Is there anything better than turning on a tie game at the beginning of the third period? Most definitely not (especially if your other option is a 6-0 Blackhawks blowout of the Coyotes in the second period).
The St. Louis Blues, who like many also-rans last season are in the midst of a rebirth right now, and are a fun team to watch, went into the third tied 2-2 with the Minnesota Wild, a team that is also alot of fun to watch even though they are criticized for being a trapping team. Regardless of their styles of play, this game was back and forth for the next twenty, and was loaded with quality scoring chances, odd man rushes, short handed opportunities and spilled beer. Blues keeper Manny Legace, and Wild goaltender Niklas Backstrom both put on a clinic ( i hate that phrase even though it accurately describes their play) and kept the game scoreless to force overtime.
A costly turnover by the Blues (an errant drop pass that was missed) was scooped up by Minnesota Wild forward Marion Gaborik and a two on one quickly developed. Gaborik looked pass the whole way and roofed the puck past Legaces right shoulder to give the Wild the 3-2 overtime victory. Just outstanding.
Quick Shave:
While the GM's meet in California desperate to find a new way to produce more offence in their game, New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur continues to deny it. Brodeur made 27 saves last night to record his 94th career shutout win 4-0 over the Montreal Canadiens. The win broke Terry Sawchuck's record for most combined shutouts in the regular season and playoffs. Brodeur continues to climb towards his spot as the best goaltender in the NHL ever. Devils forward Zach Parise recorded his first ever NHL hat trick last night and set Brian Gionta up for another. Sidney Crosby had a 2 goal night last night and more than helped the well rested Pittsburgh Penguins to a 4-1 over the Dallas Stars.... who have cooled off after ripping off 6 straight wins following their front office house cleaning. The Chicago Blackhawks. It's time to take notice of this club. Currently they sit in 4th place overall in the West and continue to ride their young guns, Jonathan Toews (goal and 2 assists last night) and Patrick Kane (two assists) to victory after victory. The Blackhawks chased the Phoenix Coyotes new goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov midway through the first period after torching him for 5 goals. Interesting point brought up by my buddy Jeff, is that the Blackhawks have owned the Detroit Red Wings this year.... lest you think they can only defeat the bottom feeders. I think it's safe to say this team is for real.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Ottawa 2:00 PM
Pittsburgh at Toronto 7:00 PM
Chicago at St. Louis 8:30 PM
Two of the top teams in the East go to battle. This game scares the crap out of me as a Ranger fan. The Senators are due, and having lost 5 straight will be playing with a huge chip today.... I doubt they will drop 6 in a row, so the Rangers will definitely have their work cut out for them. The late game of choice is Crosby visiting the hockey capital, and whenever that happens, he puts on a show. Take a look at the Blackhawks and Blues.... two young teams that you will be hearing alot about this year.
I tell you, I am getting a ton of mileage out of this Sidney Crosby portrait. I think he's becoming the poster boy for Playoff Beard .com as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins and the NHL. Ok.... on to the good news.
Today, prior to their game against the Buffalo Sabres (which should be suhhhweeeet), the Pittsburgh Penguins will announce a deal on their new arena which will keep the Penguins in the Steel City for the next 30 years. According to reports on TSN.ca, the Penguins have reached an agreement with the city for the financing of a new $290 million dollar facility. The financial particulars of the deal can be found here.
Awesome news. It really would have been a devestating blow to Pittsburgh fans to see their young team leave and possibly pull a Quebec Nordiques / Colorado Avalanche and win a Stanley Cup just a year removed from their departure (although it may take them more than a year, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did) from their origin. Now everyone can breathe a sigh of relief.... especially goaltender Marc-Andre Fluery whose house is still being finished (I saw the fully stocked wet bar he was installing in his basement on Hockey Night in Canada last weekend .... YO Marc, when's the first party bro?) and can make his first mortgage payment rather than pack his bags.
Quick Shave:
Did my Game of the Night pick deliver or what? The St. Louis Blues battled the Calgary Flames to a shootout last night where they were eventually felled on scores by Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla and lost 5-4. The Flames win has helped to create a larger bottleneck in the West as they now sit in 8th with 84 points behind the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, and the Minnesota Wild all tied with 85 points. They are also just three points shy of the Vancouver Canucks and their Northwest Division lead. The Los Angeles Kings layed a whooping on the Edmonton Oilers last night 5-1, sending them to their 8th straight loss. Everyone on the Kings scored last night. Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin responded to some recent criticism yesterday by scoring both goals for his club. Unfortunately the Atlanta Thrashers scored four to defeat them 4-2. Bobby Holik scored an Ovechkin style on the stomach goal in the game as well. Check out the highlights, it worth the view. New acquisition Keith Tkachuk scored again, and helped the Thrashers regain control of the Southeast Division and third place overall in the Eastern Conference.
NHL Center Ice Online
This juicy tidbit landed in my email box late last night (or early this morning, depending on your perspective), and I had to share it. For the less fortunate, whose cable service does not offer the NHL Center Ice package will affords the rest of the opportunity to enjoy all the fruits that the NHL has to offer, your prayers have now been answered. NHL Center Ice will now be available over the internet through NHL Center Ice Online (obvious and simple... thanks Bosh)! As an NHL Center Ice subscriber I can tell you that this is a must have (and I'm not receiving a penny for this endorsement) as a hockey fan, especially with the postseason less than a month away. To find out more information and to sign up click here. Also on a very positive note, NHL Center Ice has changed their intermission style music that permeates the air pre and post game. Another solid bonus!
Game of the Night:
Florida at Carolina 7:00 PM
Ottawa at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
NY Islanders at Montreal 7:30 PM
Buffalo at Pittsburgh 7:30 PM
Tampa Bay at Toronto 7:30 PM
Detroit at Nashville 8:00 PM
Minnesota at Vancouver 10:00 PM
Ok what a night! Seriously the remote is going to be on fire by the end of this evening. Everyone of these games is huge! HUGE! The funny thing is, that most of the games will have ramifications with the others, especially the Eastern Conference matchups. Do you realize how awesome some of the first round matchups would be if the regular season ended today? Just take a wishful thinking gander at the current layout of the league and let your mouth water in anticipation. Good stuff..... it's gonna go down smooth. Enjoy the games my fuzzy friends, and get ready to throw away those Gillette Fusion Mach 3's, 4's, and 5's!
Keith Tkachuk waived his no-trade clause yesterday and became an Atlanta Thrasher upon that decision.
The Atlanta Thrashers acquired the big winger for a collection of draft picks that included a 1st and 3rd rounder in this years NHL Entry Draft, and a 2nd rounder in the 2008 draft. The Thrashers also sent center Glen Metropolit. Furthermore, conditions attached to the trade are that if Tkachuk decides to sign with the Thrashers following the season, the St. Louis Blues will also receive a first round pick in 2008.
First thoughts on the deal. Outstanding move for the St. Louis Blues. Outstanding. Three high draft picks, with the possibility of a 4th? I would have jumped on that. Throw in forward Glen Metropolit, who is having a respectable year with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) and a +9 in 57 games played this year, I would say the Blues are the clear winners of this trade.
Tkachuk in 61 games this season has 43 points (20 goals, 23 assists) and is a +3. Thrashers GM Don Waddell is already on the defensive about the deal as quoted in TSN.ca saying "Some people are going to say it's too much,'' ''You know what? Talk to me at the end of the year about it.''
I do think the Thrashers gave up too much for Tkachuk, but I smell desperation in this move. Earlier in the season, the Thrashers were boasting one of the best records in the Eastern Conference, now they are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether. Two points is all that separates them from the post season, and playing golf in April once again. Atlanta holds the 6th spot in the East with 72 points.
I now wonder what the St. Louis Blues will get in exchange for Bill Guerin. We'll know by tomorrow.
Game of the Night:
Atlanta at Boston 7:00 PM
Toronto at Montreal 7:30 PM
Anaheim at San Jose 10:00 PM
Light night, but good night. The Toronto / Habs game should be excellent. We should also witness the debut of Tkachuk with Atlanta, and the the late game between the West's big guns should be fun too! Enjoy the games!
The NHL season is just around the corner! Most NHL Training Camps opened today, following pre-camp physicals that were administered yesterday.
Bruins send Zhamnov home
Already we have our first camp casualty! The Boston Bruins have sent Alexei Zhamnov packing after he failed his physical. I don't think he went on the Tkachuk Diet of 2005 in the off season (who apparently has shown up to camp 30 pounds lighter than last season), Zhamnov may still be suffering from a broken ankle that occurred in January, and ended his season. He signed with Boston last year, for three years, $12.3 million. I'm uncertain as to what the cap consequences are to the Bruins, but I'm guessing there may be none. Zhamnov will reportedly be re-examined periodically throughout the season to determine if he is able to play or not.
Tkachuk ripped!
I think it's funny how this is news, but considering how this guy treated his body to a year of beer and Ho-Ho's during the lockout season, Keith Tkachuk showing up 30 pounds lighter is apparently a very big deal. Tkachuk has arrived at Blues camp this year at a wholesome 229 pounds, and appears to have re-dedicated himself to the sport that pays him ungodly sums of money. Way to hit the stairmaster and lay of the wings Keith!
Blues sign Dvorak
The UFA pool just keeps getting more and more shallow. The St. Louis Blues have scooped up former Oiler Radek Dvorak to provide penalty kill and roster depth.
Avs Konowalchuk to have heart examined
One of the great things about these physicals, is that they do make sure these guys are ready to play, but also can help detect severe health problems. During an EKG test done on Konowalchuk, a heart abnormality was discovered and he is now being thoroughly examined. He will be put on the shelf temporarily till they determine the full scope of the problem.
TSN unveils its NHL 2006-2007 NHL Preview!
This is great, and I highly recommend all my bearded friends check it out. TSN really gives you a nice inside look at all of the teams, and definitely gets you salivating for the opening face off. You can check out the NHL PREVIEW HERE!
The goalie rotation between the Blues and the Redwings continues! Manny Legace is the latest Red Wing to join the Blues, following in the footsteps of Chris Osgood, who if you remember fell from grace similiar to the way Legace did.
Legace who had a 37-8-0 record with the Wings last season was left to rot in unrestricted free agency after a dissapointing first round knock out by the Oilers. A playoff exit which Legace has unfairly shouldered the burden for. I think the Red Wings are going to really regret letting this guy go, especially if Hasek goes down. The St. Louis Blues should have a nice tandem with Curtis Sanford and Manny Legace between the pipes.
Sabres let Dumont walk
Joining the elite club that includes only the Bruins and the Lightning, the Buffalo Sabres have exercised their right not to accept J.P. Dumont salary arbitration award. Dumont immediately becomes an unrestricted free agent, and can sign with any team. He was awarded a $2.9 million one year contract on July 31.
Harry Sinden to retire
The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept away! President Harry Sinden will step down tomorrow and hopefully let the Bruins finally prosper. Easily the worst back office manager since Milbury, Sinden has single handedly made some of the worst decisions, trades, and signings over the past decade that have kept the Bruins from realizing their potential. It is a bright day for Bruins fans everywhere. Unless they pull a Charles Wang and fire his replacement in 30 days.
One of the last remaining UFA gems, Martin Rucinsky, has signed with the St. Louis Blues. Financials are not yet available (but will be soon! read below!). Rucinsky had a great year with the Rangers, even though it was injury shortened, he still managed 55 points. Rumored to have been waiting for a larger offer from the Rangers (who apparently had one year at $3.1 million on the table), who decided to go the Shanahan route instead of negotiate further, Rucinsky found himself teamless. His signing, will be his second tour of duty with the St. Louis Blues.
Interesting note. I was reading my Hockey News yesterday, and they pointed out, that teams can no longer hide the terms of players contracts. Why? Salary Cap Era. Full Disclosure. Granted, they are entitled to keep the information from their press releases, but all salaries have to be reported. Where do you find this cornocopia of information? The NHLPA.com website of course! If you click here, you can find the player, and the salary he will be making for the upcoming season.
Dumont awarded
Seems like a few minutes after I posted my article the arbitration award for J.P. Dumont hit the shelves. Awarded one year, at $2.9 million, Dumont more than doubles his salary from last season. He ended his year with 40 points, but missed almost 30 games due to injury.
Senators sign Dean McAmmond
McAmmond signed a one year deal with the Senators (terms not listed yet). He scored 15 goals and 22 assists last season while playing with the St. Louis Blues.
Defenceman Chris Pronger got his wish, and was traded from Edmonton to the Anaheim Ducks, in exchange for Joffrey Lupul, prospect Ladislav Smid, and a 1st round pick in 2007. Edmonton gets a forward who is a prototypical Oilers forward, Lupul, and hopefully a can't miss prospect in Smid. Anaheim gets arguably one of the best defenseman in the league and can now boast one of the best pairings with Pronger now complementing Scott Neidermayer. As I said yesterday, Pronger's only achilles' heel is his playoff beard.
Guerin lands in St. Louis
Did I call this one or what? Bill Guerin signed a one year deal with St. Louis less than a week after he was bought out by the Dallas Stars. He joins his Team USA linemates Keith Tkachuk, and Doug Weight.
Brendan Witt signs with Islanders
The Islanders have signed defenceman Brendan Witt to a 3 year deal, and have obtained one of the largest defenceman on the free agent market (after Chara). Great pickup for the Isles, and I really like what Neil Smith is doing so far with this team. No big splashes but solid character guys that will help younger players grow.
Teppo Numminen re-ups with Sabres
If it isn't broken.....Numminen re-signed with the Buffalo Sabres for one more year. Numminen was a big part of their Stanley Cup playoffs run, and when he was injured his loss was one that was glaring.
Thrashers sign Steve Rucchin
Steve Rucchin has just signed a 3 year deal that will grow from $1.85 million the first year to $4.25 million in the final year of the contract.
Rangers continue to mine Stanley Cup Champs
A few days after signing teammate Matt Cullen, the Rangers have signed defenceman Aaron Ward to a 2 year deal worth $5.5 million. Another pivotal player in the Carolina's Stanley Cup run, Ward will definitely be a welcome addition to the Ranger's blueline.
Shark Attack
The San Jose Sharks have added so much needed grit in Mike Grier and Curtis Brown. Mike Grier has signed a three year deal worth $1.775 a season. Nice pickup, Grier is one of those guys you would love to have on your team, and I really hoped the Rangers would grab him. Grier is the second player to leave the Sabres via free agency following Jay Mckee leaving for St. Louis.
Anyone else like what John Davidson is doing to revamp the St. Louis Blues?
Stanley Cup Winner Doug Weight just 3 months after being traded from St. Louis, has re-signed there for 2 years $7 million. I wonder if this will help further entice Bill Guerin to join his Team USA linemates?
Jason Arnott is headed to Nashville where sources are reporting that he has just signed a 5 year deal worth $22.5 million. Arnott had a career year with Dallas last season, and should help the Predators get over the hump this year.
Rangers re-sign Martin Straka, Karl Rachunek and pick up free agent Stanley Cup Winner Matt Cullen from the Hurricanes. Rachunek was enticed to return to the NHL and the Rangers after a year of playing in Russia. He was obtained during the pre-lockout trading firesale the Rangers had in 2003. Straka had an outstanding year for the Rangers and with linemate Jagr and has re-signed for one year at $3.1 million.
Panthers have signed former Anaheim defenceman Ruslan Salei to a 4 year deal worth $12.1 million. This team just keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Another year, and another team for Mike Sillinger as he signs with his record 12th team the Islanders for 3 years at roughly $2 million per season.
Rob Blake has left the Avalanche and returned to his orignal team the L.A. Kings. Blake signed a 2 year deal with Kings for $6 million per season. Tough break for the Avs, but great pickup for the Kings. Although Blake struggled defensively early, his power play numbers are always pretty good.
The Boston Bruins continue to mine the free agent market picking winger Shean Donovan for 2 years.
What about Pronger?
According to reports he will be traded today. To whom? Those same reports are saying that Anaheim is the biggest player right now. After letting Salei go to free agency, perhaps the Ducks are looking for a replacement? Either way, a top defensive pairing of Neidermayer and Pronger would be the best tandem in the league......unless you were able to unite Patrice Brisbois and Kevin Hatcher...just kidding. If Pronger would only grow a playoff beard, that would be the wooliest backline ever!
John Davidson continues to make moves as the new President of the Blues as he has just picked up former Avalanche forward Dan Hinote.
Daryl Sydor is headed back to Dallas, after being traded by the Tampa Bay Lightning for a 4th round pick. Sydor is a salary cap casualty mainly because the Lightning overpaid Brad Richards......and one could argue St. Louis and Lecalvier as well.
Rumors out of the NY Post are that Bill Guerin, and Mike Grier could be possible targets of the Rangers, however, these do come from rumor wizard Larry Brooks, so take them with a grain of salt....and a shot of tequila, and some lime if you got'em.
In case I have a run-in with some fireworks, or cooler of beer, or both, I just want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!
St. Louis Blues win 2006 Draft Lottery, hold first pick
Vancouver, June 24th, the St. Louis Blues will draft first overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Pittsburgh will pick second, Chicago third, Washington fourth and Boston fifth. Here is a run down of the non-playoff teams draft order:
1. St. Louis Blues
2. Pittsburgh Penguins
3. Chicago Blackhawks
4. Washington Capitals
5. Boston Bruins
6. Columbus Blue Jackets
7. New York Islanders
8. Phoenix Coyotes
9. Minnesota Wild
10. Florida Panthers
11. Los Angeles Kings
12. Atlanta Thrashers
13. Toronto Maple Leafs
14. Vancouver Canucks
The rest of the teams will be decided after the playoffs conclude. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
Calgary Flames acquire Jamie Lundmark from the Phoenix Coyotes for a draft pick.
Vancouver Canucks acquire Eric Weinrich from the Blues for a prospect and a pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire Oleg Kvasha from the Islanders for a third round pick.
Dallas Stars acquire defenceman Willie Mitchell and a 2007 2nd round pick from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for defenceman Martin Skoula and Shawne Belle.
Philadelphia Flyers acquire forward Nikos Dimitrakos from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a third round draft pick.
Colorado Avalanche acquire forward Jim Dowd from the Blackhawks in exchange for a fourth round pick.
Ottawa Senators acquire forward Tyler Arnason from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for forward Brandon Bochenski and a pick.
Edmonton Oilers acquire forward Sergei Samsonov from the Boston Bruins in exchange for forward Marty Reasoner, a second round pick and a minor league player.
Atlanta Thrashers acquire defenceman Steve McCarthy from the Canucks in exchange for a condition pick in 2007.
Detroit Red Wings acquire defenceman Cory Cross from the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for a fourth rounder.
Nashville Predators acquire Brendan Witt from the Caps in exchange for a first round pick and forward Kris Beech.
New York Rangers acquire defenceman Sandis Ozolinsh from the Ducks in exchange for a third round pick.
Phoenix Coyotes acquire defencemen Jamie Rivers from the Detroit Red Wings in exchange for a seventh round pick in 2007.
Damn! A whole lotta action! I'll give you guys some breakdowns, plus winners and losers tomorrow!
The strong get stronger....The Carolina Hurricanes are really going for it this year!
Just reported by TSN, Doug Weight the St. Louis Blues leading scorer with 44 points and Erkki Rajamaki are headed to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for three draft picks and three players.
Rumors were abound that Weight would be headed to Ottawa or Vancouver, and would have to waive his no-trade clause to be dealt. He obviously felt, along with everyone else, that the Hurricanes are headed in the right direction this season.....if they weren't a favorite to win the Cup before today, they are now. Playoff Beard Alert: Doug has shown potential in the past, and now that he is on a team that will make the playoffs this year....its roast duck with mango salsa time!
Is there anything better than turning on a tie game at the beginning of the third period? Most definitely not (especially if your other option is a 6-0 Blackhawks blowout of the Coyotes in the second period).
Quick Shave:
I tell you, I am getting a ton of mileage out of this Sidney Crosby portrait. I think he's becoming the poster boy for Playoff Beard .com as well as the Pittsburgh Penguins and the NHL. Ok.... on to the good news.
Quick Shave:
Ok what a night! Seriously the remote is going to be on fire by the end of this evening. Everyone of these games is huge! HUGE! The funny thing is, that most of the games will have ramifications with the others, especially the Eastern Conference matchups. Do you realize how awesome some of the first round matchups would be if the regular season ended today? Just take a wishful thinking gander at the current layout of the league and let your mouth water in anticipation. Good stuff..... it's gonna go down smooth. Enjoy the games my fuzzy friends, and get ready to throw away those Gillette Fusion Mach 3's, 4's, and 5's! 
Keith Tkachuk waived his no-trade clause yesterday and became an Atlanta Thrasher upon that decision.
