The high skilled, high profile, and high paid players of the NHL emerged last night in a big way... well most of them did anyway.
In San Jose, the Sharks newest acquisition, super forward Dany Heatley finally delivered for his new club. During the Sharks home opener, Heatley joined the NHL Hat Trick club and helped lift his team to a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton tied a Sharks record by assisting on 4 of those goals.
In New York, the Rangers prized forward Marion Gaborik scored two quick goals and snatch a 4-3 victory from the Washington Capitals. Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist also became the first to keep Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin off the score sheet.
The Buffalo Sabres forward Thomas Vanek scored a late power play goal to help his club to a 2-1 victory over the unstoppable Phoenix Coyotes.
In St. Louis, the Blues opened at home for the first time and were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 300th career NHL goal, then later deposited his 301st. Kovalchuk now has two back to back two goal games to open the season... not bad for a guy in a contract year. Atlanta better lock him up now.
The Calgary Flames remained undefeated last night as they tied the Edmonton Oilers 3-3 with little more than a second remaining in the game, then went on to complete the comeback win 4-3 on an Olli Jokinen shootout goal.
Quick Shave:
The New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings picked up their first victories of the season, and the Pittsburgh Penguins shut down the Philadelphia Flyers handing them their first defeat of the season. The panic around the league, especially in Canada regarding the slow starts that some of their clubs have gotten off to is borderline hilarious. The Canucks, Red Wings, and Sharks all got off to horrendous starts, and many of the NHL's elite goaltenders have had games they'd love to forget. Speculation about what Steve Yzerman will do regarding Team Canada's goaltending because of the awful play of Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur and Cam Ward has many leaning towards Steve Mason.
I say to everyone... RELAX. The season is barely a week old. For you fans of teams that have stumbled out of the gate... it's ok... your clubs will get going. On the flip side, you fans of clubs who've rocketed out to a fast start.... don't get overly excited because it could come to a crashing halt. Enjoy your beer, and your hockey my friends, this is just the beginning.
The Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin came to play last night and walked all over the Boston Bruins.
Ovechkin assisted early on a tally by Brooks Laich and scored twice more to help the Caps to an easy 4-1 win and paying immediate dividends to Fantasy Managers who were lucky enough to nab him.
The Montreal Canadiens rallied late to force overtime and eventually steal a 4-3 victory from the Toronto Maple Leafs last night. New Habs additions Mike Cammalleri (2 assists) and Brian Gionta (1 goal ) helped their new club to the opening night victory. Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta looked to be quickly rediscovering the chemistry they once had in New Jersey a few seasons ago. On that note... seeing Gomez in a Montreal Canadiens sweater is going to take some getting used to... especially considering I was just getting used to him wearing a New York Rangers jersey.
The biggest surprise last night had to be the San Jose Sharks... and how badly they crapped the bed. The Colorado Avalanche honored Joe Sakic by raising his number to the rafters of the Pepsi Center, then soundly defeating the Sharks 5-2. The only Shark that seemed to show up last night was Patrick Marleau who potted both goals for San Jose and is clearly showing now ill-effects to having his captaincy removed and handed off to defenceman Rob Blake. The Colorado Avalanche looked a much younger and faster club than the Sharks that looked like they were coming off a playoff hangover.
The Calgary Flames defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-3 last night, they're first opening night victory in 6 years. Flames goaltender made 39 saves to help his club to the win.
Quick Shave:
Brendan Shanahan removed himself for the New Jersey Devils lineup yesterday, announcing that he felt that he could not play at a level that he wanted to. I gotta give massive credit to Shanahan who could have coasted and just collected his paycheck for the season, but rather chose not to disrespect his club, the NHL or his legacy. Good man.
Couple of early afternoon deliveries arriving today from Europe as Florida Panther open up their season against the Chicago Blackhawks (I believe in Stockholm) and the Detroit Red Wings follow up against the St. Louis Blues in Helsinki... although those cities could be reversed... hard to say. Todays games get started at noon!
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.
Rick DiPietro has finally been put out of his misery as the New York Islanders have announced that their goaltender will be out for the rest of the season.
DiPietro has had a nightmare year, appearing in only five matches this year, trying to overcome complications from an October knee operation that has never fully healed. DiPietro has had swelling in the knee that has kept him out of the lineup for most of the year.
Rather than make the injury worse, and most likely because the Islanders aren't going anywhere (except perhaps Kansas City-more on that in a second) they've opted to rest their franchise netminder. DiPietro has12 years left on his $67.5 million contract.
On to the possible relocation of the Islanders....
News broke last week that the New York Islanders will be playing an exhibition match in Kansas City (where they have been actively courting the NHL for a club to relocate to) and rumors have been abound that the team may be looking to move. Charles Wang, owner of the team has been frustrated by the stall tactics Long Island officials have employed to slow the rebuilding and renovation process of Nassau Coliseum and it's surrounding land. The Coliseum is in desperate need of renovation. In truth the Islanders need a new facility, although that is highly unlikely. Wang is posturing right now, perhaps even threatening to move the club in order to motivate the politicians. Hopefully it works.
Judging by the clubs free fall the Islanders are primed to receive a top pick in this years NHL entry draft. Imagine if the club could land prized rookie John Tavares? He could be a panacea for the club, much in the same way that Sidney Crosby was for the Pittsburgh Penguins and their franchise. My fingers are crossed for the club. The once proud New York Islanders club needs to return to it's former glory, and I believe they can do so with a player like this.
Quick Shave:
It is the return of veteran (and I mean veteran) free agent players this week. Brendan Shanahan played his first game with the New Jersey Devils yesterday, and the club's newest acquisition payed immediate dividends as he opened the scoring and helped them to a 3-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. 43 year old Claude Lemieux has apparently beaten the odds and completed his comeback to the NHL. Lemieux has been recalled from the Worcester Sharks and will join the San Jose Sharks. I like this move from the Sharks. Clearly they are looking for as much playoff experience as possible and looking to make a serious run for the Stanley Cup this season. They are now stacked with proven Stanley Cup winners, adding Lemieux to a list that includes Dan Boyle, Rob Blake and Brad Lukowich. Peter Forsberg is planning on making another attempt to return to the NHL. Forsberg is skating again, testing out an ankle that has been an obstacle to him for the past several years. This could be his last try, and he has admitted that if he can't go, he will retire for good. I wish him luck.
The Jaromir Jagr era appears to be over in New York, as the Rangers have moved on and signed unrestricted free agent winger Markus Naslund to a two year deal worth $8 million. Jagr's inability to make a decision on his playing future and GM Glen Sather's lack of patience to wait for him to make up his mind forced the Rangers to pursue other alternatives. The Rangers also signed defenceman Dmitir Kalinin to a one year deal.
The San Jose Sharks prepared for life after Brian Campbell by signing veteran defenceman Rob Blake to a one year deal worth $5 million.
The Montreal Canadiens signed tough guy Georges Laraque to a three year deal worth $4.5 million. The Habs also signed buy-out casualty goaltender Marc Denis to a one year deal.
The Philadelphia Flyers hung on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens last 3-2... barely. The Montreal Canadiens mounted a furious comeback, and in the final moments of the third, pounded the Flyers with shots but were unable to solve goaltender Martin Biron for the second straight game.
Biron helped the Flyers climb back into the series on Saturday and last night helped them take a 2-1 series lead. Unfortunately for Habs goalie Carey Price, for every action there is an equal yet opposite reaction. Price was yanked in favor of back up Jaroslav Halak after surrendering the third goal to the Flyers.
Aside from this series, the rest of the games in this round are very one sided.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dominated the New York Rangers in the first two games of their series. The Rangers blew a commanding three goal lead Friday night and fell to the Penguins 5-4. On Sunday, they tightened up, and were shutout by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. I can't say enough good things about this club right now. They overcome adversity, they play good team defense, and they have made Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist look ordinary. They have yet to lose thus far in the post season, and really look like a team of destiny right now.
Now for the bad. While I appreciate the effort, Sidney Crosby's playoff beard (term used very loosely) is undescribable. While teammates Ryan Malone, and Marian Hossa have brought the Beardgame, Crosby.... well he just can't. I will never take anything away from him as a player, but I have found his flaw. Pittsburgh fans.... we have found the new Jeff Friesen. Officer Crosby... the donuts are on us.
I got some crap for my opinion on Joe Thornton last week, and my belief that he is not a big time playoff performer. Two games, 1 assist, two losses. The man has all the skills and tools necessary to carry this club to the promised land, but for some reason fails to do so, or at least has so far. On the positive side, the man does wield a formidable playoff beard... hopefully that facial magnificence will one day translate to Stanley Cup glory. The Dallas Stars look amazing. After knocking of the reigning Stanley Cup Champs, they look poised to easily dispatch the Stanley Cup favorite San Jose Sharks. They bring a 2-0 series lead back to Dallas tomorrow night. Marty Turco is the man.... and he is finally getting his due..... take a page from his playbook Joe.
The sleeping giant has awoken in Detroit. After an amazing regular season, the Detroit Red Wings were tested in round 1 by the Nashville Predators, but now head to Denver with a 2-0 series lead, and look to continue their dominance over an injury depleted Colorado Avalanche lineup. The Red Wings have brought Avs goaltender Jose Theodore back down to earth and have made him look like the Theodore of old (not the MVP old Theodore... last years Rogaine Junkie Theodore). Rumors are abound that back up goaltender (formerly number one) Peter Budaj may start game 3 for the Avs. There is also a chance that Forsberg may return from the groin injury that has hampered him this round. Either way, the Avs better pulll something out of their hats.
The Calgary Flames stunned the San Jose Sharks last night taking game 1 and home ice advantage.
The Flames defeated the Sharks 3-2. Flames forward Stephane Yelle scored two goals, and goaltender Miika Kiprusoff made 37 saves against his former club to take the 1-0 series lead into tonight's Game 2 matchup. Defenceman Dion Phaneuf rounded out the scoring for the Flames.
Sharks forward Ryan Clowe who missed most of the regular season on the IR provided both goals for the Sharks. His line along with Patrick Marleau seemed to be the only one that consistently gave the Flames headaches during the game.
Quick Shave:
Home Ice Advantage didn't mean much last night to the Colorado Avalanche as they defeated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 last night in overtime. Joe Sakic scored roughly midway through the first period of extra time (his 8th career overtime playoff goal) to give the Avs the series lead 1-0. Game 2 is Friday night.
Has the NHL gone the way of the gladiator this season? Skate stomps, hits from behind, flying elbows, slashed throats, and faces driven into turnbuckles!
Last night we saw Minnesota Wild's Kurt Foster and San Jose Sharks Torrey Mitchell race to prevent an icing. While battling for the puck, Foster had a step on Mitchell and the two crashed into the boards behind the net. Foster suffered a fractured tibula on the play, and is recovering in a San Jose hospital following surgery to repair the broken bone.
Mitchell will not receive any further disciplinary action from the league as a result of the play.
I'm not sure he should either. After watching the play a few times, there was obviously contact between the pair, but I'm not sure Mitchell intentionally tried to injure Foster. In any case the debate is already being raised that the no-touch icing rule be brought into effect.
Sharks acquire Campbell from Sabres, Tampa trades Richards to Dallas
The first big trade of the day is done.
The Buffalo Sabres sent defenceman Brian Campbell to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Steve Bernier and a first round draft pick. The Sabres were unable to come to an agreement with Campbell on a contract extension and opted to trade the star d-man rather than risk losing him as an unrestricted free agent this summer. Campbell has 5 goals and 43 points in 63 games this season.
The Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning have agreed on a trade for forward Brad Richards. Both teams now were waiting to see if Richards would waive his no-trade clause and confirm the deal. The Tampa Bay Lightning send forward Brad Richards and goaltender Johan Holmqvist to the Dallas Stars in exchange for goaltender Mike Smith, center Jeff Halpern and winger Jussin Jokinen. Looks like Modano gets his winger.
The New Jersey Devils acquired defenceman Bryce Salvadore from the St. Louis Blues for forward Cam Janssen earlier today and the Toronto Maple Leafs sent tough guy Wade Belak to the Florida Panthers for 5th round pick.
With the first third of the season now in the books, this is usually the time of year when the war of attrition begins to take it's toll on the NHL players phsyically.
The Vancouver Canucks lost a pair this week, as their goaltender Roberto Luongo will be out of action (currently listed day to day) for the immediate future with a rib contusion, and the NHL's current Iron Man Brendan Morrison will end his streak of consecutive games played at 542 as he undergoes wrist surgery this week. The Canucks were beginning to get their game together after a slow start and made a push to the top of the Northwest Division. Obviously losing Luongo for any period of time is a crushing blow to this team, as he is the cornerstone of the franchise. Markus Naslund who has rediscovered his game back on a line with the dancing Sedins will have to continue his great play to weather Luongo's absence.
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be doing without the services of their number one goaltender also as Marc-Andre Fleury will be out of the lineup for most of the next two months with a high ankle sprain. Fleury was injured on the Pens Western Canadia trip against the Calgary Flames. The injury comes at a time where many were questioning Fleury's ability in net to truly be their number one keeper, and rumors were abound that the Pens might be looking at signing veteran Curtis Joseph as a backup. For now, backup Dany Sabourin will have to shoulder the load.
The San Jose Sharks sent forwards Jonathan Cheechoo and Jeremy Roenick to the land of the injured reserve list this week. Cheechoo sustained a groin injury against the Buffalo Sabres last weekend. Cheechoo had off-season hernia surgery, and has obviously not recovered fully. Jeremy Roenick who has experience a rebirth with the Sharks this season will be out of the lineup with a knee injury.
Quick Shave:
How about Mark Recchi? Placed on waivers by the Pittsburgh Penguins and picked up by the Atlanta Thrashers on re-entry waivers, Recchi played his first game with his new club this season, and the results were very positive. Recchi scored twice for the Thrashers last night in a losing effort as they fell to the Boston Bruins 5-3. Bruins new goaltender Alex Auld won his third straight for the club making 23 saves. If he's available in your fantasy leagues, grab the kid, and ride him while he's hot. Ryan Miller made 28 saves last night for the Buffalo Sabres as they defeated the New York Islanders 5-3. Jason Pominville had three assists, Maxim Afinogenov had a pair of helpers, and Ales Kotalik recorded a goal and an assist. For the Sabres to return to the dance, they need all of these guys to play like this night in and out. The New York Rangers forward Brendan Shanahan did all he could to get his team back in the game last night against the Washington Capitals last night. In the third period Shanny setup Straka for a score, and then tied the game himself 4-4. In overtime however he lost his edge, and the Caps took a two on one down the ice where Mike Green deposited the game winner. The Ottawa Senators have their game back. They thumped the Carolina Hurricanes 6-0 last night thanks to a Dany Heatley who had a pair of goals, and 31 save performance by Martin Gerber. Goaltender Ray Emery left in the first period because he felt soreness in his hip. No word yet on how badly injured he was but it was said by Sens officials that he could have returned in an emergency (a Gerber collapse).
Jeremy Roenick achieved the milestone that was the impetus behind him postponing his retirement last night. The 500th goal of this nearly two decade career.
The goal itself was probably the most unusual of his career as well, as Roenick looked to be dumping the puck deep, and it took an odd bounce and was inadvertantly directed into the net by Phoenix netminder Alex Auld. The goal stood up as the game winner as well, as the San Jose Sharks went on to defeat the Phoenix Coyotes 4-1.
Congratulations JR! Quick Shave:
Anyone stay up late to watch the Dallas Stars against the Los Angeles Kings last night? Yeah, neither did I, and I'm sorry I didn't. I resubmit my aforementioned statement that the Kings are a blast to watch, and are perhaps going to be this season's Cardiac Kids. The Dallas Stars had a very comfortable 4-0 lead going into the third period before the Los Angeles Kings scored 5 unanswered goals and took the 5-4 lead. Modano scored the tying goal late in the third to force overtime for the Stars. Kings sophomore forward Anze Kopitar scored the game winner midway through the extra period to cap comeback win 6-5. Watch the highlights. The announcers are beyond hilarious during this one.
"While in time I believe the San Jose Sharks will be most triumphant, ... they will never be a super team until they get Eddie Van Halen on the blue line."
-Bill S. Preston esq.
If the Sharks do want to march to the promised land, playing as they did last night will most assuredly keep them from said destination.
The Colorado Avalanche dropped the hammer on the Sharks last night, opening up a two goal lead in the first, and then burying San Jose with four more scores in the third. for the 6-2 win. Sharks forward Ryane Clowe made it interesting in the second by scoring the lone goal in the second period, and capping the scoring late in the third.
The show stopper once again was Avs forward Paul Stastny. The sophomore had his first career 5 point night (1 goal, 4 assists) just two game removed from his opening season hat trick. The Avalanche have themselves another star in the making.
Speaking of stars. Joe Sakic. The man continues to rise like Google's stock. Joe Sakic opened the scoring on a power play for the Avalanche, and set up Milan Hejduk for their second power play opportunity minutes later. The two points moved him into a tie, then surpassed NHL great Phil Esposito for 8th all time on the NHL Career points list. Congrats Joe!
Whaaaa? Ok let's start with this quote (thank you TSN.ca)
"Jeremy Roenick is a tremendous competitor and he has a great love for the game of hockey," Sharks GM Doug Wilson said Tuesday in a statement. "We feel he can add something to the talented group of players on our club and we feel that this is an environment where Jeremy can be successful."
I agree with everything the Doug Wilson said. In 2001.
In any case, the San Jose Sharks signed veteran forward and dancing superstar Jeremy Roenick to a one year deal worth $500,000. This just days after they re-signed their star forward Patrick Marleau to a 2 year deal worth $12.6 million. Marleau trade rumors have been swirling this off-season, but I doubt the acquisition of Roenick will do anything to stir the fires on that one..... Roenick was most likely brought in to help the Sharks in the veteran experience department, and in return, the Sharks provide him with a forum in which he can score the 5 remaining goals necessary to achieve the 500 goal milestone.
The Red Wings sealed the deal on the San Jose Sharks last night with a 2-0 victory, and clinched the series 4-2.
Red Wings forward Mikael Samuelsson scored two in the first period, and goaltender Dominik Hasek made 28 saves to complete the shutout victory, the 13th of his playoff career. The Red Wings depleted defensive corps were anchored by Nicklas Lidstrom and Chris Chelios who played almost the entire game recording 29 and 26 minutes respectively.
So the Red Wings have shrugged off to previous playoff dissappointments and put together a beautiful run that has exposed their grit, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity. Now they move on to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in 5 years to face off against the Anaheim Ducks, the second best team in the West (in points).
The San Jose Sharks dropped three in a row to the Red Wings and will find it difficult to pull anything positive from this playoffs, especially after recording a Conference tying 51 wins during the regular season. Joe Thornton was dominant in the Sharks first 9 playoff games recording 11 points, but was shutdown over the last two. Is this as far as the big guy can carry his team? Perhaps Boston recognized this last year? In any case, the Sharks must learn the agony of losing in the playoffs, and pay their dues before moving on..... just like Ottawa, Buffalo, Anaheim, and even Detroit. Their time will come..... just not now.
The playoffs really haven't thrown us to many surprises, but for that matter, the four remaining teams were four that were at the top of the standings for most of the year.... no Cinderellas this year Edmonton. The matchups are going to be outstanding. The Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres in the Eastern Conference should live up to it's billing, and the Ducks vs. the Wings in the West..... well I have no complaints whatsoever.
Who says overtime is boring? Well Mike Brophy from the Hockey News does, but after last night's game, I think he may be printing a retraction this week.
The Detroit Red Wings battled from a 2 goals down and found a way to solve (i love that.... solving is almost as cool as staving) San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov. Wings forward Tomas Holstrom scored with seconds remaining in the second to bring Detroit within one goal. With under a minute to play in the game Valtteri Filppula sprung Robert Lang who put the tying goal past Nabokov and force overtime. Deep into overime, the Red Wings capitalized on a power play opportunity and the marvelous playoff beard of defenceman Matthieu Schneider. Schneider grabbed a bad clear and let fly the game winner in OT. The Red Wings defeated the San Jose Sharks 3-2 and tied the series 2-2.
The Red Wings played with some desperation and were solid throughout, and most importantly never quit. I loved the way, and the way they continue to battle, an attitude that has been missing in previous post seasons. Props to Sharks forward Bill Guerin who is sporting a terrific playoff beard and took a slapshot off the chin from point blank late in the game. That is a tough man.... and you know that playoff beard surely protected his face from serious injury.
Quick Shave:
The Ottawa Senators are one win from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals after last night's 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Sens won their second straight game at home thanks to goals from Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson, and the game winner by Mike Fisher. The New Jersey Devils shutdown line of Madden, Brylin, and Pandolfo is a combined -20 during the playoffs! That line was their bread and butter all season when it came to stopping their opponents top line and in the playoffs thus far they have almost become a liability. Add that to Martin Brodeur not playing his best hockey and you have a team that is now facing elimination.
I'd like to send a special thank you out to my boys at the Face Off Hockey Show who invited the Bosher on last night for an in depth discussion on facial hair. To listen to the broadcast click here!
Game of the Night:
Vancouver at Anaheim 9:00 PM
The Ducks, although no longer Mighty, are certainly playing that way. They have and opportunity to close out their series against the Canucks tonight and advance to the Western Conference Finals for the second consecutive season. The Canucks have battled back successfully from 3-1 defecits before, and have the chance to do it once more. Enjoy the games!
The Nashville Predators are the NHL's best. Their 81 points have them sitting not only first place overall in the Western Conference, but a point better than the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres.
Nashville is keeping pace with the Detroit Red Wings who are also one point behind them with 80, and sit second in the Central Division, but fourth in the Western Conference (that is a buzz kill.....they own a 12 point lead over third place Vancouver too.
The Predators flexed their muscles against the San Jose Sharks last night. Defenceman Shea Weber potted two goals and goaltender Tomas Vokoun stopped all 22 Sharks shots he faced to pummell San Jose 5-0. The shutout was Vokoun's 4th this season, and the 10th for the Predators combined goaltending tandem with Chris Mason.
The Western Conference since the All Star Break seems to be opening up alot. The Minnesota Wild hold the 8th playoff spot with 67 points, and have a 7 point cushion over the 9th place Edmonton Oilers. Aside from the Predators and Red Wings (Zetterberg and Datsyuk did it again last night, and even made ESPN's Top 10 combining for a score in a 3-1 win over Dallas) battling for control of the Central and ultimately the Western Conference, tthe Northwest Division has a tight race between the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild. Calgary and Vancouver have 68 points, and Minnesota has 67. In the Pacific, the Anaheim Ducks (74 points), San Jose Sharks (73 points), and Dallas Stars (70 points) are all fighting for control of the Division and the second seed in the West. It seems the elite in this Conference have really begun to separate themselves from the also-rans.
The Eastern Conference is a lot tighter. The Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins (did you guys see Crosby in the overtime last night against the Blackhawks? I thought the puck was glued to his stick), and Ottawa Senators (3rd, 4th, and 5th place teams) all have 69 points. The Tampa Bay Lightning are in 6th with 66 points, the Carolina Hurricanes with 65, and the Habs in the final spot with 64. On the outside looking in, just two points out and tied for 9th, the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs, 5 points out the New York Rangers, and 8 points out the Boston Bruins. The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals still have a chance being 9 and 10 points out as well. Aside from the Buffalo Sabres, and the New Jersey Devils who at this point are unstoppable, the rest of the Conference is really anybodies to win.
Game of the Night:
NY Rangers at Carolina 7:00 PM
Boston at NY Islanders 7:30 PM
Washington at Tampa Bay 7:30 PM
Six teams jockeying for playoff position. The playoffs have already begun for all of these clubs, so look for most of the games down the stretch to kick it up a notch. Boston is a few wins or losses away from being a buyer or seller at the trade deadline, so these games are very important. Enjoy the games!
Two games against the Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose forward Jonathan Cheechoo scored 4 goals. Unfortunately, San Jose dropped the first of the home and home with Anaheim 7-4 on Tuesday night despite Cheechoo's production. Last night the San Jose Sharks took the second meeting 3-2, thanks to a late power play goal by Milan Michalek.
Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle was quoted saying "He's been a thorn in our side..." (pulled from TSN.ca). He really has. The broadcasters were melting over Cheechoo last night and continued to ladel his stats on me all night. During Cheechoo's Rocket Richard winning season last year, he had 5 hat tricks. The first player to record that many hat tricks in a season in 10 years (the last being Mario Lemieux). To come full circle to Carlyle's quote.... three of Cheechoo's hat tricks last season were against the Anaheim Ducks (then Mighty).
Altough he only has 20 goals on the season, he appears to finding the form that carried him to the goal scoring lead last season. If the last two games are any indication, I would look for Jonathan Cheechoo to have an impressive second half of the season. Although now that I've said that, look for him to never score a goal again.
Quick Shave:
Henrik Zetterberg is the man. Nobody, not even Cujo can stop this kid. Zetterberg recorded the 100th goal of his career last night, (as well as the 99th), in a two goal evening that helped lift the Detroit Red Wings over the Phoenix Coyotes 4-2. Zetterberg's 100th was also the game winner, and the Red Wings have now recorded 5 straight victories. Patrick Lalime returned to action last night (remember the former displaced Ottawa keeper?) as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, and you would have to say it was a successful debut. Lalime made 34 saves to blank the Vancouver Canucks 3-0, one of the hottest teams in the league. It was Lalime's 34th career win by shutout. Speaking of shutouts.....Rick DiPietro of the New York Islanders made 27 saves to shutdown, and shutout the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0. This is interesting..... according to rumors there are apparently several teams interested in acquiring defenceman Derian Hatcher from the Flyers. I can't imagine how he would improve a lineup or what the Flyers would recieve in exchange for him......I guess we'll see. Look for the Flyers to begin dumping salaries like the L.A. Kings have begun to do already. The Buffalo Sabres finally solved the Ottawa Senators, who have been one of the few teams able to consistentely defeat the Eastern Conference's top seed. The Sabres got a pair of goals from forward Thomas Vanek and went on to defeat the Sens 3-2.
Game of the Night:
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia 7:00 PM
Toronto at Nashville 8:00 PM
I know, it's kind of like staring at a car accident on the side of the road..... but everytime Crosby and the Pens head to Philadelphia, we get highlight reel goals. Tonight should be no different. The Toronto Maple Leafs have strung together a few wins so of course every one in Toronto is convinced they will be winning the Stanley Cup this season. In fairness they have played some great hockey of late, so lets see how they fare against an elite team in the Nashville Predators (the team everyone in Toronto expects them to face in the finals). Enjoy the games!
If I were to tell you that the Phoenix Coyotes not only beat the San Jose Sharks last night, but scored 8 goals on them, their goaltender Curtis Joseph stopped all 40 shots he faced, and Jeremy Roenick scored 3 of the Phoenix tallies to join the NHL Hat Trick club.....you'd say Bosh, crack open another Labatt Blue. I would of course be happy to do so.
The Sharks have now lost four of their last five, and appear to be finding adversity for the first time this season. Adversity delivered a pizza to them last night in the form of the Phoenix Coyotes, and this one came with all the trimmings. Cujo made 40 saves for his 48th career shutout, and tied Jacques Planted for fifth on the all time wins list with his 437th victory.
On any other night, the big story would have been Jeremy Roenick. Demoted to fourth line duty on some nights, and more often that not a healthy scratch, Roenick is spitting distance from retirement. His words not mine:
-from TSN.ca
Asked if he thought he had a hat trick left in him, Roenick said, ''I didn't think I had a goal left in me. 'There were times there when I was wondering if I had many games left. My confidence has been shot for a while. It doesn't help when you're on the fourth line and you're a healthy scratch.''
Perhaps this old dog does have a few new tricks left?
The Coyotes finished the evening 8-0, chasing Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov who allowed 3 goals on 6 shots (and the fantasy owner I'm playing this week started him! WOOOHOOO!!!), and Toskala was pounded for 5 more. Phoenix is now only 8 points out of playoff spot, and like their counterparts down under in Columbus and St. Louis, they are beginning to put some wins together and climb in the standings.
Quick Shave:
The Vancouver Canucks have rediscovered the art of scoring goals, and their most recent victim was the Edmonton Oilers. Daniel Sedin was at it again, scoring two goals and an assist to lift the Canucks to the 6-2 win. Martin Brodeur is still the man. The New Jersey Devils goaltender shutout the New York Islanders 2-0 by making 29 saves. It was Brodeur's 6th shutout of the season, and the 86th of his career. Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro actually had a solid night in net as well making 36 saves on the evening. The New York Rangers fought their way to their first win in 8 games. Literally. Brendan Shanahan dropped the gloves with Donald Brashear in the third period after he got tired of him taking liberties with Jaromir Jagr all game. In a very physical match, the Rangers clawed and scrapped their way to a 4-1 win over the Washington Capitals. Nashville Predators backup goaltender Chris Mason (still covering for the injured Vokoun) shutdown, and shutout the Boston Bruins by stopping all 38 shots he faced. The Predators won the game 5-0. The St. Louis Blues are back! As I mentioned earlier, they, the Jackets and the Yotes are attempting to turn their seasons around, and thus far appear to be doing it. The Blues Manny Legace made 33 saves to shutout the Colorado Avalanche 2-0 last night.
Game of the Night:
Anaheim at Minnesota 6:00 PM
Chicago at Columbus 7:00 PM
Los Angeles at Detroit 7:00 PM
Edmonton at Calgary 8:00 PM
Philadelphia at Carolina 8:00 PM
San Jose at Dallas 8:00 PM
What game prior to a New Year's Bash isn't great? I give you the entire card for the evening, and I'll let you decide which ones to watch for the final day of 2006.....although if you need any help deciding....Edmonton vs. Calgary looks juicy to me. Have a great New Years Eve folks! Thanks for an amazing year!
Oh and Forsberg will net 3 and become the final HTC member of the year.
The Ducks met the Sharks last night in what will surely be a playoff matchup this season. The Pacific Division rivals, currently sit first (Ducks) and second (Sharks), and both lead the Western Conference in points.
The Anaheim Ducks who carried a 7 game road winning streak into the Shark Tank last night.....saw it snapped. San Jose Sharks forward Jonathan Cheechoo scored late in the third to tie the score 3-3. With little more than 2 minutes in the game, Joe Thornton potted the game winner on a shot that deflected off of Ducks defenceman Scott Niedermayer. Sharks keeper Evgeni Nabokov made 32 saves on the evening to lift his club to a 4-3 win over the Ducks.
Quick Shave:
A couple of winning streaks ended last night....and ended hard. The New York Rangers saw their winning streak snapped big time as they were embarrassed by the Toronto Maple Leafs 9-2. Kyle Wellwood joined the HTC with his 3 goal, 5 point performance. Actually I think every Leaf may have joined the HTC last night. The Pittsburgh Penguins saw their win streak halted by the Montreal Canadiens as they lost 6-3. Habs captain Saku Koivu recorded his customary 2 goals. Calgary Flames forward Jarome Iginla almost made me look like a genius last night, as he was one goal shy of the HTC. Iginla had 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) in a 6-3 romp of the Phoenix Coyotes last night. The New York Islanders goalie Rick Dipietro bounced back from a rought outting against the Pens the other night, to shutout the Atlanta Thrashers 6-0. The Detroit Red Wings won for the first time ever in New Jersey yesterday afternoon 2-1. The New Jersey Devils don't score goals anymore, so Hasek only needed to make 21 saves for the win. The Devils have now dropped three in a row. The Ottawa Senators looked like the team they should be last night defeating the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres for the third time this season 3-1. Jason Spezza scored two goals, and goalie Ray Emery stopped 35 Buffalo Shots for the win.
Game of the Night:
New Jersey at NY Rangers 7:00 PM
Embarrrassing losers from last night, face off against three game losers.....both teams will be up for this one, and it should be a nasty Garden party. Bondra will join the HTC tonight against the Colorado Avalanche. Enjoy the games!
In what had to be the premiere showdown in the NHL last night, the two top teams in the Western Conference faced off in an epic contest. Well, for one period anyway.
The San Jose Sharks visited the Honda Center to meet their division rivals the Anaheim Ducks for the first time this season, and played to a draw in the first period. That was the last period the Sharks looked like an equal to their counterparts, who began to take them apart in the second. Duck's defenceman Chris Pronger and forward Ryan Getzlaf opened the scoring, and Anaheim never looked backed. San Jose Sharks goaltender Evgeni Nabokov recieved no offensive support and little defensive help as he was lit up for 5 goals on 44 shots. Duck's goalie Jean Sebastien Giguere saved all 23 shots he faced and recorded his third shutout of the season, to help his team to the 5-0 rout.
Anaheim's Teemu Selanne scored his 498th, and 499th goals of his career. I know, I know, just one shy of joining the NHL Hat Trick Club.....and the not as esteemed 500 Goal Club (which Mats Sundin joined earlier this season, while silmutaneously joining the NHL HTC). Teemu will have ample opportunity to pot his 500th tomorrow night against the Colorado Avalanche, and if Jose Theodore is in net, most certainly the HTC.....several Ducks players may join the HTC tomorrow night.
Quick Shave:
Bad news for the Nashville Predators, as they lose their hulking center Jason Arnott for almost 6 weeks. Arnott was injured in Columbus on Monday night, and will have to have his knee scoped. I think it's safe to say Jaromir Jagr's shoulder is 100%. The New York Ranger's captain scored 2 goals and goalie Henrik Lundqvist stopped 34 shots to shutout the defending Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes 4-0. Ranger's forward Jed Ortmeyer has been cleared to resume practicing (non contact) with the club after being out all season with a pulmonary embolism. Good news for the young player who brought tons of energy to the Rangers last season. Petr Sykora scored 2 goals for the Edmonton Oilers to lift them over the Calgary Flames 2-1. Sykora is having a solid season for the Oil this year, scoring 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists). The Toronto Maple Leafs may get their captain, Mats Sundin back as early as this Saturday as they face off against the Boston Bruins. Sundin has be recovering from a tear in an elbow ligament.
Game of the Night:
Toronto at Buffalo 7:00 PM
Vancouver at Detroit 7:30 PM
Nashville at Dallas 8:30 PM
There are so many good games to be thankful for leading up to this Thanksgiving Day, that I decided to present you with a horn of plenty.....plenty of great games that is. Last time the Leafs and Sabres faced off, the Sabres left with their first regulation loss, and were handily defeated. Perhaps a bit of grudge match? Vancouver and Detroit just looks like it could be fun. Luongo has yet to really be the difference maker the Canucks had hoped he be this season. Beating Detroit would make a good case for him. Even without Arnott, Nashville is a formidable team, and they have called up their wonder baby Alexander Radulov to cover for him. They face off against a Dallas team that had a great come from behind win against the Avs on Monday, and also lost a key player in their captain Brendan Morrow......to what you ask. GROIN GROIN GROIN! Big surprise. Enjoy the games, and hopefully many cold ones my friends!
The power of the beard is with you young Thornton.....but you are not in the playoffs yet.
Joe Thornton, while assisting on just about every goal the San Jose Sharks have scored this season, had yet to drop one in the net himself. That is until last night. Joey T. apparently looking to end his goaless drought, began cultivating a playoff beard late last week, and the results of his facial mullet have already payed off. Joe Thornton scored his first goal on the power play last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning and helped the Sharks to victory 4-2. May the beard be with you Joe....always. The Phoenix Coyotes have finally agreed to a one year deal with unrestricted free agent center Yanic Perreault worth $700,000. Hopefully his addition will spark some life into the Coyotes who are rapidly collapsing.
Quick Shave:
Coming off the bench seems to have done Jose Theodore some good. The Colorado Avalanche goaltender showed signs of his former self making 20 saves and helping his team defeat the recently unstoppable Minnesota Wild. Milan Hejduk has been on fire lately, scored 2 of the goals for the Avs, and forward Ian Laperriere recorded his 100th career goal late in the third to round out the scoring.
Game of the Night:
Washington at Calgary 9:00 PM
Calder Trophy Winner Alexander Ovechkin goes up against Calder Trophy Runner-Up Dion Phaneuf as the Capitals continue their tour of Canada. Olaf Kolzig has been playing some great hockey lately, and has managed to give his team a chance in most of their games this season. It will be interesting to see if the Flames can muster any offense against him. Enjoy the games!
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!
New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello has found a way to dump defenceman Vladimir Malakhov's salary (I believe it is $3.4 or $3.5 million). The Devils traded Malakhov to the Sharks along with a coonditional first round draft pick in exchange for a pair of players in forward Alexander Korolyuk, and defenceman Jim Fahey.
Whether Malakhov plays or not is still up in the air. He never reported to Devils training camp, and has apparently been retired since January (see below). The gem of the deal for San Jose is obviously the first round pick, what conditions are attached to it remain to be seen. Both players New Jersey acquired will probably be headed to the Devils affiliate, and probably carry minor salaries, and two-way contracts.
A decision is still expected from the league on the status of Alexander Mogilny and the $3 million and change owed to him, but if it is in favor of the Devils, Lou Lamoriello will have effectively removed almost $7 million from his payroll. The Devils should be able to quickly announce the signing of star forward Brian Gionta prior to the Devils first game this Friday night against the Carolina Hurricanes.
According to TSN.ca's Ice Chips, San Jose Sharks defenceman Christian Erhoff was injured Saturday night during a pre-season game against the Flames. This may have prompted the Sharks to pick up Malakhov and his salary, and perhaps they will be able to coax him from his retirement. Malakhov's retirement for the record was disputed a few days after he announced it by his agent, so whether he actually retired is still up in the air.
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!
Alexander Ovechkin has told the Washington Capitals that he is not ready to Captain the team yet.....huge emphasis on yet. This kid has made massive strides as a player, a leader, and an ambassador for the NHL. I believe in making this decision, he has made another huge move. Claiming that his English is not good enough to be a captain yet (although he has apparently made amazing strides in learning the English language) and believes that any good leader needs to address his teammates clearly. You have to love Ovechkin. Not only did he light up the league last year, but continues to impress with his actions off the ice. The captaincy is going to be his one day. It is only a matter of time.
Forsberg on ice
And for once its a sheet of ice, and not a bag covering one of his many ailments. Peter Forsberg skated yesterday for the first time after having his ankle surgically repaired. He has a little over a week to test and work the ankle, but is optimistic he will be available for Philadelphia Flyers training camp which opens on September 15th. Considering the original forecast for his return was January 2007, I would say there is plenty to be optimistic about.
Koivu still concerned about eye
Although he will be in camp when it opens for the Montreal Canadiens, Saku Koivu still has some concern regarding his injured eye. His eye which was struck by an errant stick during the playoffs against the Canes still is not open fully and appears red. Koivu plans on testing the eye during camp to see how it will react during game type situations.
Bell arrested for DWI
Great way to start fresh with a new team! This is driving me crazy! Mark Bell would have been a great late round fantasy pickup, especially considering he was slated to be the third man in on the Thornton / Cheechoo express....now however that is all up in the air. Not only was he allegedly driving under the influence, but apparently was responsible for a hit and run.
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?
Once again the Boston Bruins fans had to watch one of their franchise players receive accolades and awards in a jersey that was anything but black and gold. In probably one of the worst trades in recent memory, The Bruins shipped Joe Thornton to San Jose, for three good players, and he did everything to make it known that they made a massive error in judgement. Joe Thornton propelled the San Jose Sharks into the playoffs, transformed Jonathan Cheechoo into a 50+ goal scorer and Rocket Richard Award winner, won himself the Art Ross Trophy for most points in a season, and capped the year off by winning the Hart Memorial Trophy for league MVP.
There weren't many surprises as the rest of the awards went pretty much to whom we all expected. Here's the rundown:
Hart Memorial Trophy Winner: Joe Thornton
Lester B. Pearson Award Winner: Jaromir Jagr
Vezina Trophy Winner: Mikka Kiprusoff
James Norris Memorial Trophy Winner: Nicklas Lidstrom
Calder Trophy Winner: Alexander Ovechkin
Frank J. Selke Trophy Winner: Rod Brind'Amour
Lad Byng Memorial Trophy Winner: I still don't care
Jack Adams Award Winner: Lindy Ruff
Chuck Norris Trophy: Brett Hedican
Alexander Ovechkin ended the evening winning the Calder Trophy for best rookie, and was then named to the NHL's first team All Stars. He is the first rookie to do that in 15 years since Eddie Belfour named in 1991 (although I suspect he may have bribed a Texas Sheriff with a thousand million dollars to get that nod). I can't wait to see what this kid does next year. Same goes for Sidney Crosby and Dion Phaneuf, who had amazing rookie campaigns. These kids will one day be the backbone of the new NHL.
First Team All Stars:
Left Wing: Alexander Ovechkin Center: Joe Thornton Right Wing: Jaromir Jagr Defenceman: Nicklas Lidstrom Defenceman: Scott Niedermayer Goalie: Mikka Kiprusoff
Second Team All Stars:
Left Wing: Daniel Alfredsson Center: Eric Staal Right Wing: Dany Heatley Defenceman: Sergei Zubov Defenceman: Zdeno Chara Goalie: Martin Brodeur
All Rookie Team:
Left Wing: Alexander Ovechkin Center: Sidney Crosby Right Wing: Brad Boyes Defenceman: Dion Phaneuf Defenceman: Andrej Meszaros Goalie: Henrik Lundqvist
Congratulations to all the award winners, and everyone on a terrific 2005-2006 NHL season!
Little shakin', little tenderizin', down you go...
Ok, if the Sharks lose tonight, not only will the Oilers finish the series in 6 games and head to the Western Conference Finals....but I will no longer be able to throw out these horrible Jaws themed headlines....perhaps that will be a blessing. Perhaps the Sharks, and especially Vesa Toskala should show up, otherwise it will be time to shave Joey T's gorgeous playoff beard.....Kyle MacKlaren's wolverine style playoff beard is all ready for the opening of X-men 3, and it would truly be a shame to see him have to shave it. I put it to you people....how can a team with a defenceman who has bones that are indestructible lose? I hope the Sharks win tonight, because a game 7 matchup would be sweeeeeet! Until then, Anaheim waits to see who they will face.
My buddy Jeff, emailed me this article, and it is hilarious....and very true:
Bruins Sign Future Flyers All-Star To Three-Year Deal
BOSTON-The Bruins agreed to terms Monday with 2005 second-round draft pick Petr Kalus, signing him to a three-year contract that NHL insiders predict will be just long enough for Kalus to evolve into an All-Star-caliber player before his inevitable trade to the perennial playoff contender Philadelphia Flyers. The Czech Republic native will follow former Bruin greats Sergei Samsonov and Joe Thornton in continuing the tradition of Boston players who were traded immediately before their breakout season. "We look forward to obstructing Petr's development during his three frustrating years in Boston, although we certainly dread watching his much better career after he blossoms into the Flyers' top point scorer," Bruins interim GM Jeff Gorton said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see him score 30 goals in a season, many of them against us." Over his three years in Boston, Kalus is expected to endure a brief stint in the minors, be called up by the cellar-dwelling Bruins, battle a series of avoidable minor injuries, get traded for two draft picks and a player to be named later to Philadelphia, and begin his run at being named MVP in 2009, 2010, and 2013.
Sharks take Game 1 from Oilers, Avs still can't solve Bryzgalov
Anaheim's Ilya Bryzgalov has now gone three games without surrendering a goal. Bryzgalov made 22 saves to help the Ducks to a 3-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche and give them a 2-0 series lead. Ilya Bryzgalov tied a rookie record with his third straight shutout, set by Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Frank McCool who had three shutouts against the Red Wings in 1945.
The Avalanche have been clearly outplayed by the Ducks so far, as they only managed to get 22 shots on net, where as the Ducks peppered Theodore with 35. I'm not sure if the Avalanche are still suffering from a round 1 hangover, or that they are completely outmatched. I'll save my judgements till game 3, which will hopefully showcase the Avalanche team that smacked the Dallas Stars around. For more on this series check out TSN.ca.
The Oilers apparently need two Chris Prongers. One to continue covering Joe Thornton, and the other to keep Patrick Marleau contained. Dropping to second line center has done nothing but help Marleau and the Sharks. Thornton who is obviously drawing the bulk of the attention from opposing team's defenses is freeing up Marleau, and that is very evident by not only last night's 2 point performance (1 goal, 1 assist) but his 8 goals during the playoffs. The Sharks went right after the Oilers, physically and offensively outshooting them 30-16 (Dwayne Roloson did what he had to do). Ville Nieminen (who the Rangers probably shouldn't have traded at the deadline) handed out 15 body checks last night. The Sharks won the game 2-1 on defenceman's Christian Ehrhoff's goal. The Sharks lead the series 1-0.
Interesting note from last night's game. The Sharks defensemen led all playoff defenses with 17 points in round 1. Getting scoring from the back line like that is huge, and it really means that teams shouldn't be taking undisciplined penalties against the Sharks because they will obviously make you pay. For more on this series visit TSN.ca.
Last night's scores:
Colorado 0 Anaheim 3 F
Edmonton 1 San Jose 2 F
Tonight's games:
Buffalo at Ottawa 7:00 PM
New Jersey at Carolina 7:30 PM
Edmonton at San Jose 10:30 PM
Ok, when I say Game of the Night....I mean Game of the Night! Did that game kick ass or what? The Sharks battled back twice to hand Vancouver a costly 5-4 loss last night! The Sharks tied it up in the third and closed the door on the Canucks, just 34 seconds into overtime on Christian Erhoff's game winner. Joe Thornton was pretty much shut down by the Canucks stingy defence, only allowing him 4 assists. Nice work! The Canucks play San Jose again tonite and if they lose, then their playoff chances are over. For more on this check out TSN.ca.
Sean Avery of the L.A. Kings appears to have shot his mouth off one too many times. Avery has not been suspended, but he is not travelling with the team and will not play in the final three games for the Kings according to officials. Ummm....isn't that a suspension? For more on the second coming of Mike Danton click here.
Last night's scores:
Montreal 1 Buffalo 3 F San Jose 5 Vancouver 4 F (OT)
Game of the night:
Anaheim at Edmonton 9:00 PM
Vancouver at San Jose 10:30 PM
Both of these games are huge, so you are required to watch them both. Come on, after last nite would I steer you wrong? If Vancouver wins, and Edmonton loses, they are in. If Vancouver loses, then it's back to the hash bars with the lot of yous. Enjoy the games!
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 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.
In San Jose, the Sharks newest acquisition, super forward Dany Heatley finally delivered for his new club. During the Sharks home opener, Heatley joined the NHL Hat Trick club and helped lift his team to a 6-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Joe Thornton tied a Sharks record by assisting on 4 of those goals.
In St. Louis, the Blues opened at home for the first time and were defeated by the Atlanta Thrashers 4-2. Thrashers forward Ilya Kovalchuk scored his 300th career NHL goal, then later deposited his 301st. Kovalchuk now has two back to back two goal games to open the season... not bad for a guy in a contract year. Atlanta better lock him up now.
The Washington Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin came to play last night and walked all over the Boston Bruins.
Rick DiPietro has finally been put out of his misery as the New York Islanders have announced that their goaltender will be out for the rest of the season.
The Jaromir Jagr era appears to be over in New York, as the Rangers have moved on and signed unrestricted free agent winger Markus Naslund to a two year deal worth $8 million. Jagr's inability to make a decision on his playing future and GM Glen Sather's lack of patience to wait for him to make up his mind forced the Rangers to pursue other alternatives. The Rangers also signed defenceman Dmitir Kalinin to a one year deal.
The Philadelphia Flyers hung on to defeat the Montreal Canadiens last 3-2... barely. The Montreal Canadiens mounted a furious comeback, and in the final moments of the third, pounded the Flyers with shots but were unable to solve goaltender Martin Biron for the second straight game.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have dominated the New York Rangers in the first two games of their series. The Rangers blew a commanding three goal lead Friday night and fell to the Penguins 5-4. On Sunday, they tightened up, and were shutout by Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. I can't say enough good things about this club right now. They overcome adversity, they play good team defense, and they have made Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist look ordinary. They have yet to lose thus far in the post season, and really look like a team of destiny right now.
I got some crap for my opinion on Joe Thornton last week, and my belief that he is not a big time playoff performer. Two games, 1 assist, two losses. The man has all the skills and tools necessary to carry this club to the promised land, but for some reason fails to do so, or at least has so far. On the positive side, the man does wield a formidable playoff beard... hopefully that facial magnificence will one day translate to Stanley Cup glory. The Dallas Stars look amazing. After knocking of the reigning Stanley Cup Champs, they look poised to easily dispatch the Stanley Cup favorite San Jose Sharks. They bring a 2-0 series lead back to Dallas tomorrow night. Marty Turco is the man.... and he is finally getting his due..... take a page from his playbook Joe.
The sleeping giant has awoken in Detroit. After an amazing regular season, the Detroit Red Wings were tested in round 1 by the Nashville Predators, but now head to Denver with a 2-0 series lead, and look to continue their dominance over an injury depleted Colorado Avalanche lineup. The Red Wings have brought Avs goaltender Jose Theodore back down to earth and have made him look like the Theodore of old (not the MVP old Theodore... last years Rogaine Junkie Theodore). Rumors are abound that back up goaltender (formerly number one) Peter Budaj may start game 3 for the Avs. There is also a chance that Forsberg may return from the groin injury that has hampered him this round. Either way, the Avs better pulll something out of their hats.
The Calgary Flames stunned the San Jose Sharks last night taking game 1 and home ice advantage.
The first big trade of the day is done.
'Tis the season..... 
Jeremy Roenick achieved the milestone that was the impetus behind him postponing his retirement last night. The 500th goal of this nearly two decade career.
"While in time I believe the San Jose Sharks will be most triumphant, ... they will never be a super team until they get Eddie Van Halen on the blue line."
Whaaaa? Ok let's start with this quote (thank you 
The Red Wings sealed the deal on the San Jose Sharks last night with a 2-0 victory, and clinched the series 4-2.
Not with three they can't!
The Nashville Predators are the NHL's best. Their 81 points have them sitting not only first place overall in the Western Conference, but a point better than the Eastern Conference leading Buffalo Sabres. 
The Western Conference since the All Star Break seems to be opening up alot. The Minnesota Wild hold the 8th playoff spot with 67 points, and have a 7 point cushion over the 9th place Edmonton Oilers. Aside from the Predators and Red Wings (Zetterberg and Datsyuk did it again last night, and even made ESPN's Top 10 combining for a score in a 3-1 win over Dallas) battling for control of the Central and ultimately the Western Conference, tthe Northwest Division has a tight race between the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild. Calgary and Vancouver have 68 points, and Minnesota has 67. In the Pacific, the Anaheim Ducks (74 points), San Jose Sharks (73 points), and Dallas Stars (70 points) are all fighting for control of the Division and the second seed in the West. It seems the elite in this Conference have really begun to separate themselves from the also-rans.
The Eastern Conference is a lot tighter. The Atlanta Thrashers, Pittsburgh Penguins (did you guys see Crosby in the overtime last night against the Blackhawks? I thought the puck was glued to his stick), and Ottawa Senators (3rd, 4th, and 5th place teams) all have 69 points. The Tampa Bay Lightning are in 6th with 66 points, the Carolina Hurricanes with 65, and the Habs in the final spot with 64. On the outside looking in, just two points out and tied for 9th, the New York Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs, 5 points out the New York Rangers, and 8 points out the Boston Bruins. The Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals still have a chance being 9 and 10 points out as well. Aside from the Buffalo Sabres, and the New Jersey Devils who at this point are unstoppable, the rest of the Conference is really anybodies to win.
Two games against the Anaheim Ducks, and San Jose forward Jonathan Cheechoo scored 4 goals. Unfortunately, San Jose dropped the first of the home and home with Anaheim 7-4 on Tuesday night despite Cheechoo's production. Last night the San Jose Sharks took the second meeting 3-2, thanks to a late power play goal by Milan Michalek.
Quick Shave:
The Ducks met the Sharks last night in what will surely be a playoff matchup this season. The Pacific Division rivals, currently sit first (Ducks) and second (Sharks), and both lead the Western Conference in points.
In what had to be the premiere showdown in the NHL last night, the two top teams in the Western Conference faced off in an epic contest. Well, for one period anyway. 
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.
Alexander Ovechkin has told the Washington Capitals that he is not ready to Captain the team yet.....huge emphasis on yet. This kid has made massive strides as a player, a leader, and an ambassador for the NHL. I believe in making this decision, he has made another huge move. Claiming that his English is not good enough to be a captain yet (although he has apparently made amazing strides in learning the English language) and believes that any good leader needs to address his teammates clearly. You have to love Ovechkin. Not only did he light up the league last year, but continues to impress with his actions off the ice. The captaincy is going to be his one day. It is only a matter of time.
