NHL playoffs round one update: Blackhawks face the broom
After five days and nights of action, we already find one team on the brink of being eliminated from the 2011 NHL playoffs. Following Sunday’s 3-2 loss in Chicago, the Blackhawks now stand one game away from being given the broom treatment by the Canucks.
But before they drop the puck on Tuesday night however, we will know if Vancouver will be without the services of Raffi Torres who delivered a ferocious shot to the head of Brent Seabrook behind the Chicago goal. Torres was playing his first game since returning from a four-game suspension after a similar hit on Edmonton’s Jordan Eberle.
Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville certainly thinks Torres deserves more time to sit and think about what he has done. After the game he said, “I thought it was a major [penalty] live and after seeing the replay, clearly”.
Either way, the Fat Lady may be delivering her first performance of the spring tomorrow night in the windy city.
Elsewhere around the league…a pair of other teams will look to go up three games to none in their series tonight. The Montreal Canadiens have taken a 2-0 lead on the Boston Bruins behind Carey Price’s 65 saves on 66 shots performance in the first two games. It took the Bruins 87:38 to finally slip one past the Habs netminder, Patrice Bergeron doing the honors for Boston.
Meanwhile, the Big Red Borg travel to Arizona for games three and four after taking the initial pair of games back in Detroit. The Coyotes just fell short of their comeback bid Saturday, losing 4-3 after surrendering four goals to the Wings in the first 21:11.
Tonight’s action will also include game three of the Penguins vs. Lightning and Sabres vs. Flyers series. Both of those are knotted at one game each.
Elsewhere, the Rangers won their all-important game three with the Washington Capitals Sunday afternoon to close the gap on the Caps. Game four is Wednesday night and New York will look to tie that series up.
Back out west, the Kings bounced back from their overtime loss to San Jose and blanked the Sharks 4-0 in game two. Jonathan Quick stopped all 34 shots he face Saturday night to earn his first NHL playoff shutout. That series now heads to L.A. for the next two games.
And the Nashville / Anaheim series is turning out to be as much fun to watch as I thought it’s be. Last night the Predators made Mike Fisher’s goal halfway through the third period stand up as they fought off the Ducks. They take a 2 games to 1 lead into game four on Wednesday evening.
AHL Schedule Modifications
Here’s something else to discuss if you wish. Last week the AHL Board of Governors approved modifications to the league’s schedule and playoff format. Starting this fall, teams will play 76 games. Each team will lose two home and two away games.
Eliminated are any possibly scenarios where four games would be played in a five-day period.
Also, the first round of next year’s AHL playoffs will be a best of five series, instead of a best of seven.
AHL President and CEO Dave Andrews explained the reasoning behind these modifications saying, “As our league has grown and our game has become faster and more physical, the wear and tear on our players has begun to affect player development and at times the quality of competition. These steps are intended to provide a safer environment for our players through increased rest and recovery time, and also to provide our fans with an even higher caliber of play as a result of reduced player fatigue.”
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128 comments Add your comment
Tom
April 18th, 2011
10:02 am
Gold!
Tom
April 18th, 2011
10:05 am
It really is surprising that the AHL plays that many games. I know the Thrasher’s prospects play for a team that does not ascribe to being a developmental team, but for organizations like the Red Wings that work to develop new talent even 76 games and a long playoff schedule is a lot of wear and tear on young bodies.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
10:21 am
The Big Red Borg, that is classic!
Moe
April 18th, 2011
10:34 am
I just heard that the Bruins may put Tuuku Rask in nets for game 3 in Montreal tonight. I sure hope they panic and do that, what a blunder that would be. They have the best goaltender in the league and the thought of them putting in Rask would be unbelievable as a habs fan. I’m just loving the panic attacks right now by the Bruins…yah, stick in Tuuku and it’ll be 3-0 at the end of the 1st, and 3-0 in the series shortly thereafter…
hockeygoon79
April 18th, 2011
10:35 am
ZAvalanche, I like the BlogMaster’s name for the Wings too, “The Big Red Borg”. It’s very fitting for that organization. Seeing as you’re new around here, maybe you’ll appreciate this:
http://blogs.ajc.com/iceman-thrashers-blog/2010/11/24/will-resistance-be-futile-as-big-red-borg-invade-thrasherville/
Of couse we thumped them that night. Seems like years ago though.
Regarding the playoffs, I have to say I am most impressed with what Montreal has done against the Bruins so far. Good defense and timely goalkeeping equals success in the postseason. That’s exactly what Habs fans are being treated to right now. Boston faces a must-win game.
hockeygoon79
April 18th, 2011
10:36 am
Moe, agreed. That would be a huge mistake. Boston’s problem isn’t between THEIR pipes, it’s between Montreal’s. They need to concentrate on that end of the ice.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
10:38 am
I am really surprised by Montreal, Boston has to be a bit worried. That is not the upset I expected – at all. Some of the series have been fantastic, still bummed about the LA SJ series, I thought it would be more fun to watch. Detroit is always scary, even if they are a low seed.
ben
April 18th, 2011
10:44 am
good morning,
i really think that the canucks are going to destroy anything in their path. i was thinking yesterday while going through the nyt, is there / could there be a reason kovy, a dynamic offensive player, either misses the playoffs or makes early exits? is there really something to the idea that he is bad for team defense?
Moe
April 18th, 2011
10:46 am
hockeygoon79, exactly. Bruins just need to get the first goal and then they can shut things down like the Habs were doing in the first two games. Their defence needs to stop giveaways in their own zone too, Thomas was a sitting duck on a couple of the habs goals..
Hockey Biltong
April 18th, 2011
10:51 am
When you watch Montreal with their speed and finesse, you sort of wonder why the Thrashers never developed that way, having heard that it was their goal to Be that way. uuuuuuurrrrrrrp!
Hockey Biltong
April 18th, 2011
10:52 am
oh yeah, 10th and 11th.
Hoof Arted
April 18th, 2011
11:15 am
Vancouver looks like they’re the real deal. I think the only team that might have a chance to keep them out of the finals is Detroit. I look for these two to be in the WCF.
San Jose is struggling against a Kings team that should be brushed aside. Although I think LA is playing very well on defense and Quick has looked sharp too.
Can’t say enough about Price and the Habs. Boston better snap out of it or they’ll be this year’s choke job.
Nashville and Anaheim has been great series to watch. Two equal teams slugging it out. I hope this one goes 7.
The Rangers are hanging tough with Washington but I think they’ll fall just short.
Flyers and Sabres and Lightning Pens are both interesting series. Could go either way.
NHL playoff hockey. THIS is what it’s all about!
Moe
April 18th, 2011
11:17 am
In regards to the Canucks BlackHawks series, I must say that 3-0 is a bit surprising. There are times during all three games that the Blackhawks had unbelievable scoring chances. I just can’t see the Blackhawks going out without a fight. They’ll win the next two, but then lose game 6 in Chicago in overtime.
KLS1
April 18th, 2011
11:31 am
Playoffs have been fun to watch, always reminds me that everything is cranked up a couple levels.
And of course reminds me of how far the Thrashers are from competing at that level.
tough guy
April 18th, 2011
12:03 pm
you should maybe think about having someone edit your writing…
the red wings are not going back to arizona for games 4 and 5… they’re going back there for games 3 and 4 last time i checked.
Joe Friday
April 18th, 2011
12:04 pm
Hawks are missing the grit, just not there this year. Ladd and Buf brought a lot of that, good stratgery by the Canuckleheads to be hitting all the time. The more I see Bieksa and Ehrhoff, the more I want one of them here, get ‘er done.
Red Light
April 18th, 2011
12:06 pm
Moe posted: “I just can’t see the Blackhawks going out without a fight.”
I think they have fought extremely hard in all three games, but Vancouver is just a better team! The Blackhawks were outshot by just one in both games in Vancouver and outshot the Canucks by six last night. Interesting that the Canucks have only had six PP opportunities to the Hawks 12 in three games.
Don’t think this one will last to a Game 6.
Rawhide
April 18th, 2011
12:13 pm
Moe – Nothing against Rask, but I’m with you…they should stick with Thomas.
Zavs – I think Big Red Borg adequately describes that franchise for the past two decades. Glad ya like it.
tough guy – Thanks for the catch. My bad. Post has been corrected.
Red Light – I agree. The Hawks haven’t exactly been kicked all over the ice. Vancouver is just that good.
World Be Free
April 18th, 2011
12:16 pm
Hawks let too many good opportunities get away from them especially in Game 3. Should have been 3-0 at the end of one. Seabrooke took the big, dirty hit and skated away.
Torres should be banished for the balance of the playoffs, enough of this garbage. Watch footage of 70’s and 80’s game and you just didn’t see that stuff. If a player did what Torres did back then he’d get his head kicked in.
J/F-entire Canucks defensive corps underrated, all of them. Bieksa will make alotta money this summer.
World Be Free
April 18th, 2011
12:20 pm
A scoring forward this summer? I know we don”t spend money but, the best way to get an impact player in here after July 1 is with an offer sheet. Will it happen? Probably not, but the offer sheet is now the fastest way to get an impact player and not paying him for past results, but future potential.
Red Light
April 18th, 2011
12:21 pm
Brian Boucher will start tonight in Game 3 for the Flyers. Leighton, not Bob, is the back-up.
Have to think Thomas will start tonight for Boston, but the leash will be a short one.
James Mirtle says Julien’s future behind the bench is hinged upon tonight’s game.
“If they can’t rally in this series, starting with a win tonight, and Julien is thrown overboard, this will be his third firing in the six seasons since the lockout.”
glovesave29
April 18th, 2011
1:08 pm
Torres is gonna feel the wrath from the league office because the puck was there next to him and playable, but instead he ignored it, and left his feet and went after Seabrooks head. The purpose of checking is to separate the man from the puck…Torres was just trying to separate the man from his head.
glovesave29
April 18th, 2011
1:11 pm
….aaaaaaand right as I post that, the league decides not to look into the matter. So now one of two things occurs – 1. He gets demolished by a Blackhawk, or 2. Vignault decides he’s to risky to play and lets him sit in the press box.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
1:20 pm
A month or so ago I posted that I thought that Vancouver was the real deal and they would roll through the WC, I can’t remember who it was (and don’t care enough to go back and look), but somebody said the Sedin twins would fold in the playoffs. Got any crow to eat? Don’t get me wrong, I have zero love for Vancouver, but I can recognize a good team when I see them. Here is hoping for a “Big Red Borg” vs “Worst Jerseys Ever” WCF. = Awesome match-up.
I will admit though that I would love to see Nashville get in there but I don’t think they have the power to take out either team. Chicago isn’t playing badly, they just don’t have the depth through 4 lines that the ‘Nucks have. Sorry Hawks fan, it isn’t your year this year.
Hoof Arted
April 18th, 2011
1:31 pm
ZAvalance, you see more of the Canuck out there than we do. But from everything I’ve seen of them I have to agree with you. That’s as solid a team as you’re going to find.
I think people sometimes tend to get caught up in that “Presidents Trophy Jinx” thing, so thats why some might tend to say they’ll fold under the pressure of playoffs. Maybe some just don’t ike going with the “chic” pick.
There is still a bunch of hockey to be played for sure and they’ll still have to tangle with the Wings before all is said and done I believe, but right now they are as good as advertised.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
1:32 pm
Glove, I didn’t see the hit but I guarantee that the coach is telling all of his players not to retaliate in any fashion. The only way I see it happening is if it is a series-ending game and they are up by at least 4 goals.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
1:39 pm
Hoof, I totally agree. There is a lot more that they need to do before they are considered “legit”, because after all, they are playing an 8th seed = they should sweep them. But that is by far the deepest team in the post season. The Wings are always scary and Howard is playing well, along with Zetterburg and Datsyuk (sp). Franzen is a horse (maybe I should say Mule) and they are going to be hard to beat, even by Vancouver.
Red Light
April 18th, 2011
2:07 pm
When the Canucks advance, the key to the Preds ability to advance is whether or not either the Coyotes or Kings pull off the first-round upset. Follow along please.
If Nashville is the “highest” seed to advance as the No. 5, then they are stuck going to Vancouver for the Conference Semi-Finals. If the Canucks advance in four or five games, they could be rested when taking on the Preds, who probably will take a minimum of six games to advance (if they in fact do). If the Canucks take out the Hawks on Tues. or Thurs., they will have a minimum of five to seven days of rest/practice to prepare for the Preds.
However, if the Kings advance, or the Yotes pull off the upset, then the Preds are off the hook playing the Canucks until the WC Finals.
Now, could the Canucks experience the post-Blackhawks hangover (huge sigh of relief for them) or will they simply just sail along to the WC Finals? I actually believe the Preds have a shot in that match-up because of Rinne and the all for one, one for all team concept they employ. They are 4-4 vs. the Canucks during the past two regular seasons, and while that might not mean much, it could help their confidence against them.
Think I’m crazy?
Badger Bob
April 18th, 2011
2:25 pm
RL, I think anything is possible in the post-season, so no you’re not crazy. Vancouver is scary good, but many scary good teams have run into hot goalies, complacency and bad bounces and gotten bounced. Scary VAN stat mentioned last night – they have won 43 straight games in which they’ve held a two goal lead. A bit of a contrast from our Thrash, huh.
The lack of discipline on Torres is a joke. Seabrook never gained control of the puck and Torres made no attempt to play the puck, so that’s just dirty. I guess NHL is hiding behind the “behind the net” zone part of the rule, but it was gutless and counterproductive to not suspend him. He’ll be in the press box since Vignault won’t want to motivate the Hawks in any way.
Tom
April 18th, 2011
2:36 pm
ZAvs – I really thought that Chicago would hold their own in this series. I was wrong. Vancouver is hitting on all cylinders and playing some excellent hockey.
GaVaHokie
April 18th, 2011
3:07 pm
I’m not impressed by any of the Eastern Teams right now… Vancouver is amazing, and Detroit is… well… Detroit. The Red Wings know what to do this time of year.
Vancouver looks like they’re the real deal. I think the only team that might have a chance to keep them out of the finals is Detroit. I look for these two to be in the WCF.
Hoof arted… I concur.
Badger Bob
April 18th, 2011
3:07 pm
With the Blogmeister’s mention of the AHL, I’m reminded how desperately we need to find an affiliate for true player development. With all 30 AHL teams tied to the 30 NHL teams, I’m not exactly sure where that leads. But in looking at the affiliations, I’m less concerned about geography than I once was – at least 10 NHL teams have further flung AHL affiliates than Les Thrash, including VAN, SJ and ANA.
Spud Webb
April 18th, 2011
3:24 pm
Yes Red Light I do think you’re crazy!! but I can see what your saying happening for sure. I LOVE watching that preds team. Impressed. I think that they can play with and beat anybody right now. Renne, the BEAST at 6′4.
Glovesave, I vote for this to happen…” 1. He gets demolished by a Blackhawk.” Hawks have played well but Vancouver has a resolve this season I’ve not seen with them before. Gritty and skilled for sure & of course the best goalie in the world.
Spud Webb
April 18th, 2011
3:26 pm
& I don’t feel bad for the Hawks, that team is still LOADED, name after friggin name on that team, but they’re missing something for sure.
Badger Bob
April 18th, 2011
3:30 pm
Spud, drinking the Luongo Koolaid? But I totally agree on their grit. Even all their Swedes have mean, mad game faces on. Those two losses to EDM at the end of the season was probably the best thing for them.
hockeygoon79
April 18th, 2011
3:32 pm
I don’t think you’re crazy at all, Red Light. It’s the playoffs and anythng can happen. Nothing is a certainty. The whole scheme of things could unravel on one play, one goal. That’s why we love watching.
I’ll be keeping an eye of the Bruins-Habs game tonight. Boston has to find a way to win or they’re done.
Red Light
April 18th, 2011
3:40 pm
Don’t think much of this Red Wings organization, they’ve only won 57 playoff games and one Stanley Cup since the 2002 Playoffs. They’re overrated!
Spud Webb
April 18th, 2011
3:46 pm
RL, the Avery line last night, showed up for you. What did you think about that?
Moe
April 18th, 2011
3:59 pm
According to news from Boston, “Tim Thomas was the first Bruin goalie off the ice this morning, giving the indication that he’ll be the starter for tonight’s Game 3 against the Canadiens.” So it doesn’t look like Julien is going to do anything silly and put Rask in. Looks like Chara will play too, althogh I’m a Habs fan, I think Boston will score the first goal and win tonight.
Lee
April 18th, 2011
4:03 pm
According to Yahoo, the third jersey’s are leaving and apparantly look like “Motocross jerseys.”
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Eulogy-Worst-3rd-jersey-in-the-NHL-has-been-off?urn=nhl-wp2849
Personally I don’t think we need a 3rd, but they sure don’t look like motocross!
Looking forward to next year….
Darkhorse
April 18th, 2011
4:05 pm
So, if Chicago is swept or only wins one, do they make any core changes to the roster or coaching?
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
4:08 pm
Dark, I don’t think so. I think accessory changes. Their top 2 lines are pretty darn good.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
4:12 pm
RL, I don’t think you can ever discount a Red Wings team. They work HARD. Yup, I hate them, but you have to respect them or you are going golfing with Smoothie.
glovesave29
April 18th, 2011
4:53 pm
Lee – sorry, scooped ya by about a week on that one!
VAN has looked great, true…but they have a score to settle with the Hawks. Let’s see if they can keep up the intensity going forward. This is a long, grueling tournament…gotta have the right mindset for 2 months.
Torres will get his come-uppance. Especially with game 4 being a possible elimination game AND being in Chicago. No better way to get the crowd behind you (other than an early goal) than to cream the guy who tried to take out your man.
Brendan
April 18th, 2011
5:12 pm
What do you make of Crawford’s play during this series? I don’t think he’s the reason they’re down, 3-0, to the ‘Couv. For any Canucks fans out there, they really need to close out the series. When you’re running a marathon … and you get the chance to take a 3-mile shortcut to the finish line, you TAKE IT, TAKE IT, TAKE IT.
So, Boucher tonight, huh? Revolving goaltenders in Philly. Well, they’ve got three (3) of them. I assume the Sabres will go with Miller, not Enroth. I’m looking for the Penguins to bounce back versus the Lightning. Nashville vs. Anaheim has been the best series so far. Runner-up: NYR vs. Washington. 3rd runner-up: SJS vs. LAK.
Most disappointing series so far … I’m not even going with Vancouver/Chicago. I’ll go with the Bruins-Habs.
Brendan
April 18th, 2011
5:21 pm
I support a suspension of Torres through the CF. But I’d say … let him return for the SCF. He’s a multiple-offender now, so … he can’t exactly feign innocence, falling back on his white, clean history.
Red Light
April 18th, 2011
6:26 pm
No punishment nor suspension Brendan.
Red Light
April 18th, 2011
6:27 pm
Screw the Wings ZAvs. They’re Alan R.’s and Sara’s favorite team. LOL
World Be Free
April 18th, 2011
7:02 pm
You have to wonder what the league is thinking with Torres. Media and fans alike were convinced that Torres was done for some time. Here is the real issue for Vancouver-will somebody go after the Sedins? Torres and Lapierre better tone it down or the Black Hawks will focus their attention on the Canucks’ skill players. The Canucks are going to win anyhow, why piss the Hawks off so much that they take liberties with their skill guys?
jim
April 18th, 2011
7:09 pm
Those third jerseys were brutal …glad to see them gone!!!
I think the dark blue Thrashers uniforms look the best with “ATLANTA” down the sleeves…very cool look.
Now we all wait for some good news on the ownership front…Coyotes situation still in the air but Winnipeg looks more and more likely barring a last minute rescue plan by the NHL buying up the bonds or Glendale,Arizona dipping into its $400 million reseve fund.
ZAvalanche
April 18th, 2011
10:36 pm
RL, I hate the Wings as well, I hope the hell gets kicked out of them.
Brendan
April 19th, 2011
12:42 am
Well, considering that it’s 4-0, in favor of Detroit, in Game Three, where the Red Wings hold a 2-0 series edge, this series is OVERRR, barring a miracle. I, myself, don’t believe in miracles. But I do appreciate a good “phenomenon,” from time to time. Fine by me if the Coyotes can score four goals, here in the 3rd period, then win in overtime.
Let me just say this … I had so hoped that Phoenix could matchup with some team NOT named the Red Wings. This is back-to-back great seasons by Phoenix … that will result the same way … without a playoff series win. After the Wings win tonight, then take the series sometime between Game Four and Game Seven, the Phoenix/Winnipeg franchise will be 2-18, for 20 playoff series.
Everyone wraps their collective heads around that stat. No matter how lame, how pathetic, how mismanaged you might believe the Thrashers to be, we’re not going to be 2-18 for our first 20 playoff series. The Coyotes/Jets franchise entered the league in 1979-80. The Coyotes still have not won a playoff series in the desert. Still, amid ownership turmoil, and other distractions, this team continued to win, instead of making excuses, or worse yet, touting some notion of ‘incremental progress.’
ZAvalanche
April 19th, 2011
12:56 am
4-2 now Brendan
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
7:25 am
Red Light-Yotes’ fans only consolution is that they made playoffs. They lack NHL depth-sound familiar?
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
7:28 am
Brendan-I have been disappointed in the play of the Black Hawks’ defense so far in the series. Crawford has been good, but he has not made the difference as the Black Hawks prepare to make their tee times. Too bad, huge Hawks fan always good to see Chicago go deep in the playoffs.
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
7:30 am
Rawhide – 4 games in 5 nights? Your equipment never gets a chance to dry. I always hated to leave my gear int eh game and go to a game in the winter time. Very uncomfortable having to put on wet, cold equipment then get excited about playing hockey.
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
7:33 am
Dan Bylamsa – coach of the year without question. Lose your 2 name stars and still excel. Pens players never take a shift off or they are in the press box.
DWTOO
April 19th, 2011
7:38 am
WBF – Wet gear is no fun, foul smelling gear is worse. We have an air hockey table – great for drying pads.
Spud Webb
April 19th, 2011
8:59 am
2 more giant head shots….Colin lets see how this goes down.
WBF…WTH was going on in that Sabres game, Pominville, Connelly & Montador need to be sat, NOW…HORRID game. 3rd period i have NO idea why Vanek was on the bench so much and WHY, WHY was Pominville and connelly out there sooooooooooooooooooooo freaking much? Montador has gone backwards in the postseason, great regular season, but cannot stop turnign the puck over DEEP. BRUTAL HOCKEY last night. Flyers should’ve won that game 8-2.
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
9:28 am
Connolly played 22:10 and had one shot on goal. Pominville played 20:21 and had one shot on goal. But, I think you have to tip your cap to Boucher, who played really well last night. Montador is plus-9 including these three playoff games since Feb. 23
Lighten up Francis!
hockeygoon79
April 19th, 2011
10:09 am
Stick a fork in Phoenix. They’re done.
Unfortunately that may have a double meaning for that team.
Joe Friday
April 19th, 2011
10:51 am
Those head shots in the Pens-Tampa game were ridiculous, but the NHL Mickey Mouse front office set that up by looking the other way after the Torres hit. You reap what you sow. Jackholes.
Red Light, forgot to tell you before, but what a hell of a play by Dubinsky in the last game, I just smiled watching that, my kind of player right there.
And I guess I missed this, but I save Chris Viv’s post just now from last week about off-season plans and Dudley plans to keep Stewart around? Come on, WBF was spot on about him, wasted space! Here’s my reply to our top line issue, can’t even think about Burmistrov for that duty for what 2 or 3 yrs yet, but we can fix it earlier:
They can have a #1 line pretty quickly. Sign Bieksa, or Erhoff, as UFAs this summer, move Buf to #1 RW, Kane #1 LW, and trade for a center or give an offer sheet to an RFA center from a cap strapped club, and voila. Ladd, Little, Wheeler are a 2nd line, they should not play #1 minutes.
And what the heck is talking about with Stewart finding a home here, I’m frowning in your direction, Duds!
Spud Webb
April 19th, 2011
11:17 am
I do tip my hat to Boucher, no problem with that at ALL! The guy played GREAT, no doubt.
My problem is as your stats point out, 20 plus minutes, for your TOP LINE and TWO shots on goal total from those TWO WITHOUT CHRIS PRONGER playing…THUD…not top line productivity or even close to it. Disappointing for sure and they HAVE to produce more for a chance in this series!!! I can’t lighten up after watchign that train wreck!! ahahhah
Dwayne
April 19th, 2011
11:40 am
Stewart on the 3rd line?
Alan R.
April 19th, 2011
11:51 am
Duds has given Panthers GM Dale Tallon permission to talk to Torchetti for the Panthers’ head coaching job.
http://twitter.com/#!/Russostrib/status/60363065287376896
Joe Friday
April 19th, 2011
11:53 am
Dudley needs his head examined.
Alan R.
April 19th, 2011
11:55 am
Joe – I understand why Torres got off, and it’s also why Downie will probably get off as well.
When Rule 48 was devised, The GMs set up the “behind the net” area as a sort of hitting zone. The DVD sent to coaches in 2010 outlines what a good hit is and isn’t, and where such hits can and cannot take place.
In short, If the Torres hit happened at center ice, or in the corner, he’d easily be suspended for multiple games.
ZAvalanche
April 19th, 2011
12:03 pm
Alan R – I don’t like that at all.
And yeah, the Yotes are done, they fought back pretty hard last night but Detroit has too much composure and talent. Howard looked very, very good. Guess there is something to be said for an atmosphere of winning. Charlie Sheen would be proud.
Here is how I see the second round lining up:
West
Vancouver vs Nashville – Sorry ‘Ville, not a chance.
Sharks and Wings – ooh, that series should be interesting.
East
Flyers vs Rangers (I can hope can’t I?). If HL stays on fire he could upset the Caps
Bruins vs Pens – good match
Joe Friday
April 19th, 2011
12:44 pm
yeah, I read Bob McKenzie’s initial take on it that night and call that the NHL would let it go, but it’s wrong (more proof the the Mickey Mouse management of this league).
I liked that midget on the Habs going into Chara like a bowling ball last night, that was kind of funny.
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
12:47 pm
ZAvs
I like the way you think! Bruins and Rangers come back from down 0-2, Sharks overcome lackluster Game 2 and Nashville wins their first-ever series. Imagine how Bobby Ryan feels having to sit out both road games?
JF:
Dubinsky, now sporting a 1970s-era porn star mustache, was moved to wing last year from center, because the Rangers collection of top-2 centers couldn’t set up Johnny the Wad Holmes in a casting call with the Kardashians. He and Callahan are two of the young leaders on that team, who happen to be RFAs this summer. Hopefully, Sather won’t do anything to screw that up, but if you’re going to give out offer sheets to RFAs, those two guys are a great place to start because “they get it!”
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
12:48 pm
Should have said, Dubinsky was moved back to center because the Rangers collection of top-2 centers…
Alan R.
April 19th, 2011
1:13 pm
Joe – I agree it’s “wrong,” in the sense that there shouldn’t be any stupid “hit zones” or whatever. A hit to the head, whether at center, the corner, or behind the net, is still a head hit.
Another thing, the NHL needs to let it be known that any player exhibiting questionable symptoms while in the “quiet room” needs to sit. Seabrook came back on Sunday night after the hit, but he’s listed today with an “upper body injury.” Hmmm… gee, I wonder where that injury is?
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
1:23 pm
J/F-
Real disappointed about Dudley’s open assessment of Stewart. Maybe he’s just playing his cards trying to elevate his value for a move or maybe he has seen something in his game that can be tweaked. I just don’t think Stewart has any heart and you can’t teach that. I cannot remember one instance last seaosn where he planted someone in the boards. At 235#, that’s is a disgrace.
Torchetti seems to be a mystery. Black Hawks lost him and did not shed a tear even through coing to Atlanta was a lateral move for Torch. You have to figure he would be a candidate somewhere this year given his involvement in Chicago. Personally, I do not see how he has made a difference here. I still say our biggest mistake was letting Cunneyworth go. CUnny has done a great job in Hamilton, just look at how the Habs’ kids have contributed at the NHL level.
Spud-you know I like Lindy, but sometimes I think he stays with his bys too long. I have never been a Pominville fan, but he and Connolly have no physical presense which makes them useless in the playoffs. Boyes has disapppeared again just like he did in St. Louis. Buffalo is done, regroup and make some moves for next season. Montador played above his skills most of the season, his UFA year. Sabres have no use for him next year, they have AHL depth and this kid McNabb in juniors.
DWTOO-my wife always “encouraged” me to leave my hockey bag in the garage after games. Nothing worse than green hockey equipment.
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
1:25 pm
Red Light-Sather messed with Dubinsky on the last contract, nickel and diming him when it was clear he was a player on the rise. This will negate and hometown discount for his upcoming contract. Dubinsky will need the paper to support his efforts.
Jason
April 19th, 2011
1:35 pm
Looks like we’ll have hockey on NBC/Versus for 10 more years….
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=560238&navid=DL|NHL|home
I’m not thrilled with Versus, but considering that Comcast owns both networks, it would be hard not to see those two together. Plus, if it “marks the first-ever national distribution of all Stanley Cup Playoffs games, including, for the first time, exclusive coverage starting with the conference semifinals” then I can’t really complain too much….
Joe Friday
April 19th, 2011
1:44 pm
“Maybe he’s just playing his cards trying to elevate his value for a move”
That’s gotta be it, Stewart isn’t a Dudley type of player by any stretch.
Torch is a mystery. You’re right, he hasn’t made an impact here and Chicago didn’t miss him or fight him leaving. Mabye the decision has been made that to help Bogosian, Torch has to go, and that’s the right decision if that’s the case. Bogosian is too valuable to let any potential development suffer under a coach who has it in for him.
Red Light, I am pulling for your Rangers, hard, hate the Caps. And I’d hate to see you guys lose Callahan or Dubinsky, but bringing either one here on an offer sheet would ease your pain and either would be great here, both solid hockey players who get it, like you said. New owners are so needed, lock up Ladd for the long term (great comments from him today about buying in here) and sign up a young RFA with a $5m per year offer sheet. This can be fixed, but we need the ownership fixed first, too quiet on that front.
Joe Friday
April 19th, 2011
1:54 pm
Good golly, Downie only gets one game for launching himself trying to kill the kid and Kunitz also only gets 1 for obviously throwing an elbow trying to knock the guy out. 1 game each? That’s pitiful, and Crosby still is out due to his head shots. What the heck are they doing at the league office?
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
2:22 pm
Stewart’s fate will be a good indicator of how this team stacks up next year. If he is a third-line fixture, we’ll be mid-80 points and unplayoff-worthy. If he’s a 4th-liner / 13th forward, then we’ll have caught up to some lower playoff teams in depth at forward. I sure hope for the latter.
I thought Vignault would sit Torres rather than stoke the Hawks fire, but it sounds like he’ll skate in Game 4 (http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sports/cbsports-canucks-torres-still-silent-on-seabrook-hit-20110419,0,7607459.story). Interesting to see if it fires up or distracts the Hawks, or if it even matters against the Nuckleheads.
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
2:26 pm
Here’s the quote from that broken link:
Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said he didn’t expect to see anything different from Torres in Game 4 than he did in Game 3.
“He’s a physical, emotional player,” Vigneault said. “He’s going to play the same way. All players are continuing to be educated on what’s accepted and what’s not. He’s like everybody else. He knows what’s accepted and (what’s) not. This is still a physical game and I don’t expect that part of his game to change.”
Joe Friday
April 19th, 2011
2:40 pm
I think Mirtle tried to get a quote out of Torres and had the tweet of the day today, something like “he wouldn’t talk to us, mabye if the reporters all had their heads down or our notepads between our shoes, he’d have give us some attention”
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
2:48 pm
Good discourse today gentlemen!
Had a discussion with a valuable member of the blog squad this morning (and I believe our esteemed host would provide us with a bit of latitude while the posting traffic has become lighter here since the end of the Thrashers season), and we tossed around a few observations about the Thrashers roster, what pieces are or should be in place long term, and what spots are in need of an upgrade as astutely pointed out above by Badger Bob.
I think at some point, the mythical GMs here need to post what current pieces of the Atlanta puzzle need to be moved, upgraded, altered, etc., and for those players you wish to keep, how would you slot them on your roster.
Adding Brad Richards, Kevin Bieksa and other players of that ilk to your mythical Thrashers roster is unresponsive/irrational to reality. We all realize that new owners are necessary, and some believe a new GM, coach or president is too. For the purposes of manning your roster, lets keep in mind current RFA salary increases (like Ladd and Wheeler), and your top end budget should be circa $50 million, a 20 percent increase over last season.
What say you, Bill?
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
2:56 pm
Hear, hear, RL. I’m already scanning the lists for my RFA offer sheets. After all, I don’t golf or chum with the other GMs, so it’s gloves off time!
Rawhide
April 19th, 2011
3:02 pm
Red Light – Latitude officially granted and recognized. Excellent idea and observation. You may proceed with your faux GM activities as described.
In addition…I would assert that your $50 million target is appropriate given that no team that hit the cap below that mark qulaified for the postseason.
That is all. Carry on.
Smoothie
April 19th, 2011
3:07 pm
I can save y’all the trouble as I’ve already got a spreadsheet for next year’s budget (at $45-7 M) and a trade proposal to get us Devin Setoguchi for Zach Bogosian! Just waiting to hear back from Doug Wilson, but those pesky playoffs are getting in the way of progress!
Piece of cake Red Light, piece of cake!
Smoothie
April 19th, 2011
3:08 pm
Ostensibly, the additional $4M in natl TV revenues should help us get to $50 M so that’s a nice theoretical target. Probably won’t happen though unless The Balkan comes through in the clutch. Let me go tap into my ORACLE to see what I can find out!
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
3:08 pm
Doug Wilson farts in your general direction Smoothie!
Rawhide
April 19th, 2011
3:14 pm
Smoothie – Did you just drop “ostensibly” on us?
Smoothie
April 19th, 2011
3:22 pm
Ostensibly, Red Light thinks that my idea is nothing more than passing gas in the wind, but check San Jose’s finances and the age of their primary puck mover Dan Boyle and it doesn’t seem so fart-fetched!
ZAvalanche
April 19th, 2011
3:23 pm
RL, Thanks! I am glad we have the same hopes for round #2. If the owners can decide to put us up to $50 mill I would jump into my Borat Speedo and run the Peachtree Road Race. I’m serious, unfortunate for the rest of the population.
Sage's Mom
April 19th, 2011
3:37 pm
My son says he’d love to see your spweadsheet, Smoothie. I’m not sure why he pronounces it that way – I taught him better!
Alan R.
April 19th, 2011
3:40 pm
The Phoenipeg Jetyotes have 8 UFAs, including both goaltenders.
Should the team bolt for the Great White North, what are the odds those players choose to not re-sign?
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
3:45 pm
Alan R-very little chance of them resigning. The Winnipeg trolls fail to acknowledge the fact that most NHL-er’s do not want to play or live year round in Winnipeg. Nice city, nice people but too far away from the rest of humanity. Ask Neil Young.
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
3:46 pm
Six of the eight will not re-sign, while the other two will have no option but to practice their shots on goal with Prairie Muffins!
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
4:01 pm
I actually see Winnipeg as competition for Les Thrash in having to offer players a premium above market value to come there. With deep pocketed ownership, they’d outbid us. Which may not be a bad thing.
Lee
April 19th, 2011
4:08 pm
Glovesave: Whoops. Sorry I haven’t been on the blog in a while, didn’t catch that post!
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
4:41 pm
Badger, the revailing prairie winds indicate that most players that have the option of moving, via trade or free agency do not want to be in Winnipeg. Deep pockets are fine, but at some point the “Jets” whoever they may be will have to make a profit for any business person to want to be part fo their existance. Buffalo fans think Pegula will lose money for a winner-rich people get rich by making money, not losing it.
If both hockey programs offered the same chance at success on the ice, the question is where would you rather live – Winnipeg or Atlanta?
glovesave29
April 19th, 2011
4:41 pm
I dont think Duds had a choice…NHL rules say you cannot keep a coach from interviewing for job that is deemed a promotion. Its the Panthers…so I really cannot consider THAT a promotion. They are perhaps the only team in the league more screwed up that us.
glovesave29
April 19th, 2011
4:46 pm
Hmmmm, tough one (!) WBF – best way to decide that is to sliiiiide on over to the Weather Channel’s website. It’s 85 degrees here – I went to work in shorts today (such is the joy of being the boss)…it’s 43 and windy in Winnipeg. Bottoms out tonight at a toasty 29 and the shoots all the way up to 50 tomorrow.
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
4:48 pm
WBF, well stated, buddy. I guess you (Buffalo) and me (Calgary) weighed in on the 7-months-of-winter vs. Atlanta argument years ago.
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
4:49 pm
100
Tom
April 19th, 2011
4:58 pm
Now a brutal question. If the league has a decade long television deal, what is the benefit for keeping the team in Atlanta?
I desperately want the team to remain here. It would gut my family as we are devoted fans.
However one of the biggest rationales that was floated on why the NHL would not move the Thrashers was because of negotiating the television deal. That went off the table today.
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
5:04 pm
Badger-summer yes!, winter-no unless you ski!
Tom-you wonder if a guarentee was given to the networks that the team in Atlanta will stay there; you think?
Tom
April 19th, 2011
5:06 pm
WBF – I hope so. I really, really hope so.
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
5:09 pm
While in the grand scheme of things the Atlanta TV market boasts great numbers, I’m not sure it’s exactly a bargaining chip. Timmins, Ont. (population 43,000) has more people watching hockey on a nightly basis than we do.
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
5:22 pm
Red Light-ever been to Timmins? Not much to do there 10 mos of the year except watch hockey and hope another Shania Taiwan comes walking down the dirt road.
Potential for greater viewership is here in Atlanta, especially in a city where better than 50% of the population is from the northern states and/or Canada.
Badger Bob
April 19th, 2011
5:42 pm
What do you do in Timmins the other two months?? Swat flies is my guess.
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
7:18 pm
So far, my fishing trip has led to the following “catches”
Keepers: Burmistrov, Byfuglien, Dvorak, Enstrom, Hainsey, Kane, Ladd, Little, Pavelec, Stuart, Thorburn, Wheeler
Optional stringer: Boulton, Meyer
Bait fish: Antropov, Bogosian, Mason, Oduya, Stewart, Slater
Developmental Pond: Cormier, Maxwell, Zubarev
Tossed ‘em back: Schremp, Stapleton
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
7:49 pm
A good summer of spawning and no buyers leads me to move Antropov back among the keepers for now, but the other five have been dealt to another fish processor, freeing up about $8-9 million in the boat.
With the newly discovered monies, I made the following offers to two free agents: 6 years at an average cap hit of $4.45 million to 25-year-old defenseman Keith Yandle of Phoenix/Winnipeg; and 4 years at an average cap hit of $1.55 million to 24-year-old defenseman Michael Sauer of the Rangers.
The trades allowed me to acquire 25-year-old RFA forward Lauri Korpikoski from Phoenix/Winnipeg (signed him to a 3-year deal at $1.5 million per season) and 23-year-old RFA forward Patrik Berglund from St. Louis (signed him to four-year deal at $2.25 million per season).
So, I took on $9.75 million in salary but added players 25-and-under, have sacrificed a couple of future first-round picks but have the defensive pairings and line options I wanted. And, now I have two PP and PK units I need going forward.
Red Light
April 19th, 2011
8:00 pm
Depth Chart…
Center: • Little • Berglund • Burmistrov • TBD
Wing: • Ladd • Kane • Korpikoski • Thorburn
Wing: • Wheeler • Antropov • Dvorak • TBD
Defensive Pairings
• Byfuglien & Enstrom
• Yandle & Hainsey
• Stuart & Sauer
1st PP Unit: • Ladd • Berglund • Wheeler • Buff * Yandle
2nd PP Unit: • Kane • Little • Antropov • Enstrom • Sauer
1st PK Unit: • Dvorak • Burmistrov • Yandle • Hainsey
2nd PK Unit: • Korpikoski • Thorburn • Enstrom • Stuart
Hopefully, the two TBD will come from a UFA signing or Cormier, Machacek, Klingberg, etc.
Obviously, it’s still a work in progress. Who’s next?
Brendan
April 19th, 2011
8:03 pm
I’m rushed right now, Red Light, but I’d kinda like to keep Schremp. I see some potential there. And he won’t cost diddly squat. Stapleton … I saw a few glimmers, but no enough to sustain my interest. Also, I have to believe Dvorak is gone. If he wants to stay, then he adds value to our PK unit, but at price of less offensive production. Boulton I’d could go either way. If Matt Cooke could just control himself, and not put our PK unit out there all the time, he’d be a nice upgrade to Boulton. Check his stats. Boulton’s career-best was this year, with six goals. Cooke has, eight times (8x) in his career, potted ten (10) or more goals in a season. He’s also a +50 in his career. The issues are his age and his control/reputation. He’s under contract for $1.8 million, which Red Light said we’d have to hike up salaries a bit, which is way more than Boulton makes. Cooke his the open market in the summer of 2013. It’s risky, but it’s an upgrade. Cooke also has 13 career playoff goals, and has played in 76 postseason games. Boulton has 27 career goals in the NHL, and has played in 4 playoff games. Boulton makes $650,000. Cooke makes $1.8 million. What would Pittsburgh take for him? How ’bout a “Hardy ‘thank you’ and a handshake,” with the infamous ‘future considerations’ tag. Cooke does have 126 career goals in the regular season.
Brendan
April 19th, 2011
8:04 pm
Trixie, I’m in SPAM filters.
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
8:54 pm
Red Light-I do like your “plan” sure beats what we have seen for 11 seasons. What the heck, might at well role the dice if we can get the $$$ to do the deals. You gotta spend money to make money, that’s been stated several times on this blog over the last 2 seasons. Think you can save some $$$ for NHL depth?
World Be Free
April 19th, 2011
8:56 pm
One more thing for the shopping list-a top-flight enforcer, looks like the NHl is still not serious about cheap shots. Need a Tony Twist-type thumper to keep the peace.
Great seeing “Magnum Force” on TCM tonight. Family entertainment, 1973-style.
ZAvalanche
April 20th, 2011
1:37 am
Holy @#$^%^&^$#$%#, I can’t believe SJ came back from a 4-0 deficit to win that.
World Be Free
April 20th, 2011
5:30 am
Maybe saved McLellen’s job with that win. I think Todd is a good coach, but it is tough to figure out the mentality of the San Jose locker room. All starts and ends with Joe Thornton.
Cliff Fletcher
April 20th, 2011
7:15 am
congratulations to the nhl for the new tv deal with versus/nbc, if for no other reason then being able to tell espn to stick it!
Fan from Carolina
April 20th, 2011
7:41 am
Saw the Kunitz elbow. One Game?? Let’s just imagine if that was Downie delivering the same hit to Crosby. One game??
Red Light
April 20th, 2011
7:51 am
Incredible night in those two playoff games. Hawks showed a lot of mettle in front of their home crowd and destroyed the Canucks, while the inexplicable occurred in LA. Down 4-0, the Sharks rallied with three straight goals in the second period, gave up the fifth goal and then scored twice more before the end of the period. Smoothie’s Setouguchi got the game winner in OT. Worth watching the highlights of that one!
Cliff: With NBC Universal and Comcast merger, the US hockey market is now squarely in their corner and virtually cuts off all but Fox’s regional networks for local broadcasts. In the future, you’ll see more games on Comcast’s regional networks too. I hope it works out for all concerned because they are monopolizing the NHL broadcasts. Has to be good for all the clubs.
Cliff Fletcher
April 20th, 2011
8:00 am
r/l-just great to see espn eat dust after the crappy deal they offer the league after the kockout season. i hope espn has their day someday, sorry to see fox fall back, i was hoping they would take espn head-on.
Joe Friday
April 20th, 2011
8:37 am
Hawks are probably too far out of it already to come all the way back, but man was that game fun to watch. How does Bieksa not get the instigator with under 5 left, he should be out of tomorrow’s nights game. Refs did a pretty good job of keeping a lid on it, but they blew that one. I was shocked to see the Sharks came back to win that. Niemi was a sieve in the 1st period. Shows how tremendous that Hawks lineup was last year to overcome his shaky goaltending. Kings aren’t out of it still, Nittymaki can be hot and cold as well.
Great TV contract for the league, helps stabilize things a bit but up goes the cap, no? Which digs us a deeper hole to compete against the big spenders and will give those cap stressed teams some room to keep guys that we could’ve poached.
Hockey Biltong
April 20th, 2011
9:10 am
Next Canucks/Hawks game will be very chippy….
Agree on the Kunitz comment. He might as well have been trying to deliver a haymaker!!!
Red Light
April 20th, 2011
9:17 am
It has been bandied about that the cap could rise to $62.4 million and the floor would be around $46 million.
ZAvalanche
April 20th, 2011
9:21 am
RL, yes, that was an awesome night of hockey. I still think the ‘Nucks will win the series but a good butt whoopin can sometimes be a good thing for a team. I was hanging with a buddy watching the SJ LA game and we were ready to turn it off when all of a sudden I come down from getting another soda (and yes, it was just a soda) and to my surprise, it was game ON! That was a thriller to watch but I know it was quite a late finish for you all in the East.
Tom Lysiak
April 20th, 2011
9:32 am
I noticed our old friend Ben Eager had 3 shifts last night, and was a -2. TOI was 1:07.
Smoothie
April 20th, 2011
9:35 am
R/L – with all due respect big guy, no way in hell does Mark Chipman not spend enough of Thompson’s money to match ANY contract that is dangled in front of him via an offer sheet. But I do like the Lauri Korpikoski idea, very fast and versatile. So do you really think the NYR will let Sauer get away that easy? Kid’s a player!
Rawhide
April 20th, 2011
9:35 am
NHL Playoffs Round One Update: Blackhawks Don’t Fear The Reaper!
Alan R.
April 20th, 2011
10:32 am
The always funny Down Goes Brown has done some searching, in light of the recent suspensions and non-suspensions, and dug up an updated map of the NHL playing surface.
http://www.downgoesbrown.com/2011/04/official-map-of-nhl-rink.html
Moe
April 20th, 2011
2:49 pm
Will the Sharks play Nittymaki for the rest of the playoff series? I hope the coach makes that mistake and replaces Niemi, it will breath liife into the current LA corpse..!