My massive overstatement of a title notwithstanding, I did manage to get one of my tweets quoted in the Washington Post over the weekend. I grew up on the Washington Post. I read it every day. Tony Kornheiser was the man (although, so were these guys). I dreamed of writing a sharp, witty, insightful column that people clamored for every Tuesday and Thursday. I'm not counting anything in the Style section.
Instead, I started a blog. And I'm pretty sure that I'm now only 7,852 page views behind an average Kornheiser post. I guess you can call that progress. In the virtual world there are ample opportunities for fame, its just that now, the time frame has dropped from 15 mintues to 15 seconds. It's much easier that way. My "fame" had come and gone before I even knew about it. I didn't have to deal with the paparazzi since 1. they don't care and 2. they have no idea what I look like since I'm just a screen name. Sure, Kornheiser has a byline, a cable show, a national weekly prime time sporting event and tons of money. But has he ever had one of his tweets published (online) in the Washington Post. Well, I'm not actually sure, but I'm going to say no since he probably thinks twitter is idiotic.
Well Tony, it feels pretty damn good. Maybe not as good as that first time you were published in the print version of the Post. But we digital now, baby, and my backhanded jab at Marc-André Fleury's soul patch is the only thing people seem to be discussing. Sure its only the three other people in my cube, but they're talking a lot. Oh wait, they stopped. It's already been 15 seconds. That was quick.
The playoffs progress. Two game sevens are scheduled for tomorrow. Two game sixes commenced last night and two more are ongoing at this moment. For the pure hockey fan the daylight hours signify a waiting, a need, only satiated when the puck hits the ice later that night. But those fans live for the purity of the sport. They are the ones who will come home or go out and default to watching hockey. Those fans don't need their team to be playing to love the game. It helps. But since so many of those fans live in Toronto, they aren't used to seeing their team in the playoffs. It doesn't matter since they are just as happy to root against Montreal. Or maybe they will pull for Vancouver because of some OHL connection or because their grandkid lives in Pentiction,BC or some other city somewhere. Those are true hockey fans.
While those fans might need hockey as much as hockey needs them, they aren't as invested as Aunt Edna living in New Jersey right now who's not totally sure what icing is but is damn sure that Zach Parise is cute. Now I may not agree with her about Parise, but I will admit that such passion for an NHL team is what the playoffs are all about. They are supposed to insprire those fans that some call 'bandwagon' to rally behind their team. They are supposed to inspire a city. They are supposed to make Raleigh, NC and Calgary, AB scary places to visit. They are supposed to make you hoarse at work the next day. They are supposed to make you appreciate all those years your team missed out.
Tomorrow night will feature the first two game sevens of the 2009 playoffs. Four cities will watch and hang on every hit and every shot. On Wednesday some of those residents will go to work and get coffee and prepare for the rest of the year without the thought of hockey. Other fans will prepare for another series, another test of emotions and another step toward The Cup. And still others will be devastated. They may miss work. They may just exist in a haze. But they will survive. They will graviate back midway in the second round after the scars aren't as raw.
Some city will suffer. That is what game seven does. It ensures elimination. One team will exit. I just hope it isn't mine.
Michael Pivonka was the first person who ever tried to teach me to skate backwards. I had no idea what he was saying. I didn't understand a word. I had never played hockey and had no context for what he was trying to explain. His accent didn't help either, but it didn't matter. I was hooked.
That was in 1987. It was at Washington Capitals hockey camp. At the end of the week I got a Certificate of Completion signed by David Poile and Yvon Labre. I got my picture taken with future Hall-of-Famer Scott Stevens and I learned that you could actually play hockey if you lived below the Mason-Dixon line.
It's interesting and amazing to see the way the residents of the DC Metro area have started supporting the Caps. It helps that they have Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, Semin and are playing as good as ever but these seeds were sewn a long time ago.
Hockey didn't just sprout in Washington, Virginia and Maryland overnight. It's been growing for a long time. The Capitals have always been active in that regard. They allowed for the creation of a hockey community and then they fostered it and watched it grow.
They are responsible for more than just putting a great team out on the ice this year. They are responsible for having made a 34-year investment in a city and in a metro area that has not only grown as an NHL community, but as a overall hockey community. And the Caps are responsible for that growth. The Caps are also directly responsible for turning out some great hockey players.
Caps fans should be proud of what the 2008-2009 team has accomplished, but they should be just as proud as what the team has accomplished for the hockey community in and around the District since they entered the league.
Unfortunately, I did find a couple photos from some of those years at Caps camp. They might be a little embarrassing, but it could’ve been worse than just the bowl cut. I could've been sitting next to Larry Murphy.
The trade deadline is approaching, the final quarter of the season is drawing near and it's officially time for the same old questions to begin. Who will make the playoffs? Who will miss the playoffs? Why are they still running those terrible commercials on the NHL Network? How is the playoff seeding determined? And, what is the NHL's tie-breaking formula if teams have the same number of points at the end of the regular season?
Here is the breakdown of how the standings will be determined for each Conference at the conclusion of the regular season, determined in accordance with the following priorities in the order listed:
a) First place in each of the three (3) divisions seeded 1, 2, and 3. b) The higher number of points earned by the Club. c) The greater number of games won by the Club. d) The higher number of points earned in games against each other among two (2) or more Clubs having equal standing under priority (b) and (c) ** e) The greater differential between goals scored for and against by Clubs having equal standing under priority (d).
** NOTE: For the purpose of determining standing under priority (d) for two or more tied Clubs that have not played an even number of games with one or more of the other tied Clubs, the first game played in the city that has the extra game (the “odd game”) shall not be included. When more than two Clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any “odd games”) shall be used to determine standing.
That's it, plain and (relatively) simple. Don't worry, the playoffs will be here before you know it.
The 1980s were an amazing time for NHL hockey. Those who lived through it will never forget those dynasty teams that dominated the league. Those who didn't lived through it should go out and buy some DVDs because there is much to be appreciated. Watching Gretzky and Bossy on YouTube doesn't quite do them justice. There are so many other great players and Hall-of-Famers from those two teams it's almost unbelievable.
History was being made during this decade. Legends were being created by young men who would one day become immortal. Records were set that may never be broken. And the league, after mergers, expansion and realignment had begun to look more similar to the one fans now know.
It was the heyday of hockey to most that remember it. It was a great time for a great league, great players, and the greatest of teams.
Below is the continuation of the Stanley Cup Championship Ring galley featuring the rings of the 1980s.
Calgary Flames 1989 Stanley Cup Ring
Edmonton Oilers 1988 Stanley Cup Ring
Edmonton Oilers 1987 Stanley Cup Ring
Montreal Canadiens 1986 Stanley Cup Ring
Edmonton Oilers 1985 Stanley Cup Ring
Edmonton Oilers 1984 Stanley Cup Ring
New York Islanders 1983 Stanley Cup Ring
New York Islanders 1982 Stanley Cup Ring
New York Islanders 1981 Stanley Cup Ring
New York Islanders 1980 Stanley Cup Ring
Coming Next...Stanley Cup Championship Rings of the 70s
The 1990s will forever be remembered as the decade that wasn't as weird and crappy as the 80s but lacked all the awareness and accountability of the new millennium. My mayor was still doing crack, MC Hammer still had his sweet pants, Dylan from 90210 still had his less sweet sideburns, neon had made way for denim and the NHL had no problem with letting Craig MacTavish skate around looking like Bob Ross with a stick. We had no idea what we were doing to the planet and George W. Bush was just one of five guys who owned a baseball team in Texas. It was a great decade.
It was an even better decade for the those hockey players fortunate enough to obtain the most prized jewelry in the game. No I'm not talking about those limited edition Larry Murphy belt buckles. I'm talking about a Stanley Cup Championship Ring.
Below is the continuation of the Stanley Cup Championship Ring galley featuring the rings of the 1990s.
Stanley Cup Championship Rings - The New Millenium
As the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach thoughts drift to visions of captains and legends raising the cup as teammates circle around to join in the realization of their childhood dream. Nothing else in professional sports carries with it the magnitude of watching the cup hoisted in the culmination a life-long pursuit by the the greatest hockey players in the world. Those lucky enough to have their name engraved on the cup are guaranteed to have it there for at least 64 years, but one day it will be removed to make way for other champions.
One thing that will never be taken away from any player is his Stanley Cup Championship Ring. Each one is unique for each team, each city, each individual, each era, and each cup. And it is in the spirit of what it symbolizes that therinkrat.com has compiled the below gallery of Stanley Cup Championship Rings. This post has rings going back to 2000 and is the first of many posts in this series. New posts will be made regularly featuring new decades and new rings.
Detroit Red Wings 2008 Stanley Cup Ring
Anaheim Ducks 2007 Stanley Cup Ring
Carolina Hurricanes 2006 Stanley Cup Ring
Season Not Played
Tampa Bay Lightning 2004 Stanley Cup Ring
New Jersey Devils 2003 Stanley Cup Ring
Detroit Red Wings 2002 Stanley Cup Ring
Colorado Avalanche 2001 Stanley Cup Ring
New Jersey Devils 2000 Stanley Cup Ring
Coming soon...Stanley Cup Championship Rings of the 90s
As much as the game has changed over the last 50+ years it will always remain the same in so many ways. This film is a reminder that all the new technology, expensive advertising, rule changes, salary negotiations and other modifications will never alter what we all truly love about hockey.
It could have been just one of those fights where two guys tussle, don't really get in a good punch and fall to the ground. And it was...until the end.
Why don't most snipers fight? Well most people probably think it's because they don't want to break a hand, or a nail, or maybe it's a more logical matter like coach doesn't want them wasting their time in the penalty box.
Well, Alexander Semin provides his own answer to that question. He shows us that he just, straight-up, doesn't know how to punch horizontally. Apparently he can throw a temper tantrum or play the bongos, or throw a lower-cut, but whatever it is, its ugly.
At some point this season the question will need to be addressed. Based on pondering and musings throughout the Nation’s Capital I am under the impression that the question has already been raised. What are the Washington Capitals going to do about their goalie situation? I think most hockey fans understand that I’m not talking about Brent Johnson.
I write this as a former goalie and a lifelong Olaf Kolzig fan. Olie did more for the Caps than all the Murray’s put together, but even I could admit that his reflexes were diminishing and his reaction time has been slowing the past few years. He was, however, and still is, twice the goalie that Jose Theodore is. And at this same point last season, the Caps had a better starting goalie between the pipes.
The saving difference (no pun intended) this season has been the impressive play of Brent Johnson. He only seems to get better each year, drawing praise from coach Boudreau who believes Johnson to be “…better than he was when he was 25 and he’s better than when he was 29.” That sounds like improvement. Just have a look at his stats with the Caps.
At 31, Johnson is off to the best start of his tenure with the Caps and seems to be making the most of his opportunities. After acquiring Cristobal Huet at the trade deadline, Johnson was the odd man out, demoted to third string, and his future with the organization appeared uncertain.
But all that improvement does nothing for the Theodore situation. At this point it can be called a “situation”. With a 3.44 GAA, a .877 SV%, and a $4.5^ salary you are indeed in a double-quotation mark “situation”. And without some luck, some Russians and an overachieving backup your team is in a “situation” as well.
It doesn’t take a goalie coach to tell you that his angles are off and his confidence is lower than his save percentage. I have nothing against him and I don’t know anyone that does. But after over a decade with Olie as the starting goalie, the fans in Washington expect to have one of the best keepers in the game. And, as of this writing, their highest paid goalie isn’t the best on the team, let alone the league.
Brent Johnson is set to make only $812,500^ this year. With the salary cap being a concern for the Caps this year, it has to do be disappointing when the goalie on the bench makes 5.5 times the goalie on the ice. And if you don’t think he is serious about staying the number one goalie look at his media photo. Now that says “serious”.
Can Jose turn it around? Yes he can, but thus far in the season his numbers are dismal and his approval rating would be on par with the guy down the road from the Verizon Center. And if he doesn’t turn things around, I don’t see any reason why the Caps wouldn’t look to trade him. Sure salary cap room is tight, but if he doesn’t improve I wouldn’t even want him as a backup. In Theodore’s defense, the season is young, and he’s not that old. He should have plenty of pad saves left in him. Hopefully, for his sake and the caps, those saves don’t have to come in the minors
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^ hockeybuzz.com *current season, through 11/12/08
No other aspect of hockey encompasses the intensity, insanity and individuality of the goaltender like the goalie mask. Unless you have suited up between the pipes yourself it is difficult to gain insight into the mind of these unique individuals. Even if you have spent the seemingly endless minutes putting on all that equipment, one can almost guarantee that your mind works entirely different than anyone else who plays the same position. For those of you fascinated with the history of the goalie mask, the design, or the motivation behind some of the artistic decisions, you are in luck.
To celebrate the anniversary of Jacques Plante becoming the first NHL goalie to regularly wear face protection, the NHL has compiled a collection of information and imagery to salute these popular padded protectors.
Featuring a brief explanation about the design along with some rich visual imagery the NHL has compiled an impressive collection that any goalie enthusiast will relish.
DISCLAIMER: Insight into the mind of a goaltender may result in confusion, disorientation, night terrors, overheating, and in extreme cases could possibly lead to a fear of Jonathan Toews.
The notable philosopher George Santayana once said that "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." And for the first time since coincidental penalties were reverted back to a 4 on 4 affair, the NHL it seems like the it has recognized that the present may not be an improvement over the past. While many of the post-lockout changes have clearly improved the quality of the NHL product, the current, regionally-intense schedule has been a topic of debate since its initial inception. Feedback from fans and players alike has prompted the league to change the format for next year's 2008-2009 NHL season, which will adopt the following structure:
24 divisional games (3 home/3 away vs. each team in division) 40 in-conference games, but outside division (2 home/2away vs. other 10 teams) 15 non-conference games (1 game vs. each team, alternating home/away yearly) 3 non-conference "at-large" games
The new NHL Players' Association executive director Paul Kelly explains the motivation behind the new scheduling format as reported by tsn.ca:
"The reason the players feel this is one; they're tired of seeing the same guys week after week," Kelly explained to reporters on Thursday. "(And) two; they believe the fans in their buildings want to see the star players in other teams and they themselves would like to like to see other cities."
The current schedule, its third and final year, will go the way of the Dodo, the Cuban Spider Monkey and the Emperor rat. It seems unlikely that anyone will miss the schedule as much as those extinct animals but one never knows. Maybe New York area residents have enjoyed the ability to see so many Devils, Rangers and Isles games in such close proximity. Although, on second thought, it might be easier to fly from Newark to Chicago as it would be to drive from Newark to Uniondale for an after work game.
As the league continues to undergo the transformation in the post-lockout era we see the torch being passed from the old guard to the new. Sakic, Modano, and Roenick will soon be sitting behind the bench instead of on it. Maybe they will be watching the game from the same perspective as Steve Yzerman and Garth Snow now watch. Or maybe they will sit at the studio desk as they analyze the moves of their former teammates like Ray Ferarro. Regardless of the new location, the veteran stars of today are beginning to make way for the stars of tomorrow. Sakic, Modano and Roenick will soon be Stastny, Jokinen, and Cheechoo. The transition has already begun, but most casual fans still aren't aware of this new crop of rising stars. This new feature, "Noteworthy Nights", is an attempt to educate the causal fan about those stars who don't yet shine as bright in the hockey universe.
Last night, Jussi Jokinen had one of those performances few are capable of in the NHL. Any time a players nightly performance summary is followed by, "the last person to accomplish that was Brett Hull", it usually means he had a good night. If you consider 4 goals a good night, then we are on the same page. If you don't, well then you are probably too good for your beer league and need to find a new team.
Jokinen actually scored more goals last night (again, 4) than he had previously the entire season (3) and he ended the night with even more goals than the most prolific goal scorer in US history with 7 (Modano has 5 goals this season).
After putting up 48 (14g, 34a) last year, and 55pts (17g, 38a) during his 2005-2006 rookie season it looks as if he's in good shape to improve upon those numbers this year. Considering his 7 goals have come in just 18 games, I say that improvement is likely to occur. There are always those moments where young, improving players get the opportunity to show the league that they are ready to be considered in the next tier of NHL players. Jussi Jokinen looks as if he's ready for some consideration.
The goals and the post-game interview can been seen below.
Tis the season. The All-Star season that is. That time when all the kids gather round the computer and submit their votes for the starting five (plus a goalie) in each conference. Back in the day, before hanging chads were an issue, I remember going to the games and filling in Don Beaupre over and over as a write-in vote. No longer is that the case; and not simply because Beaupre is no longer in the league.
Now we live in an online world. No, I don't mean Second-life. I mean a world where ten clicks of the mouse determine the starting lineup and no longer ten punches with a golf pencil.
So take up your mice, click ten times and see if your vote determined the All-Stars.
With the opening of the Devils' Prudential Center come new dreams, limitless expectations, fond memories of past eras, and statistics. Heaps of statistics, and not statistics, but facts and figures as well. Ah, statistics, facts and figures, you gotta love the joy they accomplish in their simplicity. The answer to the question yet to be asked, just waiting for something to happen so they can be relevant and important. The magical unsung hero of so many sports, which appeal to the repressed mathematician or burgeoning historian in us all.
Who scored the last goal at Continental Airlines arena? Who scored the first goal there? Who scored the first goal at the new Prudential Center? Who scored the first goal in the McNichols Sports Arena? Who cares?
The answers are irrelevant. But in case you're just that curious they are as follows: Scott Gomez, Don Lever, Andrej Meszaros, Larry Skinner and possibly you. The point remains that they are out there just waiting to be uncovered like an ancient artifact. Maybe you don't care, but I find it extremely interesting that in 1974 Yvon Labre scored the first goal at what was then called the Capital Centre (as eulogized by Tony Kornheiser). I spent many games throughout my younger years sitting in that arena wondering why his number hung above me. Apparently it was because he scored their first goal at home. Maybe there are a few more reasons, but I have yet to look that thoroughly through the yearbook.
Scoring the first goal in a new arena instantly places a player into the record books, regardless of what else he accomplishes in his career. Andrej Meszaros solidified his spot last Thursday night even if he never makes it back to the Stanley Cup Finals to get his name engraved on the Cup. That first goal in an arena can be as traumatic as Jari Kurri scoring the first at The Saddledome in Calgary. It can be as undeniably perfect as Milan Hejduk scoring the first goal at the Pepsi Arena in Denver less that two years before he would celebrate a Stanley Cup Championship with Ray Bourque and those same fans.
Going down the list of first goal scorers there are plently of other recognizable names: Al MacInnis at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, Anson Carter at the Staples Center in LA, Vincent Damphousse at Bell Centre in Montreal, and Steve Yzerman at GM Place in Vancouver. But there is an equally unimpressive list of guys who where at the right place at the right time, like Steve Washburn at the Verizon Center in DC, Krzysztof Oliwa at the Philips Arena in Atlanta or even the forgettable Bruce Gardiner who scored the first goal in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history at Nationwide Arena.
There is something special about the first goal in an arena. It creates an instant bond between player and rink, between record and book. Maybe that last one is a stretch, but whatever bond it does create became official between Andrej Meszaros and the Prudential Center last Thursday night. All that remains to be determined now is whether or not his name will be be in the "recognizable" column in another two decades. I'm guessing it will be.
According to a recently released Reuters article , "eight to 10 players are set to begin trials in mid-November" testing out a new technology of hockey skate blade geared not only to improve the speed of the game but ideally reduce fatigue among players as well.
The heated, yes heated, skate blade developed by Therma Blade Inc. of Verdun, Quebec reduces friction by heating the players' skate blade to just above freezing. That slight amount of melt creates a thin layer of water that acts as a lubricant for the blade and reduces friction between it and the ice.
Therma Blade Inc., which include Wayne Gretzky as one of its investors, accomplishes this revolutionary technological advancement though its inclusion of a microprocessor-regulated rechargeable battery attached to the blade by a tiny resistor. Try saying that three times fast.
Need more clarification? Take a look at the image below.
What do I think? Well I'm glad you asked. I don't think the NHL would be as great a game without goalie masks, curved blades, composite sticks, or any other of the less obvious improvements the game has made to help players compete at the highest levels. I see these skate blades as just another progression in the continuous evolution of the sport. Plus, there is also the fact that it's being endorsed by "The Great One".
Both of you reading this are probably wonding, "what happened to that good ole Sweater Showdown?" You, third person, who googled something else but ended up here and have no idea to that of which I refer are probably confused.
The Sweater Showdown consists of web site that features a bracketed competition where visitors are urged to vote on which “new” jersey he or she prefers. Although, I must mention that while at first it seemed like a novel idea it has now degraded into bupkis*. ___________________________________________________
Main Entry: bupkis Part of Speech: n Definition: something worthless; nothing ___________________________________________________
Why do I feel this way? What has tarnished the reputation of such a worthy attempt to combine the two great pastimes of hockey and bracketed competition? The answer to that question must be answered in two parts, each of which involves the other.
First, the Caps jersey lost. I’ll say it again. Bupkis. How can anything top what the Washington Capitals have done with their uniform this year? What? You don’t have an answer? That’s because there isn’t one. Nothing can top combining a slightly new design and classic colors with retro throwback foundation. I’m not even doing justice to what the organization was able to accomplish with the creation of their new jerseys. And yes, I mean new.
Which brings me to my second point. As the sweater showdown (yes, it has been downgraded to all lowercase) has reached the final four jerseys, it should be noted that all 4 of them are Original Six jerseys. Now, one could look at this as a good thing and take it as the voting public recognizes that the classics never need to change to be the best. And I probably would look at it the same way if the Blackhawks uniform hadn’t beat out the Caps. My issue centers more on the idea that none of the Original Six jerseys are new. They are classics, I get that, and in fact I agree, but they aren’t new. Sure the Bruins (barely) changed their font and the Hawks have different piping on their sweaters, but still, neither is actually new in a general sense.
Actually, based on that logic the Caps isn’t really new either but more a recognition of that which is classic. And I guess what I’m really saying is that they should be rewarded for that by winning the sweater showdown. At the end of the day though, it doesn’t matter. I’ll just pull on my sweet new Caps sweater with the big 8 on the back and be completely satisfied regardless of whether or not 58% of hockey fans would rather be wearing a Jonathan Toews jersey.
"bupkis." Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7). Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. 24 Oct. 2007. .
Even if you arrived here because you thought you were coming to an extermination site you need to take a look at this goal by Chicago Blackhawk's phenom rookie Jonathan Toews (TAYVES, JAWN-ah-thuhn).
It is an absolutely unforgettable goal by the 3rd overall pick in the 2006 NHL Draft that is on par with 'the goal' scored by Alex Ovechkin against Phoenix.
Attention citizens of Massachusetts, Vermont, Michigan and Minnesota: the NHL Network will soon be available in the United States. Am I forgetting any other states that actually watch hockey in America? New York and North Dakota? Ok I’ll give you those but that means I’ll have to pretend there are more than forty-three people in North Dakota with a TV.
Now I understand that the majority of the country will not care about the addition of the NHL Network to his or her broadcast provider. I also recognize that there are few people out that are going to name his or her first two children Gordie and Wayne like I am (regardless of the gender). Pardon the digression.
The point remains that it is somewhat noteworthy simply for the fact that Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, DIRECTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable even agreed to carry the network. The press release asserts that the NHL network will now be accessible to 75 million homes. 75 million? Amazing. The numbers of people not watching hockey programming available to them is going reach record numbers.
“NHL Network’s success in Canada has paved the way for the network’s launch in the U.S.,“ said Rick Brace, President, Revenue, Business Planning and Sports for CTV Inc.
Really? Because I didn’t see any other way it was going to end up coming down to the States. If it had tanked in Canada I can’t imagine anyone thinking, “well I didn’t work in up North, lets try the US.” But I still wonder if there isn’t a bit of flawed logic to it. Let’s take something where it’s most popular and introduce it to a group of people that would rather sit and watch a guy point at suitcases for an hour. Then again, I thought the Bruins, the Islanders and the Flyers would already be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs at this point in the season, so what do I know?
Look, I don’t mean to have a negative attitude toward hockey appreciation in the United States, but there is a reality that we hockey fans tend to overlook. Canadians love hockey, its their national game. When combined with the fact that the majority of US hockey fans are involved in the hockey community, it creates a warped sense of perception. Personally I don’t get why anyone, after watching even one period of a Pee-Wee game, wouldn’t agree that it’s the greatest sport in the world. But there remains an overwhelming amount of disrespect for the sport among Americans.
Every time I step out of my hockey-filled world and have conversations about the sport with the less enlightened majority I always seem to get the same response, “hockey is okay, I just don’t like to watch it.” That is something I just don’t understand. Sure, there are other reasons as well, but not enjoying watching it would definitely be number one if that question ever made it to Family Feud.
Which brings me back to my original point about being surprised the NHL Network is coming down from Canada like an illegally smuggled vegetable and will probably receive just as much fanfare. Although, as long as they show that clip of Terry O’Reilly going into the crowd to attack that guy everything could turn out all right.
Before I end this post I first have to admit that my personal feelings about this announcement boarder on orgasmic euphoria. Upon learning that is was not only coming, but coming in HD, I treated myself to a early skate sharpening just so I could talk about it with the guy at the pro shop. The sad part is, my skates weren’t even somewhat dull. Technorati Link
Predictions aren't unique to hockey. In fact, predictions aren't unique at all. Yet, year after year, people buy publications, watch in-depth analysis and fool themselves into believing that they are absorbing something different than they did the previous year.
Yes, I'm talking about you. Not only am I talking to both of you that actually watch hockey, but I'm also talking to you the football fan, you the basketball fan (of course I only mean college), and even to you the baseball fan. The only thing that really changes among predictions between sports is the positions.
The following generic predictions might clarify what I mean: [Please note: the below statements are intended to follow something like “Team X can be a (playoff, championship) team…]
[It helps if you can imagine someone with a scratchy, aged smokers voice narrating these predictions: think a cross between Tom Waits and Tom Sizemore]
1. If _______ can rebound from his injury that kept him out most of the season last year and become the leader his team needs.
2. If goalie _______ can step up this year and claim the number one goalie job.
3. If free agent ______ can have a career season and live up to his substantial contract.
4. With all the parity in the league (for parity, see NFL) due to the new financial structure, Team X needs youngsters _______ and _______ to prove that they matured in the off-season.
There are obviously more generic prediction formats, but I can’t cover them all during my lunch break. What really determines the quality of a prediction is the credibility of the predictee. No, “predictee” isn’t actually a real word, but I like it more than “predictor”. The point being that a well established writer or TV analyst could make a statement like, “all the Bruins’ need are a few guys to step up,” and people will believe it. While I could write that same comment, and it would be on par with me stating, “Emanuel Lewis had the potential to be a great power forward in the NBA.”
If you have decent credibility and either a cleanly shaved bald head, a grey-haired mullet, or had over 400 minutes of penalties during any season in the NHL (regardless of how long he actually lasted in the league), then almost anything you say about hockey becomes incontestable. And, it almost guarantees you a job with Versus.
Actually, I'd love to put one of the married Ducks on the spot and ask him how the Cup ring compares to his wedding ring. But,that just wouldn't be right.
Impressive ring though, I gotta admit it. Everyone except Emilio Estevez must be damn glad that logo got changed. I wonder if he got an honorary ring? He did technically lead the Ducks to their first championship.
Please note that the ring does make a reference to it being "California's First Cup". No, really? I was pretty sure the Golden Seals took the Penguins in seven games back in '69, but after actually looking at the facts it appears I'm wrong.
Only 50 copies were made of the version show below to give to the players, coaches and close personnel. More copies went out to other people throughout Anaheim but they're not as ritzy at this version:
You know you have an opinion regarding the new NHL jerseys. I know you do. With hockey fans, it's just to be expected. It doesn't mean that you like fashion, which doesn't insinuate that you like figure skating, which doesn't mean you should put a toe pick on your hockey skates. Not that there is anything wrong with that [see Brown, Bobby - My Prerogative]. Just like there is nothing wrong with ending a sentence with a preposition, right?
If you do have an opinion on jerseys and aren't afraid to admit it then I suggest you check out the jersey critiques written up by EKay: The Guy (Spin Columnist) and his gang of jersey junkies. Yes, I just busted out the term "jersey junkies". And, yes, I'm trademarking that shit.
EKay and the "Jersey Junkies"TMcritiques are broken down by conference, but even more exciting is the bracketed format being used to determine the eventual winner. I hate to admit it, but I'm a sucker for brackets.
Disclaimer: If you work for my employer, everything you are about to read is pure fiction. At no point during my employment with said company have I, or would I, ever waste time doing anything but working diligently and efficiently.
Columbus Day treated me well, very well.
I watched hockey all afternoon. I did. And it felt damn good. Was I at home? Did I take the day off? No, not at all, I was at work all day. Then how did I watch hockey you ask? Well, I'll pretend you asked.
Apparently Center Ice became available online this year. If you are unfamiliar with Center Ice, you're either 1. Not a hockey fan, or 2. Someone living in the same general area as you were when you were born. If #2 sounds like you, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that as long as you have HDTV. If you don't have a HDTV and you love hockey I recommend you either get one or start frequenting bars that have one. Although it might be cheaper to just by your own, and probably healthier.
The video quality was impressive. It never lagged or even did anything frustratingly common with online video. Sure I killed the bandwidth for the entire office, but I needed my hockey fix. Come to think of it, a lot of people were complaining about how slow the internet was today at work. Oops.
This is where I would usually talk about the games I watched, but due to superstitious hangups, there won't be much discussion involving the Caps @ Isles. Although it must be mentioned that the game ended 2-1 with Viktor Kozlov scoring his second goal in three games during the win. If you're thinking "Wow, the Isles are lucky to still have him" then you probably aren't aware that Mr. Kozlov was signed by Washington as a free agent in the off-season. Ouch.
So much for not commenting on that game. Talking trash is that much better when you do it against the team that let you get away. The other game I watched was Devils @ Sens, but since I could've been hypothetically watching this at work, let's say I hypothetically had a meeting. As a result, I wouldn't comment on this game since it would remind me of the meeting that deprived me of hockey.
It's getting late and with 10 games on Wednesday, I need my rest.
Imagine, just for a second, that the preseason actually mattered.
Actually, while we're in dream mode, let's pretend that I was a top tier Junior player until I suffered a career-ending, let's say, knee injury. There, that should help the credibility of the preposterous path I'm about to lead you down.
Now, back to pretending that the preseason provides us some insight into which franchise will eventually hoist Lord Stanley's Cup. Who, I'd like to mention, is a friend of mine on my NHL Community blog. Pardon the digression again, but sometimes name-dropping is necessary. Sadly, he is my only friend.
Back to the point at hand. May I direct your attention to the final preseason standings below?
----------------------- TEAM STANDINGS -------------- Eastern Conference Northeast Division Team (RK) GP W L OT GF GA PTS Ottawa ( 1) 7 7 0 0 26 15 14 Montreal ( 4) 8 4 3 1 21 24 9 Buffalo ( 5) 6 4 2 0 22 18 8 Toronto ( 8) 8 3 3 2 22 30 8 Boston (15) 6 1 4 1 13 19 3 Southeast Division Team (RK) GP W L OT GF GA PTS Atlanta ( 2) 7 5 2 0 20 15 10 Carolina ( 3) 6 4 1 1 15 11 9 Florida ( 7) 7 4 3 0 15 14 8 Washington (11) 7 3 3 1 21 21 7 Tampa Bay (13) 5 2 2 1 12 16 5 Atlantic Division Team (RK) GP W L OT GF GA PTS New Jersey ( 5) 6 4 2 0 19 10 8 N.Y. Islanders ( 9) 9 3 4 2 22 30 8 N.Y. Rangers (10) 6 3 2 1 17 23 7 Philadelphia (12) 8 3 5 0 20 24 6 Pittsburgh (14) 6 1 3 2 17 21 4 Western Conference Central Division Team (RK) GP W L OT GF GA PTS Detroit ( 1) 9 6 3 0 34 19 12 Columbus ( 9) 8 3 3 2 18 19 8 Nashville (10) 6 3 2 1 14 14 7 Chicago (12) 8 3 4 1 23 27 7 St. Louis (14) 7 2 5 0 19 28 4 Pacific Division Team (RK) GP W L OT GF GA PTS San Jose ( 2) 7 5 0 2 20 15 12 Dallas ( 7) 7 4 2 1 30 28 9 Phoenix ( 8) 8 3 2 3 21 23 9 Anaheim (11) 7 3 3 1 17 15 7 Los Angeles (13) 5 3 2 0 19 20 6 Northwest Division Team (RK) GP W L OT GF GA PTS Edmonton ( 3) 7 5 2 0 25 22 10 Minnesota ( 3) 7 5 2 0 25 19 10 Colorado ( 5) 6 4 0 2 25 19 10 Vancouver ( 6) 8 4 2 2 23 25 10 Calgary (15) 8 1 5 2 13 24 4 -----------------------------------------------------
What does this tell us? Well, for one thing, it shows everyone that I'm money when it comes to cutting & pasting (I even used keyboard shortcuts). Another thing, which I think we can all agree on, is that there is a distinct possibility that the standings could unfold in just this very way.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think we can all agree that Pittsburgh will finish last in the Atlantic?
What's that? No? Why not? Oh, I see.
Well, I don't know if I'm buying that Crosby-Malkin-Fleury-Gonchar-Esposito-Staal-Recchi explaination as a way of discounting the accuracy of pre-season stats. That's as ridiculous as saying the Islander's new look won't have anything with them making the playoffs? You don't agree? No?
Okay, so I see there is some reticence in accepting my theory that pre-season rankings are meaningful. And there is a small chance I might agree, even after all I've said. But I do find it interesting that all the pre-season "Division Winners" actually have a darn good chance of winning their respective divisions (with Edmonton being the least likely as I see it).
I guess I see it like this: pre-season tells us which teams have grown since last year. Of course, that growth is somewhat contingent on the final status of last years team. And, injuries and scratches have to be factored in to the pre-season results as well, but it can provide some insight regardless.
Who knows what it will mean? Maybe nothing, but it should be mentioned that after 2 games Ottawa is 2-0 after going undefeated in the pre-season. Then again, they did play the Leafs twice. Sorry guys, but it needed to be said.
The current schedule, its third and final year, will go the way of the Dodo, the Cuban Spider Monkey and the Emperor rat. It seems unlikely that anyone will miss the schedule as much as those extinct animals but one never knows. Maybe New York area residents have enjoyed the ability to see so many Devils, Rangers and Isles games in such close proximity. Although, on second thought, it might be easier to fly from Newark to Chicago as it would be to drive from Newark to Uniondale for an after work game.
