Archive for December, 2010
Losing Streak Over, Predators Tame Wild 4-1
With every loss, the burden of the Predators five game losing streak weighed heavier. Despite playing with good jump and effort, the Preds just could not break through to the win column. Attempting to break the streak at the Xcel Energy Center against the Wild did not bode well for the Predators. Earlier this season, [...]
The Tampa Bay Lightning: Hockey’s Hypocrites?
Superstar Steven Stamkos erupted for two goals and two assists to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning over the Montreal Canadiens last night 4-1. Stamkos netted his two goals in the third period, including a highlight-reel, Spin-O-Rama penalty shot against Carey Price. Immediately following the goal, all hell broke loose on the social media sites. Had [...]
Canadiens lose 4-1 to Lightning, put Gorges on IR, recall Desharnais
Another road game, another loss for the Montreal Canadiens. Playing their sixth game of a seven-game road trip, the Habs were no match for the Tampa Bay Lightning losing 4-1. After taking a quick 1-0 lead thanks to a goal by Max Pacioretty, the Canadiens returned to their hold habits and surrendered four consecutive goals [...]
Capitals Musings: Winter Classic | Powerless Power Play | Dedication to Defense
The day has arrived. After months and months of endless hype, the Winter Classic is finally here. The Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins will take their rivalry outdoors in the NHL’s marquee event. This will be the Penguins’ second trip to the Winter Classic and the first for the Capitals. The Penguins participated in [...]
Backchecking: Islanders Sell Early* Updated with comments about recent waiver information
On a night when the red hot Pittsburgh Penguins and their white hot super star Sidney Crosby were coming to town, the Islanders were busy packing up and shipping out one of their top players for this disappointing season. James Wisniewski’s tenure as an Islander lasted less then half a season. The game against the [...]
Memories and Warning Signs
As the year comes to an end memories come to my mind. Five years ago, when I began to blog, the Hawks were following the same script as they did for years. Players better suited to play on third line were jammed into top line spots, and others on the roster always seemed to be overmatched. [...]
Doing the magical things that he does
These days, trying not to focus on Sidney Crosby when thinking about the Pittsburgh Penguins is like trying to look up at a clear blue sky without noticing the sun. Or perhaps more apt: trying not to notice Crosby or trying to come up with a better reason to explain the success of the Penguins is like [...]
Fantasy Hockey Planner – Week 14
As you sit back on Saturday and (hopefully) enjoy the Winter Classic, don’t forget to give your fantasy roster a little attention. Here is what you need to know as you set your fantasy hockey roster for week 14 (1/3 to 1/9).
It Looks Like Dowell Will Get Promoted
For all that thought skating Jake Dowell as a second line center was a ludicrous suggestion, you might be correct. But tonight it looks like Dowell will get a promotion all the way up the top line. According to Tim Sassone, Dowell was skating with the first line as a winger, with Patrick Sharp and [...]
Julien Pushing the Envelope, Thomas to Start AGAIN…
December 15th, 32 saves in a 3-2 loss to the Sabres was the last time Tuukka Rask saw time between the pipes. Despite the fact that Tim Thomas has arguably been the NHL’s top goaltender, not to mention feel good story of the first half, Rask has been relegated to a mere spectator. The bounces [...]
No Sympathy For The Devils
Statistics can be a funny thing. If you took a look at a box score and saw that a team took 44 shots on goal (16 in the 1st and 20 in the 2nd) and the opponent took a mere 26 for the entire game, logic would make you come to the conclusion that the [...]
Interview with Eric Belanger of the Phoenix Coyotes
Five years after being a playoff hero for the Kings in 2001, he was traded to Carolina for a then-unknown blueliner named Jack Johnson. Five teams later he’s back in the Pacific Division with the Phoenix Coyotes. In this interview he talks about his journey, his coach, former teammates and the future.
Sutter Out Feaster In
The Calgary Flames have a new sheriff in town, as Daryl Sutter steps down as General Manager of the Flames. What cost Sutter his job? Most people think it was the trades; more specifically, the Dion deal. Let’s face facts: Stajan has not lived up to expectations, and Hagman has played well at times but [...]
Predators Pick Up Marek Svatos Off Waivers
Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has claimed forward Marek Svatos (MAIR-ehk SVA-tohs) on waivers from St. Louis. Svatos, 28 (6/17/82), has played 316 career NHL games – all with the Colorado Avalanche – between 2003-10, amassing 164 points (96g-68a) and 207 penalty minutes. The Kosice, Slovakia [...]
Canadiens acquire James Wisniewski from Islanders, slip 3-0 against the Capitals
The Montreal Canadiens have addressed their lack of depth on defense by acquiring rearguard James Wisniewski from the New York Islanders in exchange for a compensatory second round pick in 2011 and a conditional fifth round pick in 2012. Wisniewski, 26, was top Islanders’ scoring leader with 3 goals and 18 assists for 21 points [...]
Flyers recall D Erik Gustafsson from Phantoms
According to Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News, the Flyers have recalled 22-year-old rookie defenseman Erik Gustafsson from Adirondack. Gustafsson leads the Phantoms in points (26) and assists (22) in 33 games. Gustafsson could make his NHL debut on Thursday in Los Angeles as the orange and black continue their crucial west coast swing [...]
Blues Lose Svatos To Predators Waiver Claim
The Marek Svatos era in St. Louis didn’t last long. Just about 24 hours as the Nashville Predators claimed the former Avalanche winger off waivers. Svatos signed Tuesday with the Blues but had to clear waivers before he could appear in a game. Instead his bags are packed for another stop before debuting on NHL [...]
ISLES REALITY CHECK: Wiz Had To Go
Some reality check as I check in from sunny Florida…. James Wisniewski: point leader on the car wreck on Long Island, yet also with a booming -18 that gives the clear indicator that despite his use, he is not meant for the top pairings. It means he was playing out of his depth. He is [...]
Hawks Shrivel Up As The Blues Pound Away
It’s a long season and there will be off nights. But to lose the way the Blackhawks did in St.Louis was very difficult to watch. The Hawks played a soft, disinterested game. Not just kind of soft, but 80’s Euro soft. Not one Blackhawks responded to the challenge after their captain was steamrolled by Matt [...]
WJC 2011 Report w/ Doughty and Johnson
While nearly every top player in the NHL has participated in the World Junior Championships, the LA Kings have taken things to the extreme – with a number of highly skilled players on the rosters of several nations over the last few years. In this article Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson share their experiences from the WJC.
