Hockey Plumber

Pittsburgh Penguins, Making Hockey's Off-Ice Big Time?

2012-01-16T17:06:00.000-05:00

nhl.com

When it comes to the National Hockey League, there is no more storied, more accomplished, nor more passionately followed franchise than the Montreal Canadiens.

The history, success and exposure the team enjoys brings attention, both good and bad.

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.

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 Cammalleri's comments and subsequent trade.

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.

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.

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.

With Crosby injury story lines drying up, a local writer found a new angle.

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."

Let me take it further.

How dare anyone question Crosby's desire, much less teammates who should know him best?

...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.

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.

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.

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!

So what makes this story worthy of Montreal-esque silliness?

1. The baseless accusation.

Unnamed sources for a secret players meeting, and a random, unspecified comment by the GM.

nhl.com

2. The double speak.

Three sources report a meeting, another source... not so much. What?

3. The response of "the accused."

The story, regardless of how silly, made it back to the locker room.

The Penguins wore a Scarlett Letter at their morning skate practice jerseys at BankAtlantic Center in Florida, but it wasn’t an “A.”

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).

The move was also in response to an article written by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, which stated: “a group of players held a 45-minute meeting to discuss a temporary captaincy.”

So the Pens responded to the article by showing that they are standing behind Crosby as their captain in perpetuity.

“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.”

“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.

“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.”

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.

Nevertheless, one thing is certain, they are gaining quickly on the Canadiens' stranglehold on media silliness!

Bryan Murray warns Sidney Crosby and Pittsburgh. Really?

2011-11-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

REUTERS/Jason Cohn

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.

Yeah, THAT ex-girlfriend. Well, she is the Ottawa Senators.

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.

Nick Foligno... with no stomach for a scrum?

Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Dan Bylsma, somewhat uncharacteristically, retorted... and it was done, right?

Not according to Ottawa GM Bryan Murray.

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?"

Really? Really.

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/~~she~~ he said segment. Cue the video:

As TSN reported after the game:

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.

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.

"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."

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 this pic in the Ottawa Sun taken from the same angle. Where's the elbow to the head?

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.

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.

This has never happened to an agitator type in a post action scrum before? Again I say, "Really? Really."

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.

Crosby and Bylsma said as much when asked about Foligno's remark:

"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.”

Crosby, who received a minor for elbowing Foligno in the head, responded after beating the Habs.

“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.

“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.”

Crosby claimed Foligno was trying to make a big deal out of nothing.

“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.”

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 this gem:

“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 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.

“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.”

Murray could not even admit the obvious truth that Foligno was attempting to illicit a reaction from the Pens by running Fleury multiple times.

"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?

Not likely. Like your horrible ex, he was just simply omitting the truth that his player had a hand in causing the incident.

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.

How about we all accept that Foligno was looking for trouble and got himself a little boo boo as a result. Really. REALLY.

The Maple Leafs Were Never In On Brad Richards

2011-07-19T16:08:00.000-04:00

Think what you like about Brian Burke and his performance as GM of the Leafs.

As an outspoken opponent of cap-skirting, mega contracts, Burke has voiced his disapproval clearly and often. He even testified against the Devils/Kovalchuk contract last off season.

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?

"... 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.

One, we didn't offer as much money as other teams, and more importantly, we didn't structure the contract like other teams did.

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 won't do them. I never have. I'm not going to, and that's why we were unable to sign Brad Richards.

I wish him well. He's a good guy, but that's not a contract structure we are interested in."

Front loaded contracts are not Burke's only pet peeve when it comes to signing players.

Bad blood still exists between Burke and Kevin Lowe regarding Lowe's RFA offer sheet to Dustin Penner.

Recently, 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:

"An offer sheet? I don't contemplate doing one right now."

When pushed again as to why... citing that the reporting was talking about "excellent" players, presumably just to make sure Burke was aware...

"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."

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.

Burke knew what it would take to land Brad Richards.

Yet, he wasn't willing to do it.

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?

Furthermore, is the team better off not spending wildly in free agency or by chasing after expensive RFA acquisitions?

The New York Islanders: Poised To Make a Move?

2011-07-17T12:36:00.000-04:00

In a dimly lit corner of his serenely quiet office, Garth Snow coolly flips to the B-side of an unlabeled vinyl 78.

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.

"They once won the Stanley Cup... Four times in a row."

"The team plays in a barn... under the banners of Bossy, Trottier and Potvin."

"A rival GM once remarked: 'I wish I had the Islanders' cap space.' "

"They are... the most interesting team in the NHL."

With approximately a bazillion dollars available under the salary cap, and supposedly no financial restrictions imposed by ownership, many have noticed that the Islanders are in a prime position to do something significant to bolster their lineup.

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]

The UFA pool is all but dried up.

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.

They have the cap room, and prospect assets to get nearly any deal done.

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.

So lets take a look at some scenarios.

The Capitals

With a slew of roster changes, Washington is currently over the cap max. They will have to do something.

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.

Semin has been talked about for years. He would clear the most room for the Caps and provide the Isles with a true sniper.

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.

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.

Winnipeg

The Jets have shown no loyalty to the old regime from Atlanta. Surely that applies to the roster that was inherited as well.

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.

Nik Antropov or Ron Hainsey are two players with a combined cap hit of $8.5 million.

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.

All three skaters represent an upgrade for the Isles, while only Bogosian would command a significant return in order to obtain.

Other Opportunities and Targets

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.

Dustin Penner could be moved from Los Angeles to ease the cost of a new investment in Drew Doughty.

The re-signing of Eric Brewer could precipitate the exodus of Pavel Kubina from Tampa.

Even Patrick Sharp could be put in play as the cap will tighten up again for Chicago next season.

Carle, Coburn, Penner, Kubina and Sharp all offer an element of toughness and skill that could push the Isles forward.

Again, the team possesses the cap room and core to make a leap as soon as this season.

If past performance is any indication, Garth Snow will likely make the right decision, regardless of the move or lack of one.

Stay thirsty Isles fans.

*Salary Cap numbers provided by CapGeek.com

NHL Free Agency: The 11 Teams Still With Significant Moves To Make

2011-07-08T21:16:00.002-04:00

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.

Yet, there are some teams who have more pressing issues to deal with.

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.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks will operate on a budget this season, but they are already over the cap floor.

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.

As it stands right now, Anaheim has 8 forwards on the NHL roster.

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?

Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo's new ownership wanted to make it clear to all their fans that they are invested in winning.

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.

The Sabres have just 6 defensemen on the NHL roster, 3 RFAs without contracts and only 1 goaltender at the moment.

In the end something has to give. Could they bury Ales Kotalik in the minors, or loan him to Europe?

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.

Colorado Avalanche

The Avs have taken care of their roster needs quite nicely.

Perhaps too nicely, though. With nearly a full roster, Colorado still is roughly $6 million under the cap floor.

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.

Not too long ago, there was talk 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.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings would not even be mentioned here if not for Drew Doughty.

But, it's Drew Doughty we are talking about.

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.

Yet, an even bigger story looms on the blueline.

L.A. has $11 million...ish under the cap. Signing Doughty will happen, but when, and for how much remain questions.

The regular rounding out will happen too, but keeping the franchise defenseman long term is top priority.

Nashville Predators

What I just said about the Kings... just transpose Nashville and Shea Weber for Los Angeles and Doughty.

The Predators will use Weber's deal to push them past the cap floor.

It will be interesting to see how Nashville approaches signing their franchise and team captain.

Will they seek to keep a limited term, or a lifetime/Ovechkin type contract?

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.

Just imagine what a Nashville team could do under Barry Trotz if they could spend to the cap max!

New Jersey Devils

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.

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.

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.

Throw in the fact that Parise missed nearly all of last season to injury, and you have a negotiation full of intrigue.

New York Islanders

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.

Yet GM Garth Snow showed restraint in an inflated marketplace, signing only forward Marty Reasoner from the UFA pool.

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.

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.

New York Rangers

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.

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.

A pair of defensemen need to be added as well.

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?

Tampa Bay Lightning

Tampa Bay can complete it's NHL roster by signing RFAs Teddy Purcell, and some guy named Steven Stamkos.

They have $14 million available this season to do it.

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.

That's all well and good, but a pipe dream.

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.

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.

Washington Capitals

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 pièce de résistance, goaltender Tomas Vokoun.

All these moves come with a cost. One of their best young talents, defenseman Karl Alzner, remains unsigned as a RFA.

To make room, as this article was being written, Washington traded forward Eric Fehr to Winnipeg, to clear cap room.

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.

Winnipeg Jets

The aforementioned Jets just traded to add feisty forward Eric Fehr.

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.

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.

Winnipeg must also decide what to pay Blake Wheeler, Ben Maxwell and Brett Festerling.

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.

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.

Yet, as this off-season has shown all of us, anything can happen.

Bilateral Capitals: Washington's Two-Faced Off-Season

2011-07-06T20:45:00.000-04:00

images.forbes.com

Capitals General Manager George McPhee (GM GM) has received deserved praise for his signing of all-world goaltender Tomas Vokoun.

Vokoun's availability in a competitive, free spending marketplace came as a shock to many, particularly the elite netminder himself.

But with the shock came a surprise call from a contender.

“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...”

“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.

“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.”

As we mentioned earlier, McPhee and the Caps have received plenty of recognition for the Vokoun deal.

It would seem the euphoria created by one great signing has clouded the vision of those looking at the Capitals overall off-season picture.

Let me start off by saying that I believe George McPhee to be one of the finest GMs in the game.

However, I believe that his off-season thus far, has been equal parts both genius and foolishness.

Andy Marlin/NHLI via Getty Images

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.

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.

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.

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?

Compounding the issue is Brouwer's new deal which will come with a two-year cap hit of $2.35 million.

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?

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?

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?

Not hardly.

Like McPhee, I like Joel Ward... at a third of the cost.

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.

The Caps were one of the NHL's elite again last season. That is to say, regular season elite.

After another early post-season flame out, players, coaches, team executives and fans alike, were left scratching their heads, searching for answers.

With the moves made by McPhee, are they a better playoff team today? Probably, yes.

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.

Time will answer both of these questions, and also whether McPhee's summer was, in fact, a Jekyll and Hyde act.

For now, like Will Hunting's job interview proxy, I believe McPhee's off-season to be "suspect."

Jagrgate: Jaromir Signs With Philadelphia

2011-07-01T13:44:00.000-04:00

Brian Fantana tells us that he has learned that Jaromir Jagr has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers.

TSN reports the same.
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed unrestricted free agent Jaromir Jagr to a one year deal worth $3.3 Million.

Earlier in the day, the Penguins withdrew their offer to Jagr. Detroit soon followed suit.

After Jagr's agent Petr Svoboda, said Thursday that his player's "heart is in Pittsburgh," he signed with their arch rival?

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.

Mr. Fantana: You are released from duty. You may now head home.

Jagrgate and Other Free Agency Updates

2011-06-30T23:57:00.000-04:00

Brian Fantana, utilizing the National Security Council's simplified alert system, has officially moved Jagr Watch to Jagrgate status.

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.

Following a turtle induced delay into New York, Svoboda at one point stated that he had lost contact with Jagr on Wednesday.

After contacting Pittsburgh, Detroit, Montreal and supposedly other mystery organizations, Svoboda mentioned that a decision could be forthcoming on Thursday... to no avail.

With fanbases becoming impatient, speculation regarding the involved teams ran rampant.

Whispers of dollar figures, and offers being pulled from the table began circulating.

Pittsburgh GM Ray Shero, however does not seem the least bit perturbed by the delays.

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.

"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.

Shero said he never set a deadline of Wednesday for Jagr to accept an offer presented Tuesday after Shero spoke with Svoboda and Jagr.

"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."

While Hockey Plumber News reporter Brian Fantana grows ever more incensed by the Jagr camp shenanigans, he does have other free agency updates.

The St. Louis Blues have re-signed forward T.J. Oshie to a one-year, $2.35-million contract.

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed forward Jussi Jokinen to a three year contract worth $3 million per season.

After trading for negotiating rights, the Chicago Blackhawks agreed to a four-year contract with defenseman Steve Montador. Terms were undisclosed, but reports say the deal is worth $11 million.

Also following a trade for exclusive rights, the Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Christian Ehrhoff to 10-year, $40 million contract.

What's the point of Hockey Christmas if the gifts are already opened?

Jagr Watch Update

2011-06-29T22:57:00.000-04:00

Hockey Plumber News reporter Brian Fantana has learned that there will be no decision made tonight.

Leading him to ask the question, "when does Jagr Watch turn into Jagrgate?"

Inside Pittsburgh Sports also reports:

Jaromir Jagr joining the Penguins is on hold.

Pensblog reported:

...Svoboda [Jagr's agent] broke the news that no decision about Jaromir Jagr's future would be announced tonight...

So it appears the Fantana, as well as the local sports media in Pittsburgh have another restless night on their hands.

In related news Pittsburgh did come to terms with Aaron Asham per @TSNBobMcKenzie.

One year deal worth $775k.

Jagr Watch: Decision Expected Today

2011-06-29T12:39:00.000-04:00

Let's go to Brian Fantana who's live on the scene with a Hockey Plumber News exclusive. Brian?

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...

"Hey, you're making me look stupid. Get out here, Airplane Jerk!"

Great story. Compelling, and rich.

Per Rob Rossi in the Tribune Review:

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.

"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."

Svoboda said he talked to Jagr last night about the Pens' offer, and that Detroit and Montreal are also known to have made offers.

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.

It's speculated that the Penguins' offer to Jagr is in the $2 million range for one season, although GM Ray Shero would not confirm the dollar amount.

"[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]..."

"We feel he's a guy who can help us this year," Shero said. "And then retire as a Penguin."

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.

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.

One thing is for sure though, Brian Fantana will be on top of this story until the very end!

Getting Busy: Pending Free Agents Reaching Deals To Resign

2011-06-28T11:50:00.004-04:00

A Lot To Laich

The Washington Capitals have signed 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.

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.

Canucks Re-Up A Pair

Defenseman Kevin Bieksa has agreed 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.

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.

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.

Lightning Keep Specialist

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed power-play specialist and defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron to a two-year contract. Terms were not initially announced by the team.

TSN reports that RDS claimes it to be a two-year, $2 million deal.

Pittsburgh Retains Not You, Not Me, but Dupuis

From Rob Rossi:

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.

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.

Moller Finds There is No Place Like Home

Bucking the trend of re-signings, CBS Sports reports that Los Angeles Kings center, Oscar Moller, who has shuttled between the Kings and their AHL club has decided to play in Sweden for the upcoming season.

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.

We will continue to update this post as more happens. Stay tuned.

Pitkanen Back With the Canes

The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed defenseman Joni Pitkanen to a 3-year, $13.5 million deal.

Pitkanen was thought to be out of Carolina's reach just a few weeks ago. 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.

That hope became reality today.

CKAC Sports Reports Jaromir Jagr Has Agreement With the Pittsburgh Penguins

2011-06-27T22:48:00.002-04:00

This post was originally posted at The Hockey Writers

To answer Ricky Bobby's question: "What did French land give us?"

Premature news of Jaromir Jagr's return to Pittsburgh.

(Translated by Google Translate)

After weeks of speculation, forward Jaromir Jagr has made his choice and he will sign a one year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

So says Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune.

The team will confirm the news Friday, opening day of free agency.

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.

Jagr, 39, was drafted by the Penguins in 1990, fifth overall. He won the Stanley Cup with the team in 1991.

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.

In the NHL, Jagr, the best European (player in NHL) history, played 1273 games, scoring 646 goals and 953 assists for 1,599 points.

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.

However, a closer examination of Rossi's tweets reveals that he ambiguously referred to the Pens wanting to come to a handshake agreement.

In fact, the Tribine Review reported Tuesday that... "The Penguins will speak with Jaromir Jagr's agent about a contract this afternoon.

Petr Svoboda, Jagr's agent, confirmed that he is set to have a meeting with Penguins general manager Ray Shero today.

"We are meeting this afternoon to talk about a deal," Svoboda said. "Hopefully by tomorrow, we will know something.'"

Hardly official, since the scheduled Tuesday meeting is to talk about a deal, there can be no deal in place.

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.

"Doesn't that just blow yer mind? SHAKE 'N BAKE!"

Winnipeg Whatevers No More. The Jets Are Back

2011-06-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

Both CBC and TSN 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.

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.

However, their selection will not pull on an old Jets sweater according to the CBC:

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.

We assume since they have just arrived at a name, they don't have the design of the logo and sweater together just yet.

The return of the Jets name was almost a necessity. The Moose or Falcons, etc... just wouldn't be the same.

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!)

Some concept ideas below.

Philadelphia Signs Bryzgalov, Guts Team To Do It

2011-06-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

Flyers no more

As an update 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.

Um... wow!

The trades clearly were for cap clearing purposes to make the Ilya Bryzgalov signing possible.

Bryzgalov signed a reported $51-million, nine-year deal.

So let's look at what the total day meant to the Flyers.

Out: Mike Richards (LA), Jeff Carter (Columbus), Matt Clackson, 3rd round choice in the 2012 Draft, and future considerations (Phoenix).

In: 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.

Maybe we are missing something, but we don't like these moves for the Flyers.

As the AP put it:

This would be like the Phillies trading Ryan Howard and Chase Utley ... on the same day.

Teammates in Philly

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.

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.

Simmonds and Voracek both have tantalized with their abilities, but both showed regression in their production last season.

In addition, look what they gave up.

Carter was the team's best natural goal scorer. Richards, the team's leader, is one of the games' premier two-way centers.

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?

Unlikely.

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.

Philadelphia Flyers Deal Jeff Carter To Columbus Blue Jackets

2011-06-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

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.

Today, Jeff Carter was traded to the Jackets in return for Jakob Voracek, the 8th Overall selection of the 2011 NHL Draft, and a yet undetermined Third-round pick.

We will update the story as more info comes in.

The 2011 NHL Awards. An Annual Hockey Plumber Tradition Gone Wrong

2011-06-22T11:44:00.000-04:00

LIVE from Las Vegas, Nevada it's Saaaaaturd... no wait. Ok, it is NHL Awards time again.

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.

Sounds great, right?

So let's get right in to the bad jokes: Our picks and predictions.

Hart Memorial Trophy
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. Past Winners.

Corey Perry- Ducks, Daniel Sedin - Canucks, Martin St. Louis - Lightning

If we had a vote: 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.

Prediction: Daniel Sedin. The Writers love the Sedins for some reason, and he had the highest point total. Leading scorer usually equals receiving the award.

Vezina Trophy
Given to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at this position as voted by the general managers of all NHL clubs. Past Winners.

Roberto Luongo- Canucks, Pekka Rinne - Predators, Tim Thomas - Bruins

If we had a vote: 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.

Prediction: Tim Thomas. Should be a slam dunk.

Calder Memorial Trophy
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. Past Winners.
Logan Couture- Sharks, Michael Grabner - Islanders, Jeff Skinner - Hurricanes

If we had a vote: Grabner. It's a close race. All are deserving. We just believe that Grabner accomplished what he did with the least amount of help.

Prediction: 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.

James Norris Memorial Trophy
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. Past Winners.

Zdeno Chara- Bruins, Nicklas Lidstrom - Red Wings, Shea Weber - Predators

If we had a vote: 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.

Prediction: 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.

Jack Adams Award
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. Past Winners.

Dan Bylsma- Penguins, Barry Trotz -Predators, Alain Vigneault - Canucks

If we had a vote: 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.

Prediction: Dan Bylsma. The Jack Adams has become an adversity award lately. Disco Dan "hustles" home with the win.

Frank J. SelkeTrophy
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. Past Winners.

Pavel Datsyuk - Red Wings, Ryan Kesler - Canucks, Jonathan Toews - Blackhawks

If we had a vote: 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!

Prediction: Ryan Kesler. He received much more national attention this year. He will get the votes.

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy
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. Past Winners.

Nicklas Lidstrom- Red Wings, Loui Eriksson - Stars, Martin St. Louis - Lightning

If we had a vote: St. Louis. He's such a great player, but receives little recognition. He does it all on and off the ice.

Prediction: Martin St. Louis. Like last year, the stats should give him the edge with voters.

Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy
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. Past Winners.

Ray Emery- Ducks, Daymond Langkow - Flames, Ian Laperriere - Flyers

If we had a vote: 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.

Prediction: Ian Laperriere. He's a warrior.

2011 NHL Draft: The Atlantic Division's Ideal Draft Selections

2011-06-21T13:55:00.000-04:00

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

This story originally was posted on Bleacher Report

The Atlantic is one of the NHL's most fiercely contested divisions.
Until this season, the Atlantic was represented in the Stanley Cup Final three straight years.
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.
What's in store:

The Devils get a rare top five selection.
The Islanders will try to build on their promising core.
The Rangers utilize their pivot slot smack dab in the middle.
The Penguins will look to add around their stars.
The Flyers will have to wait until Round 3 to make their selection...or will they?

Let's take a look at each team's best-case scenario when their turn comes around.

Add caption

Fourth Overall: New Jersey Devils

The Devils have future needs at nearly every position.

The team selected two goalies in 2010, and there are no goaltending prospects that would merit such a high selection this season.

At No. 4, New Jersey will likely focus on a versatile forward or puck-moving blueliner.

A closer look at the Devils' recent prospects reveals moves that have focused on the blue line.

The selections of Jonathan Merrill with their top pick in 2010, defenseman Joe Faust two rounds later and the their recent acquisition of Maxim Noreau from Minnesota indicate that this may be a year that they focus on a forward.

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.
Enter Jonathan Huberdeau.

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.

The Devils historically look for three-zone ability, and no one fits that mold in this selection quite like Huberdeau.

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Fifth Overall: New York Islanders

The Islanders are a young, talented team on the rise.

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...

Needless to say, the prospect cupboard is stocked plenty full, particularly on the wings and with puck-moving defenseman.

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.

While that may be a nice element to add to this team, drafting this high, teams like to add skilled players.

For what seems to be nit-picky reasons, Swedish defenseman Adam Larsson has slipped a bit in the opinions of a few scouts.

His mini-slide could be the Islanders' dream come true.

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.

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Fifteenth Overall: New York Rangers

Like their rival Islanders, the Rangers possess an embarrassment of prospect riches.

Chris Kreider, Evgeny Grachev, Tim Erixon, Oscar Lindberg and Christian Thomas all represent a bright future for the organization.

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.

Despite some defensive deficiencies, Joel Armia is a highly regarded goal scorer.

Back checking is a whole lot easier to teach than putting the puck in the net.

With that said, Armia the sniper could be just what the doctor ordered for the Rangers.

Claus Andersen/Getty Images

Twenty-Third Overall: Pittsburgh Penguins

In a recent interview, Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero and assistant GM Jason Botterill talked about what the Penguins look for in a prospect.

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

His dazzling YouTube skill videos 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.

In short, he is the ideal scenario for Pittsburgh.

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Eighty-Fourth Overall: Philadelphia Flyers

Eighty-Whath? You may ask.

Yes, the third-round selection of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the first pick for Philadelphia in 2011.

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.

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.”

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.

The cost of signing Bryzgalov to a new deal has led to rampant speculation about Philadelphia clearing cap space by trading one or more of their pricey veterans.

Jeff Carter has been mentioned as a potential player to come in a swap with Columbus that would land Philadelphia the eighth overall selection.

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.

The ideal scenario for Philly would be for the team to take advantage of the additional cap allowance, up by nearly $5 million next season, and move a less valuable asset than Carter to move upward on the draft board.
Who and at what selection will depend on the asset the Flyers trade away.

Correct Call: Vancouver’s Aaron Rome Suspended For Remainder of NHL Final

2011-06-07T17:07:00.001-04:00

This post was originally published at The Hockey Writers

Cue the dated and cheesy game show music…

From the NHL offices on the Avenue of the Americas in New York City: It’s hockey’s favorite game show…

WHEEL
OF
JUSTICE!

With your host(s) Colin Campbell/Brendan Shanahan.

“Hello and welcome Aaron Rome. Please step up and give the wheel a spin.” Rome does step to the wheel and looks it over.

“On the wheel you will see your options: One Game, Two Games, Four Games, No Suspension, Lifetime Ban, and Just a Finger Bite.”

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.

The Debbie Downer horns blow. “Wuh-wuuuh!”

“Oh sorry Aaron looks like you are out for the remainder of the Finals for your late hit on Nathan Horton.”

Rome, looks to the sky, sighs and slunks his way off the stage to the Press Box back in Boston.

“Better luck next time Aaron and thanks for playing!”

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.

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.

When Colin Campbell was dismissed of his duties as the league’s discipline czar. Many cheered.

Others remained skeptical that Brendan Shanahan would bring anything better to the post.

The truth is that the post is a mission impossible.

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.

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.

Yet, despite all the critics, nay sayers and skeptics, the NHL does a fairly good job of policing itself.

Wheel of Justice be damned.

The NHL got it right concerning Aaron Rome.

Before anyone argues. Take a look at the list of reasons he was NOT suspended.

1. A dirty hit? – No
2. A hit to the head? – No
3. A hit causing injury? – No
4. A hit on a defenseless player? – No

Rome’s hit on Horton was not dirty. It was not to the head, nor was it judged to be intended to injure.
It would have been a clean hit provided Horton was playing the puck or had possession.

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.

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.

The hit was delivered late. The late hit resulted in a serious injury, which directly affected the severity of the suspension.

Rome responded to the news in the right way:

“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.”

He knows his intent. He likely feels he was not deserving of the punishment either.

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.

The NHL deserves credit for making the call and a little leeway as well.

Gary Bettman Seeks To Make the Spirit Group Burn for a Repeat Atlanta Flame Out

2011-05-20T17:08:00.000-04:00

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.

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.

According to Campbell:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 in this space before, the group rode the wave of success for a few years, before their own apathy began to dismantle the operation.

Sizing up Atlanta's market potential, we offer a snap shot of the city's population numbers:

4,917,717 in the 28-county Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area, designated by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce
3,813,700 in the 10-county Atlanta region
429,500 in the City of Atlanta

Source: Census Bureau, 2006; Atlanta Regional Commission, 2006

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!

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.

Still, ASG managed attendance numbers near or at the bottom of the league on an annual basis. As an additional bonus, Atlanta also ranked at or near the bottom in local television ratings and merchandising.

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.

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.

Bettman absolutely should put the screws to the Spirit Group.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hockey certainly could have succeeded in Atlanta, but we all just watched it fail before anything was done to correct the problem.

Levenson and the LLC should have to take it on the chin for their mishandling of a perfectly viable situation.

Francophone Pressure Too Much for the Montreal Canadiens?

2011-05-18T16:01:00.001-04:00

Photo credit: MontrealGazette.com

This post was originally published at The Hockey Writers

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.

You have forced a smile his way for years, carefully crafting every conversation to avoid even the slightest possibility of an argument.

But, then on your last day at work, you let him have it.

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.

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.

Montreal Canadiens president Pierre Boivin is on his way out.

He found that special circumstance this week when he spoke at length to Montreal Gazette writer, Dave Stubbs.

After many years of smiling politely towards a myriad of critics, fanatical supporters and even some crackpot media members, Boivin let loose.

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…
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.”

At times he sounded like a man weary and relieved to be exiting his post:

“I’ve learned that I’ve got a pretty thick skin,” Boivin said of what he’s discovered about himself in this job.
“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.”

With other statements Boivin came off as defensive and a bit insulated.

“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.”
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.
“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?”

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.”
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?
Boivin’s personal revelation included statements that could be construed as excuse making.
They will no doubt raise questions, and of course, more criticism.

“When the team’s name is Canadiens,” Boivin said that morning through a wry grin, “we start perhaps with one strike against us…”

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).

“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…

But wait, there’s more:

…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.”

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.

“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.”

Stubbs made a great observation when he said “…Canadiens fans probably would cheer a Stanley Cup winner that spoke only Klingon…”

That my friends, is really the heart of the matter.

Win, and even your most ardent critics will be silenced… at least for a season.

In all honesty, my first reaction was to criticize Boivin’s “disadvantaged” remarks.

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.

Want a little less pressure? Don’t take on the bloated cap numbers of an American, one hit wonder, like Scott Gomez. You wouldn’t be better served giving Alex Tanguay another shot with the Habs?

Next in line for criticism was the francophone community surrounding the team:

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?

But, then I thought about it a little more.

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.

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.

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.

What’s wrong with that?

Of course there will be a few who’s hopes and desires go to the extreme.

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.

Pierre Boivin is not an excuse maker, just a guy letting off some steam after twelve pressure packed years.

Thank you for your refreshing honesty.

Jaromir Jagr Back To Pittsburgh Gaining Credibility?

2011-05-15T13:24:00.000-04:00

This post was originally published at The Hockey Writers

It began with a simple gesture and some kind words.

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.

That is, they made an offer for Jagr to participate in an annual summer alumni golf outing.

While playing for the Czech Republic in the World Championship's, Jagr has been asked many times about his hockey playing future. During one of those question and answer sessions, he chose to reflect on the past, focusing on his time in Pittsburgh saying:

"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...

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...

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."

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.

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.

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.

Could he come back to the NHL?

Everyone loves the potential of this story.

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.

Local and nation media outlets jumped all over the sensational topic. Hockey fans everywhere began to consider and debate the story's probability.

Sidney Crosby's post-concussion symptoms aside, the Pittsburgh Penguins two areas of greatest need are at right wing and salary cap space.

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.

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.

However, a look back to when Jagr was a pending KHL free agent just two years ago, reveals that money might not be that great an obstacle.

"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.

"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.”

Just one more simple gesture required to make this fairy tale come true?

Nearly every Penguins fan in the world hopes that Mario makes that call.

2011 NHL Free Agency: The Players and Teams To Shake Things Up

2011-05-11T12:56:00.000-04:00

Getty Images

This post was originally published at The Hockey Writers

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.

However, there are also twenty-five teams that are already working on next season.

Majority rules, no?

Free Agents

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.

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.

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.

The Teams

Getty Images

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.

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?

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.

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.

Getty Images

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 maybe a new building coming, the Isles could make waves in the free agent market.

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.

The PR buzz the team would receive in the New York market would provide some serious momentum to complete their long anticipated arena project.

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.

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.

Glen Sather always makes the off-season interesting.

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.

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.

Has Stevie Y set the bar too high for himself already?

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.

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.

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.

There is a Cup Champion still to be crowned, but it never too early to start working toward the next run at the Cup.

*All salary cap data courtesy of capgeek.com

2011 NHL Playoffs: Round Two Matchups and Predictions

2011-04-28T13:04:00.000-04:00

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning
This is a fun one for many reasons. We picked both of these teams to be eliminated in Round One. Nice job, we know!

Both of these clubs play a stifling defensive system, with the optional capability of sending their top talent out to light up the scoreboard.

Both goaltenders Roloson and Neuvirth were exceptional in Round One, so this series will boil down to the team that executes their chances best.

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.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Capitals in seven.

#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #3 Boston Bruins
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?

Danny Briere and 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.

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.

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!

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Bruins in six.

The West features the same seed pairings as the East. Strange?

#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #5 Nashville Predators
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?

Wrong.

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.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Canucks in five.

#2 San Jose Sharks vs. #3 Detroit Red Wings
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.

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.

The goaltending matchup could be interesting as you can't always count on Niemi or Howard to steal games.

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.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Wings in six.

2011 NHL Playoffs: Round One Heroes and Zeros

2011-04-28T10:35:00.001-04:00

Washington Capitals/New York Rangers

Hero: Michal Neuvirth
The Caps came into these playoffs with too many questions in net. Who will start? How will they handle the extra pressure? Well, Neuvirth answered all questions with a stellar 1.36 GAA, .946 save percentage, a shutout and a pair of OT wins.

Neuvirth's gaudy stat line is testament to the team's overall dedication to defensive play, but make no mistake, he played exceptionally well throughout. There will be no questions heading into Round Two.

Honorable mention to The Gr8 Ovi.

Zero: Derek Stepan
It's tough to blame any one individual on the Rangers in the series. They played well overall, and kept things close in nearly every game they lost.

However, Stepan was a team worst minus-5, and was on the ice too many times when the Caps scored big goals. He failed to score a single point in the five games, despite averaging more than twenty minutes of ice time per game. Even worse, he managed to only fire of four, that's right, four shots during the entire first round. Not impressive.

Dishonorable mention to Marc Staal and Marian Gaborik.

Philadelphia Flyers/Buffalo Sabres

Hero: Danny Briere

This was an easy choice. Briere was exceptional. He seemed to be everywhere. When the Flyers needed him to come through, he did.

Briere tied Teemu Selanne for the most goals in the First Round with six, including two power play pots and a game winner. He registered a whopping 30 shots on goal, constantly applying pressure to his former teammate, Ryan Miller.

Honorable mention to Ville Leinoand Claude Giroux

Zero: Ryan Miller
Despite the fact that he was the reason the Sabres took the series to seven games, Miller folded in crunch time.

When things got emotional, Miller seemed to let the distractions get to him. Mike Richards "murder" comments and Daniel Carcillo's one ice antics appeared to be too high on his priority list, as the Sabres surrendered ten goals to Philadelphia in the final two games. Miller's play is not the reason Buffalo lost, but he needed to be better in the clutch.

Dishonorable mention to Brad Boyes.

Boston Bruins/Montreal Canadiens

Hero: Nathan Horton
Horton was not dazzling, didn't put up huge numbers or really do anything that really stood out... that is if you don't count his two game winning goals, including an OT series clincher in Game Seven of the series.

Both Boston and Montreal had huge contributors, and there are plenty of players that deserve to mentioned here, but we give the nod to Horton as he made the difference in two games of an extremely tight battle between old rivals.

Honorable mention to Patrice Bergeron, Chris Kelly and Timmy Thomas.

Zero: Boston's Power Play
With as well as nearly everyone on both sides played in this series, there is no way we are naming a culprit here.

The Bruins were oh-fer the series with the man advantage. Boston scored zero goals on twenty-one opportunities, and, get this... they gave up one shorthanded goal. So, technically, they were a negative-one for the series on the power play. That's pathetic.

Dishonorable mention to Jaroslav Spacek

Pittsburgh Penguins/Tampa Bay Lightning

Hero: Martin St. Louis
Every time St. Louis was on the ice, he was a threat to score. No matter what game you look at, he was always the most dangerous man with or without the puck.

St. Louis was downright deadly on the power play and was continually double shifted to create matchup problems for Pittsburgh's defenders. He led all Tampa forwards in ice time. He led all Lightning scorers, and made the difference in this series.

Honorable mention to Sean Bergenheim and Dwayne Roloson.

Zero: Alexei Kovalev
Yes he scored the game winner in Game One, but he disappeared after that. He was no help on the man advantage, turning the puck over trying to stick handle into the zone, and had more giveaways than any other Penguins forward.

Additionally, Kovy had a team worst plus/minus, the least amount of shot blocks (one) and hits (three) of any Pittsburgh forward, while placing the team shorthanded five times. Not impressive.

Dishonorable mention to Ben Lovejoy and Matt Niskanen.

Vancouver Canucks/Chicago Blackhawks

Hero: Roberto Luongo
"What?"

We know you just thought and/or said that.

We do realize that Luongo was torched in Games Four and Five. We do realize that he was benched for Game Six.

However, we also recognize the incredible mental toughness he displayed by taking it all in stride and, more importantly, played fantastically during an OT thriller in Game Seven.

It's how you finish that's most important. Stick tap to Luongo's mental game.

Honorable mention to Ryan Kesler and Alex Burrows.

Zero: Troy Brouwer
This was another series where we had to split hairs to pick a goat. Brouwer is a legit twenty goal man in the regular season, but doesn't bring the same effectiveness in the playoffs.

In his defense, Brouwer did lead the team in hits, but was held completely scoreless in a seven game series, managing to total more penalty minutes than shots on goal. Against his hometown Canucks, Chicago needed him to make an impact on the score sheet and he came up empty.

Dishonorable mention to Viktor Stalberg and Marian Hossa.

San Jose Sharks/Los Angeles Kings

Hero: Douglas Murray
With all eyes on San Jose's top scorers and goaltending, Murray steadily set the defensive tone for the team. He led the Sharks in hits and penalty kill time, was second in blocked shots and took only one minor penalty in the six game series.

He had only one point, but Murray managed to do what he does, which is throw big hits, frustrate opponents and kill penalties, without spending much time spent in the sin bin.

Honorable mention to Ryane Clowe and Joe Thornton.

Zero: Dustin Penner
With Anze Kopitar sidelined, the Kings needed someone to step up to help fill in, at least a bit more, offensively. Penner was one of the many options Los Angeles had hoped could come through, but it just never happened.

Penner did manage a goal in Game Five, on his only shot of the game. He was held without a single shot in another contest, and manged only ten shots on goal in the six games. Despite his huge frame, Penner didn't use it. His eleven hits and three blocked shots underscore his minus-3 and six giveaways in the series. The Kings needed him and Penner was nowhere to be found.

Dishonorable mention to Alexei Ponikarovsky

Detroit Red Wings/Phoenix Coyotes

Hero: Pavel Datsyuk
It was a short series, primarily due to the efforts of Datsyuk. He put on a show in both ends of the ice. In just four games, Datsyuk led or was tied for the team lead in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, even strength points, power play points, takeaways, faceoffs won, shots on goal and led all Detroit forwards in blocked shots and ice time.

In short the Sverdlovsk, Russia native was his usual quietly dominating self. Hockey's human highlight reel turned Phoenix defenders inside out time and again to help Detroit put the Coyotes out of their misery in the First Round's only series sweep.

Honorable mention to Valtteri Filppula

Zero: Ilya Bryzgalov
Bryzgalov had another stellar regular season for the Coyotes. When the playoffs started, his brilliance ended. Bryzgalov surrendered seventeen goals in the four games, finishing with an awful 4.36 GAA, and a downright abysmal .879 save percentage.

With talk surrounding the team's future in Phoenix, the Coyotes goaltender seemed if he were already focused on the off-season too early and even appeared disinterested in an appalling performance in the clinching Game Four on home ice.

Dishonorable mention to Lee Stempniak and Rostislav Klesla.

Anaheim Ducks/Nashville Predators

Hero: Shea Weber
In one of the most entertaining series,Weber was a standout. The hulking blueliner left an imprint everywhere. He tied for the team lead in goals, led the team in plus/minus, power play goals and blocked shots. Weber made crucial hits and intimidated with his booming shot.

If he doesn't win the Norris Trophy for his regular season efforts, he certainly earned top defenseman honors for Round One. A number of players really performed in this series on both sides, but Weber stood taller than anyone.

Honorable mention to Mike Fisher and Nick Spaling

Zero: Jarkko Ruutu
Normally we would not place blame on a third or fourth liner like Ruutu, but he failed to live up to expectations. Ruutu is usually at his best in the post-season playing his role of agitator and frustrating opponents with not only his yapper, but with excellent two way pressure.

What did the Ducks get out of him? A cheap shot on Martin Erat, which earned Ruutu an one game suspension and little else. The infuriating Fin only ended up playing in three games, scored no points, managed only a single hit, one blocked shot and an unimpressive minus-1 with one minor penalty and a game misconduct.

Anaheim could have used some smart play from Ruutu to turn the tide in their favor. They got none of that in a testy, tightly contested six games.

Dishonorable mention to Ruutu again.

Mike Richards Doth Protest Too Much, Methinks

2011-04-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

Often misquoted, Shakespeare's Hamlet, Act III, scene II quotation: "The lady doth protest too much, methinks" is also commonly misinterpreted, just as it will be misinterpreted here.

Make no mistake, we are not calling Richards a "lady," but he is becoming more and more inclined to whine a bit when things don't seem to go his way.

When the wheels were falling off the wagon, after a rough start to last season, we came to his defense, as Chris Pronger and GM Paul Holmgren seemed all to willing to throw Mike Richards under the bus, undermining his status as team captain. Despite this, we expect that what we have to say here will not be popular sentiment amongst Flyers fans.

Although he is rightfully lauded for his rugged style and two-way capabilities, Richards has too often used the media to air his grievances to not be considered a bona fide complainer. Neither specious nor counterfeit, he's become a genuine whiner.

Want evidence? We got it.

Following a loss to Pittsburgh on October 16th this season, Richards in a post-game interview began by praising the Penguins talent before moving on to criticize Matt Cooke's unwillingness to fight. Stop the tape there and you have a legit set of comments.

Yet, he followed up by answering a question regarding a penalty he took against Pittsburgh defenseman Ben Lovejoy by saying:

"Well it's tough when you play Pittsburgh. You know that they are going to be falling down pretty easy... I mean you gotta watch your stick. My stick was in there, and maybe I did go at him a little aggressive... but he did fall pretty easy so, it's tough."

Had Philly won the game, his comments, in context of the rivalry between the two teams, would have served as acceptable, appropriately inflammatory banter. Yet because of the loss, it's just excuse making. Richards seemed to acknowledge that he was crossing that line and smartly ended the interview.

A month later, after a chippy game between the Flyers and Canadiens Richards chirped in on Montreal's P.K. Subban's bold play:

"He's come in the league and hasn't earned respect. It's just frustrating to see a young guy like that come in here and so much as think that he's better than a lot of people. You have to earn respect in this League. It takes a lot. You can't just come in here as a rookie and play like that. It's not the way to get respect from other players around the league and hopefully someone on their team addresses it, because I'm not saying I'm going to do it but something might happen to him of he continues to be that cocky."

Richards comments may not seem out of line really until you notice he was speaking after a 3-0 shutout loss to Subban's Canadiens. A pattern seems to have emerged here.

When the Flyers lose, factors beyond their control seem to be the cause, just as it was last night according to Richards. From Philly.com's Phil Sheridan:

" 'They're getting away with murder out there,' Flyers captain Mike Richards said. 'And we got called every time [Dan Carcillo] was on the ice. It's frustrating, but we've got to battle through it. It's a physical series.' "

"Richards was called for a stunning five-minute penalty for elbowing Patrick Kaleta at the end of the second period. It was a bang-bang play. Richards was pinned along the boards near the Flyers' bench and Kaleta was coming toward him. Richards wheeled with his elbow up, hit Kaleta in the head, and dropped the scrappy forward to the ice..."

" 'I saw him take a couple of hard strides at me," Richards said. "I had to protect myself. They're not going to call anything, so I had to protect myself.' "

Really Mike? Murder? Every time? They aren't going to call anything, so it was up to you?

The Flyers lost another game, therefore some other factor than the fact that they scored less goals that their opponents was a major contributing factor. Forget the refs, listening to these complaints is frustrating.

We are not saying that Richards doesn't take responsibility, or that he whines all the time... just that he does it too much.

When you win, you beat the opposing team, the refs bad calls, the Greg Louganis', the other team's fans, the brash rookies, etc...

When you win, you can complain and "protest" all you like, but wait... you won't need to.

2011 NHL Playoff Matchups and Predictions

2011-04-13T15:40:00.000-04:00

Just as it did last season, it took all 82 regular season games to determine the participants. Sorry Dallas and Carolina fans.

The East will get nasty early:

#1 Washington Capitals vs. #8 New York Rangers
Gone is the fun and gun offense of the Caps. They are a defensive first club this year, which will have prepared them well for the grind of the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Rangers, gone is the heart and soul of the team, Ryan Callahan. Gone also are all the goal from Marian Gaborik's stick. What happened?

Nevertheless an upset here can very well happen. The Rangers gave the Caps fits at times during the regular season. New York is a physical and nasty team. Washington just doesn't have that playoff magic. This series will twist and turn enough to make both fanbases sick.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Rangers in seven

#2 Philadelphia Flyers vs. #7 Buffalo Sabres
The Flyers faded down the stretch, while Buffalo played some of their best games when it mattered most. The teams split the season series, and the Sabres clinched their playoff birth in dramatic fashion in OT against these same Flyers.

Ryan Miller certainly has it within his power to steal this one, especially if Philly's Chris Pronger cannot play or is not up to the challenge coming back from injury. However, we just cannot see the Flyers going out so easily. Buffalo just will not be able to keep up with the firepower of Philadelphia.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Flyers in six

#3 Boston Bruins vs. #6 Montreal Canadiens
This one is special. Counted in the score somewhere will be the gallons of blood spilled in this series. Something like, "Bruins 2 goals, 4 pints of blood to the Canadiens 2 goals, 3 pints of blood." Who won the game? Easy. The Bruins with the extra pint!

Forget the Original Six stuff, the storied rivalry, etc... this is about pure ill will between these two rosters. Both teams will downplay the hype verbally, but there will be some loud talking out on the ice. The Bruins are flat out better everywhere. They will find a way nearly each night.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Bruins in five

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning
Sadly this won't be a tandem battle of Sid and Geno vs. Stamkos and St. Louis, in this first ever post-season matchup between these two clubs. It is possible that Sidney Crosby will be cleared to play again while this series is still in doubt, but don't count on it.

Pittsburgh has had to make due with the blue collar types for the entire second half. That fact only enhances their chances in round one, facing a rather inexperienced Lightning squad. Look for dirty goals to pinball past Tampa defenders, as Pittsburgh grinds this one out.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Penguins in six

The West will have some matchups of familiar foes:

#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #8 Chicago Blackhawks
Vancouver hopes that the third time really will be a charm. Knocked out the previous two years by Chicago, the Canucks dominated all season, winning the President's Trophy. The Hawks struggled all season to stay in it, and actually needed a little help from Dallas to get in.

Should be a slam dunk, no? Maybe not so fast... well, ok, it's a slam dunk. Vancouver would have to have an epic collapse to blow this.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Canucks in five

#2 San Jose Sharks vs. #7 Los Angeles Kings
The battle of California. In the West, this is the series that reeks of upset. The Sharks were very solid down the stretch. The Kings were too, but no one really noticed. They lost two of their top scorers, but battled to the finish. Regardless of their long run last season, we are talking about the Sharks... and the playoffs. Big expectations, little follow through.

Although we don't want to, we will buy the Sharks in round one. The Kings start this round shorthanded and just won't be able to find the extra gear.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Sharks in five

#3 Detroit Red Wings vs. #6 Phoenix Coyotes
Same matchup as last year, different seeds. The Wings were favored last year, despite being the lower seed. The 'Yotes gave them all they could handle, but Detroit prevailed.

This time, Detroit rides in high, in spite of some recent injury issues. Phoenix just doesn't have the mystery power from last season's surprise run. Detroit will do what they do.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Red Wings in five

#4 Anaheim Ducks vs. #5 Nashville Predators
Corey Perry willed the Ducks to the post-season with some goal scoring brilliance. Nashville took the Pekka Renne train all the way to another uneventful, even-paced ride.

It doesn't matter how many time Barry Trotz steers his Predators into the playoffs, Nashville just gets no respect from fans or the media. This space is no different.

Hockey Plumber Prediction: Ducks in seven

Pittsburgh Penguins' Mike Rupp Holds Fundraiser Event To Help Devastated Local Family

2011-04-11T16:17:00.000-04:00

Pittsburgh Penguins' forward Mike Rupp and his wife Christi will play host to a special event tonight for the Cleland family of South Park, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

Story by Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

A kind gesture and an excellent example of the community reach of the organization.

Classy New York Rangers Ryan McDonagh: Matt Cooke's Only Defender

2011-03-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

Ol' Matty Cooke did it again.

Straight off a page from the Jimmy Superfly Snuka handbook, Cooke delivered a flying elbow to the head of New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh.

Cooke dished out another dangerous blow to an opponent, and received a a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for his efforts. The Penguins received a four-goal, third period explosion by the Rangers and a big, fat L for the night.

A day later, after an in-person hearing with NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell, Cooke was handed a suspension covering the remainder of the regular season and the first-round of the playoffs. Meaning his "time out" could span anywhere from fourteen to seventeen games.

Within hours of the incident, and stretching on days afterward, reactions by television analysts, bloggers and fan message boards have blown up every possible medium of media.

Lost among all the fury over Matt Cooke's history, Mario Lemieux's responsibility, and the NHL's disciplinary action is the sheer graciousness of Ryan McDonagh.

Reiterating his same comments after the incident, McDonagh expounded further after Cooke's suspension was announced:

"I don't think he's trying to put his team down (with a) five minute penalty...

"It's coming down to the end of the year here. Ten games left for about everybody. You're trying to get good momentum going into the playoffs or keep your playoff spot and that was a close game at the time and momentum could go the other way.

I think he's trying to make a big hit and he just caught me wrong. I don't think it was his intent.

The suspension … it is what it is. The league is really pushing to get these hits out of the game. If that's a statement, it's a pretty big statement, for sure."

As Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writer Dave Molinari put it:

"The consensus in hockey circles is that Matt Cooke's hit Sunday to the head of New York's Ryan McDonagh was indefensible."

However, McDonagh, although he had every right to condemn him, found a way to defend the indefensible.

Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero and coach Dan Bylsma applauded the suspension, and were encouraged by Cooke's apology and commitment to change the way he plays.

Time will tell if Matt Cooke really has made an adjustment for the good of the game and the safety of it's players; but we do know one thing now...

Ryan McDonagh is not just a young player who has an appropriate respect for veteran players. He is a player who is willing to go the extra mile to give the benefit of the doubt when absolutely no one else would.

As the recipient of disrespect on the ice, McDonagh deserves recognition for his magnanimous gesture off of it.

NHL GM Meetings: No Universal Ban For Hits To the Head

2011-03-15T19:00:00.000-04:00

A universal ban on hits to the heads is not happening in the NHL. At least, not now.

What the GM meeting did produce was a novel idea: A recommendation that the league enforce the rules!

As NHL.com's Shawn P. Roarke put it: " they opted to recommend that existing rules governing boarding and charging be more stringently applied. They also believe the threat of stiffer supplementary discipline for those that deliver illegal hits to the head, as well as for repeat offenders in the League's supplemental discipline process, will have the necessary chilling effect to make the NHL workplace a far safer one."

For the time being, it's really all that the league can do. A universal ban would only create more gray area.

Commissioner Gary Bettman explained:

"We are going to see if we can get something more precise than a blanket head hit rule..."

The key words from all of the commissioner's interviews were "precision" and "definitive."

The single greatest criticism that the league has endured through all of this concussion crisis is it's seeming failure to interpret similar incidents with consistency.

The last thing the NHL needs is more controversy over head shots. As we have seen thus far, a blanket ban invites all sorts of discretionary calls and interpretations.

Where was the offending players elbow/arm/glove at the point of impact? What was the intention? Did the receiving player move suddenly or change direction just before impact? etc... debate can go on and on.

Without doubt, reckless hits are a danger to player safety.

However, clean hits can be too; but they are part of the game that the GM's, players, owners and fans alike would like to see preserved.

Brian Burke GM in Toronto mentioned in an iterview after the meetings:

"To give a reference point, you all remember Phil Kessel's first game as a Leafs. Mattias Ohlund stepped up and drilled him. Got him right in the head with his shoulder.

We want that hit in the game. Phil has to be more alert and keep his head up. He didn't get a concussion on that play, but even if he did, I'd have the same view. We want that hit in our game."

It's a great point made by Burke citing his own player as an example.

Eric Lindros had to quit the game because of concussions. Most of them were caused by clean hits courtesy of Scott Stevens and Darius Kasparaitis. Lindros just couldn't remember to keep his head up. A blanket ban on head hits would not have made a difference to one of that era's best players.

As Bettman outlined, stricter enforcement of existing rules and harsher discipline for repeat offenders can go a long way to protecting players.

The question is will they execute the plan, and do it with consistency?

Gamesmanship: Should Washington Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau Just Shut Up?

2011-03-07T23:48:00.001-05:00

Is is safe to say that Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau was no fan of Greg Louganis?

Boudreau is well know for his penchant for unleashing the quote machine during post game interviews, particularly so after a loss. However, the coach's machine got started up before a big divisional showdown with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"We don't like the way they dive every two seconds and they lead the league in power play attempts because they've got guys like [Steve] Downie -- even though he might not be playing tonight -- who if I was a referee I would never make a call on him ever because he dives every two seconds," Boudreau continued. "[Steven] Stamkos, dives every two seconds. You start to get a hatred on for guys like that. So, it will be interesting."

Lightning head coach Guy Boucher was not amused:

"We all know he's trying to influence the refs for (Monday's) game," said Boucher. "I have too much respect for the players' dedication, mine and his, to even think that is possible. Referees are smart and more competent than people realize. Besides, Downie and Stamkos have the most minor penalties on our team, it's not like they're getting a lot of calls going their way. I think (Boudreau saying Stamkos and Downie are diving) is ridiculous."

Tampa GM Steve Yzerman was even less inclined to agree with Boudreau's assessment:

"Steven Stamkos does not dive. He doesn't do that. He plays the game with integrity," said Yzerman on Monday. "He fights through a lot of checks. He plays the game the right way. I would hate to think someone would make a statement that isn't true and people out there would think a player like Stamkos is going to get a reputation for something that he doesn't do.

"Steve Downie is not a diver. Steve has worked hard since he has came into the league to improve the way he plays the game and he's continuing to work at it and we really like the strides he's made. But diving is not something I would say is now part of his game."

"We would like to think NHL referees are smart enough to see what's going on here and that this is nothing more than gamesmanship."

Well, did the "gamesmanship" work? Washington won the game 2-1 in a shootout, but Tampa won the penalty war with five power play opportunities to four for Washington. No penalties were assessed for "diving."

Was Boudreau out of line with his pregame comments?

We say no.

In the same way that Stevie Y is always measured and elegant when he speaks, Boudreau is loose and crass. It's just his schtick.

As far as the gamesmanship of attempting to influence the referees... we just can't envision the officials sitting around listening or reading a coach's barbs at another team and reacting by saying, "Yeah, that guy has a point."

If you watched HBO's 24/7 series leading up to this year's Winter Classic, then you know that Boudreau will use negativity to motivate his team just as often, if not more so, than positive reinforcement. So why wouldn't he use it to distract the opposition from focusing on the game? That's the kind of gamesmanship we see here.

Are Stamkos and Downie divers?

A few people have attempted to use statistical evidence to figure out if someone dives, but unfortunately, the NHL doesn't keep a diving stat. Penalties drawn are often cited, but don't really tell a story on a guy faking his team's way to the power play.

Like NHL Rule 64.1 (Diving / Embellishment) it's a discretionary call.

All too often the team that you are rooting against seems to have eighteen divers dressed on any given night, while your team has the same amount of pure-hearted, integrity fueled, worker bees that would never, ever try to buy a call.

Let's face it, there aren't any teams in the NHL that don't have some guys who will embellish a bit to help their team gain an advantage. It happens.

Do some guys do it more often than others? Sure

Does it mean those who do it occasionally are serial frauds? No way.

Boudreau may not have a refined manor, or even be right, but he got people talking/thinking about what he said. Most importantly, his team got a win; and we are pretty sure that's what he was looking for when he "dove" in to the subject matter before the game.

New York Islanders' Trevor Gillies Wasn't Hugged Enough As A Kid

2011-03-03T18:16:00.000-05:00

Fresh off a nine-game suspension for a concussion-inducing elbow to the head, and special helping of punches and taunting of an ice prone Eric Tangradi, Trevor Gillies returned to the ice last night.

His return was short lived.

After the game Gillies explained:

"I went over and finished my hit. There was no intent at all to injure him," Gillies said after the game. " I saw him hit [DiBenedetto] and I just made a hit on him. That's it."

Both Gillies and coach Jack Capuano said they didn't think Clutterbuck's back was fully turned. "I didn't think it was from behind at all," Gillies said.. " I hit him from the side."

Clearly neither Gillies, nor his enabling coach seemed to care to mention that Gillies forearm to Clutterbuck's head preceded the "hit."

It was nearly a carbon copy of the shot that concussed Eric Tangradi ten games ago.

As Versus studio analyst Keith Jones aptly stated last night, Gillies "is a slow learner."

Trevor Gillies is not an inexperienced player, who has gotten a little reckless trying to make an impression on the coaching staff. He is a 32-year old veteran of professional hockey since 1999.

All kidding aside about the not being hugged enough... His refusal to take responsibility, and blatant disregard for the swell being of others under the guise of defending teammates are signs of psychological issues.

The Online Journal of Sports Psychology, Athletic Insight, published findings of a Direct Observation Approach To Study Aggressive Behaviour In Hockey.

It was interesting to read that (paraphrasing) frustration and goal differential had little to no correlation to acts of aggression on the ice.

This would support the notion that Gillies' violent acts are not "in the heat of the moment" or reactionary, but are displays put on by a person with no respect for the rules of the game, nor any understanding of sportsmanship, not to mention a complete disregard for the safety of opposing players.

Mario Lemieux verbally asserted that the NHL's punishment of Gillies in February was not enough. Gillies supported Lemieux's statement with his actions last night.

After the Pittsburgh incident:

"The actions by the Islanders' Gillies and Martin were deliberate attempts to injure by delivering blows to the head of players who were unsuspecting and unable to defend themselves," league disciplinarian Colin Campbell said in a statement. "The message should be clear to all players: targeting the head of an opponent by whatever means will be dealt with by suspension."

Campbell was right, the message SHOULD BE clear to all players, but it wasn't to the Isle's supposed "tough guy" Gillies.

When Vancouver's Rick Rypien lost it a few months ago, attacking fans in the stands, he voluntarily sought out anger management counseling.

Gillies should face some involuntary counseling in addition to any suspension he now faces.

Re-Signing Brent Seabrook: The Chicago Blackhawks Open Their Wallet One Too Many Times

2011-02-28T12:13:00.001-05:00

During the summer of 2009, Dale Tallon was let go as the GM of the Chicago Blackhawks. The firing was a shock to many in the hockey community, as Tallon had been a big part of pulling the team out from the ashes and molding them into a contender.

After reaching the Conference Final just a few months before, we were all left guessing at a reason the Hawks decided to dump him for Stan Bowman. Other than the generic dismissal note by the team, most observers speculated that the main complaint was Tallon's recent run of overpayment for free agents like Brian Campbell and Cristobal Huet the summer before.

The Blackhawks won the Cup in the first year under Bowman's guidance, but they paid a steep price for all the talent that got them there; and were forced to sell off many assets.

With the way that Chicago has struggled to stay in it in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, one might think that all the necessary roster shuffling and salary dumping/hiding, the Blackhawks may take a more conservative approach to building a long-term winner.

That idea of conservatism had to go out the window when the team announced the signing of Brent Seabrook to a very sizable five-year $29 million extension on Sunday.

Please don't get us wrong, we believe Brent Seabrook to be an excellent defenseman.

He just is not a guy that a team like Chicago can pay more than Duncan Keith, particularly when you consider that Campbell's albatross contract and last off-season's re-signing of Hjalmarsson, the team has more than $20 million invested in their top four blueliners until 2014.

Where does that leave the Blackhawks forwards situation for next year and beyond, as the team has only six of them under contract beyond this season?

They also will need to sign two goaltenders. Someone has to play between the pipes, right?

Standout Corey Crawford will be a RFA after the season, but he likely will want more than the $800k he has earned this year. How much more, will be the real question. Remember Bowman didn't believe Niemi was all that valuable, even after winning the Cup. It's quite clear that they won't be paying a ransom for any backstop next season. They can't.

Absolutely the organization has protected it's core, but possibly at a disproportionate cost. Teams that compete for the Cup every season know that depth is just as important down the stretch as your best talent.

Seabrook no doubt is an important piece, but his salary may do more damage to the Blackhawks' Cup chances than his talent will to help them.

Mission Impossible: Keeping the Thrashers in Atlanta

2011-02-24T15:44:00.000-05:00

On the very cusp of finally realizing a moment of relaxation, at the most critical point of dropping off into peaceful nap, Ethan Hunt hears the disturbing rattling buzz of his highly customized iPhone 4.

"Dammit! What now?" He pounds his fist into the tray table that lays out in front of him. The rumbling is in stark contrast to the tranquil ambiance of the super-secret G650 that simply whispers though the early morning air.

The message reads:

Good morning, Mr. Hunt. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves the recovery of a limping NHL organIzation, "the Thrashers of Atlanta." You may select any two random billionaires for potential ownership transfer... They must be willing to keep the team in Atlanta, but it is essential that the third member of your team be me, Jim Balsillie. I am a Canadian patriot, and a highly capable NHL ownership candidate. You have forty-eight hours to recruit the other two investors and meet me in Hamilton, Ontario to receive your assignment. As always, should any member of your team be caught or killed, my secretary will disavow all knowledge of your actions. And Mr. Hunt, the next time you are contacted by Steve Jobs, please be good enough to let us know. This message will self-destruct in five seconds... P.S. There is a new BlackBerry Torch 9800 waiting for you in the overhead compartment above.

Que the M.I. music.

Now quite obviously, this fantasy could never be reasonably constructed. Balsillie would never be part of a scheme to backdoor engineer a move of a NHL franchise, while working under the guise of keeping it in it's current city. Right? Who's with me on this?

Not to mention the fact of how silly it would be to think he would message someone in possession of an iPhone!

The reality is that the Atlanta Thrashers are for sale.

Since taking over the Atlanta Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena in 2003, the chaotic disaster that is the Atlanta Spirit Group claims that they have "'incurred over $130 million in out-of-pocket losses' while operating the Thrashers".

They wanted to own a NBA franchise. Check. They realized that with the Hawks. Sadly, their purchase agreement with Time Warner stipulated that along with the Hawks, they buy the Arena and that hockey team that plays there as well.

They went along with it. They pretended to be interested in hockey for a couple of years and then have tried, unsuccessfully, to sell the Thrashers ever since.

With attendance, local television ratings and merchandising revenues near, or at the bottom of the league, coupled with the exodus of every star that has come to play there, fan interest has declined with that of ownership.

It's no wonder that they have not been able to find a buyer in those six years.

The Atlanta metro area has more than enough resources to support a NHL club. It's why the league has chosen to pursue the market... twice.

Taking over from the apathetic current ownership group, a pathetic marketing plan (that has consistently pushed the arena, "Blueland", over the game and players for years), poor TV ratings, no merchandising, and bottom of the barrel attendance figures in a market in which they have almost no brand awareness, is hardly an attractive package to sell to prospective NHL owners.

By purchasing the Thrashers, the new owner not only gets the aforementioned package, but also the financial mess that has lost an average of $16.25 million per year since 2003.

but wait... there's more! Keeping the team in Atlanta means having to generate local interest. To do that the new owners get to spend more money!!! (flashing lights, bells ring, etc...) Woo hoo!

More money on PR in community outreach. More money on advertising, marketing and promotions. More money on payroll! Yes, they must add to the near cap-minimum payroll to gain star power in an effort to win more games, which should in turn, draw fans back to the arena.

Yes, the same arena which the NHL club now would no longer own, but must lease from that same awful ownership group they bought from!

The final insult to injury. Take on a business that is losing money and you get to add expenses too.

What business person/investor/investment group would be interested in taking on that mission?

Other than the US Federal Government, we can't think of another group that would want that kind of sure failure.

Because of the structure of the Spirit Group and their investment holdings, selling the hockey entity alone, is Mission Impossible.

The NHL will soon be forced to accept the reality that Evander Kane should be sporting a re-issued Jets or Nordiques sweater in the near future.

This message will self destruct, when proven otherwise.

Criticism of Lemieux Unsubstantiated

2011-02-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

By now, most everyone has read a myriad of of opinions, blogs, message boards and news stories on Mario Lemieux's statement regarding the aftermath of an ugly, incident-filled, mauling of his Pittsburgh Penguins at the hands of the New York Islanders.

Garnering even more attention, has been the backlash by fans, players and media members concerning Lemieux's statement.

If by some chance you missed it click here.

The "unacceptable and embarrassing" actions that Lemieux was referring to no doubt included the Islanders’ Matt Martin sucker-punching an unaware Max Talbot, Islanders’ Michael Haley, lauching himself at Talbot and then Penguins goalie Brent Johnson; and no doubt Trevor Gillies elbowing of Penguins’ Eric Tangradi in the head, who continued to punch him while Tangadi lay prone on the ice, then shouted at and mocked him as Gilles was forced off the ice surface.

Lemieux's comments were harsh to be sure, however, the backlash did not come from the NHL, at which his comments were directed, but from elsewhere.

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, chose to take no action against Lemieux, and stated that the comments would not be discussed or debated publicly.

Yet, that did not give Lemieux any reprieve from the likes of the Edmonton Journal, Don Cherry, Zenon Konopka, Jeremy Roenick or countless fans and bloggers.

Most of Lemieux's critics thought his comments were ill-timed or overly dramatic, but the word that crept up over and over was "hypocritical".

Why?

As Don Cherry (please read with the greatest level of sarcasm imaginable) "elaborated" while showing video...

Paraphrasing: Cherry doesn't understand why Lemieux was OK with Brent Johnson knocking Rick DiPietro's lights out, and that Matt Cooke works for Lemieux and never criticizes him.

You don't even have to watch the video to know that Don Cherry is a moron, so we won't waste our time enumerating every nonsensical comment, but some of his arguments were made elsewhere.

Many outlets made references to Cooke, Goddard leaving the bench to fight Michael Haley, Johnson hurting DiPietro in a fight a few days prior, and how the Penguins lead the league in penalty minutes and fighting majors.

Now, do you have to agree with Lemieux's statement?

No. I'm not sure that I do.

Can you accuse him of not having the best timing and being reactionary?

Certainly.

However, the criticism that he received was not about these issues. Repeatedly, we read the same unscientific accusation that sought evidence to support a pre-conceived notion, not the other way around.

First, the point that because the Penguins lead the NHL in fighting majors and Johnson's breaking the face of DiPietro, Lemieux has no grounds for argument.

These are weak and ill-conceived concepts.

Fighting is part of the game. It always has been and always will be. Most fights are for spark or retalition of liberties taken on another player within the confines of a game.

Lemieux made no statement regarding fighting. What we are sure he didn't like, was much of the violence in this game was a premeditated foolish display in response to DiPietro's misfortune in a consensual skirmish.

Regarding the other idea of Lemieux being a "hypocrite" as long as he employs Matt Cooke.

This will assuredly be a topic of debate, but the facts win out over heart-felt opinion.

Cooke's history and the incidents that occurred during the game in question are completely unrelated.

Regardless of how you view Matt Cooke, you won't find tape of him attacking goaltenders, throwing shots at a player, hitting him while he is down, and then taunting him afterward. You won't find evidence of him sucker punching anyone, anywhere.

Sure he makes questionable safety decisions. You can reasonably accuse Cooke of not respecting other players.

Granted, his propensity for knee on knee collisions happen far too often to be excused, but they happen no more frequently than Alex Ovechkin's. His latest suspension was a result of an unnecessary hit on Fedor Tyutin, not a dirty one.

Cooke has a record for questionable and dangerous decisions, but his rap sheet does not include a single incident that is in line with Gilles', Haley's or Martin's.

Public opinion is just that, opinion.

Many times evidence, facts or reality have little to nothing to do with the formation of these opinions/criticisms.

The criticism of Mario Lemieux is no exception.

Mike Fisher To Nashville. Is It Personal?

2011-02-10T15:14:00.000-05:00

Shortly after a high profile wedding last year, Mike Fisher was interviewed in the Ottawa Sun regarding married life and such:

Mike Fisher plans on being a Nashville resident some day, but he has no interest in giving up his Ottawa address any time soon.

“I definitely love it here. I don’t see that happening,” the Senators centre said in an exclusive interview with the Sun — when asked about any desire of finishing his career as a Predator — a little more than two weeks after being wed to country singing superstar Carrie Underwood.

“When I’m done hockey, she’ll still be working. I’m sure she can always work. We’ll settle in Nashville. I love it there. I’ve got lots of friends there now, I love the area. I like a lot of things about it. There’s a nice church that we love, that we go to ... that being said, it’s a little ways away. I want to obviously play a few years, a bunch of years here yet.

Just imagine the look on Gomer's face when "Surprise, surprise" the Fishers are here for choir practice! "Golly gee!" - Alright Nashville, ease up. We know Gomer is from Mayberry.

As Puck Daddy mentioned... "There had been some debate about whether Mike Fisher did or did not have a no-movement clause in his contract, but the Ottawa Sun reported last week that he had no control over his next destination if he was traded this season."

Since he wasn't going to finish his playing career in Ottawa, we get the feeling that the Sens shopped around and figured that Fisher would be least disappointed going to a place that was convenient for the wife.

The Senators lose one of their most popular players. One of the few guys that plays hard in every zone. As Predators GM David Poile put it:

"He plays playoff-style hockey all season long. He plays on the power play, kills penalties, is strong on draws and can match up against any opposing line."

The Sens gain Nashville's first-round selection in the 2011 Draft, and a conditional 2012 selection that can range from the second to third-round.

However, Nashville gets Carrie Underwood's husband! From a regional PR perspective, it seems a little unfair.

For Senators fans this has to smack of a certain je ne sais quoi! Does it seem a little too storybook ending?

The Senators, were forced into rebuild mode when Sergei Gonchar failed to transform into a reincarnated Bobby Orr. Trade talk has swirled around the franchise regarding team captain, Jason Spezza, free-agents to be Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Phillips and Alexei Kovalev for months.

Yet, moving one of them would be a welcome sight, as aside from Ruutu, the aforementioned players have underperformed lately.

Trading one of the few guys (Fisher) who gives an honest effort every night has to sting, regardless of whether it was an expected move or not.

The only salve that can heal a wound like this would be for those draft picks to turn into something far better than a Mike Fisher, but hopes can't be all that high right now.

Sounds a bit like the makings of a country song, no?

Toronto Begins Dealing: Beauchemin Back to Anaheim

2011-02-09T13:06:00.000-05:00

According to the Anaheim Ducks official Twitter page, the Ducks have made a deal with Toronto.

#NHLDucks acquire D Francois Beauchemin from @MapleLeafs for RW Joffrey Lupul, D Jake Gardiner and a conditional 2013 draft pick.

Toronto has been looking to move Beauchemin, it seems, since they signed him. Lupul, who constantly must battle injury demons, will add a scoring threat that can support Phil Kessel, but he will need to stay healthy.

It's no surprise that Leafs GM Brian Burke would go back to the Anaheim well for more drink, but didn't he believe he was getting a good fit in Beauchemin when he signed him to a free agent contract in 2009?

The key to this deal will be the development of the lesser known name, Jake Gardiner. He was Anaheim's first round pick in 2008, 17th overall. Gardiner was widely considered one of the Ducks' top prospects.

Since being drafted by the Ducks, Gardiner has added about twenty pounds to his frame, without sacrificing any of the speed and agility that made him such an attractive draft selection. He is a very solid puck moving defensemen at the University of Wisconsin, who uses his quick feet and on-ice vision to make plays in all zones.

This could be a deal that Leafs fans fondly look back on in the near future.

Penguins Show the NHL Who Has the Biggest Johnson

2011-02-08T19:13:00.000-05:00

The league has many Johnsons dispersed about the 30 NHL teams. All-time, there have been twenty-four players in league history with "Johnson" stiched on the back of their sweater.

The Pittsburgh Penguins alone, have had six players by the name of Johnson, in addition to Stanley Cup winning, and legendary head coach Badger Bob. There have even been two father/son Johnson combos with the team. The aforementioned Badger Bob and his son Mark, member of the Miracle on Ice US Olympic team; and Bob and Brent, both goaltenders for the Pens.

However, it wasn't until last week, that we, along with Isles goaltender Rick DiPietro, were put on notice that current Pittsburgh backup goaltender, Brent Johnson is the biggest, baddest Johnson of them all.

Add caption

Reminiscent of "One-punch wonder, Iron Mickey" O'Neil, Johnson took down DiPietro, with just that: one punch.

We realize that it has made the rounds of the internet, but we don't believe that it has received enough attention.

Realize that Johnson not only put his man down in a fight with a solitary shot, but with that single blow fractured bones in DiPietro's face!

There are a lot of fights through the course of a season. There are often injuries, but they are usually of the nick and cut variety. If bones are damaged, usually it is to the punchers hand.

How hard would the blow have to be to actually break bones in DiPietro's face?

According to eMedicine from WebMD: Forces that are required to produce a fracture of the facial bones are:

Nasal fracture – 30 g
Zygoma fractures – 50 g
Mandibular (angle) fractures – 70 g
Frontal region fractures – 80 g
Maxillary (midline) fractures – 100 g
Mandibular (midline) fractures – 100 g
Supraorbital rim fractures – 200 g

The Islanders did not specify which part of his face suffered fractures, but going by the low end of the G-force scale from the above chart, 30 g is approximately the force of a golf club striking a ball at the tee.

Um... ouch!

Brent Johnson, we salute you, and please don't ever hit us!

Evgeni Nabokov Shows The New York Islanders He Can Take His Puck and Go Home

2011-01-25T17:40:00.000-05:00

We all know now he can pout, but can he still stop a puck?

Evgeni Nabokov was claimed off waivers; and then put on the naughty list by the New York Islanders, before ever suiting up for the team.

The New York Islanders have suspended Evgeni Nabokov for not reporting after being claimed off of waivers on Jan. 22. The 35-year-old goaltender signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Red Wings on Jan 20.

Nabokov began this season with SKA St. Petersburg of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). In 22 games with St. Petersburg, he posted an 8-8-5 record with a 3.02 goals against average (GAA) and a .888 save percentage...

The AP ran a story on Sunday about Nabokov hanging up on Isles GM Garth Snow after being claimed by the club.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP)—Evgeni Nabokov gave off a poor first impression to Islanders general manager Garth Snow, but not bad enough to make New York sour on the veteran goalie it wants to add to the roster.

Snow reached out to the 35-year-old Nabokov on Saturday shortly after the Islanders claimed him from the Detroit Red Wings—the team with which Nabokov signed a one-year contract on Thursday. Snow said when he identified himself on the phone, Nabokov immediately hung up.

What was overlooked by many was Nabokov's complete ignorance regarding Article 13.23 of the current CBA rulebook, which we talked about here, after the Blues missed out on acquiring Marek Svatos and Kyle Wellwood under the exact same circumstances.

Nabokov told ESPN.com on Sunday that his decision to spurn the Islanders is not personal. He merely intended to hook on with a title-contending team and not an also-ran club such as the Islanders, who own the third-fewest points in the NHL.
“I think I’m going to stay home for now, I’m sticking with my decision,” Nabokov said Sunday. “It’s nothing against the Islanders and their organization. It’s nothing to do with that. It’s just that I’m at the point in my career where I want to help a team win in the playoffs. I don’t see how I could help the Islanders or what I could do for them. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. And I hope they understand that.

“I was surprised they picked me up. I was like, ‘Wow, what’s the point?”’

What's the point? Are you serious Evgeni? Do you not have any concept regarding the business of the NHL, or are you just a petulant child that did not get his way?

It doesn't make sense for the Isles to acquire a commodity, nearly free of risk, to try to turn it into a draft pick or another player at the trade deadline?

It doesn't make sense for Nabokov, in whom no NHL team showed any real interest in this off-season, to attempt to rebuild his NHL resume after such a poor showing in the inferior KHL?

You don't see how you could help the Islanders or what you could do for them? Please!

If Nabokov doesn't snap out of his tantrum and report quickly, he may just seal his way out of the NHL for good. Ken Holland must be glad that he missed out on bringing in such a head case.

Don't you have to win something before you start acting like a diva?

Somewhere Mike Posner is singing that Nabby probably thinks that he's cooler than him.

St. Louis Singing the Blues After Missing Out On Another Forward

2011-01-18T21:52:00.000-05:00

The St. Louis Blues are looking for help scoring goals. The CBA just won't let them. Sort of...

San Jose claimed Kyle Wellwood off waivers on Tuesday, just one day after the St. Louis signed him to a one-year deal. As reported by TSN.

The Blues signed him on Monday, and it started a 24-hour period of finger-crossing for Blues GM Doug Armstrong. But Wellwood's stay lasted just the one day.

The Blues suffered a similar fate in December when the placed Marek Svatos on waivers, one day after signing him to a one-year contract. The Nashville Predators claimed him the following day.

Like Officer John McClane, the Blues may be wondering "Why does this keep happening to me?" ... Not really, we are sure they know; but we had to look it up.

Article 13.23 of the current CBA rulebook states:

In the event a professional or former professional player plays in a league outside North America after the start of the NHL Regular Season, other than on loan from his club, he may thereafter play in the NHL during that Playing Season (including Playoffs) only if he has first either cleared or been obtained via waivers.

So, the Blues do the work of negotiating and signing and another team steps in and takes them away? Uh, yup.

Clearly the rule is designed to eliminate any chance of "insider deals" or agreements between NHL clubs and players/teams in other leagues.

St. Louis is close to the bottom in goals scored in the Western Conference, but they are still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, just four points out of the number eight seed, entering tonight's games.

If they are unable to draw from outside of the NHL, look for the Blues to be a player at the nearing NHL trade deadline. They have been a bubble team the last few years, but have an aggressive management team that would like to win sooner, rather than later.

2011 Winter Classic Game Time Change

2010-12-31T17:04:00.001-05:00

The NHL has just announced that the 2011 Winter Classic game start time has been moved back to 8 PM Eastern.

Rain and warm temperatures threatened the game if played at the originally scheduled time of 1 PM.

The latest Pittsburgh weather forecasts call for morning and afternoon rain clearing up in the early evening.

The delayed start gives the league a better option and keeps the game showcased in a prime time slot.

Trade Brodeur? Why It Doesn't Make Sense

2010-12-21T16:19:00.000-05:00

We've mentioned it here before, the New Jersey Devils are a mess... and we aren't the only ones who have noticed it.

In November, Larry Brooks compared the Devils situation with that of the 2006-'07 Flyers. Speaking about the Flyers GM that season:

Holmgren had one ace to play, and that was Peter Forsberg as a rental. His trade to Nashville that ultimately brought back Scottie Upshall, Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell represented the underpinning of the immediate 2007-08 revival.

Brooks notes that New Jersey could follow the Flyers path by trading their remaining blue chip.

Lamoriello doesn't quite have that ace. What he has on his team are nine players with no-trade clauses who would have to be massaged in order to be moved -- impending free agents Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Arnott are worthy -- and what he has is Martin Brodeur.

He then suggested that a Marty trade to say perhaps... Washington, might fetch a "John Carlson or Karl Alzner -- or Mike Green? -- plus a young forward along with a critically needed No. 1."

Just yesterday, Scott Burnside of ESPN revisited the idea of Sean Avery's friend "fatso" being moved to re-secure the future of the franchise.

... But, what is the team's most valuable asset? Is it not Brodeur? The game's greatest goaltender is back from an elbow/arm injury but has played poorly, a function perhaps of rust and the team in front of him. He has another season left at $5.2 million in salary and cap hit. Hard to imagine he would play beyond the end of his current deal with the team in such dire straits. Would Brodeur waive his no-trade clause for another shot at a Cup? Who knows, but what would Brodeur's value be to a Cup-hungry Washington team that has two promising young goaltenders and a bevy of young prospects? Or to Tampa? What was once unthinkable (Brodeur in a jersey other than the Devils) now must become part of the discussion for a team at the bottom of the well.

For real?

We ask the question because it begs it on a number of levels.

Grant it the list of top contenders that are in need of goaltending help is short, but why would it work out so simply?

The short answer is: It wouldn't.

Martin Brodeur IS the New Jersey Devils. He is the main reason the franchise has had any success at all. Positively, he was the backbone of their Cup teams. He owns every goaltending record there is to own, and is a certain Hall of Famer.

We made the trek to lovely downtown Newark once this season. The Devils were taking on division rival and premier visiting draw, Pittsburgh. The announced crowd was 11,000 at the Devils sparkling "Rock Center" arena. The actual butts in the seats, were closer to 1,100. About 987 of them were wearing Sidney Crosby sweaters.

What kind of PR hit would the team take trading away their most enticing product? If watching Brodeur re-write history with every victory can't bring Devils' fans to the rink, what makes anyone think that Mike Green and a 1st-rounder will in his stead?

On the flip-side, should a team like Washington or Tampa consider making a deal, what would they be willing to part with in return?

Consider that as much as Brodeur means to Jersey, both past and present, to a rental/buyer franchise, he represents a netminder that has fallen early in the post-season recently, even when backstopping good Devils teams.

Brodeur has also encountered injury problems the past few years; and has not performed well for most of this arduous first half.

If you are George McPhee or Stevie Y, do you swap a number one, along with some top talent for the 2011 version of Marty?

Does Brodeur put a Caps team over the top despite their frequent defensive lapses? Remember he couldn't get past the the first round when Jacques Lemaire had the Devils playing 60 minutes of defense.

Does he help Tampa go all the way? Not if they have to disrupt the current NHL roster by giving up a key young player to acquire him.

Not to mention that there is another goaltender who has significant experience and recent playoff success out there. His name is Evgeni Nabokov... and no trading of draft choices, prospects or NHL talent would be required to obtain him as a free agent.

If you must make a trade, Tomas Vokoun is in a similar salary slot and has played lights-out behind a poor Florida team for years.

Why roll the dice with Marty on either side?

As badly as the Devils need help they won't find it in dealing away the franchise cornerstone.

Pittsburgh Penguins Marc-André Fleury: How Ya Like Me Now?

2010-11-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago we asked the question: "What Is Wrong With Marc-André Fleury?"

After reviewing his play and watching video of the goals against, our answer to the question posed was: "Nothing... It's just hockey. Sometimes you get the bounces... sometimes they get you."

Well, it doesn't happen often, but it seems that we were correct. As you might have already guessed, the gloating will now commence.

In all seriousness, Fleury's atrocious start has been followed up with some very solid play and a touch of brilliance here and there.

The credit for the turnaround doesn't belong to us, it belongs to Fleury. After a dismal start, Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette wrote about his struggles "with goals and confidence".

Fleury is 1-6, owns a goals-against average of 3.55 that places him 36th in a 30-team league and a save percentage of .853 that is the worst in the NHL.

There's no disputing those figures, or what they say about Fleury's performance in his first eight appearances this season.

Since then, Fleury has posted an 8-0-1 record, with a GAA south of 1.70, and a save percentage in the .950 area. The "Flower" is blossoming.

Anyone calling for Brent Johnson now? Not so much.

So what's the secret? A double dose of The Heavy and Kool Moe Dee?

Has he just had a nice run against inferior competition?

Consider that he has beaten the likes of Henrik Lundqvist, Tomas Vokoun and Roberto Luongo along the way, and had to win a few one-goal games, including a shutout in Buffalo, it stands to reason that Fleury has had great focus against other high caliber goaltenders.

Note that during this streak, MAF has enjoyed the benefit of excellent team defense, and consistent offensive support.

The Penguins have a 9-0-1 record over their last ten games. They have outscored opponents by a margin of 31-16, have had decent success on the power play; and are nearly perfect on the PK.

So when we say the credit belongs to Fleury, we mean the Penguins as a team as well.

What is he doing differently?

It's been recognized that Fleury has tried to keep himself in better position by cutting down on his attempts to poke check the puck. THAT, combined with diligent team defense equals increased confidence and certainly, positive results.

In the end Fleury is just playing a well-rounded game and getting the bounces. Pucks that eluded him before seem to find him.

It's still the same game of hockey, he just looks better doing it now.

A Time For Hockey Thanks

2010-11-23T14:43:00.000-05:00

Before Ricky Bobby sits down to pray to the dear Lord Baby Jesus to thank him for a wonderful meal, his two beautiful sons, Walker and Texas Ranger, and his red-hot, smokin' wife, Carley, why don't we as hockey fans take a moment to reflect on what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving?

I'll go first. My top nine. Yeah, that's right, nine!

9. Hockey Sites

Want to know when Mike Richards' contract ends, or how much cap room exists for the Leafs in 2013? Visit CapGeek.com. They do an excellent job of keeping up with all 30 teams and cap transactions.

Dead bored? Take a visit to hfboards.com. Click on the "Trade Rumors and Free Agent Talk" tab to read some of the most ridiculous trade proposals ever imagined... it also leads to some extremely witty banter.

8. There Is No Winter Olympics in 2011

The 2010 Games in Vancouver were entertaining and provided plenty of dramatic finishes, but it really took a fat chunk out of the NHL season. Too many players seemed distracted by the whole "playing for country" thing and never got on board for the regular season.

7. Dino Ciccarelli HOF Induction

After a career that included more than 1,200 NHL games, 608 goals, 1,200 points, an indecent exposure charge and a day in jail for a hatchet job over Luke Richardson's head, the wait is now over for one of the leagues most colorful characters.

6. Legit Contenders

Proving that last season was no flash in the pan, up and comers Phoenix, Los Angeles, Colorado and Montreal continue to play like they belong on the short list of claimants to Lord Stanley.

They are doing it in different ways, but are getting it done despite roster changes, injuries and higher expectations.

5. All Star Game Changes

It may not prove to be a perfect formula, but it is something. Nearly ever sport has struggled to maintain interest in their All-Star formats. The NHL is no exception. Brendan Shanahan, the league's VP of Hockey and Business Development, masterminded a new formula for putting on a new show. Even if it doesn't re-invent the game, it's much better than the same old dog and pony.

4. Big Time Rookies

It hasn't been the names that we were expecting to see, but there have been some great performances put in by first year players. Forwards Jeff Skinner, Logan Couture, Tyler Ennis and defensemen John Carlson and P.K. Subban have been outstanding. Netminders Michal Neuvirth and Sergei Bobrovsky have not only battled for the lead in wins for rookies, but for the NHL lead as well.

3. Kovalchuk

Ah, Ilya Kovalchuk. The guy has been the story for two years now. Last season was about if he would re-up with Atlanta or become the biggest UFA in a long time. This year has been all about his new contract which cost New Jersey dearly, not only in dollars, but in fines and draft picks too! The Devils salary cap nightmare and his every misstep (shootout fails) keep his name constantly in the news.

2. Stamkos

When the Lightning made him the top overall pick in 2008, much was expected of Steven Stamkos... but not this much.

Last season he tied Sidney Crosby for the most goals scored, unveiling a wicked one-time slap shot in the process. This season Stamkos is showing that he can score from anywhere. He is making converts in each NHL arena he visits that his name belongs in the breath as Sid and Ovie.

1. Winter Classic & HBO 24/7

The Winter Classic is it's own institution among hockey fans. It's the NHL's showcase. This season the league is making use of it's two biggest marketing options in Crosby and Ovechkin to be sure.

However, the game will get another boost when cable giant HBO features the game and a behind-the-scenes look into the month leading up to it. May it expose the world's greatest game to a whole new audience.

Also due to a binding endorsement contract that stipulates I mention Powerade at each grace, I just wanna say that Powerade is delicious and it cools you off on a hot summer day and we look forward to Powerade's release of Mystic Mountain Blueberry. Thank you, for all your power and your grace, Dear Baby God, Amen~

Marian Hossa and the Pittsburgh Penguins: A What If Story

2010-11-19T15:17:00.000-05:00

It can be debated that the struggles this season of perennial contender New Jersey Devils, may be, or may not be a result of their insistence on retaining star winger Ilya Kovalchuk this summer.

What cannot be debated, is that his contract saga cost them dearly, and it has wreaked havoc upon their cap situation.

New Jersey's mess got us to thinking... (I know, we should have stopped there.)

Following the 2007/08 season, the Devil's division rival Pittsburgh was in a very similar situation. At the deadline, they had pulled the trigger on a trade with Atlanta which netted them a high powered, pending UFA winger in the form of Marian Hossa.

After an iffy start with the Penguins, Hossa and Pittsburgh really seemed to click during the team's run to the Final.

Although they came up short of winning it all, Hossa's playoff performance made it a near necessity to re-sign him, as GM Ray Shero believed he had finally found the perfect winger to play with Sidney Crosby.

Yet, at the time, the Penguins had other worries.

In addition to Hossa, Stanley Cup Final roster players Brooks Orpik, Ryan Malone, Pascal Dupuis, Jarkko Ruutu, Georges Laraque, Adam Hall, Ty Conklin and Gary Roberts were all pending UFAs, and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury was a pending RFA.

Also looming, was the reality that in the upcoming season, star centers Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal were entering into their contract years.

We all know what happened. Hossa rejected the Penguins 7-year, $50 million offer to accept a one-year deal with Detroit.

"I want to have the best chance to win the Stanley Cup," said Hossa, who was acquired by the Penguins in a Feb. 26 trade with Atlanta. "When you look at all the teams I could choose from, at the top there were two teams ... at the end of the day I felt like I would have a better chance to win the Cup with Detroit."

Ouch!

With his departure and subsequent statement, Hossa was branded a traitor in Pittsburgh, and became persona non grata. In the end, the scalded Penguins fan felt avenged when the team defeated Hossa and the Wings in the Final that season. The Hossa saga was over.

...but what if Hossa had made every Pittsburgh fan happy by accepting the Penguins offer?

What differences would it have created for the franchise?

From a financial perspective, even without re-signing Hossa, the Penguins were forced to say goodbye to Malone, Roberts, Ruutu, Laraque and Conklin, so we would have to assume that there would have been no change there.

Despite worries of exaggerated salary demands and rumors of having to trade him away, the team agreed to an extension with Evgeni Malkin in July 2008. As structured, his new contract would not kick in until the following season.

Marc-André Fleury was also signed to a long term extension. With the finish he had in the regular season and his outstanding performance in the playoffs, it is reasonable to assume that Hossa's signing would not have impacted Fluery's contract terms at all.

Additionally, bruising defenseman Brooks Orpik also declined other offers to return long term to Pittsburgh.

Hossa's signing would seemingly not affected Pittsburgh's other key moves. So where does that leave us?

For the 2008-'09 season, the $7.14 million cap hit that would have gone toward paying Hossa, most likely would have prevented the signings of Miroslav Satan, Ruslan Fedotenko and Matt Cooke. Collectively, that group of free agents counted $7.20 million against the cap.

The team still most likely would have made the move to unload defenseman Ryan Whitney later that year; but would it have been a trade to add Chris Kunitz and prospect Eric Tangradi with Hossa playing on Crosby's flank?

They still could have made the trade for Guerin who's leadership, many say, made a difference for the team in the post season.

The financials would have all worked.

The big question? Would they still have won the Cup? Making assumptions regarding the team's performance is a whole other game. Yet, without Kunitz, who makes the nifty outlet pass to spring Max Talbot for the Cup clinching goal in Game 7 of the Final? ... just asking.

However, it is after the '08-'09 season that things would have become dicey.

In the summer of 2009 the Penguins had no choice but to watch their shutdown defensive pairing go. Rob Scuderi to the Kings and hulking Hal Gill to Montreal.

Malkin's new contract kicked in and Jordan Staal agreed to an extension that levied a $4.0 million cap hit. The team added a handful of low cost role players as they had little wiggle room under the cap.

With Hossa's $7 million + on the books, would the re-signing of Staal have be feasible? Would they have found themselves in the same situation as the Devils have this season?

By keeping Hossa would they be forced to let go of Staal? Would they have achieved the same level of success not having enjoyed the services of an elite agitator in Matt Cooke, or the physical presence and defensive responsibility of Chris Kunitz? Would the Penguins indeed have been forced to trade away Evgeni Malkin? Would they have ever witnessed Fleury making the "Secret Service Save" to win the franchises third Stanley Cup?

Who knows?

Yet, in light of what Kovalchuk has done to New Jersey's cap options, and subsequently, the ramifications it has had on their performance thus far; Marian Hossa may have done the Pittsburgh Penguins the greatest favor in team history by turning them down.

The Skills of the Infuriating Sean Avery

2010-11-16T02:49:00.001-05:00

Sean Avery has skills. Not Napoleon Dynamite's coveted nunchaku skills, bow hunting skills, or computer hacking skills, but skills nonetheless.

Deciphering just what those skills actually are, is a matter of debate.

At his best, Avery scores timely goals, throws his body in harms way and rattles the opposition. Various media outlets have more than once tabbed him as an "Evil Genius".

Sadly, all to often, he is at his worst.

Succinctly, Sean Avery's worst consists of taking pointless penalties, making tasteless remarks to the media, unseemly cheap shots and aggravating/embarrassing his teammates.

Let's take a look back at some of Avery's career lowlights:

After an unmemorable thirty-six game stint with the Red Wings, he was traded away to Los Angeles. When asked, Detroit GM Ken Holland cited a reason for moving him.

...our concern was his lack of respect for the game, the people in the game...

After the lockout, while with the Kings, Avery continued to endear himself to his peers.

During a Coyotes/Kings 2005 preseason game, Denis Gauthier's body-check resulted in a Jeremy Roenick concussion. Avery's take to the media...

I think it was typical of most French guys in our league with a visor on, running around and playing tough and not back anything up...

If his comments weren't embarrassing enough, Avery then became involved in a near-scandalous racial slur incident. During a scuffle involving, then Edmonton Oilers heavyweight, Georges Laraque, it was alleged that Avery had called Laraque "a monkey" after declining an invitation to fight.

Avery has always denied it. Laraque has always maintained what he heard. Believe what you like, but Avery's then recent, insensitive, French-Canadian remarks damage his credibility in this courtroom.

On top of these incidents directed at opponents, Avery was also working on bonding with his teammates in the locker room. From a LA Times profile of Kings captain Dustin Brown:

'Hockey was the easy part, but fitting in socially with an older team was hard.'

Add Sean Avery, who often selected Brown to ridicule. Brown has had a slight lisp since childhood... It was something that Brown said was unimportant, but Avery would mock his speech, among other things. The friction in the room resulted in fist fights, with other Kings players jumping in on Brown's side.

On February 5, 2007, Avery was traded by the Kings to the New York Rangers. It is rumored that the Kings players held a party to celebrate his departure.

The Rangers seemed to be a good fit for Avery. He played well for them immediately, and was re-signed by New York for another season. For the most part, the '07-'08 season went well for Avery and the Rangers.

Then during a first round playoff game against the Devils, Avery turned in order to face and screen goaltender Martin Brodeur during a Rangers power play. Waving his hands and stick in front of Brodeur in an attempt to distract him and completely block his field of vision, Avery was doing his best to be himself.

Brodeur protested, even Rangers teammate Chris Drury appeared to tell Avery to desist, but he did not. The puck was cleared, but on the next offensive attack, Avery, somewhat ironically scored the power play goal.

Avery did get into the head of Brodeur in the series. In interviews with MSG, Avery called Brodeur a "big whiner" and referred to him as "Fatso" when discussing being snubbed by the goaltender in the handshake line.

The NHL dubbed Avery's screen tactic unsportsmanlike, immediately clarifying the rule. Making it the "Avery Rule" in the process. The act caught national attention, and it was about then media members started throwing around the "evil genius" term.

While immensely effective against New Jersey, Avery was nearly invisible in the next round against Pittsburgh. The only memorable incident from the series: Avery's ruptured spleen. For a time, it appeared to be his last game with the Rangers.

A free agent, Avery signed a four-year, $15.5 million deal with the Dallas Stars. The puck had yet to drop on the '08 - '09 season when Avery began making new friends with an ESPN interview.

Our commissioner hasn't realized that he needs to probably do a better job of marketing the game and certainly some of the players in it...

Nobody cares about Jarome Iginla and guys like that. They're just not exciting enough. They don't bring enough to the game.

An insult per sentence this guy... but, he best was yet to come!

On December 2, 2008, after the Stars' morning skate before a game against Calgary, Avery approached a group of reporters in the dressing room and informed them that he was about to make a statement. He then proceeded to make the following comment directed towards Flames' defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who was dating Avery's ex-girlfriend/starlet Elisha Cuthbert.

I'm just going to say one thing. I'm really happy to be back in Calgary; I love Canada. I just want to comment on how it's become like a common thing in the NHL for guys to fall in love with my sloppy seconds. I don't know what that's about, but enjoy the game tonight.

Avery was suspended for his declaration. According to TSN's James Duthie, his Dallas teammates didn't want him back.

Today, I spoke to three Stars players, who were blunt in their assessment of Avery. They agreed to be quoted as long as their names were not used.

'We hope it's the last time we ever see him,' says one veteran.

'Our locker room is the happiest it has been all year right now,' says another player.

His coach at the time, Dave Tippett saw it the same way.

'From a coach's standpoint, I try to build a team that has an atmosphere where players care about each other and play with each other and play with continuity, and I find it hard to believe that Sean could come back in that dressing room and we could find that continuity again'

Another team, another worn out welcome.

Avery was placed on waivers. Eventually, the Rangers took him back.

Aside from a Tim Thomas stick smack to the back of the head during a TV timeout, he played last season with a relatively low profile.

However, Sean Avery made a comeback this weekend.

In the midst of an 8-2 drubbing of the Edmonton Oilers, after a big Avery hit, he a Edmonton's Ladislav Smid began jawing at one another behind the play. Smid appeared ready to fight, but Avery delayed. Yapped some, delayed... and then seemingly launched himself at Smid as he began to turn away.

The incident sparked a near brawl as Avery hit the ramp to the dressing room. All the players on the ice and a few on the benches tussled.

It was a clean hit that Smid initially took offense to. So Avery's teammates have his back on this, right?

(Insert uncomfortable silence here.)

Um, not so much. Rangers forward Erik Christensen said:

'It looked to me like he suckered him; I'm not going to deny it,' Christensen then told The Post. 'I mean, everyone could see.'

How long does Avery have until these teammates sour on his antics?

It's a long list of transgressions to be sure. Ken Holland may have the very same impression of Avery, even after nine NHL seasons away from the Red Wings, but Sean Avery has some skills.

How else can you explain the impact that the 5' 10", 195 lb. Avery has had during his career?

There is no debate. The man is infuriating. But, just whom does he infuriate more, his opponents or compatriots?

Ilya Kovalchuk. Just How Much Will He Cost The Devils?

2010-11-02T15:34:00.000-04:00

The New Jersey Devils are flat out awful right now. Que the jokes: "The Devils are in hell." "Their play is bedeviling to their fans.", etc...

Sure they have some key players injured, but when they come back, just how much better will they be?

After several attempts by both the Devils and Kings, Ilya Kovachuk was finally re-signed by New Jersey. The result for Lou and crew was that the Kovy signing created a laundry list of issues that New Jersey will have to overcome, not only for this season, but also in the near future. That list is a daunting one.

The Cap Nightmare of 2010-2011

Signed and approved in September, Kovalchuk's deal put the Devils about $3 million over the $59.4 million cap. Speculation was rampant regarding how New Jersey would restructure their roster to get below the cap max. In the end, a couple of timely injuries allowed the team to essentially keep the roster intact, but then the season began.

Big ticket free agent acquisition, Anton Volchenkov and forward Brian Rolston soon suffered injuries. Winger Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond was suspended. How bad were New Jersey's cap troubles then? They had to... carefully read that: HAD TO place Letourneau-Leblond on waivers in order to make room enough for replacements on the roster.

Adding insult to injury (literally), the Devils had no choice but to ice a lineup featuring only nine forwards. As Fire and Ice put it:

Playing just the third game of the season with only 15 skaters is an embarrassment...

Straddling the cap max, New Jersey will face this situation all season long. Unlike the Rangers or the Blackhawks, Lamoriello & Co. seem unwilling to simply banish a high priced vet to the AHL or "loan" them to a European club to magically clear out cap space. For that, they deserve a bit of credit. As it stands now, only a "roster shake-up" trade can alleviate this situation. A trade which may prove difficult for the Devils to accept, as any trading partner would hold a great deal of leverage.

Pending Free Agents

Regardless of how this season plays out, the Kovalchuk deal directly affects New Jersey's options for next season's roster. The Devils will get some cap relief when Jason Arnott's bloated $4.5 million contract expires. Yet the team will be faced with more salary challenges.

According to Cap Geek, the Devils will have 16 players under contract for next season, giving them approximately $8.3 million to spend. With the current CBA extended, it is expected that the cap will go up again for the '11-'12 season, so let us assume that the cap goes up another $4 million. New Jersey then would have $12.3 million to re-sign pending RFA and star winger, Zach Parise, fill the position of backup goaltender, 2 or 3 other forwards, and at least 3 defensemen.

At first glance, it may not seem so unnerving, but consider that Parise, alone, will command at least half of the available cap room. Which will leave the Devils the task of filling the other 6 or 7 roster spot with $6 million or so.

The remaining money situation means goodbye for team captain Jamie Langenbrunner ($2.8m) and probably even last year's break out blueliner, Andy Greene who will certainly be looking for more than the $737k he counts for this season.

We won't even get into the discussion about what the team will do when Martin Brodeur's deal ends after the 2011-2012 season... (bad news all around)

How will New Jersey lose Langenbrunner and Greene, add 6+ roster spots averaging less than $1m per player, AND improve on what has been thus far this season, a struggling club?

The System

The best hope for answering that last question lies within the Devils list of prospects.

By all accounts, New Jersey has two top end forwards in talented Swedes, Mattias Tedenby and Jacob Josefson. The team had hoped that one or even both of them would be ready for NHL duty this season. Neither one was particularly impressive in camp. Josefson has been recalled from the AHL, but has failed to register a point yet through six games with the Devils.

On the blueline, the team boasts many promising candidates for next season and beyond. With Matt Corrente, Alexander Urbom, Matt Taormina, Jon Merrill, Brandon Burlon, and Eric Gelinas,the Devils could potentially fill several roster spots... with talented players... at a low cost.

New Jersey does possess hope here, but that is just what it is: hope. To ask 5 or 6 first/second year players to come in and make an impact on the big club is a very tall order.

Ilya Kovalchuk

...and what of that Kovalchuk guy? We have already established that his contract has hampered the Devils opportunities financially.

Yet, what if he doesn't play up to his past performance level? 15 years is a long time!

In 594 games with Atlanta, Kovalchuk scored 328 goals. That is a goal every 1.81 games. With about half a season under his belt in New Jersey, he has scored 13 goals in 39 games. Which works out to a goal every 3 games.

Sure, it is a smaller body of work for comparison sake, but regardless of the sample size, or the reason for it, Kovalchuk just has not produced at the level he is accustomed to.

What if he continues at that pace, which would net him an average of 27.333 goals per season?

There hasn't been much evidence that he is ready to break loose.

We know that the ticket for trading for him was promising forward Niclas Bergfors, steady defender Johnny Oduya, top prospect Patrice Cormier, and 1st and 2nd-round draft picks in 2010 .

We know that the Devils were fined $3 million, that the club will forfeit their 3rd-round draft choice in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft as well as a 1st-round draft choice in one of the next four NHL Entry Drafts, as a result of their first attempt to re-sign Kovalchuk which the league deemed to be cap circumvention.

We know that his deal has made for a fiscal embarrassment already this season, and that he has been benched by coach John MacLean.

What we don't know yet, is what the end cost will be. A long-term albatross contract? The Playoffs for the foreseeable future? A coach? Lou?

What Is Wrong With Marc-André Fleury?

2010-10-29T18:47:00.000-04:00

Just what is going on with "Flower"? Marc-André Fleury is one of the more divisive players in the NHL today. Divisive not because of his personality or attitude, but because of his play. Fleury has never been a stats guy. He has not posted stellar save percentages. He has never wowed anyone with his GAA. However, the one department that Marc-André Fleury has nearly always impressed is in the win column.

There are two camps in the MAF battle. The Critics/Haters, who have always believed that Fleury surrenders too many soft goals, and has been the beneficiary of playing with a talented cast of skaters. Then there are the Loyalists/Apologists. This group clings to the Stanley Cup runs, his incredible athleticism, Pittsburgh's offensive-focused style of play and the "Secret Service Save."

Regardless to which camp you belong, Marc-André Fleury has begun the '10-'11 Season with a 1-4-0 record, a slightly scary 3.41 GAA, and an abysmal .861 save percentage.

Why?

The Apologist hypothesizes that Fleury usually starts slowly.

Is this true? Let's take a look a seasons past.

'09-'10

"Flower" started 8-0-0, and finished October with a record of 9-2-0, giving up more than 2 goals only 3 times.

'08-'09

Was 4-3-2 in October, but again gave up more than 2 goals only 3 times in 9 starts.

'07-'08

Was his worst October until this season. A 4-4-0 record. Fleury gave up more than 2 goals in 6 different games, including 4 or more goals 5 times.

'06-'07

An October of 6-3-0, more than 2 goals 4 times. Opened the season with a shutout.

We would say that Fleury is having an unusually slow start this season.

The Critics say he has let in too many softies, and is not playing technically sound hockey.

Is this true? It's only been five games, so let's look at every goal he has allowed thus far.

Game 1: Philadelphia
1. Danny Briere: A tip-in on the power play. Not soft. No chance for any goalie.
2. Blair Betts: Even strength. 3 on 3 break into the zone. Fleury stops initial shot the rebound goes right by a Pittsburgh defender to Betts who shoots it into an empty net. Not soft. No chance for MAF.
3. Claude Giroux: Short handed. Awful giveaway by a Pens defender. Giroux deeks and beats Fleury. Not soft. Fleury had a chance.

Game 2: Montreal
1. Mike Cammalleri: Even strength. Plekanec carries the puck to the side of the net, passes back to an unchecked Cammalleri in the slot who shoots it in. Not soft. Fluery had a chance, but would have had to make a highlight reel save.
2. Mike Cammalleri: Even strength. Shot from the point is deflected by Cammi. Not soft. No chance.
3. Scott Gomez: Even strength. Gomez skates the puck nearly to the goal line, flicks it toward the goal. The puck sneaks in past Fleury. Soft. Soft. Soft.

Game 4: Toronto
1. Colton Orr: Even strength. Shot from the point is deflected by Orr. Not soft. Little chance.
2. Clarke MacArthur: A one-timer on the power play. Not soft. Fleury had a slim chance didn't react in time.
3. Francois Beauchemin: Even strength. Blast from the point makes it through traffic. Not soft. Fleury was only partially screened. Could have had it.
4. Clarke MacArthur: Even strength. Pass from behind the net to a wide open MacArthur in the slot. Not soft. No chance.

Game 8: Nashville
1. David Legwand: Even strength. Pass across the crease to a wide open Legwand. Not Soft. No chance.
2. Cody Franson: PPG. Shot from the point is deflected off a Pittsburgh defender. Not soft. No chance.
3. Patric Hornqvist: Even strength. Hornqvist picks up a quick drop pass and unleashes a rocket that Fleury never saw. Not soft. No chance.

Game 10: Tampa Bay
1. Dana Tyrell: Even strength. A pass from behind the net is jammed past Fleury Not Soft. Tough to stop.

2. Teddy Purcell: Even strength. Purcell carried into the zone a beat Fleury with a wrister. Not Soft, but iffy. He saw it all the way.
3. Vinny Lecavalier: PPG. 5 on 3 slapper. Not soft. No chance.
4. Martin St. Louis: Even strength. St. Louis blew past the Pittsburgh defenders and beat Fleury's diving poke check. Not soft. Maybe too aggressive/desperate.
5. Martin St. Louis: Empty net.

Five games. One soft goal, one iffy goal. Most goals Fleury had little to no chance to stop. We would say the critics are wrong too. (btw you can watch every goal here.)

So what IS wrong with MAF?

Put simply: Nothing.

It's just hockey. Sometimes you get the bounces... sometimes they get you. When Fleury has started quickly... the occasional 4 goal game was offset by 5 goals by the Penguins.

In only five games this year, Fleury just hasn't caught many breaks. Defensive lapses, mediocre PK, combined with some low scoring efforts by Crosby, Malkin & Co. have added up to a poor start.

Has he played great? No But has he been awful? No way. Had the Penguins' offense pasted teams with some 5 or 6 goal efforts along the way, (as they have in previous Octobers) no one would be talking about Fleury. Yet, for now, his 1 win in 5 attempts has created an even greater divide.

Adam Burish Backs Off Post Game Pronger Comments

2010-10-25T23:10:00.000-04:00

Moments after the Chicago Blackhawks had defeated the Flyers in the 2010 Cup Final, a NBC reporter tracked down one of the more colorful characters on the Hawks, Adam Burish to ask him to divulge his true feelings regarding Chicago's new public enemy Chris Pronger.

In case you have forgotten, here is what was said:

Unless you are a Flyers fan, it made for great tv; and it certainly opened a floodgate of discussion.

Then, Sunday night on NHL Network's "NHL On The Fly", Burish talking to host, David Amber: (as transcribed by Travis Hughes of Broad Street Hockey)

Amber: What's the significance of February 5th?

Burish: February 5th. I have no idea.

Amber: Alright, well let me tell you. It's your first game against the Flyers and Mr. Chris Pronger. How would you characterize your relationship with Chris Pronger at this point?

Burish: You know what, I said some stupid things I probably shouldn't have after that game. It was just a spur of the moment thing and I'm not gonna sit and make an excuse about it because what's said was said. I've got a lot of respect for the guy. I think he's a Hall of Fame defenseman, one of the best that's ever played the game. Probably one of the hardest d-men to play against. He does everything well.

I really, truthfully didn't mean anything personal by it. It came out personal but it shouldn't have been said. I was embarrassed about it. I got a lot of respect for the guy and that team is so dangerous. They will be again this year. It was a heck of a series, it was a heck of a Final. Whatever happens moving forward happens but for me, I don't try to mean anything personal by it. It was a spur of the moment kind of thing.

Amber: No sweat.

Burish: I've moved on and hopefully, I'm sure they have too. I'm don't think a guy like Chris Pronger, a Hall of Fame d-man, is really too worried about a guy like me has to say at the end of the day.

Amber: Well, we'll find out on February 5th. *slightly maniacal laughter*

So Burish stated that he regretted what he said, then went on to establish Pronger's credentials, etc... Why?

Burish was so "embarrassed" by his own, not-so-off-the-mark comments, that he had to practice Pronger's HOF presenters speech?

Come on! Burish should have felt perfectly within reason for his remarks. He should have hated Pronger. The guy who stole the game winner pucks from Burish's teammates in the first two games of the Cup Final. So what if Burish was a "black ace" for the Cup clincher? Any spectator could assess that Pronger was indeed "terrible" in the games that Philly lost. What was he? A minus-bazillion in those loses?

Does anyone think that Pronger will apologize for his comments about Burish?

We have never been impressed with Pronger's "leadership" tactics and media manipulation. However, we will freely admit that Burish was correct in his "...Probably one of the hardest d-men to play against. He does everything well..." remarks/apology.

Regardless of his success, Pronger's skill and grit has always been marred, and to a degree, overshadowed by, cheap shots and distasteful behavior. Which, when his career comes to a close, should land Pronger somewhere between Dino Ciccarelli and Chris Simon in the NHL's pantheon.

By design, Pronger is a divisive character. Burish is doubtlessly not the only guy in the league to express a dislike for the guy.

Pronger is also entering the twilight of his career. After 16+ seasons on NHL punishment, guys, regardless of how talented they might be, are going to have some bad games.

After the shenanigans and verbal sparring of the Finals, Chicago players were entitled to think Pronger a big "idiot". After some poor games, they were entitled to call his play "terrible". It's part of competitive sports. It's part of a game of aggression.What was so wrong with Burish's verbal jabs?

We say Burish did the wrong thing by trying to do the right thing.

Adam, the next time you feel "embarrassed" by the healthy hate that exists in this game, take some advice from Jay in 40 Year Old Virgin:

Of course it don't feel right! What has felt right for you doesn't work! You need to try some wrong, dawg!

Rippin' Rypien

2010-10-21T09:32:00.001-04:00

It's the story everyone is talking about. Rick Rypien of the Vancouver Canucks "attacking" a Minnesota Wild fan in the stands. Reactions around the media range from Rypien should be burned at the stake to he lost his cool for a moment and should not be suspended for much more than the minimum five games.

At the moment, Rypien has been suspended indefinitely by the NHL.

If you haven't already watched the incident:

Observations:

As he left the ice surface, Rypien interacted with his coach, and there was an attempt by his captain Henrik Sedin to talk to him. Rypien was clearly worked up, but with all that was going on around him, he would have had to consciously chosen to focus on the apparent heckling fan he grabbed. It also appears that he shoved Sedin aside to lunge at the fan.

A big time no-no!

Watch it again and you see Sedin is really the only one of his teammates with a clear look at what Rypien did. While Malhotra and Bieksa further exacerbate the situation, Sedin gives a look of frustrated disgust and skates off camera.

On Wednesday, Michael Russo of the Star Tribune reported:

Just got off the phone with 28-year-old James Engquist from Mendota Heights. He is the fan who Canucks forward Rick Rypien grabbed last night as he was leaving the ice...

Engquist attended the Wild-Vancouver game with his brother, Peter, getting seats directly behind the visitors' bench as a gift from their father: "I was just standing straight up applauding as he was getting kicked out. He was out of control. And then I said, 'Way to be professional,' and he obviously didn’t care for that comment and decided to grab me and almost dragged me over the rail. If my brother wasn’t grabbing me and the other player wasn't grabbing him, he probably would have dragged me over the edge."

As Mike Chen very astutely pointed out in "From the Rink":

I bet what the Minnesota fan said to Rypien is nothing compared to what Sidney Crosby hears in Philadelphia.

Chen, it seems, was correct in his assumption.

Again we say, Rypien was agitated. It is human nayure to get caught up in the moment, but he chose to lash out like he did. It could not be more evident that Rypien does not respect the line walked by a professional. The League would be wise to sit him until he learns better.

Some Gag On Wisniewski's Suspension

2010-10-13T15:43:00.000-04:00

If you haven't already seen it, here is the vid of Wisniewski not-so-subtly telling Sean Avery what he thinks of his manscaping and Vogue Magazine internship:

For his effort at some modernized vaudeville Wisniewski received a 2-game suspension, which caused a bit of a minor stir around the interwebs.

The backlash centered around the fact that it was "more than was enforced on Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Nick Boynton during pre-season action, when he made a throat-slashing gesture in the direction of a Tampa Bay Lightning player." ... and the idea that "It's not a safety issue; it's an image issue".

There is no fault in the reasoning of those who question the severity of the Wisniewski's punishment. However, more important than how this is viewed by fans and "impressionable" youth is how this kind of sexually explicit taunting is view by the NHL's sponsors.

Anytime that an incident like this occurs there is surely an automatic call to the League offices by Verizon, Geico, etc... "THIS, is what our name is attached to?"

Thus a suspension is warranted... Add to the list of don'ts. Don't hit a player in the head. Don't hit a player in the knees. Don't swear on TV. Don't question the officials. Don't threaten the Commissioner's life (that's you Chelios), and don't mess with the league's sponsorship money.

...and the (dirty) Hits keep on Coming

2010-10-12T13:18:00.000-04:00

The last few years have seen a major crackdown on dangerous hits to the head and knee, which have even instigated a few rule changes and a myriad of suspensions.

However, just like the real world, the criminals always remain one step ahead of the law on the ice.

The '10-'11 season has now had it's first questionable hit on Monday, which resulted in an injury:

Clearly it was a hit against the rules. Hjalmarsson received a 5-minute major for boarding, and a game misconduct for his part.

Although he doesn't have a cheap shot history, Hjalmarsson, according to TSN "is scheduled to have a hearing with NHL disciplinarian, Colin Campbell at 1pm et."

"Everything happened so fast," he said after the game, but as the Buffalo announcers point out in the broadcast, Hjalmarsson saw nothing but the numbers on Pominville's back as he approached him.

On the video you can see that Hjalmarsson starts toward the area where that hit occurred from the blueline. He coasted toward Pominville before he propels into him for the hit. How fast could it have happened while gliding 20 feet or so while looking at the guy's back?

In no way does it look like a malicious hit, but careless plays endanger other players just the same.

FWR Feature Videos: Ovechkin's Car Commercial, Carey Price is a Cowboy

2010-10-07T23:36:00.002-04:00

See below for Jeremy Roenick's much more sensitive side.

As the 2010-2011 NHL season gets underway tonight, let's check out some of the more recent NHL-related videos from television and around the web:

Alex Ovechkin's Car Commercial

Ovechkin is not actually in this, but it's a pretty damn funny cartoon of him shooting pucks and driving around. Two points of interest: (1) The animators were very generous in the 'looks' department when creating A.O.'s cartoon persona, and (2) 'The Russian Machine' is not his nickname.

And for the record, this is what a 'Russian Machine' actually looks like:

Giddiyup!

'Nothing but Net' Video: Ballers Talkin' Pucks

Looks like the NHL is finally gathering fans in those 'untapped' southerkn markets. It's pretty good watching them trying to pronounce the player names; you can tell they really struggled to memorize them.

TV & Movie Spoofs Channel
Tags: Atom.com,Atom Originals,Atom Blog,Upload Videos

Carey Price Tries to be a Damn Cowboy

You know Carey, we here at FWR have pretty much always been on your side through all of the criticisms and poor stretches of play. But you're really making it hard for us to like you at this point. Instead of getting into the best physical and mental condition of your life at this defining, pressure-filled moment of your career, you go compete in rodeos?

And you describe your event as "relatively safe?" Like, as in relative to bull riding? You may have to start your proposed future career in rodeo sooner than you think if you don't get your head between the pipes.

And take off that silly-ass Denver Broncos hat.

Chicago Blackhawks' Cup Victory Brings Roenick to Tears

Jeremy Roenick has a serious breakdown in direct response to Chicago defeating Philadelphia in the Stanley Cup Finals. As a youngster on the Blackhawks, Roenick made it to the Cup Finals but has never won the Holy Grail of hockey. So it makes him pretty sad to see Kane, Toews and Co. finally win it.

The other guys try to console him, which is pretty great in itself. J.R. responds with "I'm proud...I'm proud" in reference to what he has accomplished in his NHL career.

2010 - 2011 NHL Predictions

2010-10-06T23:47:00.001-04:00

The 2010-'11 season begins tomorrow. Woooo! Seems like the Hawks hoisted the Cup forever ago. We want to kick off the new season with our own set of predictions by conference.

East

1. Capitals - Washington brings same offense. They win a lot of fun and gun contests, but not by the margin they did last season.

2. Penguins - Pens got better on defense and may have solved their wing issues by moving Malkin there and adding even more grit with Asham and maybe a big surprise in Comrie.

3. Sabres - Essentially the same team from last season. Not much better, but not any worse either.

4. Flyers - Flyers will compete for a top spot in one of the best divisions in hockey.

5. Bruins - Boston is already dealing with injury issues and the season hasn't even begun. Otherwise we would have liked them to take the division.

6. Devils - Jersey invested too much in Kovalchuk and Arnott, but will still have scoring issues. Volchenkov will give them a Scott Stevens-type impact on the blueline, yet they will take a step backward in the division and conference too.

7. Rangers - The Blueshirts were eliminated by the Eastern Champion Flyers on the last day of the regular season in a shootout. They were that close. They won't miss out this year.

8. Thrashers - Chicago South with make it to the post-season for only the second time in franchise history, but will have even a tougher time gaining the franchise's first playoff win in round One.

9. Senators - Ottawa isn't getting any younger, and certainly not any better. They will miss out which will cause a major stir in the nation's capital.

10. Canadiens - What Montreal fans already know: Carey Price is not as good as Halak. What they don't know yet: No Halak means no post-season.

11. Maple Leafs - The Leafs will be improved from last season's debacle, but not enough to get the team back into the playoffs... next year!

12. Lightning - Yzerman won't get them back to Cup contention overnight. However, he may make us regret picking Tampa to finish this low in the standings.

13. Islanders - Big injuries to Streit and Okposo will cost the Isles any chance to improve on last years' finish.

14. Hurricanes - The Canes went with youth. They will be tough to play against, but won't win much.

15. Panthers - Florida will flat out suck from the start despite Vokoun's acrobatics each night.

West

1. Red Wings - Jimmy Howard will be even better with a season under his belt. The Wings have an embarrassment of riches at nearly every position. Only catastrophic injury issues keep them from the top spot.

2. Canucks - Vancouver added to their strength on the blueline and got rid of some dead weight up front. They will be in command all year long.

3. Sharks - San Jose will find out quickly how much Evgeni Nabokov was worth to them. Their tandem in net will be inconsistent, but they have too much forward firepower to fall far.

4. Kings - The Kings will be right with the leaders all season, but may just wait in the weeds until playoff time to do their real damage.

5. Blackhawks - The Hawks kept their core intact, but the won the Cup last season because of the peripheral pieces they just sold off during the summer.

6. Coyotes - Phoenix might be even better than they were the season prior, but without the regular season fanfare. The guys they added in the summer were playoff players.

7. Blues - The Blues added the piece they needed to get them over the hump. They got very good goaltending last year, but Halak gives them a miracle worker in the pipes. St. Louis is back in.

8. Flames - Calgary added some retro-fits, nothing more, really. But they get back in to the post-season because the teams in front of them last season will regress a bit.

9. Predators - Nashville is always under estimated, and they most likely will be our regret pick in the West. Where will they get the goals from?

10. Avalanche - The Avs surprised a lot of people last season, even though they faded down the stretch. Their rookies from '09-'10 hit the sophomore slump, and so goes the team.

11. Ducks - The Ducks just couldn't be as bad as they were for much of last season, could they? We just don't see any improvement from them this year.

12. Wild - Scoring will still be an issue in Minnesota. Bad news for a team that wants to play an up-tempo Pittsburgh style game. They are the Penguins without Crosby and Malkin... it doesn't add up.

13. Oilers - Edmonton will be much improved thanks to their super rookie trio of Hall, Eberle and MPS. They all will battle for the Calder and the rookie scoring crown.

14. Stars - Dallas is a mess financially and it will probably translate into getting worse on-ice, before it can get better.

15. Blue Jackets - Columbus needed some fresh faces to improve. They didn't get any. How many ping pong balls will they get?

Trophies

President's: Detroit Red Wings

Art Ross: Sidney Crosby

Rocket Richard: Alex Ovechkin

Playoffs

ECF: Penguins over Capitals

WCF: Canucks over Kings

SCF: Penguins over Canucks

There ya go. Have at it!

Michael Peca - Jay Bouwmeester... Battle Stations!

2010-09-30T14:47:00.000-04:00

From the Calgary Herald:

Let the record show the Calgary Flames clashed with the New York Islanders Wednesday night in pre-season action in Saskatoon, but the real fireworks in the last 24 hours came off the ice.

The whole drama erupted Tuesday night when TSN panelist Michael Peca said he used to look forward to playing against Jay Bouwmeester, because he coughed the puck up so much.

Strong words, to be sure. And it didn't die there.

On Wednesday afternoon, in a radio interview with Rob Kerr and Dean Molberg on the Fan 960, Flames president Ken King lashed out at the audacity of Peca, a former player, saying such things.

“I think it was out of line,” King said in an interview with The Fan 960. “It was a guy talking about his peer. His colleague. Someone who he has played with.....To diss and take such a low-brow approach to laughing at or ridiculing one of the premier defencemen in the league, I just think is completely inappropriate."...

“We're not going to let Jay Bouwmeester or any player on the league be talked about in that manner by a colleague or a peer without challenging it,” King said. “That's just inappropriate....

“I think he ridiculed him. I think he laughed at him....You bet I'm sticking up for and defending our guy.”

Sure King is gonna stick up for his guy, but what does that leave for Don Cherry? He's a former coach. He's never criticized anyone he ever coached against?

Here is the video from TSN of what Peca said. http://watch.tsn.ca/featured/#clip354092

Essentially Peca said that Bouwmeester doesn't play tough, and is casual with the puck. Not complimentary? Certainly not. But is it "low-brow", disrespectful or the character assassination that King portrays it as? No way.

Studio analysts receive criticism for being too soft on contemporaries, or if they are to vanilla. Peca seemed to express an honest opinion on a career underachiever. Grab the torches and pitchforks!

Bouwmeester himself "shrugged off" Peca's comments on Wednesday.

"I don't care. If he wants to say that, that's fine. He's not playing anymore, so I don't care," Bouwmeester said Wednesday. "I'll probably have a different opinion of the guy that said it. Those guys on TV are what they are."

Bouwmeester knows that the only way to silence his critics is to go out there and prove himself on the ice. We applaud King for coming to his defense, but we didn't see Peca "laughing at" anyone.