Hockey: the Last Honest Game

Hello there, readers! It is my belief that hockey is the last honest sport left out there. Baseball was wrecked by steroids, as well as other performance enhancing drugs. Basketball is filled with money-grabbing prima donnas who care only about themselves. Soccer is full of diving players, players who fake injury to get calls, and football has the bounty: injure a player and get money. Sports is corrupted, but there is a hero, and that is hockey. There is no controversy here. Fighting is used to protect teammates, and they don't allow fighting in other sports because they wouldn't be responsible and honest about it. Fighting in the NHL is never about personal vendettas. Rather, it is to pump up the team or the crowd, to defend a teammate, or show an opposing player he is stepping over the boundary towards dirty play. Hockey is truly the last honest sport out there. Players are not overpaid, there is no referee game-throwing, only good, sportsmanlike competition.

AHL to Test No-Touch Icing Rule

Hey everybody! Today brought some strange news in that the AHL, under orders by the NHL, will be testing the no-touch icing rule this upcoming season. This rule is pretty self-explanatory in that it now no longers a player to touch the puck after it passes the red line for an icing. While nearly every league has this no-touch icing rule, the NHL does not, and I am strongly against it. If they abolish touch icing, then the game will change. No more racing to beat out the icing call. no more close calls of that nature. While it may seem like just a minor change, it is a rule that has been in the NHL for a VERY long time, and I want to keep the traditional rules as much as possible. On the other hand, I see where the NHL is going with this rule: they want to prevent injuries that result from a player racing in from behind on another player while trying to get the puck. They want to prevent that dangerous situation, but honestly, it's part of the game! You can't baby your players, they play hockey! Come on! Play the game and stop babying the players. They make millions of dollars a year, they better be willing to get hit once in awhile.

Long-Term Contracts in the NHL

It seems that recently, there have been a bunch of long term, high priced contracts being formed in the NHL. A few years ago it was Marian Hossa, with his 12 year, $62.8 Million contract. There was Duncan Keith, with a 13 year, $72 Million contract. There was Roberto Luongo, the shaky and frankly undeserving goaltender from Vancouver with a 12 year, $64 Million deal, the whopping 15 year $100 Million deal that kept Ilya Kovalchuk in New Jersey. Now, there is Sidney Crosby with a 12 year, $104.4 Million contract and Jonathan Quick with a 10 year, $58 Million dollar extension. I believe that these long-term deals are actually good for fans. It takes you back to the early days of the NHL, when guys like Richard, Hull, Howe, Mikita, and Orr stayed in one place and didn't really move from team to team. It brings fans a sense of security: they can start to love these players because they don't really have to fear them leaving anytime soon. The players can also settle down and not have to worry about leaving (unless their massive contract gets traded) so they and their families can relax about that. On the other hand, many of these deals are front-loaded, meaning they pay the majority of their money the first maybe 5 or 6 years of the contract and then in the last few years dwindle down to maybe a million dollars or so. This allows the cap HIT to be less, allowing the player to be signed under the salary cap restrictions that many teams are faced with. So, in a way, it is like cheating, which isn't good, and the NHL will have to eventually say enough is enough with the front-loaded contracts because it gets around the rules of the collective bargaining agreement. But for now, as long as teams are able, they seem to be wanting to snatch up their star players with huge, long-term contracts and big money.

Why Wasn't Brendan Shannahan Inducted Into The Hall of Fame?

Why the Blackhawks will Make the Finals in 2013

The Blackhawks will make the Finals in 2013 not simply because they are the most talented team in the league, but because they will play more physical in 2013. I predict Seabrook and Hjalmarsson will be among the top 10 hit leaders in the NHL, and Hjalmarsson will end up being a shot-blocking machine. Toews could seriously win the Selke trophy for top defensive forward next year, and their bigger forwards (like Bickell) are going to step into their roles more. Now, as for their talent, NO other team has their talent. Toews, Kane, Seabrook, Keith, Sharp, Hossa, Hjalmarsson. Look at all those names! Toews is probably the second best player in the entire Western Conference, and Kane and Hossa could be rated top 5 in the West as well. Their puck possession style of play may be becoming a lost art in the playoffs, but NOBODY does it as well as the Blackhawks, who are going to prove that this style of play still works and works well. Crawford is going to become a good goaltender, better under pressure and more consistent, which was part of his problem last year: he was too hot-and-cold. The Blackhawks are going to take the West by storm and make the Finals next year.

10 Predictions for the 2012-2013 Season

10. Alex Ovechkin will score at least 50 goals: Recently, Ovechkin's numbers have been dwindling a little bit (if you can call 38 goals dwindling!). But look for him to have a big year next year, returning to Ovechkin form and scoring at least 50 goals, as we all know he is capable of.
9. Tampa Bay will make the playoffs: The Lightning missed the playoffs after qualifying for the Eastern Conference Finals the previous year, but look for them to get back into playoff form, with Stamkos playing the way he is and Lecavalier having a great year.
8. Jonathan Toews will score at least 45 goals: In past years, Toews has been the heart and soul of his team, routinely scoring in the 30's. But next year will be his finest yet. Look for him to score at least 45 goals next season.
7. Stamkos will repeat as a 60 goal scorer: With his huge shot and shiftiness on the ice, Stamkos will continue his scoring pace into next season, scoring at least 60 goals.
6. The Florida Panthers will go to the second round: For the first time in a long time, the Florida Panthers will make the second round of the NHL Playoffs. Lady Byng winner Brian Campbell will have a huge year, and Kris Versteeg will contribute at least 35 goals to the campaign.
5. The Blackhawks will make the Stanley Cup Finals: The Chicago Blackhawks will get back into 2010 form by making the Stanley Cup Finals, after being ousted in the first round the previous two years. Patrick Kane will pot at least 100 points and Toews will net at least 45 goals to lead the Hawks to the Finals.
4. The Toronto Maple Leafs will make the playoffs: Yep, I said it. With the addition of JVR, combined with the scoring prowess of Phil Kessel, who will have a huge year, the Maple Leafs will enjoy playoff hockey for the first time in a long time.
3. Shea Weber will win the Norris Trophy: Shea Weber will have a tremendous year for the Nashville Predators, earning him the Norris Trophy.
2. The Washington Capitals will make the Eastern Conference Finals: Ovechkin will lead the Caps to the Eastern Conference Finals, and will look to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the second time in the team's history.
1. Sidney Crosby will score 120 points: Sidney Crosby will not get injured this year, leading him to score a whopping 120 points on his way to the Art Ross Trophy.

James Van Riemsdyk Traded!

James Van Riemsdyk has been traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Luke Schenn, a good young defensemen. My reaction to this trade is this: WHAT is Philadelphia THINKING!? They had with them the second overall pick of the 07 draft, drafted right behind Patrick Kane, and they trade him for Luke Schenn. Sure, he's an excellent young defenseman, but certainly Toronto got the better of this deal. Van Riemsdyk has scored at least 10 goals in each of his first 3 years in the NHL, and his best year saw him score 21 goals. Van Riemsdyk has Stanley Cup Finals experience as well as other playoff experience, so he can play under pressure. He is an excellent young player and one that will really help the Leafs get off the ground next season.

Notable Trades 1

Jordan Staal to Carolina for Brandon Sutter and a 1st Round pick: This is HUGE for the Hurricanes. The 'Canes now have brothers Eric and Jordan Staal, and I am going to go out on a limb and call them a playoff team again. Eric and Jordan are both physically dominant and great players. Eric Staal is the best power forward in the entire league, and Jordan is a great player all on his own. Together, they will make the playoffs next year. Watch it happen. On the other hand, Brandon Sutter is a good player in his own right, and with the 8th pick, Pittsburgh chose Derrick Pouliot, an offensive defenseman from the Portland Winterhawks. Although a first round pick is nice, Carolina came out winners on this deal, getting a premier penalty-killer and all-around great player, and brother to Eric Staal. :
Mike Ribiero to Washington for Cody Eakin and a 2nd Round pick: Mike Ribiero is one of the premier puck handlers in the game today. With his creative moves he will fit right in with Alexander Ovechkin in Washington. Ribiero is probably happy to get to a playoff contender (maybe even a Cup contender) and is going to have a great year. On the other side, Dallas didn't get much, with Cody Eakin, a prospect, and just a 2nd round pick. Washington obviously got the better of the Stars here, but I don't think the Stars had many options for Ribiero and made the best deal they could.
Sergei Bobrovski to Columbus for Draft picks: Columbus obviously came out the winners here, but that wasn't an issue, because Philly was not looking to get much out of the deal: they just needed to move Bobrovski. Bobrovski, who, like many Philadelphia goalies, can be unpredictable in net, is still a great addition to a struggling Blue Jackets team whose main problem last year was goaltending. With Bobrovski's help, Columbus should climb out of last place in the league next year, but don't expect them to do much else.

Top 10 NHL Players: Current

1. Ovechkin: His blend of speed, skill, and size is unmatched throughout the league and his scoring ability knows no bounds
2. Crosby: His ability to make plays as well as score goals makes him one of the most dangerous players in the game today
3. Datsyuk: His unbelievable moves, fantastic defensive play, and innovations make him a special player to have
4. Toews: One of the best two-way forwards in the game today. Perhaps the best leader in the sport right now as well, led his team to the Stanley Cup at only 22 years of age.
5. Doughty: An amazing playmaker and skater, Doughty helped lead his team to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, dazzling viewers with his defensive AND offensive prowess
6. Chara: His size makes him fearsome, but his skill makes him great. Captained the Bruins to their first cup in about 39 years and was a huge (literally) part of the team.
7. Kovalchuk: One of the most consistent players in the game today, scored at least 40 goals in 6 straight seasons. Played in his first Stanley Cup Finals in 2012.
8. Malkin: Malkin is a powerful forward for the Penguins and helped them in the playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe trophy, despite playing on the same team as superstar Sidney Crosby.
9. Hossa: Hossa is one of the best puck controllers in the league. His ability to keep the puck both in the corner and in open ice is nearly unmatched. Was a big part of the Blackhawks' Stanley Cup victory in 2010.
10. Thornton: A future hall of famer, Joe Thornton is perhaps the best playmaker in the game. His passing skills are incredible, combined with a high scoring ability, make him a rightful holder of a spot on this list.

Dream NHL Team: All-Time

Bobby Hull-Gretzky (A)-Brett Hull
Jagr-Lemieux-Richard
Howe-Yzerman (A)-Esposito
Selanne-Messier(C)-Lafleur

Orr-Bourque
Coffey-Lidstrom
Stevens-Pronger

Brodeur
Roy
Sawchuk

Top 5 Stanley Cup Finals Game 6 2012 Moments

5. The Intro: The fans waving glowsticks and the lasers and the lights, what an atmosphere and the arena was just ROCKING. Great intro, great moment.
4. Carter adds another: Carter scores the fourth goal of the game on a great shot past Martin Brodeur and sent the crowd into a frenzy and essentially sealed the deal for the Kings early in the Second Period.
3. The 5 Minute Penalty: The biggest penalty of the series, led to three quick goals by the Kings and a Bernier misconduct, throwing him out of the game. The biggest start up for the Kings.
2. Sutter Smiles: HE SMILED! I'VE NEVER SEEN HIM SMILE BEFORE! AWESOME!
1. Brown lifts the Stanley Cup: Of course, this is number one. The elation on his face, his frantic switching of the arms during the presentation, the roaring of the crowd, this was the greatest moment in Los Angeles Kings history.

Stanley Cup Champions

The Los Angeles Kings have won the Stanley Cup for the first time in franchise history, becoming the first 8th seed in history to win the Cup. After going up 3 games to 0, the feisty Devils bounced back, winning two games in a row. But the Kings refused to be denied at home, winning by a score of 6-1, after scoring 3 straight goals on a 5 minute boarding penalty on Steve Bernier. Jonathan Quick deservedly won the Conn Smythe trophy and Dustin Brown hoisted the Stanley Cup as Captain of the LA Kings. Congrats, Los Angeles!

Playoff Moment of the Day: Ovechkin and Crosby Dueling Hattricks

Great individual efforts from the two biggest stars in the NHL.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_7NwNUmKZA

Playoff Moment of the Day: Joe Juneau's Goal

Sent the Capitals to the Stanley Cup Finals. I like the jerseys.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4d6qjVzASI

Playoff Moment of the Day: Brodeur's Goal

Playoff goal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CwOT9VVzzVA&feature=related

Calder Cup Finals

The Norfolk Admirals have defeated the Toronto Marlies in a 4 game sweep to win the Calder Cup after a remarkable season in which they won 28 STRAIGHT games. I witnessed the game live, and after scoring an early first goal, Norfolk was obviously in control, making crisper passes, better moves, and taking smarter (and more) shots. Toronto fought back with a 5-on-3 powerplay goal after stacked penalties by the Admirals. However, by the third period, the Admirals began to impose their will on the Marlies, eventually winning the game 6-1.

Playoff Moment of the Day: Jokinen's Goal

The miracle Finnish (sic) :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHvE0cTSBrw

Playoff Moment of the Day: Kopitar's Goal

From THIS YEAR'S Stanley Cup Final: Overtime in Game 1 and KOPITAR scores the game winner on a sick breakaway goal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DNukZ9sVBY&feature=related

Playoff Moment of the Day: The Bobby Orr Goal

The most famous goal in hockey history.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZR2MGFDTYE

Road Warriors

The Los Angeles Kings have tied an NHL playoff record with 10 road wins, and are undefeated on the road thus far. They have had massive success in the first 3 games of a series, in which they have never lost this year, and look to take ANOTHER 3 games to 0 lead, this time in the Finals, which a win in LA will accomplish. Can the Kings win their first Stanley Cup in team history?