Enjoy Hockey More

What a Shame!

2009-05-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

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!

Pittsburgh Not to be Denied?

2009-05-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

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?

Detroit edges Chicago in Game 2

2009-05-20T07:20:00.000-07:00

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!

Stanley Cup Prediction - Conference Finals

2009-05-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

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!

Referees Claim Victory in Pens OT Win Over Caps

2009-05-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Carolina hockey fans

2009-05-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Toronto Coyotes

2009-05-06T07:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Stanley Cup - 2009 - Round Two Comments

2009-05-04T07:33:00.001-07:00

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!

Alex vs Sid: A Media Match for the Ages

2009-05-02T05:53:00.000-07:00

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.

Stanley Cup Round 2 Predictions

2009-04-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Western Conference -Round 2

2009-04-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Stanley Cup Comments

2009-04-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Wings Close to a Sweep

2009-04-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

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.

Red Wings Just Too Much for Jackets

2009-04-19T05:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2009 Stanley Cup Predictions

2009-04-18T06:27:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009 Play off Predictions

2009-04-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

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.

Montreal Canadiens Centennial Set - Hockey Card Review continued

2009-03-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Montreal Canadiens Centennial Set - Hockey Card Review

2009-03-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Martin Brodeur: Number One in Career Victories

2009-03-18T13:27:00.000-07:00

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.

Post Trade Deadline Day Musings

2009-03-07T09:33:00.000-08:00

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.)

Hockey Trade Deadline Day -- Part Two

2009-03-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

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.

Trade Deadline Day!

2009-03-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

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.

Watching NHL hockey

2009-02-25T06:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Toskala Stellar in Leafs Victory over Habs

2009-02-08T05:55:00.000-08:00

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.

All Star News

2009-01-24T10:35:00.000-08:00

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!

Northern Hockey Card Show

2009-01-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

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!

Five Times Gold!!

2009-01-06T10:18:00.000-08:00

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!

Canada Beats Russia - Face Sweden For Gold Monday

2009-01-04T13:33:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2009-01-01T11:57:00.000-08:00

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.

Canada Out-Muscles Germany 5-1

2008-12-30T07:16:00.000-08:00

Canada’s World Junior hockey squad scored a 5-1 victory over their counterparts from Germany on Monday night.

Although the score seems one-sided and the shots on goal favored the Canadians, the game was full of high speed and hard hitting action.

The Germans seemed to want to turn the game into a street-fight and the Canadians were only too willing to respond. The result: lots of heavy hitting, great checks and penalties.

Many of the penalties (to both sides) were borderline at best or “phantom calls”. Like most international hockey games, the officiating is often less than good and many times it is just downright awful!

Barrie Colts and Washington Capital’s draft pick, Stefan Della Rovere of Maple Ontario seemed to be running all over the ice delivering awesome bodychecks. The 5'11 200 pound forward was sentenced to the sin bin three times, but in reality he should probably only have cooled his heels in the penalty box once.

For two periods the Germans kept the score close by frustrating the Canadians at every turn. (not the mention great goaltending by the German netminder) But the turning point in the game had to be Belleville Bulls defenseman PK Subban’s dramatic end-to-end rush which resulted in a foiled scoring attempt but the rebound was banged home by Evander Kane for a 3-1 lead.

After that goal the Germans played nastier and the Canadians just did what they do best, hit hard and score goals.

Zach Boychuk led the assault on the German goal with two goals and lots of other nifty plays.

Chet Pickard got the start between the pipes for Canada facing only 14 shots. The one that got behind him was a screen shot from the point on a power play.

NEXT UP: The games are only going to get more difficult for Team Canada. On New Year’s Eve they meet Team USA in a match that has all the marks of being something special. The stakes will be high as the winner will most likely get a bye into the Semi-final round.

Canadian Juniors Clobber Kazakhstan 15-0

2008-12-29T11:02:00.000-08:00

On Sunday I usually watch NFL football but because it is that time of year when the World’s best junior hockey players play World Junior Hockey Championship I switched the channel to watch a hockey game. Imagine my surprise when the Canadian Juniors defeated their opponents from Kazakhstan by more than two converted touchdowns.

From the opening face-off the Canadians roared into their opponent's end of the ice and they seemed to stay there for the entire game. Chet Pickard, Canada's goalie may have recorded the shutout but he was virtually alone for the entire game facing only 11 shots.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Andrei Yankov faced 44 shots and was mercifully pulled at the end of the second period.

Before everyone condemns the Canadians for “running up the score”, it is important to remember that in international competition, goal differentials (goals for vs. goals against) are used as tie-breakers. So to protect themselves later on in the tournament the Canadians had to score when they could.

What was interesting and admirable on the part of the Canuck juniors was their lack of celebration after scoring a goal. Some of them seemed to be almost embarrassed to have scored against the Kazaks. (Especially late in the game.)

Although they won, the Canadians had better look in the mirror and evaluate themselves before they skate out on the ice against the Germans tonight.

They tried to be too fancy with their passes at times and the result often meant a turnover. Against stronger competition this would have meant goals against.

Another note: Angelo Esposito can score goals there is no doubt but he has to learn to be stronger on the puck or his pro career will not be what many think it should be.

Finally, I have to agree with TSN’s Pierre McGuire. The International Ice Hockey Federation should cap the number of goals that can be applied against the goal differential tie-breaker. If the differential was limited to 5, then debacles like yesterday would be less likely to happen.

2008-2009 McDonald’s Hockey Card Inserts

2008-12-14T08:47:00.000-08:00

The 2008-2009 McDonald’s hockey card set is as usual a great sports card collectible. In a previous post I detailed the base set. Today, let’s look at the inserts.

First of all, the 6 card Checklist set features goalies from the 6 Canadian NHL hockey clubs. The card below features Calgary’s Mikka Kiprusoff. The other goalies featured include Carey Price of the Canadiens, the Senator’s Martin Gerber, Edmonton netminder Mathieu Garon, Vancouver’s Roberto Luongo and Leafs goalie Vesa Toskla.

Upper Deck suggests that you will pull a Checklist once out of every four packs.

The Superstar Spotlight series is a 14 card subset featuring stars such as Tampa’s Vincent Lecavalier, Joe Thornton of the Sharks and Red Wings’ dynamic forward Pavel Datsyuk.

According to company statistics on the back of the hockey card packages cards from this brightly colored and sharp looking insert set can be found on average once in every ten packs.

Unfortunately Upper Deck featured Jaromir Jagr who no longer plays in the NHL on the 12th card of this set.

The 10 card Profile subset features a wide array of NHL stars including Martin Brodeur, Dany Heatley and Roberto Luongo.

Of note, Mats Sundin, who has yet to decide whether he will skate in the NHL and with which team is a part of this hockey card subset.

The availability of the Profile cards is a ratio of one in fifteen packs.

The Speed Skater inserts are a 10 card set featuring some of the fastest skaters in the NHL. To accentuate the skating aspect of this set the cards are shaped like a hockey skate.

Cards from this set are a little more difficult to find as they are randomly packed one to every twenty five packages of hockey cards.

Some of the fastest skaters in the NHL are featured from the first card, the Lightning’s Martin St. Louis to Atlanta’s dynamic Ilya Kovlchuk, to the last card in the series Anaheim’s super fast defenseman Scott Niedermayer.

My favorite subset is also the most difficult to pull from a package. Cards from the “Clear Path to Greatness” subset are only found on average once in every 60 packs of hockey cards.

This set is going to be difficult to fill not only because of the 1:60 packs ratio but also because there are 14 cards in the set.

Featured stars include Henrik Zetterberg star forward with the Detroit Red Wings, superstar Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin one of the Penguins young stars.

These subsets are all well produced, featuring great colours, and Upper Deck’s usual photographic brilliance.

Postscript: There is another subset to this McDonald’s hockey card set but it is so scarce that I have yet to see a card from this set. McDonald’s have produced a limited edition gold parallel set. Each card is numbered out of 100.

The 2008-2009 Upper Deck McDonald’s hockey card set is a great set. Fun to collect and should be part of every hockey card collector’s collection.

2008-2009 McDonalds Hockey Cards

2008-12-13T07:05:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite hockey card sets is back.

The 2008-2009 version of the McDonalds hockey card set is available at your local “Golden Arches”.

Every year I put together a set of this great little set of hockey cards.

This year’s set is every bit as good as the sets from previous years. However, I do have a couple of small complaints.

First of all, Upper Deck, the manufacturer of this set included Peter Forsberg and Mats Sundin, both of whom are not in the NHL as yet this season. Similarly Jaromir Jagr has a card in one of the insert sets. (I will feature the inserts in my next post.)

Secondly, Markus Naslund appears as a Vancouver Canuck. Surely enough time has passed that Upper Deck has a photo of him in his Rangers’ uniform.

And, thirdly, for the second year in a row Sidney Crosby is nowhere to be found in the set. (I guess they could not give him enough Egg McMuffins to entice him to be in the set.)

But now for the good stuff!

The metallic look is great.

The roster of players, (with the exception of those noted above), is fantastic.

The 50 card set is ordered alphabetically by team name. Consequently, the first card features one of the best young power forwards in the NHL, Anaheim’s Ryan Getzlaf and ends with one of the league’s best players (who obviously does like Egg McMuffins) Washington Capital superstar, Alexander Ovechkin.

With only 50 cards in the main set there are many players who are left out. So, one of the great debates among collectors is likely to be who is in the current set and who got left out.

But, Upper Deck has done a great job (with the exception of my above-noted complaints) including a nice mix of veteran stars as well as some of the NHL’s rising stars.

One of my favorite things about this year’s McDonalds hockey card set is the number of goalies that are included.

No set of hockey cards would be complete without the best goalie in the world, Martin Brodeur.

Two of the possible successors to Brodeur, as the best goaltender in the NHL, Roberto Luongo and Montreal’s youngster Carey Price are featured.

Among the forwards and defensemen, superstars Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Lightning and Detroit Red Wing Nicklas Lidstrom, lead a cast great veterans and young guns. Lecavalier’s card (#43) has been the most difficult to find to fill my sets. But a close second in scarcity (at least for me) is card #11 which features Black Hawks superstar, and captain, Jonathan Toews.

This is a great set of hockey cards and everyone from serious collector to casual hockey card collector and hockey fan should try to make this set part of their hockey card collection.

Enjoy the set. It is well worth a few visits to your local McDonalds.

Next Post: 2008-2009 Mcdonalds insert cards.

Upper Deck Hockey Cards – 2007-2008 Series One

2008-12-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

Upper Deck hockey cards are probably the most sought after hockey cards each hockey season. Of course, 90%, or more, of the hockey cards produced each year come from this giant of the sports card industry. But, the main set is simply the one called Upper Deck hockey.

I have to admit at first I was not crazy about the 2007-2008 set. There was something about the copper colored writing and logo that just did not seem right. But as with most things in life after a while I got used to the set and started collecting it.

Collecting this set actually began in earnest when we were shopping in a local store and I discovered a nicely packaged tin container with a picture of Sidney Crosby on the top and eight packs of Upper Deck 2007-2008 Series One hockey cards inside.

When I opened the packages I was delighted with my cards. Especially the contents of the second pack where I pulled a card of one of my favorite players, Tampa Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier. The photo (below) is an example of another of Upper Deck’s strengths, great photographs in either unique settings or action shots.

But, the pack also contained the most highly valued rookie card in the set, Montreal Canadiens’ great young goalie Carey Price.

I also found some neat inserts including an NHL’s BEST Alexander Ovechkin in the other packages.

These unique collector tins also contained an over-sized card. The one that was in my tin was of Mike Modano, the Dallas Stars veteran star.

The Series One set of 2007-2008 Upper Deck Hockey cards features the company’s great photography, especially of the goalies. In particular I like this card showing Minnesota Wild goalie Niklas Backstrom in action.

As for unique photo shots check out this overhead view of superstar Joe Sakic attempting to score on Edmonton netminder Dwayne Roloson.

There are a lot of good rookie cards in this issue, including Coyotes Young Gun Peter Mueller and Montreal’s other rookie goalie Jaroslav Halak. There are some very interesting insert sets, including Lord Stanley’s Heroes, Hometown Heroes, Award Winners, and of course jersey cards.

I have to admit that I went back to the store and bought another collector tin of cards and much to my delight I pulled a jersey card of Curtis Sanford, in a Vancouver Canucks uniform. Now, this may not be a newsflash for the collecting world, but I have known Curt and his family for many years. (I even featured him in an article in our hometown newspaper.)

The packs in this tin contained a few inserts and a Sidney Crosby card.

The 2007-2008 Upper Deck Series One hockey cards is great set of hockey cards and the rookie cards especially are going to cause this set to be in great demand for years to come.

Tampa Lightning Defeat Toronto 3-2

2008-10-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

Vincent Lecavalier and Mike Smith led Tampa to a 3-2 victory over a hard checking Toronto Maple Leaf team.

Lecavalier netted 2 goals, one of which came as the result of a fantastic breakaway that ended with a deke that has Toskala still bewildered as to how the Bolts' star could make a move like that.

While Toskala played a great game in the Leafs' net, at the other end of the ice Bolts' goalie Mike Smith was demonstrating all game that not only is he adept at stopping the puck he is also very sharp when it comes to handling the puck. Many times throughout the game the Leafs would shoot the puck deep into the Tampa end, but before they could chase it down or start a forecheck Smith was firing long bombs to his forwards at, or near, the Leafs blueline.

Smith looked every bit the gunslinger, firing pucks all over the ice to his forwards and leaving the Leafs wondering how they could get the puck safely into Tampa's end.

Ice Chips: Of historic note, Bolts super rookie Steven Stamkos, notched his first NHL point with an assist on Lecavalier's second goal of the game.

Tuesday Morning Musings

2008-10-28T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ottawa Senators Win a game!

Jason Spezza scored 2 and Dany Heatley notched a single to lead the Senators to a 5-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.

But, more importantly, perhaps, Alex Auld got a victory. This should solidify his status as number one goalie for now.

It has been a strange first couple of weeks for the Senators. Sure they opened in Europe and perhaps they have not found their legs. But the Rangers and Penguins were also across the pond and they have looked pretty good so far this year.

Many point to the defense as the problem. But, I think it is deeper than that. Starting the season with Martin Gerber as the number one netminder just does not make sense. Gerber's track record as a number one goalie is less than stellar. I have always thought that Gerber does not "care enough" about victories. What motivates him, I don't know. But Craig Hartsburg better find out, and in a hurry. The Eastern Conference is just too tough for a late run to the playoffs.

Maple Leafs: I just can't believe that the Leafs are going to keep Luke Schenn around this year. Yes I can! The Leafs have a history of destroying young players and this is just another example of this situation. I sure hope that I am wrong on this count.

But you have to give the Leafs credit on the ice. I warned everyone in an earlier post that this team would be dangerous. Ottawa is the latest team to find out too late that Toronto's hard work and discipline combined with low expectations from their opponents has led to some victories.

Tampa Lightning: Early this summer, after some of their great free agent signings I suggested that the Lightning would be a contender. So far, I been proven to be completely wrong. Maybe they should have found a way to keep Dan Boyle. Because right now Tampa's defense looks pretty bad. But things can change, and with the great goaltending from Smith and a strong forward unit, the Bolts can still make my prediction look pretty good.

Tampa could start tonight with a victory in Toronto. All they have do is not take the Leafs too lightly.

A Hockey Team for Toronto

2008-10-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Another NHL team in Toronto, Please!

It must have been a slow news day in Toronto. The Globe & Mail broke a story that the NHL was contemplating putting another team in the Toronto area.

Does anyone think that Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the owners of the Leafs, is going to allow another team into their market. NEVER! They might have to offer competitive ticket prices and, come to think of it, a competitive hockey team.

Nope, sorry Toronto fans, get used to it, there is no way that the Leafs are going to allow another team in their market.

But it is interesting that just about every national news broadcast in Canada covered this story and even regional broadcasts such as CTV's Sudbury channel carried this story.

I wonder what hockey rumor will surface on the next slow news day.

Red Wings lose a close one in OT to Canucks

2008-10-17T04:45:00.000-07:00

The night started off great if you are a long time Red Wings fan. After all, what could be better than a tribute to Alex Delvecchio the legendary center who played more than two decades in the Motor City.

Unfortunately, the line of Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows and Jannik Hansen were not all that interested in Detroit's storied history. Instead these three Canucks led a buzz-saw attack that once again left the Red Wings defense bewildered and giving up turnover after turnover. What is going on? The Red Wings defense is supposed to be the best in the league, but last night's game and last week's home opener against the pitiful Leafs makes you wonder if they miss Chris Chelios more than anyone realizes.

The Red Wings forwards and powerplay are still something to amaze, but when they run into a great goalie (Luongo) and a pesky forecheck the team as a whole suffers.

But don't blame this loss on Chris Osgood, without him the game would not have gone to overtime, it would have simply been a loss.

Maple Leafs Win the Stanley Cup!

2008-10-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

The Maple Leafs are going to win the Stanley Cup! Can't you just hear the Toronto media and the fans this morning?

As I said yesterday, the Maple Leafs are a dangerous team to face. Not because they have an abundance of talent. No, because most "experts" give them little chance of making the playoffs. Therefore, no pressure for the young team and you saw the results last night. They were loose and they played with a reckless abandon that had the Red Wings wondering what hit them.

The Leafs were a force in the Red Wings end of the ice all night. The best defense in the NHL looked ordinary, at best, and confused most of the game as the Leafs swarmed them at every turn.

Add Toskala playing great in the nets and the result was a stunning 3-2 Leafs victory.

Star of the Game: The best player on the ice for both teams was Dominic Moore who led the Leafs forecheck, scored a goal, and played an outstanding game.

Postscript:

About the Leafs and the Stanley Cup, Toronto fans and media should enjoy last night's game and forget all the prognostications about a Cup in the immediate future. Just take one game at a time.

Red Wings - Leafs Kick off The NHL season

2008-10-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

Two original six rivals the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs open up the 2008-09 NHL season on this side of the Atlantic Ocean tonight.

The defending Stanley Cup Champion Red Wings are everyone's favorite to win the Stanley Cup this year and the Maple Leafs are everyone's choice to miss the playoffs this year.

Although you would think that tonight's game would be a walkover for the Red Wings, don't be too sure! Because no one expects much from the Leafs, the Toronto players have no pressure and that is often the formula for a win when it is least expected!

Luke Schenn - A Leaf for Now!

2008-10-08T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs seem headed to starting their season with youngster Luke Schenn on their blueline.

I can't help but think that this is a bad idea. Sure the Leafs have Pavel Kubina and Tomas Kaberle to mentor him. But, this is the big leagues and players have to be responsible for themselves and with probably the weakest forward unit in the entire NHL in front of him there are going to be many times that Schenn is left exposed and the result will certainly be a goal, but more importantly the result may be a loss of self-confidence in himself.

There are many who think that the Leafs will be eliminated from play-off contention early in the new year. So why expose your future defensive anchor to even nine games in the NHL. The mediocrity may just rub off.

The Leafs should recall what happened to another young can't miss defenseman. Fred Boimistruck first donned a Leaf jersey for the 1981-82 season. That team was just terrible! Boimistruck, Jim Benning and Bob McGill where all youngsters with lots of potential. But after a couple of seasons with the Leafs, Boimistruck a former member of Canada's World Junior team, was out of the NHL and not long later became an engineer with VIA rail.

Sure Benning and McGill had relatively long careers, but they became journeymen defensemen never really living up to their supposed potential.

Whether its only nine games or not, if Luke Schenn has the potential that the Leafs think he does, they should let him watch tomorrow's opener from the stands in Detroit and then send him back to junior.

Pittsburgh Penguins 4 - Ottawa Senators - 3

2008-10-05T07:05:00.000-07:00

Sidney Crosby's Pittsburgh Penguins took only 40 seconds to score their first goal of the new NHL hockey season. But, wait, it was not Crosby or even Malkin bulging the twine, it was Tyler Kennedy.

Martin Gerber, Ottawa's number one goalie, looked anything but number one on that goal and then again on the overtime goal scored by, yep, you guessed it! Tyler Kennedy!

Like the earlier game yesterday (Tampa and the Rangers) turnovers were almost as prevalent as nice passes.

Kennedy's overtime winner came on a turnover from Jason Spezza with only 25 seconds remaining before the shootout.

If this game is any indication of the goaltending situation in Ottawa this year, then the Sens had better start shopping. I have never been a big Martin Gerber fan and yesterday's action gave me little reason to reconsider my thoughts.

Both games played in Europe were less than fine examples of NHL hockey. Turnovers, missed checks and sloppy play seemed to be the order the day. In the Rangers and Bolts game the best players were the two goalies. Lundqvist and Smith seemed to be in mid-season form. Maybe, the time spent flying to Europe, getting over jet lag, etc seemed to leave the teams playing less than their best hockey.

I am sure that from a vacation standpoint the players have enjoyed themselves, but one has to wonder if there will be any impact on their game once the season swings into full gear in a few days

New York Rangers 2 - Tampa Lightning 1

2008-10-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

The first game of the new NHL season is over and the Tampa Lightning's young defense served up more turnovers than your local bakeshop.

Mike Smith making his debut as the Lightning's Number One netminder faced 41 shots and turned aside all but two, as his inexperienced defense left him hanging out alone on more than one occasion.

Perhaps he should have stopped Naslund's goal. But, it was his inexperience that allowed Naslund to score using his favorite scoring trick, a shot to the stick side, about 18" off the ice. Next time Smith will probably get that one.

The Rangers's second goal came from a screened shot by Dubinsky. Again a rookie mistake caused a Bolts' defenseman to move into the shooting lane and block his goalie's vision.

But before you think that the defeat was all the fault of the defense, the Lightning forwards seemed to lose their legs in the second period, giving the Rangers plenty of opportunity to pressure the young Tampa defense.

Martin St. Louis scored a nice goal on a backhand high over the Lundqvist in the Rangers net.

Despite all the turnovers and sloppy play there were many bright spots for the Bolts and with a little hard work and patience from the coaching staff, this Tampa team is a playoff team.

ICE CHIPS
Rookie sensation Steven Stamkos did not look out place. In fact, he had two brilliant scoring chances, one on a partial breakaway late in the game. Defensively he was not a liability especially late in the game when it looked like Naslund might make it 3-1, Stamkos moved quickly to bodycheck the Rangers' veteran off the puck just a few feet from the crease.

Roberto Luongo

2008-10-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

It took four decades, but the National Hockey League has another goalie who has been named the captain of his team.

Tuesday, the Vancouver Canucks announced that Roberto Luongo, the team's superstar goalie would be the club's captain.

With the free agent departure of captain Markus Naslund to the Rangers there had been a lot of speculation about who would wear the "C". Well, according to NHL rules goalies cannot wear the "C", even if they are captain. To meet NHL standards and still make Luongo captain a convoluted process had to be created.

Luongo is the captain, but Willie Mitchell is the player designated to talk to on-ice officials, and for ceremonial face-offs, once again Luongo will not be lumbering to center ice to take the draw, that honor instead will go to Mattias Ohlund, the longest serving Canuck.

Luongo is the seventh goalie in NHL history to captain his club, the last was Canadiens Bill Durnan during the 1947-48 season.

Why Luongo?

There are many reasons. The two most likely are:

-- Luongo is the most popular and best hockey player on the team.

-- With two years left on his contract, the club is hoping this will help them re-sign their only legitimate superstar.

Whatever the reason, I think Roberto Luongo is a great choice for team captain of the Vancouver Canucks.

Pre-Season Thoughts -- Detroit Red Wings & Montreal Canadiens

2008-10-01T17:14:00.000-07:00

The 2008-2009 NHL season begins in only a few days. These are tense times in the training camps. Rookies are hoping to fulfill that lifelong dream and start the season in the NHL, while some veterans are clinging to their dream of maintaining a position in the big league.

There will be trades, demotions to the minor professional leagues, and of course there will be many youngsters who will be sent back to their junior club for further seasoning.

Last night’s game between the Canadiens and the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings was a good illustration of the situation many hockey teams, not to mention, hockey players are facing this time year.

Forget the score (Montreal won in a shoot-out) of the games that are played this week. Instead, watch the rookies and veterans and try to figure out who is going to make it and who his headed to the minors or back to junior.

Last night, Montreal’s rookies and younger players put on a display of hard work, great plays and, if there were mistakes most of them were the result of someone trying too hard to win a job.

Montreal has loads of young hockey talent. So much talent that some hockey “experts” were suggesting that last night’s game was a match between the Stanley Cup finalists next spring. A little early for such bold predictions don’t you think?

Two of the Canadiens’ youngsters who really shone were goalie Carey Price and Max Pacioretty a young forward who has lots of size, good skating speed and finesse and enough grit that he is not afraid of the corners.

Pacioretty spent most of the game on a line with Alex Kovalev and Robert Lang and did not look out of place with the veterans. Kovalev fed him some nice passes and Lang, although he is not as speedy as most of the Canadiens, he provides them with some much-needed size at the center position.

Detroit, on the other hand, is loaded with veteran talent and with only two roster spots available and at least five youngsters ready to make the jump the NHL, there may be some startling moves on the third and fourth lines before the end of training camp.

With one of the two positions going to free agent acquisition Marion Hossa, Coach Mike Babcock has to find space for some of the young talent.

How can Darren Helm, perhaps the fastest skater in camp and a stellar performer in last year’s Stanley Cup victory not make the team? Newcomer Ville Leino, a 24 year-old star from Finland scored a nice goal on a Montreal turnover last night and every time he was on the ice he made something happen.
There will be tough decisions in the next few days for the Red Wings’ brain trust as there are at least three young defensemen (Derek Meech, Kyle Quincey, and Jonathon Ericsson) ready for the NHL as well.

Oh well, wouldn’t most of the general managers and coaches in the NHL love to have the problems that face Ken Holland and Mike Babcock?

Jack Lynch

2008-08-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

One of the most delightful characters that I have ever interviewed is former NHL defenseman Jack Lynch. The following is a brief biographical sketch of this former Penguin, Red Wing and Capital.

“Jack, you’ve been driving to Owen Sound for seven days and the Greys have not made a decision whether they want you for their team. If they don’t make a decision tonight don’t you think that you better find another team to play for?”

With these words from his father ringing in his ears, seventeen year old Jack Lynch made his way from his Barrie home to what might be his last chance to make the Owen Sound Greys’ Junior “B” hockey club. However, fate was smiling on the determined youngster that afternoon in the autumn of 1969. When he arrived at the arena, Coach Dave Worden told Jack that he had made the club.

Today Lynch calls making the Owen Sound Greys, the biggest step on his quest to play hockey in the NHL. Owen Sound’s 1969-70 Junior “B” club was one of the strongest teams in Ontario, winning 30 of their 40 league games. The highlight of season for Jack occurred on November 11, 1969. As he was eating his pre-game meal, his landlady told him that the upcoming game would be one of the toughest of the season. The Greys were playing their arch rivals, the Kitchener Greenshirts. Perhaps with the words of his landlady ringing in his ears, he played the game of his life, scoring his only career hat trick, and leading his team to victory.

Jack was always determined to fulfill his dream of playing in the National Hockey League. After one season in Owen Sound, he was drafted second over-all by the Junior “A” Oshawa Generals. As the 1970-71 season began the determined youngster looked for ways to improve himself. He found two strong motivators in Oshawa. The first was team captain Terry O’Reilly, whose work ethic and dedication to hockey had a strong influence on Lynch.

The second inspiration for the young defenseman was former Oshawa rearguard Bobby Orr. Lynch was awe-struck by the great Orr. Therefore, there was certain irony in the fact that he had been drafted, and now played for the same junior team as his role model. Jack tried to copy Orr as much as possible. Like Orr, he applied only two thin strands of tape to the middle of the blade of his hockey stick. This influence was so great that he even modeled his stance at face-offs to that of Orr.

While Lynch was with the Generals, the image of Orr was never far from his mind. In fact, he recalls that there was a six foot poster of Bobby in the lobby of the Oshawa Arena and every day, whether it was for a practice or a game, Jack looked at that image of his hero and reminded himself of his goal, the NHL!

After two seasons of junior hockey, Lynch faced the next hurdle in his quest, the 1972 NHL entry draft. As the big day approached he learned that he was likely to be drafted. Therefore, he and his family made the trek to Montreal to wait for a team to call his name.

He was sitting nervously with his father when with the 24th pick overall, the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins arose, and with their first pick of the draft announced “from the Oshawa Generals, the Pittsburgh Penguins select Jack Lynch”. The youngster from Barrie, Ontario had made a giant step toward fulfilling his childhood dream.

When Jack arrived back in Barrie after the NHL draft there was message on the phone. It was from the Philadelphia Blazers. That World Hockey Association team had drafted him and made an offer which was considerably higher than the contract proposed by the Penguins. However, Jack’s dream was the NHL, not the WHA. He recalls that he never even considered the offer from Philadelphia; instead he signed with the Penguins and prepared for his first professional training camp.

Jack played with Hershey of the AHL but also suited up for 47 games with the Penguins in his first professional season, 1972-73. The next season, 1973-74, was once again split between those two teams. However, there was a dramatic change on January 12, 1974. On that day, Lynch and goaltender Jim Rutherford (now the general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes) were traded to the Detroit Red Wings for defenseman Ron Stackhouse.

For the next 13 months Jack played in the NHL with the Wings. On February 8, 1975 Jack recalled thinking something was about to happen. At a team dinner, he noted that coach Alex Delvecchio seemed to be avoiding him. Soon after dinner, Delvecchio came to Lynch’s room and told him that he had been traded to the Washington Capitals for Dave Kryskow.

Washington was playing its first season in the NHL and Jack Lynch was about to become part of NHL history. When he arrived in Washington the team had yet to win a game on road and this tradition did not seem likely to end any time soon. Jack remembers that the team got together near the end of the season and discussed the situation. A look at the remaining games on the schedule revealed that they had three road games left, in Oakland, Pittsburgh and Montreal. They realized that their best chance for a victory was in Oakland.

They prepared for the west coast game as if it was the seventh game of the Stanley Cup finals. When it was over, victory was theirs. Their road losing streak had ended at 37 games. After the game the Capitals’ dressing room was in pandemonium. The players paraded a garbage can around the room, each one signing their name to this make-shift trophy. Unfortunately, the Caps’ success was short lived. They lost their remaining two road games and their team went into the record books for the most consecutive road losses (37) and the most road losses in a season (39).

On December 13, 1977 Jack Lynch’s hockey dreams received a shattering blow. On that night the Capitals were playing in Vancouver. With 73 seconds remaining in the game Lynch led a last effort rush into the Canucks’ end in an attempt to score the tying goal. Hilliard Graves, who Jack recalled was a notorious “low hitter”, submarined Jack and he suffered a severe knee injury.
After 13 months of torturous rehabilitation Lynch returned to the Capitals line-up. However, 30 games later, on November 15, 1979, Jack realized that his injury would not allow him to continue his dream and he retired.

However, he did not completely leave the game that he loved so much. He served as the color analyst on the Capitals’ game broadcasts for the 1980-81 season. But he realized that he needed more security for his family, so in March 1982 he joined the Ontario Ministry of Tourism as a Public Relations officer.

Today, the voice of Jack Lynch can be heard on many radio stations throughout Ontario promoting recreational and tourism events. Hockey is still a large part of his life. For many seasons he co-hosted a show about junior hockey on a Barrie radio station.

Jack Lynch’s life away from hockey is equally diverse and rich. His two daughters, Terri Ann and Katie are great source of joy and pride. He and his wife Bonnie enjoy golfing and are huge fans of NASCAR racing. However, his real joy is working around the house together, especially gardening.

Jack Lynch’s hockey career is a testament to the fact that dreams can become reality. All it takes is a lot of hard work and faith in yourself.

Bolts fans: Are you READY for Stamkos?

2008-08-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

Bolts fans are you ready for Stamkos? Better yet, are the other NHL teams ready for Stamkos and Lecavalier?

Take a look at what opposition goalies will have to face.

A New "Star" in Tampa

2008-07-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

Steven Stamkos has inked his first NHL contract. I am sure that Tampa hockey fans are drooling at the prospect of the youngster lining up on a line with Vinnie Lecavalier.

But, hold on Bolts boosters, before the youngster flies, he has to learn how to skate in the NHL. After all, most players will tell you that the speed of the game in the NHL is greater than anything that they had ever imagined both in junior and in the minors.

One thing is sure, Stamkos will get his chance to skate with Vinnie and Marty (St. Louis). But, with all the new additions to the club, One thing is for certain, You Will need a program to tell who is who at the first few Lightning games!

2006-2007 Victory Hockey Review

2008-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

Cards in the Set: 230

Hobby Favorite: #157 Sidney Crosby

My Favorite: #169 Curtis Sanford

Insert Sets

Upper Deck Victory Game Breakers (50 cards) - odds: 1:4.

Upper Deck Victory Next in Line (50 cards) - odds: 1:4 packs

Parallel Set: Upper Deck Victory Black 230 cards – odds: 1:720

The 2006-2007 Victory Hockey card set from Upper Deck is a fun set for the casual sports card collector or for youngsters that you would like to introduce to the wonderful world of hockey card collecting.

This set comes out early in the new hockey card season. Because of its early release date players who have either retired or changed teams are pictured in the uniform of their former team. For instance, Toronto Maple Leaf collectors will have to be satisfied with a card of their new goalie, Andrew Raycroft, wearing the uniform of his former club the Boston Bruins. (Now, in 2008, they can happily check him out in an Avalanche uniform.)

The cards are collated in alphabetical order starting with the players of the Anaheim Ducks and ending with the players of the Washington Capitals. Therefore it is easy to know when you have found all the players from your favorite team.

The cards are aesthetically pleasing with crisp bright colors and white borders. The pictures are excellent. But, then we have come to expect nothing less from Upper Deck.

I like this set as a good introduction for youngsters to the hobby for many reasons, but one of the most important attractions, is a special packaging format offered by Upper Deck.

Most every hockey season, Victory Hockey cards are available in a special edition collector’s tin. To find out more about this special packaging offer, I purchased a tin and this is what I discovered:

The tin featured a great picture of Ottawa Senators superstar Dany Heatley.

Inside, I found an over-sized hockey card of Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, encased in a plastic holder.

16 packs of cards with 6 cards in each package.

CARD DISTRIBUTION

The distribution of cards in the packages was great. The breakdown of the 96 cards was as follows:

87 cards towards the set

4 “Next in Line” insert cards

4 “Game Breakers” insert cards

1 “Upper Deck Victory Black”

You will note that I did not get any duplicates! What a great start towards completing a set!

The 2006-2007 Victory Hockey cards or Victory Hockey cards from any hockey season, are never going to be confused with the premium hockey card sets that are available on the market. But, it is a great set to get youngsters enthusiastic about the hobby of sports card collecting.

Hockey Memorabilia:1954-1955 Topps Hockey Card Set Review

2008-07-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

From time-to-time I will review a set of hockey cards. I have been a hockey card collector for many years. In my first review I look my favorite hockey card set the 1954-55 Topps set. If you would like me to review a particular hockey card set please contact me or if you would like to review your favorite hockey card set please contact me.

1954-1955 Topps Hockey Card Set Review

Cards in the Set: 60

Hobby Favorite: Card #8 Gordie Howe

My Favorite: Card #39 Alex Delvecchio

Rookie Cards: 10 rookie cards

Hobby Favorite Rookie Card: Doug Mohns

1954-1955 Topps Hockey Set

I have to admit that the 1954-1955 Topps hockey set is my favorite set of hockey cards. My favorite hockey player of all time is Alex Delvecchio and his card from this set is probably my favorite hockey card in my collection. It sits in a glass brick on my desk.

The 1954-55 set is historically significant because it is the first set of hockey cards produced by Topps. And what a great set it is!

The front of each of the cards features a colorful artist’s rendition of the hockey player on a white background. A large color image of the player’s team logo is located in the upper corner of the card. The bottom edge of the card has a two-color banner with the player’s name and team in white lettering with his position in black letters.

The biography of the featured player along with his statistics from the previous season can be found on the back of the card.

The 1954-1955 Topps hockey card set features only the cards of the four American based hockey teams in the National Hockey League at the time. (Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks and New York Rangers)

Prior to this set, Parkhurst was the only hockey card manufacturer. This Toronto-based company had started printing hockey cards in 1951.

NOTE: Prior to the Second World War, the O Pee Chee gum company of London, Ontario had produced several sets of hockey cards. But that company had halted card production during the war. O-Pee-Chee would not resume hockey card production until 1968.

The first card (Dick Gamble) and the last card (Milt Schmidt) in the set are priced as “Condition Sensitive” cards. If you are looking for these cards in mint condition be prepared to pay a premium price.

The roster of players featured in this wonderful set is headlined by Hall of Fame legends Gordie Howe and Terry Sawchuk. There are many other Hall of Fame players in the set. Milt Schmidt’s #60 card is the last card in the set and it is also the last player card ever produced of this great Bruins’ star.

Every collector of vintage hockey should strive to have at least one card from this outstanding set.

Hockey Free Agency Surprises, Winners and Losers

2008-07-06T18:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my hockey blog. I was planning on starting this project a little later in the summer but the onslaught of free agent signings and trades, not to mention some almost absurd signings in terms of sky-high dollars for players who in the past might not have attracted such high numbers, lured me into blogging sooner than later.

Sean Avery

Perhaps the most interesting signing so far is Sean Avery signing for four years with the Dallas Stars. Now I know super pest is a good friend of Brett Hull, the co-general manager of the Stars, but $15.5 million for four years is a little much don’t you think?

I had the pleasure of watching Sean skate for a few seasons in the OHL with Owen Sound Platers before his act burned out and he was sent packing to Kingston. I probably saw Sean play about 100 games in the OHL and NEVER did I imagine that he would play for more than a cup of coffee in the NHL let alone sign such a huge contract. You have to give him credit. The little guy has a big heart and a bigger sense of self-direction. I know that he is sometimes a loose cannon on the ice, but when comes to self promotion and getting ahead in the world of professional hockey Avery has few peers. After all, how many 15 goal scorers who amass 33 scoring points in a season command almost $4 million a season!

Biggest Losers (so far)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Right now I would vote for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the biggest loser so far in the free agent sweeps. I know they have a great core with Crosby, Malkin and Fleury (and yes they did retain Orpik) but character guys like Ryan Malone, Gary Roberts and Jarkko Ruutu are the grit and determination that take a team from being a good team to becoming a Stanley Cup finalist. After all, these are the guys who will stand in front of the net and take a beating, or dig the puck out of the corners so Crosby and Malkin can score the goals.

Speaking of scoring goals, letting Marion Hossa take his goal scoring prowess to Detroit not hurts the Penguins attack but makes the Red Wings even more potent. I am sure that many goalies, especially those in the Western Conference, really appreciate the arrival of another speedy sniper in Motown!

The Penguins did sign Ruslan Fedotenko, and Miroslav Satan. Although both of these guys can score, neither one of them is a two-way hockey player. When I watched Satan play for Buffalo, I often wondered if he knew where his defensive end of the ice was. To give the Pens some credit they did sign Matt Cooke who will be a plus on the defensive side of the ice. But the character they gave up may come back to haunt them in a big way!

Biggest Winner (so far)

Detroit Red Wings

Re-signing defensive stalwart Brad Stuart and stealing Marion Hossa from the rest of the league. Enough said.

Biggest Biggest Winner

Tampa Lightning

After years of relying upon three players, (Lecavalier, St. Louis and, until late last season, Richards) the Bolts new owners have led the charge to bring the team out of the basement and return it to the glory of just a few years ago.

Some shrewd trades just before the beginning of the free agent frenzy season, allowed the Bolts to lock up Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts two of the necessary role players to provide some back up to Lecavalier and St. Louis. They also brought Vinnie Prospal back to the wing beside Lecavalier after a few months of exile in the City of Brotherly Love.

But perhaps the most important deal made by the Lightning was the signing of veteran goaltender Olaf “Ollie the Goalie” Kolzig. “Ollie the Goalie’s” days of playing 70 games a season are in the rear view mirror, but his ability to step in and play a few games here and there and provide some mentoring to youngster Mike Smith could prove to be invaluable in Bolts march up the standings and back to respectability.

Two other recent acquisitions, Adam Hall Radim Vrbata, will certainly go a long way to adding quality depth to the Bolts roster.

Let’s not forget the drafting of Steven Stamkos, perhaps the best player to come to the NHL since Crosby. But Tampa had better savour drafting this Number One Draft pick because if all of the deals pay off, which I think they will; it will be long time before the Bolts get to draft a franchise again.

Darn! I was just about to post this and I discovered that Tampa just took a huge step in the opposite direction. They traded Dan Boyle! I have always considered Boyle to be just a step below Nick Lidstrom at the elite level in terms of all-round defensemen in the NHL. No matter what you get back for a player of this calibre, it will never be enough to replace what you give up!