Game of the Week

I'm not as excited as I usually would be for this game for the obvious reasons. (no malkin, no crosby) I do hope the Pens get some revenge on Steckel. Full post to follow the game.

Post game update: The Penguins looked like the were missing their teams core, wait a minute they were missing Sid and Malkin again. The were 3 moments in this game worth watching for a Pens fan.

1: Green taking that slapper in the face from Brooks

2: Tim Wallace being re-called from the AHL and fighting Steckel

3: Cooke leaving his knee out and going knee on knee on Ovi sending him to the ice, Ovi gets payback for him leaving his knee out on every hit. A 2 on 1 scrum after the hit.

Posted by: Nick

Pic of the Week

video of the week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfTLm6cjCJQ

If you dig that trailer... Watch the full Documentary Film for Free

Pond Hockey http://bit.ly/hLa17K via @snagfilms

You can also buy the film here.

http://www.pondhockeybook.com/store/

I didn't have anything to do with this film just really feel like sharing it with anyone who will watch.

Posted by: Nick

GOALIE FIGHT!

I guess Brent Johnson wears #1 for a reason. (bad pun intended) Not only does Rick Dipietro have glass knees that have kept him on the shelf for the Islanders most of his career, he also has a glass jaw. I've recently started to hate the Islanders for claiming Nabokov, and I love goalie fights, and the Penguins so this is a WIN WIN WIN.

In case your device can't see the animated GIF above here's some stills from the fight.

Posted by: Nick

F-F-F-F-FRANZEN

FIVE GOALS for FRANZEN tonight against the Senators in a 7-5 Detroit WIN. Don't forget to get your FREE curly fries from Arby's tomorrow.

Posted by: Nick

The Guardian Project.

Stan Lee and the NHL teamed up for this odd marketing venture. I'm a huge comic book fan and this is a little off to me.

Full post up tonight.

video of the week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeEJMoVW0V4

All-Star break is over... FINALLY

It's Monday morning 1:00 am, the NHL All-Star break festivities in RALEIGH, N.C. have come to an end. This year's All-Star game was another long game for the goalies with a total of 21 goals. 11-10 the final score with Team Lidstrom edging out the "home" Team Staal. When the captains were selected it seemed like a no brainer for Lidstrom to be selected by players as a captain. I don't know if any player in the league right now has more respect from their peers than Lidstrom. With Datsyuk being hurt and Zetterberg asking not be selected Lidstrom was the only player representing the Wings. Staal being selected also made sense since the game was taking place in the city that he plays for. Staal also selected the other Hurricane players to play on his team along with brother Marc.

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Marc-Andre Fleury (Letang and Fleury pictured to the left) of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith of the Chicago Blackhawks are the six players selected as NHL All-Stars via 2011 NHL All-Star Fan Balloting. They weren't the starters, which is what is usually what is voted on by fans for the NHL All-Star Game. But this year with the new Fantasy Draft format, the Fantasy Draft took place on Friday, it just meant the six players were guaranteed a spot on one of the two rosters. Two of the biggest names on that list were unable to attend this years festivities due to injury. I was personally disappointed that Sid and Geno were unable to play or compete in the Super Skills Competition on Saturday even. I didn't plan on even watching much of the events going on this weekend, I ended up watching it all between Versus and NHL Network re-airs of the programing. I was amused by the fact that the Sedins (pictured to the left) were drafted to different teams and were competing against each other for the first time. They have been on the same team since they were six years old. Overall I was actually entertained by this weekends schedule.

A few things that still need to be changed in the All-Star game in my opinion is that the game needs to count for something. I like what the MLB did by making the their All-Star game winner get home field advantage in the World Series over the losing league. It makes the game more interesting because there is actually something at stake, something to play for. Coaches and GMs would be much less reluctant of wanting their stars to compete if the game has some meaning. Home Ice can be a big deal during the Stanley Cup Finals, and with that at stake, it would make the All-Star game much more interesting.

But now that its over, can we please get back to some hockey that matters.

Posted by: Nick

PIC OF THE WEEK

PIC OF THE WEEK

WTF

Chasing Gretzky

Yesterday I found an obscure local auction website, on this website there was a Wayne Gretzky hockey stick. An Easton Silver Tip to be exact. (pictured above) This stick was frequently used by Wayne while he was a New York Ranger, my least favorite Gretzky. They also sold reproductions of the stick in local sporting good stores in the mid to late 90's. I searched ebay to find a comparable price, nothing popped up I couldn't find a similar stick for sell anywhere on the internet. I did find past auctions of game used sticks that sold from $799-$1500. That lead me to believe that this stick was rare even if it was just a reproduction. This stick was a 105-stiff, which is the same flexibility as Gretzky's game used sticks. The auction ended at 8 so my intentions were to bid on it at the last minute seeing as how I was willing to pay $20 more than the current bid. ($37.88) Around 7:30 I was out to dinner and remembered about the auction, I was too far from home to make it in time to register for the website and submit my bid. I called my friend that lived a little closer sparing me a few minutes, rushed into his house, started entering my info to register for the site. My registration confirmation was competed at 7:55 leaving me just enough time to bid. As I went to submit my bid the auction ending time said 7:30. (not sure if it was changed or if I just saw the wrong time) NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I thought in utter depression. In a perfect world that auction didn't end at 7:30 it ended at 8, I won that auction, and when it showed up to my house it showed up with a "Jack Gripper" grip at the butt of the stick signifying it was an authentic game used Gretzky stick (I would've been happy if it was just a reproduction also). But that didn't happen. If only we could live in a perfect world...

Posted by: Nick

What 24/7 meant to hockey (or at least me)

Let me start this off by saying that I am neither a Capitals fan nor am I a Penguins fan, and I can honestly say that I despise(d) them both but with that aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of HBO's popular documentary series. I enjoyed seeing all the inner workings of two (very)different professional sports organizations that just so happened to be playing the sport I've come to love. From seeing the far different coaching styles of Bruce Boudreau and Dan Bylsma to getting an intimate view of the personal lives of many of the NHL's finest, every minute of this was excellent television. I liked seeing Boudreau swear uncontrollably as if he were a victim of Turrets. I was entertained by the locker room antics of the Pittsburgh Penguins. I even enjoyed seeing one of my most hated players in the game, Sid Crosby, just having fun and doing some of the same things I do.

I was warned by my blog brothers here, Nick and Tony, that I would come to respect and maybe even start to like these guys that I was seeing on TV, but I thought "No, no way that could ever happen, not to me. Not to the guy who to this day looks away from the television screen when they show a clip of Crosby raising Lord Stanley's Cup high above his little head". I couldn't have been more wrong. As the poetic words came forth from Liev Schreiber's mouth, I felt the layers of hatred built upon my brain over the past few years begin to slowly melt away(but never completely). I felt a connection with these guys, seeing them suffer through the hardships any coach of ANY sport would put you through in times of failure. Seeing the inside of the Caps locker room, I pictured myself back in high school getting the very same scoldings from my coaches. Seeing the "trash talk" between players on the same team, the little pokes and jabs at one another, was I guess refreshing you could say. It reminded me that these were still just men playing a game, and in the morning they still put their pants on one leg at a time(as shown via a clip of what I think was Max Talbot getting dressed) just as we all do.

I'm not saying it was all positive for me, in changing my personal opinions about players. Watching Alex Ovechkin waking up and saying "No one should have to get up at 7:30" as he shuffled into a bathroom (showing off his awful "tramp stamps" of Asian tattoos) to shave for what is a lucrative endorsement by a popular shaving company. I actually had more respect for Ovie than Sid prior to watching this show, but that has changed. And if I see Mike Green in sun glasses one more time, I'll never watch a Caps game again, barring they aren't playing the Wings of course.

All in all though, I was very happy for what HBO did for hockey as a whole. This year's Winter classic was the most watched NHL regular season game since the Rangers played the Flyers in 1975 and was met with a great(for hockey) 2.3 national rating which meant it was up about 22 percent from last year's game. I credit this almost solely to the NHL's branding of Crosby and Ovechkin and to 24/7 for bringing hockey to many people who may not care about the game and changing their opinion. The series was incredible and I wish they would do the same for every Winter Classic pairing, but that would only happen in a perfect world. This show meant a lot to a lot of people and for that I applaud the respective teams that took place, HBO, and most all, all of the fans of this great sport we call hockey that watched.

In closing, I leave you with this...

Posted by: Erik

Forsblog

Peter Forsberg is considering a return to the NHL and his former team the Colorado Avalanche, sorry Nashville. He has won the Calder, the Art Ross, and the Hart Memorial trophies. Problem is he won those at the beginning of last decade, how relevant is he now?

First thing that needs to be considered is his age. At thirty-seven years old you have to wonder if he’s lost a step or two. I think the obvious answer is yes, I’m sure he has lost a step, but that wouldn’t make him an unproductive player. Thirty-seven isn’t that old, ask Tomas Holmstrom.

Another question to think about, can Forsberg help the Avalanche? Right now the Avalanche have a young core consisting of Matt Duchene, Paul Stastny, and Chris Stewart. While his level of play can’t be predicted you could expect “Foppa” would take the reigns of this young team and fill in as the leader post Joe Sakic.

The last and most important factor is his ankle. For years he’s been battling this injury and it has made him unreliable in his last two NHL seasons and also in his stint in Sweden for the Modo hockey team.

What it all comes down to is his health. If he is injury free and can stay that way he will be a great addition to the young Avalanche team. If not, it will be time to hang up the skates and put to rest a successful and exciting career. One thing is for sure, he doesn’t have to prove anything.

• Posted by Tony

#99 Turns 50

Today Wayne Gretzky celebrates his 50th birthday. Gretzky on turning 50: "I don't mean to sound aloof about it, but it's another day and it's another birthday. I'm fortunate that my family's healthy and I'm physically healthy. I feel good."

After the break I'm going to give you 50 reasons/records/facts why he is the greatest.

1. Wayne Gretzky holds or shares 61 NHL records: 40 for the regular season, 15 for the Stanley Cup playoffs and six for the NHL All-Star Game
2. "Dude’s a role model. Made the impossible seem possible. That inspires me." - Kevin Smith
3. MOST POINTS: 2,856 (1,485 games, 894 goals, 1,962 assists)
4. MOST POINTS, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS: 3,238 (2,856 regular season and 382 playoff)
5. MOST GOALS: 894 Second: Gordie Howe, 801
6. MOST ASSISTS: 1,962
7. MOST 40-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS: 12
8. MOST CONSECUTIVE 40-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS: 12 (1979-80 to 1990-91)
9. MOST 50-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS: 9 (tied with Mike Bossy)
10. MOST 60-OR-MORE GOAL SEASONS: 5 (tied with Mike Bossy)
11. MOST 100-OR-MORE POINT SEASONS: 15 Second: Mario Lemieux, 10
12. MOST CONSECUTIVE 100-OR-MORE POINT SEASONS:13 (1979-80 to 1991-92) Second: Six players tied with 6
13. MOST THREE-OR-MORE GOAL GAMES:
    50 (37 three-goal games; nine four-goal games; four five-goal games)
14. MOST POINTS, ONE SEASON: 215 (1985-86, 80-game schedule)
15. MOST POINTS, ONE SEASON: 215 (1985-86, 80-game schedule) Next (fifth): Mario Lemieux
16. MOST POINTS, ONE SEASON, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS: 255 Next (sixth): Mario Lemieux, 218
17. MOST GOALS, ONE SEASON: 92 (1981-82, 80-game schedule) Second: Gretzky, 87 (1983-84, 80-game schedule)
18. MOST GOALS, ONE SEASON, INCLUDING PLAYOFFS: 100
19. MOST GOALS, 50 GAMES FROM START OF SEASON: 61 (1981-82 and 1983-84) Third: 54 - Mario Lemieux (1988-89)
20. MOST ASSISTS, ONE SEASON: 163 (1985-86, 80-game schedule)
21. LONGEST CONSECUTIVE POINT-SCORING STREAK:
    51 games - 61 goals, 92 assists for 153 points (Oct. 5, 1983 to Jan. 28, 1984)
22. MOST GOALS, ONE PERIOD: 4 (Tied with 10 other players)
23. MOST PLAYOFF GOALS: 122
24. MOST GAME-WINNING GOALS IN PLAYOFFS: 24
25. MOST ALL-STAR GAME GOALS: 13 (in 18 games played)
26. MOST ALL-STAR GAME POINTS, CAREER: 25 (13 goals, 12 assists in 18 games)Second: 22 - Mario Lemieux (11 goals, nine assists in 8 games)
27. At the age of 10, Gretzky scores 378 goals in Brantford's atom league - still an age group record.
28. While playing in the prestigious International Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in Quebec City's Le Colisee, the 14-year-old Gretzky is frequently besieged by autograph seekers.
29. Wayne first dons his now famous No. 99 jersey as a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Originally wanting to wear No. 9 like his idol Gordie Howe, Gretzky settles on his trademark number after wearing No. 19 for a few weeks
30. In May 1978, Gretzky turns pro at 17 with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey Association.
31. In his first season with the Oilers, Gretzky registers 46 goals and 110 points on his way to capturing WHA rookie of the year honors.
32. Gretzky wins his first of eight consecutive Hart Trophies in 1979-80 as the MVP of the League.
33. Captains the Edmonton Oilers to their first Stanley Cup championship in 1984 over the New York Islanders in five games.
34. Makes his Kings debut on Oct. 6, 1988 vs. Detroit and records his first point on his first shot.
35. Success continues to find Gretzky during the 1984-85 season. He wins the Hart Trophy for the sixth consecutive year, the Art Ross for the fifth, the Lester B. Pearson for the fourth and makes his fifth First Team All-Star appearance at center.
36. Leads the NHL in 1984-85 with a plus-98 rating.
37. Gretzky and Messier with Stanley Cup
    May 26, 1988 - The Edmonton Oilers win their fourth Stanley Cup in five years.
38. On Aug. 9, 1988, Gretzky is traded to the Los Angeles Kings along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski in exchange for Jimmy Carson, Martin Gelinas, a 1989 first round pick (Martin Rucinsky), a 1993 first round pick (Nick Stajduhar) and cash.
39. On Dec. 30, 1981 against Philadelphia, Gretzky scores his 50th goal in an unimaginable 39 games. The previous mark was 50 goals in 50 games by Maurice Richard and Mike Bossy.
40. Earns MVP honors of the 1989 NHL All-Star Game in Edmonton.
41. Apr. 29, 1996 - Wayne get his first goal as a St. Louis Blue. (eew)
42. Wins his second consecutive and third overall Lady Byng Trophy in 1992.
43. The New York Rangers sign Gretzky to a free-agent contact on July 21, 1996, reuniting him with former Edmonton teammate Mark Messier.
44. On Jan. 9, 1998, Gretzky is named the Greatest Hockey Player of All-Time as selected by The Hockey News.
45. Gretzky puts his stamp on hockey history once again on March 29, 1999, scoring the 1,072nd goal of his professional career. Between his NHL and WHA career, Gordie Howe tallied 1,071.
46. Ultimate Gretzky Great DVD must watch.
47. Is the brother of the great Brent Gretzky
48. 
49. He has statues in his image, that's right statues plural.
50. He changed the game forever and will always be known as The Great One.

Sidney Crosby on being anointed The Next One by Gretzky as a teenager: "I took what he said as a compliment and although I didn't think for a second I could or would break any of his records, for someone like that to say what he did meant a lot."

With that being said, there will never be another hockey talent/mind like Gretzky again. Without Gretzky there probably wouldn't still be a team in L.A. and there definitely wouldn't be teams in the south who knows the NHL might've crumbled years ago. Gretzky became a star and ambassador for the game. The game continues to grow infinitely because he ever laced up a pair of ice skates. The hockey world owes a lifetime of gratitude to The Great One. I will be wearing my Gretzky jersey in celebration today. LONG LIVE GRETZKY!

Posted by: Nick

NHL on NBC

NHL on NBC

Today is the first match up for game of the week.

Complete post to follow the game.

Flyers WIN BIG 4-1 didn't have time to do a full post.

Story from tsn.com

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=350884

Although the Chicago Blackhawks will always have the memory of capturing the Stanley Cup, they continue to lack one important piece of memorabilia.

Following Game 2 of last year's Cup finals, a game that the Hawks won 2-1, Philadelphia Flyers' defenceman Chris Pronger picked up the game puck and skated off the ice with it, presumably to never be seen again.

According to Philly.com, Pronger, who was roundly booed every time he touched the puck during Sunday's Flyers victory over Chicago, still has the puck and apparently has big plans for it.

"I have it," Pronger told Philly.com. "It's tucked away somewhere. It'll wind up on eBay at some point. All proceeds will go to the person that buys its charity."

While it is unclear if the Hawks will succumb to Pronger's bounty, Chicago-area restaurant Harry Caray's has reportedly offered $50,000 to the 2000 Hart Trophy winner in exchange for the puck.

Pronger seemed open to the offer.

"If they want to give me 50-grand, I'll donate it to charity," Pronger told Philly.com. "You get me their name and number and I'll do it."

While the whereabouts of the Game 2 puck have now been revealed, what remains a mystery is the location of Patrick Kane's Stanley Cup clinching goal puck which disappeared amongst the pandemonium that ensued on the ice.

Pronger said that he couldn't take credit for that particular disappearing act.

"I was on the bench," Pronger told Philly.com. "I was a little disappointed at that point to skate all the way down there and get the puck. That might've been a little much. If I'm on the ice and it's right in front of me, that's a different story. I would think one of them, maybe they would've grabbed it. Somebody should look at the video. There's 18 cameras out there, somebody's got to have it."

P.S. I hate Mike Milbury.

Posted by: Nick

HEY ISLANDERS

Nabby Nabbed by...?

Nabby nabbed by Wings? NOPE ISLANDERS ARE A BUNCH OF LOSERS WITH NO SHOT AT CONTENDING WHY WOULD THEY BOTHER I'M SO ANNOYED, I'M NOT RE-WRITING A POST I HAD READY SO... THIS IS IT.

Looks like it's not gonna happen. BOO! DOWN WITH THE ISLANDERS, WAIT THEY'RE ALREADY DOWN.

Posted by: Nick

Nabokov signed by Wings, must clear waivers.

I haven't decided much about what I'm going to do with this blog yet. It might take a bit to get started.

Waiver wire time for Evgeni Nabokov

I find it highly unlikely that Nabby will make it to the Wings on the wire. If he does it must be out of respect for GM Ken Holland and that reason alone. A one year deal for around a half a million is too good for any team to pass up. I'd be for it, with all of Detroit's goalies being UFA's july 1st and the upcoming free agents, Vokoun and Bryzgalov will be available I think Jimmy Howard will have to make little money to stay in Detroit when they can get one of those goaltenders. Ken Holland said he's not gonna re-sign Howard til after the season if at all, I bet Jimmy tests free agency like Niemi.

Great post discussing the topic.

http://hfboards.com/showpost.php?p=30366339&postcount=770

Posted by: Nick