First off, I'd like to congratulate Kris Draper on a fabulous career. The 40 year old center called it a career this week and I'm going to say that he'll be missed. Draper, or "Drapes" to fans and teammates, wasn't the flashiest player on the ice, but he was a rock solid leader in the lockerroom. Up and coming winger (and former MSU Spartan) Justin Abdelkader looks to him as a mentor type and Abdelkader's growth at the NHL level is at least partially attributed to Draper's influence on Justin.
Let's look at stats: First off, Draper was selected 62nd overall by Winnipeg in 1989. And that's where things got strange. First off, Draper went to the AHL (appearing in 7 games), then played a little in the NHL (3 games). THEN was sent to the OHL. So he played pros before he played Major Juniors. That's not the strangest thing. In 1993, Winnipeg traded Kris Draper to Detroit for... ONE DOLLAR. Yup. $1. I'm not sure a GM could keep his job in today's world if all he got for a player was $1. I can't believe that there wasn't something, even a conditional 9th round pick, that Winnipeg couldn't have gotten for Draper.
In the end, Kris Draper retires with his name etched FOUR times on the Stanley Cup and a Selke Trophy (for NHL's best defensive forward) in 2004. He retires as only the 5th player in Detroit history to play 1,000 games with Detroit. He is also 9th all time in NHL Post season appearances (2nd on Detroit if you don't count Chris Chelios).
He's not going to get into the NHL Hall of Fame, but he certainly is one of the all time great Red Wings.
Best of luck Drapes.
==========================
Mike Commodore will NOT be wearing #64.
According to insider sources (Bill Roose's twitter feed and Winging It in Motown - Detroit Red Wings' blog), Mike Commodore will wear #22 for Detroit this season. However, Mike has indicated that he may still participate in the $64 charity promotion that was suggested along with the jersey number.
Showing posts with label NHL Hockey - Redwing77.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NHL Hockey - Redwing77.. Show all posts
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Detroit Red Wings Offseason Notes (Redwing77)
Since we're talking NY Islanders prospects (what a goal!) and all, I thought I'd chime in about what's going on in Motown.
Former UW defenseman Brian Rafalski and All American Mike Modano have retired. I would have liked to see someone like Chay Genoway get a sniff from the Red Wings to replace Rafalski because I feel Genoway is just as good with the puck.
However, the Wings did sign Ian White to replace Rafalski. I don't feel he's as good as Brian but he'll do.
Also, Chris Osgood just announced his retirement. This is a VERY good thing. The Wings would have had to pay him too much (anything above veteran minimum for him is too much) to bring him back to be a backup. I thought Joey MacDonald played very well in the backup roll last year.
Nevertheless, Osgood had a stellar career and will certainly get HOF consideration. I'm not sure if he'll make it in, but I'll be rooting for him. He retires with 401 career wins. That's good for 10th all time. Not too shabby. He's also 4th all time in career playoff shutouts with 15.
Good luck running the Detroit Goaltending scouting and development program, Chris. And good luck with your golf game. Mine stinks.
What's next?
It's no surprise that Detroit wants to sign another goaltender to back up Howard and MacDonald. I'd love to see someone signed who can compete with MacDonald for the #2 spot. MacCollom isn't ready yet.
Here are a few goaltenders I'd love to see Detroit look at (all UFAs):
Ty Conklin
Brent Krahn
Pascal Leclaire
Justin Pogge
Hannu Toivonen
Only Conklin is really established as an NHL backup. The others might not pan out at all, but Leclaire and Toivonen intrigue me. Leclaire has the potential to be a great backup in the NHL but has been plagued by injury and playing for bad teams. Toivonen is a Finnish player and I argue that only San Jose has as good luck with Scandinavian players as Detroit. Krahn (along with Leclaire and Toivonen) are all former 1st round picks. I think Conklin is the only one on this list that would demand a higher price tag than the others. And I don't think Detroit needs to pay a lot for a backup.
Notice I did not put Ray Emery on this list. I don't like the guy. He probably has the most talent of the available goaltenders out there, but his head isn't screwed on tight enough and he is very inconsistent with his work ethic. Maybe he would work out with Detroit and undoubtedly Ray will get signed somewhere, but I don't think Motown needs a distraction like Emery.
Former UW defenseman Brian Rafalski and All American Mike Modano have retired. I would have liked to see someone like Chay Genoway get a sniff from the Red Wings to replace Rafalski because I feel Genoway is just as good with the puck.
However, the Wings did sign Ian White to replace Rafalski. I don't feel he's as good as Brian but he'll do.
Also, Chris Osgood just announced his retirement. This is a VERY good thing. The Wings would have had to pay him too much (anything above veteran minimum for him is too much) to bring him back to be a backup. I thought Joey MacDonald played very well in the backup roll last year.
Nevertheless, Osgood had a stellar career and will certainly get HOF consideration. I'm not sure if he'll make it in, but I'll be rooting for him. He retires with 401 career wins. That's good for 10th all time. Not too shabby. He's also 4th all time in career playoff shutouts with 15.
Good luck running the Detroit Goaltending scouting and development program, Chris. And good luck with your golf game. Mine stinks.
What's next?
It's no surprise that Detroit wants to sign another goaltender to back up Howard and MacDonald. I'd love to see someone signed who can compete with MacDonald for the #2 spot. MacCollom isn't ready yet.
Here are a few goaltenders I'd love to see Detroit look at (all UFAs):
Ty Conklin
Brent Krahn
Pascal Leclaire
Justin Pogge
Hannu Toivonen
Only Conklin is really established as an NHL backup. The others might not pan out at all, but Leclaire and Toivonen intrigue me. Leclaire has the potential to be a great backup in the NHL but has been plagued by injury and playing for bad teams. Toivonen is a Finnish player and I argue that only San Jose has as good luck with Scandinavian players as Detroit. Krahn (along with Leclaire and Toivonen) are all former 1st round picks. I think Conklin is the only one on this list that would demand a higher price tag than the others. And I don't think Detroit needs to pay a lot for a backup.
Notice I did not put Ray Emery on this list. I don't like the guy. He probably has the most talent of the available goaltenders out there, but his head isn't screwed on tight enough and he is very inconsistent with his work ethic. Maybe he would work out with Detroit and undoubtedly Ray will get signed somewhere, but I don't think Motown needs a distraction like Emery.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Detroit Crystal Ball Dart Toss (Redwing77)
The season is over and there's a few housekeeping things from me and a look into the offseason for the Red Wings in terms of potential retirements.
Housekeeping
I find myself rather at a loss as to whom to root for in the remaining playoffs. I respect San Jose for playing a great series out and coming out on top (even if I was disappointed that it came out at the expense of my Wings). And, since I deplore hockey players who routinely dive and their teammates/fans/teams who foster the behavior, it's pretty clear that I cannot root for the Canucks. So, it's disappointing to see San Jose only marginally in the series (I truly believe if the first 4 games were played in Vancouver, San Jose would get swept). I can't help but feel extreme doubt that the Sharks are going to do anything more than take a bite out of the Canucks downtime between this series and the Stanley Cup finals.
As for TB and Boston... I'm ok with either team advancing. Boston has played well and I really dig the comeback season Tim Thomas has had. On the other hand, there is no better human interest story in the playoffs than the story of Tampa Bay. They sucked last year. They go out and get a 41 year old goaltender, an untried rookie head coach and GM and suddenly.... WOW.
They are in the finals and STILL people, players, and the media are underestimating them. I think this is working in TB's favor.
In any case, regardless of who wins, I look to Boston or TB to win it all.
Retirements
I've already talked about the imminent retirement of Mike Modano, but there are rumors (on http://www.eliteprospects.com/) that suggest two other notable potential retirees exist.
First, Kris Draper. There is no question that Draper is near the end. There's also no question that his use by the Wings has followed a similar path to that of Kirk Maltby. He saw very little time this postseason. It's pretty clear that the Wings aren't finding much use for him any more, which is too bad. Kris was never flashy. He was just gritty and reliable. A truly great defensive forward with a mean streak. He was always overshadowed in these categories by other greats... defensive forward play by Datsyuk, Federov, and others. Gritty mean streaks by Maltby and McCarty among others.
This rumor is classified as doubtful by Elite Prospects. I would suggest that Draper's time as a Red Wing may have come to an end, but I think he'll play 1-2 more seasons if he can find a team.
Last, Chris Osgood. There is no question that Osgood is right where Draper is. However, the difference I see is: Osgood's no longer consistent and reliable in net. He's lost too much due to age. He may still have the drive to play hockey and that's his choice, but there's no question that he's got nothing left to give Detroit. I'd resign MacDonald to back up Howard. If Osgood wants to be the 3rd stringer and injury backup, then alright, but at no better than league veteran. We are in the salary cap era, after all.
If I were Osgood, I'd ask what was left to prove. Osgood isn't in the position of Draper. He's not as effective as Roloson has been this year. I'm not sure if Osgood will retire, but I would if I were him. He's not doing himself any good floundering or riding the bench as he has most of the season.
He may have the fire to continue playing like Draper, but it is obvious to me that he's got nothing left to offer.
Housekeeping
I find myself rather at a loss as to whom to root for in the remaining playoffs. I respect San Jose for playing a great series out and coming out on top (even if I was disappointed that it came out at the expense of my Wings). And, since I deplore hockey players who routinely dive and their teammates/fans/teams who foster the behavior, it's pretty clear that I cannot root for the Canucks. So, it's disappointing to see San Jose only marginally in the series (I truly believe if the first 4 games were played in Vancouver, San Jose would get swept). I can't help but feel extreme doubt that the Sharks are going to do anything more than take a bite out of the Canucks downtime between this series and the Stanley Cup finals.
As for TB and Boston... I'm ok with either team advancing. Boston has played well and I really dig the comeback season Tim Thomas has had. On the other hand, there is no better human interest story in the playoffs than the story of Tampa Bay. They sucked last year. They go out and get a 41 year old goaltender, an untried rookie head coach and GM and suddenly.... WOW.
They are in the finals and STILL people, players, and the media are underestimating them. I think this is working in TB's favor.
In any case, regardless of who wins, I look to Boston or TB to win it all.
Retirements
I've already talked about the imminent retirement of Mike Modano, but there are rumors (on http://www.eliteprospects.com/) that suggest two other notable potential retirees exist.
First, Kris Draper. There is no question that Draper is near the end. There's also no question that his use by the Wings has followed a similar path to that of Kirk Maltby. He saw very little time this postseason. It's pretty clear that the Wings aren't finding much use for him any more, which is too bad. Kris was never flashy. He was just gritty and reliable. A truly great defensive forward with a mean streak. He was always overshadowed in these categories by other greats... defensive forward play by Datsyuk, Federov, and others. Gritty mean streaks by Maltby and McCarty among others.
This rumor is classified as doubtful by Elite Prospects. I would suggest that Draper's time as a Red Wing may have come to an end, but I think he'll play 1-2 more seasons if he can find a team.
Last, Chris Osgood. There is no question that Osgood is right where Draper is. However, the difference I see is: Osgood's no longer consistent and reliable in net. He's lost too much due to age. He may still have the drive to play hockey and that's his choice, but there's no question that he's got nothing left to give Detroit. I'd resign MacDonald to back up Howard. If Osgood wants to be the 3rd stringer and injury backup, then alright, but at no better than league veteran. We are in the salary cap era, after all.
If I were Osgood, I'd ask what was left to prove. Osgood isn't in the position of Draper. He's not as effective as Roloson has been this year. I'm not sure if Osgood will retire, but I would if I were him. He's not doing himself any good floundering or riding the bench as he has most of the season.
He may have the fire to continue playing like Draper, but it is obvious to me that he's got nothing left to offer.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
All I can say is... (Redwing77)
WOW!!!!
I'll be the first Red Wing fan to say, "I'm surprised and amazed." San Jose fans will be the first to say, "And we were part of those mocking Boston last year? Uh...."
Down 3 games to none, I pegged Detroit as done. They played San Jose pretty close, but, in my opinion, they lacked the finishing ability to make San Jose pay. Sure, on paper, they have plenty, but in reality, they'd seem to dominate and all that would happen is that Detroit would have the puck a lot. We made Niemi look absolutely incredible. To be truthful, Niemi is good and he should not feel bad about the turn of events. However, Detroit's defense has been porous and their risks exploited by San Jose up until Game 4 and, even in Game 4, we barely clawed out a win.
So, imagine my nonsurprise to see Periods 1 and 2 tonight. Detroit pretty much dominating the first 40 minutes and unable to finish. Then, to win, we score 3 goals in 20 minutes and only give up 1. Wow.
To be truthful....
The first period featured officiating that, I thought, reminded me of WCHA officiating. Dan Boyle gets a checking from behind or boarding penalty....no wait. The ref forgot to raise his arm. However, he remembers to call Boyle a few seconds later for a tickytack holding call. Total make up call. Remember, folks, you don't need make up calls if you just call the game the way the rule book says. But these are the playoffs and the rulebook somehow changes. Oh well.
And Detroit scored the 3rd goal as a gift. San Jose was right. We had too many men on the ice. Sure, the angles don't show when Filpula got off the ice and match it with when Helm touched the puck, but I counted 6 and Helm, to me, was skating up ice while Filpula was still technically on the ice. It would have made the last 40+ seconds unbelievable if the refs got it right and put San Jose up a man.
However, I stand by my previous statement: San Jose went up 3-0 and has only to win 1 of the next 4 games to move on. Detroit has just taken up all the slack and play San Jose has to make it a big game. San Jose could still very well pull it off. And they have the guy in net who knows the feeling. It took 7 games to beat Philly for Niemi to raise the cup. Howard is in untested waters. Sure, he's not played poorly throughout, but Niemi still holds the edge.
What if...
If San Jose wins Game 7, as a Red Wings fan, I'll be bummed for sure. However, I will not blast Detroit for choking or yellow trickling down the leg. I would have had they bowed out in 4 or 5 games, though.
Go Wings, beat the Sharks. Then beat the pesky Canucks!
I'll be the first Red Wing fan to say, "I'm surprised and amazed." San Jose fans will be the first to say, "And we were part of those mocking Boston last year? Uh...."
Down 3 games to none, I pegged Detroit as done. They played San Jose pretty close, but, in my opinion, they lacked the finishing ability to make San Jose pay. Sure, on paper, they have plenty, but in reality, they'd seem to dominate and all that would happen is that Detroit would have the puck a lot. We made Niemi look absolutely incredible. To be truthful, Niemi is good and he should not feel bad about the turn of events. However, Detroit's defense has been porous and their risks exploited by San Jose up until Game 4 and, even in Game 4, we barely clawed out a win.
So, imagine my nonsurprise to see Periods 1 and 2 tonight. Detroit pretty much dominating the first 40 minutes and unable to finish. Then, to win, we score 3 goals in 20 minutes and only give up 1. Wow.
To be truthful....
The first period featured officiating that, I thought, reminded me of WCHA officiating. Dan Boyle gets a checking from behind or boarding penalty....no wait. The ref forgot to raise his arm. However, he remembers to call Boyle a few seconds later for a tickytack holding call. Total make up call. Remember, folks, you don't need make up calls if you just call the game the way the rule book says. But these are the playoffs and the rulebook somehow changes. Oh well.
And Detroit scored the 3rd goal as a gift. San Jose was right. We had too many men on the ice. Sure, the angles don't show when Filpula got off the ice and match it with when Helm touched the puck, but I counted 6 and Helm, to me, was skating up ice while Filpula was still technically on the ice. It would have made the last 40+ seconds unbelievable if the refs got it right and put San Jose up a man.
However, I stand by my previous statement: San Jose went up 3-0 and has only to win 1 of the next 4 games to move on. Detroit has just taken up all the slack and play San Jose has to make it a big game. San Jose could still very well pull it off. And they have the guy in net who knows the feeling. It took 7 games to beat Philly for Niemi to raise the cup. Howard is in untested waters. Sure, he's not played poorly throughout, but Niemi still holds the edge.
What if...
If San Jose wins Game 7, as a Red Wings fan, I'll be bummed for sure. However, I will not blast Detroit for choking or yellow trickling down the leg. I would have had they bowed out in 4 or 5 games, though.
Go Wings, beat the Sharks. Then beat the pesky Canucks!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hey Richards! Guess what! You're Fired! (REDWING77)
For being unable to produce something from Mikko Koivu, a second hand man, a perimeter Johnny Come Around Whenever, a few gritty forwards, and a bunch of AHLers.
Why is Richards being fired when the problem the Wild has is that they have no ability to draft offensive players, they have no one in their farm system who can score, and they refuse to spend the big money on players who can change this dynamic? To me, this is a problem that starts with the ownership and stops in the front office. On ESPN.com’s comment section on the article which states of Todd Richards’ dismissal, a random poster who goes by “tyjohn47” posted the following comment:
It's only the first step. Word around the Wild campfire is that the only person in the organization that is safe is Mikko Koivu. Havlat will most likely be dealt. He can do well as a secondary option but it is clear he is not and should not be a teams primary scoring option.
If the Wild can unload the final year of Backstrom's contract on a team...perhaps the Caps if/when the Caps stumble in the playoffs again this season due to their ####-poor goaltending situation?? Brent Burns is heading into the final year of his contract and he may well command a contract with $ similar to Seabrook...so they'll have to make a decision on him too. Zidlicky...gone....he costs way too much for as often as he is hurt.
The Wild need to get younger, faster, tougher and a lot more athletic, quite frankly. Richards did the best he possibly could have with what he had. No stain on him, here. For those blaming Fletcher, fair enough but also understand this much before you throw him under the bus; owner Craig Leipold more or less ordered him to try and make the playoffs and Fletcher did as he was told.
Fletcher thus far is 0 for 3 in making player for player trades bringing in Latendresse who had a very good season in 09-10 but played all of 11 games this season, Chuck Kobasew who couldn't score in a whorehouse and Cam Barker who the Blackhawks were more than happy to unload on to the Wild late last season.
The time has come to clean house and start over in St. Paul.
I’m having a hard time disagreeing with him. The Wild are a disappointment from top to bottom. They spend money on players who don’t command such a high price (regardless of what the market or their agents suggest). They pass on players who are high priced for the right reasons. They subscribe to a system that either worked in the 1970s or are doomed to fail from the get go with the player personnel they have. To make matters worse, you can have a great system but it can take so long to get out from underneath the weighted rock of the financials and player personnel that it can ruin whatever chances a coach has of being successful.
I know the high stakes free agency market can be hard to afford if not downright ridiculous (Kovalchuk anyone?) but… Kovalchuk started out sucking… and ended the year with 31 goals. Havlat finished the year leading the team with 22 goals… the next best was that torrid goal scorer… Cal Clutterbuck with 19! Yeah… if those two were my leading goal scorers, I’d pretty much mail it in too.
This Wild team has been built to win the 1-0, 2-1 snoozefests. I guess I was spoiled watching a team like the Red Wings who, over the past 10 years or so or maybe even more, do such wonderful things as scoring an average of more than 3 goals per game. The last Minnesota team that scored goals decided to move to Dallas.
Fletcher is getting the wrong idea. He thinks that by changing the coach, you’ll get better results out of the players. I still don't see how you are going to get the players to play better than their God-given talent allows. I mean, it's one thing to teach a pig to sit down and roll over upon command. It's completely another issue to try to teach a pig to sing Wagner's Ride of the Valkyrie.
Congrats to Fletcher for firing the coach 2 years into a 5-6 year rebuilding process. Well, back to the 5-6 year rebuilding process.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Former Blackhawk, Red Wing enforcer Bob Probert, Dead at 45
The latest claim regarding enforcers is "Nobody likes them when they're on the other team but you love them when they are on yours."
Well, despite the fact that Goon and Enforcer are often confused (Not the Goon that writes on this blog), it's often true.
Enforcers are now at a premium, or so I've been told. Well, the world lost one of the most notorious enforcers today in former Blackhawk and Red Wing Bob Probert. He was 45.
No reports of what the cause of death was, but there certain is a list of rumors. Anything from a heart attack to relapse and resulting drug overdose.
Bob's career accomplishments were more than fights, though that is inevitably what he'll be remembered for. I don't blame anyone for remembering him for any of his fights... like the one that almost lasted 2 minutes against Marty McSorley. Or his antics with Joey Kocur as teammates and then fighting each other when Kocur was a member of the Rangers.
People forget that Probert was an all star. When was the last time Boogaard was even considered a candidate for the all star game? I don't mean to pick on Boogaard in this regard, but I've been told countless times (and promoted through the media) that Boogaard was perhaps the best Enforcer in the NHL currently. Probert was an All Star in the 1987-88 season when he finished tied for 3rd on the Red Wings in points and, incredibly, first on the team in playoff points that year. Ok, so Yzerman was out with an injury but still... an Enforcer leading the team in points during the playoffs? Well, it doesn't matter. The Wings didn't win it all. Perhaps that's why. He also averaged around 40 points a season for a while and was, for a brief time, an Alternate Captain with the Wings.
Probert's life was fraught with off ice issues and, though ESPN Chicago blog writer Jesse Rogers calls him a great guy off the ice, but I'm not sure how great a guy can be with his track record with the law. He even spent some time in prison in Minnesota for cocaine possession. He's had horrible drug problems and alcohol abuse issues. It was so bad that the Red Wings, which is an organization, in my opinion, that likes to stand behind the players that came through their system and earned names for themselves, decided that it was a waste of time. He went to the Hawks and ended his career there...on a negative note (worked as a commentator for the Hawks for a short time then was fired and went into rehab).
I admit that, though I valued Probert's presence, I did so only marginally. I was never a fan of fighting or fighters. Am I a person who is going to sit here and put him on the same level as Red Wing greats such as Yzerman or Federov and so on? Heck no. Probert made a name for himself, and I'm not sure it was a good name.
Nonetheless, 45 years old. Wow. That's young. I think his abuse caught up with him and, though I don't know what caused his death, I can't help but think that his past transgressions took off 40-50 years of his life.
RIP Bob.
Well, despite the fact that Goon and Enforcer are often confused (Not the Goon that writes on this blog), it's often true.
Enforcers are now at a premium, or so I've been told. Well, the world lost one of the most notorious enforcers today in former Blackhawk and Red Wing Bob Probert. He was 45.
No reports of what the cause of death was, but there certain is a list of rumors. Anything from a heart attack to relapse and resulting drug overdose.
Bob's career accomplishments were more than fights, though that is inevitably what he'll be remembered for. I don't blame anyone for remembering him for any of his fights... like the one that almost lasted 2 minutes against Marty McSorley. Or his antics with Joey Kocur as teammates and then fighting each other when Kocur was a member of the Rangers.
People forget that Probert was an all star. When was the last time Boogaard was even considered a candidate for the all star game? I don't mean to pick on Boogaard in this regard, but I've been told countless times (and promoted through the media) that Boogaard was perhaps the best Enforcer in the NHL currently. Probert was an All Star in the 1987-88 season when he finished tied for 3rd on the Red Wings in points and, incredibly, first on the team in playoff points that year. Ok, so Yzerman was out with an injury but still... an Enforcer leading the team in points during the playoffs? Well, it doesn't matter. The Wings didn't win it all. Perhaps that's why. He also averaged around 40 points a season for a while and was, for a brief time, an Alternate Captain with the Wings.
Probert's life was fraught with off ice issues and, though ESPN Chicago blog writer Jesse Rogers calls him a great guy off the ice, but I'm not sure how great a guy can be with his track record with the law. He even spent some time in prison in Minnesota for cocaine possession. He's had horrible drug problems and alcohol abuse issues. It was so bad that the Red Wings, which is an organization, in my opinion, that likes to stand behind the players that came through their system and earned names for themselves, decided that it was a waste of time. He went to the Hawks and ended his career there...on a negative note (worked as a commentator for the Hawks for a short time then was fired and went into rehab).
I admit that, though I valued Probert's presence, I did so only marginally. I was never a fan of fighting or fighters. Am I a person who is going to sit here and put him on the same level as Red Wing greats such as Yzerman or Federov and so on? Heck no. Probert made a name for himself, and I'm not sure it was a good name.
Nonetheless, 45 years old. Wow. That's young. I think his abuse caught up with him and, though I don't know what caused his death, I can't help but think that his past transgressions took off 40-50 years of his life.
RIP Bob.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
RW77's 2010 Playoff Good, Bad, and Ugly
Ok, a little review of the 2010 Playoffs in Good, Bad, and Ugly Format. Some will review previous posts but I think it will all sum up here.
The Good
The Chicago Blackhawks - They won the Cup. They did so with a ROOKIE goaltender... Ok, NHL rookie goaltender. Niemi was already well established in the Finnish Elite Leagues before coming to Chicago. It was really amazing to see such a team effort pay off. And like I said, Ubersieve Huet gets his name on the Cup. He's probably the happiest on the team (think about it... railed on unmercifully with some calling him the most overpaid bust in the NHL and it wasn't me and he gets his name on the cup.
The Philadelphia Flyers - Goon covered the storyline aspect but lets face it folks... this series could have gone either way. As aggravating as they are to watch, they did a great job. I don't like Pronger and I despise Carcillo but they did play the game about as well as anyone could ask. Not to mention the fact that, and it's been driven home like the beating of a dead horse but, Philly basically played the entire season and playoffs with 1 career backup (Leighton), 1 career nutjob/disappointment (Emery), and 1 almost was (Boucher) in net. And an ex Red Wing gets my nod as the Flyer MVP imo (Ville Leino). Ok, Pronger probably got the actual award from the team but still...
Jaroslav Halak - I still maintain that he was THE best goaltender in this year's playoffs. Period. Just look at what happened to the Habs when Price started in net? He made incredible saves. I do not know if this type of dominance he displayed will carry over (it didn't for Jose Theodore) but I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was fun to watch.
Jonathon Toews - Yup. Talked about before. I think Sidney Crosby will be one of the best young players statistically but I think Toews is all around right with Crosby. And the best part is that only Chicago has the expectations. No one else seems to care. So he's under far less pressure than Crosby is and he's, imo, just as good.
Dustin Byfuglien - He's what an enforcer or instigator should be. Yappin at the mouth and making big hits. And the kid who lived for a long time in a mobile home behind grandma and grandpa's house makes it good. I wonder if there's anything in Roseau, MN left standing?
Chris Pronger - Dislike him and his methods but... I doubt the Flyers would have made it as far as they did without him playing as well as he did.
Mike Richards - He did great too.
Sidney Crosby - Bettman's golden boy did pretty good all things considered. Luckily for all involved his team folded at the end.
The Bad
The Pittsburgh Penguins - They folded at the end. This was supposed to be THE team to beat in the playoffs... or at least that's what the media and Bettman wanted you to believe. Fleury still is a vastly overrated goaltender that got VERY lucky (see Giguere and the Ducks) last year. This year, luck ran out.
The Detroit Red Wings - Too bad they used all of their energy and talent to get past the Coyotes. I'm sure San Jose was looking for a competitive series. In the end, the ruse worked. Red Wings turtle, giving San Jose a superiority complex and a big ego. They go into Chicago and get beat. The bright spot is that the core of the team is still good and Jimmy Howard looks good too.
The officiating - It wasn't ugly but it was close at times. I hate the playoff rulebook.
The ugly
Gary Bettman - I don't need to rant too much on this one but I still give a glowing response to his reception after the game yesterday. I think it couldn't happen to a "better" man. I wonder what it is like to have a likeable or even competent commissioner?
The Bruins - See Goon's Post
Daniel Carcillo - His dives... need I say more?
The Blackhawk salary cap situation - Rumors are flying on ESPN.com's Rumor Central about the Blackhawks are soon to be broken up. I don't know if I believe that as ESPN is known for bending reality for ratings and not really caring too much about anything hockey related, but it will be interesting. I just don't see the current team being able to continue with the amount of money being paid out. It could be the end of the time in Chicago for players like Ladd, Sharp, and Madden.
The Good
The Chicago Blackhawks - They won the Cup. They did so with a ROOKIE goaltender... Ok, NHL rookie goaltender. Niemi was already well established in the Finnish Elite Leagues before coming to Chicago. It was really amazing to see such a team effort pay off. And like I said, Ubersieve Huet gets his name on the Cup. He's probably the happiest on the team (think about it... railed on unmercifully with some calling him the most overpaid bust in the NHL and it wasn't me and he gets his name on the cup.
The Philadelphia Flyers - Goon covered the storyline aspect but lets face it folks... this series could have gone either way. As aggravating as they are to watch, they did a great job. I don't like Pronger and I despise Carcillo but they did play the game about as well as anyone could ask. Not to mention the fact that, and it's been driven home like the beating of a dead horse but, Philly basically played the entire season and playoffs with 1 career backup (Leighton), 1 career nutjob/disappointment (Emery), and 1 almost was (Boucher) in net. And an ex Red Wing gets my nod as the Flyer MVP imo (Ville Leino). Ok, Pronger probably got the actual award from the team but still...
Jaroslav Halak - I still maintain that he was THE best goaltender in this year's playoffs. Period. Just look at what happened to the Habs when Price started in net? He made incredible saves. I do not know if this type of dominance he displayed will carry over (it didn't for Jose Theodore) but I have to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was fun to watch.
Jonathon Toews - Yup. Talked about before. I think Sidney Crosby will be one of the best young players statistically but I think Toews is all around right with Crosby. And the best part is that only Chicago has the expectations. No one else seems to care. So he's under far less pressure than Crosby is and he's, imo, just as good.
Dustin Byfuglien - He's what an enforcer or instigator should be. Yappin at the mouth and making big hits. And the kid who lived for a long time in a mobile home behind grandma and grandpa's house makes it good. I wonder if there's anything in Roseau, MN left standing?
Chris Pronger - Dislike him and his methods but... I doubt the Flyers would have made it as far as they did without him playing as well as he did.
Mike Richards - He did great too.
Sidney Crosby - Bettman's golden boy did pretty good all things considered. Luckily for all involved his team folded at the end.
The Bad
The Pittsburgh Penguins - They folded at the end. This was supposed to be THE team to beat in the playoffs... or at least that's what the media and Bettman wanted you to believe. Fleury still is a vastly overrated goaltender that got VERY lucky (see Giguere and the Ducks) last year. This year, luck ran out.
The Detroit Red Wings - Too bad they used all of their energy and talent to get past the Coyotes. I'm sure San Jose was looking for a competitive series. In the end, the ruse worked. Red Wings turtle, giving San Jose a superiority complex and a big ego. They go into Chicago and get beat. The bright spot is that the core of the team is still good and Jimmy Howard looks good too.
The officiating - It wasn't ugly but it was close at times. I hate the playoff rulebook.
The ugly
Gary Bettman - I don't need to rant too much on this one but I still give a glowing response to his reception after the game yesterday. I think it couldn't happen to a "better" man. I wonder what it is like to have a likeable or even competent commissioner?
The Bruins - See Goon's Post
Daniel Carcillo - His dives... need I say more?
The Blackhawk salary cap situation - Rumors are flying on ESPN.com's Rumor Central about the Blackhawks are soon to be broken up. I don't know if I believe that as ESPN is known for bending reality for ratings and not really caring too much about anything hockey related, but it will be interesting. I just don't see the current team being able to continue with the amount of money being paid out. It could be the end of the time in Chicago for players like Ladd, Sharp, and Madden.
Sunday, June 06, 2010
Stayin' Alive (RW77)
Why is simply winning Game 5, when both teams are NOT facing elimination called "Stayin' Alive?"
Well, folks, the Flyers (love em or hate em) have never NOT been out of the game. Legal or otherwise, they've largely stayed out of the box and made the least number of mistakes after Game 1. Like I said before, both teams sucked in Game 1 (at least defensively and goaltending). The Flyers enter tonight having beaten Chicago in two straight games.
Chicago has looked like Vancouver in Game what.... 2 or 3 where they simply spent the whole game going after Byfuglien? It seems so long ago that the Vancouver series happened. June hockey? What the... Will the draft be preempted by Game 7? Anyways....
I say Stayin' Alive because I truly felt that (after my prediction looked unlikely to come to fruition) whoever wins Game 5 wins the Cup. Philly can't win in Chicago. Chicago can't win in Philly. So... I now have Chicago winning in 7... only because Game 7 will be played in Chicago.
Tonight Chicago chased Leighton and dropped 7 goals on the Flyers... and throughout the game I thought that the scoring wasn't going to end at 1..2..3..4.. and the Hawks outlasted the Flyers in this one. Why? The Hawks weren't really dominant for all 60 minutes. They were at times, but not the entire game and things really could have gone the other way several times.
Here's a few things I noticed:
First, Hartnell's goal. Where was the Hawk's teamwork? Niemi CLEARLY didn't know where the puck was. Hawks defenseman (Seabrook?) was trailing Hartnell in for the kill COULD have yelled to Niemi that the puck was loose and a simple right pad kick out and no goal.
Second, Pronger was nullified for the most part. He even got called for his second penalty of the series. That being said, when he was off the ice on the PP, the Hawks had their best PP effort of the series, imo. Kindof makes me think that, if the Flyers win the Cup, we'll have to swallow the pill that states Pronger as the Playoff MVP.
Third, Byfuglien finally had a good game in this series. 2 goals and 2 assists tonight. He also knocked Pronger around. Points for Byfuglien taking out a ref with one of those big hits.
Fourth, I saw a lot of cross checking players away from the puck. Flyer players (Timmonen on Hossa and Pronger on someone else I can't recall) knocked over Hawks players by cross checking them in the back as the puck flew by. The puck wasn't being played by either player being knocked down. I admit that the puck was somewhat close by but not in contact by the players. Isn't that interference or cross checking penalty? I don't know.
Chicago has 2 shots at winning the Cup. Philly now is win or go home. Feel good Hawks fans? I don't know. The last time Philly faced that was...I dunno.... against Montreal? Against Boston? The point is: Philly's not in unknown territory. Chicago is. Chicago hasn't won it all since 1961 (This still makes them more successful than the Cubs even if they don't win it all).
This has turned into a great series overall, though. Controversy, up and down hockey, tight games, blowouts, you've got it all.
Well, folks, the Flyers (love em or hate em) have never NOT been out of the game. Legal or otherwise, they've largely stayed out of the box and made the least number of mistakes after Game 1. Like I said before, both teams sucked in Game 1 (at least defensively and goaltending). The Flyers enter tonight having beaten Chicago in two straight games.
Chicago has looked like Vancouver in Game what.... 2 or 3 where they simply spent the whole game going after Byfuglien? It seems so long ago that the Vancouver series happened. June hockey? What the... Will the draft be preempted by Game 7? Anyways....
I say Stayin' Alive because I truly felt that (after my prediction looked unlikely to come to fruition) whoever wins Game 5 wins the Cup. Philly can't win in Chicago. Chicago can't win in Philly. So... I now have Chicago winning in 7... only because Game 7 will be played in Chicago.
Tonight Chicago chased Leighton and dropped 7 goals on the Flyers... and throughout the game I thought that the scoring wasn't going to end at 1..2..3..4.. and the Hawks outlasted the Flyers in this one. Why? The Hawks weren't really dominant for all 60 minutes. They were at times, but not the entire game and things really could have gone the other way several times.
Here's a few things I noticed:
First, Hartnell's goal. Where was the Hawk's teamwork? Niemi CLEARLY didn't know where the puck was. Hawks defenseman (Seabrook?) was trailing Hartnell in for the kill COULD have yelled to Niemi that the puck was loose and a simple right pad kick out and no goal.
Second, Pronger was nullified for the most part. He even got called for his second penalty of the series. That being said, when he was off the ice on the PP, the Hawks had their best PP effort of the series, imo. Kindof makes me think that, if the Flyers win the Cup, we'll have to swallow the pill that states Pronger as the Playoff MVP.
Third, Byfuglien finally had a good game in this series. 2 goals and 2 assists tonight. He also knocked Pronger around. Points for Byfuglien taking out a ref with one of those big hits.
Fourth, I saw a lot of cross checking players away from the puck. Flyer players (Timmonen on Hossa and Pronger on someone else I can't recall) knocked over Hawks players by cross checking them in the back as the puck flew by. The puck wasn't being played by either player being knocked down. I admit that the puck was somewhat close by but not in contact by the players. Isn't that interference or cross checking penalty? I don't know.
Chicago has 2 shots at winning the Cup. Philly now is win or go home. Feel good Hawks fans? I don't know. The last time Philly faced that was...I dunno.... against Montreal? Against Boston? The point is: Philly's not in unknown territory. Chicago is. Chicago hasn't won it all since 1961 (This still makes them more successful than the Cubs even if they don't win it all).
This has turned into a great series overall, though. Controversy, up and down hockey, tight games, blowouts, you've got it all.
Friday, June 04, 2010
Pronger's Antics Get NHL Front Office Endorsement (RW77)
As I stated earlier, I'm not convinced that Pronger is a worthless hack. However, I do feel that what he's done in this series isn't all legal either.... or is it?
Today on some East Coast ESPN radio affiliate, NHL head moron Gary Bettman basically endorsed what Pronger's done thus far in the playoffs and inferred that the officials got it right by not calling the game... you know... by the rulebook.
This isn't exactly news. It's no secret that Playoff rules are different than regular season rules. It's an unwritten rule, for sure.
Here's a few interesting quotes from NBA.. I mean NHL commissioner Gary Bettman:
Ok ok... Maybe he said that because he's afraid of the Philly fanbase after what happened to the Montreal based journalist's car? That's gotta be it.
The article on ESPN.com stated that Bettman "didn't mind the publicity generated by the stunts." (Paragraph 6 of the article found at: http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5251980)
Of course he doesn't! Bettman is concerned by only one thing: Publicity. If it gets butts in the seats and people tuned in, YIPPEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I admit that viewership is a prime concern of the NHL. And I do want people to tune in to watch even if it isn't the Red Wings playing. But at the cost of the rulebook and the integrity of the game? NO FLIPPING WAY.
Bettman is TRULY an amazing man. And when David Stern retires, the world will find out. And the NHL will rejoice as they'll finally be rid of the most worthless excuse for a commissioner of any professional sport that hasn't been accused of breaking U.S. law.
You're pathetic Gary. You're nothing more than a different angle on the Hollywood stereotype that states that the best sleep their way to the top. I just wonder who you slept with.
I don't see why ANYONE outside of Philadelphia's fanbase would EVER want the Flyers to win the Cup.
Citation note: All quotes in this article was taken from this article written by a staff writer (unknown) out of ESPNChicago.com. The article can be found here.
Today on some East Coast ESPN radio affiliate, NHL head moron Gary Bettman basically endorsed what Pronger's done thus far in the playoffs and inferred that the officials got it right by not calling the game... you know... by the rulebook.
This isn't exactly news. It's no secret that Playoff rules are different than regular season rules. It's an unwritten rule, for sure.
Here's a few interesting quotes from NBA.. I mean NHL commissioner Gary Bettman:
"It depends on who you're rooting for, but he's been around long enough to know how to get close to the line without crossing it."Why is Bettman talking about who people root for? The question isn't about what the FANS think. Quennville is questioning the LEGALITY of his acts in relation to THE NHL RULEBOOK. Screw the fans.
Ok ok... Maybe he said that because he's afraid of the Philly fanbase after what happened to the Montreal based journalist's car? That's gotta be it.
The article on ESPN.com stated that Bettman "didn't mind the publicity generated by the stunts." (Paragraph 6 of the article found at: http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=5251980)
Of course he doesn't! Bettman is concerned by only one thing: Publicity. If it gets butts in the seats and people tuned in, YIPPEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Now, I admit that viewership is a prime concern of the NHL. And I do want people to tune in to watch even if it isn't the Red Wings playing. But at the cost of the rulebook and the integrity of the game? NO FLIPPING WAY.
"It's bringing attention to the game," Bettman said. "It's showing our players have personality."Is that so, Bettman? Is that so? That's the message we want to send to potential viewers? Watch the NHL tonight! You don't know what kind of low life behavior is going to happen tonight!
Bettman is TRULY an amazing man. And when David Stern retires, the world will find out. And the NHL will rejoice as they'll finally be rid of the most worthless excuse for a commissioner of any professional sport that hasn't been accused of breaking U.S. law.
You're pathetic Gary. You're nothing more than a different angle on the Hollywood stereotype that states that the best sleep their way to the top. I just wonder who you slept with.
I don't see why ANYONE outside of Philadelphia's fanbase would EVER want the Flyers to win the Cup.
Citation note: All quotes in this article was taken from this article written by a staff writer (unknown) out of ESPNChicago.com. The article can be found here.
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Hawks vs. Hacks Post Game 3 Musings
I must chime in on this series so far because it's been surprisingly good thus far. A little excitement and controversy and up and down play abound.
Game One:
I didn't get to watch all of this game but my impressions were simply this: Gary Bettman loved this game. All offense and no defense. Bettman's flawed philosophy is that there is no such thing as an exciting 1-0 game but there's no stop to excitement if the teams score 2 touchdowns and a field goal between the two teams. Well, they provided in this one.
The Hawks prevailed but I thought barely. Hold onto that statement.
Game Two:
This game was much tighter defensively and a lot better called... if you are a Flyers fan. The Flyers got away with a lot more than the Hawks did, and yet the Hawks still prevailed.
NHL On the Fly gave the star of the game to Antti Niemi but I disagree completely. I think I'd go with Eager. Yeah, he has his hack side of things, but he scored the game winner. Why I didn't pick Niemi for this? Because though he made the saves he had to make, the Team D in front of him took away most of it. The Hawks held a clinic on blocking shots that night.
The Hawks prevailed but I thought barely. Catch the theme?
On to Game 3 and Philadelphia.
First off, the "Orange out" or whatever was a great touch. I thought the Flyer fans were really into the game. That's about as positive I can put the Flyer fanbase. After all, they are the fans that had one among them that damaged a journalist's car...FOR NO REASON AT ALL OTHER THAN HE DID NOT COVER THE FLYERS. Unfortunately, the journalist had too much FRENCH in his Canadian blood and decided not to press charges. I wonder if that yellow streak on the North bound interstate out of Philly was from that guy?
Anyways, it was an up and down game where defense took a dump on both sides of the rink.... around the time the other team scores. Philly scores, then Philly D takes a dump and the Hawks score. Then vice versa. Even Brent "Holy Crap I scored?!?" Sopel scored.
The Flyers prevailed this time. Again, though, barely. The theme continues.
Controversy
The big controversy is the play of Chris Pronger and the seemingly lack of cohones for the officials to call penalties on the Flyers.
I'm not sure. The Flyers definitely have gotten away with their share. Like the video stated earlier.... isn't when a player goes for the body check on a player who is not in the act of playing the puck called interference? Anyways...
People are calling Pronger a hack, but I'm not so sure. I don't like Pronger. I think he has a tendency to make cheap-ish hits and test the boundaries of good taste (see the puck incident as an example) but I'm not convinced he's a worthless hack. Here's a few reasons why:
1. Without the cheap stuff, he's a competent defenseman. Unlike other hacks in this category, without the physical cheap crap, Pronger actually can play and contribute otherwise. Carcillo, Cooke, etc. can't.
2. He doesn't go out there to try to injur...I mean "make his presence known." Carcillo and Cooke do that.
3. He doesn't have a rule named after him...at least not yet. Ask Matt Cooke or Sean Avery about this one.
4. He doesn't really dive.
Anyways, where does this series go?
Well, I figured the Flyers would win at least one home game and that happened tonight. The question is: Can the Hawks win in Philly?
They were never out of this game so I think they can, but will they is entirely a different story. Neither team has been all that dominant this series and I don't see that changing.
I predicted that the Hawks will win in 6 games but if Philly wins Game 4, then it could go seven. The key is obviously Philadelphia. I feel like John Madden when I say this but... if the Hawks can't win at least one in Philly, they'll be in deep trouble.
As a side note and Red Wings fan: I can't imagine Stevie Y on the podium at the NHL draft... FOR TAMPA BAY. Congrats to him for sure, but... it feels weird.
Game One:
I didn't get to watch all of this game but my impressions were simply this: Gary Bettman loved this game. All offense and no defense. Bettman's flawed philosophy is that there is no such thing as an exciting 1-0 game but there's no stop to excitement if the teams score 2 touchdowns and a field goal between the two teams. Well, they provided in this one.
The Hawks prevailed but I thought barely. Hold onto that statement.
Game Two:
This game was much tighter defensively and a lot better called... if you are a Flyers fan. The Flyers got away with a lot more than the Hawks did, and yet the Hawks still prevailed.
NHL On the Fly gave the star of the game to Antti Niemi but I disagree completely. I think I'd go with Eager. Yeah, he has his hack side of things, but he scored the game winner. Why I didn't pick Niemi for this? Because though he made the saves he had to make, the Team D in front of him took away most of it. The Hawks held a clinic on blocking shots that night.
The Hawks prevailed but I thought barely. Catch the theme?
On to Game 3 and Philadelphia.
First off, the "Orange out" or whatever was a great touch. I thought the Flyer fans were really into the game. That's about as positive I can put the Flyer fanbase. After all, they are the fans that had one among them that damaged a journalist's car...FOR NO REASON AT ALL OTHER THAN HE DID NOT COVER THE FLYERS. Unfortunately, the journalist had too much FRENCH in his Canadian blood and decided not to press charges. I wonder if that yellow streak on the North bound interstate out of Philly was from that guy?
Anyways, it was an up and down game where defense took a dump on both sides of the rink.... around the time the other team scores. Philly scores, then Philly D takes a dump and the Hawks score. Then vice versa. Even Brent "Holy Crap I scored?!?" Sopel scored.
The Flyers prevailed this time. Again, though, barely. The theme continues.
Controversy
The big controversy is the play of Chris Pronger and the seemingly lack of cohones for the officials to call penalties on the Flyers.
I'm not sure. The Flyers definitely have gotten away with their share. Like the video stated earlier.... isn't when a player goes for the body check on a player who is not in the act of playing the puck called interference? Anyways...
People are calling Pronger a hack, but I'm not so sure. I don't like Pronger. I think he has a tendency to make cheap-ish hits and test the boundaries of good taste (see the puck incident as an example) but I'm not convinced he's a worthless hack. Here's a few reasons why:
1. Without the cheap stuff, he's a competent defenseman. Unlike other hacks in this category, without the physical cheap crap, Pronger actually can play and contribute otherwise. Carcillo, Cooke, etc. can't.
2. He doesn't go out there to try to injur...I mean "make his presence known." Carcillo and Cooke do that.
3. He doesn't have a rule named after him...at least not yet. Ask Matt Cooke or Sean Avery about this one.
4. He doesn't really dive.
Anyways, where does this series go?
Well, I figured the Flyers would win at least one home game and that happened tonight. The question is: Can the Hawks win in Philly?
They were never out of this game so I think they can, but will they is entirely a different story. Neither team has been all that dominant this series and I don't see that changing.
I predicted that the Hawks will win in 6 games but if Philly wins Game 4, then it could go seven. The key is obviously Philadelphia. I feel like John Madden when I say this but... if the Hawks can't win at least one in Philly, they'll be in deep trouble.
As a side note and Red Wings fan: I can't imagine Stevie Y on the podium at the NHL draft... FOR TAMPA BAY. Congrats to him for sure, but... it feels weird.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Another episode of the Redwing77 Good, Bad, and Ugly
Hello again, everyone. It's time for a second round playoff series of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
THE GOOD
Jaroslav Halak - Uh... Hey Crosby, whatcha think of me now? I know they typically give the playoff MVP to a player who plays in the Stanley Cup Finals, but I'm not sure if it won't be the true this year should the Habs lose to the Flyers. This guy has been THE goaltender of the post season. PERIOD. He's simply outstanding. He's also laid to rest the debate about Carey Price, who is just a different version of current (perhaps now ex-) Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj. Big hype, no game. In any case, I may not be the biggest fan of the Habs, but I am a big fan of a goaltender who is dominant. Hello Halak. Please bolt Montreal and come to Detroit. Not likely nor would Detroit (I think)...but...
The Flyers - You have to be good to win 4 straight in the playoffs. Especially when you have 2 career disappointments as your starting goaltender and 1 career disappointment (and probable nutcase) either injured or in reserve (Ray Emery). Now, I'm not down on Michael Leighton. I think he's a quality guy, but I never thought he'd be #1 material. Ok, he still isn't. However, he and Brian Boucher get the Ty Conklin Award for the postseason (most unlikely career backups to win a series with a team). Simon Gagne was fantastic. Michael Richards again proves he's a good leader. Danny Carcillo is still a worthless hack that should be banned from the game.
San Jose - Detroit wasn't really in this series, but they were playing awfully well coming into it. And the Sharks simply blew them out of the (frozen) water. Nabakov has always (to me) been a good goaltender with some unfortunate streaky tendencies and bad luck but he managed to hold things together for another round.
Chicago - Don't know if they belong here or in the bad category, but I put them here for two reasons. Reason #1: They advanced. It doesn't have to be pretty (and it wasn't, I assure you) but it just has to happen and it did. Reason #2: Jonathon Toews. Patrick Kane always gets top billing and Toews always gets the last laugh. Captain Serious has been SERIOUSLY good this post season, even out point scoring Bettman's Golden Godchild Sidney Crosby. He's surely a contender with Halak for playoff MVP. They face a test against the Sharks. Chicago won the regular season matchup against the Sharks winning 3 of 4, but required OT to win 2 of those 3 wins.
Jonathon Toews - See "Chicago" but yeah. He deserves his own record. Halak may be the goaltender of the playoffs thus far, but Toews is the skater of the playoffs thus far. He's outscored Crosby and all others. He may not have the playoff lead in goals, but he's done very well all things considered. I guess what I like about him the most is that, though he can score highlight reel goals, most of his playoff goals seem to be of the "hard work bang to the net" variety. Detroit has a huge problem with players who can't seem to get it through their heads that a garbage goal and a Sportscenter #1 play of the day goal is still worth the same amount of points.
THE BAD
Detroit Red Wings - You gotta play for EVERY playoff round in the books, not just the opening round. We squeaked past the Coyotes and got gobbled by the Sharks. Oh well.
Vancouver - Supposedly dominant, surprisingly undisciplined. Luongo was ok. Team D was meh. Season is over.
Pittsburgh Penguins - What can I say? Luck isn't everything, but apparently that's the only way the Pens fans can term their series loss to the Habs. Oh yeah, giving up 4 goals in 2 periods and really not even showing up to Game 7 might be something to look at. By the way, if you want to know why Fleury made my list of Top overrated goaltenders, you can look to Game 7 as a great example. Getting beat is one thing, but not even playing your best in Game 7? SIEVE!
THE UGLY
Boston Bruins - HEY! We've got a 3-0 game lead in this series. The Flyers will roll over, right? RIGHT? Anyone? Blake Wheeler was awful. The Bruins offense was pathetic. Tukka Rask was human. Boston Bruins choked so bad that Buckner (thanks for the analogy Goon) said "WHEW! I only screwed up once! I'm off the hook now!"
Danny Carcillo - At least Matt Cooke is out of the playoffs. This utter disgrace to the game still gets to go on to play the Habs. Well, maybe he'll go pick on Scotty Gomez or Plekanec and then fall down holding his face the next time Hal Gill hip checks him? Or maybe he'll hold his finger and cry the next time he two hand slashes a Hab player and the player takes exception? Who knows, but if Cooke is a lowlife bully, Carcillo is a cowardly nancyboy hack artist. I loved the fact that he dressed up for halloween as the GEICO caveman. It's a perfect match for his intelligence.
THE GOOD
Jaroslav Halak - Uh... Hey Crosby, whatcha think of me now? I know they typically give the playoff MVP to a player who plays in the Stanley Cup Finals, but I'm not sure if it won't be the true this year should the Habs lose to the Flyers. This guy has been THE goaltender of the post season. PERIOD. He's simply outstanding. He's also laid to rest the debate about Carey Price, who is just a different version of current (perhaps now ex-) Avalanche goaltender Peter Budaj. Big hype, no game. In any case, I may not be the biggest fan of the Habs, but I am a big fan of a goaltender who is dominant. Hello Halak. Please bolt Montreal and come to Detroit. Not likely nor would Detroit (I think)...but...
The Flyers - You have to be good to win 4 straight in the playoffs. Especially when you have 2 career disappointments as your starting goaltender and 1 career disappointment (and probable nutcase) either injured or in reserve (Ray Emery). Now, I'm not down on Michael Leighton. I think he's a quality guy, but I never thought he'd be #1 material. Ok, he still isn't. However, he and Brian Boucher get the Ty Conklin Award for the postseason (most unlikely career backups to win a series with a team). Simon Gagne was fantastic. Michael Richards again proves he's a good leader. Danny Carcillo is still a worthless hack that should be banned from the game.
San Jose - Detroit wasn't really in this series, but they were playing awfully well coming into it. And the Sharks simply blew them out of the (frozen) water. Nabakov has always (to me) been a good goaltender with some unfortunate streaky tendencies and bad luck but he managed to hold things together for another round.
Chicago - Don't know if they belong here or in the bad category, but I put them here for two reasons. Reason #1: They advanced. It doesn't have to be pretty (and it wasn't, I assure you) but it just has to happen and it did. Reason #2: Jonathon Toews. Patrick Kane always gets top billing and Toews always gets the last laugh. Captain Serious has been SERIOUSLY good this post season, even out point scoring Bettman's Golden Godchild Sidney Crosby. He's surely a contender with Halak for playoff MVP. They face a test against the Sharks. Chicago won the regular season matchup against the Sharks winning 3 of 4, but required OT to win 2 of those 3 wins.
Jonathon Toews - See "Chicago" but yeah. He deserves his own record. Halak may be the goaltender of the playoffs thus far, but Toews is the skater of the playoffs thus far. He's outscored Crosby and all others. He may not have the playoff lead in goals, but he's done very well all things considered. I guess what I like about him the most is that, though he can score highlight reel goals, most of his playoff goals seem to be of the "hard work bang to the net" variety. Detroit has a huge problem with players who can't seem to get it through their heads that a garbage goal and a Sportscenter #1 play of the day goal is still worth the same amount of points.
THE BAD
Detroit Red Wings - You gotta play for EVERY playoff round in the books, not just the opening round. We squeaked past the Coyotes and got gobbled by the Sharks. Oh well.
Vancouver - Supposedly dominant, surprisingly undisciplined. Luongo was ok. Team D was meh. Season is over.
Pittsburgh Penguins - What can I say? Luck isn't everything, but apparently that's the only way the Pens fans can term their series loss to the Habs. Oh yeah, giving up 4 goals in 2 periods and really not even showing up to Game 7 might be something to look at. By the way, if you want to know why Fleury made my list of Top overrated goaltenders, you can look to Game 7 as a great example. Getting beat is one thing, but not even playing your best in Game 7? SIEVE!
THE UGLY
Boston Bruins - HEY! We've got a 3-0 game lead in this series. The Flyers will roll over, right? RIGHT? Anyone? Blake Wheeler was awful. The Bruins offense was pathetic. Tukka Rask was human. Boston Bruins choked so bad that Buckner (thanks for the analogy Goon) said "WHEW! I only screwed up once! I'm off the hook now!"
Danny Carcillo - At least Matt Cooke is out of the playoffs. This utter disgrace to the game still gets to go on to play the Habs. Well, maybe he'll go pick on Scotty Gomez or Plekanec and then fall down holding his face the next time Hal Gill hip checks him? Or maybe he'll hold his finger and cry the next time he two hand slashes a Hab player and the player takes exception? Who knows, but if Cooke is a lowlife bully, Carcillo is a cowardly nancyboy hack artist. I loved the fact that he dressed up for halloween as the GEICO caveman. It's a perfect match for his intelligence.
Sunday, May 09, 2010
An End of the Year for the Red Wings (RW77)
Ok, it's no surprise to any of the Goon's World regulars that I represent one (if not the only) Red Wings fan on this Blog, but I'm going to lament the good and the bad and ponder the offseason for my Wings in this post.
I admit this is about where I picked the Red Wings to exit the playoffs. I just wished it was in Game 7.
This team went through a ton of ups and downs and, insodoing, came a long way towards establishing a new (but still old) identity.
Last year it was the Penguins that endured a ton of injuries and prevailed. The media was all over the excuse when the Pens lost too. If Gonchar were healthy... if Malkin and Crosby were 100%... etc. This year, the Red Wings lost a TON of players to injury. In my opinion, far more talent was lost this year by the Red Wings to injury than to the Penguins last season.
However, unlike the Penguins, the added implosion of Chris Osgood and the underperformance of the Team D (partially because of Osgood) proved too much in the end.
They were jokes for much of the season, flirting with the final playoff spot but never quite being serious about getting it until very late in the season. Despite the punch line, this competitiveness is remarkable because they lost so much talent to injury and those that remained underperformed. I would have placed them fading into oblivion if I hadn't known better. That doesn't mean I didn't have any doubt about the playoffs. On the contrary, for much of the year, I had the Red Wings placing 9th, only a few points out of the 8th spot.
When the Wings came on strong and managed to finish 5th or 6th (for some reason I can't remember exactly), I was impressed. They were playing awesome hockey. And Jimmy Howard was doing Detroit and the NCAA alumni proud with his play.
In the end the Sharks were just too good for the Red Wings. I think it comes down to depth. I just see the Sharks as being the team with more depth right now than Detroit. They were able to use that depth to their advantage in this series.
So what does this offseason have in store for Detroit?
Here is a list of pending Detroit Free Agents:
Jason Williams (Center)
Tomas Holmstrom (Wing)
Kirk Maltby (Wing)
Todd Bertuzzi (Wing)
Nick Lidstrom (Defense)
Andreas Lilja (Defense)
Brett Lebda (Defense)
Rumors have it that Kirk Maltby is going to retire. I really don't see Williams or Bertuzzi being a big "must sign" either. The big question marks lie in Holmstrom and Lidstrom.
I think the Wings need Holmstrom's grit and knack for getting under the skin of the opposition. He's mouthy, a punk for sure, but at least he's not cheap like Carcillo or Cooke. Lilja and Lebda could probably be resigned for cheap...or they could go in a different direction.
What I WOULD like to see is we replace Williams with someone like John Madden. I know that is replacing what is considered a scoring center with a gritty checking center, but Madden is superb on faceoffs and great defensively and not bad in the offensive zone. However, he is expensive and he's 37 years old. If the Wings wanted to replace him with a scoring winger, I'd expect them to go after someone like Tomas Plekanec or Matthew Lombardi (if they have the money).
In truth, I'm not sure which direction they are going to go because I'm not the guy who understands the whole salary cap and math side of putting a team together. So I listed 3 high priced guys without knowing if the Wings could even sign any of them under the cap.
One thing I did notice is that Osgood is NOT a free agent. I assumed he was. Unfortunately, that means one of two things:
1. Hope he retires
2. Hope Detroit finds a way to buy him out
The guy just can't play anymore. And I'd rather not spend Osgood's salary on a backup... at least I wouldn't if I were the GM.
Instead, I'd like to bring in someone like Michael Leighton or a long shot like Dany Sabourin because they are relatively young, cheap, and in the case of Leighton, had a pretty decent season. Leighton, to me, screams Ty Conklin. And IMO, Conklin should still be backing up in Detroit.
Who knows which direction the Wings will go? But I do know that next year they'll still be a top contender.
I admit this is about where I picked the Red Wings to exit the playoffs. I just wished it was in Game 7.
This team went through a ton of ups and downs and, insodoing, came a long way towards establishing a new (but still old) identity.
Last year it was the Penguins that endured a ton of injuries and prevailed. The media was all over the excuse when the Pens lost too. If Gonchar were healthy... if Malkin and Crosby were 100%... etc. This year, the Red Wings lost a TON of players to injury. In my opinion, far more talent was lost this year by the Red Wings to injury than to the Penguins last season.
However, unlike the Penguins, the added implosion of Chris Osgood and the underperformance of the Team D (partially because of Osgood) proved too much in the end.
They were jokes for much of the season, flirting with the final playoff spot but never quite being serious about getting it until very late in the season. Despite the punch line, this competitiveness is remarkable because they lost so much talent to injury and those that remained underperformed. I would have placed them fading into oblivion if I hadn't known better. That doesn't mean I didn't have any doubt about the playoffs. On the contrary, for much of the year, I had the Red Wings placing 9th, only a few points out of the 8th spot.
When the Wings came on strong and managed to finish 5th or 6th (for some reason I can't remember exactly), I was impressed. They were playing awesome hockey. And Jimmy Howard was doing Detroit and the NCAA alumni proud with his play.
In the end the Sharks were just too good for the Red Wings. I think it comes down to depth. I just see the Sharks as being the team with more depth right now than Detroit. They were able to use that depth to their advantage in this series.
So what does this offseason have in store for Detroit?
Here is a list of pending Detroit Free Agents:
Jason Williams (Center)
Tomas Holmstrom (Wing)
Kirk Maltby (Wing)
Todd Bertuzzi (Wing)
Nick Lidstrom (Defense)
Andreas Lilja (Defense)
Brett Lebda (Defense)
Rumors have it that Kirk Maltby is going to retire. I really don't see Williams or Bertuzzi being a big "must sign" either. The big question marks lie in Holmstrom and Lidstrom.
I think the Wings need Holmstrom's grit and knack for getting under the skin of the opposition. He's mouthy, a punk for sure, but at least he's not cheap like Carcillo or Cooke. Lilja and Lebda could probably be resigned for cheap...or they could go in a different direction.
What I WOULD like to see is we replace Williams with someone like John Madden. I know that is replacing what is considered a scoring center with a gritty checking center, but Madden is superb on faceoffs and great defensively and not bad in the offensive zone. However, he is expensive and he's 37 years old. If the Wings wanted to replace him with a scoring winger, I'd expect them to go after someone like Tomas Plekanec or Matthew Lombardi (if they have the money).
In truth, I'm not sure which direction they are going to go because I'm not the guy who understands the whole salary cap and math side of putting a team together. So I listed 3 high priced guys without knowing if the Wings could even sign any of them under the cap.
One thing I did notice is that Osgood is NOT a free agent. I assumed he was. Unfortunately, that means one of two things:
1. Hope he retires
2. Hope Detroit finds a way to buy him out
The guy just can't play anymore. And I'd rather not spend Osgood's salary on a backup... at least I wouldn't if I were the GM.
Instead, I'd like to bring in someone like Michael Leighton or a long shot like Dany Sabourin because they are relatively young, cheap, and in the case of Leighton, had a pretty decent season. Leighton, to me, screams Ty Conklin. And IMO, Conklin should still be backing up in Detroit.
Who knows which direction the Wings will go? But I do know that next year they'll still be a top contender.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wings and Habs lose in the first game (RW77)
Well, Game 1 of the Pens/Habs and Wings/Sharks are now in the books and it's about where I figured it.
I know I shouldn't be down on the Red Wings and I'm not, but I'm not blind to the fact that, if the Red Wings ever had an "easy" series, it was the one against the Preds.
The Sharks came out of the gate fast and scored 3 right away. That's all it takes sometimes to get rid of a team for the rest of the game. No, the Wings weren't out of it and did a pretty good job fighting their way back to make it close. However, it was too little too late.
One thing that both Game 1 losers had in common was that both were ridiculously stupid on the ice. Especially the Habs. Penguins score 4 Powerplay goals tonight. Halak gets yanked in the 3rd period (more on that soon). The Red Wings take a ridiculous 5 on 3 pk between the 2nd and 3rd periods.
WOW. However, I must hand it to Devon Setoguchi. The dive was JUST believable on the second penalty. Watch the replay. Even the commentators thought that Stuart got him on the wrist and down he goes for the count. I can't argue against the Stuart move not being a penalty. I thought it was a slash, not a high stick. But Setoguchi flopping to the ice and holding his head until the whistle blew, then getting up and not even fazed? D-I-V-E. He should have gone for embellishment. 4 on 3 Shark PP.
Both teams played solidly otherwise.
DA HABS
Ok, this was the kind of game I was actually expecting in Game One between these two foes, but I didn't expect it to be all special teams. The Habs were RIDICULOUSLY BAD on the PK.
Jaroslav Halak did ok, imo. The rest of the team? Not so much.
However, the commentators further tipped their hand when Halak got pulled in the 3rd period. They started by stating a truth (I too thought Halak should have been yanked at the start of the 3rd period) and then proceeded to glom praise on Price and acted like eager little school kids the morning of a field trip to a candy factory when describing Price's playoff history.
They dismissed Halak's performance as a "He may have done good in 5, 6, and 7, but if Price plays well, he could get the start in Game 2." Yeah, the difference is that with Halak, it took 4 power plays to get to 5 goals. With Price, it'd take 10 minutes of 5 on 5 vs. the Penguins.
So it should come as no surprise that the commentators were adamant about the possibility of Price for Game 2. There's no doubt they want the Habs to fail.
On a positive side, Crosby was held to less than 5 shots and only 2 assists on the night. He's still bound for Playoff MVP honors should the Habs not pull out a second straight upset.
The same thing applies though: Everyone expects the Penguins to advance. If the Habs lose, what have they failed at? I think this is bonus hockey for the Habs all things considered.
Martin would be ridiculously retarded to start Price UNLESS he thought that Halak was too fatigued (with the fast turnaround between series) to be effective. It is PLAINLY clear that the Habs' chances rest on Halak. NOT PRICE.
That being said, if Price starts Game 2, I would be STUNNED if the Pens didn't win. I'd taunt them mercilessly if they did anything but win in regulation (even if the won in OT) should Price start.
The Pens SHOULD take this series 4-1. I say the 1 win comes in Montreal when Halak steals another game.
On a side note: Sad Markov got injured. Not surprised Cooke did it. SURPRISED the hit was legal, though (which it was). Reviewing it further, yeah, it was legal. Too bad. I never wish injury on anyone but if Markov had to get injured, the best thing to happen would have been if he could have gotten Cooke suspended.
EDIT:
Here's the Cooke Hit:
I know I shouldn't be down on the Red Wings and I'm not, but I'm not blind to the fact that, if the Red Wings ever had an "easy" series, it was the one against the Preds.
The Sharks came out of the gate fast and scored 3 right away. That's all it takes sometimes to get rid of a team for the rest of the game. No, the Wings weren't out of it and did a pretty good job fighting their way back to make it close. However, it was too little too late.
One thing that both Game 1 losers had in common was that both were ridiculously stupid on the ice. Especially the Habs. Penguins score 4 Powerplay goals tonight. Halak gets yanked in the 3rd period (more on that soon). The Red Wings take a ridiculous 5 on 3 pk between the 2nd and 3rd periods.
WOW. However, I must hand it to Devon Setoguchi. The dive was JUST believable on the second penalty. Watch the replay. Even the commentators thought that Stuart got him on the wrist and down he goes for the count. I can't argue against the Stuart move not being a penalty. I thought it was a slash, not a high stick. But Setoguchi flopping to the ice and holding his head until the whistle blew, then getting up and not even fazed? D-I-V-E. He should have gone for embellishment. 4 on 3 Shark PP.
Both teams played solidly otherwise.
DA HABS
Ok, this was the kind of game I was actually expecting in Game One between these two foes, but I didn't expect it to be all special teams. The Habs were RIDICULOUSLY BAD on the PK.
Jaroslav Halak did ok, imo. The rest of the team? Not so much.
However, the commentators further tipped their hand when Halak got pulled in the 3rd period. They started by stating a truth (I too thought Halak should have been yanked at the start of the 3rd period) and then proceeded to glom praise on Price and acted like eager little school kids the morning of a field trip to a candy factory when describing Price's playoff history.
They dismissed Halak's performance as a "He may have done good in 5, 6, and 7, but if Price plays well, he could get the start in Game 2." Yeah, the difference is that with Halak, it took 4 power plays to get to 5 goals. With Price, it'd take 10 minutes of 5 on 5 vs. the Penguins.
So it should come as no surprise that the commentators were adamant about the possibility of Price for Game 2. There's no doubt they want the Habs to fail.
On a positive side, Crosby was held to less than 5 shots and only 2 assists on the night. He's still bound for Playoff MVP honors should the Habs not pull out a second straight upset.
The same thing applies though: Everyone expects the Penguins to advance. If the Habs lose, what have they failed at? I think this is bonus hockey for the Habs all things considered.
Martin would be ridiculously retarded to start Price UNLESS he thought that Halak was too fatigued (with the fast turnaround between series) to be effective. It is PLAINLY clear that the Habs' chances rest on Halak. NOT PRICE.
That being said, if Price starts Game 2, I would be STUNNED if the Pens didn't win. I'd taunt them mercilessly if they did anything but win in regulation (even if the won in OT) should Price start.
The Pens SHOULD take this series 4-1. I say the 1 win comes in Montreal when Halak steals another game.
On a side note: Sad Markov got injured. Not surprised Cooke did it. SURPRISED the hit was legal, though (which it was). Reviewing it further, yeah, it was legal. Too bad. I never wish injury on anyone but if Markov had to get injured, the best thing to happen would have been if he could have gotten Cooke suspended.
EDIT:
Here's the Cooke Hit:
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Hey Bettman and Gainey: HALAK SHALAK!
HOW ABOUT THEM CAPITOLS?
Hey Bettman, at least you still got Crosby!
I'm not going to say that the Pens will succumb to the awesome known as Jaroslav Halak, but I SURE AS HECK HOPE SO.
I may not be a big fan of Montreal, but I am of Jaroslav Halak. This guy can play. Vs. commentators said that he stopped 131 of 134 shots in the last 3 games. That's insane!
I say Gainey listen up because this is the guy YOU wanted to be backup to your precious Carey Price! This is a guy who wanted to be traded because he knew he was better than Price and so did his teammates (well, they play better in front of him anyhow) and Gainey's only smart move was NOT to trade him. In the end, the Habs ownership saw the light and removed the barrier towards getting Halak more #1 goaltending time: Firing Gainey's deadweight arse.
Halak reminds me a TON of JS Giguere the year he carried the Ducks to the Stanley Cup... only the Ducks had a bit more scoring.
Halak is, by far, the MVP of the entire playoff picture thus far.
On a side note, Vs. is interviewing Capitol Defenseman Karl Alzner... KARL FREAKING ALZNER! His playing time in this series? ONE BLEEDING GAME! What does he know? He knows he's the lowest guy on the totem pole so, "go get em champ!"
Varlamov wasn't that bad. I thought both goaltenders played well. The Capitols dominated in SOG.
The fact is: Halak carried this team to victory. I am doubtful they have the ability to keep it up.
This is the first time a #8 team beat a #1 team (according to Vs.) after being down 3 games to 1.
Vs. makes a big deal out of this and I suppose it is, by the fact that the Habs had to win 3 straight games to overtake them. However, epic upset? I dunno. I can see why it could be considered that. The Habs were the worst playoff team in the playoffs...
That's ok. All I care about is the fact that Gary Bettman and his PR monkeys are now down to one God-child in the playoffs. If Crosby gets knocked out in the semis.... HELLO CHRISTMAS IN MAY!!!
Hey Bettman, at least you still got Crosby!
I'm not going to say that the Pens will succumb to the awesome known as Jaroslav Halak, but I SURE AS HECK HOPE SO.
I may not be a big fan of Montreal, but I am of Jaroslav Halak. This guy can play. Vs. commentators said that he stopped 131 of 134 shots in the last 3 games. That's insane!
I say Gainey listen up because this is the guy YOU wanted to be backup to your precious Carey Price! This is a guy who wanted to be traded because he knew he was better than Price and so did his teammates (well, they play better in front of him anyhow) and Gainey's only smart move was NOT to trade him. In the end, the Habs ownership saw the light and removed the barrier towards getting Halak more #1 goaltending time: Firing Gainey's deadweight arse.
Halak reminds me a TON of JS Giguere the year he carried the Ducks to the Stanley Cup... only the Ducks had a bit more scoring.
Halak is, by far, the MVP of the entire playoff picture thus far.
On a side note, Vs. is interviewing Capitol Defenseman Karl Alzner... KARL FREAKING ALZNER! His playing time in this series? ONE BLEEDING GAME! What does he know? He knows he's the lowest guy on the totem pole so, "go get em champ!"
Varlamov wasn't that bad. I thought both goaltenders played well. The Capitols dominated in SOG.
The fact is: Halak carried this team to victory. I am doubtful they have the ability to keep it up.
This is the first time a #8 team beat a #1 team (according to Vs.) after being down 3 games to 1.
Vs. makes a big deal out of this and I suppose it is, by the fact that the Habs had to win 3 straight games to overtake them. However, epic upset? I dunno. I can see why it could be considered that. The Habs were the worst playoff team in the playoffs...
That's ok. All I care about is the fact that Gary Bettman and his PR monkeys are now down to one God-child in the playoffs. If Crosby gets knocked out in the semis.... HELLO CHRISTMAS IN MAY!!!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Redwing77
Ok, a quick blurb on my dislike of the hype surrounding "the Legend" and "Alexander the Great."
Yes, the main stuff has been documented beyond the need for this post, so I'll skip it. But check this out:
Today I watched the NHL Network and they were doing a program on Wayne Gretzky. Yes, Wayne Gretzky. Watching his goal clips, he wasn't as much of a showboater as Alexander Ovechkin. He was just a super solid, ultra consistent, point machine that always used to exploit weaknesses in opponents' games to perfection. Oh yeah, and even by his admission, the fact that goaltender equipment was "half the size" they are today (his quote not mine) might mean something.
Now, I'm not going to slight Gretzky, but I will say this: When Gretzky was on the ice, there was always seemingly the impression that the fans and media was watching greatness. There wasn't any need to say it... It..Just..Was. With Crosby and Ovechkin...is that they case?
Nope. The NHL CONSTANTLY needs to TELL US that we're watching greatness. So, what do you think is truly great? Watching it and knowing or having it told to you?
Let's key this on another note: I could tell you that Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the game. Then I could show you footage of Walter Payton or Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith. Would I have to say ANYTHING about those three to let you know how great they were? If the answer is "Yes" then congrats, you defeated my point. If the answer is "No" even if there is a "But" after it, then my point is made. Thank you very much.
Sidney Crosby is a good hockey player. Alexander Ovechkin is a good hockey player (and would be greater if he stopped with the cheap hits). But Crosby is FAR from "the Legend" status and neither can be called "the greatest." Hey, Gretzky had 200+ points in a season 3 times, maybe more. THAT's legend status. 50 goals in 39 games. LEGEND STATUS. Sorry, Crosby isn't there yet.
And I promise this is the first and last post about this topic (unless of course cheap shots come out or Crosby or Ovechkin do something simply "legendary")
Yes, the main stuff has been documented beyond the need for this post, so I'll skip it. But check this out:
Today I watched the NHL Network and they were doing a program on Wayne Gretzky. Yes, Wayne Gretzky. Watching his goal clips, he wasn't as much of a showboater as Alexander Ovechkin. He was just a super solid, ultra consistent, point machine that always used to exploit weaknesses in opponents' games to perfection. Oh yeah, and even by his admission, the fact that goaltender equipment was "half the size" they are today (his quote not mine) might mean something.
Now, I'm not going to slight Gretzky, but I will say this: When Gretzky was on the ice, there was always seemingly the impression that the fans and media was watching greatness. There wasn't any need to say it... It..Just..Was. With Crosby and Ovechkin...is that they case?
Nope. The NHL CONSTANTLY needs to TELL US that we're watching greatness. So, what do you think is truly great? Watching it and knowing or having it told to you?
Let's key this on another note: I could tell you that Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the game. Then I could show you footage of Walter Payton or Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith. Would I have to say ANYTHING about those three to let you know how great they were? If the answer is "Yes" then congrats, you defeated my point. If the answer is "No" even if there is a "But" after it, then my point is made. Thank you very much.
Sidney Crosby is a good hockey player. Alexander Ovechkin is a good hockey player (and would be greater if he stopped with the cheap hits). But Crosby is FAR from "the Legend" status and neither can be called "the greatest." Hey, Gretzky had 200+ points in a season 3 times, maybe more. THAT's legend status. 50 goals in 39 games. LEGEND STATUS. Sorry, Crosby isn't there yet.
And I promise this is the first and last post about this topic (unless of course cheap shots come out or Crosby or Ovechkin do something simply "legendary")
Another Test to the New Rule (Redwing77)
I'm not going to spend as much time on this post than the previous ones now that the new rule has passed. But...
St. Louis Blue forward (and former MSUM Maverick) David Backes will test the waters again on the disciplinary discussion about lateral blindside hits on vulnerable unsuspecting players. In this case, star Red Wing Defenseman and former Badger Brian Rafalski.
I shouldn't trivialize this because this hit was rough. Backes comes up behind and to the right of Rafalski passing through center ice and absolutely crushes him shoulder to jaw right above the Blues blue line. The camera barely caught it.
Here it is:
You can just barely see it at the far right of the screen. There was no replay of the hit until NHL on the Fly pointed it out. In fact, I didn't even notice it because I was too busy watching Fippula undress the Blues D.
Again, no call. Again, not a penalty as Rafalski was playing the puck at the time. Again, should've been a penalty...and now will be under the new rule.
No idea if Rafalski was injured on the play. It is identical to the Cooke-Savard tragedy except the force of impact was less (imo) and Backes is known for big hits, but not cheap shots, so the intent, as far as I'm concerned, wasn't to try to knock Rafalski into next season (see Cooke, Matt on Savard and Ovechkin, Alex on Campbell) (NHL analysts call it "letting him know you're on the ice"). I do not consider Backes to be a cheap shot artist. To my knowledge, this is an isolated incident.
However, the question is: Will we see any supplementary action?
St. Louis Blue forward (and former MSUM Maverick) David Backes will test the waters again on the disciplinary discussion about lateral blindside hits on vulnerable unsuspecting players. In this case, star Red Wing Defenseman and former Badger Brian Rafalski.
I shouldn't trivialize this because this hit was rough. Backes comes up behind and to the right of Rafalski passing through center ice and absolutely crushes him shoulder to jaw right above the Blues blue line. The camera barely caught it.
Here it is:
You can just barely see it at the far right of the screen. There was no replay of the hit until NHL on the Fly pointed it out. In fact, I didn't even notice it because I was too busy watching Fippula undress the Blues D.
Again, no call. Again, not a penalty as Rafalski was playing the puck at the time. Again, should've been a penalty...and now will be under the new rule.
No idea if Rafalski was injured on the play. It is identical to the Cooke-Savard tragedy except the force of impact was less (imo) and Backes is known for big hits, but not cheap shots, so the intent, as far as I'm concerned, wasn't to try to knock Rafalski into next season (see Cooke, Matt on Savard and Ovechkin, Alex on Campbell) (NHL analysts call it "letting him know you're on the ice"). I do not consider Backes to be a cheap shot artist. To my knowledge, this is an isolated incident.
However, the question is: Will we see any supplementary action?
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Anaheim's Wisniewski gets gonged (REDWING77)
Anaheim Defenseman, James Wiesnewski will sit out 8 games and forfeit over $200,000 in salary for the ridiculously stupid hit on Blackhawks defenseman Keith Seabrook.
Listening to his interview on NHL Network I have to say I'm impressed. He said "I wasn't trying to injure him. We were roommates at one point blah blah blah." He tried to sound sincere and perhaps he was. However, he's a repeat offender... wait... that's sounding more and more like COOKE.
Earlier this year he tried to be an NFL linebacker against Dallas' Morrow, a nice cross check to the mouth of a Red Wings player I can't recall... and I think there was one other.
Bettman says it is completely different. Cooke cheapshotted and blindsided a player who was around the puck and Wisnewski did not blindside Seabrook but took a flying cheapshot at him instead in clear retaliation. Oh yeah, Cooke wanted to "make his presence known." Both acts are reprehensible and both warranted suspension. So, yeah, Bettman is mostly right.
The Anaheim coach complained that it was too lengthy. Nope. He complains that Wisniewski was an easy target. Gee, coach, why is that? Campbell and his goons didn't throw a dart at the Ducks roster and say, "YES! Give that man an 8 game suspension!" He made a stupid hit and everyone in the world is rightfully blasting Campbell and Bettman that the league is starting to make the right decision.... Good decisions under duress... Wait a minute... I'm talking about the WCHA again, aren't I?
Who cares. 8 games is about right and about the same time Cooke should have been sitting.
So, justice is served....sorta. Booth and Savard are sitting at home going "WHAT THE ****!!"
LINK
Listening to his interview on NHL Network I have to say I'm impressed. He said "I wasn't trying to injure him. We were roommates at one point blah blah blah." He tried to sound sincere and perhaps he was. However, he's a repeat offender... wait... that's sounding more and more like COOKE.
Earlier this year he tried to be an NFL linebacker against Dallas' Morrow, a nice cross check to the mouth of a Red Wings player I can't recall... and I think there was one other.
Bettman says it is completely different. Cooke cheapshotted and blindsided a player who was around the puck and Wisnewski did not blindside Seabrook but took a flying cheapshot at him instead in clear retaliation. Oh yeah, Cooke wanted to "make his presence known." Both acts are reprehensible and both warranted suspension. So, yeah, Bettman is mostly right.
The Anaheim coach complained that it was too lengthy. Nope. He complains that Wisniewski was an easy target. Gee, coach, why is that? Campbell and his goons didn't throw a dart at the Ducks roster and say, "YES! Give that man an 8 game suspension!" He made a stupid hit and everyone in the world is rightfully blasting Campbell and Bettman that the league is starting to make the right decision.... Good decisions under duress... Wait a minute... I'm talking about the WCHA again, aren't I?
Who cares. 8 games is about right and about the same time Cooke should have been sitting.
So, justice is served....sorta. Booth and Savard are sitting at home going "WHAT THE ****!!"
LINK
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wisnewski To Test the Matt Cooke Rule
Sorry, I don't have the Youtube Link because it just happened...(Goon must be busy so I added the video for him. TW)
Anaheim's Wisnewski (sp?) just decided to take the Colin Campbell's Matt Cooke exception to the test tonight. Seabrook absolutely leveled Cory Perry earlier in the period and Wisnewski went after him.
If you want to see what Frattin's hit would have looked like if Wehrs was nowhere near the puck and Frattin did imitate Superman, check out this hit. Seabrook was in the corner about to turn up ice with his teammate when Wisnewski came out of nowhere, left his skates, and drove his shoulder into Seabrook's jaw. The back of Seabrook's head hit the glass hard. His helmet was askew atop his head and the whole of Seabrook's forehead was exposed. Lucky for him, he fell to the ice backwards. Also lucky is that his head fell on the boards, so the friction caused his shoulders or base of his neck to hit the ice first. DEFINITELY a bad hit.
Seabrook left the game with an "upper body injury" which I'll amateurly call something known as a CONCUSSION.
The NHL refs pulled a Don Adam and gave him a 2 minute Charging minor, where Wisnewski should have been leveled AT LEAST a 5 minute charging MAJOR.
That's ok, though. These types of hits are happening more and more and the refs are doing less and less. So, Campbell is going to feel a little heat.
But mark my words: WISNEWSKI WILL NOT BE SUSPENDED. If he is, then Booth, Savard, and Campbell will swear at the top of their lungs.
Ok, this hit was not a blind sided hit, but it was SUPER dangerous.
It goes to reason that someone is going to get hurt. BADLY.
In good news, Greg Shepherd is now a flight risk to advise the NHL on matters of illegal hits because they've got Shepherd's system down pat.
Anaheim's Wisnewski (sp?) just decided to take the Colin Campbell's Matt Cooke exception to the test tonight. Seabrook absolutely leveled Cory Perry earlier in the period and Wisnewski went after him.
If you want to see what Frattin's hit would have looked like if Wehrs was nowhere near the puck and Frattin did imitate Superman, check out this hit. Seabrook was in the corner about to turn up ice with his teammate when Wisnewski came out of nowhere, left his skates, and drove his shoulder into Seabrook's jaw. The back of Seabrook's head hit the glass hard. His helmet was askew atop his head and the whole of Seabrook's forehead was exposed. Lucky for him, he fell to the ice backwards. Also lucky is that his head fell on the boards, so the friction caused his shoulders or base of his neck to hit the ice first. DEFINITELY a bad hit.
Seabrook left the game with an "upper body injury" which I'll amateurly call something known as a CONCUSSION.
The NHL refs pulled a Don Adam and gave him a 2 minute Charging minor, where Wisnewski should have been leveled AT LEAST a 5 minute charging MAJOR.
That's ok, though. These types of hits are happening more and more and the refs are doing less and less. So, Campbell is going to feel a little heat.
But mark my words: WISNEWSKI WILL NOT BE SUSPENDED. If he is, then Booth, Savard, and Campbell will swear at the top of their lungs.
Ok, this hit was not a blind sided hit, but it was SUPER dangerous.
It goes to reason that someone is going to get hurt. BADLY.
In good news, Greg Shepherd is now a flight risk to advise the NHL on matters of illegal hits because they've got Shepherd's system down pat.
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
List Challenge: Top 5 Overrated NHL Goaltenders
Ok, I'm bored, but I'm issuing a challenge to the writers and commentors on this blog. Top 5 lists to flavor up the blog. Yeah, it's all nice to talk about the cheap hits, but I think it's time to spark some other kinds of debate.
So, I'm going to pose my top five most overrated goaltenders currently playing in the NHL. My rules? They cannot be a rookie or a goaltender that has not at any point in the previous two seasons been called the "#1 goaltender" for their respective club. They cannot already be considered a poor goaltender (Sorry, Vesa Toskala is out). They must have at least SOME hype to them.
Here they are:
5. Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins) - Ok, I'm going to get flak for this, but he's really not all that good. He just has a team in front of him that can cover for his mistakes. He tends to be too aggressive if you want some real goaltender analysis. And yeah, he won the Cup last year, whoopdedoo.
4. Marty Turco (Dallas Stars) - He was so bad last year the 5 hole was briefly named after him ("He got Turco'd."). He was better this year, but he's really not much more than a middle of the road goaltender. He's the king of inconsistent. One minute he's brilliant, the next minute, he's worse than putting goalie pads on a quadriplegic.
3. Jose Theodore (Washington Capitols) - Sometimes called Jose "Threeorfour" by sarcastic fans, this selection actually pains me. You see, I saw him when he played for the Habs and he was REALLY good on a REALLY mediocre if not bad team. I'm not sure why he's not found success, but then again... being on Colorado and Florida can do that to any goaltender... sometimes (I still can't believe Khabibulin has a Stanley Cup ring. Not because he's a bad goaltender, but because... seriously.. TAMPA FREAKING BAY?) can drive home the suck in anyone. And yeah, I know about Colorado and Roy but look at the team in front of him. What? Oh yeah, thought so. I rest my case. And no, I'm not saying Patrick Roy was overrated. I can't stand the guy, but he was VERY legit.
2. Cristobal Huet (Chicago Blackhawks) - #2 and #1 are pretty interchangeable as both I can't see as to why they ever were named #1s for their respective clubs. Huet has a 5 hole the size of Illinois and plays as consistent as the ground in and about a rock slide. He makes me nervous any time someone shoots from the point. UG-GLY.
1. Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens) - How sad they have brought in Jaroslav Halak to foster and push Price along and had a GM in Gainey who said Price was the #1 all along and yet... Halak is the real deal and Price is barely NHL quality. I'm not so sure that this is Price's fault though. Gainey was a bad GM and surely rushed Price along. He shows signs of brilliance but often those are just the gleam of the lights off his facemask. I also give him the award for the goaltender who has most often tore the hearts out of Habs fans, stepped on the heart, and then flushed it down the toilet since Patrick Roy left. And he's still young. Oh, and the fact that he's gotten so much hype and has done Z-E-R-O to the millionth power to deserve the hype may also have swayed me to this.
Honorable Mentions: Nikolai Khabibulin*, Peter Budaj, Ray Emery, Any Lightning Goaltender, Vesa Toskala (Hey, can someone suck so bad they become overrated by simply saying he sucks?), Manny Legace (Ouch!), Rick DiPietro. I should give one to Boston's Tim Thomas too, but man, that guy's come a long way to get where he is.
* - He, like Theodore, is among those I have a softspot for.
Henrik Lundqvist could be on this list but the jury's still out. He's not won it all yet, nor has he gone especially deep into the playoffs. However, such factors as how suck the team in front of him is, has to be considered. Put Lundqvist on the Wings and I'm sure he'd be hoisting the Cup.
So my question to the bloggers on this site and the commentors is: What's your top 5?
So, I'm going to pose my top five most overrated goaltenders currently playing in the NHL. My rules? They cannot be a rookie or a goaltender that has not at any point in the previous two seasons been called the "#1 goaltender" for their respective club. They cannot already be considered a poor goaltender (Sorry, Vesa Toskala is out). They must have at least SOME hype to them.
Here they are:
5. Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins) - Ok, I'm going to get flak for this, but he's really not all that good. He just has a team in front of him that can cover for his mistakes. He tends to be too aggressive if you want some real goaltender analysis. And yeah, he won the Cup last year, whoopdedoo.
4. Marty Turco (Dallas Stars) - He was so bad last year the 5 hole was briefly named after him ("He got Turco'd."). He was better this year, but he's really not much more than a middle of the road goaltender. He's the king of inconsistent. One minute he's brilliant, the next minute, he's worse than putting goalie pads on a quadriplegic.
3. Jose Theodore (Washington Capitols) - Sometimes called Jose "Threeorfour" by sarcastic fans, this selection actually pains me. You see, I saw him when he played for the Habs and he was REALLY good on a REALLY mediocre if not bad team. I'm not sure why he's not found success, but then again... being on Colorado and Florida can do that to any goaltender... sometimes (I still can't believe Khabibulin has a Stanley Cup ring. Not because he's a bad goaltender, but because... seriously.. TAMPA FREAKING BAY?) can drive home the suck in anyone. And yeah, I know about Colorado and Roy but look at the team in front of him. What? Oh yeah, thought so. I rest my case. And no, I'm not saying Patrick Roy was overrated. I can't stand the guy, but he was VERY legit.
2. Cristobal Huet (Chicago Blackhawks) - #2 and #1 are pretty interchangeable as both I can't see as to why they ever were named #1s for their respective clubs. Huet has a 5 hole the size of Illinois and plays as consistent as the ground in and about a rock slide. He makes me nervous any time someone shoots from the point. UG-GLY.
1. Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens) - How sad they have brought in Jaroslav Halak to foster and push Price along and had a GM in Gainey who said Price was the #1 all along and yet... Halak is the real deal and Price is barely NHL quality. I'm not so sure that this is Price's fault though. Gainey was a bad GM and surely rushed Price along. He shows signs of brilliance but often those are just the gleam of the lights off his facemask. I also give him the award for the goaltender who has most often tore the hearts out of Habs fans, stepped on the heart, and then flushed it down the toilet since Patrick Roy left. And he's still young. Oh, and the fact that he's gotten so much hype and has done Z-E-R-O to the millionth power to deserve the hype may also have swayed me to this.
Honorable Mentions: Nikolai Khabibulin*, Peter Budaj, Ray Emery, Any Lightning Goaltender, Vesa Toskala (Hey, can someone suck so bad they become overrated by simply saying he sucks?), Manny Legace (Ouch!), Rick DiPietro. I should give one to Boston's Tim Thomas too, but man, that guy's come a long way to get where he is.
* - He, like Theodore, is among those I have a softspot for.
Henrik Lundqvist could be on this list but the jury's still out. He's not won it all yet, nor has he gone especially deep into the playoffs. However, such factors as how suck the team in front of him is, has to be considered. Put Lundqvist on the Wings and I'm sure he'd be hoisting the Cup.
So my question to the bloggers on this site and the commentors is: What's your top 5?
Thursday, February 04, 2010
A bit of props to Lou Lamorello (Redwing77)
I know I'm a Red Wings fan, but when it comes to building a team and making personnel decisions, I think Lou Lamorello is one of the best the NHL has to offer.
I know what you're saying "Redwing, you hyporcrit. The Devils aren't your team." True, but I've had a soft spot for them since Lou practically sprinted to the podium and announced Parise's name like a 4 year old sprints downstairs on Christmas Morning, opens the present he has been talking about all year long. You might be saying "You're just saying that because Lou is a college guy." Yeah, he spent time with Providence College and as an administrator with Hockey East. And yeah I consider him to be a big reason why HEA gets so much press compared to other college hockey leagues despite it not being as dominant historically compared to the WCHA (different argument).
Today, Lou Lamorello pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade sending rookie Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, a 1st round pick, and a 1st round dumb*** Patrice Cormier for Ilya Kovalchuk and a rookie defenseman Salmela. To me, this is a great move, at least in the short run.
Oduya and Bergfors are good players, for sure, but Kovalchuk is a proven commodity as well and will pay huge dividends to the Devils. Salmela is an unknown to me.
The big question mark is that first rounder. That's a long term "Will it bite us in the backside?" type deal. If the Devils find some way (unlikely) to retain Kovalchuk past this year (and still keep Parise and Zajac), the Devils will win hands down. Since finances, salary caps, and that sort of thing is like Chinese to me, I have absolutely no clue if this is even possible.
The bonus in all of this is that Patrice Cormier is no longer Lamorello's problem. Being traded to Atlanta will keep Cormier where he belongs: an irrelevant goon on an irrelevant team.
So, to recap: Atlanta gets a future top prospect, a solid dman, a rookie wing that can score, and a bum. New Jersey gets a serviceable, if unknown dman and a top line premier scoring forward. Short term? NJ wins. Long term? Unkown at this time.
I solidly believe that Lou is one of the best (if not THE best) GMs in the NHL.
I know what you're saying "Redwing, you hyporcrit. The Devils aren't your team." True, but I've had a soft spot for them since Lou practically sprinted to the podium and announced Parise's name like a 4 year old sprints downstairs on Christmas Morning, opens the present he has been talking about all year long. You might be saying "You're just saying that because Lou is a college guy." Yeah, he spent time with Providence College and as an administrator with Hockey East. And yeah I consider him to be a big reason why HEA gets so much press compared to other college hockey leagues despite it not being as dominant historically compared to the WCHA (different argument).
Today, Lou Lamorello pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade sending rookie Niclas Bergfors, Johnny Oduya, a 1st round pick, and a 1st round dumb*** Patrice Cormier for Ilya Kovalchuk and a rookie defenseman Salmela. To me, this is a great move, at least in the short run.
Oduya and Bergfors are good players, for sure, but Kovalchuk is a proven commodity as well and will pay huge dividends to the Devils. Salmela is an unknown to me.
The big question mark is that first rounder. That's a long term "Will it bite us in the backside?" type deal. If the Devils find some way (unlikely) to retain Kovalchuk past this year (and still keep Parise and Zajac), the Devils will win hands down. Since finances, salary caps, and that sort of thing is like Chinese to me, I have absolutely no clue if this is even possible.
The bonus in all of this is that Patrice Cormier is no longer Lamorello's problem. Being traded to Atlanta will keep Cormier where he belongs: an irrelevant goon on an irrelevant team.
So, to recap: Atlanta gets a future top prospect, a solid dman, a rookie wing that can score, and a bum. New Jersey gets a serviceable, if unknown dman and a top line premier scoring forward. Short term? NJ wins. Long term? Unkown at this time.
I solidly believe that Lou is one of the best (if not THE best) GMs in the NHL.
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