Amazing Goal by Andrei Kostitsyn. Puts it through the legs of Mike Green and snaps it blocker side. Here\’s hoping to see more of those goals. Jan 5th 2008 Video courtesy of VERSUS Kostitsyn hit Aaron Ward into the boards, so Thomas decided to stick up for Ward and take out baby Kostitsyn. Bruins win 3-1! Category: Sports Tags: Montreal Canadiens Tim Thomas Aaron Ward Andrei Kostitsyn
Washington Capitals vs. Carolina Hurricanes 3/14/09: The Caps triumphed over the Canes 5 to 4 with the game ending in a shootout. Here\’s a summary of the Caps\’ scoring. 1st Period Scoring 10:59 Mike Green (24) Wrist Shot – Assists: Alexander Semin (38) & Nicklas Backstrom (55); 18:01 PPG – Alex Ovechkin (49) Wrist Shot – Assists: Mike Green (36) & Alexander Semin (39) 2nd Period Scoring 01:30 PPG – Alexander Semin (29) Wrist Shot – Assists: Brooks Laich (23) & Alexander Ovechkin (40); 12:27 PPG – Nicklas Backstrom (19) Wrist Shot – Assists: Michael Nylander (21) & Alexander Semin(40) Shootout (see other video)
Mike Green makes hockey history when he scores 8 goals in a row as a defensemen surpassing the likes of Bobby Orr, and Paul Coffey. The Washington Capitals are now number 2 in the eastern conference.
Washington Capitals defenceman Mike Green established an NHL record in the team\’s 5-1 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 14, 2009, scoring a goal in a league record eighth consecutive game. Green broke a record he shared with Mike O\’Connell, who scored in seven consecutive games during the 1983-84 season. Here, Green\’s father Dave talks about his son\’s accomplishment.
Verizon Center crowd after Mike Green of the Washington Capitals scores game-tying goal in Game 1, Round 1 of the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs on April, 11, 2008 vs. Philadelphia Flyers. From Section 116
Capitals vs. Bruins 1/17/09: Mike Green tied the game with a power-play goal 70 seconds after Marc Savard had given Boston the lead. With Matt Lashoff in the penalty box, Green raced in from the right point, took a pass from Michael Nylander and ripped a slap shot past Thomas to make it 1-1. It was Green\’s 12th goal of the season. Alexander Semin\’s unassisted goal at 11:48 of the third period broke a 1-1 tie. It was his 18th of the season. Jose Theodore made 23 saves as the Southeast Division leaders triumphed over the Bruins 2 to 1.
Mike Green of the Caps breaks his stick on a play then comes back and throws a huge hip-check on Sami Kapanen of the Flyers. Playoff Game 6, April 21, 2008.
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.
“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.”
“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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
News:
