Patrick Kaleta gets five games for this cheap shot on Brad Richards

I could have predicted that Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety was going to throw the book at Patrick Kaleta for this dirty hit on the Rangers forward Brad Richards. If I am not mistaken, this is the longest suspension in the NHL so far this year. Kaleta has now been suspended three times for a total of 11 games by the NHL, he's starting to develop quite a name for himself. Personally, I think he's a puke, a Matt Cooke or Raffi Torres type player.

NEW YORK -- Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta has been suspended for five games, without pay, for boarding New York Rangers forward Brad Richards during NHL Game No. 317 in New York on Sunday, March 3, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

Kaleta is considered a repeat offender under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Based on his average annual salary, he will forfeit $76,219.25. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

The incident occurred at 3:28 of the third period. Kaleta was assessed a major penalty for checking from behind and game misconduct.

This weekend's NCAA Division one television schedule

This hockey season, with this absence of the NHL I have focused on the game of college hockey while the NHL and the NHLPA decided to act like a bunch of children, and hence, the two sided ended up causing the cancelation of 40% of the NHL Hockey season.  Now that the NHL is back up, and running, I would urge fans to continue watching the Division I college hockey.

This season, I have tried keeping up with the ever changing NCAA Division I hockey schedule, and for the most part it’s been difficult because the national college hockey television schedule is very fluid, they continually add games, and obviously delete games. So, I have decided to do it more by a week-to-week basis.

Programing note, for UND hockey fans that are looking for tonight’s game to show up on their DirecTV lineup, there is one change, DirecTV is not picking up Friday’s game between the Wisconsin Badgers. This was announced by the UND Sports Information Director Jayson Hajdu.

If you watch the NHL during the week, you will see numerous former college hockey fans lighting up NHL goalies all over the NHL.

On Wednesday  30, 2013, there was a game between the Minnesota Wild and St Louis Blues and it  looked like all WCHA reunion as there were nine former players from North Dakota (2X), Wisconsin (4X), Minnesota State,  Saint Cloud State, Colorado College. What I didn’t mention is the other schools that were represented in that game as well.

Last night, former Minnesota Gopher Thomas Vanek torched Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask for three goals and lead the Buffalo Sabres to a 7-4 victory over the Boston Bruins. Vanek is currently leading the NHL in points with 15. Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Joel Pavelski is sitting in fourth place with 12 points.

In the offseason, The Minnesota Wild signed former Fighting Sioux All-American Zach Parise, the Wild are seeing instance results from Parise, who’s currently leading the Minnesota Wild in scoring with (5g-4a—9pts).

In Toronto last night, former Fighting Sioux forward Matt Frattin scored the game winning goal for the Toronto Maples Leafs as they beat the Washington Capitals 3-2. Frattin is currently third in the NHL with 2 game winning goals.

I think that it’s safe to say, that the future of the NHL is on stage every Friday and Saturday on a television channel near you.

So, if you don’t have the NHL package or you’re one of those fans that have refused to spend the $50.00-$60.00 to get this package, you have options, especially if you have DirecTV.

*NESN = New England Sports Network. FCS= Fox College Sports. NBCSN = NBC Sports Network. DirecTV requires the “Sports Pack” to view the Regional sports Networks.

Fri.	Feb. 1		Michigan State at Michigan	BTN	6:35 p.m.	610 / 439 (C)
Fri.	Feb. 1		UMass Lowell at Merrimack	NESN	7:00 p.m.	628 / 434
Fri.	Feb. 1		Dartmouth at Union	NBC Sports Net.	7:30 p.m.	603 / 159
Sat.	Feb. 2		Michigan vs. Michigan State (JLA)	FS Detroit	3:00 p.m.	663 / 430
Sat.	Feb. 2		University of Wisconsin at UND	FCS/Midco	7:07pm	626

Cross Posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine...

Buffalo Pylon John Scott works Shawn Thornton

The Sabres John Scott is 6'8" and 270 and plays about 3:30 minutes a hockey game and has no other value other than he's a goon, some might refer to him as an insurance policy.

On the other hand, Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton is a role player that sticks up for his teammates and is also known to chip in goals. Thornton definitely took one for the team here.

For comparison sake, Thornton has scored (31g-43a—74pts) in 456 games, while John Scott has scored (1g-4a—5pts) in a 152 games.

Tuesday Morning Links

Julie Robenhymer from Hockey Buzz has her Hobey hopefuls in August 26th, blog post and she has UND senior Danny Kristo as a Hobey Favorite.

Danny Kristo - Senior, F, North Dakota, MTL: Kristo has always been a notable player as a product of the USNTDP and gold medalist at the 2010 World Junior Championship, but it took a severe case of frostbite on his toes in his sophomore season that nearly resulted in amputation and the thought of life without hockey to push his game to another level. Decimated by injuries last year, the team formerly known as the Fighting Sioux, struggled throughout the season, but Kristo still managed to be a point per game player with 45 points in 42 games. North Dakota will have a very young, yet very talented team this season and Kristo will be a big part of their success. He brings leadership, versatility and an unquenchable desire to bring a national championship to Grand Forks.

It was announced yesterday, that Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin has an agreement to play for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL when if there is a lockout in the NHL next month.

In the never ending Phoenix Coyotes saga, Glendale, NHL extend Phoenix Coyotes arena agreement for fourth time [AZcentral.com]

Former Vermont star and current Tampa Bay Lightning forward Marty St. Louis said, that he'll play in Europe in event of NHL lockout. [TampaBay.com]

Check out the offseason diet that Montreal Canadians diver defenseman P.K. Subban enjoys – sounds as if Subban eats a lot of protein and red meat.

Dan Rosen, NHL.com Senior Writer --- Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban reads off his breakfast menu without a single change in his facial expression. For him, barbecuing a steak at 7 a.m. and pairing it with freshly blended vegetable juice, fish oils, Vitamin C and various other multivitamins is absolutely normal.

No eggs. No toast. No potatoes.

"I eat a lot of protein -- steak in the morning, steak in the afternoon, fish, chicken," Subban told NHL.com during a recent trip to his training facility. "At the start of the summer I order a whole cow from a grain-fed farm. I have it at my parents' house and my mom will season [the butchered meat], and I'll pick them up to have steaks for the week."

Jokes aside, Subban actually does eat the whole cow he orders each summer.

Today, the NHL's collective bargaining talks are set to resume in New York City.

TSN.CA --- The biggest issue holding up talks is finding agreement on how the league's revenues should be split up. Players received 57 per cent under the expiring CBA and the league wants to see that number reduced considerably.

The NHL's initial offer involved cutting the amount to 43 per cent, although it has indicated a willingness to negotiate off that number.

Based on last season's revenues, every percentage point lost would cost the players $33 million. After capitulating in the last round of negotiations and hiring Fehr to lead them in this one, that group appears ready to fight against significant givebacks.

Former Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks goalie Antero Niittymaki has signed a contract to go back and play hockey in his native Finland. [TSN.CA]

In an ugly story - three Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, were arrested and charged with sexual assault this past Saturday. The players involved in the sexual assault Nick Cousins, Andrew Fritsch and Mark Petaccio. [CBC.CA] and [Philly.com]

Greyhounds player Mark Petaccio gets released on bail following a bail hearing for an sexual assault charge. [Toronto Sun]

 The Toronto Sun compares the CBA’s of the Major Sports in North America; Breaking down the deals the four major sports leagues are working under.

The Hockey News has the Boston Bruins finishing second in the Eastern Division and facing off in the first round of the NHL playoffs against the Buffalo Sabres.

In the same article the Hockey News had the Minnesota Wild finishing fifth and facing off against the Chicago Blackhawks. I will take the Wild in six games.

Shattuck Saint Mary’s defenseman and current Fargo Force defenseman Charlie Pelnik is in the latest Hot List in the Hockey News. [Hockey News]

Charlie Pelnik, D – Shattuck St. Mary’s Sabres (Minn. HS) Easily the most talked-about prospect ever from North Carolina, Pelnik will suit up for the USHL’s Fargo Force this season after a great run with Shattucks. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound blueliner from the Jr. Hurricanes system is committed to the University of North Dakota, where he’ll bring a Pronger-esque nasty streak – though Plymouth owns his OHL rights. Draft eligible in 2013.

Friday at the Links

Sounds like the NHLPA led by Donald Fehr is less than impressed with Gary Bettman and the NHL Owners response to their proposal that they put forth in good faith.

One casualty of the impending lockout is that the Detroit Redwings have cancelled their prospects tourney that they hold every summer in Traverse City Michigan.

Helene St. James, Freepress.com --- General manager Ken Holland told the Free Press that, "we had a conference call with all the teams involved. Due to the uncertainty of CBA negotiations and teams having to make commitments for hotel rooms and travel plans -- the biggest thing is the hotel rooms. The people Up North needed to know if the rooms would be used or not. So we made the decision to cancel for 2012. We plan to be back next year."

Games among prospects for the Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, New York Rangers and St. Louis Blues were to have run Sept. 15-19 at Centre Ice Arena.

Mike Brohy of Sportsnet.CA says not so fast don’t shoot the messenger. [Sportsnet.CA]

Not Lockout related but former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone is ranked 5th on the Av’s prospects.

5. Brad Malone, C: After he was taken with the 105th pick in the 2007 draft, Malone spent the next four years at the University of North Dakota. There he developed into an NHL-ready power forward. The Miriamichi, New Brunswick native turned pro prior to last season and made an immediate impact. That's not surprising -- Malone's size (6-foot-2, 207 pounds) and fearless attitude make him a valuable lower-line presence for any organization. He's also got some offensive pop, with 11 goals and 25 assists in 67 games for Lake Erie. When the Avalanche forward lines were hampered by injuries in December, Malone performed well in a nine-game tryout, averaging 10 minutes a game and notching two assists. If his development stays on schedule, look for him to make a breakthrough with Colorado sometime next season. "He's just a big strong guy who plays the center and the wing," Billington said. "He's got good hockey sense, and he's not afraid."

The labor impasse and the prospects of an impending lockout is holding up the signing of free agent deals. Phoenix Coyotes unrestricted free agent forward Shane Doan seems to be a casualty of this as well.

Sarah McLellan, Arizona Republic --– The Coyotes have been among the more conservative operators this offseason, waiting for potential buyer Greg Jamison and long-term captain Shane Doan to decide their futures with the team before the front office could further retool the roster.

But in the weeks leading up to the scheduled open of training camps in mid-September, the pulse around the league has copied that of the Coyotes, slowing as uncertainty picks up with the approaching expiration date of the collective bargaining agreement.

"Everybody is in a holding pattern in regards to the deals they can potentially make," Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said. "The last number of years, August is a quiet month anyway, but this CBA makes it a little quieter than normal."

Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News expects a work stoppage to happen but doesn’t think the lockout will go on very long. I agree as well, because I have a really hard time believing that the NHL would take a chance at losing their money maker the Winter Classic.

The players are thinking globally for the good of the game, allowing the salary cap to stay and proposing ideas like luxury taxes, trading of salary cap space and broader revenue sharing. Bettman and many owners are seemingly thinking only about their pockets. In a rarity for sports labor disputes, most fans are on the players' side.

My sense is we're not going to have an 82-game season but this won't go on too long. I find it hard to believe the league would blow off all the exposure HBO will be again providing with its 24/7 series in advance of the Winter Classic. And let's not forget the expected world record crowd in the 115,000 range likely to pack the Big House at the University of Michigan for the Red Wings and Leafs on New Year's Day.

Still, I wouldn't be making downtown dinner reservations prior to a hockey game thinking you're going to be seeing the Sabres against the Penguins (Oct. 13), Red Wings (Oct. 16) or Rangers (Oct. 19). Under the current schedule, in fact, seven of the Sabres' first 10 games through Nov. 3 are at home. They all seem in jeopardy now.

Jeff Z Klein of the New York’s Slap Shot Blog has two really good blog post this week. How to Share the Revenue Could Be Stumbling Block in N.H.L. Negotiations. [Click to open]

In N.H.L. Negotiation, the Union’s Good Ideas May Not Matter. [Click to open]

NHLers planning a European odyssey in case of a lockout may be in tough. [Winnipeg Sun]

NHL is headed for a lockout but it won't last into 2013, according to a national hockey writer. [Mlive.com]

Sabres Pylon Scott was not brought to the Buffalo for his defensive skills

The North East Division teams got tougher this off-season, the much maligned Buffalo Sabres signed former Dallas Star uber punk Steve Ott and former New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild and Chicago Blackhawks pylon John Scott – not to be out done – the Montreal Canadians signed former New York Rangers tough guy Brandon Prust, who shared the NHL’s league lead in fighting majors with the Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton.

By signing these players – some have said that the North Eastern division teams are playing right into the Boston Bruins hands – last season when the Boston Bruins have at least one fighting major they have a winning record. When the Boston Bruins don't record at least one fighting major last season they had a losing record.

I do predict that these teams are not going to beat the Boston Bruins at their own game. These aforementioned teams were better off to let sleeping bears slumber.

Boston Bruins forward/tough guy Shawn Thornton led the Bruins and tied Brandon Prust for the league lead with 20 fighting majors – thirteen of Thornton’s fellow teams mates dropped the gloves as well. According to Hockeyfights.com, the Boston Bruins were second in the league in fighting majors and held a record of 37-16-8 when they recorded at least one fighting major.

James Cook, Record-Eagle --- A bruising blueliner brought in by the Sabres to contend with fiesty teams such as the Boston Bruins, Scott makes a living as an enforcer. And that role often includes fighting.

"I tell him the only thing uglier than an MMA fight is a hockey fight," Bustance joked. "He's got a good nature. But he's patient like a boxer. He's got a good eye. We can even work with the same foot position so he can do it on skates."

The 270-pound Scott isn't out there for his deft scoring touch. In 146 career NHL games, he's scored just one goal and added four assists. But he's piled up 236 penalty minutes over four seasons with the Minnesota Wild, Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers before signing a one-year contract with the Sabres this off-season.

Scott is ranked as one of the top 10 fighters in the NHL as a result of several vicious beatdowns he's handed out in his four seasons in the NHL.

His most infamous fight came when he was with the Blackhawks. It was Nov. 27, 2010, and Scott destroyed Kevin Westgarth, who is no small man himself.

Even at 6-5, 241, Westgarth appeared dwarfed by Scott, who heaped punishment on the Los Angeles Kings forward. Westgarth tapped out to end the fight, which is somewhat unusual because both participants were still on their feet.

The first thing that the Buffalo Sabres should try to do is teach former MTU defenseman John Scott how to skate, so he can take a regular shift on the ice and not just take up a roster spot. I couldn’t resist when I read this article.

The Rangers valued John Scott so much that they made John Scott a healthy scratch during the Rangers “entire” playoff run, because his former head coach John Tortorella felt he was a defensive liability and beating the crap out of people is not a desired trade that you need in the Stanely Cup Playoffs. For whatever reason, the New York Rangers also failed to resign Brandon Prust in the offseason as well.

Just for the record, I am a big fan of fighting in hockey and I relish a good fight between two willing combatants and would never be an advocate for eliminating fighting in the junior or professional ranks. That being said, let’s not kid ourselves – John Scott has one role in the NHL and that’s to beat the tar out of the opposition but let’s call it as we see it – he can’t skate or play hockey very well at all.

Finally, while the Boston Bruins might have been second in the league in fighting majors last season – all of their tough guys can skate and play a regular shift and a vital role on their team. There aren’t any one dimensional goons taking up a roster spot on their team. So while the Sabres employed Scott to dance with a few Bruins in six league games, the Sabres are still wasting a roster spot on a one dimensional player that has a hard time staying in the lineup.

More on the Spitfires and the OHL.

Last Friday, we found out that the OHL has thrown everything but the kitchen sink at the Windsor Spitfires. While the sanctions appear to have been unprecedented the GM of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds says that the Spitfires will be able to survive their punishment.

Jim Parker, Windsor Star --- One former OHL general manager feels the Spitfires will survive the unprecedented ruling.

“It sets the program back, but they are smart, good hockey guys and will navigate to have a competitive team,” said Dave Torrie, who was general manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for eight seasons. “Whether they can turn competitive into a championship, that will be the real challenge and it’ll be tough.”

Torrie said the loss of the draft picks, especially the first-round selections, will have an impact on the team’s on-ice product.

“The draft is the No. 1 fundamental way to build a team,” said Torrie, who is now an amateur scout for the Buffalo Sabres. “If you go back to Windsor’s two championships, they were built around two great drafts and to a point built them into an elite program.”

Windsor drafted Greg Nemisz seventh overall in 2006 and Taylor Hall second overall in 2007. Both went on to be first-round NHL picks and those drafts were augmented in later rounds with the addition of Adam Henrique, Mark Cundari, Matt Hackett, Eric Wellwood, Ryan Ellis, Jesse Blacker, Garrett Wilson, Andrew Yogan and Kenny Ryan.

“The thing that hinders is not having first-round picks and getting a Taylor Hall,” Torrie said. “The next three, four, five or six years, not having those picks will make it hard to build a championship team.”

So with the Windsor Spitfires getting sanctioned by the OHL – other teams in the OHL wonder who is next? Who is the hammer going to fall on next? NCAA fans are waiting to see how this plays out. I know that some in the UND hockey fans and a certain Michigan student newspaper are probably hoping that the Kitchener Rangers get a look as well.

Edit: According to Chris Dilks the Kitchener Rangers have been cleared in the Jacob Trouba case. Of course they have because no actual money ever changed hands and Trouba is going to honor his commitment to Michigan.

Patrick King, Sports Net --- The league’s policy has been made clear to member teams, but it had previously been viewed as somewhat similar to a soft salary cap. Teams were able to circumvent some rules and, as one source noted to Sportsnet.ca on Friday, "everybody was doing it."

Until the exact circumstances are known in regards to Windsor’s violations, every team is wondering if they could be facing similar sanctions. One source noted there were approximately a handful of other investigations ongoing and Friday’s ruling could simply be the tip of the iceberg.

It’s no secret there is a disparity between the haves and the have-not’s in junior hockey. It doesn’t always come down to drafting the best players because the best players aren’t always willing to play in every situation.

Apparently, the NCAA and College Hockey Incorporated are remaining quite about the recent revelations that took place in Windsor this past week. In my opinion, I don’t know if a comment is needed. I am also not sure what College Hockey Incorporated is supposed to do - I am sure they are watching the situation closely but there no need to make comments until this thing plays out. What are they going to say? See I told you so. Like the article linked above there may be a few more shoes to drop in this case.

Bob Duff, The Windsor Star --- As the hockey world still tries to wrap its collective psyche around the stunning punishment meted out Friday to the Windsor Spitfires by Ontario Hockey League commissioner Dave Branch for violations of the league’s recruitment and benefits policies, those in the U.S. college hockey fraternity, who for years have suggested that major junior clubs were skirting the rules in order to poach players bound for NCAA schools, are opting to take the high road.

The Spitfires were fined $400,000 and docked five draft picks – three first-round choices and two second-round selections between 2013-2017.

Perhaps in private, U.S. college hockey people are doing cartwheels of delight, but for public consumption, they’ve opted to hit the mute button.

“I think it’s best that we respectfully decline comment on this topic, rather say something that’ll get the rest of the OHL mad at us,” said Nate Ewell, executive director of College Hockey Inc., a marketing arm working with the NCAA and designed to educate kids on the merits of U.S. college hockey.

Even Paul Kelly, Ewell’s predecessor and a man who has been outspoken in his accusations that OHL teams were paying players under the table to skip out on their NCAA commitments, wasn’t about to take the bait.

“My past views on this subject are well known, but given my current role I am unable to comment further at this time,” said Kelly, who works as a partner with the law firm of Jackson Lewis LLP.

Not everyone is remaining silent on the matter – I posted a tweet last Friday from the UND hockey beat writer Brad Schlossman and If he posts something on twitter or on his blog I am going to tend to believe him. Here is a screen shot of the tweet in question that says Windsor offered UND incoming freshman Jordan Schmaltz was offered money to not go to UND – so it looks like the OHL got it right in this situation.

Check out this newspaper article from the Sault Star that is basically saying what others have been saying all along. It will be interesting to see if the OHL teams and leadership will go after this newspaper beat writer to find out who the anonymous player agent was.

Bill Montague, Sault Star --- Whether the league’s decision is upheld or not, Friday’s news is excellent news for the Soo Greyhounds and every other small-market team that simply cannot afford to pay players to play for them.

Will it stop the draft manipulation? I doubt it. Teams will still find ways to encourage players to tell other teams they are headed to the U.S., but they will definitely think twice about paying players and their parents off.

Agents will still take the leading role by brokering deals that ensure their clients get under-the-table payouts for playing in certain places. And, as one agent told me, teams will simply become more cautious and creative in their dealings. Another said it's his job to get the best deal for his clients and if that means accepting money from someone willing to dish it out, then so be it.

Still, the news can’t be anything but positive for teams like Sault Ste. Marie. Lets face it, the Soo Greyhounds, Erie Otters and Owen Sound Attack, to name a few, cannot afford to pay out the kind of money the bigger-market teams can dole out to acquire the rights to certain players.

Matt Frattin vs Marcus Foligno

Former Fighting Sioux forward and current Toronto Maple Leafe Matt Frattin isn't know for his fighting skills, nor do I see him picking up the role as the Leafs goon. That was Frattin's first career fight in the NHL. 

Personally, I have to give him credit for standing up for a teammate, Foligno's hit on Bozek was questionable and border line dirty and I admire a players stepping up and answering the bell even if he doesn't fight.

In tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres, the leafs rookie Frattin had the Gordie Howe Hat Trick tonight by scoring a goal, and assist and a fight.

Frattin scored his eighth goal of the season tonight, here is the video to that goal [Click to view].

Frattin now has (8g-7a—15pts) in 54 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.

As soon as the NHL regular season is over, the Leafs are not going to be in the Stanley Cup playoffs, Frattin will play in the AHL's  Calder Cup playoffs with the Toronto Marlies. 

Related articles

• Nelson signs with Islanders and Big Mac to return. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

It's all Kessel's fault...

This is predictable and you could see this one coming, the media in Toronto and Montreal are hard on their athletes. some might call them brutal and their fans have an entitlement mentality as well.

Just ask Toronto Maple Leafs forward Phil Kessel, who is having a career year (37g-41a—78pts) and scoring almost a point per game and has a chance to score 40 goals yet this season but will be the focus of the fans ire. The last time the Toronto Maples Leafs made the Stanley Cup Playoffs was during the 2003-04 season.

Michael Traikos, National Post --- If Phil Kessel were to reach the 40-goal mark in a year in which the Toronto Maple Leafs missed the playoffs, what would be the reaction?

Would you cheer? Would you boo? Would you even care?

It might be a tree-falls-in-the-forest type of question. Kessel, who set a career high by scoring his 37th goal in a 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, has been one of the NHL’s top offensive players this season. And yet it is difficult to celebrate his breakout year when you try and digest all that has gone wrong with the 14th-place team in the last two months.

Had Toronto made the playoffs — had they played their way to home-ice advantage, something that was not unthinkable not that long ago — Kessel might have received Hart Trophy consideration.

Related articles

• Carolina beats Toronto 3-0, eliminates Maple Leafs from playoff contention (thehockeynews.com)

Thomas Vanek with a good bounce

Check out this weird goal by former Gopher and current Buffalo Sabre Thomas Vanek. Talk about a gift goal, the Penguins attempt to clear the puck out of the zone, the puck bounces off a stanchion and right on the stick of Vanek who shots the puck past Brent Johnson.

You got to love Rick Generett  and his call of the Buffalo Sabre's goals. 

Drew Stafford's goalie not happy with the Gaustad trade

I couldn't resist... This story caught my eye. This story involves the teammate of Former Fighting Sioux forward Drew Stafford; apparently his all-world goalie Ryan Miller isn't happy with the team trading away Paul Gaustad. I have also noticed this season that Ryan Miller has become a bit of a complainer. Hockey is a business and sometimes teams trade players to get rid of salary or to better their teams.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Ryan Miller and Paul Gaustad are the closest of friends. They've been roomates. They've traveled through Europe together. They were teammates for a decade -- a run that ended Monday when the Sabres sent Gaustad to Nashville.

Miller is not happy with the transaction.

"It was a pretty tough day," Miller said today after practice in Anaheim Ice. "I’m not going to lie. I’m not real happy about the way it all turned out. But that’s the business of hockey.
"Like I’ve said, we don’t make those decisions. That’s more proof because if I had any more influence Paul would still be here. I appreciate the way he plays. He’s been one of my best friends for a long time there. Obviously, that’s going to continue, but it was nice to have him as a teammate and have those other intangibles."

Related articles

• GARTH: Miller Not Happy About Gaustad Trade (hockeybuzz.com)
• Hab's winning again... (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Paul Gaustad Gets Worked by Milan Lucic in Revenge Fight (Video) (backyardsportsblog.com)

Trade Deadline: The Yawner 2012 (RW77)

NHL on the Fly's Trade Deadline Special was right when it said that the major news was the trade that didn't happen.

Rick Nash wasn't traded. He's the latest Joe Thornton, it appears. Apparently he was to be traded to the New York Rangers but the price was too high (which anyone could have told you that. Rick Nash IS the Blue Jackets. Without him, you basically have no team).

There were some intriguing trades though.

What do you all think of the Wild's trades? They acquire Steve Kampfer and Tom Gilbert for Greg Zanon and Nick Schultz. So, this probably means that Schultz and Zanon were UFAs after the season, right? Perhaps Gilbert and Kampfer were under contract a bit longer? Kampfer is alright and Gilbert is too, but this seems to be a lateral trade rather than an upgrade. They didn't even get any picks.

However, the BEST trade of the day was made by the Chicago Blackhawks. They got a 2012 5th round pick for boxer on skates John Scott. This is almost like (RIP, buddy) trading Boogaard for a 1st round pick. Chicago got WAY THE HELL MORE VALUE than Scott. Someone tell me that the Hawks wouldn't have settled for a 6th or 7th round pick or even a conditional 2013 5th rounder (with conditions that will obviously not be met) for Scott. It's almost like the Rangers GM was Glen Sather... oh wait. Ok, I get it now.

In the end, though, Chicago didn't get what they need: a goaltender, so they won't be there in the end. Detroit traded Commodore for another Dman who won't play.

In the end, believe it or not, the winner overall I think is Vancouver. Sure, they trade Hodgson away, but they got two good players in Kassian Sulzer, pick up Pahlsson and Gordon for depth. Win I say.

Buffalo comes in second.

Boston got this year's Mark Recchi in Brian "when I was a rookie, Crosby's parents were still in middle school" Rolston (which is younger than Mark "I played pond hockey with Moses" Recchi and Chris "I skated with Jesus Christ" Chelios... or perhaps Gordie "I was there when God told me he was having a kid with some chick in Bethlehem" Howe).

Former Sioux Mike Commodore and Brian Lee are now teammates with the Lightning.

Milan Lucic works Patrick Kaleta like a speed bag

Nothing makes me happier than watching Boston Bruins tough Milan Lucic guy work over a rat like Patrick Kaleta.

Kaleta is one of those players that thinks he is pretty tough when he is out on the taking runs at other teams skilled players. I am actually surprised that Kaleta fought a guy like Milan Lucic.



At the end of the night Kaleta catches the ire of Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid. McQuaid  decided he had seen enough of Kaleta's on ice antics and absolutely clobbers the Sabres rat in the head with a monstrous right hand.

Related articles

• Lucic, McQuaid Beatdowns On Kaleta Provide Only Highlights Of B's 6-0 Loss (boston.cbslocal.com)
• Ty Anderson: Sabres torch Rask & B's in 6-0 gongshow (hockeybuzz.com)
• Bruins Vs. Sabres Score Update: B's Robbed Of Goal, Down 2-0 Through One (boston.sbnation.com)
• Bruins looks less threatening after getting trounced by the underdogs (theglobeandmail.com)
• GARTH: Punch The Bully In The Mouth (hockeybuzz.com)

Hab's whining again...

Here is the latest dust up on the ice. This time the Montreal Canadians players are whining and complaining about something that the Buffalo Sabres forward Paul Gaustad said on the ice, and after further review, it would appear that Max Pacioretty said something stupid to Gaustad first and got a response and got a quick response back. In my opinion it sounds like Pacioretty got PWND in this case, and maybe he should just keep his mouth shut.

Buffalo, NY (WGR 550) -- Right after Pat Kaleta scored into the empty net Tuesday in Montreal to ice the game, he did his arm pumping goal celebration down the slot. Max Pacioretty took exception and started talking trash as he does all game. His target this time was Paul Gaustad. Pacioretty asked him “Where’s Lucic” with Gaustad countering “Where’s Chara” in reference to the hit Chara put on Pacioretty into the glass last year that started a near riot in the city of Montreal and almost ended his career.

Seriously, Pacioretty you ran your mouth to Buffalo's Gaustad and asked him where Lucic was and he smartly replied, there is no reason for the Hab's to get upset with Gaustad. I think it's fair game. Time to Habs to stop whining and start act like men.

Price described Gaustad as a “guy who likes to run his mouth” and the Buffalo player reportedly asked Pacioretty: “Where’s Chara?” That was a reference to Boston defenceman Zdeno Chara’s hit that ended Pacioretty’s season last spring. [Montreal Gazette]

Me personally, I have never been a fan of talking smack on the ice and chirping your opponent, it happens a lot in Football and Hockey and there are times when some of it's funny and other times where players say thing to each other that isn't needed and unnecessary. As a player if you say stupid to your opponent you open yourself up for return smack.

Related articles

• Gaustad fuels 3-goal rally as Sabres halt Habs (sports.espn.go.com)
• Gaustad sends Sabres to 3-1 win over Canadiens (newsok.com)
• Gaustad sends Sabres to 3-1 win over Canadiens (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• Gaustad Sends Sabres to 3-1 Win Over Canadiens (nytimes.com)

Where are they now Joe Finley...

Image via WikipediaHere is a nice article talking about former Fighting Sioux defenseman Joe Finley and his journey this season as Finley finally is healthy and made his NHL debut with the Buffalo Sabres a few weeks ago.

Dan Peters, AHL On The Beat ---- When Joe Finley came into training camp this season with the Rochester Americans on a try-out basis, he was simply attempting to earn an American Hockey League contract.

Plagued by injuries in the first two years of his professional career, the 24-year-old Finley had suited up for just eight AHL contests with the Hershey Bears over that span, while also appearing in 43 games in the ECHL.

After playing four years at the University of North Dakota, Finley suffered a forearm injury early in 2009-10 which ended his season, and followed that up with a knee injury last season, prompting him to be out of commission for three months.

Selected in the first round (27th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Washington Capitals, the 6-foot-8, 260-pound blueliner chose to battle it out and earn a contract with the Buffalo Sabres organization rather than go to a different team, where he may have been given a contract immediately.

Gaustad crushes Liles

You want to get off of the track when the train is coming. Check out Buffalo's Sabres forward Paul Gaustad as he absolutely blows up Toronto defenseman John-Michael Liles during tonight's game.This is a text book example of a league body check.

Related articles

• Kadri scores first of season as Leafs beat Sabres 3-2 (thestar.com)
• Milan Lucic and Paul Gaustad Fight Video: Watch Sabres Stand Up for Goalie (bleacherreport.com)
• Fight night in Buffalo: Just who could challenge Milan Lucic? (prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com)
• Bruins Rewind: Week In Review (Part Two) (insidehockey.com)

Habs spared the wrath of Lucic, Lucic suspended for one game

After watching the NHL Senior Vice President of Player Safety Brendan Shanahan and his ruling today I have come to the conclusion that there is no consistency in his ruling. Milan Lucic was suspended today for boarding Flyer goon Zac Rinaldo. Rinaldo didn't even think the hit deserved a penalty on the play.
Lucic drew a five-minute major and game misconduct, yet Rinaldo doesn’t feel that was warranted.

“It’s hockey, you hit and go into the boards, I don’t think it was dirty at all,” Rinaldo said. “Shoulder-to-shoulder and just momentum. He’s big guy, maybe double my weight. His momentum carried him into the boards awkwardly. I don’t think it was dirty at all.”

He added: “Should–to-shoulder, that’s fine, that’s cool. I don’t mind it at all.”

Then why, after a scrum developed, did Rinaldo leave the pile trading punches with Nathan Horton?

“I don’t know, I got up and he was first one in front of my face,” Rinaldo said. “I knew I was Lucic [who hit me].” [CSNPhilly]

After watching the NHL fail to suspend Dion Phaneuf's for his hit on Zach Kassian, which was more egregious in my opinion, you would have thought that Lucic would get off without a suspension. So go forward, the fans have no clue what is going to get a players suspended and what is not.

Related articles

• Milan Lucic hit on Zac RInaldo (mvn.com)
• Will Lucic be suspended? (mvn.com)

Dion Phaneuf not suspened for hit on Zach Kassian

The NHL decided not to suspend Dion Phaneuf for this hit on Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Kassian. Going forward I am surprised that Phaneuf wasn't given at least a game suspension. I think this is the type of hit that the league has to take out of the game hockey, this is a dangerous unnecessary hit. 

Drew Stafford gets his 6th of the year.

That's four points in five game former Fighting Sioux and current Buffalo Sabres forward Drew Stafford, after scoring (31g-21a—52pts) last season, Stafford has had what one might classify as a down season scoring (6g-10a—16pts). The Sabres beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 5-4.

Dion Phaneuf plants Zack Kassian into the boards.

Toronto Maples Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf was given a five minute major and a game misconduct as he planted the Sabres forward Zack Kassian into the boards. Kassian went to the locker room and received some stitches.

All season long we have heard how fighting is ruining the game of hockey and is a major cause of all of these concussions and head injuries, but I am more concerned about these kind of hits. Some one is going to get maimed getting slammed head long into the boards. The players have got to learn that you can't smash you opponent head first into the boards.