How The West Was Won -- Iginla the BAMF

TIC TAC TOE. Tape to Tape.There are some clubs in the league that are fun to watch because of the team's style of play. Calgary is not such a club.In some ways, Calgary reminds me a skosh of the Caps of the late 90s: A hardworking, blue-collar team with a rockstar goalie and a singular premier offensive talent. I doubt there are many fans in the league besides the Washington faithful who watched those Caps because of their style.Calgary is much the same. Iginla, Phaneuf, Kipper -- all of these guys are great to watch as individuals.I would do terrible, terrible things to get Iginla in a Caps sweater. Terrible things. He's easily the most intriguing player in the not named "Alex Ovechkin." He can score the goals, drop the gloves, and forecheck the bejesus out of his opponents. With all of the raw talent in the, players who can do it all -- which includes the dirty work -- tend to fall by the wayside.It's a crime.Source

Caps PP Marathon

It's true that the Thrashers haven't scored a power-play goal since openingnight, but it could be worse. The Capitals had a nine-minute power play lastnight against Calgary and only got three shots off, none of which went in. Andit wasn't some weird string of consecutive penalties that overlapped or rantogether. Rene Bourque of the Flames was assessed19 minutes inpenalties for an altercation and nine of those minutes gave Washington anuninterrupted nine-minute man advantage. I would like to think that with ninestraight minutes of PP time the Thrashers would end their power outage.In another story from yesterday,a sportscollectible show was charging fans in Edmonton $25 for Sam Gagner and AndrewCogliano autographs. I have my share of sports keepsakes but I've never been abig autograph guy except when the piece has some sort of meaning to me. In my 3+seasons with the Thrashers I've gotten one thing signed- the jersey I wore whenGarnet Exelby took shots on me while I was in full goalie gear. I actually triedto get a puck singed by Mark Recchi but our PR guy lost it. It was the puck thatRex hit me with at the morning skate one day. So maybe somebody that is amemorabilia collector can enlighten me on why people would shell out $50 for apair of Oilers autographs. Regardless, it makes you grateful for the access thatour fans have to players at practices and other events, doesn't it?Funny side story, or at least funny to me. Without fail, every time I go onthe road with the team I get asked to sign at least one autograph on the wayfrom the hotel to the team bus, or going into the arena. So I get to be the jerkthat doesn't sign autographs. I wonder who they think I am.Source

Maple Leafs Come to Town on Hockey Fights Cancer Night

If Thursday night's game between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs heads to a shootout, all bets are off. The Bruins currently holds a two-point lead on the Maple Leafs through six games, but the glaring statistic is the lack of success in the shootout. Boston's shooters have gone 2-for-13, while Toronto's goaltenders have stopped just one of seven attempts. This has led to an 0-3 record for both teams when penalty shots are used to decide the outcome.The 2008-09 Toronto Maple Leafs have been a bit of a mystery in the early part of the season. With veterans such as Mats Sundin and Bryan McCabe moving on, and ten new faces on the roster, the original thought was that this would be a rebuilding team. The Maple Leafs started out well by winning on opening night against Detroit, but has gone winless in five straight. However, Toronto has picked up a point in three of those five games.In goal, the Maple Leafs have two familiar faces. Vesa Toskala returns for his second tour of duty in Toronto, following a 33-25-6 season a year ago. So far this season, Toskala has posted a 1-1-2 record with a 2.85 goals against average, and will be expected to carry the load between the pipes once again. With Andrew Raycroft moving on to Colorado, the Leafs needed a replacement, so they called on old friend Curtis Joseph. Joseph spent four seasons in Toronto from 1998-2002, before moving on to the Detroit Red Wings. Last season, the 41-year old signed on with the Calgary Flames in mid-January, and went 3-2 in nine regular season appearances. This season, Joseph is 0-1-1 in three games.On defense, Toronto returns their top two scorers from a year ago in Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina. Each player has a goal and an assist so far, trailing newcomer Mike Van Ryn, who leads the blueliners with three assists. The most anticipated defenseman for the Maple Leafs is Luke Schenn. Toronto took Schenn with the fifth overall pick in this summer's Entry Draft. The 18-year old has yet to record a point, but they're hoping that will change. Another new face on the blueline is Jonas Frogren. Frogren signed on with the Leafs after spending his entire career in his native country of Sweden. He has one assist in five games. Rounding out the defense, are Carlo Colaiacovo and Anton Stralman.Up front, the Maple Leafs did lose the likes of Mats Sundin and Darcy Tucker, but were able to retain a few of their other top offensive players. Nik Antropov is Toronto's leading scorer with three goals and two assists, while linemate Andrei Ponikarovsky is right behind him with one goal and three assists. Jason Blake is tied for third on the team in scoring with one goal and two assists. Perhaps the biggest surprise for the Leafs has been rookie Nikolai Kulemin. As Joe Beninati said on Boston's opening night broadcast in Colorado, "Five dollars to anyone who knew that name prior to tonight." Kulemin has two goals so far, putting him in second place behind Antropov in that category.Face-off for Thursday night's game between the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs takes place at 7:00 from the TD Banknorth Garden. Thursday will be a big night in Boston, as the Bruins will also be holding Hockey Fights Cancer Night.Source

Don't Call It A Comeback: Wait We Did!

LL Cool J said it best......this one is for you man.Dont call it a comebackI been here for yearsRockin my peers and puttin suckas in fearMakin the tears rain down like a mon soonListen to the bass go boomExplosion overpowerinOver the competition Im towerinWreckin shop when I drop these lyrics thatll make you call the copsDont you dare stare, you betta moveDont ever compareMe to the rest thatll all get sliced and dicedCompetitions payin the priceThat of course is from the song "Mama Said Knock You Out", which is one of my favorite rap songs of all time. Sure it may show my age a little bit but it is all good. Tonight there were some nice comebacks indeed though. I counted three of these in one night. Sorry I am not counting Pittsburgh or Phoenix even though they did score all of their goals in the third period.What I am talking about here is snatching victory from a much more certain form of defeat. First up....in Boston....Boston was up 2-0 on Toronto and face it that almost means certain death for Toronto usually...right?? WRONG! Goals from Mike Van Ryn and then Nik Antropov tied it at 2 after 2. Then Anton Stralman of all people nabs the game winner in the third. Niklas Hagman adds the empty netter and you get a 4-2 win for Toronto that was unexpected.Next up....Buffalo Stance! Not many remember Neneh Cherry's powerful anthem but I certainly do and now the Wild will as well. Brent Burns put Minnesota up 3-1 when he tallied on the Power Play but with just a few minutes left...Adam Mair and Thomas "Clutch" Vanek score goals just 46 seconds apart to tie the game and send it to OT. Derek Roy ends the game quick just 44 seconds into the overtime and leaves the Wild crowd stunned (4-3 Buffalo). Ryan Miller held down the fort long enough with 30 saves and that was the difference in the end. Just when you think it is enough...sometimes it really isn't.Flames rally from 3 down in stirring win.Then there was this craziness. The Calgary Flames were down 3-0 to the Nashville Predators and it looked bleak...real bleak. Jason Arnott, back from injury scored the third goal just 8:10 into the second period for Nashville but after that Calgary turned the game. Jarome Iginla would score once later in the frame to make it 3-1. Then Iginla would score again to make it 3-2. After David Moss tied it just 73 seconds later...Michael Cammalleri scores on the PP for the GWG with just 7:29 remaining. Jarome Iginla would complete the hat trick with an empty netter and Calgary truly steals one 5-3 over the Predators.So this was indeed something else tonight. Just imagine what Friday and Saturday have in store for everyone. Get the beer and snacks ready and remember to watch the whole game...because you never know -- you may miss something!!Source

Your Slot Here...

Today we spotlight one of those blogs that really is all about the hockey...jersey that is! Do you ever wonder where we get that analysis on third jerseys and such? Mostly it is through none other than Icethetics...a blog that gets us info on hockey jerseys probably before I would ever read about it anywhere else.Simply they are amazing with the information they come up with. All those third jersey leaks combined with artist renderings and you have substance. They also have a logo tournament that is top notch. Right now their tournament is going on. Rangers and Flyers battling it out....go on and vote if you haven't done so already. I was not surprised by their OHL champion...that is a great logo!Just an example of their fine research...The scoops that Icethetics gets are second to none. I don't know how many stories on jerseys they have broken over the last few months but I probably lost count for a good reason. On the right side of the blog, they have a comprehensive list of third jerseys that have been revealed, ones that haven't, previews, and leaks. I have to admit the leaks so far have been just about dead on to what the actual third jerseys have looked like. These folks know what they are doing. They put the time and effort in and it shows.I particularly enjoyed some of their "concept art" where they let fans send in what they thought their team's third jerseys might look like. It is always great to see a site give back and Icethetics really does reward its readers with high quality and execution. Look at their list of shoutouts on the right....talk about a who's who in the blogging world and more. That is impressive indeed!Finally, for more designs and just some things that are just a bit out there yet quite cool...check out Icethetics' Freak Out Friday. The Detroit Red Wings jersey that looked like it actually had wings was priceless. Add in the Calgary Flames lego guy with an interesting design in front of him and you have something very enjoyable and yet informative in a unique way.So if you are looking for the latest jersey news, some leaks, even some fine artistry at work...then Icethetics is for you. It is the one site I go to for the latest on hockey jersey news and well quite frankly, a whole lot more these days. Go check them out right away...you will not be disappointed.Source

Ouch - 10-24-08

(Note: Given the recent problems with visiting EN, we suggestyou click on the headline or the permalink at the bottom of today'spost in order to make reading easier. We regret the problem and hope tohave it solved quickly. We also acknowledge that this is a weak temporary solution to the problem, but we're stumped at the moment. Thank you for your patience.)Take a look at what Boston forward MilanLucic did to Maple Leafs defenseman Mike Van Ryn last night:(Please visit the site to view this media) Yeesh. He stuck him through the glass. Thankfully, Van Ryn was alright.Other than being "itchy" he escaped injury. He even scored a goal later in thesame period of a 4-2 win at Boston.The win ended a five-game losing streak for the Maple Leafs.Four spectators in were injuredby the glass and two went to the hospital with some injuries.By the way, that wasn't the onlybig hit in this game. Take a look at what Boston'sDennis Wideman did to Toronto'sMatt Stajan:(Please visit the site to view this media) HEADS UPSpeaking of injured spectators, aPenguins fan who was hit by a puck during the team's home opener wrote in togive us an update on his health:"I read your blog from the opener.I was the guy that was hit with the puck in A 27 Row B at the 3:28 mark of thefirst period. Just to be clear, I WAS paying attention. Have you ever sat downthat low? You can't see a damn thing... those seats actually are terrible. Theplay, if I recall, was in the neutral zone towards the Devils end, where Icould see absolutely nothing.After receiving medical attentionfor my bleeding head, I returned to the game for the second period. In a veryclassy move by the Devils, one of their trainers handed me a Reebok Devils hat,signed by all of the scratched players that evening. He said "Fromthe N.J. Devils. We're glad you're ok and hope you feel bettersoon." Very classy. Anyway, I ended up sustaining aconcussion. I am still suffering from dizziness, light headedness, and someother symptoms. Now a full week later, I have yet to hear from the PittsburghPenguins asking me how I am. Very disappointing to say theleast. Just thought I would share with you."BryanEN-First and foremost, let's all hope for Bryan's quick recovery. Second, we apologizeto Bryan forassuming he wasn't paying attention. We were simply offering some public adviceto anyone sitting down low near the action.EMPTY NETTER ASSISTSPenguins-EN reader Geoff Marton spottedthis absolute gem of a jersey at last night's game; An Esa Tikkanen EdmontonOilers:-That might be hands-down the finest jersey we've ever been made aware of at Mellon Arena.-Dave Molinari's recap from lastnight.-Darryl Sydor. Always ready to go.-What's up with Janne Pesonen?-Paul Bissonnette's fight with Carolina's Dan LaCouturefrom last night:(Please visit the site to view this media)-Eric Godard's tilt with WadeBrookbank:(Please visit the site to view this media)-Why is Michel Therrien touching Evgeni Malkin like this?-Malkin seems to be puzzled by it as well.-Faceoff-Factor scored aninterview with Penguins prospect Joe Vitale.-Changes in travel plansprevented the Staals from being brothers.-Former Penguins forward NathanSmith was cleared of charges of public lewdness in Scranton.Atlantic Division-By the sounds of things, Rangersforward Aaron Voros (right) is a verygrateful, thoughtful individual. He wrote a letter to his former coach, theWild's Jacques Lemaire, and thanked Lemaire for helping him develop into an.nhl-caliber player.-The Rangers want forward NikolaiZherdev to break out this season.-Islanders forward Mike Sillingerand defenseman Andy Sutton are close to returning from injuries.-Will the Flyers returndefenseman Luca Sbisa to his junior team?-Philadelphia's blue line is a mess.-As hard as it might be tobelieve, Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur is off to the best start of hisstoried career.-Devils forward Barry Tallacksontook part in his first practice sinceundergoing heart surgery.-Greg Wyshynski of Yahoo!interviewed filmmaker and noted Devils fan Kevin Smith. Smith takes a shot at"Sudden Death."How dare he!?!Northeast Division-Derek Roy's overtime goal gavethe Sabres a 4-3 win at Minnesota.At 6-0-1, Buffalois still undefeated.-Maple Leafs forward Jason Blake,he of the $5 million-a-year contract, was a healthy scratch last night.-Senators coach Craig Hartsburgis getting impatient with goaltender Martin Gerber.-The Bruins need some help in theshootout.-Canadiens fans, never the lot toput too much pressure on a young player, have given goaltender Carey Price (right) the nickname of "Jesus Price."Southeast Division-The Capitals signed defensemanJohn Erskine to a two-year deal worth $1.25 million each season.On a team a little light on physical play, Erskine is one of the few sources ofnastiness on the Capitals.-The Lightning finally officiallysigned former Rangers defenseman Marek Malik to a one-year deal worth $1.25million.-The Thrashers demoted forwardMike Hoffman to Chicagoof the AHL.-Hurricanes captain RodBrind'Amour said his team was horrible in its 4-1 loss to the Penguins lastnight.Central Division-The Predators activated forwardNick Tarnasky from injured reserve.-The Blue Jackets demotedgoaltender Steve Mason to Syracuseof the AHL.-Columbus forward Mike Peca's five-gamessuspension for abusing an official is over.-Blue Jackets forwards Jared Boll,Rick Nash, Fredrik Modin and Jason Chimera are good people.-Prior to last night's games,94-year-old Blues forward Keith Tkachuk (right)was the league-leader in goals with seven.-Red Wings forward Marian Hossawill face the Thrashers for the first time tomorrow night since being traded tothe Penguins last season.-After having offseason surgery,Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom is off to a fast start.Northwest Division-The Flames got a hat trick fromJarome Iginla and came from behind in a 5-3 win at Nashville.-Ian Laperriere had a Gordie Howehat trick for the Avalanche in a 4-1 defeat of the Oilers.Colorado haswon four consecutive games.-Canucks forward Pavol Demitra isdealing with a rib injury.-The Oilers recalled defensemanTheo Peckham from Springfieldof the AHL.Pacific Division-A career-high five points byMike Ribeiro (above) helped the Stars claim a 5-3 win againstthe Islanders.-Mikael Tellqvist made 31 savesfor the Coyotes who edged the Capitals, 2-1.-The Ducks signed former Hurricanesdefenseman Bret Hedican.-Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf had surgery foran abscessed tooth.-Sharks forward Joe Thornton isdealing with a groin injury again.Norris Division-The Canadian dollar is reallyunstable right now and that's making things a little difficult for the.nhl'sCanadian teams.-For the second time in.nhlhistory, all 30 teams in the league will be playing on Saturday.(Photos: Therrien-Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press; Voros-Michal Cizek/Getty Images; Tkachuk-Jeff Roberson/Associated Press; Ribeiro-JimMcIssac/Getty Images)Source

What you missed last night while you were at the bar starting your weekend

Maple Leafs beat the Bruins, 4-2: Mike Van Ryn, gets crushed into and breaks the glass and then scores a goal. If he had an assist, this would be called the Van Ryn hat trick. Instead, lets talk about that hit. A similar hit happened in LA, I think, but the glass didn't shatter, it kind of just fell out. Maybe the TD BankNorth Garden is using old school Boston Garden glass. Stars beat the Islanders, 5-3: So I guess this was one of the nights when the "overspeed" system is still being learned. No joke though, it did look like the Isles were doing it early in the game. Anyway, Mike Ribiero made some really good passes. The first goal was a great fake-shot pass. I love those. I got stupidly excited when the Isles scored their 3rd goal... wait there 5 seconds left. Great.Penguins win over the Hurricanes, 4-1: i think whats really interesting about this match up, is that in real life a penguin would never encounter a hurricane. Crosby and Malkin and whoever is always a good line. Maxime Talbots goal was sneaky a great goal. Even thought the caroline dman did as little as possible to stop him, Talbot did make the nice move to go 5-hole on Leighton.Avalanche beat the Oilers, 4-1: Ian Laperriere with the Gordie Howe hat trick and he was the first star of the game (of course!). There was some super sweet passing on Sakics goal.Flames come back to beat the Predators, 5-3: Is Iginla the best captain in the game? Now leadership qualities are obviously subjective, but don't you want in a captain a guy who can lead by example. Well, Iggy can lead by example to show how to score or fight. I would probably run through a brick wall for him.Coy-youngins beat the Capitals, 2-1: Mikkel Boedker is making the strong case to stay up for a full season in Phoenix. The young guns of the Coyotes are really producing and then old beard Jovo hits a few posts but finally scores. Where is Alex Ovechkin?Sabres win in OT, over the Wild, 4-3: Minnesota can't hold a lead? Jaques Lemaire is rolling in his grave, er office. Gaborik is still out with an injury, but they don't miss his scoring or his defense. Is Buffalo still undefeated?Source