(Video) Subban Is up to His Old Tricks; Punches Milan Michalek in Head

A game after being kicked out of a game for his bush-league slash on Senators forward Mark Stone. P.K. Subban is caught on film punching the Senators Milan Michalek in the back of the head during a scrum in front of the Canadiens net.

Hey, it's the playoffs. Right?

If I was the Senators coaching staff, I would start running the Habs star players. The standard has been set.

Grand Forks Herald: Fighting Sioux supporters still fighting

This past week, a group of Native American from the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake Tribes started a new social media campaign. UND is transitioning away from the Fighting Sioux nickname and is currently in the process of picking a new one.

Anna Burleson , Grand Forks Herald -- Supporters of UND's former Fighting Sioux nickname have begun a social media campaign to revive the name.

A video titled "The Sioux Were Silenced" was posted to YouTube Monday, starring Eunice and David Davidson, two avid and vocal supporters of the old name which was retired in late 2012 after a long legal battle involving the NCAA, lawmakers, university donors and the State Board of Higher Education.

"We believe there was an agenda by certain leaders in the state to rid the University of North Dakota of the Fighting Sioux name and make sure the Sioux people receive the blame," David Davidson said in the video.

Eunice Davidson also penned the book "Aren't We Sioux Enough?" that chronicles the eventual retirement of the name.

Currently, UND is gathering new nickname suggestions from the public with the intent to hold a public vote to choose a permanent nickname. The school has been playing simply as "UND/North Dakota" since the Fighting Sioux logo was retired and there is a possibility of keeping that as a permanent name as well

. This same story has also been posted on the WDAZ site as well.

A second video was released Tuesday about the name granting ceremonies featuring two Standing Rock tribal members Archie Foolbear and Robert Gates and Spirit Lake Tribe member John Chaske. The two daughters of the tribal official involved in a 1969 name granting ceremony also speak on the topic.

In the introduction video, the Davidsons also blame the Grand Forks Herald and The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead, both owned by Forum Communications Co., for printing slanted articles against the old nickname.

"Since we started this fight we have seen the media, largely controlled by one entity, put out a completely one-sided message," Eunice Davidson said in the video. "Well in today's world, we don't have to rely on traditional media to get the truth out. We want to tell you what really happened from the Sioux's perspective through social media."

A Facebook page has also been created for the cause that as of noon Thursday had 7,494 likes.

(Video) Jason Zucker Goal in Game One Against the Blues

Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker scores an absolutely beautiful goal in game one against the St. Louis Blues. Zucker missed 27 games to a broken Clavicle. Zucker's return is like getting a player at the trade deadline. Zucker adds another speedy forward to an already fast lineup.

(Video) Penguins Blake Comeau Scores a Goal Against the Rangers

There was a battle in front of the net. Pittsburgh Penguins forward Blake Comeau scores a gritty goal against the New York Rangers. Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist didn't seem real pleased with the play and thought there was goalie interference on the play. What do you think?

Taking a Look at the Subban Slash on Stone

It's the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and on the opening night there's already some controversy.

At the 8:23 mark of the second period, Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct for slashing Mark Stone. Some have said that the slash was weak and Stone embellished the call. I don't know. Stone suffered a microfracture on the play.

The Senators want Subban to be suspended for his slash on Stone and the Senators head coach Dave Cameron had some interesting things to say after the game.

Failing that, Cameron warned darkly, his team might have to inflict its own brand of justice on the Canadiens. “I think it’s quite simple,” Cameron said. “It’s a vicious slash on an unprotected part of his body and you either do one of two things. I think it’s an easy solution: You either suspend him or one of their best players gets slashed and you just give us five. It’s not that complicated.” Those are fighting words – literally, if Chris Neil dresses for Game 2. (Habs Inside Out)

Subban with a big chop on Stone that gets him 5 minutes and tossed from the game. The #Sens will have 5-on-3 for 1:51. #GoSensGo
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 16, 2015

Injury update: #Sens Mark Stone has suffered a microfracture of his right wrist & his availability for the series is unknown at this time.
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) April 16, 2015

According to the NHL, Subban will not be suspended for his hit on Stone.

P.K. Subban reportedly will not be suspended for his slash on Ottawa's Mark Stone http://t.co/6ifBWU8Ghx pic.twitter.com/iIlfMl3eQd
— HockeyNightInCanada (@hockeynight) April 16, 2015

P.K. Subban Major Peanlty for Slashing

At the 8:23 mark of the second period, Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct penalty for slashing Mark Stone. Was this the right call? I think it was.

Reading some of the comments online, there are some Canadiens fans that think that Subban was assessed an excessive penalty.

Subban ejection. Rule 61.3 and 61.5 pic.twitter.com/ctx2HTfdHH
— Adam Gretz (@AGretz) April 16, 2015

Here's another look at this incident. It's definitely a violent slash.

Brock Nelson Scores the First Goal of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Former Fighting Sioux forward Brock Nelson scored the first goal of the 2015 NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs. That's the first Stanley Cup Playoffs goals of Nelson's career.

Brock Nelson scores the first goal of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The goal was also his first career playoff goal. #UNDProud
— North Dakota MHockey (@UNDmhockey) April 15, 2015

And the first goal of the 2015 #StanleyCup Playoffs goes to Brock Nelson. 1-0 @NYIslanders #WSHvsNYI
— NHL (@NHL) April 15, 2015

College Hockey’s Influence on Team USA World Championship

LORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey announced today the first 15 players of the 2015 U.S. Men's National Team that will compete in the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Men’s World Championship May 1-17 in Ostrava and Prague, Czech Republic. The initial group of players includes one goaltender, six defensemen and eight forwards.

Marc Arcobello, F, Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – Yale University

Justin Faulk, D, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL) – Minnesota-Duluth

Jake Gardiner, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) – Wisconsin

Matt Hendricks, F, Edmonton Oilers (NHL) – St. Cloud State

Torey Krug, D, Boston Bruins (NHL) – Michigan State

Dylan Larkin, F, University of Michigan (Big Ten)

Trevor Lewis, F, Los Angeles Kings (NHL) – OHL

Alex Lyon, G, Yale University (ECAC Hockey)

John Moore, D, Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – OHL

Jeremy Morin, F, Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) – OHL

Steve Moses, F, Jokerit (KHL) – New Hampshire

Connor Murphy, D, Arizona Coyotes (NHL) – OHL

Mike Reilly, D, University of Minnesota (Big Ten)

Dan Sexton, F, Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (KHL) – Bowling Green State

Ben Smith, F, San Jose Sharks (NHL) – Boston College

Jimmy Vesey, F, Harvard University (ECAC Hockey)

Checking the roster, 12-of-16 players had NCAA experience. 

Enter Devan Dubnyk

Here's some of an article that I wrote for the Hockey Writers. 

On January 14, 2015, the Minnesota Wild acquired Devan Dubnyk (97-91-26, 2.69 GAA, .914 SV%) from the Arizona Coyotes for a third round draft pick in the 2015 NHL entry.

That move appeared to be a steal as Dubnyk started 38 games in a row for the Wild. During those 38 games, Dubnyk went (27-8-2, 1.78 GAA, .936 SV%) and helped the Wild qualify for the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Wild finished with a (48-26-8) record and will play the St. Louis Blues in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Needless to say, Dubnyk helped Wild turn their season around. Without Dubnyk, the Wild would be scheduling their tee times and playing golf. Since the Wild acquired Dubnyk, they’re a plus-43 goal differential. That’s the best in the NHL.

In three games against the Blues, Dubnyk is (2-1-0, 2.62 GAA, and .918 SV%) against the Blues this season.

Last summer, Dubnyk signed a one-year deal worth $800,000.00 with the Arizona Coyotes and will soon to be an unrestricted free agent. Based on his performance with the Wild, Dubnyk is set to cash in during the NHL’s 2015 free agent signing period. The Wild might want to consider offering him to a contract as soon as possible.

2014-15 ALL-CHN TEAMS

First Team All-CHN

F Jack Eichel, Fr., Boston University

F Jimmy Vesey, Jr., Harvard

F Daniel Ciampini, Sr., Union

D Mike Reilly, Jr., Minnesota

D Joey LaLeggia, Sr., Denver

G Zane McIntyre, Jr., North Dakota

Second Team All-CHN

F Evan Rodrigues, Sr., Boston University

F Zach Hyman, Sr., Michigan

F Tanner Kero, Michigan Tech

D Matt Grzelcyk, Jr., Boston University

D Robbie Russo, Sr., Notre Dame

G Kyle Hayton, Fr., St. Lawrence

All-CHN Rookie Team

F Jack Eichel, BU

F Dylan Larkin, Michigan

F Danton Heinen, Denver

D Noah Hanifin, BC

D Louie Belpedio, Miami

G Kyle Hayton, St. Lawrence

USCHO All-American Teams

First Team
F Jack Eichel, Boston University
F Tanner Kero, Michigan Tech
F Jimmy Vesey, Harvard
D Matt Grzelcyk, Boston University
D Joey LaLeggia, Denver
G Jon Gillies, Providence

Second Team
F Daniel Ciampini, Union
F Matt Garbowski, RIT
F Zach Hyman, Michigan
D Mike Paliotta, Vermont
D Mike Reilly, Minnesota
G Zane McIntyre, North Dakota

 

Third Team
F Sam Anas, Quinnipiac
F Bryce Gervais, Minnesota State
F Evan Rodrigues, Boston University
D Rob O’Gara, Yale
D Robbie Russo, Notre Dame
G Ryan Massa, Omaha

UND junior goalie Zane McIntyre has been named to the UCHO second team All-American.

Humble Pie a la Mode

by Redwing77

The season is over and the outcome wasn't what we wanted, but that's not what is humbling to me.  I remember back in 2005 when all four Frozen Four teams were from the same conference.  WCHA fans crowed about how awesome the WCHA was and, well, the WCHA won the NC that year.  But was that truly great?

In college football the only people who were overjoyed by the Alabama vs. LSU National Championship game was the teams who were playing and their fans... and ESPN.  It might have been the lowest rated championship football contest in terms of TV ratings in the TV era.

All season long, NCHC fans crowed about how amazing the conference is.  And I put up with it.  After all, my team is in the NCHC and the NCHC did dominate over the season.  Certainly they deserved respect.

But then on USCHO I read an altogether astonishing statement:  "The NCHC is the SEC of college hockey."

Wait... What?

The NCHC is NOT the SEC of college hockey.  The SEC of college hockey doesn't exist anymore.  I'd argue the last time the SEC of college hockey existed was back when North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan were in the same conference along with Notre Dame and Michigan State.  Yeah.  The SEC of college hockey broke up in 1981.

This year the NCHC had 6 teams make the NCAA Playoffs.  Two made the Frozen Four.  It is certainly a great accomplishment.  In the end, however, Hockey East prevailed.  Hockey East has been around longer than the NCHC, even if the teams in the NCHC have storied histories.

I think we need to take a step back a little bit.  We are a strong conference with great teams and super competition.  However, we are 0-2 in National Championships as a conference.  In fact, as a conference, we've yet to get a team to the National Championship game.

Calling the NCHC the "SEC of college hockey" makes me chafe.  We do not want to be the SEC of college hockey.  I want the NCHC to be a dominant force, sure, but a respected one by all.  The SEC does not seem to hold much respect by those outside of ESPN and the fanbases of SEC teams.

Redwing77's Bracket

by Redwing77

Redwing77's Stanley Cup Bracket

Goon posted his Bracket Challenge and I'm going to post mine.  I admit to being a bit homer with my Wings and I did post a major upset in the first round.  Sorry Habs fans.  Carey Price seems to actually be a good goaltender and he has chilled from his early career chumpiness.  However, the Habs have had abysmal luck against Ottawa this year.  And, quite honestly, I'd like to throw out a small bone to former Bowling Green State University goaltender, Andrew Hammond.

All in all, however, I think the entire bracket is irrelevant because I truly believe the Rangers are simply going to steamroll anyone they meet and take it all.  I put Chicago in the Finals because Crawford seems to actually play like an elite goaltender when he gets into the playoffs....sometimes anyways.  I believe Dubnyk's insane run ends vs. Oshie and the Blues.  Halak's stumbling continues in the playoffs.  Fleury sieves hardcore before the buzzsaw known as the Rangers.  Honestly, whoever wins the Detroit vs. Tampa series will face the Rangers in the EC Finals.

If my bracket holds together (which any betting man would bet against it), the series to watch will be the Blues vs. Wild, Chicago vs. Nashville (goaltending vs. offense really), and ALL of the Rangers games.  I think the entire Anaheim subbracket is the most boring bracket.

Original Six wins again.

My Stanley Cup Playoff Picks

It's that time of year again. I have the Tampa Bay Lightning winning it all this season. So, Tampa fans can blame me for jinxing their team.

Boston, er, Providence College Terriers (Video)

Wow! The person presenting the trophy can't even get the name of the school right.

This Would Be Good News

As I noted on radio, I'm getting the impression that UND sophomore defenseman Paul LaDue will remain with the Sioux for his junior year...
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 10, 2015

This would appear to be some very good news. I can't imagine that Paul LaDue is ready to step in and play at the NHL level just yet, but he's definitely improved over the last few seasons and can only get better playing in the NCHC. When I interviewed him earlier in the season, I got the impression that he likes playing for the hometown team.

...LaDue probably wasn't seen as much of a threat to sign w/ LA as Brodzinski. He's happy at UND; LAK comfortable w/ development there.
— Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) April 10, 2015

Boston University’s Matt O’Connor misplays the Puck

Is it Karma? I don't know. It will be the shot that everyone remembers. It's hockey and weird stuff happens during games sometimes. In the semifinal game against UND, O'Connor gave up a bad goal to Troy Stecher as well.

Frozen Four: UND vs. BU Goals

While UND didn't win the game, this was an exciting game. I think UND was the better team, but failed to cash in on their opportunities.That being said, it was a tough way for UND to end their season.

Also, I thought UND got some untimely poor goaltending. All season long, Zane McIntyre was insane, he played well and was the team's most valuable player.

Massa Saving Mavericks so Far

The Providence College Friars have been in the Omaha Mavericks end most of the first period. Check out this save by Ryan Massa.

Typical Tiger Woods Shot

s/t @cjzero. I kind of like how Tiger Woods hits a bad shot then follows through, no twirl and drops his club.