I am not, nor have I ever been, a big fan of the NHL All-Star game and everything that surroundsit. This weekend of showboating does not exeplify what the game is about. I realize that is not its purpose, the All-Star game is simply a way to attract people to come see their favorite players show off and just have fun. This game is to hockey the Harlem Globetrotters are to basketball, those guys are fun to watch but it sure ain't basketball. A real hockey game means something, it's about playing hard and winning. It is full of emotions, both joy and anger, and everyone involved strive for the same goal at the end of the season, the Stanley Cup. So, I am glad the All-Star break is over and we can get back to business.
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I'm thinking of placing a bet on the Bruins to win against Ottawa this Thursday. The Ottawa captain Daniel Alfredsson is day-to-day with a hip injury and the last time he was out the Senators fell apart. Alfie is the league leading scorer with 68 point and he will be missed. Should he play, my bet is of course off.
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The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing the Atlanta Thrashers tonight and a show-down between Russians Ilya Kovalchuk and Evgeni Malkin is in the cards. The Pens have done ok so far with Sidney Crosby out of the line-up. In the first game after losing Crosby, Malkin showed right away that he was ready to carry a heavy load in his captain's absence. He needs to continue playing at the top of his game and players like Jordan Staal and Eric Christensen needs to step up. If they can do that, and if Ty Conklin can continue to shine in goal the Penguins will get through this just fine and also be a stronger team come the play offs.
1/30/2008
1/22/2008
Forsberg closer to comeback
Peter Forsberg is back on ice, but his premiere skate wasn't at last nights MoDo practice. His first practice since leaving Team Sweden just before he was suposed to join them for Karjala Cup took place at MoDo's old arena late at night when everyone had gone home and the staff had locked up. On the ice he was joined by just his old friend Henrik Gradin.
This guy will never cease to amaze or surprise me. When he gave up his comeback last year I was closer than ever to believing retirement was upon one of the greatest hockey players ever. But it was not, he wasn't done. This guys doesn't know the meaning of the word quit, and I am greatful for it.
If everything goes as planned, Forsberg will continue practicing with MoDo before joining Team Sweden at LG Hockey Games. Then, at the trade deadline he will hopefully be joining one of the possible 30 teams wanting his services. According to himself he is in better shape than ever, and a healthy Peter Forsberg is still better than most players, at least on this planet.
The Philadelphia Flyers are still both very interested and hopeful. It seems fitting he should pick the team he feels he didn't give anywhere near his best during the one and a half seasons he played there. Of course that is just his own opinion. Everyone else knows that, even though he was injured a lot during his tenure with the Flyers, when he did play he was their best player.
Lately, with the return of Simon Gagne, the Flyers are looking more and more like a strong playoff team (they are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games). With Peter Forsberg, hungry to prove he isn't totally useless (again, his own words), back in the lineup the Flyers will become a strong Cup contender.
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On a different note, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired John Ferguson Jr and replaced him with Cliff Fletcher, who was made interim general manger. One down, several to go.
This guy will never cease to amaze or surprise me. When he gave up his comeback last year I was closer than ever to believing retirement was upon one of the greatest hockey players ever. But it was not, he wasn't done. This guys doesn't know the meaning of the word quit, and I am greatful for it.
If everything goes as planned, Forsberg will continue practicing with MoDo before joining Team Sweden at LG Hockey Games. Then, at the trade deadline he will hopefully be joining one of the possible 30 teams wanting his services. According to himself he is in better shape than ever, and a healthy Peter Forsberg is still better than most players, at least on this planet.
The Philadelphia Flyers are still both very interested and hopeful. It seems fitting he should pick the team he feels he didn't give anywhere near his best during the one and a half seasons he played there. Of course that is just his own opinion. Everyone else knows that, even though he was injured a lot during his tenure with the Flyers, when he did play he was their best player.
Lately, with the return of Simon Gagne, the Flyers are looking more and more like a strong playoff team (they are 8-1-1 in their last 10 games). With Peter Forsberg, hungry to prove he isn't totally useless (again, his own words), back in the lineup the Flyers will become a strong Cup contender.
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On a different note, the Toronto Maple Leafs fired John Ferguson Jr and replaced him with Cliff Fletcher, who was made interim general manger. One down, several to go.
1/18/2008
Fighting sleep as Canucks fall short
Sometimes, or rather most of the time, living in Sweden makes it really hard to follow the NHL, unless you are a night person. I'm not. A west-coast game starting at 7.00 pm airs at 4.00 am in Stockholm, which in my case makes it pretty much impossible watch since by that time I am sleeping like a bear around December. But even the games starting around 1.00 am are a challenge for me, and though this may sound sad to most people, around the end of the 1st period me and the sandman will be out of there.
Last night the Vancouver Canucks were in Motown taking on the league-leading Detroit Red Wings. This was not a game I wanted to miss. A win for Vancouver meant they would move into first place in their division, and for the Wings a win would end a three-game losing streak. It started at 1.30 am and I actually contemplated getting a few hours of sleep before it started, but instead I watched Entourage and 30 Rock. I drifted off sometime after Conan and didn't awake until the 3rd was on the way. It was already 2-2 and there would be no more scoring, much thanks to Roberto Luongo who was standing on his head while taking his Canucks to a shootout, he had 47 saves in total. Markus Naslund scored one for Vancouver in what was his 1,000th NHL game and Dan Cleary scored a deuce for the Wings, but of course I missed all that.
What I didn't miss was Hasek shutting down Trevor Linden, Alexander Edler and Taylor Pyatt to seal the win for the Wings. Henrik Zetterberg was the lone scorer in the shootout.
This Sunday the Boston Bruins will try to bounce back into winning mode as they take on the struggling New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers currently sit last in the Atlantic division and in 9th place in the Eastern conference, Boston are 8th with they same number of points as the Rangers.
Speaking of the Rangers; What's going on with them, or rather, what's going on with Jaromir Jagr? Is his poor goalscoring due to the simple fact that he is no longer the big star of the team. No doubt he ended up in the shadow of big acquisitions Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, and a guy like Jagr can't be too happy with that situation. So either give him some more attention, reassure him he is still the star or trade him somewhere and move on. My guess is the former super-Czech and two-time Stanley Cup winner will end up with either San Jose or Colorado. I do think it would be cool to see what he and Big Joe Thornton could do together. With the would-be 100 point scorer Joe Sakic injured the Avalanche also need a offensive boost to get that playoff spot. A Jagr in a new environment could provide just that. My gut says San Jose simply because they are no strangers to big gutsy moves.
1/13/2008
When is it enough for the Leafs?
The Toronto Maple Leafs headed back home after ending their Western Conference excursion with a 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks. It was their fifth consecutive loss and the sixth time they have blown a two-goal lead this season. A bunch of Maple Leafs team executives attended the game and there was no mistaking the look on John Ferguson Jr's face after the loss, it spoke volumes.
This has to be the end of something; it sure isn't the beginning of anything. Someone has to go and it needs to happen soon, and when I say soon I mean now. John Ferguson Jr would be the obvious choice for many, but there a major problems with getting rid of him. For one, there is no one to take his place. General Managers do not grow on trees, it takes a long time and a lot of work to become a GM. Names like Mark Messier and Steve Yzerman have come up, but except for being great former players with a lot of knowledge about the game, they don't really have what it takes to be general managers. They haven't spent years traveling all over the continent watching games scouting for talent, and that is what it takes, among other things. You have to do the legwork, like Ken Holland for example. He started as the western scout for the Detroit Red Wings in 1985. From there he held various positions within the organization, before being named general manager in 1997. So yes, in ten years Mark Messier may become a GM, but for now all those qualified for the job are taken.
On the other hand, time is short and changes need to be made immediately. A lot of people are calling for head coach Paul Maurice to be fired, and I think he will be the first to be scarified. Though the player material he has had to work with hasn't been great, I can't really say he has done a good job during his time with the Leafs. The players keep insisting they still have a shot at the playoffs, but in reality that ship has already sailed. I suggest they just ride out this season with assistant coach Keith Acton leading the team and instead focus on who will take over next season. Unfortunately Jacque Lamaire is tied up with the Minnesota Wild until 2009-2010. I would have loved to see a guy like him come in and turn things upside down in T.O.
The possible trade of captain Mats Sundin has been the focus of most Maple Leaf talk lately, and that is definitely a big piece of the puzzle. His departure could mark the beginning of a new
As for the rest of the management, they should also consider their future in the club, president Richard Peddie in particular.
1/08/2008
Captain Canada for a day
Senators captain Daniel Alfredsson looked a little different during Monday's practice. He made good on a bet with team owner Eugene Melnyk by wearing a Team Canada jersey during one hour of the morning practice. This was the result of a friendly wager on the gold-medal game at the world junior hockey championships between Canada and Sweden.
His Ottawa teammates were very amused and Ray Emery said it looked like his captain was playing with a little more grit all of a sudden. Alfredsson, on the other hand, said he looked a little edgy and not as smooth as usual. Jason Spezza suggested that Alfredsson should switch nationality, becoming able to play for Canada at the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver.
Ok, let's do it. But if we're going to give you Alfredsson, arguably one of Sweden's best players, we would need something valuable in return. A big name in return to play for Sweden would be logical (not that there is anything logical about trading Alfredsson off to Team Canada).
But logics aside, if we would actually go through with this trade and I could pick the player, I would take Dany Heatley. I know this may come as a surprise to some, but in my opinion Heatley is probably the only kind of player Sweden lacks. Sure, Lecavalier is awesome, but we have Zetterberg and he is just as good. Dany Heatley is hockey, there is no need to list stats here. He lives for it like few people on earth. He breathes the game and is the total package.
I am guessing my choice of player will get the Ottawa players to back off from the trade. They wouldn't give up Heatley, not even for Daniel Alfredsson. "Captain Canada" has left the building.
His Ottawa teammates were very amused and Ray Emery said it looked like his captain was playing with a little more grit all of a sudden. Alfredsson, on the other hand, said he looked a little edgy and not as smooth as usual. Jason Spezza suggested that Alfredsson should switch nationality, becoming able to play for Canada at the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver.
Ok, let's do it. But if we're going to give you Alfredsson, arguably one of Sweden's best players, we would need something valuable in return. A big name in return to play for Sweden would be logical (not that there is anything logical about trading Alfredsson off to Team Canada).
But logics aside, if we would actually go through with this trade and I could pick the player, I would take Dany Heatley. I know this may come as a surprise to some, but in my opinion Heatley is probably the only kind of player Sweden lacks. Sure, Lecavalier is awesome, but we have Zetterberg and he is just as good. Dany Heatley is hockey, there is no need to list stats here. He lives for it like few people on earth. He breathes the game and is the total package.
I am guessing my choice of player will get the Ottawa players to back off from the trade. They wouldn't give up Heatley, not even for Daniel Alfredsson. "Captain Canada" has left the building.
1/06/2008
Forth straight for Canada
Last night I was trying to follow Detroit's game against the Stars in Dallas, but that was easier said than done with the drama that unfolded on another channel, the final of the Junior World Champs. After a while of swithing back and forth between the channels I decided to stay with the juniors, or rather, I had to. That 3rd period was some of the sweatiest hockey I have ever seen.
The first two periods showed a dominating Canada while Sweden looked a little nervuos and disorganized. Heading in to the final period with a 2-0 lead, Canada looked certain to grab their forth straight title as world champions. However, Sweden weren't quite done and the fat lady was suddenly no where to be seen. I can't remember the last time I saw a team being as dominated as much as Canada was in these final 20 minutes. I would have to go back my earliest memories of Sweden getting humiliated by the Sovjet hockey machine in the early 80's.
Sweden made it 2-1 and the Canadian juniors looked increasingly nervous. As the period and the game entered the last shivering minutes there was no mistaking the fear in their eyes. I know what kind of pressure these boys are under from back home and the way Sweden was playing now, it seemed the game was slipping out of their hands.
With 38 seconds left it happened. Canada had been desperately trying to defend their lead for 20 minutes straight (I honestly can't remember they ever being in the offensive zone for more than 5 seconds), but in the end it wasn't enough. Sweden outshot Canada 14-3 and with Steve Mason down, Tomas Larsson trickled the puck into the net. Talk about drama!
About this time Detroit led Dallas 1-0.
The 20 minute OT started just like the 3rd period ended. Sweden dominated Canada, who seemed to have a lot of respect for their opponents after that unbelievable 3rd period. But Canada is not like most other teams. They have a way of winning even when they are outplayed. Nothing in that early stage of OT pointed to Canada, yet somehow Matt Halischuk beat Ehnroth (I'm still not sure how the Swedes could let him get through like that). It wasn't the pretties of goal, in fact none of Canadas goals against the Swedes were, but it won them the game and their forth straight title.
So, congratulations to Canada for a great tournament, but also, hats off to the Swedish boys for their valiant effort.
The first two periods showed a dominating Canada while Sweden looked a little nervuos and disorganized. Heading in to the final period with a 2-0 lead, Canada looked certain to grab their forth straight title as world champions. However, Sweden weren't quite done and the fat lady was suddenly no where to be seen. I can't remember the last time I saw a team being as dominated as much as Canada was in these final 20 minutes. I would have to go back my earliest memories of Sweden getting humiliated by the Sovjet hockey machine in the early 80's.
Sweden made it 2-1 and the Canadian juniors looked increasingly nervous. As the period and the game entered the last shivering minutes there was no mistaking the fear in their eyes. I know what kind of pressure these boys are under from back home and the way Sweden was playing now, it seemed the game was slipping out of their hands.
With 38 seconds left it happened. Canada had been desperately trying to defend their lead for 20 minutes straight (I honestly can't remember they ever being in the offensive zone for more than 5 seconds), but in the end it wasn't enough. Sweden outshot Canada 14-3 and with Steve Mason down, Tomas Larsson trickled the puck into the net. Talk about drama!
About this time Detroit led Dallas 1-0.
The 20 minute OT started just like the 3rd period ended. Sweden dominated Canada, who seemed to have a lot of respect for their opponents after that unbelievable 3rd period. But Canada is not like most other teams. They have a way of winning even when they are outplayed. Nothing in that early stage of OT pointed to Canada, yet somehow Matt Halischuk beat Ehnroth (I'm still not sure how the Swedes could let him get through like that). It wasn't the pretties of goal, in fact none of Canadas goals against the Swedes were, but it won them the game and their forth straight title.
So, congratulations to Canada for a great tournament, but also, hats off to the Swedish boys for their valiant effort.
1/01/2008
Winter Classic is here
After months of hype the day has finally arrived for us to enjoy the NHL Winter Classic between the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2003, 57,167 people attended the Heritage Classic in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, and this year 73,000 will fill Ralph Winston Stadium in Buffalo. It has been debated whether this game should be played or not, and if so, should it count as a regular season game or should it even be played as an All-Star game. It seems a lot of fans and hockey experts like the idea of playing outdoors, similar to the old pond games, while some think it is just a waste of time and, because the outdoor games are played in giant football stadiums, they little or nothing in common with the traditional way of playing pond or river hockey. Either way, there is no doubt a majority of the fans seem to enjoy this game, I for one think it is pretty cool as it shows a lighter side of pro sports where the players get to enjoy something fun and different without it having to be a stupid All-Star game that means nothing (now there is a total waste of time).
It looks like Buffalo will wear their more classic jersey, the one with the Buffalo and the two crossed sabres-logo. I do wish they would come to their senses and wear that logo all season long instead of this new futuristic buffalo logo that is just marginally better than the Edmonton Oilers new black oil dripping-logo.
Ty Conklin will guard the net for the Pens, making him the only player to play in both of the outdoor classics. In 2003 he was in goal for the Oilers against the Montreal Canadiens.
Henrik Tallinder will be the only Swede on the ice, and he said he would definately try to savour this moment and have fun. I think a lot of players feel like that, though this is still a regular game between two teams in desperate need of points. Buffalo will try to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Penguins, who are in 7th place, have won three straight wins. Buffalo just two points behind in 10th place.
Some of the players were hoping for some snow, so am I. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
It looks like Buffalo will wear their more classic jersey, the one with the Buffalo and the two crossed sabres-logo. I do wish they would come to their senses and wear that logo all season long instead of this new futuristic buffalo logo that is just marginally better than the Edmonton Oilers new black oil dripping-logo.
Ty Conklin will guard the net for the Pens, making him the only player to play in both of the outdoor classics. In 2003 he was in goal for the Oilers against the Montreal Canadiens.
Henrik Tallinder will be the only Swede on the ice, and he said he would definately try to savour this moment and have fun. I think a lot of players feel like that, though this is still a regular game between two teams in desperate need of points. Buffalo will try to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Penguins, who are in 7th place, have won three straight wins. Buffalo just two points behind in 10th place.
Some of the players were hoping for some snow, so am I. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.
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