Ace of Spades HQ

June 01, 2011

Stanley Cup Finals Game 1, and some other hockey news... (tmi3rd)
— Open Blogger

Good evening, Morons and Moronettes, and welcome to tonight's coverage of the Stanley Cup Finals, Game 1, with Boston visiting Vancouver. We've got a great deal of news to cover in hockey, so let's get to it... From the Western Conference, the Vancouver Canucks are making their first trip to the Stanley Cup Finals since 1994, where they lost to Drew M.'s New York Rangers in seven games. The story with Vancouver tends to be goaltender Roberto Luongo... he's been aggressively hyped as Canada's goaltender of the future since the mid-1990s, but his first taste of success came in the 2008 Winter Olympics, winning the gold medal with Team Canada.

Vancouver has been paced through the playoffs by the remarkable play of forward Ryan Kesler. Even in the second-round series against Nashville, where the Canucks' top line of Henrik and Daniel Sedin and Alex Burrows were shut down by the suffocating defensive play of the Predators, Kesler (a Team USA stalwart) scored several hard-working and timely goals. In addition, appearances are that defensive center Manny Malhotra (who has been out with a serious eye injury) may return to the lineup.

Defensively, the Canucks are extremely deep. Each of their six defensemen would be a likely number-one defenseman on most other teams, and they've had significant offensive contributions from tough guy Kevin Bieksa.

The Boston Bruins parallel the Canucks with Vezina-caliber (the Vezina Trophy goes to the best goaltender in the league) goaltending from Tim Thomas. Defensively, they are paced by 6'7" Zdeno Chara, and their defensive corps survived a ferocious assault by the firepower-heavy Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games.

Offensively, Boston appears to have slightly more offensive depth... they've had a great postseason from forwards David Krejci (10 G, 7 A) and Nathan Horton (8 goals, and a +10 in plus-minus). Center Patrice Bergeron has been utterly superhuman on faceoffs, and carries an impressive plus-9 into tonight's Game 1.

So who to pick in this series? I frankly hesitate to call it. It's hard to pick against Vancouver, but Boston has survived two Game 7s on their way to the finals. Perhaps it's more my heart than my brain, but I'm thinking Boston in seven.

There's more news out there- the first key bit of news is the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment, and their resultant move to Winnipeg. As a Saints fan in the NFL, it grieves me to see this for the hockey fans in Atlanta... I've nearly had two teams pulled out from under me, and it's gut-wrenching. At the same time, I'm very happy for the city of Winnipeg- those are some great hockey fans there, and the notion of having the Winnipeg Jets back in the league just plain feels right.

In other news, Brendan Shanahan (a colorful NHL veteran and also a bit player in Forrest Gump and Me, Myself, and Irene) will be taking over as head of discipline for the NHL. Campbell was regarded by many as being somewhat subjective about how he handed down suspensions and fines, and the movement of fan and player favorite Shanahan into that role lends it a certain credibility.

I'm going to try to check in as often as possible this evening- I'm taking care of a sick tmi4th, but as soon as I've got him down, I'll be floating around a bit more. Enjoy the game!

Posted by: Open Blogger at 02:23 PM | Comments (166)
Post contains 590 words, total size 4 kb.

1 Yea, first. Thanks God the game isn't in Boston with all the tornados around.

Posted by: Jaimo at June 01, 2011 02:39 PM (jZBMw)

2 "I believe the Canucks of Vancouver are superior warriors." - Teal'c

http://youtu.be/NkX4WmpHj0s

I'm not so sure, but I don't know where Boston will get enough goals to win this one.

Posted by: forest at June 01, 2011 02:39 PM (9FWy4)

3 Vancouver in 5.

I don't really want it to happen, but on the plus side it would mean that fucking ecotard shit-for-brains Ference wouldn't get a Cup.

Posted by: Waterhouse at June 01, 2011 02:40 PM (/QIp+)

4 Watching video right now (I'm in Manchester, CT) the pictures are awesome. They have rotation on another one east of Springfield right now. It's paralleling the Mass Pike.

Posted by: Jaimo at June 01, 2011 02:40 PM (jZBMw)

5 Go Boston!

Posted by: Jaimo at June 01, 2011 02:40 PM (jZBMw)

I hate Luongo more than the Bruins.

Oh and Marc Recci is using steriods, there is no other explanation.

Posted by: Ben at June 01, 2011 02:40 PM (DKV43)

7 Bostons powerplay sucks . The Canukleheads does not .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at June 01, 2011 02:42 PM (npr0X)

Also Campbell was a joke. He picked on the Penguins. Matt Cooke got booted for the rest of the season but nothing came of the Chara hit to Max Paciorety(i have no idea on the spelling).

Good riddens.

Posted by: Ben at June 01, 2011 02:42 PM (DKV43)

9 Just heard Buttmnan's State of the League on the radio. Glad to hear the Shanahan news.

I'll be cheering for the Bruins, but given that the Canucks have never won the Cup I would not be unhappy to see them win either.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 02:45 PM (BP6Z1)

10 Why would there be a penalty on the Chara hit? It's not his fault that Montreal uses seamless glass, necessitating a post where other rinks don't have one. Go Bs!!!!!

Posted by: Tim at June 01, 2011 02:52 PM (DlaZ0)

11 The good news spreads: Manitoba Moose will be moving to St. John's, Newfoundland and stay in the AHL

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 02:53 PM (BP6Z1)

12 Hockey is the gayest sport in America.

Baseball is the one and true sport.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at June 01, 2011 02:55 PM (LH6ir)

13 Although I had a great time at a Blackhawks game in Chicago. But everyone in the building was drunk, so that might have had something to do with it.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at June 01, 2011 02:56 PM (LH6ir)

14 Hockey may be teh gheyest sport, but at least they're not all just standing around doing nothing all night.

Posted by: Tim at June 01, 2011 02:57 PM (DlaZ0)

15 12 Hockey is the gayest sport in America.

Baseball is the one and true sport.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (LH6ir)

--You mean baseball, the game where players are non-violently touching themselves and others more than in any other sport, is not gay?

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 02:59 PM (BP6Z1)

16 My Penns disgraced themselves in the first round, blowing a 3-1 game lead to lose in 7. I subsequently beat a hippie up and drowned my sorrows in Code Red. Haven't watched a game since.

Posted by: tangonine at June 01, 2011 03:01 PM (x3YFz)

17 12 Hockey is the gayest sport in America.

Baseball is the one and true sport.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (LH6ir)

Yeah... if you're a pussy.

Posted by: tangonine at June 01, 2011 03:01 PM (x3YFz)

18 Here in the Mortis household we are Bruins fans, until such a time that the Rangers don't suck, in that case I'm farked because I have to watch the goddamn Rangers instead of my beloved Bruins!!!

GO BRUINS!!

Posted by: Mortis at June 01, 2011 03:06 PM (I8CPt)

19 The Wings should move to the East now to replace Atlanta but the league won't let them because they bring to many ratings when they travel west.

Watching hockey starting at 10 or 10:30 sucks-ass.

Posted by: Freedomplow at June 01, 2011 03:12 PM (GLP9X)

20 Canucks in 5. Go Canucks Go!

Posted by: Pirate of the Perineum at June 01, 2011 03:14 PM (ZRN7N)

21 Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:59 PM (BP6Z1)
Posted by: tangonine at June 01, 2011 07:01 PM (x3YFz)

All athletes touch themselves. Baseball players are up-front about it.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at June 01, 2011 03:15 PM (LH6ir)

22 Chara is 6'9 not 6'7, not to nitpick but that is a much bigger difference than it would seem to anyone that might not have played sports.

Posted by: ontherocks at June 01, 2011 03:19 PM (HBqDo)

it grieves me to see this for the hockey fans in Atlanta...

Don't worry. I'm sure the three of them can form a support group or something.

Posted by: crisis du jour at June 01, 2011 03:26 PM (J1eJz)

24 Hockey is the gayest sport in America.

Baseball is the one and true sport.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (NJConservative) at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (LH6ir)

If you've ever actually been to a game and still believe that yer a girl and you hate sports in general....

Posted by: Portnoy at June 01, 2011 03:29 PM (azgo2)

25 My bad on the Chara height. Given the fact that I share 5'8" with Marty St. Louis and Steve Sullivan (and also coincidentally wore #26 in my college hockey days), anyone over 6' is a basketball player anyway. Since my wife is 6' tall, yes, she can dunk on me.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 03:33 PM (WRtsc)

26 I'm really hoping tmi4th goes down shortly, by the way... how do little kids have this much energy when they're as sick as he is? Astonishing.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 03:34 PM (WRtsc)

27 Re : Chara
The bigger they are the harder they fall. I look forward to seeing Torres run him over.

Posted by: Pirate of the Perineum at June 01, 2011 03:37 PM (ZRN7N)

28 Oh, before I forget, Freedomplow- the scuttlebutt is that Winnipeg will spend one season in the east before Phoenix moves to Quebec... they'll then swap conferences and there may be some inside shifting to accommodate things a bit better.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 03:37 PM (WRtsc)

29 So how is the NHL faring in the other southern expansion cities?

Raleigh, Nashville,Tampa, Miami
Phoenix (ok, I know it's knowing going well in Phoenix)
Dallas, LA, San Jose

I thought it was doing decent in Raleigh and Nashville, but I have no data.

Not many places left in Canada to retreat to.

Posted by: Clubber Lang at June 01, 2011 03:40 PM (QcFbt)

30 OB, your head's stuck too deep into the bag. The Sedins eviscerate penalty kills. Look: Regular Season: First divsion, conference & league ... & no one else was close. Series 1 vs Chicago: 7 games. Series 2 vs Nashville: 6 games. Series 3 vs San Jose: 5 games. Series 4 vs Boston: next in sequence For the Bruins, extending to 5 will be a victory.

Posted by: Rex the Wonder God at June 01, 2011 03:45 PM (NHeC0)

31 Posted by: Rex the Wonder God at June 01, 2011 07:45 PM (NHeC0)

None of those teams are as physical as the Bruins.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 03:52 PM (Fz+L5)

32 (...the Preds clear their throats in the wings...)

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 03:54 PM (WRtsc)

33 Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 07:54 PM (WRtsc)

You think the Preds are as physical as Boston?

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 03:58 PM (Fz+L5)

34 Yeah, I do... the Preds beat the crap out of Anaheim in the first round. The Bruins are better up front, and have skill to go with muscle. The other thing is that physicality shut down the Sedins in that series.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 04:01 PM (WRtsc)

35 Ugh. Having Milbury on greatly diminishes this moment.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 04:03 PM (WRtsc)

36 Go Bruins!

Posted by: lauren at June 01, 2011 04:23 PM (ibCFU)

37 Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 08:01 PM (WRtsc)

How about, as physical?

If so, Bruins have more offense than the Preds.

That said, Preds play better defense.

I really like the Bruins chances if they play better defense than they did for long stretches against the Lightning. No end to end, river hockey this time or Canucks will kill 'em.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 04:24 PM (Fz+L5)

38 As always...lots of rubber on Bobby Lou. Make him a big part of the series. For good or ill.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 04:24 PM (Fz+L5)

39 How would you like to tell your wife and kids that you're going to have to leave Atlanta - for Winnipeg. That's a huge quality of life hit.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 01, 2011 04:25 PM (FI38b)

40 Please move the Red Wings to the East, please. please. please.

Posted by: carl at June 01, 2011 04:26 PM (lUn3C)

Cool Green Guys>Team That Throws Crap At Opposing Fans

Go Canucks

Posted by: YRM (Go Heat, Go Canucks) at June 01, 2011 04:27 PM (UzBwz)

42 And tmi3rd, hope the heir falls asleep soon. You're right about how much energy they have. Try screaming at the top of your lungs. See how long you can keep it up. Seriously - time yourself. You don't have a mouse's fart worth of lung endurance next to a baby.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 01, 2011 04:28 PM (FI38b)

Posted by: carl at June 01, 2011 08:26 PM (lUn3C)

Posted by: YRM (Go Heat, Go Canucks) at June 01, 2011 04:28 PM (UzBwz)

44 Agreed across the board, Drew... it's going to take nearly perfect discipline to beat Vancouver. We saw Boston do that in spurts, most recently in Game 7 against Tampa. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Vancouver win this... they were the best team in the regular season for a reason. I just think that if Boston plays shutdown hockey and makes Luongo the story, the old Luongo will rear his head.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 04:29 PM (WRtsc)

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 08:24 PM (Fz+L5)

the Bolts and Bruins were pratically the same team, same record, same points; the Bruins had home ice and vetran experience on their side. my question is how well do they match up to the #1 overall team in the NHL this season?

Posted by: YRM (Go Heat, Go Canucks) at June 01, 2011 04:29 PM (UzBwz)

46 I would need a ladder to high-stick Chara.

Posted by: KennyM at June 01, 2011 04:31 PM (x1NR6)

47 Drew, I've got tmi4th at the moment- can you pop in and kill the spam for me?

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 04:33 PM (WRtsc)

48 Big Z taking the draw?

Allrighty then.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 04:34 PM (Fz+L5)

49 Go Blackhawks!

Posted by: garrett at June 01, 2011 04:37 PM (sH0LP)

50 ...oh, and Vancouver in 5.

Posted by: garrett at June 01, 2011 04:37 PM (sH0LP)

51
I got one word for the Canucks: Presidents Trophy.

Posted by: I R A Darth Aggie © at June 01, 2011 04:38 PM (BDH94)

52 Stoned .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at June 01, 2011 04:38 PM (npr0X)

53 So, I used to live in the DC region and semi (very semi)-follow the Caps. Can any hockey experts explain why the Caps do so well in the regular season, but seem to become, as Tony Kornheiser says, choking dogs in the playoffs

They've had that choking dogs nickname around DC for decades, too. In the 90s I knew less than zero about the Caps or hockey. Couldn't have named a single player. Yet I knew they were "choking dogs" -- probably from reading Kornheiser columns in the WashPost and general sports radio osmosis.

Posted by: Clubber Lang at June 01, 2011 04:40 PM (QcFbt)

54 Posted by: YRM (Go Heat, Go Canucks) at June 01, 2011 08:29 PM (UzBwz)

Yeah, they had the same records but they were very different teams.

Bolts were smaller, defensive oriented team.

Bruins are big, physical, forechecking team.

Bolts have solid elite talent (Stamkos, St. Louis, etc) but Bruins have more offensive depth (Bergeron, Horton, Krecji, Lucic, Sguin, etc)

It's the beauty of the game that two very different approaches had same good results but they weren't stylistically similar.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 04:41 PM (Fz+L5)

55 Thomas doing his Hasek impression!

Posted by: garrett at June 01, 2011 04:44 PM (sH0LP)

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 08:41 PM (Fz+L5)

so with that said do they matchup well with the Canucks on paper?

Posted by: YRM (Go Heat, Go Canucks) at June 01, 2011 04:45 PM (UzBwz)

57 Man, Chara is a big dude.

Good evening, puckers.

Posted by: Y-not (Go Bruins!) at June 01, 2011 04:46 PM (pW2o8)

so with that said do they matchup well with the Canucks on paper?

Orange Zig-Zags, maybe...

but, no. Boston will only go as far as Thomas takes them.

Posted by: garrett at June 01, 2011 04:47 PM (sH0LP)

59 I find it strange that the Bruins have Chara camping in front of the net on the power play. Wouldn't you want a guy with a 100+ MPH slapshot on the point?

Posted by: KennyM at June 01, 2011 04:48 PM (x1NR6)

Wouldn't you want a guy with a 100+ MPH slapshot on the point?

Yes.

But he's also a huge problem as a screen...and Luongo hates having big men in his kitchen. He gets bitchy when guys are up in his grill.

Posted by: garrett at June 01, 2011 04:50 PM (sH0LP)

61 8

Also Campbell was a joke. He picked on the Penguins. Matt Cooke got booted for the rest of the season but nothing came of the Chara hit to Max Paciorety(i have no idea on the spelling).

Cooke is a thug and punk who deserved to get his ass tossed for the rest of the year. He ended Savard's career, and through illegal hits to the likes of Fedor Tyutin and Ryan McDonagh. The best part of him being suspended was the silence from Mario the puss, who couldn't shut up when Cindy was knocked out.

Posted by: jas at June 01, 2011 04:53 PM (ZM2Bn)

62 Oh, and Campbell is a douchebag, and he can't step down soon enough for my liking.

Posted by: jas at June 01, 2011 04:54 PM (ZM2Bn)

So who is Anthony Weiner rooting for in this series? He's a real hockey fan ya know.

Oops did I say weener on this thread?

Posted by: weenergrlll at June 01, 2011 04:57 PM (j2hZ7)

64 Posted by: YRM (Go Heat, Go Canucks) at June 01, 2011 08:45 PM (UzBwz)

I think so.

They're playing a solid first period. A couple of breakdowns (but like all sports, it's a game of mistakes). Good forecheck and solid D, nothing too fancy and they can play with these guys.

As always in hockey, the wild cards are the goalies.

Thomas can be great and Thomas can be head-scratchingly bad (Dude, stay in near the fucking crease).

Luongo is the same but he's much more fragile. He doesn't like traffic and he doesn't like getting bumped. You can see when he's about to give up a bad goal a lot of the time. Just watch for him to start to box the puck around or give up a juicy rebound. When he's on, he's good/very good but it can change really quickly and it's not a secret.

Thomas is mentally tougher. If he lets in a bad one or things don't go well, he can stem the tide. If things start going against Louongo, it's snowball from bad to worse.

I doubt we see Tuka Rask in this series. I'd say it's better than 50/50 we see Corey Schneider at some point.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:01 PM (Fz+L5)

65 We needs some Eddie Shore Old Time Hockey tonight.

Posted by: weenergrlll at June 01, 2011 05:01 PM (j2hZ7)

66 End of the first, tied at zero. So far, a very good game. I think this goes 7, and despite the fact that I'm a Flyers fan, I'm rooting for the Bruins - my oldest son's favorite team. I think B's in seven.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 05:02 PM (l8yvX)

67 Let 'em scrap, dipshit. Why would you try to wrestle them apart?

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 01, 2011 05:03 PM (hlY6R)

68 What kind of death wish do you have to have to pick a fight with Chara?

Posted by: Y-not (Go Bruins!) at June 01, 2011 05:03 PM (pW2o8)

69 Solid first period for B's. Withstood early Vancouver rush which was to be expected with the juice in the city/building.

I know Hamhus is a tough guy but Chara could crush him. Big Z knows though he's more valuable on the ice. Smart player.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:04 PM (Fz+L5)

70 What kind of death wish do you have to have to pick a fight with Chara?Â <<< None, if you're trying to draw a penalty.

Posted by: Empire of Jeff at June 01, 2011 05:06 PM (hlY6R)

71 Chara is a god - and a fellow Slovak. Best not to make him angry.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 05:06 PM (l8yvX)

72 Biting?! Really???

Posted by: Y-not (Go Bruins!) at June 01, 2011 05:13 PM (pW2o8)

73 Dear Alexander Burrows,

WTF? Biting?

Dude, you get to be "that other guy who doesn't look like his two linemates", don't risk getting Wally Pipped.

Sincerely,
Every other forward who would KILL to play with the twins.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:15 PM (Fz+L5)

74 Caught red handed, so to speak, on international TV. His wife must be proud.

Posted by: ontherocks at June 01, 2011 05:16 PM (HBqDo)

75 28 Oh, before I forget, Freedomplow- the scuttlebutt is that Winnipeg will spend one season in the east before Phoenix moves to Quebec... they'll then swap conferences and there may be some inside shifting to accommodate things a bit better.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 07:37 PM (WRtsc)

--It's win-win for the 'Peg: one season of multiple visits by Ovie and Crosby and Malkin and the Bolts, then a move to play the old rivals in the West.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 05:18 PM (BP6Z1)

76 It's a funny little irony that Thomas was the original Olympic goalie before being benched for Ryan Miller's epic run, while Lu was the original backup and replaced Brodeur for Team Canada. Then the following season Lu was an up-and-down goalie on the best team in the league while Thomas broke the record for saves percentage.

Other stat for Boston to be worried about: The full season after a Canadian city has hosted an Olympics, it has won the Cup (Montreal in '77, Calgary in '89).

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 05:23 PM (BP6Z1)

77 I'm digging the high center ice camera. Not sure how well it works for novice fans but if you know how to watch play develop, it's cool.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:26 PM (Fz+L5)

78 Bruin PP has been awful most of the playoffs. They need to up that or they are in trouble.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:28 PM (Fz+L5)

79 I didn't see anyone take a stab at Clubber Lang's question upthread, but I'll give it a shot. Bear in mind that I'm a Western Conference guy (Preds fan living in Blues country). I think that Washington gets sloppy offensively in the playoffs... they go really hard at the net (good) at the expense of their defensive responsibilities (bad) and leave it up to their goaltenders. The Caps have had some very mediocre goaltenders of late, although Neuvirth is only going to get better.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 05:30 PM (WRtsc)

80 It's difficult to feel good about Boston offensively after watching them gag on the 5-on-3.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 05:33 PM (WRtsc)

81 They've had that choking dogs nickname around DC for decades, too. In the 90s I knew less than zero about the Caps or hockey. Couldn't have named a single player. Yet I knew they were "choking dogs" -- probably from reading Kornheiser columns in the WashPost and general sports radio osmosis.

Back in the '80s, the Caps would make the playoffs and lose to the Islanders in the first round. Every. Damn. Time.

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 05:39 PM (/izg2)

82 Boy, this game has been chippy from the opening hop. It's only going to get worse after a game or two.

I like it.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:40 PM (Fz+L5)

83 That's a good call against Peverly.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:41 PM (Fz+L5)

84 Burrows is a fucking bonehead.

Posted by: ontherocks at June 01, 2011 05:42 PM (HBqDo)

85 Wow. Unsubtle by Burrows. Didn't realize he was a former Baton Rouge Kingfish. I knew there was a reason I didn't like him.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 05:42 PM (WRtsc)

86 Excellent, pay no attention to my wiener.

Posted by: TomH at June 01, 2011 05:42 PM (bEZMb)

87 79 I didn't see anyone take a stab at Clubber Lang's question upthread, but I'll give it a shot.

Bear in mind that I'm a Western Conference guy (Preds fan living in Blues country). I think that Washington gets sloppy offensively in the playoffs... they go really hard at the net (good) at the expense of their defensive responsibilities (bad) and leave it up to their goaltenders. The Caps have had some very mediocre goaltenders of late, although Neuvirth is only going to get better.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 09:30 PM (WRtsc)

--As far as recent history goes, I think a lot of opposing teams have "solved" Ovechkin. His game has to diversify, if he can do it.

Back in the '80s, the Caps would make the playoffs and lose to the Islanders in the first round. Every. Damn. Time.

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 09:39 PM (/izg2)

--Like the Oilers used to do to the old Jets.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 05:43 PM (BP6Z1)

88 Weak .

Posted by: Bill D. Cat at June 01, 2011 05:43 PM (npr0X)

89 Swedish diving team makes an appearance.

Posted by: ontherocks at June 01, 2011 05:45 PM (HBqDo)

90 At the same time, I'm very happy for the city of Winnipeg- those are some great hockey fans there, and the notion of having the Winnipeg Jets back in the league just plain feels right.

--BTW, the True North communications guy was on the air and reported that they have sold about 2.000 season tickets today. Since until Saturday sales are restricted to current Moose season ticket holders and big time Moose corporate partners, those 2,000 are among the priciest, so that's a good sign. By Monday we may have already reached the goal of 13,000.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 05:46 PM (BP6Z1)

91 Logprof, I hope to God Almighty that Winnipeg becomes a prime example of how a small market should operate. I worry about the NeoJets' ability to draw free agents, particularly after watching Chris Pronger's WIFE (!) be the reason he left Edmonton. Nonetheless, that's a great start.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 05:49 PM (WRtsc)

92 particularly after watching Chris Pronger's WIFE (!) be the reason he left Edmonton.

If Mrs. Pronger ain't happy....

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 05:52 PM (/izg2)

93 NC, I can only imagine. Mrs. Pronger is apparently quite the firecracker.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 05:55 PM (WRtsc)

94 Dear Boston,

Enough with the fucking penalties on the forecheck.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 05:58 PM (Fz+L5)

95 Curiously enough, Drew, it looks like Boston is copying Nashville's defensive skeleton verbatim.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:00 PM (WRtsc)

96 91 Logprof, I hope to God Almighty that Winnipeg becomes a prime example of how a small market should operate. I worry about the NeoJets' ability to draw free agents, particularly after watching Chris Pronger's WIFE (!) be the reason he left Edmonton.

Nonetheless, that's a great start.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 09:49 PM (WRtsc)

--3 things have changed significantly since the Jets left:

1) Salary cap

2) Canadian dollar much stronger

3) Manitoba economy stronger (e.g., fasting growing housing seller market in Canada --but not artificially inflated bubble)

All, of course, bode positively. Unfortunately, from what I have heard, it is unlikely that the Jets will be the new name. The fucking Coyotes have Jets players' retired Jerseys! I think even when Baltimore got the Browns 1.0, they did not dare try to scarf up all the old Browns, just the then current ones. So, to have the new team be the Jets 2.0 may be too awkward a play.

Posted by: Queen Elizabeth II at June 01, 2011 06:01 PM (BP6Z1)

97 /QE2 sock

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:02 PM (BP6Z1)

98 Weather and travel are two of the big factors why many players have both Calgary and Edmonton on their NTC/NMC clauses. Play on the eastern seaboard, and the travel is minimum. Play in the sout or west, and players get prime tee time year round.

Posted by: jas at June 01, 2011 06:06 PM (ZM2Bn)

99 Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 10:00 PM (WRtsc)

Do you think part of Vancouver's problem is rust?

It looks like they are a half beat off on passing and finishing.

Might be a big deal, even more than usual, for Boston to steal this one.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:06 PM (Fz+L5)

100 Fair enough. I know you've told me before, but you're in Winnipeg, right? I want desperately to believe that it's going to work, and a big chunk of me does. The things that scare me- as another small-market fan in three different sports- are the following: 1) The size of the arena. Bettman (whom I wish would go take over the NBA like he wants to) didn't do anyone any favors by saying "This arena's going to have to be full every night." 2) Cash flow. The salary cap is what it is, but what we've seen out of the two Alberta teams and other small market teams (like my beloved Preds) is figuring out how to do creative stuff while spending as little as they can get away with. I know that's not how True North operates, and I totally believe you about the economy in Manitoba, but until I see it, I'm nervous. I will tell you up front that I will be buying merchandise for the NeoJets (because I have no idea what they're going to be called) in hopes that my couple of hundred bucks will help the team even a little bit... the sport needs its representation in as many Canadian provinces as possible, and I sure as hell don't want to see the league getting cold feet about putting the Coyotes in Quebec in a year.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:08 PM (WRtsc)

101

Do you think part of Vancouver's problem is rust?

Yes...the layoffs kill.

Posted by: garrett at June 01, 2011 06:09 PM (sH0LP)

102 Drew, I think so. We saw the same thing from other teams that had big layoffs earlier. That said, Boston isn't exactly lighting it up in terms of accuracy. Luongo's had a couple of big saves, but it seems like the lion's share of good scoring chances have been for the Canucks.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:09 PM (WRtsc)

103 The Discover Card contest seems so friggin' lame... and cheap as all get out to me. Geez, you're an international corporation. Pony up some cash, fellas.

Posted by: Y-not (Go Bruins!) at June 01, 2011 06:13 PM (pW2o8)

104 I will tell you up front that I will be buying merchandise for the NeoJets (because I have no idea what they're going to be called) in hopes that my couple of hundred bucks will help the team even a little bit... the sport needs its representation in as many Canadian provinces as possible, and I sure as hell don't want to see the league getting cold feet about putting the Coyotes in Quebec in a year.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 10:08 PM (WRtsc)

--True North has already stated their model will be Nashville, building through the draft and not coming close to the ceiling by signing flashy free agents (unless a lightning in a bottle situation arises down the road where they want to maintain dominance).

Fortunately, Atlanta is a young team and they will have a lot of players who already fit the model.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:16 PM (BP6Z1)

105 Cool. In that case, as soon as they announce the logo, would you shoot me an e-mail? It's my handle at hotmail- I want to see this sucker the moment it's released. The crappy thing is that there are already two other teams in that division that I pull for. Peter Karmanos (owns Carolina) personally took care of one of the guys I worked with in New Orleans when he got testicular cancer, and guaranteed the guy (to his face and in front of the rest of us) that his kids were going to college and that his family would be taken care of, no matter the outcome. I'll never forget that, and I'll spend money on the Hurricanes as a result. Tampa had two guys that I worked with in New Orleans (Jesse Boulerice and Gordie Dwyer) on their 2004 Cup team, so I have some affinity for them as well. In any event, I think Winnipeg's going to be an exciting place to be for these guys for years to come. Go NeoJets!

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:21 PM (WRtsc)

106 Luongo is lucky he plays in Vancouver.

They love him there. If he was in NY or Philly, they'd have run him out of town years ago and he might not have ever recovered mentally.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:25 PM (Fz+L5)

107 The Mudbugs get a Doc Emerick shout-out!

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:27 PM (Fz+L5)

108 105 Cool. In that case, as soon as they announce the logo, would you shoot me an e-mail? It's my handle at hotmail- I want to see this sucker the moment it's released.

The crappy thing is that there are already two other teams in that division that I pull for.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 10:21 PM (WRtsc)

--One theory given yesterday is that Chipman may be saving the name/logo for Draft Day (they pick #7) and reveal it all when the jersey is handed to the pick. The NHL would love the eyeballs that would draw to the Draft.

As for the Bolts and 'Canes, almost everyone sees the new team moving west after the first year. The Oilers and Flames are already former Jets rivals, and Vancouver would sweeten it further.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:29 PM (BP6Z1)

109 106 Luongo is lucky he plays in Vancouver.

They love him there. If he was in NY or Philly, they'd have run him out of town years ago and he might not have ever recovered mentally.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 10:25 PM (Fz+L5)

--I think it's more of a love-hate thing in Vancouver for Lu.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:30 PM (BP6Z1)

110 I'm stunned by that, Drew... one of the things I was going to mention to you is that the CHL is celebrating the Mudbugs' victory by bidding the Colorado Eagles adieu to the ECHL, and the Mudbugs are making real noises about moving to the SPHL. There are some real concerns about whether the C will continue operations.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:31 PM (WRtsc)

111 Logprof, one of the things Drew and I kind of reasoned out is that the most logical thing involves Winnipeg moving west once Phoenix moves to Quebec.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:32 PM (WRtsc)

112 Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 10:31 PM (WRtsc)

But no love for the Alaska Aces?

Why does Doc hate the ECHL?

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:35 PM (Fz+L5)

113 Drew, no Palin on this thread.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:36 PM (WRtsc)

114 Go AMERICANS!

Posted by: Mudshark at June 01, 2011 06:37 PM (DlLyT)

115 Peter Karmanos (owns Carolina) personally took care of one of the guys I worked with in New Orleans when he got testicular cancer, and guaranteed the guy (to his face and in front of the rest of us) that his kids were going to college and that his family would be taken care of, no matter the outcome. I'll never forget that, and I'll spend money on the Hurricanes as a result.

Good to know about him. Not many people would step up like that. Thanks tmi!

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 06:37 PM (/izg2)

116 NC, remind me and I'll e-mail you the details. It was a remarkably moving moment. The punch line to the whole thing was that after his treatments and being declared cancer-free, Mo (Mike Morrone, a Carolina prospect) came and skated with us in the men's league to get back into shape. He skated hard, and on his third or fourth shift, he comes back to the bench, huffing and puffing, leans over, and grunts, "God dammit! I'm sweating my ball off here!" The roaring of laughter from both benches was deafening.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:40 PM (WRtsc)

117 111 Logprof, one of the things Drew and I kind of reasoned out is that the most logical thing involves Winnipeg moving west once Phoenix moves to Quebec.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 10:32 PM (WRtsc)

--If the Coyotes move to Quebec, it won't be next year. They won;t have a new arena built in time.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:42 PM (BP6Z1)

118 Paul Bissonnette (@BizNasty2point0) on twitter: "Tim Thomas is playing like the Cup comes with a lifetime supply of whoppers. #Unreal"

Posted by: KennyM at June 01, 2011 06:42 PM (x1NR6)

119 Biting? Really you cANADIANS?

Posted by: Mudshark at June 01, 2011 06:42 PM (DlLyT)

120 The good Timmy Thomas showed up tonight.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:43 PM (Fz+L5)

121 Logprof, we were figuring it'd be for the 2012-13 season. They'd have to hustle, but I can't imagine the province blowing off the opportunity to have Les Aviones in Quebec.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:44 PM (WRtsc)

122 Are we seeing Tim Thomas or the reanimated Mike Richter?

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:44 PM (WRtsc)

123 I like Boston, but there are so many former Moose on the ice playing against the Bruins. . . .

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:44 PM (BP6Z1)

124 Aces won the Kelly Cup fair and square(period).

Posted by: Mudshark at June 01, 2011 06:45 PM (DlLyT)

125 Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 10:42 PM (BP6Z1)

The ColisÃ©e is still there.

They can play a year or two in the old building until a new one is built.

The problem is can they build one without the help of the national government?

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:46 PM (Fz+L5)

126 He skated hard, and on his third or fourth shift, he comes back to the bench, huffing and puffing, leans over, and grunts, "God dammit! I'm sweating my ball off here!"

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 06:46 PM (/izg2)

127 Mudshark, I worked in the ECHL for five years... I miss it dearly. I then wound up in the CHL.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:46 PM (WRtsc)

128 I don't want to jinx it, but is it just me, or does this look like we're headed for OT?

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:49 PM (WRtsc)

129 In Anchorage Brother! Saw game 2 for real...love our ACES!

Posted by: Mudshark at June 01, 2011 06:49 PM (DlLyT)

130 121 Logprof, we were figuring it'd be for the 2012-13 season. They'd have to hustle, but I can't imagine the province blowing off the opportunity to have Les Aviones in Quebec.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 10:44 PM (WRtsc)

--A new arena is a must, but even the super-rich guy from Bell Canada who is leading a buying group is demanding the city and province pony up for a big chunk of it. Even with the socialist Frogs, that's a non-starter nowadays.

With Winnipeg, it's going to be an NHL oasis, so it actually will bring net economic benefits to the city when fans from Regina, Grand Forks, and NW Ontario drop in to catch games. Quebec will have less a multiplier effect and may even cannibalize Habs fans who became so or have grown up since the Nordiques left.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:51 PM (BP6Z1)

131 That reminds me- does anyone know helofixer? He was supposed to e-mail me last night, and I never heard from him. Another ECHL fan...

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:52 PM (WRtsc)

132 WOW!

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:54 PM (WRtsc)

133 Beautiful passing.

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 06:54 PM (/izg2)

134 Holy shit!

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (BP6Z1)

135 man that is some gorgeous passing

Posted by: Unclefacts Luxury-Yacht at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (6IReR)

136 Fuck Mike Emerick:

"69 shots and not one has gone in."

Two seconds later, the Canucks score. I hope you get painful ass cancer, Emerick!

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (l8yvX)

137 Reminds me a lot of the Game 7 Bolts-Bruins.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 06:55 PM (BP6Z1)

138 Hmm... tough call.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 06:56 PM (WRtsc)

139 I am sad.

Posted by: Y-not at June 01, 2011 06:56 PM (pW2o8)

140 Dambit. Score by VAN with 18 secs to go.

Posted by: Mudshark at June 01, 2011 06:57 PM (DlLyT)

141 Wow, killer.

That Kessler guy is pretty good, eh?

Big goal and not a Sedine Twin in sight.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 06:57 PM (Fz+L5)

142 138 Hmm... tough call.

Heh. My first thought too.

Posted by: NC Ref at June 01, 2011 06:57 PM (/izg2)

143 I'm rooting for the Bruins, but damn, that was a great game. Still think B's in seven. though.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 06:58 PM (l8yvX)

144 That was a pretty good start to what looks to be a hell of a Stanley Cup finals.

Posted by: KennyM at June 01, 2011 06:58 PM (x1NR6)

145 As a Columbus Blue Jackets fan, I miss Raffi Torres.

Posted by: KennyM at June 01, 2011 06:59 PM (x1NR6)

146 What a GREAT game!

Posted by: Mudshark at June 01, 2011 06:59 PM (DlLyT)

147 Best playoffs I've ever seen, and this game keeps the standard high. Excellent Game 1 although OT would have been sweeter.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 07:00 PM (BP6Z1)

148 Gonna be a hell of a series, no doubt! I'll see what I can do to put up another thread for Friday- I'm going to be on the road, but it's likely to be worth it.

Posted by: tmi3rd at June 01, 2011 07:00 PM (WRtsc)

149 Trivia: Vancouver has now won 8 consecutive Game 1s

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 07:00 PM (BP6Z1)

150 144 That was a pretty good start to what looks to be a hell of a Stanley Cup finals.

Agreed. Two teams that deserve to be there.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 07:01 PM (l8yvX)

151 147 Best playoffs I've ever seen, and this game keeps the standard high. Excellent Game 1 although OT would have been sweeter.

Logprof, is it safe for me to break out my Selanne Jets jersey now?

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 07:02 PM (l8yvX)

152 141 Wow, killer.

That Kessler guy is pretty good, eh?

Big goal and not a Sedine Twin in sight.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 10:57 PM (Fz+L5)

--Kesler is another former Moose. Also played on the Olympic team for the USA.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 07:03 PM (BP6Z1)

153 What - these fuckers never heard of offsides?

Posted by: Tim at June 01, 2011 07:03 PM (DlaZ0)

154 Logprof, is it safe for me to break out my Selanne Jets jersey now?

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 11:02 PM (l8yvX)

--If you got it, flaunt it!

Teemu still has much love for the 'Peg, and the feeling is mutual.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 07:06 PM (BP6Z1)

155 Teemu still has much love for the 'Peg, and the feeling is mutual.

Shame for Atlanta, but they never had a large fan base. Great news for Winnipeg, though.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 07:06 PM (l8yvX)

156 God, I love this game.

Boston needs more second chances against Luongo. When Vancouver commits to playing D, clearing rebounds and let Bobby Lou be one and done, he's tough. When he's forced to make 2nd and even 3rd saves...he's vulnerable (well every goalie is but him especially).

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 07:07 PM (Fz+L5)

157 BTW, for anyone who has not seen it (and it may be tough to get in the USA w/o Netflix) I highly recommend Bon Cop, Bad Cop. Scathing satire of Bettman and the NHL and funny commentary on the Franco/Anglo divide in Canada. Also a good action flick BTW.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 07:08 PM (BP6Z1)

158 Boston needs more second chances against Luongo.

And their power play is still anemic.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 07:08 PM (l8yvX)

159 Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 11:08 PM (l8yvX)

Weren't they like 0 for the first two rounds (28 or something)?

Just terrible.

Posted by: DrewM. at June 01, 2011 07:10 PM (Fz+L5)

160 158 Boston needs more second chances against Luongo.

And their power play is still anemic.

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at June 01, 2011 11:08 PM (l8yvX)

--Yeah, Vancouver demolished San Jose with 5-3s, but Boston sputtered again.

Posted by: logprof at June 01, 2011 07:13 PM (BP6Z1)

161 Ya hoo 'nucks!

Posted by: Kevin Canuck at June 01, 2011 08:15 PM (Hlv/w)

162 Boy that was quality hockey--I definitely was rooting for a 4th period. And in my professional opinion, the officials did an excellent job: not being afraid to call what needed to be called, while avoiding the even-ups and other chickens*** calls. Walkom better be glad for the four-man system though. [expletive deleted], even I skate better than he does.

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