Remember in the film The Terminator, when Arnold Schwarzenegger took a stroll through a police station with a pair of assault rifles, and proceeded to casually mow them down? Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher is doing the same thing to his club's roster right now.
Over the past week, Goaltender Andrew Raycroft, and forward Kyle Wellwood were put on waivers; the preliminary step towards buying out a player's contract. Fletcher granted the Montreal Canadiens exclusive negotiating rights with soon to be UFA Mats Sundin, effectively putting an end to that era, and today placed forward Darcy Tucker on waivers... again taking a step towards his eventual buyout.
Kyle Wellwood was claimed off waivers by the Vancouver Canucks yesterday. Rumors have been swirling around defencemen Bryan McCabe and Pavel Kubina regarding their status with the team, and there is a very good possibility that Fletcher is not done yet.
Really no big surprises. Following the trade deadline in February, the Leafs attempted to move everyone, but all of the players exercised their no movement clauses, handcuffing Fletcher... till now. The buyouts, trades, and shake-ups were expected, and the gutting of this roster has begun. The Leafs will be a very different looking club come fall.
The Ottawa Senators also did what most expected and bought out the contract of their goaltender Ray Emery. Emery was the focus of much of the alleged turmoil within the Senators locker room that eventually saw their coach fired, their team collapse, and the Penguins sweep them in a quick four games in round 1. Emery is now eligible for unrestricted free agency next week on July 1st. He did lead his club to the Stanley Cup Finals a year ago, so the talent is obviously there.... along with the attitude. Defenceman Wade Redden who also had a disastrous season is not expected to be playing for Ottawa next year and could have a new home by next week as well.
The Tampa Bay Lightning made a nice move and signed their captain and franchise player Vinnie Lecavalier to a long term contract today. The new deal would keep Lecavalier in black and blue for the remainder of his professional career and pay him $77 million over the next 9 years. I can't wait to see him and Steven Stamkos breathe life back into this club. I'm sure their new head coach Barry Melrose is very pleased at the toys he has in his sandbox.
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.
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.
While many clubs were riding a high following the trade deadline, the Ottawa Senators look as though they are still stuck in neutral with a hint of hitting reverse.
The Senators were shutout for the second consecutive game as they fell to the Boston Bruins last night 4-0. Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas made 22 saves for his second shutout of the season, and blanked Ottawa again, a night after they fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-0. Boston Bruins defenceman and former Sen, Zdeno Chara scored two goals in the game.
The Senators have fallen from the top spot in the Eastern Conference, behind the New Jersey Devils have won only two games in their last eight. Ottawa was relatively quiet today acquiring forward Martin Lapointe from the Chicago Blackhawks for a sixth round pick.... in all honesty I didn't even realize this guy was playing anymore. The Senators should have traded for Eric Daze while they were at it.
Quick Shave:
So let's talk about the trades yesterday. Even though it was heavily criticized (mostly by Pierre Mcguire, who thought they gave up way too much), I like the Pittsburgh Penguins aggressiveness in picking up Marian Hossa. As much as the Pens liked Colby Armstrong, there's no denying the offensive boost Hossa will bring to this club, and the overall balance it will bring to their attack when Crosby returns to the lineup. Taking penalties against this team will be suicide. I think the Penguins will have a good chance to re-sign Hossa too, especially if he gels with the team. The Washington Capitals made a couple of interesting moves. First, basically stealing the Montreal Canadiens goaltender Cristobal Huet for a second round pick 20 years from now, and acquiring Sergei Federov from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Olaf Kolzig has done little to inspire confidence in net, so Huet will certainly be an upgrade. Federov is a wild card, but may find another gear playing between his countrymen Ovechkin, and Semin. I think these deals will push them into a playoff spot. Finally, if Brad Richards can live up to his billing, then the Dallas Stars probably made the best deal of the day yesterday. Richards will finally recieve top line minutes as well as top calibre linemates.
The Carolina Hurricanes and the Ottawa Senators began the trading season with a big one this afternoon, with a huge 4 player swap. The Ottawa Senators sent defenceman Joe Corvo, and forward Patrick Eaves to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenceman Mike Commodore (pardon the old portrait folks), and forward Cory Stillman.
Both Mike Commodore and Cory Stillman will both be unrestricted free agents this summer and Stillman agreed to waive his no-trade clause (something many players seem to be unwilling to do this year) in order to complete the deal between the two franchises.
Patrick Eaves will be a restricted free agent come the end of the season, and Joe Corvo has two years left on his contract.
It's hard to find negatives in this deal for either team and find a clear cut winner. The Ottawa Senators get a much needed physical defenceman in Mike Commodore (something they have been missing since the departure of Zdeno Chara), and some scoring depth from Cory Stillman. The Senators also get two very experienced Stanley Cup veteran players... something that will certainly help them this post-season.
Everyone in Ottawa can now breathe a collective sigh of relief. Your club is back.
To be more specific, your top line of Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, and Dany Heatley have finally reunited after a month of injury related absences and picked up right where they left off. Last night Ottawa Senators forward Jason Spezza joined the NHL Hat Trick Club, and also added 3 assists for an incredible 6 point evening. Alfredsson added two goals and three assists, and winger Dany Heatley had an off night, scoring only 1 goal and three assists. 15 points between the three players.
The Senators destroyed the Montreal Canadiens 6-1 last night, who have been creeping on the Senators for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Last night they hardly looked like a club that could compete.
Is the ship now righted in Ottawa? For the time being I would say yes. If Ray Emery and Martin Gerber can provide some consistent goaltending this club should roll through the playoffs.
Dany Heatley came back just in time for the Ottawa Senators last night, and picked up right where he left off.
Heatley wasted little time getting back to his prolific goal scoring ways, potting a pair and added an assist in helping the Senators defeat the Florida Panthers 5-4. Heatley's second goal was the eventual game winner.
While his return was more than enough to boost the Senator's offensive game, Heatley did little to improve the goaltending which has been very inconsistent in his absence. Ray Emery allowed 4 goals on 33 shots in the match, and his play, along with counterpart Martin Gerber's have done little to inspire confidence among the club. There was apparently a closed door team meeting yesterday with the coach, and all were attendance except for the goaltenders Emery, and Gerber. Last time I checked, goalies were part of a hockey team. The Senators may be looking to shake things up prior to the trade deadline.
Quick Shave: The Toronto Maple Leafs rebounded from their worst outting of the season (the 8-0 blowout against the Panthers) by defeating the red hot Montreal Canadiens 4-2. Maple Leafs forward Darcy Tucker who publicly stated to the media yesterday that he had no intention of waiving his no-trade clause prior to the February 26th deadline, scored two goals in the game. Goaltender Vesa Toskala made 34 saves for the win. The Anaheim Ducks are perfect in the Teemu Selanne era, easily defeating the New York Rangers 4-1 last night. Selanne got his second assist inas many games, and the Rangers still have not beaten a team from the West Coast. The Los Angeles Kings, the worst team in the NHL, defeated the Detroit Red Wings, the best in the league 5-3 last night. The Kings came back in the the third period to erase a 3-1 defecit, and prevent the Wings from winning their ninth straight game and matching a franchise record.
The Ottawa Senators got the opportunity to bench test their team against the NHL's best last night.
The Senators managed to defeat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2, but the victory proved to be a costly one. Sens superstar winger Dany Heatley (and probably the number one draft pick in every fantasy hockey league this fall) separated his shoulder Saturday night. Heatley will be out of the Senators lineup for the next 4-6 weeks while he recovers.
Just hours ago, while playing the New York Islanders, the Ottawa Senators lost their top center Jason Spezza. Spezza was checked by Islanders defenceman Freddy Meyer during the first period. Spezza played the rest of the first without missing a shift but did not return to the game for the second or third. The Senators claim to have held him out for precautionary measures.... a concussion perhaps? Regardless, without two thirds of their top line, the Senators fell to the New York Islanders 3-1.
All eyes will be on Ottawa to determine the status of Jason Spezza, and if he will be out of the lineup as for an extended period. If so, this could change the face of the Eastern Conference if their secondary players cannot step up to fill the void left by Heatley and Spezza. It's going to be an interesting month.
The Western Conference leading Detroit Red Wings will visit the Eastern Conference leading Ottawa Senators tonight in what has to be the game of the year.
Both teams are on a collision course for the Stanley Cup Finals this Spring as they have met very little resistance in their respective conferences. Detroit has dominated the West (except for the Blackhawks) and are 33-8-4 holding a very comfortable 16 point lead over second place San Jose. The Ottawa Senators have done likewise, going 28-10-4, with a 7 point lead over second place New Jersey.
Both clubs boast high powered offences, in fact 5 of the top 10 players in league scoring will be on the ice tonight. The Red Wings Henrik Zetterberg has 56 points (27 goals, 29 assists), Senators Daniel Alfredsson also has 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists), followed by linemate Dany Heatley who has 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists), Detroit's Pavel Datsyuk has 54 points (17 goals, 37 assists), and Ottawa's Jason Spezza has 52 points (15 goals, 37 assists). This is the game of the year.... until they meet again in the playoffs (hopefully).
Quick Shave:
Goaltender Curtis Joseph may be returning to the NHL within the next few days. Apparently there are 5 teams pursuing the veteran netminder, but Joseph has narrowed his choices down to two clubs, the San Jose Sharks, and the Calgary Flames. The Sharks thus far this season have employed only Evgeni Nabokov in net this year, as he has started every game for his team. Speaking of goaltenders, I have to make mention of Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Ty Conklin. What a comeback this guy is having. Destined to spend the remainder of his professional career in the minors, with the Pens AHL affiliate, Conklin took advantage of a callup after starter Marc-Andre Fleury was injured, and Dany Sabourin was incapable of performing at a winning level. Since his promotion to starting goaltender, Conklin has helped the Penguins to 8 straight victories, 2nd place in the Atlantic Division and 4th overall in the East. He's also been a bright spot on a few of Bosher's fantasy rosters. Keep it up Conker!
Ray Emery is growing weary of riding the pine in Ottawa. Those are the rumors that are hemmoraging from the Canadian capital. Emery was sent home prior to today's practice for an undisclosed 'illness'. This early departure was followed by yesterday's outburst that saw Emery slamming his stick to the ice in apparent frustration over his lack of playing time. Emery has started just one of the Ottawa Senators last 8 games, and looks to have lost his starting role to goaltender Martin Gerber. Gerber has won 6 of his last 7 starts, and barring a total collapse between the pipes will be the Senators starting goalie for the immediate future.
Emery started the season recovering from wrist surgery, and was reinjured early December against the Carolina Hurricanes. While he did lead the Senators to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, his play this year has been wildly inconsistent, leaving him with a 5 and 3 record.
The Senators are humming right now, and anything standing in the way of their ultimate goal, especially an immature player, will most likely be dealt with immediately by Paddock or Murray. This is probably why he was told to take a walk today.... with a cold.
The writing was on the wall last week when the Tampa Bay Lightning brought up rookie goaltender Kari Ramo, that one of the veteran incumbents Marc Denis, or Johan Holmqvist would be on their way out. Today, Marc Denis got the nod, or the waive rather as he sent down in favor of the youngster Ramo. Denis has won just one game this season in 10 attempts, and hasn't seen the crease for the Lightning since December 19th when the Atlanta Thrashers torched him for 3 goals on 15 shots.
The waiving of Marc Denis brings an ending to one of the more disastrous trades in recent NHL memory as he was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets for winger Fredrik Modin, and goaltender Fredrik Norrena (who has been more capable in net than his counterpart Denis).
Statement? Perhaps. However it's no question that both the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are travelling in opposite directions since last time they met. Yesterday's meeting however was top to bottom controlled by the New York Rangers. The superstars contributed (Brendan Shanahan - 2 goals, Jaromir Jagr - 1 goal, Marcell Hossa - 2 assists, Martin Straka and Scott Gomez 1 assist each, Henrik Lundqvist - 31 saves), and the role players did their jobs, none more so than Colton Orr, the Rangers tough guy who refused to be baited into a fight by Chris McGrattan, or Dany Heatley. The Rangers are beginning to look like the club that most expected them to be after this past summers free agent spending frenzy.
The Ottawa Senators who came out of the gates in October sharp, have looked anything but dropping their sixth straight 5-2 yesterday to the Rangers. They didn't necessarily look flat yesterday, but they do have the hints of a team that has lost their confidence. This is personified by the fact that their strong goaltending provided by Martin Gerber has all but dried up. The great goalies in this league will often be able to weather the storm for their teams if they start slow, and unfortunately Gerber was unable to answer the call. Ray Emery took over for Gerber in the second after he allowed 3 goals on 12 shots, and allowed a goal himself in the second. Ottawa will certainly be questioning it's goaltending over the coming weeks, and unfortunately will be unable to much about it. Gerber's stock has dropped, and his salary makes him unmovable (however a few weeks ago, there may have been a few takers). The Senators are still an incredibly talented team, and I doubt this current slump will continue much longer. Every team faces adversity, it's how they deal with it that matters.
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Minnesota 6:00 PM
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has not surrendered a goal in over three games, roughly 193 minutes of perfect hockey. Luongo will look to extend his streak against the Minnesota Wild tonight, and a very hot Marion Gaborik who has scored in three straight games. The Wild and Canucks are tied for the Northwest Division lead, so this is definitely your game of the night. Enjoy the games!
I remember last season numerous times, how I chose to tune to another game when the one I was currently watching looked like a rout.... and sadly how many times I discovered that moments after I switched the channel, that game turned into an unbelievable comeback and victory for the losing team.
This season I have exercised some more patience, and have been rewarded handsomely for doing so. A second period outburst from the Calgary Flames not 2 weeks ago erased a 3 goal deficit from the Minnesota Wild, a late third period drive by the San Jose Sharks turned a 2-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, into a 4-2 win for the boys in teal... and last night, the Thrashers rebounded late in the third period against the Ottawa Senators.
The Senators nearly threw away a 5 goal lead to the Altanta Thrashers last night, but managed to hold to win the game 6-4, but the last half of that third period was terrific. Thrashers star forward Ilya Kovalchuk put on a clinic scoring a hat trick (2 on the power play) and pulling his team within one goal of tying the game at 5. The Senators eventually regained some composure after a 10 minute, 4 goal breakdown, and got some insurance on a Daniel Alfredsson empty net goal (the 300th tally of his career), which eventually sealed the game. Regardless, the Thrashers showed tremendous pride last night battling back, and also gave the Bosher a heck of a show!
Quick Shave:
Henrik Zetterberg's kung fu is strong. Do I really need to say much more than that? Zetterberg scored his 11th and 12 goals of the season (which leads the NHL) and lifted the once again unstoppable Detroit Red Wings over the Calgary Flames 4-1 last night.
Let the goaltending controversy in Ottawa officially commence!!
The Ottawa Senators goaltender Ray Emery returned to action for the first time this young NHL season since under going surgery on his wrist over the summer. Emery made 31 saves in his appearance and helped the Sens to a 4-1 win over the Florida Panthers.
In Emery's absence, goaltender Martin Gerber has led the Senators to the top of the NHL, only losing one game during that march. Gerber has been reborn hard (to steal a quote from Gunnery Seargent Hartman) and has definitely been a bright spot.... on a team loaded with bright spots. GM Bryan Murray has a problem, but one that most teams would relish. Two number one goaltenders, playing light's out hockey. Keeping both as insurance would be prudent, however, holding onto Gerber and his salary may make it difficult to retain both Jason Spezza and Wade Redden, and with Gerber's stock being as high as it is right now, trading him, even with a large contract would be much easier to do now. There are a few teams out there who would be interested (see Los Angeles.... if LaBarbera can't shoulder the load there). Keep an eye on the rumor mill this week, it will be very entertaining if nothing else.
Bottom line, the Ottawa Senators look unstoppable.
Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers played their best defensive game of the season yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately for them, the Boston Bruins played theirs too, and just a bit better. Bruins forward Phil Kessel scored the only goal in the shootout and goaltender Manny Fernandez made 26 saves to record the 1-0 shutout win. Rangers forward Martin Straka broke his finger blocking a Zdeno Chara slapshot (after the first shot that hit his hand, he actually got down in front of Chara and blocked a second one.... that's just tough) and did not return to the game. I think it's safe to say that the Philadelphia Flyers are the real deal. Last night they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in OT. Flyers forward Simon Gagne scored twice including the game winner in the extra frame. Philadelphia 's Martin Biron continued his amazing play in net stopping 40 Hurricane's shots. If the Canadian media isn't talking about who's gonna be the number goalie in Ottawa it's because they will be writing about how bad the Toronto Maple Leafs are playing. The Leafs surrendered another 2 goal lead, this time to the Chicago Blackhawks, and ultimately fell 6-4. The Maple Leafs did hold a 3-1 lead in the third until the wheels came off, and just about everyone on the Hawks scored. Raycroft will be hearing it today. San Jose Sharks forward Jeremy Roenick scored the 498th goal of his career last night, and what proved to be the game winner as the Sharks shutdown the Nashville Predators 3-0. Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov made 22 saves to record his first shutout of the season. Bill Guerin started scoring late, but now he can't stop. The New York Islanders captain potted the game winner in OT to help his club beat the New Jersey Devils 4-3. Buzzkill of last night for me was Atlanta Thrashers keeper Johan Hedberg. After looking solid in net against the New York Rangers two nights earlier, Hedberg was bombarded and allowed 5 Tampa Bay Lightning goals before being yanked. The Lightning went on to win the game 6-2, and further destroy my fantasy league championship hopes. Can anyone say trade?
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Columbus 5:00 PM
Colorado at Minnesota 7:00 PM
Only two games tonight, but both interesting ones. The Columbus Blue Jackets are off to a franchise best start, while the Canucks... they just haven't started yet. The Colorado Avalanche will visit the red hot Minnesota Wild who have once again begun their season on a good note. Enjoy the games!
This Carolina Hurricanes squad really looks like Cup team from two years ago.
The Ottawa Senators fell for the first time this season (pre-season included, which you have to admit for a team coming off a Stanley Cup Final dissapointment, is very impressive) to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-3 last night. Now if I remember correctly (and that is a scary bridge to entertain) the Hurricanes delivered the Sens their first loss two seasons ago, and also continually dominated them that season, while the Senators themselves owned the rest of the league..... this season is mirroring their Championship campaign more and more each game.
The Hurricanes Erik and Eric line lit the Sens up for 3 goals, (Cole had two, Staal had one, and a pair of helpers), and Rod Brind'Amour and Matt Cullen (who since his return from New York has 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in 5 games played) rounded out the scoring. The Sens rallied from a 4-1 lead late in the game, but ultimately fell short.
Quick Shave:
Aside for the Sens / Canes game it was blow-out city last night. Every game was pretty much over halfway through. The Toronto Maple Leaf pantsed the New York Islanders 8-1, bouncing back from a 7-1 whooping they recieved Tuesday night from the Canes. Captain Mats Sundin scored his 390th goal in a Leafs uniform and passed Darryl Sittler on both the franchise points and goals record. The Buffalo Sabres picked up their first victory of the season hammering the Atlanta Thrashers for the 6-0 shutout win. The Phoenix Coyotes defeated the Nashville Predators 6-3 and the Florida Panthers shutout the New Jersey Devils 3-0.
The Philadelphia Flyers may be looking to get back to their old school days of physically intimidating hockey, but the tough guy players seem to have a knack for getting themselves suspended. Flyers forward Steve Downie who is enjoying a 20 game suspension in the AHL for bodychecking Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond's skull is most likely going to be joined by Flyers tough guy Jesse Boulerice who brushed Vancouver Canucks forwards Ryan Kesler's teeth with the shaft of his stick.
Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne were both on hand the other night for the Anahiem Ducks home opener. Neither seemed closer to returning, and both actually looked closer to retirement. Selanne has not skated since the last game of the Cup Finals, and Niedermayer has laced them up once for a hockey camp. It really looks like the Ducks will be on their own.
The Ottawa Senators appear to be determined to lock up superstar forward Dany Heatley to a long term contract extension prior to the start of the regular season (which begins on Sunday.... in England), the reason being, is the Heatley has stated that he prefers to not negotiate contracts during the season.
The Senators owner Eugene Melnyk, and GM Bryan Murray spent 5 hours in talks with Heatley's representatives before calling it a day. Both parties seem to be far apart on a deal. Heatley is rumored to be seeking a long term deal (similiar to Briere, Drury and Gomez) at $8.5 million per year, while the Senators are countering with a $7 million a year deal similiar to the contracts given to Joe Thornton and Jarome Iginla.
If the Senators don't sign Heatley prior to the start of the season, it is doubtful they will be able to prior to him becoming a free agent next July. Heatley has recorded back to back 50 goals seasons for the last two years, and if he completes the hat trick this year, his stock will surely rise beyond the $8.5 million a year he is currently looking for. He will be the free agent prize next summer.
Ottawa Senators forward Dean McAmmond seems to be a magnet for cheap shots. McAmmond was on the receiving end of a flying body check to the head from Philadelphia Flyers Steve Downie. If you remember, McAmmond was elbowed in the face by Anaheim Ducks defenceman Chris Pronger (his second suspension during the playoffs last year) and sustained a series ending concussion.
While McAmmond did suffer a concussion, he didn't sustain any fractures. He will recieve further treatmen and evaluations today. Here is a replay of the hit:
According to reports out of this morning's New York Post, the New York Rangers and Michael Peca are hammering out the details on a contract that will bring the two-time Selke Trophy winner to the Blueshirts.
The Rangers have a hole to fill at third line center after moving Matt Cullen back to the Carolina Hurricanes in order to clear cap room necessary to sign forwards Sean Avery, and Marcel Hossa. While the salary issue was somewhat resolved (the Rangers are teetering very close to the cap ceiling now, with roughly $1.5 million left to spend, according to Lyle Richardson of Spector's Hockey) the Rangers found themselves with another roster spot to fill.
Personally, it be nice to see the Rangers go to the farm, and recruit one of their youngsters to do the job. A move that may not be a bad idea, especially since the 33 year old Peca only played 35 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs last season following a leg fracture. However, it appears this Ranger team is gearing up for a run this season, and veteran experience is the theme.
Quick Shave:
The Ottawa Senators have apparently been busy, both internally and externally. New GM Bryan Murray has been inquiring about the status of forward Peter Forsberg through his agent, and has expressed his interest in seeing the Swedish sensation in a Senators uniform next season. Murray has also open the lines of communication with the agent of soon to be UFA forward Dany Heatley. It's in Murray's and the Sens best interest to get Heatley signed prior to next summer, because him hitting the market will be the same as him leaving. Heatley will be a highly sought after commodity especially since he's put together back to back 50 goal seasons. Phoenix Coyotes forward Mike Ricci has decided to retire after 16 years in the NHL. In his 1099 games Ricci amassed 234 goals, 362 assists and 974 minutes in penalties. The Coyotes also signed free agent goaltender Alex Auld to a one year contract yesterday.
It's official. John Muckler has been fired as the GM of the Ottawa Senators.
Head coach Bryan Murray has been promoted to the General Manager position. Owner Eugene Melnyk stated that he wanted to make the move prior to the NHL Entry Draft, and hopes that his move will keep the Senators from being a 'one trick pony' .... I'm assuming he wants to see his club play for the Cup again in the near future.
Muckler had one year left on his contract, and for him, this has to be tough to swallow. The Senators had an amazing regular season, finishing 48-25-9, and an incredible playoffs that saw them march through the Eastern Conference untested until they ran into the Anaheim Ducks.... who summarily destroyed them. Regardless, his work as GM for the Senators especially last season hardly warranted a dismissal. In any case he can join former Devils head coach Claude Julien and cry in their beers.
Quick Shave:
This is amazing to me, and I forgot to make mention of it earlier. The Montreal Canadiens managed to find a suitor for the services of the much maligned forward Sergei Samsonov. His destination? The Chicago Blackhawks. The Habs traded Samsonov to the Hawks for defenceman Jassen Cullimore, and forward Tony Salmelainen. Now I'm very unfamiliar with the players the Canadiens recieved, but what I am familiar with is that the Habs would have bought out Samsonov's contract had they not found a trade for him. The Blackhawks have hopes for the forward who was a healthy scratch from the Montreal lineup last season for 18 games. The Chicago Blackhawks love their Russian born players..... perhaps a union alongside Martin Havlat will jumpstart Samsonov's offense.
It's official. John Muckler has been fired as the GM of the Ottawa Senators.
Head coach Bryan Murray has been promoted to the General Manager position. Owner Eugene Melnyk stated that he wanted to make the move prior to the NHL Entry Draft, and hopes that his move will keep the Senators from being a 'one trick pony' .... I'm assuming he wants to see his club play for the Cup again in the near future.
Muckler had one year left on his contract, and for him, this has to be tough to swallow. The Senators had an amazing regular season, finishing 48-25-9, and an incredible playoffs that saw them march through the Eastern Conference untested until they ran into the Anaheim Ducks.... who summarily destroyed them. Regardless, his work as GM for the Senators especially last season hardly warranted a dismissal. In any case he can join former Devils head coach Claude Julien and cry in their beers.
Quick Shave:
This is amazing to me, and I forgot to make mention of it earlier. The Montreal Canadiens managed to find a suitor for the services of the much maligned forward Sergei Samsonov. His destination? The Chicago Blackhawks. The Habs traded Samsonov to the Hawks for defenceman Jassen Cullimore, and forward Tony Salmelainen. Now I'm very unfamiliar with the players the Canadiens recieved, but what I am familiar with is that the Habs would have bought out Samsonov's contract had they not found a trade for him. The Blackhawks have hopes for the forward who was a healthy scratch from the Montreal lineup last season for 18 games. The Chicago Blackhawks love their Russian born players..... perhaps a union alongside Martin Havlat will jumpstart Samsonov's offense.
Maybe. It appears the Ottawa Senators will be replacing John Muckler as the team's General Manager.
The Ottawa Senators will be holding a press conference today at 1PM EST to make an announcement. Rumors out of the Ottawa Sun are speculating the Head Coach Bryan Murray who's contract is up at the end of the month will assume to role as GM.
Sens owner Eugene Melnyk apparently told Muckler over the weekend that he would be replaced as Ottawa's GM. Tough rocks for Muckler as he put together a team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals this year. Melnyk has apparently torn a page from the Lou Lamoriello playbook. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Your 2006-2007 Stanley Cup Champions, the Anaheim Ducks!
The Anaheim Ducks closed the doors on the Ottawa Senators, and the 2006-2007 NHL season last night by capping off the campaign as this year's Stanley Cup Champions. Anaheim becomes the first team from California to ever win the NHL's most coveted trophy.
As I stated before the series began, the Ducks were instantly annointed as the Cup favorites moments after they acquired defenceman Chris Pronger from the Edmonton Oilers. This team lived up to it's billing, big time.
The start of game 5 looked as though Ottawa had already lost and were gonna mail it in. Down 2-0 on goals by Rob Niedermayer and Andy McDonald the Senators looked all but finished. Daniel Alfredsson redeemed himself from his antics in Game 4 by cutting the lead to one goal, and gave the Senators new life, however a fluke goal by Ottawa defenceman Chris Phillips seemed to take the wind out their team (Phillips and Emery tried to clear the puck from behind the net, and Phillips lost the puck in Emery's skates who directed into the net as he skated back into position). Alfredsson got his team back in the game with a short handed opportunity late in the second, but Anaheim defenceman Francois Beauchemin quickly countered his scored with a power play goal less than a minute later. It was all Ducks after that. Two unanswered goals by Travis Moen (his second of the game), and Corey Perry and a Jean Sebastien Giguere stop on a penalty shot sealed the 6-2 victory, and the Stanley Cup Championship for the Anaheim Ducks 4 games to 1.
The Conn Smythe Tropy for most valuable player of the playoffs was awarded to Anaheim Ducks defenceman and captain Scott Niedermayer. A case really could have been made for a number of players to win the award including goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere, and forwards Andy McDonald, and Ryan Getzlaf, but it's hard to argue with the choice. Niedermayer has now been the backbone of four Stanley Cup Championship teams. If the Conn Smythe could be awarded to a line, I would have picked the Rob Niedermayer, Travis Moen, Samuel Pahlsson line. This group not only shut down the league's best players enroute to the Cup but also provided a substantial amount of offensive production. They made the Senators top line of Alfredsson, Spezza (Spezza and Coach Murray had a bit of blow up during the second on the bench after his inability to put the puck on net.... I wonder if his future is now in question in Ottawa) and Heatley look ordinary throughout the series.
Teemu Selanne finally hoisted the Stanley Cup after 14 NHL seasons, and his emotions before and after the game may be a prelude to the future Hall of Famer's retirement. I only hope the thrill of winning the Cup will inspire him to return to play again as his production over the past two seasons has returned to super star levels.
Congratulations to the Anaheim Ducks on an amazing season and winning the Stanley Cup!
Feel free to shave now gentleman. Buy Gilette stock this morning as it is sure to spike today!
Quick Shave: After finally getting rid of Mike Milbury, the New York Islanders announced that they will be excising their remaining cancer by buying out the remainder of forward Alexei Yashin's contract. Yashin had 4 years left on his ridiculous 10 year contract. The Islanders will owe Yashin $17.63 million as part of the CBA two-thirds buy out option rather than the $26.45 million if he stayed on the roster. The Islanders will receive a cap hit of $2.2 million a year for the next 8 seasons (it may be 4, but the wording on this is a bit confusing). Regardless, the Islanders can look forward to the future as they will attempt to retain Ryan Smyth who they got from Edmonton at the trade deadline in February, and forward Jason Blake, both of who are eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1st.
Well that's the season folks, but there is still more to come. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winner of the Chuck Norris Trophy this week, as well as the NHL awards, the NHL Entry Draft, and free agency in July. The action never stops at Playoff Beard.com.
I'd like to extend a thanks to everyone who has helped make this site so much fun, especially Stache, Jeff, Paul, and Jeff. Thanks for all of your support!
The Anaheim Ducks took a commanding lead in the series against the Ottawa Senators 3-1 last night with their 3-2 win. Ducks forward Andy McDonald scored two quick goals in a minutes time during the second to tie the match, and assisted on Dustin Penner's game winner in the third period. The Ducks will have an opportunity to wrap up the series and claim the Stanley Cup in game 5 Wednesday night in Anaheim.
What was Daniel Alfredsson thinking last night? With less than 5 seconds to play in the second period last night, the Ottawa Senators captain carried the puck past center ice, turned his body and directed a slapshot at Anahiem Duck's defenceman Scott Niedermayer. Ducks forward Samuel Pahlson, and Ottawa's Mike Fisher recieved matching penalties in a scrum that followed the shot. What will the NHL do in response to Alfredsson's stupidity? It's hard to imagine him not being suspended considering how they came down on Pronger, and Alfredsson's blatant attempt to injure Niedermayer.
Awesome game! Probably one of the best I've seen all playoffs this year, but at the same time, can anyone remember a game loaded with so many bizarre moments?
This match was loaded with unusual moments that included Jason Spezza parading around in Patrick Eaves jersey late in the first after his was torn (at one point I was thinking that Patrick Eaves could be Spezza's twin... although it's hard to say what number beer I was on at that point), Mike Fisher's goal from the point off a face off that saw only four Anaheim Duck players on the ice (Getzlaf jumped on late but was unable to help, and I doubt a fifth player would have changed the outcome of that play), Daniel Alfredsson's goal that was redirected off his skate (from my point of view I was convinced he didn't kick it, and it was a goal, however all I was certain it would be called off), the late third period scrum which saw both Ottawa's and Anaheim's second lines take a hiatus in the sin bin (pretty sure it was the Sens second line... how cool was Fisher? He could have brained Getzlaf if he wanted too... class is what he's about), and Pronger's elbow to McAmmond's head that went uncalled (however I won't be surprised if Pronger see's a suspension headed his way.... and I wonder if he might get more than one game considering he was already warned with a suspension during the series with Detroit?)
On top of all that, this game was loaded with great hockey. The Senators finally found a way to break through the Ducks defence, and more importantly goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere. I loved the way both teams battled back. Just when you thought the momentum was about to shift, the other team would score. They should package this game, put a bow on it, and deliver it to everyone who doesnt' think hockey is an exciting sport.
The Senators ended up taking control late in the third on a goal by Dean McAmmond, and got some padding from a score by Anton Volchenkov midway through the third period to help Ottawa to a 5-3 win over the Ducks. The Senators cut the Ducks lead in the series to 2-1. For Ottawa, it was a promising game. They got scoring from all of their lines, including their big gun line (even though they were still held in check), and peppered the Giguere with 29 shots. Anaheim still played a great game and unfortunately had a few bad breaks on the Alfredsson score (from their point of view, they probably think they got hosed on the Aflredsson goal, but I still say it was a valid goal), and Dean McAmmond's game winner that bounced off of Pronger into the net. Now they will have to wait and see how the league rules on Pronger's hit. News of that will be sure to hit very soon.
The Anaheim Ducks shutdown line did it's job for the second straight game against the Senators and then some last night.
Led by Samuel Pahlsson, the Ducks checking line prevented the Senators top line of Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza from producing much of anything (only 6 shots in the match) for yet another game. Pahlsson grabbed the puck from Dany Heatley late in the third and put a shot past Sens keeper Ray Emery. The goal stood up as the game winner and gave the Anaheim Ducks the 1-0 win and now carry a 2-0 series lead to Ottawa.
Ducks goaltender J.S. Giguere only had to make 16 saves to record the shutout victory. The lack of chances is not so much a reflection of Ottawa's offence but rather a blaring indication of just how good the Ducks are defensively. They are making the Senators look very ordinary right now.
Quick Shave:
The Pittsburgh Penguins will announce sometime today the naming of their franchise's newest captain, Sidney Crosby. This is hardly a surprise. Crosby's maturation as both a player and a person over the past two seasons has been difficult to miss, and this kid will undoubtedly lead the Penguins to the promised land.... and a playoff beard. Congrats Cros-beard!
Game 1 certainly delivered! That is a massive understatement.
I'm not sure if the Ottawa Senators have ever faced such relentless pressure as they did last night. While the Sens looked great on the powerplay, and led 2-1 going into the third period on goals by Fisher, and Redden, I really thought the Anaheim Ducks carried the play. Had it not been for their lack of discipline early in the game I wonder if the Ducks would have trailed at all during Game 1. The Ducks gave up 6 powerplay opportunities to the Sens including a 5-3 advantage... and Ottawa cashed in on two of them.
The Anaheim Ducks really pressed the attack throughout the game, especially late. Senators goaltender faced 33 shots in the match, and was finally beaten for the tying goal by Ryan Getzlaf early in the third, and Travis Moen smacked home the game winner off a Rob Niedermayer pass from behind the net with less than three to play. The Ducks completed the win 3-2 to take Game 1 in the series.
The Ducks recieved a solid effort from their fourth line unit led by Brad May, who actually had several scoring chances (and a lovely playoff beard). The Senators looked somewhat ineffective at even-strength, and the Heatley, Alfredsson, Spezza line was kept quiet for the most part (Spezza and Alfredsson assisted on Redden's powerplay score). Anaheim Ducks forward Drew Miller played in his second ever playoff game, and first ever Stanley Cup Final game. His brother Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres goaltender was in attendance to lend support. Miller actually helped setup the first Ducks goal by McDonald.
Quick Shave:
The Montreal Canadiens re-signed defenceman Andrei Markov to a four year contract worth $23 million. Markov was one of the Habs big two defencemen headed to unrestricted free agency this summer, the other being Sheldon Souray. It will be interesting to see if the Habs manage to retain Souray as well, or if they are forced to let him test free agency. The Phoenix Coyotes have hired Don Maloney as their new General Manager. Maloney was the assistant GM of the New York Rangers, and his move could perhaps leave the door open for Mark Messier who indicated his interest in taking over the helm in New York after Sather retires...... time will tell.
Remember in the film The Terminator, when Arnold Schwarzenegger took a stroll through a police station with a pair of assault rifles, and proceeded to casually mow them down? Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher is doing the same thing to his club's roster right now.
The Ottawa Senators also did what most expected and bought out the contract of their goaltender Ray Emery. Emery was the focus of much of the alleged turmoil within the Senators locker room that eventually saw their coach fired, their team collapse, and the Penguins sweep them in a quick four games in round 1. Emery is now eligible for unrestricted free agency next week on July 1st. He did lead his club to the Stanley Cup Finals a year ago, so the talent is obviously there.... along with the attitude. Defenceman Wade Redden who also had a disastrous season is not expected to be playing for Ottawa next year and could have a new home by next week as well.
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.
While many clubs were riding a high following the trade deadline, the Ottawa Senators look as though they are still stuck in neutral with a hint of hitting reverse.
The trading floor is open folks.
Everyone in Ottawa can now breathe a collective sigh of relief. Your club is back.
Dany Heatley came back just in time for the Ottawa Senators last night, and picked up right where he left off. 
The Western Conference leading Detroit Red Wings will visit the Eastern Conference leading Ottawa Senators tonight in what has to be the game of the year.
The writing was on the wall last week when the Tampa Bay Lightning brought up rookie goaltender Kari Ramo, that one of the veteran incumbents Marc Denis, or Johan Holmqvist would be on their way out. Today, Marc Denis got the nod, or the waive rather as he sent down in favor of the youngster Ramo. Denis has won just one game this season in 10 attempts, and hasn't seen the crease for the Lightning since December 19th when the Atlanta Thrashers torched him for 3 goals on 15 shots.
Statement? Perhaps. However it's no question that both the New York Rangers and Ottawa Senators are travelling in opposite directions since last time they met. Yesterday's meeting however was top to bottom controlled by the New York Rangers. The superstars contributed (Brendan Shanahan - 2 goals, Jaromir Jagr - 1 goal, Marcell Hossa - 2 assists, Martin Straka and Scott Gomez 1 assist each, Henrik Lundqvist - 31 saves), and the role players did their jobs, none more so than Colton Orr, the Rangers tough guy who refused to be baited into a fight by Chris McGrattan, or Dany Heatley. The Rangers are beginning to look like the club that most expected them to be after this past summers free agent spending frenzy.
Game of the Night: 
I remember last season numerous times, how I chose to tune to another game when the one I was currently watching looked like a rout.... and sadly how many times I discovered that moments after I switched the channel, that game turned into an unbelievable comeback and victory for the losing team.
Quick Shave:
This Carolina Hurricanes squad really looks like Cup team from two years ago. 
According to reports out of this morning's 
Quick Shave:
The Anaheim Ducks closed the doors on the Ottawa Senators, and the 2006-2007 NHL season last night by capping off the campaign as this year's Stanley Cup Champions. Anaheim becomes the first team from California to ever win the NHL's most coveted trophy.
The Conn Smythe Tropy for most valuable player of the playoffs was awarded to Anaheim Ducks defenceman and captain Scott Niedermayer. A case really could have been made for a number of players to win the award including goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere, and forwards Andy McDonald, and Ryan Getzlaf, but it's hard to argue with the choice. Niedermayer has now been the backbone of four Stanley Cup Championship teams. If the Conn Smythe could be awarded to a line, I would have picked the Rob Niedermayer, Travis Moen, Samuel Pahlsson line. This group not only shut down the league's best players enroute to the Cup but also provided a substantial amount of offensive production. They made the Senators top line of Alfredsson, Spezza (Spezza and Coach Murray had a bit of blow up during the second on the bench after his inability to put the puck on net.... I wonder if his future is now in question in Ottawa) and Heatley look ordinary throughout the series.
After finally getting rid of Mike Milbury, the New York Islanders announced that they will be excising their remaining cancer by buying out the remainder of forward Alexei Yashin's contract. Yashin had 4 years left on his ridiculous 10 year contract. The Islanders will owe Yashin $17.63 million as part of the CBA two-thirds buy out option rather than the $26.45 million if he stayed on the roster. The Islanders will receive a cap hit of $2.2 million a year for the next 8 seasons (it may be 4, but the wording on this is a bit confusing). Regardless, the Islanders can look forward to the future as they will attempt to retain Ryan Smyth who they got from Edmonton at the trade deadline in February, and forward Jason Blake, both of who are eligible for unrestricted free agency July 1st.
Awesome game! Probably one of the best I've seen all playoffs this year, but at the same time, can anyone remember a game loaded with so many bizarre moments?
The Anaheim Ducks shutdown line did it's job for the second straight game against the Senators and then some last night.
Quick Shave: