Hello readers and blogger's alike! TODAY IS FRIDAY! I'm going to be talking about some of the stories that took place this week, but were not worthy of a blog of their own. This will most likely become a normal Friday blog, "What you need to know." This blog will consist of a whole bunch of little stories from around the NHL.
Here we go.....
First we start things off with the Toronto Maple Leafs; earlier this week we heard from back-up goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, and he is feeling much healthier than previous seasons and how expects to be a series contender in the leafs carousel of goaltenders. Early last season he was expected to be the leafs no.1 goaltender, but due poor play and injury, he lost the job to Jean-Sebastian Giguere. After the loss of the number one job he got sent down to the AHL Marlies to see if he could stay healthy and step his game up. Gustavsson has gone through a total of 3 heart surgeries, to repair an irregular heart beat. it is expected this season that Gustavsson will be the back up to unlikely hero James Reimer. Reimer was called up near the end of the season and had quite an impressive stint with the big boys, even winning the number 1 job away from season veteran Jean-Sebastian Giguere. Gustavsson is sure he can help young rookie Reimer in his development as well as help the team overall.“That's my goal. To push him and [have him] push me and to do whatever I can to make this team better.”The leafs are in a tough division for goaltenders, that includes the likes of; Miller, Price, Brodeur, Thomas and Lundqvist, they need the young tandem of Reimer and Gustavsson to step up and keep them around in the East. the one part of the puzzle that has been lacking for the Leafs is goaltending, they have a respectable bunch of forwards lead by Kessle and a stellar defense that any team would want lead by Phaneuf and Schenn, now it comes down to the goaltending. So the question remains can Reimer and Gustavsson match the goaltending caliber of a Ryan Miller or Tim Thomas? we'll have to wait and see.
next up is a report that surfaced from a former Washington Capital; Matt Bradley. After a total of 6 seasons with the Capitals, Bradley had some choice words for his former team and teammates. bradley insisted that the team just didn't show up in the playoffs, because a few key members didn't really care. "I think our locker room was maybe a little bit too nonchalant, and guys weren't disciplined the way they should have been," Bradely told TEAM 1200. "Those two things are big things. It wasn't that guys were going out the night before a game, but not being ready to practice or missing practice with questionable injuries and not being focused."IS THIS IT? HAS MATT BRADLEY FIGURED OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS COME PLAYOFFS? no! this is Bradley lashing out that he is not apart of a Stanley Cup contending team anymore. Bradley is now a member of the Florida Panthers, does anyone remember their last chance at coming close to a cup? I do believe there is some truth to his argument though, some of the players don't giver their full effort during the post season. who are those players? lets ask Bradly;
"I don't mind saying Alexander Semin's name because he's one guy who has so much talent, he could easily be the best player in the league, and for whatever reason just doesn't care," Bradley said. "When you've got a guy like that you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn't show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia. That's tough to win when you've got a guy like that who's supposed to be your best player not being your best player. Or one of your best players." HMMM I wonder why Bradley left the Capitals... making some enemies around town. Although it is no suprise that Alexander Semin does not care, everyone in the sports world can see this, they talked about it all playoffs long, it aint rocket science! Bradley even went as far as criticizing the coaching decision to give star players more ice time :o There were a lot of guys who played well that didn't probably play as much as they needed to, but I love Bruce (Boudreau) and Bruce is a great coach and he was in a very tough position there, because in Washington our top guys are definitely the stars and the guys that people want to see on the ice, so I totally understand," Bradley said. "That just doesn't happen on our team, it happens on a lot of teams. hmmm here is a random thought; maybe fans buy tickets to see star players, not 4th line players that ride the bench all game and score 3 important goals all season long. The fans want to see the Ovechkins and Semins that why they come out to the games! surprisingly enough Bradley had nothing bad to say about Ovechkin!
"I never worry about Ovi," he said. "He's an all-in guy. He's young; he makes his mistakes the same as anyone would. I often try to put myself in his position. And you've got to remember, he's 25 years old, he's got a guaranteed $120 million, he's on top of the world, and he still for the most part makes the right decisions."
good idea Bradley never criticize the captain of the team you just left! Bradley finished the post season with 3 goals and 8 assists, while Semin had 12 goals and 18 assists! Bradley needs to grow up and maybe contribute more to his team, oh wait he's sitting on the bench all game, my bad!
Next we move on to a story that literally just came in! Chris Drury is announcing his retirement from the NHL! Drury is the former captain of the New York Rangers! Drury, who turns 35 on Saturday, had the final year of his US$35.25-million contract bought out by the Rangers in June after four seasons with club. Drury had a rough season last year with many nagging injuries, thus resulting in 1 goal and 4 assists in only 24 game. Drury has almost done it all, after getting drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, he won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and took part in the 2002 and 2010 Mens Olympic ice hockey team for the United States, both times winning a silver medal. Drury finishes with totals of 255 goals and 360 assists in 892 career-regular season games with Colorado, Calgary, Buffalo and the Rangers.
And our last story is; The new Jersey Devils Travis Zajac will miss the start of the 2011-2012 season. Zajac is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks while recovering from a surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon. Zajac is entering his 6th NHL season and has spent all 6 years with the Devil's, he is a key part of the organization and a very good role player. Zajac has put up points to help back up his nasty swagger; He is New Jersey all-time ironman, with a consecutive games played streak of 401, Zajac had 13 goals and 31 assists in 82 games with the Devils last season. In 408 career NHL games, the 26-year-old recorded 89 goals and 160 assists.
thank you for reading this Friday blog, Sorry it went a little long, but I hope you enjoyed it :D just quickly in closing the Toronto Maple leafs are getting close to a deal with defence man Luke Schenn. Schenn is a Restricted Free Agent, and can basically not leave the Leafs. Nonis the Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations of the leafs expects there to be a deal done by the start of training camp. Stating that Schenn wants to resign and remain a Leaf. Also Steven Stamkos will grace the cover of EA's NHL 12.
Have a good weekend!
Friday, 19 August 2011
What you Need to Know!
Hello readers and blogger's alike! TODAY IS FRIDAY! I'm going to be talking about some of the stories that took place this week, but were not worthy of a blog of their own. This will most likely become a normal Friday blog, "What you need to know." This blog will consist of a whole bunch of little stories from around the NHL.
Here we go.....
First we start things off with the Toronto Maple Leafs; earlier this week we heard from back-up goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, and he is feeling much healthier than previous seasons and how expects to be a series contender in the leafs carousel of goaltenders. Early last season he was expected to be the leafs no.1 goaltender, but due poor play and injury, he lost the job to Jean-Sebastian Giguere. After the loss of the number one job he got sent down to the AHL Marlies to see if he could stay healthy and step his game up. Gustavsson has gone through a total of 3 heart surgeries, to repair an irregular heart beat. it is expected this season that Gustavsson will be the back up to unlikely hero James Reimer. Reimer was called up near the end of the season and had quite an impressive stint with the big boys, even winning the number 1 job away from season veteran Jean-Sebastian Giguere. Gustavsson is sure he can help young rookie Reimer in his development as well as help the team overall.“That's my goal. To push him and [have him] push me and to do whatever I can to make this team better.”The leafs are in a tough division for goaltenders, that includes the likes of; Miller, Price, Brodeur, Thomas and Lundqvist, they need the young tandem of Reimer and Gustavsson to step up and keep them around in the East. the one part of the puzzle that has been lacking for the Leafs is goaltending, they have a respectable bunch of forwards lead by Kessle and a stellar defense that any team would want lead by Phaneuf and Schenn, now it comes down to the goaltending. So the question remains can Reimer and Gustavsson match the goaltending caliber of a Ryan Miller or Tim Thomas? we'll have to wait and see.
next up is a report that surfaced from a former Washington Capital; Matt Bradley. After a total of 6 seasons with the Capitals, Bradley had some choice words for his former team and teammates. bradley insisted that the team just didn't show up in the playoffs, because a few key members didn't really care. "I think our locker room was maybe a little bit too nonchalant, and guys weren't disciplined the way they should have been," Bradely told TEAM 1200. "Those two things are big things. It wasn't that guys were going out the night before a game, but not being ready to practice or missing practice with questionable injuries and not being focused."IS THIS IT? HAS MATT BRADLEY FIGURED OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS COME PLAYOFFS? no! this is Bradley lashing out that he is not apart of a Stanley Cup contending team anymore. Bradley is now a member of the Florida Panthers, does anyone remember their last chance at coming close to a cup? I do believe there is some truth to his argument though, some of the players don't giver their full effort during the post season. who are those players? lets ask Bradly;
"I don't mind saying Alexander Semin's name because he's one guy who has so much talent, he could easily be the best player in the league, and for whatever reason just doesn't care," Bradley said. "When you've got a guy like that you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn't show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia. That's tough to win when you've got a guy like that who's supposed to be your best player not being your best player. Or one of your best players." HMMM I wonder why Bradley left the Capitals... making some enemies around town. Although it is no suprise that Alexander Semin does not care, everyone in the sports world can see this, they talked about it all playoffs long, it aint rocket science! Bradley even went as far as criticizing the coaching decision to give star players more ice time :o There were a lot of guys who played well that didn't probably play as much as they needed to, but I love Bruce (Boudreau) and Bruce is a great coach and he was in a very tough position there, because in Washington our top guys are definitely the stars and the guys that people want to see on the ice, so I totally understand," Bradley said. "That just doesn't happen on our team, it happens on a lot of teams. hmmm here is a random thought; maybe fans buy tickets to see star players, not 4th line players that ride the bench all game and score 3 important goals all season long. The fans want to see the Ovechkins and Semins that why they come out to the games! surprisingly enough Bradley had nothing bad to say about Ovechkin!
"I never worry about Ovi," he said. "He's an all-in guy. He's young; he makes his mistakes the same as anyone would. I often try to put myself in his position. And you've got to remember, he's 25 years old, he's got a guaranteed $120 million, he's on top of the world, and he still for the most part makes the right decisions."
good idea Bradley never criticize the captain of the team you just left! Bradley finished the post season with 3 goals and 8 assists, while Semin had 12 goals and 18 assists! Bradley needs to grow up and maybe contribute more to his team, oh wait he's sitting on the bench all game, my bad!
Next we move on to a story that literally just came in! Chris Drury is announcing his retirement from the NHL! Drury is the former captain of the New York Rangers! Drury, who turns 35 on Saturday, had the final year of his US$35.25-million contract bought out by the Rangers in June after four seasons with club. Drury had a rough season last year with many nagging injuries, thus resulting in 1 goal and 4 assists in only 24 game. Drury has almost done it all, after getting drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, he won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and took part in the 2002 and 2010 Mens Olympic ice hockey team for the United States, both times winning a silver medal. Drury finishes with totals of 255 goals and 360 assists in 892 career-regular season games with Colorado, Calgary, Buffalo and the Rangers.
And our last story is; The new Jersey Devils Travis Zajac will miss the start of the 2011-2012 season. Zajac is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks while recovering from a surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon. Zajac is entering his 6th NHL season and has spent all 6 years with the Devil's, he is a key part of the organization and a very good role player. Zajac has put up points to help back up his nasty swagger; He is New Jersey all-time ironman, with a consecutive games played streak of 401, Zajac had 13 goals and 31 assists in 82 games with the Devils last season. In 408 career NHL games, the 26-year-old recorded 89 goals and 160 assists.
thank you for reading this Friday blog, Sorry it went a little long, but I hope you enjoyed it :D just quickly in closing the Toronto Maple leafs are getting close to a deal with defence man Luke Schenn. Schenn is a Restricted Free Agent, and can basically not leave the Leafs. Nonis the Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations of the leafs expects there to be a deal done by the start of training camp. Stating that Schenn wants to resign and remain a Leaf. Also Steven Stamkos will grace the cover of EA's NHL 12.
Have a good weekend!
Here we go.....
First we start things off with the Toronto Maple Leafs; earlier this week we heard from back-up goaltender Jonas Gustavsson, and he is feeling much healthier than previous seasons and how expects to be a series contender in the leafs carousel of goaltenders. Early last season he was expected to be the leafs no.1 goaltender, but due poor play and injury, he lost the job to Jean-Sebastian Giguere. After the loss of the number one job he got sent down to the AHL Marlies to see if he could stay healthy and step his game up. Gustavsson has gone through a total of 3 heart surgeries, to repair an irregular heart beat. it is expected this season that Gustavsson will be the back up to unlikely hero James Reimer. Reimer was called up near the end of the season and had quite an impressive stint with the big boys, even winning the number 1 job away from season veteran Jean-Sebastian Giguere. Gustavsson is sure he can help young rookie Reimer in his development as well as help the team overall.“That's my goal. To push him and [have him] push me and to do whatever I can to make this team better.”The leafs are in a tough division for goaltenders, that includes the likes of; Miller, Price, Brodeur, Thomas and Lundqvist, they need the young tandem of Reimer and Gustavsson to step up and keep them around in the East. the one part of the puzzle that has been lacking for the Leafs is goaltending, they have a respectable bunch of forwards lead by Kessle and a stellar defense that any team would want lead by Phaneuf and Schenn, now it comes down to the goaltending. So the question remains can Reimer and Gustavsson match the goaltending caliber of a Ryan Miller or Tim Thomas? we'll have to wait and see.
next up is a report that surfaced from a former Washington Capital; Matt Bradley. After a total of 6 seasons with the Capitals, Bradley had some choice words for his former team and teammates. bradley insisted that the team just didn't show up in the playoffs, because a few key members didn't really care. "I think our locker room was maybe a little bit too nonchalant, and guys weren't disciplined the way they should have been," Bradely told TEAM 1200. "Those two things are big things. It wasn't that guys were going out the night before a game, but not being ready to practice or missing practice with questionable injuries and not being focused."IS THIS IT? HAS MATT BRADLEY FIGURED OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WASHINGTON CAPITALS COME PLAYOFFS? no! this is Bradley lashing out that he is not apart of a Stanley Cup contending team anymore. Bradley is now a member of the Florida Panthers, does anyone remember their last chance at coming close to a cup? I do believe there is some truth to his argument though, some of the players don't giver their full effort during the post season. who are those players? lets ask Bradly;
"I don't mind saying Alexander Semin's name because he's one guy who has so much talent, he could easily be the best player in the league, and for whatever reason just doesn't care," Bradley said. "When you've got a guy like that you need him to be your best player, or one of your best players, and when he doesn't show up, you almost get the sense that he wants to be back in Russia. That's tough to win when you've got a guy like that who's supposed to be your best player not being your best player. Or one of your best players." HMMM I wonder why Bradley left the Capitals... making some enemies around town. Although it is no suprise that Alexander Semin does not care, everyone in the sports world can see this, they talked about it all playoffs long, it aint rocket science! Bradley even went as far as criticizing the coaching decision to give star players more ice time :o There were a lot of guys who played well that didn't probably play as much as they needed to, but I love Bruce (Boudreau) and Bruce is a great coach and he was in a very tough position there, because in Washington our top guys are definitely the stars and the guys that people want to see on the ice, so I totally understand," Bradley said. "That just doesn't happen on our team, it happens on a lot of teams. hmmm here is a random thought; maybe fans buy tickets to see star players, not 4th line players that ride the bench all game and score 3 important goals all season long. The fans want to see the Ovechkins and Semins that why they come out to the games! surprisingly enough Bradley had nothing bad to say about Ovechkin!
"I never worry about Ovi," he said. "He's an all-in guy. He's young; he makes his mistakes the same as anyone would. I often try to put myself in his position. And you've got to remember, he's 25 years old, he's got a guaranteed $120 million, he's on top of the world, and he still for the most part makes the right decisions."
good idea Bradley never criticize the captain of the team you just left! Bradley finished the post season with 3 goals and 8 assists, while Semin had 12 goals and 18 assists! Bradley needs to grow up and maybe contribute more to his team, oh wait he's sitting on the bench all game, my bad!
Next we move on to a story that literally just came in! Chris Drury is announcing his retirement from the NHL! Drury is the former captain of the New York Rangers! Drury, who turns 35 on Saturday, had the final year of his US$35.25-million contract bought out by the Rangers in June after four seasons with club. Drury had a rough season last year with many nagging injuries, thus resulting in 1 goal and 4 assists in only 24 game. Drury has almost done it all, after getting drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in 1994, he won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2001 and took part in the 2002 and 2010 Mens Olympic ice hockey team for the United States, both times winning a silver medal. Drury finishes with totals of 255 goals and 360 assists in 892 career-regular season games with Colorado, Calgary, Buffalo and the Rangers.
And our last story is; The new Jersey Devils Travis Zajac will miss the start of the 2011-2012 season. Zajac is expected to miss 8 to 10 weeks while recovering from a surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon. Zajac is entering his 6th NHL season and has spent all 6 years with the Devil's, he is a key part of the organization and a very good role player. Zajac has put up points to help back up his nasty swagger; He is New Jersey all-time ironman, with a consecutive games played streak of 401, Zajac had 13 goals and 31 assists in 82 games with the Devils last season. In 408 career NHL games, the 26-year-old recorded 89 goals and 160 assists.
thank you for reading this Friday blog, Sorry it went a little long, but I hope you enjoyed it :D just quickly in closing the Toronto Maple leafs are getting close to a deal with defence man Luke Schenn. Schenn is a Restricted Free Agent, and can basically not leave the Leafs. Nonis the Senior Vice-President of Hockey Operations of the leafs expects there to be a deal done by the start of training camp. Stating that Schenn wants to resign and remain a Leaf. Also Steven Stamkos will grace the cover of EA's NHL 12.
Have a good weekend!
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Changing the NHL
After many contriversies in the NHL, regarding goals, penalties and even icing. The NHL is more serious that ever about changing some of the rules for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. At a Research development camp, in Toronto Ontario, the NHL is testing a whopping 27 possible rule changes. some are changes people are liking and other not soo much. "This gives us an opportunity to try new things, look at things, even if we never implement them, It really gives us a chance to take a deep breath — not during the season, when everybody's worrying about the game they have to play — and make sure that we are comfortable with where we are"- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman
I wont discuss all 27 rule changes, but just the ones that stood out to me the most!
A secret trap to lour General Managers to the development camp, is the upcoming draft prospects are the ones testing the rules. 37 of the best 17 year old's in North America are on the ice battling it out. so many GM's come to mainly watch their prospects adapt to new changes.
The NHL has made it clear that few of these changes will be adapted right away. But on of the changes that could possibly be added are the changes to and around the nets. One new change for the nets would be shallower nets, along with the shallower nets, they have added a green line 3 inches behind the goal line, to help make an easier call if a puck has crossed the line. The pint of the green "verification" line is that if the puck is toughing or on the green line the puck is technically "in" the net, if the puck is not touching the green line it is technically "not in the net." I personally am a fan of this new green line in the back of the net. (it would have been helpful when I was playing as well). It helps determine that there is officially a goal scored. the NHL rules; "state that the puck must be clearly over the red goal line in order for an official goal to scored." but in the rush of the play and even during video review it is tough to see if the puck clearly crossed the line or not. sometimes a goalie will accidentally move the puck on the goal line, but not technically over the line, and it is called a goal when it should not be a goal. This rule will help clarify if a goal has been scored. If you remember back the 2004 playoffs, it was between the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lighting. The Flames had scored a goal which would have won them the Stanley cup, but the refs ruled the puck had not crossed the line, when it fact it clearly had. Calgary went on to loose the cup to Tampa in 7 games. This call cost the Flames a Stanley Cup. Another situation where the cup wasn't at stake, was a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Ranger. Sami Salo blasted a shot that just squeaked through Lundquist and just crossed the line before a teammate took it out. They reviewed the goal but was determined the puck never crossed the line completely. So back to my original point, I believe this rule change will help benefit the NHL and maybe even help the goals to go up, because that is what the fans want, the highlight goals. "It's not as sexy as a rule change but it could certainly have a big play in how a game is decided," said Shanahan.
The NHL could be implenting the rule soon, even if it is just a trial period; "I think that the shallow nets are something that I'd really like to try in at least an exhibition game and see how players react to it," Shanahan said Thursday.
Another change I'm in favor for, is not necessarily a rule change, just a slight equipment adjustment. having Clear glass over top of the net and around the posts. This will help the refs have more control of seeing the puck cross the line, as well as make it clearer to the cameras that are reviewing the play. This slight modification will only benefit the game, and the refs, they will receive less flack if they are seeing more of the puck clearly. Don't get me wrong its always fun to heckle with a ref, especially after the embarrassing job they did last NHL season. But it will most likely make their job just a little easier. The nets could also be shrinking, from the traditional 44 inches to 40 inches.
One ruler change I don't want to see, is the icing rule even if you are short handed. I understand the logic behind the possible change, but its not needed. penalizing a team for icing the puck while they are already short handed, its not fair to certain teams. Some teams, have a hard enough time killing penalties with the rules as they are. why make it harder? if this rule is implemented the players will end up taking more and more penalties and there will be a never ending cycle to a team being shorthanded. players will be getting frustrated and start cross checking and slashing and tripping on purpose, in an attempt to get the puck and get a line change. This rule is not necessary for the NHL.
Dan Bylsma and Dave Tippett both like these new changes as well as Brandon shannahan, head of the NHLPA. so the changes involving the nets, could be coming to a hockey arena near you! stay tuned hockey nuts! thanks for reading this extremely long blog, hope you enjoyed it! keep watching hockey!
I wont discuss all 27 rule changes, but just the ones that stood out to me the most!
A secret trap to lour General Managers to the development camp, is the upcoming draft prospects are the ones testing the rules. 37 of the best 17 year old's in North America are on the ice battling it out. so many GM's come to mainly watch their prospects adapt to new changes.
The NHL has made it clear that few of these changes will be adapted right away. But on of the changes that could possibly be added are the changes to and around the nets. One new change for the nets would be shallower nets, along with the shallower nets, they have added a green line 3 inches behind the goal line, to help make an easier call if a puck has crossed the line. The pint of the green "verification" line is that if the puck is toughing or on the green line the puck is technically "in" the net, if the puck is not touching the green line it is technically "not in the net." I personally am a fan of this new green line in the back of the net. (it would have been helpful when I was playing as well). It helps determine that there is officially a goal scored. the NHL rules; "state that the puck must be clearly over the red goal line in order for an official goal to scored." but in the rush of the play and even during video review it is tough to see if the puck clearly crossed the line or not. sometimes a goalie will accidentally move the puck on the goal line, but not technically over the line, and it is called a goal when it should not be a goal. This rule will help clarify if a goal has been scored. If you remember back the 2004 playoffs, it was between the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lighting. The Flames had scored a goal which would have won them the Stanley cup, but the refs ruled the puck had not crossed the line, when it fact it clearly had. Calgary went on to loose the cup to Tampa in 7 games. This call cost the Flames a Stanley Cup. Another situation where the cup wasn't at stake, was a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Ranger. Sami Salo blasted a shot that just squeaked through Lundquist and just crossed the line before a teammate took it out. They reviewed the goal but was determined the puck never crossed the line completely. So back to my original point, I believe this rule change will help benefit the NHL and maybe even help the goals to go up, because that is what the fans want, the highlight goals. "It's not as sexy as a rule change but it could certainly have a big play in how a game is decided," said Shanahan.
The NHL could be implenting the rule soon, even if it is just a trial period; "I think that the shallow nets are something that I'd really like to try in at least an exhibition game and see how players react to it," Shanahan said Thursday.
Another change I'm in favor for, is not necessarily a rule change, just a slight equipment adjustment. having Clear glass over top of the net and around the posts. This will help the refs have more control of seeing the puck cross the line, as well as make it clearer to the cameras that are reviewing the play. This slight modification will only benefit the game, and the refs, they will receive less flack if they are seeing more of the puck clearly. Don't get me wrong its always fun to heckle with a ref, especially after the embarrassing job they did last NHL season. But it will most likely make their job just a little easier. The nets could also be shrinking, from the traditional 44 inches to 40 inches.
One ruler change I don't want to see, is the icing rule even if you are short handed. I understand the logic behind the possible change, but its not needed. penalizing a team for icing the puck while they are already short handed, its not fair to certain teams. Some teams, have a hard enough time killing penalties with the rules as they are. why make it harder? if this rule is implemented the players will end up taking more and more penalties and there will be a never ending cycle to a team being shorthanded. players will be getting frustrated and start cross checking and slashing and tripping on purpose, in an attempt to get the puck and get a line change. This rule is not necessary for the NHL.
Dan Bylsma and Dave Tippett both like these new changes as well as Brandon shannahan, head of the NHLPA. so the changes involving the nets, could be coming to a hockey arena near you! stay tuned hockey nuts! thanks for reading this extremely long blog, hope you enjoyed it! keep watching hockey!
Changing the NHL
After many contriversies in the NHL, regarding goals, penalties and even icing. The NHL is more serious that ever about changing some of the rules for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. At a Research development camp, in Toronto Ontario, the NHL is testing a whopping 27 possible rule changes. some are changes people are liking and other not soo much. "This gives us an opportunity to try new things, look at things, even if we never implement them, It really gives us a chance to take a deep breath — not during the season, when everybody's worrying about the game they have to play — and make sure that we are comfortable with where we are"- NHL commissioner Gary Bettman
I wont discuss all 27 rule changes, but just the ones that stood out to me the most!
A secret trap to lour General Managers to the development camp, is the upcoming draft prospects are the ones testing the rules. 37 of the best 17 year old's in North America are on the ice battling it out. so many GM's come to mainly watch their prospects adapt to new changes.
The NHL has made it clear that few of these changes will be adapted right away. But on of the changes that could possibly be added are the changes to and around the nets. One new change for the nets would be shallower nets, along with the shallower nets, they have added a green line 3 inches behind the goal line, to help make an easier call if a puck has crossed the line. The pint of the green "verification" line is that if the puck is toughing or on the green line the puck is technically "in" the net, if the puck is not touching the green line it is technically "not in the net." I personally am a fan of this new green line in the back of the net. (it would have been helpful when I was playing as well). It helps determine that there is officially a goal scored. the NHL rules; "state that the puck must be clearly over the red goal line in order for an official goal to scored." but in the rush of the play and even during video review it is tough to see if the puck clearly crossed the line or not. sometimes a goalie will accidentally move the puck on the goal line, but not technically over the line, and it is called a goal when it should not be a goal. This rule will help clarify if a goal has been scored. If you remember back the 2004 playoffs, it was between the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lighting. The Flames had scored a goal which would have won them the Stanley cup, but the refs ruled the puck had not crossed the line, when it fact it clearly had. Calgary went on to loose the cup to Tampa in 7 games. This call cost the Flames a Stanley Cup. Another situation where the cup wasn't at stake, was a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Ranger. Sami Salo blasted a shot that just squeaked through Lundquist and just crossed the line before a teammate took it out. They reviewed the goal but was determined the puck never crossed the line completely. So back to my original point, I believe this rule change will help benefit the NHL and maybe even help the goals to go up, because that is what the fans want, the highlight goals. "It's not as sexy as a rule change but it could certainly have a big play in how a game is decided," said Shanahan.
The NHL could be implenting the rule soon, even if it is just a trial period; "I think that the shallow nets are something that I'd really like to try in at least an exhibition game and see how players react to it," Shanahan said Thursday.
Another change I'm in favor for, is not necessarily a rule change, just a slight equipment adjustment. having Clear glass over top of the net and around the posts. This will help the refs have more control of seeing the puck cross the line, as well as make it clearer to the cameras that are reviewing the play. This slight modification will only benefit the game, and the refs, they will receive less flack if they are seeing more of the puck clearly. Don't get me wrong its always fun to heckle with a ref, especially after the embarrassing job they did last NHL season. But it will most likely make their job just a little easier. The nets could also be shrinking, from the traditional 44 inches to 40 inches.
One ruler change I don't want to see, is the icing rule even if you are short handed. I understand the logic behind the possible change, but its not needed. penalizing a team for icing the puck while they are already short handed, its not fair to certain teams. Some teams, have a hard enough time killing penalties with the rules as they are. why make it harder? if this rule is implemented the players will end up taking more and more penalties and there will be a never ending cycle to a team being shorthanded. players will be getting frustrated and start cross checking and slashing and tripping on purpose, in an attempt to get the puck and get a line change. This rule is not necessary for the NHL.
Dan Bylsma and Dave Tippett both like these new changes as well as Brandon shannahan, head of the NHLPA. so the changes involving the nets, could be coming to a hockey arena near you! stay tuned hockey nuts! thanks for reading this extremely long blog, hope you enjoyed it! keep watching hockey!
I wont discuss all 27 rule changes, but just the ones that stood out to me the most!
A secret trap to lour General Managers to the development camp, is the upcoming draft prospects are the ones testing the rules. 37 of the best 17 year old's in North America are on the ice battling it out. so many GM's come to mainly watch their prospects adapt to new changes.
The NHL has made it clear that few of these changes will be adapted right away. But on of the changes that could possibly be added are the changes to and around the nets. One new change for the nets would be shallower nets, along with the shallower nets, they have added a green line 3 inches behind the goal line, to help make an easier call if a puck has crossed the line. The pint of the green "verification" line is that if the puck is toughing or on the green line the puck is technically "in" the net, if the puck is not touching the green line it is technically "not in the net." I personally am a fan of this new green line in the back of the net. (it would have been helpful when I was playing as well). It helps determine that there is officially a goal scored. the NHL rules; "state that the puck must be clearly over the red goal line in order for an official goal to scored." but in the rush of the play and even during video review it is tough to see if the puck clearly crossed the line or not. sometimes a goalie will accidentally move the puck on the goal line, but not technically over the line, and it is called a goal when it should not be a goal. This rule will help clarify if a goal has been scored. If you remember back the 2004 playoffs, it was between the Calgary Flames and Tampa Bay Lighting. The Flames had scored a goal which would have won them the Stanley cup, but the refs ruled the puck had not crossed the line, when it fact it clearly had. Calgary went on to loose the cup to Tampa in 7 games. This call cost the Flames a Stanley Cup. Another situation where the cup wasn't at stake, was a game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Ranger. Sami Salo blasted a shot that just squeaked through Lundquist and just crossed the line before a teammate took it out. They reviewed the goal but was determined the puck never crossed the line completely. So back to my original point, I believe this rule change will help benefit the NHL and maybe even help the goals to go up, because that is what the fans want, the highlight goals. "It's not as sexy as a rule change but it could certainly have a big play in how a game is decided," said Shanahan.
The NHL could be implenting the rule soon, even if it is just a trial period; "I think that the shallow nets are something that I'd really like to try in at least an exhibition game and see how players react to it," Shanahan said Thursday.
Another change I'm in favor for, is not necessarily a rule change, just a slight equipment adjustment. having Clear glass over top of the net and around the posts. This will help the refs have more control of seeing the puck cross the line, as well as make it clearer to the cameras that are reviewing the play. This slight modification will only benefit the game, and the refs, they will receive less flack if they are seeing more of the puck clearly. Don't get me wrong its always fun to heckle with a ref, especially after the embarrassing job they did last NHL season. But it will most likely make their job just a little easier. The nets could also be shrinking, from the traditional 44 inches to 40 inches.
One ruler change I don't want to see, is the icing rule even if you are short handed. I understand the logic behind the possible change, but its not needed. penalizing a team for icing the puck while they are already short handed, its not fair to certain teams. Some teams, have a hard enough time killing penalties with the rules as they are. why make it harder? if this rule is implemented the players will end up taking more and more penalties and there will be a never ending cycle to a team being shorthanded. players will be getting frustrated and start cross checking and slashing and tripping on purpose, in an attempt to get the puck and get a line change. This rule is not necessary for the NHL.
Dan Bylsma and Dave Tippett both like these new changes as well as Brandon shannahan, head of the NHLPA. so the changes involving the nets, could be coming to a hockey arena near you! stay tuned hockey nuts! thanks for reading this extremely long blog, hope you enjoyed it! keep watching hockey!
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Rick Rypien
Its been a rough summer for NHL tough guys. we had the death of Derek Boogard back in May; when he tried to mix pills and alcohol together and now the passing of Rick Rypien. Rick Rypien was a new member of the new Winnipeg Jets. a quote from fellow teammate Andrew Ladd "Sad to hear about Rick Rypien," posted . "I was looking forward to playing with him in Winnipeg. Thoughts are with his family and friends."
The authorities are saying it was a sudden and un-suspicious death, many rumors swirling around; the Rypien committed suicide, but that has not yet been proven.
this sudden death has taken the hockey world by surprise, many fans took to twitter and facebook to express their condolence and to look for answers as to how he may have died.
Before joining the Jets, Rypien had been a member of the Vancouver Canucks, but missed time due to personal or family issues. which in turn limited his play and production totals. Last season Rypien played just 9 games and added 1 assist, before leaving the team for another personal issue, he was later demoted to the AHL Manitoba Moose.
Rypien made headlines last season in October for his an incident in which he pushed a fan of the opposing team while leaving the ice during a fight. This infraction earned him a 6 game suspension and a public apology!
former teammate Michael Grabner tweeted "I will always have the memories from Vancouver with Rick..also pound for pound (he) was one of the toughest guys out there,"
Rypien finished his career with 9 goals and 7 assists along with 226 penalty minutes in 119 games with the Canucks.
RIP Rick Rypien! you will be missed!
The authorities are saying it was a sudden and un-suspicious death, many rumors swirling around; the Rypien committed suicide, but that has not yet been proven.
this sudden death has taken the hockey world by surprise, many fans took to twitter and facebook to express their condolence and to look for answers as to how he may have died.
Before joining the Jets, Rypien had been a member of the Vancouver Canucks, but missed time due to personal or family issues. which in turn limited his play and production totals. Last season Rypien played just 9 games and added 1 assist, before leaving the team for another personal issue, he was later demoted to the AHL Manitoba Moose.
Rypien made headlines last season in October for his an incident in which he pushed a fan of the opposing team while leaving the ice during a fight. This infraction earned him a 6 game suspension and a public apology!
former teammate Michael Grabner tweeted "I will always have the memories from Vancouver with Rick..also pound for pound (he) was one of the toughest guys out there,"
Rypien finished his career with 9 goals and 7 assists along with 226 penalty minutes in 119 games with the Canucks.
RIP Rick Rypien! you will be missed!
Rick Rypien
Its been a rough summer for NHL tough guys. we had the death of Derek Boogard back in May; when he tried to mix pills and alcohol together and now the passing of Rick Rypien. Rick Rypien was a new member of the new Winnipeg Jets. a quote from fellow teammate Andrew Ladd "Sad to hear about Rick Rypien," posted . "I was looking forward to playing with him in Winnipeg. Thoughts are with his family and friends."
The authorities are saying it was a sudden and un-suspicious death, many rumors swirling around; the Rypien committed suicide, but that has not yet been proven.
this sudden death has taken the hockey world by surprise, many fans took to twitter and facebook to express their condolence and to look for answers as to how he may have died.
Before joining the Jets, Rypien had been a member of the Vancouver Canucks, but missed time due to personal or family issues. which in turn limited his play and production totals. Last season Rypien played just 9 games and added 1 assist, before leaving the team for another personal issue, he was later demoted to the AHL Manitoba Moose.
Rypien made headlines last season in October for his an incident in which he pushed a fan of the opposing team while leaving the ice during a fight. This infraction earned him a 6 game suspension and a public apology!
former teammate Michael Grabner tweeted "I will always have the memories from Vancouver with Rick..also pound for pound (he) was one of the toughest guys out there,"
Rypien finished his career with 9 goals and 7 assists along with 226 penalty minutes in 119 games with the Canucks.
RIP Rick Rypien! you will be missed!
The authorities are saying it was a sudden and un-suspicious death, many rumors swirling around; the Rypien committed suicide, but that has not yet been proven.
this sudden death has taken the hockey world by surprise, many fans took to twitter and facebook to express their condolence and to look for answers as to how he may have died.
Before joining the Jets, Rypien had been a member of the Vancouver Canucks, but missed time due to personal or family issues. which in turn limited his play and production totals. Last season Rypien played just 9 games and added 1 assist, before leaving the team for another personal issue, he was later demoted to the AHL Manitoba Moose.
Rypien made headlines last season in October for his an incident in which he pushed a fan of the opposing team while leaving the ice during a fight. This infraction earned him a 6 game suspension and a public apology!
former teammate Michael Grabner tweeted "I will always have the memories from Vancouver with Rick..also pound for pound (he) was one of the toughest guys out there,"
Rypien finished his career with 9 goals and 7 assists along with 226 penalty minutes in 119 games with the Canucks.
RIP Rick Rypien! you will be missed!
Monday, 15 August 2011
Crosby?
As everyone, knows by now; (unless you live under a rock) Sidney Crosby sustained a major concussion and has not played a game since January 5th. there were 2 incidents that sidelined Crosby; on the Winter Classic game on new year day, he was hit by a blindside hit by a member of the Washington Capitals. then a few says later, he was hit hard by victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since the later incident Crosby has not played a game. he was rehabbing really well, before the 2011 playoffs, but had a major setback and was no longer aloud to work out. today information leaked on many radio stations that Crosby has suffered another setback and will not be ready for the start of next season. the Penguins are remaining fairly mum on the subject of Crosby not being able to start. Ray Shero; GM of the Penguins stated "its nothing where he has had to shut it down or anything. he just pushed himself"
so whats really going on with Crosby? in my humble opinion; he has had a setback and needs to take it easier. yes Crosby is the stellar superstar in the NHL today, but he cant rush this. he needs to make sure he is fully recovered before coming. as someone who has had a couple concussions, knows, he's definitely in some pain, despite the injury being 7 months ago, returning to activity after a severe concussion is never an easy thing.
Now there is no doubt the Penguins need their superstar back on the ice, in order to excel and perhaps win another Stanley Cup. but its not worth the risk of his long term health. which is why the Pittsburgh organization is not rushing him.
I'm going out on a limb here and saying Crosby will not be ready for the first week of Penguins training camp, BUT will be ready for the start of the regular season!
so whats really going on with Crosby? in my humble opinion; he has had a setback and needs to take it easier. yes Crosby is the stellar superstar in the NHL today, but he cant rush this. he needs to make sure he is fully recovered before coming. as someone who has had a couple concussions, knows, he's definitely in some pain, despite the injury being 7 months ago, returning to activity after a severe concussion is never an easy thing.
Now there is no doubt the Penguins need their superstar back on the ice, in order to excel and perhaps win another Stanley Cup. but its not worth the risk of his long term health. which is why the Pittsburgh organization is not rushing him.
I'm going out on a limb here and saying Crosby will not be ready for the first week of Penguins training camp, BUT will be ready for the start of the regular season!
Crosby?
As everyone, knows by now; (unless you live under a rock) Sidney Crosby sustained a major concussion and has not played a game since January 5th. there were 2 incidents that sidelined Crosby; on the Winter Classic game on new year day, he was hit by a blindside hit by a member of the Washington Capitals. then a few says later, he was hit hard by victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Since the later incident Crosby has not played a game. he was rehabbing really well, before the 2011 playoffs, but had a major setback and was no longer aloud to work out. today information leaked on many radio stations that Crosby has suffered another setback and will not be ready for the start of next season. the Penguins are remaining fairly mum on the subject of Crosby not being able to start. Ray Shero; GM of the Penguins stated "its nothing where he has had to shut it down or anything. he just pushed himself"
so whats really going on with Crosby? in my humble opinion; he has had a setback and needs to take it easier. yes Crosby is the stellar superstar in the NHL today, but he cant rush this. he needs to make sure he is fully recovered before coming. as someone who has had a couple concussions, knows, he's definitely in some pain, despite the injury being 7 months ago, returning to activity after a severe concussion is never an easy thing.
Now there is no doubt the Penguins need their superstar back on the ice, in order to excel and perhaps win another Stanley Cup. but its not worth the risk of his long term health. which is why the Pittsburgh organization is not rushing him.
I'm going out on a limb here and saying Crosby will not be ready for the first week of Penguins training camp, BUT will be ready for the start of the regular season!
so whats really going on with Crosby? in my humble opinion; he has had a setback and needs to take it easier. yes Crosby is the stellar superstar in the NHL today, but he cant rush this. he needs to make sure he is fully recovered before coming. as someone who has had a couple concussions, knows, he's definitely in some pain, despite the injury being 7 months ago, returning to activity after a severe concussion is never an easy thing.
Now there is no doubt the Penguins need their superstar back on the ice, in order to excel and perhaps win another Stanley Cup. but its not worth the risk of his long term health. which is why the Pittsburgh organization is not rushing him.
I'm going out on a limb here and saying Crosby will not be ready for the first week of Penguins training camp, BUT will be ready for the start of the regular season!
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