Penguins Puke Matt Cooke boards Boston Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid

What a joke they nominated this clown Pittsburgh Penguins forward Matt Cooke for the Masterton Trophy. This guy has been suspended at least 31 games by the NHL for his acts of transgression.

I think this hit deserves a game suspension from the NHL's department of Players safety. Why wouldn't it? It's Matt Cooke, he's an multiple time offender. I actually think that Boston Bruins rookie defenseman Torey Krug did his teammate a favor by slowing down Cooke, or this would have been even uglier. Thoughts, from readers.

Masterton Cooke at it again. When will NHL get a clue and ban this idiot?
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) June 2, 2013

Dave Bolland hit Mike Richards

At the 01:53 mark of the third period Chicago Blackhawks forward Dave Bollard hit L.A. Kings forward Mike Richards with a shoulder in the chin/head area. You have to wonder, will Mike Bollard be getting a phone call from the NHL's department of players safety for this hit? I have to think, based on everything that we have seen so far in the playoffs, that this could be a potential one game suspension for Bollard. Thoughts? Just for the record, there was "no" penalty called on the play.

Richards declined to speak to reporters who wanted to ask how he felt after hit.
— Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) June 2, 2013

#Blackhawks' Dave Bolland on hit on Kings' Mike Richards: "It's a quick game. You get hit. It happens. It's happened to me."
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) June 2, 2013

Poke The Bear; Part 1 and 2

Some Vancouver Canucks fan that posts videos under the name MAKAVELI posted a couple of these spoofs directed towards the Boston Bruins on YouTube.com this the same guy that came up with the Embellishment City Video as well. His latest video is kind of funny as well, Diver vs. Diver. These videos are semi entertaining.

Related articles

• Wes Walz pokes fun at the Sedin twins (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• You have to love Adam Burish's candor (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

A Brief Redwing77 Season Review for the Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings won 62 games in a single season (1995-96) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Well, our season is over.  We lost in 7 games to Chicago in the second round of the playoffs.

To be brutally honest (and probably not the most ardent of Red Wings fan), I'm elated they went that far.  Let's face it:  Did ANYONE think the Wings would take the Hawks (who won the Presidents' Trophy this year) to the brink of elimination?

This gets me in trouble all the time with how I see things with UND as well but... yeah, the Wings aren't going to hoist the Cup... but I think this season was an overwhelming success looking back on the issues the Wings had to overcome this year.  Babcock is truly a great coach. 

I thought that, defensively, the Red Wings weren't exactly a force to be reckoned with.  I really questioned depth all around at times this shortened season.  I also wonder if the season had been a full one, if the Red Wings would have even made the playoffs.

I still think that Datsyuk is one of the best players in the NHL.  I'm probably alone in this comparison but... I see a lot of Vladimir Konstantinov (who is probably my favorite Red Wing believe it or not) in Niklas Kronwall.  And it sucks to have the dagger that ended the season go off his skate and into the net.

I think Jimmy Howard has REALLY stepped up.  Goaltending was a huge concern of mine thanks to a lot of awfulness in the final years of Chris Osgood's career.

The Wings are YOUNG and they aren't as flashy as the young players on the Hawks (as an example).  However I think that, if they continue to progress and Babcock remains as effective as he has been, the Wings will be a force to be reckoned with.

And the best news is that the media won't know where they came from.  They'll be too busy fawning over the Penguins.

I know this is brief and kindof general but life's been hellish for me and I wasn't able to watch as many games as I would have wanted this year.

Go Wings and let's see a great draft and offseason!

I hope whoever wins, be it the Kings or the Hawks, hoist the Cup.

NCHC Hockey: Jim Scherr Accepts COO Position with European Games

Colorado Springs, CO (Friday, May 31, 2013) – The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) announced today that NCHC Commissioner Jim Scherr has resigned effective immediately in order to accept the position of Chief Operation Officer for the inaugural European Games.

Scherr, who has served as NCHC Commissioner since January 2012, will oversee the operation of the 49-nation Games in Baku, Azerbaijan -- which will feature up to 10,000 athletes -- in June 2015.

“We knew when we hired Jim that there would come a time when there would be competing bids for his services,” said NCHC Chairman of the Board and University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison. “We are grateful for what Jim has done in his time with the NCHC and we are very happy that he has the opportunity to return to the Olympic sports world with the European Games in Baku. We know his expertise will greatly benefit their event.”

Prior to his appointment with the NCHC, Scherr served as the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure in that role, he oversaw the U.S. contingent at the 2004 Summer Olympics (Athens), 2006 Winter Olympics (Turin), and the 2008 Summer Olympics (Beijing), while managing a budget in excess of $150 million. Scherr was appointed USOC CEO after having served for 10 years as the Executive Director of USA Wrestling. A former wrestling standout himself, Scherr was a three-time national champion and a 1988 Olympian.

“Jim was presented with what is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Ken Ralph, NCHC Treasurer and Colorado College Director of Athletics. “While it is difficult to see him go, we understand his decision. With what has already been done with our bylaws, operating manuals, office setup and personnel, officiating program, and championship site, we are in a great position for our inaugural season.”

“Serving as commissioner of the NCHC has been a tremendous experience and it is a difficult position to leave behind,” said Scherr. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Board for understanding the opportunity presented to me, and for working with me to make it a reality. I regret that I will not be there to lead the conference through its inaugural season, but I have full confidence in the coaches, administrators and conference staff that the NCHC will set the standard for excellence in college hockey.”

Faison said that a search for a new commissioner would begin immediately.

The NCHC, which begins its inaugural season in 2013-14, includes member institutions Colorado College, Denver, Miami, Minnesota Duluth, Nebraska Omaha, North Dakota, St. Cloud State, and Western Michigan. 

[Link to official press release]

Sidney Crosby Humor

I might as well get it started...

Referee Stephen Walkom no goal call (Video)

This was the call last night that shook the hockey world. This was a horrible call by veteran NHL referee Stephen Walkom, because the actual penalty has no bearing on the goal that was being scored. Think about this, the Chicago Blackhawks scored the game winning goal in regulation only to have it taken away from them. I was watching the game at Parrot's Kay and I couldn't believe that they ref waved this goal off.

That's a goal.... Put it on the score board.
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) May 30, 2013

First off, the officiating for whatever reason in the Chicago vs. Detroit series was absolutely brutal. Words like atrocious, brutal, unacceptable, disgusting, come to mind... I have never seen a series that was this poorly officiated, in a very long time. There is no excuse for this. Here's the good news, Stephen Walkom is going to officiate in the next round of the NHL playoffs. In the Army we used to have a saying, screw up, you move up.

This is the NHL, not the house league in Canada or the WCHA. This is the best hockey league in the world. The Stanley Cup Playoff games are the show case games and should have the best officials. The best of best officials should be officiating the show case games and the product on the ice, being the officials, should match the players on the ice.

The officiating in this series was suspect, and it was unacceptable and I would even use the word shoddy to explain the officiating as well. The NHL should be ashamed of itself and I do believe that they do have egg on their face. Where have we seen this before? Sound familiar? Today was a rich day for NHL hockey news.

Jim Diamond, Nashville Predators Examiner --- I have played in too many games where NHL officials are doing everything in their power to "even things out." No matter who's playing whom and no matter how they're playing, it was all too common for officials to attempt to mete out an equal number of minor penalties to each team. Meaning, going in to any given game, the men in black adopt the approach that the penalties taken by the visitors will, for the most part, equal the number of penalties taken by the home team. All is fair if everybody gets their fair share, right? (There's a socio-political point in there somewhere but that's subject matter for a different piece).

Seems reasonable, no? The penalties balance out and the players will sort it out from there, right? Not at all actually. The truth is there are many nights when one team simply outplays and outworks the other. That's a fairly straightforward truth; we've all seen it. And yet, even in a game like that, the guys in stripes are still attempting to balance out this ledger whereby one team gets the same number of power plays as the opposition.

L.A. Kings and Chicago Blackhawks schedule (Greene vs. Toews)

Game 1: Saturday, June 1 - L.A. at Chicago 4:00 p.m. NBCSN

Game2: Sunday, June 2 - L.A. at Chicago 7:00 p.m. NBCSN

Game 3: Tuesday, June 4 - Chicago at L.A. 8:00 p.m. NBCSN

Game 4: Thursday, June 6 - Chicago at L.A. 8:00 p.m. NBCSN

Game 5: Saturday, June 8 - L.A. at Chicago 7:00 p.m. NBC

Game 6: Monday, June 10 - Chicago at L.A. 8:00 p.m. NBCSN

Game 7: Wednesday, June 12 - L.A. at Chicago TBD NBCSN  

Boston Bruins vs. Pittsburgh Penguins schedule

Game 1: Saturday, June 1 – Boston at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. NBCSN
Game 2: Monday, June 3 – Boston at Pittsburgh, 7:00 p.m. NBCSN
Game 3: Wednesday, June 5 – Pittsburgh at Boston, 7:00 p.m.
Game 4: Friday, June 7 – Pittsburgh at Boston, 7:00 p.m. NBCSN
Game 5: Sunday, June 9 – Boston at Pittsburgh, TBA-x*
Game 6: Tuesday, June 11 – Pittsburgh at Boston, TBA-x*
Game 7: Wednesday, June 12 – Boston at Pittsburgh,TBA-x*

* If necessary.

Final Numbers Second Round: Former NCAA Hockey Players

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.

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

Final points lead after the second round

The second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is in the books. Former Wisconsin Badgers and current San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski (4g-8a—12pts) has retained his lead as the points leader, but his team was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the defending Stanley Cup Champions, so there will be a new points leaders in the next round.

Former Catamount’s and current Chicago Blackhawk forward Patrick Sharp (7g-4a—11pts) is alone in second place.

Here’s how the rest of the top six places for former college hockey players; currently playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs shakes out.

In third place, there is a four way tie. The Pittsburgh Penguins have a pair of former college hockey players, former Gopher defenseman Paul Martin (2g-7a—9pts) is tied with his teammate former Ferris State Bulldog forward Chris Kunitz (4g-5a—9pts). Also, Ottawa Senators and former Wisconsin Badgers forward Kyle Turris (6g-3a—9pts) is “currently” tied for third place along with former Michigan State Spartan and current Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (1g-8a—9pts). Turris’ spot in the top three is temporary, because his season is over; the Senators were eliminated by the top seeded Pittsburgh Penguins this past week four games to one.  

Leader Board (national rank in parentheses)

1. (7) Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 11GP, (4g-8a—12pts)

2. (10) Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 12GP, (7g-4a—11pts)

3. (21) Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 11GP, (2g-7a—9pts)

3.  (21) Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 11GP, (4g-5a—9pts)

3. (21) Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (6g-3a—9pts)

3. (21) Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 12GP, (1g-8a—9pts)

Badgers king in this year’s 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Wisconsin Badgers are well represented in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs; if my math is correct they have six players that are still currently playing in the second round of the SCP.

 If I have forgotten a player on this list, feel free to drop me a line at thegoon48@gra.midco.net

 Boston Bruins (3)

Torey Krug, D, Michigan State, 5GP, (4g-1a—5pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 11GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

 Chicago Blackhawks (6)

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 12GP, (7g-4a—11pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 12GP, (1g-8a—9pts)

Jonathon Toews, F, North Dakota, 12GP, (1g-5a—6pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 12GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 10GP, (0G-2A—2pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Detroit Red Wings (6) (Eliminated by the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 14GP, (2g-3a—5pts)

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 14GP, (2g-3a—5pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 12GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 13GP, (1g-2a—3pts)

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

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 7-7, .924 SV%, 2.44 GAA

 LA Kings (5)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 13GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 6Gp, (0g-2a—2pts)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 13GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Matt Greene, D, North Dakota, 4GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 13GP, 8-5, .948 SV% 1.50 GAA

 New York Rangers (6) (Eliminated by the Boston Bruins 4-1)

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 12GP, (3g-3a—6pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 11GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 12GP, (4g-1a—5pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 10GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 8GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

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

Ottawa Senators (6) (Eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1)

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (6g-3a—9pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 10GP, (1g-6a—7pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 8GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Colin Greening, F, Cornell, 10GP, (3g-1a—4pts)  

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

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

Pittsburgh Penguins (9)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 11GP, (2g-7a—9pts)

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 11GP, (4g-5a—9pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 11GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 7GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 11GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 8GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 11GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks (8) (Eliminated by the San Jose Sharks 4-3)

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 11GP, (4g-8a—12pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 11GP, (3g-5a—8pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 11GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 11GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 11GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 11GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 6GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.  

And another NHL Coach bites the Dust... with a pondering (RW77)

New York Rangers logo (used 1935–48) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ok, this is just a musing type post so I'll put it down and see what develops in the comment section.

Today marked the end of Tortorella's coaching tenure with the New York Rangers.  It was marked with ups (like his record 171-144 in the regular season) and downs (holy crap bad offense and terrible power play).  He was a tough cookie both on his players and to the media.

I am no fan of the Rangers.  But I got to thinking:  What makes a good pro head coach?

A few months ago I was listening to a Vikings postgame show where they lost and callers were ranting on how the Vikings needed a coach who was "in your face" and "showed more emotion on the sidelines."  Here in Nebraska, after every Husker game, fans (and detractors alike) rant on how Head Coach Bo Pelini is a hot head and needs to butt out of his players' and media's faces (aside for the typical if the Huskers win, Bo rules.  If they lose, fire his backside).  Here's the same issue.  You have previous head coach Renney barely at .500 over his tenure (something like 164-163 as a head coach) and he's drummed out.  To me, he seemed like a tacit kind of coach.  And here's the abrasive Tortorella getting shown the door after being the exact opposite and finishing with a better overall record.

I'm not going to debate whether or not the dismissal was the right or wrong answer.  Like I said, I don't give a rip about the Rangers.  But I do wonder what makes a good coach a good coach?

Nowadays, more and more players (especially in basketball and football) are immature, hot-headed egotists that cannot handle criticism and tough love.  But when they are listened to by owners and GMs, giving the player a "player friendly" coach, it doesn't always mean positive results either.  So what makes a great head coach?

I want to be careful about this not turning into a Hakstol Hate Festival (like every time Brad says his name in an article on his own blog's comment section), so I'm not really interested in college-centric thought.  I do believe that a college head coach and a pro head coach are very different.

So I'm curious what are the intangibles of a great coach, in your eyes?  How do you judge a coach's effectiveness?  Which coach (of any sport) do you think more coaches should model themselves after?

I have a lot of favorite coaches, but my opinion is you can never go wrong with Scotty Bowman.  His attitude and the way he coached was simply top notch.

Thoughts?

P.S.  Dave Tippett is rumored to be among the coaches the Rangers are considering.  I bet, however, they go with Alain Vignault if they don't go with Mark Messier. (others mentioned are Lindy Ruff and Paul Maurice)

Fighthing Sioux Nickname: Spirit Lake committee's last effort to save Fighting Sioux nickname fails

This is just in, not really a big shock to me. I have talked to a few lawyers that didn’t see this case as having much of a chance of making it. This is probably the final chapter of the Fighting Sioux nickname.

Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald – In what may well be the final chapter in the long, contentious fight over UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals today affirmed a lower court’s judgment against the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe in its effort to save the nickname.

More than three months after impassioned arguments in St. Paul, the appeals court upheld the ruling last year by U.S. District Court Judge Ralph Erickson that the tribe lacked standing to sue the NCAA over its policy discouraging the use of American Indian names and images by member schools.

“The committee has not shown that the NCAA acted with discriminatory intent,” the appeals court stated in its opinion. “There is no evidence that the NCAA enacted the policy in order to eradicate Sioux culture, as the committee alleges.”

The appeals court also discounted the committee’s primary contention, that Spirit Lake and Standing Rock Sioux elders authorized use of the name by UND in a 1969 ceremony.

Henrik Zetterberg and Jonathan Toews (gif)

s/t to Jack who posted this gif in the comments of another post. So, do you think that the refs are not calling the obstruction in this series? This is pre-lockout officiating in the NHL. The calls the officials have let go have been pretty obvious. Zetterberg has been in Toews hockey pants all series long.

Schedule for round three of the SCP...

If Detroit wins tomorrow, Round 3 starts Friday in West. If Chicago wins, there will be a doubleheader on Saturday night with East and West.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 29, 2013

These tweets should shed some light when round three will be played. So, we need the Chicago Blackhawks to beat the Detroit Red Wing tomorrow night... That means if Chicago wins we're going to end up with two games on Saturday. I guess, that's the scenario that I would rather see. I believe that the L.A. Kings and Chicago would be a much better series to watch. The Bruins game will be on Saturday anyways.

Pens-Bruins in East final will start Saturday at 8 p.m. regardless and then go Mon, Weds, Fri, Sun, Tues, Weds.
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 29, 2013

So no matter which teams are playing, if both series are still going, two Game 7s on June 12. RIP, us.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) May 29, 2013

Pavel Datsyuk drills Jonathan Toews

s/t to Paul from Kukla's Korner... The puck is nowhere around when Red Wings forward Pavel Datsyuk drills Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews. I remember the play from last night’s game and don’t know why a call wasn’t made on the play, checking the box score there was no penalty called. Whatever… The Red Wings have done everything they can to get Toews off of his game and last night he didn’t take the bait even though Henrik Zetterberg was hacking him up one side and down the other. I can’t wait for game seven.

More on the Michael Frolik penalty shot

I have heard a lot of grumbling about the penalty shot in question from Detroit Red Wings fans. After the game, in the postgame show on NBC Sports Net, hockey analyst Keith Jones said it was a good call and the refs have been calling this a penalty all season long.

Frankly, the officiating on both sides of the ice has been brutal during this series. The Red Wings have been allowed by the on-ice officials to take excessive liberties in the form of slashs and two handed hacks on Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews without any calls what-so-ever. Some of these non-calls were down right brutal. So if anything, last night’s penalty show was a bit of karma coming back to bite the Red Wings in the butt. Finally, a call went the way of the Blackhawks.

Before you accuse me of being a Blackhawks fan, stop, I am not. I am Boston Bruins and Minnesota Wild Fan. I am also a hockey fan that likes to see a good hockey game and last night was an exciting hockey game. I actually could care less who wins game seven, although I do find the Blackhawks more watchable than the Red Wings and Jonathan Toews did go to the University of North Dakota.

In closing, Carlo Colaiacovo shouldn’t have slashed Michael Frolik on the hands in a scoring opportunity, if he didn’t want to put his team a man down or give up a possible penalty shot. The refs called a penalty shot, correctly. That's life. Colaiacovo made the decision to slash Frolik and he put his team in a bad situation. Now we go back to Chicago for game seven.

(Video) Michael Frolik draws a penalty shot and then scores on the penalty shot.

I feel the series starting turn in the Chicago Blackhawk's favor; I believe that the Blackhawks have the momentum in the series now. Chicago Blackhawks forward Michael Frolik shows what happens when you don't get the puck deep, he creates a turnover and an opportunity going the other way. Michael Frolik draws the penalty shot and then cashes in. Of course, Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard didn't like it. But that’s life.

I don't think that you can blame Red Wings defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo either, the way the refs have called the game, there was a good chance they don't call even call a penalty on the play. This time they did.

Detroit's Joakim Andersson scores a knucklepuck goal

I was beginning to think we were watching Mighty Ducks. What next? The flying v... Detroit Red Wing forward Joakim Andersson scores a knucklepuck goal and Chicago Blackhawks goalie Cory Crawford didn't have a chance on the goal.

Former NCAA Hockey Players: Catching up with the second round stats (5/27/2013)

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.

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

Points Lead changes hands

We have new points leader after last night’s action. We also have a tightening at the top of the points standings as well. Former Vermont Wisconsin Badgers and current San Jose Sharks forward Joe Pavelski (4g-7a—11pts) has taken over the points lead.

Former Catamount’s and current Chicago Blackhawk forward Patrick Sharp (6g-4a—10pts) is alone in second place.

Here’s how the rest of the top six places for former college hockey players; currently playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs shakes out.

In third place, there is a three way tie; the Pittsburgh Penguins have a trio of former college hockey players, former Gopher defenseman Paul Martin (2g-7a—9pts) is tied team mate former Ferris State Bull Dog forward Chris Kunitz (4g-5a—9pts). Also, Ottawa Senators and former Wisconsin Badgers forward Kyle Turris (6g-3a—9pts) is currently tied for third place. Turris’ spot in the top three is temporary, because his season is over; the Senators were eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins this past week four games to one.  

Former Michigan State Spartan and current Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith is all alone in sixth place with (1g-7a—8pts).

1. Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (4g-7a—11pts)

2. Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 10GP, (6g-4a—10pts)

3. Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 11GP, (2g-7a—9pts)

3.  Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 11GP, (4g-5a—9pts)

3. Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (6g-3a—9pts)

6. Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 10GP, (1g-7a—8pts)

                               

Badgers king in this year’s 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Wisconsin Badgers are well represented in the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs; if my math is correct they have six players that are still currently playing in the second round of the SCP.

 If I have forgotten a player on this list, feel free to drop me a line at thegoon48@gra.midco.net

 Boston Bruins (3)

Torey Krug, D, Michigan State, 5GP, (4g-1a—5pts)

Matt Bartkowski, D, Ohio State, 7GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Richard Peverley, F, St. Lawrence University, 11GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

 Chicago Blackhawks (6)

Patrick Sharp, F, Vermont, 10GP, (6g-4a—10pts)

Duncan Keith, D, Michigan State, 10GP, (1g-7a—8pts)

Jonathon Toews, F, North Dakota, 10GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Nick Leddy, D, Minnesota, 10GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Victor Stalberg, F, Vermont, 8GP, (0G-2A—2pts)

Brandon Bollig, F, St. Lawrence, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

 Detroit Red Wings (6)

Gustav Nyquist, F, Maine, 12GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Brendan Smith, F, Wisconsin, 12GP, (2g-2a—4pts)

Justin Abdelkader, F, Michigan State, 10GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Patrick Eaves, F, Boston College, 11GP, (0g-2a—1pts)

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

Jimmy Howard, G, Maine, 7-5, .927 SV%, 2.36 GAA

 LA Kings (5)

Dustin Penner, F, Maine, 12GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Alec Martinez, D, Miami, 6Gp, (0g-2a—2tps)

Rob Scuderi, D, Boston College, 12GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Matt Greene, D, North Dakota, 3GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Jonathan Quick, UMass, 12GP, 6-4, .947 SV% 1.54 GAA

 New York Rangers (6) (Eliminated by the Boston Bruins 4-1)

Carl Hagelin, F, Michigan, 12GP, (3g-3a—6pts)

Brian Boyle, F, Boston College, 11GP, (3g-2a—5pts)

Derek Stepan, F, Wisconsin, 12GP, (4g-1a—5pts)

Ryan McDonagh, D, Wisconsin, 10GP, (1g-3a—4pts)

Chris Kreider, F, Boston College, 8GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

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

Ottawa Senators (6) (Eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-1)

Kyle Turris, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (6g-3a—9pts)

Erik Condra, F, Notre Dame, 10GP, (1g-6a—7pts)

Cory Conacher, F, Canisius College 8GP, (3g-0a—3pts)

Colin Greening, F, Cornell, 10GP, (3g-1a—4pts)  

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

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

 Pittsburgh Penguins (9)

Paul Martin, D, Minnesota, 11GP, (2g-7a—9pts)

Chris Kunitz, F, Ferris State, 11GP, (4g-5a—9pts)

Douglas Murray, D, Cornell, 11GP, (2g-1a—3pts)

Mark Eaton, D, Notre Dame, 7GP, (0g-3a—3pts)

Matt Niskanen, D, Duluth, 11GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

Brooks Orpik, D, Boston College, 8GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Craig Adams, F, Harvard, 11GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tanner Glass, F, Dartmouth, 5GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

Beau Bennett, F, Denver, 4GP, (1g-0a—1pts)

San Jose Sharks (8)

Joe Pavelski, F, Wisconsin, 10GP, (4g-7a—11pts)

Dan Boyle, D, Miami, 10GP, (2g-5a—7pts)

Tommy Wingels, F, Miami, 10GP, (0g-2a—2pts)

T.J. Galiardi, F, Dartmouth, 10GP, (1g-1a—2pts)

Justin Braun, D, UMass, 10GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Matt Irwin, D, UMass, 10GP, (0g-1a—1pts)

Tim Kennedy, F, Michigan State, 3GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Adam Burish, F, Wisconsin, 5GP, (0g-0a—0pts)

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine.

NCHC Forges New Standards for Officiating

One of the hot-button issues that fans of the newly formed NCHC are very concerned about, is how the games are going to be officiated.

The next question is; who’s going to be the officials for the NCHC next season? One of the things I heard next is, please tell me that ref so-and-so isn’t going to be calling games next season in the NCHC?

As the conversation progresses, the next question usually is how are the games going to be called? Are the “big hits” going to be penalized?

Let me tell you, there’s a lot of cynicism surrounding the NCHC as they announce their new officiating standards.

Personally, I know that I have my list of officials that I don’t want to see officiating any of the games in the NCHC next season. I have not heard who the league has selected, and if they have selected anyone as of yet. I know they solicited applications and that May 15, 2013, was the last day that they were taking applications for the officiating positions.

Last season, there was no consistency from game-to-game on how the games are officiated, and this was a problem college hockey wide, and it’s very frustrating for college hockey fans. This is unacceptable in my opinion. Instead of having the players adjusting to the officials, why not have officials that are good enough to make the proper calls.

In my opinion, college hockey officiating during the past few years has been questionable at best; there have been a lot of blown calls with little explanation of why the calls were made. Legal checks have been called five minute majors. Obstruction and stick fouls in the offensive zone have gone uncalled. Line calls have been bad as well. I don’t know how many times I saw a goal scored off a blown off-sides call.

On May 23, 2013, the National Collegiate Hockey Conference released its “official” plan on how the league is going to supervise, train and manage their on-ice officials. On paper, it would appear that the new league is concerned about optics and doesn’t want to have a repeat of how the current WCHA manages its on-ice officials.

You can read the NCHC Press Release here. Here are some of the interesting things that came out of the press release.

“One of the key goals for our conference is to develop one of the best officiating programs in the country,” Director of Hockey Operations Joe Novak said.

That’s not all that going to happen, there’s going to be pre-season camp to educate the new NCHC officials.

“We will extend our expectations to the officials before they come to camp and then provide them with very detailed and focused sessions once they do arrive,” Head of officials Don Adam said. “We want to educate our officials in every way possible which includes, but is not limited to: skating, positioning, rules and interpretations, and the mental aspect of officiating. We will be utilizing video as a teaching tool throughout the season, while communicating with our officials on a regular basis. Our training program is a culmination of our collective officiating experience, which includes the collegiate, professional and international hockey levels. We will always strive to develop one of the best staffs in the country.”

One of the major keys of this announcement is that the NCHC will be utilizing a relationship with USA Hockey and this should be useful for developing and identifying future on-ice officials.

“Our league has already established a formidable relationship with Scott Brand and USA Hockey’sJunior Officiating Development Program” Adam said. “This relationship will assist us in identifying future collegiate officials.”

USHL Officials for instance, have to be certified by the USA Hockey and I believe that they are some of best on-ice officials in amateur hockey. I also believe that college hockey should use high standards when selecting officials to be utilized to officiate college hockey games. You should not be selected based on who you’re related to or who you’re friends with. You should be selected based on skill and knowledge, not on family lineage.

Now, this plan looks good when you read it on paper. Going forward, it will be interesting to see how this “actually” plays out, once it’s “actually” executed and comes to fruition. If the NCHC decides to employ the same usual suspects from the WCHA, then this is nothing more than just fancy lip service. In the end talk is cheap, we need to see action, or this will end up being nothing more than a fancy plan that isn’t worth lining a bird cage with.

If the NCHC employs the same brutal officials that have been officiating games for the WCHA, then the NCHC is going to have the same shoddy on ice product that the WCHA has had the last 4-5 seasons. We soon will find out. Developing…

Cross-posted at the Hockey Writers Combine. 

Torey Krug is trending in Boston

See the latest stats on Torey Krug profile yes Penguins beware.bruins.nhl.com/club/player.ht… twitter.com/sixtimesb/stat…
— Tom Miller (@sixtimesb) May 26, 2013

I don't think that its' much of a stretch to say that former Michigan State Spartan Torey Krug is trending on Twitter. While he not be very big, the 5’9” 180 pound Krug has the heart of a lion and the shot of a 155 howitzer.

“It’s been a crazy year,” Krug said. “When I signed, I chose Boston for this reason. I wanted to win a Stanley Cup. I knew that they were expected to win the Stanley Cup year after year, and I knew that we were going to be in contention every year. [Boston.com]

RT @_timrosenthal: Another appearance on the front page of @bostondotcom for my Krug story? Don't mind if I do... twitter.com/_TimRosenthal/…
— Bruins Daily (@BruinsDaily) May 26, 2013

Boston has a new superstar! And you know how Boston loves dmen...#krug twitter.com/woodstick10/st…
— john Doherty (@woodstick10) May 26, 2013

Related articles

• Torey Krug and Carl Hagelin goals; Rangers vs Bruins game (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• (video) The legend of Torey Krug keeps growing; four goals five games. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• (Video) Torey Krug scores his second goal in two games for the Bruins (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

Torey Krug; something brewing in Boston

Think about this, Torey Krug has played in a grand total of five Stanley Cup Playoff games, all in the second round  of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Boston Bruins are 4-1.

Krug scored (4g-1a—5pts) in that second round and that is the most by a rookie defenseman since Glen Wesley scored six goals during the 1988 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when Wesley scored (6g-8a—14pts) in 23 games. The Boston Bruins would go on to lose to the Edmonton Oilers in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals.

So yeah, in my opinion, Torey Krug is something special, if your comparing him to Glen Wesley who played 20 season in the NHL.

Related articles

• Torey Krug and Carl Hagelin goals; Rangers vs Bruins game (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• (video) The legend of Torey Krug keeps growing; four goals five games. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• (Video) Torey Krug scores his second goal in two games for the Bruins (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• Torey Krug's Unlikely Emergence as Playoff Hero Pushing Rangers to Brink of Elimination (Video) (nesn.com)

Boston Bruins moving.... Take on the Penguins in the Eastern Conference Finals.

No fight in the hand shanke line @pucknut9 RT @bruinsdaily: Best tradition in sports twitter.com/BruinsDaily/st…
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) May 26, 2013

There is a new drinking game; every time the Boston Bruins fourth line/Merlot Line is mentioned drink a beer, or take a shot or you can take a drink. You would never make it through the game sober, unless you're drinking water or pop.

That being said, the Pittsburgh Penguins probably aren't going to be as impressed with the Boston Bruins fourth line, because they're a really talented hockey team, but the fact remains you can't discount what they accomplished during the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's the stats for the Merlot line Shawn Thornton (0g-3a—3pts), Gregory Campbell (3g-2a—5pts), Daniel Paille (1g-3a—4pts).

Jagr back in Pitt. Iginla saying no to Boston and yes to Pitt..Matt Cooke's hit on Savard..Two great hockey cities. 4 lines vs 4 lines. Yes.
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) May 26, 2013

Related articles

• (video) The legend of Torey Krug keeps growing; four goals five games. (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

(video) The legend of Torey Krug keeps growing; four goals five games.

The Boston Bruins signed Torey Krug out of Michigan State as a free agent after the 2011-12 season. The move by the Boston Bruins really looks like a smart move. Breaking it down further, Krug has been red hot since getting recalled by the Boston Bruins, scoring (4g-1a—5pts)and in five playoff games. So thank you Michigan State.

@bruinsdaily You know how we say thank you Kessel, how about thank you Michigan State for producing Torey Krug...
— Eric J. Burton (@goon48) May 25, 2013

Related articles

• Torey Krug and Carl Hagelin goals; Rangers vs Bruins game (ndgoon.blogspot.com)
• (Video) Torey Krug scores his second goal in two games for the Bruins (ndgoon.blogspot.com)

(Video) Shawn Thornton and Derek Dorsett Fight

New York Rangers forward Derek Dorsett has been begging for beat down all series long and after screwing with Boston Bruins forward Daniel Paille at center ice, Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton was more than willing to oblige the Rangers pugilist. Developing story.

Memorial Day weekend

No matter faith or origin, all @usarmy Soldiers are honored on Memorial Day in @arlingtonnatl by @the_old_guard twitter.com/The_Old_Guard/…
— The Old Guard (@The_Old_Guard) May 24, 2013

Jonathan Toews high stick on Justin Abdelkader...Was this Embellishment?

Former Fighting Sioux forward Jonathan Toews had a rough night for the Chicago Blackhawks, he beat a path to the penalty box, taking three minor penalties, this one was laughable based on some of the calls the on-ice officials have missed this season. Sure there was a penalty but, come on! Abdelkader sold this one big time with his Academy Award winning acting job. On this play, Johnny was assessed a two minute minor for high sticking Red Wings forward Justin Abdelkader. So, what do think? Was there was some embellishment on the play from Abdelkader? I do believe there was. Thoughts and feelings…

John Tortorella explains his decision to sit Brad Richards

Classic John Tortorella, the guy is a gem. Earlier in the game, Torts was caught on audio cussing out a lines man and dropping the F-bomb. In the course of one night, Torts cussed out the on-ice officials and told the writers to kiss his ass and won a hockey, so he keeps his job for at least another day... It pretty much sounds like he's going to get fired if the Rangers don't make it out of the second round, if you believe the scuttlebutt that you read on the internet. Someone over on the Hockey Writers suggested that Tors coach the Maine Black Bears. Now I would love to see that.

More Torts: "I need to make decisions about what I feel is right for our team to win tonight's game, & that's why I made that decision"
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 24, 2013

Torts: "By no means is this a situation where I take him out and I'm blaming him...Brad Richards is a helluva hockey player"
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) May 24, 2013

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Former Eagle Kreider saves Rangers bacon and forces game five against Bruins....

It was the night of the former college hockey players and former B.C. Eagle Chris Kreider kept the New York Rangers slim playoff hopes alive as his game winning goal in overtime beat the Boston Bruins 4-3. In tonight's game.

Kreider the 5th college alum to score in tonight's NYR-BOS game, the 8th to score an OT goal in these playoffs.
— College Hockey, Inc. (@collegehockey) May 24, 2013

Derek Stepan scores goal off of Zdeno Chara miscue

Boston Bruins all-world defenseman Zdeno Chara was lazy with the puck this time and it cost the Boston Bruins a goal. Rangers forward Derek Stephan was Johnny on the spot as he put the puck in the net before the Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask could get set on his post. Chara's untimely slipup/turnover caused the game to be tied again at 2-2.

Related articles

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Torey Krug and Carl Hagelin goals; Rangers vs Bruins game

I have been doing a bi-weekly feature on the former college hockey players, that are currently playing in the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. Here's two former college hockey players that had an impact in tonight's game, between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. First goal, Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug scored his third goal of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoff on the power play in his seventh NHL game. in four games with the Boston Bruins, Krug has scored (3g-1a—4pts) and in seven career games Krug has scored (3g-3a—6pts), that’s pretty impressive in my book.

Carl Hagelin answers the Torey Krug goal with this interesting goal almost a minute later. I am not sure that Tuukka Rask expected to slip and fall and give up that easy of a goal to the New York Rangers.

Any former #NotreDame player expect Torey Krug to be this much of an offensive weapon in NHL?I know he tied TJ for scoring title but wow.
— Darin Pritchett (@Sportsbeat960) May 24, 2013

Hilarious tweet from a Rangers fan at Tort's expense

Torts and his potential final goodbye w/ cameo from the $6M scratched man (@pezdoy @justindoy) twitter.com/MikeDarnay/sta…
— Mike Darnay (@MikeDarnay) May 24, 2013

This is a funny picture that was on twitter. It would be funny if Torts did this during his post game press conference.