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 It’s that time of year again - the Florida Panthers kick off the season on October 11th against Atlanta at 7 p.m. We’d love to see a post of this on your site if you’re interested.
To get fans properly pumped up, the Panthers launched the Countdown to Opening Night driven by Hyundai on September 10th. It started off with a surprise guest appearance by head coach Peter DeBoer on Sports Talk 790 The Ticket with Sid Rosenberg.
If you missed that appearance though – don’t worry. The next month is absolutely packed with community, promotional, radio and television appearances leading up to the season opener. It will be highlighted by four exclusive invitation-only season seat owner parties that will take place at Mayors, North America’s leading luxury brand and manufacturer of fine jewelry, where fans will have the chance to meet Panthers players and enter and win prize packages worth over $2,000!
For a FULL list of events, please view the official press release below. This info can also be found at www.floridapanthers.com.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The Toronto Maple Leafs finally traded defenceman Bryan McCabe to the Florida Panthers yesterday following a month of rumors that had the high-priced blueliner destined to be moved there.
The Panthers were reportedly waiting to make the deal official until the 1st of September, after McCabe was payed a bonus of $2 million by the Leafs... money they had no desire to be responsible for.
In exchange for McCabe, the Leafs recieve defenceman Mike Van Ryn and a 4th round pick in 2010.
Moving McCabe is perhaps the final cap on the roster-gutting interim GM Cliff Fletcher was brought in to oversee. The 2008-2009 Toronto Maple Leafs will look very different from the squad that was iced last season.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 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!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 The New York Rangers scored on their first shot of the season last night. Rangers defenceman Michal Rozsival scored just 37 seconds into the match against the Florida Panthers.
The Rangers followed that goal by allowing the Florida Panthers to dictate play for the next two periods, and eventually surrendering the lead in the second period on a pair of goals by Panther's Brett McLean, and Nathan Horton (who looked pretty sharp, and should be on your fantasy watch list is he's not already been scooped up).
Seven minutes into the third, the Rangers found their legs again thanks to a goal by forward Petr Prucha, which tied the game at 2 a piece, and minutes later Chris Drury collected a Jagr rebound to pot the eventual game winner. Sophomore Ryan Callahan (although he may still technically be a rookie since he only played a handful of games late last season) scored 12 seconds later, and forward Martin Straka capped the scoring to give the Rangers a 5-2 win.
New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist kept his team in the game by turning aside 27 shots in the game, many coming in the first two periods. The Rangers were actually being outshot 16-6 midway through the second.
Chris Drury had a great debut at the Garden. He scored the game winner and also setup two other scores. The youngsters looked pretty good last night, considering the stage they were on, but for first timers, I would say Brandon Dubinsky, and Marc Staal played well, and with good energy.
 Quick Shave:
If you have Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley or Jason Spezza on your fantasy roster this season, you are going to have a great year. Alfredsson, and Heatley both scored (actually Alfie scored two including the game winner) to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 for the second night in a row. Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala was just as successful as his predecessor from the evening before in Andrew Raycroft. Neither could find an answer to stop the Ottawa Senators high powered first line. Vincent Lecavalier started right were he left off last season by scoring two for the Tampa Bay Lightning to help his team defeat the New Jersey Devils 3-1 in their home opener last night. Jason Arnott was also a two goal scorer last night potting a pair in the Nashville Predators 4-0 romp over the Colorado Avalanche last night.
Game of the Night
San Jose at Vancouver 10:00 PM
A couple of Stanley Cup favorites square off tonight. Are the Sharks worth the press that's been written about them all pre-season? Is EA Games right?
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 I think everyone knew that some goaltenders would be on the move, but I was a little surprised at the names, and the teams that made deals.
The biggest move, had to be the Nashville Predators dealing starting goaltender Tomas Vokoun to the Florida Panthers for a collection of high draft picks (next years 1st rounder, and two second rounders). Vokoun will fill a big hole for the Panthers in net who will most likely lose Belfour to free agency, retirement, or jail this summer. The Predators were so pleased the backup netminder Chris Mason's performance last season during Vokoun's injuries that they have bet the farm on him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Vesa Toskala and forward Mark Bell from the San Jose Sharks for a first round pick, a second round pick, and a fourth round pick in 2009. Toskala will challenge Andrew Raycroft for the starting role in Toronto. Mark Bell who had a nightmarish season beginning with a pre-season drunk driving episode will look to rebound for the Leafs.
There were some other talks of movement involving other keepers. The Boston Bruins were trying to acquire Manny Fernandez from the Minnesota Wild but a deal never came to fruition. Apparently they are now turning their sights towards Anaheim Ducks backup Ilya Bryzgalov. For more rumors check out Spector!
The Philadelphia Flyers locked up forward Scott Hartnell to a 6 year $25.2 million dollar deal, and defenceman Kimmo Timonen to a 6 year $37.8 million dollar contract. Both players were acquired by the Flyers from the Predators for a first round pick (the same one Nashville sent to Philadelphia in the Forsberg trade), and would have become unrestricted free agents at the beginning of July. The Flyers also locked up goaltender Anterro Nittymaki to a two year deal. I think the Flyers are going to bounce back hard from last season. In fact judging by the talent they are acquiring in bunches, I expect them to very competitive next season.
 The free agency period is looming and there are some very big names about to jump into the deep end of that pool. Forwards Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Ryan Smyth, Sheldon Souray and Michael Nylander top the list and should command big dollars if they hit the open market. The Islanders are apparently hard at work trying to re-sign Smyth before he goes UFA as are the Rangers who would love to keep Nylander centering Jagr. The Sabres are hoping to hold onto one of their free agent forwards, and I think there is little chance Gomez will be back in New Jersey. Should be a very exciting week, leading up to July 1st.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Mr. Jokinen does it again!
Olli Jokinen of the Florida Panthers become the first player to join the NHL Hat Trick club for a second time this season. Jokinen scored three goals against the Montreal Canadiens in mid November, and last night deposited three past backup goaltender Jocelyn Thibault of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Panthers went on to defeat the Penguins 5-2.
Jokinen has owned the Penguins lately. In his last six games against Pittsburgh, he has scored 8 goals. He now has 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) on the year, and has the Florida Panthers just 4 points out of the 8th and final playoff spot. I still submit that the playoffs are still open to every team in the league save Philadelphia. In the Eastern Conference, right now there are 8 teams separated by 7 points or less fighting for the final two spots in the conference. Sweet!
Quick Shave:
Ok, I know I said you watch it, but wow....the St. Louis Blues actually defeated the New Jersey Devils, and fulfilling the requirements (that I imposed) of a credible playoff contender. Blues goaltender Manny Legace stopped 24 shots, and 13 in the final period to lift his club to a huge 3-2 win. While in last place in the West (tied with Columbus with 37 points), they still have a legitimate chance to turn their season around. They are 9 points removed from the playoffs right now with 39 games remaining. Peter Forsberg is returning to the lineup for the Philadelphia Flyers tonight against the Montreal Canadiens. Forsberg has missed 16 games this season and the Flyers have gone 0-13-3 without him. Talk about an impact player. His return may be too little too late, considering that it could be short lived, but if he can stay healthy, and productive Forsberg would be very attractive trade bait. Otherwise, I can only imagine him retiring come season's end.
Game of the Night:
Detroit at Phoenix 9:00 PM
Alright, I'm jumping on the Coyotes band wagon! This is a huge test for the Yotes (much like last night's match for the Blues last night). Enjoy the games!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The NHL Hat Trick Club welcomed it's newest member of the season last night, in Florida Panther's forward Olli Jokinen. Much to the dismay of the Canadiens, Jokinen brought the Florida Panthers from a 1-0 to deficit and lifted them to a 5-1 surplus...or win rather. Jokinen scored his first two goals in the second period, and the capper in the third.
Eddie Belfour kept his team in the game by making 13 saves in the first period, and keeping the game close. When the Florida Panthers did finally wake, Habs netminder David Aebischer didn't stand a chance, surrendering 4 goals on 24 shots. He was pulled and replaced by Cristobal Huet in the third who allowed one goal on 15 shots. Montreal Coach Guy Carbonneau has been rotating his keepers in a manner similiar to Coach Wilson in San Jose, however, his goalies play 2 games on, then 2 off, rather than the every other game system the Sharks employ. Huet has been the stronger of the two Habs goalies as of late......and since he's one of my starters, hopefully he will get some more icetime! Guy, help a brother out!
Quick Shave:
The Boston Bruins defeated their Original Six rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs 2-1 last night, on an overtime goal by sophomore Patrice Bergeron. The Phoenix Coyotes have themselves a win streak! No seriously. The Coyotes won their second straight game by defeating the Chicago Blackhawks in the shootout 3-2. Yanic Perreault who has been a nice pickup for the Yotes so far, scored in the shootout. Curtis Joseph was big in net again last night stopping 482 shots. My Game of the Night pick was pretty exciting, unless you are a fan of defense. 12 goals were scored (not counting the shootout winner), and 90 shots recorded. The Predators (who looked like their old selves from the beginning of the season), surrendered a 6-3 lead to the Wild who fought back to tie the game and force extra time. The Minnesota Wild won 7-6 on a Brian Rolston (who does this guy think he is this season? What a year he's having!) shootout goal. The Philadelphia Flyers must like the air in California. The Flyers defeated their second West Coast opponent in consecutive nights last night with a 4-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings. R.J. Umberger scored the game tying, and game winning goals for the Flyers. The Anaheim win was huge, and beating the Kings the next day is pretty impressive for a team that has looked like a steaming pile of ....well you know, all season. The road trip will certainly be doing a lot for their confidence. Ryan Smyth is an animal. Smyth is having an outstanding season for the Edmonton Oilers, and returned from his charley horse injury (which saw him miss no time) to score 2 goals for the second straight game and help put the St. Louis Blues away 6-2.
Game of the Night:
Dallas at Atlanta 7:30 PM
Pittsburgh at Buffalo 8:00 PM
Detroit at Calgary 9:00 PM
I give you a three....because Bosh loves you. Dallas and Atlanta are two elite teams, and I would just like to see these two giants butt heads. The Pittsburgh Penguins get to size themselves up against and elite team in the Sabres. Let's see if these kids are for real or not. I was almost loathe to pick this one, because the last time they met, Calgary posted 14 shots on the Wings. However, this is a new Flames team riding a 5 game win streak, so maybe they will get 16 shots tonight. Hopefully it will be more exciting, and if it isn't watch the other two! Enjoy the games my bearded friends!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
 Do you think Todd Bertuzzi had something to prove last night? He certainly silenced some of his critics last night with his 4 point night which included the first goal of the season for himself, and for the Florida Panthers.
The game was close till the second period, then the Panthers went on a goal parade, scoring 5 unanswered tallies to defeat the new look Boston Bruins (new players, same great taste) 8-3.
Alex Auld who came over in the trade with Bertuzzi was outstanding, stopping 34 shots. The Panthers spread the scoring around as Mike Van Ryn, Juraj Kolnik, Nathan Horton (fantasy owners, keep an eye on this kid, I think this is gonna be his year), Chris Gratton, Olli Jokinen, and Joe Niewendyk all potted goals. Niewendyk's goal was his 561st, and passed Guy LaFleur on the NHL scoring list....he now sits 19th. Boston's Zdeno Chara was an even rating for the night and did provide 2 assists for Boston, while their other big name acquisition, Marc Savard got his first point on an assist the Bruins.
Quick Shave
The Devils spanked the Hurricanes last night, using the same tactic the Cane's used in the playoffs to defeat them. Deflection, deflection, deflection. Every goal on Cam Ward last night was redirected in front of him and easily found the back of the net. Brodeur recorded his first win by way of shutout 4-0 over the Hurricanes. Watch out for the Sabres! As Playoff Moustache said the other day, this team looks like they are still playing playoff hockey. Last night was no different. Discouraged (actually furious) by some third period penalty calls, the Sabres rallied from a two goal defecit against the Habs on scores by Captain Daniel Briere and Maxim Afinogenov to tie the game late in the third. Ryan Miller and the Sabres went on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens for their second win of the season, again by shootout. The Sedin twins are at it again for Vancouver. Daniel and Henrik Sedin combined to tie the game 2-2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets, and got together once more to finishe the game less than a minute into extra time. Roberto Luongo recorded his second win of the season for Vancouver. Blue Jackets goalie Pascal LeClair was solid stopping 41 of 44 shots. The Anaheim Ducks still have a little rust to work out, but hints of what the scariest powerplay in the NHL were clearly apparent last night. Watching Selanne and Pronger bomb shots from the points was impressive, and the way the forwards in front were able to cycle, retrieve and get the puck back to them to reload was outstanding. J.S. Giguere was outstanding in net, stopping 41 shots, as the Ducks beat the L.A. Kings 4-3.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:00 PM
Saturday night is great! There are a ton of games to choose from, but I feel these two, especially the playoff rematch between Buffalo and Ottawa will be outstanding. Buffalo looks terrific, and despite the criticism, I like the new jerseys. I love the players numbers on the right breast, it gives them a 'soccer' look and feel. Hopefully Spezza will score a goal for Stache tonight. The Flyers are coming off a humiliating defeat against the Pens two nights ago, and should be ready to go against their hated rivals the Rangers tonight. I expect this game to be nasty....however no Brashear, and a possibly scratched Darius Kasparitus (coach Tom Renney has been unhappy with his conditioning and scratched him the first game, which Kaspar was pissed about, but guess what buddy....this is the new Rangers...no more free rides! I hope Renney continues to lay down the law like this) may not be as ugly as previous engagements. Enjoy the games my fellow bearders!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
The pre-season has been tough on a lot teams so far. Injuries are abound and the season hasn't even begun yet. So far it appears the groin is the most popular ailment. Here's a list of the wounded:
Toronto Maple Leafs
Kyle Wellwood - groin
Michael Peca - groin
Darcy Tucker - unknown
Ben Ondrus - unknown
Wade Belak - groin
Tomas Kaberle - unknown
Brendan Bell - bone bruise
San Jose Sharks
Jonathan Cheechoo - groin
Joe Thornton - bruised foot
Nashville Predators
Jason Arnott - groin
Atlanta Thrashers
Vitaly Vishnevski - groin
Steve Rucchin -groin
Buffalo Sabres
Daniel Breire - hip flexor
Carolina Hurricanes
Oleg Tverdovsky - groin
Chicago Blackhawks
Tuomo Ruutu - knee
Michal Handzus -shoulder
Mikael Holmqvist - groin
James Wisniewski - back
Dallas Stars
Eric Lindros - groin
Detroit Red Wings
Danny Markov - knee
Greg Johnson - heart (abnormal EKG)
Florida Panthers
Ville Peltonen - shoulder
Philadelphia Flyers
Antero Niittymaki - hip
Ummmm, does anyone stretch before they play hockey anymore? Come on guys! Either that or the NHL needs to look into getting some better trainers. This is ridiculous!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Perhaps one of the greatest playoff beards ever seen in the NHL is on full display at AnaheimDucks.com. Defenseman Scott Niedermayer's playoff beard is on full display in the upper right corner of the page. My hats off to the Anaheim organization for not only recognizing Mr. Neidermayer's greatness, but also his unparalleled facial hair growth. Thanks again to my buddy from Scandanavia, JR for sending this in.
Rangers vs. Panthers in San Juan, Puerto Rico
In attempt to be ambassadors for the sport, the Rangers and Panthers are bringing the NHL to the Islands. I think it's great that these teams are trying to spread the NHL around the world, and get more people into the sport. I've always believed that if you got an individual to go to one game they would be hooked for life. You can watch this Caribbean matchup tonight at 7:30 on MSG.
Tonight's Games:
Boston at NY Islanders 6:00 PM
St. Louis at Atlanta 7:00 PM
Toronto at Montreal 7:00 PM
Ottawa at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Florida at NY Rangers 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Calgary at Edmonton 8:00 PM
Carolina at Nashville 8:00 PM
Columbus at Chicago 8:30 PM
Colorado at Los Angeles 10:30 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:30 PM
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Although the public line is that Mike Keenan resigned as the GM of the Florida Panthers, rumors are abound that he was forced out of the position. Keenan has always been notoriously difficult to work with, so the only surprise of this move is that it comes a week before the start of most NHL training camps. Perhaps the Florida Panthers were anxious about letting him take the reigns for another season, even though he was the architect behind many moves this off season thought to improve the club, most notably the acquisition of forward Todd Bertuzzi, traded for Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo. He also signed free agent goalie Ed Belfour this summer. Keenan had three years left on his contract.
Head coach Jacques Martin will assume the role of GM as well as that of his coaching responsibilities. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Farewell Crocodile Hunter
This is not related in anyway to hockey, but I have always loved this guy. The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Erwin died today after being stung by a stingray. The unfortunate circumstances of his death, are clearly overshadowed by the fact that he died doing what he loved best. All my best to his wife and family during this difficult time.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Another week, and another team has turned it's back on Ed Belfour. After a succesful workout with the Florida Panthers yesterday, rumors were abound that a deal to sign him as a backup to Alex Auld were all but certain. Certainly not! Florida is the second team to end negotiations with the aging netminder, after talks broke down in Detroit last week.
Perhaps it's time for Belfour to hang them up? Unless he's willing to swallow his pride, and his price tag, I doubt there are few teams willing to bring him on board. However, as a backup to a young goalie like Columbus' Pascal LeClaire, or Pittsburgh's Marc Andre Fleury, Belfour could be a great asset. At least at how to show the youngsters how to party and bribe officers of the law.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
TSN.ca is reporting that Ed Belfour is close to signing a one year deal with the Florida Panthers. Provided Ed Belfour passes his physical the Panthers will sign him to a deal worth $1.5 million.
Although not the same goaltender he used to be, Belfour in a limited role could be a great backup, or even manage a platoon style rotation with Alex Auld, the recently acquired goalie in the Luongo / Bertuzzi trade. However, if he is overworked, that back will go down like a Value Jet.
Detroit Red Wings look to be losing out, or perhaps better off... depending on your point of view. They will be better off acquiring a goalie through trade. There are several viable options out there in David Aebischer, Vesa Toskala, or Evgeni Nabokov, and J.S. Giguere. Dominik Hasek could still be on the table too.
Islanders Fallout
Obviously the biggest news here in New York is the revolving door of the Islander's front office. Evan Grossman of the NY Post brought up some interesting points regarding new GM Garth Snow's responsibilities. Snow's first duties will be to head to arbitration with players he was just playing with, and trying to re-sgin his buddy Rick DiPietro. Talk about getting your feet wet! For more on this story click here.
NY Daily News writer John Dellapina also covers this mess. Apparenlty Islanders owner Charles Wang envisioned a GM by committee which included LaFontaine, Bryan Trottier, Ted Nolan and Neil Smith.....and that situation was less than welcomed by the man with the title. Wang saw problems growing worse, rather than getting better, and opted to address it now. For more on this report click here.
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
WOW! Talk about pre-draft blockbusters! The Florida Panthers have shipped goalie Roberto Luongo to Vancouver in exchange for power forward Todd Bertuzzi! Florida also traded Lukas Krajicek and their 2006 6th round pick and received Bryan Allen and goaltender Alexander Auld from Vancouver. A five player deal!
Luongo has been rumored to be on the block all season, and speculation really heated up this week when the L.A. Kings made a pitch for the goalie. The Canucks have been looking to dump Bertuzzi and his baggage for some time, and also were in dire need of #1 goalie (no offense Dan). Bertuzzi flourished under Keenan's eye in Vancouver and should fit in nicely with the Panthers, as well as playing in the East, he can remove himself from some of the controversy that follows him after his cheap shot on Steve Moore that ended the player's career.
I think this is a terrific trade for all parties. Vancouver gets a superior goaltender. Luongo gets traded to a potential contender. Bertuzzi gets a fresh start, and Florida gets a great power forward, if he can find his pre-lockout game again.
The only question is will Vancouver's GM Dave Nonis be able to sign Luongo to a long-term contract and make him the mainstay between the pipes. He can also move Dan Cloutier to free up salary cap room as well as fill other needs throughout his club.
Rod Brind'Amour signs a five year deal with the Hurricanes
Busy day. Selke Trophy, and Stanley Cup Winner Rod Brind'Amour just signed a five year deal with the Hurricanes worth $18 million. Not a bad way to wrap up the 2005-2006 campaign. The 35 year old centre will be in Red till he is 40 years old.
Pronger to be dealt today?
Rumors are abound that Chris Pronger of the Oilers has requested a trade. Kevin Lowe has called bravo sierra on this one, but even he can't deny the legs this story has. It started somewhere. I guess we'll find out later today.
2006 NHL Entry Draft
I can't really give you much on the draft, because unfortunatley, minor league hockey doesn't get it's due coverage here in Central Jersey (sometimes I feel the NHL doesn't here either, but that's a whole other story). TSN.ca has a terrific rundown on the top 30 picks, that I've been checking out. If you want to learn more about the draft and the potential players to be picked check this out. There is also a terrific breakdown by TSN Analyst Bob McKenzie, that you can check out here.
Here is the first round draft order:
1. St. Louis
2. Pittsburgh
3. Chicago
4. Washington
5. Boston
6. Columbus
7. N.Y. Islanders
8. Phoenix
9. Minnesota
10. Florida
11. Los Angeles
12. Atlanta
13. Toronto
14. Vancouver
15. Tampa Bay
16. Montreal
17. Minnesota (from Edmonton)
18. Colorado
19. Anaheim
20. San Jose
21. N.Y. Rangers
22. Philadelphia
23. Washington (from Nashville)
24. Buffalo
25. New Jersey
26. Calgary
27. Dallas
28. Ottawa
29. Detroit
30. St. Louis (from Carolina)
The 2006 NHL Entry Draft is tonight at 6 PM! See you there!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
By defeating the Penguins last night 5-3, the Florida Panthers have won seven straight games, and are now in a position to grab a playoff spot. They sit 10th overall with 75 points, just 6 points behind Jersey, Montreal, and Tampa Bay, who are all tied with 81. The Thrashers have 76 in the 9th spot, and behind the Panthers, the Leafs have 74. So the East has apparently gotten as wild as the West! Six teams fighting for three spots. All of the above have ten games remaining except for Atlanta who have eleven.
Florida's next game is against Carolina, which will be a very difficult task. However, immediately following that
they have a home and home (although not really, they get Sunday off) against Tampa Bay, the team they are trying to unseat. Four possible points. If the Panther's can sweep, I think the playoffs are theirs. They certainly have the momentum, and they really do control their own destiny. Good luck bros!
Jagr continues to make New York Ranger records kneel before him like the Son of Jor-El. Last night against the Islanders, Jaromir Jagr broke the single season points record by assisting on 4 goals in a 5-1 win. Jagr passed Jean Ratelle on the scoring list (i apologize, I believe I said it was Vic Hadfield's record, but I never promised more the 20% facts so MWHUHAHAHAHA!), and moved the Rangers four points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers (this must be killing you guys!). For more on this story, and some really cool quotes from Ricky D. go to TSN.ca.
My hats of to TSN. I watched the Calgary / Los Angeles game last night (which Calgary won 2-1 and put them back in first over the Avs) and have to say that they need to teach the American broadcasters how to televise hockey. The way you guys film the game is great. The angle is lower, and closer, and the picture is clearer. The broadcasters themselves are the best (except for Sam and J.D., I love those guys). If the States can ever get it right and really show hockey the way the Canadians do, I think it would really help sell the product. Just my 3 cents.
Last night's scores:
Boston 3 Buffalo 4 F
Washington 5 Carolina 1 F
NY Rangers 5 NY Islanders 1 F
Florida 5 Pittsburgh 3 F
Los Angeles 1 Calgary 2 F
St. Louis 2 Chicago 3 F (OT)
Anaheim 1 Dallas 2 F
Minnesota 1 Vancouver 2 F
Game of the night:
NY Rangers at Ottawa 7:30 PM
The last time they met, Ottawa was kicked around by the Rangers to the tune of 5-1. I was there and the Bosher was a happy man, as was everyone else in Section 414! I can't wait to see how these teams play each other. This should be a great game, even for non-homer Ranger fans like me! Enjoy the games!!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
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