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Jeremy Roenick has figured out reasons for Chris Chelios' lack of ice time

May 21st, 2009

Jeremy Roenick is at it again.  

Its OK if you thought who???  I pretty much forgot about Roenick too.  Afterall, he last played hockey on April 28th.  And yet, a month later, I’m still talking about him, despite the fact he and the San Jose Sharks chocked.  Again.  

I’m told one of the first rules in journalism is to never let your personal feelings mix with your writing.  But whatever, I’m still bitter the Sharks didn’t and can’t make it past the first round of the NHL playoffs.  And I’m not even a real writer anyways. 

Back to Roenick.  In a  interview with Comcast on Thursday, JR claimed the following reasons for iron man Chris Chelios’ lack of ice time this season:

  • Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock doesn’t like American born players
  • Babcock especially dislikes Chelios
  • … plus a lot of other crap like “you should hear the things [Babcock] says to Chelios …”

Riiiight.  First of all, I don’t really get the timing on this.  Secondly, on a Red Wings defense roster that features Nick Lidstrom, Brian Rafalski, Nicklas Kronwall, Brett Lebda and Brad Stuart, Chelios is lucky to get his season average of 11 minutes per game.

Let’s remove the personal feelings Roenick may have here.  Chris Chelios’ career is amazing… and older than Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Sidney Crosby!  And that’s the point: Chelios is a 47 year old man playing in the highest level of hockey in the world.  A level where most players peak at 28 years old. It’s completely unreasonable to think a 47 year old can compete with a 21 year old kid in a 3 hour hockey game, 82 times per season, plus playoffs.

We’ve all watched the turnover’s Chelios has been laying this playoffs.  And these Cheli-overs were costly against the Anaheim Ducks last round.  Frankly, I question if Chelios can handle the 11 minutes he currently averages.

Furthermore, I find Roenick’s comments about Babcock disliking Americans a little off-base.  It’s not like fellow American defenseman  Brian Raflski has trouble getting ice time. 

Putting it bluntly, Chelios has seen better days in his career.  He can barely keep up with the NHL pace at his current ice time load.  Why should he get additional ice time when he can’t handle what he gets now?  

Jeremy Roenick is off base on this one.  Fact is, the Red Wings have better players that they can rely on more.  As far as the rude things Babcock says to Chelios that Roenick actually claims, that’s part of sports, isn’t it? Performance and results do the talking and when those aren’t good, you don’t play.  It’s pretty simple and guys like Chelios and Roenick have been around hockey long enough to know that.
 

Stay classy, Chris Chelios … but tell JR to actually win a Stanley Cup before opening his mouth during playoffs.
 

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Canada's third Olympic goalie

May 19th, 2009

It’s pretty pathetic I’ve taken so long to get a new blog written. Almost as pathetic as the Pittsburgh Penguins home crowd in game one of the Eastern Conference finals… Were they ever dead.

Buy unlike that crowd, I have a good excuse: I’ve been travelling for the last week and a half. Getting scores and updates has presented it’s share if challenges, too. Yesterday, before zip-lining over a death defying river with rocks and bears below (the real Burgundy would be proud), I had to ask the tour guide who won game one of the Chicago-Detroit series. Or to catch yesterdays Pittsburgh-Carolina game, I had to endure a random old man babble about testing Brian Leech in a Whistler bar. Last week, I hacked a Red Lobster WiFi network while waiting for my bill to see if I’m winning my hockey pool. I hate to think what I may have to do for the next day or two…

But since I caught last night’s game, I convinced myself the winning goalie of the Carolina Hurricanes-Pittsburgh Penguins series might just fond himself one the men’s Canadian Olympic hockey team as th third goalie, behind Martin Brodeur and Roberto luongo, of course.

Although there may be some strong candidates for the third Canadian goaltender; guys like Carey Price (ark flailing may not be tolerated though), Marty Turco and J.S Giguere, I really believe it’s down to Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Ward.

Should the Penguins win the series, this will ‘marc’ the second straight year Fleury has backstopped his team to the Stanley Cup finals. Not too shabby.

Should the Cardiac Canes pull the upset, Cam Ward will add a second Stanley Cup appearence to a sfyellat resume that already includes a previous Cup and Conn-Smythe win.

Cam Ward may have the edge right now, but don’t count out Fleury yet. He can go save for save with any goalie in the NHL and held the Penguins in last years Cup final. So long as he doesn’t try to play pucks, Fleury could very well be Canada’s third goalie at Vancouver’s 2010 Olympic games.

You heard it here first: I predict Marc-Andre Fleury will be Canada’s third goalie at next year’s Olympics. And when Canada plays Russia for the gold medal (you know it’ll come down to these two), Varlamov can get his rematch with Fleury.

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2009 Stanley Cup predictions: Conference finals

May 15th, 2009

Wow!  What a second round that was.  All the series played out great and so far, this has been the best playoffs I’ve ever seen.  Kudos to the NHL… now if only we could get the referee’s to be as good.  Overall, their performance and blown calls runs similar to Tim Thomas and rebounds – get it fixed before it becomes more costly.  Sorry Bruins fans, but you knew Thomas’ weak rebound control was going to be a factor sooner or later.

Before we get to SC.net’s third round predictions, a quick note on the Carolina Hurricanes for their amazing run.  They remind me a lot of the Montreal Canadiens who won the Stanley Cup in 1993 – no current superstars, other than an amazing goaltender but played so well together.  It’s also validating for Paul Maurice, less than a year after being exiled from Toronto.  He’s been to the finals before and has a shot at it again this year.

Eastern Conference

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Carolina Hurricanes
Burgundy: Penguins in 6 games; seeing Sidney Crosby vs Eric Staal should be quite the match up, but I think Sid is on another level after being pitted against Alex Ovechkin in the series of the year.  The Canes are a fast team, but I think Pittsburgh’s grit and equally good defense (if not better) will wear down Carolina.  I expect Malkin to have a huge series, as Crosby will targetted heavily.  As with my Western prediction, this series will show Pittsburgh’s depth, helping them win.
Fantana: Penguins in 6 games; Staal’s a great leader for the Hurricanes but after watching Crosby pick up the Penguins and lead them to victory over Washington, how do you bet against Sid the Kid?  Crosby will find a way to score on Cam Ward and I’m thinking that Malkin will finally break through this series.  See ya Cardiac ‘Canes… it’s been fun.
Mantooth: Penguins in 6 games; If Fleury can keep in the net and stop trying to puck handle, and the Pens offense can figure out Ward. I give this one to Pittsburgh. Even though I have discounted the Canes in both round 1 and 2, I think that Sid is going to be too much for them.
Tambland: Penguins in 5 games; Oh man, who do you think they are cheering for in Thunder Bay for this one. I bet there’s a line that’s been drawn down the middle of the living room in the Staal household. On the one side, Red and White uphoulstry. On the other side, Black and Gold. But I think it’s the younger Staal’s turn and Stanley. Eric already has it, and should be practicing for the 2010 Olympics. The Penguins have proven me wrong for the last time (see first round predictions and Conference Semi-Finals Game 7 predictions.
Baxter: Penguins in 7 games; Gonchar needs to get healthy.  Fast.  Or else it doesn’t even matter how many hat tricks Crosby fires.  This is really about whether a talented Pittsburgh offence go beat a hot goalie more times than an average Carolina offence can beat an average goalie. 

Western Conference

Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Blackhawks
Burgundy: Red Wings in 7 games; this series will be close, but I believe Detroit’s experience will hold up against the young Hawks.  My only concerns are the Red Wings defense core: is Bryan Rafalski and Nik Kronvall healthy?  And will Dustin Byfuglien get under the Wing’s feathers enough?  Detroit’s forwards are slightly stronger in this series and should prove the difference.
Fantana: Red Wings in 7 games; I want a re-match of last year’s Stanley Cup Final!  I think Detroit faced a really tough Ducks team that pushed them harder than they’ve been pushed in a long time… the Wings will build off this victory and will over-match the young Hawks.
Mantooth: Blackhawks in 7 games; It’s hard to go against the Wings, but seeing the fight that the Ducks put up, goes to show that they too have their weaknesses. I am putting my hope in the Hawks to take this one one pure youth alone. Plus I need Toews and Havlat to put up some decent numbers for my pool.
Tambland: Blackhawks in 7 games; Again, this is a coming of age story. The NHL is going to have wet dreams all summer long when Sid the Kid meets the young Blackhawks in the Finals. As much as I’d love to see Hossa lose the Stanley Cup to the team he snubbed in the off-season, the Wings won’t be able to handle the speedy young Hawks squad. Watching goaltending become an issue here again.
Baxter: Hawks in 6 games; Ok, I’m getting tired of second-guessing this pesky Chicago team.  Can’t beat these kids. And now they’re well rested. Detroit may have exhausted themselves trying to get by Anaheim.

It’s interesting to note that three of the four goalies remaining in this year’s NHL playoffs are previous Stanley Cup winners within the last 4 seasons, and the fourth goalie – Marc-Andre Fleury was last year’s runner up.

Stay classy, conference finals.

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2009: Crosby is better than Ovechkin

May 14th, 2009

1) Clutch performance
Look no further than Game 7 of the 2009 semi-finals.  When it mattered.  When all the hyperbole comes down to 60 minutes of who can lead their team to the next round.  Three minutes into Game 7 and the chance to change the entire game playing on home ice.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_airMgUX4c]
Fleury: it’s like taking candy from a baby.
 
Follow that up with Crosby’s breakaway goal.  OMG.  It was that old freaky use-my-right-skate-as-a-brake-change-up shot.  Just like in practice.
 
 
2) Clutch performance #2
Game 2.  In what is probably one of the best playoff games of this season, both Ovie and Sid score hat tricks.  What is amazing is watching a dejected Crosby at the end of one shift …and then watching him a few shifts later doing some Circus-Act hand-eye thing where he bats his 3rd goal off of Varlamov’s noggin and into the back of the net.
 
3) Not showing up your opponent

Call it what you want.  Showboating.  Hotdogging.  Dissing.  I’m tired of Ovechkin’s antics.  After his 50th goal earlier this year and the “my stick is too hot to hold” routine (…wait a minute, that didn’t sound too good), you gotta wonder why no one came up and introduced Ovie’s stick to his other hole.  Krajicek, don’t just stand there!
Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with his stick after scoring his 50th goal of the season during the first period of a hockey game Thursday, March 19, 2009, in Tampa, Fla. Teammate Mike Green and Tampa Bay Lightning’s Lukas Krajicek look on
 I mean c’mon!  Can you imagine if Tiger Woods did that?  Or Michael Jordan?  Wayne Gretzky or Mario?  John McEnroe?

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What would you do (Part 4) with the Phoenix Coyotes?

May 12th, 2009

This time the “What Would You Do” series is extending into the realm of NHL Franchise relocation.

Today’s challengers: Hamilton vs. Winnipeg

Population of Hamilton: 692,911 (Census Metropolitan Area)
Population of Winnipeg: 694,668 (Census Metropolitan Area)

This one actually surprised me, but you have to remember that Hamilton has more metropolitan areas surrounding it than Winnipeg does. Numbers-wise, Winnipeg wins, but with intangibles (aka the GTA and Detroit), Hamilton gets it. +1 for Hamilton.

Hamilton Professional Sports Teams: Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL) and Hamilton Bulldogs (AHL)
Winnipeg Professional Sports Teams: Winnipeg Blue Bombers (CFL), Manitoba Moose (AHL) and Winnipeg Goldeyes (Northern League Baseball)

No one saw that one coming did they? Winnipeg is actually supporting three professional sports franchises. This could work for or against them. On the one side, they’ve got a fan base that is showing up to sports games. On the other hand, is there enough corporate support spread between three franchises that could possibly support a fourth? I’m going to say Winnipeg takes this one though, because of nostaglia and an apparent willingness to support local sports teams.

Hamilton Hockey Arena: Copps Coliseum- built in 1985- seats up to 17,383 for ice hockey
Winnipeg Hockey Arena: MTS Centre- built in 2004- seats up to 15,015 for ice hockey

Copps Coliseum was built specifically in the hopes that it could bring an NHL franchise to Hamilton. While it may be older, it already seats more than the MTS Centre. Both arenas have hosted IIHF events (World Juniors and World Women’s). The belief is that a smaller arena could create a positive supply and demand situation in Winnipeg, but I think Copps has more potential because it is already a bigger venue. Give this to Hamilton.

Hamilton AHL Franchise- Hamilton Bulldogs/Montreal Canadiens
Winnipeg AHL Franchise- Manitoba Moose/Vancouver Canucks

This one goes to Winnipeg strictly by association between Hamilton and the Montreal Canadiens. Oh those poor Canadiens.

Hamilton’s Nostalgia Appeal- none.
Winnipeg’s Nostalgia Appeal- everything.

Who wouldn’t want to see the return of the Jets, White-outs, and retribution for a lost Canadian franchise.

BOTTOM LINE:

While Hamilton is more likely to be able to support an NHL franchise, the Phoenix Coyotes are the wrong team to move there. Winnipeg has shown that it can support sports teams, and they deserve a chance–under the new CBA and current economic climate–to show that the Phoenix/Winnipeg franchise can be a success there again. Hamilton should still get a team from the Sun Belt, but not this one.

Stay classy Hamilton. You’ll get there soon.

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Thoughts on the NHL playoffs second round and NHL public relations

May 10th, 2009

They say that the Stanley Cup is the hardest trophy to win in professional sports.  I think that most people who have their name engraved on the trophy would easily agree.  It even hurts to watch the highlight packs sometimes.

Having the Ottawa Senators advance to the Stanley Cup Finals a few years ago only cemented how great a playoff run can be.  As a fan, nothing beats watching your favourite team advance, round-after-round, all the way to their chance at hockey’s most prestigious award.  For us here in Ottawa, the end result was a bit of a letdown, but the experience was unbeatable.

This year I’ve had a chance to watch the playoffs more objectively, and looking back at other years as well, I’ve confirmed one thing: nothing beats the second round of the playoffs.

The first round can be pretty entertaining.  You get excited that the playoffs are back, and the first round brings about the occasional upset victory, and the start of a few Cinderella stories (think Edmonton in 2006).   But for the most part, the first round is kind of predictable.   It’s easy to see the best teams and predict who will advance.

The third round is a good round too, but at this point you’re thinking more about the big show rather than the Conference Finals.  Usually one team has had an easy run to the third round, and another team that has fought tooth and nail.  The other thing that comes up in the third round is an umpteen amount of injuries.  This often leaves one team out of the two at a serious disadvantage.  For the most part, the Conference Finals don’t provide the drama.

And again, the Finals bring on the final act, and it is exciting.  But there’s only a game every two days, so no matter how exciting it is, you still have to wait.  If you have nothing at all invested in the matchup, then it’s not that great.

The above reasons are why the second round is so strong.  This is when you get invested in a team.

Just look at this year’s matchups.  Three of the series were locked in at 2-2 before Saturday’s games.  The teams are healthy, beating each other up, and there are two games every day.  You don’t even have to be a fan of any of the teams to appreciate the level of hockey being played.  But that’s when you become a fan.

The matchups are more even, the storylines are better.  I don’t know about you, but I’m more excited about who is going to the Conference Finals between Washington and Pittsburgh, then I am about who is going to the Stanley Cup Finals.

The other thing about the second round is that it sets the tone for the rest of the playoffs.  Playoff performers begin to emerge (remember Johan Franzen last year), and teams begin to show their true mettle (look at the Carolina Hurricanes this year as an example).

All I can say about the second round right now is that I don’t want it to end.

***

I hate to do it, but to quote Sean Avery: “The NHL has to do a better job at marketing.”

Okay, maybe not a better job at marketing, but they have to figure out their timing.  We’ve all heard the news about the Phoenix Coyotes bankruptcy.  It’s a bit of a black mark on the league, but there’s an old saying that any publicity is good publicity.

In other words, the Phoenix Coyotes story would be a fantastic way to put the NHL in the news, oh I don’t know, in the middle of the summer when nobody is thinking about hockey.

But instead, the NHL is dealing with this problem when any NHL news should be focused on the playoffs.  Now I’m not suggesting that they have any control over the timing, but perhaps they could have been a bit more involved in Phoenix rather than trying to dust the news under the rug.  By painting such a rosy picture in the Sun Belt, the NHL has completely ignored the problem.

If they embrace the problem in the middle of summer, the NHL is back in the news again, and hey, they will be creating some excitement for the upcoming season.  If this played out during July and August, how excited would you be to find out who is going to be playing in Southern Ontario in October.

Just sayin’.

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What's awesome about Alex Ovechkin's hitting?

May 9th, 2009

Well, well.  The hockey world and media alike are at it again, but let it be known that I don’t consider stayclassy.net media, we’re more like… awesome.  Plain awesome.  Profound, I know, but we’d probably be more awesome without Mantooth and Baxter – maybe uber, or something sweedish. Perhaps – uber jyte (look it up).

Speaking of not awesome – what’s up with everyone painting Alex Ovechkin with the villain brush following one bad hit in Friday night’s Washington Capitals-Pittsburgh Penguins game?  For the record, I wasn’t a fan of the hit – but I doubt Ovechkin set out to injure Penguins defenseman Sergei Gonchar.  Considering we almost believed Todd Bertuzzi in 2006 following a fairly brokeback revenge tackle on Steve Moore, we should probably give Ovechkin benefit of doubt on this one.  Besides, his track record is substantially better than Bertuzzi’s and Ovechkin has way more teeth than Big Bert.

It’s funny, of all the things to say or hate about Ovechkin, we’re talking about a hit where he didn’t react quick enough.  It’s not like this is the first time we’ve seen a borderline hit in the NHL playoffs.

We could hate Ovechkin for his bad hair or the fact that his pranks suck (come on, calling room service on Sid the kid, ouch…). 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp1DMQ-x33k&hl=en&fs=1]

Or we could hate the fact he’s Russian and it seems Canada and Russa inevitably play each other for Gold in all major international tournaments these days.  I even hate the fact that Jason Spezza got an illegal curve penalty before Ovechkin did.

We basically hated Sidney Crosby for a few months because his goal celebrations didn’t win us over, like Ovechkin’s over-the-top persona  did.  Remember that time he threw his glove up 40 or 50 ft in the air after scoring a goal?  I hated the fact he caught that glove better than Manny Ramirez on steroids could.

This hit doesn’t change any view I have against Ovechkin, nor should it for anyone else.  What gets’ me is the players and media whining about dirty hits all year, all career and how it’s not how hockey should be played.

Funny, considering these same players/media voted in majority for Alex Ovechkin to win both media and player voted Most Valuable Player awards last season and likely will again this season.  Now that’s awesome.

Stay classy, Ovi.

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What would you do, part 3 – General Manager style?

May 8th, 2009

 

Here at stayclassy.net, we strive for excellence in our writing and thoughts. The “Who Would You Do” series began on a whim, comparing Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton. It then grew to include Mattias Ohlund vs. Filip Kuba. Not to pigeon-hole ourselves (That’s What She Said!) with player discussions, we’re opening the forum to GM discussions. So without further ado, What Would You Do? General Manager edition. If you were the Minnesota Wild, who would you pick. 
 
Pierre McGuire vs. Pat Quinn
 
Pierre McGuire’s real name: Regis McGuire
Pat Quinn’s real name: John Brian Patrick Quinn
 
We have a real affinity for multiple first name’s here at stayclassy.net (Cory Perry as an example). So I’m going to have to give this one to Pat, just because it takes so long to get to his last name. Good on him. 
 
Pierre McGuire’s birthday: August 8, 1961
Pat Quinn’s birthday: January 29, 1943
 
Since age probably doesn’t play as big of a factor in general managing, unless of course one of these guys is fluent in social media, I decided to look at astrological signs. Pat Quinn is an Aquarius, which, according to astrology.com, means that 
“They are progressive thinkers and are great at forming new ideologies and theories, any type of research is very suited to Aquarius. Aquarius one downfall in the business world is the attention to detail, they like the grand ideas and massive plans and can make them happen, but the mundane day to day repetitive details causes them to procrastinate.”
Pierre McQuire is a Leo:
“Business dealings are easy and successful for Leo, if they are in command and control…They will never settle for second best.”
 
So what does this mean for the Minnesota Wild. Well, I think Pat will get tired of trying to sign free agents. Which means Marian Gaborik won’t get signed. And Pierre will not settle for second best, which also means that Marian Gaborik won’t get signed. 
 
Pierre McGuire’s Hockey Career: professional hockey in Europe.
Pat Quinn’s Hockey Career: NHL player and best known for a huge open-ice hit on Bobby Orr.
 
Let’s say Pierre wins this one, just because no one hits Bobby Orr and gets away with it. NOBODY.
 
Number of Stanley Cups:
McGuire- 2, Pittsburgh Penguins, scout and assistant coach
Quinn- 0
 
I think it’s safe to give this one to McGuire. Pat has been to the show twice as a coach, but couldn’t finish the job. 
 
Pierre McGuire’s Ontario Connection- Scout and Assistant Coach for the Ottawa Senators
Pat Quinn’s Ontario Connection- who the hell cares
 
Um, yeah. Safe to say that the scouting work Pierre did in Ottawa helped build a team that made the playoffs 11 years in a row. I don’t know if I remember what Quinn was doing at that time.

Here at stayclassy.net, we strive for excellence in our writing and thoughts.  The “Who Would You Do” series began on a whim, comparing Jason Spezza and Joe Thornton.  It then grew to include Mattias Ohlund vs. Filip Kuba.  Not to pigeon-hole ourselves (That’s What She Said!) with player discussions, we’re opening the forum to GM discussions.  So without further ado, What Would You Do? General Manager edition.  If you were the Minnesota Wild, who would you pick?

Pierre McGuire vs. Pat Quinn

Pierre McGuire (left) & Pat Quinn (right)

Pierre McGuire (left) & Pat Quinn (right)

Pierre McGuire’s real name: Regis McGuire
Pat Quinn’s real name: John Brian Patrick Quinn

We have a real affinity for multiple first name’s here at stayclassy.net (Cory Perry as an example).  So I’m going to have to give this one to Pat, just because it takes so long to get to his last name.  Good on him. 
 

Pierre McGuire’s birthday: August 8, 1961
Pat Quinn’s birthday: January 29, 1943

Since age probably doesn’t play as big of a factor in general managing, unless of course one of these guys is fluent in social media, I decided to look at astrological signs.  Pat Quinn is an Aquarius, which, according to astrology.com, means that:

“They are progressive thinkers and are great at forming new ideologies and theories, any type of research is very suited to Aquarius. Aquarius one downfall in the business world is the attention to detail, they like the grand ideas and massive plans and can make them happen, but the mundane day to day repetitive details causes them to procrastinate.”

Pierre McQuire is a Leo:

“Business dealings are easy and successful for Leo, if they are in command and control…They will never settle for second best.”

 

So what does this mean for the Minnesota Wild?  Well, I think Pat will get tired of trying to sign free agents.  Which means Marian Gaborik won’t get signed.  And Pierre will not settle for second best, which also means that Marian Gaborik won’t get signed. 

Pierre McGuire’s Hockey Career: professional hockey in Europe.
Pat Quinn’s Hockey Career: NHL player and best known for a huge open-ice hit on Bobby Orr.

Let’s say Pierre wins this one, just because no one hits Bobby Orr and gets away with it.  NOBODY.

 

Number of Stanley Cups:
McGuire- 2, Pittsburgh Penguins, scout and assistant coach
Quinn- 0

 

I think it’s safe to give this one to McGuire. Pat has been to the show twice as a coach, but couldn’t finish the job. 


Pierre McGuire’s Ontario Connection- Scout and Assistant Coach for the Ottawa Senators
Pat Quinn’s Ontario Connection- who the hell cares

Um, yeah.  Safe to say that the scouting work Pierre did in Ottawa helped build a team that made the playoffs 11 years in a row.  I don’t know if I remember what Quinn was doing at that time. 

 

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2010 US Olympic team predictions

May 7th, 2009

Update: Here’s the 34 man American Olympic Camp Roster:

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny

Hello classy internet,

Over the past few weeks, several Canadian hockey players have drawn attention for their strong play and have garnered Steve Yzerman’s attention for this next year’s Olympic team.
But the real story here is the 2010 American Olympic squad.  They finished 8th in Turino with a team that was in full re-build mode.  They will be ready next year and are stock-piled with young and talented players.  This team will be fast and while they may take some by surprise, I believe they will challenge for a medal.
Here are my picks for the 2010 American Olympic team (as of today):
Forwards (13):
Patrick Kane (CHI)  Zac Parise (NJ)  Peter Mueller (PHO)
Brian Gionta (NJ)  Chris Drury (NYR)  Keith Tkachuk (STL)
Brian Rolston (NJ)  Scott Gomez (NYR)  Phil Kessel (BOS)
Dustin Brown (LAK)  Jamie Langenbrunner (NJ) T.J Oshie (STL)
Ryan Kesler (VAN)
Defense (8):
Ron Hainsey (ATL)  Ryan Whitney (ANA)
Ryan Suter (NSH)  John-Michael Liles (COL)
Brian Rafalski (DET)  Keith Ballard (FLA)
Paul Martin (NJ)  Jack Johnson (LAK)
Goaltending (3):
Tim Thomas (BOS)
Ryan Miller (BUF)
Rick DiPietro (NYI)
Reserves (3):
Scott Clemmensen (NJ)
Joe Corvo (CAR)
David Backes (STL)
Players on the Bubble: Jason Blake, Mike Modano, Bill Guerin, Brandon Dubinsky, Jason Pominville, Jordan Leopold and Tim Gleason
As you can see, I think the Americans are going to go with their youth for this tournament.  That’s why guys like Bill Guerin, Mike Modano, Doug Weight and Mathieu Schneider have been left off this team.
In my next blog, I’ll discuss my picks for the Canadian Olympic Squad.
Your Reporter in the Field,
Fantana

Hello classy internet,

Over the past few weeks, several Canadian hockey players have drawn attention for their strong play and have garnered Steve Yzerman’s attention for this next year’s Olympic team.

But the real story here is the 2010 American Olympic squad.  They finished 8th in the Turino Olympics with a team that was in full re-build mode.  They will be ready next year and are stock-piled with young and talented players.  This team will be fast and while they may take some by surprise, I believe they will challenge for a medal.

Here are my picks for the 2010 American Olympic team (as of today):
Forwards (13)

Patrick Kane (CHI)  Zac Parise (NJ)  Peter Mueller (PHO)

Brian Gionta (NJ)  Chris Drury (NYR)  Keith Tkachuk (STL)

Brian Rolston (NJ)  Scott Gomez (NYR)  Phil Kessel (BOS)

Dustin Brown (LAK)  Jamie Langenbrunner (NJ) T.J Oshie (STL)

Ryan Kesler (VAN)

Defense (8)

Ron Hainsey (ATL)  Ryan Whitney (ANA)

Ryan Suter (NSH)  John-Michael Liles (COL)

Brian Rafalski (DET)  Keith Ballard (FLA)

Paul Martin (NJ)  Jack Johnson (LAK)

Goaltending (3)

Tim Thomas (BOS)

Ryan Miller (BUF)

Rick DiPietro (NYI)

Reserves (3)

Scott Clemmensen (NJ)

Joe Corvo (CAR)

David Backes (STL)

Players on the Bubble: Jason Blake, Mike Modano, Bill Guerin, Brandon Dubinsky, Jason Pominville, Jordan Leopold and Tim Gleason.

As you can see, I think the Americans are going to go with their youth for this tournament.  That’s why guys like Bill Guerin, Mike Modano, Doug Weight and Mathieu Schneider have been left off this team.

In my next blog, I’ll discuss my picks for the Canadian Olympic Squad.

Your Reporter in the Field,

Fantana

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** Update: June 30th **

Here’s the 34 man American Olympic Camp Roster:

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byfuglien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny

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Can the Minnesota Wild's next GM be a monster?

May 6th, 2009

We’re pretty funny guys. Except Mantooth of course…  He’s not that funny at all.

All laughing aside, I’m totally serious when I say John Fergusson JR is reportedly being considered for the vacant General Manager position within the Minnesota Wild organization.

I’m unsure how seriously he’s being considered, but I think it’s safe to say the Wild have officially begun their GM search following Doug Risebrough’s dismissal last month. Some of the other (and probably more qualified) candidates include Pat Quinn, Jay Feaster, and TSN/NBC Monster, Pierre McGuire.

Pierre McGuire is classy.

Pierre McGuire is classy.

On Tuesday afternoon, McGuire confirmed he is on the shortlist for GM candidates. Love him or hate him, Pierre’s passion for hockey is rivaled only by Jim Balsillie’s desire to move an NHL franchise to Canada. I like this idea and I think he’d be a great Monster GM for the Wild.

(Yeah, the Monster jokes are only just beginning)

It seems like the NHL recycles through the same coaches/GM’s who’ve consistently won as many games in the NHL as they’ve lost. Great, your new coach/GM has a .500 winning percentage. That’s a good performance, but not a Monster performance. And trust me – you want to be a Monster performer. I realize you need qualified guys running teams, but look at the impact new/fresh Monsters made for the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks (regular season only) this season.

We heavily blame the salary cap for league parity, but I think the fact the same coaches/GM’s are constantly rehired through many organizations plays a role in it, too. You’d think teams are thinking it’s environmentally friendly the way some league veterans are recycled.

McGuire’s impact to the Wild organization would be a positive shock to a team that many feel are boring inside-and-out. And just think about the impact McGuire could have on the organization:

  • Sit between benches to organize trades between teams
  • Ensure all interviews with Wild players focus on Monster plays and escape-ability
  • Replace game three stars with Monster of the game

The possibilities are endless! And maybe it’d be enough to keep Marian Gaborik around for a year or two longer.

Stay classy, Pierre McGuire.

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