Friday, May 02, 2014
Prediction for Wild vs. Blackhawks
How the Wild win…
The Minnesota Wild will beat the Chicago Blackhawks if they continue to play their systems like they did against the Colorado Avalanche. This past season, the Wild had a 3-2 record against the Blackhawks. One of the Wild’s two losses was a shootout loss. So, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that the Wild could win this series. Just like the series against the Av’s, the Wild are going to be the under dogs. They need to embrace this, and use it in their favor.
The key to beating the Blackhawks, play disciplined, smart hockey. They cannot take foolish, selfish, retaliation penalties. The Wild will need to stay out the penalty box if they want to win this series.
Defensively: the Wild need to protect their goaltender. Make that area nose bleed alley, smartly. It’s imperative that the Wild keep the Blackhawks on the perimeter. They do not want to allow them to get to the blue paint, or roam freely in the slot, unchallenged. The Blackhawks will cash in on those opportunities.
The Blackhawks are a fast skating team that comes at you in waves, and the Wild defensemen need to keep the Blackhawks forwards in front of them. Up front, former North Dakota forward Jonathan Toews (3g-4a—7pts) and former Michigan State Spartan Duncan Keith (2g-5a—7pts) lead the Blackhawk in points. No slouch himself, Patrick Kane is in third place with (3g-3a—6pts). Leading the Wild in points against the Blackhawks this season: Jason Pominville (4g-1a—5pts), Mikael Granlund (0g-4a—4pts), Matt Cooke (2g-1a—3pts). Note, Cooke is unavailable for the first three games because of his suspension. He returns from his seven-game suspension in time for game four.
Wild lose if…
The Wild will lose if they fail to play disciplined hockey. They cannot get caught up in the extra bravo sierra. They can’t lose their wits about them. They need to play under control and not respond to the Andrew Shaw’s antics. Also, the Wild will lose if they start running around, trying to check the Blackhawks out of the building. The Blues tried to do this in the first round and it didn’t work. That’s not the Wild’s game, they’re more successful when they play a high pressure, fore-check game.
I am going out on a limb, Wild win series in 6 games.
Thursday, May 01, 2014
Boston Bruins: Johnny Boychuk Celly (GIF)
This is a sweet Celly by Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk... Guns up... No wait, that's Texas Tech.
Patrice Bergeron hip check (GIF)
Boston Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron hip checks former Wisconsin Badger Rene Bourque at the blue line.
(NHL Video) Detroit-Boston Mic'd Up
This should get you into the mood for the second round. It was funny watching Zedno Chara tell Brendan Smith you had your chance.
Minnesota Wild: Nino Niederreiter game winning goal.
(Ignore the last 22 seconds of the video.)The Minnesota Wild move on to the second round for the first time in 11 years. The Wild now travel to the the Madhouse on Madison to play the Chicago Blackhawks. The first game is Friday at 7:30 pm. Central. No more midnight hockey. It's Jonathan Toews versus Zach Parise. During his career against the Blackhawks, Parise has played in 15 games and scored (3g-2a-5pts). For those that are wondering, during his career, Toews has scored (6g-13a-19pts) in 22 games against the Minnesota Wild.
During the regular season, the Wild went 3-2 against the Blackhawks. One of Chicago's two wins was a shootout.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
(Video) Nick Holden's controversial goal - Game 7 Wild vs. AV's
This goal by the Colorado Avalanche's Nick Holden shouldn't have counted. Minnesota Wild goalie Darcy Kuemper is clearly interfered with.
Again, incidental contact (inhibiting a goalie from making a save) is not reviewable. It's a ref's judgment
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) May 1, 2014
Hey it's only the season on the line. No reason at all to have video review on an interference play like that! Makes total sense #brutal
— Strombone (@strombone1) May 1, 2014
Top 20 UFA's according to Cap Geek.
Only seven remaining UFAs recorded 50 or more points in 2013-14. http://t.co/2D5MRaT2CF
— CapGeek (@capgeek) April 30, 2014
Look who is at the top of this UFA list. Future Wild forward Thomas Vanek. Okay, so Vanek may or may not end up with the Wild, but he's at the top of the list.
The Junior Hockey News: Fighting To Be Removed From Junior Hockey By The Start Of 2015 Season
Here some interesting, and breaking news that just popped up on twitter today. It looks like junior hockey is going to ban fighting, or make it less prevalent in their hockey games. I am sure the Anti-Fighting Cabal will be happy with this move. I am torn, and I am not sure what to think about this.
The Junior Hockey News --- TJHN has learned from multiple sources that USA Hockey is working in conjunction with Hockey Canada on a plan to remove fighting from Junior Hockey no later than the start of the 2015 – 2016 season.
In October of 2013, the Canadian Junior Hockey League, which is the governing body for the ten Junior A hockey leagues, voted to ban fighting starting in the 2014-2015 season.
In essence a player that fights will automatically receive a game ejection where as in the past a player would receive a five minute major penalty. Some CJHL leagues began instituting escalating suspensions for players who continually found themselves in fights this past season.
In January at the USA Hockey annual meeting a proposal was presented that would call for an automatic game ejection, and an automatic two game suspension for those players that instigate fights.
Since January, USA Hockey and Hockey Canada have been in talks discussing how the two governing bodies can work together toward making these rules standardized for both countries. The goal is to eliminate all fighting by the beginning of the 2015 season.
While the elimination of fighting may sound good to some, a rule will not totally eliminate fighting. There will still be fights in Junior Hockey, but the rules being discussed will place escalating, and very severe penalties for those who continue to fight.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Three UND Hockey Players Cited for Underage Drinking
Three University of North Dakota
hockey players have been cited for Possession/Consumption Of Alcohol By Person
Under 21. It would appear that the offenses in question happened on April 12,
2014, after the Frozen Four was over.
The three players that were cited
are freshman forwards Wade Murphy and Lucas Johnson, aka Luke Johnson and
freshman defenseman Keaton Thompson. In addition, Thompson and Murphy were also
cited for Failing to Halt.
All charges are Class B
Misdemeanors. Checking the court records, no other players have any charges
pending at this time. You can search the records
using this search engine.
From theGrand Forks Herald. "We are aware of the situation and it has been dealt
with internally," UND athletic director Brian Faison said.
Mr Elbow Dustin Brown says that Joe Thornton is a dirty player
So, L.A. Kings forward Dustin Brown, AKA Mr. Elbow is calling Sharks forward Joe Thornton a dirty player. Sure he got run last night and check with a dirty leg check, but Karma
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Monday, April 28, 2014
(Video) Justin Williams controversial goal in game six
At the 11:56 mark of the third period, L.A. Kings forward Justin Williams scored the go-ahead goal. It was one of those calls where it looked like the ref was going to blow his whistle and then decided that he let the play stand. Per the NHL rules, you can't review this play. Most times, you would have had a whistle and a face-off. But the Whistle didn't come.
(Video) Joe Thornton Knees Dustin Brown
"Mr Elbow" Dustin Brown suffers what some would call karma when he's gets kneed by Jumbo Joe Thornton. The call on the play, was a two-minute kneeing penalty on Thornton.
(Video) Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche end of game scrum
Feisty end to a very good game between the Wild and Avalanche.
20:00 MIN Clayton Stoner Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min against Patrick Bordeleau
20:00 COL Patrick Bordeleau Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min against Clayton Stoner
20:00 COL Cody McLeod Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min against Nate Prosser
20:00 MIN Nate Prosser Misconduct (10 min) - 10 min against Cody McLeod
Wild score their empty net goal to go up 4-2, Yeo with a fist pump http://t.co/T3u8QOBCWK
— Steph (@myregularface) April 29, 2014
(Video) Avalanche forward Paul Stastny cup checks Wild forward Cody McCormick
Another day, another cup check. This time, Colorado Avalanche forward Paul Stastny cup checks Minnesota Wild forward Cody McCormick.
Stastny gets his first slashing penalty of the series; It was his 25th slash, but first to the box. Wild PP
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 29, 2014
NCHC to look at Exclusivity Clause at NCHC Meetings
For those that haven't seen it, the NCHC and the NCAA will have their summer meeting, and one of the topics of discussions at the NCHC meetings is going to be the league's exclusivity clause with the CBS Sports Network. I believe this short sighted clause has to change, and I have written about this in the past. I also covered webcasts as well.
Brad Schlossman, UND Hockey Blog -- NCHC MEETINGS: The exclusivity clause in the CBS Sports contract CBS Sports is a good network for college hockey because its broadcasters are so good and so well prepared. It makes for good shows. But the exclusivity clause makes absolutely no sense and is damaging to the league. Without it, the league could triple the number of games it has on TV each season through Fox College Sports and possibly even the ESPN networks.This past year, I don't know how many comments, emails and tweets I got about the NCHC television exclusivity deal. The fans simply didn't like it. Many UND hockey fans live outside the regional area and used to watch "almost all" of UND home games on Fox College Sports. This past year, many of these same fans were no longer able to see UND's home games on FCS. Fans also don't want to have to deal with webcasts, either. Hopefully this changes this season.
I don’t think the clause even makes sense for CBS. What other major sport does that? I can’t think of any network that blocks games from national TV that it has no intention to televise. If CBS continues to block national games, I can’t imagine the NCHC continuing its relationship with the network. I believe there are two years left on the deal. I’m not sure if there’s an out clause, but I wouldn’t be surprised if there was one. I know the league has one with the Target Center.
When this league was put together, we heard athletic directors talk all about exposure and moving the league forward in regards to television. There has only been one year — and there were bound to be growing pains — but if the league doesn’t address this issue, the athletic directors’ statements on that summer day in Colorado Springs back in 2011 ring hollow. - See more at: http://undhockey.areavoices.com/?p=97670#comments
Sunday, April 27, 2014
(Video) Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry snows the Dallas goalie Kari Lehtonen
If you want to start a line brawl, snowing the goalie is a good way to do it. Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry was being, well, Corey Perry. I think that Dallas Stars goalie Kari Lehtonen handled it well, he just skated over to the player's bench and toweled off.
Classic Corey Perry pic.twitter.com/LLdpxfLY5c
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) April 28, 2014
Hawks Take Series in Six
When the first round playoff match-ups were finally set, I knew right away that the Blackhawks and Blues series would be the best one in the first round. The teams didn't disappoint.
Game one and two opened up in St. Louis, and the fans were treated to two exciting Blues wins. It didn't get much better than game one either. In a game that would go back and forth, the fans would get their money's worth as the game would end very early into the third overtime. Alexander Steen would be the game one hero, but this game would set the pace for this exciting series.
Then came the controversy in game two. St. Louis Blues captain David Backes (Spring Lake Park, MN/ Minnesota State Mankato) would take an elbow to the head from Blackhawk defender Brent Seabrook, knocking him out for the rest of game two, along with games three and four. Seabrook wold get a three game suspension for the hit, but left both fan bases with a sour taste in their mouths. St. Louis would now be down their captain, and Chicago is out of their top defenseman.
Chicago just kept pushing forward, even though they were down 2-0 in the series, but now had the advantage of being back in the Madhouse on Madison. With Chicago looking to get into the win column, and would do that via a Corey Crawford shutout. Captain Jonathan Toews would net the game's first goal, and the game winner, just 4:10 into the first period, and the game would become a very grinding defensive battle. Marcus Kruger would get the insurance empty netter to seal the 2-0 victory
Overtime would be needed once again in game four, in another contest that could have gone either way. The Blackhawks scored the first two in the contest, Andrew Shaw and Patrick Kane, but the Blues would push back and score three unanswered and Vladimir Tarasenko putting the Blues ahead 3-2 with about 7:30 left in regulation. However, the Chicago never say die attitude kicked in, and would get a few good looks at goalie Ryan Miller before Bryan Bickell would tie the game with just under four minutes to play, and the roof went off at the Madhouse. They now had the crowd on their side going into overtime and used it to their advantage. Half way through the first overtime, Patrick Kane and Ben Smith would have a rush up the ice int the offensive zone with Patrick Kane taking the puck up the left wing. Smith would charge the net, drawing the defenders off of Kane so he could take the shot, and he buried it for the winner in another very exciting game in the series that is now tied and headed back to St. Louis.
The story line for game five would be the return for Blues captain David Backes after missing the previous two games due to injury after the Seabrook elbow. Probably not playing at 100%, just having the presence of your captain in your line up can be enough to spark a locker room. That's exactly what the Blues needed after losing two straight in Chicago. Once again, this game would take overtime to find a winner in this very tightly battled series. Once again, the Blackhawks would look at their captain to come in clutch in overtime. Toews would get sprung on a breakaway and would slide the puck behind Miller to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 series lead, and put them in complete control going into game six.
Today's game was just straight up Chicago Blackhawks domination once the third period came around. Bryan Bickell and TJ Oshie would exchange goals in the first and that's the score that would hold up until very early in the third period. The Blues completely outplayed the Blackhawks in the second, but most of that was due to the Hawks penalty box door being open the whole period, but couldn't find a way to put the puck behind Crawford. At the end of the second, the Blackhawks would finally get their first power play opportunity, which would carry over to the start of the third. Just 44 seconds into the final frame, who else, but Jonathan Toews would light the lamp and put the Hawks up 2-1. There was no looking back from there. Chicago would rattle of three more goals off of the sticks of Patrick Sharp, Andrew Shaw, and Duncan Keith, to solidify a 5-1 game six victory and a 4-2 series win.
If I got anything out of this series, is that the Blackhawks have their playoff form from last year. This team is dangerous and has all of the tools for a repeat. The Hawks can sit back and relax for a short time and see whether they draw the Wild or Avalanche in round two.
As for the Blues, a lot of people thought that this was a team that could go deep into the playoffs this year, especially after how strong they were in the regular season, and in games one and two. However, late season injuries, and a semi struggling Ryan Miller cost the Blues and sent them home to the golf course earlier then they would have liked.
Overall, this was a very exciting, physical, fast, and skillful series to watch and will be one that is talked about for years to come. A bounce here or there, and St. Louis could be headed to round two, or at least to game seven back home in their barn.
Game one and two opened up in St. Louis, and the fans were treated to two exciting Blues wins. It didn't get much better than game one either. In a game that would go back and forth, the fans would get their money's worth as the game would end very early into the third overtime. Alexander Steen would be the game one hero, but this game would set the pace for this exciting series.
Then came the controversy in game two. St. Louis Blues captain David Backes (Spring Lake Park, MN/ Minnesota State Mankato) would take an elbow to the head from Blackhawk defender Brent Seabrook, knocking him out for the rest of game two, along with games three and four. Seabrook wold get a three game suspension for the hit, but left both fan bases with a sour taste in their mouths. St. Louis would now be down their captain, and Chicago is out of their top defenseman.
Chicago just kept pushing forward, even though they were down 2-0 in the series, but now had the advantage of being back in the Madhouse on Madison. With Chicago looking to get into the win column, and would do that via a Corey Crawford shutout. Captain Jonathan Toews would net the game's first goal, and the game winner, just 4:10 into the first period, and the game would become a very grinding defensive battle. Marcus Kruger would get the insurance empty netter to seal the 2-0 victory
Overtime would be needed once again in game four, in another contest that could have gone either way. The Blackhawks scored the first two in the contest, Andrew Shaw and Patrick Kane, but the Blues would push back and score three unanswered and Vladimir Tarasenko putting the Blues ahead 3-2 with about 7:30 left in regulation. However, the Chicago never say die attitude kicked in, and would get a few good looks at goalie Ryan Miller before Bryan Bickell would tie the game with just under four minutes to play, and the roof went off at the Madhouse. They now had the crowd on their side going into overtime and used it to their advantage. Half way through the first overtime, Patrick Kane and Ben Smith would have a rush up the ice int the offensive zone with Patrick Kane taking the puck up the left wing. Smith would charge the net, drawing the defenders off of Kane so he could take the shot, and he buried it for the winner in another very exciting game in the series that is now tied and headed back to St. Louis.
The story line for game five would be the return for Blues captain David Backes after missing the previous two games due to injury after the Seabrook elbow. Probably not playing at 100%, just having the presence of your captain in your line up can be enough to spark a locker room. That's exactly what the Blues needed after losing two straight in Chicago. Once again, this game would take overtime to find a winner in this very tightly battled series. Once again, the Blackhawks would look at their captain to come in clutch in overtime. Toews would get sprung on a breakaway and would slide the puck behind Miller to give the Blackhawks a 3-2 series lead, and put them in complete control going into game six.
Today's game was just straight up Chicago Blackhawks domination once the third period came around. Bryan Bickell and TJ Oshie would exchange goals in the first and that's the score that would hold up until very early in the third period. The Blues completely outplayed the Blackhawks in the second, but most of that was due to the Hawks penalty box door being open the whole period, but couldn't find a way to put the puck behind Crawford. At the end of the second, the Blackhawks would finally get their first power play opportunity, which would carry over to the start of the third. Just 44 seconds into the final frame, who else, but Jonathan Toews would light the lamp and put the Hawks up 2-1. There was no looking back from there. Chicago would rattle of three more goals off of the sticks of Patrick Sharp, Andrew Shaw, and Duncan Keith, to solidify a 5-1 game six victory and a 4-2 series win.
If I got anything out of this series, is that the Blackhawks have their playoff form from last year. This team is dangerous and has all of the tools for a repeat. The Hawks can sit back and relax for a short time and see whether they draw the Wild or Avalanche in round two.
As for the Blues, a lot of people thought that this was a team that could go deep into the playoffs this year, especially after how strong they were in the regular season, and in games one and two. However, late season injuries, and a semi struggling Ryan Miller cost the Blues and sent them home to the golf course earlier then they would have liked.
Overall, this was a very exciting, physical, fast, and skillful series to watch and will be one that is talked about for years to come. A bounce here or there, and St. Louis could be headed to round two, or at least to game seven back home in their barn.
Minnesota Wild: Refs blew it in Colorado
Back in the 1990's there was a popular and re-occurring comment that was made towards the on-ice officials at the old Ralph Engelstad Arena, "Get off your knees ref you're blowing the game." This couldn't be more accurate following last night's game between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche.
By now, you have probably seen the goal that was offside and the non-call for holding on Wild forward Charlie Coyle. It's hard to stomach the results in this one, it feels like a robbery. If the refs get these two calls right, the Wild are heading back to St. Paul with a 3-2 series lead. Simple right? For those that say that the right call was made on the off-sides, go back and take a look at the official rule book from the NHL. The skates have to be touching the line.
Here’s the official rule (Rule 83.1 – Off-side):So I ask you. Who are you going to believe? An experienced NHL official or a newspaper beat writer posing as a fan blogger. I am going to go with Kerry Fraser, he's got the credibility to backup his claims.
The position of the player’s skates and not that of his stick shall be the determining factor in all instances in deciding an off-side.
A player is off-side when both skates are completely over the leading edge of the blue line involved in the play. A player is on-side when either of his skates are in contact with, or on his own side of the line, at the instant the puck completely crosses the leading edge of the blue line regardless of the position of his stick.
Trouble in Denver. Charlie Coyle held by Andre Benoit with net empty causing turnover. Up ice, Paul Stasny is offside as Avs tie game. Ouch! — Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) April 27, 2014Here's what the fan blogger posing as a beat writer for the Avalanche had to say on the matter. Adrian Dater is still bringing up Cooke's name after how many games? We should start a new hash tag #blamemattcooke If the Wild win this series, it's still possible, will Matt Cooke's name be invoked? I can tell you that it probably will.
Sorry, but there’s no way that picture makes off-sides clear. Stastny’s left skate looks behind the line to me, and that puck is about to cross the line. Did Stastny actually touch his skate to the ice anyway after the fact? Hard to tell. Either way, it’s not a clear off-sides at all. If the Wild want to blame that non-call on their loss, more power to ‘em. All I know is, after the play, Ryan Suter (if only he paid as much attention to the puck tonight as he did looking over his shoulder at the refs all night, begging for a call) stood and watched as Stastny grabbed the rebound of his own shot on the ensuing sequence, then fed a pass between Suter and Jonas Brodin to P.A. Parenteau cutting down the middle ahead of a lazy Wild back-check, and he tied the game with a shot under Darcy Kuemper’s glove.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
(Video) NHL Hockey: Where's the obstruction? Av's game tying goal offsides
This officiating crew for the NHL should be fired. This is absolutely a travesty. The Av's are also offsides on the game tying goal as well. You can see by the video that Paul Stasny was offside as well.
Much better look- RT @johncanref: Why we teach linesmen to work the line! This call needs to be made inside the line. pic.twitter.com/aZA6XQLQgH
— Chris Long (@jclong) April 27, 2014
Irony: tomorrow's #mnwild #avs notebook, I quote Roy saying it's time for coach's challenges b/c of the bogus Parenteau offside in Game 2
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 27, 2014
@jthock @CharlieMpls @adater @jclong incorrect, skate must be in contact prior to puck crossing.
— John Moulton (@johncanref) April 27, 2014
Is history repeating it's self for the St. Louis Blues?
Someone put this picture up on the Hockey Writers Facebook group. If you're a St. Louis Blues fan, you might be a bit worried.
(Video) A couple of dirty goals by two ex-UND hockey players.
I have to admit, that this has been the best series that I have watched during the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As a UND Alumnus, I couldn't be prouder of our ex-UND players that are currently playing in the NHL and making a big-time contribution on the ice. Both T.J. Oshie and Jonathan Toew's goals were of the dirty variety. I am going to be compiling a collection of some of these goals.
Reputation Reality: You are How You are Seen...Sorta (RW77)
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| Detroit Red Wings forward Todd Bertuzzi during a game against the Dallas Stars on December 29, 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Reputation vs. Character
I put this here as a professional courtesy, but.... your reputation isn't your character so much as it is how other people perceive your character to be. Abraham Lincoln used an analogy of a tree and its shadow to define reputation vs. character where the reputation is the shadow and the tree is who you really are (character). It makes sense if you step back and look at it.
However, a big part of human nature is the overwhelming need to be respected, appreciated, and for people to know who you REALLY are. This goes double for public figures like politicians, celebrities, and athletes (especially pro athletes). The problem isn't that these people make mistakes. The problem is that social media enables those who follow these people to let as many as millions of other people know almost instantly. It robs you of context and the ability to get, at times, the benefit of the doubt. Other times, it just further emphasizes who you really are and that your own perspective of yourself isn't entirely accurate.
In the hockey context, recent tweets likened Matt Cooke to a serial killer. This is really rather wrong, and this is coming from someone who dislikes Cooke with a passion. He didn't kill anyone. He does not show the common psychological profiles attributed scientifically with regular killers, let alone serial killers. But then again, people would be quick to point out that this is just an exaggeration meant more to make a point rather than to actually call Cooke a killer. That does not matter in a social media context. What's in text is in text and the reader is apt to interpret it any way the reader likes.
Social Media and You
Facebook and Twitter (and other social media of the present and past) is what you make of it. It's a spectacular way to connect, educate, and get to know people. It's also a great way to stay informed ahead of the fast pace of the world's events at every level of importance. Likewise, it's also the bane of anyone's existance. It can destroy careers and make lives miserable.
I maintain that YOU are ultimately responsible for how you appear in the social media world if you are a public figure. It's a hard lifestyle, but it is the truth. If you play a physical game, you tend to draw the ire of opposing fans, as an example. It's very easy to run with an assumption instead of gaining facts. That's one of the big problems of hacked Twitter accounts, for example.
But when you are a public figure and you go out and do something or say something stupid, you're going to "get it" via everywhere. Sometimes, it is almost funny in a macabre way (see Lindsey Lohan). Other times, it is unfortunate. And other times again, it marks a trend, sometimes one that is hard for friends and family of those who it affects to accept.
Matt Cooke's Reputation
Matt Cooke's reputation is garbage. And it should be. Right now, he's like the drunk friend you went out of your way to intervene and get him back on track, to correct his life, and to find a way to once again trust only to watch him purposely and knowingly fall off the wagon in grandiose fashion and now he wants to be taken at his word that it was just a harmless mistake and he won't do it again. You don't go around claiming to be a changed man and cleaned up his game if you are just laying low for a while before doing it again.
Matt Cooke has fooled the NHL for years and he's been given chance after chance after chance. After getting in a lot of trouble (whatever that actually was is all guesswork) that saw him get heat from the NHL and sat down by the Penguins, his team at the time, he seemed to clean up his act. Seemed to.
In truth, Cooke was probably under intense scrutiny for a while and wanted to stay in the NHL so he laid low. He still worked as a professional in other facets but laid low otherwise. He had a good season this year with Minnesota and he had a ton of detractors thinking that he's a changed man. There were many who wanted that to be true (especially Wild fans). That's not the case.
So why does Cooke get all these chances? Why does he get do overs? I realize that a 7 game ban could actually be a season ending suspension, but when is the point that it is enough?
Can he be a changed man? Is it possible?
The answer is yes. And here's proof: #44 for Detroit.... Todd Bertuzzi.
Todd Bertuzzi is, with the exception of maybe Marty McSorley, the man who committed perhaps the worst cheapshot in recent memory. He got a year's suspension, charged with assault (he plead out of it) and will be back in court September 2014 for a civil suit pertaining to the act. Sounds like a thug. Sounds like a criminal right?
He's been suspended a grand total of.... ZERO times since his reinstatement. ZERO. In his first year with Detroit, he actually was among the team leaders in receiving the FEWEST penalty minutes! Is Todd a changed man?
I believe he is. Is he off the hook? Not a chance. Will he be forgiven for his act? Not likely. There will be no Bertuzzi statue in front of the Joe Louis Arena or in Vancouver. But Todd cannot control that.
All he can control is how he acts on the ice. He is who he is. And I severely doubt we'll see him participate in a cheap shot of the likes of Cooke's antics for the remainder of his career. I severely doubt the NHL will be as patient, lenient, and forgiving with Bertuzzi as they have been with Cooke should Bertuzzi commit a cheap illegal act again.
In the end, I think Cooke's only chance at redemption will occur when the league says "You are reinstated after X games suspension without pay. The next gross illegal act you commit will be your last as it will result in a permanent banishment from the National Hockey League." I think then and only then will Cooke truly change.
Denver Post finally responds to Patrick Bordeleau's dirty leg check on Jared Spurgeon
Nice to see that the Denver Post "finally" decided to pick up this story. Our buddy Adrian Dater from the Denver Post is Johnny on the spot for this story.
But, yeah, it looks a lot like the Cooke hit on Barrie, and let’s not be naive here: we all knew the Avs would maybe try something in retaliation for losing one of their best players to a dirty hit. As I said before and I’ll keep saying: you’re looking in the wrong place if you’re looking to the NHL for fairness and civility.Adrian Dater explains his reasons for calling Matt Cooke a Gutless Puke.
When I referred to Matt Cooke as a “gutless puke” earlier, I was doing so in reference to an old line Cam Neely used about Claude Lemieux once, and has since become a common hockey saying for anyone people don’t like. It wasn’t meant to be taken so literally.Let's clear, I have called Minnesota Wild Matt Cooke worse than that. I just was kind of shocked to see a major newspaper in a major market use those kind of words to explain a National Hockey League player. First, the Avalanche employed their share of objectionable players as well.
Friday, April 25, 2014
(Video) T.J. Oshie scores from his knees
Check out this goal from St. Louis Blues forward T.J. Oshie, he scores falling forward. Oshie's goal tied the score at 1-1. Check out the huge check that Ryan Reeves puts on Jonathan Toews prior to the goal.
(Video) Patrick Bordeleau takes a run at Jared Spurgeon
Funny, I didn't see any mention of this in the Denver Post this morning when I was reading their objective coverage of the series between the Av's and the Wild. I wonder if Adrian Dater or Mark Kizsla will cover this in their articles? Don't count on it. It would screw up their story line.
This is a blatant attempt at a leg check and could be worthy of a look from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. There's no defending this, it's a dirty hit. I know this is playoff hockey, but there is no reason for Patrick Bordeleau to take a run at Jared Spurgeon like that. I wonder if head coach Patrick Roy ordered Bordeleau to go out there and take a run at Spurgeon?
Finally watched Bordeleau's attempted knee on Spurgeon with 7:12 left. That's the definition of intent.
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 25, 2014
Adrian Dater: Matt Cooke is a gutless puke
Here’s a new drinking game, every time Adrian Dater of the Denver Post mentions Matt Cooke’s name, drink.
Yep, Matt Cooke did a bad thing; he blew out an Av’s player’s knee with a dirty leg check. This is fact. This is not up for debate. But I find it funny that a beat writer for a National Hockey League team would make him the focus of every article. Maybe Cooke is in the Av's head, or at least their beat writers.
Adrian Dater, Denver Post -- There are so many other problems hurting the team right now, most having to with injuries. Damn injuries – they always spoil all the fun. Matt Duchene still isn’t ready yet. John Mitchell can’t do much more than just stretches with a long rubber band. He has not attempted to skate since getting hurt at the end of the year.
Of course, no Tyson Barrie anymore. That 6-on-4 at the end sure would have been a good place to use a Barrie, eh? He’s not here anymore, though, because of gutless puke Matt Cooke.
Regardless, the better team won Games 3 and 4. The Avs’ offense was just nowhere to be seen in St. Paul, and the question of whether they can rediscover it in Denver for Game 5 Saturday seems like a very dicey question indeed. We’re still not going to see Duchene and Mitchell, so it’s still a situation of “Gee, sure hope the third and fourth lines can give us something, anything, and we can get those top two lines going again.”
Wild Dominate Avs, Tie Series
In another must win for the Minnesota Wild tonight, they came out of the gates guns a blazing, physically, and skillfully dominating the Colorado Avalanche in every aspect of the game. Not giving Colorado many scoring chances, and keeping the threat of rookie sensation Nathan MacKinnon at a stand still, the record playoff crowd at the Xcel Energy Center would go home loud and proud as the series would be tied up at two games a piece.
As I said already, the Wild came out of the gates on a mission tonight, and would strike first off of a Jared Spurgeon blast from the high slot and the Wild would be up 1-0 early in the first. Also as expected, the Zach Parise, Jason Pominville, Mikael Granlund line was on fire once again tonight as well, and Parise and Granny would both earn themselves apples on this first goal. Minnesota would go into the locker room up 1-0 and out shooting the Avs 14-3 in the period dominated by the home team. If it wasn't for that first Avalanche power play opportunity, they probably would have skated off the ice with just one lousy shot on goal.
The second and third periods were the same story as the first was, Wild domination. With the team playing physical, and strong on the puck, they were seeing a lot of puck possession time in all three zones, which brought them success for much of the season. This is how coach Mike Yeo wanted his team to play all season, and are finding that the method to his madness is granting them their playoff success..
Minnesota would also cash in on their first power play opportunity off of the stick of Charlie Coyle. Jason Pominville would take the initial shot which would deflect off of the glass behind the net and Charlie Coyle would just have to slide it into a wide open net. However, like in almost every other game in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, two goal leads were not safe. Just 30 seconds later, Ryan O'Reilly would put one through Darcy Kuemper's five hole in a shot he would likely want back. This would conclude the scoring for the game, even though Minnesota could have had five or six goals if it wasn't for Varlamov.
Another story line for this series so far has to be Matt Moulson for the Minnesota Wild. The guy can't seem to catch a break or a bounce in the first four games in this series. He has been snake bitten by posts, missed shots, robbery saves, and blocked shots. One can only wonder when Moulson will find the back of the net, and when/if he does, the flood gates will open for him.
Darcy Kuemper has been lights out since coming in relief in game two for Bryzgalov. In just over 150 minutes played in these playoffs, he has surrendered just one goal. However, it is easier to do this when the team around you isn't allowing pucks to get to the net, but none the less, Kuemper is the backbone of this team and will take them far if he keeps playing lights out like this.
Going into Colorado on Saturday night, the series is in the hands of the Minnesota Wild. I believe that if Minnesota is able to sneak out a road victory in game five, the series will be over in game six when the Wild return home. However, if the home team winning trend continues, we will see seven games. I'm excited to see how this series will turn out, and I'm sure both fan bases are too.
As I said already, the Wild came out of the gates on a mission tonight, and would strike first off of a Jared Spurgeon blast from the high slot and the Wild would be up 1-0 early in the first. Also as expected, the Zach Parise, Jason Pominville, Mikael Granlund line was on fire once again tonight as well, and Parise and Granny would both earn themselves apples on this first goal. Minnesota would go into the locker room up 1-0 and out shooting the Avs 14-3 in the period dominated by the home team. If it wasn't for that first Avalanche power play opportunity, they probably would have skated off the ice with just one lousy shot on goal.
The second and third periods were the same story as the first was, Wild domination. With the team playing physical, and strong on the puck, they were seeing a lot of puck possession time in all three zones, which brought them success for much of the season. This is how coach Mike Yeo wanted his team to play all season, and are finding that the method to his madness is granting them their playoff success..
Minnesota would also cash in on their first power play opportunity off of the stick of Charlie Coyle. Jason Pominville would take the initial shot which would deflect off of the glass behind the net and Charlie Coyle would just have to slide it into a wide open net. However, like in almost every other game in this year's Stanley Cup Playoffs, two goal leads were not safe. Just 30 seconds later, Ryan O'Reilly would put one through Darcy Kuemper's five hole in a shot he would likely want back. This would conclude the scoring for the game, even though Minnesota could have had five or six goals if it wasn't for Varlamov.
Another story line for this series so far has to be Matt Moulson for the Minnesota Wild. The guy can't seem to catch a break or a bounce in the first four games in this series. He has been snake bitten by posts, missed shots, robbery saves, and blocked shots. One can only wonder when Moulson will find the back of the net, and when/if he does, the flood gates will open for him.
Darcy Kuemper has been lights out since coming in relief in game two for Bryzgalov. In just over 150 minutes played in these playoffs, he has surrendered just one goal. However, it is easier to do this when the team around you isn't allowing pucks to get to the net, but none the less, Kuemper is the backbone of this team and will take them far if he keeps playing lights out like this.
Going into Colorado on Saturday night, the series is in the hands of the Minnesota Wild. I believe that if Minnesota is able to sneak out a road victory in game five, the series will be over in game six when the Wild return home. However, if the home team winning trend continues, we will see seven games. I'm excited to see how this series will turn out, and I'm sure both fan bases are too.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
(Video) End of the Minnesota Wild game against the Colorado Avalanche
What a fantastic finish to an exciting game. Wild forwards Erik Haula and Mikael Granlund were huge in the final seconds of the game. The Minnesota Wild limited the high flying Av's to 12 shots on goal.
One assist, 3 drawn penalties, 3 ginormous blocked shots down 4-on-6 for Granlund
— Michael Russo (@Russostrib) April 25, 2014
(Video) Bruins take a 3-1 series lead on Red Wings
I think at times it's better to be lucky than good. Boston Bruins forward Jarome Iginla gets his first goal of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Bruins head back to Boston with a 3-1 series lead. I thought that the Red Wings came out with a lot of speed, but the B's took over the game in the second period and Tuuka Rask played very well.
FINAL (OT): @NHLBruins (3) - @DetroitRedWings (2) Recap: http://t.co/JB542MPje7 BOS leads 3-1 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/uXIBw2k3X0
— NHL (@NHL) April 25, 2014
Bruins vs. Red Wings game preempted by Meaningless Spring Football game
This isn't the first time this has happened, either. Not everyone is a fan of the Thundering Herd. In what world is a meaningless spring football game worthy of preempting the Boston Bruins and the Detroit Red Wings? Seriously. This is the Stanley Cup Playoffs which actually means something. The Bison playing with/against themselves is not important to NHL Hockey Fans. I do wish that KVLY had two channels like ABC does (WDAZ and WDAY).
Raffi Torres, "Social Media making Cooke out to be a serial killer"
I find this quote by Sharks forward Raffi Torres to be interesting. Torres much like Cooke has cleaned up his act and has been a major contributor to the San Jose Sharks.
Nicholas Goss, NESN --- (Matt) Cooke’s history of dirty hits, fines and suspensions has made him one of the most hated players in the league among fans. San Jose Sharks forward Raffi Torres, who also has multiple suspensions on his NHL resume, doesn’t like all the criticism Cooke has received since Monday’s incident. “I think he’s done a heck of a job the last couple of seasons to re-establish his game,” Torres said.r/
Tuesday, per ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun. “But with the media getting involved and especially social media, they make him out to be a serial killer. It’s kind of painful when you have to read that kind of stuff. I’m sure his family and close friends have to read that kind of stuff.
(Video) Patrick Kane wrist shot OT goal
You might not have seen it last night, but this is a dirty game winning goal by Patrick Kane against the St. Louis Blues in overtime. Out of 14 games, the visiting team has only won one game.
There's your answer it's was Kiszla
So there's video of Cooke throwing elbow at MacKinnon's head and kneeing Barrie. Hope my Q to Yeo was reasonable.
— Mark Kiszla (@markkiszla) April 23, 2014
Earlier this week, a beat writer from the Denver Post asked Minnesota Wild head coach Mike Yeo if he sent Matt Cooke out to run the Av's players. We knew it was either been Adrian Dater or Mark Kiszla that would ask such a objectionable question. Now it would appear that we know the answer. I am glad that Kiszla realizes his team is a bunch of saints either.
Mark Kiszla, Denver Post --- When I asked Minnesota coach Mike Yeo on Tuesday if the often-suspended Cooke represents the NHL well, Yeo bristled and said: "I'm not going to get into that. Listen, you're asking me to criticize my player. I'm not going to do that. I don't want to get into a whole laundry list of things trying to defend him."
So then I went back and watched video of Cooke making a blindside run at Avs teenager Nathan MacKinnon in the first period of Game 3, swinging and missing the NHL's top rookie with an elbow.
There's no defending the Wild's decision to give Cooke a $7.5 million contract to wear Minnesota across his chest. The great state of hockey deserves better than a coward who has repeatedly demonstrated utter disrespect for the health of fellow competitors in a tough, violent sport.
It's true: The Avs are not always angels. When Claude Lemieux shattered the face of Kris Draper of Detroit on the boards during a playoff game in 1996, I called for a suspension. Cody McLeod is a good dude, but when he blasted Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall between the numbers from behind this season, I applauded the five-game suspension.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
(video) Patrick Sharp hammers Maxim Lapierre
Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp hammers St. Louis Blues puke Maxim Lapierre. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. There's been a lot of hard hitting in this series..
(video) Bryan Bickell smokes Vladimir Sobotka
Chicago Blackhawks forward Bryan Bickell absolutely smokes St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka with a good, hard, legal check.
guess who is back? back again? vladdy’s back. tell a friend pic.twitter.com/PbTppi3bHf
— Steph (@myregularface) April 24, 2014
3-1 Leads Not Nice in Jackets Penguins Series
One would think that if you would have a 3-1 lead in the third period of a hockey game, the odds of you winning the game would be pretty good right? Try explaining that to the Blue Jackets and Penguins. Both teams have come into the game tonight spotting 3-1 leads in each of the first three games, Columbus in game one and three, and Pittsburgh in game two. In each instance, the team who had that lead would lose.
As for tonight, Pittsburgh would jump to an early 3-0 lead, and would look as if they were going to cruise to victory against this Blue Jackets team, who on paper doesn't match up to the mighty Penguins. Columbus would score late to be down 3-1 late in the first and go into the locker room down at that score. One has to wonder if the Penguins had that stat from the first three games in the back of their heads in the locker room, or if they were told to protect the lead.
Columbus would chip away at the two goal Penguin lead, and make it 3-2 in the second. At this point one starts wondering if it could happen again. Could another 3-1 lead be blown and the victory be 4-3 for the fourth straight game?
With under a minute left in the third, and the Jackets goalie on the bench, the hometown kid, Brandon Dubinsky, would tie the game at three and would send it to overtime. Once again a 3-1 lead is blown, and once again the final score would be 4-3. In recent memory, I can never remember a series being like this one. One where the team who scores first has lost every single time. The one where every final score was 4-3, and most of all, one where a 3-1 lead is blown in every single game.
None the less, the game goes to overtime and just 2:49 into the period, the game is over. Nick Folingo would fire, what looked to be a harmless shot, from just inside the blue line on the left side of the zone, and somehow would get by Penguin goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
If you would have told me after game one that this series would have a game six, let alone two Jackets wins, I would have laughed at you. The Penguins looked as if they came into this series very cocky and thinking they would have to go five games max to end this series.
This series actually reminds me a lot of the Wild and Avalanche in 2003. Nobody gave Minnesota a chance, but the hard working Wild fought their way to the second round, getting passed the stacked Colorado Avalanche. It's the same situation in this series, although Columbus didn't win game one and have to fight off a 3-1 deficit in this series.
I can't wait to see how the rest of this series plays out and I think there could possibly be an upset in the making, sending the Penguins, and their fans, home with a sour taste in their mouths, just like the Avalanche back in 2003.
As for tonight, Pittsburgh would jump to an early 3-0 lead, and would look as if they were going to cruise to victory against this Blue Jackets team, who on paper doesn't match up to the mighty Penguins. Columbus would score late to be down 3-1 late in the first and go into the locker room down at that score. One has to wonder if the Penguins had that stat from the first three games in the back of their heads in the locker room, or if they were told to protect the lead.
Columbus would chip away at the two goal Penguin lead, and make it 3-2 in the second. At this point one starts wondering if it could happen again. Could another 3-1 lead be blown and the victory be 4-3 for the fourth straight game?
With under a minute left in the third, and the Jackets goalie on the bench, the hometown kid, Brandon Dubinsky, would tie the game at three and would send it to overtime. Once again a 3-1 lead is blown, and once again the final score would be 4-3. In recent memory, I can never remember a series being like this one. One where the team who scores first has lost every single time. The one where every final score was 4-3, and most of all, one where a 3-1 lead is blown in every single game.
None the less, the game goes to overtime and just 2:49 into the period, the game is over. Nick Folingo would fire, what looked to be a harmless shot, from just inside the blue line on the left side of the zone, and somehow would get by Penguin goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.
If you would have told me after game one that this series would have a game six, let alone two Jackets wins, I would have laughed at you. The Penguins looked as if they came into this series very cocky and thinking they would have to go five games max to end this series.
This series actually reminds me a lot of the Wild and Avalanche in 2003. Nobody gave Minnesota a chance, but the hard working Wild fought their way to the second round, getting passed the stacked Colorado Avalanche. It's the same situation in this series, although Columbus didn't win game one and have to fight off a 3-1 deficit in this series.
I can't wait to see how the rest of this series plays out and I think there could possibly be an upset in the making, sending the Penguins, and their fans, home with a sour taste in their mouths, just like the Avalanche back in 2003.
Matt Cooke suspended 7 games by the NHL
Wild forward Matt Cooke has been suspended for kneeing Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie. Video: http://t.co/FmOyHriqkT
— NHL Player Safety (@NHLPlayerSafety) April 24, 2014
This is about the length of suspension that I thought he would get. Matt Cooke's history was taken into consideration, and as the video said, he has been suspended or fined by the NHL nine previous times. Now, we can only hope that the Cookie Monster has "finally" gotten the message and will not have any more of these moronic brain farts.
NHL Dishes 7 Games for Cooke
After a long day of waiting to hear how the in person meeting went for Matt Cooke today, we now know that he will be out for the next seven games for his knee on knee hit on Avalanche player Tyson Barrie.
Cooke, a player who not many NHL fans like, has had a suspension history that if it were all written down on paper could write a 500 page book. However, he has cut his penalty minutes per game nearly in half over the past couple of seasons, and is attempting to clean up his game.
I think Cooke should have gotten at least 10 games for his knee on knee hit on Barrie. He lead with his knee, I don't care what you say on the speed of the game, still no excuse for leading with the knee, and the defenseless Barrie didn't even see him coming.
Plays like this one have no place in the game of hockey and players who do this deserve to be suspended for their actions. I just hope the NHL fan base doesn't give the Minnesota Wild a bad name now because of this one player. This does not represent the organization, or the rest of the players on the roster.
Cooke, a player who not many NHL fans like, has had a suspension history that if it were all written down on paper could write a 500 page book. However, he has cut his penalty minutes per game nearly in half over the past couple of seasons, and is attempting to clean up his game.
I think Cooke should have gotten at least 10 games for his knee on knee hit on Barrie. He lead with his knee, I don't care what you say on the speed of the game, still no excuse for leading with the knee, and the defenseless Barrie didn't even see him coming.
Plays like this one have no place in the game of hockey and players who do this deserve to be suspended for their actions. I just hope the NHL fan base doesn't give the Minnesota Wild a bad name now because of this one player. This does not represent the organization, or the rest of the players on the roster.
David Savard slash on Chris Kunitz, Kunitz gets diving penalty
Disclosure
time, I can be tough on the officials, I admit that. It’s well documented. In
this case, I think that the officials got the first call right, but made the
second half of the call wrong.
Let
me explain, you definitely have a penalty on David Savard for slashing; he hit Chris Kunitz in the hands with his
stick. That’s a text book penalty, the ref is supposed to call that. The diving call on Kunizt is kind of a tough
call. It’s not like Kunitz leapt to the ice retching in pain and flailing about.
He fell down after being hit with a
carbon fiber stick.
14:48 CBJ David Savard Slashing - 2 min against Chris Kunitz
14:48 PIT Chris Kunitz Diving - 2 min against David Savard
New York Daily News: New Joe Paterno statue planned for off-campus location just outside PSU campus
When I read this story my blood boils. Why would anyone want that statue in their establishment? Seriously, why would anyone want to honors a man that himself admitted that he could have done more, given the nature of the case.
Bernie Augustine, New York Daily News --- A group of Paterno supporters plan to raise $300,000 for a bronze tribute to the coach that will sit outside the Tavern Restaurant, a popular bar for alumni and Penn State fans located just about two miles from the Beaver Stadium location where Paterno’s statue once stood.Being a vindictive person, I think that they should do is let the victims of Jerry Sandusky to take a torch to this Godawful statue. Break it in 1,000 pieces and melt it down to a glob of molten metal. This statue is disrespectful to the victims of Jerry Sandusky. Let's not sugar coat this, While Paterno was head coach, Sandusky raped numerous young kids in the PSU athletic facilities. This is unacceptable. I think this taints Paterno's legacy, forever.
“There’s been some level of frustration among Penn Staters with what happened with the statue at the stadium,” Ted Sebastianelli, one of the project’s organizers told OnwardState.com, an independent, student-run Penn State news blog. “We wanted to come up with a way to honor Joe for all that he did for the State College community. It wasn’t just the university he impacted — it was the whole town.”
The on-campus Paterno statue was torn down in July 2012 in the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky sex abuse scandal, which cost Paterno his job and tarnished his coaching legacy. Paterno died of lung cancer in January 2012, just two months after his firing. Sandusky, Paterno’s longtime defensive coordinator, is serving a 30- to 60-year prison sentence after being convicted of 45 counts of child sex abuse
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