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