their hated rivals the Rangers tonight. I expect this game to be nasty....however no Brashear, and a possibly scratched Darius Kasparitus (coach Tom Renney has been unhappy with his conditioning and scratched him the first game, which Kaspar was pissed about, but guess what buddy....this is the new Rangers...no more free rides! I hope Renney continues to lay down the law like this) may not be as ugly as previous engagements. Enjoy the games my fellow bearders!
Philadelphia Flyers Captain Peter Forsberg returned to action last night against the Ottawa Senators. After surgery on his right ankle in May, Forsberg was expected to have the same procedure done on his left, until a doctor declared it uneccessary. Both surgeries would have kept Forsberg out of the lineup till January. Last night's early return is probably a great indication that the bearded one will be ready to play for the Flyers on opening night. Forsberg picked up an assist on a goal by Derian Hatcher last night. Ottawa defeated the Flyers 4-3.
What's Leetch doing?
According to Larry Brooks of the NY Post, Brian Leetch is no closer to making a decision on whether or not to return to the NHL. According to Brooks, Leetch had been working out during August, but has stopped his training over the past few weeks for personal reasons, which is leading many to speculate he may actually retire rather than play one more year.
Brooks points out that Leetch can take his time, and perhaps sign with a team in November, and also says that Leetch has the capability to be a factor into in his forties like fellow blueliner Chris Chelios. To this I agree, and disagree. Yes Leetch is in amazing condition, and his skill has not waned, but unfortunately, over the last several seasons, injuries have taken there toll. His ankle, no pun intended has become his achilles heel. Nothing would make me happier than to see him continue playing, but only if he were doing it a high level, and not sitting on the Injured List. To check out Larry Brooks article click here.
I know it's early, and I know it's only pre-season, but it's nice to see the Rangers getting off on the right foot after a lackluster finish to their promising season. The Rangers came out blazing and stunned the New Jersey Devil's Martin Brodeur for 3 goals in the first 8 minutes of the game. Blair Betts, recently acquired Adam Hall (traded in a three way deal with Nashville and Pittsburgh for Dominic Moore), and youngster Brandon Dubinsky (who's efforts to make the roster are looking better by the day) recorded the tallies for the New York Rangers. Goaltenders Al Montoya and Stephen Valiquette allowed only one goal on 25 shots.
Koivu's sights are set
Even thought the Habs fell to the Bruins tonight 5-2, the team was apparently thrilled with Saku Koivu who's eye ailment did little to prevent him from playing and assisting on a goal by Michael Ryder. It would seem that Koivu has once again persevered.
Minnesota's offseason already paying dividends
Minnesota Wild forward Marion Gaborik scored two goals including the game winner to help the Wild to a 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Draft day trade acquisition, Pavol Demitra scored the other helper.
Penguins Malkin to make debut
With or without the blessing of the Russian hockey federation, Pittsburgh Penguins much travelled forward Evgeni Malkin will make his debut tonight against the Philadelphia Flyers. A lot of eyes will be on this game, and I'm certain it won't be just to check out Malkin's play.
I'm still hearing alot of power play opportunities are being given away. It looks like the clubs with discipline and / or polished special teams are going to be flying out the gates this season. One night after winning with superb power play units, Dallas did the exact opposite, and let the Colorado Avalanche showcase their special teams, scoring three. Every coach in the NHL must be losing his mind right now.
Tonight's Games:
Philadelphia at Pittsburgh 6:30 PM
Florida at Atlanta 7:00 PM
New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at Washington 7:00 PM
Boston at Montreal 7:30 PM
Toronto at Ottawa 7:30 PM
San Jose at Anaheim 10:00 PM
Dallas at Phoenix 10:00 PM
The NHL season is just around the corner! Most NHL Training Camps opened today, following pre-camp physicals that were administered yesterday.
Bruins send Zhamnov home
Already we have our first camp casualty! The Boston Bruins have sent Alexei Zhamnov packing after he failed his physical. I don't think he went on the Tkachuk Diet of 2005 in the off season (who apparently has shown up to camp 30 pounds lighter than last season), Zhamnov may still be suffering from a broken ankle that occurred in January, and ended his season. He signed with Boston last year, for three years, $12.3 million. I'm uncertain as to what the cap consequences are to the Bruins, but I'm guessing there may be none. Zhamnov will reportedly be re-examined periodically throughout the season to determine if he is able to play or not.
Tkachuk ripped!
I think it's funny how this is news, but considering how this guy treated his body to a year of beer and Ho-Ho's during the lockout season, Keith Tkachuk showing up 30 pounds lighter is apparently a very big deal. Tkachuk has arrived at Blues camp this year at a wholesome 229 pounds, and appears to have re-dedicated himself to the sport that pays him ungodly sums of money. Way to hit the stairmaster and lay of the wings Keith!
Blues sign Dvorak
The UFA pool just keeps getting more and more shallow. The St. Louis Blues have scooped up former Oiler Radek Dvorak to provide penalty kill and roster depth.
Avs Konowalchuk to have heart examined
One of the great things about these physicals, is that they do make sure these guys are ready to play, but also can help detect severe health problems. During an EKG test done on Konowalchuk, a heart abnormality was discovered and he is now being thoroughly examined. He will be put on the shelf temporarily till they determine the full scope of the problem.
TSN unveils its NHL 2006-2007 NHL Preview!
This is great, and I highly recommend all my bearded friends check it out. TSN really gives you a nice inside look at all of the teams, and definitely gets you salivating for the opening face off. You can check out the NHL PREVIEW HERE!
Bruins forward and restricted free agent Patrice Bergeron has just re-signed with his team for $23.75 over the next 5 years. Bergeron will become the third highest paid player on the Bruins behind new acquisitions Zdeno Chara and Marc Savard.
In a season loaded with dissapointment, Patrice Bergeron was one of the few bright spots. Only 21 years of age, the young center led the Bruins in scoring with 73 points, and 31 goals. Bergeron is poised to take over the franchise role left by Joe Thornton who was traded last November to the Sharks. These are huge shoes to fill, but he certainly has the potential to fill them. Now if only the Bruins can resist trading him before he truly breaks out.
Saku Koivu recovering
After suffering a serious eye injury (no kidding! a torn retina thanks to a stick to the eye) during the first round of the playoffs against the Hurricanes. Koivu has been skating for several weeks but admits he's still having trouble when looking side to side. I'm pretty sure he was wearing a visor when the incident occurred.....which may do hurt that movement as it is still possible to sustain an injury while wearing one. Koivu has battled back before after being diagnosed with stomach cancer, so I suspect we will see him this season, and quite possibly at the start. I think if he got his leg cut off, he'd find a way to play.
Jed Ortmeyer
I just wanted to send my best wishes on a full and quick recovery to heart and soul Ranger winger Jed Ortmeyer. Ortmeyer is currently undergoing blood thinning treatment for a blooc clot in one of the main arteries leading to his heart. All the best Jed, I look forward to seeing you in full playoff beard next April.
At least they are consistent. The Bruins have once again walked away from an arbitration award. David Tanabe joins the growing club of ex-Bruins that includes Bryan Berard, and Dmitri Khristich, after the Bruins declined to pick up his one year $1.275 million arbitration award. The defenseman is now an unrestricted free agent. Last season with the Bruins, Tanabe had 20 points (4 goals, 16 assists).
With the off season blockbuster signing of Zdeno Chara, and the addition of Paul Mara, and Jason York, Tanabe appears to be the odd man out.
Marc Andre Fleury extends stay in Pittsburgh
The Penguins re-signed their franchise goalie Marc Andre Fleury to a two year contract worth $2.59 million yesterday. Fleury was brought up last season after free agent Jocelyn Thibault was less then stellar in the net (his knees and hips are more fragile than Haseks groin and Belfours back), and carried the bulk of the starts for the Pens. Fleury is just one of large group of young studs the Penguins now boast. This team is going to be scary good in the future.
Wow! The Boston Bruins have made a huge splash, diving claws first into the free agent market! Okay, no more puns I promise.
The Bruins have just acquired two free agent gems, one of them arguably the best defenceman available in Zdeno Chara! Marc Savard completes the deuce for the Bruins, as they have signed a very good center to complement their forward lines. Zdeno Chara signed a 5 year deal worth $37.5 million, and Marc Savard a 5 year deal worth $20 million. The Chara pickup is great. This guy will immediately make an impact. Savard is a good player, but I still feel he is a benefactor of playing with great players rather than he being a great player that makes others better around him.
Elias a Devil for life
Maybe not for life, but certainly for a long long time. Lou Lamoriello gets his man, and keeps his star winger for 7 more years. Patrick Elias signed the deal worth $42 million to remain with the team. Best thing the Devils could have done. Elias certainly could have gotten more, but getting the longer deal, and staying with the Devils obviously turned out to be more important to him. Lou is still the man.
Jovocoyote
Free agent defenceman Ed Jovanovski signs a 5 year deal worth $32.5 million with the Phoenix Coyotes. Excellent pickup by the Coyotes, who's defence corps are starting to look very impressive right now.
Hasek out, Gerber in
Free agent Stanley Cup winning goaltender Martin Gerber signed a 3 year $11.1 million contract with the Ottawa Senators effectively ending Dominik Hasek's return. Hasek is apparently pissed about it, but let's face it man, your 80 year old groin is too injury prone to risk a season on. This is a great move by the Senators. The Senators also responded to losing Zdeno Chara to free agency by signing former Kings defenceman Joe Corvo to a four year contract worth $10.5 million.
Leafs get defensive
They also didn't sign anyone approaching 40....yet. The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defencemen Pavel Kubina and Hal Gill. After missing out on the Chara sweepstakes, I would say the Leafs have more than made up for it, and improved their defensive depth with these two guys. An achilles heel with this team for a while looks to now be a strength.
There is a ridiculous amount of movement going on right now, and I'll do my best to keep you guys updated. For update trades and signing keep your browser locked into TSN.ca.
I apologize for the downtime folks, I had some technical difficulties sponsored by the fine folks over at Verizon.
A lot happened on Saturday....here's a quick rundown:
Atlanta sent Patrik Stefan (a #1 pick years ago, and their first draft pick ever if I'm not mistaken) and Jaroslav Modry to Dallas for Niko Kapanen and a 7th round pick.
Kings traded Pavol Demitra to the Minnesota Wild for Patrick O'Sullivan and their 1st round pick. The Kings used the pick to draft Trevor Lewis...who apparently is a bad ass from the USHL. Demitra should help Gaborik offensively, but this was definitely the WTF trade of the day. When it was announced the entire arena gasped. I did as well.
The Avalanche traded Alex Tanguay to Calgary for defenceman Jordan Leopold, a 2nd round pick, and an conditional pick in 2007 or 2008. Iginla finally gets his wingman. I expect these two to put up some impressive numbers next year. Now they just need a center to get them the puck......
Blackhawks buy out Matt Barnaby and Curtis Brown. No surprise there. They should buy out the management there, which next to Boston and the previously the Islanders (before the purge) is the worst in the league....and perhaps in sports.
Canadiens resign Cristobal Huet to a 2 year deal, which I guess means David Aebischer is now on the available goalie list. Perhaps they should wait and see, in case Huet goes into a Raycroft like slump in his sophomore year. What a segue! Raycroft got traded Saturday, but I can't remember to whom...nor do I really care.
Same goes for Dan Cloutier who I think is making way too much money to be a backup, since he will most certainly be waxing the bench while watching Luongo start.
Phoenix just traded defencemen Paul Mara and a pick to Boston for Nick Boyton and a pick.
Pronger is apparently on his way out of Edmonton. Where and when is the question. What do the Oilers need, and who needs a solid blueliner that can 75 minutes a game? Not too many teams right!
FINALLY!!! Probably the worst GM the NHL has ever seen this side of Mike Milbury has finally been shown the door! TSN.ca is reporting the story that Boston GM Mike O'Connell has been sacked and will be having more information and a press conference on it at 6pm.
Here are a list of some of O'Connell's greatest hits:
The Joe Thorton trade (this is why you got fired ass!)
The Sergei Samsonov trade (this one didn't help either!)
Walking away from the Bryan Berard arbitration settlement
The Kyle Mclaren holdout
Signing Martin Lapointe to a ridiculous contract (5 years for $25 million if I remember correctly)
The Jason Allison holdout
The Anson Carter holdout
Now if you can only get rid of that jackass Harry Sinden, Boston may be able to become an elite franchise again.
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!
Forward Marc Savard has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Boston Bruins. The deal will pay Savard an average of $4.2 million a year for the next seven years, essentially making him a Bruin for life. 
The Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin came to play last night and walked all over the Boston Bruins.
Marian Hossa made his debut for the Pittsburgh Penguins and 13 shifts later was sidelined with an injury.
The Blood Feud continues tonight!
Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders are all separated by one point in the Standings. Huge wins last night for the Leafs and the Habs have them tied for 8th in the Eastern Conference with the Carolina Hurricanes. In fact all five of these teams have been battling so hard for their playoff lives, that they now have the Tampa Bay Lightning in sight, who site 6th in the East with 84 points. 
The Habs followed suit, and collected a much needed two points over the Boston Bruins (who are also fighting for a playoff spot, but are rapidly losing ground) with a 1-0 victory. Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Jaroslav Halak made 30 saves for his first NHL shutout, and rookie forward Guillaum Latendresse scored the lone goal and game winner late in the second to complete the win. One of the scary things about the Canadiens this season has been their lack of offense. Do you realize their leading goal scorer is defenceman Sheldon Souray with 24 goals? Scarier still, is that he is so focused on his goal scoring for his team that his defensive responsibilities have been neglected, and has collected a -23 rating for the year. I love defenseman that score (that sounds questionable) but not at the cost of defense. I digress... in any case the Habs are keeping pace with the East's playoff hungry and are now tied for 8th. 
The Calgary Flames had a fire lit under them last night. It's called the Colorado Avalanche. With their lead in the standings diminishing, the Flames took it to the Detroit Red Wings last night (who are tied for the second best record in the NHL with the Buffalo Sabres, and just a point shy of the Nashville Predators who own the one spot with 100 points) for the 2-1 win. Goaltender Dominik Hasek attempted to draw a penalty with some theatrics but failed, and it cost him and the Wings a goal. What's funny is his explanation:
What happened yesterday? Defense was thrown out the window and goaltending..... well there wasn't much of that to be found on the ice either.
Tell me the New York Islanders aren't missing Rick DiPietro. Since he's been out with a neck injury the Islanders have allowed 18 goals in three games. Backup goaltender Mike Dunham gave up 6 goals on 33 shots last night to the Florida Panthers. Panthers keeper Ed Belfour didn't fare much better but fortunately for him, he only allowed 5. The Panthers won the game 8-5, as captain Olli Jokinen scored a pair in the third to break the game open and help his team into 12th place with 73 points, just 6 points out of the playoffs. The Islanders, unable to keep pace are now tied for 9th, with Toronto and Montreal with 78 points.
At Madison Square Garden, the Bruins had a rough evening last night as well. They started off the game looking good, peppering New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist with 13 shots in the first.... till the wheels came flying off in the second. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas was yanked after giving up three consecutive goals and was replaced by Joey MacDonald..... who let in four more, and was replaced by Thomas..... everyone got that? The Ranger defeated the Bruins 7-0 and took control of the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. Henrik Lundqvist made 30 saves on the evening for his 6th career shutout.
n Phoenix (thats pronounced PUH - HO - Nixx), Curtis Joseph was lit up for 6 goals as the Colorado Avalanche had their way with him and the Coyotes. Captain Joe Sakic scored two goals, as did rookie Paul Stastny, who is really starting to give Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Evgeni Malkin a run for the Calder Trophy. The Avalanche won the game 6-3 and continued their recent playoff push. They are now 6 points out of the playoffs behind the Calgary Flames.
Dominik Hasek and the Detroit Red Wings had an off evening as well. Usually the Red Wings don't allow more than 20 shots, and in some case less than 15. The rest Hasek takes care of. The Vancouver Canucks launched 38 at the Red Wings keeper, and put three past him (wasnt' there a game earlier in the season where they were only able to put 11 shots in total on net the entire game?). The Canucks won the game 4-1 on a 33 save performance by Roberto Luongo and kept their control of the Northwest Division over Minnesota by 1 point. Detroits loss combined with Nashville's win dropped them back into 4th place in the West but still with the second best record in the League.
The NHL Hat Trick Club welcomed back Buffalo Sabres forward Daniel Briere for the second time this season following his three goals in his teams total domination of the Boston Bruins 7-1 last night.
It took him a few games to get going (I believe it was 8 before he recorded his first goal), but Ilya Kovalchuk is firing on all cylinders now (is that the most overused sports expression next to 'We're going to bring our 'A' Game ? ). Kovalchuk recorded his first hat trick of the season, and the three goals, now have him tied for second overall in thee league in scoring with 23 (Jaromir Jagr also has 23). Only teammate Marian Hossa has more with 24 points.
