Second Round: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/15/2013)

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently playing in the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs that have played college hockey (Division I & III).

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well. 

For instance, defenseman Matt Greene from L.A. is a former UND hockey player but is currently injuried and has not played a single during the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As soon as he plays, he will be added to the list.

This list doesn’t include players from teams that have been eliminated. The list doesn’t include players that are currently injured, that are on their teams roster, but haven’t played at least one Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list as much as I can.

Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Joe Pavelski, leads all former college hockey players with (4g-4a—8pts).In second place are former Ferris State forward Chris Kunitz, (3g-4a—7pts) and former Gopher defenseman Paul Martin (2g-5a—7pts).

Boston Bruins

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 5 GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 2GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 5GP, (5g-1a—6pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 5GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Jonathon Toews,F,  North Dakota, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 5GP, (0G-1A—1pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Detroit Red Wings

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 5GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Danny Dekeyser, D, Western Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 4-3, .911 SV%, 2.65 GAA

LA Kings

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 5Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 5GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 7GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 6GP, 5-2, .953 SV% 1.36 GAA

New York Rangers

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 7GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 6GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Darroll Powe, F, Princeton, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 3 GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ottawa Senators

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 6 GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 6GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 5GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Eric Gryba, D, Boston University, 4Gp, (0g-0a—0pts)

Patrick Wiercioch, D, Denver, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 7Gp, (3g-4a—7pts)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 7GP, (2g-5a—7pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 7GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 5GP, (4g-4a—8pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 5GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

(Video) Brooks Orpik check on Eric Gryba

It's better to be the hammer than the nail. This is like a collision of two freight trains. Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik lights up Senators defenseman Eric Gryba with this heavy check. So would we call this an (B.C.) Eagle on (B.U.) Terrier violence?

A Few more Ramblings by Redwing77

Minnesota Wild (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As usual, I will caution you that what I'm about to say is my OPINION only.  If you wish to consider it fact, that's fine.  I try to infuse as many facts as I can in my OPINION, but I'm not shooting for a run of the mill blog entry here.

Boston's Overcoming of Odds or Toronto's Epic Collapse?

Boston came back from a 4-1 deficit to win 5-4 in OT which can only be described as an incredible collapse by Toronto.  Sorry Goon, you can say that it was the determination and skill of Boston players to fight back from being down that much to win if you wish, but.... Toronto should have won this game.

Is the series a collapse by Toronto?  This one I'm not so sure of.  Neither team held a two game advantage.  It was 1-0, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, etc.  I think it was a pretty good series overall, but one, again, Toronto should have won.

The Hart Trophy

Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and John Tavares are the three finalists.  Not Toews.  Brad Schlossman wrote a nice article explaining this and how some nice hockey media writers are questioning why, but...  Comon.  In a shortened season you go to your go-to player if that player puts up respectable enough numbers.

Sidney Crosby is going to win it.  Does he deserve it?  His stats are not poor enough to say "No," but then again, Ovechkin had a rough start and really poured it on.  At one point, I believe Washington wasn't even very competitive early on...  Tavares is just the dark horse on a team that played better than expected.  Tavares is the Stamkos of this year's Hart Trophy finalists.  Bless him he's good enough, but the NHL has other ideas.

Crosby will win it hands down.  Gives the media and the NHL the PR angle for the offseason.

Crisfield decommits from UND.  What does that mean?

Overall, not much.  Things happen.  Not sure why, but whatever the reason is, it happened.  What does it mean for UND?  Our game is changing.  And it has to thanks to the rules and the officiating.  It took long enough but I think it was bound to happen eventually anyways.  In short, North American hockey is becoming more European (Don Cherry is probably having a stroke about this...well that's karma because his suits just about give me epileptic seizures).  Physical hockey is being squashed for finesse.  Good news for my Red Wings.  Bad news for my UND.

So next year you can expect UND to be NOT very physical on D.  The only physical D we really have are Panzarella and Senkbeil (who might not have even played D last season?  Don't remember... and I don't know if he's especially that physical either).

Good news for Haters though.  They'll be able to diversify themselves away from the usual "Fire Hakstol" to "Hakstol is recruiting Gopher wannabes and wusses!"  Whatever.  We saw it last year as your PIMs went down again last season.

Minnesota Pro Sports Fall on their Faces again

Folks, I've watched Minnesota Pro Sports all my life and I've watched some collegiate endeavours as well.  I was watching when UMN Football coach Glenn Mason just about did cartwheels because they made it to the Music City Bowl.  And listened as he explained that just making a Bowl game is the mark of a successful program.

I was there when Twins GM Terry Ryan said Free Agency solves nothing and proved it by signing awesome players in Ruben Sierra, Rondell White (who he said would be a middle of the lineup power hitter that will hit 30 homers.. yet his career high was around 23), and a few fat pitchers.  No, Mr. Ryan, the way YOU run free agency solves nothing.  And the Twins have a bunch of conference titles and first round exits (showing that their conference was weak to begin with).

I was there when Wolves GM Kevin McHale signed Latrell Spreewell and all those incredible contracts and explained that he built a winner... Yup.  Wolves up until VERY recently, were the punchline.

The Vikings.... they don't sign free agents and they can't draft... or they couldn't for a long while.  They sniffed the promised land once but well.... they left their "dominant" offense in the hands of a kicker.

The Wild... OY.  Talk about a flawed team.

The attitude that a well rounded team is one that mixes a random strategy, a dart board, and the word "potential" pervades Minnesota pro sports.

The truth as I see it is this:  None of these teams will win it all.  They're not run the right way.  Some have bad ownership (Wolves, Wild, Twins for the longest time).  Some can't draft (Wild, Wolves, Vikings for the longest time).  Some can't evaluate talent (all.. though the Twins SOMETIMES hit home runs).  Minnesota Wild sign Parise and say that their goal scoring problems are over.... and you guys believe it!  Really?  It's the same statement they said when they went out and got Havlat...and Heatley...  I hate Pittsburgh but they didn't stop at Crosby.  They seemed to focus on one basic need at a time.  They drafted offense and then goaltender... their D stunk.  Then they worked on D... and now mediocrity like Fleury and Dupuis have their names on the Cup.  Minnesota's strategy?  Draft two way players, gritty defensive forwards, and some speed.  No finishers.  No scorers.  No grit in the offensive zone.  PM Bouchard is overrated and he's a perimeter player anyways.  Koivu and Parise... that's it.  Granlund might be good but who knows?  You all thought Brett Burns was good too.

What I'm getting at is that there seems to be absolutely NO strategy to building a Minnesota Pro team.  They just focus on the long term (how many times did Terry Ryan say the word, "potential" when describing any Twins player?  No "Now" talent at all) and never seem to get restless for the present.  Hey, I know the feeling.  I used to be a Cubs fan.  Offended that I'd compare teams that have been to the championship game far more times and far more recently than the hapless Cubs?  Think about it.  Take away the 105+ year futility streak and what do you have?  You have Minnesota.

The Wild need scoring.  They need to draft scoring.  They need to sign scoring.  They should basically do that ONLY for a year or two.  It's lopsided, I know.  But you aren't going to win the Cup with a team of Zuckers, Veillieuxs, Clutterbucks.  You've got Koivu and Parise... You need 2 or 3 more scorers.  You need two SOLID lines of scoring talent.  Pittsburgh can roll almost 3 lines and that's excluding their D.  It's why Pittsburgh will win, I kid you not, 2 more Cups, before Minnesota plays Game 1 of the Finals.

Minnesota is getting better... but will it continue?  What will this offseason bring?  I think the draft is a BIG indicator.  IMO, if the Wild draft anything but scoring talent in the first 3 rounds of the draft, I think they're just destined for a higher payrolled version of the same old same old.

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Kessel/Leafs golf season

twitter.com/GlobeEricWilbu…
— Eric Wilbur (@GlobeEricWilbur) May 14, 2013

This picture was in one of my friend's twitter feeds. I am sure I will take some heat for it, but I couldn't help myself with this picture.

Odds to win the Stanley Cup (Boston 8/1)

Here are the odds for the Stanley Cup from Bovada. I guess the odds makers have Chicago and the Penguins as the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. I would bet even money that both teams are gone by the final round.

UPDATED: Former College Hockey Players in the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs (5/14/2013)

Here is the list of NHL hockey players that are currently playing in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffsthat have played college hockey (Division I & III).

The players are listed by their NHL team. These are players that have played in at least “one” Stanley Cup Playoff game during in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I have also listed their point totals as well.

This list doesn’t include players that are currently injured or that on their teams roster, but haven’t played at least one Stanley Cup Playoff games yet.  I will update the list weekly.

Former Wisconsin Badgers forward Joe Pavelski, leads all former college hockey players with (4g-4a—8pts). What’s impressive is that he did this in only four games.

Anaheim Ducks (Eliminated 4-3 by the Detroit Red Wings)

Kyle Palmieri, F, Notre Dame, 7GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Nick Bonino, F, Boston University, 7GP, (3g-1a—4pts)

Andrew Cogliano, F, University of Michigan, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ben Lovejoy, D, Dartmouth, 7GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

David Steckel, F, Ohio State, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Daniel Winnik, F, New Hampshire, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Boston Bruins

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 5 GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 2GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Chicago Blackhawks

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 5GP, (5g-1a—6pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 5GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Jonathon Toews,F,  North Dakota, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 5GP, (0G-1A—1pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 5GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Detroit Red Wings

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 5GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Danny Dekeyser, D, Western Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 4-3, .911 SV%, 2.65 GAA

LA Kings

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 4Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 6GP, 4-2, .944 SV% 1.58 GAA

Minnesota Wild (Eliminated 4-1 by the Blackhawks)

Matt Cullen, F, St. Cloud, 5GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Jason Zucker, F, Denver, 5GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Charlie Coyle, F, Boston University, 5GP, (0a-2a—2pts)

Zach Parise, F, North Dakota, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Torrey Mitchell, F, Vermont, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Tom Gilbert, D, Wisconsin, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ryan Suter, D, Wisconsin, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Montreal Canadiens (Eliminated 4-1 by the Senators)

Rene Bourque, F, Wisconsin, 5GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Brian Gionta, F, Boston College, 2GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jeff Halpern, F, Princeton University, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Max Pacioretty, F, Michigan, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

New York Islanders (Eliminated 4-2 by the Penguins)

Kyle Okposo, F, Minnesota, 6GP, (3g-1a—4pts)

Matt Moulson, F, Cornell, 6GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Colin McDonald, F, Providence, 6GP, (3g-1a—3pts)

Keith Aucoin, F, Norwich University, 6GP, (0a-3a—3pts)

Brad Strait, D, Boston University, 6GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Marty Reasoner, F, Boston College, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Brock Nelson, F, North Dakota, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

New York Rangers

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 7GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 6GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 7GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Darroll Powe, F, Princeton, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 3 GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Ottawa Senators

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 5 GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 5GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 4GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Eric Gryba, D, Boston University, 3Gp, (0g-0a—0pts)

Patrick Wiercioch, D, Denver, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 6Gp, (2g-a—5pts)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 6GP, (1g-5a—6pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 6GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 3GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)
Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (4g-4a—8pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 4GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 4GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

St. Louis Blues (Eliminated 4-2 by the L.A. King)

David Backes, F, Minnesota State, 6GP, (1g-2a—3pts)

T.J. Oshie, F, North Dakota, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Boston University, 6GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Chris Porter, F, North Dakota, 6GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Jaden Schwartz, F, Colorado College, 6GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jordan Leopold, D, Minnesota, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Andy McDonald, D, Colgate, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Brian Elliott, G, Wisconsin, 6GP, 2-4, .919 SV% 1.90

Toronto Maple Leafs (Eliminated 4-3 by the Boston Bruins)

James Van Riemsdyk, F, New Hampshire, 7GP, (2g-5a—7pts)

Phil Kessel, F, Minnesota, 7GP, (4g-2a—6pts)

Jake Gardiner, D, Wisconsin, 6GP, (1g-4a—5pts)

Matt Frattin, F, North Dakota, 6GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Tyler Bozak, F, Denver, 5GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

John-Michael Liles, D, Michigan State, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Ryan O’Byrne, D, Cornell, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Michael Kostka, D, UMass, 1GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Joe Colborne, F, Denver, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Vancouver Canucks (Eliminated 4-0 by the Sharks)

Ryan Kessler, F, Ohio State, 4GP, (2g-0a—2pts)

Kevin Bieksa, D, Bowling Green, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Andrew Alberts, D, Boston College, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Chris Higgins, F, Yale, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Mason Raymond, F, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Andrew Ebbett, F, Michigan, 2GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Jason Garrison, D, Duluth, 4GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cory Schneider, G, Boston College, 2GP, 0-2, .880 SV%, 4.62 GAA

Washington Capitals (Eliminated 4-3 by the New York Rangers)

Jay Beagle, F, Anchorage, 7GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Jack Hillen, F, Colorado College, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Steven Oleksy, D, Lake Superior State, 7GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Hendricks, F, Saint Cloud, 7GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross-Posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

Bruins live to fight for another day....

This has to be one of the biggest comeback wins in sports history, or at least during my lifetime. I don't remember a team being down 4-1 late in the third only to have that same team chip away at three goal lead and come back and win the game in overtime. So now can we say that the three goal lead in hockey is one of the toughest to defend?

Seguin: "After Horton scored to make it 4-2 Lucic went by bench calm & confident & said 'Thats one.' I got really motivated when he said it"
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) May 14, 2013

Eastern Conference Semifinals: BOSTON VS. NEW YORK SCHEDULE

GAME 1: AT BOS THU MAY 16, 6:30 PM CT,  NBCSN

GAME 2: AT BOS SUN MAY 19, 200 PM CT, NBC

GAME 3: AT NYR TUE MAY 21, 6:30 PM CT, NBCSN

GAME 4: AT NYR THU MAY 23, 6:00 PM CT, CNBC

GAME 5: AT BOS SAT MAY 25, TBD ›

GAME 6: AT NYR MON MAY 27, TBD ›

GAME 7: AT BOS WED MAY 29, TBD 

(Video) Patrice Bergeron wins Game 7 in OT

What an exciting night of hockey... The Boston Bruins scored two goals by Milan Lucic and Patrice Bergeron 31 seconds in the waning minutes of the third period to force the overtime period. At one point in the third period, the Boston Bruins were down 4-1 and it looked like Boston's season was over.

You could tell by the body language of Maple Leafs that the game tying goal was a back breaker and I had a feeling that the Bruins were going to take the game in the overtime period. And they did. Patrice Bergeron took the team on his back and at the 06:05 mark of the overtime period he scored the game winning goal sending the TD North Garden into a frenzy.

The game winning goal was Bergeron's second goal of the game and the third goal of the series. Bergeron's series clinching goal sends the Boston Bruins to the second round of the playoffs to face the New York Rangers. This is the first time the Rangers and the Boston Bruins will meet in the  Stanley Cup Playoffs in forty years (1972-1973).

RT @bruinsdaily: Bergeron with the Ranger Jacket twitter.com/BruinsDaily/st…
— Tim Rosenthal (@_TimRosenthal) May 14, 2013

(Video) James Reimer save on Shawn Thornton

Check out this amazing save by Toronto Maple Leafs goalie James Reimer on Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton. This is just how the last three games have gone for the Boston Bruins. Can't get a goal when they need one. Not burying the chances when they are presented to them.

Chara on Orr.

#TMLtalk image: Jaw dropping twitter.com/MapleLeafs/sta…
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 14, 2013

Is there another Boston Collapse coming?

I have a bad feeling. I’ve seen this act before. Back in the 2010 SCP when the Boston Bruins were up 3-1 on the Philadelphia Flyers only to lose three games in a row and the series 4-3.

Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun – But everything is tilting in their direction.

All the momentum - if there is such a thing at playoff time - favours the Leafs.

All the pressure - if that matters in a Game 7 of a series played at this high a level, this intense a matchup, this much coaching acumen and excellent goaltending from both teams when it’s matterd most - is on the Bruins.

They were expected to win this series.

They were predicted to win this series.

Last night, the Boston Bruins looked gassed and out of breath. Moving forward, I have to think that if the Bruins lose this series to the Toronto Maple Leafs, there are going to be changes in Boston, starting with the head coach Claude Julien. Losing this series to the Toronto Maple Leafs is unacceptable.

Ken Dryden: After the Hit

English: Ken Dryden goalie mask, Hockey Hall-of-Fame (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you haven't seen this article, It's worth a read, but I don't agree with it. Not at all. I have never been a fan of Ken Dryden, post NHL career. Dryden has been one of the strong voices for taking fighting out of the NHL. A bad move in my opinion.

Ken Dryden, Grantland.com -- Yet if some of the decisions made afterward by the referees,1 by NHL senior vice-president of player safety Brendan Shanahan,2 or even the conclusions drawn by the media were technically wrong or contorted, they seemed right. The consequences of the hit, to many, somehow had to matter. The referees penalized Gryba for interference, even though he had committed no infraction. This wasn't interference. But the referees, somehow, still seemed right. In his reasoned-sounding judgment in suspending Gryba, Shanahan may have split the wrong hairs in concluding that Gryba made principal contact with Eller's head, but Shanahan, somehow, still seemed right. Commentators argued back and forth with each other, but mostly they argued with themselves — But Eller had his head down … but look at the injuries he suffered … But Diaz fed him a suicide pass … but look at the injuries he suffered … But it was a clean check … but look at the injuries he suffered.

Dryden goes on. Here it is...

There is another ethic in sports that has also always been there, and still is. It is worn as a badge of honor, particularly by the "tough guys." It goes: I will not hit someone when he is down. I will not hit someone when he is defenseless. There is no courage in that. There is dishonor in the doing. The question in this case: What makes a Gryba hit clean and good on a defenseless Eller when a punch to the face of someone lying on the ice, equally defenseless, is not?

In an age of concussions, maybe the first ethic is wrong. Maybe the second ethic is right. Maybe we don't just have a responsibility to ourselves. Maybe we do have a responsibility to everyone else, too. Maybe that's what the referees, Shanahan, the commentators, and the public are saying.

Maybe things are changing.

It's really not hard to see where this is going. It's a mind set, now we will start spending players that make legal hits, if they severely injure the player that was on the receiving end. This is what happened in the case with Lars Eller. In my opinion, NHL senior vice-president of player safety Brendan Shanahan Eric Gryba because if he hadn't he would have been ripped apart in the Montreal Media. It didn't matter if the hit was a legal hit.

Related articles

• Lars Eller destroyed by Eric Gryba (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• NHL suspends Senators' Gryba 2 games (msn.foxsports.com)

So do the Wild fire the head coach Mike Yeo?

So it begins…Will he stay or will he go? I think that Mike Yeo is a good hockey coach. In my opinion, I think the Minnesota Wild are going in the right direction, I think a change at the head coaching position at this time is counterproductive. The Wild have a lot of good players that are ready to make a contribution to their program, in the minors. Jason Zucker, Charlie Coyle got great minutes in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

As for some of the replacements that some have suggested… I am sorry, but I will take a pass on Lindy Ruff. Ruff was the head coach in Buffalo for 15 years and he has as many Stanley Cups as Mike Yeo. As far as Dave Tippett goes, he’s a good hockey coach, I would rather see him than Ruff any day, if there had to be a change at the head coaching position.

Michael Russo, Russo’s Rants – Now big questions have to addressed this offseason, and … I will address that in Saturday’s paper.

One, obviously has to do with Yeo. GM Chuck Fletcher is safe, I believe. If Yeo isn’t safe, it would come from the GM, not the owner. And with Lindy Ruff and maybe even Dave Tippett dangling, this will be a lasting topic unless Fletcher publicly puts it to bed.

But Fletcher will have to evaluate everything, and that includes the job he is doing.

I still think the Wild’s future is bright, but the Wild isn’t big enough up front, isn’t fast enough and doesn’t have enough finishers. The blue line is an issue. The Wild will have to find a way to accomplish this. If you don’t get to pick first or second overall or third overall or whatever, like Chicago did with Kane and Toews, and Pittsburgh did with Crosby and Malkin, it’s hard to replicate that route.

Yet another blog(s)

I didn’t really mention it here yet, but I have been asked to write for the Hockey Wilderness. So, I will be writing about Wild Hockey college hockey as well. Here are a few of my of my articles. I was also recently picked up by Get Real Hockey which is own by former L.A. Kings forward Bernie Nicholls.

Wild fans are getting anxious

Wild's Zucker says, “I'll take it from here”

Saturday Morning Pontifications: Wild pull disappearing act in Chicago

Mike Yeo has Wild on the right track: Friday Morning Reading

Minnesota Wild Goaltending: Thursday morning Pontifications

WILD OFF SEASON

S/T Bryan Reynolds. I thought it was a interesting picture so I put it up.

Bryan Bickell hits Tom Gilbert

In football we used to have a saying, it's better to be the hammer, than the nail. Ouch! Check out this big time hit by Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell puts on Minnesota Wild Defenseman Tom Gilbert.