Pens and Bruins cancel morning skate, playoff ticket sales

Boston Bruins playoff ticket onsale postponed. bbru.in/11KcnAt ^BB
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 19, 2013

My thoughts go out to the people in Boston, Massachusetts. It's been a crazy week.

According to Bruins spokesman Matt Chmur the team has made no announcement on whether it will proceed with Friday night’s NHL game at TD Garden.

Bruins and @penguins have cancelled their morning skates today. Will provide further updates on the day's schedule when appropriate ^BB
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 19, 2013

Season 2 finale of #ThroughTheseDoors #Sanctuary

Season 2 finale of #ThroughTheseDoors #Sanctuary is now online! youtu.be/13PIO18d8_E
— Eric Classen (@eric_classen) April 19, 2013

An absolutely awesome job, by the Through These Doors boys.

Kings activate defenseman Matt Greene off injured reserve

The defending Stanley Cup Playoff champs just got some good news. Former Fighting Sioux defenseman Matt Greene is set to rejoin the L.A. Kings just in time for the Stanley Cup Playoff push. The Kings are currently sitting in fourth place in the Western Conference and are second in the Pacific Division.

NHL.COM --- The Los Angeles Kings have activated defenseman Matt Greene from the injured reserve list.

Greene, 29, missed the last 42 games after suffering a mid-body injury in the season opener Jan. 19 against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The 6-3, 232 pound native of Grand Ledge, Mich., played in all 82 regular season games and 20 postseason contests last season as the Kings won the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

Boston Strong and National Anthem, Bruins and Sabres game - Daniel Paille goal.

Unbelievable night in Boston, Massachusetts. I don't believe that there were very many dry eyes in the arena tonight, I know there wasn't in my living room at home tonight. According to Mike "Doc" Emrick, every Boston Bruins player lives with in the city of Boston.

“Boston is a tough and resilient town," President Obama said. So are its people

Bergeron and Marchand back in the line up for the Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Look who's back in the line for the Boston Bruins... From the Bruins blog. Bergy and Brad Marchand aka the Little Ball of Hate are back in the lineup for the Bruins.

Projected lineup:

Gregoy Campbell-David Krejci-Jaromir Jagr
Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-Tyler Seguin
Danny Paille-Chris Kelly-Nathan Horton
Milan Lucic-Rich Peverley-Shawn Thornton

Zdeno Chara-Johnny Boychuk
Dennis Seidenberg-Dougie Hamilton
Andrew Ference-Wade Redden

Tuukka Rask
Anton Khudobin

NHL plans six outdoor games next season, report says

This morning on my way to work, I was listening to SiriusXM NHL Center Ice. Apparently, there’s going to be six outdoor games, including the Winter Classic next season.

Seriously!

There are going to be a grand total of six outdoor games. Talk about an overkill.

Personally, I think there comes a time when the NHL has overdone the outdoor game, this might be an instance of this. How many outdoor games do we need to have during the course of a season? I also think the outdoor game can be a bit of a crap shoot with the weather, one of these game is almost assured of having disastrous ice conditions. Lastly, I think that the outdoor games are a gimmick as well. Really, the frozen pond in California? Make sure to throw the palm trees in for good measure.

Kevin Cusick, Pioneer Press --- TSN, Canada's version of ESPN, is reporting that the league is planning five outdoor games in addition to the Jan. 1 Winter Classic previously announced for the University of Michigan's Big House."

"They're still ironing out a few of the wrinkles," reporter Darren Dreger said on TSN's "Insider Trading" program. "Contracts haven't been signed. But that's the grand plan."

Here's the schedule that the NHL is proposing for the 2013-14 season.

Jan. 1: Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings at Michigan Stadium.

Jan. 25: Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings at Dodger Stadium.

Jan. 26: New Jersey Devils vs. New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium.

Jan. 29: New York Islanders vs. New York Rangers at Yankee Stadium.

March 1: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Chicago Blackhawks at Soldier Field.

March 2: Ottawa Senators vs. Vancouver Canucks at BC Place (It apparently has a retractable roof now. Who knew?).

#PrayForBoston

#SweetCaroline #PrayForBoston twitter.com/brendanloy/sta…
— Brendan Loy (@brendanloy) April 17, 2013

Thank you @nhl and the many Trans that have had moments of silence for Boston! Hockey community is a family! #prayforboston
— Rhonda R. McClure (@MamaBruin) April 17, 2013

Reports of Marathon Runners that crossed finish line and continued to run to Mass General Hospital to give blood to victims #PrayforBoston
— NBC Sports Network (@NBCSN) April 15, 2013

Eight year Martin Richard killed by Boston bomber

"Continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin." Full statement from Bill Richard: on.fb.me/17jqbmd twitter.com/ABC/status/324…
— ABC News (@ABC) April 16, 2013

I can't even make sense out of this senseless act, the sub human animal(s) that perpetrated this disgusting, vile, faceless act of terror needs to be brought to justice.

TATEMENT FROM BILL RICHARD:

“My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin. We also ask for your patience and for privacy as we work to simultaneously grieve and recover. Thank you.”

The Bruins game with Sens rescheduled

Boston Bruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yesterdays game between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators that was postponed due to the horrific terrorist attack at the Boston Marathon has been rescheduled for Sunday April 28, 2013.

NEW YORK/TORONTO – The postponed game between the Ottawa Senators and Boston Bruins, originally scheduled for Monday night, has been rescheduled for Sunday, April 28, at TD Garden. Face-off will be at 7 p.m. ET. Broadcast information for the game, NHL Game No. 624, will be announced when available.

The game between the Bruins and the Senators is going to be the final game of the regular season before the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

B's practiced w/heavy hearts today & hoped they could bring even a small sense of relief by representing Boston: bbru.in/ZynpFb ^CS
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 16, 2013

Ryan White Lights up Kent Huskins; Will White be getting a ban from the NHL?

,

Last night, the Habs Goon/forward Ryan White caught Flyers defenseman Kent Huskins in the head with this dirty check. You have to wonder if the NHL will be giving White a very long suspension? White was given a Match Penalty for this bushleague hit on Huskins. These are also the types of hits, that the NHL is trying to eliminate.

Yesterday, the Flyers GM announced that Kent Huskins is out with a concussion as a result of the dirty White hit.

Today we find out that NHL department of Player Safety has requested in-person meeting with the Canadiens’ Ryan White, which is not a good sign for White.



S/T to Kukla’s Korner for the videos. Last night, White played a grand total of 1:31 and racked up 20 minutes in penalties. You have to wonder if this is the last time that the Canadiens will see this one-dimensional player on the ice this season, if ever.

(Video) Jiri Hudler scores and the Wild respond with two goals - Hanowski goal

It was a Wild third period, after an uneventful first two periods. Calgary forward Jiri Hudler scores a beautiful goal and the Wild score two goals by Jason Pominville and Pierre-Marc Bouchard in  1:13, before the Flames scored their second goal.

What was even more interesting, after playing in the Frozen Four this past weekend, former Saint Cloud State Husky Ben Hanowski scored his first NHL goal for the Calgary Flames in his first NHL game.

No hockey in Boston tonight... Good decision by the NHL

Game is off. Our best to everyone affected, please be safe.
— Andrew Ference (@Ferknuckle) April 15, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of the senseless act of terrorism/violence. Nothing, I mean nothing, can justify this.

Per the NHL - The National Hockey League game between the Boston Bruins and the Ottawa Senators scheduled for Monday night at TD Garden was postponed hours after multiple explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.

No makeup date for the game was announced by the NHL.

Tonight's game between the @nhl_sens & @nhlbruins at TD Garden has been postponed. Our thoughts are with you #Boston.
— NHL (@NHL) April 15, 2013

Mark Osiecki out as Ohio State University Hockey head coach

Another week, and another Division I college hockey coach bites the dust, that makes three high profile coaches in less than three weeks. Last week, hockey coach Tim Whitehead was fired after 12 seasons. The week before, George Gwozdecky was ousted in Denver after 19 seasons.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Gene Smith, Ohio State associate vice president and director of athletics, announced today Mark Osiecki will not return as head coach of the Buckeye men's hockey program.

"We are making a change in our head hockey coaching position," Smith said. "There was a difference of opinion over the management of the program that could not be resolved."

Osiecki recently completed his third season as the head coach of the Buckeyes, leading the squad to a 16-17-7 ledger. The squad was 13-10-5 in Central Collegiate Hockey Association play to tie for fourth place and advanced to the league semifinals. In his Ohio State career, Osiecki had a 46-50-16 record.

In the interim, Steve Rohlik, associate head hockey coach, will be the primary point person for the program, student-athletes and recruits.

I find this news interesting, it’s not almost puzzling. It’s no mystery that OSU has never been a power house in college hockey and the university has been a football first school. OSU is known for packing the football stadium and averaged an eye popping 105,278 fans per game in 2011. The OSU hockey team averaged unimpressive, 4004 fans per game in a 17,500 seat arena. That has to have some in the Ohio State administration worried, going into the inaugural Big Ten Hockey Conference season.

(Video) Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk blows up Andrew Shaw

Talk about a violent hit as St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk blows up Chicago Blackhawks forward Andrew Shaw with a good clean hit. There was no penalty on the hit, nor should there have been. The game during the first period was a very physical and hard hitting game.

Charlie Coyle tossed from the game for what appears to be a legal hit on Artem Anisimov

Charlie Coyle's night lasted a grand total of 17 seconds and he was thrown out of the game for what appears to be a legal shoulder-to-shoulder hit on Blue Jackets forward Artem Anisimov.

For his efforts, Coyle was given a five minute major for contact to the head and a match penalty, and also received a five minute major for fighting.

While Coyle is not known for his fighting skills, I also like the way that he handled himself in the fight against Blue Jackets forward Brandon Dubinsky.   Checking with  Hockeyfights.com, apparently that was the first NHL fight of Coyle's NHL career.

According to Michael Russo from the Star Tribune, Coyle will not be suspended by the NHL because the department of player safety ruled that there was no targeting of the head. That also means that the match penalty will be rescinded as well.

Charlie Coyle faces no discipline. #NHLDept of Player Safety determined that there was no targeting of Anisimov's head. #mnwild #cbj
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 14, 2013

Related articles

• Wild's Charlie Coyle not suspended (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Niklas Kronwall double minor Charlie Coyle (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Charles Orzetti makes it 2-0 for Yale against Quinnipiac

Yale Bulldog freshman forward Charles Orzetti makes it 2-0 for the Yale Bulldogs against the Quinnipiac Bobcats. Talk about going hard to the net and picking up the change. For the record, Orzetti is 6'4" 215.

This Yale team should also serve as a lesson to every hockey player/team in the world: go to the net and good things happen. Get dirty.
— Mike McMahon (@MikeMcMahonCHN) April 14, 2013

Clinton Bourbonais goal for Yale against Quinnipiac

Finally a goal, in the championship game of the 2013 Frozen Four as Yale's Clinton Bourbonais scores a goal for Yale against Quinnipiac. I am sure that Quinnipiac Bobcat goalie Eric Hartzell would like to have that one back.

After further review: The ECAC doesn't really equate to the EZAC after at all

ECAC Hockey logo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

So as we sit here on Saturday, waiting for the championship game of the Frozen Four, and I have to admit that there are no “sexy” traditional match-ups, in the 2013 Frozen Four.

So what?

What else are we going to do today? It’s not like it’s nice outside.

That’s not saying that the hockey hasn’t been good this year, because it has. There are just no traditional matchups between historical powers like Michigan vs. Minnesota or North Dakota versus Boston College.  

Does it really matter? Nope!

Tonight, a couple of brainiac schools from Connecticut, that are about 8 miles apart, according to USCHO’s Brian Sullivan, are going to show case their conferences skills, in "pinnacle" of college hockey’s season. 

For the First time in 23 years, a school from the ECAC is going to win the national championship in division I college hockey.

Wait, what?

So in case you’re confused, two teams from the ECAC will take center stage tonight, one of them are going to be National Champions.

In the final game of the 2012-13 NCAA Division I College Hockey season, Yale takes on Quinnipiac University to determine who the best team is for the 2012-13 season. They've earned, and I must offer my congratulations.

While their playing hockey the naysayers will be eating some crow. I will take Caribbean Jerk on my crow.

The Weather map for North Dakota... 

Buffalo's Steve Ott demonstrates textbook embellishment

Speaking of clowns. This is a textbook embellishment. You can't tell me that a big guy like Steve Ott who is 6'0" and 193 pounds, should be able to be knocked over this easily, no way, it's not possible. This should be a penalty on Steven Ott for embellishment. I also believe that it's probably not a smart play by Flyers defenseman Oliver Lauridsen because he fell for the bait as well. Not a good day for the Flyers defender.

Jim Montgomery new coach at DU

Heading to #Avs locker room ... New DU coach will be at denverpost.com/sports in a couple minutes
— Mike Chambers (@MChambersDP) April 13, 2013

Here is the link to the story at the Dever Post via Mike Chambers.

NEWS CENTER Has learned that Jim Montgomery has been offered the head coaching job at the University of Denver. #mesports #umhockey
— LEE GOLDBERG (@WCSHSPORTSGUY) April 13, 2013

Looks like DU has their new head coach. Montgomery was an assistant coach at RPI and is the current head coach of the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints. This is an interesting development. Montgomery also played hockey in the NHL with the Blues, Canadiens, Stars, Flyers and Sharks.

Denver U. did not name interim hockey coach. Montgomery is their first choice. Denver offered to beat Maine to it. Last coach made mid 300k
— LEE GOLDBERG (@WCSHSPORTSGUY) April 13, 2013

Sabres Patrick Kaleta and Flyers Oliver Lauridsen fight

That was former Saint Cloud State Husky defenseman Oliver Lauridsen's first NHL fight, I suppose, he would have liked to have done beter. Nice to see that Lauridsen take on one of the biggest pukes in the NHL.

As you probably know, I don't hold Kaleta in very high regards, at all, he's a reckless players that has been suspended numerous times, by the NHL. Earlier this season, Kaleta was suspended for five games, without pay, for boarding New York Rangers forward Brad Richards

In March,  Kaleta was also called out by teammate All-World Goalie Ryan Miller, and told to grow up, Miller has since apologized.

I checked out Oliver Lauridsen's Hockey Fight's page and he did have a fight against former Fighting Sioux forward Darcy Zajac on 1-18-13. [click on the link for the video]

Related articles

• Patrick Kaleta gets five games for this cheap shot on Brad Richards (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

UND Hockey: Knight and Kristo are All-Americans

Congratulations to our own Danny Kristo (1st team) and Corban Knight (2nd), who have both been named 2012-13 CCM All-Americans. @undmhockey
— Jayson Hajdu (@UNDSID) April 12, 2013

GRAND FORKS, N.D. – University of North Dakota senior linemates Danny Kristo and Corban Knight have been named 2012-13 CCM Division I All-Americans by the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA). The announcement was made today at the NCAA Frozen Four in Pittsburgh.

Kristo was named to the All-America West First Team, while Knight garnered All-American West Second Team honors.

A native of Eden Prairie, Minn., Kristo was named a Hobey Baker Memorial Award Top 10 finalist and the College Hockey News Player of the Year in 2012-13 after leading the WCHA in goals (26) and ranking second nationally in points (52). Both totals were career highs, as was his team-leading +17 plus/minus rating. He also matched his career high in assists (26), becoming UND’s first player since Jeff Panzer (1997-2001) to record 20-plus assists in each of his four seasons.

Kristo was also named to the All-Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) First Team and the NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team, earned his second straight UND Virg Foss 3-Star Award, was a two-time WCHA Player of the Week, and was a national player of the month honorable mention in February.

Knight, a native of High River, Alberta, was also named a Hobey Baker Award Top 10 finalist after achieving career highs in points (49), goals (16) and assists (33). His 33 assists, which rank third nationally, made him UND’s first player to put together back-to-back 30-assist seasons since current Minnesota Wild star Zach Parise (2002-04).

Knight also earned All-WCHA Second Team honors and was named to the NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team. He led the nation with a career-high 623 assists, 120 more than any other player and second-most in UND single-season history. A two-time WCHA Offensive Player of the Week and the national player of the month in December, Knight put together a 19-game point streak that was UND’s longest in 25 years.

Kristo and Knight are the 70^th and 71^st All-Americans in UND men’s hockey history and the ninth and 10^th under current head coach Dave Hakstol. It also marks the 19^th different year in which UND has had multiple All-Americans in the same season.

NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Championship game (Saturday 4/13)

Yale 21-12-3 ECAC vs. Quinnipiac 30-7-5 ECAC Final 6:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN (206 DirecTV / Dish 140)
Yale’s offense is ranked #26 nationally and #26 defense.
Quinnipiac’s offense ranked #15 nationally and #1 defense

For the first time in 24 years, the NCAA Champion will hail from the ECAC of Division I hockey.

The last team from the ECAC to win the NCAA title was Harvard in 1989, when they beat the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers 4-3 in overtime.

Yeah, that’s not a misprint; the NCAA Champion for the 2012-13 season will hail from the ECAC.

Bobcats snarl

All season long, the Quinnipiac Bulldogs have had to listen to naysayers talk about their number one rankings and their strength of schedule. Last night, the Bobcats did their talking on the ice.

All of those doubts were removed, as the Bobcats enjoyed a three-goal first period against the high flying Saint Cloud State Huskies and skated to a 4-1 win against the Saint Cloud State Huskies.

Saint Cloud State got behind the eight ball quickly, when the Bobcats scored three-goals in less than 15 minutes. Scoring for the Bobcats; were forwards, Jordan Samuels-Thomas, Ben Arnt and Jeremy Langlois. Incidentally, that was all of the offense the Bobcats would need.  

Saint Cloud would finally get on the board, at the 06:25 mark of the second period; with a nifty goal from freshman forward Joey Benik. Unfortunately, that was all the closer that the Huskies would get, as Kellen Jones would score the Bobcats fourth-goal at the 14:31 mark of the second period.

The Huskies would make a surge in every period, but the Bobcats got strong goaltending from their Hobey Baker Finalist goaltender Eric Hartzell who stopped 33 of 34 shots to preserve the win.  When the Huskies were able to get through the Bobcats stifling defense, Hartzell was there to take away the Huskies grade “A” scoring chances.

While the Huskies outshot the Bobcats 34-28, the only statistic that mattered was the final score 4-1, in favor of the Bobcats.

With the win, the Bobcats advance to the title game of the NCAA Frozen Four Championship game on Saturday April 13, 2012, at 6:00pm (CT) on ESPN.

Bulldog bite

Dominating, physical and relentless, is how I would describe the Yale Bulldogs. Also, did I mention that the Bulldogs are a miserable team to play against?

Last night, the Bulldogs frustrated the UMass Lowell River Hawks, getting in the shooting lanes and taking away the River Hawks little time and space.  

During the first period, the Bulldogs’ pressure kept the River Hawks hemmed up in their own end, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Every time the River Hawks tried the move the puck, there was a Bulldog forward on them.

Yale took a two-goal lead with goals from Mitch Witek and Antoine Laganiere. Yale definitely had the momentum in the first period and would outshoot UMass Lowell 11-5.

UMass Lowell would tie the game in the second period, scoring two-goals, 14 seconds apart, from Riley Wetmore and Joseph Pendenza, but that was all the closer the River Hawks would get. Yale would regain the momentum in the third period, outshooting the River Hawks 16-3.  

Yale once again, needed an extra frame to beat the UMass Lowell River Hawks 3-2. Senior forward Andrew Miller scored at the 06:59 mark of the first overtime to send the

With the win, the Bulldogs advance to the title game of the NCAA Frozen Four Championship game on Saturday April 13, 2012, at 6:00pm (CT) on ESPN.

How they got here

Yale beat Minnesota (3-2, O.T.), North Dakota (4-1) and UMass Lowell (3-2, O.T.), to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four Championship game.

Quinnipiac beat Canisius (4-3), Union (5-1) and Saint Cloud State (4-1), to advance to the NCAA Frozen Four Championship game.

Players to watch

Quinnipiac Bobcats forwards:  Jeremy Langlois (13g-18a—31pts), Mathew Peca (15g-15a—30), , Jordan Samuels-Thomas (17g-12a—29pts), Kellen Jones (13g-14a—27pts), Connor Jones (12g-14a—26pts). Defense: Mike Dalhuisen (8g-8a—16pts), Loren Barron (3g-13a—16pts), Zach Davies (2g-15a—17pts). Goaltender: Eric Hartzell 30-6-5, 1.53 GAA, .934 save percentage.

Bulldogs Forwards: Kenny Agostino (17g-23a—40pts), Andrew Miller (17g-22a—39pts), Antoine Laganiere (15g-13a—28pts). Defense: Tommy Fallen (7g-16a—23pts), Ryan Obuchowski (3g-9a-12pts), Gus Young (2g-6a—8pts). Goalies Jeff Malcolm 19-6-2, 2.33 GAA, .915 save percentage.

Yale Bulldogs Official Athletics page

Quinnipiac Official Athletics page

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers - Combine.

#ThroughTheseDoors' Season Finale

RT @undmhockey: #ThroughTheseDoors' Season Finale premieres next Thursday at 9. Watch a teaser of the Episode: youtu.be/EeE8zQxXBgs
— Eric Classen (@eric_classen) April 12, 2013

Yeah, this one gets your attention... Senior forward Corban Knight in the arena, up in the seats. If you remember from a previous episode he used to sit there before homes games to relax and gather his thoughts. Knight talked about how fun it was to play hockey at UND and to have 12,000 fans cheering for them as they played their home games at the Ralph.

Anton Volchenkov suspended four games for elbowing Brad Marchand

Brendan Shanahan bans Anton Volchenkov for four games, for his elbow on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

NEW YORK – New Jersey Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov has been suspended for four games, without pay, for elbowing Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand during NHL Game No. 591 in New Jersey on Wednesday, April 10, the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 15:11 of the second period. Volchenkov was assessed a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct (Rule 45).

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, and based on his average annual salary, Volchenkov will forfeit $91,891.88. The money goes to the Players' Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the Department of Player Safety's decision, complete with video, please click on the following link:

I know there are some that are some fans that are applauding Volchenkov’s actions, but the fact remains that Marchand has concentrated on playing hockey this season and has scored (16g-17a—33pts) in 38 games for the Bruins this season.

NCAA Frozen Four: Open line Thursday

Semifinal 1

UMass Lowell 28-10-2 vs. Yale 20-12-3

Semifinal 3:30 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish).

Semifinal 2

Quinnipiac 29-7-5 vs. St. Cloud State 25-15-1

Semifinal 7:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish).

The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Looking at the weather outside, you would think that it’s the middle of February and we should be gearing up for another weekend of college hockey and not the final two games of the season.

Like I have said numerous times, I don’t really know what to make of this season; it’s been hard to put a finger on it. There has really been no one team that was really dominate this year, except maybe for UMass Lowell after December 8^th and there has been a lot of parity among the leagues.

I don’t think it’s a stretch to say, that the other smaller schools in college hockey are catching up with the big name schools; it’s also getting harder to win a NCAA title.  

Looking at the Frozen Four field this season, there will be no traditional power house teams in Pittsburgh this year. In other words, there will be no teams named Boston College, Boston University, Denver, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, North Dakota or Wisconsin.

None of the current teams in the Frozen Four this year are what I would consider really big schools. In this year’s Frozen Four, you have a mix of two state schools and two private schools, Quinnipiac (private) 6,262 students, Saint Cloud State (state) 15,536 students, UMass Lowell (state) 11,729 Students, Yale (private) students 5,349.  

Yale and Quinnipiac’s campuses are separated by a distance of 10.7 miles.

There will be a new NCAA champion in 2013.

Who’s your pick for 2013? I am going with the UMass Lowell River Hawks. Back in the late 1980’s, when I lived in Massachusetts, I used to attend University of Lowell Chiefs games in the old Joe Tully Forum. Yes, UMass Lowell, then the University of Lowell, used to be called the Chiefs before they changed their name to the River Hawks in the early 1990’s.  

Good luck to all of the teams in this year’s Frozen Four.

Is this supposed to be funny Harrison Mooney?

So is this supposed to be funny? Is that really humorous to others? I am just wondering? I wonder if Harrison Moody would think it was funny if one of the Sedin Twins or Alex Burrows was on the receiving end of dirty elbow or hit from behind like Marchand was tonight?

In today’s game where concussions are prevalent as missing teeth, do we really want to make light of dirty hits like this? Puck Daddy used to be a good hockey blog before they hired this clown. [click to view]

It's a tough situation for Volchenkov. It's easy to elbow Marchand in the head, because a) he's so small and b) he really makes you want to. But it goes without saying that you're not allowed to do it, so while applaudable in some circles, it's suspendable in others.

Not funny dude. Having watched Matt Cooke end Marc Savard's career with a dirty elbow, I don't see anything funny about this dirty, bush-league hit what-so-ever.

Anton Volchenkov's dirty elbow on Brad Marchand

This is a dirty, bush-league hit and it’s a violation of the NHL’s rule 48. The Head is targeted; it’s pretty cut and dried. I am going to be very surprised and disappointed if Devils defenseman Anton Volchenkov isn’t given a 3-4 game suspension for this dirty and unnecessary hit on Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand.

Seriously, there is no defending this hit. I don’t care what you think of Brad Marchand, this is not acceptable. These are the types of hits we’re trying to eliminate from all levels of hockey. Volchenkov is a repeat offender. Volchenkov was given a five minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct.

I expect the Brendan Shanahan and the Department of Player Safety to be giving Mr. Volchenkov a call tomorrow and I expect that Volchenkov will be getting suspended by the National Hockey League. What do you think?

Again, I predict a 3-4 game suspension.

No update on Brad Marchand from the Bruins. Claude Julien said he hadn't spoken to the doctors before he spoke to the media.
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) April 11, 2013

Phone hearing for Volchenkov this morning, FYI...
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) April 11, 2013

NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11)

The NCAA’s Frozen Four takes center stage at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Semifinal 1

UMass Lowell 28-10-2 vs. Yale 20-12-3
Semifinal 3:30 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish)

UMass-Lowell’s offense is ranked #21 nationally and #3 defense.
Yale’s offense is ranked #26 nationally and #27 defense.

UMass River Hawks Fun Facts: On December 1, 2012, the UMass Lowell River Hawks were swept by the UNH Wildcats and the River Hawks looked like a team that was going nowhere with a 4-7-1 record. On December 8, 2012, the River Hawks started an incredible run, going unbeaten in 11 games (10-0-1). UMass Lowell went 24-3-1 then rest of the way, winning the Hockey East regular-season and tournament championship. Since December, UMass Lowell has been one of the best teams in the country.

Yale Bulldogs Fun Facts: The Yale Bulldogs was the last team to make the NCAA tourney. If the Michigan Wolverines had beaten Notre Dame and made the NCAA tourney, Yale would have stayed home. WCHA Dominance, Yale was 4-0 against the WCHA this season beating Colorado College Denver University and North Dakota.  Three of those games went to overtime.

Players to watch

River Hawks Forwards: Scott Wilson (16g-21a—37pts), Joseph Pendenza (14g-23a—37pts), Derek Arnold (13g-16a—29pts), Riley Wetmore (15g-11a—26pts), Josh Holmstrom (12g-12a—24pts). Defense: Chad Ruhwedel (7g-16a—23pts), Christian Folin (6g-15a—21pts), Joe Houk (0g-11a—11pts). Goalie: Connor Hellebuyck, 20-2-0, 1.31 GAA, .953 save percentage.

Bulldogs Forwards: Kenny Agostino (17g-23a—40pts), Andrew Miller (16g-21a—37pts), Antoine Laganiere (14g-13a—27pts). Defense: Tommy Fallen (7g-16a—23pts), Ryan Obuchowski (3g-9a-12pts), Gus Young (2g-6a—8pts). Goalies Jeff Malcolm 18-6-2, 2.35 GAA, .916 save percentage.

UMass Lowell River Hawks Official athletics page

Yale Bulldogs Official athletics page

Semifinal 2

Quinnipiac 29-7-5 vs. St. Cloud State 25-15-1
Semifinal 7:00 p.m. (CT) ESPN2 (209 DirecTV/144 Dish)
St. Cloud’s offense is ranked #2 nationally and #15 defense.
Quinnipiac’s offense ranked #18 nationally and #1 defense.

Saint Cloud State Huskies Fun stats: Saint Cloud State’s Drew LeBlanc (13g-37a—50pts) is the highest scoring players left in the NCAA tourney.  Saint Cloud State freshman Jonny Brodzinski’s 22 goals lead the nation for rookies.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Fun Facts: This season the Quinnipiac Bobcats never lost more than two games in a row and they only did this one time. Also, the Bobcats never lost more than three games during a month (March).

Players to watch

Quinnipiac Bobcats forwards:  Mathew Peca (15g-15a—30), Jeremy Langlois (12g-18a—30pts), Jordan Samuels-Thomas (16g-11a—27pts), Kellen Jones (12g-14a—26pts), Connor Jones (12g-14a—26pts). Defense: Mike Dalhuisen (8g-8a—16pts), Loren Barron (3g-13a—16pts), Zach Davies (2g-13a—15pts). Goaltender: Eric Hartzell 29-6-5, 1.55 GAA, .933 save percentage.

Huskies Forwards: Drew LeBlanc (13g-37a—50pts), Nic Dowd(14g-25a—39pts), Jonny Brodzinski (22g-11a—33pts), Kalle Kossila (15g-18a—33pts), Ben Hanowski (17g-14a—31pts). Defense:  Nick Jensen 4g-27a—31pts), Andrew Prochno (5g-23a—28tps), Ethan Prow (3g-12a—15pts). Goalie: Ryan Faragher 24-13-1, 2.22 GAA, .916 save percentage.

Quinnipiac Bobcats Official athletics page

Saint Cloud Official athletics page

Cross-posted at The Hockey Writers - Combine.

Related articles

• NCAA FROZEN FOUR: Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11) (thehockeywriters.com)
• FROZEN FOUR Semifinals preview (Thursday 4/11) (getrealhockey.com)

It's on Zach Parise vs. Jonathan Toews

Tonight on NBCSN at 7:00 p.m. (C.T.).

Is the Sabres’ Thomas Vanek headed to the Minnesota Wild in the offseason?

The Minnesota Wild are once again a franchise on the rise, after the moves they made in the offseason. Actually, the Wild have a chance to go deep in the Stanley Cup playoffs, based on these recent moves.

Wild GM Chuck Fletcher went out and picked up Jason Pominville at the trade deadline and the newly acquired forward is now playing on the top line with Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. Recent news stories around the Internet are starting to suggest that the Minnesota Wild could be a destination for Vanek during the offseason.

Michael Russo of the Star and Tribune is suggesting that Wild forward Dany Heatley might be heading for the scrap heap of history as well, as an amnesty buyout. The Minnesota Wild are beginning to look like a who’s who from the WCHA, which would even make the Wild more exciting to the home town fans.

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal – So the Buffalo Sabres off-loaded captain Jason Pominville, one of their three core players, to the Minnesota Wild one year before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

What about goalie Ryan Miller and Thomas Vanek, the Sabres’ best natural scorer? They’re out the door, too, probably this summer.

Miller, who frankly hasn’t been the same goalie since his stellar work at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, which coincided with his Vezina Trophy-winning season, wants to join a team closer to where his actress wife Noureen DeWolf is working — namely Los Angeles.

Vanek has made no secret that he’s not up for a rebuild.

Trading him will be easier because there are more teams in the hunt for his services. Minnesota might jump in for him, too.

He lives in Minnesota, where he attended college, in the summer.

I know it’s early, but I wonder if there was a way for the Wild to pick up the Sabres forward Drew Stafford as well? I might be getting ahead of myself. I just can’t seem to hide my giddiness.

Av's Brad Malone's first NHL goal against the Calgary Flames

Former Fighting Sioux forward Brad Malone scores his first goal of his NHL career for the Colorado Avalanche against the Calgary Flames. That is the third point in 15 NHL games for Brad Malone (1g-2a—3pts).

Wow! Things have gotten bad in Minnesota

On occasion, I will visit the Gopher Puck Live webpage for a good laugh, and today I got a good laugh. Apparently, this picture was in one of the posts, of a thread titled Gophers Off-Season 2013. From reading the message board, I gleaned that Hammy of GPL podcast fame, is upset that Former Notre Dame Alumnus and current head coach Don Lucia would dare wear a Fighting Irish Jersey to his son’s hockey game.  

You coach another team...

You recruit against this team whose jersey you are wearing...

What the hell are you doing?

I understand family comes first in life but wearing the colors/jersey of another team while employed by a competing program is disloyal to our fans IMO. That annoys me.

Like I have said in the past, I am not an apologist for the Minnesota Gophers coaching staff, but this is kind of petty, and family does comes first, especially when your teams season is over.

Having been to a few post game pressers, these hockey coaches are under a lot of pressure and put their heart and souls into their seasons. I am not going to fault a guy for taking a minute to enjoy his son’s hockey game.

(Video) Charlie Coyle scores his sixth goal of the year against the Blue Jackets

Minnesota Wild forward Charlie Coyle is up and coming forward in the NHL, the former Boston University Terrier and 2011 WJC star has been welcome addition to the Minnesota Wild this season and he scored his 6th goal of the season on the power play. In 27 games with the Wild, Coyle has (6g-3a—9pts).

Minnesota beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-0.

(Video) John Scott boards Stephen Gionta

Mr. Anger management Buffalo forward/defenseman John Scott drives a much smaller Stephen Gionta into the boards with what can only be seen as a knuckleheaded penalty, and of course all Gionta can do is laugh about it.

Sure, why not!

I guess it’s funny and no one got hurt, but it’s was a dangerous play by the Sabers goon John Scott. In my opinion, Scott is nothing more than a cement head, but also an insurance policy, to use only in case of an emergency.

Looking at the stats sheet, you will see that Scott adds little in the way of offense and rarely takes a regular shift on the ice, unless the Sabres are ahead or need Scott's toughness. In 26 games for the Sabres Scott has an unimpressive line of (0g-0a—0pts) 52 minutes in penalties and is averaging 4.25 minutes of ice time. According to hockeyfight.com, Scott has also been in 6 fights and has won them all, but has had a tough time finding anyone to dance with as of late.

Scott became necessary for the Buffalo Sabres when Boston Bruins forward Milan Lucic ran over the Sabres goalie Ryan Miller last year and the Buffalo Sabres did nothing in response. After the non-response to Lucic running over Ryan Miller, the Sabers were seen as being a weak and gutless team by the rest of the NHL.

Jason Pominville's scores his first goal from Zach Parise

I am sure that the Buffalo Sabre fans aren't going to be too pleased with this goal but, newly acquired Wild forward Jason Pominville's scores this beautiful goal, his first wearing a uniform for the Minnesota Wild. Chalk up a nice set up from former Fighting Sioux forward Zach Parise. Pominville had a (1g-1a—2pts)tonight against the Bluejackets.

Erik Haula has signed with the Minnesota Wild

#Gophers forward Erik Haula has signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 7, 2013

It's been a tough spring for the Minnesota Gophers as they have lost a ton of offensive scoring from last season's team that went 26-9-5 and finished tied for first in the WCHA.

#Gopher captain Zach Budish has signed a amateur tryout deal with the Milwaukee Admirals. gophersports.com/sports/m-hocke…
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 3, 2013

The Gophers have now lost 5 juniors from their lineup that was the third ranked offense in the NCAA this past season. Nate Schmidt (9g-23a—32pts), Zach Budish (14g-22a—32pts), Nick Bjugstad (21g-15a—36pts), Erik Haula (16g-35a—51pts), Mark Alt (0g-7a—7pts). If math is correct that is 158 points from the Minnesota Gophers lineup.

#Gophers Nate Schmidt has signed a 2-year entry level deal with the @washcaps.
— Gopher Hockey (@GopherHockey) April 2, 2013

According to @weissfcMark Alt has signed with Philadelphia.
— GPL (@GopherPuckLive) April 5, 2013