Posts Tagged ‘washington capitals’

With a few games gone, we’re starting to get an idea of how the first round of the Playoffs will play out.  Here are how things stand right now.

Eastern Conference:

Boston Bruins Vs Montreal Canadiens
Games played: 2
Boston lead the series 2-0

NY Rangers Vs Washington Capitals
Games played: 2
NY Ranges lead the series 2-0

Carolina Hurricanes Vs New Jersey Devils
Games played: 2
Series tied 1-1

Pittsburgh Penguins Vs Philadelphia Flyers
Games played: 2
Pittsburgh lead the series 2-0

Western Conference:

San Jose Sharks Vs Anaheim Ducks
Games played: 1
Anaheim leads the series 1-0

Detroit Red Wings Vs Columbus Blue Jackets
Games played: 2
Detroit lead the series 2-0

Vancouver Canucks Vs St Louis Blues
Games played: 2
Vancouver lead the series 2-0

Calgary Flames Vs Chicago Blackhawks
Games played: 2
Chicago lead the series 2-0

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

News:

• Montreal Canadiens told Star Winger Alexei Kovalev to “stay home” on the upcoming road trip.  This has fueled rumours of possible trades.
• Boston Bruins’ Michael Ryder will probably have to wear face protection for the remainder of his career.
• Mike Green of the Washington Capitals says no to the NHL Hall of Fame, who asked for his record setting stick.  Green scored goals in 8 consecutive games, an NHL record.
• Tampa Bay rookie Steven Stamkos scored his first NHL career hat trick today, but it wasn’t enough as the Lightning went down to the Chicago Blackhawks.
• Dallas Stars’ Brad Richards is likely to miss 6 – 8 weeks after breaking his wrist in yesterdays game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
• Carolina Hurricanes honored Glen Wesley’s #2 today with a jersey retirement.
• Joe Sakic: Still hope to return this season.

Video of the day:

Steven Stamkos scored his first NHL hat trick.

Photo of the day:

Edmonton Oilers‘ Zack Stortini raises his arms as he celebrates his goal against San Jose Sharks goalie Evgeni Nabokov (20) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009, in San Jose, Calif.

News:

• Is this it for Joe Sakic?
  Joe Sakic underwent successful surgery on a herniated disc recently and is expected to be out for at least 10 weeks.  The question many people have is; is this the end for Joe Sakic?  Sean Leahy of the Puck Daddy Blog discusses this today.
• Caps coach speaks out on All-Star game representation
  Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau doesn’t like the way the All-Star game is run.  Greg Wyshynski of the Puck Daddy Blog covers the story on Boudreau and his comments.
• Saving the NHL All-Star Game
  Apparently the NHL All Stars game is in trouble.  It seems every year somebody, somewhere comes up with a number of reasons the ASG is a waste of time.  This year it’s been the voting ballot system, and the obvious misrepresentation of “Stars” from the Montreal Canadiens.  Craig Custance talks about the ASG and offers a number of ways to help “Save” the game.

Transactions:

• Alexander Sulzer (D) Signed 2-year contract with the Nashville Predators
• Jordan Staal (C – Pittsburgh) Signed 4-year extension worth $16 million.
• Brad May (LW) Traded to Toronto Maple Leafs from Anaheim Ducks for a 2010 conditional 6th round draft pick.

Injuries:

• Pascal Leclaire (G – Columbus) IR, out at least a week.

scores:

• Ottawa 4 – 6 Boston
• Minnesota 1 – 3 Philadelphia
• Atlanta 4 – 0 New Jersey
• Toronto 2 – 6 Montreal
• Dallas 1 – 6 Detroit
• Carolina 2 – 4 Florida
• Pittsburgh 3 – 5 Nashville
• Chicago 1 – 2 Colorado
• NY Islanders 2 – 5 Calgary
• Tampa Bay 2 – 3 Phoenix
• Anaheim 3 – 4 Los Angeles

Source: NHL.com, Yahoo! Sports, TSN

There were 28 new Hockey videos added to the site today, including game highlights from the days NHL matches, some great fights and a fantastic interview with Alexander Ovechkin (below).

Total videos now on site: 4542

	Stars @ Sharks 11/8/08
	Dallas Stars @ San Jose Sharks 11/8/08
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:35:13 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Panthers @ Coyotes 11/8/08
	Florida Panthers @ Phoenix Coyotes 11/8/08
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:34:45 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Wild @ Canucks 11/8/08
	Minnesota Wild @ Vancouver Canucks 11/8/08
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:33:21 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	NHL brawl – Sabres vs. Senators
	This is one of the biggest hockey brawls ever. There are goalie fights and goalie vs. player fights also. As well as many player fights.
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:32:40 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	P.J. Axelsson vs Maxim Lapierre
	P.J. Axelsson vs Maxim Lapierre on March 22, 2008. Clip created by Adams Hockey Site – http://ahs.adamwlad.com http://ahs.adamwlad.com/forum/
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:31:31 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Shane Hnidy vs Steve Begin
	Shane Hnidy vs Steve Begin on March 22, 2008. Clip created by Adams Hockey Site – http://ahs.adamwlad.com http://ahs.adamwlad.com/forum
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:31:11 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Thomas Vanek Shootout Goal
	10/21/08…Bruins Vs. Sabres… Thomas Vanek Gets The Shootout Game Winner With The “Around The World” Move.
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:29:58 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Los Angeles Kings vs. Carolina Hurricanes 10/17/08
	Los Angeles Kings vs. Carolina Hurricanes…. Watch to find out who wins.
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:26:51 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Capitals vs. Rangers: Part 1 (11/8/08)
	1st Period – 11/8/08: The Washington Capitals beat the New York Rangers 3-1 to remain unbeaten at home. Brooks Laich and Tom Poti scored for the Capitals in the first period.
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:26:13 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	CBC HNIC Intro + Theme
	Hockey Night In Canada
	Date: 2008-11-10 09:24:05 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0

A selection of the latest hockey videos added on Monday 27 October, 2008.

	Capitals @ Stars 10/25/08
	Washington Capitals @ Dallas Stars 10/25/08
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:24:11 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Flames @ Coyotes 10/25/08
	Calgary Flames @ Phoenix Coyotes 10/25/08
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:23:53 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Sabres @ Avalanche 10/25/08
	Buffalo Sabres @ Colorado Avalanche 10/25/08
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:23:21 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Oilers @ Canucks 10/25/08
	Edmonton Oilers @ Vancouver Canucks 10/25/08
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:14:23 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Franzen And Gaborik And Briere Oh My! : So Many Injuries
	rddh
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:10:54 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Cutest Boston Bruins Fan Ever!
	Atlanta Thrashers @ Boston Bruins October 25th, 2008
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:10:05 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	hockey hits,saves and goals
	nice hits,saves,goals
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:09:37 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Power Play Caps vs. Coyotes 10/23/08 Part 1
	This video is part 1 of 2 on a random power play in the Captial/Coyotes game in Jobing.com Arena in Glendale, AZ.
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:09:06 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	5 hockey fights
	5 superstar fight
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:08:34 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Pittsburgh Penguins New Arena Construction Site
	Updated video of Pens new arena construction site up to 24 Oct 2008
	Date: 2008-10-27 12:07:42 – Added by: Guest
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0

Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, hockey fights, hockey videos, hockey clips

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Top News:

• Wild reportedly shopping RW Gaborik
  Arguably the greatest player in franchise history, Marian Gaborik appears to be on his way to becoming a former member of the Minnesota Wild.

  Gaborik, who can become an unrestricted free agent following the 2008-09 season, was offered by the Wild to an unnamed team in a trade proposal last weekend, according to a report by the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Tuesday.

  The report stated its source, an NHL team executive, told Minnesota he was not interested in acquiring Gaborik, the lone remaining original member of the Wild.

  It is believed Minnesota general manager Doug Risebrough has had discussions with the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings regarding Gaborik, the Star Tribune reported. The right wing has turned down a number of contract extension offers, and Risebrough and agent Ron Salcer both told the Star Tribune the sides have not spoken in two weeks.

  Drafted third overall in 2000, Gaborik has recorded 207 goals and 415 points – both franchise highs – in 487 career games with the Wild. This season, the 26-year-old Slovakian notched one tally in two contests before missing the team’s last two games with a “lower body” injury.

  A two-time All-Star, Gaborik has reached the 30-goal mark five times during his seven seasons in the NHL, netting a career-high 42 in 2007-08. He also represented his country at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

Injury Updates:

• Red Wings D Lilja undergoes appendectomy
  Red Wings defenceman Andreas Lilja has undergone an appendectomy.  The team says Lilja could return to the lineup as soon as Friday following Tuesday’s surgery at the Detroit Medical Center. The team also says forward Darren Helm has been assigned to the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins. Helm was called up to Detroit on Thursday and appeared in two games.  Helm was Detroit’s fifth-round selection in the 2005 draft.

• Blue Jackets activate centre Malhotra and place winger Modin on IR
  The Columbus Blue Jackets activated centre Manny Malhotra off injured reserve Tuesday.  He has been nursing a lower-body injury that has kept him out of the lineup through the club’s first five games.  The Blue Jackets also placed left-winger Fredrik Modin on injured reserve with a hip injury. Modin, who has three assists in five games, is expected to miss at least three games.
• Ducks C Getzlaf out of lineup
  The Anaheim Ducks are without one of their top players for Tuesday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs as center Ryan Getzlaf was scratched due to an issue with his teeth.

Signings & Acquisitions:

• Blues claim LW Koci on waivers from Lightning
  The St. Louis Blues on Tuesday claimed left wing David Koci on waivers from the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Koci, 27, played in one game with Tampa Bay this season, posting four penalty minutes. The 6-6, 238-pounder has skated in 28 career NHL contests, recording 160 penalty minutes.  The Czech Republic native originally was taken by Pittsburgh in the fifth round of the 2000 draft.

• Rangers place LW Rissmiller on waivers
  Patrick Rissmiller’s days with the New York Rangers could be coming to an end.  According to a report by New York Newsday on Tuesday night, the Rangers placed the left wing on waivers.
• Ducks place D Klee on waivers
  The Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday placed defenseman Ken Klee on waivers.  Teams have until 9 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday to claim the 37-year-old Klee, who could be assigned to Iowa of the American Hockey League should there be no takers.

Suspension Updates:

• Michael Peca (C – Columbus): Suspension over

• Ryan Hollweg (LW – Toronto): Suspension over

Game Results:

Source: Yahoo! Sports | TSN.ca | ESPN | NHL.com

Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, game results, trade rumours, trade rumors, nhl contracts

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A selection of the latest hockey clips added for 21 October, 2008.
Today’s new videos: 22  Total Videos on site: 4089

	Patrick Roy vs Chris Osgood
	nhl
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:40:18 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Prospect Profile – Michael Grabner – Part 1
	Meet Canucks prospect Michael Grabner as he talks about his goals and aspirations on his way to the NHL.
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:39:07 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Prospect Profile – Michael Grabner – Part 2
	The second part of a Canucks feature on prospect Michael Grabner, currently playing for the Manitoba Moose in the AHL.
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:38:43 – Added by: admin
	Views: 2 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Vancouver Canucks @ Chicago Blackhawks 10/19/08
	Canucks @ Blackhawks 10/19/08
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:38:12 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Ovechkin vs. Blackhawks
	10/11/08 2 goals, reel and interview
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:37:39 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	NHL Hockey Show- Sean Avery
	the pest sean avery
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:37:19 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Slava Kozlov scores against Buffalo in SO
	10/18/08. Buffalo 2 – Atlanta 3 (SO) at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:36:46 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Rockem Sockem!!
	Ruff and Tumble, no holds barred
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:35:57 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Hockey Goalie Fights
	This is an old video but I summed it up a bit to make it a little better. avenged sevenfold – unholy confesions nickleback – flat on the floor.
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:35:16 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Top Goalies (nhl,ohl,omha)
	cool
	Date: 2008-10-21 13:34:28 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0

Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, hockey fights, hockey videos, hockey clips

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A selection of the videos added on Sunday 12 October, 2008.
Videos added today: 64 Total videos on site: 3910

	Gilles Gilbert playing through the flu
	1/12/80 The Atlanta Flames throw everything they can at the Bruins on a power play but cannot score. Gilles Gilbert played a spectacular game, only allowing 3 goals while visibly sick with the flu.
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:56:16 – Added by: admin
	Views: 2 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Capitals @ Thrashers 10/10/08
	Washington Capitals @ Atlanta Thrashers 10/10/08
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:55:49 – Added by: admin
	Views: 1 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Predators @ Blues 10/10/08
	Nashville Predators @ St. Louis Blues 10/10/08
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:55:28 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Top 5 goalie fights
	These are the top 5 goalie fights in nhl history Goalies include Neo Little Patrick Roy Garth Snow Chris Osgood Ray Emery and more Made by: TSN
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:55:08 – Added by: admin
	Views: 2 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Sidney Crosby
	Sidney Crosby’s Fan Forever…Greatest NHL player ever!!
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:54:47 – Added by: admin
	Views: 1 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Riley Cote vs Colton Orr
	A quick fight between Riley Cote of the Philadelphia Flyers and Colton orr of the New York Rangers.
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:54:22 – Added by: admin
	Views: 2 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	1994 Winter Olympics Canada vs. Sweden
	2/27/94 Peter Forsberg and Paul Kariya’s final shots of the shootout to decide the gold medal winner of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway.
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:53:51 – Added by: admin
	Views: 2 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Puck You Palin
	Sarah Palin drops puck at Philadelphia Flyers home opener.
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:53:33 – Added by: admin
	Views: 1 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	Great Save by Jaroslav Halak
	Montreal goalie Jaroslav Halak slides over in time to stop a shot from Jason Blake.
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:53:13 – Added by: admin
	Views: 0 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0
	10/10: Habs @ Sabres – Opening night 2008!
	Sabres win 2-1 in a shootout. Vanek scores the regulation goal, Kotalik and Stafford score in the shootout, while Miller shuts the door.
	Date: 2008-10-12 06:52:53 – Added by: admin
	Views: 1 – Votes: 0 – Rating: 0

Technorati Tags: nhl, ice hockey, hockey fights, hockey videos, hockey clips

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