Ovechkin’s Style Key To The New NHL

Alexander Ovechkin sure made an impression with his 50th goal celebration, and it surprises me that so many people have come down hard on the guy.  Here we have possibly the most talented scorer in the game since Gretzky was in his prime, who takes an almost child-like joy in everything he does on the ice.  His love for the game shines with every goal, every deke and every slick move he makes.

It would appear though that many simply don’t like that.  Don Cherry, possibly the last person I would go to for a view on the modern NHL came down extraordinarily hard on Ovechkin.

Seriously, what is the problem?  Here’s a guy who’s the hottest goal scorer in the game, having some fun whiling pointing out that “yes, i am damn not!”

You know what though?  The modern NHL NEEDS people like Ovechkin.   Yes, you heard me right…

The modern NHL needs this type of goofy, fun-loving character.

Each year we hear about how the NHL is trying to get people “into” the game.   Any of this sound familiar?

• More goals
• Bigger nets
• Smaller goalie pads
• New penalties
• Faceoff in offensive zone on PPs.

It’s all about bums on seats!  Bettman’s NHL seems to believe that higher scoring games will bring new people in.  Wrong Mr Bettman!  While high scoring games may be good for a quick bit of fun, the long drawn-out 1-1 games where the teams battle end to end for 60 minutes or more are MUCH more exciting.

But i digress… it’s all about people through the doors, and bums on seats. Which brings me back to Alexander Ovechkin, and his over exuberant goal celebrations.

Kids love this guy.  There are 8 year olds out there watching Alex thinking to themselves “I want to play hockey!”.  Children and adults alike are being drawn back to the game because people like Alex make it fun to watch.   He makes the game entertaining and fun to watch.  More importantly he has people paying their money to get through that door, and to get their bums on seats to watch him play.

Jeremy Roenick went on radio saying:

“You know what? I love Ovechkin. I think this kid is great, he’s great for the game, he’s great for the young kids to watch. The energy this kid shows, the talent he shows, what he does on the ice is just spectacular, and, you know, so what? He goes and puts his stick down and, you know, he is hot. He is hot. He’s telling everybody that he’s red hot, and his stick is hot, he’s … letting everybody in the world know that he knows that he’s good and that he’s hot.”

Islanders defenseman Brendan Witt was quoted as saying:

“But the game has changed. You’ve got the instigator rule, so, players can’t police each other without facing the consequences. It’s a different era, the new NHL, and I think the league wants to see more of it.”

Clearly, Alex does have some fans around the league.

And you know what?  If letting Alex be Alex means getting new fans through those doors, i’m all for it.

Images courtesy of sports.yahoo.com and nhl.com

The NHL Minute – 15 Dec

News

• Avery & Stars Part Ways
  Even with his six-game suspension being over, troubled Stars forward Sean Avery will not be returning to Dallas.  The Stars said on Sunday that representatives for both Avery and the team said they would continue to work together in support of Avery during “this critical time” for the player.  (The Full Story on TSN)
• Sundin meets with Rangers Brass
  Sundin, who took in Saturday night’s encounter between the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils in a private box, met with Rangers brass following the game.  (The Full Story on TSN)
• Coyotes McGrattan enters NHLPA Drug Program
  Phoenix Coyotes forward Brian McGrattan has voluntarily entered stage 1 of the NHL and NHL Players Association Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program it was announced on Saturday. (The Full Story on TSN)

Suspensions:

• None
  

Trades & Transactions:

• The Dallas Stars acquired center Brian Sutherby from the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday for center David McIntyre and a conditional sixth-round draft pick in 2010. (The Full Story on Yahoo!)

Injuries:

• Jeremy Roenick (C – San Jose) IR.  Out 3-4 weeks with shoulder injury.

Rumours & Gossip (from spectorshockey.net):

• The Dallas Stars have reportedly had talks with the Rangers about a possible deal that would see Sean Avery dealt back to the Big Apple in exchange for struggling d-man Michal Rozsival. Avery would be demoted to the minors until he addressed his anger management issues.
• Al Strachan noted speculation the Vancouver Canucks might try to sign both Marian Gaborik and Marian Hossa next summer to have them join Pavol Demitra and thus off-set the potential loss of the Sedin Twins to free agency.
• Bill Watters claimed Panthers forward Nathan Horton is unhappy playing for Jacques Martin in Florida, even noting a rumor Horton might consider retiring but could give it another try after this season but preferably with another NHL team.
• (Read more at spectorshockey.net)

Scores:

• Columbus 1 – 3 Chicago
• Minnesota 2 – 4 Anaheim
• Florida 3 – 5 Vancouver

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

Playoff Match Results – 02-May-08

Click below to view the results of the following game played today.

Dallas Stars @ San Jose Sharks (G5)

Full Story →

141 New Videos Added – 24-Apr-08

141 New Videos Added This Week

Total Videos: 2674 (in 19 categories)

This last week has been busy, with over 60 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff videos being added.  Included in these are game highlights, interviews, a few fights and some great goals.   If you haven’t yet caught up on all the playoff highlights, head over there today and take a look.

Brett throws an octopus!
Throwing an octopus on the ice at the Wings game!
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

A smile from Kevin Weekes
2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. Round 1 Game 3 New York Rangers vs. New Jersey Devils. Down by the ice during the practice to go see the one and only Kevin Weekes.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dallas Stars Vs. Anaheim Ducks – Ducks Score!
Short video showing the crowd going wild after the Anaheim Ducks scored on the Dallas Stars in game 5 of the first round of the NHL playoffs.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Predators @ Red Wings 04/18/08 Game 5
Nashville Predators at Detroit Red Wings 04/18/08 Game 5
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Stars @ Ducks 04/18/08 Game 5
Dallas Stars at Anaheim Ducks 04/18/08
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Calgary Flames at San Jose Sharks (Game 5): Intro III
Sharks player finally step onto the ice…and the crowd goes ape-shit.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dallas Stars vs Anaheim Ducks Game 6 – Duck penalty
Anaheim Ducks penalty with 1:31 left in period 3, Chris Pronger cross-checking on Dallas Stars Brenden Morrow played at the AAC on 4/20/08
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Clowe telling Iginla that there’s no crying in hockey
This recap of some of the “rough stuff” from Game 5 of the 2008 WCQF. It shows Ryane Clowe mocking Jarome Iginla by rubbing his eyes.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dallas Stars Goal No 3 Playoffs 08 vs Ducks Game 6
Dallas Stars goal in the 3rd period of Game 6 of Round one Western Conference Standley Cup Playoffs vs Anaheim Ducks at AAC on 4/20/08
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dallas Stars Goal No 1 Playoffs 08 vs Ducks Game 6
Dallas Stars Goal in the 3rd period of Game 6 of Round one Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs vs the Ducks at AAC on 4/20/08
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Capitals vs Flyers – Game 5 Slideshow
Game 5 of the ECQF – Photos by myself and Hoydie17 of the Capitals message board.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Game 6 : Red Wings vs. Predators
red wings win of coarse
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

2008 Stanley Cup playoffs Red Wings Predators
A Musical journey through the 1st round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 2008 Detroit Red Wings
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Flyers vs Caps game 3 richards penalty shot
richards scores on huet
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

bruins win
its cool
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Boston Bruins Game 7 Intro Video
Homemade by me Hockeyman127
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Dallas Stars goal 4 & celebration Game 6 vs Anaheim Duck
Dallas Stars goal 4 in the 3rd Period of game 6 played at the AAC vs Anaheim Ducks, plus celebration of taking series 4 game to 2 over Anaheim Ducks.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Rangers/Devils Quarterfinal Montage Video
Clips in no specific order Rangers won the series 4-1 Enjoy Please Comment
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Stars vs Ducks 20/04/08
Stars past to semifinals
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Penguins Playoff Video Lord Stanley Back
Video of Pittsburgh Penguins to the tune of “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake with different words.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Boston Bruins
we may have lost the palyoffs but we gave it our all
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Ovechkin’s game 6 goal 1 against Flyers
Alex Ovechkins goal against the Flyers
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Philadelphia Flyers game 4 vs washington
Intro to game and god bless America.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canadiens de montreal v. Boston Bruins 4/21/08 GAME 7
http://jignutz.blogspot.com/ Les Canadiens de Montréal win Game 7 vs Boston Bruins
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Habs vs Bruins Game 7 – final 3 minutes…
2008 Stanley Cup playoffs… Habs Rule!
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canadiens 5 – Bruins 0
Le Canadien s’est compliqué la vie dans cette série contre les Bruins de Boston. Le Tricolore s’est heureusement ressaisi à temps, au grand bonheur de ses partisans. Après avoir vu les Bruins combler un déficit de 1-3 dans la série, les joueurs de Guy Carbonneau sont parvenus à stopper l’hémorragie pour l’emporter 5-0, lundi soir au Centre Bell, dans le septième et ultime match de ce quart de finale de l’Association Est. Andrei Kostitsyn, deux fois, Mike Komisarek, Mark Streit et Sergei Kostitsyn ont marqué les buts, Alex Kovalev contribuant deux aides. Carey Price a lui aussi retrouvé son meilleur niveau dans ce match sans lendemain, le septième entre les deux équipes. Le Tricolore affiche un dossier de 5-2 contre ses grands rivaux. Price a enregistré son deuxième jeu blanc de la série. Le Canadien affrontera maintenant les Flyers de Philadelphie ou les Rangers de New York en demi-finale de l’Est.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Nashville Predators vs Detroit Red Wings: Game 4 . last 7 mi
Nashville Predators beat the Detroit Red Wings in game 4 of the NHL playoffs 3 to 2. April 16th 2008. Also Nashville was named one of the loudest NHL arena this year. Don’t believe me? Check out the video!
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Habs vs Bruins 5-0 (21 April 2008) Montreal downtown part 2
Montreal downtown – montreal vs bruins 5-0 ( 21 april 2008 ) on my infiniti fx35 boosted
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canadiens @ Bruins 19/4/08
http://hockeycanadiens.net Défaite crève coeur des Canadiens 5-4
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Game#7 Montreal Vs Boston-Riot Downtown Montreal
Game 7 5-0 montreal!!!
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Final 30 Seconds Game 7 San Jose Sharks VS Flames (Part 2)
Sharks VS Flames Round 1 Game 7
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Final 30 Seconds Round 1 San Jose Sharks VS Flames (Part 1)
Final 30 Seconds in Game 7 Sharks VS Flames
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

San Jose Sharks Intro Game 7
Game 7 Sharks Intro @ home.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal beats Boston 2008
What can I say, awesome party, had so much fun, must admit Boston put up a great fight. Philadelphia and monsieur Brière, you’re next in line to bite the dust. GO HABS GO!
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

game 7. sj vs. calgary
game 7 in sj, sec 206
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Evgeni Nabokov
Nabby!Nabby!Nabby!(During Game 7 Sharks VS Flames Round 1)
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Sharks vs Calgary Game 7
Hockey
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canadiens vs. Bruins: What the Puck?
This is footage of the post-game celebration at the Bell Centre, pre-riot on Monday, April 21. Other “Hot Flashes” are at www.NewYorkHotFlashes.com.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Jeff Carter Gets Hit with Beer Bottle
Jeff Carter of the Philadelphia Flyers gets hit in the face by a beer bottle which was thrown by a washington capitals fan after the flyers won game 7 of the series.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Caps/Flyers Game 7 Goal #1
1st goal scored by the Washington Capitals. Nicklas Backstrom Power Play Assists: Alexander Ovechkin, Sergei Fedorov
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Bruins @ Habs Game 7 4/21/2008 Street Celebration
Celeberation immediately after the game in front of the Bell Centre
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Boston Bruins @ Montreal Canadiens – Game 7: 4-21-08
The Habs’ fifth goal and end of game celebration v. the Boston Bruins. Their fans proceeded to burn police cars and loot stores while rioting even though this was a first round win over the #8 seed in the East. Only in Canada, eh?
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Chris Higgins Scores a Great Goal vs Bruins
Off the faceoff Chris Higgins takes the puck, turns Wideman inside out and puts it 5 hole on thomas. montreal canadiens boston bruins highlights higgins koivu wideman denis chris saku goal hockey playoffs tribute ice
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

San Jose Sharks Win Game 7
Final minute of game 7 from HP Pavillion where the Sharks defeated the Flames 5 to 3.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

San Jose Sharks Entrance
San Jose Sharks entrance onto the ice before the start of game 7 versus the Calgary Flames.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

before stars-ducks game 6
intro to the game
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

NHL 2007-2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round
By joaquimd11:)
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

2008 NHL Playoff Predictions
Starting from round two. Songs Used: One Last Breath-Creed
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

boston vs montreal 5-0 games 7
canadiens de montreal boston flyers bruins carolina sens washington capitals penguins 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 0 – 5-0 coupe stanley cup i karmazia i ikarmaziai baby rise owned pking runescape ownage wow WOW rakion wtf omg rofl lol rap techno music dang pwn ottawa toronto maple leaf leafs senateur florida new york rangers
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Sharks v Flames (Game 7) – last 3 min.
The last 3 minutes of game 7 plus the handshake at the end. View from the upper level.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Robyn Regehr Penalty (Powerplay for San Jose Sharks)
Robyn Regehr gets sent to the box during Game 7 San Jose Sharks VS Calgary Flames
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Craig Conroy Penalty (Powerplay for San Jose Sharks)
Craig Conroy gets sent to the box during Game 7 San Jose Sharks VS Calgary Flames
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Owen Nolan Penalty (Powerplay for San Jose Sharks)
Owen Nolan gets sent to the box during Game 7 San Jose Sharks VS Calgary Flames
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Don’s Playoff Picks Round 2
Don doing his Gabriel Morency impression while layin his round 2 picks down.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Sharks vs. Flames 4/22/2008 WCQF Game 7 part 2
Sharks vs. Flames 4/22/2008 WCQF Game 7 – All Sharks goals, Nolan’s goal, other highlights, from CSNBA, Randy Hahn and Drew Remenda. Part 2.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Game #1 Montreal(1)VsPhiladelphia(6)
Tom Kostopoulos Scored the winning goal in Overtime.Tom Kostopoulos a compte le but de la victoire en prolongation pour completer la remonter du canadiens et lemporter 4-3 dans le premier match de cette serie.
Category: 2063 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canadiens de Montréal vs Flyers de Philadelphie Game #1
Centre Bell Montreal Canadiens Hockey Philadelphia Flyers game 1
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Montreal Canadiens player introdution, round 2 Game 1
Ending of the opening videos and players introduction
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

PHILADELPHIA VS MONTREAL GAME 1 RECAP
SHORT VIDEO OF THE GAME
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Flyers @ Canadiens Playoff 24 april 2008 Highlight
The first game of the second round in montreal, april 24th 2008. The goal scored by the canadiens. Including Alex Kovalev insane goal
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

New Jersey Devils Playoff Opener 2008 -DayWalk3r
Requested.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Bruins @ Canadiens – Game 2
second game of their series comment rate and siscribe please
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Washington Capitals Playoff Opener 2008 -DayWalk3r
Requested.
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Pens vs. Sens – Game 1 Round 1 – Cool Playoff Pregame Show
I was at this game!!! Before the players came out, there was this cool effects thing. The lighting went down and they projected the players faces onto the ice with sweet hardcore music. Basically, it was an effort to pump up the fans – an effort that killed the Sens. (Sorry for the shakiness, it was exciting and I didn’t feel like holding the camera)
Category: 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Full Story →

Playoff Match Results – 22-Apr-08

Click below to view the results of the following games played today:

Philadelphia Flyers @ Washington Capitals (G7)
Calgary Flames @ San Jose Sharks (G7)

Full Story →

Roenick leads Sharks over Flames

Try as they might, the Calgary Flames simply could not hold back the San Jose Sharks attack in todays game 7 matchup between the 2 teams.  Jeremy Roenick scored back to back goals in the 2nd period, giving the Sharks a 3-2 lead.  The Sharks went into the 3rd period with a 5-2 lead.  Wayne Primeau and the Flames tried to mount a comeback and scored to bring the game to within 2 goals, but could not get the puck past Evgeni Nabakov.  The game ended with the Sharks winning 5-2.

The Sharks will face the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference semi-finals.