Suspensions.... Suspensions....... Suspensions

This NHL preseason has seen pretty much everything: from banana throwing to alleged homophobic slurs. From amazing rookie plays to cheap head shots. After the first couple games of the preseason it was clear that Brendon Shanahan would not have to wait long to hand out his first suspension.

So far this PRESEASON there have been 23 suspension, more than ALL of last NHL season which only featured 22 (heard this stat on Leafs TV). The latest and biggest suspension handed out to James Wisniewski. Wisniewski was suspended the remaining 3 preseason games as well as a whopping 8 regular season games. The Wisniewski incident was from a hit to the head of Minnesota Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck after time expired in an exhibition game, the suspension will cost James Wisniewski $500K.

November 17, 2009 Shanahan announced his retirement from the NHL after playing 21 seasons; "I would like to thank my family and all of the friends who have helped me achieve and maintain my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League", Shanahan said in a news release. "I am enormously grateful to all of my coaches and teammates I've had the privilege of learning from and playing along side of, throughout my career. While I always dreamed of playing in the NHL, I can't honestly say that I would have ever imagined that I'd be this fortunate and blessed. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me fulfill this dream" But Shanahan could not stay away from the game for long a month later he became the NHL's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development.On June 1, 2011 Shanahan took over the job of NHL's chief player disciplinarian from Colin Campbell who underwent much criticism for his lack of suspensions and not stopping head shots. It was clear that Shanahan needed to set a message that deliberate hits targeting the head would not be aloud in the NHL.This preseason Shanahan is sending that message, with suspension after suspension and his surprising videos explaining why each player was or was not suspended. Unlike Colin Campbell, Shanahan has the support of many NHL players and teams. Joe Thornton It’s good to see where he’s coming from and talk about why he’s suspending guys for so long,” Thornton said after Tuesday’s two-hour practice. “Players really appreciate that, and it’s now black and white.”

I think its extremely sad that the busiest person this NHL preseason has been the league disciplinary chief Brendan Shanahan. Preseason is about evaluating talent of rookies who are trying to make an NHL team, not trying to hit someone so they are injured. I believe Shanahan is sending a message that deliberate hits to the hit will not be tolerated as we are trying to cut down on head injuries. But this message is not being sent to the players, but more to the fans. In order for the NHL to get the players to pay attention and stop head hit is for the suspensions to be longer. If Shanahan were to give someone a 20 or 30 game suspension to set an example than maybe a player will think twice about delivering a cheap head shot. So yes Shanahan is tougher on suspensions than Campbell ever was; but do you remember when Mike Murphy was filling in during the Stanley Cup finals? He suspended Aaron Rome the remainder of the series for his hit on Nathan Horton! But as soon as the regular season starts, I think the suspension will be tougher and come across as more severe when it is actually the regular season and not the preseason. Obviously Shanahan isn't going to change things overnight and still has a little to learn about suspending players. But the Bottom line of all the Head Hits, is that players have a lack of respect for other players in the league. Leafs defenceman Luke Schenn said hitting players must learn to respect one another when it comes to collisions where one player has his back turned. “Hitting is going to be part of the game,” Schenn said. “But for sure, you have to let up or something when (a player has his back turned). It’s respect there, you have to respect that situation.

 Here is a list of the suspensions so far

• Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond; received a a 5 game suspension (4 preseason + 1 regular season) for a boarding call after hitting Vancouver Canucks Matt Clackson from behind into the boards.“Letourneau-Leblond took a direct route toward Clackson, hit him squarely from behind into the boards and drove through the check high and hard. Clackson’s back was turned toward Letourneau-Leblond well before the contact, requiring that Letourneau-Leblond avoid or minimize the check. He did neither.”
•  Jody Shelley received a 10 game suspension (5 preseason + 5 regular season) for his hit on Leafs forward Darryl Boyce. The hit broke Boyce's nose. “Shelley hit Boyce squarely from behind into the glass. Boyce’s back was turned toward Shelley well before the contact, requiring that Shelley avoid or minimize the check. He did neither."
•  James Wisniewski received a 11 game suspension (3 preseason + plus 8 regular season) for his hit on Cal Clutterbuck. 
•  Brad Staubitz received a 6 game suspension (3 preseason + 3 regular season) for his on hit on Coby bass which got Staubitz ejected from the game. "Staubitz drives hard through Bass' numbers and causes facial injury," Shanahan said in a video. "This factor weighed most heavily in my decision."
• The Buffalo Sabres  Brad Boyes was suspended 2 preseason games for his hit on Joe Colborne. “Colborne’s head was the principal point of contact of Boyes’ hit,” Shanahan said in a video explaining the suspension. “While this play develops quickly, Colborne makes no sudden moves just prior to, or simultaneous with, the hit, placing the onus on Boyes not to hit him in the head."
• The most interesting suspension handed to Jean-Francois Jacques who came off the bench to instigate a fight. Jacques was given a 9 game suspension (4 preseason games +5 regular season).
• plus Shanahan has had 4 or 5 other hearings that did not result in suspensions.

Last preseason there were 2 suspensions handed out and this season their have already been 6
suspensions and likely one or two more based on what were seeing right now. There is almost an "illegal" or "cheap" hit in every game that is being looked at.
All in all I am extremely disappointed with the players of the NHL, they need to take more responsibility and "man up" by not "killing" players with head hits. But I am extremely happy with the way Shanahan has been handling these preseason suspensions. Right now I would say the suspensions are warnings; they are not horrible but not super easy. Basically Shanahan is saying to the players "keep this up in the regular season and the suspensions will get worse". I love how Shanahan has been '"xplaining" his decisions to fans and team, really making sure that the rules are clear as mud! What I hope for Shanahan is to keep the suspensions fiar, if a Big league player delivers an illegal hit that player will still be peanilized because if that top line player is not, than all the progress Shanahan has gotten will be demolished. One thing is clear Shanahan will be having a VERY busy year with lots of suspensions and hearings with players.

I'll post a link to Shanahan's videos :) http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=124919

Suspensions.... Suspensions....... Suspensions

This NHL preseason has seen pretty much everything: from banana throwing to alleged homophobic slurs. From amazing rookie plays to cheap head shots. After the first couple games of the preseason it was clear that Brendon Shanahan would not have to wait long to hand out his first suspension.

So far this PRESEASON there have been 23 suspension, more than ALL of last NHL season which only featured 22 (heard this stat on Leafs TV). The latest and biggest suspension handed out to James Wisniewski. Wisniewski was suspended the remaining 3 preseason games as well as a whopping 8 regular season games. The Wisniewski incident was from a hit to the head of Minnesota Wild winger Cal Clutterbuck after time expired in an exhibition game, the suspension will cost James Wisniewski $500K.

November 17, 2009 Shanahan announced his retirement from the NHL after playing 21 seasons; "I would like to thank my family and all of the friends who have helped me achieve and maintain my childhood dream of playing in the National Hockey League", Shanahan said in a news release. "I am enormously grateful to all of my coaches and teammates I've had the privilege of learning from and playing along side of, throughout my career. While I always dreamed of playing in the NHL, I can't honestly say that I would have ever imagined that I'd be this fortunate and blessed. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has helped me fulfill this dream" But Shanahan could not stay away from the game for long a month later he became the NHL's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development.On June 1, 2011 Shanahan took over the job of NHL's chief player disciplinarian from Colin Campbell who underwent much criticism for his lack of suspensions and not stopping head shots. It was clear that Shanahan needed to set a message that deliberate hits targeting the head would not be aloud in the NHL.This preseason Shanahan is sending that message, with suspension after suspension and his surprising videos explaining why each player was or was not suspended. Unlike Colin Campbell, Shanahan has the support of many NHL players and teams. Joe Thornton It’s good to see where he’s coming from and talk about why he’s suspending guys for so long,” Thornton said after Tuesday’s two-hour practice. “Players really appreciate that, and it’s now black and white.”

I think its extremely sad that the busiest person this NHL preseason has been the league disciplinary chief Brendan Shanahan. Preseason is about evaluating talent of rookies who are trying to make an NHL team, not trying to hit someone so they are injured. I believe Shanahan is sending a message that deliberate hits to the hit will not be tolerated as we are trying to cut down on head injuries. But this message is not being sent to the players, but more to the fans. In order for the NHL to get the players to pay attention and stop head hit is for the suspensions to be longer. If Shanahan were to give someone a 20 or 30 game suspension to set an example than maybe a player will think twice about delivering a cheap head shot. So yes Shanahan is tougher on suspensions than Campbell ever was; but do you remember when Mike Murphy was filling in during the Stanley Cup finals? He suspended Aaron Rome the remainder of the series for his hit on Nathan Horton! But as soon as the regular season starts, I think the suspension will be tougher and come across as more severe when it is actually the regular season and not the preseason. Obviously Shanahan isn't going to change things overnight and still has a little to learn about suspending players. But the Bottom line of all the Head Hits, is that players have a lack of respect for other players in the league. Leafs defenceman Luke Schenn said hitting players must learn to respect one another when it comes to collisions where one player has his back turned. “Hitting is going to be part of the game,” Schenn said. “But for sure, you have to let up or something when (a player has his back turned). It’s respect there, you have to respect that situation.

 Here is a list of the suspensions so far

• Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond; received a a 5 game suspension (4 preseason + 1 regular season) for a boarding call after hitting Vancouver Canucks Matt Clackson from behind into the boards.“Letourneau-Leblond took a direct route toward Clackson, hit him squarely from behind into the boards and drove through the check high and hard. Clackson’s back was turned toward Letourneau-Leblond well before the contact, requiring that Letourneau-Leblond avoid or minimize the check. He did neither.”
•  Jody Shelley received a 10 game suspension (5 preseason + 5 regular season) for his hit on Leafs forward Darryl Boyce. The hit broke Boyce's nose. “Shelley hit Boyce squarely from behind into the glass. Boyce’s back was turned toward Shelley well before the contact, requiring that Shelley avoid or minimize the check. He did neither."
•  James Wisniewski received a 11 game suspension (3 preseason + plus 8 regular season) for his hit on Cal Clutterbuck. 
•  Brad Staubitz received a 6 game suspension (3 preseason + 3 regular season) for his on hit on Coby bass which got Staubitz ejected from the game. "Staubitz drives hard through Bass' numbers and causes facial injury," Shanahan said in a video. "This factor weighed most heavily in my decision."
• The Buffalo Sabres  Brad Boyes was suspended 2 preseason games for his hit on Joe Colborne. “Colborne’s head was the principal point of contact of Boyes’ hit,” Shanahan said in a video explaining the suspension. “While this play develops quickly, Colborne makes no sudden moves just prior to, or simultaneous with, the hit, placing the onus on Boyes not to hit him in the head."
• The most interesting suspension handed to Jean-Francois Jacques who came off the bench to instigate a fight. Jacques was given a 9 game suspension (4 preseason games +5 regular season).
• plus Shanahan has had 4 or 5 other hearings that did not result in suspensions.

Last preseason there were 2 suspensions handed out and this season their have already been 6
suspensions and likely one or two more based on what were seeing right now. There is almost an "illegal" or "cheap" hit in every game that is being looked at.
All in all I am extremely disappointed with the players of the NHL, they need to take more responsibility and "man up" by not "killing" players with head hits. But I am extremely happy with the way Shanahan has been handling these preseason suspensions. Right now I would say the suspensions are warnings; they are not horrible but not super easy. Basically Shanahan is saying to the players "keep this up in the regular season and the suspensions will get worse". I love how Shanahan has been '"xplaining" his decisions to fans and team, really making sure that the rules are clear as mud! What I hope for Shanahan is to keep the suspensions fiar, if a Big league player delivers an illegal hit that player will still be peanilized because if that top line player is not, than all the progress Shanahan has gotten will be demolished. One thing is clear Shanahan will be having a VERY busy year with lots of suspensions and hearings with players.

I'll post a link to Shanahan's videos :) http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=60&id=124919

Rookie surprises

The NHL preseason has been just about as good as any preseason  can be. Lots of rookies trying to prove their the real deal, and some are doing that quite well. So today I'm going to let you know some rookies that may be in the line-up on October 6.

In the preseason the only thing that technically matters are the rookies. for rookies and others trying to crack a roster spot, the preseason is do or die. so which rookies have put up the big number and which rookies need to shut up!

Lets start with the Toronto Maple Leafs and a defenceman who is really proving his point to continue play come October. Jake Gardiner, a name Leafs fans are quickly getting acquainted too. coming into training camp the defence of the leafs was supposed to be a lock of 7 guys, But Gardiner seems to have the key in unlocking that 7 man rotation. Gardiner was acquired in a trade back in February and was instantly considered a top prospect for the Leafs. This training camp Gardiner is really showing just how talented he actually is and it is turning quite a few heads in the Leafs talent scouts and management. It would be a EXTREMELY tough decision for the Leafs to send Gardiner back to the Marlies and see him completely dominate. But that might be the best decision for the development of Jake Gardiner. The final spot on the Leafs defence, is between Mike Komisarek, Carl Gunnarsson and Jake Gardiner. Komisarek and Gunnarsson have become trade able pieces for the leafs, it was likely to be between the two for the final 7, but with the rise of Gardiner it may be a little bit of a tougher decision for the Leafs. Now in order for Burke to trade Komisarek or Gunnarsson he will need them to play for a few games before the trade, now the only defenceman that can go to the minors without any trouble is Keith Aulie. So in order for Leaf fans to see Gardiner in the lineup on opening night, Keith Aulie would need to start the season in the minors until a trade occurs. It is likely that Gardiner will start the season with the AHL Toronto Marlies until later in the year. "Everybody's watching the same thing here," said Poulin. "He's played very, very well which has prompted the next opportunity to play well which he's answered which has prompted the next opportunity to play well. He's the one that's decided that he's gotten the number of games he's gotten. We're all just watching and it'll play out."

Another Leafs prospect is Nazem Kadri. This is Kadri's 3rd attempt at cracking the starting roster and he's having a decent camp. With the camp he's having I don't think he could "win" a spot against a veteran but could move into the role Burke and Wilson have given him on the 3rd or 4th line with Bozak. But Matt frattin is making his case that he deserves his chance too. it will go down to the wire for Kadri and Frattin and will probably be given the Kadri.

Next up is Canucks prospect Cody Hodgson. "I think I started off pretty well and we created some chances," said Hodgson. "I felt like we had a lot of time in their end but just couldn't capitalize on anything. Obviously, it would have been better to win and contribute on the scoreboard, but other than that I felt good skating out there and felt good physically. Hodgson was the 10th overall pick in the 2008 entry draft, but nagging injuries have kept Hodgson in the minors, and the Canucks have started running out of time with Hodgson, its time for him to put or shut up- meaning he would be buried in the minors for his career with the Canucks. Despite all the criticism from the Canucks and media, Hodgson is turning the corner in his career with the Canucks and this may be his time to crack a roster spot permanently. So why the sudden raise in Hodgson's game; he got a new trainer in Gary Roberts and started eating Tofu and began Yoga. There are two situations Hodgson could find himself in come October 6th. 2nd line center in the absence of Ryan Kesler or the 3rd line center while Manny Malhotra recovers from two more eye procedures during the offseason. "I wanted him to kill some penalties, take faceoffs and give him a chance to play in all situations," said associate coach Rick Bowness. "I thought he handled himself very well. He's obviously very good with the puck and when you take as many penalties as we did it takes away from the flow, and that's tough on skilled players. I like that he was moving good, handled the puck well and made some nice shots." Hodgson scored his first preseason goal on Sunday. Hodgson is a Canadian from Markham Ontario."He's a very young man," said Vigneault. "At 21 years old he's still got a lot of good years in front of him. "Some players make the step at an early age. Some players, depending on where their development is, depending on the team (they) are playing for, sometimes there is room and sometimes there is not.

Now the Ottawa Senators will have lots of young rookies in the lineup as they are launching their "youth movement" but a few of the rookies that are really standing out. 

Mika Zibanejad is a natural center but is going to be getting a chance to play on the wing. The 18 year old Sweded scored the overtime winning goal in a game against the Bruins. Impressing many. "The interesting one will be to see Zibanejad on right wing and see what kind of a difference that might make for him,” coach Paul MacLean said after Saturday’s morning skate. The sens say they just want to see if Zibanejad can adapt to different positions as well as his role as a center. Zibanejad was a stand out player at the NHL rookie camp in the 3 preseason games he has played in he has forced himself into the discussion for a opening night roster spot. The main competition for the Zibanejad is Stephane Da Costa both are battling for the 2nd line center spot on the Sens. To make matters worse both players have had an exceptional training camp and either could be the Sens 2nd line center come opening night. The Senators are leaning towards Zibanejad to take over the 2nd line center spot from Peter Regin who had terrible season last year and lost favor with coaches and media. Through 3 preseason games Zibanejad has proven that he could be a NHL Caliber player and is ready for the NHL. It is becoming more likely that Zibanejad will be one of the top 6 forwards of the Ottawa Senators.

For the Buffalo Sabres the rookies haven't really 

 stepped up and helped this preseason, but they haven't needed the rookies cause the veterans are playing just fine! But the one rookie who has a slight chance at staying with the club is Luke Adam. The 21 year old completely dominated in the Traverse City rookie showcase looking like a man plying against young boys he even earned the most valuable player of the tournament award; and he certainly hasn't slowed down now that he is in the NHL preseason. Adam has improved his skating which is the major difference between him now and him last season. Adam with his new found speed and his 6 foot 2, 200 pound frame skating right at you has become a scary thing for defenders. The time for Luke Adam to play in the NHL now, he is showing that he doesn't need another full year of junior, Plus Adam has played 19 games with the sabres. It will be tough to find room for Adam but the sabres will have to be able to find some spot for this youngster. With a AHL rookie of the year award and a Travers city MVP who can deny this kid.

The Bruins dont have much to worry about as they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions, so few rookies will crack the rostor, but one rookie who's been getting rave reviews is Dougie Hamilton. “We’re very happy with him,” Chiarelli said of Hamilton, Hamilton was the 9th overall pick in the draft and is the ripe age of 18. “I thought he had a strong camp. He got better as each day came along. He’s just a good all-around player, for him, at that age (18), to do the stuff he does. He might have been our best all-around defenseman in Ottawa (in Wednesday’s preseason opener).” The Bruins are quite ready to add Hamilton to the roster, I think it’s possible,” Chiarelli said. “You don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but he’s got a maturity to his game. He’s a terrific skater and has poise with the puck. He makes the right plays and maintains a good gap. For a young defenseman, to have that gap at this level, that means he’s very confident in his skating and his range.” Unfortunetly Hamilton was sent back down to the minors but it is likely he will be called up at some point this season.

For the Pittsburgh Penguins, it is Nick Johnson who they have already said will be playing with the big boys at some time this season. "We know he's going to play games with us this year," said Granato. "Whether it's the first one or the 15th ... he's a guy who can play in our league. Johnson is 25 and has only played 10 NHL games, so Johnson needs to put up and make the team now or shut up and be regarded as a career minor leaguer! Nick Johnson is recovering from a nasty concussion that cut his season short last year. "It's not like, 'I'm at 50 percent. Next week I'll be at 65.' You just don't know," Johnson said as Penguins players reported for the first day of training camp Friday. "It's there or it's not. It's as simple as that. Sometimes, you know, it just takes a little while to go away. Thankfully, with (Crosby), I think he's right there, right on the doorstep. I think he'll be fine."

Who could forget first overall pick in the draft Ryan Nugent Hopkins who is battling hard to make the Edmonton Oilers roster. the reason why Hopkins wouldn't be on the Oilers isn't because theirs no room or he's not talented enough but because he needs more time to develop. A major factor in deciding if Hopkins will play is health issues surrounding other veterans. Hopkins is competing with veteran Sam Gagner, who has always proved himself in the NHL. I think it would be a bit of a stretch to see Hopkins playing full time this season with the oilers, as he hasn't really had a stand out camp to help his case.

While the third overall pick Jonathan Huberdeau has made his impression very big and very good. He is already being written into the starting line-up but their not sure if it will be opening night. “I thought it was pretty good for the first game,’’ the 18-year-old said after scoring a goal in Florida’s 4-2 win against the Lightning at the Coral Springs IcePlex. “I have to prove a lot and have to be better in the next game. This is just the first game, and we haven’t played together often. I’m looking forward to the next game.’’the panthers can sign him to a 9 nine game tryout contract and then sign him a little later on or send him back to his minor league club. The panthers are convinced Huberdeau is a special player that can help the team at any position. The only knock on him is his size, that's the panthers issue with him, they need him to put on some weight and get bigger. But it may be another propect steeling Huberdeaus spotlight as Quenton Howden is also proving himself to be ready for the big leagues, after helping the world juniors to a silver medal..4

Out of all the prospects I reviewed today I think the one MOST likely to crack the OPENING NIGHT roster is Cody Hodgson. Hodgson got some nice playing time in the Stanley Cup playoffs last season and contributed a little and played pretty solid, so look to see Cody Hodgson playing come October 6.

Rookie surprises

The NHL preseason has been just about as good as any preseason  can be. Lots of rookies trying to prove their the real deal, and some are doing that quite well. So today I'm going to let you know some rookies that may be in the line-up on October 6.

In the preseason the only thing that technically matters are the rookies. for rookies and others trying to crack a roster spot, the preseason is do or die. so which rookies have put up the big number and which rookies need to shut up!

Lets start with the Toronto Maple Leafs and a defenceman who is really proving his point to continue play come October. Jake Gardiner, a name Leafs fans are quickly getting acquainted too. coming into training camp the defence of the leafs was supposed to be a lock of 7 guys, But Gardiner seems to have the key in unlocking that 7 man rotation. Gardiner was acquired in a trade back in February and was instantly considered a top prospect for the Leafs. This training camp Gardiner is really showing just how talented he actually is and it is turning quite a few heads in the Leafs talent scouts and management. It would be a EXTREMELY tough decision for the Leafs to send Gardiner back to the Marlies and see him completely dominate. But that might be the best decision for the development of Jake Gardiner. The final spot on the Leafs defence, is between Mike Komisarek, Carl Gunnarsson and Jake Gardiner. Komisarek and Gunnarsson have become trade able pieces for the leafs, it was likely to be between the two for the final 7, but with the rise of Gardiner it may be a little bit of a tougher decision for the Leafs. Now in order for Burke to trade Komisarek or Gunnarsson he will need them to play for a few games before the trade, now the only defenceman that can go to the minors without any trouble is Keith Aulie. So in order for Leaf fans to see Gardiner in the lineup on opening night, Keith Aulie would need to start the season in the minors until a trade occurs. It is likely that Gardiner will start the season with the AHL Toronto Marlies until later in the year. "Everybody's watching the same thing here," said Poulin. "He's played very, very well which has prompted the next opportunity to play well which he's answered which has prompted the next opportunity to play well. He's the one that's decided that he's gotten the number of games he's gotten. We're all just watching and it'll play out."

Another Leafs prospect is Nazem Kadri. This is Kadri's 3rd attempt at cracking the starting roster and he's having a decent camp. With the camp he's having I don't think he could "win" a spot against a veteran but could move into the role Burke and Wilson have given him on the 3rd or 4th line with Bozak. But Matt frattin is making his case that he deserves his chance too. it will go down to the wire for Kadri and Frattin and will probably be given the Kadri.

Next up is Canucks prospect Cody Hodgson. "I think I started off pretty well and we created some chances," said Hodgson. "I felt like we had a lot of time in their end but just couldn't capitalize on anything. Obviously, it would have been better to win and contribute on the scoreboard, but other than that I felt good skating out there and felt good physically. Hodgson was the 10th overall pick in the 2008 entry draft, but nagging injuries have kept Hodgson in the minors, and the Canucks have started running out of time with Hodgson, its time for him to put or shut up- meaning he would be buried in the minors for his career with the Canucks. Despite all the criticism from the Canucks and media, Hodgson is turning the corner in his career with the Canucks and this may be his time to crack a roster spot permanently. So why the sudden raise in Hodgson's game; he got a new trainer in Gary Roberts and started eating Tofu and began Yoga. There are two situations Hodgson could find himself in come October 6th. 2nd line center in the absence of Ryan Kesler or the 3rd line center while Manny Malhotra recovers from two more eye procedures during the offseason. "I wanted him to kill some penalties, take faceoffs and give him a chance to play in all situations," said associate coach Rick Bowness. "I thought he handled himself very well. He's obviously very good with the puck and when you take as many penalties as we did it takes away from the flow, and that's tough on skilled players. I like that he was moving good, handled the puck well and made some nice shots." Hodgson scored his first preseason goal on Sunday. Hodgson is a Canadian from Markham Ontario."He's a very young man," said Vigneault. "At 21 years old he's still got a lot of good years in front of him. "Some players make the step at an early age. Some players, depending on where their development is, depending on the team (they) are playing for, sometimes there is room and sometimes there is not.

Now the Ottawa Senators will have lots of young rookies in the lineup as they are launching their "youth movement" but a few of the rookies that are really standing out. 

Mika Zibanejad is a natural center but is going to be getting a chance to play on the wing. The 18 year old Sweded scored the overtime winning goal in a game against the Bruins. Impressing many. "The interesting one will be to see Zibanejad on right wing and see what kind of a difference that might make for him,” coach Paul MacLean said after Saturday’s morning skate. The sens say they just want to see if Zibanejad can adapt to different positions as well as his role as a center. Zibanejad was a stand out player at the NHL rookie camp in the 3 preseason games he has played in he has forced himself into the discussion for a opening night roster spot. The main competition for the Zibanejad is Stephane Da Costa both are battling for the 2nd line center spot on the Sens. To make matters worse both players have had an exceptional training camp and either could be the Sens 2nd line center come opening night. The Senators are leaning towards Zibanejad to take over the 2nd line center spot from Peter Regin who had terrible season last year and lost favor with coaches and media. Through 3 preseason games Zibanejad has proven that he could be a NHL Caliber player and is ready for the NHL. It is becoming more likely that Zibanejad will be one of the top 6 forwards of the Ottawa Senators.

For the Buffalo Sabres the rookies haven't really 

 stepped up and helped this preseason, but they haven't needed the rookies cause the veterans are playing just fine! But the one rookie who has a slight chance at staying with the club is Luke Adam. The 21 year old completely dominated in the Traverse City rookie showcase looking like a man plying against young boys he even earned the most valuable player of the tournament award; and he certainly hasn't slowed down now that he is in the NHL preseason. Adam has improved his skating which is the major difference between him now and him last season. Adam with his new found speed and his 6 foot 2, 200 pound frame skating right at you has become a scary thing for defenders. The time for Luke Adam to play in the NHL now, he is showing that he doesn't need another full year of junior, Plus Adam has played 19 games with the sabres. It will be tough to find room for Adam but the sabres will have to be able to find some spot for this youngster. With a AHL rookie of the year award and a Travers city MVP who can deny this kid.

The Bruins dont have much to worry about as they are the defending Stanley Cup Champions, so few rookies will crack the rostor, but one rookie who's been getting rave reviews is Dougie Hamilton. “We’re very happy with him,” Chiarelli said of Hamilton, Hamilton was the 9th overall pick in the draft and is the ripe age of 18. “I thought he had a strong camp. He got better as each day came along. He’s just a good all-around player, for him, at that age (18), to do the stuff he does. He might have been our best all-around defenseman in Ottawa (in Wednesday’s preseason opener).” The Bruins are quite ready to add Hamilton to the roster, I think it’s possible,” Chiarelli said. “You don’t want to put the cart before the horse, but he’s got a maturity to his game. He’s a terrific skater and has poise with the puck. He makes the right plays and maintains a good gap. For a young defenseman, to have that gap at this level, that means he’s very confident in his skating and his range.” Unfortunetly Hamilton was sent back down to the minors but it is likely he will be called up at some point this season.

For the Pittsburgh Penguins, it is Nick Johnson who they have already said will be playing with the big boys at some time this season. "We know he's going to play games with us this year," said Granato. "Whether it's the first one or the 15th ... he's a guy who can play in our league. Johnson is 25 and has only played 10 NHL games, so Johnson needs to put up and make the team now or shut up and be regarded as a career minor leaguer! Nick Johnson is recovering from a nasty concussion that cut his season short last year. "It's not like, 'I'm at 50 percent. Next week I'll be at 65.' You just don't know," Johnson said as Penguins players reported for the first day of training camp Friday. "It's there or it's not. It's as simple as that. Sometimes, you know, it just takes a little while to go away. Thankfully, with (Crosby), I think he's right there, right on the doorstep. I think he'll be fine."

Who could forget first overall pick in the draft Ryan Nugent Hopkins who is battling hard to make the Edmonton Oilers roster. the reason why Hopkins wouldn't be on the Oilers isn't because theirs no room or he's not talented enough but because he needs more time to develop. A major factor in deciding if Hopkins will play is health issues surrounding other veterans. Hopkins is competing with veteran Sam Gagner, who has always proved himself in the NHL. I think it would be a bit of a stretch to see Hopkins playing full time this season with the oilers, as he hasn't really had a stand out camp to help his case.

While the third overall pick Jonathan Huberdeau has made his impression very big and very good. He is already being written into the starting line-up but their not sure if it will be opening night. “I thought it was pretty good for the first game,’’ the 18-year-old said after scoring a goal in Florida’s 4-2 win against the Lightning at the Coral Springs IcePlex. “I have to prove a lot and have to be better in the next game. This is just the first game, and we haven’t played together often. I’m looking forward to the next game.’’the panthers can sign him to a 9 nine game tryout contract and then sign him a little later on or send him back to his minor league club. The panthers are convinced Huberdeau is a special player that can help the team at any position. The only knock on him is his size, that's the panthers issue with him, they need him to put on some weight and get bigger. But it may be another propect steeling Huberdeaus spotlight as Quenton Howden is also proving himself to be ready for the big leagues, after helping the world juniors to a silver medal..4

Out of all the prospects I reviewed today I think the one MOST likely to crack the OPENING NIGHT roster is Cody Hodgson. Hodgson got some nice playing time in the Stanley Cup playoffs last season and contributed a little and played pretty solid, so look to see Cody Hodgson playing come October 6.

What You Need To Know

Welcome back to the Friday edition of "what you need to know" Basically I run down information that has been happening in the NHL that you should take note of! So lets get started!
We will have a few stories today since hockey is back!!!!!!!!!!

Lets start of with some suspensions; this is a follow up on my blog from yesterday.
Flyers Jody Shelley has been suspended 10 games for his hit from behind on Toronto's Darryl Boyce. The hit left Boyce with a broken nose. Shelley was kicked out of the game following the hit. Shanahan's statement on the suspension; "The video clearly shows that Boyce has his back to Shelley well before the contact," said NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan in a video explanation. "Boyce does not put himself in this position immediately prior to, or simultaneously, with the check. Shelley has time to avoid the check completely or at the very least minimize the contact.This is a clear violation of the boarding rule."
As the suspension breaks down Shelley will miss the remainder of the preseason and the first 5 games of the regular season. Shelley reportedly refused an in person hearing with Brendon Shanahan, which usually gets an automatic 5 games. Shelley didn't help his case by being a "repeat offender' as he was also suspended twice last season in the month of December. The NHL has a new sheriff in town and I for one am extremely happy about that, Campbell would not have done anything major. Now missing the remainder of the preseason isn't going to be a huge issue, it may mean Shelley has to work a little harder at practice to solidify his spot on this Flyers team, but think if this was during the regular season, a 10 game suspension would really hurt a team. Shanahan is defiantly trying to send a message, we can only believe the penalties are going to get stiffer the more head shots there are.
But Shanahan wasn't done there; he also suspended Flames Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond for four preseason games and 1 regular season game. Shanahan released a video explaining the decision "Letourneau-Leblond took a direct route toward Clackson, hit him squarely from behind into the boards and drove through the check high and hard," Shanahan said in a video statement. "Clackson's back was turned toward Letourneau-Leblond well before the contract, requiring that Letourneau-Leblond avoid or minimize the check completely. He did neither."
Shanahan is letting players know, he is much more strict than Colin Campbell and is actually serious about stopping head shots.Shanahan has set the tone early hopefully the players take note.

Next we move on to a bit of a disturbing scene from last nights preseason tilt between the Flyers and the Red Wings. Newly acquired Flyer Wayne Simmonds.  As Simmonds was taking his shot during the shootout a fan threw a banana peel on the ice. The fan that threw the banana was not caught, and managed to get away. Many around the league are calling this a racism thing and that its not right; "The incident that happened in london tonight involving my best friend wayne simmonds was simply disgusting, its 2011 ppl need to grow up." Chris Stewart.
Georges Laraque What do you think of the fan that threw a banana on the ice to mock Philadelphia Flyers player W. Simmonds? He should be ban from rinks!
 Simmonds although upset and shaken by the play, says he's ready to move on, he knows the prejudice of a black man playing a white mans sport; "When you're a black man playing in a predominantly white man's sport, you've got to come to expect things like that," Simmonds said. "Over the past 23 years of my life, I've come to expect some things like that. But I'm older and more mature now, I kind of just left things roll off [my back]. I try not to think about stuff like that." "It was unfortunate that this incident happened but I am above this sort of stuff. This is something that is out of my control. Moving forward, this incident is something I will no longer comment on so I can just focus on playing hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers."
Simmonds grew up in Scarbourgh Ontario 2 hours away from London where the preseason match was taking place!
I personally feel sorry for Simmonds, people need to grow up and except the fact that a coloured man is talented enough to play in the NHL. Times are a changing there are more coloured people getting drafted and playing in the NHL and who could forget what nationality the President of the United States is?
Gary Bettman released this statement; "We have millions of great fans who show tremendous respect for our players and for the game," said Bettman in the statement. "The obviously stupid and ignorant action by one individual is in no way representative of our fans or the people of London, Ontario."

Next we will move on to the issue of the "Winter Classic" Its become a loved tradition over the past 5 seasons. A tradition that sees to opposing NHL teams play outside just like the old days. The NHL redesigns a baseball staduim to fit an ice rink fully functual for the NHL. This years Winter Classic is set to be held in Philadelphia and will see the Flyers taking on the New York Rangers. The game will take place on January 2nd this year to avoid scheduling conflicts with the NHL. This has many Canadian fans including myself a little upset. The Flyers and Penguins both American teams have played the Winter Classic twice, while a team from Canada has yet to have a chance. What better team than the Toronto Maple Leafs an original six team; it would be a perfect rivalry for the Leafs and Rangers to square off in a battle of the original six. What makes this news even more disappointing is that the NHL has no plans on a game being played in Canada as has been in the past. Perhaps the most disturbing fact about this years Winter Classic, is that the NHL has moved away from the idea of "good hockey" and moved towards media coverage. Yes both teams will take part in the HBO thing that the Capitals and Penguins were forced to. Just what the Philadelphia Flyers need, more TV time, more time to act like complete idiots on national  television. I'm sorry NHL but your turning the beloved Winter Classic into a sad sad thing.

Injury news now; The San Jose Sharks net minder Antero Niittymaki will be out at least 12 weeks after undergoing Hip Surgery. More bad news for the Sharks regular starter Antti Niemi is not completely healthy either. This meaning the team will be forced to use third stringer goaltender Thomas Greiss. Greiss has only played 19 games in the NHL and has 7 wins. Sharks will want Niemi back soon, but for now Greiss should be able to hold his own in replace if the two regulars. Its time for Greiss to put up or go back to the Swedish elite league.

Good news for all Montreal Canadian fans; Scott Gomez is back skating and ready to return to the line-up tonight against the Ottawa Senators. "I wouldn't be out there if it was (still sore)," he said Thursday. "I just refocused, regrouped, and I'm ready to have fun again," he said. "Everything's done. I changed things up in my approach, cleared up my mind a bit and here we go." this is good news for Canadian fans as the Habs have lost their first 2 preseason tilts against Buffalo and Dallas respectively. Hopefully Gomez can help turn the preseason around in Montreal. Gomez is excited to be back, but finds himself with a new line mate for Fridays game. Gomez skated in practice with his linemate for part of last season Max Pacioretty as well as eye-catching junior Brendan Gallagher. His usual right-winger, captain Brian Gionta, will not be in the lineup.
Other NHLers in the Line-up Friday to help turn around Montreal's bad preseason are;  P.K. Subban, Hal Gill, Yannick Weber, Mathieu Darche and Erik Cole, all are experienced players who will add some much needed veteran leadership to the young rookies.

What You Need To Know

Welcome back to the Friday edition of "what you need to know" Basically I run down information that has been happening in the NHL that you should take note of! So lets get started!
We will have a few stories today since hockey is back!!!!!!!!!!

Lets start of with some suspensions; this is a follow up on my blog from yesterday.
Flyers Jody Shelley has been suspended 10 games for his hit from behind on Toronto's Darryl Boyce. The hit left Boyce with a broken nose. Shelley was kicked out of the game following the hit. Shanahan's statement on the suspension; "The video clearly shows that Boyce has his back to Shelley well before the contact," said NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan in a video explanation. "Boyce does not put himself in this position immediately prior to, or simultaneously, with the check. Shelley has time to avoid the check completely or at the very least minimize the contact.This is a clear violation of the boarding rule."
As the suspension breaks down Shelley will miss the remainder of the preseason and the first 5 games of the regular season. Shelley reportedly refused an in person hearing with Brendon Shanahan, which usually gets an automatic 5 games. Shelley didn't help his case by being a "repeat offender' as he was also suspended twice last season in the month of December. The NHL has a new sheriff in town and I for one am extremely happy about that, Campbell would not have done anything major. Now missing the remainder of the preseason isn't going to be a huge issue, it may mean Shelley has to work a little harder at practice to solidify his spot on this Flyers team, but think if this was during the regular season, a 10 game suspension would really hurt a team. Shanahan is defiantly trying to send a message, we can only believe the penalties are going to get stiffer the more head shots there are.
But Shanahan wasn't done there; he also suspended Flames Pierre-Luc Letourneau-Leblond for four preseason games and 1 regular season game. Shanahan released a video explaining the decision "Letourneau-Leblond took a direct route toward Clackson, hit him squarely from behind into the boards and drove through the check high and hard," Shanahan said in a video statement. "Clackson's back was turned toward Letourneau-Leblond well before the contract, requiring that Letourneau-Leblond avoid or minimize the check completely. He did neither."
Shanahan is letting players know, he is much more strict than Colin Campbell and is actually serious about stopping head shots.Shanahan has set the tone early hopefully the players take note.

Next we move on to a bit of a disturbing scene from last nights preseason tilt between the Flyers and the Red Wings. Newly acquired Flyer Wayne Simmonds.  As Simmonds was taking his shot during the shootout a fan threw a banana peel on the ice. The fan that threw the banana was not caught, and managed to get away. Many around the league are calling this a racism thing and that its not right; "The incident that happened in london tonight involving my best friend wayne simmonds was simply disgusting, its 2011 ppl need to grow up." Chris Stewart.
Georges Laraque What do you think of the fan that threw a banana on the ice to mock Philadelphia Flyers player W. Simmonds? He should be ban from rinks!
 Simmonds although upset and shaken by the play, says he's ready to move on, he knows the prejudice of a black man playing a white mans sport; "When you're a black man playing in a predominantly white man's sport, you've got to come to expect things like that," Simmonds said. "Over the past 23 years of my life, I've come to expect some things like that. But I'm older and more mature now, I kind of just left things roll off [my back]. I try not to think about stuff like that." "It was unfortunate that this incident happened but I am above this sort of stuff. This is something that is out of my control. Moving forward, this incident is something I will no longer comment on so I can just focus on playing hockey for the Philadelphia Flyers."
Simmonds grew up in Scarbourgh Ontario 2 hours away from London where the preseason match was taking place!
I personally feel sorry for Simmonds, people need to grow up and except the fact that a coloured man is talented enough to play in the NHL. Times are a changing there are more coloured people getting drafted and playing in the NHL and who could forget what nationality the President of the United States is?
Gary Bettman released this statement; "We have millions of great fans who show tremendous respect for our players and for the game," said Bettman in the statement. "The obviously stupid and ignorant action by one individual is in no way representative of our fans or the people of London, Ontario."

Next we will move on to the issue of the "Winter Classic" Its become a loved tradition over the past 5 seasons. A tradition that sees to opposing NHL teams play outside just like the old days. The NHL redesigns a baseball staduim to fit an ice rink fully functual for the NHL. This years Winter Classic is set to be held in Philadelphia and will see the Flyers taking on the New York Rangers. The game will take place on January 2nd this year to avoid scheduling conflicts with the NHL. This has many Canadian fans including myself a little upset. The Flyers and Penguins both American teams have played the Winter Classic twice, while a team from Canada has yet to have a chance. What better team than the Toronto Maple Leafs an original six team; it would be a perfect rivalry for the Leafs and Rangers to square off in a battle of the original six. What makes this news even more disappointing is that the NHL has no plans on a game being played in Canada as has been in the past. Perhaps the most disturbing fact about this years Winter Classic, is that the NHL has moved away from the idea of "good hockey" and moved towards media coverage. Yes both teams will take part in the HBO thing that the Capitals and Penguins were forced to. Just what the Philadelphia Flyers need, more TV time, more time to act like complete idiots on national  television. I'm sorry NHL but your turning the beloved Winter Classic into a sad sad thing.

Injury news now; The San Jose Sharks net minder Antero Niittymaki will be out at least 12 weeks after undergoing Hip Surgery. More bad news for the Sharks regular starter Antti Niemi is not completely healthy either. This meaning the team will be forced to use third stringer goaltender Thomas Greiss. Greiss has only played 19 games in the NHL and has 7 wins. Sharks will want Niemi back soon, but for now Greiss should be able to hold his own in replace if the two regulars. Its time for Greiss to put up or go back to the Swedish elite league.

Good news for all Montreal Canadian fans; Scott Gomez is back skating and ready to return to the line-up tonight against the Ottawa Senators. "I wouldn't be out there if it was (still sore)," he said Thursday. "I just refocused, regrouped, and I'm ready to have fun again," he said. "Everything's done. I changed things up in my approach, cleared up my mind a bit and here we go." this is good news for Canadian fans as the Habs have lost their first 2 preseason tilts against Buffalo and Dallas respectively. Hopefully Gomez can help turn the preseason around in Montreal. Gomez is excited to be back, but finds himself with a new line mate for Fridays game. Gomez skated in practice with his linemate for part of last season Max Pacioretty as well as eye-catching junior Brendan Gallagher. His usual right-winger, captain Brian Gionta, will not be in the lineup.
Other NHLers in the Line-up Friday to help turn around Montreal's bad preseason are;  P.K. Subban, Hal Gill, Yannick Weber, Mathieu Darche and Erik Cole, all are experienced players who will add some much needed veteran leadership to the young rookies.

Head Shots

Its an age old problem that has been haunting the NHL for a while now. It just wont go away, its that nightmare you had everyday for a month when you where 6 or the notion that there were always monsters hiding under your bed, these things don't go away without effort. Effort was something the NHL was not willing to put in to stopping head shots; they came out with excuse after excuse; The games to fast, players are bound to get hurt. It took the NHL's number one player Sidney Crosby to go down with a concussion in order for the NHL to act, and now their doing everything to stop head shots! At a time when concussions and head injuries are growing both in the big leagues but also with little kids!! The NHL needs to step up and let fans know that hits targeting the head are not permitted!

The NHL has replaced Colin Campbell (who thought anyone in a bruins jersey was exempt fro the rules) with long Time Nhler Brendan Shanahan. His first real impact was changing rule 48 to add that any hit targeting the head, not just a east to west moving hit, can be given a major penalty and be subject for suspension!

Now Shanahan will have 2 opportunities to put his new rule variation into practice!
1 Illegal Check To The Head — A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was unavoidable, can be considered.1) a hit delivered from behind to leafs Darryl Boyce from flyers rough guy Jody Shelley. The hit broke Boyce's nose.
2) a hit delivered by Flames Letourneau- LeBlond on Canucks Matt Clackson this hit confused me a bit, but I will post video evidence of both hits.
I am not making this up for a story; Nick Kypreos, has tweeted that Shanahan will be having a meeting with both players.

The first one will be the Shelley hit on Boyce, since this hit is more clear to me :)
First off there is no doubt that this is a cheap shot. Boyce had just gotten rid of the puck and was totally defenseless. Second Shelley could have hit Boyce without driving his head into the boards. The hit was late and was absolute vicious, without a doubt Shelley was trying to hurt Boyce. I am fairly confident that Shelley will be suspended for this hit likely to sit the rest of preseason action, and some regular season games, Shelley just made himself the "poster Boy" for Shanahan's new rule.

Some other factors that go against Shelley; Its a preseason game and Shelley will likely not be playing in the NHL next season, Philly fans can't stand Shelley and want him off the roster immediately. Shelley did not do himself any favors with this hit. Shanahan has said he plans on giving stricter penalties for head shots, so now is the time for him to step up or shut up.
Right now Shanahan can set the tone for the rest of the season, if he lets Shelley go with no or minimal consequence, it will be another head hunting every man for himself type of season. If Shanahan lays down the law, guys just might think twice about hammering someone if their going to sit a good 10-15 games.

 The next hit with Letourneau-LeBlond, I don't 100% understand, I'll try to find a video, but most people were most interested in his marathon fight. Now if you look right at the BEGINNING of the video there is a little bit of a head contact hit, but I don't believe the hit was delivered by Letourneau- LeBlond, the person delivering the hit is #45 while the guy fighting is #24.
I did not see this hit in actual game circumstance, I saw it on hockey central when they said Letourneau- LeBlond, would be meeting with Shanahan for possible suspension. So this one I'll just wait for a verdict.



But I have uncovered a 3rd hit which I can hopefully offer more insight into :)
Unfortunately no public video evidence, But Red Wings Dan Cleary hit Penguins rookie Philip Samuelsson from behind with an elbow; Cleary was given a 5 minute misconduct penalty and is likely to meet with Shanahan at some point before the end of the week.

SO like I said earlier its time for Shanahan to Step up and make an example of players who target the head or are cheap shot artists (Matt Cooke) or shut up! Set the tone for the whole season right here right now. Help keep hockey a clean and exciting game for people to play and watch.
I'll have my Firday blog tomorrow with any updated punishment for the players if anything was handed out.

Head Shots

Its an age old problem that has been haunting the NHL for a while now. It just wont go away, its that nightmare you had everyday for a month when you where 6 or the notion that there were always monsters hiding under your bed, these things don't go away without effort. Effort was something the NHL was not willing to put in to stopping head shots; they came out with excuse after excuse; The games to fast, players are bound to get hurt. It took the NHL's number one player Sidney Crosby to go down with a concussion in order for the NHL to act, and now their doing everything to stop head shots! At a time when concussions and head injuries are growing both in the big leagues but also with little kids!! The NHL needs to step up and let fans know that hits targeting the head are not permitted!

The NHL has replaced Colin Campbell (who thought anyone in a bruins jersey was exempt fro the rules) with long Time Nhler Brendan Shanahan. His first real impact was changing rule 48 to add that any hit targeting the head, not just a east to west moving hit, can be given a major penalty and be subject for suspension!

Now Shanahan will have 2 opportunities to put his new rule variation into practice!
1 Illegal Check To The Head — A hit resulting in contact with an opponent's head where the head is targeted and the principal point of contact is not permitted. However, in determining whether such a hit should have been permitted, the circumstances of the hit, including whether the opponent put himself in a vulnerable position immediately prior to or simultaneously with the hit or the head contact on an otherwise legal body check was unavoidable, can be considered.1) a hit delivered from behind to leafs Darryl Boyce from flyers rough guy Jody Shelley. The hit broke Boyce's nose.
2) a hit delivered by Flames Letourneau- LeBlond on Canucks Matt Clackson this hit confused me a bit, but I will post video evidence of both hits.
I am not making this up for a story; Nick Kypreos, has tweeted that Shanahan will be having a meeting with both players.

The first one will be the Shelley hit on Boyce, since this hit is more clear to me :)
First off there is no doubt that this is a cheap shot. Boyce had just gotten rid of the puck and was totally defenseless. Second Shelley could have hit Boyce without driving his head into the boards. The hit was late and was absolute vicious, without a doubt Shelley was trying to hurt Boyce. I am fairly confident that Shelley will be suspended for this hit likely to sit the rest of preseason action, and some regular season games, Shelley just made himself the "poster Boy" for Shanahan's new rule.

Some other factors that go against Shelley; Its a preseason game and Shelley will likely not be playing in the NHL next season, Philly fans can't stand Shelley and want him off the roster immediately. Shelley did not do himself any favors with this hit. Shanahan has said he plans on giving stricter penalties for head shots, so now is the time for him to step up or shut up.
Right now Shanahan can set the tone for the rest of the season, if he lets Shelley go with no or minimal consequence, it will be another head hunting every man for himself type of season. If Shanahan lays down the law, guys just might think twice about hammering someone if their going to sit a good 10-15 games.

 The next hit with Letourneau-LeBlond, I don't 100% understand, I'll try to find a video, but most people were most interested in his marathon fight. Now if you look right at the BEGINNING of the video there is a little bit of a head contact hit, but I don't believe the hit was delivered by Letourneau- LeBlond, the person delivering the hit is #45 while the guy fighting is #24.
I did not see this hit in actual game circumstance, I saw it on hockey central when they said Letourneau- LeBlond, would be meeting with Shanahan for possible suspension. So this one I'll just wait for a verdict.



But I have uncovered a 3rd hit which I can hopefully offer more insight into :)
Unfortunately no public video evidence, But Red Wings Dan Cleary hit Penguins rookie Philip Samuelsson from behind with an elbow; Cleary was given a 5 minute misconduct penalty and is likely to meet with Shanahan at some point before the end of the week.

SO like I said earlier its time for Shanahan to Step up and make an example of players who target the head or are cheap shot artists (Matt Cooke) or shut up! Set the tone for the whole season right here right now. Help keep hockey a clean and exciting game for people to play and watch.
I'll have my Firday blog tomorrow with any updated punishment for the players if anything was handed out.

Hockey Is Back!

So last night marked the return of broadcasted hockey games aka the preseason! Now I understand it's only the preseason and half the players will be back in the minors in a month and wins and loses don't really mean a thing. It is nice to see your team, back on the ice and even winning a preseason game. Hey, hockey is hockey, whether it be the Stanley cup playoffs or preseason games, the point is still to score more goals than your opponent.Now I'm not comparing the preseason and the Stanley cup playoffs, but you get my point. So yesterday there were four games played; Leafs vs. Sens, Sabres vs. Canes and Panthers vs. Predators (2).
So to be honest the only game I was able to find a feed to watch was the leafs vs. sens, but non the less I will do my research and breakdown key things, lineups and what no for you guys!

So lets start with the game I actually was able to watch; Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators.
This was a pretty interesting game as far as preseason games that don't have key players like; Kessel, Connolly Reimer, Spezza and Alferdson can go. so lets break down the lines from last night.

Clarke MacArthur – Mikhail Grabovski – Nikolai Kulemin
Nazem Kadri – Tyler Bozak – Colby Armstrong
Joey Crabb – Joe Colborne – Matt Frattin
Kenny Ryan – Philippe Dupuis – Jay Rosehill

Keith Aulie – Dion Phaneuf
Jake Gardiner – John-Michael Liles
Carl Gunnarsson – Matt Lashoff

Jonas Gustavsson
Ben Scrivens

So due to the fact that its preseason and the leafs are just testing out rookies 3/4 of the forward lines will be completely different come October. As Connolly will be the number 1 center, along with Kessel on the wing. So the line that I'm predicting to start the season will be Kadri, Bozak and Armstrong. All of which had a fantastic night last night. the only difference for that line will be they will move down to the 3rd or 4th line. Of all players dressed last night only 6 of them are some what of a "lock" to be in the Maple Leafs starting line-up opening night. (MacArthur, Grabovski, Kulemin, Bozak, Armstrong and Phaneuf ).

Now lets talk about the actual game itself, lines look good on paper but its the ice that actually maters.

Right off the bat Phaneuf opens with a HUGE but legal hit on Ottawa's Tim Conboy, that immediately saw Jared Cowen jump to his teammates defense and fight Phaneuf.  "It seems whenever you make a hit, guys come after you," Phaneuf said. "It's part of the game. There's nothing wrong with that." The hit was massive and sent little Conboy's body flying, but luckily Conboy got up and seemed unharmed. Phaneuf was given 2 minute minor penalty for elbowing along with 5 minutes for fighting. But now different analysis say that Phaneuf may be getting suspended based on a rule change that happened just hours before the game! the rule states that any contact with a opposing teams head can be penalized. Essentially if the hit you deliver primarily targets your opponents head it is now a penalty. I don't think Phaneuf should be suspended it was a "classic" body check. Both players were reaching for the puck and Conboy had his head down which is how Phaneuf got him in the head with the elbow. Phaneuf decided to straighten up and hit Conboy. Phaneuf has always been known as a hard hitting defense man but never or dirty or cheap player and this is no exception, it was a clean hit in my opinion.

Now Props to Conboy who took the hit like a man and didn't whine or complain, got right back up and continued play. Good on Phaneuf for proving he is going to be a force to be reckoned in his second season as leafs captain.

Anyways moving on, the real standout line for the leafs last night was the second line anchored by Bozak.

Bozak potted two goals and Armstrong tipped in another. The line combined for 5 points, as Bozak also added an Assist on his way to a 3 point game. Bozak said he lost 20 pounds this off season and added muscle, it certainly showed tonight as he looked more mature out on the ice. "Your confidence gets down pretty low when things aren't going well and I haven't really dealt with a lot of that through my career on my way up," said Bozak. "I'm feeling a lot better right now and this year. Hopefully we can just build off tonight." Bozak was a key part of Toronto's 4-2 win as he scored both the winning goal and the insurance goal, to help give rookie goalie Ben Scrivens some more confidence. The offense last night was not hard to come by as defensman Carl Gunnarsson even got in on the offense magic. In all 4 goals were scored; Armstrong, Gunnarsson and Bozak were the scorers. "We're going to have a good top three lines here that all can score. It doesn't really matter what line you are on for all three of those because all three can score," Bozak said. Jared Cowen, yes the one mentioned above for fighting Phaneuf; scored both of Ottawa's goals, making his case for being a member of the Ottawa Senators.

In goal for the Maple Leafs were Jonas Gustavsson and Ben Scrivens both goalies allowed a goal and faced a combined 26 shots. This didn't really help establish who will be Reimer's back up come October but it is likely to be Jonas Gustavsson. The senators countered with Alex Auld and Robin Lehner, who faced a combined 30 shots. In all I think the young talented Toronto Maple Leafs squad iced on Monday night out-played the senators squad, and really gave Wilson a little more to think about when writing his starting roster lines, as for now everything will stay in pencil.

Next we move on to the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes, a game I was extremely disappointed I could not see because I live north of the border. But any who the sabres beat the hurricanes 3-1.

the line-up for the sabres looked something like this;

 

Ennis/Leino/Stafford
Gerbe/Gaustad/Kaleta
Foligno/Adam/Kassian
Whitmore/McCormick/Tropp
 

Sekera/Myers
Weber/Gragnani
Brennan/Biega

Drew MacIntyre - will start in goal tonight
Enroth - will relieve him later in the game

Like usual many of the players that will be playing come October were not dressed and Miller was not in net. I'd say Buffalo dressed maybe 50% of what we will be seeing come October. Enroth will be Millers back-up there is no doubt in my mind about that, Enroth has a nice little back-up tenders salary and we all saw what he did when Miller was injured. Enroth will provide well needed rest for Miller through out the season.

Nathan Gerbe potted the winner for the sabres on a nice tip in on a shot from Paul Gaustad. Buffalo fought back from an early 1-0 deficit after Brandon Sutter scored for the canes. MacIntyre and Enroth faced a combined 21 shots and Enroth had a shut-out in his part of the game. Paul Gaustad, Patrick Kaleta, and Nathan Gerbe each recorded a goal and was the only really established line from last season. But that's all the sabres needed to take down the canes. And that's all there really was to it, kind of a boring game, no big hits or fights. "It's my first time ever as a real backup, and I'm not really sure what to expect," said Enroth, who stopped all 11 shots he faced Monday as the Sabres beat Carolina, 3-1. "Obviously, I know [Ryan] Miller is one of the best in the league, and he's going to play probably 60-plus games or something. I just want to take every chance I get and I want the coaches to really trust me that they can put me in wherever." 

 

 

Lastly we move onto the Panthers vs. Predators who played a double header yesterday. This was a "split" squad game for both teams as 2 different rosters played in each game. Nashville won the first game 5-3 and Florida won the second 4-3. First round draft pick Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and an assist in the second game.

 

Sorry folks I only watched the leafs game and there isn't much floating around about the other games yet.

But thats how things shacked out for the first day of preseason games last night. 

Hockey Is Back!

So last night marked the return of broadcasted hockey games aka the preseason! Now I understand it's only the preseason and half the players will be back in the minors in a month and wins and loses don't really mean a thing. It is nice to see your team, back on the ice and even winning a preseason game. Hey, hockey is hockey, whether it be the Stanley cup playoffs or preseason games, the point is still to score more goals than your opponent.Now I'm not comparing the preseason and the Stanley cup playoffs, but you get my point. So yesterday there were four games played; Leafs vs. Sens, Sabres vs. Canes and Panthers vs. Predators (2).
So to be honest the only game I was able to find a feed to watch was the leafs vs. sens, but non the less I will do my research and breakdown key things, lineups and what no for you guys!

So lets start with the game I actually was able to watch; Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators.
This was a pretty interesting game as far as preseason games that don't have key players like; Kessel, Connolly Reimer, Spezza and Alferdson can go. so lets break down the lines from last night.

Clarke MacArthur – Mikhail Grabovski – Nikolai Kulemin
Nazem Kadri – Tyler Bozak – Colby Armstrong
Joey Crabb – Joe Colborne – Matt Frattin
Kenny Ryan – Philippe Dupuis – Jay Rosehill

Keith Aulie – Dion Phaneuf
Jake Gardiner – John-Michael Liles
Carl Gunnarsson – Matt Lashoff

Jonas Gustavsson
Ben Scrivens

So due to the fact that its preseason and the leafs are just testing out rookies 3/4 of the forward lines will be completely different come October. As Connolly will be the number 1 center, along with Kessel on the wing. So the line that I'm predicting to start the season will be Kadri, Bozak and Armstrong. All of which had a fantastic night last night. the only difference for that line will be they will move down to the 3rd or 4th line. Of all players dressed last night only 6 of them are some what of a "lock" to be in the Maple Leafs starting line-up opening night. (MacArthur, Grabovski, Kulemin, Bozak, Armstrong and Phaneuf ).

Now lets talk about the actual game itself, lines look good on paper but its the ice that actually maters.

Right off the bat Phaneuf opens with a HUGE but legal hit on Ottawa's Tim Conboy, that immediately saw Jared Cowen jump to his teammates defense and fight Phaneuf.  "It seems whenever you make a hit, guys come after you," Phaneuf said. "It's part of the game. There's nothing wrong with that." The hit was massive and sent little Conboy's body flying, but luckily Conboy got up and seemed unharmed. Phaneuf was given 2 minute minor penalty for elbowing along with 5 minutes for fighting. But now different analysis say that Phaneuf may be getting suspended based on a rule change that happened just hours before the game! the rule states that any contact with a opposing teams head can be penalized. Essentially if the hit you deliver primarily targets your opponents head it is now a penalty. I don't think Phaneuf should be suspended it was a "classic" body check. Both players were reaching for the puck and Conboy had his head down which is how Phaneuf got him in the head with the elbow. Phaneuf decided to straighten up and hit Conboy. Phaneuf has always been known as a hard hitting defense man but never or dirty or cheap player and this is no exception, it was a clean hit in my opinion.

Now Props to Conboy who took the hit like a man and didn't whine or complain, got right back up and continued play. Good on Phaneuf for proving he is going to be a force to be reckoned in his second season as leafs captain.

Anyways moving on, the real standout line for the leafs last night was the second line anchored by Bozak.

Bozak potted two goals and Armstrong tipped in another. The line combined for 5 points, as Bozak also added an Assist on his way to a 3 point game. Bozak said he lost 20 pounds this off season and added muscle, it certainly showed tonight as he looked more mature out on the ice. "Your confidence gets down pretty low when things aren't going well and I haven't really dealt with a lot of that through my career on my way up," said Bozak. "I'm feeling a lot better right now and this year. Hopefully we can just build off tonight." Bozak was a key part of Toronto's 4-2 win as he scored both the winning goal and the insurance goal, to help give rookie goalie Ben Scrivens some more confidence. The offense last night was not hard to come by as defensman Carl Gunnarsson even got in on the offense magic. In all 4 goals were scored; Armstrong, Gunnarsson and Bozak were the scorers. "We're going to have a good top three lines here that all can score. It doesn't really matter what line you are on for all three of those because all three can score," Bozak said. Jared Cowen, yes the one mentioned above for fighting Phaneuf; scored both of Ottawa's goals, making his case for being a member of the Ottawa Senators.

In goal for the Maple Leafs were Jonas Gustavsson and Ben Scrivens both goalies allowed a goal and faced a combined 26 shots. This didn't really help establish who will be Reimer's back up come October but it is likely to be Jonas Gustavsson. The senators countered with Alex Auld and Robin Lehner, who faced a combined 30 shots. In all I think the young talented Toronto Maple Leafs squad iced on Monday night out-played the senators squad, and really gave Wilson a little more to think about when writing his starting roster lines, as for now everything will stay in pencil.

Next we move on to the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes, a game I was extremely disappointed I could not see because I live north of the border. But any who the sabres beat the hurricanes 3-1.

the line-up for the sabres looked something like this;

 

Ennis/Leino/Stafford
Gerbe/Gaustad/Kaleta
Foligno/Adam/Kassian
Whitmore/McCormick/Tropp
 

Sekera/Myers
Weber/Gragnani
Brennan/Biega

Drew MacIntyre - will start in goal tonight
Enroth - will relieve him later in the game

Like usual many of the players that will be playing come October were not dressed and Miller was not in net. I'd say Buffalo dressed maybe 50% of what we will be seeing come October. Enroth will be Millers back-up there is no doubt in my mind about that, Enroth has a nice little back-up tenders salary and we all saw what he did when Miller was injured. Enroth will provide well needed rest for Miller through out the season.

Nathan Gerbe potted the winner for the sabres on a nice tip in on a shot from Paul Gaustad. Buffalo fought back from an early 1-0 deficit after Brandon Sutter scored for the canes. MacIntyre and Enroth faced a combined 21 shots and Enroth had a shut-out in his part of the game. Paul Gaustad, Patrick Kaleta, and Nathan Gerbe each recorded a goal and was the only really established line from last season. But that's all the sabres needed to take down the canes. And that's all there really was to it, kind of a boring game, no big hits or fights. "It's my first time ever as a real backup, and I'm not really sure what to expect," said Enroth, who stopped all 11 shots he faced Monday as the Sabres beat Carolina, 3-1. "Obviously, I know [Ryan] Miller is one of the best in the league, and he's going to play probably 60-plus games or something. I just want to take every chance I get and I want the coaches to really trust me that they can put me in wherever." 

 

 

Lastly we move onto the Panthers vs. Predators who played a double header yesterday. This was a "split" squad game for both teams as 2 different rosters played in each game. Nashville won the first game 5-3 and Florida won the second 4-3. First round draft pick Jonathan Huberdeau had a goal and an assist in the second game.

 

Sorry folks I only watched the leafs game and there isn't much floating around about the other games yet.

But thats how things shacked out for the first day of preseason games last night.