This is the Los Angeles Kings team I was talking about! The one I predicted would battle their way into the playoffs.
The Kings, in my opinion are one piece away from being that playoff team I predicted. That piece was there last night in net..... goaltender Jason LaBarbera. LaBarbera made 26 saves last night to shut down the Vancouver Canucks and help his Kings to a 4-2 win on the road. If LaBarbera can continue to play like he did last night, the Kings should be in great shape.
The Kings offense is explosive right now. Center Michael Cammalleri scored his league leading 8th goal during the second period which was part of a three goal outburst in little over 5 minutes. His goal was bookended by scores from Alexander Frolov, and defenseman Jack Johnson (the first of his career). Cammalleri's goal was setup by sophomore Anze Kopitar who is also poised to have a great season (at least my fantasy roster is banking on that).
Quick Shave: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Pascal Leclaire recorded his third shutout of the season last night stopping all 21 shots the Buffalo Sabres fired at him. Leclaire's play in net, and goals from Rick Nash and Michael Peca helped the Jackets to the 3-0 shutout win. The Pittsburgh Penguins are starting to look like themselves again, after a slow start. The Pens defeated the new and improved Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in the shootout last night on a winning goal by Sidney Crosby. The Chicago Blackhawks young guns are lighting it up. Rookie Patrick Kane recorded his first NHL goal and added two assists to help the Hawks defeat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3. Hawks rookie Jonathan Toews picked up his second of the season in the win.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at Philadelphia 7:00
I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I'm really enjoying the Philadelphia Flyers play this season. They look sharp thus far, and tonight's game is another bench test to determine if they are for real, or just off to a lucky fast start, against a Carolina Hurricanes team which has a huge chip on it's shoulder after last season's dissapointment. Breath. Enjoy the games!
Anyone stay up with the Bosher last night and catch the goal scoring explosion between the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins? No? Well then allow me to sum up.
Neither the Kings or the Bruins played defense, and I think the goaltenders opted out of playing as well as the Bruins took the win 8-6. At one point, I was close to switching the game off as the Bruins took a commanding 5-3 lead early in the third, but instead I chose to hang in for the duration (what was I gonna do watch baseball?). The Kings fought back to tie the game 5-5. Just over a minute later the Bruins scored again to regain the lead 6-5, and then potted two more to seal the victory.
Bruins forward Phil Kessel recorded a hat trick on the evening, and Marc Savard had a huge night scoring a goal and assisting on every other goal scored (I exaggerate slightly, but the man did have 4 helpers). Manny Fernandez had a rough night in net, but managed his first win of the season in Bruins jersey, while youngster Jonathan Bernier had a brutal evening allowing 7 goals on 30 shots for the Kings. Kings forward Anze Kopitar scored twice and Michael Cammalleri had a goal and an assist. The big loser on the night was Los Angeles Kings defenceman Lubomir Visnovsky with a -3 rating..... in fact I think I was a - rating after watching this one. Great game, lots of goals, a decent scrap.... but nothing on the defensive side of the puck.
Interesting note on the Bruins. I believe they have one more West Coast game on this season opening road trip (San Jose I believe but don't quote me) and after that they don't leave the Eastern Time Zone again for the remainder of the year. Talk about choice schedules?
Quick Shave: Philadelphia Flyers forward (and jackass) Jesse Boulerice was handed a 25 game suspension for his cross check to the jaw of Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler Wednesday evening. The penalty for his infraction is longer than his career in the NHL..... in any case, the Flyers have certainly got depth at moron. Scott Gomez finally potted one for the New York Rangers last night, helping his club to a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals. The Rangers face off against the Ottawa Senators tonight. The Calgary Flames picked up their first win of the season thanks to some late game heroics by forward Matthew Lombardi. The Flames forward scored twice to lift his team over the Dallas Stars 3-2 last night.
Game of the Night:
Carolina at Montreal 7:00
Two seasons ago this was the hottest ticket in town. Hopefully both feel like rekindling that energy and delivering a solid performance! Enjoy the games!
The NHL in Europe experiment ended yesterday with the Anaheim Ducks rebounding to take a 4-1 win (the identical score that the Kings defeated them by the previous evening) over the Los Angeles Kings and send both teams home with a split.
Corey Perry had a solid night scoring two goals for the Ducks, while teammate Andy McDonald assisted on a pair (including Perry’s first power play score). Kings forward Mike Cammalleri scored his third goal in 2 games for the Kings late in the third but it was too little too late.
Both teams seem to find their discipline and cut down on the specialty teams play in this match after a penalty filled affair on Saturday night.
The spotlight of the evening was when Ducks heavyweight and Playoff Beard.com favorite George Parros dropped the gloves to do a little man dance with Kings tough guy Scott Thornton. The European crowd responded with a standing ovation.
Overall I think the introduction of the NHL to European market was well done. From what the commentators were saying, there was little to no marketing (something the NHL still hasn’t mastered) for the event, and both nights were sold out. For us in the United States it was a shame the first game wasn’t televised (Stache said the game was bumped in favor of college football….. which much to my agreement, is as exciting as watching fishing), actually it was a travesty. Opening night in the NHL, and we can’t watch. Problem. For the players, the games appear to have been well received. While initially not thrilled with the aspect of the extra travel, the event and city seemed to have changed their minds on considerably.
The 2007-2008 NHL season is underway (20 minutes in thus far), and while we the less fortunate in the U.S. will be unable to view the first of the two matches between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in London, England there is an alternative.
Currently I'm enjoying the NHL Game Radio broadcast which you can find here if you are desperate for some hockey... which if you are if you happen to be reading this. The Los Angeles Kings hold a 1 goal lead over the Ducks after the first on a score by Mike Cammalleri (set up by Visnovsky, and my fantasy golden boy Frolov).
Quick Shave:
The New York Rangers and New York Islanders met up last night in a much calmer version than their previous encounter less than a week ago. Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan scored two goals in the 5-2 win over the Isles. Rookie Nigel Dawes helped setup both of Shanny's scores and added another assist. The youngster is trying to crack the Rangers lineup this season, and it looks like Coach Renney is giving him every opportunity to do so.
I just added a new t-shirt to the Playoff Beard store last night, and while it does have a baseball theme, I think it something that everyone will enjoy!
The Los Angeles Kings placed their goaltender Dan Cloutier on waivers yesterday.
Cloutier's first season with the Kings last year was dreadful, missing more than half of the season with a hip injury and the games he did play were forgettable. Cloutier ended the year with a 6-14-2 record, and .860 save percentage. Cloutier played himself out of contention for the starting goaltending job with the Kings, this pre-season, and Los Angeles appears to be favoring newcomer Jonathan Bernier.
The Los Angeles Kings risk losing Cloutier if they decide to bring him back up from their AHL affiliate, as he would have to clear re-entry waivers.... however, I think that is unlikely. Both that he would be called up (barring multiple goaltending injuries, and that he would be claimed because of his high salary, and poor play). This could be a career ender.
Tough luck to you fantasy owners who drafted Cloutier.... not just because you lost one of your goaltenders, but if this guy was actually on your roster, I'm afraid to find out who else you may have selected....
Quick Shave:
Last night I got to see some pre-season action between the New York Rangers and their cross-town counterparts the New Jersey Devils. While both squads were lightly seasoned with veteran players, it was a lot of fun to watch the young players vying for an opportunity to play for the bigs. Rangers goaltender Al Montoya stopped 12 of the 13 shots he faced and certainly made a case for his being the back up to Henrik Lundqvist this season. Ryan Callahan a late season call up for the Blueshirts last season, and youngster Brandon Dubinsky had solid performances as well. Brian Gionta, Zach Parise, and new ufa aquisition Danius Zubrus provided the scoring for the Devils, as the Rangers went on to win 4-3. The Detroit Red Wings took down the Pittsburgh Penguins in OT last 1-0 on an early score in the extra period by defenceman Chris Chelios. It seems the Montreal Canadiens have themselves an early goaltending controversy.... perhaps controversy is too strong a word. Rookie Carey Price is making his case to play for the big club, and did so again last night making 22 saves for the Habs in a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders. Unfortunately for Price, from what I'm hearing veteran keepers Cristobal Huet, and Jaroslav Halak are also having terrific pre-seasons. Huet will play the entire match against the Ottawa Senators tonight, and Halak will face the Boston Bruins on Sunday.
The Playoff Beard. com Online Store officially opened for business yesterday. While the offerings at this time are a bit limited, I do think they will cater to my beard loving friends out there. There are two different official Playoff Beard T-shirts. I plan on adding more designs as the season progresses, and I am also open to suggestions (the playoff beard faces tee was actually Stache's brainchild). Click here to visit the store!
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!
Unwilling to sign with the Hurricanes for the past two season, defenceman Jack Johnson, the 3rd overall pick from 2005 was dealt to the L.A. Kings along with defenceman Oleg Tverdovsky, in exchange for defenceman Tim Gleason, and Eric Belanger.
The Hurricanes were left with a depleted defence corps, after losing Aaron Ward to free agency, and the recent injury to Frantisek Kaberle, were in need of fresh bodies. Their #1 pick from 2 years ago, Jack Johnson, has refused to sign, preferring to remain in college. Rumors were abound that he would be dealt, but no appealing offers were apparently to be had. Until today.
The Hurricanes aquire an average defender in Tim Gleason, with tremendous offensive upside. He scored 21 points for the Kings (2 goals, 19 assists) last season and center Eric Belanger who scored 37 points (17 goals, 20 assists) should help to lessen the loss of Cory Stillman. Slightly. However, they get two NHL ready players for one, and an untested rookie who would never have played for them.
The big question is, can the Kings lure Johnson from Michigan (i think that's where he plays), sign him to a pro contract and get him in the line up. The bigger question is, can Johnson play at the NHL level. Bigger still, can he grow a playoff beard? Can the Kings make the playoffs!
Damn! Did everyone in the NHL forget the new rules in the offseason? In the last two days I've heard nothing but conga lines headed to the penalty box and consequently teams being eviscerated by their opponents power plays.
Last night saw the Toronto Maple Leafs and Buffalo Sabres combine for 18 penalties! Of course the Sabres capitalized on 4 of those power play opportunities, and the Maple Leafs went 0 for 7. The Leafs also debuted their new number one goalie Andrew Raycroft who was shelled in his first outing. Raycroft is apparently the first Leaf to wear the #1 in over a decade. His number may be #1, but the Leafs played like #2.
The Dallas Stars were another team to benefit from their opponent's lack of discipline. The Atlanta Thrashers allowed the Stars to bury two powerplay goals enroute to a 5-2 win. The Thrashers were able to score on one of their chances, but squandered 5 others.
So much for Anaheim's defense. Well, in fairness the Ducks Dynamic Duo of Neidermayer and Pronger were scratched for todays game, and the team that played tonight proved that they will certainly need them to provide quality minutes this season. The Los Angeles Kings torched the Ducks 7-1, scoring 3 goals on the powerplay in another penalty filled game.
Hooking and Tripping appear to be the most popular infractions early in the pre-season, with the occassional seasoning of interference and holding. Everyone is going to have to brush up on the basics, or it could be another slow frustrating start for many teams out of the gate. Goals will certainly be in abundance, especially for teams with monster power play units.
I apologize for the downtime folks, I had some technical difficulties sponsored by the fine folks over at Verizon.
A lot happened on Saturday....here's a quick rundown:
Atlanta sent Patrik Stefan (a #1 pick years ago, and their first draft pick ever if I'm not mistaken) and Jaroslav Modry to Dallas for Niko Kapanen and a 7th round pick.
Kings traded Pavol Demitra to the Minnesota Wild for Patrick O'Sullivan and their 1st round pick. The Kings used the pick to draft Trevor Lewis...who apparently is a bad ass from the USHL. Demitra should help Gaborik offensively, but this was definitely the WTF trade of the day. When it was announced the entire arena gasped. I did as well.
The Avalanche traded Alex Tanguay to Calgary for defenceman Jordan Leopold, a 2nd round pick, and an conditional pick in 2007 or 2008. Iginla finally gets his wingman. I expect these two to put up some impressive numbers next year. Now they just need a center to get them the puck......
Blackhawks buy out Matt Barnaby and Curtis Brown. No surprise there. They should buy out the management there, which next to Boston and the previously the Islanders (before the purge) is the worst in the league....and perhaps in sports.
Canadiens resign Cristobal Huet to a 2 year deal, which I guess means David Aebischer is now on the available goalie list. Perhaps they should wait and see, in case Huet goes into a Raycroft like slump in his sophomore year. What a segue! Raycroft got traded Saturday, but I can't remember to whom...nor do I really care.
Same goes for Dan Cloutier who I think is making way too much money to be a backup, since he will most certainly be waxing the bench while watching Luongo start.
Phoenix just traded defencemen Paul Mara and a pick to Boston for Nick Boyton and a pick.
Pronger is apparently on his way out of Edmonton. Where and when is the question. What do the Oilers need, and who needs a solid blueliner that can 75 minutes a game? Not too many teams right!
Crawford only spent a month on the unemployment line after his dismissal by the Vancouver Canucks before being scooped up by the L.A. Kings. Crawford will replace interim head coach Bull from Night Court who replaced Andy Murray who was sacked with only 12 games to go in the regular season. For more on this story visit TSN.ca.
The force is strong with this one. Sometime today, future Hall of Famer Luc Robitaille will announce his decision to retire. With three games remaining and the likelihood of the Kings making the playoffs almost an impossibility, the Kings will celebrate their star forward. The highest scoring left winger ever in the game and the star of Sudden Impact, has a total of 668 goals, and 726 assists. His career spanned 1,428 regular seasons games and brought him to Pittsburgh, New York, Detroit and Los Angeles. He played in 159 playoff games, tallying 58 goals and 69 assists, and helped the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup victory in 2002. For more on Luc, visit TSN.ca.
Ovechkin broke the 100 point mark last night with a goal in a 2-1 overtime win against the Bruins last night. One shy of 50, Ovechkin has had an amazing season. This kid will clearly win the Calder trophy this year, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him take the MVP next year. He's that good.
Anaheim and the Niedermayer brothers may have crushed Vancouver's playoff hopes last night with a 4-2 victory. Scott and Rob scored early to give the Ducks a 2-0 lead. The win helped Anaheim clinch a playoff berth. Playoff Beard Alert: Thank goodness! Scott Niedermayer is a playoff beard veteran. If the Ducks can last a round or two this guy will look like Jesus on ice!
One final note, to the jackass broadcaster in Ottawa (don't know your name, but you know who you are), Daniel Alfredsson has had a terrific year, but in no way is he even close to having an MVP calibre season. There are 6 guys ahead of him in points, and he hasn't even hit 100, and most likely won't. I love watching your broadcasts up in Canada, but sometimes you color guys get a little too biased on your boys up North. Take a step a back and think before you talk. Saying Daniel Alfredsson is a candidate for the MVP trophy is like saying the French were pivotal in winning World War II.
Since I'm on the topic, here are my thoughts for MVP, it should come down to Jagr, Thornton, and possibly Ovechkin. Strong consideration could go towards Turco and Kiprussoff as well, but I think the points Jagr and Thornton have put up will be difficult to ignore. I'll make my final picks later this week.
Last night's scores:
Washington 2 Boston 1 F (OT)
Ottawa 2 Montreal 3 F San Jose 3 Phoenix 2 F Anaheim 4 Vancouver 2 F
Game of the night:
Edmonton at Detroit 7:30 PM
Edmonton needs this one bad. They hold the last playoff spot with 3 games remaining, and have only a 2 point lead over 9th place Vancouver. Expect the Oilers to battle hard for this one. 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!
The San Jose Sharks have acquired forward Ville Niemene from the New York Rangers for a third round pick in the 2006 NHL Draft.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Luke Richardson from the Columbus Blue Jackets for a fifth round pick and conditional fourth round pick.
The Los Angeles Kings have acquired forward Mark Parrish and defenceman Brent Sopel from the New York Islanders for defenceman Denis Grebeshkov, and forward Jeff Tambellini and a conditional third round pick.
BREAKING NEWS
Just heard on MSG, that the Colorado Avalanche have traded David Aebischerr to Montreal for Jose Theodore!. More to come on this.
The Capitals are not dressing Brendan Witt this evening. This is almost a certainty that he will be dealt in the coming hours.
Derrick Morris has signed a contract extension with the Phoenix Coyotes.
This is the Los Angeles Kings team I was talking about! The one I predicted would battle their way into the playoffs. 
Quick Shave:
Anyone stay up with the Bosher last night and catch the goal scoring explosion between the Los Angeles Kings and the Boston Bruins? No? Well then allow me to sum up.
Quick Shave:
The NHL in Europe experiment ended yesterday with the Anaheim Ducks rebounding to take a 4-1 win (the identical score that the Kings defeated them by the previous evening) over the Los Angeles Kings and send both teams home with a split.
The Los Angeles Kings placed their goaltender Dan Cloutier on waivers yesterday.
Quick Shave:
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.
