The Ottawa Senators have traded unhappy forward Dany Heatley to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks who were rumored to be the only 'real' team in contention to land Heatley (meaning he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal) sent forwards Milan Michalek, and Jonathan Cheechoo and a second round pick to the Senators for Heatley and a fifth round pick.
This deal works pretty well for both clubs... Sens get rid of the headache that Heatley's presence would be during training camp, and the Sharks shake up their roster (once again) and acquire a perrenial 50 goal scorer... who lined with Joe Thornton should have little problem achieving that mark again this season. However, the regular season has meant little to the Sharks and their supporters in the past few years... the real pressure will begin once the post season starts... then we'll see how good this deal is.
Daniel Alfredsson won't be retiring anytime soon afterall.
Alfredsson has re-upped with the only club he's ever played for, the Ottawa Senators for another 4 years... presumably the remainder of his career.
The new deal will pay Alredsson $21.6 million over the next 4 seasons, and also includes a no-movement clause. In his 861games with the Senators, Alfredsson has 856 points (334 goals, 522 assists).
Quick Shave: I'd like to send an apology out to Martin Brodeur who is the latest recipient of the infamous Curse of Bosh. Since declaring his greatness last week, Brodeur has been unable to capture a win, point in fact, the then winless Philadelphia Flyers were able to put up a pair of back to back wins over the weekend (which included a smoke grenade - well done Philly fans) and last night was torched for 5 goals on 48 shots (way to show up D) by the Toronto Maple Leafs last night... who went on to beat the New Jersey Devils 6-5 by way of shootout.
Brendan Shanahan has apparently decided to explore other options outside of the New York Rangers who have left him in unrestricted free-agent limbo. Shanahan was only interested in playing for New York, but has changed his mind due to the lack of progress. Anyone need a Hall of Fame winger?
No blueline in Tampa? Goaltending controversy in Ottawa?
Thus far, the New York Rangers free agent signings are already paying dividends.
UFA defenceman pickup Wade Redden opened the scoring for the Rangers, and Scott Gomez potted the game winner to complete the 2 game sweep against the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 yesterday afternoon, drawing a close to their European road trip.
The Tampa Bay Lighntning, who were extremely active during the off-season neglected to focus on improving their defense, and most critics pointed out that as a major concern. In their first two matches of the season, the Lightning have allowed nearly 80 shots on net. On the positive side, Tampa has upgraded their goaltending with the tandem of Mike Smith and Olaf Kolzig. The pair allowed only 4 goals over the weekend, however, continuing to face 40 shots an evening will require a Luongian effort...
Speaking of goaltending.... have the Ottawa Senators found a keeper in backup Alex Auld? Auld made 30 saves yesterday to help the Senators to a 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins and return from their European trip with a split. Auld's performance may give coach Craig Hartsburg something to think about as he clearly provided better support in net than Martin Gerber did a night earlier. Keep an eye on this one... and you may want to pickup Auld for your fantasy roster. Sens forward Dany Heatley had a great weekend collecting three goals against the Penguins, all on the powerplay.
Markus Naslund scored in his debut as a New York Ranger yesterday, to help lift his new club to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Ligntning. The game which marked the beginning of the NHL season was played in Prague, Czech Republic.
The Rangers badly outshot the Lightning throughout the game, but were stoned by Tampa Bay netminder Mike Smith (the featured acquisition for the Lightning in the Brad Richards trade last February) who made 39 saves on the game. Rangers forward Brandon Dubinsky scored a power play goal with roughly 5 minutes remaining in the game to seal the victory. The second part of the 2 game set will be played today at noon EST.
While goaltending was the strength for the Tampa Bay Lightning it is still a question mark in Ottawa. The Senators fell 4-3 in overtime to the Pittsburgh Penguins who were playing their opener up North in Stockholm, Sweden. Ottawa goaltender Martin Gerber failed to provide the confidence in net that his club was looking for and let in several soft goals including the overtime winner that was deposited by Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy (worth a fantasy look, as he's riding shotgun to Malkin for the time being... he scored two including the game winner yesterday). The Penguins and Senators will meet again later this afternoon to conclude their two game matchup.
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.
I was at a party yesterday, and a friend of mine threw me a question…. “Hey Boshy, who do you like in the finals?”
I began to speak, but unfortunately no words found their way out. How the heck can you pick between these two teams, who appear evenly matched on both sides of the puck, and leave little in the way of a frame of reference, since neither team faced each other this regular season, and haven’t met in over a year and a half?
The Anaheim Ducks have been on everyone’s radar since the big trade on Draft day last summer that saw the Edmonton Oilers send their big defenceman Chris Pronger to the Ducks for Lupul and a handful of prospects and picks. Instantaneously, the Ducks were anointed as the team to beat, and they have really not disappointed. Their goaltending is solid, their defence is probably their greatest asset, and they boast several lines that can score.
The Ottawa Senators were definitely not on the favorite’s list at the beginning of the season, after losing their big defenceman Zdeno Chara to free agency, they came out of the gate uninspired, but late fall, went on a tear that catapulted them up through the standings, and right through their first three opponents in the playoffs. They are lead by the strongest first line in the post season, made up of Heatley, Alfredsson, and Spezza, a stingy defence that allows little, and actively produces offence, and a once backup goaltender who has risen to the challenge to backstop his team to a 12-3 playoff record.
So who does the Bosher like? I like the Senators. I like the Ducks. I think both teams matchup well in almost every category.
Goaltending, I have to go with Ray Emery. The kid has been outstanding. Granted J.S. Giguere is experienced and has a Conn Smythe (that still belongs to Broduer), but Emery has provided confidence that the Senators have never had in the playoffs before. The kid has three playoff shutouts so far as well.
Defence. This is Anaheim. Any team that has Scott Niedermayer, and Chris Pronger on the blueline, wins the category any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. Don’t overlook Ottawa’s defence. They have stifled the high flying Buffalo Sabres, stopped young Sidney Crosby and crew, and even quieted a New Jersey Devils offence that bloomed in the playoffs.
Offence. Gotta give the edge to Ottawa on this one. Their big guns, are producing at super star levels…. Something they haven’t done in the past. Anaheim has the firepower to match, but thus far in the post season, they haven’t. If the Ducks Andy MacDonald can find his game look out.
Playoff Beard. This is all Anaheim. The Niedermayer family wins this category for the whole city. I swear they have Yeti in them.
Playoff beard prediction: Ottawa Senators in 7 games.
Game of the Night:
Ottawa at Anaheim 8:00 PM
Regulation will be on Versus, but if the game goes to overtime it will shift to NBC. Second overtime will shift back to Versus, and any overtime thereafter will be available as an audio broadcast on NHL.com.
Midway through the first overtime period, Ottawa Senators Captain Daniel Alfredsson (I apologize for the illustration, I've been trying to avoid using it all season since I think it makes Alfie look like a cross between a Hobbit, and a Dr. Seuss character.... nevertheless, the man deserves to be recognized, crappy drawing or not) put a wrist shot past Ryan Miller and closed the door on the Buffalo Sabres with a 3-2 win. The Senators won the series 4-1 and are now headed to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Credit is owed to this club who have shut down every opponent they have faced this season, including the President Trophy Winning Sabres. Daniel Alfredsson has been impressive scoring 4 game winning goals and recording 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists) so far this post season. Dany Heatley leads all players in scoring with 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) and is trailed by linemate Jason Spezza with 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists) (I know this is off topic, but Mike Milbury actually traded the pick that would become Jason Spezza, and defenceman Zdeno Chara (Bill Muckalt was tossed in for seasoning) to Ottawa for Alexei Yashin..... he should be shot in front of the Colliseum for that move alone.... Islanders fans, Spezza would have been the perfect player for you to build a team around... i really digress). Goaltender Ray Emery has been amazing. 12 wins, and 3 by shutout.... this kid has really answered the bell. Ottawa has lost only one time in each of three playoff rounds and are now within four victories of bringing the Stanley Cup back to Canada.
Quick Shave:
I had a funny thought yesterday while watching the game. The Senators backup goaltender is Martin Gerber, who won a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He was also relegated to backup duty in favor of Cam Ward last playoffs. He is in a position to win his second Stanley Cup consecutively with a different team. The last player to achieve that was Cory Stillman I believe, with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the aforementioned Hurricanes.
The NHL has got to do something about their broadcast partnership. What happened yesterday is almost unforgiveable. NBC carried the regulation broadcast, but when the game went to overtime, the broadcast shifted to Versus in favor of a horse race, unless you live in the Buffalo area. That is pathetic. Why even put the game on NBC in the first place? Versus has done a terrific job with the NHL, and I would have no issue with them extending their commitment, on one condition. Distribution. Versus must become a part of every basic cable package, otherwise forget it. That is a deal breaker. I can't tell you how many faithful Ranger fans I know who missed precious playoff games, because their cable provider doesn't carry Versus. The Versus network, must correct this, or the NHL must move on. Either way, what happened yesterday is a disaster. It cheapens the product, and destroys what little credibility the NHL has left. Address this issue now.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Detroit 3:00 PM
All tied up as we head back to Detroit for a pivotal (love that term too!) Game 5. We get the return of Chris Pronger who will surely have a mean on for this one (and the Canadian media apparently). Enjoy the game!
The Sabres stay alive. Finally a ray of hope... and not the Ray that has been stellar in net for the Ottawa Senators all series (and all post season for that matter).
The Buffalo Sabres staved off elimination and forced a Game 5 by defeating (narrowly) the Ottawa Senators 3-2. Derek Roy, Maxim Afinogenov, and Chris Drury scored for the Sabres and Ryan Miller made 31 saves to prevent the sweep by the Senators. Chris Drury's goal was the 15th game winner of his playoff career, and ties the record for first all time (I forget the gentleman who holds it because I am paraphrasing from the broadcast, so I apologize..... it may have been Jean Béliveau, but don't quote me)..... is he Captain Clutch or what?
So do the Sabres have the stones to mount an improbable comeback? How will the Senators respond in Game 5? If the Sabres can win game 5, pressure will certainly shift to the Senators, and I think we will see them panic. However, the Senators have 3 opportunities to close out this series, and the pressure is clearly on the Sabres right now. No mistakes, and once again, adversity is in their faces.
Quick Shave: Anaheim Ducks defenceman Chris Pronger was suspended for one game by the NHL for his hit to the head on Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Holstrom in Game 3. Pronger will have to sit out Game 4, and watch his Ducks try to tie up the series. Pronger wasn't very effective in stopping a highly productive Red Wings attack in Game 3 regardless, perhaps that is why he took out Holmstrom before he scored any more goals.... one more and he would have joined the HTC.
Adversity. The one thing that can make or break a champion. Resilience in the face of said adversity will often determine who will become that champion.
The Ottawa Senators are proving to be the better at facing and overcoming that adversity. Battling back from a 2-0 defecit, and also rebounding from another superb game tying goal with second to go in the game, the Senators are more determined to go all the way than I have ever seen them.
Losing 2-0, the Senators responded with three unanswered goals to lead 3-2, until Sabres forward tied it with late game heroics that have become standard for Buffalo with less than 6 seconds to play and forced overtime. Senator Joe Corvo scored early in the second overtime to lift his team to a 4-3 victory and a 2-0 series lead.
The Sabres who have showed tremedous resolve in the playoffs this year have their backs against the wall and must rebound hard on the road.... a task that will not be easy. However if any team can pull it off, I believe it is this Buffalo Sabres team.
For the record.... Daniel Briere's playoff beard is worse than that thing that Daniel Alfredsson is trying to grow on his face.... which I am unable to label as a beard.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Detroit 7:30 PM
Anaheim will try to find a way to solve Dominik Hasek tonight. Will they bring their 'A' game, play 60 minutes and give it 110%, or will Hasek be equal to the task? Tune in to find out!
The Ottawa Senators bounced out to a quick 2-0 lead early in the first on a short handed score by Mike Fisher, then minutes later on a powerplay goal by Daniel Alfreddson. The Sabres appeared to get back into the game with a goal by Maxim Afinogenov and a tying goal by Toni Lydman midway through the second.
I the third period it was all Ottawa. Oleg Saprykin scored the game winner 7 minutes in to the last period, Jason Spezza added some insurance with Ottawa's second powerplay goal of the game, and Dean McAmmond sealed the win with the late empty netter.
The Sabres looked like they had a lot of trouble penetrating the Ottawa defense which seemed to stand them up on the blue line. The usually strong on the boards Sabres also looked to lose alot of those battles to the Senators. Turnovers. The Sabres can't cough the puck up to this team. The Senators are unlike the Rangers and Islanders, they play error free hockey (or pretty close to it) and are not going to give you many chances, but like the Sabres, if you make a mistake they will make you pay for it. Game 2 will be a gem.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Detroit 7:30 PM
I don't need to discuss this. Friday night hockey. Come on, you'll be there. Enjoy the game!
The Ottawa Senators look like they are on a mission this season. The Sens defeated the New Jersey Devils 3-2 yesterday, clinching the series 4-1 and advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals.
New Jersey took and early 1-0 lead on a goal by Scott Gomez, but came out flat in the second, turning the puck over, and allowing the Senators to gain the advantage. The Senators once again victimized Devils keeper Martin Brodeur with an odd angle shot by Tom Preissing (keep an eye on Preissing's playoff beard..... it starts at his eye-lids..... he must be part Yeti) which was deflected by Antoine Vermette (Brodeur like most keepers is sound when he see's the shot, but change it's direction and he is helpless). Jason Spezza and Daniel Alfredsson (I can't believe that one got by Brodeur) added two more goals to complete the win, and finishe off the Devils.
Senators goaltender Ray Emery made 27 saves and won his 8th game this post season. Emery has also only lost twice during this playoffs, and I think he and the Senators defense deserve a lot of credit. Rarely would he give up a bad rebound, but when he did, the puck was quickly collected by the blue liners and safely removed. The Senators defense also prevented the Devils offense from getting any cycle going, and made gaining the zone difficult if not impossible. While many would attribute their success to their offensive firepower, it's hard to discount the help they have had in the back end.
The Devils expulsion from the playoffs can't be blamed entirely on Martin Brodeur. Was he as sharp as usual. Absolutely not. But neither was the rest of this team. Lou Lamoirello actually replaced Sergei Brylin on the shutdown line with Erik Rasmussen because he too must have realized how ineffective they've been this post season, especially against the Heatley, Spezza, Alfreddson line. Madden, Pandolfo, and Brylin finished the playoffs a combined -20 in the 10 games they played. Granted they did face the opposing team's best forwards, but as a defensive unit, they look like they did little to support Brodeur. Part of the blame falls on this line. The bright spot for the Devils has to be the offense. For the first time I can remember, they have some legitimate firepower. Scott Gomez leads all players (tied with Heatley actually) in scoring during the playoffs with 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) and Brian Gionta and Zach Parise (how great is this kid?) lead the league in goals wit 8 and 7 respectively. Could the Devils be moving towards a more offensive style in the future? I guess we'll see.
Overall it was a decent series, and I think the Ottawa Senators have really gotten over the hump. As much as I would love to see the Rangers make it to the next round, not even I could complain if we saw a Sabres, Senators Eastern Conference Final. I love this game.
Quick Shave:
Huge win for the Detroit Red Wings yesterday, but what a costly one. The Red Wings dominated the San Jose Sharks 4-1 yesterday to take a 3-2 series lead on a huge game from forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg who each tallied a goal and two helpers. Mainstay on defence Matthieu Schneider was lost for the rest of the playoffs due to a broken wrist he suffered from a hit by Sharks forward Patrick Marleau. Adversity seems to be something the Red Wings are drinking down with a smile this year however, and even though Schneider will be missed (especially from a playoff beard standpoint..... oh did he have a Norris calibre beard going), I think this team will push forward successfully.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at NY Rangers 2:00 PM
Do I even really need to say anything? I'm still recovering from that devestating loss Friday night, but hopefully the boys in blue are ready to go. This game should be epic. Sabres win and you're in. Rangers win and we get a game 7. Game 7 we all win! Enjoy the game!
Last night's game in New Jersey was an aberration, especially for the Devils, and more specifically Martin Brodeur.
The Devils goaltender allowed 4 goals in the first period last night, on the first 9 shots. The first time that's happened to him in over 10 years (they mentioned he was lit up by the Caps or Habs in '91 or '92... I digress). The one thing is certain however, is that when Brodeur has a subpar outting, the following performance is usually super human.
The Ottawa Senators displayed their offensive prowess that flexed it's muscle all season long, and all over the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round, once again last evening. Ottawa forward Jason Spezza (excellent playoff beard so far) opened the scoring less than two minutes into the match, and was followed by three unassisted goals from Joe Corvo, Dean McAmmond, and Dany Heatley.
New Jersey however battled back, and made a game out of it. I've been very impressed with the Devils offense lately as they have relied more on that than their goaltending and defense this post season. Zach Parise continued his amazing playoff run potting his 7th goal, and Brian Gionta added his 6th. Unfortunately it wasn't enough. The Ottawa Senators held on to win game one 5-4 over the New Jersey Devils.
There are rumors abound that Sens goalie Ray Emery's glove hand is injured (which Coach Brian Murray tried to squash during the post game press conference) and should be something to keep an eye on. Needless to say, game 2 should tighten up more defensively for both teams, but this series will continue to deliver.
Quick Shave: San Jose Sharks forward put the finishing touch on a 2-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings with his croquet shot past goalie Dominik Hasek last night. Defenseman Matt Carle scored the opener and game winner for the Sharks last night as they took the first game 2-0. Sharks goaltender made 34 saves for his first shutout of this post season.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Anaheim 10:00 PM
The battle of New York continues tonight as does the West Coast clash between the Canucks and the Ducks. The Rangers and Canucks will look to rebound from awful first game showings, and the Sabres and Ducks will look to continue their great start. Enjoy the games!
The Ottawa Senators defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 last night, and effectively put an end to one of the biggest surprises of this NHL Season.
The Penguins, made a brilliant run for the playoffs, and challenged for the Atlantic Division Title, but ultimately they were outmatched by an Ottawa Senators team that appears on a mission. The Senators got three goals in the second period by Dany Heatley (the game winner), Antoine Vermette (a really nice break away score) and Chris Kelly (the icing), and goaltender Ray Emery stopped all 20 shots he faced to complete the 3-0 shutout win, and close out the series 4 games to 1.
The Senators look strong. Their goaltending looks solid, and while their offense has always been potent, it's their defense which has been impressive so far this post season. Stingy as far as allowing shots, and quality chances, but also gifted offensively, often joining the rush, or setting up the breakout with a great pass.
Playoff Beard Alert: Dany Heatley. It's a little patchy right now, but if this guy gets another round of growth, he'll be saying "Tina's here! We're getting back together!"
For the Penguins, congratulations on an amazing season. I don't think this team over-achieved, but rather gave all of us a glimpse at the scary potential they have. The Penguins will be a force in the very near future.
Quick Shave:
The Calgary Flames surely are a dominant team at home. The Flames defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on a pair of scores by Daymond Langkow to tie the series 2 -2. The Flames must now continue their play if they wish to move on. If they only play well at home, then they are going to be in some trouble. The Anaheim Ducks closed out their series with the Minnesota Wild last night with a 4-1 win. Jean Sebastien Giguere started in net for the first time in the series last night and made 26 saves to help the Ducks advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Vancouver Canucks looked to join the Ducks by moving to the second round of the playoffs, but the Dallas Stars had different plans. Dallas goaltender Marty Turco out deuled Roberto Luongo (both goaltenders have been solid) stopping all 21 shots he faced and forward Brendan Morrow scored the lone goal in overtime to defeat the Canucks 1-0, and stave off elimination (I love that term… when’s the last time you staved something? Go out and stave this weekend! STAVE ON!). Vancouver leads the series 3-2.
Game of the Night:
NY Islanders at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Tampa Bay at New Jersey 7:00 PM
San Jose at Nashville 9:00 PM
The Islanders and Predators need to STAVE off elimination tonight, or hit the golf courses. This Lightning and Devils series while early looked like the one of the more more boring matchups is actually becoming pretty exciting. Enjoy the games!
The New Jersey Devils goaltender has done it again. Martin Brodeur continues to swallow up NHL records as methodically as he does pucks. Brodeur won his 47th game of the season last night, and tied Flyers goaltender Bernie Parent's record, which has stood for more than 30 years.
Last evening, the New Jersey Devils goaltender made 22 saves, plus four more during the shootout to lift his team to a 2-1 win over the Ottawa Senators. With the victory, the Devils are now within a point of clinching the Atlantic Division title for the second year in a row, as well as solidifying their position as the number 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
So many storylines going on at once last night, the least of which was their new coach Lou Lamoriello making his coaching debut in place of recently fired Claude Julien. Lamoriello was apparently pleased with the team's effort, as well as the result as the Devils held the offensively gifted Senators to one goal.
Quick Shave:
The playoff battle in the Eastern Conference looks like it really will go down to the final games of the season. Every team that needed to win did so last night (except for the Carolina Hurricanes.... I'll get to them in a minute), the Lightning, the Leafs, Habs, and Islanders all picked up their two points. The New York Islanders had to take the New York Rangers to the shootout to claim their extra point in the standings. The Islanders won 3-2, in large part to their goaltender Wade Dubielewicz, who made 36 saves on the evening including all three he faced in the shootout.... he had tone, as Bill Clement would say. This guy may have saved the Islander's season last night. The Tampa Bay Lightning moved back into 6th place in the East thanks to an early third period surge that lifted them over the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. The loss was a costly one for the Hurricanes as they were officially eliminated from the playoffs. The first time a Stanley Cup Champion has missed the playoffs in the following season since the Devils in 1996, and the first time ever both participants of the Finals the year prior have missed the playoffs. Dark days in Carolina and Edmonton this morning. The Buffalo Sabres wrapped up the number one spot in the Eastern Conference with their 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. The Detroit Red Wings held on to their 1 point lead for the President's Trophy by defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0 last night. Dominik Hasek made 35 saves for his 76th career shutout.... I'd say he's ready for the playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche kept hope alive last night be defeating the Calgary Flames 4-3 last night. Joe Sakic actually defeated the Flames last night, he scored a goal and added three helpers to pull the Avs within 5 points of the Flames. The Avalanche will need to win their remaining games, and hope that the Flames dump all of theirs in order to steal the 8th and final spot in the Western Conference.
Game of the Night:
San Jose at Anaheim 10:00 PM
This is pretty huge. The Anaheim Ducks hold a narrow four point lead over the San Jose Sharks for the Pacific Division title, as well as the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. This is also a playoff preview, as I wouldn't be surprised to see these two teams do battle in the later rounds. Enjoy the games!
Jason Spezza returned to the Ottawa Senators lineup after his five week stint on the IR (curiously Yahoo never put him IR, which really messed with some rosters). Spezza was played sparingly in his first match back in over a month but still helped set up a score by Patrick Eaves. The Ottawa Senators went on to defeat the Boston Bruins last night 3-1, and have now won 12 of their last 15 matches. The Senators sit 4th overall in the Eastern Conference, and after a shaky beginning to the season appear to have regained the form that made them such a dominant team last season.
The Anaheim Ducks will most likely welcome back star defenceman Chris Pronger to the lineup today as they face off against the Dallas Stars. Pronger has been out since the beginning of January after he suffered a broken foot which occurred from blocking a shot. The Ducks have been devestated by injuries over the past month, especially on the defensive side. Scott Niedermayer is also day to day with a stress fracture in his foot, so Pronger's return couldn't have come at a better time. Jean Sebastien Giguere was also planning to return from his groin injury shortly after the All Star break, so he could be back in the lineup soon.
Jose Theodore is expected to get his first start in almost a month for the Colorado Avalanche when they face the Detroit Red Wings today. The last time he minded the pipes he was lit up for 5 goals. Since then sophomore (pretty sure he's a second year player) Peter Budaj has assumed the starting role for the Avalanche, and performed admirably in that spot. This could very well be it for Theodore. The Avalanche have obviously lost complete confidence in him, and are perhaps seeing if he can string together a few solid starts in an effort to attract a trade for him. This is highly unlikely as his play has been awful, and the salary he carries is way too much for most teams to first be able to absorb, and two desire to take on. The Avs are probably stuck with him till his contract expires, which I believe will be following next season.
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Anaheim 3:30 PM
Colorado at Detroit 3:30 PM
San Jose at Vancouver 10:00 PM
The first two early matches should be more intriguing than exciting....well the Stars vs. Ducks game should be a good one, even though Dallas is still playing through the injury bug. The Avs Wings game should be interesting just to see how Theodore fares in his return. The gem today is the Sharks vs. Canucks. Both teams are hot, and this should be an awesome game. Enjoy the games my friends!
The Ottawa Senators continue to own the Buffalo Sabres. Considering the Buffalo Sabres own the rest of the league, this has to be a growing concern for the boys from Western New York. Last night's victory was the fourth time the Senators have beaten the Sabres.
The win was due in large part to the efforts of Senators forward Dany Heatley. Heatley scored three times and successfully joined the NHL Hat Trick club, and also added an assist in the 6-3 victory. Mike Comrie who was acquired from the Phoenix Coyotes earlier in the day arrived in time to be in the lineup made the most of his new opportunity. Comrie contributed two assists in his debut.
Ottawa Senators GM Muckler spoke briefly on his acquisition of Comrie between periods and was happy to land the forward (considering what he gave up for him, I would have to agree) and since they have lost three centers, Comrie could see some considerable ice time, and power play time. If Mike Comrie is available in your fantasy leagues, keep an eye on him.
Quick Shave:
The Vancouver Canucks are really on a roll. Last night they defeated the Dallas Stars 2-1 in a six round shootout. Dallas was the premiere team on the shootout last season, so stealing a win from Turco is impressive. Roberto Luongo made 39 saves for the Canucks. The Los Angeles Kings shutdown the Columbus Blue Jackets last night 3-0. Kings goalie Mathieu Garon made 26 saves for the shutout win. Pittsburgh Penguins owner Mario Lemieux was meeting with Kansas City representatives in an effort to look into the future options for his club. I'm hoping this is just posturing by Lemieux and that the city of Pittsburgh doesn't call his bluff. It would be a shame for the Penguins to leave Pittsburgh, and honestly, I think it would be a bigger shame to see them in Kansas City.
Game of the Night:
Detroit at San Jose 10:30 PM
Do I really need to explain why you should watch this one? Both teams are humming toward the finish line, and this could be a preview to a playoff beard matchup of epic scale in April. Enjoy the games!
What a game. Unfortunately for us, the boys from the North beat us again. Both teams played outstanding, and forced overtime, and an eventual shootout. The final showdown lasted seven rounds (the international version of the shootout is 3 rounds, then after all three players shoot, if the game is still a draw, the original three may shoot again). Jonathan Toews scored the game winner. Canada will play the winner of the Russia vs. Sweden game (later today) for the gold-medal. For more on this visit TSN.ca.
The L.A. Kings have themselves quite a player to look forward to in Jack Johnson. That kid is something special.
In NHL news, the Ottawa Senators who after missing out on Petr Nedved (who was claimed by the Oilers), acquired forward Mike Comrie from the Phoenix Coyotes for Alexei Kaigorodov. Comrie could be in the lineup for the Sens tonight when they play the Sabres if he passes his physical. Comrie was planning on testing the free agent market this summer, and the Coyotes pursued trade options rather than lose the player for nothing.
The Ottawa Senators have lost center Jason Spezza for the next 4-6 weeks due to a knee injury. Spezza sustained the injury after he was hit Thursday night by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Martin St. Louis.
Losing Spezza who leads the Senators with 44 points this season, is another major blow to this club that is already on a downward spiral having lost 6 of their last 8 games. The Senators number one defenceman Wade Redden has spent much of the season hurt, and is a big part of the downfall of this club (that and the loss of Chara to UFA, and not having a legitimate goaltender).
Quick Shave:
Congratulations to Peter Bondra who joined the 500 club last night. Bondra scored the game winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third (big surprise there) to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-1win.
Game of the Night:
Montreal at Boston 7:00 PM
Calgary at San Jose 10:00 PM
An original six matchup that should be a great game.....the Habs are playing great and look for Chris Higgins to join the HTC against the B's.....that's a little self indulgent since i just picked him up the other day.....but the kid is good, and a local. Calgaray and San Jose, I don't really think I need to explain that one do I? Enjoy the games folks, we have a small hiatus for the Christmas break, and the NHL will resume on the 26th!
"When a coach gets fired and the slate's clean, it's really on the players. I said before I took the job I thought there was a good spirit. We needed to gain some confidence by getting a couple of wins."
That's what Ken Hitchcock said two days ago....I wonder what he's saying today? Hitchcock who was fired by the Philadelphia Flyers early in the season after they tripped out of the gate, was quickly scooped up by the Columbus Blue Jackets just a few weeks later. The Blue Jackets were a team many thought (including the Bosher) would finally break the post season bubble, but ended up playing way below expectations and losing 15 of their first 20. Ken Hitchcock has found a way to motivate the potential-ladened team and got them believing they can win. And win they have.
Hitchcock obviously painted his face half-blue, charged into the Jackets locker room on horse back, and delivered his best William Wallace speech....the result has been a four game winning streak.
The players thus far credit the new system that Coach Hitchcock has installed, but they have been executing. Especially the goaltenders, specifically Fredrik Norrena. In the recent 4 game winning streak, the Blue Jackets have surrendered only 3 goals, and put 18 past their opponents.
Last night's match against the Ottawa Senators was perhaps their biggest test so far, and the Blue Jackets answered the bell. The Senators offered up 11 power play opportunities and the Blue Jackets cashed in on 5 of them. Jackets star forward Rick Nash potted the opening two goals, and Dan Fritshe added two more as they went on to defeat the Sens 6-2.
Pascal Leclaire who had been riding the bench in favor of upstart Norrena for the past three games, had a solid two periods, turning aside 19 shots before leaving late in the second period with a leg injury. Norrena went on to complete the win. Columbus' next big test comes appropriately against Ken Hitchcock's other former team, the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, where I'm sure many eyes will be focused. If they keep riding this wave of confidence, there is little doubt this team will climb back into the playoff hunt, and achieve that elusive first post season berth.
Quick Shave: The Chicago Blackhawks got a couple of early Christmas presents. Last night injured forward Martin Havlat returned to lineup this week, and last night scored a goal and assisted on another to help the Hawks to a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Since returning, in the two games he's played so far, Havlat has 3 goals and 2 assists. The Blackhawks' good news didn't stop there, as they signed unrestricted free agent forward Peter Bondra. Bondra could be in the lineup for Tuesday nights game agains the St. Louis Blues, and sits 2 goals shy of joining the 500 club. The New York Rangers have their first three game winning streak of the season, after shutting down the Florida Panthers 2-1. Kevin Weekes was in net for the blue shirts and made 23 saves on the night. Martin Straka set up both Ranger goals and extended his point scoring streak to 10 games, a career best.
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Washington 7:00 PM
Crosby! Ovechkin! Malkin! Oh my! Tonights game features when rookies clash, and I'm sure will be the premiere game on In the Tent with Clement ! It will be great to see how these two sophmores, and potential rookie of the year match up! Enjoy the games!
Wade Redden has just one assist in 10 games this season. He's also, only a +1 rating. Compare this with his 50 point season of last year, and +35 rating, and you pinpoint just one of the many problems the Ottawa Senators are currently having.
It took Dany Heatley, Jason Spezza, and Daniel Alfredsson time to finally get their game going, but it is a poor facsimilie of the torrid pace they set last year. Perhaps trading Martin Havlat and Brian Smolinskin away wasn't the greatest move? Was Zdeno Chara a bigger factor on defense that Redden, and perhaps shouldn't have been allowed to walk through the UFA door? Goaltending? Martin Gerber hasn't been the panacea the Senators had hoped he would be, and just as Ray Emery seemed ready to take the number one spot, he gets injured in practice.
Perhaps it's too early to panic, but looked what just happened in Philadelpia two weeks ago. Like the Philadelphia Flyers, the Ottawa Senators have been huge dissapointments, and like the Flyers, the Senators may be seeing some changes in the very near future. The Flyers purged their front office, and sent some vets down to the minors. GM John Muckler and Coach Bryan Murray can't be too confident about their jobs right now, considering after their 5th straight loss last night to the Atlanta Thrashers, the Ottawa Senators are in 4th place in the Northeast, and are 13th in the Eastern Conference with just 11 points. 5 wins! That's it!
Quick Shave:
The Detroit Red Wings slapped the Edmonton Oilers to the tune of a 3-0 shutout. Hasek earned his 70th career shutout, and only had to make 16 saves in the effort. After a rough west coast road trip, the Red Wings have quietly assumed possession of first place in the Central Division, and sit second only behind Anaheim in the West. Detroit forward Jason Williams, was carried off by stretcher after being checked in the face by Playoff Beard finalist Raffi Torres (aka Snow Job).The New York Rangers defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3 in the shootout last night, that saw Henrik Lundqvist return to the net. Lundqvist stoned all three Panthers forwards in the shootout, and Nylander pants'd Ed Belfour for the win. The Pittsburgh Penguins have fallen back to earth, after they lost their 3rd in a row (pretty sure on that one), to the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 last night. Penguins forward Nils Ekman joined the NHL Hat Trick club last night. Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Mats Sundin will be out about a month with ligament tear in his elbow. The injury occurred against the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday night.
Game of the Night:
Washington at Carolina 7:00 PM
The Capitals are on tear at the moment, and the Hurricanes are starting to look good too. If you haven't seen the Zander's play (Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin) then tonight you have no excuse. Enjoy the games my bearded friends!
The scoring machine that was the Ottawa Senators has broken down again. After leaving Boston with just one goal, last night they could only get two past Montreal Canadiens netminder David Aebischer who stopped the other 31 shots.
The Montreal Canadiens, emerging from some controversy last week over Sergei Samsonov's demotion to the fourth line (the guy hasn't exactly produced, so why was he surprised), and the trade rumors that blossomed from the roster adjustment, responded with a solid game. Samsonov united with countrymen Alexei Kovalev and Alexander Perezhogin assisted on Kovalev's second period score. The Habs new Russian trio line has had two strong showings in a row, and perhaps it is a sign of things to come. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-2, handing the Sens their second loss in a row, and maybe re-igniting rumors in the Canadian Capital.
David Aebischer may also be pushing Habs hero of last season Cristobal Huet back into his role as the no. 2 netminder. If Aebischer's play continues at the current level it will be difficult for Coach Carbonneau to keep from giving him starts. Goaltending controversy anyone? Maybe, but this season, we are bearing witness to a shift in the NHL from bonafide no. 1 and no. 2 goaltenders but rather tandoms that share the load. Aside from Montreal, the San Jose Sharks have made no secret about giving Evgeni Nabokov and Vesa Toskala equal playing time, the Florida Panthers are splitting starts between Alex Auld and Ed Belfour, Ottawa seems to be sharing time between Ray Emery, and Martin Gerber (although Emery is emerging as the favorite), and St. Louis has Manny Legace and Curtis Sanford sharing the workload.
Quick Shave:
The Philadelphia Flyers have offered their General Manager position to NHL Executive Colin Campbell. Thus far Campbell has yet to comment on his interest, but according to reports at TSN.ca, a decision will be made in the next 2 days. The GM position with the Flyers can't be the most attractive opportunity available, because there is a big mess that needs to be cleaned up, and in the salary cap era, little room to do so. Campbell may be happy to remain where he is. The San Jose Sharks waited till the waning moments of the third period to strike, and defeated the Florida Panthers 2-1 on a power play opportunity by defenceman Christian Erhoff. If you remember, they were nicknamed the Cardiac Kids last season, because they had a tendency to keep their fans biting their nails till the end of every game. The Chicago Blackhawks have officially fallen from grace. Unfortunately, hit hard by injuries they have now lost 6 in a row, the last being at the hands of the New York Islanders 5-2. Rick DiPietro has begun to finally find his game for the Islanders, as he stopped 30 shots last night. The New York Rangers have sent defenceman Darius Kasparitis down to their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack for a 10-day conditioning assignment. Kasparitis missed the first 5 games of the season because Coach Tom Renney felt he was physically unfit to play. This could be the first of many moves Renney makes in an effort to ignite the very uninspired play of the Rangers so far this season. Don't be surprised to see more healthy scratches and benchings soon.
Game of the Night:
Calgary at Detroit 7:30 PM
Detroit is hot. Calgary, well, they've been better. Right now a road trip is probably what they need after dropping 2 of 3 at home, the last to the upstart Capitals. Enjoy the games my furry faced friends!
The NHL Hat Trick Club added two new members last night. The first coming from Tampa Bay Lightning forward and former NHL MVP Martin St. Louis. St. Louis broke the team record (which he set) for the fastest hat trick scored. St. Louis scored the three goals during the second period in 6 minutes and 17 seconds, and helped his team defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 (which look like they are having some troubles....and Cam Ward is looking very ordinary.....). The Tampa Bay Lightning have been a team under the rumor focus as of late, especially with the Great Purge in Philly.....could John Tortorella be on his way out if the Lightning don't start getting it done? For more on these rumors check out Spector's Hockey.
Our second addition to the NHLHTC (nice right?) is young Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators. Another team who's awful start was overshadowed by the play of the Philadelphia Flyer, has certainly seemed to turn the corner for good. Since blowing out the Devils 8-1 last Saturday, the Senators offence is on fire. The Ottawa Senators crushed the Toronto Maple Leafs for the second game in a row 7-2. Dany Heatley scored three goals for the hat trick, and Jason Spezza who has also left his scoring slump behind had 5 points on the match. Coach Bryan Murray, and GM John Muckler are certainly breathing a little easier after this week, for if the Sens hadn't straightened out their play, they could be playing golf with Hitch and Clarke by now.
Quick Shave:
The Buffalo Sabres have tied the record for most wins in a row to start a season, set by the Leafs in 1994 with 10. While their 10th win came against the punchless Islanders (perhaps Dunham should return to the crease), the Sabres show no sign of letting up. They can break the record with their 11th win, on Saturday night if they can defeat the Atlanta Thrashers....a team that is beginning to look and play alot like the Sabres. Game of the Night all over that one! After a couple of rough outtings, New Jersey Devils goalie Martin Brodeur responded with 29 save performance and helped his team shutout the Florida Panthers 3-0. The shutout was Brodeur's 82nd, which ties him with Jacques Plante for fourth overall on the shutout list. Peter Forsberg and Simone Gagne helped the Philadelphia Flyers to their second win of the season, and perhaps the turning point of the club under new head coach John Stevens. The Flyers defeated the Thrashers 3-2 in the shootout. Coach Hartley of the Thrashers pulled netminder Hedberg in favor of Lehtonen for the shootout (Kari Lehtonen, prior to last night was 6-1 on the shootout....but I believe he was the goalie in net during the game, not in relief), while on paper it may have looked like a good move, Lehtonen appeared cold, and was only able to stop one goal. It appears the sleeping giant in the desert has awakened! The unstoppable, playoff bound, Stanley Cup Contending Phoenix Coyotes mauled the Edmonton Oilers 6-2 last night. Most of the last sentence was nonsense....other than the score....the Oilers actually did lose to the Yotes. San Jose Shark's goalie Vesa Toskala lost his first game of the season to the Nashville Predators last night 4-3. Predators rookie Alexander Radulov scored his first career NHL goal....is it fantasy pick up time yet.....no not yet, but I'd put him on your watch list.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Minnesota 8:00 PM
Two powerhouses do battle in the West. Minnesota looks stellar so far, and playing the Ducks should be a solid bench test for them. Enjoy the beard!
Little shakin', little tenderizin', ....down you go
The San Jose Sharks are beginning to realize their potential this season, and are lining up the giants of the West and knocking them down one by one. Just two nights removed from shutting out the undefeated Dallas Stars, 2-0, the Sharks took advantage of a penalty filled game to score 5 power play goals, and win their sixth game over the Detroit Red wings 5-1.
Joe Thornton who had been quiet for a few games finally hit paydirt (thank you! he's my first rounder in one league!) by setting up winger Jonathan Cheechoo on the powerplay, and assisting on another. Patrick Marleau had two goals on the night (and seems to be blossoming in his second line center position), as did Milan Michalek, Mark Bell, and the aforementioned Cheechoo.
The Sharks have been platooning the goaltending between Vesa Toskala and Evgeni Nabokov since the start of the season. Both have responded well to the every other game starts. Nabokov has already pitched to shutouts, and Toskala responded last night by making 21 saves against the Red Wings.
Quick Shave:
As if things couldn't get worse for the Philadelphia Flyers. After watching 13 goals go by them in the last two games, and three of their own get sent down to the farm, they lost captain Peter Forsberg to a wrist injury for at least the next game. This was bound to happen sooner or later. Or sooner than later. The Flyers were dismantled by the Lightning 4-1 last night and don't appear to show any signs of life. The Pittsburgh Penguins and their young guns Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin stole a game from the Islanders in OT last night 4-3. Malkin scored his second goal of the season, in his second game of the season and just looks special out there. Crosby had three assists on the night. The New York Islanders have looked solid with Mike Dunham in net and for the fourth straight game have managed to secure a point in the standings. I think these guys are gonna be alright.....but what happens when DiPietro returns? Whats up with the Ottawa Senators? This is the biggest shock that has been quietly swept under the carpet....until now!!! BOSH is draggin' it back out. The Senators have lost 4 straight, and what's worse....they can't score. Dany Heatley got his first goal last night. First goal? He, Daniel Alfreddson, and Jason Spezza have been scarily quiet. There are rumors that GM John Muckler is looking into acquiring Yanic Perrault (from Hockey Night in Canada, and Spector on the Face Off Hockey Show), but I'm not sure that he will be the panacea for this team. Another team up north, the Calgary Flames are having a rough start too. Still unable to find the offence they long for, they are now having trouble getting the same goaltending they got a season ago from Vezina winner Miikka Kiprusoff.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at Buffalo 8:00 PM
Oh hell yeah! Rematch of the season opener and I think the Hurricanes will be ready. If anyone can topple the monsters from West New York its the boys from Raleigh! Enjoy the games!!!
The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner was on his way to making the Edmonton Oilers pay early this morning. Jonathan Cheechoo lit the lamp three times for his first hat trick of the young season. Down 4-2, the Oilers mounted an unlikely comeback in the third period. Powered by Ryan Smyth, and his hat trick, the Oilers scored 4 unanswered goals to beat the San Jose Sharks 6-4.
Ryan Smyth broke Wayne Gretzky's record (set in '88 if I heard correctly), for the fastest three goals by an Edmonton Oilers player. Smyth potted the first two on the power play 14 seconds apart, and nabbed the third less than a minute later.
What a hockey game! It really looked as though the Sharks had this one in the bag, and apparently they did too, and came out way too complacent in the third. The Oilers stormed Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov who faced multiple breakaways (one of which Ales Hemsky finished the scoring on) and odd man opportunites, and looked as though he was left to fend for himself. Edmonton looked like the same refuse to die team we all witnessed in last years playoffs. Dwayne Roloson looked like the playoff version of himself, weathering the Sharks attack for the final period with little difficulty. Two Hat Tricks in one game! That's nice.
Quick Shave
Not to be out done, Brian Gionta of the New Jersey Devils joined Mattheiu Schneider, Jonathan Cheechoo, and Ryan Smyth in this week's Hat Trick Club by helping his team climb back into the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. Gionta, just re-signed by the Devils last week, potted three goals in the third to tie the game 6-6, and force overtime, and the eventual shootout where New Jersey won 7-6. The Calgary Flames still can't find the offence they long for, but their opponents aren't able to find any when facing Miikka Kiprusoff. Jarome Iginla scored the only goal of the game, and that was all the Flames needed as Kiprusoff shut the door on the Ottawa Senator, stopping all 33 shots he faced for the 1-0 win. The Pittsburgh Penguins are showing signs of the juggernaut they are destined to become. The Penguins had a back and forth matchup against the New York Rangers that saw Sidney Crosby have a 4 point evening including the game winning power play goal with seconds remaining to give his team the 6-5 win. Jordan Staal, the younger brother of Hurricanes forward Eric Staal potted his first ever NHL goal on a beautiful shorthanded breakway against Rangers keeper Henrik Lundqvist. The second overall pick in this years Entry Draft, had a terrific game and is giving the Penguins all the reason in the world to keep him on the team. The Chicago Blackhawks beat the Nashville Predators for the second time in two weeks, and kept them from finding their first win. Martin Havlat, whom the Blackhawks picked up in a trade from Ottawa, and signed for the long term has really answered the bell. Havlat had a goal last night against the Predators and in 3 games has 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists). The Minnesota Wild are still unbeaten after taking it to the Washington Capitals in a shootout victory 3-2. UFA acquisition defenceman Kim Johnsson potted both goals in regualtion on the powerplay.
Game of the Night:
Buffalo at Detroit 7:00 PM
A Friday the 13th matchup! This one is for you Jeff! The unbeaten Buffalo Sabres storm in to Detroit tonight to face off agains the Red Wings. This is a great test for both teams. The Red Wings have the opportunity to answer the critics against one of the hottest teams in the league. Enjoy the games!
On a night where the Carolina Hurricanes raised their Stanley Cup Banner to celebrate their 2005-2006 season, the Buffalo Sabres were only thinking about how they fell one game short to the same team only months ago in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The Buffalo Sabres weathered an early storm (no pun intended) of shots by the Hurricanes on opening night, till Pomminville opened the scoring for the Sabres halfway through the first. Staal evened the score minutes later for the Hurricanes. Both teams traded goals on scores by the Hurricanes Erik Cole, and Buffalo's Chris Drury. After that it was all goaltending.
Buffalo's Ryan Miller made 32 saves while Cam Ward stopped 30 shots, till the game went to OT, and the inevitable shootout. The Sabres Daniel Briere scored the only goal during the shoot out, and Ryan Miller shut down the Canes to take the first win of the NHL season 3-2.
Senators level Leafs
The Maple Leafs need goal scoring. They also need defense, and perhaps goaltending. The only Leafs goal was provided by Mats Sundin on a penalty shot. Other than that it was all Ottawa. Patrick Eaves, Chris Neil, Christoph Schubert, and Daniel Alfredsson all recorded tallies in the 4-1 victory over the Maple Leafs.
Dallas stuns Colorado
WOW! Dallas looked horrible all game, and in fact didn't even show up till the third. If not for Turco, they would have been down far more than 2-0 to the Avs. In the third however, Theodore didn't show up, and let two quick goals by in the opening minutes. The game went to OT, where the Avs started on a power play which they failed to convert. As the penalty ended, Turco fed a sweet pass to Darryl Sydor who was just out of the sin bin and broke free to wrist one over Theodore's right shoulder and help Dallas to a 3-2 OT victory!
Game of the night:
Vancouver at Detroit 7:00 PM
Calgary at Edmonton 10:00 PM
I give you two, because I'm generous. I'm really interested to see the new looks of all four of these teams. Vancouver's new goalie in Roberto Luongo, and will Naslund lineup with the Sedin boys? How will Detroit fare in the post Yzerman / Shanahan era.....and how will Hasek be in net for the Wings? In Calgary, has Iginla finally found the scoring linemate he has so desperately been seeking in Tanguay, and how will Edmonton respond after coming within a game of winning the Stanley Cup? All these questions will be answered tonight! Probably not all tonight, but some perhaps. Regardless, both matches look to be the most exciting ones on the card! Enjoy the games!
The 2006-2007 NHL Season officially begins tonight, and what better way to kick start than with a rematch of the Eastern Conference finalists Buffalo Sabres, facing off against the team that beat them in game 7 and went on to become the Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes? Both teams have had some turnover during the off season, but the core players that took them to the promised land last season remain. Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes will look to improve upon his 100 point (45 goals, 55 assists) regular season in 2005-2006, and help his team defend their title. Staal led all player in the playoffs last season with 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists).
The Buffalo Sabres spent most of the summer battling arbitraters and for the most part came out on top. Daniel Briere will be out to prove that his $5 million arbitration award was deserved and help bring his Sabres over the hump. This should be an awesome matchup and the launchpad for one of the newest rivalries. I'm definitely calling this one my Game of the Night!
Also on the card this evening is Ottawa travelling to meet the Leafs in Toronto. No Hasek? No Chara? No Problem. A younger squad of Sens will surely test the new blue line corps of the Leafs tonite, and see if all that money they threw at Hal Gil, and Pavel Kubina was worth it.
The late game is another playoff rematch from last season between the Dallas Stars, who were handily whipped by the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. All eyes will be on Stars goaltender Marty Turco, to see if he can shake off the sting of yet another dissapointing playoffs. Keep an eye on Marek Svatos of the Avs....the kid can fly and hopefully won't fall into a sophomore slump.
Tonight's Games:
Buffalo at Carolina 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Toronto 7:30 PM
Dallas at Colorado 10:00 PM
Tonight's Show:
October 4th Show
Drop the puck, it's time to go. The NHL season gets underway tonight and we'll give you the latest from the first night of hockey. Lyle Richardson from Spector's Hockey will join us to talk about Lou Lamoriello's deal with the Devils and the moves on the last week of camps. Michael Dolan from FHM Magazine will join us to talk about the FHM NHL Preview, the happenings on the website, and how much damage the crew did at the FHM/NHL Party last Wednesday. All that, plus the beginning of the FOHSHL Report and more from the WHL in the WHL Report. We're chocked full of action and it's just night one.
The Ottawa Senators have traded forwards Martin Havlat and Bryan Smolinski to the Chicago Blackhawks, in an unusual three team trade. The Blackhawks have sent Mark Bell to the Sharks for Tom Priessing and Josh Hennessey, who they then flipped to Ottawa along with Michal Barinka and a 2008 2nd round pick.
Nice pick up for the Hawks. If they can sign Havlat to a long term deal, then it's a great pick up. For the Senators, it appears that Muckler was tired of Havlat's on ice antics, and his refusal to sign a deal longer than one year. Havlat has been adamant about testing the free agent waters next summer when he becomes a UFA. Smolinski is a salary dump, plain and simple. The guy is a good player but he is making way too much money.
Ottawa has reportedly locked up defenceman Wade Redden to a 2 year $13 million contract, and the Senators fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Does this mean Chara is on his way out? Perhaps. He will most certainly seek, and find offers in the same range as Redden's deal if he isn't signed by tomorrow evening. For more on this report visit TSN.ca.
Stars waive Guerin
The only surprise here is that they didn't do this last year. Guerin will be a very affordable pickup for a team looking for a little extra offense. If he can find his game again, or learn to adapt to the new NHL then he would be a steal for someone.
Roberts wants a trade to Toronto
Apparently he wants to spend more time with his daughter. Whatever the reason, I see the Leafs jumping all over this one and trading a few first rounders in next years draft for him. Gary Roberts fits the prototypical mold of the aging, past prime, often injured, veteran type player that make up the Leafs. Expect to see him on the IR in Toronto next season.
Ottawa Senators GM John Muckler, came out swinging yesterday, almost immediately after reports were stating that Hasek was finished for the year. He dismissed the reports as "totally untrue". You can read more about this at TSN.ca.
What's going on with the Sabres? One win in their last nine games, including a 7-0 blowout at the hands of the Leafs last night. These guys are not entering the playoffs on the good foot.
Florida won the first of a must win home and home against the Bolts last night and inched closer to the playoffs. Six points separate the two teams.
The Capitals shutout the Sens 1-0 last night. Goalie Brent Johnson made 46 saves enroute to his 16th career shutout and Alexander the GR8 (oh i feel sooo dirty) had an assist on the lone goal by Dainius Zubrus.
Last night's scores:
New Jersey 4 Philadelphia 1 F
Carolina 2 Atlanta 5 F
Chicago 2 Columbus 5 F
Boston 0 Montreal 2 F
Buffalo 0 Toronto 7 F
Tampa Bay 2 Florida 4 F Washington 1 Ottawa 0 F
St. Louis 1 Nashville 2 F Calgary 4 Edmonton 1 F
Dallas 0 Los Angeles 1 F Phoenix 4 San Jose 3 F (OT)
Game of the night:
Vancouver at Anaheim 4:00 PM
This one is for position. Anaheim has 88 points and Vancouver 87. With only 7 game remaining, the Canucks have not secured their playoff spot, and doing so tonite against a very hot Anaheim team will be a difficult task. Enjoy the games!
Well this one is for my bro Playoff Moustache! TSN.ca is reporting that the Dominator has been dominated by his gimpy groin. Ottawa Senators officials say this in untrue, but as I commented earlier this morning, Rotowire.com was reporting that Hasek only skated in warmups, not in equipment yesterday. Big news out of Ottawa. Looks like Sens fans are on one knee right now, doing there best Princess Leia impressions...."Help me Ray Emery...you're my only hope."
I think Ottawa can breathe a sigh of relief for now. Obviously, losing Dominik Hasek would dishearten any fan looking for the Stanley Cup, but backup turned starter Ray Emery has been outstanding. He started the year off great, hit a rough patch (which caused most of the concerns) and since taking over the injured Hasek, has been fantastic (tired of using the word stellar, you can make a drinking game out of that reading the hockey coverage). Emery continued his amazing run in March by helping the Sens beat the Rangers 4-1 last night for his 12th victory. That win tied him with Bernie Parent's 1974 record of most victories in a month. Emery has gone 12-4 in March, and should Hasek not return in time for the playoffs should be formidable in net for the Sens. I know he doesn't have 'playoff experience', but this team is loaded with skill, especially offensively. I see no reason why they won't be in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Last night's scores:
Washington 2 Montreal 3 F (OT)
Buffalo 1 New Jersey 3 F
NY Rangers 1 Ottawa 4 F
Atlanta 3 Tampa Bay 4 F Detroit 4 Nashville 2 F
Los Angeles 0 Edmonton 4 F Phoenix 5 San Jose 2 F
Game of the night:
Florida at Carolina 7:00 PM
Ok, this is the first of a three parter. If Florida can beat the Canes, then they will go into a two game matchup against the the Lightning with a ton of momentum. This is do or die for the Panther's tonite. Huge game. I think if they win this, we will see them in the 8th spot. Enjoy the games!
Since we are nearing the completion of the 2005-2006 NHL Season, I thought I would start breaking down the awards, and those who I feel will have a good chance of winning them.
The Norris trophy. Awarded to the best defenseman, and the individual with the best beard and roundhouse kick. This year we have a busload of possibilities. I'm going to give you my top three, and hopefully pick the winner (I picked Sweden to win the Gold and the Rangers to make the playoffs this year, so I'm not doing to shabby this year!!). Here are my top three, in no particular order:
Matt Schneider of the Detroit Red Wings
What a season Schneider is having. 21 goals, 31 assists, and an amazing +26. If he's on the ice, chances are he's scoring, helping someone else to score, and keeping you away from his net. He's no Mary either. Schneider has always played with a certain level of ferocity (ever since he was a Ranger, man I can understand that, cuz we were all pissed back then. Side Note....one of Sather's biggest blunders was not resigning this guy, he was a great New York Ranger), and has amassed 76 minutes in penalties. Schneider also has 25 power play points and 4 game winning goals. Fortunately Schneider is a big part of my first place fantasy squad.
Lubomir Visnovsky of the Los Angeles Kings
Visnovsky is having a stellar campaign. 17 goals, 43 assists, and a very nice +14. Visnovsky has been making his living on the power play this year with 37 points and has recorded 3 game winning goals. If you drafted him in your fantasy team this year, then you are happier than Frederica Bimmell at a seamstress convention. Visnovsky is a huge part of LA's powerhouse season.
Niklas Lidstrom
It's hard to not name this guy. Lidstrom is always up for or winning this award (he's won it 3 times (2000-2001, 2001-2002, 2002-2003)). It won't be long before we have to rename this the Lidstrom trophy. This year is no different. Lidstrom has 13 goals, and 54 assists and is a +13. He has 44 points on the power play and 2 game winning goals. If Lidstrom wins it this year, no one will be shocked. This guy is the model of consistency.
Here are a few other guys worth looking at, but I don't think they will make the final three due to weaknesses that these fellas above really don't have. Bryan McCabe is having an outstanding year point wise for the Leafs, especially on the PP, but he is a -1. Wade Redden is having a career year as well. 46 points and a +33, but his point totals don't come near my top 3. Dion Phaneuf, your years will come my man. This youngster has had an amazing season, and if not for the depth of the rookie class he'd be raising the Calder Trophy this year and having tea with Ms. MacGill. Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Sergei Zubov, and Zedeno Chara, are all playing world class hockey this year.
I think the winner is going to be a toss up between Lidstrom and Schneider. If you went on points alone you have to give it to Lidstrom, but I think Schneider has had a better all-around season. I'm going to say Matt Schneider wins the Norris Trophy. PlayoffBeard Alert: Schneider grows a beauty in the post season. His beard would make Kris Kristofferson weep, and order the roast duck with the mango salsa.
Last night's scores:
Philadelphia 4 Florida 0 F
Anaheim 1 Detroit 3 F
Columbus 2 Chicago 3 F
Game of the night:
NY Islanders at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Let's give the Islander's there due. Milbury tried to sink this team like the Andrea Doria, but they have refused to quit and are on a 4 game winning streak. Unfortunately the lost Alexei Zhitnik the other night to a broken ankle for the rest of the season but I think they are used to this kind of adversity. Atlanta wants the last playoff spot. So do the Isles. This should have a playoff type feel to it. DiPietro has been playing like a man possessed lately as well. The Olympics actually did a player good (he played for USA so in fairness their was plenty of time to rest). Enjoy the games!
Ray Emery is helping to quell the rumors that the Senators will be shopping for goaltending help at the deadline. Emery has lead the Senators to their fifth straight win, with a 31 save shutout performance against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning 4-0 last night. For more on this story goto TSN.ca.
Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins has been suspended for three games for his hit from behind on Carolina Hurricanes Erik Cole. Orpik will lose a little less than $10,000 in salary during the suspension. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Last night's scores:
Florida 3 Atlanta 4 F (SO) Carolina 2 NY Rangers 1 F
Montreal 4 Philadelphia 5 F (SO)
NY Islanders 2 Washington 5 F Ottawa 4 Tampa Bay 0 F
Game of the night:
Montreal at Toronto 7:30 PM
Let's keep it Canadian tonite. This game is huge for Toronto. It is a must win. Montreal holds the final playoff spot, so this game really will determine what the Leafs do at the deadline. Enjoy the games.
While the Olympic tournament has been exciting to watch, it has been also a time of concern and potential disaster for a few NHL teams.
The biggest has to be Dominik Hasek. The Ottawa Senators had been riding high on the legs of Hasek all year, and 1 period into the Olympics, he gets injured, or re-injured rather. His groin, which has been suspect for some time has reared its ugly head again, and now has GM John Muckler scrambling with 2 weeks to go before the trade deadline to determine whether to acquire a goaltender or not.
Peter Forsberg, also playing with a sore groin, and the key word is playing....is risking a season ending injury, thus completely destroying the hopes of the Flyers making it to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Patrick Elias was injured early in the tournament, the extent of which I'm not sure of, but he has been kept out since.
Joe Sakic received a fractured cheekbone and lovely beauty mark during a game against Switzerland.
The Canucks have just received word that not only was Mattias Ohlund injured with broken ribs for Sweden, but Sami Salo, another Canucks defenseman, has suffered a shoulder injury.
Jaromir Jagr almost appeared lost for the season after an elbow to the skull.
It's been interesting, and perhaps has changed the scope of this NHL season, not to mention the policies in following seasons. We'll see.
Dominik Hasek has reportedly sustained a leg injury during the first period of Germany vs. Czech Republic currently still in progress. Germany holds a 1-0 lead over the Czech Republic still in the first. Thanks to NHL.com radio program for the update! Tomas Vokoun has replaced Hasek at the 9:25 mark in the game.
As I said a week ago, Ottawa was picked by just about everyone to contend for the cup this year. Their counterpart, also predicted by just about everyone to land in the Stanley Cup Finals, is the Calgary Flames.
Calgary is currently in 5th place overall in the West and tied for 1st in the Northwest with Vancouver with 67 points. After a solid showing in 2003, Calgary lost a dissapointing game 7 to the current Stanley Cup Champions Tampa Bay Lightning. The Flames have rebounded and are positioning themselves for another successful post season.
New additions, Tony Amonte, Darren McCarty, and Rookie of the Year candidate Dion Phaneuf have made the Flames an even stronger team this year. Goaltending is still a strength, with Miikka Kiprusoff between the pipes, who is currently ranked 5th in the NHL with 27 wins.
The face of the Calgary Flames, team captain, and perhaps one of the best players in the NHL is Jarome Iginla. Iginla has 25 goals and 17 assists in 54 games this season. Although not producing point wise at the level he was last season, he brings other intangibles to the rink. He is a prototypical power forward. Strength, speed, great shot, and a tremendous dancer. In 2003-2004 he won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy (shared with Kovalchuk and Nash) for most goals scored. For the Flames to compete for the Cup again this year they need Iginla to be his best. Playoffbeard Alert: Jarome is on the cusp of being one of the greats. If the Flames can succeed in the playoffs this year, it will be hard to tell Jarome Iginla from Kris Kristofferson.
Last nights scores:
Carolina 4 Boston 3 F (SO)
Philadelphia 0 Montreal 5 F
Game of the night:
Nashville at Dallas 8:00 PM
2nd place Dallas faces off against 4th place Nashville tonite! Dallas will be looking to rebound from a loss to St. Louis....by taking Nashville to the shootout! Enjoy the game!
The Senators were picked by just about everyone and their mothers to finish first and win the Stanley Cup. Thus far they have done little to dissapoint. They are first in the NorthEast Division with 72 points and are second overal in the league (2 points behind the surprising Carolina Hurricanes, who have been one of the few teams able to solve the Senators this year).
The trade of Marian Hossa to Atlanta for Dany Heatley, has really been one of great success for both clubs. Heatley was the perfect compliment for Alfredsson and Spezza (originally it was slated to be Brandon Bochenski and not Alfredsson, after a ridiculous pre-season, but he froze up in the regular season and was sent down to the minors). Hossa has not lost a step in Atlanta with 61 points and is helping to bring the Thrashers their first playoff birth in franchise history (they are currently 8th overall in the East).
The top line of Daniel Alfredsson (70 points), Dany Heatley (67points), and Jason Spezza (54points) continues to dominate. They are a combined +87, which means, and to quote Ivan Drago's manager from Rocky IV..."Whatever he hits....he destroys!" As if that wasn't enough, the Senators top defensive pairing of Zedeno Chara (29 points, +21) and Wade Redden (39 points, +31) are both having Norris calibre seasons. What's left? Dominik Hasek in goal. Who at the age of 40 still continues to play at an extremely high level (see my fantasy report article to see how much buttocks he is kicking).
Playoff Beard Alert:
Daniel Alfredsson is one of my Top 5 picks for best beard this year. Why? Well in the past, he has shown tremendous skill in the facial hair category, and his lid was so big 2 years ago Michal Handzus was quoted as saying "that guy needs a trim". Given that and the extremely good chances that Ottawa will be playing into the later rounds, I expect to see Alfredsson looking like the Wolfman and ordering the roast duck with the mango salsa.
Last Nights Scores:
Minnesota 3 Columbus 4 F
New Jersey 0 Florida 4 F
Game of the Night:
Detroit at Dallas 2:00 PM
Both teams are humming, and as I said in Thursday's GOTN, you have to beat Dallas in regulation because they don't lose in the shootout. Colorado didn't take my advice and of course, Dallas won its seventh consecutive game on shootout and remain undefeated in it. By the way, if this one does go to a shootout....psssst....Manny....Jussi Jokinen will be going to the backhand. Enjoy the games!
The Ottawa Senators have traded unhappy forward Dany Heatley to the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks who were rumored to be the only 'real' team in contention to land Heatley (meaning he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause and accept a deal) sent forwards Milan Michalek, and Jonathan Cheechoo and a second round pick to the Senators for Heatley and a fifth round pick.
Daniel Alfredsson won't be retiring anytime soon afterall.
I'd like to send an apology out to Martin Brodeur who is the latest recipient of the infamous Curse of Bosh. Since declaring his greatness last week, Brodeur has been unable to capture a win, point in fact, the then winless Philadelphia Flyers were able to put up a pair of back to back wins over the weekend (which included a smoke grenade - well done Philly fans) and last night was torched for 5 goals on 48 shots (way to show up D) by the Toronto Maple Leafs last night... who went on to beat the New Jersey Devils 6-5 by way of shootout. 
Thus far, the New York Rangers free agent signings are already paying dividends.
Markus Naslund scored in his debut as a New York Ranger yesterday, to help lift his new club to a 2-1 win over the Tampa Bay Ligntning. The game which marked the beginning of the NHL season was played in Prague, Czech Republic.
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.
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.
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.
The Anaheim Ducks shutdown line did it's job for the second straight game against the Senators and then some last night.
Quick Shave:
I was at a party yesterday, and a friend of mine threw me a question…. “Hey Boshy, who do you like in the finals?”
The Sabres stay alive. Finally a ray of hope... and not the Ray that has been stellar in net for the Ottawa Senators all series (and all post season for that matter).
Quick Shave:
The New Jersey Devils goaltender has done it again. Martin Brodeur continues to swallow up NHL records as methodically as he does pucks. Brodeur won his 47th game of the season last night, and tied Flyers goaltender Bernie Parent's record, which has stood for more than 30 years.
Quick Shave:
Jose Theodore is expected to get his first start in almost a month for the Colorado Avalanche when they face the Detroit Red Wings today. The last time he minded the pipes he was lit up for 5 goals. Since then sophomore (pretty sure he's a second year player) Peter Budaj has assumed the starting role for the Avalanche, and performed admirably in that spot. This could very well be it for Theodore. The Avalanche have obviously lost complete confidence in him, and are perhaps seeing if he can string together a few solid starts in an effort to attract a trade for him. This is highly unlikely as his play has been awful, and the salary he carries is way too much for most teams to first be able to absorb, and two desire to take on. The Avs are probably stuck with him till his contract expires, which I believe will be following next season.
"When a coach gets fired and the slate's clean, it's really on the players. I said before I took the job I thought there was a good spirit. We needed to gain some confidence by getting a couple of wins." 
The Chicago Blackhawks got a couple of early Christmas presents. Last night injured forward Martin Havlat returned to lineup this week, and last night scored a goal and assisted on another to help the Hawks to a 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. Since returning, in the two games he's played so far, Havlat has 3 goals and 2 assists. The Blackhawks' good news didn't stop there, as they signed unrestricted free agent forward Peter Bondra. Bondra could be in the lineup for Tuesday nights game agains the St. Louis Blues, and sits 2 goals shy of joining the 500 club. The New York Rangers have their first three game winning streak of the season, after shutting down the Florida Panthers 2-1. Kevin Weekes was in net for the blue shirts and made 23 saves on the night. Martin Straka set up both Ranger goals and extended his point scoring streak to 10 games, a career best.
The scoring machine that was the Ottawa Senators has broken down again. After leaving Boston with just one goal, last night they could only get two past Montreal Canadiens netminder David Aebischer who stopped the other 31 shots.
The NHL Hat Trick Club added two new members last night. The first coming from Tampa Bay Lightning forward and former NHL MVP Martin St. Louis. St. Louis broke the team record (which he set) for the fastest hat trick scored. St. Louis scored the three goals during the second period in 6 minutes and 17 seconds, and helped his team defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 5-1 (which look like they are having some troubles....and Cam Ward is looking very ordinary.....). The Tampa Bay Lightning have been a team under the rumor focus as of late, especially with the Great Purge in Philly.....could John Tortorella be on his way out if the Lightning don't start getting it done? For more on these rumors check out 
The San Jose Sharks are beginning to realize their potential this season, and are lining up the giants of the West and knocking them down one by one. Just two nights removed from shutting out the undefeated Dallas Stars, 2-0, the Sharks took advantage of a penalty filled game to score 5 power play goals, and win their sixth game over the Detroit Red wings 5-1.
What a hockey game! It really looked as though the Sharks had this one in the bag, and apparently they did too, and came out way too complacent in the third. The Oilers stormed Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov who faced multiple breakaways (one of which Ales Hemsky finished the scoring on) and odd man opportunites, and looked as though he was left to fend for himself. Edmonton looked like the same refuse to die team we all witnessed in last years playoffs. Dwayne Roloson looked like the playoff version of himself, weathering the Sharks attack for the final period with little difficulty. Two Hat Tricks in one game! That's nice.
On a night where the Carolina Hurricanes raised their Stanley Cup Banner to celebrate their 2005-2006 season, the Buffalo Sabres were only thinking about how they fell one game short to the same team only months ago in the Eastern Conference Finals.
