tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82259455823296352212024-03-14T06:41:20.197-07:00The Puck Stops hereIt's time for NHL players to either Put up or Shut up!ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.comBlogger394125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-29256943465081047352014-09-23T08:45:00.000-07:002014-09-23T08:45:15.938-07:00#HockeyHasHelpedMeYesterday in the hockey twitter world a unique hashtag began to develop. It was started by Paul Wheeler, aka FourthLineWing and Sarah Connors as a way to combat, or offer a different point of view on a article that has gone around the internet looking at the dark-side of hockey.<br />
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With the big debate relating to the negative impact on mental health playing hockey can have, Wheeler wanted to share how hockey <a href="http://chasingthedragons.wordpress.com/2014/09/22/dropping-the-gloves-with-yourself-hockey-mental-health-tragedy-redemption/">had positively affected his mental health</a>.<br />
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The hashtag #HockeyHasHelpedMe took over hockey twitter last night as fans and bloggers and writer took to twitter to share their stories of how hockey had made a positive affect in their lives. I too took to twitter to share my story in 140 characters or less.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockeyhashelpedme?src=hash">#Hockeyhashelpedme</a> find my own voice and become confident about that voice<br />
— Caitlin Campbell (@Hockeylife30) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hockeylife30/status/514164477655539712">September 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
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and
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hockeyhashelpedme?src=hash">#Hockeyhashelpedme</a> overcome a concussion that ended my career<br />
— Caitlin Campbell (@Hockeylife30) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hockeylife30/status/514164809513058304">September 22, 2014</a></blockquote>
However feeling a little more reminiscent after posting those tweets I wanted to expand on them a little more for my own sake more than anything else. Looking back on my life nearly 4 years ago hockey has helped me in more ways than I describe and all off the ice, something I didn't expect 4 years ago.<br />
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You see both the tweets I tweeted out are true, 100% true in fact, but they're too vague. They are merely the result of a long, hard road and I want to talk about how I got to the results I was able to tweet out last night.<br />
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I'm going to start with the 2nd tweet I sent out about how hockey has helped me overcome a concussion that ended my hockey career. Say What? How has hockey helped me overcome a concussion I sustained while playing hockey, which in turn ended my hockey career on the ice, but helped me launch another one off the ice? I know it's confusing but bear with me and all those questions will be answered.<br />
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I can't believe it's been almost 4 years since I had to hang-up my skates and my world was rocked forever. I was a 17 year-old goalie who had my entire life figured out. It was my second last year of organized hockey before moving off to school. I had been offered a scholarship to play hockey at University for a division II school and been offered a spot on a team the next level up from us the following season. Everything was great. Our team was one win away from heading to the Provincial championships and my hockey career had never looked better.<br />
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We stepped onto the ice knowing a win would move us one step closer to the Provincial championships. My team won the game, but for me the game was lost forever because of a concussion. I got hurt during the game, continued to play but found myself in the hospital later that night. A concussion they said and sad to report it wasn't my first, but it was my last and the one that ended my hockey career.<br />
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I was told I would never play hockey again, was told I was lucky the hit wasn't fatal; a concept I never understood until much later. As hockey players, no matter what level you play at, there is a little something inside of you that tells you that you're bluet proof and eventually you begin to believe that.<br />
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I spent the never 3 and a half months in my room. I didn't eat, only left my room to go to the bathroom, didn't talk and spent most of the time trying to sleep off a headache that wouldn't go away. I couldn't handle bright lights or loud noises and worst of all I couldn't form a sentence.<br />
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I know, I know, this all sounds way too drastic for it to be true, but it is, I live it and it's what happens when you have repeated concussions.<br />
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Towards the end of the 3 and a half months when I began too feel a little better I discovered twitter. Before my injury I ate, slept and breathed hockey, it was everything and not many of my friends felt the same way so I wanted to find other crazy hockey fans like myself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture on the top is the last one before my concussion<br />and the one on the bottom in me in 2014.</td></tr>
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I started off slow, didn't really know what twitter was or how to use it. Eventually I found some of the hockey circles but I found my voice really didn't matter. I was just some little kid on twitter trying to share my thoughts and opinions in a male dominated world of hockey, it just wasn't happening.<br />
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Me being me I wanted to play hockey again but both my parents and doctors said it wasn't happening. I started arguing with my parents and got pretty upset and down in the dumps that my hockey career, something I had dedicated 12.5 years of my life too was over. Who was I? What did I have if I didn't have hockey to fall back on?<br />
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Because of the concussion I had to miss a year and a half of school so I lost a lot of my friends from high school and in turn lost all my hockey friends since I could no longer player.<br />
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Out of boredom and pure frustration that no one would listen to my hockey opinions I started this very blog that I'm writing on now. It was rough, really rough but I found a few people who saw through the grammar mistakes and horrible spelling and encouraged me to keep going. I even found a guy who offered to edit my early writings and he taught me a ton about grammar and spelling, I wouldn't be where I am today without him.<br />
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I started slow getting 10 hits on a post, but eventually I saw it grow to where I was getting hundreds and sometimes thousands of hits on posts that I wrote. I was shocked that people were finally listening to what I had to say. My plan had worked and I had a voice in the hockey world. Numerous people sent me emails and tweets telling me they loved my work and saw real potential.<br />
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Eventually over time I developed into a half decent writer and I found a voice that I was confident in. Today I can share my hockey opinions with anyone either online or face-to-face and feel confident that I'm not being looked down upon because I'm young or, gasp, female. I've become fully confident in my writing voice and #HockeyHasHelpedMe develop that.<br />
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However, it's also help me become confident in other things. My writing has improved drastically, my public speaking has improved and my ability to think outside the box has also improved. With the new wave of hockey analytics taking over the hockey world I had a tough time getting into them.<br />
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While I'm still young, I'm old school enough that I still believe real talent is found by watching games and not studying numbers. I do although understand the role analytics play in hockey today and am starting to pay more attention to them and believe me, for myself that was a big step outside of the box.<br />
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So this post turned into something far longer than I'm sure you wanted to read today and if you've read this far, thank you.<br />
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#HockeyHasHelpedMe in two separate ways that actually tie in together perfectly. It helped me overcome the devastating news that my hockey career was over. Who knows how far I actually would have gone, but when you're 17 and have a lot of open doors being told you can no longer play absolutely sucks. It was a tough pill to swallow.<br />
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However my love for hockey (#HockeyHasHelpedMe) has helped me develop into something completely different. I now use my passion and knowledge to write about the game I love and help inspire my friends to also fall in love.<br />
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Through writing about the game I've been able to stick in the hockey world as best that I can and I've had some super cool opportunities that I never would have had before. I've gained confidence like I never had before through writing and formed friendships with people both online and offline who love hockey just like I do.<br />
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The bottom line is that while I thought the final concussion I suffered at 17 would end my hockey career, it really opened a door into a whole other world. Through writing, twitter and radio, I'm now more involved and have a bigger voice in the hockey world then ever before. Now I'm no one important, just a 20 year-old kid from Stouffville, Canada who pursued what they were passionate about and can't believe how #HockeyHasHelpedMe.<br />
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If you read this far thanks, you're awesome and I'm sorry for rambling on so much. Share your #HockeyHasHelpedMe story today.<br />
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-8214892905925996202014-09-06T19:12:00.002-07:002014-09-06T19:12:45.211-07:00Leafs Fan Fest Was Certainly Not Fun FestIf I had to choose three words to describe my trip on Saturday to the Toronto Maple Leafs fan fest the best words would be; lines, disorganization and more lines. What started out as a simple attempt to thank the fans and bring them more access to the team, ended with many fans being turned off of the organization.<br />
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Many fans left the event disgruntled, tired and frustrated after standing in lines for hours on hours on hours and receiving poor treatment from many of the staff.<br />
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Normally I wouldn't venture anywhere near an event like this, but since I had never been to a "fan fest" of sorts and a good friend asked me to attend with them, we bought into the Leafs advertisement hook, line and sinker. To say we left disappointed would be an understatement.<br />
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I'll go into some detail into what our crazy day at the event looked like.<br />
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We kicked off our day at the Air Canada Centre around 10:30 in the morning. We immediately went to <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy packed activities section. </td></tr>
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check out the new and improved Real Sports, which was awesome. However, the store was extremely busy and we had to stand around for several minutes waiting for someone to help us.<br />
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Once someone finally realized we needed help, they were perfectly helpful and my friend was able to place her jersey order. They told us to come back in an hour and half, so we decided to go check out the autograph line.<br />
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There were lines of people everywhere, most of whom had no idea what they were lined up for, but we scooted around them and made our way to the 300 level where the autographs were going down. We expected lines of course, but nothing like what we were met with.<br />
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There were waves of people lined up everywhere and it took awhile before we were pointed in the general direction toward the end of the line. We walked for a good 10-15 minutes finding absolutely no end to any line on either side of the building. The line seemed to go on forever and when we heard someone say the wait time was going to be 3.5 hours, we hightailed it out of there.<br />
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Getting player autographs was cool and all but not worth spending the entire day trapped in line while likely missing the time slot of the player who's autograph you seek. We made our way down to the Maple Leafs dressing room tour a highlight both my friend and I were excited to do.<br />
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Once we got down to the ice level where it was being held, we found our way to the tunnel where the Leafs dressing room was located. Once again we were met with a big line. "How bad can it be?" we thought as we walked towards the end of the line which once again seemed to stretch on forever. When the end was finally in sight we asked a staff if this was the line we were looking for and if we could join it at the end. He looked at us and rudely said "no, come back at 1."<br />
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Disappointed we went into the fan interaction zone which was located right on the ice rink. People were packed in the little space like sardines and you could barely move a muscle. People were taking pictures all over and lines stretched everywhere. Once again you couldn't tell which line was for what event and people were complaining about the hour long wait times.<br />
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We then ventured into the crowded and disorganized Leafs equipment sale before hitting up the visitors dressing room tour. The visitors dressing room tour was pretty cool and a rare activity that didn't have a crazy line, in fact there wasn't a line at all. It was really fun and I got to put on a pair of pads in <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/priceca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Carey Price</a></strong>'s stall which was really cool.<br />
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Side note, as a big <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/millery01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ryan Miller</a></strong> fan there is a good chance he sits where I got to sit today which is super cool.<br />
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We then headed for the second best part of the day, lunch. For once the Leafs delivered on their <br />
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promise with reasonably priced food items. Seeing much cheaper and affordable prices on the concessions was truly great, I'll try to remember those when I pay regular price during the season.<br />
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After a great and relaxing lunch we went to go check on my friends jersey since they told us it would be ready in an hour and a half. We stood at the pick-up desk for 10 minutes before someone noticed us. When the guy came over he looked at the ticket, shook his head and walked away. No mention of how much longer or anything.<br />
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Once again disappointed we chilled in the stands for a bit before heading back to the dressing room tour. We asked what we needed to do to get in and they told us to just find the end of the line, so we did. Once we were at the end of the line we tried to join it but got yelled at by security who told us we needed a bracelet.<br />
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We had no clue where these bracelets were and had just swam through a massive mob of people trying to meet Dave Nonis in a crowded hallway, the proposition of going back was not one we enjoyed. The security guard pointed back toward the crowd and we got pretty annoyed. Thankfully the bracelets weren't far away and we didn't have to brace the mob again.<br />
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They let our group into the line at roughly 12:50 and we got into the dressing room in roughly 35 minutes. The line went really quick and we were super excited to finally see into the dressing room. Being able to film and capture photos throughout the tour was even better.<br />
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The only downside to the tour was the massive roped off section that severely limited movement. I get not stepping on the Leafs logo, that's a sacred tradition, but getting yelled at for even having a toe on the edge of the big blue carpet? That's a bit much. Never the less the dressing room tour was awesome and really lived up to the advertisement and excitement.<br />
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I then went to pick-up a <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kulemni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Nikolai Kulemin</a></strong> jersey before we once again went to check on my friends jersey order. Finally around 2 the jersey was ready and she was ecstatic, Real Sports did an awesome job on her first Leafs jersey.<br />
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We then headed to the drop the puck station which was an absolute disaster. We started on the 100 level concourse, worked our way down the stairs to the ice surface and waited in three different rows on the ice. For context, I sent a text in the 2nd row on the ice at 3:30 and we didn't finish the puck <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I touched the ice!</td></tr>
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dropping station till 4:10.<br />
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The camera kept breaking, "too many photos" they said, so everyone had to get photo's taken on their phones which was a major hassle. I mean can't a corporation as big as MLSE afford a back-up camera or more memory cards or an extra battery?<br />
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After that my friend was fed up and demanded we leave, I wanted to do more stations but the long lines drove both of us away and we left before 4:30. We left tired, frustrated and disappointed, the only comment I could muster was "glad we didn't pay the full $60 for that."<br />
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Now before you accuse me of ragging on the event too much, let me just say this. Toronto Maple Leafs fan fest had the potential to be a FANTASTIC event. Unfortunately poor planning, little to no direction, hours on hours of waiting in lines to be turned away and some grumpy staff is a recipe for disaster. I also understand it was the first year for the event but come on.<br />
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They were expecting roughly 40,000 people over the weekend but the organization for an event that large was not there. It's not like a normal hockey game where everyone has a general idea of where they're going and an idea of what to expect. No one knew where to go or what to expect and no one was there to help. Whether expecting 40,000 or 10,000 the organization should have been better.<br />
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I missed tons of events/activities today, simply because I didn't know where they were located. On twitter there was talk about a fan guide that could be picked up, but I never saw one being offered anywhere.<br />
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Now I don't have a big issue with waiting in line, when it's worth the wait. The biggest issue I had was with the autograph line. Let's say you're lining up for <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kesseph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Phil Kessel</a></strong> who's signing period is on from 2-3, if you're in line for 3 hours and you line-up at let's say 1, by the time you reach the front Kessel will be long gone. Heck I heard from people who were in line upwards of 4.5 hours only to be turned away. One guy claimed he was told the wait line was at least 6 hours for an autograph! By the time that guy reaches the front the guy he's looking for is long gone.<br />
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The simplest lesson that can be learned is that not everyone can embark on a place at once with the <br />
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same goal, it just doesn't work. Next time perhaps tickets to a specific player at a specific time or even spreading out the autograph sessions to different areas might be better.<br />
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There needed to be more communication, clearer direction and shorter lines. Not to mention they ran out of their free popcorn!<br />
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I only got to do two events today, some didn't even get to do that. All in all Toronto Maple Leafs fan fest was not as advertised and left more people with a sour taste in their mouths. Like I said above, it could have been awesome, but some more planning would have gone a long way.<br />
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Here are some tweets that sum up both the event and this article.<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a> walked around <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMLFanFest14?src=hash">#TMLFanFest14</a> for 2 hours getting misdirected, yelled at & told all the lines were being shut down. Refund please!<br />
— Jordanne Hayton (@jhayts) <a href="https://twitter.com/jhayts/status/508412358210117633">September 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
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and<br />
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Did <a href="https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs">@MapleLeafs</a> think we were Habs fans and that's why we all had to wait hours in line only to get screwed over? 'fan' fest <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TMLFanFest14?src=hash">#TMLFanFest14</a><br />
— Robbie D'Addazio (@RobbieDazz) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobbieDazz/status/508417587424673793">September 7, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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Sorry MLSE, Fan Fest was a joke for the fans and the ones who got it the worst were the kids who were so excited to meet their hero's but got screwed over. On the plus side I did get a cool fan band bracelet that I didn't use once at the actual event.<br />
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<br />ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-68081640942123684712013-09-04T08:02:00.000-07:002013-09-04T08:33:16.041-07:00Dave Nonis and the Toronto Maple Leafs Have Mishandled Cap SpaceDave Nonis and the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in an interesting predicament. With just over a week till training camp there remains two key players who have not been re-signed- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kadrina01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Nazem Kadri</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fransco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Cody Franson</a></strong>. Arguably the Leafs best defenceman and most promising prospect remain un-signed as the Leafs try and find a way to keep both on the roster under the cap.<br />
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It's hard to feel sorry for the Maple Leafs who have poorly mismanaged their cap space this offseason. They currently have just under $4.9 million left in cap spca, but they've spent and waisted a lot of money this offseason. It all started with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bozakty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Bozak</a></strong> who was demanding first line money despite not being worth first line money. The Leafs knew they would have to give Bozak a decent pay day and were determined not to over pay for him, but they ended up handing him a 5 year $21 million deal.<br />
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Next we move to <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/clarkda03.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">David Clarkson</a></strong>. I'm still not entirely sure why the Leafs needed a player like Clarkson, but he can be a valuable comodity and the Leafs decided they wanted that comodity. Problem is they massively overpayed giving him a 7 year deal worth $36.75 million. A $5.25 million cap hit (same as <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lupuljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joffrey Lupul</a></strong>) is a lot for a guy who's likely to be policing the third line and has only scored more than 20 goals once in his career.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pDk0fWNbtAdnVoAb67UclWI3juLLBIr4rll42iOFthRjvQuyzsGqW7zhYhyrwrACpWJiZxafunDRD55AoD2PAK8TSfyTiU8C1kKec7EkcJP4PRs0M-0eJIPsU0Rbiv4CvraJRKo527k/s1600/Jonathan-Bernier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pDk0fWNbtAdnVoAb67UclWI3juLLBIr4rll42iOFthRjvQuyzsGqW7zhYhyrwrACpWJiZxafunDRD55AoD2PAK8TSfyTiU8C1kKec7EkcJP4PRs0M-0eJIPsU0Rbiv4CvraJRKo527k/s320/Jonathan-Bernier.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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Finally we move to <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bernijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Bernier</a></strong>, the goaltender who was brought in to rescue the Leafs <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/scrivbe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ben Scrivens</a></strong> but a cheap veteran would have done just fine. Instead they went out and acquired a young goaltender, virtually telling <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James Reimer</a></strong> he's not good enough and in the process screwed themselves with the cap. Without acquiring Bernier the Leafs would have $6,758,433 in cap space, which would have been enough to sign both Kadri and Franson. Instead they have just $4,895,833 left in cap space, not enough to sign both RFA's.<br />
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Also don't forget that <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kesseph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Phil Kessel</a></strong> will need a new contract after this season, things are about to get real hot for Dave Nonis. The Leafs spent big money to rescue the goaltending which really didn't need rescuing. The Leafs had absolutely no reason to go out and acquire another number one goaltender, yes they needed an upgrade over Ben Scrivens but a cheap veteran would have done just fine.<br />
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In a perfect world the Leafs would want to sign both Franson and Kadri, but unless they buyout a contract or one of them caves to accept a horrible contract they won't be able to retain both.<br />
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Kadri is looking for deal around 6 years worth roughly $5.5 million a year, while the Leafs are looking at a bridge contract similiar to P.K Subban; roughly 2 years for $2.8 million. Kadri would be wise to accept the bridge contract in order to build up his resume and then demand more money in two years and if he has another year like last season he won't have to worry. But you can't exactly blame Kadri for his asking price. He sees the Leafs hand Bozak, nothing more than a glorified third line centre, $4.2 a year and since Kadri believes he's a better talent than Bozak he believes he's worth more. Truth be told neither player right now is worth anywhere near $4 million a year, but because Nonis has handed out some poor contracts others want the money.<br />
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The troublesome thing for the Leafs is they don't seem to even be in the same ballpark when negotiating with Kadri. Franson on the other hand is looking for a 4 year deal at $4 million a year, while the Leafs are looking for a 2 year deal worth $3 million a year. At least the Leafs are a little closer in terms with Franson, but it's looking like both players will want to play hardball.<br />
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Both Kadri and Franson played a pivot part in the Leafs return to the playoffs last season. Kadri burst onto the scene and has his best year putting up 18 goals and 26 assists, while Franson was a solid and <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT81KmvXHnN1nuMT_iAHDYIAPJnRussR1P8SPEbMqZ9guI5nbcnc4JU1Ul57VhtPKLaowrAn15UXNbkWhmkI_Jck8cUlwRkf4Sl6EQs-ryoCRnuTh-QOlKeqtMCKMXbDhtKHbqjtLs7I/s1600/Kadri-Kevin-Hoffman-US-PRESSWIRE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNT81KmvXHnN1nuMT_iAHDYIAPJnRussR1P8SPEbMqZ9guI5nbcnc4JU1Ul57VhtPKLaowrAn15UXNbkWhmkI_Jck8cUlwRkf4Sl6EQs-ryoCRnuTh-QOlKeqtMCKMXbDhtKHbqjtLs7I/s320/Kadri-Kevin-Hoffman-US-PRESSWIRE.jpg" width="299" /></a></div>
reliable defenceman all year long scoring 5 goals and adding 24 assists.<br />
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While the Leafs are stuck between a rock and a hard place right now, this was a completely avoidable problem. Nonis threw money around like there was no tomorrow during the offseason and now he's realizing that the money supply is running out and players won't play for nothing. Both Kadri and Franson deserve a respectable salary around $3 million, but the Leafs don't have the room.<br />
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With training camp looming closer and closer don't expect both to be there. The Kadri situation smells of what happened with Subban and a holdout may be imminent for Kadri. The Leafs, thanks to Nonis' loose wallet, don't have enough money to make both Nazem Kadri and Cody Franson happy which means a trade will be on the horizon.<br />
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Too bad Nonis didn't spend all that money this offseason on a viable upgrade all around. Locking up Kadri and Franson should have been first priority (after Bozak) for Nonis. If the Leafs do end up losing Kadri, they have no one but Nonis to blame for mismanaging the cap.<br />
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<br />ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-70729811633522169962013-08-13T16:05:00.000-07:002013-08-13T16:05:01.564-07:00Season Preview: Anaheim DucksWith NHL pre-season just over 30 days aways and the regular season just under 50 days away, it's time to gear up for the 2013-2014 NHL season. This will be the first instalment in the new "<b>Season Preview</b>" series, where we'll be teeing up the season for all 30 NHL teams. Our first stop will be in Anaheim, as we take a look at the Ducks upcoming season.<br />
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The Ducks are coming off a solid 2013 campaign that saw them back in the playoffs after a disappointing 2012-2013. Unfortunately, the Ducks didn't stay long in the postseason, as the Detroit Red Wings eliminated them in the first round.<br />
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Much like the Chicago Blackhawks, the Ducks were also able to ride their hot start right through to the playoffs. The Ducks opened the season winning 13 of their first 16 games. But with a full training camp and pre-season games, catching teams sleeping early on wont be easy. The good news is the Ducks will get their first training camp under Bruce Broudreau and have time to adjust to his fast-passed offence right off the bat.<br />
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Heading into next season there are three crucial questions the Ducks must answer.<b> Who will play on the top line, will <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/selante01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Teemu Selanne</a></strong> return and who starts between the pipes?</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcgGUdQMbxqxeW1j8iSvZmldiws_0zqY-xUWiJHYL_y7nMqF-34PAhPUTvIZlBtvfUnRKqibtmnVqH8X0i3GfSqzhTCDD6l9m4RXkezin2AoooFUu5CU_SoSnMEwyXltPp9IPGi5cft4/s1600/palmieri-kyle_940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcgGUdQMbxqxeW1j8iSvZmldiws_0zqY-xUWiJHYL_y7nMqF-34PAhPUTvIZlBtvfUnRKqibtmnVqH8X0i3GfSqzhTCDD6l9m4RXkezin2AoooFUu5CU_SoSnMEwyXltPp9IPGi5cft4/s320/palmieri-kyle_940.jpg" width="320" /></a>After sending <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/ryanbo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Bobby Ryan</a></strong> to Ottawa this offseason, the Ducks must now find someone to step up and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/pennedu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Dustin Penner</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/silfvja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jakob Silfverberg</a></strong> and the Ducks x-factor from last season <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/palmiky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Kyle Palmieri</a></strong>. Palmieri saw some time on the top line with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/perryco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Corey Perry</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/getzlry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ryan Getzlaf</a></strong> during the playoffs and may be able to spark the top line again. After putting up 10 points last season and having some experience on that line, Palmieri may get the first chance to crack the top line. Jakob Silfverberg would be another player who could slide up the line-up. He was acquired in the Bobby Ryan deal and also put up 10 goals last season. Dustin Penner could be reunited with his linemates who helped bring the Stanley Cup to Anaheim in 2007, should he get a chance to play on the top line. Penner, Silfverberg and Palmieri will be fighting it out to gain chemistry and a chance to anchor the Ducks top line.<br />
fill his spot. There are three players who could easily fill in on that top line; <br />
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The great Teemu Selanne's future is once again up in the air. The Ducks have said that if Selanne wants to return they would leave a spot for him on their second line. Selanne now 43, is an unrestricted free-agent, but has made one of the greatest late career resurgences with the Ducks over the past 8 seasons. Does Selanne have one more season in him? He scored 12 goals and put up 24 points in 46 games last season with the Ducks, pretty solid numbers for someone in their 40's. If Selanne does decide to come back for one more season, it will no doubt help solidify the Ducks roster.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE4S0Umw0BsMWcSBaKH_LLjBLN4R0u40rsix_OqrGI5P6tmqJMMgomRlbhM5wi9iacuYVO0uu-gmm_RXMeVfIyYSD5ujLQDmIcZ5JjMovT23XeBhQiebFJWu-sbTVvWAouBPMGNIbrPs/s1600/HILLER_FASTH_672_30IN30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijE4S0Umw0BsMWcSBaKH_LLjBLN4R0u40rsix_OqrGI5P6tmqJMMgomRlbhM5wi9iacuYVO0uu-gmm_RXMeVfIyYSD5ujLQDmIcZ5JjMovT23XeBhQiebFJWu-sbTVvWAouBPMGNIbrPs/s320/HILLER_FASTH_672_30IN30.jpg" width="320" /></a>The Ducks don't have a goaltending controversy, they have a goaltending blessing right now. Both <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fasthvi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Viktor Fasth</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hillejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonas Hiller</a></strong> are playing stellar hockey and they get along perfectly. Last season the <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gibsojo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">John Gibson</a></strong>. Gibson burst onto the national scenes last season for his performance during the World Junior Championships, in which he not only lead the USA to a championship, he was also named MVP. In all likely hood Gibson will start the season in the AHL, but it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine him finishing the season with the Ducks, especially after he turns some heads at the US Olympic evaluation camp. If Fasth or Hiller, go down with an injury Gibson will be ready to step up to the plate. I'm not sure there is a team in the NHL with a better goaltending future than the Anaheim Ducks.<br />
Ducks rode both Fasth and Hiller for various stretches and it worked, plus they both got along great off the ice. Hiller is entering the final year of his contract and Fasth is looking to take over the crease after signing his two-year extension. Both goalies will battle hard and likely split time for the majority of the season. Waiting in the wings is almost NHL ready goaltender <br />
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<b>Player to Watch-</b><br />
Ryan Getzlaf<br />
After a rough season in 2011-2012, Getlaf bounced back putting up 49 points in 44 games last season. Has Getzlaf re-found his game? Can he lead the Ducks back to the post-season in 2014?<br />
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<b>Outlook</b><br />
Things are looking bright in Anaheim next season. They have a steady mix of young players who are desperate to prove themselves and veterans who want to prove they've still got game. Riding either Fasth or Hiller throughout the season will help give the defence a little added boost. Look for the Ducks to make another trip to the postseason.<br />
<br />ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-46294895012289277102013-08-06T15:06:00.000-07:002013-08-06T15:06:09.403-07:00Why Having Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer Is Great For the LeafsFor many it came as a surprise that the Toronto Maple Leafs traded for goaltender <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bernijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Bernier</a></strong>, after <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James Reimer</a></strong> helped propel the team back to the playoffs and nearly upset <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong> and the Boston Bruins. But it's really not that surprising that the Leafs were still looking to upgrade their goaltending after they were rumored to be looking at both <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/luongro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Roberto Luongo</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kiprumi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Miikka Kiprusoff</a></strong> during the season.<br />
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James Reimer proved himself to be a solid goaltender, but there are still a lot of questions surrounding the Leafs crease. What happens if, and based on the past, when Reimer goes down with an injury? In the two seasons Reimer has been the Leafs starter, he's been injured for periods of time in both. Can Reimer continue to shine when the Leafs don't? And most importantly can he perform in the playoffs? Reimer is a young goaltender trying to find his way in the NHL. He doesn't play many back-to-back games and can't really be counted on to start more than 50 games. The Leafs needed a better, more reliable and proven second goaltender other than <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/scrivbe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ben Scrivens</a></strong>, to help when Reimer needs a break.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JbXidip-dbChTnfacLFZhV-BPJSvqROzwSwB7UuVaJrRQYMxJwBPxUJfIbSVJVI3NCmpoavTn_OxFIpgNKfL4xeglcNsGlFGMlEy_hnzM7VWWV-iev0qzT3kES28DoxiGBeeFXkpxqM/s1600/03edb8e3de32223f0db7b1693450b8d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9JbXidip-dbChTnfacLFZhV-BPJSvqROzwSwB7UuVaJrRQYMxJwBPxUJfIbSVJVI3NCmpoavTn_OxFIpgNKfL4xeglcNsGlFGMlEy_hnzM7VWWV-iev0qzT3kES28DoxiGBeeFXkpxqM/s320/03edb8e3de32223f0db7b1693450b8d0.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
Whether Reimer or the Toronto fans like it or not, the Leafs needed an update behind Reimer. Sure they didn't have to go and acquire another young goalie looking to become a bonafide number 1, when they had Reimer, but they did. While it may seem like acquiring Bernier was a deterrent for Reimer's confidence, it was actually a brilliant move by the Leafs.<br />
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When you look at the goaltending situations around the league you start to notice a trend; goalie tandems. Last season saw teams such as the St. Louis Blues, Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Anaheim Ducks and Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, use both their goaltenders throughout the season. All five of the teams listed above not only operated with a 1A, 1B goaltending system- they also all made it to the postseason.<br />
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But let's focus on the Chicago Blackhawks use of the goalie tandem. After two rocky seasons with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crawfco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Corey Crawford</a></strong> at the helm and two first round playoff exits, the Blackhawks decided to bring in another goaltender to not only mentor Crawford but to also give him a break. The plan worked perfectly as Crawford led the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup Championship.<br />
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Obviously the Leafs didn't go with the veteran back-up route, but they got a young goalie who will help push Reimer to perform his best. If you're looking for someone to compare Reimer to you can look across to Crawford. Both are fairly young, in-experienced goaltenders with just 3 NHL seasons under their belts, have very similar career numbers, and both still have a lot to prove. It helped Corey Crawford to have another goaltender behind him, and it wouldn't hurt to give Reimer some motivation.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcUbB4BaV8v0IIea_SLYx0ERA7tuT6d8rAEuxHk7am4w5u80kp3Fhm7jvrhz8jjICVTjsCbqmyTwRbkVE_RJN07EmGnrwq0QtY6rJYTwMvH_j6qqYJpGcOXBJq-wtsaXHoK2EZNgXvvQ/s1600/jonathan_bernier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcUbB4BaV8v0IIea_SLYx0ERA7tuT6d8rAEuxHk7am4w5u80kp3Fhm7jvrhz8jjICVTjsCbqmyTwRbkVE_RJN07EmGnrwq0QtY6rJYTwMvH_j6qqYJpGcOXBJq-wtsaXHoK2EZNgXvvQ/s320/jonathan_bernier.jpg" width="320" /></a>Is Jonathan Bernier an immediate upgrade over Reimer? No. It's too early to tell just how good Bernier <br />
is. He's only played in 62 NHL games and while he's shown flashes of greatness during those games, the sample size is too small. Any half-decent goaltender can post solid numbers through 15 games, but until a goalie starts 30 games in a season their numbers don't say much.<br />
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With Bernier the Leafs don't know what they have yet, with Reimer on the other hand they know exactly what they have. A solid goaltender that is capable of bailing the team out and backstopping a team to the postseason. Based on experience and Reimer's play last season he should get the key to the crease to start off the year, but with Bernier bitting at his heals Reimer will be forced to play his best hockey. Besides, what's so bad about a little competition for the starting job?<br />
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Having both Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer battling for the right to claim the crease is a win-win for the Leafs. Both are solid young goaltenders, which want a starting role in the NHL and will have to play their best to get between the pipes. The Leafs now have two capable goalies that can step up to the plate anytime they're called upon. If Reimer get's hurt, goes through a rough patch of games or needs a rest, they can throw Bernier in without any worries and vice versa.<br />
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Having two capable starting goaltenders is a great move by the Leafs and a great strategy to capitalize on the latest NHL trend. If the season starts and both goaltenders are playing well it will also give the Leafs the edge over their competition by not having to ride just one goaltender all the time. If <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/carlyra01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Randy Carlyle</a></strong> plays his cards right and allows both goaltenders time to prove themselves and keeps the media circus away from the goaltenders, the Leafs could ride their goaltending tandem back to the playoffs once again.<br />
<br />ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-7564544255226831492013-08-01T14:46:00.001-07:002013-08-01T14:46:38.915-07:00Top 10 NHL Goalies From the 2013 SeasonIt's the constant debate; Who is the best goaltender in the NHL? The answer changes every season and if you lined up 100 people you're likely to get 100 different lists. The lockout-shortened season gave fans the opportunity to watch some fantastic hockey right through to the final buzzer. There were some tremendous goaltending performances and a lot of goaltenders really started to turn heads. Here's my list of the top 10 goaltenders from the lockout-shortened NHL season.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZoVBLUFAlRZ0Vm9VxmPhNo9CbgkUPG-oQFRT9UspfkHBt4MA2qcmpOZlnNZBy40KuKjt9iFVWvWuMu5xjonRHNPyERpXc3OF1HxS166GhPXl8EYIkzbFIHXMOwwR7M5LF1nqGXE2XPQ/s1600/braden_holtby_was_051212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ZoVBLUFAlRZ0Vm9VxmPhNo9CbgkUPG-oQFRT9UspfkHBt4MA2qcmpOZlnNZBy40KuKjt9iFVWvWuMu5xjonRHNPyERpXc3OF1HxS166GhPXl8EYIkzbFIHXMOwwR7M5LF1nqGXE2XPQ/s320/braden_holtby_was_051212.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>10. Braden Hotlby</b><br />
<strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/holtbbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Braden Holtby</a></strong> edged out <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/priceca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Carey Price</a></strong> for the 10th spot in the countdown based on his numbers and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/ovechal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Alex Ovechkin</a></strong>'s resurgence. Holtby won 23 of his 35 starts posting a .920 Save Percentage and 2.58 Goals Against Average. Braden Holtby is a goaltender on the rise; he's earned the rights to the Capitals crease and shows no signs of giving it up. If he continues improving he'll climb up the NHL netminder ranks in no time.<br />
playoff success. Holtby had a great season between the pipes for the Capitals and helped keep the team afloat before <br />
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<b>9. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/howarja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jimmy Howard</a></strong></b><br />
Jimmy Howard had a tremendous season between the pipes for the Detroit Red Wings and he had to do so without <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lidstni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Nicklas Lidstrom</a></strong> on defence. Howard passed the test and made the Red Wings blue line look better than it was. Howard has really elevated himself to the front line of NHL goaltenders. He should battle for a spot to represent team USA at the 2014 Olympics.<br />
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<b>8. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crawfco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Corey Crawford</a></strong></b><br />
It's tough to put a goaltender who backstopped his team to a Stanley Cup Championship so low on this list, but no one is sure which Corey Crawford is the real one as of yet. He split time this season with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/e/emeryra01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Ray Emery</a></strong> and if the veteran Emery hadn't gotten injured there's no guarantee Crawford would have started the playoffs. Once in the playoffs Crawford elevated his game and out-duelled some of the best goalies in the game today; the spotlight is now on Crawford, will he deliver again next season?<br />
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<b>7. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/andercr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Craig Anderson</a></strong></b><br />
If not for an ankle injury which derailed his season, Anderson would have likely skated away with the Vezina after posting a 1.69 Goals Against Average and .941 Save Percentage after 24 games. Anderson was lights out during the regular season and helped backstop the Senators to the playoffs. At times last season Anderson looked Hasek-esque.<br />
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<b>6. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bobrose01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Sergei Bobrovsky</a></strong></b><br />
After last season how badly are the Philadelphia Flyers kicking themselves for getting rid of Bobrovsky? Bobrovsky had a career year, which earned him the Vezina and made him a finalist for the Hart trophy. But the biggest question is whether he'll be able to perform at that elite level again. Despite his career year, Bobrovsky and the Blue Jackets fell just short of the playoff; Is Bobrovsky bound to be another great goalie on a non-playoff team?<br />
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<b>5.</b><b> <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb10ZLuKdgmMIC8fCBYBFVBhPjECi4qSvMLfgL_LggjFVNg0YH2V-RTCom0EAwI87ROcHqujOXMBXBexDnJjbn452Igcj4sjLmcZFc7-2DWr3cXQa9KXfrDDirG1NlhDkYyR97aSi_wFA/s1600/7452548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb10ZLuKdgmMIC8fCBYBFVBhPjECi4qSvMLfgL_LggjFVNg0YH2V-RTCom0EAwI87ROcHqujOXMBXBexDnJjbn452Igcj4sjLmcZFc7-2DWr3cXQa9KXfrDDirG1NlhDkYyR97aSi_wFA/s320/7452548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Don't look now Leafs' fans, it appears Tuukka Rask has finally solidified himself as an NHL starter, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/thomati01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tim Thomas</a></strong> return to Boston. Rask is a goalie who's knocking on the door of the NHL elite and if he can have another solid season or lead the Bruins to a Stanley Cup he may just step right through that door.<br />
and a pretty good one at that. After another solid season between the Bruins pipes, leading the team to the Stanley Cup Finals, Rask appears to have wiped away any thoughts of a <br />
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<b>4. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rinnepe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Pekka Rinne</a></strong></b><br />
Pekka Rinne has established himself as an elite goaltender in the NHL. He had a tough 2012-2013 season but his team didn't help him with their goal scoring or lack there of. With the acquisition of Seth Jones, the Predators blue line should be fine for years to come which should help get Rinne back to the top 3.<br />
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<b>3. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/niemian02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Antti Niemi</a></strong></b><br />
Everyone remembers Niemi as the goalie who stumbled his way through the playoffs with the Chicago Blackhawks and won a Stanley Cup before promptly heading to San Jose. But since leaving Chicago, Niemi has quietly become one of the top goalies in the NHL. He put up solid numbers through the regular season playing 43 games and improved his game in the playoffs posting a 1.87 GAA. Has Niemi finally arrived or is he finally earning the respect he deserves?<br />
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<b>2. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/q/quickjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Quick</a></strong></b><br />
Since bursting onto the NHL scene and winning the Stanley Cup last season, Quick has quickly become one of the best puckstoppers in the NHL. Quick and Lundqvist are the two best goaltenders in the NHL and differentiating between who's better is like asking a parent which of their children are cuter. Quick has a bright future between the pipes and will look to lead team USA in 2014.<br />
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<b>1. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lundqhe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Henrik Lundqvist</a></strong></b><br />
As evenly matched as Quick and Henrik Lundqvist are, the King was slightly better through the <br />
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lockout-shortened season and get's the nod as the best goalie from last season. When king Henrik is on he is truly unbeatable. Lundqvist is the standard for all other NHL goalies, if you're going to be the best you have to beat the best. Maybe Lundqvist and Quick can battle it out in the Olympics?<br />
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Here's my list, who's in your top 10? Let me know who I missed!<br />
<br />ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-17145860292068455322013-07-23T09:15:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:23:52.544-07:0010 Can't Miss NHL Games in 2013-2014It may only be July but now that the 2013-2014 NHL schedule has been released the countdown to October 1st for hockey fans is on. It's time to start planning the road-trips, making excuses to miss family gatherings and making a list of available dates when you're not watching hockey to give to family and friends. Before marking your NHL life in stone, here are 10 games you wont want to miss this upcoming NHL season.<br />
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After the lockout-shortened 2013 season the 2013-2014 NHL season will return to normal and there will even be a few bonuses for hockey fans. The 2013-2014 NHL season will feature 34 more games for each team than last season and as a special bonus fans will once again get to see NHL action in October! With a full 82 game season and an Olympic break thrown into the mix the 2013-2014 NHL season is sure to be a good one; Here's 10 more games that you'll want to be in front of a television for.<br />
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<strong>October 8th 2013- New Jersey Devils vs. Vancouver Canucks</strong><br />
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Finally the goaltending saga between <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/luongro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Roberto Luongo</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/schneco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Cory Schneider</a></strong> is over- at least in Vancouver. After much debate that the Canucks had lost faith in Luongo and were ready to move forward with Schneider, the Canucks dealt Schneider on draft day to the New Jersey Devils. Schneider will return to Vancouver to see his former teammates in the first week of the season; the only question is whether he'll be between the pipes or not. But a Schneider/Luongo match-up would be a must watch game and could be a possible Olympic match-up.<br />
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<strong>October 28th 2013- Dallas Stars vs. Buffalo Sabres</strong><br />
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For Buffalo Sabres fans, seeing former head coach <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/ruffli01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Lindy Ruff</a></strong> behind the bench of another team is going to be tough. On October 28th Ruff will be behind the bench of the Dallas Stars as he makes his return to the First Niagara Centre as the Stars and Sabres square off. It'll be an emotional night for both parties, as Ruff returns to the place where he called home for 16 years and plays the role of the villain.<br />
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<strong>November 9th 2013- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BruinsOTG7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Toronto Maple Leafs v Boston Bruins - Game Seven" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3271" height="217" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/BruinsOTG7-300x217.jpg" width="300" /></a>Hey leafs, remember that time you almost eliminated the Boston Bruins in the first round but then collapsed? Well on November 9th the Leafs will be heading back to the scene of their historic collapse to face off against the big bad Bruins. There's a growing divisional rivalry between the Bruins and Leafs, but a rivalry of which the Bruins always seem to win. The Leafs came to within 10 minutes of slaying the Bruins, but a blown 3 goal lead with half a period left is something that will hollow in the minds of Leaf players forever. 180 days after the collapse the Leafs will once again have to face the Bruins, that may be a good game to start <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bernijo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonathan Bernier</a></strong>.<br />
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<strong>November 30th 2013- Vancouver Canucks vs. New York Rangers</strong><br />
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The Vancouver Canucks and New York Rangers took part in a coach swap this offseason as John Tortorella moved from New York to Vancouver and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vigneal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Alain Vigneault</a></strong> moved from Vancouver to New York. While neither coach will step onto the ice or score any goals the media circus that will be around both- specifically Tortorella will be something to see. Will we see another classic John Tortorella <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPGtxTL-0X4">press conference? </a><br />
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<strong>December 1st 2013- Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators</strong><br />
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In a move that surprised many, long-time Senators captain <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/alfreda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Daniel Alfredsson</a></strong> signed a deal with the Detroit Red Wings. Alfredsson was the longest serving captain in the NHL before he jumped ship because he felt the Wings gave him the best shot at a Stanley Cup. Will the Senators faithful boo their former beloved captain or will some "Alfie" chants breakout?<br />
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<strong>January 1st 2014- Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/082212wings_leags1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="082212wings_leags1" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3273" height="150" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/082212wings_leags1-300x150.jpg" width="300" /></a>It may be a year late but on January 1st the Leafs will square off against the Wings in the annual Winter Classic game at Michigan Stadium. Even with the NHL capitalizing on 6 "out-door" games next season, the Leafs and Red Wings Winter Classic will be a game you wont want to miss as the centre of the hockey universe takes on hockeytown. Plus there's finally a Canadian team playing in the Winter Classic- it's sure to be a classic.<br />
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<strong>January 11th 2014- Chicago Blackhawks vs. Boston Bruins</strong><br />
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After one of the most exciting and nail bitting Stanley Cup Finals the NHL is going to make fans wait until January 11th for the first re-match between the Bruins and Blackhawks.<br />
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<strong>January 22nd 2014- Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings</strong><br />
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With the Red Wings being moved into the Eastern Conference the Blackhawks will only see their former rivals twice next season. On January 22nd the former Western Conference rivals will square off for the first time and renew the rivalry between the two original six squads.<br />
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<strong>January 24th 2014- Anaheim Ducks vs. Los Angeles Kings</strong><br />
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It's not the Winter Classic and it may just be a lame attempt for the NHL to milk money and ruin something classic but the Ducks and Kings will kick off the NHL's new "Stadium Series" by playing an outdoor hockey game in LA. An out-door hockey in LA, yeah I'm looking forward to seeing that as well.<br />
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<strong>March 20th 2014- Minnesota Wild vs. New Jersey Devils</strong><br />
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You can't but help feel sorry for the New Jersey Devils. They lost Ilya Kovalchuk after he bolted to the KHL this offseason and lost <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/parisza01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Zach Parise</a></strong> last offseason. Parise will finally have a chance to visit his former team in New Jersey for the first time since game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012.<br />
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Although hockey fans will once again be able to enjoy an 82 game season, the 2013-2014 season will be a big change for a lot of teams and fans. There will be many "Home-comings" after one of the biggest off-seasons for players looking to chang scenery. Fans will also be treated to 6 out-door NHL games; Will the novelty quickly wear off? When the puck drops on October 1st another memorable NHL season will get underway as the Chicago Blackhawks look to defend their Stanley Cup title.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-90770825198539030742013-06-26T05:07:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:24:08.100-07:00Chicago Blackhawks: 2013 Stanley Cup Champions17 seconds. Take a moment and think of everything you can accomplish in a mere 17 seconds; now imagine scoring two goals within in 17 seconds to lay claim to the Stanley Cup. That probably sounds like a dream that every young hockey player dreams at night, but for the Chicago Blackhawks that dream became a reality on Monday night. The Blackhawks beat the Boston Bruins 3-2 in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals as they wrapped up their historic season with a Stanley Cup.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GET-171460497-620x413.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="GET-171460497-620x413" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3261" height="199" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GET-171460497-620x413-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a>In an ending that couldn't have been written any better, the Blackhawks managed the unthinkable. Trailing 2-1 with just over a minute left in the third period it seemed that the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks were destined to square off in a game 7 for the ages. Cue <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bickebr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Bryan Bickell</a></strong>; Bickell quickly buried the puck to notch the tying goal after a pass from the corner by <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/toewsjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonathan Toews</a></strong> left <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong> tangled with his defenceman. Then just 17 seconds later <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bollada01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Dave Bolland</a></strong> gained inside position in front of Rask and tipped home a <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/oduyajo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Johnny Oduya</a></strong> point shot which won the Chicago Blackhawks the Stanley Cup.<br />
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For Toronto Maple Leaf Fans there was a sense of vengeance seeing the Boston Bruins, who tore out their hearts with a last minute third period comeback fall to the same fate. Of course the two losses' were completely different; For the Leafs it was a complete collapse, for the Bruins it was a hard fought battle right to the end and just so happened the Stanley Cup was at stake. Either way you look at it, both the Leafs and Bruins fell short of claiming the greatest trophy in all of sports and the Blackhawks proved that sometimes a hot start isn't a bad thing.<br />
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An 82 game season is so long, that that the first 10 games really aren't a huge deal; throughout the season you see multiple versions of the same team, some good and some not so good. But when you chop that 82 game season in half, the start becomes that much more important. When the puck dropped on the 2013 NHL season the Blackhawks didn't waste anytime, going 23-0-3 in their first 24 games, breaking the record for the longest NHL point streak to start a season. That start helped the Blackhawks dominate the West and win the Presidents trophy.<br />
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Heading into the playoffs, the Blackhawks were one of the favorites to end the season by hoisting the Stanley Cup. They survived a scare in round 2 and knocked off the defending champs to earn a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. Once in the Finals, the Blackhawks were set to square off against every teams nightmare; the Boston Bruins. If you're looking to see just how good the Bruins can be in the postseason just ask the Vancouver Canucks, Pittsburgh Penguins and Toronto Maple, all of whom are still trying to pick up the pieces from their crushing defeats at the hands of the Bruins. Needless to say, beating the Bruins- and Tuukka Rask was not going to be an easy task.<br />
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In an attempt to generate more offence Jonathan Toews and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kanepa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Patrick Kane</a></strong> were separated for the first three games in the Finals, but in game four the Blackhawks put the two back together and never looked back. In the next three games Toews and Kane along with Bryan Bickell combined for 6 goals and 7 assists to help the Bruins win the Cup.<br />
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Despite not having a goal in game 6, Patrick Kane won the Conn Smythe for his efforts in the playoffs. Kane entered the playoffs with a slump scoring just 2 goals in the Blackhawks first 15 games, but as the Blackhawks went further Kane lit up. He scored 4 goals in the final two games of the Western Finals, including a hat-trick that helped eliminate the Kings. Kane finished the Stanley Cup run with nine goals and 19 assists and joins his partner in crime Toews having both won Conn Smyth's.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chicago-blackhawks-stanley-cup.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="chicago-blackhawks-stanley-cup" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3259" height="145" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/chicago-blackhawks-stanley-cup-300x145.jpg" width="300" /></a>For the Blackhawks this season was one to remember. From a record breaking start, to a comeback series victory against the rival Red Wings, to their 2nd Stanley Cup in four years. Ironically the Blackhawks closed out both their Stanley Cup victories <a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/2013/06/20/why-the-chicago-blackhawks-need-to-win-in-6/">in game 6</a>. The Blackhawks appear to have built themselves a modern day NHL dynasty, which could reign throughout the NHL for years to come.<br />
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The final buzzer has sounded and the 2013 NHL season has come to an end. Up next is a long and painful offseason for hockey fans, but at least next season will start on time. Hats off to the Chicago Blackhawks, the 2013 Stanley Cup Champions.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-26733137909334007302013-06-20T08:11:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:24:52.411-07:00Why the Chicago Blackhawks Need to Win in 6Before the Stanley Cup Finals began many predicted the series to go 7 games as the teams were so evenly matched. But if you’re the Chicago Blackhawks, the last thing you want is to go to game 7 against the Boston Bruins. Why? Because the Boston Bruins just know how to win in game 7 situations.<br />
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The best opportunity for the Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup is in game 6. Yes, they’ll have to do so in Boston, but if they can win game 5 at home and gain momentum they’ll have a chance to close it out on the road and history is on their side.<br />
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Coming into the finals both the Blackhawks and Bruins were pretty evenly matched. The Blackhawks have more skilled players but the Bruins blue chip forwards certainly know how to get the job done. Both teams know what it takes to win the Cup, coming off recent Stanley Cup victories in 2010 and 2011.<br />
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Ironically, both teams survived major scares on their journey to the Finals; The Boston Bruins had a little more trouble disposing of the Toronto Maple Leafs than they’d like to admit. The Leafs forced a game 7 and had the Bruins trailing 4-1 before… well you know what happened. Following the hard fought battle with the Leafs the Bruins sailed through easily eliminating both he New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blackhawks got tripped up in round two at the Hands of the Detroit Red Wings and ended up down 3-1 before they battled back to win in game 7.<br />
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It’s really difficult to pick a favorite in this series; both teams know what it takes to win and have battled back from elimination in this post season. Either team could easily take home the Cup, but if this series goes the distance, the Bruins track record shows they know how to win in game 7’s.<br />
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In the last three years of playoff action the Boston Bruins have played in 5 game 7’s and have won 4 of those 5. One of those game 7 victories was their Stanley Cup win in 2011 against the Vancouver Canucks, where they shutout the Canucks 4-0. Going back to the Bruins Cup win in 2011, they had to survive 3 game 7’s. Surviving game 7 three times in the same playoffs is unheard of. When everything was on the line, in a one-game winner take all- the Boston Bruins elevated their game to another level.<br />
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Then of course fast-forward to this years playoffs and take a look back at the first round. Ask the Leafs what happens when you have to face the Bruins in a game 7. Even when you’re beating the Bruins in the 3<sup>rd</sup> period, there’s still no quit in their game. Name another team in the entire league that would have been able to mount the comeback the Boston Bruins did in game 7 of the first round.<br />
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There is just something about the Bruins and game 7’s. To win a game 7 a team needs solid goaltending, physical play and depth; the Bruins possess all three of those things. They trust in <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong>, have solid D to help him out, play the best brand of physical hockey and have depth throughout the line-up. There’s no hero’s on the Bruins, they don’t turn to one guy to deliver like most teams; they have a bunch of hard working players who battle hard and can become the hero at any given moment.<br />
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Another key aspect about game 7 and the Bruins is they are fantastic at drawing a team off their game plan. Both the Rangers and Penguins stopped playing their game and started playing Bruins hockey. When you’re playing Bruins hockey and you’re not the Bruins you’re going to have a bad time and the Bruins will end up winning. When the game 7 rolls around the Bruins know what they have to do to get their opponent frustrated, and off their game just long enough for the Bruins to capitalize.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/toews-940.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="toews-940" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3249" height="168" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/toews-940-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>Just like the Bruins had a key number when they won the Cup, the Blackhawks also had a key number; that key number was 6. The Blackhawks closed out 3 of their 4 series’ back in 2010 in the 6<sup>th</sup> game. They have yet to close out a series this year in 6 games but the Stanley Cup Finals would be a great time to do so.<br />
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The Bruins have played chicken with game 7’s and have had great success doing so: a Stanley Cup Championship. They’re not afraid of game 7’s and elevate their game becoming a much more difficult team to play against. The Blackhawks like to make quick work of their opponents and finish things before game 7.<br />
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The best shot for the Blackhawks is to finish off the Bruins in game 6. Don’t let it get to a game 7 where the Bruins can virtually do no wrong. I’m not predicting a Boston Bruins win, all I’m saying is that the Blackhawks will want to end this in game 6. If it goes 7 the Bruins may be too much for the Blackhawks to handle.<br />
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Can the Blackhawks keep their lucky streak of winning it all in 6 or will the Bruins continue their game 7 dominance?ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-90485597822727991312013-06-11T05:47:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:25:22.371-07:00Stanley Cup Preview: Chicago Blackhawks and Boston BruinsAnother season, all be it a shortened one, has come and gone in the NHL once again. In January, 30 teams took to the ice with the same goal in mind: to be the last team standing and lay claim to the Stanley Cup. After 48 games and three grueling playoff series', we’re down to the final two who will leave it all on the ice for a chance to life the Cup.<br />
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The Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins will be renewing original six rivalries when they square off in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals. The powerhouses’ of the West squaring off against the underdogs of the East; it’s bound to be one heck of a series.<br />
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Before we dive into the Stanley Cup Preview, let’s take a look at each teams journey to the Stanley Cup Finals.<br />
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<strong>Chicago Blackhawks</strong><br />
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After a late start to the season the Blackhawks stormed out of the gate getting points in their first 24 games before a single regulation loss. The Blackhawks were the kings of the hockey world and finished first in the West and also taking home the Presidents.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/blackhawks-trophy_620-thumb-620xauto-303689.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="blackhawks-trophy_620-thumb-620xauto-303689" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3232" height="168" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/blackhawks-trophy_620-thumb-620xauto-303689-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>The Hawks disposed of the Minnesota Wild fairly easily in the first round, winning the series in 5 games. But in round two they ran into the 7<sup>th</sup> seeded Red Wings, who proved the only thing that matters is what happens in the playoffs. The Red Wings gave the Blackhawks everything they could handle and looked to have the Blackhawks on the ropes, but a resilient Blackhawks team not wanting their regular season effort to be for not, battled back and forced a game 7.<br />
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In game 7 the Blackhawks outlasted the Wings as <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/seabrbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brent Seabrook</a></strong> scored the OT winner that sent the Wings packing. After narrowly defeating the Red Wings, the Blackhawks had a date with the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Once again the Blackhawks made fairly easy work of their opponents taking the series in 5 games to win the West.<br />
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<strong>Boston Bruins</strong><br />
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The Boston Bruins narrowly escaped their first round match with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs forced a game 7 and had the Bruins on the ropes up 4-1 with 10 minutes left in the third period. Cue <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lucicmi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Milan Lucic</a></strong>. Lucic put the team on his back and helped them mount a comeback that will go down in history as not only one of the greatest comebacks in NHL history but also as one of the worst collapses in NHL history. The Bruins tied the game to force OT and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bergepa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Patrice Bergeron</a></strong> scored the OT winner that drove the dagger into the hearts of Leaf fans everywhere.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/74107961.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="74107961" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3233" height="199" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/74107961-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a>The second round proved to be much easier for the Bruins as they disposed of King Henrik and the New York Rangers in 5 games. If not for a rough outing from <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong> a sweep may have been order in the second round.<br />
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In round three the Bruins met up with the talented Pittsburgh Penguins. At first glance this series seems like a talent mismatch but the Bruins proved that depth and character can beat talent and no leadership any day. The Bruins finally earned their sweep as they easily dismantled the Penguins in 4 games.<br />
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<strong>Teeing up the series</strong><br />
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Due to the shortened 48 game season the Blackhawks and Bruins didn’t meet in the regular season. This is the first time since 1979, the Stanley Cup final will be between two original 6 teams. Despite their rich history, this is only the 7<sup>th</sup> time the Blackhawks and Bruins have met in the postseason and the first time since 1978. The Blackhawks finished first in the West and want to prove their historic start wasn’t just a fluke and bring home the Cup to validate their effort. The Bruins came into the playoffs in 4<sup>th</sup> place and since clawing back from the ropes of defeat in round one, have picked up steam each round appearing nearly unstoppable.<br />
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<strong>Key Factors:</strong><br />
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<strong>Goaltending</strong><br />
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Statistically speaking <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crawfco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Corey Crawford</a></strong> and Tuukka Rask have been the two best goalies throughout the playoffs. Perhaps that’s the reason the Blackhawks and Bruins are the final two-left standing.<br />
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Earlier this postseason I wrote about how I hadn’t been impressed with Tuukka Rask through he first 2.5 rounds. He barely outdueled <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Reimer</a></strong> and his team was more responsible for the wins than he was. But in round three he proved just how good he is and why he is an elite goaltender. Through the first 3 rounds Rask is 12-4 with a 1.75 Goals Against Average and a .948 Save Percentage, those numbers are even better than <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/thomati01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tim Thomas</a></strong>’ after the first 3 rounds in 2011.<br />
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Corey Crawford is a goalie that always seems to fly under the radar. No one gives him any credit and no one is sure if he’s good enough to win the Blackhawks the Cup. Heck before the playoffs started people were hoping <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/e/emeryra01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Ray Emery</a></strong> would get the nod. The Finals could be a breakout for Crawford, a chance to prove that he can perform in the playoffs. He’s outdueled <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/howarja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jimmy Howard</a></strong> and arguably the best goalie in the world in <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/q/quickjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonathan Quick</a></strong>, so Crawford isn’t off to a bad start.<br />
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<strong>Can the Bruins continue to shutdown stars?</strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/170211510_8.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Los Angeles Kings v Chicago Blackhawks - Game Five" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3234" height="200" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/170211510_8-300x200.jpg" width="300" /></a>It’s no easy task to shutdown the offence the Pittsburgh Penguins boast. With <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong> coming full tilt that’s enough power to make a team run and hide until the onslaught is over. But the Bruins managed to stop the Penguins big three as all three were held without a point in the series. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/toewsjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonathan Toews</a></strong> has been rather quiet so far in the playoffs scoring just 1 goal. Now would be a good time for Toews to step up and join <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kanepa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Patrick Kane</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hossama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Marian Hossa</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/sharppa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Patrick Sharp</a></strong> in scoring goals. Can the Blackhawks big players step up and beat Tuukka Rask? Or atleast score a goal?<br />
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<strong>Special Teams</strong><br />
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Not only did the Bruins do the unthinkable by keeping Crosby, Neal and Malkin off the scoreboard, they also kept the lethal Penguins powerplay from scoring. The Bruins killed off all 15 penalties they took against the Penguins and have an amazing 86.5% penalty kill through the playoffs.<br />
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The Blackhawks also haven’t done too poorly while down a man. They have a near perfect 94.8% penalty kill and the defence blocks almost everything making life on Crawford pretty easy.<br />
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One of these teams will let their penalty killing guard down, even a little, and it may well cost them.<br />
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<strong>Players to Watch</strong><br />
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<strong>Brent Seabrook</strong><br />
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Since being reunited with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/keithdu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Duncan Keith</a></strong>, Seabrook has been on fire on the blueline. The Blackhawks will need him to match the Bruins physical play but also to help spark the offence.<br />
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<strong>Brian Bickell</strong><br />
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The reason the Blackhawks are having success without Toews scoring is in large part due to Brian Bickell. The upcoming free agent has 13 goals through 17 games and is looking to cash in on a major payday. If Bickell can keep up his play the Blackhawks should be just fine on offence, even without Toews.<br />
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<b><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/krugto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Torey Krug</a></strong></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/T-Krug.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="T-Krug" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3240" height="225" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/T-Krug-300x225.jpg" width="300" /></a>Heading into the season all eyes were on rookie defenceman <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hamildo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Dougie Hamilton</a></strong>. Hamilton showed flashes of brilliance and had times were he certainly looked like a rookie. Through the first three rounds of the playoffs the Bruins have been getting production from a young defenceman, but his name isn’t Hamilton, it’s Torey Krug.<br />
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Krug has 6 points in 9 playoff games and has become a key member of the Bruins blueline as he’s climbed up the depth charts. Krug isn’t the type of player who carries a team but it the type of player that all championship teams have. He finds a way to contribute while flying under the radar and steps up when his team needs him. Torey Krug is the biggest X-factor in the Stanley Cup Finals.<br />
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<b><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/krejcda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">David Krejci</a></strong></b><br />
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Has there been a player throughout the playoffs who has elevated his play more than David Krejci? In 47 regular season games Krejci recorded 10 goals and added 23 assists. In the first 16-playoff games Krejci already has 9 goals and 12 assists.<br />
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He’s become a key component for the Bruins offencive success. If Krejci can keep scoring and helping Milan Lucic and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hortona01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Nathan Horton</a></strong> find the back of the net, the Bruins offence will be nearly unstoppable.<br />
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The Blackhawks and Bruins have arguably the two best coaches in the NHL in Joel Quenneville and Claude Julien. Both coaches have a Stanley Cup to their names and have been put through the paces in the NHL and despite both coaches remaining with their teams for at least 5 years, neither coach has lost his players respect or attention. Just ask John Tortorella how well that works.<br />
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The two best goalies in the playoffs, two of the best and most respected coaches and arguably two of the best-built hockey teams in the league. From the first line scorers to the fourth line role players, everyone knows their role and they work together to fill any holes.<br />
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The Blackhawks and Bruins will kick off their battle on Wednesday night and this may turn into one of the closest Stanley Cup Finals we’ve seen. Both teams match up so evenly.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hawks2010.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="hawks2010" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3241" height="196" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hawks2010-300x196.jpg" width="300" /></a><strong>Prediction: These teams are so evenly matched it’s difficult to give a leg up to either team. It will likely come down to whichever goalie can remain hot or make that key save. My Pick- Chicago Blackhawks in 7 games. Remember what happened last time the Blackhawks finished 1<sup>st</sup> in the central?</strong>ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-65812329546726824692013-06-07T09:14:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:25:49.153-07:00Pittsburgh Penguins Lack LeadershipThe Pittsburgh Penguins are a team filled with veteran leadership. From <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong> to <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/i/iginlja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarome Iginla</a></strong>, the Penguins are filled with players who have been to the dance and learned all the moves. Yet somehow in that room full of leaders there is a lack of leadership and it's costing the Penguins in the playoffs.<br />
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For a team that technically has three captains on the roster; Crosby, Iginla and Brandon Morrow, the Penguins aren't playing with veteran experience and need someone to step up and calm the team down.<br />
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It was a lack of leadership combined with mental mistakes that saw a completely different Pittsburgh Penguins team take to the ice in games one and two of the Eastern Conference Finals. They got away from their game plan and led by their captain, started playing Boston Bruin hockey.<br />
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There's a reason it's called Boston Bruin hockey, because the Bruins are the best at it. They know how to play physical between the whistles, how to get under opponents skin and most importantly what they can get away with. The Bruins like to get involved physically to draw their opponents off of their game plan and strike while their opponents are trying to play "Bruins" hockey. If you're trying to beat the Bruins at their own game you're not going to win period.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tumblr_mnmt09gMWM1rx34vzo1_500.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Detroit Red Wings v Pittsburgh Penguins - Game Six" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3225" height="206" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tumblr_mnmt09gMWM1rx34vzo1_500-300x206.jpg" width="300" /></a>In the first two games the Penguins were annoyed. You saw <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong> wrestle <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bergepa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Patrice Bergeron</a></strong> to the ice and Crosby take a shot at <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong>. Crosby wears the "C" and is the leader of the Penguins, he also happens to be the best hockey player in the league. But Crosby isn't playing like the best hockey player, we should be talking about his sick goals and great passes to <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kunitch01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Chris Kunitz</a></strong>.<br />
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Instead we've seen Crosby whine and complain to the refs, commit an awful turnover in game 2 and attempt to take on <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/charazd01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Zdeno Chara</a></strong> in game 1. This is not the Crosby or the captain the Penguins need to lead them to a Stanley Cup, this is the Crosby who is being completely shutdown and frustrated by the Bruins.<br />
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What makes matters worse is the fact Crosby doesn't even have a point in this series and has been virtually invisible. In the regular season Crosby is virtually the best player on the ice every game, he has no problem scoring goals and elevating his game to the next level when he wants to. But the playoffs are a different story. In the playoffs, especially in the later rounds everything gets's tighter. There's less space and time and Crosby is forced to make decisions much quicker than in the regular season. Throw the Bruins into the mix and not only do you not have any space or time, but you're also getting hit every time you touch the puck.<br />
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The Physicality in this series has thrown Crosby off his game and hasn't given him a chance to be <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>. Since the Penguins aren't winning and Crosby is frustrated the frustration goes throughout the entire line-up. What the Penguins have right now is a team that has too many superstars. It's great to have the likes of Sidney Crosby, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/letankr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Kris Letang</a></strong> and Jarome Iginla in the line-up, but what happens in a situation like this is players take it upon themselves to save the team. The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't playing like a team while the Boston Bruins are.<br />
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Crosby needs help. He may be the best player and have a solid character but that's not helping the Penguins win right now. What everyone forgets is Crosby is still a rather young player. Iginla or one of the other veterans needs to take Crosby under their wing and teach him how to get through a rough series because he doesn't know how. Crosby knows how to score goals but does he know how to play when the goals aren't coming? The rest of the team is following the example Crosby is leading and right now it's not a great example.<br />
<br />
Now as much as people want to flog Crosby to death it's not all his fault. He needs to step it up, but so do other players. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/i/iginlja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarome Iginla</a></strong> and Brenden Morrow have turned out to be major disappointments and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/letankr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Kris Letang</a></strong> has looked lost on the backend. Crosby, Neal, Malkin, Iginla and Kunitz all have a combined 0 points in this series and the lethal Penguins powerplay is a dismal 0-12.<br />
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The Penguins offence has been shutdown on every level, even when they're up a man they have failed to capitalize. Someone in the dressing room needs to step up. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vokouto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tomas Vokoun</a></strong> has fixed their goaltending issues; now it's time for someone to step up score goals, show the team discipline and how to win.<br />
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The Pittsburgh Penguins backs' are up against the wall, it's now or never. We're about to see the character and leadership of Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-48420922539278281962013-06-04T04:57:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:26:29.338-07:00Why Tomas Vokoun Should Start Game 3 For the PenguinsAfter a 6-1 loss in game two, in which neither <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vokouto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tomas Vokoun</a></strong> nor <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fleurma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Marc-Andre Fleury</a></strong> could stop a beach ball, the Pittsburgh Penguins are at a crossroads with what to do with their goaltenders. Do they go back to Marc-Andre Fleury who has won them a Stanley Cup but is showing more recently that he can’t handle the playoff pressure or continue down the road with the veteran Tomas Vokoun?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/8466092.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="8466092" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3213" height="193" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/8466092-300x193.jpg" width="300" /></a>The goaltending decision ahead of game three is the biggest decision of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bylsmda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Dan Bylsma</a></strong>’s coaching career. If he chooses the wrong guy, the Penguins’ hopes of lifting another Stanley Cup will end at the Conference Finals.<br />
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Going into the Conference finals, no one expected this series to be high scoring. Sure the Penguins have superstars that when they’re on can make any goalie look like a house league call-up, but they were facing the hard-hitting, physical Boston Bruins who have a stellar goalie in <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong> between the pipes. And oh yeah, Rask is playing for a new, multi-year contract.<br />
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Remember last time the Penguins faced a physical team in the playoffs? They were eliminated in the first round because they got coaxed into the physical play. After game one it appeared that would be the case again.<br />
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Heading into this series all questions surrounded the goalies. Would the Penguins continue with Tomas Vokoun and would he be good enough to lead them to a Stanley Cup? Would Tuukka Rask be able to withstand the Penguins offence?<br />
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With 9 goals in the first two games, it’s clear the Penguins goaltending isn’t getting the job done. While all the blame isn’t just on Vokoun or Fleury as the whole Penguins team needs to be better, the Penguins also need a goaltender in net who is going to come up with a big save to keep them in the game.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1310818656542_ORIGINAL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Penguins goalie Vokoun makes a save against the Senators during the first period in Game 5 of their NHL Eastern Conference semi-final hockey series in Pittsburgh" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3211" height="233" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/1310818656542_ORIGINAL-300x233.jpg" width="300" /></a>While it wont be an easy decision naming a starter for game three, considering neither goalie stopped anything in game 2, the Penguins need to keep going with Tomas Vokoun.<br />
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The time to put Fleury back between the pipes has long passed; this is Tomas Vokoun’s Penguin team right now. Not saying the Penguins will go forward with the 36 year-old veteran next season, but this is turning into a similar situation that the Canadiens went through in 2009 with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/priceca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Carey Price</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/halakja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jaroslav Halak</a></strong>.<br />
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This is the second straight post-season where Fleury has faltered, he arguably played himself out of the starters role and Bylsma chose to run with Vokoun. It’s too late for Bylsma to run back and catch the Fleury bus while he’s riding full speed ahead on the Vokoun train.<br />
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The time to put Fleury back between the pipes was immediately after he was pulled in round 1 or the beginning of round two, not when you’re down two games in the Conference Finals. The Penguins have asked Tomas Vokoun to step up and carry the Penguins; he’s done that and now deserves a chance to get the Penguins out of this hole. If not for Tomas Vokoun the Penguins would have been eliminated in round 1.<br />
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Going back to the fragile Fleury for game three would be a major mistake. It doesn’t matter how good he’s looked in practice while riding the bench; that’s practice, against his own teammates, not a playoff game against the Boston Bruins. Fleury has proved he doesn’t have what it takes to perform in the playoffs lately. The Penguins need to go with the goalie that gives them the best shot at winning and that goalie is Tomas Vokoun.<br />
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There’s no question the Penguins offence needs to step it up in game three. Just three goals through the first two games with all the star power they have is inexcusable. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong> all need to be better, they’re counted on to lead the Penguins and right now they’re not doing that. For whatever reason Crosby isn’t living up to the “C” on his chest and the Penguins are lacking some serious leadership.<br />
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While the offence needs to pick up the slack, the goalies need to make key saves. Throwing Marc-Andre Fleury into game three reeks of desperation, Tomas Vokoun has been fine since he took over, he had a rough game but so did the rest of the team. If you’re going to replace Tomas Vokoun with Fleury in game three you may as well put <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/cookema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Matt Cooke</a></strong> on the first line instead of Sidney Crosby because Crosby had a rough game.<br />
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<strong>The Penguins have made their bed with Tomas Vokoun, now it’s time for them to lie in it</strong>.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-50735143717144302112013-05-30T05:40:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:24:39.255-07:00Just How Important is Goaltending in the PlayoffsNow that we're down to the final four, it's time to start taking a look at the masked men between the pipes. They're only players on the ice for a full 60 minutes and the ones who continually jump in front of flying rubber missiles but when things go wrong they receive all the blame. Being a goaltender is a tireless and thankless job, you're either the hero or the goat. So far in these playoffs we've seen our fair share of goats and hero's between the pipes.<br />
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Regular season success has absolutely no baring on the postseason. Just ask the Chicago Blackhawks who found themselves trailing the Detroit Red Wings 3 games to 1 in their Western Conference Semi Final. In the same sense goaltending in the regular season is a completely different ball game than goaltending in the playoffs. Just ask <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fleurma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Marc-Andre Fleury</a></strong> who is growing roots on the bench in Pittsburgh.<br />
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The pressure on a goaltender in the playoffs is surreal. One wrong move, react half a second to late, lose the puck in a scramble, allowing a goal that zaps your teams momentum and you're getting boo'd off the ice. Mix all those worries with; rebound control, defencive errors and some insanely talented forwards and you have everything that's going on inside the mind of a goalie. There's so much to think about and roughly a 10th of a second to react.<br />
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No matter how many goals a team scores or how skilled that team may be, without a solid goalie that team will not succeed. Goaltending is key for a long playoff run and for any team who's mission is the Stanley Cup<br />
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It's been a roller coaster ride for goalies throughout these playoffs. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/q/quickjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonathan Quick</a></strong> went from being the goat in game one to statistically being the best goalie through 2 rounds. Then you have a goalie like <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong> who's really showing he belongs and has been making people forget <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/thomati01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tim Thomas</a></strong>. But then Rask wipes-out giving the Rangers an easy goal and unfortunately costs his team the game, which turns Rask into the goat.<br />
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Goaltending can help solidify a teams chances at a Stanley Cup or be the flat tire on that road. Sometimes all a team needs is to change it's goalie. We're going to look at the goalies who are making a positive impact on their team and some other goalies who are holding them back these playoffs.<br />
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<strong><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/howarja02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jimmy Howard</a></strong></strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/512x.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jimmy Howard" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3187" height="205" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/512x-300x205.jpg" width="300" /></a>If the Detroit Red Wings built Howard a statue it wouldn't be enough to thank him for his efforts between the pipes this season. Coming into the postseason as a 7th seed and upsetting the number 2 seed and nearly upsetting the number one seed. Howard has outdueled both <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hillejo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonas Hiller</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crawfco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Corey Crawford</a></strong> and as a result the Wings have been winning. Howard went 7-7-2 through the first two rounds and ranked 3rd with a GAA of 2.22 amongst goalies who had played 11 games.<br />
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Upon taking a 3-1 stranglehold on the Blackhawks, Howard and the Red Wings had won 5 of their last 6 games and the goaltender had them at the doorstep of a Conference Final birth. Unfortunately defeating the Blackhawks is a lot easier said then done and they came back from their 3-1 deficit to beat the Wings in 7 games. Despite the second round elimination, Jimmy Howard came up big for the Wings.<br />
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<strong>Jonathan Quick</strong><br />
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In all honesty has there been a better, more clutch goalie through the playoffs? When you look at the statistics the answer is no. Howard is 8-5-2 through the playoffs sporting a 1.50 GAA and a .948 Save Percentage. And oh by the way he also has 3 shutouts. This may only be Jonathan Quick's second season leading a team in the playoffs but he's quickly turning into a clutch playoff goalie.<br />
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The way the Western Conference Finals have shaped up, we'll see proven playoff goalie Jonathan Quick square off against Corey Crawford who has yet to prove himself in the playoffs. Which goalie will elevate their team to the Finals?<br />
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<strong><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lundqhe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Henrik Lundqvist</a></strong></strong><br />
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It's hard to watch the New York Rangers and not feel bad for Henrik Lundqvist. He is such a skilled goaltender but his team can't do anything to help him win. Makes one wonder if the Rangers are wasting the best years of the "kings" career. Despite his team virtually not showing up through the playoffs, Lundqvist has continually come up big time after time. When the Rangers needed him most in round 1 he stepped up posting back to back shutouts in games 6 and 7.<br />
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With his team down 3 games to the Boston Bruins, Lundqvist came out ready to play in game 4 and made 37 stops to help his team get their first win of the series. While Lundqvist stood tall the Bruins proved to be too much for the Rangers as the King was eliminated in game 5. With the lack of success in New York will Lundqvist stay there?<br />
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<strong><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vokouto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tomas Vokoun</a></strong></strong><br />
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If not for Tomas Vokoun coming off the bench and stepping up after Fleury's meltdown, the Pittsburgh Penguins would probably be at home instead of the Eastern Finals. Vokoun has been shinning between the pipes and helped the Penguins focus on what they're good at; scoring goals.<br />
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No one knows if the Penguins will put Fleury back in again but with the way Vokoun has been playing, it would be tough to pull him. This may be Vokoun's Stanley Cup run from now on.<br />
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<strong>Tuukka Rask</strong><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tuukka-rask14.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Tuukka Rask" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3189" height="168" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/tuukka-rask14-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>It's hard to criticize a goalie who's won 8 games but watching these playoffs I haven't been impressed by Tuukka Rask. The only reason he has these wins is because his team has bailed him out time after time. In game 7 of the first round against the Leafs, he allows 4 goals and his team ends up down 4-1. Since the Bruins came back no one showed to much concern but his play in the first round was alarming. He wasn't stellar and didn't look much better than <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Reimer</a></strong>.<br />
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Rask has just 1 playoff run under his belt and it didn't go very well. He's fairly in-experienced, this is his year to show that he can carry the team and perform in the playoffs. Despite his 8 wins he's posting a rough 2.22 GAA and a .928 Save Percentage, not fantastic numbers. He's getting by because his team is scoring. When the Bruins had a chance to close out the series in New York, Tuukka didn't bother to show up. He'll need to stay on-top of his game in order for the Bruins to make it to the Finals, especially if he comes up against the Penguins. If you don't agree name 1 game Rask has "stolen" for the Bruins, these playoffs.<br />
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<b><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/andercr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Craig Anderson</a></strong></b><br />
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Craig Anderson is another goalie who is hard to criticize. He's been the backbone of the Senators team and dominated in the first round. But in the second round he just hasn't been good enough. It's tough for any goalie to stop the likes of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/i/iginlja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarome Iginla</a></strong>, but Anderson needed to find a way to stop the Penguins offence.<br />
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Anderson ranks last with 5 wins and a 3.01 GAA amongst all goalies who have gone 2 rounds. The Senators weren't able to get the goaltending they need to take down the Penguins.<br />
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<strong>Corey Crawford</strong><br />
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Want to know the one reason the Chicago Blackhawks wont win the cup? Their goaltending. Splitting the season with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/e/emeryra01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Ray Emery</a></strong> really benefited Corey Crawford. Now that Crawford has been relied on to play on his own and steal some games for the Blackhawks, he hasn't been able to. With the kind of slump the Blackhawks are in they needed their goalie to steal a game or two for them and Crawford has failed to do that.<br />
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The Blackhawks want Crawford to be their goalie of the future but if he continues to bomb in the playoffs that future may be over in a hurry. It may be time for the Hawks to allow Crawford to learn during the playoffs, much like the Bruins did with Rask.<br />
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A goalie either becomes a hero or a goat in the playoffs, there's no room for average goaltending. The goaltenders who are turning heads and coming up big for their teams will be the ones who go far, while the others will fall into the shadows.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-37706686663388610652013-05-17T03:41:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:27:11.337-07:00Has Raffi Torres Put the Final Nail in his NHL Career?With the NHL changing the rules to cut down on head-shots and concussions, players who like to make big impact hits had to redefine their game or get left behind. Players like <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/cookema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Matt Cooke</a></strong>, Dan Carcillo and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/downist01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Steve Downie</a></strong> have all had to change the way they play to stay on the right side of the law. But one player who hasn't been able to adjust his game successfully is <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/torrera01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Raffi Torres</a></strong>.<br />
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From his hit on <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/e/eberljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jordan Eberle</a></strong> in 2011 to his hit on <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hossama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Marian Hossa</a></strong> in last years playoffs, Raffi Torres just can't seem to figure out a way to play within the "rules". There is a fine line that a player like Torres must toe, but he continually crosses that line. Torres is the type of player who can't find a permanent home, he's bounced around between 6 different NHL teams. His job is to bring something to each team he plays for to convince them to keep him and thats usually physicality. But Torres keeps crossing the line and after his last hit on Tuesday night in the second round of the playoffs, it may be time for teams to start crossing him off their team.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei5UkHL0oNM<br />
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We'll start with his latest hit of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stollja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarret Stoll</a></strong>. Was it a dirty hit or a head hit? It was not a dirty hit but rather an illegal hit, the principal point of contact appears to be the head. The tough thing about this hit is that Stoll leaned forward to get the puck and by that point it was virtually to late for Torres to stop. Had this been a player not named Raffi Torres, they probably get a phone hearing and 1 or 2 games max. Since this hit involves the controversial Raffi Torres, an in-person hearing is called and there's a lengthy suspension.<br />
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What's really startling about Torres is his MO. He seems to be aiming to take star players out of the game and that's exactly what the NHL is trying to get rid of. He hits Jordan Eberle one of the Edmonton Oilers best young players, Marian Hossa a key member of the Chicago Blackhawks offence and Jarret Stoll another key player on a Stanley Cup contending team.<br />
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Big hit's with unfortunate outcomes happen in the NHL, look at the <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/grybaer01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Eric Gryba</a></strong> hit, but continually going after key players is something the NHL can't continue to allow.<br />
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When you look at the Stoll hit it's a really grey area that the NHL needs to make clear. Torres doesn't extend his elbow or leave his feet, but he did finish his check on an angle that targeted Stoll's head on the play. Basically what the NHL is saying is Torres took a "bad route" to finish his check, as he skated east-west. Torres also hits upwards into Stoll's body forcing his head backwards instead of hitting through Stoll. Had this been anyone else, I think they get the benefit of the doubt with this hit, but it's not it's the infamous Raffi Torres.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/raffi-torres.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="raffi-torres" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3175" height="197" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/raffi-torres-300x197.jpg" width="300" /></a>The consensus online is that Torres shouldn't be suspended for this hit and that the only reason this is such a big deal is because of Torres' history. A team can no longer get the benefit of the doubt when Torres hits somebody, anytime anything is borderline with this guy you know <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/shanabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brendan Shanahan</a></strong> will be calling. Which is why teams are going to start to give up on him. No team wants a player that can't get away with anything, he's become a liability on the ice.<br />
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Whether people like it or not and despite his best efforts, Raffi Torres is a dirty hockey player. The book is out on him, he likes to take star or impact players out of the line-up. If a 25 game suspension in last years playoffs didn't deliver the message clear enough to Raffi Torres what's it going to take?<br />
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With the 6 game suspension, could this be the final hit of his career? Raffi Torres will be an un-restricted free agent this coming offseason and if the San Jose Sharks don't resign him, where does he go? While his hit on Stoll wasn't malicious, it was a dangerous play and it may cost him a lot more than 6 games.<br />
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Also be sure to check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/gillette?sk=app_625115437516922&app_data=audition%28301%29">Gillette Drafted Audition</a>ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-87642977600265854922013-05-14T09:11:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:27:32.128-07:00What We Learned From the First Round of NHL PlayoffsThe first round of the 2013 NHL playoffs is in the books. For the Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Boston Bruins the dream is still alive as they advance to the second round. But for the teams that fell just short, it's going to be a long offseason and for some the first round will have left a bitter taste.<br />
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The first 4 wins are in the books, now it's just the final 12. So what did we learn and what can we take away from the first round of the 2013 NHL playoffs?<br />
<ul><br />
<li><strong>The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't as good as everyone thought.</strong></li>
</ul>
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This was supposed to be the Penguins year. A healthy <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong> combined with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong> and the addition of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/i/iginlja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarome Iginla</a></strong>. The Penguins made a statement, their goal in the playoffs is nothing short of the Stanley Cup. While they still have a shot at that goal, some weaknesses have been exposed in their team and the road is only going to get tougher. Until the Penguins figure out their goaltending issues, they wont be able to lay claim to the Stanley Cup. Looks like Pittsburgh isn't the big power-house everyone believed.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><span style="line-height: 13px;"><strong>8th seed don't care</strong></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/940-senators-celebration.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="940-senators-celebration" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3164" height="168" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/940-senators-celebration-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>Remember when Brian Burke was the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs and he said he didn't want to just squeak into the playoffs in 8th only to be clobbered in the first round, then the LA Kings went on to win the Stanley Cup from the 8th seed? In the first round, especially in the East, what seed you finished didn't mean much. Look at the Islanders giving the Penguins all they could handle, The Senators as the 7th seed upsetting the 2nd seeded Canadiens and the Detroit Red Wings following along the Senators path by upsetting the Ducks.<br />
Once you make the playoffs it's a whole new ballgame, throw out the regular season as it means nothing. In a best of 7 series, anything can happen- it all depends what team shows up.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><span style="line-height: 13px;"><strong>Never underestimate your opponent</strong></span></li>
</ul>
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After the Bruins closed out their series with the Leafs in game 7, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lucicmi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Milan Lucic</a></strong> admitted that the Bruins kind of underestimated the Leafs.<br />
<blockquote>
"I think after Game 4 we did. I don’t think once the series started we underestimated them. That’s why we had a 3-1 lead after four games, but after that it just seemed like it was almost like a bit of we did underestimate them a bit and when it felt like we deflated them in that Game 4 overtime goal that wasn’t the case at all."</blockquote>
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Underestimating the Leafs almost cost the Bruins the series as the Leafs showed no quit and a lot of heart, battling back from a 3-1 series deficit.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><strong>Goaltending is kind of important</strong></li>
</ul>
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You can pretty much say every team that was eliminated in round one, didn't get the type of goaltending they needed. Look at the New York Rangers, when they needed a big game <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lundqhe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Henrik Lundqvist</a></strong> stepped up. In fact "the King" stepped up with shutouts in both game 6 and 7. Look at the at the Canadiens and Canucks, both teams didn't get the goaltending they needed and as a result they're out. Goaltending nearly cost the Pittsburgh Penguins in their first round series but instead it cost the Islanders. Had the Islanders had someone other than <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nabokev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Nabokov</a></strong> between the pipes, they may very well have upset the Penguins.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><strong>Despite no experience and having the odds against, the Leafs actually played pretty solid playoff hockey</strong></li>
</ul>
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Yes, everyone in Toronto is disappointed and so are the players, after coming within 11 minutes of moving on to the 2nd round, but they really shouldn't be. This series for Toronto was a win-win. They gained valuable playoff experience and now know what it takes to win in the playoffs. The Leafs did far better than anyone expected and nearly pulled off the unthinkable, that is a huge plus for the Leafs and will only help them going forward.<br />
<ul><br />
<li><strong>Maybe <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/ovechal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Alex Ovechkin</a></strong> Really Can't play in the playoffs</strong></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/alexxweb.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="alexxweb" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3166" height="199" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/alexxweb-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a>Sigh, yes another disappointing first round exit for Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. I really thought they would advance this year and Ovechkin would finally find the playoff success that has eluded him, but sadly that was not the case. Ovechkin was held scoreless for the last 5 games of the series and most importantly in game 7 when his team needed him the most. Ovechkin scored just 1 goal and added 1 assist, a far cry from his dominance during the regular season. It's been 9 seasons since Ovechkin joined the Capitals and they've failed advance past the 2nd round in any year.<br />
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<strong>Interesting stats</strong><br />
<ul><br />
<li>The Kings and Blues played in the closest series. The teams spent 98.8 either tied or within 1 goal of the other. Through 6 games there was only a 5 minute span where the was a 2 goal cushion. Talk about some close, nail-bitting hockey.</li>
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<li><strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/priceca01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Carey Price</a></strong> is 4-11 in his last 4 playoff appearances and hasn't made it out of the first round.</li>
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<li>How close were the first round match-ups? Well a staggering 17 games needed extra time to decide a winner, which breaks the previous record of 16 in just one round.</li>
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<li>Remarkable all 6 "original 6" NHL teams made it into the playoffs and 4 of them are still alive.</li>
</ul>
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Round two begins tonight. Get ready for even more exciting hockey as teams look to add 4 more wins on route to the Stanley Cup.<br />
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Also check out my audition for Gillette Drafted --> <a href="http://apps.facebook.com/pg-drafted?app_data=audition%28301%29" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://apps.facebook.com/pg-drafted?app_data=audition%28301%29</a>ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-40283390314325955162013-05-13T09:06:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:29:46.847-07:00Why the Ottawa Senators Will Beat the Pittsburgh PenguinsOn paper you see the 7th place Ottawa Senators squaring off against the 1st place Pittsburgh Penguins, and you feel sorry for the slaughter the Senators are going to go through. But the best part about the NHL playoffs is what's written on paper doesn't matter once you hit the ice. Just ask the Penguins how their easy round one with the 8th place New York Islanders panned out.<br />
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The Senators are not your typical 7th seeded playoff team. When you look at the final Eastern Conference playoff standings just 2 points separated 8th from 5th. The Senators were one win shy of 5th place and a match with the Boston Bruins and just one point up on 8th and a first round match with the Penguins. Since the East was so close and the Sens were just one point out of 5th you have to treat the Senators like a 5th seeded team.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/OTW514_NHL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="OTW514_NHL" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3147" height="168" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/OTW514_NHL-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>After a hard-fought series with the Islanders, the Penguins must be ready for another hard-fought series with the Sens. The Sens are a very young and skilled team. They don't just rely on one guy to get the job done, it's a combined effort from everyone. The Senators easily dispatched of the number 2 ranked Montreal Canadiens by forcing them back on their heels and getting them off their game. If the Sens can do that again, it could be another long series for Crosby and the Pens, one that could see them eliminated.<br />
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While the Senators are nothing like the Philadelphia Flyers or Boston Bruins when it comes to physical play, the playoffs require every team to raise their level of physicality and the Sens have done that. Remember the big hit <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/grybaer01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Eric Gryba</a></strong> laid on <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/e/ellerla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Lars Eller</a></strong>? Or game 3 when both teams barely had enough players to ice 2 lines after a line brawl?<br />
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The Senators, a much tougher team, baited the Canadiens into a physical battle. If the Sens manage to draw the Pens into that physical battle and force them off their game plan, it'll be lights out for the Pens who will be wondering what hit them.<br />
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The Ottawa Senators are also not the same team as they were 3 months ago. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/karlser01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Erik Karlsson</a></strong> is back in the line-up and is beginning to look like the Norris winning defencemen he was a year-ago, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/andercr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Craig Anderson</a></strong> is back between the pipes and has been lights out posting a .950 Save Percentage and the Sens could be getting another boost should <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/spezzja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jason Spezza</a></strong> return to the line-up.<br />
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The Senators are a young team that has been relying on the youthfulness of Erik Karlsson, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/z/zibanmi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mika Zibanejad</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/conacco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Cory Conacher</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/turriky01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Kyle Turris</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/pageaje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jean-Gabriel Pageau</a></strong> to lead the team. While the Pens rely on the skill of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong> to lead the way. The Penguins are a much older team than the Sens and use their veteran leadership and depth throughout the line-up to their advantage. But their age truly showed in round one against the Islanders. They were slow and lost battles for loose pucks all series, the Sens should be able to exploit that with their younger quicker players.<br />
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The two things that make the Senators a very scary threat in the East is their goaltending and defence.<br />
<br />
The Penguins got lucky having to face a weak goalie in <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nabokev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Nabokov</a></strong> who allowed them to keep pace with the goals the Islanders were scoring. The Senators have one of the best netminders in the league in Craig Anderson. If the Penguins go back to <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fleurma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Marc-Andre Fleury</a></strong> and he falters early on, the Sens will jump all over it and Anderson will shut the door.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/946391_469637526448479_1141746942_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="946391_469637526448479_1141746942_n" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3144" height="238" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/946391_469637526448479_1141746942_n-300x238.jpg" width="300" /></a>Anderson is boasting a 1.80 Goals Against Average and a .950 Save Percentage while only allowing 9 goals throughout the first 5 games of the playoffs. The Sens don't let a lot of goals in, the Pens will need to score 1 or 2 garbage goals and then rely on their goaltending to squeak out close games in this series.<br />
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Then there's the whole matter of defence, before you even get to the brick wall that is Anderson. Their defence was the 2nd best in the NHL during the regular season allowing just 2.08 goals a game. Their penalty kill was the best ranked in the league killing off an outstanding 88% of their penalties. Plus they have one of the best defenceman in the NHL back on their blue-line with Karlsson who isn't afraid to rush the puck and pick up the slack by netting some goals himself.<br />
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The second round match-up between the Ottawa Senators and Pittsburgh Penguins is going to be a tough series and perhaps one of the closest in the playoffs. All the pressure will be riding on the Penguins a role reversal from 2007, the last time the Senators beat the Penguins in the playoffs. The Penguins are the team that everyone was and is expecting to challenge for the Stanley Cup and the Senators are just a speed block on that journey. The Senators have nothing to lose in this series, they've already come farther than most expected and have shown just how good a team they have.<br />
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After their tough series win over the Islanders the Penguins are a team that is down on the matt and now is the perfect time for the Sens to jump quickly and kick them while they're down. The Senators may be the Penguins toughest opponents in this years playoffs, the question becomes can they survive two series' where the underdog teams give them all they can handle?<br />
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At the end of the day this series is likely going to come down to goaltending. The Senators have no issues with Anderson and know he can get the job done. The Penguins have a number one goalie who can't stop a beach ball and is rattled, while their back-up is capable. Do the Penguins let <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vokouto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tomas Vokoun</a></strong> have a shot or do they go back to Fleury? Whoever the Penguins choose to go with will have to come up big in this series.<br />
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With Craig Anderson leading the way, the Ottawa Senators have all the tools to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins. In fact the Senators pose a very real Stanley Cup threat, not bad for a team who was decimated with injuries in March.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-84389482938122856962013-05-12T12:41:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:27:45.460-07:00Hockey MomsSince today is Mothers Day I’ve decided to write a post thanking all hockey moms and dedicate it to my mother Pat Campbell.<br />
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Mothers are our biggest fans, best supporters and loudest cheerleaders. They want nothing more than to see their child succeed in their sport and life. They put their own hopes and dreams on hold so that their little athletes can chase theirs. When things go right they're the first ones to celebrate and when things go wrong they're the first ones to comfort and wipe the tears away. They dedicate their entire lives to a sport, they are more than just moms- they are the infamous hockey moms.<br />
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They come to every hockey game and no one can out-cheer them. When you score or make a big save they swell up with pride. They hold their breath when you get hit and yell at your opponent. They're there for you when you don't make the team and ready to console after a 5-0 loss. They know the words to say before a game and when to be quiet when no words are needed.<br />
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Hockey moms everywhere have played a key role in their hockey players development. From house league to the NHL, it all started because of a willing hockey mom. Thank you! Here's just a little peek into the life of a hockey mom.<br />
<ul><a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/BKFDd4GCYAMEOqP.jpg-large-300x300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="BKFDd4GCYAMEOqP.jpg-large" border="0" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3121" height="300" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/BKFDd4GCYAMEOqP.jpg-large-300x300.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<li>To all the moms who understood the passion that their children had and allowed them to pursue what they loved, without any question. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To all the moms who woke up and drove their kids to hockey practice at 7 in the morning. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To all the moms who put off buying what they wanted to help buy hockey equipment. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who became accustomed to the long road trips, living out of the car and staying in hotels on a weekly basis. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who were cool with hockey tournaments over Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and March Break. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms (Especially goalie moms) who couldn't bare to watch the action sitting there peeking through their fingers and holding their breath on every rush. Yelling out where the puck was and to "Watch that player!" like your goalie could hear you. Thank you for putting up with the heart-attacks.</li>
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<li>To the moms who sat in freezing cold hockey arena’s on hard bleachers cheering their kids on to victory. Thank you and the support means more than you could have imagined.</li>
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<li>To all the moms who spent hours traveling from city to city and often knew other cities better than their own.</li>
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<li>To the moms who ran around the arena to the bench to make sure your kid was ok. Thank you and your concern is touching.</li>
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<li>To the moms who put up with all the quirky superstitions and had their own. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who drove hours so their kid could find a team. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who sat in emergency rooms, tapped ankles and wrists and went to visit doctor after doctor until you found the right prognosis. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who educated themselves about a sport they didn't know so they could join in hockey conversations and watch hockey games. Thank you for your effort.</li>
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<li>To the moms who got blisters from tying their young hockey players' skates. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who ate the horrible arena food and delicious popcorn. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who turned the car around and went back home when their hockey player forgot a helmet or elbow pad. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To the moms who referred to the rink as their second home. Thank you.</li>
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<li>To all the moms who remember your the first hockey game when you couldn't see over the boards and the jersey didn't fit and the last game where you were big and strong. They wonder where the time went in between. Thank you for watching your little hockey player grow.</li>
</ul>
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Today while driving around to hockey games and practices, remember to take a moment to thank your hockey mom. She gave up more than you can imagine so you could live your dream. Hockey moms are the biggest and craziest fans around, but they just want whats best for you and to see you happy.<br />
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Thank you for everything you do hockey moms, your hockey player wouldn't be half the hockey player they are now without your support.<br />
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Lastly I'll leave you with a video. Hockey moms just know how important hockey is to you and are willing to help you live your dream.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9SerQmK20A<br />
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ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-77230775350935778912013-05-10T06:39:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:30:08.793-07:00Why Mike Gillis is to Blame for the Vancouver Canucks DebacleIt's been another disappointing season for the Vancouver Canucks. After an early exit in the first round of the playoffs, for the second season in a row, one has to expect changes are coming for the Canucks. Aside from the goalie saga, the first major change that everyone is talking about is the need to fire <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vigneal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Alain Vigneault</a></strong>. But why fire Vigneault when <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gillimi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mike Gillis</a></strong> is to blame for the Canucks debacle?<br />
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Where did things go wrong? The Canucks built themselves a skilled team with Daniel and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/sedinhe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Henrik Sedin</a></strong>, Alex Burrows, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/keslery01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Ryan Kesler</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/royde01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Derek Roy</a></strong>. They have two solid number one goalies in <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/luongro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Roberto Luongo</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/schneco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Cory Schneider</a></strong> and they have the all time winningest Vancouver Canucks coach behind the bench. On paper there is no way the Canucks, with all the talent they have should be getting swept in the first round.<br />
<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/gillis25.0_standard_352.0.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="gillis25.0_standard_352.0" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3108" height="199" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/gillis25.0_standard_352.0-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
With any disappointing season comes finger pointing. While <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vigneal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Alain Vigneault</a></strong> will probably bare most of the blame and be dismissed, the Canucks management needs to think long and hard about keeping <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gillimi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mike Gillis</a></strong>.<br />
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The Vancouver Canucks were built by <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gillimi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mike Gillis</a></strong>. He built the team he thought could win a Championship, only problem is he traded many key players along the way. Perhaps one of his worst moves was destroying the confidence of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hodgsco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Cody Hodgson</a></strong> and then trading him for <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kassiza01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Zack Kassian</a></strong>. Hodgson for the Canucks is a perfect 2nd or 3rd line centre and would have provided that scoring depth they needed. The Canucks scored just 8 goals in their first round match with the San Jose Sharks, simply not good enough. When 3 goals is the "bench-mark" to win a hockey game, the Canucks fell short by only scoring 3 goals once in the last game.<br />
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Turns out Hodgson isn't as bad as the Canucks were leading everyone to believe. He finished with a point-per-game pace for the Buffalo Sabres and has turned into a first-line centre. Maybe you should have given him a shot Gillis.<br />
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The Canucks, led by <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gillimi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mike Gillis</a></strong> have become one of the most hated teams in the NHL and they brought it on themselves. Outside from Vancouver there's not too many hockey fans sad to see the mighty Canucks fall once again in the first round. They're a smug team who looks down on everyone else in the league. They've made a mockery of diving and embellishing to draw penalties and then whine and complain when their opponents return the favour.<br />
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It's pretty ironic how the Canucks, particularly <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/biekske01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Kevin Bieksa</a></strong> went to the media to complain about <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/thornjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Joe Thornton</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/coutulo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Logan Couture</a></strong> diving and not playing the game the right way. Yet who was sitting in the box when the Sharks tied the game to force OT- Kevin Bieska. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/sedinda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Daniel Sedin</a></strong> was also handed a questionable penalty in OT that probably wouldn't have been called on another team. Sometimes players need to realize when to shut up and just play hockey.<br />
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The main reason Mike Gillis is to blame is for how he handled the goaltending situation. What he needed to do is unload Luongo for a solid forward who would have helped the Canucks in the postseason. Instead he kept the goalie hoping to luck out and in the end it cost the Canucks. The goaltending was a distraction and a topic of discussion all season long and when Luongo started games one and two over the injured Schnieder the plot only thickened.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hkn_canucks_practice_hockey_20130509.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Roberto Luongo" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3110" height="190" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/hkn_canucks_practice_hockey_20130509-300x190.jpg" width="300" /></a>It's understandable that Gillis wanted to hit a home run when trading away <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/luongro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Roberto Luongo</a></strong>. He's a great goalie who would improve any team, but his contract stinks. Gillis needed to accept the fact he wasn't going to get equal trade value for his goalie. Instead his reward would have been moving the netminder and putting an end to the goalie saga thus ending to the distraction. Look at the Columbus Blue Jackets, did they get equal trade value for <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nashri01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Rick Nash</a></strong>, not really. Yet they still banded together and just narrowly missed the playoffs. It's not always about what you can get back, instead it's about who you already had stepping up.<br />
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I talked about how the Canucks needed to <a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/2013/01/22/why-the-vancouver-canucks-need-to-trade-roberto-luongo-now/">get rid of Luongo at the beginning of the season</a> if the team was to move forward and have success this season. They didn't trade him, they didn't move forward and they didn't have any playoff success and that's because they kept Luongo.<br />
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The Vancouver Canucks and Mike Gillis are at a crossroads. After 7 years it's time for a new coach behind the bench, the Canucks core is aging and can't seem to get it done in the playoffs and the Canucks can't possibly bring back <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/luongro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Roberto Luongo</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/schneco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Cory Schneider</a></strong> again next season can they?<br />
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It's time for the Vancouver Canucks and Mike Gillis to face the facts; They don't have a team that is built for playoff success. From the head coach to goalies, for whatever reason they can't seem to conquer the playoff demons. Before you point the finger at Alain Vigneault for another dissapointing season, make sure you remember who built this team behind the scenes.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-53504392399869710312013-05-08T07:14:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:30:29.213-07:00Is It Time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to Play Tomas Vokoun?On paper when you see the Pittsburgh Penguins squaring off against the New York Islanders in the first round of the playoffs, you wouldn't expect the series to be tied at 2 after 4 games. Some fans may have expected the Islanders to have already been eliminated, but the Islanders are sticking around and they owe a huge thank you to <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/fleurma01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Marc-Andre Fleury</a></strong>. With Fleury not playing his best hockey, is it time for the Penguins to turn to Tomas Vokoun?<br />
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After the Pittsburgh Penguins made major strides to build the team for a deep playoff run, seeing them struggle in the first round is a big shock. Heading into the playoffs the Penguins had a roster boasting the likes of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/malkiev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Malkin</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/i/iginlja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarome Iginla</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/letankr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Kris Letang</a></strong>. When looking at their roster it's hard to find a weak spot but it's becoming more apparent goaltending may be that weak spot.<br />
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After last years melt-down in the first round against the Philadelphia Flyers, there have been questions about Marc-Andre Fleury's goaltending. Just how worried were the Penguins about their goaltending? Worried enough to acquire <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vokouto01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tomas Vokoun</a></strong> to help lighten the load and be ready in case Fleury has another playoff implosion.<br />
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It appears that once again Fleury is having a playoff meltdown and that meltdown appeared to hit rock bottom after a laughable 6-4 loss in game 4. The Penguins helped out their netminder as much as they could but when they needed a big save they didn't get it, instead they got several questionable goals.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/811x600.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="New York Islanders v Pittsburgh Penguins - Game One" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3093" height="221" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/811x600-300x221.jpg" width="300" /></a>This is nothing new for Marc-Andre Fleury and is a major cause for concern for the Penguins. For a goaltender playing behind a world class team Fleury's lack of playoff success is alarming. In his last 10 playoff games (including last year) he's 4-6 with a 4.11 GAA and a .860 Save Percentage, not the type of numbers a team needs to advance in the playoffs. For those who don't put their stock in GAA and Save Percentage, Fleury has allowed 3 or more goals in 10 of his last 13 playoffs games and 4 or more goals in 9 of those last 13. Whatever Fleury is doing isn't working and he's beginning to get a reputation as a playoff "chocker".<br />
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Even when you look back at the year Pittsburgh won the Stanley Cup, Fleury's numbers weren't good at all. He recorded a 2.61 GAA and .908 Save Percentage in 24 games. When you dig a little further and look at Fleury's regular season stats he's right around the middle of the pack, average, he seems to just float by in the regular season. Which begs the question, does Marc-Andre Fleury just benefit from a skilled Penguins roster?<br />
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For a goalie that has a Stanley Cup ring, Olympic gold medal and two World Junior Championship silver medals, Fleury certainly isn't playing like a championship level goalie.<br />
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It doesn't matter if a team has the skill to score 8 goals a game, if they don't get key saves from their goalie when they need them they will continue to lose. When a goalie lets in a weak goal, the team know's and it takes a lot of momentum out of their game. What good is it to score 6 goals if your goalie is just going let in 7?<br />
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If you watched the game and saw the reactions of the Penguins players after the weak goals, you can see how frustrated the Penguin players are with their netminder. The players have lost faith in Fleury and now is the perfect time to play $4 million back-up Tomas Vokoun.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/050813_vokoun.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="050813_vokoun" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3094" height="202" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/050813_vokoun-300x202.jpg" width="300" /></a>Tomas Vokoun is 3-0 against the New York Islanders this season with a .90 G AA and a .970 Save Percentage. Putting in Vokoun who has been solid against the Islanders, may be the Penguins only move in game 5. Fleury and the Penguins are reeling and looking for answers, Vokoun may be the answer. Switching goalies may serve as a wake-up call for the Penguins who have been out-played 5 on 5 by the Islanders in games 2, 3 and 4. Vokoun is a very capable goalie and not your average back-up goalie. With 13 NHL seasons under his belt he's been around the league and has experience.<br />
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Two things people can take away from this series; The Penguins aren't as good as everyone believes they are and the Islanders aren't as bad as everyone believes. The Islanders have been, out-working and out-skating the Penguins, using their speed and youth to their advantage. The Islanders also don't have any pressure, no one gave them a shot in this series, if they pull off the upset all the focus will still be on what went wrong for the Penguins. The Islanders deserve some credit for playing their best and forcing the Penguins to make a goalie change, they've come out a lot better than everyone expected.<br />
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While goaltending isn't the only issue for the Penguins in this series, it's a big piece of the puzzle. At this point heading into game 5 the Penguins don't have any other choice than to play Tomas Vokoun. You can't throw a delicate ticking time bomb in Fleury back out there, that would be feeding him to the Wolves who already know they can eat him.<br />
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The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If the Penguins want to advance in the playoffs they'd be wise to give Tomas Vokoun some playing time. Crosby has the skill and wants to win multiple Stanley Cups, don't waste his skill waiting for a goalie to figure out his playoff woes.<br />
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ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-72595121172686283302013-05-06T09:50:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:30:57.417-07:00The Unsung Hero Of Each Playoff TeamEvery team has big name players that are counted on to produce and carry the team. These players like <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kesseph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Phil Kessel</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Sidney Crosby</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/toewsjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jonathan Toews</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/perryco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Corey Perry</a></strong>, get all the glory when the team is successful. But when the stars stop producing it's up to the secondary players to step up and fill in the hole. While the unsung hero of each playoff team may not get the recognition or attention, their team wouldn't be nearly as good without them.<br />
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<strong>Chicago Blackhawks- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hjalmni01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Niklas Hjalmarsson</a></strong></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/110995689_crop_650x440.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="110995689_crop_650x440" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3072" height="203" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/110995689_crop_650x440-300x203.jpg" width="300" /></a>When you look at the Blackhawks blue line the names that pop out are <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/keithdu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Duncan Keith</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/seabrbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brent Seabrook</a></strong>. Rarely do you immediately think of 25 year-old Niklas Hjalmarsson as one of the team's top defenceman. Despite being a relative unknown, he's paired with Keith on the Blackhawks top defencive pairing and has been given the task of facing the Minnesota Wild's top players.<br />
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He's one of the Blackhawks best penalty killers and leads all Blackhawk players in time on the ice while shorthanded averaging 2:45 a game. New this year Hjalmarsson has also added some offence to his game. He put 10 points on the board in 46 games on the Blackhawks blue line.<br />
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<strong>Pittsburgh Penguins- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/niskama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Matt Niskanen</a></strong></strong><br />
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Much like Niklas Hjalmarsson, when you look at the Penguins blue line Matt Niskanen isn't the first name that comes to mind. But Niskanen had a solid season, putting up 14 points (3rd best for Penguins D) and averaging over 20 minutes a night. To pick an unsung hero for a team like the Penguins is so difficult as they have stars all throughout their line-up but Niskanen is a guy who is a consistent producing defenceman who continually flies under the radar.<br />
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<strong>Anaheim Ducks- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/winnida01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Daniel Winnik</a></strong></strong><br />
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Daniel Winnik has turned himself into a key player for the Ducks. Winnik finds his home on the third line wing with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/koivusa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Saku Koivu</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/coglian01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Andrew Cogliano</a></strong>. The three of quickly become one of the Ducks most creative and dangerous lines combining for 69 points in the regular season. In addition to the lines offence, they've also become the Ducks go-to shutdown line and have been given the task of shutting down the always-dangerous <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/d/datsypa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Pavel Datsyuk</a></strong>.<br />
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Winnik has been a fantastic two-way forward this season, focusing on his own end first (+13) and still putting up 19 points. Daniel Winnik is the type of forward that teams win with and right now the Ducks are benefiting from his strong play. Look for him to play a big role in the Ducks Stanley Cup run.<br />
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<strong>Montreal Canadiens- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/prustbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brandon Prust</a></strong></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/8336523.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="8336523" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3071" height="219" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/8336523-300x219.jpg" width="300" /></a>When a guy is voted as the unsung hero of a team, then you can't not put him on the list. Brandon Prust has had a huge impact on the Canadiens. From helping with their physical play to mentoring <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gallabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brendan Gallagher</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/galchal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Alex Galchenyuk</a></strong>, Prust has done it all for the Canadiens and he's even had an impact on the scoreboard.<br />
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Prust suited up for 38 games in his first season with the Canadiens and put up 14 points and led the team with 110 penalty minutes. He's stepped up as leader for the Canadiens and proved to be a very valuable asset. For the Canadiens to make a deep playoff run they'll need Prust to play his best and by the off-ice leader of the Habs.<br />
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<strong>Boston Bruins- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/seidede01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Dennis Seidenberg</a></strong></strong><br />
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Dennis Seidenberg may be one of the most underrated defenceman in the entire Eastern Conference. He has a Stanley Cup ring, 52 games of NHL playoff experience and is one of the Boston Bruins top defenceman night in and night out. Yet he is continually overlooked.<br />
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Seidenberg is the type of player who can do it all. The coach has faith to send him into any situation. He ranked second in the NHL in plus/minus, was 2nd amongst Bruins defenceman in points (17) and he took just 5 penalties all season. He's the type of defenceman who understands just how valuable he is and what it takes to win. He laid his body on the line to block 115 shots this season, that dedication and heart.<br />
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<strong>St. Louis Blues- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stewach02.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Chris Stewart</a></strong></strong><br />
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When I looked at the St. Louis Blues' stats from this season, I was shocked to see Chris Stewart leading the team in scoring. Chris Stewart is not only the Blues unsung hero he's also one of the most under-appreciated players in the Western Conference.<br />
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Stewart put up 36 points this season with the Blues, more than he has in any other season and doing so this year in just 48 games. He lead the Blues in goals, power play goals and points, despite playing four minutes a night less than <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/backeda01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">David Backes</a></strong> who put up 28 points. The Blues in general are a pretty under the radar team, but despite that they've managed a 2-0 series lead over the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Teams overestimating Christ Stewart and the Blues can only help the Blues.<br />
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<strong>Los Angeles Kings- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lewistr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Trevor Lewis</a></strong></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/la_u_lewis_576.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="la_u_lewis_576" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3070" height="168" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/la_u_lewis_576-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>Anytime your own teammates crown you the unsung hero of your team you know you're doing something right. Trevor Lewis plays wing on a line with <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stollja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarret Stoll</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kingdw01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Dwight King</a></strong>, the line was a key part in the Kings Stanley Cup win last season. Once again the three will show what they can do in the playoffs. Dwight King was the surprise last playoffs scoring 5 goals and finishing 3rd on the team in playoff scoring and this post-season many are expecting Trevor Lewis to play the same role.<br />
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“He’s got the skill, he’s got the shot, he’s got the speed. Just a matter of not only our line but every line coming together and ramping it up an extra notch or two." ~ Jarret Stoll</blockquote>
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Lewis finished with 14 points through 48 games while averaging 15 minutes a night and was one of the Kings best penalty killers. If the Kings are to come back from being down 2-0 in round one, Trevor Lewis will need to start scoring again.<br />
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<b>Vancouver Canucks- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/hanseja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jannik Hansen</a></strong></b><br />
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Jannik Hansen finished the season as the 4th leading scorer for the Canucks behind the Sedin twins and Derrick Roy. Hansen put up 27 points in 47 games this season and continued to prove just how valuable he can be- despite being the 10th highest paid forward. Hansen kills penalties, spends time on the power play and uses his great speed for both offence and defence. He plays a great defencive game and was +12 on the year. He's one of the most versatile Canucks forwards as he can play either wing and fit in on any line.<br />
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<strong>Toronto Maple Leafs- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/mccleja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jay McClement</a></strong></strong><br />
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At the beginning of the 2013 season no one expected the Leafs to even come close to the playoffs. But thanks to a break out season from <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kadrina01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Nazem Kadri</a></strong>, stellar goaltending from <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Reimer</a></strong> and great coaching from <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/carlyra01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Randy Carlyle</a></strong>, the Leafs are in the playoffs. But aside from the big names on the Leafs another player who deserves some major credit is Jay McClement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/jay_mcclement.jpg.size_.xxlarge.original.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="jay_mcclement.jpg.size.xxlarge.original" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3069" height="200" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/jay_mcclement.jpg.size_.xxlarge.original-300x200.jpg" width="300" /></a>The biggest turnaround for the Leafs has been their penalty killing. Last season they were the 3rd worst penalty killing team in the league, this season they're 3rd best. Who's been killing all these penalties- Jay McClement. If you're questioning the impact that McClement could have had on the PK, just remember he was the cornerstone of the Avalanche PK that went from 30th to 12th once he joined.<br />
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McClement is a versatile forward who can fit anywhere in the line-up and take key face-offs when <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bozakty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Tyler Bozak</a></strong> needs a break. He wears an A his jersey and provides solid veteran leadership for this young Leafs team. Picking up Jay McClement may have been one of Brian Burke's best moves.<br />
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<strong>Washington Capitals- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/carlsjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">John Carlson</a></strong></strong><br />
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Time to put another defenceman on the list. When you think of the Washington Capitals you don't exactly think of a shutdown defencive team, you think of the highflying <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/ovechal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Alex Ovechkin</a></strong>. Even the Capitals defenceman have exceptional offence and a prime example is John Carlson.<br />
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But Carlson's defence is extremely underrated. Carlson ranks 7th on the Capitals and 2nd in defenceman with 22 points. But aside from the offence Carlson is 2nd on the blue line with 59 hits and leads all Capitals defenceman with 17 takeaways. He ranked 3rd in the NHL with 123 blocked shots. <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/o/oatesad01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Adam Oates</a></strong> also trusts John Carlson on the penalty kill and as a result is the Capitals best penalty killer averaging 2:53 on the power kill. Not bad for an "offensive-minded defenceman".<br />
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<strong>San Jose Sharks- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/galiatj01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">TJ Galiardi</a></strong></strong><br />
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Galiardi is a player who has struggled to find his place in the NHL and at the beginning of this season it looked like he still hadn't found his place. But Galiardi picked up his play near the end of the season and began to look like the player of the future that the Sharks thought he was. He but up 14 points in 36 games with the Sharks and was a +1.<br />
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<strong>New York Rangers- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/stepade01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Derek Stepan</a></strong></strong><br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/107329476_crop_650x440.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="107329476_crop_650x440" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3068" height="203" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/107329476_crop_650x440-300x203.jpg" width="300" /></a>It's easy to get over-looked in New York City. With all the bright lights, big names and sports teams there is so much happening in the city. The Rangers stars include the king <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lundqhe01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Henrik Lundqvist</a></strong>, Rich Nash, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/callary01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Ryan Callahan</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/richabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brad Richards</a></strong>, but one player who's managed to fall through the cracks is Derek Stepan. For a player whoes coach was worried about centering the 2nd line, Derek Stepan has silenced all his critics.<br />
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The 22 year-old had a break-out season that saw him lead the New York Rangers with 44 points and 18 goals. He had a stellar end to the season, notching 3 game-winning goals and recording 7 multi-point games insuring his Rangers a spot in the Playoffs. John Tortorella has gone from being worried about the youngster to using him in any situation- Power play or penalty kill.<br />
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<strong>Detroit Red Wings- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/a/abdelju01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Justin Abdelkader</a></strong></strong><br />
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Aside from Red Wings fans, how many of you have heard of Justin Abdelkader? Now how many of you have heard of Pavel Datsyuk? Well Abdelkader is a winger on the Pavel Datsyuk line. He brings a strong net presence and is one of the Red Wings best Penalty killers. He put up 13 points in 48 games this season.<br />
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<strong>Ottawa Senators- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/w/wiercpa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Patrick Wiercioch</a></strong></strong><br />
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Senators rookie defenceman Patrick Wiercioch put up 19 points from the blue line, ranking him 2nd amongst Senators defence. Wiercioch has been brought up through the Sens program and has transformed into a solid offencive defenceman.<br />
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<strong>Minnesota Wild- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/koivumi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mikko Koivu</a></strong></strong><br />
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After a big offseason all the focus this season was on <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/p/parisza01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Zach Parise</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/suterry01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Ryan Suter</a></strong>, someone who was overlooked was the guys wearing the C- Mikko Koivu. To the surprise of many Koivu actually out-scored <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nealja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">James Neal</a></strong>, Corey Perry and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/i/iginlja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jarome Iginla</a></strong>, not bad for the Wild captain who was overshadowed. These numbers are typical for Koivu yet he still doesn't get the recognition he deserves around the league; Hopefully the playoffs will be his coming out party.<br />
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<strong>New York Islanders- <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nielsfr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Frans Nielsen</a></strong></strong><br />
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The Islanders this season were carried by the play of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/t/tavarjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">John Tavares</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/nabokev01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Evgeni Nabokov</a></strong>, but those two got a little help along the way. Frans Nielsen finished 4th on the team in scoring with 29 points, now while Nielsen has never lead the Islanders in scoring or even made an all-star appearance he's still a key member of their team. He's become a key member of the penalty kill and often generates short-handed chances based on his creativity. While Tavares may lead the way, without the help from players like Nielsen it would have been another year without a post-season birth for the Islanders.<br />
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ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-84363046496270395852013-05-04T04:25:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:31:11.113-07:00Why Eric Gryba Shouldn't Have Been SuspendedBy now I'm sure you've seen the <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/grybaer01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Eric Gryba</a></strong> hit that left <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/e/ellerla01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Lars Eller</a></strong> unconscious and lying in a pool of blood. It was a nasty hit to watch, as Eller was unconscious before he hit the ice and a hit you knew the NHL was going to take a look at.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNOwP3fUW6c<br />
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After contact Eller's body flew violently through the air and he landed face first on the ice. He lay unconscious with blood pouring from his face. He lay motionless for several minutes and was taken off the ice on a stretcher. He was released from hospital and is said to have suffered a concussion, multiple facial fractures, and he lost some teeth.<br />
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Immediately after Eric Gryba laid the hit, debate broke out about the legality of the hit and whether it was a head shot or a suspendable offence. League disciplinary <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/shanabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Brendan Shanahan</a></strong> decided that the hit did deem a suspension and handed Eric Gryba a two-game suspension.<br />
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While the NHL saw the hit as suspendable there is still some serious debate about the hit; Is this really the type of hit the NHL is trying to take out of the game or was this just the Shanahan appeasing the fans?<br />
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It's never a good scene to see a player unconscious and lying in a heap of blood. Your heart breaks for the player and his family as there's no guarantee he'll ever play again or be the same. But at the same time this is playoff hockey and with playoff hockey comes hard, bone crushing hits.<br />
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<a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/feb15grybablog.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="feb15grybablog" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3046" height="188" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/feb15grybablog-300x188.jpg" width="300" /></a>Gryba was assessed a five-minute major for interference and a game misconduct, but the hit wasn't interference. I'm okay with Gryba receiving a game misconduct right after the hit. It's best to get him off the ice after that huge hit. Emotions are running high and the Montreal Canadiens would have had a bounty on his head. But the referees need to at least get the call right, this was in no way interference.<br />
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Eric Gryba delivered the hit while the puck was on Eller's stick. Interference is called when a player hits an opposing player who isn't in possession of the puck. Eller had the puck on his stick making him fair game for a big open ice hit. If anything, the better call on the play would have been a major for elbowing.<br />
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This was a horrible suicide pass from Rafeal Diaz, but I'm sure he already feels bad enough so let's not harp on him. <strong>Plain and simple this was a hockey hit gone horribly wrong. </strong>It's a collision you see virtually in every NHL game and a play that the Ottawa Senators use in their game plan.<br />
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Take a look at <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/cowenja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jared Cowen</a></strong> levelling <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/skinnje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Jeff Skinner</a></strong>.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2A4Z2ikaHU<br />
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This is in essence the same hit, but Cowen wasn't suspended. The reason Cowen wasn't suspended as opposed to Gryba is due to the extent of the injury. As much as the NHL doesn't want their suspensions to be based off the extent of the injury on the play, sometimes that's the way it works. After seeing Eller unconscious in a pool of blood there isn't anyway you can't suspend Eric Gryba, it looks bad.<br />
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When you fully look at the hit and dissect it, Eric Gryba didn't leave his feet, he didn't land a flying elbow and Lars Eller's head wasn't the principal point of contact. Which makes this a clean hockey hit, anytime you take the puck up the middle of the ice you open yourself up for a big hit. The blood that was pouring from Eller's face was from the impact of his face hitting the ice, not the hit.<br />
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The toughest thing about this play is Eric Gryba had to lay a hit there in the neutral zone, it's his job. What if Gryba chose not to hit Eller and Eller passed the puck to another player or takes the puck himself and scores? Gryba read the play perfectly and wasn't going to pass up the hit, after all he's in the NHL because of his physical play. The injury to Eller was unfortunate but Eric Gryba's hit was the right play.<br />
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This is the prime example of how the NHL deals with borderline hits and suspensions. If there's a player lying on the ice unconscious or in a pool of blood, or if the player leaves the ice on a stretcher chances are the player who laid the hit is going to get suspended. If you look at the elbow <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/f/ferenan01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Andrew Ference</a></strong> laid on <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/grabomi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.puckstopshere.net" target="_blank">Mikhail Grabovski</a></strong>, there's more intent to injure in that play yet Ference only got a one-game suspension.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Aq5kTC2XpY<br />
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The NHL needs to take a long hard look at the way they're handing out suspensions before the NHL turns into the no hitting league. Eric Gryba laid a clean, hard hockey hit that any defenceman or player would step up to make. It's the type of hit players anticipate in their sleep, a big open ice hit.<br />
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Aside from the injury to Lars Eller, there is no way Eric Gryba should have suspended at all. In fact if Eller had not been injured and skated off under his own power there's no suspension. <strong>This was a clean, big, hockey hit that unfortunately went wrong</strong>. The suspension was the NHL's attempt to please people who thought this was a dirty hit and to make up for Eller's injuries.ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-38736713070831285262013-05-02T13:25:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:01:17.289-07:00Why the Leafs Stand A Chance Against the BruinsLast night the Toronto Maple Leafs played their first playoff game in 9 years. What was supposed to be a happy moment for Leaf fans, turned into a nightmare when they found out just how good the Boston Bruins are.<br/><br/>Despite the fact the Leafs got manhandled during the opening game of this series, there's still a lot of hockey to be played and the Leafs still have a shot against the Bruins. There was no question heading into this series that this would be a tough match for the Leafs, but every match-up in the playoffs is tough.<br/><br/>My biggest pet peeve is many Leafs fans' started counting the Leafs out before the puck even dropped on this series. I understand that the Bruins have won 9 of the last 10 games against the Leafs, but the playoffs are a different story, everything else gets wiped away. Yes the Bruins destroyed the Leafs last night, but a bounce or two in favour of the Leafs and it's a different hockey game. If <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vanrija01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>James van Riemsdyk</b></a> had buried the puck instead of hitting the crossbar, then the Leafs are up 2-1 instead of down 2-1 after the first.<br/><br/>The Leafs, at least for the first period were in the game and competing hard against the Bruins. If you call yourself a Leafs fan and are saying they don't stand a chance, don't call yourself a Leafs fan. You're not being a realist, anything can happen in the playoffs and Leafs match up just fine against the Bruins.<br/><br/>The good news for the Leafs is players like <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kadrina01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Nazem Kadri</b></a>, <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>James Reimer</b></a> and <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bozakty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Tyler Bozak</b></a> who didn't have any NHL playoff experience, now have an NHL playoff game under their belt. They got their first taste of playoff hockey and now they know what's it's like and what it takes to be successful in the playoffs. Using what they learned in the last game, not just the rookies but all the Leafs, can now come out better prepared for game two.<br/><br/>Here's my three reasons why the Leafs stand a chance and if they utilize these aspects, could defeat the Bruins.<br/><br/><b>1. Goaltending</b><br/><br/>As inexperienced James Reimer is in the playoffs, <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Tuukka Rask</b></a> is also pretty inexperienced. Rask was the backup in 2011 and 2012 and was responsible to the Bruins mega collapse in 2010. Last night Rask did not look good. He looked shaky and frustrated early on and if the Leafs had managed some sustained pressure they would have been able to beat him early.<br/><br/>While this may not be a popular opinion, I think the Leafs have better goaltending this year <a href="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1297408958891_ORIGINAL.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3020" alt="1297408958891_ORIGINAL" src="http://www.puckstopshere.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/1297408958891_ORIGINAL-300x209.jpg" width="300" height="209" /></a> in James Reimer than the Bruins do in Rask.<br/><br/>Reimer has something to prove, he wants to show the Leafs brass that he can get the job done and be the number one goalie for the Leafs in the future.<br/><br/>If James Reimer can find his game and hold the Leafs in games where they're being outplayed the Leafs will have the edge between the pipes.<br/><br/><b>2. Special Teams</b><br/><br/><b></b>The Leafs have a very skilled roster. With players like <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kesseph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Phil Kessel</b></a>, <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lupuljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Joffrey Lupul</b></a>, James van Riemsdyk, Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak. Aside from <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/seguity01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Tyler Seguin</b></a> the Bruins don't have any young skilled forwards.<br/><br/>The Leafs also boast the 2nd best penalty kill in the league. While the Bruins also have a solid penalty kill heir power play is horrendous ranking 26th in the league. If the Leafs can make the most of their opportunities with the extra man and limit their time spent in the box, they'll win the special teams battle.<br/><br/><b>3. Leafs aren't afraid of the Bruins</b><br/><br/>For the Leafs to go into this series thinking they're going to beat the Bruins physically is just wrong. You can't beat the Bruins at their own game. Many have tried and all have failed, the Bruins WILL ALWAYS win the physical battle. There's not one player on their roster who won't beat the crap out of an opposing player.<br/><br/>But the Bruins count on hard-hitting and intimidating their opponents to win games. The good news is the Leafs aren't intimidated or afraid of the Bruins. They know what to expect from the Bruins and they know they're going to get hit and beat up in this series. You saw <a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/grabomi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com"><b>Mikhail Grabovski</b></a> get assaulted several times last night but he never shied away.<br/><br/>So while the Leafs can't be more physical than the Bruins, they can frustrate them by not giving up or joining them. The old saying- "If you can't beat them join them", is what the Bruins count on. They coax their opponents into an intense physical battle and strike when their opponents are off their game plan. The Leafs need to play tough but stick to their game plan and not roll over. If the Leafs can hang tough and keep coming back for more punishment, they'll frustrate the Bruins and likely force them into taking dumb penalties.<br/><br/>Here's an interesting tidbit for all you Leafs fans out there. The last time a 5th seed won the Stanley Cup was the New Jersey Devils after the last lockout shortened season. Guess who the Devils beat in round one? The Boston Bruins.<br/><br/>While it isn't going to be easy and it wont be likely, if the Leafs can get stellar goaltending from James Reimer, make the Bruins pay for taking stupid penalties and force them into taking stupid penalties, there is a chance the Leafs can take this series.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Having said that I still stick to my prediction of <b>Bruins in 6 games</b>.<br/><br/> ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-55969310539585051222013-05-02T12:28:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:31:46.676-07:00Why the Toronto Maple Leafs Stand A Chance Against the Boston BruinsLast night the Toronto Maple Leafs played their first playoff game in 9 years. What was supposed to be a happy moment for Leaf fans, turned into a nightmare when they found out just how good the Boston Bruins are.<br />
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Despite the fact the Leafs got manhandled during the opening game of this series, there's still a lot of hockey to be played and the Leafs still have a shot against the Bruins. There was no question heading into this series that this would be a tough match for the Leafs, but every match-up in the playoffs is tough.<br />
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My biggest pet peeve is many Leafs fans' started counting the Leafs out before the puck even dropped on this series. I understand that the Bruins have won 9 of the last 10 games against the Leafs, but the playoffs are a different story, everything else gets wiped away. Yes the Bruins destroyed the Leafs last night, but a bounce or two in favour of the Leafs and it's a different hockey game. If <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/v/vanrija01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James van Riemsdyk</a></strong> had buried the puck instead of hitting the crossbar, then the Leafs are up 2-1 instead of down 2-1 after the first.<br />
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The Leafs, at least for the first period were in the game and competing hard against the Bruins. If you call yourself a Leafs fan and are saying they don't stand a chance, don't call yourself a Leafs fan. You're not being a realist, anything can happen in the playoffs and Leafs match up just fine against the Bruins.<br />
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The good news for the Leafs is players like <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kadrina01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Nazem Kadri</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/reimeja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">James Reimer</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/b/bozakty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Bozak</a></strong> who didn't have any NHL playoff experience, now have an NHL playoff game under their belt. They got their first taste of playoff hockey and now they know what's it's like and what it takes to be successful in the playoffs. Using what they learned in the last game, not just the rookies but all the Leafs, can now come out better prepared for game two.<br />
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Here's my three reasons why the Leafs stand a chance and if they utilize these aspects, could defeat the Bruins.<br />
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<b>1. Goaltending</b><br />
As inexperienced James Reimer is in the playoffs, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/r/rasktu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tuukka Rask</a></strong> is also pretty inexperienced. Rask was the backup in 2011 and 2012 and was responsible to the Bruins mega collapse in 2010. Last night Rask did not look good. He looked shaky and frustrated early on and if the Leafs had managed some sustained pressure they would have been able to beat him early.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7RXTAVoVzf417RIZoEeN2v8hw66IP_l2WgdcIDayNKvkqExEdP8dB4QQfu_i5fUwM6uYvS1CDpET-sI3hmxujsWUqst5jkjrr8sqt-85ku2jmY1NQaNtRg9qDbyz8sUdLudk5B92mO0/s1600/1297408958891_ORIGINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7RXTAVoVzf417RIZoEeN2v8hw66IP_l2WgdcIDayNKvkqExEdP8dB4QQfu_i5fUwM6uYvS1CDpET-sI3hmxujsWUqst5jkjrr8sqt-85ku2jmY1NQaNtRg9qDbyz8sUdLudk5B92mO0/s320/1297408958891_ORIGINAL.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
While this may not be a popular opinion, I think the Leafs have better goaltending this year in James Reimer than the Bruins do in Rask.<br />
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Reimer has something to prove, he wants to show the Leafs brass that he can get the job done and be the number one goalie for the Leafs in the future.<br />
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If James Reimer can find his game and hold the Leafs in games where they're being outplayed the Leafs will have the edge between the pipes.<br />
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<b>2. Special Teams</b><br />
The Leafs have a very skilled roster. With players like <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kesseph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Phil Kessel</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/l/lupuljo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Joffrey Lupul</a></strong>, James van Riemsdyk, Nazem Kadri and Tyler Bozak. Aside from <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/seguity01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Tyler Seguin</a></strong> the Bruins don't have any young skilled forwards.<br />
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The Leafs also boast the 2nd best penalty kill in the league. While the Bruins also have a solid penalty kill heir power play is horrendous ranking 26th in the league. If the Leafs can make the most of their opportunities with the extra man and limit their time spent in the box, they'll win the special teams battle.<br />
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<b>3. Leafs aren't afraid of the Bruins</b><br />
For the Leafs to go into this series thinking they're going to beat the Bruins physically is just wrong. You can't beat the Bruins at their own game. Many have tried and all have failed, the Bruins WILL ALWAYS win the physical battle. There's not one player on their roster who won't beat the crap out of an opposing player.<br />
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But the Bruins count on hard-hitting and intimidating their opponents to win games. The good news is the Leafs aren't intimidated or afraid of the Bruins. They know what to expect from the Bruins and they know they're going to get hit and beat up in this series. You saw <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/grabomi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-www.blogger.com" target="_blank">Mikhail Grabovski</a></strong> get assaulted several times last night but he never shied away.<br />
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So while the Leafs can't be more physical than the Bruins, they can frustrate them by not giving up or joining them. The old saying- "If you can't beat them join them", is what the Bruins count on. They coax their opponents into an intense physical battle and strike when their opponents are off their game plan. The Leafs need to play tough but stick to their game plan and not roll over. If the Leafs can hang tough and keep coming back for more punishment, they'll frustrate the Bruins and likely force them into taking dumb penalties.<br />
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Here's an interesting tidbit for all you Leafs fans out there. The last time a 5th seed won the Stanley Cup was the New Jersey Devils after the last lockout shortened season. Guess who the Devils beat in round one? The Boston Bruins.<br />
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While it isn't going to be easy and it wont be likely, if the Leafs can get stellar goaltending from James Reimer, make the Bruins pay for taking stupid penalties and force them into taking stupid penalties, there is a chance the Leafs can take this series.<br />
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Having said that I still stick to my prediction of <b>Bruins in 6 games</b>.<br />
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<br />ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-65849309409322811222013-04-18T10:42:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:32:14.256-07:00Buffalo Sabres and Boston Bruins Prove that Hockey can HealFor most people hockey is a way to escape reality. Every struggle you're facing just vanishes while you're mesmerized by your favourite hockey team. An escape from reality and a little bit of fun is just what the doctor order for the city of Boston. The hockey game on Wednesday that featured the Boston Bruins squaring off against the rival Buffalo Sabres, was far more than just a hockey game.<br />
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For the city of Boston winning championship's is nothing new. They've racked up a Stanley Cup, NBA Championship, 3 Super Bowl wins and 2 World Series titles in the last 13 years. Their fans have had numerous opportunities to express their pride and show their support. But none of those moments came close to the game at TD Garden on Wednesday.<br />
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<a href="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/2013/04/18/buffalo-sabres-and-boston-bruins-prove-that-hockey-can-heal/bruins-fans_001-4_3_r536_c534/" rel="attachment wp-att-3025" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="bruins-fans_001-4_3_r536_c534" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3025" height="225" src="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/files/2013/04/bruins-fans_001-4_3_r536_c534-300x225.jpg" width="300" /></a>I myself am Canadian, and darn proud of it too! But one thing I've always loved about Americans is their patriotism. Americans have the most pride and respect for their country and they're willing to show you it anytime. As soon as the rest of America found out about the bombing at the Boston Marathon, they came together to stand tall with Boston.<br />
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One of the best moments from the game on Wednesday was the crowd itself singing the national anthem. I got chills watching, listening to the national anthem being loudly and proudly sung by the 17,000+ in attendance.<br />
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-KXHN-ETDig<br />
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While long time anthem singer Rene Rancourt started the anthem he handed the reigns over to the TD Garden. The fans didn't let him down. They picked up where he left off and finished the Star-Spangled Banner united as one.<br />
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The pre-game ceremony was like one I have never seen before. Seeing the players on both the Sabres and Bruins singing the national anthem and getting choked up during the video, spoke volumes. It wasn't just a hockey game being played on Wednesday, it was a way to help Bostonians heal.<br />
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"It was incredible. To see how everyone was reacting and watching that video was obviously very emotional for everyone. The whole time, we were fighting back tears." ~ <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/marchbr03.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Brad Marchand</a></strong></blockquote>
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Not only was this an escape and a chance to be entertained, it was also a way for Bruins' fans to make a statement about their patriotism and pride. They wanted to send the message that they <strong>would not be defeated</strong>.<br />
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When people go through down times there is always a sports team that they turn to and fixate their attention on. Sports occupy the human race. You talk about it with family and friends, watch it, compete in it and it provides a distraction from everyday life. Whether you like it or not, Sports dictate how people live their lives.<br />
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With the role sports play, TD Garden was the perfect place for the city of Boston to come together and show they're still strong and united.<br />
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Despite the shootout loss, the Bruins clinched a playoff birth with the point they earned. Not only have the Bruins locked up their ticket for the playoffs, there's also a solid chance they'll go far and challenge for the Stanley Cup. Having a competitive Bruins hockey team is just what the city of Boston needs. They'll have a chance to rally behind the Bruins on their quest in the playoffs.<br />
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<a href="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/2013/04/18/buffalo-sabres-and-boston-bruins-prove-that-hockey-can-heal/capitals-bruins-hockey/" rel="attachment wp-att-3027" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Capitals Bruins Hockey" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3027" height="168" src="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/files/2013/04/boston-bruins-300x168.jpg" width="300" /></a>While the Boston Bruins will give the fans something to hold onto and rely on, the fans will also help the Bruins with emotional support and pride. While tragedies are never anything good, sometimes good can come out of them. The Boston Bruins now have a new reason to win the Stanley Cup- for their city.<br />
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While the scoreboard showed that the Sabres had defeated the Bruins, there were no losers from that game. The entire city of Boston and America stood proud and got behind their hockey team's. The entire city of Boston won on Wednesday. They showed they wouldn't be defeated and that together in numbers, united, they were strong. <strong>Boston Strong</strong>!<br />
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Seeing both the Bruins and Sabres skate to centre ice to salute the crowd and hearing the USA- USA chants break-out, was a special scene. Showing that both teams and everyone in the building was on Boston's side.<br />
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It's going to take awhile for things to fall back into place and people to get back on with their lives. Many lives were impacted in one way or another on Monday. It's going to take time for the city to recover. Having a team to cheer for such as the Boston Bruins will help make that process easier.<br />
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What fans will take away from the game on Wednesday isn't the score, for that truly didn't matter. But instead the patriotism, pride, strength and resiliency from the people in Boston. <strong>Boston may have been shaken but they wont be broken!</strong><br />
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ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8225945582329635221.post-85979542214813043082013-04-17T07:21:00.000-07:002013-07-29T19:32:49.471-07:00Why Brendan Gallagher Deserves the CalderOne of the most exciting things to watch unfold during the NHL season is the rookie race. Watching the top rookies adjust to life in the NHL and make their presence felt for their teams is a treat to watch. The top draft picks from previous drafts showcase their skills and battle it out for the chance to win the Calder Trophy. Normally the players in the running for the Calder are players taken inside the top 5, but this year the Calder trophy may go to a guy drafted 147th.<br />
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Montreal Canadiens forward <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/gallabr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Brendan Gallagher</a></strong> is having a season to remember. He's worked his way into a top 6 forward role with the Canadiens, is fourth in rookie scoring with 24 points and has successfully become a pest that other teams hate to play against.<br />
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While there are other favourites for the Calder like, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/huberjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Jonathan Huberdeau</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/c/conacco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Cory Conacher</a></strong> or <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/s/saadbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Brandon Saad</a>,</strong> with the season Brendan Gallagher has had there's no doubt he deserves to at least be in the running for Calder.<br />
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Gallagher is only 5 foot 9 but he plays as if he was 6 foot 4. His drive and determination to not be shoved around and make an impact despite being so small has earned him a lot of respect. He's determined to make an impact with the Canadiens and help them win at whatever cost and that's what separates him from other rookies. <strong>Brendan Gallagher's will to win.</strong><br />
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<a href="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/2013/04/17/why-brendan-gallagher-deserves-the-calder/image-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-3002" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="image" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3002" height="205" src="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/files/2013/04/image-300x205.jpg" width="300" /></a>Brendan Gallagher makes his living parked atop the blue ice. Right in the goalies kitchen. He gets abused by the goaltender he's screening and the defenceman covering him. But every time you slash him, hit him, punch him or knock him down he get's right back up and comes back for more with a big smile on his face. That is the heart of a competitor.<br />
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I remember watching the Sabres and Canadiens square off a couple weeks ago and Gallagher was right in front of <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/millery01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Ryan Miller</a></strong>. Miller gave him some pretty hefty slashes with his goalie stick, and then defenceman <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/m/myersty01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Tyler Myers</a></strong>- who is a foot taller than Gallagher- came over to try and dispose of him. Gallagher took the abuse from Myers and Miller, standing there with a big smile on his face, knowing that he had gotten under their skin.<br />
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A huge part of Brendan Gallagher's game is his ability to get under the opponents skin. He drives the opposition nuts and baits them into taking penalties or making dumb plays. He successfully got under the skin of Leafs forward <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/k/kadrina01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Nazem Kadri</a></strong> last week. Kadri was so upset over Gallagher he ran around throwing hits and trying to be the tough guy instead of scoring goals.<br />
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On top of Gallagher being an annoying little bugger he can also produce. He's 4th in rookie scoring with 26 points but tied for first in goals by a rookie with 13. He leads all rookies in game wining goals with 3. He's scoring at a point-per-game rate of .62, 2nd best to Huberdeau and is averaging 22.57 scoring chances per 60 minutes <span style="color: red;"><a href="http://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2013/4/10/4205140/2013-habs-half-season-review-brendan-gallagher"><span style="color: red;">of ice time</span></a></span>. The most remarkable thing is he's played 4 games less than his competition because of injury, yet is still right in the mix.<br />
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What makes Brendan Gallagher's impact so unique is not only his small stature but his small reputation. Heading into the season all anyone in Montreal wanted to talk about was <strong><a href="http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/g/galchal01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-sportsrants.com" target="_blank">Alex Galchenyuk</a></strong> and what his odds were for winning the Calder. No one gave Gallagher a shot to make the team out of training camp and certainly no one expected him to out-play Galchenyuk.<br />
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Now Gallagher has found a home on the Canadiens second line and see's himself going up against the oppositions best and tallest defenders every game. Yet Gallagher seems to flourish under the pressure and rises to the occasion. There's no slowing the 20 year-old rookie down.<br />
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<a href="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/2013/04/17/why-brendan-gallagher-deserves-the-calder/montreal-canadiens-v-boston-bruins/" rel="attachment wp-att-3003" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Montreal Canadiens v Boston Bruins" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3003" height="199" src="http://sportsrants.com/puckstopshere/files/2013/04/164761608.0_standard_400.0-300x199.jpg" width="300" /></a>Brendan Gallagher has done everything right for the Montreal Canadiens this season. He's scoring goals, drawing penalties and has become a force to be reckoned with. It would be a shame to see his efforts this season go to waste should he not win the Calder Trophy.<br />
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Brendan Gallagher appears to the be the offencive spark plug the Canadiens were missing. His work ethic and never give up style of play has inspired his Canadien teammates and catapulted them near the top of the Eastern Conference.<br />
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The fact that Brendan Gallagher battles for every lose puck, every shift, every game and is willing to pay the price makes him special. His will to win and work ethic set him apart from other rookies. Whether he wins the Calder or not is yet to be seen but for now he'll take a trip to the postseason with a strong and tight nit Canadien team. Branden Gallagher is going to be a key and valuable member of the Montreal Canadiens for the foreseeable future, he may even do enough to drive them deep into the playoffs.<br />
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ThePuckStopsHerehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07888389732206184177noreply@blogger.com2