The Daily Bongo

Hockey

Monday, January 2, 2012 -- Evening

Corner Gas "Good Old Table Hockey Game"

After the Winter Classic, the new NBC Sports Channel showed a documentary on the 1972 Summit Series, which was a series of eight hockey games between the Russian Olympic hockey team and a team of Canadian NHL stars. Phil Esposito, Ken Dryden, Peter Mahovlich, and Bobby Clark were among the stars on the Canadian team. The Pens Eddie Johnston was one of the goalies on the roster. I knew something about the series because IÕm a huge fan of Corner Gas, and they had an episode called the ÒGood Old Table Hockey GameÓ that honored the game and the atmosphere in Canada.

The NBC documentary on the Summit Series was great. It was interesting to see the perspective of the various stars, both Canadian and Russian. I really liked Phil Esposito because he had quite a sense of humor. Great documentary!

BTW, the NY Rangers won the Winter Classic, beating the Philadelphia Flyers with a final score of 3-2.

Friday, July 22, 2011 -- Evening

Jets Logo

The event that all hockey fans have been waiting for finally arrived. The Winnipeg Jets have released their new team logo. Some might think that the logo is clean and modern: a grey fighter jet superimposed on a red maple leaf. The icons are circled in white, with a ring of blue, then of white, and then finally with the same gray as the jet. Personally, I think that the logo lacks emotion or excitement. It's just a bland logo on a bland background. I suppose the whole point was to incorporate a Canadian feel, but it's just misses the point.

Friday, June 24, 2011 -- Late Morning

Jack Adams

The NHL Hockey Awards were held earlier this week, and Dan Bylsma won the Jack Adams award for best NHL coach. I'm not a fan of his, but I guess that it was warranted based on the team's performance without any of its stars.

NHL Hockey Awards

I slept through most of the NHL awards show, but here's the list of winners for the 2010-2011 season:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding rookie
Jeff Skinner, Carolina Hurricanes

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Award for outstanding defensive forward
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to most valuable player to his team
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Award for outstanding coach
Dan Bylsma, Pittsburgh Penguins

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding defenseman
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to player that displays sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

TED LINDSAY (formerly LESTER B. PEARSON) AWARD
Awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLPA members
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

VEZINA TROPHY
Award for outstanding goaltender
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

BILL MASTERTON MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for the player who exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey
Ian Lapierre, Philadelphia Flyers

WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY
Awarded to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it in the regular season
Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks

ART ROSS TROPHY
Awarded to the player who leads the league in total points at the end of the regular season
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY
Awarded to the top goal scorer in the regular season
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks

KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community
Doug Weight, New York Islanders

BRIDGESTONE MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD
Awarded to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

NHL FOUNDATION AWARD
Award for outstanding goaltender
Dustin Brown, LA Kings

ROGER CROZIER SAVING GRACE AWARD
Award to the goaltender who has played a minimum of 25 games and finished the season with the best save percentage in the National Hockey League
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

Thursday, June 2, 2011 -- Evening

Vancouver versus Boston

The Stanley Cup final started last night. The game was one of the most boring Stanley Cup finals game that I have seen in a long time. The game was scoreless until the last 19 seconds of the game when the Canucks got one past Tim Thomas to win the game. There were some skirmishes between the Canucks and the Boston Bruins. The most talked about moment was when Vancouver's Alex Burrows bit Patrice Bergeron's gloved finger. Bergeron was making a big deal about it, but I say that if you put your finger in someone's face/mouth, then you deserve to get said finger bitten. I think it should be a rule.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 -- Afternoon

Winnipeg Gets the Thrashers

The Atlanta Thrashers were sold to True North, who will be moving the team to Winnipeg. The news was announced this afternoon, and the team will be in Winnipeg for the upcoming season. No word yet on the name or the structure of the league. The NHL Board of Governors still has to approve the sell and move. That should happen on June 21.

Thursday, May 5, 2011 -- Evening

Capitals Choke

It was a very sad night in Washington, DC last night. The Washington Capitals for the fourth year in a row, choked in the playoffs. The Tampa Bay Lightning eliminated the Capitals in yesterday's playoff game. The Capitals weren't able to get the puck in the net, and their goalies were basically unable to stop the puck. Ted Leonsis, the Capitals' owner, wrote an apology to the fans on his blog. He realizes that they have to address the problem: the question is how to address it. Everyone is on the case to fire Bruce Boudreau. It's always easiest to fire the coach when the team sucks. But you also have to wonder if the general manager should go too, because of the quality of some of the positions, such as goaltending.

Wednesday, May 4 2011 -- Afternoon

Lightning Doing in the Capitals

The Tampa Bay Lightning took a 3-0 lead against the Washington Capitals last night. The Capitals seemed to put up a good fight for the first two periods, but the Lightning were determined to win the game. The Caps and Lightning are playing back-to-back games, so there will be another game tonight. So tonight might be the last night for the Caps. I have to admit that I'm rooting for that because I'm not a fan of Alexander Ovechkin, and this might be a bit of a comeuppance for him.

Monday, May 2 2011 -- Afternoon

Lightning Take a 2-0 Lead in Series

When the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Pens, I thought that the Lighting would have a chance against the Washington Capitals. The Caps have been having issues throughout the past season. Alexander Ovechkin hasn't beeen scoring as much as he has in the past, and the claim is that he has learned to take on a new collaborative role with his teammates, making the Caps a better team than they have been. Well, I was choosing the Lightning to take the series because I thought that the Lightning has players who can score. They definitely aren't the New York Rangers, who had definite issues with scoring. AND the Lightning have a good goaltender in Dwayne Roloson. Well, the first game on Friday was a 4-2 win for the Lightning. The second game, yesterday afternoon, was a tighter one, with the Caps tying the game in the final seconds of regulation to go to overtime. Vincent Lecavalier scored the winning goal in the first overtime to give the Lightning a 2-0 lead in the series. I think that if the Caps don't make it to the next round, Bruce Boudreau might be looking for a new job next season.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 -- Afternoon

Hockey Violence

Yesterday evening, Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins put a viscious hit on Montreal Canadiens' Max Pacioretty. Back in January, Pacioretty scored an overtime goal in a Canadien win over the Bruins, shoving Chara in the back prior to the goal celebration. Chara tried to start a fight after the horn, and of course, was marched off the ice. Well, yesterday, the Bruins and Canadiens met up again. Chara gave a viscious hit to Pacioretty, causing Pacioretty's head to bounce off the glass around the Canadiens bench. The hit happened as part of an interference call against Chara. Pacioretty was knocked out. The doctors came out, strapped Pacioretty to a stretcher board, and carted off Pacioretty. Today, we find out that Pacioretty has a severe concussion and a fractured vertebrae in his neck. So what penalty did Colin Campbell divvy out to Chara? Nothing. "What?!?!?!" you say? Yep, no penalty. According to Campbell, it was just an accident that happened in the ordinary play of hockey. Based on the earlier incident in January, I find that hard to believe. This is the problem with hockey. Head shots, regardless of injury or intent, should be penalized. That is going to be the only way to the players to change the way they play. No, instead, we are doomed to seeing images of fallen players on the ice. Hockey doesn't care about the well-being of its players. Until the league leadership takes these things seriously, we will just see more and more players out of the game because they have suffered serious injury.

On that note, Sidney Crosby is still not skating or practicing with the team. Chances of him coming back this season are slowly turning from slim to nil.

Thursday, June 24, 2010 -- Evening

There's an Award for That

Last night, the NHL held its annual awards show in Las Vegas. I had it on in the background as I packed for the big move. The winners are:
Here are the list of winners for the 2009-2010 season:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding rookie
Tyler Myers, Buffalo Sabres

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Award for outstanding defensive forward
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to most valuable player to his team
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Award for outstanding coach
Dave Tippett, Colorado Avalanche

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding defenseman
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to player that displays sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

TED LINDSAY (formerly LESTER B. PEARSON) AWARD
Awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLPA members
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

VEZINA TROPHY
Award for outstanding goaltender
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

MASTERTON TROPHY
Award for the player who exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey
Jose Theodore, Washington Capitals

WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY
Awarded to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it in the regular season
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

ART ROSS TROPHY
Awarded to the player who leads the league in total points at the end of the regular season
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY
Awarded to the top goal scorer in the regular season
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community
Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes

BRIDGESTONE MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD
Awarded to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

NHL FOUNDATION AWARD
Award for outstanding goaltender
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres

ROGER CROZIER SAVING GRACE AWARD
Award to the goaltender who has played a minimum of 25 games and finished the season with the best save percentage in the National Hockey League
Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins

The biggest news from the show, IMHO, was when Ovechkin wasn't finished his speech for the Lindsay Award. The producers cut him off, but Ovechkin just raised his hand and made it obvious that he wasn't leaving. The producers turned Ovechkin's mike back on, and Ovechkin finished his speech as if nothing had happened. Ovechkin mentioned his brother's death, and I know I thought that something must have happened recently that I hadn't heard of. But it was actually an older brother who died in a car accident when Ovechkin was 10 years old. It seems to have made a strong impact on him, and Ovechkin wasn't able to talk about it until very recently.

Thursday, June 10, 2010 -- Evening

The Fat Lady Sings

The Fat Lady sang last night in Philadelphia when the Blackhawks beat the Flyers in overtime to win the Stanley Cup. The Flyers tied the game in the last three minutes of the game, and I was starting to get nervous about the outcome. But Patrick Kane kept his cool and scored the winning goal four minutes into overtime. Jonathan Toews got the Cup first as Captain, and he passed it off to Marian Hossa. Although I'm not a Hossa fan, I'm glad that he finally got the Cup. Anything is better than the Flyers getting the Cup. Finally, after 49 years, the Blackhawks have another Stanley Cup.
Marian Hossa with Cup

Monday, June 7, 2010 -- Evening

Home Ice Holds

The Blackhawks came out to play last night when they returned to Chicago. They quickly took a lead that they did not relinquish to the Flyers. The game was a scoring fest for both sides with a final score of Blackhawks 7 - Flyers 4. The game moves back to Philly tomorrow, and if the Blackhawks win, they get the Cup. I'm imaging that the Flyers will put up a fight tomorrow, and the deciding game will be in Chicago on Thursday.

Saturday, June 5, 2010 -- Evening

Series Tied!

The Flyers tied the series with another win over the Blackhawks. Things are definitely starting to look bad for the Blackhawks. Maybe when things are back in Chicago, they may get another win, but the Flyers really do seem to have momentum on their side. The final score in yesterday's Flyers' win was Flyers 5 - Blackhawks 3. The next game is tomorrow evening.

Thursday, June 3, 2010 -- Evening

Flyers Win One

The Blackhawks and Flyers game last night was a thrilling one. Teh game was tied in regulation, and the Flyers won in overtime. So now the series is 2-1. I'm not a huge Flyers fan, and I hope that the Blackhawks take the next two games so they can win the Cup at home. My fingers will be crossed. Meanwhile, in games one and two, Chris Pronger grabbed the puck at the end of the game. Usually the winning team takes the puck, but Pronger got it, and claims that he "threw it in the trash where it belonged." I think Pronger was just being an ass, and if I were on the Blackhawks, I'd tell Pronger to keep the pucks because I'll take the Cup.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 -- Evening

Hossa Can Feel the Cup

The Chicago Blackhawks won last night with a final score of 2-1 to take a 2-0 game lead over the Philadelphia Flyers. Marian Hossa has finally shown up for the games, and he got the first goal for Chicago last night. I have to say after sitting through almost two periods of no score, I was getting rather bored. I was just voicing my complaint when Hossa scored. I think this is going to be the year when Hossa finally gets to lift the Cup. Unlike the last game where neither goalie showed up, both Antti Niemi and Michael Leighton both had decent games. Now it moves on to Philadelphia on Wednesday. I would be surprised if the series goes to seven games.

Sunday, May 30, 2010 -- Evening

Go Hawks!

The Stanley Cup finals began last night with a goal filled game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Philadelphia Flyers. Every time one team would take the lead, the other would come back to tie things up, and maybe to take the lead themselves. It doesn't matter who had the lead when because the Blackhawks won with a final score of 6-5. Marian Hossa had a couple of assists too. This might be his year to break the Cup Jinx.

Monday, May 24, 2010 -- Evening

Chicago and Hossa Make it to the Stanley Cup

The Chicago Blackhawks, and in turn, Marian Hossa, beat the San Jose Sharks yesterday to move on to the Stanley Cup round. The Blackhawks won all four games against the Sharks and look good as possible Stanley Cup winners. I have to admit that I am well over the whole Marian Hossa thing. Yes, I still have some animosity toward him because of the whole leaving of Pittsburgh so he would have a better chance at the Cup. But Hossalost, and that put him in his place. It looks like the Flyers are going to join them. The Flyers are up 3-1 against the Montreal Canadiens, and might end the series tonight if they win.

Steve Nash Should be a Hockey Player

Steve Nash should be a hockey player. Yesterday in the Phoenix Suns Western Conference game win, Nash had his nose broken. It happened in the fourth quarter, and the cameras showed Nash trying to put his nose back into place. Earlier in the playoffs, Nash had gotten hit in the right eye and played with an eye that was swollen shut. Yeah, Nash is a Canadian, and it makes you wonder about the hardiness of the people. Obviously, in Nash's case, he takes a licking and keeps on ticking. All I know is that I would want Nash on my hockey team!

Monday, April 26, 2010 -- Evening

When Boarding Isn't Boarding

The lesson that we all learned this weekend is that a boarding call has less meaning during the playoffs. This goes along with the "hits to the head are bad...unless it's the playoffs." We learned that one when Andy Sutton elbowed Jordan Leopold in the head, sending Leopold in a heap to the ice. Blows to the head are bad, but this one was okay. Why? It's the playoffs. We received another lesson in that twisted logic this weekend. Marian Hossa, who chose the Stanley Cup over the Pens, only to lose the Stanley Cup to the Pens, shoved Dan Hamhuis of the Nashville Predators from behind, sending Hamhuis crashing into the boards. Hossa got a five minute major, but didn't get thrown out of the game. Hossa came back into the game right after the penalty to score the overtime winning goal for the Chicago Blackhawks. When Colin Campbell reviewed the play, that is the identical in every way to the boarding call against Alexander Ovechkin that resulted in his two game suspension, Campbell said no suspension. Why? Because Hamhuis wasn't injured, and Hossa wasn't a repeat offender. Doesn't that seem wrong? Of course, it does! It doesn't matter that Ovechkin is a repeat offender and that he broke Brian Campbell's collar bone. It should only matter that the act of boarding carries a specific penalty. This is why all penalties and suspensions that the NHL and Colin Campbell hand out are mocked. Will it take having someone seriously injured before the NHL takes dangerous acts serious? Well, considering that some have been seriously injured, I think that the NHL just doesn't care. There is no motivation to change the system. It angers me and leaves me shaking my head in disgust.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 -- Early Morning

What Goes Around, Comes Around

While strains of Alanis Morissette's Isn't It Ironic wafted through my brain, I watched the video of Alexander Ovechkin initiating a knee on knee with the Carolina Hurricanes Tim Gleason. Unfortunately for poor Ovechkin, he's the one who writhed around on the ice with an injured knee, not Gleason. I feel no sympathy at all for Ovechkin. In fact, I'm glad that he injured himself. After all, Ovechkin has pulled this move before. Remember Sergei Gonchar in the playoffs? Ovechkin got away with it because he is one of hockey's elite. Well, in yesterday's game, Ovechkin got much deserved five minute penalty and game misconduct for kneeing. Hmmm! He hasn't gotten this penalty before even though we all know he has performed the same move. The only thing I can thing is that Ovechkin got the penalty because he injured an elite player with his stupid kneeing move: himself. All I know is that I was quite happy to see Ovechkin being helped off the ice because he couldn't use his leg. Better him than Gleason.

Tuesday, March 117, 2009 -- Evening

The New Jersey Devils tonight, and Martin Brodeur now holds the record for wins in the regular season with 552. Congrats Marty!

Sunday, March 15, 2009 -- Evening

Yesterday evening was a big one for Martin Brodeur. He tied Patrick Roy's wins record of 551 wins in last night's game against the Montreal Canadiens. Brodeur was happy to be in Montreal because it's his hometown, and because no one loves hockey more than a Montreal fan. Roy was in attendance and had talked to Brodeur ahead of time. As Roy said, if there's anyone who can understand the work and discipline that Brodeur put into the game to achieve the goal, it's him, Roy. I have to admit that I really am a huge fan of both Roy and Brodeur. Brodeur and Roy don't have the best of relationships, probably because of the competition factor. Roy was chosen over Brodeur as the sole started for the 1998 Canadien Olympics team, and that may have caused some bad blood. Also, the Colorado Avalanche with Roy beat the Devils to win the Stanley Cup in 2001. Brodeur can pass Roy in his next game this Tuesday, played in New Jersey.

Patrick Roy		Martin Brodeur
Comparison Patrick Roy vs. Martin Brodeur
551	Wins	551
1029	Games	986
66	Shutouts	100
3	Vezines	4
4	Stanley Cup	3
3	Conn Smythes	0

Thursday, June 18, 2009 -- Evening

Tonight was the NHL Awards Ceremony. It started with Evgeni Malkin, Max Talbot, and Dan Bylsma bringing the Stanley Cup onto the stage. The Cup was displayed on the stage for the entire ceremony. Boy, does that cup get around. Unfortunately, Alexander Ovechkin won the Lester B. Pearson Award for the league MVP. Surprisingly, Ovechkin didn't seem as verbally smooth as usual. He congratulated Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk. Of course, one award that we know the result of is the Art Ross Trophy, for the player with the most points in the season. That's Evgeni Malkin. There was a small tribute from Ben Roethlisberger, congratulating all the winners and nominees at the NHL awards. That was a very nice touch. Roethlisberger was filmed with the crowd at the Mellon Arena behind him. One of the funniest moments: when Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez received the William M. Jennings, for goalie or goalie team who had the lowest points against for the year. Tim talked first, and as he finished, he turned to Manny and asked if he should thank Manny's wife for him. Datsyuk was much better when he got the Lady Bing. He was very nervous when he got the Selke Trophy, but was more glib for the Lady Bing. One thing that I noticed throughout the ceremony was that the applause was very weak. I'm not sure if it was because there weren't that many people there, or if it was something else. I did notice alot of empty seats in the fan section. Ovechkin won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Award, and he spoke after Malkin did for the Art Ross. Ovechkin made a job about Malkin speaking English better than Datyskuk. Datsyuk did not laugh. Unfortunately, Ovechkin won the Hart Trophy too. How annoying for Pens fans.

Here are the list of winners for the 2008-2009 season:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding rookie
Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Award for outstanding defensive forward
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to most valuable player to his team
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Award for outstanding coach
Claude Julien, Boston Bruins

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding defenseman
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to player that displays sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD
Awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLPA members
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

VEZINA TROPHY
Award for outstanding goaltender
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins

MASTERTON TROPHY
Award for the player who exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey
Steve Sullivan, Nashville Predators

WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY
Awarded to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it in the regular season
Tim Thomas and Manny Fernandez, Boston Bruins

ART ROSS TROPHY
Awarded to the player who leads the league in total points at the end of the regular season
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

MAURICE "ROCKET" RICHARD TROPHY
Awarded to the top goal scorer in the regular season
Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and who has made a significant humanitarian contribution to his community
Ethan Moreau, Edmonton Oilers

MARK MESSIER LEADERSHIP AWARD
Awarded to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season
Jerome Iginla, Calgary Flames

NHL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Awarded to a National Hockey League veteran in recognition of their contributions to the league
Jean Beliveau

SCOTTIABANK FAN FAV AWARD
Awarded to a National Hockey League player based on fan voting
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Thursday, December 4, 2008 -- Evening

So Sean Avery of the Dallas Stars made the news yesterday. Now, everyone who knows hockey knows that Avery has a reputation for being jerk, both to players on other teams and his own. He's probably one of the most hated players out there, just for his personality. Well, on Tuesday evening, before the Stars played the Calgary Flames, Avery went up to the news guys and made a comment about how other players seem to want to go out with his ex-girlfriends. Being the juvenile type that he is, he used the term "sloppy seconds." Well, everyone was in an uproar over that because it was derogatory towards women. Actually I think he meant it more for Dion Phaneuf of the Flames, who is dating Avery's ex, Elisha Cuthbert. Yeah, what Avery said was tasteless, but I believe in freedom of speech. Avery should be allowed to make a fool of himself. What got me was that Gary Bettman suspended Avery indefinitely, and made Avery go to New York to meet with Bettmwn. Okay! Perfectly fine for Ryan Hollweg to be a thug and board people. Fine for Todd Bertuzzi to try to kill Steve Moore on the ice. But you have to draw the line at using the words "sloppy seconds" because then you should be banned for line. Maybe Bettman is over reacting to the comment because there are so many women hockey fans that he doesn't want to alienate. All I know is that I'm female, and I'm more offended at senseless brutality on the ice.

Saturday, November 15, 2008 -- Evening

The owners of the Tampa Bay LIghtning fired Barry Melrose today. Rick Tocchet is going to be the interim coach, I suppose until a suitable replacement could be found. The reason? The team has only won 5 of the 16 games they played so far this season. What I think is just absolutely amazing is that the stupid owners haven't figured out that the reason is that the team is overly populated with the scum of the barrel from the Pens. I mean they ahve Ryan Malone, who only has 3 points this season, and only had one good year in his entire career--last year, playing with Evgeni Malkin, Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts, Michel Ouellet. I mean really! That's the reason! It has nothing to do with Melrose as coach. And if you think that any of those four is good, you are just deluding yourself.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 -- Evening

Funny story! The Tampa Bay Lightning are having some major problems. There were rumors on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday that one of the owners of the Lighting was in the locker room giving direction to the players on game strategy. Why the owners would want to do that when they have a competent coach in Barry Melrose, I don't know. I think that the problem is that they brought in a slew of the Pens' non performers, like Gary Roberts, Mark Recchi, and Ryan Malone. So why I am I lumping Malone in with the geriatrics? Because he was only an average to mediocre player from the start. Yeah, he had a good year last year, in a contract year, and playing with Sidney Crosby. Anyone would look good if they have Crosby rebounding the puck off of them into the goal. Malone just has one goal and no assists in seven games. Recchi has two goals and no assists, and Roberts is pointless (in more ways than one!)

Thursday, October 16, 2008 -- Evening

Ryan Hollweg was in the news again. He got a three game suspension from the NHL for boarding yet another player. Boarding is when you hit a player from behind when the player is facing the boards. It is really dangerous because you could really hurt the player being boarded. Back in early 2007, Hollweg boarded Chris Simon who responded by striking at Hollweg with his stick, catching Hollweg around the throat. Not to defend Simon, but he was just responding in anger and retaliation to Hollweg's cheap move. Of course, Simon is a goon who doesn't deserve sympathy and has done some really nasty stuff himself. But the thing is that does not lessen the scum that Hollweg is. So Hollweg missed his next three games with the Toronto Maple Leafs. I think that Holleweg should get alot more than three games.

Thursday, June 12, 2008 -- Evening

The NHL had its award ceremony this evening. Here are the list of winners:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding rookie
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Award for outstanding defensive forward
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to most valuable player to his team
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Award for outstanding coach
Bruce Boudreau, Washington Capitals

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding defenseman
Nick Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to player that displays sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD
Awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLPA members
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

VEZINA TROPHY
Award for outstanding goaltender
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

MASTERTON TROPHY
Award for the player who exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey
Jason Blake, Toronto Maple Leafs

Monday, June 9, 2008 -- Afternoon

Dominik Hasek officially announced his retirement for the second time today. The first time Hasek retired was in 2002 right after the Detroit Red Wings last won the Stanley Cup. Hasek probably won't be coming back after this retirement because he is now 43 years and has had issues with injuries and motivation over the past year. Hasek has been one of my favorite goalies, and it will be sad to know that he will not be playing again.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007 -- Evening

Chris Simon received his penalty today, and it is one of the most severe ever handed out by the NHL. Simon will be suspended for 30 games without pay. The Islanders are still being supportive of Simon, but I don't think that 30 games is enough. I think that the NHL decided that since Jarkko Ruutu wasn't injured that 30 days was sufficient. I think they needed to look at the fact that this is the seventh time that Simon has done something that brought about the censure of the NHL. Simon should never come back on the ice.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 -- Afternoon

There is some news about Chris Simon. The New York Islanders have given Simon time away from the team to get some counseling to get his career back on track. You have to admit that the way Simon is going now, he's just a play away from doing serious damage to someone. It will be too late when someone is permanently injured because of Simon's actions. We can only hope that Simon does get some help. He should be meeting with officials in Toronto today to determine the punishment for stomping on Jarkko Ruutu's foot.

Saturday, September 29, 2007 -- Late Evening

The NHL started its regular season today in Europe with a match between last year's Stanley Cup winners, the Anaheim Ducks and LA Kings. The Kings showed some power by winning the game 4-1. This was the first time that the NHL played in Europe. Everyone else starts the season this coming Wednesday. There will be another game between the Kings and Ducks tomorrow at noon on Versus.

Sunday, July 1, 2007 -- Late Afternoon

The big signing in the NHL free agency so far was Daniel Briere to the Flyers for $52 million over eight years.

Sunday, July 1, 2007 -- Afternoon

Today is the first day of the NHL free agency. It started around noon today, and some big names are available. There isn't any work yet on whether the Pens are considering anyone. Some of the people who are shopping around are Daniel Briere, Chris Drury, and Paul Kariya.

Also in hockey news: the new members of the Hockey Hall of Fame were announced on Thursday. Mark Messier, Ran Francis, and Scott Stevens were inducted on their first year of eligibility.

Thursday, June 14, 2007 -- Evening

I hate Versus, and the NHL should be hanging its head in shame. Why? Because here in the US, Versus was supposed to carry the NHL Awards show starting at 7 p.m. Well, it wasn't on. A fighting show was on instead. Finally at 8 p.m., a scroll eent across the bottom of the screen saying that the show was being rescheduled for 11 p.m. What the heck! This is why folks here in the US are losing interest in hockey. Hockey is only available here on crappy Versus--and they can't even show the Awards show live. How absolutely ridiculous! For shame NHL and Versus.

So to find out who won what, I have to resort to refreshing the TSN Hockey page. The Pens had some bad news when Michel Therrien lost the Jack Adams Award for Outstanding Coach. However things picked up when Evgeni Malkin won the Calder Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Rookie. Sidney Crosby won the Lester B. Pearson Award AND the Hart Trophy. I was whooping it up for Crosby when I read it on TSN. It seems that the vote wasn't even close. Crosby had 91 first place votes and 1,225 points. Roberto Luongo was second with 25 first place votes and 801 points. Martin Brodeur was third with 21 first place votes and 763 points. What a great night for Crosby and the Pens!

Here are the list of winners:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding rookie
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Award for outstanding defensive forward
Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to most valuable player to his team
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Award for outstanding coach
Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding defenseman
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to player that displays sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD
Awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLPA members)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins

VEZINA TROPHY
Award for outstanding goaltender
(For the first time since the inception of the NHL awards in 1983, there are more than three finalists in a category; There was a third-place tie in balloting for the Vezina, resulting in four finalists.)
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils

MASTERTON TROPHY
(For the player who exhibits perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey)
Phil Kessel, Boston Bruins

Thursday, June 7, 2007 -- Afternoon

The Anaheim Ducks won their first Stanley Cup last night. It was a pitiful display on the part of the Ottawa Senators. The really sad part was when Chris Phillips was coming around from behind the Senators net, mishandled the puck, and shot it into his own goal. It's as if the Senators are jinxed. Now I have to find some other sport to watch until hockey season restarts.

Date	Game	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Stanley Cup
June 6	5	Ottawa Senators & Anaheim Ducks	ANA	6-2	ANA (4-1)

Date	Game	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Stanley Cup
June 4	4	Anaheim Ducks & Ottawa Senators	ANA	3-2	ANA (3-1)

Sunday, June 3, 2007 -- Evening

All viewers of yesterday's hockey game knew that it was bound to happen. Chris Pronger was given a one game suspension. Obviously the officals are leary of giving someone of Pronger's status a stiffer penalty, but I think that his continued thugishness needs to be addressed.

Date	Game	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Stanley Cup
June 2	3	Anaheim Ducks & Ottawa Senators	OTT	3-5	ANA (2-1)

Saturday, June 2, 2007 -- Late Evening

Chris Pronger was back to his thuggish ways in the Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks Stanley Cup game this evening. Pronger elbowed Dean McAmmond in the head, knocking McAmmond to the ice. McAmmond's head banged off the ice, and then he slid into the boards head first. After a few minutes, McAmmond was helped off the ice. Pronger didn't get a penalty, but the play should be reviewed (as all plays are reviewed by the officials), and Pronger should get some sort of penalty. Unfortunately, the ref claimed that he didn't see the play so he couldn't call a penalty. Pronger's action illustrates why I don't care for the Ducks. They play rough and loose with the rules, and try their darndest to commit dirty acts. Fortunately Ottawa won this evening with a final score of 5-3.

Date	Game	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Stanley Cup
May 30	2	Ottawa Senators & Anaheim Ducks	ANA	0-1	ANA (2-0)

Date	Game	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Stanley Cup
May 28	1	Ottawa Senators & Anaheim Ducks	ANA	2-3	ANA (1-0)

Sunday, May 27, 2007 -- Early Afternoon

I have to admit that I am having serious hockey withdraw. Part of the reason is the poor decision making on the part of the NHL and Gary Bettman. The NHL did itself a great disservice by having a week pass between the final game in the Western Conference final and the Stanley Cup. I can only imagine what the ratings will look like for the Cup. After all the first two games are being played on Versus--a channel which isn't available to everyone. The rest of the games (anywhere from two to five) will be on NBC. By the time that the games show up on network television, most people will have either forgetten that the season isn't over or will have found something else to do. Probably the only people outside of Canada who will be watching the games will be me and the some of the hockey fans in Anaheim.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007 -- Evening

The Anaheim Ducks beat the Detroit Red Wings last night. The final score was 4-3. Detroit had two goals in the last half of the third period, but it was too little, too late. The Stanley Cup games will start on Monday in Anaheim. The Ducks had the "home team" advantage because they were second in the Western Conference as opposed to fourth for the Ottawa Senators. Also in the regular season, the Ducks had 110 points to the Senators 104. I am rooting for the Senators to take the Cup. The only thing I don't understand is why the series isn't starting until Monday.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 22	6	Western	Detroit Red Wings & Anaheim Ducks	ANA	3-4	ANA (4-2)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 20	5	Western	Anaheim Ducks & Detroit Red Wings	ANA	2-1	ANA (3-2)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 19	5	Eastern	Ottawa Senators & Buffalo Sabres	OTT	3-2	OTT (4-1)

Saturday, May 19, 2007 -- Evening

It has been a few days since I had anything to write about, but today there were two events of note, both on NBC. The Eastern Conference final match-up between the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Senators. The Sabres needed the win, and the hometown crowd showed up, both physically and emotionally. The atomosphere in the HSBC arena in Buffalo was electric. The crowd overflowed into the area around the arena which was full of fans and pompoms. The Sabres scored first, but Dany Heatley and Jason Spezza scored to give the Senators the lead. Fortunately for the Sabres, the Senators took a slew of penalties in the third period. The Sabres were able to tie the game with a goal by Maxime Afinogenov. The game went into overtime, but the Senators were not to be denied. Daniel Alfredsson scored at 9:32 in OT to give the Senators the win and the Eastern Conference Championship. The Senators have just been hot throughout the playoffs, and I am rooting for them to continue the donimination through the Stanley Cup finals. Unfortunately for most fans, NBC cut from the game to the Preakness stakes with the remainder of the game broadcast on Versus. Although I am a hores racing fan too, I think that that the hour of filler before the race could have been reduced for at least one hockey OT period. I finished watching the game on Versus, and noted that in the post-game handshake line that Heatley was being very nice to the Sabre players, giving quite a few of them a hug and longer words of congratulations on performance and encouragement for next year.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 17	4	Western	Detroit Red Wings & Anaheim Ducks	ANA	3-5	TIED (2-2)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 16	4	Eastern	Buffalo Sabres & Ottawa Senators	BUF	3-2	OTT (3-1)

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 -- Evening

Chris Pronger received a one game suspension for his part in the hit yesterday on Tomas Holmstrom. After the officials reviewed the tapes of the game today, they decided that although Rob Niedermayer was penalized during the game, Chris Pronger should receive his fair share. It was a nasty hit. It's really scary when you see a player being pancaked into the boards head first. That's called boarding, and that was the penalty that was assigned to Niedermayer. The NHL really needs to do something to prevent things like this because Holmstrom could have been seriously injured.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007 -- Morning

Last night's game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Anaheim Ducks was an exciting one. Well, I would have to say that it was exciting for me because I was rooting on the Red Wings, and they won in a blow-out, 5-0. I am not a huge Ducks fan, and I think that the team plays like a bunch of thugs. They are always making cheap shots on players on the other team. Yesterday, Tomas Holmstrom was crushed into the boards from behind by two Duck players, and left the game temoporarily. Holmstrom's helmet came flying off his head, and he was lying on the ice bleeding profusely from his forehead. He wound up with 13 stitches, but no concussion. Rob Niedermayer got a game misconduct for the hit. What was funny is that after the game, this woman reporter was talking to Holmstrom, and she said that the mother in her made her have to tell him to strap on his helmet better next time. I have to admit that the same thought has crossed my mind several times. I wonder if it is the female's sensible reaction. If you can avoid serious injury, why not!

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 15	3	Western	Detroit Red Wings & Anaheim Ducks	DET	5-0	DET (2-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 14	3	Eastern	Buffalo Sabres & Ottawa Senators	OTT	0-1	OTT (3-0)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 13	2	Western	Anaheim Ducks @ Detroit Red Wings	ANA	4-3	TIED (1-1)

Sunday, May 13, 2007 -- Morning

Last night's game between the Ottawa Senators and the Buffalo Sabres was an exciting one. Buffalo had lost the first game at home, so there was alot of pressure on them not to lose both home games. Buffalo scored the first two goals in the first period. Then the Senators came on to score a goal each in the first, second, and third periods. As the clock was dwindling in regulation, the Senators had a 3-2 lead. Things were looking dire when Daniel Briere scored the tying goal with six seconds left in reguulation. The game went into overtime. There were two overtimes before Joe Corvo scored the winning gaol for the Senators at 4:59 in the second overtime. It's not looking good for the Sabres now because they will be heading to Ottawa for the next two games. It's going to hard to be the Senators at home. Also, the team just really seems to have picked up its play in the off-season. I'm rooting them on for a matchup in the Stanley Cup against the Detroit Red Wings.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 12	2	Eastern	Ottawa Senators & Buffalo Sabres	OTT	4-3	OTT (2-0)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 11	1	Western	Anaheim Ducks @ Detroit Red Wings	DET	1-2	DET (1-0)

Thursday, May 10, 2007 -- Evening

The Ottawa Senators played the Buffalo Sabres this evening, and won. The Senators have been playing well all this post season. Now they have an advantage in the series because they have a 1-0 lead by winning an away game in Buffalo. I'm cheering on the Senators, and hope that they meet up with the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Conference Finals
May 10	1	Eastern	Ottawa Senators & Buffalo Sabres	OTT	5-2	OTT (1-0)

Tuesday, May 8, 2007 -- Afternoon

Both Craig Patrick and Mike Lange might be heading to Phoenix for openings pertaining to the Phoenix Coyotes. Patrick is one of nine people being considered for the GM position with the Coyotes. All I have to say is that Patrick in the last few years here wasn't doing a great job with managing the team. He brought Eddie O in as the coach, and made some suspect trade deals. So if I were Wayne Gretzky, I would pass him up. Mike Lange, on the other hand, wants to return to television because that's where the money is. He took a huge cut when he moved from the tv announcer position to radio game announcer. Since there is no television opportunity for Lange here, one of the local sports reporters, Bob Smizik thinks that Lange might go for an opening in Phoenix. It seems that Lange started his career in Phoenix.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 7	6	Western	Detroit Red Wings & San Jose Sharks	DET	2-0	DET (4-2)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 6	6	Eastern	Buffalo Sabres & New York Rangers	BUF	5-4	BUF (4-2)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 5	5	Eastern	Ottawa Senators & New Jersey Devils	OTT	3-2	OTT (4-1)
May 5	5	Western	San Jose Sharks & Detroit Red Wings	DET	3-2	DET (2-3)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 4	5	Eastern	New York Rangers & Buffalo Sabres	BUF	1-2	BUF (3-2)

Friday, May 4, 2007 -- Early Afternoon

The playoff games have been really exciting so far this season. For the most part, they have been close games with the deciding goal coming in the last part of the third or in one of multiple overtimes. Last night, the Anaheim Ducks moved on to the Western Conference Final. I was really hoping for an all Canadian final with the Vancouver Canucks and the Ottawa Senators. Ottawa is looking in good shape, and I really hope they beat the New Jersey Devils. I really like Martin Brodeur, but the Devils' GM was such an egotistical idea for getting rid of the coach. I'd love to see the Devils fail so Lou Lamoriello gets his comeuppance.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 3	5	Western	Vancouver Canucks & Anaheim Ducks	ANA	1-2	ANA (4-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 2	4	Eastern	New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators	OTT	2-3	OTT (3-1)
May 2	4	Western	Detroit Red Wings @ San Jose Sharks	DET	3-2	TIED (2-2)

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 -- Late Evening

The Buffalo Sabres and the New York Rangers game was a heart breaker this evening. The game was well played, and the Rangers pulled ahead in the third period to a 2-0 score. Buffalo came right back with a score to bring the Sabres within one. However, with 13 seconds left in the game, it looked like Buffalo scored. The play went to Toronto for review. It was funny watching the refs, but at one point, the one guy went to his knees, and I was joking about how afraid he was to give any answer because one team or the other would attack him. Well, although the replay looked like the puck crossed the line, it was hard to see beause of the shadow from Henrik Lundqvist's leg pads. So it was declared no goal. The two are tied now at two games a piece. I think the Sabres were robbed! But there's nothing I could do about it. Play goes back to Buffalo.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
May 1	4	Eastern	Buffao Sabres @ New York Rangers	NYR	2-1	TIED (2-2)
May 1	4	Western	Anaheim Ducks @ Vancouver Canucks	ANA	3-2	ANA (3-1)

Tuesday, May 1, 2007 -- Evening

The NHL announced the finalists for the various awards that are not based on statistics today. The Pens feature heavily in the awards this year. Sidney Crosby was nominated for the Hart Memorial and Lester B. Pearson awards. Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal are nominated for the Calder Trophy for Rookies. The one that I am most excited about is Michel Therrien's nomination for the Jack Adams Award for the best coach. I hope that he wins it. Here is the complete list of finalists:

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding rookie
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Jordan Staal, Pittsburgh Penguins
Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY
Award for outstanding defensive forward
Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes
Samuel Pahlsson, Anaheim Ducks
Jay Pandolfo, New Jersey Devils

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to most valuable player to his team
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

JACK ADAMS AWARD
Award for outstanding coach
Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres
Michel Therrien, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alain Vigneault, Vancouver Canucks

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY
Award for outstanding defenseman
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Ducks
Chris Pronger, Anaheim Ducks

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Awarded to player that displays sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
Joe Sakic, Colorado Avalanche
Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD
Awarded to the most outstanding player as voted by fellow NHLPA members)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Vincent Lecavalier, Tampa Bay Lightning
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

VEZINA TROPHY
Award for outstanding goaltender
(For the first time since the inception of the NHL awards in 1983, there are more than three finalists in a category; There was a third-place tie in balloting for the Vezina, resulting in four finalists.)
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
April 30	3	Eastern	New Jersey Devils @ Ottawa Senators	OTT	0-2	OTT (2-1)
April 30	3	Western	Detroit Red Wings @ San Jose Sharks	SJ	1-2	SJ (2-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
April 29	3	Eastern	Buffao Sabres @ New York Rangers	NYR	1-2	BUF (2-1)
April 29	3	Western	Anaheim Ducks @ Vancouver Canucks	3-2	ANA	ANA (2-1)

Sunday, April 29, 2007 -- Late Afternoon

Today would have been Barbaro's fourth birthday, and in honor of the occasion, there are several celebrations planned at racetracks across the county. One ot the things that NBC wanted to do was to air the documntary, Barbaro, a Nation's Horse. The show should have been on at 5 p.m. EDT, but was delayed by a rather exciting New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres semi-final playoff game. The game is tied now with a score of 1-1, and is in the first overtime. Until someone scores, the game continues. Because the game has continued into the second overtime, the Barbaro documentary is rescheduled for 9 p.m. on Friday, May 4, repeating at midnight, on CNBC.

The Sabres vs. Rangers game is really an exciting one, and there have been several close calls throughout the game. Both Ryan Miller and Henrik Lundqvist have made some nice saves. The game finally ended with only abit over three minutes left in the second overtime when Michal Rozsival scored for the Rangers. The Rangers played a hard game, and it would have really been a shame if they lost in the overtime because they would have been down in the series 3-0.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
April 28	2	Eastern	Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils	NJ	2-3	TIED (1-1)
April 28	2	Western	San Jose Sharks @ Detroit Red Wings	DET	2-3	TIED (1-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
April 27	2	Eastern	New York Rangers @ Buffalo Sabres	BUF	2-3	BUF (2-0)
April 27	2	Western	Vancouver Canucks @ Anaheim Ducks	VAN	2-1	TIED (1-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
April 26	1	Eastern	Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils	OTT	5-4	OTT (1-0)
April 26	1	Western	San Jose Sharks @ Detroit Red Wings	SJ	2-0	SJ (1-0)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 Second Round Playoff Matchups
April 25	1	Eastern	New York Rangers @ Buffalo Sabres	BUF	2-5	BUF (1-0)
April 25	1	Western	Vancouver Canucks @ Anaheim Ducks	ANA	1-5	ANA (1-0)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 22	6	Western	Dallas Stars @ Vancouver Canucks	VAN	1-4	VAN (4-2)

Sunday, April 22, 2007 -- Late Afternoon

The New Jersey Devils beat the Tampa Bay Lightning to move on to the semi-final round in the Eastern Conference. All four teams are set for the Eastern Conference, and we just have to wait for the final two teams in the Western Conference. New Jersey will play the Ottawa Senators in the next round. The announcers during today's New Jersey game seemed to think that Ottawa might be able to get past New Jersey because Ottawa has a better defensive union. The other Eastern semi-final matchup will be the New York Rangers against the Buffalo Sabres.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 22	6	Eastern	New Jersey Devils @ Tampa Bay Lightning	NJ	3-2	NJ (4-2)
April 22	6	Western	Calgary Flames @ Detroit Red Wings	DET	2-1	DET (4-2)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 21	5	Western	Calgary Flames @ Detroit Red Wings	DET	1-5	DET (3-2)
April 21	6	Western	Vancouver Canucks @ Dallas Stars	DAL	0-2	TIED (3-3)

Saturday, April 21, 2007 -- Late Morning

Interesting story from yesterday. Sean Hill of the New York Islanders was suspended for 20 games for taking a performance enhancing drug. There wasn't any word on what the drug was, but this was the first time that an NHL player has been suspended with the new program that the NHL has put into place. It seems that there is this Montreal lawyer, Dick Pound, who says that 30 percent of NHL players take some sort of performance enhancing drug. When I first mentioned this to my boyfriend, his first thought was steroids. The thing is though that what hockey players need is stamina. It seems that the drug of choice is a stimulant--like ephedrine, which is the base for decongenstants (at least the decongestants that actually reduce nasal sweling). Hill is going to have to serve most of his penalty at the beginning of next season because the Islanders were eliminated from the playoffs by the Buffalo Sabres last night. Hill didn't travel with the team or play in the game yesterday.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 20	5	Eastern	New York Islanders @ Buffalo Sabres	BUF	3-4	BUF (4-1)
April 20	4	Eastern	Tampa Bay Lightning @ New Jersey Devils	NJ	0-3	NJ (3-2)
April 20	5	Western	San Jose Sharks @ Nashville Predators	SJ	3-2	SJ (4-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 19	5	Eastern	Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators	OTT	0-3	OTT (4-1)
April 19	4	Western	Detroit Red Wings @ Calgary Flames	CAL	2-3	TIED (2-2)
April 19	5	Western	Dallas Stars @ Vancouver Canucks	DAL	1-0	VAN (3-2)
April 19	5	Western	Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks	ANA	1-4	ANA (4-1)

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 18	4	Eastern	Atlanta Thrashers @ New York Rangers	NYR	2-4	NYR (4-0)
April 18	4	Eastern	New Jersey Devils @ Tampa Bay Lightning	NJ	4-3	TIE (2-2)
April 18	4	Eastern	Buffalo Sabres @ New York Islanders	BUF	4-2	BUF (3-1)
April 18	4	Western	Nashville Predators @ San Jose Sharks	SJ	2-3	SJ (3-1)

Wednesday, April 18, 2007 -- Early Afternoon

As for hockey, the New York Rangers really whooped the butts of the Atlanta Thrashers. The final score was 7-0. I think that the problem with the seeding for the conference playoffs is that the division leaders get the top three spots. Unfortunately, Atlanta was the top of their division which gave them the number three spot. They didn't deserve it though because they were that good. Now Atlanta is on the brink of elimination as they go down three games to none in the series.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score	Series
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 17	3	Eastern	Atlanta Thrashers @ New York Rangers	NYR	0-7	NYR (3-0)
April 17	4	Eastern	Ottawa Senators @ Pittsburgh Penguins	OTT	2-1	OTT (3-1)
April 17	4	Western	Vancouver Canucks @ Dallas Stars	VAN	2-1	VAN (3-1)
April 17	4	Western	Anaheim Ducks @ Minnesota Wild	MIN	1-4	ANA (3-1)
April 17	3	Western	Detroit Red Wings @ Calgary Flames	CAL	2-3	DET (2-1)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007 -- Late Morning

Bad news for the New Jersey Devils last night. They lost yesterday by one point. Martin Brodeur tried his best, but he let in three goals. The Devils were only able to score two. This is one team that is totally reliant on the goalie to win, and if he lets in more than one goal, they are screwed. I know that the Pens were worried about playing Tampa Bay because they seemed to have the Pens' number. Obviously they have the Devils' number too. Of course, everyone has to wonder if Lou Lamoriello was an egotistical idiot when he fired Claude Julien as coach. In a way, I'd love to see the Devils lose the series just to have Lamoriello with egg on his face.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 16	3	Eastern	New Jersey Devils @ Tampa Bay Lightning	TB	2-3
April 16	3	Eastern	Buffalo Sabres @ New York Islanders	BUF	3-2
April 16	3	Western	Nashville Predators @ San Jose Sharks	SJ	1-3

Monday, April 16, 2007 -- Afternoon

The goalies are going to be the story in the playoff games tonight. Rick DiPietro overcame his post-concussion syndrome to make an appearance at the New York Islanders win on Saturday. He should be back in goal tonight. I think that the Islanders are really pinning their hopes on DiPietro. It's the goalie who can really make the difference between a win and a loss. We can also see that in the New Jersey Devils game on Saturday too. They lost on Saturday, and Martin Brodeur has been encouraging the players to forget about it so they can get up the steam to win tonight's game. The Devils are definitely a team that is very dependent on the well being of its goalie.

The other surprising thing about the Islanders win on Saturday is that Alexei Yashin was, for all intents and purposes, benched during the game. It's not often that the captain of the team receives such treatment during the playoffs, but coach Ted Nolan had Yashin playing on the fourth line. Unfortunately, you have to say something worked since the Islanders did win.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 15	3	Eastern	Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators	OTT	2-4
April 15	2	Western	Calgary Flames @ Detroit Red Wings	DET	1-3
April 15	3	Western	Anaheim Ducks @ Minnesota Wild	ANA	2-1
April 15	3	Western	Vancouver Canucks @ Dallas Stars	VAN	2-1

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 14	2	Eastern	Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators	PIT	4-3
April 14	2	Eastern	New York Rangers @ Atlanta Thrashers	NYR	2-1
April 14	2	Eastern	New York Islanders @ Buffalo Sabres	NYI	3-2
April 12	2	Eastern	Tampa Bay Lightning @ New Jersey Devils	TB	3-2

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 13	2	Western	San Jose Sharks @ Nashville Predators	NAS	2-5
April 13	2	Western	Dallas Stars @ Vancouver Canucks	DAL	2-0
April 13	2	Western	Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks	ANA	2-3

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 12	1	Eastern	New York Rangers @ Atlanta Thrashers	NYR	4-3
April 12	1	Eastern	Tampa Bay Lightning @ New Jersey Devils	NJ	3-5
April 12	1	Eastern	New York Islanders @ Buffalo Sabres	BUF	1-4
April 12	1	Western	Calgary Flames @ Detroit Red Wings	DET	1-4

Thursday, April 12, 2007 -- Morning

I didn't see this game, but it sounds like the Dallas Stars and Vancouver Canucks game was a doozy last night. The game went into FOUR overtimes, and was finally won by Vancouver with 1:54 left in the fourth overtime period. Final score was 5-4. Roberto Luongo made 72 saves in the game which is second after Kelly Hrudley's record in the playoffs. I can just imagine how the fans must feel if they stayed for the game: happy, but tired--they must still be sleeping. The Pens game was the only one last night that wasn't a close one.

Date	Game	Conference	Matchup/Result	Winner	Score
2006-2007 First Round Playoff Matchups
April 11	1	Eastern	Pittsburgh Penguins @ Ottawa Senators	OTT	3-6
April 11	1	Western	San Jose Sharks @ Nashville Predators	SJ	5-4
April 11	1	Western	Dallas Stars @ Vancouver Canucks	VAN	4-5
April 11	1	Western	Minnesota Wild @ Anaheim Ducks	ANA	1-2

Friday, April 6, 2007 -- Afternoon

I just finished reading a very timely book. It is The Code: the Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL by Ross Bernstein. As the title states, the book looks at fighting in the NHL, and the rules that players follow before, during, and after the fight. Some would have you believe that fighting means that the NHL is out of control, but the players themselves view fighting as the way to police the game. The enforcer's role on the team is to give the skill players room to play the game. Read my review of the book, and then go out and read the book yourself.

Monday, April 2, 2007 -- Afternoon

Shocking news from the New Jersey Devils! Head coach, Claude Julien was fired with less than a week left in the regular season. General Manager, Lou Lamoriello, is stepping in as head coach for now. I haven't seen anything in any of the news articles that explains why the Devils management might have done this. However, this is the second time in recent history that the Devils have pulled this type of move. The last time was in the 1999/2000 season when the Devils fired their coach, Robbie Ftorek, on March 23 and went on to win the Stanley Cup. The Devils have been trading the first place postion in the Atlantic division and second place in the Eastern Conference back and forth with the Pens over the past week.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007 -- Afternoon

Really bad news for the New York Islanders. Rick DiPietro is out indefinitely with post-concussion syndrome. That's the thing that is so bad with head injuries. You think that everything is fine, but it's not. The Pens have had the same issue with Eric Cairns. He has been out since Nov. 22 because of post-concussion syndrome. For the Islanders this is not good news because they are in a battle to get into the playoffs.

Sunday, March 11, 2007 -- Afternoon

Chris Simon was suspended for a minimum of 25 games for what he did to Ryan Hollweg a few days ago. I think that Simon should be punished. The only thing that irks me is that people keep on bringing up the Todd Bertuzzi incident and "claiming" that he had a stiff penalty. Unfortunately, it was really only a 13 game penalty because the 17 month suspension (and note that it is always referred to by time off--not a games suspension) was mostly during the lockout. Big whoop that Bertuzzi didn't get to play during the lockout. Several NHL players didn't play--and they weren't under suspension. Todd Bertuzzi is a sore spot with me because criminals like him should not be allowed to grace an NHL ice rink.

Friday, March 9, 2007 -- Evening

Everyone in the hockey world has been talking about Chris Simon's clothesline use of his stick on Ryan Hollweg of the New York Rangers. Hollweg checked Simon from behind into the boards, and his stick came up and tapped Simon in the face. No penalty was called on Hollweg, and when Simon got up, he put the hit on Hollweg. The shot was dirty, but at the same time, you know that emotions were running high in a game where penalties weren't being called. Granted, I am not a huge Chris Simon fan, and really hated his dirty play when he had the long hair (he's shaved bald now) and played for the Washingon Capitals. All I have to say is that it wasn't a Todd Bertuzzi move of blindsiding someone from behind with a punch to the temple and driving his head into the ice. Steve Moore, the recepient of Bertuzzi's criminal act, still isn't in good condition a few years AFTER the senseless beating. Bertuzzi was suspended for 13 games and boo-hoo, didn't play during the lock out. Don't get me started on Bertuzzi because I believe that the guy is the lowest of low and should NEVER have been allowed back into hockey, let alone play on the Canadian Olympic team. Hellweg has a injury to his chin and required a few stitches. He will be playing on Saturday. People say that Simon should have a life suspension. All I have to say is that Todd Bertuzzi went with his fists to someone's temple to intentionally maim him for life, and Bertuzzi still plays. As of now, Simon has been suspended indefinitely.

Saturday, February 24, 2007 -- Afternoon

The interesting game will be tonight's game between the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres. The Senators have added some goons to the roster to take care of the Sabres. Now what I find ironic about this is that the Senators were the ones who "started" the whole matter when Chris Neil hit Chris Drury from behind when Drury didn't even have the puck. It was pretty obvious that it was a dirty hit. Neil wasn't penalized for it, but it doesn't change the facts. The NHL is just really crappy about addressing things like this. They should penalize the player who pulls the dirty hit, the coach, and the team. That would be the only way this type of behavior will be addressed. Drury, meanwhile, is out indefinitely due to the 20 stitches in his forehead and concussion symptoms. So who does get fined? Lindy Ruff, the Sabres coach, for the Sabres retaliation. Ruff was fined $10,000. It totally misses the point that the problem was that Neil put that dirty hit to intentionally hurt a player. The NHL totally misses the picture, and it demeans the whole game. Putting on the first hit is fine and dandy. Letting yourself get emotional and taking justice into your own hands because the NHL is unwilling to do it, now that is something that the NHL doesn't tolerate. Disgusting! Shame on you NHL!

Thursday, February 22, 2007 -- Evening

I watched the women perform last night on American Idol. They were better than the men with a few really good performances. I really liked 17 year old Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, the backup singer who seems stiff when she moves, and LaKisha Jones, who has a little 4 year old daughter. I skimmed through the show this evening during an intermission in the hockey game to find out that Amy Krebs, the girl who Simon Cowell said didn't stand out--and she didn't, and Nicole Tranquillo were sent home. The surprise was on the mens' side. Paul Kim was the first to go, and that wasn't much of a shock. HIs performance wasn't that great. Also I think his ethnic background went against him because I don't think that America wants to vote for an East Asian. The second guy out was more of a shock because Sundance Head wasn't voted out, and Sanjaya Malakar, the 17 year old, wound up getting the fourth highest vote amongst the men. Rudy Cardenas was the second man sent packing.

I only saw the highlights--or maybe it could be called lowlights--from the Ottawa Senators and Buffalo Sabres game. It all started when Chris Drury was violently knocked to the ice, and was lying there bleeding. Well, fights started to break out. The refs got things cleared up, but on the next face-off, the Sabres went for the Senators top player, Dany Heatley. A huge brawl broke out with the goalies coming out of the crease to fight each other. Both goalies were thrown out of the game, and I believe they said on the news clip that 120 minutes of penalties were divvyed out. The coaches were even yelling at each other.

Saturday, December 23, 2006 -- Evening

In other hockey news, the league is considering an overhaul that will change the structure of the conferences. Instead of having six conferences, officials are looking at consolidating to four. There will split up into two divisions with two conferences in each. Each division would send the top two teams to the playoffs (for a total of four teams) and then the top four seeds after that. The Pens, if they stay in Pittsburgh, could be in a division with Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Buffalo, and Boston. The restructuring plan is part of a scheme to look at ways to redo the scheduling. Right now I think the schedule sucks because here in Pittsburgh, we keep on seeing the same teams over and over again. I'm getting a little tired of seeing the same teams all the time, and would love to see more of the Canadian teams. I've been practicing O Canada, and so far, have only had one opportunity to sing it out of 18 games. I only will have six opportunities out of 41 games.

Thursday, December 14, 2006 -- Afternoon

There is news about another player that I like, Jeremy Roenick. It seemed he walked out on the Phoenix Coyotes on Tuesday. The Coyotes scratched him because of a "bad back", but Roenick said that he was well enough to play. So he just left the arena. Wayne Gretzky is going to make Roenick sit out tonight's game too as punishment.

Friday, November 24, 2006 -- Afternoon

Ken Hitchcock got the job with the Columbia Blue Jackets, but lost his debut effort last night against his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers.

Monday, November 20, 2006 -- Evening

Jaromir Jagr got his 600th career goal last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Jagr says that he is going to give the puck his mom.

Sunday, November 19, 2006 -- Afternoon

The Columbus Blue Jackets are talking to Ken Hitchcock today to replace Gerald Gallant. It seems that the Blue Jackets GM, Doug MacLean has a short list of possible coaches and Hitchcock and Pat Quinn are on the list. I have to admit that I liked Pat Quinn, and sort of hope that he gets picked. MacLean hopes to have a decision this week.

Friday, November 17, 2006 -- Evening

Everyone can now vote for his or her favorite hockey All-Star at nhl.com. You have to register to vote, and when you do, you get entered into a raffle to win two tickets to the All-Star game in Dallas on January 24, 2007. We all have until January 2, 2007 ot cast our vote. So vote early and vote often as the Democrats say.

Thursday, November 16, 2006 -- Evening

YouTube has made a deal with the NHL to show clips of NHL games within 24 hours of the original broadcast. It's great that the NHL has seen the power of a site such as YouTube that provides free video content to the general public. The clips should start sometime this month on a channel that will belong to the NHL. I just searched for the NHL channel and couldn't find it. As soon as it is available, I will post a link to it.

Sunday, November 12, 2006 -- Evening

Another of my favorite goalies, Patrick Roy, will be officially entered into the NHL Hall of Fame on Monday. He has really impressive numbers, playing in over 1000 games, winning 551 times and winning more than 200 games for two different teams.

Saturday, November 11, 2006 -- Morning

The Dominator, Dominik Hasek is back to old form. Hasek shut out the Nashville Predators last night for a Detroit Red Wing win of 3-0. This is Hasek's second consecutive shut out. Hasek credited the defense with doing a good job which makes his job easier. Last night, Hasek faced 21 shots--the fewer number of shots that a goalie has to face, the better chance he has of stopping them. The Red Wing defense is good at clearing the puck from in front of Hasek, and keeping it out of his zone as much as possible. So far, the Dominator has 153 minutes and 28 seconds without a goal being scored on him. Hasek has 71 career shutouts. This is all good for Detroit with a record of 11 wins, four losses and one overtime loss. Way to go, Hasek! I wonder how long he can keep it up.

Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have made his way onto the NHL All-Star ballot. The voting will start on Nov. 15 with the game being played Jan. 24 in Dallas. Others on the ballot are Alexander Ovechkin, Eric Staal, Jason Speeza, Cam Ward, Dany Heatley, Saku Koivu, Mats Sundin, Petr Sykora, Markus Naslund, and Jarome Iginla. I know that I will be voting as much as i can for Crosby and Malkin. We will all be able to Click to Vote. I'll put up the link to the site as soon as it is available.

Thursday, November 2, 2006 -- Early Afternoon

Ken Hitchcock is still involved with the Philadelphia Flyers organization. Hitchcock will act as a scout for the team. However, Hitchcock has made very clear that he hopes to find a coaching job somewhere. Considering his skills, I'm sure that there must be a team out there who would value someone with Hitchcock's experience.

Wednesday, November 1, 2006 -- Late Morning

This was shocking news to me. Darius Kasparaitis, of the New York Rangers was sent down to the Rangers' AHL team for conditioning. It seems that Kasparatis hasn't been performing up to snuff since he underwent shoulder surgery over the summer for a torn labrum and side muscle. The surgeries were in May and June respectively, and Kasparaitis missed the first five games of the season because he was still recuperating. Kasparaitis used to play for the Pens a few years back, and used to be a huge fan favorite because he could always be counted on for solid defensive moves. Kasparaitis will be playing with the Hartford Wolf Pack for 10 days.

Monday, October 30, 2006 -- Evening

Dave Nonis, the general manager for the Vancouver Canucks has some interesting remarks about the state of the NHL free agency. As he said, with the way things are now, by the time players like Sidney Crosby or Jordan Staal hit their prime (around 25 years of age), the team that has put so much into their development will probably lose the player when he goes for the money with another team. That is the thing that really sucks, and it was one of the considerations in the Staal situation. The team has to wonder if they should play the kid because that will make the clock tick down on free agency. Another comment that Nonis said that I agree with 100% is that every team should play every other team in the NHL at least once during the year. It would be great to see some of the teams and players that we don't get a chance to see because they don't come to our area. We didn't play the Phoenix Coyotes last season, and are playing them in an away game this year (in January). I would LOVE to see the Coyotes. Even though I"m a Pens fan, I would love to do the Coyote howl if they score. I would love to see Wayne Gretzky. Hasn't happened because of the NHL's unbalanced schedule. That's what Nonis said--the people of Vancouver would love to see Crosby. They can't because of the schedule.

Sunday, October 29, 2006 -- Early Afternoon

The Philadelphia Flyers are really playing so far this season like the Pens of last season. It was rather interesting to read the commentary from the Philadelphia papers. I mean, the Flyers have their own players running into each other, and Derian Hatcher taking a penalty that lead to the goal by Evgeni Malkin and elbowing Sidney Crosby and giving up the puck that lead to Crosby's goal. As Hatcher says: "I don't even feel bad out there. Defense is a team concept. Six of those goals were on odd-man rushes. I know what the (plus-minus) numbers are, but I don't feel bad on the ice." It's nice that Hatcher doesn't feel bad when he's not performing up to par for the team. The comment that really riled my goat was by Peter Forsberg. He said: "ItÕs probably the worst (home) loss I ever had. We do have a young team but you canÕt blame it on that." Excuse me? A team that has 70% of its players (16 born before 1980 and only 7 after 1980), you don't have a "young" team unless you are deluding yourself about what young is. The Pens have a young team. The Flyers have a team full of geriatrics who are feeling the heat of having to perform in the fast paced world of the new rules in hockey. I am very glad that the Pens won. It appears that the Flyers fans were booing and taunting Crosby all evening. I would imagine that Crosby showed them what he's really made of when he scored his first ever career hat trick.

Monday, October 23, 2006 -- Early Afternoon

Shocking news on the hockey front! Ken Hitchcock, the Stanley Cup winning coach of the Philadelphia Flyers was fired last night after GM Bob Clarke resigned. Yeah, we all know that the Flyers have taken the Pens position as the worst team in hockey this season, and that they only have one win in eight games. Heck, I was calling for Eddie O's head around this time last year too. But Hitchcock is no Eddie O. I think that the problems that the Flyers are experiencing are still part of the change in the game since the lockout. Some of the older players still haven't rebounded from being off for a year, and loading up your roster in the age of new rules that call for a faster game really can put a geriatric team at a disadvantage. 16 of their current players were born in 1980 or earlier which means that most are 26/27 years of age or older. Only seven are younger than 26. Yeah, they have some big names, but obviously it is more than that. It's the way the team plays together. With all that said, it's not that the Flyers sucked last year. They finished second in the Atlantic Division with 101 points and 45 wins out of 82 games.

Wednesday, October 18, 2006 -- Evening

I wasn't expected the Pens to win today, because I was sure that Martin Brodeur would have an outstanding game. Why? Because Brodeur was booed at a home game yesterday for letting in five goals in the second period of a 7-6 loss. Brodeur handled the boos with class saying that folks who pay $90 a ticket are allowed to boo him if they want. Besides, Brodeur is Brodeur. He may have an off period, but the guy is great.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006 -- Evening

I just saw this interesting article about hockey on MSNBC. The interesting thing about it was that the geist was that the normal media outlets were giving less space to hockey while bloggers and others online were beefing up the information. I know that I try to make my small effort with the Pens page, but time is a limitation. I only wish that I had the time to do as mnay things that I would like. The other problem that I have if you have looked around The Daily Bongo is that I tend to be all over the place. Reality shows, sports, books, science, sometimes you name it and i have the interest. I should focus on one topic, like the Pens and just concentrate on that.

Friday, October 6, 2006 -- Evening

Jaromir Jagr finally decided to accept the offer of captain of the New York Rangers and led them to a win against Jagr's former team, the Washington Capitals with a score of 5-2.

Dominik Hasek did not have a very good start yesterday. One of the sports reporters that I heard referred to Hasek as the goalie formerly known as the Dominator. I love Hasek. I suppose that I usually have a weak spot in my heart for goalies, but he is getting up there. He's 42. Yesterday he let in three goals off of 14 shots. Not very good at all. The Detroit Red Wings wound up losing 3-1. Anyway the Red Wings will be here in Pittsburgh tomorrow, and I hope to get some pictures of the Dominator.

Saturday, September 30, 2006 -- Afternoon

Malkin is lucky that his injury doesn't seem that bad. Jaromir Jagr just played in his first game since he had surgery five months ago for a dislocated shoulder. The recovery time for that type of injury is long, and there is always the risk that the shoulder will be in weaker condition and more susceptible to reinjury. The New York Rangers lost their exhibition game, and word is not firm on whether Jagr will play in the season opener.

Tuesday, August 1, 2006 -- Early Afternoon

Dominik Hasek has resigned for the third with the Detroit Red Wings. The contract that the Dominator has with the Red Wings is $750,000 for one year. Even though Hasek is getting older, I still think that he is the Dominator, and obviously the Red Wings think that he is just the ticket to take them to another Stanley Cup.

Monday, July 3, 2006 -- Afternoon

In other hockey news, Chris Pronger has been traded to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Anaheim traded away some future prospects for Pronger. The other news is that Steve Yzerman is retiring from the Detroit Red Wings. It seems that Yzerman thinks this will be in the best interests of the team and himself, and prevent things from becoming a soap opera. It seems that the coaching staff thought that Yzerman might be past it at 41, and didn't play him at crucial times in the playoffs. If you know that you aren't considered productive, you can take it to heart. Yzerman is a standup kind of guy and just wants to do what is best for the team.

2006 NHL Trophies

CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY Rookie of the Year	Alexander Ovechkin
FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY Outstanding Defensive Forward	Rod Brind'Amour
HART MEMORIAL TROPHY Most Valuable Player to his Team	Joe Thorton
JACK ADAMS AWARD Outstanding Coach	Lindy Ruff (Buffalo Sabres)
JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY Outstanding Defenseman	Nicklas Lidstrom
LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY Sportsmanship and Gentlemanly Conduct	Pavel Datsyuk
LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD Most Outstanding Player as voted by the players	Jaromir Jagr
VEZINA TROPHY Outstanding Goalie	Miikka Kiprusoff
ART ROSS TROPHY NHL Points Leader	Joe Thorton
MAURICE RICHARD TROPHY Goal Scoring Leader	Jonathan Cheechoo
WILLIAM M. JENNINGS TROPHY Goalie with more than 25 appearances allowing fewest goals	Miikka Kiprusoff
BILL MASTERTON MEMORIAL TROPHY Perseverance, Sportsmanship and Dedication to Hockey	Teemu Selanne
KING CLANCY MEMORIAL TROPHY Leadership and Humanitarian Contribution to his Community	Olaf Kolzig
CON SMYTHE TROPHY Most Valuable Player in the Playoffs	Cam Ward

3rd

Final

Wednesday, June 7, 2006 -- Evening

The Edmonton Oilers have put Jussi Markkanen in goal for this evening's game. What other options did they have when Ty Conklin gave away the game on Monday. It's not looking good for Edmonton. The Carolina Hurricanes scored a goal in the first and second period while the Oilers are scoreless. If the Oilers don't win today, chances are that they will lose the series.

Tuesday, June 6, 2006 -- Afternoon

Dwayne Roloson won't be back for the remainder of the Stanley Cup finals with a knee injury. This is going to be quite a blow to the Edmonton Oilers chances of winning the Cup as we can see from the brilliant move that Ty Conklin made at the end of last night's game. That's really a shame because the Oilers have shined in the playoffs and deserve better. Also, I really hate the Carolina Hurricanes. I think that part of it is because geriatric Mark Recchi is playing with them.

Monday, June 5, 2006 -- Evening

The first game in the Stanley Cup finals is on this evening. The Edmonton Oilers are playing the Carolina Hurricanes. The Oilers scored in the first period to take the early lead. The game is pretty fast paced, and the Oilers are trying to press their advantage at this point. It's important that the Oilers win in Carolina because that will give them the advantage when they get to home ice. I have to admit that I am cheering on the Oilers. I'm not a fan of the Hurricanes, even if they do have phenom Eric Staal. The Oilers get a penalty shot because one of the Hurricane players, Niclas Wallin, was in the crease on the ice and put his hand on the puck because the goalie, Cam Ward, lost his stick. The Oilers decided to use defenseman, Chris Pronger, as the shooter, and he scored the goal! The Oilers lead, 2-0. The Oilers scored another goal later in the period, but the Hurricanes had an answering goal. Score as the second period ends is 3-1. Unfortunately, the Hurricanes came on strong in the third period to score two goals in less than five minutes to tie things up. The game is an exciting one with neither team rolling belly up. Darn! The Hurricanes scored on a breakaway to takes the lead. The Oilers came on to tie the game with six and a half minutes left in the game. Dwayne Roloson got injured on a play and had to be helped off the ice. With three minutes or so left in the game, Ty Conklin was put in goal for the Oilers. It looked like it was going to overtime when Conklin, in an amazingly stupid move with 30 seconds left in the game, went behind the net to get the puck, and passed it to a Hurricane, Rod Brind'Amour who scored the winning goal. Caroline wins the first game with a score of 5-4. You know, my pet peeve is when the goalie goes out from his net and gets into stupid situations like this. Brind'Amour wouldn't have been able to score an empty net (for all intents and purposes) goal if Conklin was in place--AND if stupid Conklin didn't feed him the puck. Goalies belong in the crease, and only seem to get into trouble when they leave it.

Monday, June 5, 2006 -- Stanley Cup Finals

Teams

Edmonton (0-1)

Carolina (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Thursday, June 1, 2006 -- Evening

The seventh and final game in the series is underway now between the Buffalo Sabres and the Carolina Hurricanes. Of course, I have been saying all along that I am a Buffalo fan. Mark Recchi plays for Carolina, and that's one of the reasons I'm not a fan of the team. Anyway, in the game this evening, the Hurricanes scored first scoring in the first period. It wasn't looking good for the Sabres as it was going into the second period. In fact, most of the second passed without a score by either team. In the last four minutes (well 4:10) the Sabres came on strong to score two points to pull ahead of Carolina. The score is now 2-1 as we wait for the third period to start. Unfortunately 1:34 into the period, the Hurricanes scored the tying goal. Darn! And then the Hurricanes pulled ahead with another goal with less than 10 minutes left in the game. Then the nail was put in the coffin when Carolina scored another goal with 51.7 seconds left. Final score was Carolina 4-Buffalo 2. So Carolina and Edmonton Oilers will meet in the Stanley Cup.

Thursday, June 1, 2006 -- Conference finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

The Edmonton Oilers held off a frenzied three minute attack by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to win the Western Conference and advance to the Stanley Cup. The final score was 2-1. The Ducks pulled their goalie with three minutes left because they had a power play over the Oilers. Even with a six on four that became a six on three when Chris Pronger was sent into the box for delay of game. Dwayne Roloson, the Oilers goalie, was great though, and held off all the flying pucks. This is the first time since the playoff rules were changed that an eigth seed team has made it to the Stanley Cup.

Saturday, May 27, 2006 -- Conference finals

Western Conference

Teams

The Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes game was an exciting one from the bits that I saw. There was alot of excitement, fighting, and goal scoring. At one point in the second period, the Sabres were leading with a score of 4-1. With less than five minutes left in the game, the Sabres lead had been narrowed to 4-3. With less than two minutes to go, the Hurricanes pulled their goalie. The last 30 seconds were a frenzy on the part of the Hurricanes to tie the game. However, they weren't able to do it. Buffalo won. The arena was going crazy, and the fans were pounding so hard on the glass that it was waving. A very exciting game, and I am glad that I got to see the end. Practically everyone in the arena showed up in a white shirt. It was very impressive. The Sabres are now ahead in the series: 2-1.

Wednesday, May 24, 2006 -- Conference finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

Carolina (1-2)

Buffalo (2-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 -- Late Evening

It was quite a Western Conference final game this evening. Going into the final period, the score was 1-0 in favor of the Edmonton Oilers. In the third period though, eight goals were scored by both Edmonton and Anaheim to lead to a thrilling 5-4 finish. Edmonton won, and pulls ahead 3-0 in the series. It's not looking good for the Mighty Ducks this year.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006 -- Conference finals

Western Conference

Teams

Anaheim (0-3)

Edmonton (3-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Monday, May 22, 2006 -- Conference finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

New Jersey (1-4)

Carolina (4-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Edmonton (3-2) W

San Jose (2-3)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Saturday, May 13, 2006 -- Late Evening

The Buffalo Sabres defeated the top-seeded Ottawa Senators this evening to move on to the conference finals. Buffalo won 3-2 in overtime with the winning goal coming as the Sabres were shorthanded. In the other hockey game played earlier this afternoon, Martin Brodeur moved into third place on the NHL post season wins list when the New Jersey Devils beat the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 5-1. The Devils were in a must win situation because they were already down 3-0 in the series. The Devils and Hurricanes are playing again tomorrow evening.

Saturday, May 13, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

Carolina (3-1)

New Jersey (1-3) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Buffalo (4-1) W

Ottawa (1-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Friday, May 12, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Western Conference

Teams

San Jose (2-2) W

Edmonton (2-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Thursday, May 11, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

Ottawa (1-3) W

Buffalo (3-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Anaheim (4-0) W

Colorado (0-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Thursday, May 11, 2006 -- Afternoon

The San Jose Sharks lost in triple overtime last night against the Edmonton Oilers. It was the first triple overtime game of this season's playoffs, and it was the longest game that the San Jose Sharks played in their history. Shawn Horcoff scored just 2:24 into the third period. Awesome! The final score was 3-2.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 -- Late Evening

The Buffalo Sabres won in overtime to pull ahead 3-0 in its series against the Ottawa Senators. Final score ws 3-2. It is surprising how in this round, every winning team is 3-0. I wonder if San Jose Sharks is going to the same later tonight.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006 -- Evening

Meanwhile, over in the World Championships, Sidney Crosby, who wasn't considered "mature" (meaning geriatric) enough to play in the Olympics this year, has been scoring up a storm. Crosby had a goal in the 2-1 Canadian win over the United States yesterday. The Canadian team is unbeaten in the preliminary round. Makes you wonder if the Canadians would have medaled if Crosby was on the team.

The Carolina Hurricanes are 3-0 in their series with the New Jersey Devils. The final score was 3-2. Ottawa has tied their game with Buffalo. The Senators have Jason Spezza to thank. He scored both goals for the Senators. Oh, and Spezza was also not "mature" enough for the Canadian Olympic team. Makes you really wonder why geriatrics and criminals (Todd Bertuzzi) were considered good. Oh yeah, that's right, Canada didn't even get a medal because of their poor decision.

Wednesday, May 10, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

Ottawa (0-3)

Buffalo (3-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Carolina (3-0) W

New Jersey (0-3)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

San Jose (2-1)

Edmonton (1-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (3)

Final

Tuesday, May 9, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Western Conference

Teams

Anaheim Mighty (3-0) W

Colorado (0-3)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Tuesday, May 9, 2006 -- Late Morning

The San Jose Sharks beat the Edmonton Oilers last night with a final score of 2-1. The interesting thing about this round of hockey is that all the winning teams are 2-0 in the series.

Monday, May 8, 2006 -- Evening

A great game between the New Jersey Devils and the Carolina Hurricanes. The game was tied at 1-1 as the game moved into the third period. No score until the last 20 seconds when Scotty Gomez scored for the Devils, allowing them to take a 2-1 lead. Things were looking good for New Jersey until the Hurricanes scored with three seconds left in the game to tie things up again and send the game into overtime. Goal scorer for the Hurricanes was Canadian phenom, Eric Staal. Three minutes and nine seconds into the overtime, Carolina scored to win. The goal was reviewed because it went off the skate of Niclas Wallin. The goal was allowed because there wasn't a distinct kicking motion. As the crowd chanted "goal, goal" the word came down that it was official. Carolina pulls ahead in the series 2-0.

Monday, May 8, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

Buffalo (2-0) W

Ottawa (0-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

New Jersey (0-2)

Carolina (2-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Edmonton (0-2)

San Jose (2-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Monday, May 8, 2006 -- Late Afternoon

The Wilkes Barre Pens are sinking fast in the second round of the AHL playoffs. The Hershey Bears are leading the series 3-0 and can move into the next round with a win tomorrow. The Bears beat the Pens yesterday by a score of 4-1. The game tomorrow will be at 5:05 pm.

Sunday, May 7, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Western Conference

Teams

Colorado (0-2)

Anaheim (2-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Edmonton (0-2)

San Jose (2-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Sunday, May 7, 2006 -- Evening

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks are really putting the pressure on the Colorado Avalanche. This afternoon, the Mighty Ducks won the second game in the series to pull ahead with a 2-0 advantage in the series. The score was 3-0, and it didn't look as if the Avalanche had anything in them. Yesterday, the New Jersey Devils were blown out by the Carolina Hurricanes. The final score was 6-0, and Martin Brodeur was pulled late in the third period. Brodeur had his lowest save percentage in the playoff season with a .829.

Saturday, May 6, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

New Jersey (0-1)

Carolina (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Friday, May 5, 2005 -- Conference Semi-finals

Eastern Conference

Teams

Buffalo (1-0) W

Ottawa (0-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference -- Semi-final

Teams

Colorado (0-1)

Anaheim (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Friday, May 5, 2006 -- Evening

Jaromir Jagr is going to have shoulder surgery this coming Monday for a dislocated left shoulder. This was the injury that he received in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the hockey playoffs are in the semifinals for the conference. Tonight in the Eastern Conference, the Ottawa Senators are playing (and leading) the Buffalo Sabres, and in the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche are going to play the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. The Buffalo/Ottawa game was an exciting one with Buffalo tying the game with 1:37 seconds left in the game. Then with 1:13 left in the game, yes just seconds later, Ottawa rebounded to pull ahead again. Score: 6-5. Let's go Buffalo! With 10.7 seconds left in regulation, Buffalo scores again! The score was tied yet again! The game went into overtime. 18 seconds into overtime, Buffalo scored on a steal from a mishandled puck. Chris Drury scored the game winning goal. Let's go Buffalo!

Wednesday, May 3, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Western Conference

Teams

Anaheim (4-3) W

Calgary (3-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 -- Evening

Over in the hockey playoffs, the Buffalo Sabres look like they are breezing into the second round of the playoffs. At the start of the third period, the Sabres lead the Philadelphia Flyers with a score of 7-1. The thing that sucks is that the Carolina Hurricanes and the Montreal Canadiens game is tied in the third period at 1-1, and OLN is showing the fricking blowout Sabres game. They don't seem to understand how to handle excitement and which games might be of more interest to the viewing audience. If Carolina wins tonight, they move on to the next round. If Montreal wins, then there will be a game seven in this series for them. Buffalo moved on to the next round while Montreal and Carolina went into overtime. 1:16 into overtime, Carolina scored and won the game and the series with a 58 foot shot. Carolina won four in a row to eliminate the Canadiens. Cory Stillman scored the goal. Final score was 2-1. Mark Recchi scored the other Carolina goal.

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Carolina (4-2) W

Montreal (2-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Buffalo (4-2) W

Philadelphia (2-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Tuesday, May 2, 2006 -- Morning

The Detroit Red wings lost last night to the Edmonton Oilers and are now out of the playoffs. The Oilers were behind in the third period with a score of 3-0, but came fighting back to win with a score of 4-3. What is shocking about this is that Detroit has a great regular season. They had the best record this season and were awarded the President's Trophy. In comparison, Detroit had 124 points which was 11 more than any other NHL team, while Edmonton had only 95. This isn't the first time that Detroit has lost in the early rounds in the post season, and in fact, they seem to be making a habit of it. This is the third straight playoff season in which Detroit was eliminated in the first or second round. In the second round, number eight seed Edmonton will be playing anything dark horse, Colorado which is the seventh seed.

Monday, May 1, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Western Conference

Teams

Detroit (2-4)

Edmonton (4-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Calgary (3-3)

Anaheim (3-3) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Sunday, April 30, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Philadelphia (1-3)

Buffalo (3-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Montreal (2-2)

Carolina (3-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Colorado (4-1) W

Dallas (1-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

San Jose (4-1) W

Nashville (1-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Sunday, April 30, 2006 -- Early Evening

The Colorado Avalanche has moved on to the next round of the playoffs when they won this afternoon's game in overtime against the Dallas Stars. Final score was 3-2.

Saturday, April 29, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

New Jersey (4-0) W

New York (0-4)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Tampa Bay (1-4)

Ottawa (4-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Edmonton (3-2) W

Detroit (2-3)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Anaheim (2-3)

Calgary (3-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Saturday, April 29, 2006 -- Evening

Jaromir Jagr only played for 53 seconds in the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils game this afternoon. Unfortunately, he was knocked into the boards and it hurt his shoulder even more. At this point, Jagr isn't sure if he will need surgery, but he can look into his options now because the Rangers lost the series to the Devils with the fourth loss today. The score was 4-2. The Rangers were a real disappointment in the post season. Well, I suppose in actuality they were in a downward spiral towards the end of the regular season.

The Tampa Bay Lighting lost this evening to the Ottawa Senators. The Senators have moved on to the next round, and the defending Stanley Cup champions were ousted in five games. The score was 3-2.

Friday, April 28, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Carolina (2-2) W

Montreal (2-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Buffalo (2-2)

Philadelphia (2-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Dallas (1-3) W

Colorado (3-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Friday, April 28, 2006 -- Evening

Shockers in the hockey world when the Carolina Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Flyers tied up there series at two all. Both games were close with only a point between the teams. Right now, the Colorado Avalanche are trying to end their series and move on to the second round.

Friday, April 28, 2006 -- Afternoon

The Colorado Avalanche stand a chance to move on to the next round in the playoffs tonight if they beat the Dallas Stars.

Thursday, April 27, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Ottawa (3-1) W

Tampa Bay (1-3)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Detroit (2-2) W

Edmonton (2-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Calgary (2-2)

Anaheim (2-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (1)

Final

Teams

Nashville (1-3)

San Jose (3-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Thursday, April 27, 2006 -- Evening

Some of the hockey games have been interesting in this playoff series. The most interesting matchup, I think, is the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars game because the sports experts were all thinking that Dallas would win the series and they are now 0-3 in the series. Colorado is still showing itself as a powerhouse just as the New Jersey Devils are.

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Carolina (1-2) W

Montreal (2-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

New Jersey (3-0) W

New York (0-3)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Buffalo (2-1)

Philadelphia (1-2) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Dallas (3-0)

Colorado (3-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Tuesday, April 25, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Ottawa (2-1) W

Tampa Bay (1-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Detroit (1-2)

Edmonton (2-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (2)

Final

Teams

Calgary (2-1) W

Anaheim (1-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Nashville (1-2)

San Jose (2-1) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Tuesday, April 25, 2006 -- Evening

More hockey tonight. This evening is Western Conference night, so there are three competing games on at 10:30. The Eastern Conference game playing on OLN as I write this is the Ottawa Senators against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Tiny wonder Martin St. Louis just got a goal for Tampa Bay, and they now lag behind Ottawa by two points. The score is 3-1 in the first period. Ottawa pulls away in the second period to lead 5-1 as the third period starts. Some news on the hockey broadcasting front is that OLN has made a deal with Dish Network to bring OLN back to the satelite company. The NHL has really made a bad mistake by making a deal with a cable company because it has lowered their prospective audience instead of increasing it. That's not what the NHL needed. They needed to find a way to boost viewership.

Monday, April 24, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Montreal (2-0) W

Carolina (0-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (2)

Final

Teams

New York (0-2)

New Jersey (2-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Philadelphia (0-2)

Buffalo (2-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Colorado (2-0) W

Dallas Stars (0-2)

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (1)

Final

Tuesday, April 25, 2006 -- Early Morning

Interesting evening yesterday. All the hockey teams that won last night are now 2-0. The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars game was another overtime match that Colorado managed to win. More hockey tonight. There will be hockey every night for the next two weeks depending on how long each series goes. In theory, last night's teams might just have two more games if all four winning teams continue to win.

Monday, April 24, 2006 -- Evening

Unfortunately, three of the hockey games are on at the same time. However, two of the teams that won on Saturday are winning today. The Buffalo Sabres are really whooping butt against the Philadelphia Flyers and in the beginning of the third period are leading with a score of 6-1. The New Jersey Devils are leading the New York Rangers by a score of 3-1 with 12:47 left in the game. Jaromir Jagr isn't playing tonight because of the unspecified upper body injury which was either a shoulder or elbow injury from the looks of it. The Montreal Canadiens led the Carolina Hurricanes in the first period with a score of 3-0, but the Hurricanes have come back in the third tie and then take the lead. Score is now 4-0. Since the Devils/Rangers game is the only one on television, I can't really comment on the others. However, the Rangers are really starting to put some pressure on the Devils and Martin Brodeur. Whether it will amount to anything depends on whether the Rangers can score two goals in eight minutes. John Madden just scored a hat trick for the Devils and their lead is now 4-1. Madden's first two goals were short handed, but this one was even handed. The ice is getting covered with hats. The Devils win their game, and the Sabres have a blowout with a final score of 8-2. Meanwhile, the Montreal/Carolina game is a thriller. The game is tied at the end of regulation, and is OLN showing it? Nope. They are just showing the blow-out games. Obviously there is an utter lack of understanding of what makes for good television and how folks want to watch the exciting games. So the Montreal/Carolina overtime is not being shown. Finally, halfway through the second overtime, the Canadiens scored and won. So far, the winning teams playing in the Eastern conference games today are all 2-0. The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars game has just finished the second period with Dallas leading 4-3. I'll give the results tomorrow.

Sunday, April 23, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Tampa Bay (1-1) W

Ottawa (1-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Edmonton (1-1) W

Detroit (1-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

San Jose (1-1) W

Nashville (1-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Anaheim (1-1) W

Calgary (1-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Monday, April 24, 2006 -- Morning

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks won last night's game against the Calgary Flames with a final score of 4-3. Everyone who played yesterday wound up tieing the series. Tonight the next set of four will compete. The thing that sucks is that three of the games will be on at 7:30. Unfortunately because the NHL made a deal with Comcast only one of the three games will be shown on OLN. At least, I'm lucky enough to have Comcast. The NHL made a bad deal because viewership has to be down since fewer folks can actually access the games. Tonight's game is going to be the New Jersey Devils against the New York Rangers.

Sunday, April 23, 2006 -- Evening

The Tampa Bay Lighting and Ottawa Senators game has turned into an interesting one in the third period. The score was tied at 2-2 after the second period. In the third, Ottawa moved ahead, but Tampa Bay answered with two goals in less than a minute. The last was scored by tiny Martin St. Louis. The goal was his second in the game. Score is now 4-3 with less than 10 minutes left in the game. I find it hard to believe that St. Louis is 5 feet 9 inches. The guy looks like a midget on the ice, and looks like he only comes up to the waist on most hockey players. I say we get out a yardstick, strip him of his skates or any shoes, and measure him. 1:49 left in the game, and Tampa Bay looks like they are headed for a win. Ottawa pulled the goalie, but it was to no avail. Tampa Bay won. So far today, none of the teams have pulled ahead to a 2-0 lead in the series. Ottawa hasn't been able to use Dominik Hasek who has been out with a groin injury.

The second game of the evening was between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Because the game was on the West Coast, I wasn't able to stay up for the entire game, but after the first period, Anaheim was leading 2-0. It looks like the whole day is shaping up as an Even Steven day with no team pulling ahead to a 2-0 lead in the series.

Sunday, April 23, 2006 -- Late Afternoon

A couple of hockey games were on this afternoon. The Edmonton Oilers managed to beat the Detroit Red Wings this afternoon to even their series, and the San Jose Sharks did the same against the Nashville Predators. All four teams are now 1-1.

Saturday, April 22, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Philadelphia (0-1)

Buffalo (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (2)

Final

Teams

New York (0-1)

New Jersey (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Montreal (1-0) W

Carolina (0-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Colorado (1-0) W

Dallas (0-1)

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Saturday, April 22, 2006 -- Late Evening

The only game on television this evening was the Buffalo Sabres game, and you could hear the chant of "Let's Go Buffalo" as the third period progressed. Even the announcers on OLN said it a few times. The Sabres were outshooting the Flyers like there was no tomorrow. According to the NHL official score sheet, with two minutes left in the game, it was 40 shots for the Flyers 17. With only 1:51 left it the game, the Flyers tie the game at 2-2. There was abit of a scrum in the first OT period when R.J. Umberger got creamed by a hit from Brian Campbell. Umberger was lying on his back on the ice for a few minutes looking very dazzed. It looks to me like his jaw was broken. It was a clean hit because Umberger had the puck, but he really looked like he was knocked for a loop. It seems that Campbell caught him right at the jaw, and the announcers are just saying that there was blood all over Umberger's shirt. Finally, almost half way through the second overtime, Buffalo scores with a goal by Daniel Briere.

Meanwhile Montreal Canadiens whooped the Carolina Hurricanes with a final score of 6-1.

Saturday, April 22, 2006 -- Evening

The playoff games this afternoon were interesting. The analysts say that the New Jersey Devils should win the series against the New York Rangers, and right now, it is looking like a possibility. The Devils won the first match with a score of 6-1. The best that Jaromir Jagr could achieve was an assist in the first period. In the third period, Jagr was going to give someone a hit, and hurt either his shoulder or his elbow. The only information that the team is releasing is that it is an upper body injury. At the same time the Dallas Stars were playing the Colorado Avalanche. The Stars are favored in the matchup, and a higher seed, but they lost to Colorado with a score of 5-2. The other two games are being played right now, and I'll have more information on them later. Right now, the Montreal Canadiens are leading the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 4-1 as they start the third period. The Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres is closer. At the start of the third period the Sabres are leading: 2-1.

Saturday, April 22, 2006 -- Afternoon

Three of the NHL playoff games were played last night, and four more are scheduled for today. Three of yesterday's games were Western Conference games, and they were exciting games that had tight scores. The Detroit Red Wings beat the Edmonton Oilers in a close double overtime game with a final score of 3-2. The other close game was between the Calgary Flames and the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. That game also went into overtime and was won by Calgary. Nashville Predators beat the San Jose Sharks with a goal in the third period that gave Nashville a 4-3 lead. Nashville really has to thank Paul Kariya, who had an assist in all of Nashville's goals in the game. The Eastern Conference game was with the team that I'm rooting for, the Ottawa Senators beat up on the Tampa Bay Lighting with a final score of 4-1. Today's games have the New York Rangers against the New Jersey Devils, the Montreal Canadiens against the Carolina Hurricanes, the Philadelphia Flyers against the Buffalo Sabres, and the Colorado Avalanche against the Dallas Stars.

Friday, April 21, 2006 -- First round playoff game results

Eastern Conference

Teams

Tampa Bay (0-1)

Ottawa (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Western Conference

Teams

Edmonton (0-1)

Detroit (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (2)

Final

Teams

San Jose (0-1)

Nashville (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

Final

Teams

Anaheim (0-1)

Calgary (1-0) W

1st

2nd

3rd

OT (1)

Final

Thursday, March 30, 2006 -- Afternoon

Jaromir Jagr broke the New York Rangers scoring record yesterday. He has 113 points in 73 games. This is the most points in a year by any Ranger in the history of the team, and there are still seven more games left in the season. Jagr really seems to have found the old fire within this past season. The lockout was a huge help for him, and seemed to give him a new perspective on the playing.

Friday, February 10, 2006 -- Evening

Jose Theodore tested positive for a banned substance and is blaming it on the popular hair restorative product, Propecia. It seems that Propecia can mask other banned substances and that's how it got on the banned list. Theodore's hair seems to be pretty lush, but maybe it's because he uses Propecia.

Wayne Gretzky is denying all involvement in Operation Slapshot. At a press conference late yesterday evening, Gretzky said that he has never bet on professional sports. Obviously his wife has been involved in the mess, and there are conversations that were captured during a wire tap of Rick Tocchet's phone between Gretzky where he talked to Tocchet about keeping his wife out of the mess. Gretzky is continuing his duties with the Canadian team during the Olympics and will be joined in Turin by his wife.

Wednesday, February 8, 2006 -- Early Afternoon

Controversy in the hockey world. Rick Tocchet, former Pens player and current Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach was implicated in a gambling ring that involves several other hockey players and Wayne Gretzky's wife, Janet. It seems that the group was betting on other sports, not hockey. Gretzky says that his wife was not placing bets for him, and that his only worries are for his wife and his friend, Tocchet. Yes, gambling is illegal in certain instances, but who is really hurt in this matter. If there was no betting on hockey, the only one who is hurt is the person who is gambling and losing money.

Saturday, January 7, 2006 -- Afternoon

The Canadian team won the World Junior Hockey Championship. They defeated the Russian team 5-0 to win the title. Meanwhile Finland defeated the United States team by a score of 4-2 to take third place/bronze. The Pens prospect, Evgeni Malkin had a good showing in the tournament and was named outstanding forward. This is the second year in a row that Canada has won the gold in the World Juniors.

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