Canada Day is Tomorrow!

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything to the blog lately as I have been busy working, I am currently doing a summer job and I have been coming home way too tired to blog. Most of the news I have is old news, and stuff that big hockey fans already know but I felt I needed to update. The other day the Hockey Hall of Fame(HHF) announced it's inductees for 2011. The four inductees are Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour, and Mark Howe. Three of which played for the Leafs and one who is Gordie Howe's son. Doug Gilmour is one the best leaf players to ever play the game, he is also regarded as the best captain Leafs captain ever for any leaf fan who didn't live during the 70s or has been sleeping the last 15 years. Joe Neiwendyk was also a leaf for a bit, he won the Stanley Cup three times for three different teams. The Eagle will also get inducted, he played for the leafs and was a big part of the team when I really started paying attention to the Leafs. He along with Joe won the Stanley Cup with Dallas. Mark Howe is the fourth to be inducted. He is the son of Mr. Hockey and played alongside him in the WHA. Howe was a very outstanding player on and off the ice. That's about all I've got for you right now, maybe more when the event actually happens after the HHF Game always hosted by the Leafs. 
Tomorrow is one of the best days of the year, Canada Day is the day to celebrate the greatest country ever. And what better way to celebrate Canada Day with Free Agent Frenzy. This year might not be as exciting as last year but the highlighter of this year is Brad Richards. We shall see what happens.
Also tomorrow if I am not busy I want to retire a blog post talking about some of the best Canadians that have changed this country.

JETS JETS JETS JETS!

I have been really busy just chillin and relaxing, and i did not really feel like posting anything yet. i mean hey it is summer. Anyways I watched the draft Friday night and it was very entertaining, Congrats to Nugent-Hopkins on being picked first overall. I had said Larson would be picked first but the days leading up TSN confirmed that Nugent-Hopkins would be for sure the number one, so there was no surprise there. Good job on Allister who predicted the first four right. The night wasn't very busy and there were not very many trades to move up and it seemed like the story of the draft for most GMs were that they got the man they didn't think would still be out there. There was lots of excitement around the Winnipeg team picking Jets as their new name. Honestly I did not think that they would go with that name but I am very happy that they did and went with the fan concensus. It would have been really awkward for a home crowd cheering JETS! JETS! JESTS! when the team was named Falcons or something. We all sort of knew that they would announce the name Jets as they named their pick but I am sure everyone watching held their breath when Cheveldayoff the new GM said "The Winnipeg Jets are proud to select...". I myself gave a few fist pumps and I'm sure so did many others. 
The greatest part of the draft was when the Aaron Boogard made the pick for the New York Rangers. Aaron Boogard was brother to the late Derrick Boogard who had recently passed away. Boogard was a member of the Rangers and recently Minnesota Wild. The draft was being held in Minnesota and when Aaron Boogards name was announced there was a standing ovation. It was easily the most touching part of the draft. It was truly really special and was amazing to see that support for the Boogy monster. 
My leafs did a good job in drafting very good young guys in the first round, one foreword and one d-man. Their third pick was Josh Leivo who is also a member of my hometown Sudbury Wolves. 
Aside from all the young guys being picked it also game teams opportunities to show off new jerseys which makes jersey freaks like me go crazy. Edmonton gave out their new white to their first overall. Florida unveiled a new red jersey that Panthers fans (all 20 of them) have been asking for a long time now. LA showed off the white version of the black jersey on the draft floor along with Nashville and those jerseys were leaked the day before but the ones on the floor had minor tweaks.
Other than all that it was pretty good and I'm sure I'm missing something but that should be good for now.

Can you beleive that Hockey has ended..... I cant

Leaked pictures of the new Preds jerseys

DECE!!!

After a big night last night with the most unexpected trophy going to Corry Perry. (No Disrespect but he didnt even think he was going to get it). It was a good night most of mine and Siftons predictions actually happened. NHL12 cover was released yesterday and lots of NHL video game fans will love Stamkos on the cover and I think its great it will be the first time seeing Stamkos in those beautiful jerseys before he actually wears them. Jay Mohr was a decent host last night and he was really funny especially in his 24/6 sketch. " Sid tell me about your first time" "Um well its kinda funny actually i asked him if he wanted to take his helmet off, i wasnt sure because i hadnt had much experience" AHH good times.

Anyways today lots of news spread the net. A few trades that happened in Philly only 30 min from each other. Philly shipped off Jeff Carter to Columbus for Jakub Voracek, first rounder and a third rounder. Then 30 minutes later Philly shipped captain Mike Richards to LA for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a second rounder WOW!! but im not finnished, The reason why philly shipped these boys out was because they wanted cap space for Ilya Bryzgalov who they traed for a week earlier. Now here are my thoughts, I dont understand why Philly would trade away two of their best players and not only were they two of the best but they were a big part of the leadership of the team. They traded them for cap space to sign Bryzgalov for a 9 year deal at $51 million. What why? I understand they needed a goalie and that is the reason for the losses in the past two playoffs but why would you give away the core of your team and parts of the reason why you got there. I tell you they got good return in Schenn, Simmonds and Voracek but these are just young guys who could be great for you team in the future but it isnt a sure thing and could come back to bite them, but i doubt for a second Schenn is going to be a bust. LA is hoping for a great plyoff push next year and Richards it going to be a key role in them getting there and being there. A polayer like that going into LA you have to think will they want to bring him up to lead them to a Stanley Cup as Captain or will they keep Brown as Captain? The other return for the WEST was Carter, Carter will take the load off of Nash in Columbus and they hope to make it back to the playoffs.

The next thing that is not a big news story but it is for people who love Hockey jerseys will like the new identity of the Nashville Predators and mom if you are reading this, that jersey up there ^ would be cool as a birthday gift ( Sea Weber #6 btw).

 And the last thing i will talk about is the Draft tomorrow,if anyone has actually been reading my blog, then you would have seen the Draft predictions for the top ten, me and my buddys all posted our predictions and i think it will be interesting because no one really knows who will get picked first, and neither do we. It will be a big day for many 18 year olds and for the clubs, I also hope my Leafers will make a splash tomorrow, they hold the 25th and 30th pick (PHL and BOS). Winnipeg will make their first pick as a team but they will be nameless tomorrow. Their 7th overal pick (Jonathan Huberdeau) will wear a blank jersey wil the NHL sheild on the front. It is too bad that they will not be releasing the logo and jersey tomorrow but TSN said that the name of the club will be announced some time this weekend at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg.

2011 Mock draft - Allister

 2011 nhl entry draft top ten selections -Allister
 
 
1) Ryan Nugent-Hopkins-
This player has the potential to be a top scoring forward on what we see right now as the Edmonton oilers.  This would add the triple threat on the first line with Taylor Hall, Hopkins and Jordon Eberle.
 
1) 2) Gabriel Landeskog
2) After a very disappointing season for the Colorado they will be looking for some top six forward to fill the role of Milan heduk and Chris Stewart.  This would mean getting a goal scoring forward with a 30 goal potential who can help support matt Duechane or paul Stasny
3)  
4) 3) Jonathon Huberdeau
5)  
6) this player is a guy who can do it all.  He can kill penalty’s, power play and kill time at the end of a game.  This is what florida seems to lack in right now.  With the addition of a top line centre who they can start the build around for there future team.
7)  
8) 4) Adam larson
9) Adam Larson has shown in the world juniors and in the Swedish elite league that he can play physicle and dominate in the defensive zone.  This can be added to a very sloppy jersey defense last year.
5)  Ryan Murphy 
Murphy is a strong offensive defence man who in the OHL proved he can score and get assists.  This player would be a great blue line addition to NYI power play.
 
6) Sean Couturier
Ottawa has just started a rebuilding process and what better way to start it off with the addition of a top six forward who got 96 points in 58 games and also played for team Canada.
7) Dougie Hamilton
Winnipeg is a very young team that have a young growing blue line.  This could be great with a player who showed he can perform when it matters (the OHL playoffs).
 
8) Ryan Strome- top six forward that could ass some much needed depth to the Columbus team that does not have a centre to support rick Nash.
 
9) Nathan boulieu- is a gifted offensive defenseman that could develop into a young contributor to an ageing bruins d-line.
 
10) Mika zibanejad
Has the potential to be a two way power forward with soft hands.  This would be a good addition for a Minesota team who needs the addition of more top six forwards.

2011 Mock Draft- Maxwell

Mock draft
Edmonton Oilers- Adam Larson D
He is supposed to be the next Nick Lindstrom, with all of the stars up front why not have a future super star on the back end.

Colorado Avalanche- Ryan Nuggent-Hopkins C
He is the best foreword in the draft and he can't be passed up and any team in the top three could hit the jackpot.

Florida Panthers - Gabriel Landeskog LW 
He proved he wanted to work hard by coming over to the CHL and putting up big numbers. 

New Jersey Devils- Sean Couturier C
NJ won the draft lottery and moved up four spots and will hit the jackpot by picking up someone who was a projected #1  less than a year ago.

New York Islanders- Ryan Murphy D 
I think it would be stupid to let this guy past top 5 he is a really good offensive defencman. He will not be one to get in to the NHL right away and it will take time for him to develop but he will be a star

Ottawa Senators- Ryan Strome C 
The Sens want a star and they want one now, this guy is the best for what they got.

Winnipeg Jets- Jonathan Huberdeau C
First draftee of the new team and what a guy he is. He doesn't have a big background but scouts love him because he has potential and a late bloomer. 

Columbus Blue Jackets- Nathan Beauliau D 
He was a major part in bringing home the Memorial Cup. He is a big defenseman that is offensive but is also great on defense. 

Boston Bruins*Tor - Brandon Saad  LW 
Boston won the Cup on hard work and grit and that is exactly what they have in this hardworking player. 

Minnisotta Wild - Dougie Hamilton D 
Very large Defensman and a man that can help Minnisotta in the near future

2011 NHL Mock Draft-Sifton

Nugent Hopkins-oilers
1st line centre oilers have been waiting for. Very dynamic
Comparisons to Datsyuk

Adam Larsson- colorado
All around dman, can play in all situations
Comparisons to Lidstrom 

Langeskog- Florida 
Physiclly ready to play in the league. Solid all around centre
Comparisons to Mike Richards

Huberdeau- New Jersey
Can be a game changer, proved that at men cup
Comparisons to Sidney Crosby

Hamilton-islanders
Big defenseman, can hit, score, and provide leadership to his Niagra IceDogs
Comparisons to Jay Bouwmeester

Strome- Ottawa 
Can use his explosive speed and skill to produce offensively
Comparisons to Marian Gaborik

Couturier - Winnipeg
Solid power forward, good display of skill at the world juniors 
Comparisons to Lindros

Ryan Murphy- Columbus 
Small, but skilled dman. Very good power play quarter back. 
Comparisons to Ryan Ellis 

Mika Zibanejab- Boston 
Power forward, soft hands
Comparisons to Bertuzzi

Nathan Beaulieu-Minnesota 
Big strong dman, loves to move the puck 
Comparisons to Keith Yandle

Unanimous Decision

A unanimous decision for the NHL board of governors today as they decided to approve the deal to move Atlanta to Winnipeg. So no news today other than it has been officially official. Fans and me were hoping for a name and logo announcement today after the announcement was made but True North still has not budged in that announcement. I guess they are going by the fact that winnipegers have waited for 15 years for a new team, they can wait a few weeks before the name was announced. It seems like it keeps getting pushed back for fans. They were hoping that they would announce the day that it was official that Winnipeg was getting a team. Then we thought that the team would be named after 13,000 tickets were sold and then today. Now there are arguments that the team will have nothing to give their new draftee on Friday now sitting in the seventh spot. But the team could be looking for the right time to release the new jersey. My idea is that the team already has the name picked out. I also believe that they have the logo and jerseys ready too and they have had them ready for months now. The reason is because Reebok, who does all the jerseys must have them ready for next season and from my knowledge of NHL jerseys, reebok must have designs before April. Now here is what I think. There was speculation that True North didn't want to release the name when they had their official press conference because they wanted to sell 13,000 tickets before they released the name in case the fans didn't like it or didn't like that it wasn't Jets. This Friday at the Draft could be the best time to release the jerseys because all hockey fans will be watching and will make people want to buy jerseys because remember like Gary Bettman said for this to work. Winnipeg has to make lots of money.

Leafs continue to be active in the Summer

Leafs change their assistant coaches for next season. Keith Acton and Tim Hunter will be replaced by Scott Gordon and Greg Cronin. After the leafs have missed the playoffs for 6 seasons straight, the coaching staff will change once again, but after Brian Burke defended Ron Wilson by saying that he has done a good job job for the time he has been given. Brian Burke told media that he would not fire Ron Wilson but just today fired the assistant coaches and replaced them with Scott Gordon who was the head coach of the New York Islanders from 2008-2010 and he was also the Head Coach of the U.S national team in 2010 and 2011 plus he was the assistant coach to Ron Wilson during the 2010 Olympics. Greg Cronin has been recently the head coach of Northeastern University while also spending time in the worlds and the AHL.there has been a lot of talk about the Maple Leaf coaching staff lately and how it has not been the best in bringing a playoff team. It was smart for Burke to bring in these two guys because there needed to be some change but not too much because we want to build on the success we had at the end of last season. I like this idea of bringing in Gordon because he has had some success and experience with younger players and that is exactly what we need. The Leafs are very young and Gordon can help them gain experience, not only that but Gorgon was a goaltender who played in the olympics and the NHL. he can also provide guidance for James Reimer.

2011 NHL awards- Sifton

James Norris Trophy- Zdeno Chara

Calder Memorial Trophy- Jeff Skinner

Lady Byng Trophy- Martin St. Louis

Frank Selke Trophy- Ryan Kesler

Jack Adams Award- Alain Vigneaut

Bill Masterton Trophy- Ray Emery

Ted Lindsey Award/ Lester B. Pearson Award- Corry Perry

Messier Leadership Award- Zdeno Chara

NHL Foundation Award- Mike Green

Here are my predictions for the NHL awards in Las Vegas

NHL Awards Predictions- Maxwell

Now that the season is complete it is time to hand out the Awards, the Awards are in Vegas once again this year and i am here to make some predictions. My buddys will also post thier predictions so we can have different views on who will win, plus there is a little bit of bragging rights attached to it too. Out of the 11 awards there are 3 or four nominees and i pick one of them. Here are my predictons.

Hart Memorial Trophy- Daniel Sedin
Vezina Trophy-Tim Thomas
James Norris Trophy- Zedano Chara
Calder Memorial Trophy- Jeff Skinner
Lady Byng Trophy- Martin St. Louis
Frank Selke Trophy- Ryan Kesler
Jack Adams Award- Barry Trotz
Bill Masterton Trophy- Ray Emery
Ted Lindsey Award/ Lester B. Pearson Award- Corry Perry
Messier Leadership Award- Zedano Chara
NHL Foundation Award- Mike Green

Bruins Win The Cup!!!

I wanted myself to calm down first before I wrote the post on game 7. First of all I am done my exams and now I can focus on more important things. The game a few night ago is going to be one I will remember for a long time and people will talk about it for a long time. I have to be honest although I am a Boston fan (after the leafs of course) I still wanted Vancouver to win. There is a sense of pride in bringing the cup back to Canada. I was a little upset at the outcome but I was still happy because my Bruins won. It was one crazy game in a sense that it wasn't crazy but just more the lack of intensity. I was getting so angry at the Canucks because they were playing horribly, they were not getting many chances and it didn't seem like they were even trying that hard. I didn't understand, this was game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. Thomas made the saves he needed to make and he fully deserved the Conn Smythe for his consistency and hard work. Everyone blamed Luongo but he didn't play too bad because the goals that were scored were not fully his fault. I am giving him a little too much credit since it wasn't his team that left with the Cup. Boston fully deserved this cup and I am really happy they won because they played really well all series. They were never blown out in Vancouver and those games could have easily gone the other way. The cup went to the team that worked the hardest and played the best. It also helps to have an amazing goalie. The thing I loved about the last game was that the refs kept their whistles in their pockets. There were only two to three penalties called the entire game when usually there should've. The refs let the two teams play hockey and allowed the better team to win. The part that really touched me the most was the end when the award ceremony happened. The Vancouver fans stayed and boo'd Gary Bettman but when Chara accepted the Cup there were huge cheers and applause that came from the Vancouver fans. This really shows the class of the Vancouver fans and the Canadians. In the states for the past few years that respect was not given. It wasn't until the next morning when I heard about the streets of Vancouver. I must tell you that you shouldn't believe everything that the media tells you. There are legitimate anarchists that come out and use these huge events as  an excuse to screw around and break windows and burn cop cars. With the thousands of people in the streets this was a perfect opportunity for thaws people to go out because the huge crowd would keep them safe and they would be able to do this without getting in trouble. You have to understand, most of the people who were rioting were not even Vancouver Canucks fans. I do agree that there might have been some drunk fans who saw others and wanted to have fun also but for the most part 'nucks fans have class and it is too bad that these idiots hurt their rep. At the moment that is all I have to say but soon is the NHL Awards in Vegas and that should be a fun time, I will make predictions for that and right now I am working on a mock draft for the upcoming NHL draft.

Hit on Raymond

I have another hit to talk about, I love writing about these stories but I wish I didn't have to. Last game Mason Raymond was sent into the boards awkwardly by Johnny Boychuk with only a few seconds into the game. It was one of the weirdest hits I have seen. Raymond was facing out while bent down when Boychuk drilled him into the boards. From replays you could tell that his back crunched and he laid on the ice for minutes almost paralyzed and was not able to put much weight on his legs while his team mates took him off. He left the rink on a stretcher and stayed in hospital when the doctor said he fractured his vertebrae. The hit was a little late and the puck was no where near Raymond when he got hit but he just went into the boards awkwardly. It is really too bad that Raymond got injured and they expect him to be out for four months at the best. But here is where the controversy begins, Boychuk never got a penalty for the late interference hit and he didn't get a suspension either. Boychuk should know by now about those types of hits, from a young age we all learn how to properly hit and we know we should be careful in what they call "The Danger Zone" that we should not be engaging in awkward hits in that zone. The fact is I know that the game is played at a fast pace but you also have to think, the hit happened in the first few seconds of the game. I also understand that Boston was excited and wanted to make a statement early but that is no excuse. You must be careful this is a fast game and believe it or not these guys do have respect for each other out there but the main priority is safety. I cannot believe that Boychuk did not get suspended for this incident, even the TSN panel backed up the decision not to suspend him. I mean hits like those lead to injury and just because we are trying to eliminate hits to the head and it wasn't a hit to the head doesn't mean that they shouldn't suspend him. Not only that but they suspended Aaron Rome on the hit on Horton in game three for four games and the fact that they didn't suspend Boychuk is just stupidity. It's not even about making it fair anymore it is about the game of hockey and keeping everyone safe. It can be frustrating when stuff like that happens, especially for Vancouver getting embarrassed on the road three times but not only that but these finals have been the biggest gong show ever and while the game on wed should be good it will be a hard fought blue collar game it's not what we are used to on Chicago, Pittsburgh or Detroit. But none the less Vancouver will be down a very important player and so will Boston and I think this game will be the game that makes everyone forget about the rest of the series and yes that means that I think the Cup is coming to Canada (whether you interpret that as Vancouver or the Canadian players on Boston is up to you).

Leafs Re-Sign

Carl Gunnarsson was re-signed by the Leafs today for two years, not sure yet for how much yet. Gunnarsson was on a rookie contract this year after playing a few years in Sweeden. He was picked 189th overall in 2007. He has been a great defensman for the leafs tha past two years. Looks like we got a Detroit type draft pick.

Game 6 tonight

Game 6 starts tonight and it will be a good one. Both teams are ready to give it their all. It is all or nothing for the Bruins. Expect both teams to play as if it is a game 7. Those who are saying that Vancouver doesnt really care about this game because they can just go home and win game seven must pause. Just remember the three games that have been in Vancouver this sereis. 1-0, 3-2, 1-0, those were close games and anything can happen. Last night the Dallas Mavricks won the NBA title it was in five games after being down 2-0 in the series. This has been the first time since 2003 (i beleive) that the NBA finals ended before the NHL. Another fact is that whatever team won the title would win the MVP trophy, the mavs won so Dirk won MVP but if the heat won then Lebron would have won. I think we have the same situation here with our finals. Whatever team takes the title whether it be tonight or wed. that team will also claim the Conn Smythe. Luongo for Vancouver and Thomas for Boston. If Boston wins the Cup this year it will be the second time in as many years that an Original six team will break their 40+ cup drought (1972 was last), and if Vancouver wins they will win on their 40th aniversary and will be the first time since Anaheim in 07 that a franchise will wins its first Stanley Cup.

P.S i am forcing my buddy to do the recap of this game so expect something not from me tommorow

Update

First off I will apologize because I have not posted recaps for the last two games but me and my buddy have been so busy with exams we just have not had the time. For the most part there hasnt even been much other than the two games to talk about so i will give you a really short update incase you live in a hole but mostly to get another post on my blog. So as you all should know Boston won game 4 and Vancouver won game 5 and the next game is tommorow in Boston. Both teams have played very well at home while also not playing very well away. And after Vancouver got embarrassed in Boston, they went home and regrouped. I feel like Game six will be the best game yet. Vancouver got their shit together and wont back down next game. There was lots of debate in the media about starting Luongo for game five but the team didn't hesitate with leaving Luongo in. In my opinion it was great that Luongo started because if ge hadn't. There would be no going back because he would just be lost, but if you give him the opportunity to go back home and start over. It turned out great for Luongo because ge won with a shutout. I'm sure the first time Vancouver went into Boston they were a little cocky going in with the 2-0 series lead. You can bet that this time it will be different. I'm starting to like this series because it's different. I thought that it would be the best series ever at the beginning but now I think that it will be one of the most memorable, and it isn't even over yet. The two teams have started some sort of Rivalry and I like it t, the jawing the fighting the biting. Even Thomas and Luongo have been exchanging words through the media. It is always great to see these two teams fight this hard. It is so competitive and I love to see the passion and drive to succed. You know these guys want this and they wont give up. It is always great hockey when that happens and I love it.

ESPN announced a report the other day saying that the NHL is postponing the Heritage Classic next season. I would be very disappointed if this was true. I love outdoor hockey and it always makes me upset when the NHL keeps having the games in the states when every year there is allways concerns with the weather. Last year in Calgary no one ever had concerns for the weather. No one knows why the NHL is thinking of canceling it this year. Another note on that is we could have another candidate for a heritage Classic next in in Winnipeg in the Blue Bombers Stadium. And last note is that there is speculation that the Winter Classic will be in Philadelphia against the Rangers. And yea I have lots of provlems with that but we will leave today's update at that. Goodnight.

Reims signs extension deal

1 800 Reim Stoppers, Optimus Reim, Reim Minister of Defense are names given to Leafs goalie James Reim but now you can start calling him multi million dollar Reimer. Yea it doest have a good ring like the others but he nor the rest of the Maple Leafs organization care. Today Reimer signed a three year $5.4 million dollar deal. Reimer played absolutely amazing last year for the leafs taking the starting role from Giguere in the second half of the season. He was consistant and made some of the best saves I have ever seen in my life. Reimer deserves this deal more than anyone after winning most games for the Leafs last year. There has been lots of criticism from the media talking about how he will not be as good next year but Don Cherry and I believe that he will be even better. Last year Reimer was quoted saying that he doesnt think he deserves the $600,000 for playing hockey while people are working a lot harder and not even making half as much. Players and staff say that he is a really nice kid. If Reimer stays consistent and plays well and works hard this offseason, there is no reason why he can't be the number one goalie for the Leafs and also be one of the best in the League. 

Hit on Horton

Hit on Horton 
Alright so everyone has been talking about the late hit on Nathan Horton the other night. I have heard fans from both sides of the spectrum but here are my thoughts after watching the game live. Nathan Horton skated through the Neutral zone made a pass, watched it took a few strides then he got hit by Vancouver defenseman Aaron Rome. I saw the hit about ten times after and then ten times this morning. Here are my thoughts on the actual hit. The hit was a clean hit from the shoulders to the chest of Horton. There was no contact with the head. The hid was clean but it was very late and that is why Rome got the interference penalty but the reason why he got a Game Misconduct was because of what happened after the hit. Horton was moving really really fast and then he had collided which forced a fast stop and a swing back of the neck. Because he stopped with such a huge force the force coming back forced his neck back. That is why we saw the neck snap back which is why everyone thought it was a hit to the head.  But we can't fully blame Rome for Horton's injury. Nathan Horton watched his pass as he skated through the neutral zone which made him unaware of the hit. As a professional hockey player you should know but that is easy for me to say right now while he is sitting in a hospital bed. Now do I believe that Rome deserved that four game suspension that would put him out for the rest of the series? Well I do for the reason because the NHL is trying to get rid of hits like these and also getting rid of injuries. This would be a great way of the NHL sending a message to all the players, coaches, referees and staff. It really sucks for Rome because he has to sit out for four games now because of a clean hit that was a few seconds too late. But then it really sucks for Horton to miss the rest of the finals. So you have to look at it both ways to be fair. Both teams are down a player so it seems fair. 

Anyone that wants to make a comment please do below 

Speechless

Speechless
Wait a second were we watching a Stanley Cup finals game or a lopsided AHL exhibition game. I mean come on. I wanted more goals but not like that. I am a leafs fan at heart but more importantly I love watch good Hockey and that was not good hockey. The game was spirited thanks to Aaron Rome's hit on Nathan Horton (TSN turning point) after that hit the game just seemed to get good. The Bruins were pissed especially Thornton, there were tons of great scoring chances and Luongo was stopping everything (at the beginning of the game). it was great. Boston finally scored after Vancouver killed off a five minute penalty but it was inevitable that Boston would score. But something went wrong, somewhere between watching the game and studying for my exam Luongo decided to stop saving shots while Timmy continued to role around in his crease somehow saving shots. And all of a sudden some sort of GongShow ensued. There were scrums in the corner with Lucic feeding his fingers to Burrows and there was also the very rare fight in the Stanley Cup finals. Well I think if you watched the game you know what happened after that and can probably explain it better than I can but what in the hell happened? Luongo completely lost it, would have been better to have Toskala or Raycroft in net. The whole team blew it though. Brandon Shanahan has been on the job for only a few days now and he has had to make some important decisions. Let's hope he makes the right one tonight and he will learn quickly that he can never make everyone happy in this job, and I don't think free Dove for Men will help either ( inside joke don't worry if you don't get it). The rest of the game just refer to the title.

Hey Craig Hartsburg made his return to the NHL with an assistant coaching job in Calgary. The Yotes also signed Labarbara(G) to a two year deal.

Just a thought

This is more of a comment, I have been thinking about it since the end of game one in the Stanley Cup Finals this year. This sport has had a history of slow stupid uninteresting hockey. I have always been interested in the history of hockey. People always argue about where hockey played it's first game. I personally think that the first game was at McGill in Montreal (yea I know damn habs) and here is the reason why I believe that, that was the first place to hold a hockey game. The McGill rugby team decided to get some sticks and a rubber disc and slap it around between two wickets. The interesting part about that was for the first 30 years the players could not pass the puck forewards just like rugby. This as you can tell made hockey very slow. It wasn't until the 1910s when two brothers Lester and Frank Patrick wanted to change the game so they created the Pacific Coast Hockey League. But the rules that they changed were that Goalies were aloud to dive and fall on the puck and they also aloud players to pass the puck forward. These guys were true visionaries and they completely changed the game forever. Let's jump ahead to the 70s the time of the Broad Street Bullies. These goons changed the game by slowing it down a lot. They proved that you didn't need much skill to win a hockey game, just a strong right hand. Remember these were the guys that slowed down THE RED ARMY! these guys were hit and smashed so hard they quit. Just recently the NJ Devils created the deadliest defense ever. The trap with Scott Stevens, Scott Neidermayer, and Martin Brodeur. These guys single handedly won them the cup three times. All they had to do was score one goal and they would win the game. They lived by "defense wins championships" and hell it did. But now we have Team Thomas vs. Team Luongo forget Chara, forget Kesler, forget the Sedins. It's a goalies final.

Game 2 recap Part. 1

Remember last year in the finals when Niemi and Leighton were the starting goaltenders. We all thought that the role of the goalie in the playoffs wasn't how it used to be and that you didn't need a great goalie to win the Cup. Well I guess Luongo and Thomas have proved us all wrong this year by stealing the show. For anyone else that believes that the finals this year have been really boring, you can thank those two. And well you can also say that it has been quite slow because of the defense on both sides and the lack of offense. Boston wins games with defense and while Vancouver finds ways of getting things done offensively, they have not done so thus far. Apart from the lone goal coming with 18 seconds to go in the first goal and the game winning goal 11 seconds into overtime not much excitement going on. Let's expect this to continue on throughout the finals if Vancouver keeps winning then "don't fix what ain't broke". Boston really needs to step it up for when they go home on Monday to play game 3. The main problem I'd seen with Boston was that they were not moving their feet, they didn't want the puck and as Don Cherry said Vancouver just skated by the boston defense sometimes but they were just stopped by Thomas. Timmy needs to learn to stay in his crease, he was easily 3-4 feet out when 
Burrows faked around him and scored the gwg. 

In other news today Winnipeg completely sold out their season ticket drive in less than 10 after tickets were being sold online. The name of the team will probably be announced in the next few days now. True North also got rid of Rick Dudley today and are now looking for s new coach and GM. 

2011 Scouting Combine

The NHL scouting combine has been taking place for the last two days in Toronto. This event gives the best draft eligable players the oportunity to show the scouts and General Managers of the NHL teams what they've got. Yesterday was Interview day where the top players met up with each NHL team to discuss their intentions for the future. This is a long and intimidating day for these prospects who meet up with their future bosses. Today was the Combine, where the prospects did pushups, situps, standing vertical jump and standing long jump. Some of the main prospects at the Combine that scouts are focusing on are Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Adam Larson, Jonathan Huberdeau, Sean Couturier, Gabriel Landeskog,  Ryan Strome and Ryan Murphy. Each of these players are trying to increase their ranking in the NHL Central Scouting. It is interesting because some scouts think that the Combine doesnt change their views on the players on ice performance and stats. Some players even opt out of the Combine with the opinion that it is useless. Taylor Hall last year days after he won the Memorial Cup for the second year in a row opted out of the combine. At the moment I am working on a mock draft for the blog. I should be finnished before the Draft at the end of June. I will give each team starting with Edmonton (Ending hopefully with Vancouver woot!) a player who I think they would/should pick.

Update

Update 
Lots of news floating around but none big enough for a single post so let's just have a Thursday night update. First of all like I said this is going to be a lot of work so what I did was I brought in my buddy to help me out with some posts. He will mostly be doing game recaps for the Stanley Cup Finals. This will still be my blog, but it will be good to have other input as well. 

So there was some stupid controversy after last nights game when Alex Burrows bit the finger of Patrice Bergeron. Media thought he should be suspended but the league made the right call and said that there was no real evidence that Burrows bit Bergeron's finger. I think it is stupid that they would even have to think about suspending him. I mean it's not like there was intent to injure because he was biting his finger not slashing him across the head.
The Dallas Stars announced that they will not be resigning Brad Richards. This will leave him open for free agency on July 1st. Being a Leafs fan, this could be the man we have been looking for, Brad Richards is a top center man who is able to work with the team around him and especially younger players. He could be the veteran presence we need and also someone who has won a Cup (TBL '04). The main and most important problem  is that he cost way too much money and the Leafs are bot willing to pay that at this time. He will Likely end up in the Rangers organization for the next few years. Last years Kovalchuk will be this years Richards.
Roman Polack was resigned by the St. Louis Blues for five years at $13.5 million. Polack is a defenseman who is very consistent for the Blues. He is an important player with an important role, he never gets much attention which is great because that means that he is never making any mistakes. Police knows his role on the team he has played for the blues since he was drafted by them. Most teams don't have any of these players and they are a key part of a hockey team. The blues are lucky to secure him for five more years. 
Winnipeg is now focusing on trying to sell seasons tickets in the last two days the Winnipeg team has already sold over 4,000 seasons tickets. True North is pushing for 13,000 before the end of June. 
And finally Crosby is finally getting ready for next season. He was just cleared to start off ice workouts. He has been sidelined since getting a concussion in early January during and after the Winter Classic. 

Game 1 Recap

The first game of the finals was a both exciting and boring game. Last night I watched the game from Boston Pizza with a bunch of my buddies. And when I wasn't focus in on wolfing down pizza and wings I was focused in on the game. The game didn't turn out the way I predicted but  I somehow knew that it wouldn't. Both teams played very conservative it was slow at times with maybe a few good hits here and there. Both teams were very defensive and the goalies both put on a show. Luongo made an amazing save early on. The very few scoring chances were easily picked off by the goalies. Vancouver was able to kill of the many and long penalty kills while their power plays were decent. A lot of dump and chase was made by Vancouver and most of the time their player was the first one on the puck which was good but he usually went in alone and was not able to create any offense from it. In my opinion neither team played all that well. It was almost as if the Neutral zone was an "Extreme Caution Zone". It wasn't until the last 18 seconds of the game that someone went through the blueline with speed. Raffi Torres tips in a pass with 18.5 to go in the game. He score the only goal of the game and the third of the playoffs.

Colin Campbell stepping down

With all the news coming from the NHL you would think that it would mostly be about the Finals going on. But it has proved to be not so. Today Colin Campbell, the Head Disciplinarian of the NHL is stepping down and handing over the reigns to ex-NHLer Brandan Shanahan. Colin Campbell has been criticized this season for not being fair in handing out suspensions after the league had implemented a head shots rule at the beginning of the season. The most criticism came after Gregory Campbell's (Colin Campbell's son) hit to the head. The suspension was thought to be handed out unfairly. I think that professionally It is hard for him to have a job when personal issues can be involved. Professionally He should have stepped down before he embarrassed himself, his son, and the league. Campbell will still retain his job as Director of Hockey Operations. Bettman agreed that 13 years in that position was a long time and there needed to be change. The man who will be taking his spot is a very smart man, with all of the insight and ways that he has been trying to change the game for the better since he retired. Shanahan should fit great in this role because he is still quite young and understands the modern game that is todays NHL. In the last year Shanahan pitched an idea for the All Star Game, which was to introduce a draft. The idea was taken well and it was eventually implemented. This was one of the first times that Shanahan stepped up, and the board of governors must have liked him. Shanahan will start the job next season.

Trade

Rangers Acquire

Tim Erixon

5th round

Flames Acquire

Roman Horack

2nd round

2nd round

Game 1 tonight

The Boston Bruins and the Vancouver Canucks faceoff tonight in game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals at 8PM Eastern time on CBC. Now this is the Stanley Cup finals and as i said before i wouldn't be doing much predicting but it is the Finals so why not. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a diehard Leafs fan but i had always put the Bruins second. This year for some reason i feel like i should cheer for the 'nucks. It could be because they are Canadian and i desperatly want a Canadian team to win, or it could be because I truely beleive that they should win the Cup because they have a great team and realy deserve the Cup this year. It is actually amazing I watched the Chicago-Vancouver series in the playoffs for the past three years and for the first two years i cheered for Chicago. It has been the best hockey I have ever seen in my life, and as a fan it is awesome to watch. But after the Hawks won the Cup last year ( and got rid of most of their team) I felt it was Vancouver's turn at a shot for the Cup. The two years prior Vancouver was still a very good team , and coming out of those series' with the Hawks, they just got better. This season they proved that they we not going to stop pushing with a Presidents Trophy and their momentum didn't stop durring the playoffs. They proved that they were a Cup winning team by just blowing through the playoffs. Every part of their team goaltending, defence, offense, special teams, faceoffs, every aspect of the game was untouchable. the only flaw in the 'nucks I saw in the last round was taking penalties. Vancouver took way too many stupid penalties. I am not sure if it was just the refs in this series because even the sharks took penalties but in the Bruins-Lightning series there was no penalties at all. Boston will come in and play a hard game but i still think that Vancouver is the better team. Thomas is an amazing goalie and it would be tough for Vancouver to get goals but as long Boston won't take any penalties, then they should be fine. The score of the game tonight will be 6-2 for Vancouver.