Schedule for round three of the SCP...

If Detroit wins tomorrow, Round 3 starts Friday in West. If Chicago wins, there will be a doubleheader on Saturday night with East and West.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 29, 2013

These tweets should shed some light when round three will be played. So, we need the Chicago Blackhawks to beat the Detroit Red Wing tomorrow night... That means if Chicago wins we're going to end up with two games on Saturday. I guess, that's the scenario that I would rather see. I believe that the L.A. Kings and Chicago would be a much better series to watch. The Bruins game will be on Saturday anyways.

Pens-Bruins in East final will start Saturday at 8 p.m. regardless and then go Mon, Weds, Fri, Sun, Tues, Weds.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 29, 2013

So no matter which teams are playing, if both series are still going, two Game 7s on June 12. RIP, us.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) May 29, 2013

Pavel Datsyuk drills Jonathan Toews

s/t to Paul from Kukla's Korner... The puck is nowhere around when Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk drills Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews. I remember the play from last night’s game and don’t know why a call wasn’t made on the play, checking the box score there was no penalty called. Whatever… The Red Wings have done everything they can to get Toews off of his game and last night he didn’t take the bait even though Henrik Zetterberg was hacking him up one side and down the other. I can’t wait for game seven.

More on the Michael Frolik penalty shot

I have heard a lot of grumbling about the penalty shot in question from Detroit Red Wings fans. After the game, in the postgame show on NBC Sports Net, hockey analyst Keith Jones said it was a good call and the refs have been calling this a penalty all season long.

Frankly, the officiating on both sides of the ice has been brutal during this series. The Red Wings have been allowed by the on-ice officials to take excessive liberties in the form of slashs and two handed hacks on Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews without any calls what-so-ever. Some of these non-calls were down right brutal. So if anything, last night’s penalty show was a bit of karma coming back to bite the Red Wings in the butt. Finally, a call went the way of the Blackhawks.

Before you accuse me of being a Blackhawks fan, stop, I am not. I am Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild Fan. I am also a hockey fan that likes to see a good hockey game and last night was an exciting hockey game. I actually could care less who wins game seven, although I do find the Blackhawks more watchable than the Red Wings and Jonathan Toews did go to the University of North Dakota.

In closing, Carlo Colaiacovo shouldn’t have slashed Michael Frolik on the hands in a scoring opportunity, if he didn’t want to put his team a man down or give up a possible penalty shot. The refs called a penalty shot, correctly. That's life. Colaiacovo made the decision to slash Frolik and he put his team in a bad situation. Now we go back to Chicago for game seven.

(Video) Michael Frolik draws a penalty shot and then scores on the penalty shot.

I feel the series starting turn in the Chicago Blackhawk's favor; I believe that the Blackhawks have the momentum in the series now. Chicago Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik shows what happens when you don't get the puck deep, he creates a turnover and an opportunity going the other way. Michael Frolik draws the penalty shot and then cashes in. Of course, Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard didn't like it. But that’s life.

I don't think that you can blame Red Wings defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo either, the way the refs have called the game, there was a good chance they don't call even call a penalty on the play. This time they did.

Detroit's Joakim Andersson scores a knucklepuck goal

I was beginning to think we were watching Mighty Ducks. What next? The flying v... Detroit Red Wing forward Joakim Andersson scores a knucklepuck goal and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Cory Crawford didn't have a chance on the goal.

Jonathan Toews high stick on Justin Abdelkader...Was this Embellishment?

Former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews had a rough night for the Chicago Blackhawks, he beat a path to the penalty box, taking three minor penalties, this one was laughable based on some of the calls the on-ice officials have missed this season. Sure there was a penalty but, come on! Abdelkader sold this one big time with his Academy Award winning acting job. On this play, Johnny was assessed a two minute minor for high sticking Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader. So, what do think? Was there was some embellishment on the play from Abdelkader? I do believe there was. Thoughts and feelings…

(Video) Patrick Kane goal and did Johan Franzen take a dive?

Nice goal by Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. One of the lone bright spots in tonight's game for the Blackhawks. The Redwings proved to be the better team again for a second game in a row.

If you’re a fan of either team, you might not be the one to ask. Watch the video; I want to see if anyone else is seeing this as well. It appears that Detroit forward Johan Franzen embellished this hit just a bit; I am not saying he wasn't hit from behind, because he was. But in my opinion, I think that Franzen could have received an academy award for his acting ability. Thoughts... Should the refs blown the whistle on the play? In my opinion, I thought the refs made the right call my not blowing the play dead. Feel free to disagree if you like.

(VIDEO) Viktor Stalberg misses check on the wings Jakub Kindl

Ouch! That has to hurt... This is the end result of Viktor Stalberg’s attempted check on Detroit defenseman Jakub Kindl, as you can see by the video, the Red Wings defenseman moved at last second and Stalberg whiffed on the attempted hit.

(Video) Corey Perry Goalie interference on Jimmy Howard

This could have been a very dangerous play, which could have had a bad end result as Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry's skate was very close to the head area of Detroit Redwings goalie Jimmy Howard. Obviously, it wasn't what I would call a deliberate or a dirty play, it was just a dangerous play. Perry was doing what all good forwards do, he was going hard to the net. Goalies are in a dangerous field. Thank God we didn't have another Clint Malarchuk injury on our hands.

NHL Realignment Solves A Lot Of Logistic Issues

After much speculation, the NHL has finalized a plan for realignment that will go into effect next season. While nothing can be absolutely perfect, the new setup of the league will benefit a lot of teams when it comes to travel and developing natural rivals.

Two of the biggest winners will be the Detroit Red Wings and Columbus Blue Jackets, who will move into the Eastern Conference. For teams in the state of Michigan and Ohio, it made very little logistical sense to spend so much time on the other side of the country.

The Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars will also benefit from being able to stay closer to home in their new division. Those three teams will now be competing against teams in St. Louis, Nashville, Denver and Chicago.

Perhaps the only two teams that really seem to lose out on the realignment are the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. They will be in a division with three Canadian teams along with Buffalo, Boston and Detroit. It is hard to make everyone happy, and no matter who the Florida teams play, they would have to travel to make things work.

Besides saving on travel, the benefits of realignment will help not only strengthen current rivalries, but build new ones as well. Detroit is back in the Eastern Conference, and they will square off against old rivals such as Toronto, Boston and Montreal throughout the year. New teams such as Columbus will also get to build rivalries with teams close by, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins.

With negativity still surrounding the NHL after the lockout, the realignment plan is welcomed good news. Fans, players, fantasy hockey players and owners all are mostly satisfied with the results. If the NHL does in fact expand to 32 teams in the future, the two conferences can be evened out again as well.

Niklas Kronwall double minor Charlie Coyle

I don't like this hit, Detroit Defenseman Niklas Kronwall hits Wild forward Charlie Coyle and  is known for these types of questionable, high hits, and he gets away with them on a regular basis. A lot of times, it's under the guise of him being a bigger player, than the players that he's hitting. In my opinion, it's because he tends to leave his feet.

In no way, am I suggesting that the NHL suspend him for this hit, because they wont, nor should they. Coyle also needs to be aware of what is coming in this situation.

Mark Olver steam rolls Vladimir Tarasenko

What a hit by former Northern Michigan Wildcat and current Avalanche forward Mark Olver on Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko. From the looks of it, it appears that Tarasenko is knocked a little woozy. There was no penalty called on the play.

David Backes hit on Kent Huskins [match penalty]

This was the hit that St. Louis Blues forward David Backes put on Detroit Redwings defenseman Kent Huskins. Backes was given a five minute major and match penalty. In looking at the video it doesn't look like Backes even hit Huskins in the head. What do you think?

Dash Cam Video: Hockey Player DUI dressed as Teletubby

Check out this video of Grand Rapids Griffin and Detroit Red Wing Riley Sheahan's drunk driving arrest from the dashcame of a Grand Rapids Michigan Police Crusier. I was surprised that the female cop patted Sheahan down when there was a male officer standing right there.

Related articles

• Wings pick gets DUI charge in Teletubby garb (espn.go.com)
• Red Wings Prospect Caught Drunk In Teletubbies Costume (detroit.cbslocal.com)

Ian White calls Bettman an Idiot

English: NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman in 2007. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I am sure that my buddy Redwing77 will be happy to see than one of the players from his favorite team called Gary Bettman an idiot.

Personally I agree with White, when I see Bettman's face it reminds of all of the bad things that have happened to the NHL.

 Lets think about this for a minute. Bettman is the NHL commissioner that under his reign of terror has had three labor disagreements that have led to work stoppages. Also, Bettman is threatening to cancel his second season in eight years. Marvelous!!! Let's not forget the fiasco in the desert.

The Detroit News — Ian White has been one of the more vocal and frustrated players during this NHL lockout.

Commissioner Gary Bettman has caught most of White's verbal frustration the past two months, the length of this lockout thus far.

After learning of Bettman's suggestion for a two-week moratorium in negotiations, White called Bettman "an idiot.

"I personally think he's an idiot," said White Friday after a group of locked out Red Wings finished a workout. "Since he's come in, he's done nothing but damaged the game.

It will be interesting to see how long this plays out. Will we see more players speak out against the NHL Commissioner?  One also has to wonder if there are NHL owners that agree with White but aren't allowed to speak up at the current time.

Can we have some F'N NHL Hockey?

We just went through what seems like the longest election of our time...At least the American's did.  To make things worse, the NHLPA and the NHL owners are still locked in a labor dispute and we still don't have an agreement after 52 days. Can we please get this thing settled? Lock both sides a room until they can come up with an agreement.

Brooks on Parise, 'Devils' Parise will soon wear new jersey'

Zach Parise & his fans (Photo credit: New Jersey State Library)

This will be one of the top stories in the NHL this summer - where is Zach Parise going to sign and with what team. Personally, I hope the Boston Bruins or the the home town Minnesota Wild are going to be choices for the former Fighting Sioux  First Team All-American and star forward Parise.

Larry Brooks, New York Post --- Parise, who will turn 28 next month, could attract offers of up to 12 years. He will certainly receive front-loaded, bonus-laden offers from the Rangers and Red Wings, who have millions to spend and the inclination to do so.

The Wild will be in, though Parise might want to think more than twice about going home to join a team in which he would be the best player by leaps and bounds.

The Sharks could be in. The Maple Leafs will be, though current general manager Brian Burke doesn’t believe in front-loaded deals. The Bruins could become a serious contender. There will be others.

Given the financial realities in New Jersey, it’s almost impossible to conjure the scenario in which ownership could cut Parise a $10 million check on July 2. And again, that’s even assuming Parise’s first choice is to remain a Devil.

He is one today and will be one tonight. But once the puck is dropped, the clock will be ticking on the Devils’ season and on the captain’s career in New Jersey.

T-minus-60 and counting.

Backes, Bergeron and Datsyuk up for the Selke

The National Hockey League announced their year-end awards today and Former MSU-M Mavericks and current St. Louis Blues forward David Backes was named a finalist for the Frank J. Selke trophy. I would think this is another great argument for the NCAA hockey being a great place to develop future talent for the NHL.

TSN.CA --- The National Hockey League has announced more nominees for its year end awards, unveiling the finalists for the Lady Byng and Frank J. Selke trophies.

David Backes of the St. Louis Blues, Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins and Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings are the three finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the NHL's top defensive forward, the league announced Monday.

Backes had the highest average ice time per game among forwards (19 minutes 59 seconds) on a Blues club that allowed the fewest goals in the NHL by a wide margin. The six-foot-three, 225-pound centre was a punishing physical presence, doling out a team-leading 226 hits to join Los Angeles forward Dustin Brown as the only players to record 200 hits or more in each of the past five seasons.

Backes led the Blues in faceoffs, blocked shots and posted a plus-15 rating. The Blues captain is an NHL trophy finalist for first time in his seven-year career and is the first Blues player up for the Selke since Michal Handzus finished second in 2000.

Bergeron led the NHL in plus-minus (plus-36) and posted a plus-18 rating both at home and on the road in helping the Bruins rank second in the Eastern Conference in team defence (2.39 goals-against average).

Ian Cole suspended three games for hit on Justin Abdelkader

After blowing a bunch of calls against the Minnesota Wild since November 30th, 2011, but that's another story, Brendan Shanahan the NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety and Hockey Operations has finally made the right call again. This suspension was a no-brainer and Cole had to suspended or Shannahan would have lost all of his credibility. The Blues General Managers didn't think the hit was a reckless hit.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said he respected the NHL's decision, but he disputed the notion that Cole's play was reckless.

"I don't think it was a reckless play...I think it was a hockey play that was legal 12 months ago that's not legal today," he said. "I understand the sensitivity on hits to the head and we respect that, but I support Ian in the sense that it was a play that (Abdelkader) coming across the middle has to be aware, and unfortunately he wasn't. [stltoday.com]

Here is the suspension video.

Related articles

• Blues Ian Cole Suspended For Three Games For Hit To Justin Abdelkader (stlouis.sbnation.com)
• Blues D Cole suspended three games for hit to the head (tsn.ca)
• Blues' Cole delivers head hit to Red Wings' Abdelkader (aol.sportingnews.com)
• Blues defenceman Cole suspended 3 games (cbc.ca)

Chris Stewart gets suspended for three games.

You would think that after the first three or four of these suspensions that the players in the NHL would get the message; if the player is facing the boards you can't hit him. Someone is going to get maimed for life by one of these checking from behind plays. 

I guess we are going to keep seeing these videos from the NHL until the players in the NHL get the message. In this case Chris Stewart absolutely destroys Detroit's Niklas Kronwall. 

Related articles

• Blues' Stewart Banned Three Games for 'Reckless' Hit (nytimes.com)
• Chris Stewart has a phone date with Brendan Shanahan this morning (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• Blues' Stewart banned 3 games for Kronwall hit (espn.go.com)
• St. Louis Blues Forward Chris Stewart Suspended Three Games For Hit on Nicklas Kronwall (tracking.si.com)
• Blues Beat Red Wings 2-1 (sports4stlouis.wordpress.com)