tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49598049554897090522024-03-16T03:08:28.777-04:00Hockey Plumberhockey, hockey and more hockeyThe Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-58134950888944022742012-04-06T19:45:00.005-04:002012-04-06T20:39:02.225-04:00Philadelphia Flyers: A Field Day for Freud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1O-wFJidGE/T39_wzHNt_I/AAAAAAAABNE/62RJH8kXKIg/s1600/plaviolette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E1O-wFJidGE/T39_wzHNt_I/AAAAAAAABNE/62RJH8kXKIg/s400/plaviolette.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="size10 newlook newpaginationlook" id="content_0_lblPageContant1">The theory of <a href="http://www.lifescript.com/soul/self/growth/psychological_projection_dealing_with_undesirable_emotions.aspx">psychological projection</a> was developed by Sigmund Freud, </span><span class="size10 newlook newpaginationlook" id="content_0_lblPageContant1">which involves</span><b></b> subconsciously denying one's own attributes, thoughts, and emotions, and are then
ascribed to the outside world, usually to other people. Therefore, projection
involves imagining or "projecting" the belief that others originate those feelings.<br />
<br />
As Frank Seravalli <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/frequentflyers/Briere-He-was-trying-to-hurt-me.html">reported</a> in the Daily News on Tuesday:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Peter Laviolette was fined $10,000 on Monday for his on-ice antics with Penguins assistant Tony Granato and his subsequent comments for coach Dan Bylsma, whom he called 'gutless.' "</i><span class="size10 newlook newpaginationlook" id="content_0_lblPageContant1"><i> </i></span></blockquote>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S_ACJQAUOgc/T39_2IerOhI/AAAAAAAABNM/pXAxc2xgXFw/s1600/freud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S_ACJQAUOgc/T39_2IerOhI/AAAAAAAABNM/pXAxc2xgXFw/s320/freud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Syracuse.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In psychoanalytic theory, when an individual is unable to accept an undesirable situation, defense mechanisms are employed to overcome what that individual perceives as an unacceptable situation. The defense utilized in this process is called splitting. Which is the tendency to view other individuals as either all bad or all good...When that tendency is used to view others as all bad, the individual employs <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devaluation_%28psychology%29">devaluation</a>: attributing exaggeratedly negative qualities to the self or others.<br />
<br />
Let's say in this case, those others are personified by the individual that just knocked the interviewee into next week, and that same individual just happens to suit up for the interviewees primary rival. Do you see what Siggy sees?<br />
<br />
<span class="size10 newlook newpaginationlook" id="content_0_lblPageContant1">
</span><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Danny Briere said he would be the first to admit that Joe Vitale’s hit on Sunday in Pittsburgh, which sparked a near line brawl with just 1:03 left in a 6-3 game, was a clean hit.<br /><br /> But Briere certainly wasn’t willing to concede that Vitale’s intent was pure, searching for a hit that has ultimately ended his regular season prematurely.<br /><br />Briere said on Tuesday morning that he believes Vitale was sent to the ice with the intent to injure. <br /><br />'Look, everybody knows that (they) put the line that was on the ice, on the ice with a minute left in a game that was out of hand,” Briere said. 'Everybody knows the intent, what the intent was. Was it a bad hit? No. It was a clean hit. 'But obviously, you knew what he was doing. He was obviously trying to hurt me. We all know that.' "</i></blockquote>
<div class="p2">
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance">Cognitive dissonance</a> is characterized by the notion of holding conflicting cognitions (ideas, beliefs, values, emotional reactions) simultaneously.</div>
<div class="p2">
As you can watch and listen on <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/pages/video_detail?PID=7nVM2-F73_GUdqWzIaUPyNS_URh0xIvTYqAUiC">CSNPhilly.com</a><span id="goog_1621044758"></span><span id="goog_1621044759"></span>, Flyers assistant coach Craig Berube added to Briere's projection, devaluation and dissonance, calling Penguins centers Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"...the two dirtiest players on their hockey team." <br /><br />"...They slash, they punch guys in the face they do all these little things," said Berube. "I got no problem with what Schenn does, and if somebody runs [Crosby] over, that's great, they should run him over. This guy gets away with too much in my opinion, whines to the refs all day and all night, it's a joke."</i></blockquote>
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The Flyers won the game, but lost the ensuing shoving match, which to the Flyers organization is just as important... sadly, if not more so. Berube's and Briere's comments are extremely transparent.<br />
<br />
They know there was nothing to complain about, they are just complaining... and to the media.<br />
<br />
Prior to his tantrum regarding Crosby and Malkin, Berube said:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"In my opinion, they were trying to send a message, and you don't see that too often anymore, but it happens, ya know, things happen out there and you just deal with them... the game was over and they put their five toughest guys on the ice. I'm not saying that I've not been on the other side of that. I have."</i></blockquote>
Again, Berube and Briere acknowledge the legitimacy of Pittsburgh's actions, but make it clear that they don't like that it's part of the game... if it's a part of the game that didn't work out well for them.<br />
<br />
Yes, the other guys are "dirty" and "whine all night," but they can<span style="color: black;"> </span><span id="hotword" style="color: black;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1129498521"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">snivel</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">complain</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">peevish,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">self-pitying</span> </a><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;"><a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/whine">way</a> to anyone who will listen... for days on end. And that's no joke.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="hotword" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">Maybe Mr. Freud could have helped them deal with their feelings in a more constructive manner. </span></span> </span><br />
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<br /></div>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-34750470011033559232012-02-12T13:41:00.004-05:002012-02-12T14:51:21.879-05:002012 NHL Trade Deadline: What Every Team Should Do<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHAXXHVGIi4/TzgEtet2tlI/AAAAAAAABMM/DV7t7DPrxK4/s1600/cschneider-Jeff+Vinnick,+Getty+Images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHAXXHVGIi4/TzgEtet2tlI/AAAAAAAABMM/DV7t7DPrxK4/s400/cschneider-Jeff+Vinnick,+Getty+Images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h2 id="photocredit"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jeff Vinnick, Getty Images</span></h2></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Hockey Christmas is coming!<br />
<br />
There is something in the bag for everyone, good or bad, rich or poor, US or Canadian based.<br />
In 2012, there are many buyers and few sellers. It could get real crazy, like a pair of 80's moms fighting over a cabbage patch doll!<br />
<br />
Everyone has an opinion on what they should get... here is ours.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anaheim Ducks</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Jason Blake, Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, George Parros<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do: </b><br />
Trade everybody that they can get something for, and not even listen to offers for Getzlaf, Ryan and Perry. Blake holds value for a playoff bound team. Never afraid to shoot, Blake puts pucks on net, something every postseason team can use. Selanne would have to consent to a trade, we all know what he can do. Trading one of the big three would be a huge mistake for the Ducks. A down season should not induce that kind of panic if they expect to be a perennial contender.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Boston Bruins</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Joe Corvo, Johnny Boychuk, Daniel Paille, Greg Campbell, Benoit Pouliot<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Jack squat. When a team is this strong offensively, defensively and in net, why mess with it? Some minor depth tinkering... maybe. If it ain't broke...<br />
<br />
<b>P.S.</b> Forget anything that you hear about the Bruins trading Tim Thomas. Long after everyone has forgotten his White House snub, the Boston brass will remember Thomas' spectacular play in last season's Cup run. After a goaltender puts together the greatest net minding show in NHL post season history, you don't go swapping him on a whim the next year.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Buffalo Sabres</b></span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Derek Roy, Brad Boyes, Jochen Hecht, Paul Gaustad, Jordan Leopold<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do: </b><br />
New owner <span class="st">Terry Pegula wanted to show the fans of Buffalo that he was willing to invest in making this team a winner. Sadly, his spending spree has turned the Sabres into something resembling the Washington Redskins of the NHL. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">A team that showed so much promise just a year or two ago, now risks being blown up. Boyes and Leopold are unlikely to be back next season, so why not move them? Hecht has seen better days, but the Sabres have to get real value back if they are going to give up on Roy and Gaustad.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trzF1Mes0js/TzgFXRTptGI/AAAAAAAABMU/XyFCS0JXHss/s1600/jiginla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trzF1Mes0js/TzgFXRTptGI/AAAAAAAABMU/XyFCS0JXHss/s200/jiginla.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="photo left" style="width: 586px;"><i class="credit">Doug Pensinger/Getty Images</i></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Calgary Flames</b></span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Jarome Iginla, Olli Jokinen, Lee Stempniak, Tom Kostopoulos, Tim Jackman, Cory Sarich, Scott Hannan<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do: </b><br />
The Flames are on the bubble. If GM Jay Feaster believes he needs to rebuild the core, now is the time to move Iginla, while he is still productive. If he chooses to build around the current core, just moving UFAs to be for prospects and picks will be the way to go, as Kostopoulos, Hannan and Stempniak would present value to sure playoff teams looking to make a deep run.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Carolina Hurricanes</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play: </b>Tuomo Ruutu, Jaroslav Spacek, Bryan Allen<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do: </b><br />
The Canes added pieces over the summer that they believed would give them the boost they needed to improve from last year's disappointment season. However, that boost never came, and Carolina is staring a rebuild square in the face.<br />
<br />
"All future UFAs must go," reads the sign out front of the RBC Center. There will be no shortage of suitors for Ruutu, Spacek and Allen. It's a good year to be a seller, so the Canes will take the draft picks and young players in exchange for some good vets that won't be back.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chicago Blackhawks</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Andrew Brunette, Jamal Mayers, Sean O'Donnell, John Scott<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Hawks are right up there with the elite, despite some leaky play in net and on defense. Chicago will no doubt look to sure up the blueline, but it also would not be surprising if they took a look at a low-risk, rental type in goal, such as Vokoun or Nabokov.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Colorado Avalanche</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play: </b>Everyone not named Landeskog or Duchene<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Sit tight. This Avs club has performed better than most expected them to. Without doing anything, they could make the postseason, but it's unlikely that they will make a deep run. Colorado could wait until the draft to make any key trades, and then look at what they can add in free agency.<b> </b>It's a sellers market this year, but they wouldn't want to sell their way out of a realistic shot of make the playoffs now.<b><br />
</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuz4hbzFRfo/TzgF7h2lDEI/AAAAAAAABMc/hy2Yq-YC4gk/s1600/jcarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fuz4hbzFRfo/TzgF7h2lDEI/AAAAAAAABMc/hy2Yq-YC4gk/s200/jcarter.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="ts-image_source">Mark Humphrey/AP</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Columbus Blue Jackets</span> </span></b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Jeff Carter,<span style="font-size: small;"> Kristian Huselius, Sammy Pahlsson, Rick Nash</span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Wait on Jeff Carter. Let's face it, Columbus is flat out awful, but let's not blame Carter for their meager defense and dreadful goaltending performances.<b> </b><br />
<br />
Pittsburgh made a big trade last season to add James Neal near the deadline. He scored one goal in twenty games. Carter's sample has not been much more than Neal's last year. Yet had the Pens given up on their acquisition so quickly, they would have missed out on a masterful goal scoring performance this season. <b></b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<br />
If they don't trade Carter, Nash, needless to say... stays!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Dallas Stars</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play: </b>Brendan Morrow, Radek Dvorak, Adam Burish, Sheldon Souray<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Stars are in a similar spot as Calgary. Not quite a true contender, but not far off either. Do they go for it now, or play it safe? Dallas should sell of spare parts, and only make a splash, like trading Morrow, if they get future leader (a Ryan Callahan type) in return.<br />
<br />
The best course for Dallas would be to stick out the season and wait for the draft and free agency to piece together a winner.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Detroit Red Wings</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play: </b>Jiri Hudler, prospects<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Look for just the right match. The Wings find themselves in a familiar position, as a leader in the Western Conference. However, they are also in an unfamiliar position, as a team with a lot of cap space.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
Detroit could bargain for a blue chip player and easily fit him under the cap. Adding a Ryan Suter, Ales Hemsky, or a bigger long shot like a Zach Parise would put the Wings in pole position for the Finals. Yet, slow and steady has built the winning-machine that is the Winged Wheel, so they may once again opt out of the frenzy, just to lure one of those top names in the summer... at a reduced cost, of course!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nbijiH5zdI/TzgGaWNrzMI/AAAAAAAABMk/SZB7uXaTHu8/s1600/Ales+Hemsky+Edmonton+Oilers+v+Anaheim+Ducks+gDQ873Ks1xHl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9nbijiH5zdI/TzgGaWNrzMI/AAAAAAAABMk/SZB7uXaTHu8/s200/Ales+Hemsky+Edmonton+Oilers+v+Anaheim+Ducks+gDQ873Ks1xHl.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Gross/Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Edmonton Oilers</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Ryan Smyth, Ales Hemsky, Sam Gagner, Cam Barker, Andy Sutton, <span style="font-size: small;">Nikolai Khabibulin</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Sell 'em all! Edmonton is loaded with talent up front. They lack defense and goaltending. Selling off the pieces that don't fit, but still have value could place them in position to make a real run next season. They don't have to unload all their future UFAs, but they will be much better off if the do.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Florida Panthers</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b>Mikael Samuelsson, Marco Sturm, John Madden, Scott Clemmensen</span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Panthers collection of characters from the Island of Misfit Toys has paid unexpected dividends. While most everyone believed that their off-season spending spree would make them a bit better than last season, few thought they would be pushing Washington, or passing by Tampa for the Southeast title immediately.<br />
<br />
Florida needs to make the postseason this year to stir local interest in the team again, so it's likely that they will add some additional veteran talent. They haven't been linked to any particular names, but someone that they acquire at the deadline will raise eyebrows.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Los Angeles Kings</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Dustin Penner, Jarret Stoll, Willie Mitchell, Jonathan Bernier, prospects<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Kings want to acquire someone to do the job that they hoped that the failed experiment Dustin Penner, and the injured Simon Gagne would do... that being score goals, taking pressure off Kopitar and company. With Jonathan Quick playing in top form, they have a spare Jonathan in net, Bernier, that could reap the aforementioned scorer.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Minnesota Wild</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b><span style="font-size: small;"> Guillaume Latendresse, Greg Zanon, Josh Harding</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Move Harding at the peak of his value. The Wild have their own mini goaltending factory. Between Backstrom, Harding and rising star Matthew Hackett, Minnesota has assets to move for players who can put the puck in the net.<br />
<br />
Although Dany Heatley has been mildly successful this season, the Wild are desperate for goal scorers. If Minnesota makes the postseason, it will because they acquired a player that added a few goals after the deadline.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw97R6nBk70/TzgG3So4SbI/AAAAAAAABMs/JLcStCo8KI8/s1600/600_CP_PK_SUBBAN_CANADIENS_ROOKIE_OVERTIME_110406_430241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xw97R6nBk70/TzgG3So4SbI/AAAAAAAABMs/JLcStCo8KI8/s200/600_CP_PK_SUBBAN_CANADIENS_ROOKIE_OVERTIME_110406_430241.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Montreal Canadiens</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Andrei Kostitsyn, Travis Moen, Hal Gill, P.K. Subban<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Not trade Subban, and ship out all potential UFAs. It's been a rough season for Montreal and Subban. Some inconsistent play, a benching, some displays of immaturity, but aren't those things expected at times of a 22 year old? <b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Despite the disappointing performance, there is a strong, young, core in Price, Gorges, LeBlanc, Eller, Pacioretty, and yes, Subban that can be built around for long term success.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Nashville Predators</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Anders Lindback<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Roll the dice, hold on to both Weber and Suter, and add some scoring power.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
Weber is a pending RFA, so he is very unlikely to escape. Nashville has a great organization that is short on revenue. Retaining their blueline strength and adding some offensive punch can go a long way to solving their problems. A scorer would help extend a playoff run. The run would stir interest. The interest would stir investment, aiding in re-signing Weber and Suter, and so on.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>New Jersey Devils</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Zach Parise, Bryce Salvador, Kurtis Foster<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Add a few maintenance pieces to ensure the postseason. The Devils are in a financial crunch, which seems a bit silly to say about a team that just splashed the pot with an outrageous signing/fiasco in Kovalchuk just a year ago.<br />
<br />
With that said, they might be crazy not to trade Parise now, gaining what would not doubt be a haul of future assets, but they would also be crazy to trade their way out of a nearly sure playoff spot this season.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>New York Islanders</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> P.A. Parenteau, Frans Nielsen, Evgeni Nabokov<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Wait for the market to come to them. Really, the Isles should be better than they are this season. Across the board, this team has high end talent. The problem is they never have won as a group before, so potentially they could use some viable veteran influences.<br />
<br />
Not the Jay Pandolfo, Brian Rolston, one foot in the grave type vets, more like the Matt Carle, Ryane Clowe, Brendan Morrow types that have played on winning teams, and still have a lot of hockey in them. They have talented assets and plenty of cap room. The Isles don't have to be aggressive, just wait to see what's offered to them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">New York Rangers</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Wojtek Wolski, prospects<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Nothing. Isn't Brad Richards, and contention for the President's Trophy enough? The Rangers are legit. They have scoring, toughness, defense, goaltending, and not least of all, chemistry. Don't mess with it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ottawa Senators</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play: </b>Zenon Konopka, Filip Kuba<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Sens made a big move early bringing in Kyle Turris. Ottawa will be in the playoff hunt to the end, so they will need to bolster themselves with some size on defense and a versatile forward. <br />
<br />
The team has some great pieces, both young and old. They suffer from a terrible lack of consistency. If they make moves, they should look to make hockey trades for the long term, rather than a one year run now.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcJDAfy5El4/TzgHV855JoI/AAAAAAAABM0/KgsHgepkOxI/s1600/082311_JVR-Apatow_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZcJDAfy5El4/TzgHV855JoI/AAAAAAAABM0/KgsHgepkOxI/s200/082311_JVR-Apatow_400.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bill Kostroun/AP</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Philadelphia Flyers</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Jakub Voracek, James Van Riemsdyk, Matt Carle, Braydon Coburn, prospects<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Philly wants to bolster the blue line to help off-set the loss of defensive leader Chris Pronger. Much speculation has surrounded a potential trade of JVR; but why move him, when they could add a rental for a prospect or draft pick? <b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Phoenix Coyotes</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Shane Doan, Ray Whitney, Taylor Pyatt, Michal Rozsival<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
This very well could be the swan song season in Arizona for the Coyotes. The league will want to unload the burden of running a team and find new owners, in or outside the desert. While the Yotes are still in the hunt, it may make sense for them to unload some twilight vets in return for some enticing draft picks or prospects for a new ownership group to build around.<br />
<br />
Give Doan and Whitney a chance to win before it's too late.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pittsburgh Penguins</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Paul Martin, Matt Niskanen, Deryk Engelland, Ben Lovejoy, Eric Tangradi, prospects<br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Another team that should wait for the market to come to them is Pittsburgh. It's likely they get Sidney Crosby back for the post season... there is no trade that the team can make that can provide the impact that Crosby can. It's possible that the Penguins could look to add a bottom pairing defenseman, or a scoring winger, but they won't overpay, nor should they trade away their rich pool of blueline prospects for a rental.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>San Jose Sharks</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Ryane Clowe, <span style="font-size: small;">Marc-Edouard Vlasic, prospects</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Sharks are aging. Their veteran core is slowing, and the Havlat/Heatley swap has backfired thus far. San Jose will need to look to the future at the deadline. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moves made to bolster this years' run will also have to impact the years to come. Trading a Clowe or Vlasic will have to net them players who fit in the long-term plan. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>St. Louis Blues </b></span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> <span style="font-size: small;">Chris Stewart, Scott Nichol, Barret Jackman, Jaroslav Halak, prospects<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Blues are back as legit contenders. A big part of last year's splash acquisition, Chris Stewart has not meshed well with Hitchcock's system, and post season superman, Halak has been outshone by Brian Elliot. <br />
<br />
St. Louis can make deadline moves, dealing from strengths to add more system friendly scoring support to add to their staunch defensive game.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tampa Bay Lightning</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> Ryan<span style="font-size: small;"> Malone, Dominic Moore, Adam Hall, Pavel Kubina<br />
</span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Get a goaltender. Gone is the magic of Dwayne Roloson, and Mathieu Garon is not a starter. There are plenty of short and long term options out there for Stevie Y and crew. However, with the Lightning so far out of the playoff picture they could very well wait until the off season. <b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VFXu15lK04/TzgHst5ZGMI/AAAAAAAABM8/dd2MZbxxnxA/s1600/article_41703_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8VFXu15lK04/TzgHst5ZGMI/AAAAAAAABM8/dd2MZbxxnxA/s200/article_41703_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graig Abel/NHLI via Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b><span style="font-size: large;">Toronto Maple Leafs</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> <span style="font-size: small;">Mikhail Grabovski, </span><span style="font-size: small;">Nikolai Kulemin, Nazem Kadri, Luke Schenn, Cody Franson, prospects</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
There are more opinions on what Toronto should do at the deadline than loud outfits in Don Cherry's closet. The Leafs are in a foreign position... they are almost assured a playoff spot. Brian Burke loves to make noise, but this might be a time better served by keeping together a squad that has worked well together.<br />
<br />
Kadri and Schenn may take longer to develop than the team and their legion of fans hoped, but the Leafs could regret giving up on them should they be moved for short term improvements.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vancouver Canucks</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> <span style="font-size: small;">Mason Raymond, Alex Edler, Keith Ballard, Cory Schneider<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
Vancouver is in a tough spot. They need to add secondary scoring and legit toughness. They have a premier bargaining chip in Schneider, but should they move him? David Booth has not light the lamp much, Ryan Kesler may never have a goal scoring season like he did last season, and Schneider may prove be better than the entrenched and highly paid Luongo.<b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
There are pieces that can be moved for rentals, but the Canucks will have to get a blue chip building piece in return for Schneider.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Washington Capitals</span></b><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> <span style="font-size: small;">Alex Semin, Mike Knuble, Mike Green, Dennis Wideman, Tomas Vokoun<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
What happened in Washington? The high flying Capitals decided to tighten things up defensively last season, and they have yet to re-discover goal scoring since then. Even Ovechkin, the game's premier goal man has been sadly pedestrian. The team changed head coaches, but with little results to show for it.<br />
<b> </b><br />
This team is in need of a shocking make over. It is time to let Semin and Green start again elsewhere; and rent out Knuble and Vokoun. What many fans forget is that Washington has many young guns in the system, and this is the perfect opportunity to unload a few good current roster assets for a new direction.<b><br />
</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Winnipeg Jets</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>Potentially in Play:</b> <span style="font-size: small;">Evander Kane, Johnny Oduya, prospects<br />
</span><br />
<br />
<b>What They Should Do:</b><br />
The Jets are a bubble team playing a lost season in a division/conference that is only a temporary home for them. Winnipeg could do some tinkering to lock up a playoff spot this season, but would be better served waiting to see where re-alignment takes them before making any big decisions.<b> </b>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-57539456972161752552012-01-16T17:06:00.000-05:002012-01-16T17:06:19.080-05:00Pittsburgh Penguins, Making Hockey's Off-Ice Big Time?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ogiFzTq0OA/TxSe2f1TLVI/AAAAAAAABME/QRHsTrR707g/s1600/PensWearCsPhotoGallery-8_slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7ogiFzTq0OA/TxSe2f1TLVI/AAAAAAAABME/QRHsTrR707g/s400/PensWearCsPhotoGallery-8_slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nhl.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>When it comes to the National Hockey League, there is no more storied, more accomplished, nor more passionately followed franchise than the Montreal Canadiens.<br />
<br />
The history, success and exposure the team enjoys brings attention, both good and bad.<br />
<br />
For every one of their twenty four Stanley Cup banners hanging in the rafters, there are multitudes of stories, conspiracy theories, and flat-out ridiculous rumors that float around Le Bleu-Blanc et Rouge. <br />
<br />
Particularly when the team is facing challenging circumstances, as evidenced by the wild controversy surrounding their choice of a non-French speaking interim coach, or Mike <span style="font-size: small;">Cammalleri</span>'s comments and subsequent trade.<br />
<br />
By comparison, the Pittsburgh Penguins and their three Stanley Cup banners, have a long way to go before catching up with Les Canadiens' on-ice history.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Yet, with the ever increasing media swirl that has surrounded captain Sidney Crosby's lingering concussion recovery, the Penguins may be gaining quickly on the Montreal media circus.<br />
<br />
Sure there has been plenty of attention, both local and national, paid to Crosby's injury status. Why shouldn't there be? He's the most recognizable figure in the game.<br />
<br />
<br />
With Crosby injury story lines drying up, a local writer found a new angle.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>It's preposterous to even type such a thing, but sadly -- and stupidly -- there are people accusing Crosby of skipping out on playing, both in the public and in the Penguins' locker room. Ray Shero actually felt the need to address it Thursday, saying, "This is a player that's not medically cleared to play."</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Let me take it further.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>How dare anyone question Crosby's desire, much less teammates who should know him best?</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>...The only thing more absurd than the notion that Crosby doesn't want to play hockey is that he's conspiring to get out of town.</i><br />
<br />
<i>A few, certainly not all, of Crosby's teammates are of the mind that he's been symptom-free for a while, though they have no medical basis for that. Some think he should be playing. Some simply think he should be doing more to communicate, or at least be as visible as concussed defenseman Kris Letang.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Last week in Pittsburgh, according to three sources, a group of players held a 45-minute meeting to discuss a temporary captaincy. Another source disputed that any such meeting occurred.</i></blockquote>If you read the entire article, the writer suggests that Crosby is some kind of victim of dissension by his teammates; or as the cross town Pirates might put it: The crew be plottin' a mutiny o' the Captain, arrgh!<br />
<br />
So what makes this story worthy of Montreal-esque silliness?<br />
<br />
1. The baseless accusation.<br />
<br />
Unnamed sources for a secret players meeting, and a random, unspecified comment by the GM.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLqH4UWSu0o/TxSd93eJIrI/AAAAAAAAABY/3noW4TwNpqU/s1600/PensWearCsPhotoGallery-1_std.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bLqH4UWSu0o/TxSd93eJIrI/AAAAAAAAABY/3noW4TwNpqU/s200/PensWearCsPhotoGallery-1_std.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">nhl.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>2. The double speak.<br />
<br />
Three sources report a meeting, another source... not so much. What?<br />
<br />
3. The response of "the accused."<br />
<br />
The story, regardless of how silly, made it <a href="http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=611576&navid=DL%7CPIT%7Chome">back</a> to the locker room. <br />
<div class="newsByLine"> </div><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <i>The Penguins wore a Scarlett Letter at their morning skate practice jerseys at BankAtlantic Center in Florida, but it wasn’t an “A.”</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>The team all came out wearing “C”s on their sweaters to show solidarity with captain Sidney Crosby, who skated for the first time after the team’s practice on his own (well except Evgeni Malkin, who went with the Russian version "K" on his chest). </i><br />
<br />
<i>The move was also in response to an <a href="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_776416.html" target="_blank">article written by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review</a>, which stated: “a group of players held a 45-minute meeting to discuss a temporary captaincy.”</i><br />
<br />
<i>So the Pens responded to the article by showing that they are standing behind Crosby as their captain in perpetuity. </i><br />
<br />
<i>“When someone says we don’t want Sid as our captain, it’s pretty ridiculous,” forward James Neal said. “He’s an unbelievable player, unbelievable leader. He’s going to be captain here for a lot of years. In the room there is no doubt that he is our leader and he is our guy. … It’s a pretty stupid comment.”</i><br />
<br />
<i>“It was just to have fun and loosen it up,” defenseman Brooks Orpik said. “(Crosby’s place on the team) has never been in question, not in this room. People can speculate. If we are on a six-game winning streak it probably doesn’t come up. We can only control what goes on in here. </i><br />
<br />
<i>“Sid will be our captain until he’s retired. I don’t know where that came from, but we had a little fun with it today.”</i><br />
</blockquote> The Penguins have won two straight after news of the dissension story. Perhaps the stir has inspired the team to chase down their next Cup in pursuit of Montreal's high mark... perhaps they were already motivated without it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, one thing is certain, they are gaining quickly on the Canadiens' stranglehold on media silliness!The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-1193990668642614742011-11-28T21:14:00.000-05:002011-11-28T21:14:59.161-05:00Bryan Murray warns Sidney Crosby and Pittsburgh. Really?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiPOHKTGIGg/TtQ-5g8z8QI/AAAAAAAABL8/st3hcT9okU8/s1600/3806471235-26112011032610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiPOHKTGIGg/TtQ-5g8z8QI/AAAAAAAABL8/st3hcT9okU8/s320/3806471235-26112011032610.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">REUTERS/Jason Cohn </td></tr>
</tbody></table>That ex-girlfriend, the one that is in fact an "ex" because she would never let anything go. Although equally culpable, somehow her part in every disagreement was magically omitted in every loud, yet decreasingly plausible denial.<br />
<br />
Yeah, THAT ex-girlfriend. Well, she is the Ottawa Senators.<br />
<br />
After Nick Foligno declared that his version of hockey is the one played by ruddy, yet not foolhardy, gentlemen, with white gloves, educated young lads... of proper breeding, many of us were left scratching our heads.<br />
<br />
Nick Foligno... with no stomach for a scrum?<br />
<br />
Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Dan Bylsma, somewhat uncharacteristically, retorted... and it was done, right?<br />
<br />
Not according to Ottawa GM Bryan Murray.<br />
<br />
If Mt. Molehill wasn't already grossly embellished enough, Murray comments should make Seth Myers break off a special SNL Weekend Update segment of "Really?"<br />
<br />
Really? Really.<br />
<br />
Just in case you've been living under a rock since Crosby's return, we will cut to the flashback segue, in a little He said/<strike>she</strike> he said segment. Cue the video:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WIcrxJR_WVs" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
As TSN <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=381297">reported </a>after the game:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>Crosby mixed it up with Ottawa's Nick Foligno early in the third period, the start of a brief dust-up in which Crosby and Foligno exchanged cross-checks, before the Penguins star elbowed Foligno in the head.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><i>Both players earned minor penalties -- Crosby for elbowing, Foligno for roughing -- and Foligno took exception with Crosby hitting him up high to clear space in front of goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><i>"It's not a big deal, but it is something that he preached all summer about that we should limit that and then he goes and does it, so I was just a little disappointed," Foligno said. "But, you know, that's a small part of the game and it's over now."</i></blockquote>Watch the video, apologies for the low def. Upon the 20th viewing, I'm still not convinced Foligno was even struck by Crosby's elbow. There is a whole lot of glove and forearm in there. For further review, check <a href="http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/11/27/sens-gm-warns-crosby-pens">this</a> pic in the Ottawa Sun taken from the same angle. Where's the elbow to the head?<br />
<br />
Elbow or not, it's the context of the action that makes Foligno, who had just done a ridiculous solo flop over the top of Marc-Andre Fleury, for at least the second time in the game, seem downright whiny.<br />
<br />
Crosby and Foligno had just exchanged cross checks for what Crosby clearly perceived as unnecessary contact with his goaltender. Crosby then threw his glove/forearm/elbow into Foligno's face as a little extra reminder that he didn't like him piling on Fleury.<br />
<br />
This has never happened to an agitator type in a post action scrum before? Again I say, "Really? Really."<br />
<br />
When would Matt Cooke's protests be well received if he were to complain, post-game, of a player giving him a little of "the business" during a game? Never. And neither should anyone give credence to Foligno's complaint.<br />
<br />
Crosby and Bylsma <a href="http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/11/27/sens-gm-warns-crosby-pens">said </a>as much when asked about Foligno's remark:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>"We’re talking about a player that bumped into our goalie three times,” Bylsma said. “With the score 5-1 and intentionally going into our goalie, he can expect more than Sidney Crosby coming at him and talking to him during the game. That’s how we feel about those situations. He was in our net falling over our goalie, and I don’t think there was any question about the intent.”</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Crosby, who received a minor for elbowing Foligno in the head, responded after beating the Habs.</i></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"> <i>“I don’t (know) what he’s talking about. I was preaching about the hits like (Max Pacioretty’s hit on Kris Letang (Saturday), not a scrum,” said Crosby when asked about Foligno’s comments after the game Saturday in Montreal. “I don’t know what he expects after he runs a goalie three times.</i><br />
<br />
<i>“He’s probably lucky it was me that was handling it and not someone else. I think if he’s going to do that, he should be ready to expect a response.”</i><br />
<br />
<i>Crosby claimed Foligno was trying to make a big deal out of nothing.</i><br />
<br />
<i>“I think he’s blowing it totally out of proportion,” said Crosby. “Two nights before that I go into a scrum and I get punched in the head. I accept that. I’m going into a scrum that’s part of playing the game.”</i></blockquote></blockquote>It was already too much at that point, but Senators' GM Bryan Murray had to embody the re-incarnated spirit of said evil ex with <a href="http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/11/27/sens-gm-warns-crosby-pens">this </a>gem:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq"><i>“The rules are very clear now,” said Murray. “If you fall into a goaltender and touch a goaltender, an elbow to the head and a butt end to the head is fair game. Dan Bylsma said that’s OK for them. Sidney said Nick Foligno is that kind of player.</i><br />
<br />
<i>“I wish (Foligno) was that kind of player. I thought the referees in that game, watching it and hearing the comments, it was 2-on-2. He fell over the goaltender. He was cross-checked four times. There was no question, did he get pushed? I don’t know. He got cross-checked, I thought he got a butt end, but it might have been a full elbow. (Chris) Kunitz comes in with a cross-check and the penalties were even.</i><br />
<br />
<i>“So, (NHL disciplinarian Brendan) Shanahan said that’s a good play. That’s a hockey play. Dan Bylsma said it’s good for them and Pittsburgh were the biggest ones on the head injuries. I’m remiss. I made a mistake. We didn’t have (Chris) Neil and (Matt) Carkner play in the game. We didn’t have enough toughness, so when we play Pittsburgh that’s something you can bring up to me again.”</i></blockquote>Murray could not even admit the obvious truth that Foligno was attempting to illicit a reaction from the Pens by running Fleury multiple times.<br />
<br />
"Did he get pushed? I don't know." - Really? Really. So Murry didn't watch the game, or review the tape of the incident he was complaining about? <br />
<br />
Not likely. Like your horrible ex, he was just simply omitting the truth that his player had a hand in causing the incident.<br />
<br />
Then the topper. Murray pulls the "next time I'll bring my goons" card at the end. Clearly, we are all a bunch of grown ups here. <br />
<br />
How about we all accept that Foligno was looking for trouble and got himself a little boo boo as a result. Really. REALLY.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-79507839613959354772011-07-19T16:08:00.000-04:002011-07-19T16:08:02.731-04:00The Maple Leafs Were Never In On Brad Richards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwJ-LAoiZp8/TiXjpU5aJ_I/AAAAAAAABL4/7MKw0u6JR-o/s1600/burke_brian_getty_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwJ-LAoiZp8/TiXjpU5aJ_I/AAAAAAAABL4/7MKw0u6JR-o/s400/burke_brian_getty_400.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Think what you like about Brian Burke and his performance as GM of the Leafs.<br />
<br />
As an outspoken opponent of cap-skirting, mega contracts, Burke has voiced his disapproval clearly and often. He even <a href="http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/22/leafs-gm-brian-burke-testified-against-the-ilya-kovalchuk-contract-with-new-jersey/">testified </a>against the Devils/Kovalchuk contract last off season.<br />
<br />
So what was Burke to do when a truly elite center-man, which held the primary spot on the Leafs' shopping list, hit the UFA market?<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>"... We made a very substantial offer to Brad Richards. What we offered I don't think is material, but we lost out on the Brad Richards sweepstakes for two reasons.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>One, we didn't offer as much money as other teams, and more importantly, we didn't structure the contract like other teams did.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>These deals that are front end loaded and have small amounts at the back end, in my opinion are designed to circumvent the salary cap.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>I won't do them. I never have. I'm not going to, and that's why we were unable to sign Brad Richards.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>I wish him well. He's a good guy, but that's not a contract structure we are interested in."</i></blockquote><br />
Front loaded contracts are not Burke's only pet peeve when it comes to signing players.<br />
<br />
Bad blood still exists between Burke and Kevin Lowe regarding Lowe's RFA offer sheet to Dustin Penner.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://watch.tsn.ca/nhl/#clip496609">Recently</a>, when asked if he would consider making an offer to a RFA "considering what was available," which was a thinly veiled question as to why Burke hasn't made a move to acquire Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty or Shea Weber, Burke answered:<br />
<blockquote><br />
<i>"An offer sheet? I don't contemplate doing one right now."</i></blockquote><br />
When pushed again as to why... citing that the reporting was talking about "excellent" players, presumably just to make sure Burke was aware...<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>"Because I don't contemplate doing it at this time. Offer sheets are part of our CBA, and if teams want to make them: fine. I do not contemplate adding a player in that manner."</i></blockquote><br />
If Burke is to be an influence among his peers, he cannot spout off against the actions of other teams, which he hints at operating in an unscrupulous manner, and then participate in the same practices of which he is so critical.<br />
<br />
Burke knew what it would take to land Brad Richards.<br />
<br />
Yet, he wasn't willing to do it.<br />
<br />
So tell me Leafs fans, is it better to have Burke keep his integrity and credibility, or to have the freedom to add any player of need, regardless of the consequences of doing so?<br />
<br />
Furthermore, is the team better off not spending wildly in free agency or by chasing after expensive RFA acquisitions?The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-15644231394867203382011-07-17T12:36:00.000-04:002011-07-17T12:36:30.498-04:00The New York Islanders: Poised To Make a Move?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCnl_eOdc3k/TiMPHfDSM8I/AAAAAAAABLs/jnjU4Z7WOD0/s1600/garth-snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rCnl_eOdc3k/TiMPHfDSM8I/AAAAAAAABLs/jnjU4Z7WOD0/s400/garth-snow.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>In a dimly lit corner of his serenely quiet office, Garth Snow coolly flips to the B-side of an unlabeled vinyl 78.<br />
<br />
The needle stirs with a slight pop, as the turntable begins to spin, a dulcet voice-over with Latin music undertones invites Snow to begin tapping his foot to the beat.<br />
<br />
"They once won the Stanley Cup... Four times in a row."<br />
<br />
"The team plays in a barn... under the banners of Bossy, Trottier and Potvin." <br />
<br />
"A rival GM once remarked: 'I wish I had the Islanders' cap space.' "<br />
<br />
"They are... the most interesting team in the NHL."<br />
<br />
<br />
With approximately a bazillion dollars available under the salary cap, and supposedly no financial restrictions imposed by ownership, <a href="http://www.islanderspointblank.com/2011/07/still-in-need-of-a-major-upgradetwo-months-remain-for-snow-to-make-his-big-move/">many</a> have noticed that the Islanders are in a prime position to do something significant to bolster their lineup.<br />
<br />
No, this isn't a frivolous speculation that the team will make an offer for Stamkos or Doughty. No team will. [*loud cough*, Philly Inquirer]<br />
<br />
The UFA pool is all but dried up.<br />
<br />
Yet, there are a number of teams, who for one reason or another, would like to clear a bit of space. The Isles would be an ideal trading partner for any team wanting to get something back for their impending free agents.<br />
<br />
They have the cap room, and prospect assets to get nearly any deal done.<br />
<br />
The Islanders could be looking for anyone who can score: forwards, or defensemen to take pressure off of Mark Streit. They could use some bottom six character forwards, or crease clearing bangers on the blueline.<br />
<br />
So lets take a look at some scenarios.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37fFINtn3Pw/TiMPF21q5CI/AAAAAAAABLo/axbDagAAHBg/s1600/101308_seminCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-37fFINtn3Pw/TiMPF21q5CI/AAAAAAAABLo/axbDagAAHBg/s200/101308_seminCover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>The Capitals</b><br />
<br />
With a slew of roster changes, Washington is currently over the cap max. They will have to do something.<br />
<br />
Trading Alex Semin, Mike Knuble or Mike Green in a contract year might be a risk, considering their personal motivations, but moving an asset now would give the team the most time to make adjustments.<br />
<br />
Semin has been talked about for years. He would clear the most room for the Caps and provide the Isles with a true sniper.<br />
<br />
Green would have been unthinkable a few years ago, but due to fluke injuries, the Caps have thrived playing without him. He would be a long-term hockey investment in Long Island and give the team a deadly powerplay pairing with Streit.<br />
<br />
Knuble is a possibility here too, as he be lower risk for Washington, and provide the Isles with net presence, and move into a role similar to what they had in Doug Weight, only more productive on the ice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVrnA8E3Ung/TiMPOLk5giI/AAAAAAAABLw/I1JjT2AANAA/s1600/Zach%252BBogosian%252B0Oym8OFFsihm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bVrnA8E3Ung/TiMPOLk5giI/AAAAAAAABLw/I1JjT2AANAA/s200/Zach%252BBogosian%252B0Oym8OFFsihm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Winnipeg</b><br />
<br />
The Jets have shown no loyalty to the old regime from Atlanta. Surely that applies to the roster that was inherited as well.<br />
<br />
While now in a healthy ownership situation, it doesn't mean that Winnipeg would shy away from shedding some bigger contracts to allow greater flexibility to shape the new Jets roster in a manner that suits the new coach's system.<br />
<br />
Nik Antropov or Ron Hainsey are two players with a combined cap hit of $8.5 million. <br />
<br />
Additionally Zach Bogosian remains unsigned as a RFA. Opinions vary on Bogosian's development thus far, and therefore there is some question on what is his true market value.<br />
<br />
All three skaters represent an upgrade for the Isles, while only Bogosian would command a significant return in order to obtain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFr8SVZUjGQ/TiMPSoAAVxI/AAAAAAAABL0/pPQRxmH1S78/s1600/sharpxx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFr8SVZUjGQ/TiMPSoAAVxI/AAAAAAAABL0/pPQRxmH1S78/s200/sharpxx.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Other Opportunities and Targets</b><br />
<br />
Although a trade within the division is less likely, the Flyers may consider moving Matt Carle or Braydon Coburn while in the last year of their current deals.<br />
<br />
Dustin Penner could be moved from Los Angeles to ease the cost of a new investment in Drew Doughty.<br />
<br />
The re-signing of Eric Brewer could precipitate the exodus of Pavel Kubina from Tampa.<br />
<br />
Even Patrick Sharp could be put in play as the cap will tighten up again for Chicago next season. <br />
<br />
Carle, Coburn, Penner, Kubina and Sharp all offer an element of toughness and skill that could push the Isles forward.<br />
<br />
Again, the team possesses the cap room and core to make a leap as soon as this season.<br />
<br />
If past performance is any indication, Garth Snow will likely make the right decision, regardless of the move or lack of one.<br />
<br />
Stay thirsty Isles fans.<br />
<br />
*Salary Cap numbers provided by CapGeek.comThe Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-51476536850357004512011-07-08T21:16:00.002-04:002011-07-08T21:37:22.978-04:00NHL Free Agency: The 11 Teams Still With Significant Moves To Make<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKEj_vvwVXc/Therseg0fRI/AAAAAAAABLk/kUzeoF14ax4/s1600/alg_steve_stamkos_celebrates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yKEj_vvwVXc/Therseg0fRI/AAAAAAAABLk/kUzeoF14ax4/s400/alg_steve_stamkos_celebrates.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>With the big names now off the UFA board, many teams are finished shopping, and are now working on the subtle nuances of rounding out their rosters.<br />
<br />
Yet, there are some teams who have more pressing issues to deal with.<br />
<br />
Some need to spend to get to the cap floor. Some need to trim a little payroll. While others have monster contracts to work out with big name RFAs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfFP0bSgrrU/TheqIjgpqEI/AAAAAAAABLU/oXIczjPc25o/s1600/teemuselanneJim_McIsaac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RfFP0bSgrrU/TheqIjgpqEI/AAAAAAAABLU/oXIczjPc25o/s200/teemuselanneJim_McIsaac.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Anaheim Ducks </b><br />
<br />
The Ducks will operate on a budget this season, but they are already over the cap floor.<br />
<br />
Their issues to deal with center around landing some forwards. Teemu Selanne will play a gigantic role in how the team will proceed regarding filling their needs.<br />
<br />
As it stands right now, Anaheim has 8 forwards on the NHL roster.<br />
<br />
With roughly $12 million available, money won't be an issue, but what players they use it on will be. Selanne showed last season that he still has much to offer, but what will Anaheim do if he retires?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMRDisGNPkA/Thepw6vBMPI/AAAAAAAABLA/20LWqTf7WJY/s1600/Buffalo-Sabres-sign-top-defenseman-Christian-Ehrhoff-to-10-year%252C-40-million-deal-NHL-Update-80139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PMRDisGNPkA/Thepw6vBMPI/AAAAAAAABLA/20LWqTf7WJY/s200/Buffalo-Sabres-sign-top-defenseman-Christian-Ehrhoff-to-10-year%252C-40-million-deal-NHL-Update-80139.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Buffalo Sabres</b><br />
<br />
Buffalo's new ownership wanted to make it clear to all their fans that they are invested in winning.<br />
<br />
Spending freely to ink Ville Leino, Christian Ehrhoff, and trading for Robyn Regehr, while bold moves, left the team with about $350k under the cap.<br />
<br />
The Sabres have just 6 defensemen on the NHL roster, 3 RFAs without contracts and only 1 goaltender at the moment.<br />
<br />
In the end something has to give. Could they bury Ales Kotalik in the minors, or loan him to Europe?<br />
<br />
Possibly, but I'm sure that the NHLPA would frown upon the team trading for a player, then banishing him before he ever takes the ice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rN2PUzbyE7A/TheqF8Mf7iI/AAAAAAAABLQ/a6tCM4z-bbk/s1600/stastny22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rN2PUzbyE7A/TheqF8Mf7iI/AAAAAAAABLQ/a6tCM4z-bbk/s200/stastny22.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Colorado Avalanche</b><br />
<br />
The Avs have taken care of their roster needs quite nicely.<br />
<br />
Perhaps too nicely, though. With nearly a full roster, Colorado still is roughly $6 million under the cap floor.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The team does have a few unsigned RFAs to take care of, but I don't see the Avalache dishing out $6 million + to T.J. Galiardi, Kevin Porter and Cumiskey.<br />
<br />
Not too long ago, there was <a href="http://www.denverpost.com/kiszla/ci_18319466">talk</a> of the team wanting to rid themselves of Paul Stastny's bloated contract. Now, it appears they will hold on to it for dear life. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTWuV1lCfSQ/Thep4bpVyyI/AAAAAAAABLE/ogJm0axKqgk/s1600/Doughty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTWuV1lCfSQ/Thep4bpVyyI/AAAAAAAABLE/ogJm0axKqgk/s200/Doughty.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Los Angeles Kings </b><br />
<br />
The Kings would not even be mentioned here if not for Drew Doughty.<br />
<br />
But, it's Drew Doughty we are talking about.<br />
<br />
Los Angeles made some big moves this off-season. They traded for Mike Richards, then signed his former Flyers teammate Simon Gagne, which should pay big dividends for the Kings next spring.<br />
<br />
Yet, an even bigger story looms on the blueline.<br />
<br />
L.A. has $11 million...ish under the cap. Signing Doughty will happen, but when, and for how much remain questions.<br />
<br />
The regular rounding out will happen too, but keeping the franchise defenseman long term is top priority.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYHAtuLsOCQ/ThepuyNWAgI/AAAAAAAABK8/oykQqu-Tmig/s1600/article_11718_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="122" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wYHAtuLsOCQ/ThepuyNWAgI/AAAAAAAABK8/oykQqu-Tmig/s200/article_11718_2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Nashville Predators</b><br />
<br />
What I just said about the Kings... just transpose Nashville and Shea Weber for Los Angeles and Doughty.<br />
<br />
The Predators will use Weber's deal to push them past the cap floor.<br />
<br />
It will be interesting to see how Nashville approaches signing their franchise and team captain.<br />
<br />
Will they seek to keep a limited term, or a lifetime/Ovechkin type contract?<br />
<br />
Either way, his deal won't throw the team budget off course. The Preds will slink off into winter oblivion, then in April the rest of the Western Conference will pray not to be paired with Nashville in the first round of the playoffs.<br />
<br />
Just imagine what a Nashville team could do under Barry Trotz if they could spend to the cap max!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qDXbA1qxl8/TheqSyNcxRI/AAAAAAAABLg/c2JxreY2ixY/s1600/zach-parise1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="127" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_qDXbA1qxl8/TheqSyNcxRI/AAAAAAAABLg/c2JxreY2ixY/s200/zach-parise1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>New Jersey Devils </b><br />
<br />
Last year at this time the Devils were about to become the poster child for salary cap goofs. Yet, after a rough beginning, ol' Lou began to right the ship, and now things don't seem so bad on the cap front.<br />
<b> </b><br />
New Jersey has yet to reach a deal with star winger Zach Parise. The team has roughly $7.8 million available for Parise and a few spare parts.<b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
Considering that Brian Rolston's bloated cap figure is gone after this season, it's seems likely that the team and Parise will get a long term contract done.<br />
<br />
Throw in the fact that Parise missed nearly all of last season to injury, and you have a negotiation full of intrigue.<b></b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvU2Mw1dK00/Thep8wjMoPI/AAAAAAAABLI/NIuOyCtdB_w/s1600/Marty%252BReasoner%252B8kpOiKaWlLjm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kvU2Mw1dK00/Thep8wjMoPI/AAAAAAAABLI/NIuOyCtdB_w/s200/Marty%252BReasoner%252B8kpOiKaWlLjm.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>New York Islanders </b><br />
<br />
With approximately a zillion dollars in cap space before the start of free agency, it was thought that the Islanders could be big players in the market.<br />
<br />
Yet GM Garth Snow showed restraint in an inflated marketplace, signing only forward Marty Reasoner from the UFA pool.<br />
<br />
The Isles remain a little more than $10 below the cap floor. Keeping super prospect Nino Niederreiter with the big club would eat away $3 million. Signing RFAs Blake Comeau, Josh Bailey, Michael Haley and Ty Wishart may take up the rest.<br />
<br />
However, don't rule the Islanders out of the trade market either. The best values of this off-season have often come via the swap meet. A solid vet or two added to the talented young core could launch this team back into the playoffs again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kEi_ZXzt6Q/TheqB9LypaI/AAAAAAAABLM/Zjo5RzlqG9c/s1600/richards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9kEi_ZXzt6Q/TheqB9LypaI/AAAAAAAABLM/Zjo5RzlqG9c/s200/richards.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>New York Rangers</b><br />
<br />
The Rangers landed the UFA grand prize when they agreed to a new deal with center Brad Richards. the team also added grinder Mike Rupp, but they are far from done this off-season.<br />
<br />
New York has a premier crop of RFAs including heart and soul Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky and Brian Boyle, that they must sign, or move after the arbitration process. <br />
<br />
A pair of defensemen need to be added as well.<br />
<br />
Though not in dire straights, the $12 million in cap space they current possess may not be enough to get the job done, forcing the Rangers to create additional space by, say... buying out the remainder of Wojtek Wolski's $3.8 million cap hit?<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGuuicSLfKo/TheprwRzGLI/AAAAAAAABK4/y74dFZTsqM4/s1600/277-Stamkos-Game-Photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bGuuicSLfKo/TheprwRzGLI/AAAAAAAABK4/y74dFZTsqM4/s200/277-Stamkos-Game-Photo-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Tampa Bay Lightning</b><br />
<br />
Tampa Bay can complete it's NHL roster by signing RFAs Teddy Purcell, and some guy named Steven Stamkos.<br />
<br />
They have $14 million available this season to do it.<br />
<br />
Few players have created the stir that Stamkos' RFA status has this off-season. Message board users, newspaper reporters, bloggers, fans and dreamers around the hockey world have imagined scenarios involving their team landing Stamkos.<br />
<br />
That's all well and good, but a pipe dream.<br />
<br />
Stamkos has scored 96 goals over the past two seasons. Players of that caliber will invite all sorts of takers, but no one, and certainly not the Lightning are interested in giving them away.<br />
<br />
One thing is certain, Stamkos will get big money. The thing to watch will be how long the Lightning extend themselves for the budding superstar. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIhKD7hO_KE/TheqNVUmDwI/AAAAAAAABLY/Jw5NwdUO46k/s1600/tomas-vokoun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIhKD7hO_KE/TheqNVUmDwI/AAAAAAAABLY/Jw5NwdUO46k/s200/tomas-vokoun2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Washington Capitals</b><br />
<br />
The Caps made a lot of moves to toughen up their lineup. Bringing back Brooks Laich with a hefty pay raise was only the beginning of a free agency period that say the team haul in the likes of Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, Jeff Halpern, Roman Hamrlik, and the<i> </i>pièce de résistance, goaltender Tomas Vokoun.<br />
<br />
All these moves come with a cost. One of their best young talents, defenseman Karl Alzner, remains unsigned as a RFA.<br />
<br />
To make room, as this article was being written, Washington traded forward Eric Fehr to Winnipeg, to clear cap room.<br />
<br />
With a slew of top flight free agents looming next year, don't be surprised to see GM George McPhee make moves to secure the team's long term future.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlE0HrYO3A4/TheqQWPZ1kI/AAAAAAAABLc/q4TzzHspGb0/s1600/Zach-Bogosian-554x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hlE0HrYO3A4/TheqQWPZ1kI/AAAAAAAABLc/q4TzzHspGb0/s200/Zach-Bogosian-554x500.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Winnipeg Jets</b><br />
<br />
The aforementioned Jets just traded to add feisty forward Eric Fehr.<br />
<br />
But even with the new edition, the Jets remain under the cap floor. Still the team must make a few decisions regarding some young RFA talent.<br />
<br />
Once regarded a future franchise player, opinions now vary regarding defenseman Zach Bogosian. It would not be a shock if management and Bogo's representatives were not close on a new contract at the moment.<br />
<br />
Winnipeg must also decide what to pay Blake Wheeler, Ben Maxwell and Brett Festerling.<br />
<br />
As Thrashers, those players would likely be moved over money concerns, but as Jets, they may be given the opportunity to grow in the system.<br />
<br />
True North has shown little inclination to loyalty to the old regime, so it's tough to predict what will happen between now and the start of the season.<br />
<br />
Yet, as this off-season has shown all of us, anything can happen.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-20835802261886829492011-07-06T20:45:00.000-04:002011-07-06T20:45:00.358-04:00Bilateral Capitals: Washington's Two-Faced Off-Season<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jg5sKF6sYCM/ThT-bzxu5oI/AAAAAAAABKw/lgytEGFVxAc/s400/1124_nhl-gm-george-mcphee_485x340.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">images.forbes.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Capitals General Manager George McPhee (GM GM) has received deserved praise for his signing of all-world goaltender Tomas Vokoun.<br />
<br />
Vokoun's availability in a competitive, free spending marketplace came as a shock to many, particularly the elite netminder himself.<br />
<br />
But with the shock came a <a href="http://www.csnwashington.com/07/03/11/Capitals-Vokoun-surprised-with-union/landing.html?blockID=539021&feedID=6458">surprise call</a> from a contender.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i> “Obviously [last Friday] was a disappointing day for me,” Vokoun told reporters on a conference call Sunday. “There weren’t a lot of offers. It was disappointing, no question… I thought I would draw more interest than I did. Honestly, I had the best offer from my old team but I didn’t take it and after that, it wasn’t pretty...”</i><br />
<br />
<i>“For me, as much as it’s been a tough couple of days, I know I’m going to have fun,” Vokoun said. “I’ve been on winning teams before but nothing like Washington… So I’m hoping that it’s something I’m going to enjoy and really take advantage of and play even better than I have in the past.<br />
<br />
“Everything happens for a reason and I’m excited. I’ve never had a chance to play for a team like this; it came to me as a little bit of a surprise.” </i></blockquote>As we mentioned earlier, McPhee and the Caps have received <a href="http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/What-We-Learned-George-McPhee-is-cold-runnin-8?urn=nhl-wp8574">plenty</a> of recognition for the Vokoun deal. <br />
<br />
It would seem the euphoria created by one great signing has clouded the vision of those looking at the Capitals overall off-season picture.<br />
<br />
Let me start off by saying that I believe George McPhee to be one of the finest GMs in the game.<br />
<br />
However, I believe that his off-season thus far, has been equal parts both genius and foolishness.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yZNJb-GdE8/ThT-2lzeRMI/AAAAAAAABK0/sJVYZtHVyhM/s1600/tomas-vokoun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9yZNJb-GdE8/ThT-2lzeRMI/AAAAAAAABK0/sJVYZtHVyhM/s1600/tomas-vokoun.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Without question the Vokoun signing, the trade haul (first AND second round picks) for Varlamov, and the bargain acquisition of Jeff Halpern provide ample evidence of McPhee's brilliance.<br />
<br />
Yet, the Varly coup was somewhat offset by an earlier deal for a 25-year-old restricted free agent forward who largely has been a disappointment in Chicago. Troy Brouwer cost the Capitals their 2011 first round selection.<br />
<br />
While he does provide Washington some grit, and Cup winning experience, Brouwer has not been the goal scorer that he was expected to be at the NHL level. Nor has he been an effective player in the post season. Particularly last season, when he was completely blanked in the series against Vancouver.<br />
<br />
Brouwer's production simply has not been consistent with that of a player worthy of a first round selection. So why give one up for him?<br />
<br />
Compounding the issue is Brouwer's <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=371105">new deal </a>which will come with a two-year cap hit of $2.35 million.<br />
<br />
Consider also the signing of Roman Hamrlik. On a team rich in blueline puck movers, was the addition of a $3.5 million, lock-down 35+ contract necessary for an aging defender well past his prime? <br />
<br />
Given you can argue the need for Brouwer and Hamrlik, even at their cost; but what is the rationale for locking up Joel Ward to the tune of $12 million over 4 seasons?<br />
<br />
Ward had an impressive playoff performance for Nashville last season. Yet was it so impressive that the third, and sometimes fourth line player, became worth the investment of a $3 million cap hit?<br />
<br />
Not hardly.<br />
<br />
Like McPhee, I like Joel Ward... at a third of the <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/story/?id=370602&hubname=nhl-capitals">cost</a>.<br />
<br />
Certainly, Ward's intangible contributions are the stuff that Washington is desperate to add to their lineup. They just didn't need to appear so desperate to do so.<br />
<br />
The Caps were one of the NHL's elite again last season. That is to say, regular season elite. <br />
<br />
After another early post-season flame out, players, coaches, team executives and fans alike, were left scratching their heads, searching for answers.<br />
<br />
With the moves made by McPhee, are they a better playoff team today? Probably, yes.<br />
<br />
With RFA Karl Alzner still unsigned, and next seasons' group of impending free agents which includes the likes of Alexander Semin, Mike Knuble, Mike Green, Dennis Wideman and John Carlson, did they need to invest so much into the role players they acquired this season? Probably not.<br />
<br />
Time will answer both of these questions, and also whether McPhee's summer was, in fact, a Jekyll and Hyde act.<br />
<br />
For now, like Will Hunting's job interview proxy, I believe McPhee's off-season to be "suspect."The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-66737990553303418332011-07-01T13:44:00.000-04:002011-07-01T13:44:45.998-04:00Jagrgate: Jaromir Signs With Philadelphia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuVR2RwXoeU/Tg4HT7u4r8I/AAAAAAAABKo/aG5QmOd_R3s/s1600/Jaromir_Jagr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fuVR2RwXoeU/Tg4HT7u4r8I/AAAAAAAABKo/aG5QmOd_R3s/s400/Jaromir_Jagr.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br />
Brian Fantana tells us that he has learned that Jaromir Jagr has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers.<br />
<br />
TSN <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370567">reports</a> the same.<br />
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed unrestricted free agent <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/?name=jaromir+jagr">Jaromir Jagr</a> to a one year deal worth $3.3 Million. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6zavY71o5A/Tg4HVoWOL3I/AAAAAAAABKs/_7tvkon0U4I/s1600/262094-brian_fantana_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J6zavY71o5A/Tg4HVoWOL3I/AAAAAAAABKs/_7tvkon0U4I/s200/262094-brian_fantana_large.jpg" width="146" /></a>Earlier in the day, the Penguins withdrew their offer to Jagr. Detroit soon followed suit.<br />
<br />
After Jagr's agent Petr Svoboda, said Thursday that his player's "heart is in Pittsburgh," he signed with their arch rival?<br />
<br />
One thing is sure, if his heart is indeed there, he better hope that Penguins' fans never discover it's location, as it would surely be trampled.<br />
<br />
Mr. Fantana: You are released from duty. You may now head home.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-89892655882739119092011-06-30T23:57:00.000-04:002011-06-30T23:57:27.525-04:00Jagrgate and Other Free Agency Updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eY7npBsHmH4/Tg1Fb3ggBaI/AAAAAAAABKg/hRp2kMXhQrc/s1600/alg_jagr_laughs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eY7npBsHmH4/Tg1Fb3ggBaI/AAAAAAAABKg/hRp2kMXhQrc/s400/alg_jagr_laughs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Brian Fantana, utilizing the National Security Council's simplified alert system, has officially moved Jagr Watch to Jagrgate status.<br />
<br />
Jaromir Jagr's North American based agent Petr Svoboda, declared that Jagr was headed to the States on Wednesday afternoon, and that we could expect a decision soon thereafter.<br />
<br />
Following a turtle induced delay into New York, Svoboda at one point stated that he had lost contact with Jagr on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
After contacting Pittsburgh, Detroit, Montreal and supposedly other mystery organizations, Svoboda mentioned that a decision could be forthcoming on Thursday... to no avail.<br />
<br />
With fanbases becoming impatient, speculation regarding the involved teams ran rampant.<br />
<br />
Whispers of dollar figures, and offers being pulled from the table began circulating.<br />
<br />
Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero, however does not <a href="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_744628.html">seem </a>the least bit perturbed by the delays.<br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>Shero said the Penguins' offer to Jagr remains "on the table," and that not hearing from Jagr tonight would not alter his hope of signing Jagr when the NHL free-agent period opens tomorrow.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><i>"He's not holding us hostage or anything," Shero said, adding that he believes the Penguins can sign Jagr and keep right wing Tyler Kennedy given their salary-cap space.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><i>Shero said he never set a deadline of Wednesday for Jagr to accept an offer presented Tuesday after Shero spoke with Svoboda and Jagr.</i><br />
<br />
<i> </i><i>"Petr thought the decision would be made by Wednesday; I never put a deadline on it," Shero said. "I said that certainly us, and probably a lot of other teams, would want to know by the start of free agency — that I'd like to have an idea of what's going on."</i></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2nWG2zIBMY/Tg1FeKC0mDI/AAAAAAAABKk/d3e6nas-oxc/s1600/brian-fantana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G2nWG2zIBMY/Tg1FeKC0mDI/AAAAAAAABKk/d3e6nas-oxc/s200/brian-fantana.jpg" width="165" /></a></div>While Hockey Plumber News reporter Brian Fantana grows ever more incensed by the Jagr camp shenanigans, he does have other free agency updates.<br />
<br />
The St. Louis Blues have <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370439">re-signed</a> forward T.J. Oshie to a one-year, $2.35-million contract.<br />
<br />
The Carolina Hurricanes have <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370473">re-signed</a> forward Jussi Jokinen to a three year contract worth $3 million per season. <br />
<br />
After trading for negotiating rights, the Chicago Blackhawks <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2011/06/30/sp-nhl-blackhawks-montador.html?ref=rss">agreed </a>to a four-year contract with defenseman Steve Montador. Terms were undisclosed, but reports say the deal is worth $11 million.<br />
<br />
Also following a trade for exclusive rights, the Buffalo Sabres have <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2011/06/30/sp-nhl-sabres-ehrhoff.html?ref=rss">signed </a>defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to 10-year, $40 million contract.<br />
<br />
What's the point of Hockey Christmas if the gifts are already opened?The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-35979026254726543752011-06-29T22:57:00.000-04:002011-06-29T22:57:11.674-04:00Jagr Watch Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rftMVcrPHcQ/Tgvl1iysGeI/AAAAAAAABKc/vO9xsjmJ72I/s1600/jaromir-jagr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rftMVcrPHcQ/Tgvl1iysGeI/AAAAAAAABKc/vO9xsjmJ72I/s400/jaromir-jagr.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Hockey Plumber News reporter Brian Fantana has learned that there will be no decision made tonight. <br />
<br />
Leading him to ask the question, "when does Jagr Watch turn into Jagrgate?"<br />
<br />
Inside Pittsburgh Sports also <a href="http://insidepittsburghsports.com/story/no-decision-coming-from-jagr-tonight/39717/">reports</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>Jaromir Jagr joining the Penguins is on hold.</i></blockquote><br />
<a href="http://www.pensburgh.com/2011/6/29/2251576/jagr-agent-no-update-tonight">Pensblog </a>reported:<br />
<blockquote><br />
<i>...Svoboda [Jagr's agent] broke the news that no decision about Jaromir Jagr's future would be announced tonight... </i></blockquote>So it appears the Fantana, as well as the local sports media in Pittsburgh have another restless night on their hands.<br />
<br />
In related news Pittsburgh did come to terms with Aaron Asham per<a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/TSNBobMcKenzie"> @TSNBobMcKenzie</a>.<br />
<br />
One year deal worth $775k.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-20183973655218203762011-06-29T12:39:00.000-04:002011-06-29T12:39:13.488-04:00Jagr Watch: Decision Expected Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TtZ0bh_Pyo/TgtU2FxfwvI/AAAAAAAABKQ/m8HPic3AzqU/s1600/Screen-shot-2011-02-10-at-2.05.01-PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TtZ0bh_Pyo/TgtU2FxfwvI/AAAAAAAABKQ/m8HPic3AzqU/s400/Screen-shot-2011-02-10-at-2.05.01-PM.png" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Let's go to Brian Fantana who's live on the scene with a Hockey Plumber News exclusive. Brian?<br />
<br />
Fantana begins, "Jagr Watch! The mood is tense; I have been on some serious, serious reports but nothing quite like this. I uh... Jarimor, uh.. Jah... Jagr is on his way here right now. I tried to get an interview with him, but they said no, you can't do that he's on a plane, and cell phone use is strictly forbidden." Fantana looks to the sky...<br />
<br />
"Hey, you're making me look stupid. Get out here, Airplane Jerk!"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUGUNmpqYiA/TgtU77E8VgI/AAAAAAAABKY/5jZkjdnHOfM/s1600/anchorman_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUGUNmpqYiA/TgtU77E8VgI/AAAAAAAABKY/5jZkjdnHOfM/s320/anchorman_0120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Great story. Compelling, and rich.<br />
<br />
Per Rob Rossi in the <a href="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_744430.html">Tribune Review</a>:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>The agent for Jaromir Jagr said today that Jagr is en route to the United States and will inform of a decision on his NHL future late this afternoon.</i><br />
<br />
<i>"He is flying to New York (from the Czech Republic) right now," agent Petr Svoboda said. "He is coming this afternoon and will tell us his answer then."</i><br />
<br />
<i>Svoboda said he talked to Jagr last night about the Pens' offer, and that Detroit and Montreal are also known to have made offers.</i><br />
<br />
<i>Jagr is not expected to arrive in the U.S. until at least 3:30 p.m. Svoboda said he expects to know Jagr's decision within an hour of his arrival.</i></blockquote>It's speculated that the Penguins' offer to Jagr is in the $2 million range for one season, although GM Ray Shero <a href="http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11180/1156877-61.stm">would not confirm </a>the dollar amount.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>"[Today] is decision day," Shero said. "We'll see what he does. ... He's got all the information he needs from us [to make up his mind]..."</i></blockquote><blockquote><br />
<i>"We feel he's a guy who can help us this year," Shero said. "And then retire as a Penguin."</i></blockquote>Everyone is expecting a decision by 5pm today. Jagr has never been one to give out just what is expected, so who knows how long this could all drag out.<br />
<br />
The Red Wings are still in the mix, and it is assumed that Montreal or another team may still have some input regarding Jagr's decision making.<br />
<br />
One thing is for sure though, Brian Fantana will be on top of this story until the very end!<br />
<div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"></div>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-53050728020810070612011-06-28T11:50:00.004-04:002011-06-29T10:51:12.664-04:00Getting Busy: Pending Free Agents Reaching Deals To Resign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiEmnk6isjw/Tgn2-XYxazI/AAAAAAAABJ4/DabWCnixdok/s1600/230px-BrooksLaichCapitals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FiEmnk6isjw/Tgn2-XYxazI/AAAAAAAABJ4/DabWCnixdok/s200/230px-BrooksLaichCapitals.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><div style="background-color: #cccccc;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> A Lot To Laich</b></span></div><br />
<br />
<h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Washington Capitals <a href="http://capitals.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567512&navid=DL%7CWSH%7Chome">have signed</a> Brooks Laich to 6-year deal worth $27 million. Laich has been a core player with the Caps. He is popular among teammates and fans alike. Laich can battle on the boards, deliver a hit and score big goals.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">He would have been a highly sought after player if he hit the open market, but it seems the Caps were willing to give him market value to stay right where he was.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-TOD7D_iZU/Tgn3FTtT36I/AAAAAAAABJ8/QicEnjXFp3o/s1600/bieksacloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9-TOD7D_iZU/Tgn3FTtT36I/AAAAAAAABJ8/QicEnjXFp3o/s200/bieksacloseup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><h2 style="background-color: #cccccc; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Canucks Re-Up A Pair</b></span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Defenseman Kevin Bieksa has <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370169">agreed</a> to terms on a 5-year, $23 million deal with the Vancouver Canucks. The team has also signed impending restricted free agent Maxim Lapierre to a two-year contract worth a total of $2 million.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bieksa known for his shot and nasty streak, received a lot more exposure this post-season due to his fine play throughout the playoffs, which included a dramatic OT winning goal that sent Vancouver to the Finals.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lapierre seemed to be a good fit with the Canucks after failed attempts with both Montreal and Anaheim. He provides an accompaniment to the antagonistic nature of Alex Burrows giving opponents reason to be wary of his antics as well as his ability to score.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2><h2 style="background-color: #cccccc; color: black; font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Lightning Keep Specialist</span></b></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Tampa Bay Lightning have <a href="http://lightning.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=567521">re-signed</a> power-play specialist and defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to a two-year contract. Terms were not initially announced by the team.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=370220">TSN reports </a>that RDS claimes it to be a two-year, $2 million deal.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmzM6PNdZsI/Tgn3ZaIOCuI/AAAAAAAABKA/idxPkYbW9Z4/s1600/pascal_dupuis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VmzM6PNdZsI/Tgn3ZaIOCuI/AAAAAAAABKA/idxPkYbW9Z4/s200/pascal_dupuis.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><h2 style="background-color: #cccccc; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pittsburgh Retains Not You, Not Me, but Dupuis</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">From Rob Rossi:</span></h2><blockquote><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Dupuis has agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the Penguins, sources told the Tribune-Review. The deal, which will be announced this afternoon, is worth $3 million total — meaning Dupuis will count $1.5 million against the salary cap each of the next two seasons.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i></h2></blockquote>Pascal Dupuis was considered a priority re-signing by the Penguins from the beginning. He is a tireless penalty killer and has the speed, grit and versatility to play on any of the four forward lines. Something the Pittsburgh coaching staff prizes.<br />
<h2 style="background-color: #cccccc; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Moller Finds There is No Place Like Home</b></span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bucking the trend of re-signings, CBS Sports <a href="http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/players/playerpage/1280591/rss">reports</a> that Los Angeles Kings center, Oscar Moller, who has shuttled between the Kings and their AHL club has <b></b>decided to play in Sweden for the upcoming season. </span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moller, a native of Stockholm, was not mentioned in connection to a team in the SEL, but it is assumed that it is Skelleftea AIK.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">We will continue to update this post as more happens. Stay tuned. </span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbbXxrVM0FQ/TgpBD5HCIZI/AAAAAAAABKI/tu4QAi0xdeo/s1600/250px-Pitkanen_2009-05-12_213v1_wiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TbbXxrVM0FQ/TgpBD5HCIZI/AAAAAAAABKI/tu4QAi0xdeo/s200/250px-Pitkanen_2009-05-12_213v1_wiki.jpg" width="142" /></a></div><h2 style="background-color: #cccccc; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pitkanen Back With the Canes</b></span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">The Carolina Hurricanes have <a href="http://blogs.newsobserver.com/canes/canes-pitkanen-agree-on-3-year-deal">re-signed </a>defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a 3-year, $13.5 million deal.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pitkanen was thought to be out of Carolina's reach just <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/06/27/1304141/canes-hope-to-keep-pitkanen-jokinen.html">a few weeks ago</a>. Carolina GM Jim Rutherford had mentioned that he expected Pitkanen and others to test free agency, but later stated that he held hope to sign the team's top UFAs.</span></h2><h2 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">That hope became reality today. </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></h2>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-8482627681486256832011-06-27T22:48:00.002-04:002011-06-28T15:14:06.554-04:00CKAC Sports Reports Jaromir Jagr Has Agreement With the Pittsburgh Penguins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IYSnMm6fdE/TglAZk1bwmI/AAAAAAAABJw/4bFpEaF71HE/s1600/JagrPenguins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IYSnMm6fdE/TglAZk1bwmI/AAAAAAAABJw/4bFpEaF71HE/s400/JagrPenguins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This post was originally posted at <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/ckac-sports-reports-jaromir-jagr-has-agreement-with-the-pittsburgh-penguins/">The Hockey Writers </a></i></div><br />
To answer Ricky Bobby's question: "What did French land give us?"<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="CKAC Sports) - Après plusieurs semaines de spéculations, l'attaquant Jaromir Jagr aurait fait son choix et il signerait un contrat d'un an avec les Penguins de Pittsburgh. C'est ce qu'affirme Rob Rossi, du Pittsburgh Tribune. L'équipe confirmerait la nouvelle vendredi, date d'ouverture du marché des joueurs autonomes. De multiples rumeurs ont circulé depuis que Jagr a signifié son intérêt de revenir dans la LNH. Detroit, Montréal et Pittsburgh étaient des destinations pressenties pour l'attaquant de puissance. Jagr, 39 ans, avait été repêché par les Penguins en 1990, 5e au total. Il a remporté la coupe Stanley avec cette équipe en 1991. Il a quitté la LNH en 2008, alors qu'il patinait avec les Rangers de New York. Il a rejoint la Ligue continentale russe l'année suivante et y a marqué 66 buts en plus d'enregistrer 146 points en 155 rencontres au cours des trois dernières saisons passées là-bas. Dans la LNH, Jagr, meilleur Européen de l'histoire, a disputé 1273 matchs, marquant 646 buts et 953 passes pour 1599 points." href="http://thehockeywriters.com/wp-admin/CKAC%20Sports%29%20-%20Apr%C3%A8s%20plusieurs%20semaines%20de%20sp%C3%A9culations,%20l%27attaquant%20Jaromir%20Jagr%20aurait%20fait%20son%20choix%20et%20il%20signerait%20un%20contrat%20d%27un%20an%20avec%20les%20Penguins%20de%20Pittsburgh.%20%20C%27est%20ce%20qu%27affirme%20Rob%20Rossi,%20du%20Pittsburgh%20Tribune.%20%20L%27%C3%A9quipe%20confirmerait%20la%20nouvelle%20vendredi,%20date%20d%27ouverture%20du%20march%C3%A9%20des%20joueurs%20autonomes.%20%20De%20multiples%20rumeurs%20ont%20circul%C3%A9%20depuis%20que%20Jagr%20a%20signifi%C3%A9%20son%20int%C3%A9r%C3%AAt%20de%20revenir%20dans%20la%20LNH.%20Detroit,%20Montr%C3%A9al%20et%20Pittsburgh%20%C3%A9taient%20des%20destinations%20pressenties%20pour%20l%27attaquant%20de%20puissance.%20%20Jagr,%2039%20ans,%20avait%20%C3%A9t%C3%A9%20rep%C3%AAch%C3%A9%20par%20les%20Penguins%20en%201990,%205e%20au%20total.%20Il%20a%20remport%C3%A9%20la%20coupe%20Stanley%20avec%20cette%20%C3%A9quipe%20en%201991.%20%20Il%20a%20quitt%C3%A9%20la%20LNH%20en%202008,%20alors%20qu%27il%20patinait%20avec%20les%20Rangers%20de%20New%20York.%20Il%20a%20rejoint%20la%20Ligue%20continentale%20russe%20l%27ann%C3%A9e%20suivante%20et%20y%20a%20marqu%C3%A9%2066%20buts%20en%20plus%20d%27enregistrer%20146%20points%20en%20155%20rencontres%20au%20cours%20des%20trois%20derni%C3%A8res%20saisons%20pass%C3%A9es%20l%C3%A0-bas.%20%20Dans%20la%20LNH,%20Jagr,%20meilleur%20Europ%C3%A9en%20de%20l%27histoire,%20a%20disput%C3%A9%201273%20matchs,%20marquant%20646%20buts%20et%20953%20passes%20pour%201599%20points.">Premature news</a> of Jaromir Jagr's return to Pittsburgh.<br />
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(Translated by Google Translate)<br />
<br />
<blockquote><blockquote><i>After weeks of speculation, forward Jaromir Jagr has made his choice and he will sign a one year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.<br />
<br />
So says Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune. <br />
<br />
The team will confirm the news Friday, opening day of free agency. <br />
<br />
Many rumors have circulated since Jagr has expressed interest to return to the NHL. Detroit, Montreal and Pittsburgh were (all) approached (as) destinations for (the) power forward. <br />
<br />
Jagr, 39, was drafted by the Penguins in 1990, fifth overall. He won the Stanley Cup with the team in 1991. <br />
<br />
He left the NHL in 2008, when he skated with the New York Rangers. He joined the Russian Continental League next year and has scored 66 goals in addition to recording 146 points in 155 games over the last three seasons there. <br />
<br />
In the NHL, Jagr, the best European (player in NHL) history, played 1273 games, scoring 646 goals and 953 assists for 1,599 points.</i></blockquote></blockquote><br />
<br />
From the report it seems likely that Penguins fans, Jagr, Mario, players and the coaching staff will get what they wanted: A goodwill/farewell tour for number 68.<br />
<br />
However, a closer examination of Rossi's <a _mce_href="http://twitter.com/#!/RobRossi_Trib" href="http://twitter.com/#%21/RobRossi_Trib">tweets</a> reveals that he ambiguously referred to the Pens <em>wanting to</em> come to a handshake agreement.<br />
<br />
In fact, the Tribine Review reported Tuesday that... "The Penguins will speak with Jaromir Jagr's agent about a contract this afternoon.<br />
<br />
Petr Svoboda, Jagr's agent, confirmed that he is set to have a meeting with Penguins general manager Ray Shero today.<br />
<br />
"We are meeting this afternoon to talk about a deal," Svoboda said. "Hopefully by tomorrow, we will know something.'"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsHFQ0wUzqs/Tgon7QoehBI/AAAAAAAABKE/82DvIEKuR8I/s1600/ricky-bobby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fsHFQ0wUzqs/Tgon7QoehBI/AAAAAAAABKE/82DvIEKuR8I/s200/ricky-bobby.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>Hardly official, since the scheduled Tuesday meeting is to talk about a deal, there can be no deal in place.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Yet, for optimists, it would seem more likely than ever before that Jagr and Crosby will doing their version of "shake 'n bake" on the NHL's other 29 teams.</div><div> </div>"Doesn't that just blow yer mind? SHAKE 'N BAKE!"The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-28024429814525338802011-06-24T17:14:00.000-04:002011-06-24T17:14:58.871-04:00Winnipeg Whatevers No More. The Jets Are Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA4cUlWbcNQ/TgT9hRwllkI/AAAAAAAABJg/CWbd3BR_uQU/s1600/logo1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA4cUlWbcNQ/TgT9hRwllkI/AAAAAAAABJg/CWbd3BR_uQU/s320/logo1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Both <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2011/06/24/sp-nhl-winnipeg-name.html?ref=rss">CBC </a>and <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369842">TSN </a>have reported that True North, the ownership group for the new Winnipeg franchise, is expected to officially announce that the team will indeed be called the Jets.<br />
<br />
Making use of the grand stage, both literally and figuratively, the group will unveil the franchise name just before making their 7th Overall selection at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.<br />
<br />
However, their selection will not pull on an old Jets sweater according to the CBC:<br />
<blockquote> <i>The player Winnipeg selects with its top draft pick on Friday night is not expected to don a Jets jersey. Instead, he'll put on a sweater bearing the black and grey colours of the NHL's logo, Winnipeg assistant general manager Craig Heisinger said Thursday.</i></blockquote>We assume since they have just arrived at a name, they don't have the design of the logo and sweater together just yet.<br />
<br />
The return of the Jets name was almost a necessity. The Moose or Falcons, etc... just wouldn't be the same.<br />
<br />
Because of the sentiment of the fans, the Jets moniker was clearly favored. After what just happened in Vancouver, no one wanted to see burning cars or Aussies making out in the street, so they got what they wanted! (Pure speculation, of course!)<br />
<br />
Some concept ideas below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhNgCpPGmbI/TgT9jD2FtZI/AAAAAAAABJk/RYXppjn6tv4/s1600/NewJetsLogo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mhNgCpPGmbI/TgT9jD2FtZI/AAAAAAAABJk/RYXppjn6tv4/s200/NewJetsLogo.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl2vevIuoIs/TgT9rY76upI/AAAAAAAABJs/W3VOM_y0Sj8/s1600/winnipeg1_teaser.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl2vevIuoIs/TgT9rY76upI/AAAAAAAABJs/W3VOM_y0Sj8/s200/winnipeg1_teaser.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60UgZDSeK2Q/TgT9pE8kJFI/AAAAAAAABJo/cIJJTJTNhsE/s1600/TRODAT_JETS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-60UgZDSeK2Q/TgT9pE8kJFI/AAAAAAAABJo/cIJJTJTNhsE/s200/TRODAT_JETS.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-20556467539877839652011-06-23T23:06:00.000-04:002011-06-23T23:06:31.386-04:00Philadelphia Signs Bryzgalov, Guts Team To Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hz6BEQ4Um4/TgP-eje381I/AAAAAAAABJY/e4SZjL1oLeg/s1600/carter_richards_big_381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Hz6BEQ4Um4/TgP-eje381I/AAAAAAAABJY/e4SZjL1oLeg/s400/carter_richards_big_381.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flyers no more</td></tr>
</tbody></table> As an <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369796">update</a> to our early post regarding the trade of Jeff Carter to Columbus, the Philadelphia Flyers also traded team captain, Mike Richards to Los Angeles for forward prospect Brayden Schenn, veteran forward, Wayne Simmonds and a second-round pick.<br />
<br />
Um... wow!<br />
<br />
The trades clearly were for cap clearing purposes to make the Ilya Bryzgalov signing possible.<br />
<br />
Bryzgalov signed a reported $51-million, nine-year deal.<br />
<br />
So let's look at what the total day meant to the Flyers.<br />
<br />
<b>Out: </b>Mike Richards (LA), Jeff Carter (Columbus), Matt Clackson, 3rd round choice in the 2012 Draft, and future considerations (Phoenix).<br />
<br />
<b>In:</b> Ilya Bryzgalov, Jakub Voracek, First- and Third-round picks from the Blue Jackets, Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a second-round pick from the Kings.<br />
<br />
Maybe we are missing something, but we don't like these moves for the Flyers.<br />
<br />
<br />
As the AP put it:<br />
<blockquote><i>This would be like the Phillies trading Ryan Howard and Chase Utley ... on the same day.</i></blockquote><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTvDtA1PDk0/TgP-751ZwaI/AAAAAAAABJc/0fEJJeNQLu4/s1600/wayne-simmonds-ilya-bryzgalov-brayden-schenn-adrian-aucoin-2010-10-22-1-0-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WTvDtA1PDk0/TgP-751ZwaI/AAAAAAAABJc/0fEJJeNQLu4/s200/wayne-simmonds-ilya-bryzgalov-brayden-schenn-adrian-aucoin-2010-10-22-1-0-24.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teammates in Philly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Bryzgalov has proven himself as a top backstop. Brayden Schenn is a very nice prospect. Wayne Simmonds has shown promise as a power forward, Voracek has shown flashes of his skill, and the Flyers will add top end talent with the #8 Overall selection this season. <br />
<br />
Yet Bryzgalov had a disastrous playoff against Detroit. By the final game of the series, honestly he looked a bit disinterested. It was that bad.<br />
<br />
Simmonds and Voracek both have tantalized with their abilities, but both showed regression in their production last season.<br />
<br />
In addition, look what they gave up. <br />
<br />
Carter was the team's best natural goal scorer. Richards, the team's leader, is one of the games' premier two-way centers.<br />
<br />
Comparing the last three seasons, the Flyers are subtracting 199 goals scored, while adding 78 back. Are Schenn, the draft picks and Bryzgalov going to make up for that kind of production difference?<br />
<br />
Unlikely.<br />
<br />
Time will tell if Ed Snider's mission to add a veteran goalie will get the Flyers over the hump, or whether he will resemble another Snyder, Daniel in the mold of meddling ownership wrecking their team's chances of success.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-10284594067524178952011-06-23T15:36:00.000-04:002011-06-23T15:36:05.088-04:00Philadelphia Flyers Deal Jeff Carter To Columbus Blue Jackets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqNcsP6Ceqc/TgOVdny6PvI/AAAAAAAABJU/dsCp8JOoI6Y/s1600/jeff-carter-400-235-part2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TqNcsP6Ceqc/TgOVdny6PvI/AAAAAAAABJU/dsCp8JOoI6Y/s400/jeff-carter-400-235-part2.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>No, no, no... it's not going to happen. Jeff Carter will not be traded. So we have heard countless times from the Carter camp and even the Flyers.<br />
<br />
Today, Jeff Carter was <a href="http://spectorshockey.net/wordpress/2011/06/23/jeff-carter-to-columbus/">traded </a>to the Jackets in return for Jakob Voracek, the 8th Overall selection of the 2011 NHL Draft, and a yet undetermined Third-round pick.<br />
<br />
We will update the story as more info comes in.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-24923977781417234602011-06-22T11:44:00.000-04:002011-06-22T11:44:45.047-04:00The 2011 NHL Awards. An Annual Hockey Plumber Tradition Gone Wrong<span style="font-size: small;">LIVE from Las Vegas, Nevada it's Saaaaaturd... no wait. Ok, it is NHL </span>Awards time again.<br />
<br />
Jay Mohr returns to host at the Palms Casino. Mohr will doubtlessly remark on his lack of hockey knowledge, throw out a few quick one liners on Luongo's hair, etc... and intro a few puzzling music selections, in between the cavalcade of every celebrity that claims a connection to the game of hockey.<br />
<br />
Sounds great, right?<br />
<br />
So let's get right in to the bad jokes: Our picks and predictions. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWriNRz7I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/LZou8jh_qLA/s1600/trophy_hartlg.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWriNRz7I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/LZou8jh_qLA/s200/trophy_hartlg.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hart Memorial Trophy</b></span><br />
Given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association in all NHL cities at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24934">Past Winners</a>.<br />
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<b>Corey Perry</b>- Ducks, <b>Daniel Sedin</b> - Canucks, <b>Martin St. Louis</b> - Lightning <br />
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<b><i>If we had a vote:</i> </b>Crosby... but he's not a finalist. OK, Perry. Without Perry absolutely lighting it up down the stretch, the Ducks would not even had a sniff of the post season. The Ducks have their fair share of talented scorers, but Perry put the team on his back in crunch time.<br />
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<b><i>Prediction: </i></b>Daniel Sedin. The Writers love the Sedins for some reason, and he had the highest point total. Leading scorer usually equals receiving the award.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=4959804955489709052&postID=2492397778141723460" name="more"></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWs2ynnXI/AAAAAAAAA3g/PsG9Q_yOACo/s1600/vezina_trophy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWs2ynnXI/AAAAAAAAA3g/PsG9Q_yOACo/s200/vezina_trophy.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Vezina Trophy</b></span><br />
Given to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position as voted by the general managers of all NHL clubs. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24965">Past Winners.</a> <br />
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<b>Roberto Luongo</b>- Canucks, <b>Pekka Rinne</b> - Predators, <b>Tim Thomas</b> - Bruins<br />
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<i><b>If we had a vote: </b></i>Thomas. His season was just off the charts. It's a regular season award, but really all he did was carry his regular season into the playoffs and was equally impressive and deserving of the Playoff MVP.<br />
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<i><b>Prediction: </b></i>Tim Thomas. Should be a slam dunk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWb7zxW3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/l_xCHcVvdbc/s1600/calder.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWb7zxW3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/l_xCHcVvdbc/s200/calder.jpg" width="128" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Calder Memorial Trophy</b></span><br />
Given to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the National Hockey League. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24931">Past Winners.</a> <br />
<b>Logan Couture</b>- Sharks, <b>Michael Grabner</b> - Islanders, <b>Jeff Skinner</b> - Hurricanes<br />
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<i><b>If we had a vote:</b></i> Grabner. It's a close race. All are deserving. We just believe that Grabner accomplished what he did with the least amount of help.<br />
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<i><b>Prediction: </b></i>Jeff Skinner. He received the most buzz all season. With Couture playing on the west coast, and Grabner, well, on the Islanders, Skinner gets the default hype vote.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWmQAU2vI/AAAAAAAAA3I/fFUQHWvKb_k/s1600/norris.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWmQAU2vI/AAAAAAAAA3I/fFUQHWvKb_k/s200/norris.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>James Norris Memorial Trophy </b></span><br />
Given to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24942">Past Winners.</a><br />
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<b>Zdeno Chara</b>- Bruins, <b>Nicklas Lidstrom</b> - Red Wings, <b>Shea Weber</b> - Predators<br />
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<b><i>If we had a vote:</i> </b>Weber. Just didn't feel the Chara regular season, and we don't like Lidstrom's sub par defensive season. Weber had the best all-around play of any blueliner this season.<br />
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<b><i>Prediction</i>: </b>Nicklas Lidstrom. He put up phenomenal offensive numbers this year, and we bet the writers were banking on the fact that this season could have been his last. Lidstrom has won the Norris so many times, it should be renamed after him. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWjuhDhpI/AAAAAAAAA24/Xy54ksJLeg8/s1600/jackadams.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWjuhDhpI/AAAAAAAAA24/Xy54ksJLeg8/s200/jackadams.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jack Adams Award</b></span><br />
Presented by the National Hockey League Broadcasters' Association to the NHL coach judged to have contributed the most to his team's success. The winner is selected in a poll among members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24929">Past Winners.</a> <br />
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<b>Dan Bylsma</b>- Penguins, <b>Barry Trotz</b> -Predators, <b>Alain Vigneault</b> - Canucks<br />
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<b><i>If we had a vote:</i> </b>Bylsma. No one had to do more "coaching" than the guy who lost his best two players, and at times during the second half was missing as many as twelve regulars from the line up at one time. Through it all, the Penguins finished tied for the division lead in points, and third overall in the conference.<br />
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<i><b>Prediction: </b></i>Dan Bylsma. The Jack Adams has become an adversity award lately. Disco Dan "hustles" home with the win.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWiNEEhBI/AAAAAAAAA2w/rLTNMi0nd2I/s1600/frankjselke.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWiNEEhBI/AAAAAAAAA2w/rLTNMi0nd2I/s200/frankjselke.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Frank J. SelkeTrophy</b></span><br />
Given to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24962">Past Winners.</a> <br />
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<b>Pavel Datsyuk</b> - Red Wings, <b>Ryan Kesler</b> - Canucks, <b>Jonathan Toews</b> - Blackhawks<br />
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<b><br />
<i>If we had a vote: </i></b>Kesler. He was a dominating figure this season. He was fearsome as a shutdown center-man when asked to be; and he scored fourty-one goals, too!<br />
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<i><b>Prediction: </b></i>Ryan Kesler. He received much more national attention this year. He will get the votes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWpvnfY9I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/wSXirAO4poc/s1600/trophies-nhl-lady-byng.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWpvnfY9I/AAAAAAAAA3Q/wSXirAO4poc/s200/trophies-nhl-lady-byng.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> Lady Byng Memorial Trophy</b></span><br />
Given to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability. The winner is selected in a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24938">Past Winners.</a> <br />
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<b>Nicklas Lidstrom</b>- Red Wings, <b>Loui Eriksson</b> - Stars, <b>Martin St. Louis</b> - Lightning<br />
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<i><b>If we had a vote: </b></i>St. Louis. He's such a great player, but receives little recognition. He does it all on and off the ice.<br />
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<i><b>Prediction: </b></i>Martin St. Louis. Like last year, the stats should give him the edge with voters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWlKyQuZI/AAAAAAAAA3A/TaBqjUq-HRM/s1600/nh-l-masterton-trophy.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__5-Ogf5NoqY/TCAWlKyQuZI/AAAAAAAAA3A/TaBqjUq-HRM/s200/nh-l-masterton-trophy.jpg" width="136" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy</b></span><br />
Given to the National Hockey League player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=24940">Past Winners.</a> <br />
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<b>Ray Emery</b>- Ducks, <b>Daymond Langkow</b> - Flames, <b>Ian Laperriere</b> - Flyers<br />
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<i><b>If we had a vote: </b></i>Laperriere. Another year, another gruesome injury for the guy. Everywhere the guy goes he is beloved by teammates and fans alike for his guts and determination. After taking a slapper to the face in last years' playoffs, he had to be argued with by the training staff to keep him from returning with shattered skull bones. <i><b><br />
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<i><b>Prediction: </b></i>Ian Laperriere. He's a warrior.<i><b><br />
</b></i>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-69190691151883928242011-06-21T13:55:00.000-04:002011-06-21T13:55:34.522-04:002011 NHL Draft: The Atlantic Division's Ideal Draft Selections<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_ssvLv0LtM/TgDY5WXXF6I/AAAAAAAABIs/GsnV9JPUjTs/s1600/sherobettmandraft.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1_ssvLv0LtM/TgDY5WXXF6I/AAAAAAAABIs/GsnV9JPUjTs/s400/sherobettmandraft.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Bruce Bennett/Getty Images </span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><i> This story originally was posted on <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/741707-2011-nhl-draft-the-atlantic-divisions-ideal-draft-selections">Bleacher Report</a></i></div><br />
<div class="slide-description"> The Atlantic is one of the NHL's most fiercely contested divisions.<br />
Until this season, the Atlantic was represented in the Stanley Cup Final three straight years.<br />
There is no shortage of animosity between any of the clubs, and the draft provides yet another opportunity to get a leg up on hated rivals.<br />
What's in store:<br />
<ul><li>The Devils get a rare top five selection. </li>
<li>The Islanders will try to build on their promising core.</li>
<li>The Rangers utilize their pivot slot smack dab in the middle.</li>
<li>The Penguins will look to add around their stars.</li>
<li>The Flyers will have to wait until Round 3 to make their selection...or will they?</li>
</ul>Let's take a look at each team's best-case scenario when their turn comes around.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsMVMcY0j-U/TgDY-fSfVCI/AAAAAAAABI4/Ao4f802t0uQ/s1600/huberdeau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsMVMcY0j-U/TgDY-fSfVCI/AAAAAAAABI4/Ao4f802t0uQ/s200/huberdeau.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Fourth Overall: New Jersey Devils</span></span></b></span><br />
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<div class="slide-description"> The Devils have future needs at nearly every position.<br />
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The team selected two goalies in 2010, and there are no goaltending prospects that would merit such a high selection this season.<br />
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At No. 4, New Jersey will likely focus on a versatile forward or puck-moving blueliner.<br />
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A closer look at the Devils' recent prospects reveals moves that have focused on the blue line.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/draftsearch.htm?year=2010&round=All&team=NJD&supl=N">selections</a> of Jonathan Merrill with their top pick in 2010, defenseman Joe Faust two rounds later and the their <a href="http://devils.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=566123">recent acquisition</a> of Maxim Noreau from <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/minnesota-wild">Minnesota</a> indicate that this may be a year that they focus on a forward.<br />
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Filing for arbitration with Zach Parise avoids having to match other teams' offers this season and gives the Devils more time, but there is no guarantee that New Jersey will be able to keep their star winger long term.<br />
Enter Jonathan Huberdeau.<br />
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Huberdaeau offers the Devils flexibility, as he can play center and on the wing. He has rocketed up the draft charts because of his production this season, but Huberdeau also applies his skill in the neutral zone and in the defensive zone.<br />
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The Devils historically look for three-zone ability, and no one fits that mold in this selection quite like Huberdeau.<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PaeNysijuaU/TgDZCEsJ4eI/AAAAAAAABJA/dLyNjygLrwU/s1600/larsson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PaeNysijuaU/TgDZCEsJ4eI/AAAAAAAABJA/dLyNjygLrwU/s200/larsson.jpg" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Fifth Overall: New York Islanders</span></span></b></span><br />
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<div class="slide-description"> The Islanders are a young, talented team on the rise.<br />
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To complement their core of John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Michael Grabner and veteran blue-line leader Mark Streit, Isle fans have to look forward to the likes of Nino Neiderreiter, Kiril Pertov, Kirill Kabanov, Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan, etc...<br />
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Needless to say, the prospect cupboard is stocked plenty full, particularly on the wings and with puck-moving defenseman.<br />
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Check around many of the mock drafts and you will find that a lot of folks think the Isles could use the selection on a big-bodied thumper on defense.<br />
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While that may be a nice element to add to this team, drafting this high, teams like to add skilled players.<br />
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For what seems to be nit-picky reasons, Swedish defenseman Adam Larsson has slipped a bit in the opinions of a few scouts.<br />
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His mini-slide could be the Islanders' dream come true.<br />
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Larsson has spent his past few seasons playing with Skelleftea in the Swedish Elite League. He has a big body with an all-around game that has drawn comparisons to Nicklas Lidstrom. Last time I checked, Lidstrom has worked out pretty well in the NHL.<br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeTrE0quaLw/TgDY7X5KsLI/AAAAAAAABIw/I6t7P6OnGi0/s1600/armia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eeTrE0quaLw/TgDY7X5KsLI/AAAAAAAABIw/I6t7P6OnGi0/s200/armia.jpg" width="137" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Fifteenth Overall: New York Rangers</span></span></b></span><br />
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<div class="slide-description"> Like their rival Islanders, the Rangers possess an embarrassment of prospect riches.<br />
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Chris Kreider, Evgeny Grachev, Tim Erixon, Oscar Lindberg and Christian Thomas all represent a bright future for the organization.<br />
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Yet, aside from Kreider, the Rangers have little in the way of pure goal scorers in waiting. That fact cannot bode well for a team that struggles at times in that department.<br />
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Despite some <a href="http://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2011/6/7/2211018/2011-nhl-entry-draft-prospects-joel-armia">defensive deficiencies</a>, Joel Armia is a highly regarded goal scorer.<br />
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Back checking is a whole lot easier to teach than putting the puck in the net.<br />
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With that said, Armia the sniper could be just what the doctor ordered for the Rangers.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1YBVNhrgVw/TgDZAKJ8joI/AAAAAAAABI8/ezzJnBaRZ0A/s1600/jurco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1YBVNhrgVw/TgDZAKJ8joI/AAAAAAAABI8/ezzJnBaRZ0A/s200/jurco.jpg" width="130" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><small class="photo-credit aptureTMMSelection"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Claus Andersen/Getty Image<span style="font-size: xx-small;">s</span></span></span></small></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Twenty-Third Overall: Pittsburgh Penguins</span></span></b></span> <h2 class="single-line aptureTMMSelection"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In a recent interview, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero and assistant GM Jason Botterill </span><a href="http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=566142" style="font-weight: normal;">talked about</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> what the Penguins look for in a prospect. </span></span> <br />
</h2><blockquote> <i>On the ice, the three qualities Penguins scouts look for in players that will stand the test of time are compete level, hockey sense and versatility.<br />
<br />
It’s not always about the biggest players, explained Botterill, who cited Sidney Crosby (5'10"), Pavel Datsyuk (5'11") and Henrik Zetterberg (5'11") as prime examples. They’re looking for those players who have the will and desire to win battles on the ice.<br />
<br />
“Those three are strong players and they find a way to get the pucks in the corner,” Botterill said. “But are they always getting the puck with big huge checks? Are they the biggest people out there? No, but their compete level is extremely strong, and that’s what we talk a lot about on our team.”</i><br />
</blockquote><br />
The Penguins have a few decent centers on the team already...pretty decent, at least. They can list defense and goaltending as strengths as well.<br />
<br />
Therefore, it is no secret that Pittsburgh will be looking to add talent on the wings. Right wing is a particular area of interest to be sure.<br />
<br />
With the team undoubtedly keeping a close eye on top prospect Simon Despres, Penguins scouts caught more than their fair share of games watching Despres' St. John's teammate, Tomas Jurco.<br />
<br />
His dazzling YouTube <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tomas+jurco&aq=f">skill videos</a> aside, Jurco has a keen hockey sense, a drive to win battles, back-checking ability, a nose for the net and he plays right wing.<br />
<br />
In short, he is the ideal scenario for Pittsburgh.<br />
<br />
<span class="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span class=" aptureTMMSelection" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVenbPsW_Fs/TgDY9B5luZI/AAAAAAAABI0/1-sYC78uxjM/s1600/bryz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVenbPsW_Fs/TgDY9B5luZI/AAAAAAAABI0/1-sYC78uxjM/s200/bryz.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><small class="photo-credit aptureTMMSelection"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Christian Petersen/Getty Images</span></span></small></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span class=" aptureTMMSelection" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; background-image: none; border-collapse: collapse; border: 0pt none; clear: none; color: inherit; cursor: auto; display: inline; float: none; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0pt; outline: medium none; padding: 0pt; position: relative; text-decoration: inherit; text-indent: 0pt; text-transform: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: inherit; word-spacing: inherit;">Eighty-Fourth Overall: Philadelphia Flyers</span></span></span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="slide-description"> Eighty-Whath? You may ask.<br />
<br />
Yes, the third-round selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the first pick for Philadelphia in 2011.<br />
<br />
Kris Versteeg came to Philly, by way of Toronto, in exchange for the Flyers' first and third selections. Their second selection was part of the trade with Phoenix that landed Dan Carcillo.<br />
<br />
Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said: “Just like any other draft we go in with an open mind, listening and seeing what’s available. Obviously, there are teams trying to jockey for positions right now. I think there are a few teams from what I can gather that have later picks that are trying to move up. It just seems likes there’s a lot of talk right now anyway around the league, so there could be a lot of things happening as we get closer to Friday.”<br />
<br />
Much has already transpired in the Flyers' offseason, including acquiring the negotiating rights to Ilya Bryzgalov in an attempt to bolster the team's goaltending.<br />
<br />
The cost of signing Bryzgalov to a new deal has led to rampant <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/flyers/20110620_For_Flyers__deal_with_Bryzgalov_seems_near__but_tricky.html">speculation</a> about Philadelphia clearing cap space by trading one or more of their pricey veterans.<br />
<br />
Jeff Carter has been <a href="http://blog.dispatch.com/cbj/2011/06/carter_dudley_and_more.shtml">mentioned </a>as a potential player to come in a swap with Columbus that would land Philadelphia the eighth overall selection.<br />
<br />
While a premier draft choice would be nice, trading away a young player who has already proven capable of scoring 40-plus goals is a real risk.<br />
<br />
The ideal scenario for Philly would be for the team to take advantage of the additional cap allowance, <a href="http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369480">up</a> by nearly $5 million next season, and move a less valuable asset than Carter to move upward on the draft board.<br />
Who and at what selection will depend on the asset the Flyers trade away.<br />
</div></div></div></div></div>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-54478430393313661872011-06-07T17:07:00.001-04:002011-06-07T17:07:55.518-04:00Correct Call: Vancouver’s Aaron Rome Suspended For Remainder of NHL Final<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cep9yg4qFc8/Te6SzM4U9nI/AAAAAAAABIk/5mxubBowC0w/s1600/wheel-of-justice_320x240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cep9yg4qFc8/Te6SzM4U9nI/AAAAAAAABIk/5mxubBowC0w/s400/wheel-of-justice_320x240.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>This post was <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/" target="_blank">originally published at The Hockey Writers</a></i> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Cue the dated and cheesy game show music…<br />
<br />
<i>From the NHL offices on the Avenue of the Americas in New York City: It’s hockey’s favorite game show…</i><br />
<br />
<i>WHEEL</i><br />
<i>OF</i><br />
<i>JUSTICE!</i><br />
<br />
<i>With your host(s) Colin Campbell/Brendan Shanahan.</i><br />
<br />
<i>“Hello and welcome Aaron Rome. Please step up and give the wheel a spin.” </i> Rome does step to the wheel and looks it over.<br />
<br />
“On the wheel you will see your options: One Game, Two Games, Four Games, No Suspension, Lifetime Ban, and Just a Finger Bite.”<br />
<br />
Rome spins the wheel with just a flick of the wrist. The the click-clack of the pegs speeds up and then slows to a stop.<br />
<br />
The Debbie Downer horns blow. “Wuh-wuuuh!”<br />
<br />
<i>“Oh sorry Aaron looks like you are out for the remainder of the Finals for your late hit on Nathan Horton.”</i><br />
<br />
Rome, looks to the sky, sighs and slunks his way off the stage to the Press Box back in Boston.<br />
<br />
<i>“Better luck next time Aaron and thanks for playing!”</i><br />
<br />
The new vogue complaint has been to bash the NHL’s disciplinary policies. From an armchair, they appear to be rife with inconsistency and unnerving favoritism towards first time offenders.<br />
<br />
To the critic, they are never harsh enough. They never match the crime, and they rarely align with the “obvious” perceived intent of the infraction.<br />
<br />
When Colin Campbell was dismissed of his duties as the league’s discipline czar. Many cheered.<br />
<br />
Others remained skeptical that Brendan Shanahan would bring anything better to the post.<br />
<br />
The truth is that the post is a mission impossible.<br />
<br />
No one will be able to please the fans, media or teammates of the victim. No one will be able to appease the masses and the perpetrators both.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_Z7sIDMu_A/Te6S0suBoFI/AAAAAAAABIo/nJS4R3GLT0A/s1600/huge-hockey-hit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u_Z7sIDMu_A/Te6S0suBoFI/AAAAAAAABIo/nJS4R3GLT0A/s320/huge-hockey-hit.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>In a game that moves as fast as the NHL. A game that is home to the finest athletes on the planet, possessors of unrivaled speed, strength and stamina. The NHL will never be able to accurately judge intent, the true ability to avoid contact, etc… without margin for error.<br />
<br />
Yet, despite all the critics, nay sayers and skeptics, the NHL does a fairly good job of policing itself.<br />
<br />
Wheel of Justice be damned.<br />
<br />
The NHL got it right concerning Aaron Rome.<br />
<br />
Before anyone argues. <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=565103&navid=mod-rr-headlines">Take a look</a> at the list of reasons he was NOT suspended.<br />
<br />
1. A dirty hit? – No<br />
2. A hit to the head? – No<br />
3. A hit causing injury? – No<br />
4. A hit on a defenseless player? – No<br />
<br />
Rome’s hit on Horton was not dirty. It was not to the head, nor was it judged to be intended to injure.<br />
It would have been a clean hit provided Horton was playing the puck or had possession.<br />
<br />
The suspension was for a late hit. Horton had possession, passed the puck, took a few more strides and then suffered the impact of Rome’s blow.<br />
<br />
Had Rome hit Horton a stride or two earlier, it’s clean… and a wallop that would have impressed even Scott Stevens… even if Horton had been injured as a result.<br />
<br />
The hit was delivered late. The late hit resulted in a serious injury, which directly affected the severity of the suspension.<br />
<br />
Rome responded to the news in the right way:<br />
<blockquote>“I want to express my concern for Nathan’s well-being and wish him a quick and full recovery,” Rome said. “I try to play this game honestly and with integrity. As someone who has experienced this type of injury, I am well aware of its serious nature and have no desire for another player to experience it. I will not take away my teammates’ focus on the task at hand and intend to speak at an appropriate time in (the) future.”</blockquote>He knows his intent. He likely feels he was not deserving of the punishment either.<br />
<br />
Regardless, the suspension was for the timing of the hit and the resulting injury. His intent had nothing to do with the decision to suspend.<br />
<br />
The NHL deserves credit for making the call and a little leeway as well.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-22051989495716582852011-05-20T17:08:00.000-04:002011-05-20T17:08:54.387-04:00Gary Bettman Seeks To Make the Spirit Group Burn for a Repeat Atlanta Flame Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5QnhLRJE9Hg/TdbUUs3ywTI/AAAAAAAABIc/XwXT8AKedfQ/s1600/250px-PhilipsArenafrom303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5QnhLRJE9Hg/TdbUUs3ywTI/AAAAAAAABIc/XwXT8AKedfQ/s400/250px-PhilipsArenafrom303.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The Atlanta Thrashers will be no more. The franchise will be sold to the True North group and moved north to become the Winnipeg Jets, or the Manitoba Whatevers. It's only a matter of days now before the official announcement.<br />
<br />
Yet, before all is said and done, Ken Campbell of the Hockey News delivered an interesting twist today when he told us that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman wants to make the Atlanta Spirit Group pay as steep a price as possible for the transaction.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
According to Campbell:<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>Contrary to a published report, a deal to move the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg was not completely done as of late Thursday night, but it had nothing to do with negotiations between the Atlanta Spirit ownership group and True North in Winnipeg.<br />
<br />
According to a highly placed source with knowledge of the inner workings of NHL ownership, all sides can accurately say that a deal is not complete, despite the fact that all signs appear to the Atlanta Spirit LLC and True North reaching an agreement in principle to sell the team for $170 million.<br />
<br />
What still has to be determined, according to a source, is how much of that purchase price goes to the Atlanta Spirit, a group that is hardly dealing from a position of strength when it comes to selling the team. It has been widely reported that the purchase price of the team is $110 million, with an additional $60 million going to the NHL in the form of a relocation fee.<br />
<br />
Apparently, the Atlanta Spirit owner Bruce Levenson wants a bigger piece of the purchase price and is trying to get a portion of that $60 million from the NHL. It’s believed the league, meanwhile, not only wants the $60 million relocation fee, but a portion of the $110 million purchase price. In fact, there’s a possibility that the Atlanta Spirit might end up with only $80 million to $100 million of the purchase price. </i></blockquote><br />
<br />
The NHL returned to Atlanta in 1999 because they believed in the viability of the market. After a successful start in the city, the Atlanta Spirit Group (ASG) purchased the team in 2003. As we have talked about <a href="http://www.hockeyplumber.com/2011/02/mission-impossible-keeping-thrashers-in.html">in this space before</a>, the group rode the wave of success for a few years, before their own apathy began to dismantle the operation.<br />
<br />
Sizing up Atlanta's market potential, we offer a snap shot of the city's population numbers:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>4,917,717 in the 28-county Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area, designated by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce </li>
<li>3,813,700 in the 10-county Atlanta region </li>
<li>429,500 in the City of Atlanta</li>
</ul> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Source: Census Bureau, 2006; Atlanta Regional Commission, 2006</i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhmGoBFEeoM/TdbUTM6vZnI/AAAAAAAABIY/muIXHi7Zz9k/s1600/atlanta-georgia-attractions-philips-arena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mhmGoBFEeoM/TdbUTM6vZnI/AAAAAAAABIY/muIXHi7Zz9k/s200/atlanta-georgia-attractions-philips-arena.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>What do these number mean? To fill Philips Arena to capacity, the team needed to draw roughly four percent of the locals to the building on a given night. Note that the four percent we speak of, are people who were within walking distance of the area from their home!<br />
<br />
If you include the metro area (potential fans that would have to take public transport or drive to the arena) the team required less than one-half of one percent (That's .05%!) of the population to make their way to a given game. <br />
<br />
Still, ASG managed attendance numbers near or at the bottom of the league on an <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/17/nhl-best-and-worst-fans-business-sports-nhl-fans_slide_13.html">annual</a> basis. As an additional bonus, Atlanta also ranked at or near the bottom in local television ratings and merchandising.<br />
<br />
With a massive media market, a new, sponsored arena, which ASG controlled, and a well suited population distribution, even a poor marketing and PR effort could keep a professional sports franchise viable. Yet, this group found a way to lose millions of dollars in an ideal situation.<br />
<br />
Not only does ASG's incompetence place a dark mark on the NHL's Board of Governors for being forced to relocate franchises from the city twice, but it creates a source of embarrassment for the city, and the thousands of fine folks who did faithfully invested in supporting the hockey franchise there.<br />
<br />
Bettman absolutely should put the screws to the Spirit Group.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>It should be noted that the relocation fee for the Thrashers seems to have come out of nowhere. There was no relocation fee when the Minnesota North Stars moved to Dallas in 1993, when the Quebec Nordiques moved to Colorado in 1995, when the Winnipeg Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996 and when the Hartford Whalers relocated to Raleigh, N.C., in 1997.<br />
<br />
And the NHL is completely in the driver’s seat on this one... In reality, Levenson is faced with the prospect of taking what the NHL lets the Atlanta Spirit have or absorbing crushing losses for at least one more season.</i><br />
</blockquote><blockquote><i>Bettman is using his leverage in this situation to his full advantage, as he usually does. And anyone who thinks Bettman does not have the full backing of all the league’s owners is likely ignoring the fact that he has handled the Phoenix and Atlanta situations brilliantly.</i></blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99-jQrkiO7s/TdbYL91em7I/AAAAAAAABIg/2tMiKPHeG14/s1600/250px-Atlantaflamesgoalhug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99-jQrkiO7s/TdbYL91em7I/AAAAAAAABIg/2tMiKPHeG14/s200/250px-Atlantaflamesgoalhug.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>No doubt, Bettman will hear undue criticism and blame for "another non-traditional hockey market failure." Yet, if their is any blame to be directed at the league it should be for not interfering with the ASG ownership before the situation became so dire.<br />
<br />
Hockey certainly could have succeeded in Atlanta, but we all just watched it fail before anything was done to correct the problem.<br />
<br />
Levenson and the LLC should have to take it on the chin for their mishandling of a perfectly viable situation.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-8688011854898414382011-05-18T16:01:00.001-04:002011-05-18T16:02:53.852-04:00Francophone Pressure Too Much for the Montreal Canadiens?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TPr33_-wJc/TdQle3ewKiI/AAAAAAAABIQ/i_qzy7NxllY/s1600/4793635.bin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4TPr33_-wJc/TdQle3ewKiI/AAAAAAAABIQ/i_qzy7NxllY/s400/4793635.bin.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: MontrealGazette.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>This post was <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/" target="_blank">originally published at The Hockey Writers</a></i> <br />
<br />
That guy at the office who is all too eager to point out discrepancies. The one that fancies himself a walking, breathing, encyclopedia of vast, untapped knowledge. He constantly finds fault in even the most mundane water cooler conversations and relishes any opportunity to ever so politely, yet, still, amazingly annoyingly, correct others.<br />
<br />
You have forced a smile his way for years, carefully crafting every conversation to avoid even the slightest possibility of an argument.<br />
<br />
But, then on your last day at work, you let him have it.<br />
<br />
You explain how difficult it is to even speak in his presence. How uncomfortable he makes everyone around him. How you have tried to avoid him at every turn.<br />
<br />
Maybe letting it all out wasn’t prudent, but somehow, you feel better for it. It’s the refreshing type of honesty that only allows for itself in special circumstances.<br />
<br />
Montreal Canadiens president Pierre Boivin is on his way out.<br />
<br />
He found that special circumstance this week when he <a href="http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/montreal-canadiens/Language+issue+hobbles+Habs+Boivin/4800792/story.html">spoke at length</a> to Montreal Gazette writer, Dave Stubbs.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
After many years of smiling politely towards a myriad of critics, fanatical supporters and even some crackpot media members, Boivin let loose.<br />
<blockquote><i>Boivin spoke of a game forever changed, of the “immensely powerful, important, even dangerous” impact of the Internet and a social media that can topple governments when not rallying hockey fans…</i><br />
<i>And Boivin spoke about the Canadiens’ unique place in the fabric of Quebec, about how he’s surprised – and not – “that the following for the team is greater today than ever in its history.”</i></blockquote>At times he sounded like a man weary and relieved to be exiting his post:<br />
<blockquote><i>“I’ve learned that I’ve got a pretty thick skin,” Boivin said of what he’s discovered about himself in this job.</i><br />
<i>“I’m going to apologize because I’m bilingual and have as many English friends as I do French? No, goddammit. Am I going to apologize that I’m going to work for an anglophone company? No. What the hell. We live in the world here, not a ghetto.”</i></blockquote><br />
With other statements Boivin came off as defensive and a bit insulated.<br />
<blockquote>“What really upsets me is when people don’t accept or believe that we put significant effort into doing much more than any other team to try to get francophone players.”<br />
Boivin spoke of the NHL’s annual combine, when 60 of the most promising draft-eligible players are assembled in Toronto for interviews and exhaustive medical testing.<br />
“We hold our own combine here for Quebec major junior players, mostly those who aren’t going to get drafted or (will be chosen) very late,” Boivin said. “We bring 20, 30 in and put them through all the tests. Why do we do that? To give them false hope? No, to hope that we’re going to find one. There are some out there. Where do you think (undrafted Canadien) David Desharnais comes from?”</blockquote><br />
Who doesn’t believe that the NHL’s only team in Quebec doesn’t go the extra mile trying to find francophone players? Surely these disbelievers are the aforementioned “crackpots.”<br />
It’s evident that his thick skin helped him through rough periods, but it has taken a toll on him over time. Who would be immune to it over a long enough continuum?<br />
Boivin’s personal revelation included statements that could be construed as excuse making.<br />
They will no doubt raise questions, and of course, more criticism.<br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>“When the team’s name is Canadiens,” Boivin said that morning through a wry grin, “we start perhaps with one strike against us…”<br />
<br />
He continued: “If you had a star francophone player, nobody would be counting. You could have two – a star and a fourth-liner, and everybody would be happy. If you don’t have the star, then they want seven or eight, because it’s all about sens d’appartenance (a sense of belonging).<br />
<br />
“If it’s a star, a Maurice (Richard), a Jean (Béliveau), a Guy (Lafleur), a Patrick (Roy), that’s all they need to feel the cultural and linguistic connection. If they don’t have the star, they want a whole bunch (of francophones) because one day they hate them, the other day they love them…</i></blockquote><br />
<br />
But wait, there’s more: <br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>…Boivin says a political reality exists in the front office. The team’s general manager and coach should be bilingual, he says, which means the Habs “are severely competitively disadvantaged.” <br />
<br />
Added Boivin: “There’s one general manager in the league this year who speaks French and he’s in Montreal. If Pierre Gauthier gets hit by a bus, what does (team owner) Geoff Molson do? Every other team says: ‘There are 29 others out there, how many contracts are up?’ Thirty assistant GMs might be prepared to step up, like a Steve Yzerman (in Tampa), and then there’s 30 AHL managers. <br />
<br />
“So they have a pool of 90, (even if) not all are good or are available. We have a pool of three, four, five maybe? Sometimes none? It’s the same thing with coaches. And that’s a huge disadvantage when human capital is your most important asset. So we have to groom them.”</i></blockquote><br />
Stubbs made a great observation when he said “…Canadiens fans probably would cheer a Stanley Cup winner that spoke only Klingon…”<br />
<br />
That my friends, is really the heart of the matter.<br />
<br />
Win, and even your most ardent critics will be silenced… at least for a season.<br />
<br />
In all honesty, my first reaction was to criticize Boivin’s “disadvantaged” remarks.<br />
<br />
What successful organization bows to the ebb and flow of the will… and whim of it’s fanbase? Certainly the fan fervor that exists for Les Canadiens could fill two arenas, regardless of who skates out of the locker room.<br />
<br />
Want a little less pressure? Don’t take on the bloated cap numbers of an American, one hit wonder, like <b>Scott Gomez</b>. You wouldn’t be better served giving Alex Tanguay another shot with the Habs?<br />
<br />
Next in line for criticism was the francophone community surrounding the team:<br />
<br />
You want more French-speaking players on the team? Give us more Guy Lafluers, more Mario Lemieuxs and fewer Alexandre Daigles. As Stubbs also pointed out, only 40 Québécois were regulars this season in the 30-team NHL. What kind of charity do they expect from the Canadiens?<br />
<br />
But, then I thought about it a little more.<br />
<br />
In a market like Montreal, there will always exist an inordinate pressure, not just to win, but to do it with home-grown players… for a reason.<br />
<br />
Across the globe today and throughout the history of humanity, any minority group or peoples face the possibility of the loss of their culture. If their culture is not promoted, encouraged, or fostered continuously, it faces extinction.<br />
<br />
Naturally, Francophones seek to promote their culture. Quite naturally also, they would like to see it manifest itself in sport by way of the only NHL outlet left to them in the Canadiens.<br />
<br />
What’s wrong with that?<br />
<br />
Of course there will be a few who’s hopes and desires go to the extreme.<br />
<br />
They may promote too vigorously, or too often. They may go too far in their criticism. Yet, it doesn’t mean that others cannot attempt to understand why their hopes and desires exist to begin with.<br />
<br />
Pierre Boivin is not an excuse maker, just a guy letting off some steam after twelve pressure packed years.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your refreshing honesty.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-29829011915343444452011-05-15T13:24:00.000-04:002011-05-15T13:24:16.979-04:00Jaromir Jagr Back To Pittsburgh Gaining Credibility?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjxdTT27Ifc/TdAMCENL1wI/AAAAAAAABII/d3H428z9zQw/s1600/jagr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjxdTT27Ifc/TdAMCENL1wI/AAAAAAAABII/d3H428z9zQw/s400/jagr.png" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><i>This post was <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/" target="_blank">originally published at The Hockey Writers</a></i><br />
</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;">It began with a simple gesture and some kind words.</div><div _mce_style="text-align: left;" style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jaromir Jagr has played with Omsk Avangard for the past few seasons, and played well. When his contract expired after the end of this year's KHL season, the Pittsburgh Penguins made an offer to their former superstar.<br />
<br />
That is, they made an offer for Jagr to participate in an annual summer alumni golf outing.<br />
<br />
While playing for the Czech Republic in the World Championship's, Jagr has been asked many times about his hockey playing future. <a _mce_href="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_736331.html" href="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_736331.html">During</a> one of those question and answer sessions, he chose to reflect on the past, focusing on his time in Pittsburgh saying:<br />
<br />
"I'm glad I was number five (drafted overall, otherwise) I would never have played with Mario (Lemieux). I would never have been in Pittsburgh. Those were my best years...<br />
<br />
I had a chance to watch and play with the best player ever, and that's probably the best thing that happened to me in my life...<br />
<br />
I felt like (former general manager Craig Patrick's) son... The fans in Pittsburgh, they all wanted to help me, and they all liked me when I was younger."<br />
<br />
Naturally, the invite and fond reminiscences led to growing speculation regarding Jagr's potential return to the NHL, and specifically his return to the Penguins.<br />
<br />
Many years ago Jaromir Jagr was a hockey god in Pittsburgh. Somewhere along the way the admiration faded. He was traded away to the rival Capitals, and later closed out his NHL playing days with yet, another rival team in New York.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9iqPY62rY8/TdAMFd-CjLI/AAAAAAAABIM/1EFYJ9CtQ7o/s1600/user570_pic252_1247260083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--9iqPY62rY8/TdAMFd-CjLI/AAAAAAAABIM/1EFYJ9CtQ7o/s200/user570_pic252_1247260083.jpg" width="190" /></a></div>Jagr, somewhat ironically played his final NHL game in front of grudge-fueled Pittsburgh fans, as a member of the New York Rangers in a losing playoff effort. He went out on a losing note, but not until he had established himself as the most dominant player in that series.<br />
<br />
Could he come back to the NHL?<br />
<br />
Everyone loves the potential of this story.<br />
<br />
It would be an opportunity for redemption. The fallen star, who shouldered too much of the blame for the decline of the franchise a decade ago. Pegged for unflattering labels by the media. The target of booing and jeering by fans as a member of the opposing team, makes a triumphant return, ending his playing days the same way he started... with a Stanley Cup Championship; and just where he belongs, in a Pittsburgh Penguins sweater.<br />
<br />
Local and nation media outlets jumped all over the sensational topic. Hockey fans everywhere began to consider and debate the story's probability.<br />
<br />
Sidney Crosby's post-concussion symptoms aside, the Pittsburgh Penguins two areas of greatest need are at right wing and salary cap space.<br />
<br />
Jaromir Jagr is a right wing. If he were to play in Pittsburgh next season he would have to do it for a paltry sum.<br />
<br />
That notion has led many to dismiss the possibility of Jagr's return, as it was the allure of bigger and tax-free paydays in the KHL that led him there in the first place.<br />
<br />
However, a <a _mce_href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/22224-THNcom-Blog-Jagr-says-return-to-Penguins-not-out-of-the-question.html" href="http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/22224-THNcom-Blog-Jagr-says-return-to-Penguins-not-out-of-the-question.html">look back</a> to when Jagr was a pending KHL free agent just two years ago, reveals that money might not be that great an obstacle.<br />
<br />
"Jaromir Jagr said he has no designs on returning to the NHL in the short term, but if he ever did return he would be happy to go back to the Pittsburgh Penguins to play for his former idol, Mario Lemieux.<br />
<br />
"I was thinking about it and if Mario would call me and say, ‘I’d like you to play for our team,’ I would think about it a lot,” Jagr said in a telephone interview from Moscow where the Kontinental League will hold its inaugural All-Star Game outdoors at Red Square Saturday. “I would play for the minimum salary. I would play for $350,000 just for him because I owe him my hockey life. I want to pay him back because he has made me what I am…besides my parents.”<br />
<br />
Just one more simple gesture required to make this fairy tale come true?<br />
<br />
Nearly every Penguins fan in the world hopes that Mario makes <em>that</em> call.The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-33597453271854909022011-05-11T12:56:00.000-04:002011-05-11T12:56:19.381-04:002011 NHL Free Agency: The Players and Teams To Shake Things Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekc3PoT5Q-c/Tcq-D0dYABI/AAAAAAAABH4/0CFLLvmWiRQ/s1600/111340081_display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0MYgogkAqs/Tcq-BK9oYWI/AAAAAAAABH0/S8c8vQzbPwI/s1600/pacf-richards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o0MYgogkAqs/Tcq-BK9oYWI/AAAAAAAABH0/S8c8vQzbPwI/s400/pacf-richards.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<i>This post was <a href="http://thehockeywriters.com/" target="_blank">originally published at The Hockey Writers</a></i><br />
<br />
It may be a bit premature to begin looking towards there off-season. There are still five teams battling for the right to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup. <br />
<br />
However, there are also twenty-five teams that are already working on next season. <br />
<br />
Majority rules, no?<br />
<br />
<b>Free Agents</b><br />
<br />
In the salary cap era, there traditionally have been a select few unrestricted free agents that trigger a bidding war on July 1st. The teams that sign such players usually begin a debate over whether they won or lost something by signing a player to outrageous sums of money. The high profile signings are followed by “trickle down” signings of players that have potential system fits and bargain priced veterans until the player well is all but dried up. <br />
<br />
Dustin Penner aside, restricted free agents are largely ignored during this period due to the compensation required to wrestle one away from their current clubs. <br />
<br />
This July could be somewhat different. There are the usual big ticket names in the unrestricted pool. Brad Richards, Tomas Kaberle, Tomas Vokoun, Ilya Bryzgalov, etc… will get their due attention; but the restricted free agents may garner serious offer sheet consideration for the first time in years.<br />
<br />
<b>The Teams</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYJVaT0xaA4/Tcq-3IUJB-I/AAAAAAAABIA/jPe1Z17qtqg/s1600/111340081_display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYJVaT0xaA4/Tcq-3IUJB-I/AAAAAAAABIA/jPe1Z17qtqg/s200/111340081_display_image.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Consider the last time that Montreal had a roster overhaul, Bob Gainey spent boatloads to add Mike Cammalleri, Brian Gionta and Scott Gomez. (oops) The Canadiens, this time with Pierre Gauthier at the helm, have only nine players from last season’s roster signed, of which, only two are defensemen, and eighteen total free agents. There will be some significant turnover here.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Depending on the cap max increase, Les Canadiens will have at least $25 million to spend. With a dearth of blueliners, might the Habs be in a unique position to place an offer sheet in front of RFA, and Norris Trophy finalist, Shea Weber that would be too rich for a thrifty Nashville organization to match? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">The money would not be an issue for Montreal when you realize that they dished out more than $11 million for the pair of Andrei Markov (who nearly missed the entire season) and Roman Hamrlik. The compensation required to pay Nashville, likely two first-round draft picks, one second-round draft pick, and one third-round draft pick, would be the real question. </span><br />
<br />
A weak 2011 Draft class and a likely late future first-rounder, may persuade the Montreal front office to make a move for an elite player such as Weber.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxiyfJRALrM/Tcq--j2B7CI/AAAAAAAABIE/hcHkFO61i_I/s1600/Zach-Parise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxiyfJRALrM/Tcq--j2B7CI/AAAAAAAABIE/hcHkFO61i_I/s200/Zach-Parise.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The New York Islanders showed some real promise late this season. With a young and talented core, sixteen roster players already under contract for next season,mountains of cap room still available, and <a href="http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/infomo;jsessionid=2FB281CDBE18E04024DC.3083?site=newsday&view=top_stories_item&feed:a=newsday_1min&feed:c=topstories&feed:i=1.2869053">maybe a new building</a> coming, the Isles could make waves in the free agent market. <br />
<br />
Adding RFA Zach Parise would create a stir. Cap strapped New Jersey would not be able to match an offer with an annual cost in the range of what they paid for Ilya Kovalchuk last off-season. Again, cap room is not a worry. With so many teens and twenty somethings on the roster, the Isles could afford to give up the draft picks to add a legit goal scorer like Parise. <br />
<br />
The PR buzz the team would receive in the New York market would provide some serious momentum to complete their long anticipated arena project. <br />
<br />
Staying with New York, what free agent discussion would be complete without talking about the Rangers? Nearly every Rangers fan is talking about Brad Richards, and why not? The Blueshirts have fourteen roster players signed for next season. They have important RFA’s of their own, namely Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, Brian Boyle and Matt Gilroy to sign. <br />
<br />
Should the Rangers elect to buy out the final season of cap albatross, Chris Drury’s contract, the team will realize more than $3 million in savings for next season, giving them a $20+ million cushion to bring back their players and add Richards too. <br />
<br />
Glen Sather always makes the off-season interesting. <br />
<br />
Of the elite teams still going at this time, Tampa Bay will have to decide on the futures of twelve total free agents from their roster. RFA Steven Stamkos is going nowhere. The Lightning have the resources to match any offer he would receive. The question will be how much of the $22 + million in cap space the team has for next year. <br />
<br />
The brilliant job GM Steve Yzerman did bringing in veteran Simon Gagne and in-season additions Eric Brewer and Dwayne Roloson, will have to be followed up by making the right moves concerning their immediate future with the team. <br />
<br />
Has Stevie Y set the bar too high for himself already? <br />
<br />
The beauty of the salary cap era lies not only with the automated level playing field, but also with the thrill of watching team strategies unfold every off-season.<br />
<br />
Teams that were not mentioned above, such as Toronto, Los Angeles, Florida and Edmonton will certainly be active in discussions, while Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Ottawa, San Jose and Washington will try to make quiet changes around their core players.<br />
<br />
Atlanta and Phoenix will not only contemplate who will play for the team, but also where the team will be playing in the next few seasons. <br />
<br />
There is a Cup Champion still to be crowned, but it never too early to start working toward the next run at the Cup. <br />
<br />
<i>*All salary cap data courtesy of capgeek.com </i>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4959804955489709052.post-20660920780200652412011-04-28T13:04:00.000-04:002011-04-28T13:04:08.298-04:002011 NHL Playoffs: Round Two Matchups and Predictions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-p117RZSIE/TbmdqOkHnsI/AAAAAAAABHw/JJls_WCnWQE/s1600/NHL-Stanley-Cup-Playoffs-2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-p117RZSIE/TbmdqOkHnsI/AAAAAAAABHw/JJls_WCnWQE/s400/NHL-Stanley-Cup-Playoffs-2011.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFOlxnd99fw/TbmctLhv9CI/AAAAAAAABHo/3C943DfLXGo/s1600/ovechkin_caps_vs_lightning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yFOlxnd99fw/TbmctLhv9CI/AAAAAAAABHo/3C943DfLXGo/s320/ovechkin_caps_vs_lightning.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#1 Washington Capitals vs. </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#5 Tampa Bay Lightning</b></span><br />
This is a fun one for many reasons. We picked both of these teams to be eliminated in Round One. Nice job, we know!<br />
<br />
Both of these clubs play a stifling defensive system, with the optional capability of sending their top talent out to light up the scoreboard.<br />
<br />
Both goaltenders Roloson and Neuvirth were exceptional in Round One, so this series will boil down to the team that executes their chances best.<br />
<br />
Conventional wisdom says go with the Capitals who were 4-1-1 against Tampa in the regular season, but we are terrible at this, so we are inclined to take the Lightning here. In an effort to reverse the trend, we will go against our pick and pick the obvious. Confused? Don't worry, we are more so.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Hockey Plumber Prediction: Capitals in seven.</b></i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42WGUQkc_Vw/TbmcrOuaFhI/AAAAAAAABHk/fiJWqHChtH8/s1600/Philadelphia%252BFlyers%252Bv%252BBoston%252BBruins%252BjIqX0LdN25Jl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42WGUQkc_Vw/TbmcrOuaFhI/AAAAAAAABHk/fiJWqHChtH8/s320/Philadelphia%252BFlyers%252Bv%252BBoston%252BBruins%252BjIqX0LdN25Jl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#2 Philadelphia Flyers</b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><b>vs. </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#3 Boston Bruins</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Last season Philly was responsible for an epic series comeback on these same Bruins after spotting them a 0-3 game lead. Will Beantown get it's revenge?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span class="ysp-player">Danny Briere</span> and <span class="ysp-player">Claude Giroux were amazing against Buffalo, but their three-headed goaltending trio was hit and miss. The Bruins found a different offensive hero in every victory against hated rival Montreal, as Tim Thomas was a stalwart in net every game.</span><br />
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<span class="ysp-player">We were not impressed by the overall play of Philly against an inferior Buffalo team. they will have to tighten up defensively or the Bruins will expose them badly in this round. Boston will have to strike on the power play if they have any hope of moving on.</span><br />
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<span class="ysp-player">Even if the games aren't good (very unlikely) just imagine the pregame rants by Jack Edwards on what Mike Richards said to the media the night before! </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<i><b>Hockey Plumber Prediction: Bruins in six.</b></i> <br />
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The West features the same seed pairings as the East. Strange?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cA956_F0NMs/TbmdTt5da6I/AAAAAAAABHs/GLPI7aifE20/s1600/GYI0063221123_crop_450x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cA956_F0NMs/TbmdTt5da6I/AAAAAAAABHs/GLPI7aifE20/s320/GYI0063221123_crop_450x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#5 Nashville Predators</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We nearly witnessed a total collapse by the Canucks in Round One. The defending Cup champion Chicago roared back, forcing a Game Seven OT with less than two minutes on the clock. Although Vancouver punched in a winner, you may expect a bit of a letdown to start the series with Nashville, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Wrong.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Considering how dominant they were at the beginning of the last round, Vancouver will come out blazing. Nashville found a way past Anaheim, despite a lackluster performance by goaltender Pekka Rinne. We just can't see it happening, since Vancouver has more firepower, and the Predators benefited from playing against the Ducks backup netminders. </span><br />
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<i><b>Hockey Plumber Prediction: Canucks in five.</b></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNUbUE7jVJY/Tbmco4yFGgI/AAAAAAAABHg/c6t2yiaw0AU/s1600/det.sj.game2.datsyuk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CNUbUE7jVJY/Tbmco4yFGgI/AAAAAAAABHg/c6t2yiaw0AU/s320/det.sj.game2.datsyuk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#2 San Jose Sharks vs. </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>#3 Detroit Red Wings</b></span><br />
Another rematch from last spring, when the Sharks whizzed past Detroit in five games. Early round exits seem a thing of the past for San Jose.<br />
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Looking back at Round One: The Wings trounced Phoenix every way possible, and we didn't like the way that San Jose seemed to labor unnecessarily against the Kings.<br />
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The goaltending matchup could be interesting as you can't always count on Niemi or Howard to steal games.<br />
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We were much more impressed with Datsyuk and Co., than Thornton's crew. Add Zetterberg back into the lineup and we like them that much more.<br />
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<i><b>Hockey Plumber Prediction: Wings in six.</b></i>The Plumberhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03682781203391167629noreply@blogger.com0