The Hockey Fanatic

Sens Sign 3rd Draft Pick

2008-08-14T16:09:00.001-07:00

That's right all you Sens fans out their, your next hopeful all-star has just signed an entry level contract with the Sens. His name is Zack Smith and he was the Sens third pick, 79th overall in this years entry draft.

Smith led the Western Hockey Leagues Swift Current Broncos last season, scoring 69 points in 72 regular seasoned games, and a decent 10 points in 12 playoff games. If you ask me, those are stats of a future NHL star. He might not be the best, but he will be good.

Fantasy Hockey Tips (Part 1)

2008-08-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Alright, now everyone loves a good fantasy hockey pool. However, hardly anyone is any good at picking good players in to be on their team. Most people pick names that they recognize, or think is any good and wonder why they lose every year so badly. Now here is the reason why you lose so badly every year, because most of the names that you recognize or think is any good are players that are probably hailed for their excellent defensive work. Like Hall Gill for example, excellent defenceman, but point wise he is a bad choice for a hockey pool. Instead, try to pick a defenceman like a Sergei Gonchar or a Brian Campbell.

Now when it comes to forwards, if you like the kind of pools I like which are Yahoo's head to head where the plus minus matters, you sure wouldn't want a Radek Bonk which was -31 with 29 points. Although he is usually a bit better than that, he also usually finished the season in the minus's. Try to pick someone more like, Duncan Keith who finished the year with 32 points and had +30, or even maybe if you really want the points to rack up a Henrick Zetterberg who finished with 92 points with a +30 and who wasn't too shabby on the powerplay eatheir racking up 36 power play points.

Now here is the end all and be all of most fantasy hockey leagues, because this is the position where half or your points, or close to half come into play. The Goaltender position, and to have a great fantasy hockey team you need a great goaltender. Most go for the big names like Martin Brodeur or Mikka Kiprusoff. So you can bet that they will probably be gone really fast and most likely you won't get them, so have a good backup pick so you don't get blown out of the water by their amazing goalies. Goalies like Cam Ward, Vesa Toskala, and Roberto Luongo are not big picks in Fantasy hockey I have found out. Although Roberto Luongo does get picked a lot and you might not get him, the other two mentioned you will probably have no problem at all getting your hands on.

Now if you league accepts trading, here is the most tricky part of fantasy hockey that I am going to mention. I have found when I get trade requests, the other team tries to trade me a few horrible players for eatheir one to three great players. Now come on guys, this isn't a video game and im not some dumb computer that doesn't know the elements of hockey. I am not going to give up ANY of my great players of you don't give up one of yours. In order to make a great trade that will in the end help you, you have to give a little to get a little, and if you want a lot well you know the answer to that one.

Now these are just the basics to playing in fantasy hockey leagues, if you follow these basics I can't garuntee that you will win, but I can garuntee you won't get blown out of the water. If you follow these basics I think you will find not only will you be doing pretty well for yourself, but you will also be having fun playing fantasy hockey instead of stressing out to the point where you are getting mad at the sport the hockey and begin hating it. Which is what I see most commonly when someone is losing, they start hating the sport itself.

Thats all for part one of Fantasy Hockey Tips, good luck and have fun in your fantasy hockey league. Make sure you come back in late August for Part Two of Fantasy Hockey Tips.

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

McCabe Thinking Of Moving On

2008-08-13T08:18:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, finally the Leafs are thinking of getting rid of their over-rated dead weight defenceman Bryan McCabe. According to GM Fletcher McCabe has softened his stance on his no-movement clause in his contract and is thinking of life outside of the Maple Leafs organization. Although Bryan McCabe has an excellent slapshot, thats about all he has. Whenever I watch a leafs game, I constantly see Bryan McCabe pinching in and helping his forewards way to much and whenever the puck goes the other way McCabe always floats to his goalies help and leaves Kaberle stranded all by himself to worry about 3 forewards.

I personally think that any team who agrees to take Bryan McCabe has to be a team who is really hurting when it comes to scoring goals, because thats all this defenceman can do. He will rush to the blue line and fire a shot almost 100 MPH at the goalie, but when the other team has the puck consider it a 5 on 4 because then he turns into an absolutely useless waste of space on the ice. Also, if that were the only reason to complain about him he would be an asset to a bottom of the standings team, but thats not all. He also takes the dumbest penalties that I have ever seen, and if you review any play that he took a penalty you would see their is no reason at all to do it. I agree in good penalties, like if it is going to save a goal, or if it is sticking up for your captain. But taking a penalty because you are frustrated that your opponent is covering you too well and that you can't seem to score a goal, those are the kind of penalties that coaches hate.

In conclusion, my opinion is for every team in the NHL to avoid this dead weight, and for the leafs to drop him off at a bus stop in St. Catharines, Ontario and tell him to go home. With a total of 1574 Penalty Minutes in 917 regular seasoned games, with only 418 points to boot, that proves that McCabe causes more goals than he scores and he is just an over-rated defenceman who will only hurt any team he signs with.

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Matts Sundin Pro's and Con's

2008-08-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Alright here's the thing, some people say keep Sundin he is way to valuable of a player to give up if you plan in winning the cup in the next year or two, and some people say their is no way the leafs are gonna win the cup in the next year or two and say trade him to a team get a few young up and comers and a few draft picks. I am that person in between that has not made up their minds yet so I am now going to make a list of pro's and con's and brake everything so more people like me can make up their mind and choose a side.

Pro's of keeping Sundin: He is a great player and in the past 12 seasons with the Maple Leafs he has scored 70+ points including an amazing 94 points in the '95-'96 season.

Although he is starting to show signs of decay, he will work through an injury in hopes of making the Stanley Cup Playoffs, that shows a lot of dedication towards his team.

He is a very consistant player and loves to find the holes in a wide variety of shots. Which means he isn't known like Darcy Tucker for just standing in one spot for his goals.

He is very tall, has a lot of reach on his opponents and for his size Matts Sundin is very slick.

Probably the one of the best captains in Maple Leaf History.

Will teach the new up and coming leafs a lot about the elements of hockey.

Con's of keeping Sundin: He is starting to show decay and can't keep up his excellent play forever.

Has more and more serious injuries as the years go on, and someday playing through the injuries will catch up to him.

You will probably get an excellent player or two, plus a draft pick or two for his trade.

He is not overly physical, which is the prefered type of style of hockey that the Maple Leafs like to play.

Will probably retire in the next year or two, if not now.

So in overall, although I do not like to say it the Leafs should convince Matts Sundin to play another year for another team and win himself a cup because he DOES deserve it, and that if he stays with the rebuilding Toronto Maple Leafs he probably will never win a cup and take the best offer from the best team and build your team around Antropov and Toskala. Like I said, I hate the idea of Matts playing for anyone but the leafs, but he does deserve a cup and lets face it. The leafs just arent gonna do it for atleast another 3-5 years.

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Leafs Slow On Draw Yet Again...

2008-08-06T16:19:00.001-07:00

Horrible news for any leafs fan, Since the firing of their head coach, nothing really has changed in the leafs dressing room. Since missing the playoffs three years running, their fans have demanded change, and they demand it NOW! Who could blame them though, its been what, over forty years since their last Stanley Cup. The closest they came was in '93 I think it was when Wayne Gretsky high sticked a leaf forward in overtime, drew blood, and ended up scoring the winning goal when he should have been in the Penalty Box. What a sad day for any Leafs fan that was...

Now with Cliff Fletcher as GM for the Maple Leafs again, the Leaf fans are just hoping he can do the exact same thing as he did the last time he was GM for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Make the team into a Stanley Cup contender. However, if he ever hopes to do that he better get on the bandwagon and start signing some free agents, or even sign Matts Sundin back because if they lose him they lose a very important part of their line-up.

No doubt Cliff has a lot of work to do, but sitting on your butt and not signing a single all-star that is going to make all the difference in your line-up and it is August... Thats not showing much winning drive to me, and just imagine how impatient a Leaf fan must be. Hoping with the firing of John Furgeson Jr. is going to turn the Leafs around and by some magical powers that be help them win a Stanley Cup.

Cliff, my only words of advice to you are you need more than just a new head coach to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year and calm down your fans. What you need is some big name player to join your team to let your fans show, you are trying as hard as you can, and even if you are trying as hard as you can these fans have been waiting a long time for a Cup. They need proof.

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Oilers Hire New GM!

2008-08-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Your probably just as shocked as I am, I never even knew that the Edmonton Oilers were looking for a new GM. When I saw headline Oilers hire new GM on TSN.ca, I just had to read up on the article, and don't worry Lowe was not fired. So you Oilers fans do not have to worry, he just had to move upstairs. Lowe got a new position as President of Hockey Operations for Rexall sports, and Steve Tambellini got the new position that just opened up for the Oilers new GM.

Edmonton has done well in keeping up with the improvements that the Western Conference just keeps making, if this trend keeps up than I think we will see a Western Conference Stanley Cup Champion this year only because you don't see many big moves from the Eastern Conference. Sure their has been a few, but recently Edmonton, Detroit, and Chicago has lit up the headlines with their improvements and not a hint from any Eastern teams except for a few player signings. Not even big All-Star signings, just the mediocre players that fill the line ups.

If you are not familiar with Steve Tambellini, here is the scoop on him. At 50 years of age, Tambellini has been a part of Vancouver Canucks hockey operations staff for the past 17 seasons and recently had the position of Assistant General Manager and Vice-President of Hockey Operations. Pretty impressive if you ask me, even if it is for a team that either misses the playoffs, or just hits the cut-line at 8th.

"In my estimation, and many people in hockey feel the same way, Steve's the strongest candidate in hockey at the executive level who wasn't a general manager," said the man Tambellini is replacing, Kevin Lowe. "It was a real easy choice." (TSN.ca, oilers hire new GM; Lowe moves upstairs, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244959&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_nhl])

Tambellini just doesn't have executive experience, he also played in 553 NHL games with teams like New York Islanders, Colorado, Calgary, Vancouver, and New Jersey. So he has had experience in playing the game, which if you are going to be a GM helps a lot as history would say. Some of the greatest GM's have been previous players, like Pat Quinn who made the leafs from a joke to a respectable Stanley Cup contending team. So all-in-all, Edmonton made a wise choice in getting in a new GM to spice up their team.

Works Cited:

Quote from: TSN.ca, oilers hire new GM; Lowe moves upstairs, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=244959&lid=sublink03&lpos=headlines_nhl]

Picture from: http://cdn.nhl.com/canucks/images/upload/2007/10/oct0907_headshot06_large.jpg

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

McCrimmon Wings New Assistant Coach

2008-08-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

After spending four seasons as the Atlanta Thrashers assistant coach, Brad McCrimmon decided that jumping ship to the Detroit Redwings was a better career move as the former defenceman signed a three year contract. McCrimmon has quite a bit of experience playing, as well as coaching in the NHL, with 18 seasons playing and four seasons assistant coaching with Atlanta. McCrimmon has also been on coaching staffs with Calgary and New York Islanders.

With Detroit always making moves to improve themselves, my opinion is they made a good move here. It is very hard to find a good assistant coach, and with Brad McCrimmon's playing experience as well as his assistant coaching experience this will improve the teams skill for sure. As they say, experience is never a bad thing!

Works Cited:

Picture from: http://www.cbc.ca/gfx/images/sports/photos/2008/08/04/
mccrimmon-brad-392-getty-070112.jpg

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Bowman Joins Hawks As Advisor

2008-08-06T09:30:00.000-07:00

Thats right, Hall of Famer coach Scotty Bowman joins the Chicago Blackhawks as senior advisor for hockey operations, which if your a Blackhawks fan is great news. More remembered for his time for the Detroit Redwings, Bowman led the Montreal Canadians to five championships in the 1970's, and although he is 74 years old you can bet this Hall of Famer has a trick or two up his sleeve.

In my opinion I believe that Chicago made the necessary step towards being a Stanley Cup contender. Although they are making improvements in the standings, watching them the past couple of years you just knew that something was missing, and I believe that they hit the problem right on the nose. They didn't have anyone in the management staff that really knew the game of hockey inside and out.

Scotty Bowman will report to the GM Dale Tallon, and will advice Blackhawks coach Denis Savard and the teams Rockford AHL team. This year, expect a whole new Blackhawks team. Also, if the rest of the NHL expects the same old Chicago Blackhawks, expect a few early blowouts by the Blackhawks before the rest of the teams catch on that this is now a great team instead of a good team.

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Retiring With Doubts

2008-08-05T09:47:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, Steve Yzerman and Joe Nieuwendyk was forced to retire due to injuries and never had a chance like Mats Sundin or Joe Sakic to struggle with the decision to hang up the gloves or not. Which really stinks if you think about it, because that is all the money that you relied on for so long taken away whether you like it or not. Now I know that most people reading this will probably say "Well they made millions, they should be set for life!", but you know what they say the faster you make it, the faster you spend it.

Also, money isn't always the problem when it comes to a professional athlete retiring. Most of it is because he/she loves their time in the spotlight and doesn't want to give it up, and wherever they turn they keep seeing the league that they use to play for on T.V. and all the fans standing and cheering. Thats what they don't want to give up, and thats why they keep struggling with the decision.

Yzerman had some advice for the two veterans the other day and reported to Sportsnet.ca, and in my opinion it is the best advice a retired NHL All-Star can give.

"If there's any doubt and guys aren't sure, I think they should be playing," Yzerman told The Canadian Press on Friday. "You can be retired for the rest of your life. You'll know when you're done.

"If you're not 100 per cent certain that you don't want to play anymore, then the decision is that you should be playing." (Sportsnet.ca, Yzerman: Don't retire with doubts, [http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/08/01/yzerman_players_retirement/])

Works Cited:

Quote By: Sportsnet.ca, Yzerman: Don't retire with doubts, [http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/08/01/yzerman_players_retirement/]

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Former Blues Owner Shanahan Pleads Guilty!!

2008-07-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

After pleading guilty for a federal charge of backdating stock options, former Blues owner Micheal Shanahan faces sentencing later this year. Former Engineered Support Systems Inc. co-founder Micheal Shanahan Sr. agreed to repay US $7.9 million in a plea agreement that was reached on Monday! The plea agreement included that Shanahan plea guilty on one count of falsifying the records of a publicly traded company, and the government with drop 11 other charges against Shanahan Sr., and would also agree to drop charges on his son Shanahan Jr.

The company if you wondering, supplied military support and equipment to the U.S. Government, and he also led a group of St.Louis businessman that bought the Blues from Henry Ornest in 1986 and was sold again in 1999. I am thinking now, that maybe Shanahan should have stuck with the hockey club, more chance of making money than getting caught with your hands down your pants and forking out $7.9 million U.S. funds. Of course though people like this always seem to find a way to lie, cheat, or still one way or another.

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Toews Blackhawks New Captain

2008-07-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Blackhawks have announced that they have found a new Captain, Jonathan Toews, whom will be the third youngest player ever to have received the honor in NHL history. Although a great player, in my opinion the Chicago Blackhawks are over-estimating the young Canadian athlete by thinking he can do what Sid the kid is currently doing right now.

This move by the Blackhawks is almost unheard of, other than the Penguins usually NHL hockey clubs go with their best veteran to lead a hockey club hoping that his experience throughout the league will help the younger players perform at their best. With the lack of experience in Toews, and lack of achievements the players instead of looking at his experience to find respect for their new captain, they will have to look at his skill. If however, their is a player that is more talented, or thinks he is more talented player than Toews, and has more experience, he can create a lot havoc in the locker room. Which is why NHL teams usually go for the more experienced players.

For example, if the Blackhawks are in game six of the first round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Blackhawks are down two goals in the third and its do-or-die time, Toews won't be able to tell them a story about how he came back in this situation way back when, or he might not be in the state of mind to give them a speech that will send their adrenaline rushing so they can win the game. However, given Toews latest performance of 54 points in his professional debut of last season, Toews will more than likely improve his play and probably get around 70-90 points per season when his career really gets rolling. So the Blackhawks might have made the correct choice, but if they didn't it will surely be a mistake that will cost them the playoffs.

Also, in my opinion its time to face facts. Toews is not Sidney Crosby, or even an Ovechkin for that matter, and he is certainly no Gretzky! Even though the kid is good, he is not great. So the arguement that Sid the Kid is young and lead the Pittsburgh Penguins to the Stanley Cup Finals last season, is out of the question. Sid's rookie stats, and Toews rookie stats are two totally different things. As stated above Toews racked up an impressive 54 points in his rookie season, and I remember that Crosby scored pretty close to 90-100 points in his debut and was in the top 10 high point scorers of that season. Even though he played with Mario, when Mario retired Crosby has kept his play up, and even improved it.

So when it is all said and done, my prediction is that the Blackhawks miss the playoffs because Toews, a good player he may be, just doesn't have what it takes YET to lead an NHL team. The Blackhawks should in my opinion give him at least five more years of developing in the NHL before they even consider it. Because it might not just cause the Blackhawks to miss the Playoffs, that kind of pressure very well could ruin a players confidence in himself if he fails, which will result in poor play.

Works Cited:
Picture From: TSN.ca, Blackhawks name Toews captian for upcoming season, (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243725&lid=sublink013&lpos=headlines_nhl)

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Leafs Honor Clark and Gilmour

2008-07-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

Two of the most beloved players in the last 25 years will finally be honored during the '08 - '09 season. The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that their banners will be saluted during a pre-game ceremony on November 22nd when they host the Chicago Blackhawks at the Air Canada Centre.

The two players were loved by the fans for a reason, you never heard anything bad about them, and they stacked up a lot of points while playing for the team and they played to Toronto during some of their best recent years. Since being selected first in the 1985 entry draft by Toronto, Clark racked up a club all-time high in playoff goals with 34. The left winger with his amazing shot power and accuracy during the regular season ended up with a career total of 441 points, 260 of those being goals, and 181 of those being assists.

I could probably go on and on about Wendal Clark and all the amazing games that he had with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that wouldn't leave much room for Doug Gilmour who was quite possibly one of the best if not the best Captain in Leafs history. Doug joined the Leafs in a trade with the Calgary Flames, which was dubbed the largest trade in NHL history. He ended up being a candidate the Hart Trophy which is the most valuable player award, and won the Frank J. Selki Trophy which is the top defensive forward award for the Leafs in 1993. He also set the club record for points with an incredible 127, and a impressive 95 assists which was also a club record all in the same year of the 1992 - 93 season. Also, Gilmour set another record, in one game, the Maple Leafs forward collected a total of six assists in just one regular seasoned game.

In my opinion with the showed stats above, if you study them carefully their is no way that you could say that both players don't deserve this. If you look at both point totals, and what Gilmour did in just one season with the Leafs when he first arrived you could sit and wonder just how the Toronto Maple Leafs didn't win a cup with two of the best players in their time playing for them. I am excited for the ceremony on November 22nd and will salute both players what they have achieved in their career in the NHL and with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Works Cited:
Pictures from: http://images.google.ca/imghp?hl=en&tab=wi

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Sundin Still Unsure

2008-07-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

According to a article on TSN.ca that I was reading today (TSN.ca, Sundin says no decision has been made yet, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/
?id=243977&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl]), Mats Sundin reported to a Swedish newspaper that he has not decided if he is or isn't gonna play in the NHL next season. Aftonbladet however also reported that Sundin agreed to play for the Vancouver Canucks, which would be gut wrenching news for any Leafs fan, but Sundin's representatives flatly denied the claim.

In my opinion, I think if Sundin and the Toronto Maple Leafs can't come to an agreement Sundin will probably retire. Only because he has been in Toronto for so long that he and his family has not made Toronto their home. If he does move, his kids will have to find new friends, they will have to re-situate, and everyone knows how big of a hassle that can be.

"The Maple Leafs are not out of the picture if I decide to play," he told Aftonbladet. "They made me a very good offer, even if it isn't even close to what the Canucks have offered. But I have been in Toronto for 13 seasons and it is like home to me." (TSN.ca, Sundin says no decision has been made yet, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243977&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl])

However, don't be thinking that I haven't thought of what would happen if Sundin decided to do the best thing for his family business wise and decide to play for another team. If Sundin does play for another team, I think in my opinion that if you are a Leafs fan, you would hope that it would be Vancouver that he agrees to play for and not Montreal, the rival of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In this case, like or not Leafs fans it Vancouver made a big offer on the big forward. Vancouver got Mats attention on July 1st when they offered him a two year US $20 million contract.

"It is very flattering at my age," Sundin said of the Canucks' deal. "And it unusual to offer a two-year contract to a 37-year-old. But I will start thinking of the offers the day I decide to go on for another season. I have to be sure that I have the energy to go through another season at this level." (TSN.ca, Sundin says no decision has been made yet, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243977&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl])

So after coming off of another great season with the Toronto Maple Leafs and racking up 78 points for the Leafs, it all comes down to if Sundin is going to hang up the gloves or not...

Works Cited:

Quotes and info from: TSN.ca, Sundin says no decision has been made yet, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243977&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl]

Picture from: http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Mats-Sundin-Photograph-C12544663.jpeg

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Miller Extends Contract

2008-07-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Buffalo Sabres have announced that they have indeed signed Ryan Miller to a five year contract deal worth US $6.25 million a year. If you ask me, the Buffalo Sabres got lucky at the price that they had to pay for the superstar goalie, only because of the fact that in todays day-and-age Ryan Miller is considered to be one of the best, if not the best goaltender in the wide world of Hockey which is great news for any Sabres fan.

If you need proof of Miller's spectacular play the superstar goaltender has appeared in 205 regular season games and has acquired a record of 112-68-19 with a well rounded GAA of 2.69 and a .908 save percentage. Which is more than what is needed to help your team come out on top. (Sportsnet.ca, Miller Extends Time Through 2014, [http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/18/miller_extension_sabres/])

Not only is this Ryan Miller considered one of the best, but he is only 28 years old. Which is considered to be young in this day-and-age of hockey. After that five year contract is up you can still bet that the young goaltender will still be in his prime, thats if he continues to stay injury free. Considering Miller at the age of 28 has already set a new franchise record of most wins with 40, and still has room to improve just proves that this is a great day for any Sabres fan!

Works Cited:

Stats From: Sportsnet.ca, Miller extends time through 2014, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/18/miller_extension_sabres/)

Picture From: http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/PHO/
AAHA157_8x10-2005-2006PlayoffCelebrates~Ryan-Miller-Posters.jpg

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

The Ottawa Scoop

2008-07-17T15:56:00.000-07:00

For the first time in the history of the Ottawa Senators the team will be opening their Regular Season schedule against the Pittsburgh Penguins October 4th in Stockholm, and again one October 5th before returning home to Ottawa. Considering that its in Alfie's back yard you would expect the Senator Captain to push his game up to 150%, which if you are a Pens fan would create a lot of worry.

The Senators schedule for this year will include every National Hockey League team. Including the division and conference rivals against the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators will also be featuring a home-and-home series against other clubs like the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, or the Calgary Flames.

For the match-ups in the Western Conference this year, the Ottawa Senators will be playing host to each of the Pacific Division teams, as well as the new Central Division Stanley Cup Champions! The Detroit Red Wings!! Which will be an excellent measuring stick to see how far this team will go this year in my opinion.

Works Cited:

Scoop from: Sportsnet.ca, Sens open 08/09 season in Alfies backyard, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/17/senators_schedule_2008_2009/)

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Red Wings Raise Banner

2008-07-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

On October 9th, the Detroit Red Wings will raise their 11th Stanley Cup Championship Banner when they open their home schedule against Toronto at the Joe Louis Arena. Also, thanks to the leagues new scheduling system, the wings will face a trio of Eastern Conference teams next season which includes playing two games against Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and Atlanta. I for one think that the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins will be an exciting rematch of last years Stanley Cup Finals!

Works Cited:

Picture From: http://members.ismi.net/mbennett/images/Banner.JPG

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Hanging Up The Gloves

2008-07-16T08:07:00.000-07:00

Red Wings Forward Dallas Drake announced his retirement Tuesday, a month after his last action in the NHL hoisting the Stanley Cup after 16 seasons in the NHL. As good a way to go out as any many would say, after all their are a lot of players who would love to hoist the cup before they retire, I guess you can say that Dallas Drake is one of the proud few who can.

According to TSN.ca, the 39 year old veteran said that he is still mentally fit to play, but the wear and tear on his body is just too much to ignore. In the '06 - '07 season with the Blues, drake ended the season on the IR with a wrist injury, and even this season he has several minor injuries.

Since the sixth round pick in the 89 draft, he has accumulated an impressive 177 goals, 300 assists, and 885 penalty minuets in 1,009 regular seasoned games. In the playoffs Drake rounded up 14 goals, 19 assists, and 79 penalty minuets in 90 playoff games. This NHL veteran will surely be missed by his line mates.

Works Cited:

Picture From: (http://www.grrrhockey.com/wp-content/dallas-drake-detroit-red-wings.jpg)

Info from: TSN.Ca, Red Wings Forward Dallas Drake announces retirement, (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=243471&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl)

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Bank Sues Federov

2008-07-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

NHL Veteran Sergei Federov is being sued by a Michigan bank for US $2 million in loans saying that payments have stopped. Citizens State Bank filed the lawsuit Monday against the veteran, a former star with the Red Wings and who now plays for the Washington Capitals.

The lawsuit filed was for loans that Sergei got in 2004 and in 2005, one was for an astonishing $1.75 million and another for $500,000 and according to Sportsnet.ca the lawsuit was filed in Macomb County Circuit Court.

Scott Norton, Citizens State Bank attorney said that a notice was sent to Sergei Federov in May after the payments had stopped. According to the lawsuit, the bank is owed atleast $2.1 million in interest and principal. A message to Federov's lawyer seeking comment was sent, and Nortan said that Federov offered a Miami Condominium for the larger loan and also an 11 year old horse and insurance policy on the smaller loan according to Sportsnet.ca.

Works Cited:

Info and Picture from: Sportsnet.ca, Bank suing Federov over $2m in loans, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/15/fedorov_loan/).

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Habs Host '09 Entry Draft

2008-07-16T07:33:00.000-07:00

General Manager Bob Gainey and the NHL announced Tuesday that the Montreal Canadiens will host the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. The draft will be held two days on June 26th and the 27th at the Bell Centre.

Since the event was held in a hotel ballroom in Montreal, the Entry Draft has become more and more popular. In 1980 for example, the historic Montreal Forum hosted the Draft in front of more than 2,000 spectators. In 1985, the draft was held outside of Montreal for the first time as the Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosted the event in front of a crowd of 7,000.

Works Cited:

Picture From: Sportsnet.ca, Habs to host 2009 NHL Entry Draft, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/15/habs_2009_draft/).

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Leafs GM has new assistant in Joe Nieuwendyk

2008-07-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

Instead of adding any all-stars to the team in the off-season, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided to add an all-star to their front office. Cliff Fletcher, the Leafs GM has announced that former leaf Joe Nieuwendyk is joining the team as the special assistant to the GM.

"Joe is an extremely intelligent individual, who has experienced success throughout his entire hockey career," said Fletcher in a statement. "We will value his contributions on all hockey decisions and he will be a great asset to our organization." (TSN.ca, Maple Leafs name Nieuwendyk special assistant to GM, [http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242841&lid=sublink05&lpos=headlines_nhl])

In their first attempt to get Joe into the front office, the Florida Panthers denied the Leafs any permission to talk to him until his contract expired in June 30th.

Joe Nieuwendyk played in 64 games for Toronto in the 03' - 04' season and collected 50 points. In 1999 he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Stanley Cups Playoffs most valuable player.

Works Cited:

Picture From: Sportsnet.ca, Nieuwendyk back with Leafs, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/08/nieuwendyk_leafs/)

Quote From: TSN.ca, Maple Leafs name Nieuwendyk special assistant to GM, (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242841&lid=sublink05&lpos=headlines_nhl)

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Morrison re-united with Burke as Duck

2008-07-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

During Morrison's most productive playing years dates back to when Burke was the GM of Vancouver, then Nonis replaced Burke as GM of Vancouver before being fired last season. Now, some would say that Morrison is showing a little loyalty to his former GM by accepting a one year US $2.75 million dollar contract with the Anaheim Ducks.

Although Morrison only played in 39 games last season, he did accumulate 25 points, 9 of those being goals, and 16 of those being assists. Now back with familiar faces with Ducks GM Brian Burke and Nonis as their senior adviser of hockey operations, one would hope that Morrison has a much more productive season.

Picture From: Sportsnet.ca, Ducks pluck Morrison from Canucks, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/08/morrison_ducks/).

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Bettman Tries To End Burke/Lowe Fued

2008-07-07T14:00:00.000-07:00

Following comments made by Lowe to a Edmonton Radio Station, NHL Commissioner ordered Brian Burke and Kevin Lowe to cease and desist on a conference call Monday. Lowe and Burke have been passing comments back and forth between each other since the Oilers put forth a five year $21.25 million offer sheet to Group II restricted free agent Dustin Penner last summer. A contract in which the Ducks could not match, so Penner ended up in Edmonton.

Most recent comments made by the two are pretty heated to say the least. Brian Burke told a TSN reporter before the start of last season that if he had run his own team into the sewer like Lowe said he did, that he wouldn't throw a grenade at the other 29 teams as well as his own. In reply to this, Lowe called Burke a 'moron' and a 'media junkie', as well as saying that he hates that his own name is linked to Burke's because he is a under-achieving wanna-be in terms of success in the NHL.

Works Cited:

Picture: TSN.ca, Bettman tries to put an end to Burke/Lowe fued, (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242742&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl).

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Bertuzzi Signs with Flames

2008-07-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

Former Duck Todd Bertuzzi met with the Calgary flames and agreed to a one year contract worth $1.95 million US dollars. The six foot three forward scored 14 goals and racked up 26 assists in 68 games. Bertuzzi, 33 years old and grew up in Sudbury Ont., has 580 points in 793 career regular seasoned games, and 23 points in 46 career playoff games.

The two-time All-Star has recorded 50-plus points in six of his last eight seasons, including a very impressive 97 point total in the 02'- 03' season!

Works Cited:

Picture from: Sportsnet.ca, Bertuzzi returns to Canada with Flames, (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/07/bertuzzi_flames/).

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Stajan Re-Signs with Leafs

2008-07-07T13:01:00.001-07:00

Toronto Forward Matt Stajan re-signed with the leafs to a two year $3.5 million contract on Monday. The 22 year old Mississauga native played in 82 games last season, and scored 16 goals with 17 assists which stacks to his total points to 127 in 314 career NHL games.

Whether or not you would agree with the signing of Matt Stajan or not, you would have to agree with the possible leaving of Matts Sundin and the confirmed leaving of Darcy Tucker, Matt Stajan is one of Toronto's best players.

Works Cited:

Picture from: Sportsnet.ca, Leafs stajan signs on for two more years (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2008/07/07/leafs_stajan/).

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Devils Stomp On TML's Playoff Hopes

2008-03-04T21:11:00.000-08:00

In a hard fought loss against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday with the final score 4-1. Toronto out shot New Jersey 42 - 25, however Martin Brodeur was just too hot for them. With a save percentage of 0.976 and with 41 saves on 42 shots, you could very well say Martin Brodeur stole this game.

After falling behind 11 minutes and 22 seconds of the first period by a goal by Parise, Toronto fought hard for the rest of the period which ended up in a power play chance when Bryce Salvador got sent for to the penalty box for Tripping 15 minutes and 56 seconds into the second period. However, Martin Brodeur wouldn't let Toronto catch-up, and the Leafs failed to score on the power play.

In the second period, things started to look grim for the leafs when Mats Sundin got caught for hooking and Gionta capitalized on the power play with Brookbank and Oduya with the assists. However, with some good goaltending by Vesa Toskala the leafs were able to come back and score a goal when Antropov put the puck into the back of the net late in the second period.

In the third period though, Martin Brodeur just would not accept a loss. He saved absolutely everything that the Toronto Maple Leafs could throw at him, and the New Jersey Devils started to get some confidence back. Mid way into the third period, Clarkson and Parise scored two unanswered goals which were not even a minute apart to put any away any doubt into the question who was gonna win this game.

Three stars; Martin Brodeur 1st star, Zach Parise 2nd star, Mats Sundin 3rd star.

References: Picture by Sportsnet.ca, Devils Deliver Playoff Blow,

The Hockey Fanatic - Tyler Bowler

Sundin Could Put Up New Record For T.O.

2007-03-16T08:41:00.000-07:00

Mats Sundin is closing in on a impressive record set by hall of famer, Darryl Sittler, and that record is for the most goals scored in Maple Leaf history. Now I think thats quite impressive considering that the Maple Leafs have quiet a history, and not only that but Darryl Sittler is considered one of the Toronto Maple Leafs best captains.

Now what would that say about Mats Sundin? Does that make him one of the Maple Leafs greatest captains to ever wear the big C on their chest? In my opinion, your darn right. Mats Sundin has been with the team ever since they were fighting for a playoff spot, and he also almost took them to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2002-03.

When Sundin was traded in '94 by the Quebec Nordiqes, he has played 12 seasons, 9 of thoughs he has been captain. The stats that Mats Sundin has put up is hall of fame worthy I think, 388 goals, and 509 assists in 895 games. And that's just for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References - Stats by Sportsnet.ca

Penguins Arena Talks Continue

2007-03-09T12:11:00.000-08:00

The Pittsburg Penguins arena negotiations will continue into next week, as Pennsylvania Governer Ed Rendell said that significant progress has been made for the new arena deal for the 40-year-old franchise. Which for Penguins fans is good news, obviously because it means that they might not have to move their team.

Penguins co-owners Mario Lemieux, Ron Burkle, Governer Ed Rendell, Pittsburg Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, Allegheny County Cheif Executive Dan Onorato, and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman met Thursday night in Philadelphia to try to work out a deal. No deal was made, but both parties agreed to meet again next Wednesday (TSN.ca, Penguins arena talks continue next week <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=199359&hubname=nhl>).

Also according to TSN.ca, the leading candidate to land the Penguins should they ever have to move is Kansas City. In the article Penguins arena talks continue next week, they mentioned that Kansas City has a brand new arena that is missing a tenant, and that they offered them a deal that includes free rent and a split of revenues in their new $276 million Sprint Center.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References: Deal info by TSN.ca, Penguins arena talks continue next week <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=199359&hubname=nhl>

Chris Simon Suspended Indefinitely

2007-03-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

In a game between two rivalries the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers, Chris Simon agrily close lined Ryan Hellweg in the face late in the third period with his stick. Simon was ejected from the game, and Petr Prucha scored on the powerplay resulting in a 2-1 win for the New York Rangers and sweep the hom-and-home series between the rivals.

"The best retaliation is to score on that power play," Hollweg said. "I couldn't feel any better than when that puck went in." (TSN.ca, Simon suspended indefinitely for slash <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=199406&hubname=nhl>)

I agree with Hollweg when he says that they got the best retaliation, because nothing hurts the other team more then a goal scored against them. You can try to do the exact same thing to one of the New York Islanders players, but all it will get you is a suspension and no more powerplay for you. Also, if they retaliated and didn't get the powerplay, then it could have ended up a different game and they might have lost.

According to TSN.ca, the hit was reminiscent to the often re-played clips of Marty McSorleys swinging stick at the head of Donald Brashier, or Todd Bertuzzi's sucker punch on Steve Moore. I would have to agree, if you see the clip of Chris Simon closelining Ryan Hellweg, then you would see that it is very similar and maybe even worse then Marty McSorleys swinging stick at the head of Donald Brashier.

In my final note when it comes to playes like this one I personally believe that not only should the players be suspended without pay costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars like Todd Bertuzzi, they should also be fined a minimum of $100,000. There is absolutely no excuse to incidences like these, and they are happening more and more as the years go by because the league only gives them a slap on the wrist. Bettman always tells the press that he constintley worries about the health of the players, but he never shows it. Prove it Bettman, lay some heavy some down on the dangerous plays that almost costs players their career. I personally believe that Bettman has not shown the league that he is the right man for the job, and that he should step down and a new man/woman that actually knows something or anything in Bettmans case about hockey.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References: Picture and Quote by TSN.ca, Simon suspended indefinitely for slash <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=199406&hubname=nhl>

Moore Can't Forget

2007-03-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Remember Steve Moore? Well he spoke publicly for the first time since the vicious sucker punch compliments of Todd Bertuzzi on Wedsnesday night in a interview with CBC's "The National", in which he said he will never forgive, or forget Todd. It is understandable why he would say that he will never forgive or forget Bertuzzi, after all Moore does think that Bertuzzi ended his career. However, if Moore would just take another look at the tape, then he would see what really happened. Although it is not fact, I have watched that tragic accident on T.V. just as much as anyone else, and if you look closely the injuries to Steve Moore was not caused by the dirty sucker punch delivered by Todd Bertuzzi.

Although I am not certain who exactly the team mate was who tried to come to Moore's aid, but it was him who caused the injuries when he jumped on Bertuzzi's back. If you look at the video closely then you would see that when the first player jumps on Bertuzzi's back you can see that it drives Steve Moore's head into the ice, and when the second player jumps in you can see Moore's back arch much farther then it is suppose to go.

I am not trying to say that Bertuzzi's suspension and fine was way too much, because I personally believe that he should have gotten much more. When you are a adult and a professional athlete, children look to you to see how to act on and off the ice. By sucker punching Steve, Bertuzzi did not set a good example for the children. Now, he apologized to Steve Moore and his family for that and I believe that the public should just stay out of it. After all, this is between Bertuzzi and Moore, and im pretty sure you wouldn't like the whole country interfering with some of your issues that you have with another person.

"I think it's best we avoid that," Moore said when asked if he would be able to forgive Bertuzzi. (Sportsnet.ca, Moore wont forgive or forget <http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070307_233524_4548>)

According to Sportsnet.ca, Moore said that he feels frusterated because Bertuzzi still gets too play, while he stays at home and watches from his T.V. Which is understandable, I know if I made it in the NHL and making millions and some guy gave me a dirty sucker punch that I thought ended my career I know that I would be pissed too. In my opinion, I think that this should be taken to the courts, and that Bertuzzi should have to pay him some kind of compensation or serve jail time for assault.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References - Picture and Quote by Sportsnet.ca, moore wont forgive or forget <http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070307_233524_4548>

NHL Standings, Feb. 25/07

2007-02-25T09:03:00.000-08:00

Well I told you I would give you the standings, so here they are.

Eastern Conference:
1. Buffalo, 87 pts
2. New Jersey, 82 pts
3. Tampa Bay, 73 pts
4. Ottawa, 76 pts
5. Pittsburg, 75 pts
6. Atlanta, 72 pts
7. Carolina, 71 pts
8. NY Islanders, 70 pts
9. Montreal, 70 pts
10 Toronto, 69 pts

Western Conference:
1. Nashville, 86 pts
2. Anaheim, 80 pts
3. Vancouver, 76 pts
4. Detroit, 86 pts
5. San Jose, 77 pts
6. Dallas, 75 pts
7. Minnesota, 73 pts
8. Calgary, 73 pts
9. Edmonton, 66 pts
10. Colorado, 63 pts

I only put the teams who in my opinion are still in the runnings.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

Tkachuk Off To Atlanta

2007-02-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

According to Sportsnet.ca, Keith Tkachuk has waived his no-trade clause with the St.Louis Blues and got traded to the Atlanta Thrashers. The Thrashers gave up a first and third round draft pick into the 2007 Entry Draft, along with a second round in the 2008 Entry draft and Glen Metropolit. In my opinion, think that the St.Louis Blues made out with a steal there. They got rid of a old washed up talent like Keith Tkachuk, and got three good round draft picks for 07 and 08.

The Blues signed Tkachuk last spring for a one year $3.8 million U.S option on his contract last spring, and is probably pretty upset that he only registered 43 points. For $3.8 million, a player should be getting 60+ points a season and I bet you that Tkachuk will probably only get 10 more then what he already has by the end of the season. Worth $3.8 million? I don't think so!

Keith Tkachuk is scheduled to become a free agent in July, so the Atlanta Thrashers are only stuck with him until after the Stanley Cup Playoffs. By July, you will probably see Tkachuk either retiring, or signing on with another team. Make no mistake, Atlanta thinks that they grabbed up a good player, but so did the St.Louis Blues. Tkachuk isn't a horrible player by no means, but for a high salary player he registers over 100 PIM's and only mediocre stats to make up for his high PIM's. This season he has 43 points in 61 games played, only a +3, with 92 PIM. For $3.8 million he should be doing a lot better then that.

Another reason why Tkachuk should hang up the skates and call it a career, is because he always is injured. He is starting to average 20 missed games a season because of injury! For example, in 2005 Feb 1 he missed 22 games because of a right hand injury, then in the same year three months earlier though he missed 15 games because of a ribcage injury, one month before that he missed three games because of a groin injury. So in 2005 he missed a total of 40 games because of injuries! That's half the season! I know you are probably saying "Well he didn't get injured this year", well the year isn't over yet. He will.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References - Picture by, Sportsnet.ca, Keith Tkachuk <http://www2.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Keith_Tkachuk/>

Red Wings Home Winning Streak Comes To End

2007-02-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

In a 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers Friday Night, the Detroit Red Wings 13 home game winning streak finally comes to an end. In a spectacular showing by Dwayne Roloson in stopping 27 shots for the Oilers, and thats not including all of the Shoot-Out shots where Ryan Smyth scored the only Shoot-Out goal, the Oilers continue their success in Detroit.

Dating back to last year when the Oilers beat out the Red Wings in the Quarter-Final of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Oilers just seem to have the Red Wings number. Ever since the Oilers beat the Red Wings out last year they have put up a impressive 3-1-0 record against the Detroit Red Wings this year, which seems to prove that they are not intimidated by the Red Wing's speed like other teams have been over the years.

Henrik Zetterburg, Tomas Holmstrom, Valtteri Filppula scored for the Red Wings (whose winning streak ended one short of tying a franchise record set in 64-65) and Ryan Smyth, Raffi Torres, and Marty Reasoner had scored for Edmonton in Regulation.

"That streak's over with. We don't have to worry about that," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "We can just go out and play." (TSN.ca, Oilers snap Wings' home winning streak <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=197407&hubname=nhl>)

Lidstrom and Schneider had two assists a piece, and Dominik Hasek made 23 saves for the Red Wings.

"The way the game was played today, too many mistakes," Hasek said. "That's why we lost the game." (TSN.ca, Oilers snap Wings' home winning streak <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=197407&hubname=nhl>)

On the shoot-out, Hasek got a piece of Smyth's shot but ended up deflecting it in the net.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References - Quotes and Picture by TSN.ca, Oilers snape Wings' home winning streak <http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=197407&hubname=nhl>

Pavel Kubina On The IR Once Again

2007-02-24T09:14:00.001-08:00

The Toronto Maple Leafs will go without one of their top defencemen for up to two weeks because of a fractured finger that he suffered in Thursday nights game against the New York Islanders. Kubina sustained the injury in the second period, and it wasn't until Friday that they determined that it was infact a fractured finger.

Although the Maple Leafs will miss him, they have great defencemen coming up from the Marlies that they can turn too. With the great drafts that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburg Penguins are making, that they will be forces to be reckoned with. In my opinion, in the next 5 years if both the Leafs and the Penguins get better goaltending then both of these teams will probably have themselves a Dynasty.

Kubina's injury is bad news for him and the fans, however, it is good news for the young defencemen that is coming up from the Marlies that gets a chance to prove that he belongs in the NHL. Whoever gets the call, I don't think that the Leaf fans will be dissapointed with the performance of their team.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References - Picture by Sportsnet.ca, Kubina Suffers Fractured Finger <http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070223_164805_5560>

Eye Of A Eagle, And The Tiger?

2007-02-24T08:34:00.000-08:00

On Thursday Night when the Ottawa Senators played the Buffalo Sabres not only did Ray Emery prove that he does in fact have the eye of a eagle, but he also proved that he has the eye of the tiger as well when he fought the sabres goaltender Marty Biron and one of their forwards! Ray Emery was involved in a scrap in a early second period brawl that involved all ten skaters including both goalies and was caused by a elbow to the face of Chris Drury.

Emery was all smiles during the fight, and after the fight when he pulled off two unanimous decision wins over the Sabres goaltender and the forward while showing them some of the skills that he developed in Junior league hockey. That's right, when Emery was in the Junior leagues he developed a big reputation that he had no problem with dropping the gloves. It wasn't until he got to the minors when the Senators told him too cool it and stop fighting.

"I kind of missed that," laughed Emery. "(But) my mom got mad at me -- she was at the game -- so I can't be doing that for a while." (Sportsnet.ca, Ready for another rumble <http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070223_205918_4968>)

I would have to say that the Senators and the Sabres had the right idea on Thursday night when it came to pulling off a great show. On a Sportsnet panel it asked what people thought of the display that the Senators and Sabres pulled off when it came to the brawl and 88% of the people said that they LOVED it! Proving to Gary Bettman that if he allowed more players to drop gloves and settle their differences right then and their, that the ratings in the U.S and Canada would sky rocket. Fighting and diving in the NHL has gotten so bad that people are now calling hockey, "Soccer with sticks". I would love to see Bettman try to tell the news media that the audience hated that display because if screaming, cheering, and jumping up and down on your seats yelling "HIT HIM AGAIN!!!" well then they just absolutely were disgusted by it!

My final note on this subject is if you don't let the players settle their differences by dropping the gloves well then they are going to resort to their sticks and elbows, and someone WILL get seriously hurt!

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References - Quote & Picture, Sportsnet.ca, Ready for another rumble <http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070223_205918_4968>

Forsberg Leaves The Flyers

2007-02-16T12:20:00.000-08:00

On a regular Thursday night in the National Hockey League, Peter Forsberg was warming up before the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Pete was looking good and everybody in the stands was happy, and cheering for the Flyers captain. Until suddenly he got called back to the dressing room, now everybody went silent, and you could here the fans panicking voices. Everybody was talking wondering what was going on, until the announcer said that Peter Forsberg was a healthy scratch and will not be playing tonight. Right there most of the fans walked out of the building, knowing that there team is probably going to lose. Who could blame them too, the Flyers are 0-13-2 without Peter Forsberg.

Throughout the whole game while the Toronto Maple Leafs were laying a beating on the Phillidelphia Flyers, you could hear a pin drop. I never ever thought in my lifetime I would ever hear the Flyers building that silent. Even when the Flyers scored nobody cheered, and they also came back from 3-0 and made it 3-1, then 4-2. Throughout the whole game you would think the players are sleeping on the ice, from both teams. The Flyers weren't turning it on, so the Leafs didn't have to hold them back. It was probably the easiest win the Leafs will ever get.

Later on in the game, it was announced that Peter Forsberg was traded to the Nashville Predators. Now I have to agree with this trade because they got two very talented players from it, Scotty Upshall, Ryan Parrent, and a 1st round and 3rd round draft pick with a conditional 6th round draft pick if Peter Forsberg resignes with the Nashville Predators when his contract ends in July. So in my opinion, the Flyers got the large end of the stick with that deal, and the Predators the short. Don't get me wrong, Forsberg is a good player, but so is Scotty Upshall and Ryan Parrent. I would have to say that thoughs two players alone are worth the trade, so the Predators throwing in 2, possibly 3 draft picks for a old veteren that is possibly going to retire in the next 2-3 years? I guess we will find out if the Predators are trying for a cup before they move, or just trying to bring people to the stands.

According to Philly.com, the trade just totally shocked the teammates and the coaching staff. The coach called it difficult while one of the players called it surreal! Immagine playing one of the top 15 teams in the league while your team is one of the worst, and then have your star player/captain leave the ice and never come back as one of your teammates? Now that has to be rough for the Flyers coaching staff, and its players. I am very interested in what way the Flyers are going from here, up or down?

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References: Picture by, Sportsnet, Forsberg aftermath <http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070216_095940_3592>

Predators Moving To Seattle?

2007-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

According to Sportsnet Ontario, Nashville just doesn't care about hockey. Thats right, the music city, which has basicly no winter at all just isn't interested in the great sport Canadians refer to as hockey. Not like its a big surprise, in my opinion I am surprised they have made it this long. Although nothing is certain, Nashville Predators are most likely going to move.

When I was listening to the intermission of the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, I heard the TSN panel say that Nashville only makes $3000 off of Season ticket holders. Thats not even the worst of it, because everyone knows that hockey teams make most of their money off of big business men buying tickets for their employees to make the big deal. Nashville Predators only make $6800 off of business buying tickets for the game, and thats a YEAR! That is absolutely disgusting! Also, the Nashville Predators are looking for a 40% minority owner, and if they don't find one soon they will have to pack up and move.

However, there was a $500 million multi-purpose arena proposal, and that may be a stepping stone to a NHL franchise in the Seattle area. Although, in opinion I don't think Seattle cares about hockey anymore then Nashville does, but thats not the point. According to Seattle Times, the Sonics have hired an independant research firm to determine if the Puget Sound market could support a National Hockey League franchise Clay Bennet said Wednesday.

Because true expansion isn't really a option, Seattle was hinting at a clause in the Nashville Predators ownership deal that would allow them to relocate if the attendence numbers sagged to a certain point. The recent talk about the Penguins moving to Kansas City also interested the Seattle group.Which is also a team that will not last long in my opinion, and I also think that the Anahiem Ducks will be the next ones that will probably talk about moving. Although Bettman won't admit it, the U.S. just doesn't care about hockey, except for Buffalo, Detroit, Boston, and maybe New York.

Moving thoughs two teams to Baseball cities in my opinion would be totally retarted. If Seattle and Kansas City honestly thinks that their fans will rather watch a hockey game then their beloved Baseball, then they are absolutely out of their mind! No way, and no how are the Seattle Mariner fans, and the Kansas City Royals fans ever going to watch hockey instead of Baseball. Even though the Kansas City Royals aren't faring too well, that is a huge Baseball city. Keep the hockey up north, its the only place you will ever make any money

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

The Detroit Massacre!

2007-02-15T11:16:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, the Detroit Red Wings got massacred by the NHL's worst Phillidelphia Flyers! Maybe this will wake Detroit up after losing 6-1 to the flyers, that maybe toughness is needed. According to the detroit press, GM Ken Holland is having lots of conversations with colleagues around the NHL, and both with playoff bubble teams and those that are already out of the running.

"Right now the price is high, but we're talking," Holland said. "We know what we'd like to add, but it takes assets. We'll make a deal if it addresses our needs at a price we're prepared to pay." (Teams taking liberty with Wings, http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/02/14/teams_taking_liberty_with_wing/)

During the days of Darren McCarthy, Brendan Shanahan, Martin Lapointe, and Joy Kokur, the Red Wings were one of the most toughest, and most skilled teams in the league. Now, when anyone takes a run at Joey MacDonald they can't even do anything about it, which the Flyers exposed on the way to their 6-1 win.

In my opinion, I don't think I have ever seen more of a horrible move then when they let Shanahan go. What do you think Now Red Wings? Is Shanahan still all washed up?

Tyler Bowler -The Hockey Fanatic

References: Quote, Teams taking liberty with wings, http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/02/14/teams_taking_liberty_with_wing/

Roenick's Retirement

2007-02-09T08:46:00.000-08:00

Thats right, Jeremy Roenick could be hanging up his skates! This amazing 6'1 196lbs centerman who was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1988 played in 1230 games, scoring 1159 points with 1407 PIM is calling it quits after 17 NHL seasons!

This Boston native was later traded to the Phoenix Coyotes in 1996, where he played 5 seasons scoring around 60 - 80 points regularly. He was a great asset to the team, infact in my opinion the Phoenix Coyotes havn't been the same without him. After the Phoenix Coyotes lost him as a unrestricted free agent in 2005 to the Philidelphia Flyers, they continued losing games and going on unbeleavable scoring droughts because they lost the leadership Jeremy Roenick had provided for them.

After much stress and aggrivation of the losing team that Wayne had on his hands, he finally relized that all his team needed was leader! So July 4th of 2006, the Phoenix Coyotes signed Jeremy Roenick for a 1 year $1.2 million dollar deal, and thanks to the leadership of Jeremy Roenick the Phoenix Coyotes are only 12 pts behind Minnesota for 8th place and the final seed in the Western Conference Championships.

Jeremy Roenick had a huge passion for the game and not only was he a goal scorer, but he could throw a big body punishing body check as well. Jeremy proved this by throwing a hard hit on a friend and foe, Danny Markov, a hit which will sideline the wings defenceman indefinitely!

"I felt bad. He's my buddy, too, a very good friend of mine," Roenick said. "But you can't lay off. You've got to throw the body. That's something I've tried to do more often. It changed the momentum of the game (in Columbus on Tuesday), I thought it might help again" (http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/02/09/final_shots_for_jr/, Roenicks retirement caravan).

If Roenick does continue his playing days, he would more then likely have to find a new place to play next year, as Phoenix is a few years shy of even being a playoff contender.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

Reference - Quote by, http://www2.sportsnet.ca/blogs/hockey_hearsay/2007/02/09/final_shots_for_jr/

Picture by, http://www2.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Jeremy_Roenick/

Sens Push Ahead Of Habs In Hard Fought Victory!

2007-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

In a sell-out crowd of 19,915, both Ottawa Senators and the Montreal Canadiens hoped to break out of their mid-winter slumps Thursday night. With both teams losing three of their last four games, they were both hungry not to let their other division rival take away a win, and let them climb over them in the Eastern Conference standings.

After a grueling sixty minutes of hard play, it was the Ottawa Senators who met with success. The senators fired 39 shots at Christobal Huet to seal the deal in a very aggressive 4-1 Win, with Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley combining for a pair of goals. Which is pretty impressive if you consider they havn't played together regularly since Spezza returned from a knee injury that he suffered just before the All-Star break.

"For us, getting back together was the same as it's been all season -- good things happen," said Heatley, who took a pass from Spezza in the slot and notched his 32nd goal of the season (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070208_222054_5388, Win pushes Sens ahead of Habs).

With a line that served Montreal well in the early part of the season Saku Koivu, Christopher Higgins, and Micheal Ryder didn't do as well Thursday night against the Senators.

"They have to get better," said Carbonneau of his top line. "We need something to turn the corner, but I don't have a lot of options." (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20070208_222054_5388, Win pushes Sens ahead of Habs).

I have to agree with Carbonneau because if your top line isn't effective, well then how much of a chance do you stand in the playoffs against teams line Buffalo, Atlanta, New Jersey. All of which has the top goaltenders in the world! When Huet let that weak shot from from Phillips 4:32 into the first period, I know my confidence in Huet is badly shaken. So in my opinion for the Canadiens to win, they need to score atleast 4 goals or more every game judging from the way Huet has played of late.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References: Quotes & Picture from, http://www2.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/scores/20070208/Mon@Ott, Win Pushes Sens ahead of Habs.

The New Look Ducks

2007-02-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Man can you ever tell that Walt Disney no longer owns the ducks. If they did still own the ducks, I think that they would be a little bit ticked off after seeing that Anaheim leads the NHL with a incredible 53 fighting majors! I mean I am a big fan of fighting in the NHL. I think that if you don't let the players fight they will just take it out on the other player by slashing them in the face, or cross-checking them in the boards. However, enough is enough! Its time for the ducks to look at this and try to find some way of getting controll over it. I mean they should be absolutely embarrased by the fact that they are 22 fighting majors ahead of the closest team, Nashville!

"I make no apologies for it," Anaheim GM Brian Burke said Thursday. "That's the way our team is built. If you're going to come into our barn you better be ready for a square dance (Canadian Press, http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=195416&hubname=nh).

Agree or disagree with Burke, the ducks have never looked so good. Whenever they touch the puck its almost as if the rest of the teams are afraid to even look at them, leaving them a free skate to the net letting them take pot shots at the goalie. Also, the rough and gruff playing style that the ducks have adapted has given them a unbeleavable defense with only giving up 142 goals against. Pretty impressive considering they have forty more goals then they have scored.

Whenever this team does not have the puck, they smash there opponents into the glass leaving them layed out across the ice, only to get up and see that the puck is in there net. The Anaheim Ducks are clearly proving Bettman wrong, in the way that the old crash and bash hockey style works no matter how fast you make the game! They prove that playing the body is the best way to take the player out of the play, because it is pretty hard to score when you are layed out flat on your back looking up at the scorebord.

Maybe the Pittsburg Penguins should take note, because whenever the inforcers from the other team try to hurt the ducks stars, they pay for it with a broken nose or a black eye! Sid the Kid could use a little of this protection, because if I have noticed whenever Sid is on the highlight reels now he is in a shoving match with one of the teams tough guys with nobody to back him up. Just maybe thats what I like about the ducks, because anybody that tries to pick on Teemu Selanne, or Andy McDonald have certainly paid the price!

Now im not saying that they should get rid of the fighting and play a nice clean game, but I think that keeping the fighting to maybe one or maybe two fights a week isn't impossible. However, if your star player is getting picked on, you better beat the snot out of the guy thats picking on him. So I guess in a way, its easier said then done.

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

References: Quote & Picture, http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/news_story/?ID=195416&hubname=nhl-ducks, Ducks chuck knuckles on the way to the top.

WAR! Ottawa vs Montreal

2007-02-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

That about sums it up between these two teams, war! Not only are these two teams in the same division, but they are also seperated by only one measely point, and the best part is they play each other today at the Scotia Bank Place! Which calls for a hell of a game, and I don't know about anyone else but I expect to see bodies flying all over the place and shots just getting PEPPERED at the goalie!

The Canadiens (29-20-6) who are second in the division with 64 points are in a extremely tight race with the Senators (30-22-3) with 63 points in there respective conference standings. They currently hold fourth and sixth place seeds in the Eastern Conference, and you can bet that either team will let up in this upcoming game because better standings means better bragging rights!

Considering that both clubs have lost three of their last four games, both teams are going to get back on track with a win, and there is no better time to get back on track then right now. Not only is it against a team in your own division, but only three points seperate the fourth and eighth place teams. So only one screw up could be the difference of placing fourth, to not placing in the playoffs at all!

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

Raycroft On Hotstreak!

2007-02-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

Yep, you heard me right! Andrew Raycroft is FINALLY on a hotstreak! After what you could call a very rough year and a half, Andrew Raycroft has finally decided to show up to a couple of games! Before the 6 game road trip that the Toronto Maple Leafs have gone on Andrew Raycroft had well over a 3.00 GAA, but this Belleville Ontario native really decided to turn on the heat! After a dissapointing 40GP with only a 20-16 record, Raycroft showed all the Toronto fans that he deserved to be in net by beating up on his opponents and going on a 5 game unbeaten streak posting a spectacular 1.18 GAA and a .959 save percentage.

However, I will admit that doing this alone does not prove that he belongs to keep his number 1 spot as a Goalie for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sorry Raycroft, but its true! We should expect more out of him considering that he makes $1.8 million dollars a year, he should post up better numbers then 25-16, 2.87 GAA, and a 0.900 save percentage. It is average stats for a number 1 goalie, and the leafs fans are getting tired of the same old routine for the past 40+ years of just making it to the playoffs and getting beaten in the 2nd or 3rd round.

I don't know about anyone else though, but it seems like Andrew Raycroft is probably doing just as good as every other leafs goaltender (excluding Curtis Joseph). However, everyone expects so much from him because the leafs havn't won the cup in over 40 years and their patience is starting to wear thin! Honestly, I would hate to be in any goaltenders shoes right now because as soon as they put that leafs jersey on, they are automatically expected to carry the team to the cup. Which I can see how things got this way. If my hometown were to not win anything in about 40+ years I think I would begin to get a little testy too.

The final word for me on Raycroft is, its not because of his skill that he has done such a medeocre job in the past year and half, but its the stress that bruins fans and leaf fans have put on him that has made him have a long drought. After all you have to realize that although he is a professional, he is only human and humans crack under pressure when over a million people expect nothing but perfection out of them no matter how much they are paid! So in my oppinion if the leafs fans want to ever see a Staneley Cup come to Toronto, they need to ease off of there Goaltenders, and maybe they just might do it!

Tyler Bowler - The Hockey Fanatic

Reference: Picture from, http://www2.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/players/Andrew_Raycroft/