What a Shame!

What a shame! A great hockey game was played last night in Chicago. But, once again shabby, or shoddy, officiating took center stage.

The Black Hawks took off from the opening whistle, determined to get back into this series with the defending Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. They quickly netted two goals and had a 2-0 lead.

But then it happened. Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall delivered a tremendous bodycheck on Martin Havlat. This was a check that Kronwall has thrown many times in his NHL career without a penalty. And, after this check was thrown, the referees seemed to agree with everyone who saw it, that this was a clean hit.

Then, for whatever reason, crowd pressure, an opportunity to seen, or worse an opportunity to affect the outcome of the game, the referees gave Kronwall a major penalty and a game misconduct. Why? No one but the officials know for sure.

I hope the NHL reacts swiftly and investigates the officials and their actions. And, the least of which, all four should be done for the season.

This year's playoffs have featured some of the best hockey we have seen in years, but this year's playoffs have also had some of the most "unusual" officiating calls seen in years. Gary Bettman, let the players play, let them determine the outcome, don't let sub-par officiating determine the course of events.

Now, back to the hockey. The Black Hawks were the recipients of a five minute power play and then, when they could not score, they were given an additional two minutes but they still could not get one past Chris Osgood.

Early in the second period, the Hawks finally scored a third goal and with a 3-0 lead, the officials probably felt that it was safe to call some penalties against the Hawks. But, with only a few minutes left in the 2nd period the Red Wings roared back and eventually tied the game.

The third period was outstanding and then it was off to overtime.

Finally, in game 3 Patrick Sharp started to play hockey like we know he can and in overtime he netted the winner!



I predicted that this series would be a long one and if last night's game (minus the shoddy refereeing) is any indication, then fasten your seatbelts and sit back and enjoy! This could be a lot of fun!

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Pittsburgh Not to be Denied?

The Pittsburgh Penguins seem to be on a mission. Perhaps, it was going to the finals last year and having to watch the Red Wings hoist the Stanley Cup. Or, perhaps, to some players it was having Marian Hossa leave the Penguins to join the Red Wings, because he wanted the Cup and didn't think Pittsburgh had the stuff to do it!

Whatever the reason the Penguins have been dominant against Carolina. But, give the Canes their due, for the most part they have matched the Pens goal for goal in the early going last night, but in the end Pittsburgh had just too much.

It will be very interesting to see how both teams react when they face-off in Game 3 in Carolina.

By the way: Did you see Malkin's third goal? Wow!!!

Ice Chips: This weekend the Kelowna Rockets face-off in the Memorial Cup final against a yet to be determined opponent.

Early on in the play-offs I traveled to Kelowna to visit our daughter and while we were there, the Rockets had fallen behind Tri-Cities two games to one. My grandson Asher, who is seven, had never been to see a Rockets game. So we went to game four of that series against the Americans. The Rockets won in overtime.

After disposing of Tri-Cities, the "experts" said that they could not get past Vancouver, and if they did, well, Calgary would make short work of the boys from Kelowna. Well, who is laughing now?

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Detroit edges Chicago in Game 2

The Detroit Red Wings moved another game closer to defending their right to keep the Stanley Cup last night with a thrilling overtime win over the Black Hawks.

As I predicted early on in the play-offs (if not before they started), the Black Hawks are for real. A team with two veteran goalies, and Toews, Kane and Sharp up front can not be taken lightly.

Last night's game was fantastic from the opening whistle to the scoring of the overtime goal.

Although Detroit's superstars, Lidstrom, Zetterberg and Datsyuk have been outstanding it has been Dan Cleary who has been the big star. He has three goals against the Hawks and his feisty play at both ends of the ice has the Hawks looking over their shoulders wondering where the Kid from the "Rock" is and when he is going to hit them.

The Red Wing who does not get the positive attention that he deserves is netminder Chris Osgood. Ozzie should have won the Conn Smythe trophy last year as he stood on his head to bring another Cup to the Motor City. And, this year, he seems to be playing just as well. Oh well, maybe this year the Smythe voters will get it right!

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Stanley Cup Prediction - Conference Finals

Well, I batted .500 in each of the conference semis. So here goes for the final rounds with the winners facing off for the Stanley Cup.

In the West, I predicted Detroit over the Ducks, but I blew the other series. I thought Luongo had all the answers for the fast young guns out of the Windy City. Oh well, can't get em all!

In the final, I like the Red Wings, but it will take seven games. Chicago has great goaltending experience, some great young forwards, but only 3 top flight defensemen. This will spell trouble for the Hawks with the Wings rolling four lines and the defense having to contend not only with Holmstrom and Franzen, but also Cleary crashing the net. And, don't forget that Detroit has a lot of speed up front. (Did you see Helm's break away goal against the Ducks? WOW!!)

In the East, once again I batted .500. I thought the Caps would be hungrier than the Pens and the Ovechkin would outplay Crosby.

The other series featured TERRIBLE refereeing, and although the Canes prevailed it was in spite of the best efforts of the NHL to keep them out of the final. Games 5 and 6 were blatantly the NHL's best (or worst) effort to determine the outcome of the series. I was so disgusted I turned off game 5 in middle of the 2nd period.

Just shows you how good Cam Ward is as a clutch performer not only did he foil the Bruins, but also the troika of Bettman, Daley and Campbell.

Unless the NHL insists on Crosby making it to the Cup finals look for the Canes to beat the Pens in six. The reason: Cam Ward!

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Referees Claim Victory in Pens OT Win Over Caps

What a shame!

I am not a Caps fan but to lose a key playoff game because of a couple referee's who wanted to be noticed really should not sit well with the Capitals and, hopefully, the NHL brass.

To re-cap, a flagrant foul by a Pens player was ignored by the referees. Then Malkin roars down the ice on a great rush and he is fouled by Jurcina. Up goes the arm and the Washington defenseman is sent to the penalty box.

During the Pens ensuing power play another foul is committed by the Pens, but once again is ignored and shortly thereafter, Pittsburgh scores the winner.

How sad for such a great game to end because of two ego-maniac referees wanting to be noticed.

NOTE: This kind of misuse of power usually occurs when Bill McCreary is the referee. Therefore I have an idea. To soothe Bill's quest for attention, why doesn't the NHL rent 15 minutes of air time from the television networks before each game McCreary is to referee. Send McCreary on to the ice by himself and have him skate and call imaginary penalties.

With this kind of attention given to him, McCreary just might let the players settle the game on their own without any interference from attention-seeking officials.

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Carolina hockey fans

Wow! Those Carolina Hurricanes' fans are something!

We are constantly bombarded by negative statements by some Canadian media (usually Toronto-based) that the southern United States is not a logical home for hockey.

Well, I hope these hockey "Experts" were watching the Hurricanes and the Bruins last night. The noise generated by the Canes' supporters was CRAZY! Talk about a seventh man, the crowd was in the game from the warm-up skate until well after the final buzzer.

But, besides the fans, the hockey game was awesome!

Eric Staal is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier player. And, what about Cam Ward? He may be so-so in the regular season. But, when the chips are down, he is one of the best "money players" I have seen in a long time.

The Bruins played a pretty good game. But once again it was the selfish play of their captain Chara that let them down. He needs to think less about himself and more about the team if the Bruins are to proceed to the next round. After all, Tim Thomas can't do it all!

The Pens and Capitals tilt was an exciting affair. It kind of looks like Varlamov is human after all. I noticed last night that he was wearing a mask with the Caps logo on it. Was this the first time he wore this mask? I can't remember. Hmm, I wonder.

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Toronto Coyotes

Yes, the media, or should I say, the narrow-minded, self-centred, Toronto media is already hyping the chances of the Phoenix Coyotes moving to Toronto.

Give me a break! Toronto media thinks the world of hockey revolves around them!

Before I go any further in this rant, let me say first and foremost, I sympathize with the mainstream (real) Maple Leaf fans. They are desperate to see an NHL game live without having to mortgage their future and that of there children to watch the Maple Leafs. If a team in or around Toronto would force the greedy owners of the terribly bad Toronto Maple Leafs to either lower their ticket prices or become a competitive team, then I am all for that!

Now, with that out of the way, let me say that I think it would great if there was a team in Hamilton or there abouts, but let us not bury the Coyotes in the Arizona desert just yet. Let's give the NHL an opportunity to keep the franchise in what should be a lucrative market. But if all else fails, pack up the moving van and come on up to Ontario.

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Stanley Cup - 2009 - Round Two Comments

What weekend of hockey!

First all, Alex Ovechkin won round one of the Crosby - Ovechkin mini-series. But, this thing is not over. Crosby should stop whining and making threats and start producing. Part of that production should come to the fore in his role as captain where his number one job should be to light a fire under team mate and erstwhile superstar Evgeni Malkin. The Russian superstar has done little in this series and seems to be almost uncaring in his checking and drive to the net.

Secondly, Vancouver Canucks found out about the youthful talent that abounds on the Chicago Black Hawks. The Canucks are going to have to work harder if they are going to get past the Hawks.

Sunday night the hockey world got to meet the real Cam Ward and many were surprised by his brilliance in the Canes victory over the Bruins. But, this guy is the real deal. He may not show up for every game during the regular season, but look out in the post-season. Just ask the Devils!

Finally, what a game on Sunday between the Wings and the Duck. Great Hockey!!

I am sure Vancouver and Chicago fans must be drooling over the fact that these two teams are beating each other up and the winner may hobble into the Conference Final!

ICE CHIPS: Was it a goal or wasn't it? The Bruins caught a break at the end of the 2nd period when the Hurricanes had a goal (that was a goal!) disallowed. I wonder if the NHL was worried that a 3-0 lead would cause a lot of viewers to change the channel. HM, I wonder!

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Alex vs Sid: A Media Match for the Ages

It has been years, perhaps decades, since the NHL's best faced off against each other in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Perhaps not since Gordie Howe and Rocket Richard went toe to toe in several Stanley Cup playoffs in the 1950s has the league's best two players faced each other in critical playoff contests.

This afternoon Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby face-off in the first game of a best seven series with the winner headed to the conference championship, and perhaps, a berth in the Stanley Cup finals.

This series will not etch in stone which of these young superstars is the best, but it will lead to bragging rights for the immediate future.

Personally, if you had asked me two years ago which of these guys was the best, without blinking an eye, the answer would have been Crosby.

Now, I am not sure the answer would be the same.

First of all, Alex has proven himself to be the best goal scorer in the league, and, one of the best promoters of the NHL game.

Secondly, Sidney is a great player, but, boy does he whine! He can dish it out, but he sure can't take it. The term "Rabbit Ears" definitely applies to Crosby. You can get under his skin not only by delivering a solid clean hit, or, by talking to him. He hates both equally.

What I like about them both is they both want to win!

Alex literally put the Caps on his back and carried them to victory over the Rangers.

I think Sidney has a better cast of characters around him, but Ovechkin's desire is huge.

Whatever the outcome, we are in for some great hockey, starting today.

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Stanley Cup Round 2 Predictions

Well the Eastern Conference is finally ready to begin Round 2. I have to admit I was not nearly as good with my predictions as I was in the West. So, here goes with this round's predictions:

The one that I did get right was Pittsburgh beating the Flyers. This round they face the Capitals and Alexander Ovechkin. Last night's thrilling victory over the Rangers may be the tonic Washington needs to get themselves together and make a run for the cup.

For some reason Sidney Crosby does not do well against his main rival. The Caps have dominated the Pens all season long and look for this trend to continue. Caps win this in 6.

If the Washington - New York series final was not thrilling enough, how about the Canes last minute victory over the Devils? WOW!!

The Canes may have trouble getting on track against the Bruins in game one, but despite the fact that Boston has owned Carolina this year, I like the Canes to win in Seven.

Why? Cam Ward is a proven Stanley Cup winner and Tim Thomas is not. I like Thomas, but I am not sure how he will act when the heat is on and Staal and company are buzzing the net, firing from all angles. Remember, the Stanley Cup playoffs bring out the best in a lot of players and I think that includes many of the Canes.

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Western Conference -Round 2

Well it is time for predictions for the next round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Permit me a moment to brag.

I called the Ducks in 6,and the Red Wings in 4. I got em both right! Now, I have to admit I was not perfect I called Vancouver in 5, they only took 4. I predicted Chicago would win in 5, but they took 6. Oh, well, can't be right all the time.

Detroit and Anaheim - Although this is the 2 seed versus the 8th seed, this will be a battle. The Ducks are huge on defense and on the forward lines, and don't forget they have rookie sniper Bobby Ryan playing with Getzlaf and Perry.

But, when you shake it all out, I got to give it to the Wings in 6. Too much experience, skill and desire to win the tough games.

Vancouver and Chicago - Did I mention goaltending was key in the playoffs? Well it is. And both these teams are riding some great goalie talent. Chicago's got the youth with Kane, Toews and Sharpe, but for some reason I think Luongo will steal the show. Canucks in 7.

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Stanley Cup Comments

Some thoughts about the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs to date.

I was not surprised that the Bruins defeated the Canadiens, but I am surprised that they totally dominated that Habs. I would not be surprised to see changes from top to bottom in Montreal.

Vancouver's whitewash of the Blues was not unexpected. The big question is whether Roberto Luongo can carry this team on his back to the finals.



The Red Wings disposal of the Blue Jackets was not unexpected. But look out for Rick Nash and his teammates to be a force in the NHL in the years to come. There is a lot of hockey talent in Columbus.

I am really enjoying the Caps - Rangers and the Flyers - Perguins series. Great plays, hard hits and fast skating. A winning formula for the fans.

Too bad Sean Avery has returned to his old ways. I hope we have seen the last of his troublesome antics.

Ice Chips: Owen Sound Attack alumnus Bobby Ryan is doing it all for the Ducks as they are giving the Sharks more than they can handle. Congratulations Bobby on your nomination as a finalist for the Calder Trophy.

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Wings Close to a Sweep

Will the Red Wings get out the brooms in Columbus tonight and sweep the Blue Jackets? Perhaps. But something tells me that Rick Nash and his young teammates are not quite ready for the golf course.

I have been really impressed by the Jackets and their play. Watch out for this team in the next few seasons. They are only going to get better!



The playoffs are always full of surprises, and Jiri Hudler of the Wings has provided a major surprise for everyone. Although the diminutive forward has loads of talent, he has always been overshadowed by the Red Wings big guns. This has not been the situation in this series. Hudler has raised his game to a new level and the results can be found on the score sheet for each of the games of this series.

Ice Chips: Sean Avery was up to his old tricks last night, slugging Erskine and then Varlamov. Sean, the league and the fans are tired of your nonsense. Grow Up!

Look for Boston to put the Canadiens out of their misery tomorrow night. The Habs seem to have lost their focus and their zip.

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Red Wings Just Too Much for Jackets

The Detroit Red Wings just seem to be too much for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Motor City guys just seem to dare you to take a penalty and when you do --- it is not long before the puck is in the net!

If you want to beat the Wings the solution is simple - STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

In Boston the same was true. The Canadiens just can't intimidate the boys from Beantown.

Tim Thomas is certainly looking like a playoff goalie!

Speaking of playoff goalies, How about the Rangers - Capitals series? Henrik Lundqvist in the Rangers net is proving that he is one of the best in the league. While the Caps surprised the hockey world by starting Simeon Varlamov (WHO?). The youngster was sensational in a 1-0 loss. What a great game for both goalies.

The surprise of this series is not the great goaltending, but the fact that the NHL's best goal scorer Alexander Ovechkin has looked lost and off his game from the opening whistle of game one. Alex is going to have to find his scoring touch, and quickly, or the Caps are going to be looking for tee times on their favorite golf courses very soon!

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2009 Stanley Cup Predictions

Western Conference

Vancouver - St. Louis

Most playoff games are decided by the goalies and this series is no exception. Roberto Luongo is in a zone all by himself. He could carry the Canucks to the finals.

The Blues have some great youngsters but they are a season or so away from making a serious playoff run.

Vancouver in 5.

Reason: Luongo

Ducks - Sharks

What is it with the Sharks? All that talent and not a leader amongst them! Both teams have huge forwards, but I think Getzlaf and Ryan are grittier than Thornton.

Ducks in 6

Reason: Ducks defense is big and experienced. Sharks have the 2nd best defenseman in the NHL with Dan Boyle but he can't do it alone. Look for a major shake up in San Jose if the Ducks put out the Sharks.

Chicago - Calgary

What is with the NHL? Letting Mike Cammalleri off with his cheap shot on Havlat. Now from time-to-time I would have liked to give Havlat a shot myself as he seems to show up only when he wants to. Perhaps the Flames did the Hawks a favor by waking up Havlat, he could be a difference maker. (After all, he responded to the hit with 2 goals including the game winner!)

Calgary is a team that is easy to dislike. Starting with their coach, they like to dish it out but few, if any of them, can take it when the shoe is on the other foot.

Watch for nastiness to continue, but it will not deter Chicago from victory.

Chicago in 5.

Reason: Goaltending, the Hawks have two number one netminders who are capable of going on winning streak. Secondly, the Flames have no one to compare with Toews, Kane and Sharp.

Detroit - Columbus

I like Columbus as a contender in a couple of years, but right the Wings are just too much for them.

Detroit in 4 (maybe 5)

Reason: Detroit has EXPERIENCE, TALENT and MORE EXPERIENCE!!!

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2009 Play off Predictions

It is hard to believe, but the NHL playoffs are here again and like every other hockey fan I too know who is going to win the Stanley Cup!

But, before I get ahead of myself, it is time for decisions about the first round of playoffs. (I know I am two days late, but here they are anyway)

Eastern Conference

Montreal - Boston

Last night's first game of this series was a beauty! Hard skating, hustle and a lot of sandpaper! But when the outcome is finally decided it will be the team whose goalie stood the tallest!

Both Carey Price and Tim Thomas are capable of winning this thing by themselves.

For some reason I like Montreal in six.

My reason? I have never been impressed by Chara in terms of his commitment to anything but himself. I watched him stand idly by during his last playoff performance with Ottawa and you knew he was already out of town to whoever would pay the most. Sorry Bruins fans, but Chara has to prove that he has the will to win and team spirit before I will believe that he can lead anyone to the Stanley Cup.

New York Rangers - Washington Capitals

Once again goalies will determine the outcome and for that reason I like the Rangers in 5.

Reason: Rangers have a lot of playoff experience and on Washington's side Alex Ovechkin (who I think is a fantastic hockey player and promoter of the game) won't be able to do it by himself. The Caps lack a solid goalie and sandpaper on the forward line.

Pittsburgh - Philadelphia

A really interesting series. Could go and should go seven games. I am not sure who will win this series. I like the Flyers forwards (Richards, Carter, etc) over the Pens forwards. But, I have never been a Martin Biron fan. He just can't seem to win the big ones.

Decision: I have to pick, I like the Pens for two reasons goaltending and playoff experience (last year's run to the finals should have taught Sid and the boys a few things about playoff hockey.)

New Jersey Devils - Carolina Hurricanes

This is a dreadful series to predict. First of all, I have to admit a prejudice. I hate the style of play of the Devils. I like watching Martin Brodeur but watching bowling on television is almost better than watching the Devils bore the heck of their opponents and fans.

This is a seven game series, and I hope I am wrong but I think the best goalie on the planet will defeat the Canes all by himself.

Western Conference predictions will be posted tomorrow.

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Montreal Canadiens Centennial Set - Hockey Card Review continued

The Montreal Canadiens Centennial Set Review continues with a look at some of the interesting subsets within the main set.


In a previous post I described some of the players in the 200 card base set. Today I will introduce you to some of the interesting subsets which are numbered from 201 to 300.

The "Captains" series features a card of every player who wore the "C" for the Canadiens. Below I have posted a card featuring Montreal's captain from 1922 to 1925, Sprague Cleghorn.



Another subsection features pictures of the arenas that have been home to the Canadiens. One of these hockey cards features the old Forum where Rocket Richard and Jean Beliveau skated for most of their fabulous careers.



The "Career Leaders" feature a virtual who's who of Hall of Fame hockey stars, including goalies Jacques Plante and George Hainsworth.





The "Trophy Winners" section is once again a number of cards of Habs legends. The players featured on this list is just awesome! For some reason I really like the Toe Blake Lady Byng Trophy from 1946.



My favorite subset is the retired jersey cards. While the Upper Deck attention to detail, great photography and all around high quality is evident throughout this set which takes the collector on a joyful trip down memory lane, the Retired Jerseys are a perfect conclusion to one of the best hockey card sets in years.

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Montreal Canadiens Centennial Set - Hockey Card Review

Every once in a while a hockey card set is produced and you just have to have it! The Montreal Canadiens Centennial Set from Upper Deck is one of those sets. I am not surprised by the quality of the photographs and the cards themselves. After all, Upper Deck has made its place atop the sports collectible industry because of its high quality and attention to detail and this set is just another example of this.

First of all, you can purchase cards from this set in many formats, but my favorite is the one that I found in our local Walmart.

Ten packages, each containing 8 hockey cards, are packaged in a collector tin. The tin is a great collectible by itself with a wonderful picture of perhaps the greatest Montreal Canadien of all time, Jean Beliveau.



Along with the great tin and hockey cards, each container has a miniature banner (similar to the ones you can find hanging from the rafters of your local arena or baseball stadium celebrating past championship teams). The banner in my tin celebrated the Canadiens' 1943-44 Stanley Cup championship.



The 300 card set features stars from every era of the Montreal Canadiens 100 years in professional hockey. The first card features legendary player Toe Blake, who after retiring, became the coach of the Canadiens during their glory days of the 1950s.



The last hockey card #300 features the dramatic and emotional return of current captain Saku Koivu from his bout with cancer.

In between there are hockey cards featuring great players and great moments from the Canadiens storied past. One of my favorites is that of Georges Vezina, the great goaltender whose name is forever etched in NHL history on the trophy that is given to the best NHL goaltender each season.



In upcoming blogs I will feature other hockey cards from this great hockey card set. As a hockey card collector and hockey historian, I strongly recommend this set to anyone who enjoys the great game of hockey.

Postscript: The packages are also a nice collectible featuring a great picture of Montreal Canadiens superstar Guy Lafleur.

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Martin Brodeur: Number One in Career Victories

Martin Brodeur is officially the goalie with the most wins in the NHL. Last night Brodeur led his New Jersey Devils to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Black Hawks to record his career record 552nd victory.

I have always liked Martin Brodeur, except when he was playing my favorite team. Many people have down-played his efforts because Brodeur has spent his entire career with defensive minded Devils. But, to rack up the wins the way he has, Martin Brodeur is definitely something special. I do not know if he is the best of all time, but I sure he is near the top. Personally, Terry Sawchuk is the best of all time. But there is very little difference between these two.

When he kicked off his career who would have guessed the success that he would one day accumulate 552 victories, and he is not done yet!

His goaltending career started when he was 7 years old and Martin told NHL.COM’s Dan Rosen "It turns out to probably be the biggest decision I ever made."

Brodeur told NHL.COM that he was a “huge Canadiens fan” and ironically “he idolized Patrick Roy” the goalie whose record he beat last night.

Next in Brodeur’s sights is the all-time shutout record held by the legendary Terry Sawchuk.

Besides the personal records and trophies (he won the Rookie of the Year in 1993-1994 and has captured four Vezina Trophies and four Jennings Trophies) Brodeur has led the Devils to three Stanley Cup titles.



With a few more years left in his playing career Martin Brodeur may rack up career statistics which may never be broken.

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Post Trade Deadline Day Musings

Trade Deadline Day 2009 has come and gone. The real winners and losers? Only time will tell. Two teams who were not active at the trade deadline, San Jose and Detroit, still are the teams beat.

Will Mark Recchi help Boston? Probably.

Will Olli Jokinen help Calgary? Not likely. Jordan Leopold will make a larger contribution than Jokinen.

Phoenix made some nice moves (draft picks, young players, getting rid of Jokinen,etc) but the outcome is largely in the future.

The Rangers made a couple of acquisitions (Antropov and Morris). Will they help? Maybe.

But the biggest move made by the Rangers was the re-acquisition of bad boy Sean Avery. Now as readers of my blog know, I am formerly from Owen Sound and I watched Sean develop as a junior player until the rest of the team tired of his antics and he was shipped off to Kingston.

If Sean sticks to hockey and forgets the "stupid stuff" like waving his stick in Marty Brodeur's face, then the Rangers might make the playoffs and Sean will have made a big contribution. But if he continues his bad habits, look for the Rangers to free fall out of playoff contention.



Ice Chips: All of the former Owen Sound Platers/Attack players as well as guys who call Owen Sound their hometown are playing great, making strong contributions to their team. (the jury is still out on Sean Avery). Look for Bobby Ryan to capture the Calder Trophy as the Rookie of the Year as he continues to score (he leads all rookies with 23 goals.)

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Hockey Trade Deadline Day -- Part Two

All in all, today's trading action was a bit slow compared to previous years. But there were some interesting moves.

For weeks (it seems) there has been a lot of speculation about where Olli Jokinen, the Coyotes somewhat disgruntles star would end up. Most thought Montreal or perhaps Chicago. But in the end Calgary Flames stepped up and swung a multi player deal that included Matthew Lombardi to get the big centerman.



Whether Jokinen will be the big man down the middle is yet to be seen. There is a lot of talk around the league about Olli's nasty disposition especially with young players. Hopefully, the leaders in the Flames dressing room will keep Olli from spreading the doom and gloom that seems to follow him from team to team.

It was trade deadline day and of course that meant a new team for a couple of veterans who have become trade day travelers the past few years.

Bill Guerin was shipped by the Islanders to Pittsburgh where he will bring lots of grit and leadership to a team that is loaded with young talent, but not necessarily a lot of maturity or toughness.



And, of course what would trade deadline day be without Mark Recchi skating to another location. Remember, he went to Carolina on this day a few years back and ended up leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup.

This year the Boston Bruins hope that Recchi can repeat his magic with them as they sent two youngsters to the Lightning to get Mark for their post-season run.



Winners and Losers today:

Philadelphia did not get their hands on Jay Bouwmeester and although they did trade Scotty Upshall to clear some cap space, you have to consider them losers today.

Same too for Vancouver and all the other teams that coveted the Florida star defenseman but did not get him.

Winners:

Ottawa, if Pascal LeClaire proves to be the goalie that the franchise so desperately needs.

Pittsburgh and Boston for landing key veterans to help them down the stretch.

Buffalo for doing what was needed to keep Connolly in a Sabres uniform, and for getting Telqvist to fill in for Miller. But in the end, it might be the acquisition of Dominic Moore that will have the most impact, at least this season, his speed and gritty style of play might just help secure a playoff position for the Sabres.

And, Calgary. Leopold is a great addition and if Jokinen does not wreak havoc in the dressing room then the Flames will unquestionably be the big winners today.

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Trade Deadline Day!

The first trade of the day and the Ottawa Senators trade Antoine Vermette to the Columbus Blue Jackets for goalie Pascal LeClaire.



Winner: Ottawa! Vermette is an average goal scorer but a great penalty killer. But, the Senators got the best penalty killer of all, a good goaltender!

Goaltending always seems to be a problem in Ottawa, but LeClaire just might be the answer!

The second trade of the day brings former Flame defenseman Jordan Leopold back to Calgary for a couple of minor leaguers and a draft pick. This is a great deal to solidify the blue line in Calgary.



Buffalo Sabres were in action early and their most important deal of the day was not a trade but a contract extension to sniper Tim Connolly who would have become a free agent on July 1. The Sabres probably overpaid but not wanting to lose another star to free agency and receive nothing in return Buffalo management signed Connolly to a two year deal worth about $9 million.

Fearing that Patrick Lalime was not the goalie to get them to the playoffs (Ryan Miller is injured and there are questions about his return date) the Sabres sent a 4th round pick to Phoenix for Mikael Telqvist. Later, the Sabres spent another draft pick for Dominic Moore, the feisty center for Toronto.



For the most part the Toronto Maple Leafs were going to be sellers today, trying to unload unrestricted free agents Dominic Moore (see above) and Nik Antropov. Antropov was dispatched to the New York Rangers for a draft pick. But, in a surprise move the Leafs claimed Martin Gerber from Ottawa on waivers. Then the club announced that Toskala would undergo season-ending surgery.



Stay tuned, check out the next post when I will continue coverage of Trade Deadline Day.

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Watching NHL hockey

There are many angles to approach when you are watching a hockey game or just following the scores on the morning sports broadcast.

Of course we all want to know how our favorite teams or players performed in the previous night’s action, but something I look for is how the guys that I watched play hockey in my home town are doing.

I grew up in Owen Sound, Ontario (as I sure readers of this blog have gathered over time). I was a goalie and I idolized Owen Sound’s number one hockey hero the great Hall of Fame netminder Harry Lumley. But in recent years I moved back to Owen Sound for a while and I got to know a lot of the junior players skating for the Owen Sound Platers (now they are the Owen Sound Attack). So when I watch a hockey game or tune in to the sports broadcast I like to find out how this generation of Owen Sound hockey players are doing in the NHL.

Last night was no exception, as I tuned in to the game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Anaheim Ducks. Bobby Ryan, who I watched play his entire junior career in Owen Sound, and who will always be the answer to the hockey trivia question “Who was drafted first behind Sidney Crosby?” was facing one of the best Owen Sound juniors of all time Adam Mair.



Ryan has turned into a superlative hockey player, leading the NHL in goals (21) for rookies, and is a pleasure to watch. The gritty Adam Mair is always at his best when he is throwing hard bodychecks and digging the puck out of the corners. (Adam had a lot of people predicting that he would one day be a premier checking forward in the NHL, but then he was drafted by the Maple Leafs and it took years for him to recover from the way he was treated there, but that is blog for another day.)

It was a lot of fun to see two guys, who I saw grow up as junior players play against each other last night.

But Adam and Bobby were not the only former Owen Sound juniors playing in the NHL last night. Former OHL scoring wizard Andrew Brunette’s Minnesota Wild played the Los Angeles Kings and Brad Richardson. Brunette has had a great NHL career as a goal scorer and has been a gritty player willing to play through injuries In fact, his iron man mark of playing in 509 consecutive games recently ended on Feb 21 when he missed a game against another former Owen Sound star, Kirk Maltby and the Detroit Red Wings.



Another former Owen Sound junior also skated last night in the NHL, and his story is truly amazing.

Joel Ward scored his ninth goal of the season for the Predators as they downed the Black Hawks 5-3.

Ward has enjoyed a good season in Nashville playing regularly, as well as spending time on the power play and of course killing penalties. When Joel played in Owen Sound, he and Jan Sulc formed one of the most effective penalty killing duos in the OHL.

Joel’s path to the NHL was anything but routine.

He turned down an offer to play in the ECHL but instead turned his attention achieving an education. He enrolled at the University of Prince Edward Island where he starred in Canadian University hockey (earning a couple of MVP awards). After graduation Joel joined the Minnesota Wild’s organization and this past season signed with the Predators. If this season is any indication, Joel is going to have a long and successful career in the NHL.

Following hometown players as they play in the NHL is just another way to enjoy the great of game of hockey.

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Toskala Stellar in Leafs Victory over Habs

Vesa Toskala looked like regained some of his old confidence as he led the Toronto Maple Leafs to victory over a beleaguered Carey Price and the Montreal Canadiens last night.

Toskala has been the subject of much controversy in Toronto, the self-proclaimed “hub of the hockey world”. Not only were the fickle Toronto fans loudly questioning Toskala’s netminding skills, Coach Ron Wilson and GM Brian Burke also called out their goalie earlier in the week. But last night Toskala was the best Leaf on the ice. He stymied the Habs on a couple of “five on three power plays” proving once again that a hot goalie is the best penalty killer a team can have.

Three other Leafs played prominent roles behind Toskala’s brilliant performance. Jason Blake notched a couple of key goals and Dominic Moore won some key face-offs as well as providing some great checking and passing to get the puck to Blake on several occasions.

But a major surprise for me was the play of Matt Stajan who played a feisty game adding some much needed sandpaper to an otherwise soft Leaf line-up.

On the other side of the ledger, Montreal’s Carey Price looked bewildered at times in the Montreal nets. In the third period I thought he was getting back into a groove with a couple of key saves and then just when I thought he was back to normal he allowed a couple of soft “glove side” goals to sink any thoughts of a Habs comeback.

The Montreal Canadiens now head out on a tough six-game road trip. Perhaps a few games away from the boo-birds in Montreal will allow Price he opportunity to re-gain his confidence as the team heads down the home stretch and on into the play-offs.

Luke Schenn, Toronto highly-hyped rookie defenseman, opened the scoring with his first NHL goal.




Ice Chips: Bobby Ryan (the NHL Rookie of the Month in January) scored a nice goal in the Ducks victory over the Flames. Another ex-Owen Sound Attack player Dan Lacosta recorded his first NHL victory as he led the Columbus Blue Jackets past the high-flying Sharks 3-2 in overtime. Meanwhile in Ottawa, former Owen Sound junior star Adam Mair settled an old score with Jarkko Ruutu and then scored a nice goal for the Sabres.

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All Star News

Good for the NHLPA!! With little fanfare the players agreed not to reopen the Collective Bargaining Agreement, instead allowing things to remain the same until 2011.

While the NHLPA were showing class and concern for the game of hockey Emperor Bettman failed to show the same good sense when he announced that Detroit Red Wing and perhaps the best defenseman in hockey Nicklas Lidstrom would be suspended for one game for failing to show up for the All Star events in Montreal.

Lidstrom has attended about nine All Star games, never complaining. Now, he wants to miss the game with good reason probably and Bettman with his "what have you done for me lately attitude" shows what a shallow man he is by acting in such callous manner to one of the truly good guys in professional sport.

WAKE UP GARY!! Use some common sense!

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Northern Hockey Card Show

February 1, 2009

One of the best sports card shows in Northern Ontario will be held in Sudbury.

Where?

Moose Lodge
212 Frood Road
Sudbury, Ontario
10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

And,

Best of all,

Admission is FREE!

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Five Times Gold!!

Five times gold! Canada's junior hockey team destroyed Sweden 5-1 to capture their fifth gold medal in as many years.

Cody Hodgson, John Tavares and just about every Canadian junior player made a contribution to this historic victory.

Tampa Lightning brass must be beaming this morning as it was their draft pick, Dustin Tokarski, who faced 39 shots to back stop the Canadian victory. Tokarski's stellar play included denying Sweden's vaunted scorers on four straight power plays in the 2nd period.

Angelo Esposito (who I have blasted in previous posts for soft play) was one of the Canadians who set the tone for the night. The future Atlanta Thrasher skated furiously all night hounding the Swedish puck carriers and getting in the face of the Swedish netminder. His chippy and aggressive style unsettled the Swedes and led to at least a couple of Canadian goals.

Speaking of the Swedish goalie, Jacob Markstr0m, appeared to be demonstrating his ballet skills for an upcoming career with the Swedish Ballet or auditioning for a role as a "fish out of water". When he wasn't writhing on the ice he was flopping around like a fish out of water. His dramatics did little to help his club. They say his is a great goalie but his histrionics last night leave me wondering about that.

So it on to Saskatchewan for next year's World Junior Hockey Championships. If it is going to be half as good as this year's I can't wait!

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Canada Beats Russia - Face Sweden For Gold Monday

Three times the Canadian juniors took the lead, only to have the Russians bounce back to tie the game and then ultimately go ahead.

I was about ready to turn off the television, when with only a few seconds left, John Tavares grabbed the puck along the boards and fired the puck towards the Russian net. A Russian defenseman blocked the shot but instead of smothering the puck he allowed Jordan Eberle the opportunity to get the puck free, take a couple of skating strides and score the biggest goal of his young career! There was only 5.4 seconds left on the clock.

Boy, am I ever glad that I had not turned off the TV.

Ten minutes of nail-biting overtime resolved nothing and then the dreaded shoot-out.

I hate shoot-outs.

Canada's Jordan Eberle shot first and scored on a great backhander past the Russian netminder.

Canadian goalie, and Tampa draft pick, Dustin Tokarski then thwarted Russia's Dimitri Kugryshev.

Canada's next shooter was none other than John Tavares who fired a great wrist shot to score Canada's second shoot-out goal.

Pavel Chernov, representing Russia's last hope of keeping Russia's shoot-out hopes alive was turned aside by Tokarski to give Canada a 6-5 decision.

Monday Canada faces Sweden for the gold medal.

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Canada Roars Back to Defeat U.S.A. in World Jr. Action

A shaky first period by the Canadian Junior squad allowed their rivals from below the border to jump out to a 3-0 lead. But before the teams could go their dressing rooms for the first intermission the Canadians had roared back, scoring three goals to tie the game.

It was John Tavares who led the Canadians’ comeback and before the game was over the budding superstar, and probable first over-all selection in next summer’s amateur draft, had notched a hat trick (the final goal went into an empty net).

Although the final score 7-4 indicates a solid Canadian victory, this is far from reality. Canada’s final two goals were dumped into an empty net as the Americans had pulled their goalie for an extra attacker in a desperate attempt to score the equalizer and force overtime.

The game, although not a sudden-death affair, still had a lot of significance as the winner received a bye to the semi-finals on Saturday and loser had to play an extra game on Friday to advance to the semis.

Although Dustin Tokarski had a shaky first period he made some saves late in the game. Some of those stops will have hockey fans talking for a long time. The biggest save, and one for highlight reels for sure, occurred when U.S.A.’s Colin Wilson was left alone in front of the Canadian net for what must have seemed like an eternity.

As the American star tried to baffle the Canadian netminder with a series of moves, not one Canadian skater could be found in the vicinity. Finally, with Tokarski down, Wilson fired a hard shot towards the wide open Canadian net. But, equally as fast the Canadian goalie flashed the leather and made a fantastic catch to rob the Americans of a sure goal.

The save and others by the Watson Saskatchewan native no doubt had the Tampa Lightning brass drooling over the thoughts of this youngster playing for them in the next few years.

Note: On other occasions I have lamented the lack of good officiating in international hockey and last night’s game does not change my mind. Although there were questionable calls in both directions I thought (and I bet Team USA’s coaching staff agrees) that the Americans were the victims of some calls that probably had an impact on the final score.

On a final note: In a previous post I criticized Angelo Esposito for his lack toughness with the puck. Last night the youngster exhibited a much stronger work ethic and hockey toughness. Keep up it up Angelo you are capable of being a very good hockey player.

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