Day 1 – Dear diary, I have arrived in New Jersey. While the city itself is a tad busier than Atlanta, I still feel like I am at home. My new condo fits me well, and the couple across the street enjoy making the sex with the curtains open. I can’t help but stare at the silky skin glistening in the moonlight. That guy must work his glutes daily. I’m such a little devil for looking. Oh no, his wife sees me. I must move now.

Day 8 – Dear diary, I scored some good points against the Maple Leafs and my agent found me a new condo. I look out my window and see city, but no more people across the street. That is a shame. I am invited to a slumber party on Saturday at Zach Parise’s house. If it’s anything like it was in Atlanta, everyone will have fun until Dany Heatley drives home.

Day 22 – Dear diary, I just got an e-mail from Don Waddell. I guess he’s still upset with me for wanting to leave. I thought I was very clear when he offered me a 10-year deal and I said “no thank you, I want to play for an NHL team.” He told me he lied about all the times he said I looked gorgeous and that I am not as pretty as I think I am. He’s obviously delusional because I am definitely a sexy piece of ass. Those pictures I took of myself in a skimpy devil suit will never be sent to him now. His loss.

Day 72 – Dear diary, I know I have not wrote you in a while, but today Ilya is sad =( tear drops I cannot draw and that makes me even more sad. I was never good in art class, but that’s not why I write you today. The Devils are kicked out of playoffs. Two times I go to playoffs and two times my team is out in first round. I scored six points in five games, but fans not happy. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I like my condo, but with no happy fans and no sex across street, I am not happy with New Jersey. What should I do?! Are you there?! Can you read this?! Answer me!!!!! Cry face!

Day 125 – Dear diary, I stopped writing you because you ignored me when I was sad. But I have something I need to tell you. Don Waddell is still angry. He got players from Stanley Cup winning team and is making fun of me for having no contract. He says “I have Dustin Buff, uh, Biff, uh, Bif Naked, or Fugly, Big Fugly Inn keeper, whatever his name is, you sucksorz! 3a7 @$$ K0v@1$uCk! 1337z0rz!” I do not speak code! What does this say?!

Day 132 – Dear diary, I am now a free agent. All I hear all day is ringing and agent keeps asking me “will you take this?” I do not want short-term, I hate Waddell, I need very big contract to get back at him for his secret code that has kept me awake at night. What the hell is a sucksorz?! Waddell e-mailed me today a video on youtube that said “Kovalchuk’s most awesome goals”, but some guy starting singing to me! The words are stuck in my head! “NEVER GUNNA GIVE YOU UP!” GAHHHH!

Day 135 – The Los Angeles Kings called me and said they like me, and want to schedule a meeting with me. My phone scares me and someone keeps sending me letters that have more numbers and letters in them. This one says U 1$ Da F@i1! I am so alone!

Day 139 – I had my meeting with the Los Angeles Kings at my condo. They don’t seem to like me anymore. I have built a man-fort in the corner of my living room and pushed my fridge beside it so I never have to leave. Technology scares me, and the only two things I can trust are you and my pencil, and my pencil just broke! I need to bite off parts of the wood to continue writing, brb!

Okay I am back. I used the bite stuff to create a small fire for my pet mouse, his name is Brian Gionta. He eats peanut butter, so we share. The Kings people left my place because they did not like it when I asked Gionta if the deal looked good. I told them I wanted him in my trade clause and they walked out.

Day 142 – Dear diary, Gionta is gone and I’m starting to wonder if he ever existed. I haven’t shaved in weeks and I think there’s something in my beard that’s tickling me. Oh wait! Maybe that’s Gionta!

Day 142 and a half – Dear diary, it was Gionta in my beard, but because I have no food left in my fridge, I had to eat him. I am so sad again, tearie face, but I ate him with peanut butter so he doesn’t get lonely in my stomach.

Day 150 – The Devils came over today and asked me if I still want to play hockey. I told them I did. They asked me for how long, and I told them for 370 Ilykov moons. They stared at me for a few minutes until they finally said “ok” and handed me a contract. I signed it and gave Waddell a little message.

Day 151 – The NHL says my contract isn’t good. They said “this isn’t compliant within the CBA”, and I said “you’re not compliant with the CBA!” And he said “what?” and I said “WHAT?!” Then there was a long pause and I said “you called the wrong number bitch!” Then I hung up. I sure showed him!

Day 171 – The obituaries guy told us my contract is not good and said it doesn’t count. I don’t understand what is going on. I wish Brian Gionta was here right now to tell me what I should do. Maybe I will go back to Russia and find a new Brian Gionta that I can pet and kiss and be with. I miss Brian Gionta. I miss how he would lick me before we went to sleep in my man-fort. Ilya is sad again.

Day 199 – I have a new contract with the Devils, hopefully this time it goes through. Ilya is happy! Also, I learned how to read and write Leet today, and now I know what Waddell wrote to me. Here is my new contract.

Micheal A. Aldred

Our first letter today is from Slavomir Lener, the hockey director of the Czech National teams, and he writes, "dear Bovi. I am angry with the CHL hockey. They take our players away from us. We are not happy with loss of good hockey. They need to stop this. Help me stop them. I am available for planning hockey takeover in Canada. They are small people. What say you? Also, please wish my mother a happy birthday."

Hello Lener, and happy birthday to your mother. I hope you understand that while you should urge your young stars to stay in their respected countries to practice and work on their game, the CHL does present some rather serious benefits.

Consider from this graph that the amount of drafted Nordic players are significantly increasing on a year to year basis, while European players are on the decline. This is due to the improving Nordic development program. Also keep in mind that most of the draft features Canadians as the forefront, and with more kids buying into the system and coming over to work on their game through the CHL, it has greatly affected their overall potential and helps them gain more publicity for the draft. In all fairness, maybe you should start keeping track of your kids fleeing to Sweden and Finland rather than Canada.

Next up, we have a letter from Bob McCown, he writes "dear BJ, I am not a fan of the way fighting is handled in the NHL. I think they should do what other leagues do and start ejecting players from the game if they get into a fight. Do not reply because I am not going to read this later."

First of all, I have no idea who you are. In fact, I doubt anyone has ever heard of you. You sound like a Texas McDonald's burger creation, and we all know not to trust clowns. You need to not talk anymore. We are talking about hockey – a sport that thrives on testosterone. This is not golf, or a burger eating contest, or whatever else you crazy Texans do. But if a fight should break out during one of your fastest-make-up-applicator contest, you can bet I'll be the first to cheer. Also, who gave you a microphone? If we want to hold a meeting on how to convert the NHL into Ringette, we'll make sure we call you first. Which brings me to the most important point of all – never let a Texas, golfing clown have a microphone.

Seen Here: Bob McCown holding a burger cutter, and a hand putter.

Lastly, we have a letter from Glenn Healy. He writers "BJ, my man! I am hanging at the World Summit, dawg! Just told the world they need to make sure the rinks are made right for the next Winter Olympics! I feel great! Having that microphone in my hands really made me feel like a somebody! No more being banned from people's tree-houses. I feel important! Like the owner of a riding lawnmower, just staring at the people with push mowers, giving them the what up face as I cut my grass while drinking a Cosmopolitain. Whoever said drinking and mowing was a bad idea never did it in style like I do!"

Seen Here: While everyone has their eye on the prize, Glenn can spot a Cosmo from a mile away.

Well Glenn, there's something you need to know. It's a bit difficult to say, but here goes… you're not a real person. Oh, wow, that was actually much easier than I thought it would be. Please, please, Glenn, let me continue. Your opinion doesn't, nor will it ever, matter. No one ever listens when you speak, and Hockey Night in Canada hired you out of pity and also to have someone for Mike Milbury to yell at. Fortunately, you have achieved an incredible goal in your career as a hockey player, and that is called mediocrity. You and Lee Stempniak have a lot in common. You both should be gagged, you both were paid to float, and neither of you ever knew how to play hockey. I suggest you call him up and invite him out for a Cosmo or two. I think you two would be the best of friends.

Now that I've finished telling you that, you're idea of having Dan Craig run the ice-surfaces at the next Winter Olympics was a great comment. I look forward to you contributing another successful thought next year, since you are limited to just one spontaneous positive idea per year.

That's all the time we have today, I look forward to reading new letters next time. Until then, remember to be just as close as your Holy Ghost is. Cheers everyone!

Check out More Letters to BJ Here:

Letters to BJ: Kariya, Stempniak and Lamoriello

The last time the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup was in 1961 against the Detroit Red Wings. In order to reach that feat, they had to first defeat the Montreal Canadiens. Forty-nine years later, the Flyers had to defeat the Canadiens to reach the finals. While it was the original six, it seems a bit coincidental that in 2010, the final 8 teams would include all three of Montreal, Detroit and Chicago.

In 1961, the previous occasion the Chicago Blackhawks reached the Stanley Cup Finals was in 1944, 17 years prior to their last cup championship. In 2009, the Blackhawks reached the final four for the first since 1992, but were unable to get past the Detroit Red Wings, the very team they beat for the championship in 1961. One year later, the Blackhawks are in the Stanley Cup finals, but had to defeat the San Jose Sharks to reach that feat. The Sharks coincidentally had to defeat the Detroit Red Wings to reach the final four.

In their last cup glory, the Chicago Blackhawks defeated both the Montreal Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings in 6 games. This post-season, Chicago defeated the Nashville Predators and the Vancouver Canucks in 6 games through their first two rounds, matching the two rounds they played in 1961 that both ended in 6 games.

The 1961 Stanley Cup team would also feature two notable athletes in Chicago's history – Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita. Bobby Hull was twenty-two years of age at the time, while Stan Mikita was just twenty-one. In 2010, both Jonathan Toews (twenty-two) and Patrick Kane (twenty-one) will be making their playoff debut.

The only way the hockey Gods could make it even more obvious would be if the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in six games, and the scores of each game ended as such:

Game 1: 3-2 Blackhawks. Game 2: 3-1 Flyers. Game 3: 3-1 Blackhawks. Game 4: 2-1 Flyers. Game 5: 6-2 Blackhawks. Game 6: 5-1 Blackhawks.

We'll find out soon enough.

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Flashback – 1975 Flyers and Bruins – Video

Micheal A. Aldred

Cole Harbour natives are known to partake in these "bets" whenever challenged, but the track record of their success is mediocre, leading many readers of another "loss" in the event wondering why they even continue the practice of it.

The "Cole Harbour Salmonizer" is a food eating contest in which two or more competitors sit opposite each other at a circular table while silver platters of deep fried salmon are placed in front of them. The competitors hands are tied behind their backs using 10 pound test fishing line. The object of the game is to finish eating all the salmon on your platter before your opponent finishes his or gives up due to the loss of feeling in both his hands. The amount of salmon is determined in pounds based on how many important people have come out of Cole Habour. For each important person born and raised in Cole Harbour, you add 1 pound. Right now, the pound value of the "Cole Harbour Salmonizer" is 8lbs; however, this is under review because Craig Hillier, a goaltender drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins, never played in the NHL thus making him unimportant.

Sidney Crosby lost the event to Mario Lemieux's wife, Nathalie. Reportedly, she won the competition after her eldest daughter, Lauren, advised her that she did not have to chew. Had Crosby won the event, he would have gained titleship to Mario Lemieux' yacht and second bathroom – because Crosby's ego could not be contained by just one.

Crosby has rushed out and purchased his new home, to which he will be moving in sometime in the very near future… unless he suddenly finds himself in Gretzky's basement first.

There is speculation that Lemieux said the reasoning for the challenge was due to Lauren nearly becoming of age, but that could have just been me talking to myself again.

Other reports of this even taking place at the NHL level include Joe DiPenta losing to his agent and thus signing a one-year contract with Frolunda HC of Elitserien, and Cam Russell who lost the event to QMJHL Halifax Moosehead's owner, and is now serving as the team's head coach.

On a more broad level, John Paul Tremblay, best known for his role as Julien on the Trailer Park Boys, has never lost the event. Ever. Because he's a bad ass.

See what I mean?

Micheal A. Aldred

The QMJHL suspended Cormier for the rest of the regular season and playoffs following the incident. Tam spent a night in the hospital, then returned and was suspended 2 games himself for a hit from behind against the Gatineau Olympiques on March 12th 2010.

This is a dangerous road for any league to be taking regarding hockey. Though it was a dangerous his, it is not often a hockey play is brought under review in court. The QMJHL had taken actions to suspend Cormier from the league, but outside law actions cause a hazardous outlook on the game itself.

It begs to question if any incidental contact (body contact, fighting, stick infractions) cause an injury to a player if the law can immediately intervene in the situation. I, for one, hope the league finds a way to separate the sport from common crimes.

Micheal A. Aldred

"Sportsdaily.ru is reporting that New York Rangers unrestricted free agent center Olli Jokinen could be headed to Dinamo Minsk of the KHL next season. In an article discussing key developments so far in the KHL off-season, author Maxim Grushev states the following in regards to the Belorussian club: “The main transfer news in the coming days could be the signing of a contract with Finnish forward Olli Jokinen, who spent last season with the Rangers. In conjunction with Spiridonov, Stümpel and Glazachev from Barys, the Finn should become a leader of the updated Minsk [club].”

The 31 year-old Finnish forward was acquired on February 1st of this year for Ales Kotalik and Chris Higgins. In return, he suited up for the Rangers a total of 26 times tallying just 4 goals and 11 assists in that span. It would be a short stay by Jokinen should he opt to sign with the KHL this off-season.

Jokinen played a total of 799 games before finally making the post-season with the Calgary Flames. In his NHL career, he played 881 games and scored 252 while adding 316 assists for 568 points with 869 penalty minutes.

Micheal A. Aldred

(1) WASHINGTON Vs. (8) MONTREAL

The Playoffs are about to start and what better time than now for the CFB predictions. We highlight every series with individual writers giving their own opinion on why or how a particular team can win the series. This is the Round 1 Predictions for the Eastern Conference.

(1) WASHINGTON Vs. (8) MONTREAL

The Washington Capitals have set a franchise record of 121 points this past season, and have gone 6-1-3 in their last 10 regular season games. That said, they were the only team from their division to reach the post-season, and were thus securing points from sub-par opposition. Similarly, the Detroit Red Wings had the same occurrence for several years in the past decade; which brings us to question: "Are the Washington Capitals as strong as the Red Wings of the past decade?" There is a big positive for the Capitals, despite being under the impression that they lack goaltending. Jose Theodore has posted a 0.911 SV% this season, and is hot heading into the playoffs with a 0.938 SV% over his last three games. Will he continue his strong play, or fold for the second consecutive year under pressure?

The Montreal Canadiens lack of scoring capabilities have been stifling their potential to take control of a game without worrying about their mediocre defensive coverage. They have since found themselves fighting tooth and nail to even crack the post-season. In spite of the goaltending controversy between Carey Price and Jaroslav Halak, the Habs are likely to go with Halak due to their lack of faith in Price. Halak has not been his usual self lately. After posting back to back shutouts, he has since gone 0-1-1 in his last two starts with a 0.867 SV%. In Price's last two outings, he notched an impressive 0.942 SV%. It begs to question if Halak is the right choice to start the series. The Canadiens do not have the scoring ability to match the Capitals offensive pressure, and thus it will require an outstanding performance by either Halak or Price to move on to the second round.

(2) NEW JERSEY Vs. (7) PHILADELPHIA

What the New Jersey Devils can't accomplish in scoring, they made up for in goals against with the third lowest totals in the Eastern Conference. This could potentially be a really dull series based on the trap system, but otherwise a physical affair. The Devils have the advantage in goaltending and defense, but the Flyers have a slight edge on offensive abilities. That said, the recent addition of Ilya Kovalchuk was done to even up that conflict, and should he not be able to translate his scoring powers to the post-season, then the Devils could be looking at a short detour before heading to the golf course.

Philadelphia is known to be a goalie cemetery. This season, they've gone through a six pack of defenders: Ray Emery, Michael Leighton, Jeremy Duchesne, Johan Backlund, Carter Hutton and now Brian Boucher. This lack of stability at the rear end has translated to their lack of production on the front end. Mike Richards, Jeff Carter and Daniel Briere are the only three players who were able to reach the 20+ goal plateau this season, but the scoring is spread out with 10 players posting 10 or more on the year. But it's the second effort on the back check, mixed with the poor goaltending performances, that have made the team a collective -33 on the plus/minus. Without a proven number one goaltender in net, this team will have to work just as hard on both ends of the rink to move past the Devils in the opening round.

(3) BUFFALO Vs. (6) BOSTON

Buffalo had the potential of being the perfect hockey team this year. They were showing signs of great team play with average to good players, but no elite, and backed by arguably the best goaltender in the NHL this season. They do not have size, they are relatively young, they work hard and they are eager. They will be one of the hardest teams to beat, no matter who they play, this post-season. It's difficult to imagine a team with better work ethics, and that is thanked to the underestimated coaching skills of one Lindy Ruff. They have 12 players who have double digits in the goal scoring department, and Thomas Vanek capped off the year with a 4 goal performance against the Ottawa Senators. Their sporadic scoring makes it nearly impossible for the opposition to line match. The Sabres placed first in a division in which only the Maple Leafs did not make the post-season. It was a difficult division to get through, yet the team has remained healthy for the exception of three players who are questionable for Thursday's opener.

The Boston Bruins can't score. There's no secret behind it. Marco Sturm is their offensive juggernaut with 22 goals, yet he only has 37 points on the year. Their best player (Savard) is out for the year with a concussion. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci lead this team up front with just 52 points, or a collective 104 which is less than each of the top three players in the league, and just a few past an additional four. When your two best players can't even collectively accumulate enough points to outscore the top player in the league, you're in trouble. In fact, the Bruins "scorers" rank 87th best and lower. That is an equivalence of 4 total team rosters that are outscoring them. To make matters worse, Phil Kessel has outscored every player on the Bruins roster in just 70 games. The only pleasure the Bruins got out of that trade is the potentially 2nd overall pick, but that won't help them with their playoff run.

(4) PITTSBURGH Vs. (5) OTTAWA

The Ottawa Senators are about to face a double barrel shotgun now that Malkin is healthy, and Crosby is coming into the post-season hot. That said, Brooks Orpik's thigh laceration has not received a ton of attention, and thus could be worse than expected. He, along with Cooke and Kunitz, are all questionable for Wednesday night's opener. Pittsburgh has 13 players with 10 or more goals, and five of them hit the 20 goal plateau. Outside of Ruslan Fedotenko, the team plays a strong two way game with a collective +49 on the plus/minus. The Penguins are also heading in with a slightly better goaltending tandem.

The Ottawa Senators' biggest advantage is Jason Spezza's late season drive. For the entire first half of the year, Spezza only scored 4 goals. He scored 19 goals in the second half of the year, but has been on a downward and inconsistent slide since the 2004-05 season. Mike Fisher has posted a career high in goals and points, and Daniel Alfredsson had another successful season with 71 points. Milan Michalek had a good start to the year, but has suffered two injuries (head and leg) that forced him to be sidelined for 16 games, and Alex Kovalev (torn ACL) and Filip Kuba (back surgery) are both gone for the year. In spite of all this, the Senators are coming into the playoffs as the hottest team in the East with 7 wins in their last 10 games. The real question lies in which goaltender they shoulder play: Elliot (2-1-1, 3.32GAA, 0.877SV% in last 4 GPI), or Leclaire (1-2-0, 4.38GAA, 0.852SV% in last 3 GPI).

Stay tuned for the Western Conference Predictions that will be available tonight.

The first period went scoreless, but the Ducks broke the scoring with a goal by Bobby Ryan in the second period. Six minutes later, Mike Modano took the puck behind the Ducks net and did a saucer-back hand pass to Jere Lehtinen through two Ducks defenders. Lehtinen then fed it through the slot to Jamie Benn to even up the game.

Fifteen minutes into the third period, Bobby Ryan struck again in the night of number nines. It was a powerplay one-timer from the far side corner after a beautiful cross ice feed from Corey Perry. With under two minutes to play, Mike Modano was not to be outdone. Modano freed up the puck in the corner, brought it around behind the net, fed it to the point, and a long shot was deflected high into the air in a sea of traffic. It would then float down by Modano in front of the net, where he tipped it home blocker side. A video review would be needed, and the goal would stand. The game was tied.

In the overtime frame, Modano would come flying down the ice as he normally did and connect on a beautiful pass to the slot, but Daley could not bury it low, short side on Hiller. Overtime would solve nothing.

After neither team could score in the first round of the shootout, Modano was up. He came down the ice with speed through the slot and fired a wrist shot off the post and in glove side on Hiller. The shot was a bullet. Moments later, Lehtinen would shoot for a chance to end the game. He came down the ice with speed as well, hit the slot and went high, blocker side for the shootout win.

The three stars would be announced, and as expected, Modano was the first star of the game. A long standing ovation on “Fan Appreciation Night” in Texas would leave Modano in tears on the ice, waiving to the fans in likely his last home game of his career.

Some players just know the right way to go.

Click Here to see the shootout and standing ovation.

Micheal A. Aldred

"What shall it be boy?" said the Wish Demon.

"With my first wish," said the boy. "I wish that all my family will no longer suffer from starvation."

"Stupid boy," said the Wish Demon. "You just killed a goat! You could have ate that."

"I'm sorry," cried the boy. "But I knew we had to sacrifice a feast of a goat for the potential of a meal a day for the rest of our lives."

"A meal a day?" asked the Wish Demon. "Well then child, I give to you… Tim Thomas!"

Seen Here: Dinner AND Dessert.

"For your second wish, child?"

"I wish that my family wasn't in the goddamn Netherlands!!!"

"Your wish is my command, I will now transport you and your family to a place where you'll never have to move out, no matter how old you get!"

And with that, the magical Wish Demon cast his spell and his entire family was placed in Mario Lemieux's basement.

Seriously Crosby, move out already.

"And for your third and final wish?"

"Well… I'm not even sure if this is possible."

"Nothing is impossible, child, just look at Chris Chelios' career. You know I heard he once played chess with Jesus!"

"Can… can you make Lee Stempniak the best player in the NHL?"

"DONE!"

And that my friends is how Lee Stempniak became the NHL's first star of the month. Stempniak has scored 13 goals 3 assists in 14 games with the Phoenix Coyotes since being dealt from the Toronto Maple Leafs for late draft picks. He has aided the Coyotes in their push for the top of the Western Conference to a 9 game win streak in that span.

How I wish I could say "April Fool's!"

Micheal A. Aldred

The Dallas Stars have signed former Yale forward Sean Backman to a one year deal. He led Yale in scoring in his first two seasons there and according to TSN, "the 23-year-old Backman was a three-time all-Ivy League choice at Yale, where he was second on the team and 13th nationally with 21 goals last season. He scored 126 points in 122 games during his four-year Yale career."

The Ottawa Senators have inked the highly coveted Bobby Butler today to a two year deal. Butler led the NCAA Division-1 with 29 goals this season, and is a finalist for the Hobey Baker award this season.

"They were very interested and it seemed like it was a perfect fit for me," Butler told the Telegram. "It was probably the best opportunity for me to play right now. They said they really liked me and they could see me helping them in the future."

Butler hopes to see some ice-time this season, but is expected to be a walk on next year on the Senators roster.

Micheal A. Aldred

The on ice product? 47 wins, 100 points and 8-1-1 in their last ten. They are currently chasing down the San Jose Sharks for the division, and conference, crown.

According to TSN: The league has been in talks with Thomson and Mark Chipman, who heads the company that owns the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Daly acknowledged, "regarding their potential interest in owning an NHL franchise and potentially bringing an NHL franchise back to Winnipeg."

"It remains an intriguing possibility and one we would consider given appropriate circumstances, but there is nothing new to report on that front at this time," Daly said.

The issue surrounding the Coyotes remaining in Phoenix is contingent on negotiating a new lease on the Jobing.com Arena.

Mike Sunnucks reports on Hockey Central at Noon in an interview with Doug McLean and Darren Millard that based on the bankruptcy, the team has an out-clause on July 1st to leave Phoenix and the contract with the Jobing.com Arena.

"I still think they are going to play here, I still think they are going to get a deal done. The league has put so much capital in trying to keep them here and it would be kind of an embarassment to have them leave to another market."

Sunnucks stated that he sees anyone who purchases the team will have an out clause if things continue to be a disaster attendance-wise.

Micheal A. Aldred

http://www.checkingfrombehind.com

Last night, the Anaheim Ducks met up with the Chicago Blackhawks. During one shift, Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook hit down Corey Perry. Ducks’ defenceman James Wisniewski took notice of the collision, charged after Seabrook, and threw himself into him against the end boards. Seabrook had his back to the boards at the time with his head down looking at the puck as Wisniewski jumped to explode into his body. Seabrook then stood dazed before collapsing to the ice.

The penalty on the play? A 2 minute minor for charging.

As one viewer puts it: “More disturbing then the number of headshots is the refereeing. James Wisniewski gets a minor for charging? How can you introduce a headshot rule when the referees can’t call the rules they have right now.”

Another: “Watched it, it was a clear intent to injure the other player. When the malice and intent is this bold & clear, the perpetrator should be banned for the season. No clue why it was only 2 minutes, he charged at him AND left his feet, should be a double minor. Shame on Wisniewski and most certainly a suspension under the current rules, but like I said when it’s an undeniable, clear intent to injure another player that sort of mentality needs to be severed immediately, ban them for the remainder of the season, guarentee you they will be a changed man.”

It’s time for you to be the judge of the hit. Click here to see it. Is this simply a 2 minute minor for boardings, or is this clearly an intent to injure?

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@mapleleafshotstove.com

The third period was a different story. The Czechs came out with immediate pressure, getting the first eight shots of the period, and outshot Latvia 39 to 18 in the game. Late in the period, Jarmir Jagr tried to put the game away himself with a wrap around that rolled just in front of the goal line and right through the crease. Latvia pulled their goaltender with under a minute to go, but it was all for naught as Elias flipped a long one down that made it into the back of the net.

The Czech Republic took this tightly battled game at a final score of 5-2, and will now prepare for Russia on Sunday. A win would give the Czech Republic sole possession of the division. Latvia will prepare for Slovakia on Saturday.

Micheal A. Aldred

It was Finland’s powerplay that buried the Germans in this outing, scoring four times on six powerplay opportunities. Niklas Hagman tied the tournament lead in points (4) with a pair of assists. Niklas Backstrom of the Minnesota Wild stopped 24 shots en route to a shutout. Germany has yet to score a goal in these Olympic games.

Germany’s best chance of the game came when Marco Sturm was denied by Backstrom on the blocker side on a partial break. Jochen Hecht took a slashing penalty immediately after the play on Olli Jokinen that erased any momentum gained from the Sturm rush for Germany.

On the ensuing powerplay, Kimmo Timonen beat Dmitri Patzold with a bullet from the blue line to extend the lead to three. Selanne’s assist on the play gave him sole possession of the number one spot on the all-time Olympic points list with 37 (20G, 17A).

Kimmo Timonen had two goals in the game, as twelve Finns registered at least a point in the game.

Finland will now prepare for a 2006 Gold Medal rematch against Sweden on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. EST. Germany’s final game of the preliminary round will be against Belarus on Saturday at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Micheal A. Aldred

It seemed Jaroslav Halak and the Slovakians battled themselves over the course of the night with two too many men calls, and bouncing pucks that Halak had difficulty maintaining. One significant factor to the game was the poor ice surface that made the puck seem like a tennis ball on a rocky surface.

It was a game that saw some difficulties on Russia sorting out their specialty teams. With all of Semin, Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Gonchar and Radulov on their top unit, none were willing to go to the net as they cluttered around each other looking to take the shot. Russia even had difficulty deciding who should be on the powerplay as a change on the fly left only three players on the ice waiting for others to step over the bench to join them.

Prior to one powerplay, Alexander Ovechkin stood from the side of the bench in order to decide which stick he’d like to use. After he couldn’t decide, he stepped onto the bench and looked for one himself. Content with his selection, he stepped back on the ice for the man advantage opportunity. Meanwhile, eleven other players and four officials waited for Alex the Gr8 to get settled for the powerplay opportunity. The wait lasted over a minute.

Russia opened the scoring with a goal by Aleksey Morozov and the KHL line five minutes into the second period. Russia then unleashed a flurry of shots as they attacked the Slovaks for the majority of the second period. Slovakia weathered the storm and regrouped for the third period.

Midway through the final frame, the Hossa brothers (Marian and Marcel) combined with Pavol Demitra to tie the game with a one-timer by Hossa from the slot. End to end pressure ensued for the remainder of the third period until both teams found themselves in sudden death overtime.

In the shootout, Jozef Stumpel opened the scoring with a sliding back hander on Bryzgalov. Ovechkin came back to tie it with a five hole goal on Halak. Three rounds and six shooters did not decide anything. It wasn’t until Pavol Demitra came in on his second attempt of the shootout and beat Bryzgalov short side on a toe drag flip shot in Round 8.

Slovakia earned the 2 points in the upset over Russia. Slovakia remains in the second seed in Group B, but it closes the gap on what many believed would be a runaway preliminary domination by Russia.

Halak made 36 saves and stopped 7 players in the shootout to earn the victory.

Micheal A. Aldred

But nothing will take away the fact that the Coyotes are down over a quarter of their average attendance from last year, when the team failed to make the post-season. I can see the promise of them really making a financial impact on the NHL, but it won't be in favor of what Bettman and Daly were hoping. With numbers like that, perhaps Ice Edge's 5 year plan will now be a 2 year plan. Not only does this team have to turn it around to become more profitable, but next year they'll have to overcome this season's 26% drop in order to even get close to matching the losses from 2008-09. That doesn't sound too promising.

Micheal A. Aldred

michealaldred@hotmail.com

This is also a matchup with Ron Wilson’s former club. The Sharks have been strong as of late, going 8-1-1 in their last ten. Both teams are coming off wins, with J.S. Giguere getting the 2nd star of the week with his back to back shutouts.

The Maple Leafs have confirmed via twitter that Kadri will be in the lineup tonight. It is believed he could take Ponikarovsky’s place on the top line to join Kessel and Bozak, though Ron Wilson would prefer to have a little size on that line. It all depends on which Leafs are sick and will not be eligible for tonight’s game.

As Per TSN.ca:

“The 19-year-old was called up on an emergency basis as Christian Hanson and Fredrik Sjostrom will both be sitting out with the flu. Kadri has 26 goals and 40 assists in 42 games with the OHL’s London Knights this season.”

Who’s Hot? San Jose:

Jason Demers (D) 5 pts in last 5 GP
Kent Huskins (D) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Dany Heatley (LW/RW) 8 pts in last 4 GP
Joe Thornton (C) 5 pts in last 3 GP
Patrick Marleau (C/W) 18 pts in last 12 GP
Devin Setoguchi (RW/LW) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Jed Ortmeyer (RW/LW) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Scott Nichol (C) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Ryane Clowe (RW/LW) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Evgeni Nabokov (G) 8-1-2, 1.90, .944 in last 11 GPI
Thomas Greiss (G) 2-0-0, 2.00, .939 in last 2 GPI

Who’s Hot? Toronto:

Luke Schenn (D) 3 pts in last 2 GP
Tomas Kaberle (D) 2 pts in last 2 GP
Phil Kessel (RW) 5 pts in last 2 GP
Tyler Bozak (C) 3 pts in last 2 GP
Alexei Ponikarovsky (LW) 8 pts in last 6 GP
Rickard Wallin (C/LW) 3 pts in last 3 GP
Jean-Sebastien Giguere (G) 2-0-0, 0.00, 1.000 in last 2 GPI

What line would you create for Kadri?

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@mapleleafshotstove.com

"This afternoon, (QMJHL disciplinarian) Raymond Bolduc informed me of his decision to suspend Marco Scandella indefinitely," league commissioner Gilles Courteau said in a statement. "After seeing the hit, I believe it is the right decision while the disciplinary process runs its course.

"Our position is clear: We have a responsibility to protect our players. Their safety is our No. 1 priority."

The hit itself is unfortunate, but the aftermath is what makes it even worse. Click Here to see the hit and his opponent’s face afterwards.

Warning, the video is graphic at the end.

Micheal A. Aldred

Devils acquire Kovalchuk and Salmela in exchange for Bergfors, Cormier, Oduya and a 1st round pick.

I also just got word that now that the Kovalchuk trade is complete, teams are frantically running around in the domino effect to get their offers in for Exelby.

Just kidding…

Micheal A. Aldred

For the second goal of the game, Luke Schenn started the play with an outlet pass to Tyler Bozak. Bozak went on to be a part of the play that lead to Phil Kessel's goal, but while Luke Schenn was on his way to the bench for the line change, Dion Phaneuf put his hand out to keep Schenn on the ice until after the play. Kessel scored and Luke Schenn reveived a plus on the night for his efforts. It's nice to see that type of character from a new acquisition.

Dion Phaneuf made a comment about the remainder of the Leafs season that showed optimism on his behalf.

"It's not over yet," Phaneuf said after practice. "There's a lot of games left. We are where we are, but we have to do our best to get points and make a push for the playoffs. … If teams lose and you win a few, you're right there."

Phaneuf feels the Leafs playoff hopes are still alive and looks to continue thriving in his new environment to try and get back into the post-season picture.

"We certainly hope so. What happened here (prior to the Phaneuf, Fredrik Sjostrom and J.S. Giguere additions) is unacceptable," said sophomore defenceman Luke Schenn.

"All three guys bring a lot of energy. Like it was said, you needed a bit of a culture change here and these guys bring intensity, you could sense it (Tuesday) night, it showed in our dressing room and then it carried over into the game."

Toronto will look to carry their momentum in the third of three meetings with the New Jersey Devils this season starting tomorrow night. They will then play host to the red hot Ottawa Senators on Saturday.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com
www.checkingfrombehind.com
twitter.com/michealaldred

"Ultimately, we offered Kovy more than $101 million over 12 years, which would have been the highest contract signed by an impending unrestricted free agent in the history of the league.  If accepted, this contract would have been the second highest offer ever to any NHL player.  We also met his desire to be the highest paid player based on average annual salary with a separate offer of 7 years at $10M per year ($70M).  This offer is $0.5M higher per year than any other player.

"If we went beyond these offers, we would not be able to retain the young players on our roster when it came time to sign them, or invest in other top tier players needed to assemble a truly competitive team.  Therefore, we are aggressively exploring all of our options as we move forward."

Kovalchuk's days are certainly numbered, but he must truly dislike the organization and the city to turn out a contract like that. Keep in mind that the Phoenix Coyotes were sold for $140M.

Micheal A. Aldred

www.checkingfrombehind.com

TheFourthPeriod also states that the Boston Bruins, Ottawa Senators and Calgary Flames have all balked at the asking price for the Russian sniper.

Micheal A. Aldred

www.checkingfrombehind.com
twitter.com/michealaldred

"Our team doctors have recommended this after a determined effort to rehab the injury without surgery. Having this done immediately is the right thing to do for the Leafs. I am truly sorry that I will not be able to represent my country at the Olympics," said Komisarek in a statement.

His replacement for Team USA at the Olympics is believed to be Tim Gleason of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Micheal A. Aldred

www.checkingfrombehind.com