I’ve been formulating my offseason suggestions for GM Doug Wilson. There are several areas that need attention and, I think from his quotes in the paper and what Drew Remenda said in his interview on KNBR this week, us Sharks fans can expect change not only behind the bench, but in the roster as well. [...]
In what was easily Canada’s biggest test thus far at the IIHF World Hockey Championships, Sweden may have found another young star.
In a tightly fought contest, between the world’s top ranked team and the host nation (yes that’s right Sweden is the top ranked hockey nation in the World by the IIHF), Anton Stralman stepped [...]
Tonight is a big night for some of the young guns of the Toronto Maple Leafs. First up, at 5:00 pm, the Swedish national team will be facing team Canada in the IIHF World Hockey Championship Semi Finals. Anton Stralman will be patrolling the blue line for the Swedes, and his play has [...]
According to some numbers from the Hockey News (helpfully provided by Lowetide), over the course of the 90’s 32% of successful NHL players taken in the entry draft were selected in the first round. For the Leafs, that should mean that roughly 1/3rd of all the players they’ve drafted who have had decent [...]
Put away your brooms, the Stars sucked it up and gave us what I suspect is one last celebration last night, defeating the Red Wings 3-1. They were out-shot, out-chanced, and “out-face-offed” (I’m sure that’s a word, don’t look it up) but not out-goal-tended as Marty was good…and lucky. Both teams hit the post. Who [...]
[I’ve posted in lieu of Friday morning, as a wedding rehearsal will block my regular timing]
Tremors are starting, with an eventual earthquake or landslide a certainty. I relish the occasion to watch this restructuring as Vancouver has some solid veterans and key youngsters to build with, if they proceed deftly. It is a [...]
Leadership by example often drives players to succeed at the highest level. Leafs fans have witnessed it for years from Captain Mats Sundin. Fans of the Czech National Team are getting a good view of what Kaberle has learned from playing alongside the dominant Swede, at this year’s World Hockey Championships. As [...]
When the game ended tonight, I was talking with Gopher and a very strange feeling came over me. I was happy and very excited obviously, but there was something very different about tonight and I’m not entirely sure why.
I was nervous as usual for the entire third period until Ryan Malone scored to put us [...]
Signing players to long term deals is a risky proposition. Even more so when the contract is guaranteed. Since the onset of the cap era in the NHL, a number of franchises have quickly moved to “lock up” their core assets for the forseeable future by signing them to deals over 5 years [...]
Yes, the Stars will be cleaning out their desks and signing year books later this week. Summer time is here again.
A statistical analysis of game 3 would reveal little that we don’t already know. You may as well examine stats from the regular season, because this was a foregone conclusion. The Red Wings allowed the [...]
Ok, the title bears a little explanation I know. This past weekend I was sunning it up in Cancun, Mexico. Jealous? I am and I was just there. As a result of the trip I missed all of Game 1 and most of Game 2. I returned home in time to see Evgeni Malkin make [...]
That’s about all I have right now.
There are some walks down the stairs at the AAC that are longer than others. Tonight was one of those nights.
Oh well, oh well.
The little team that’s not supposed to be here writes the end of their story for another year. It was a pretty good run…but…ouch.
I don’t want [...]
Step one has been taken. The long speculated, oft-debated coaching career of Ron Wilson has ended today in San Jose. While you can’t dispute the record and the success Ron Wilson has had behind the bench for the Sharks, he had taken this franchise as far as he was able to - season after season [...]
Game 7 Victors… again. For the 2nd time in this year’s Calder Cup playoffs, the Toronto Marlies have moved on to the next round after winning game 7 of a 7 game series. Whether you want to consider these guys the latest edition of Cardiac Kids, or Jerry’s Kids, they deserve lots of [...]
TSN reported that Jason Blake would be welcome a trade, and perhaps that a change of scenery would be better for him and the Leafs. It caps off the Leafs’ season quite nicely, in which the Leafs, whom some considered very good playoff contenders, fell well short of their mark. Paul Maurice was rumoured to [...]
Mike Ribeiro is no stranger to embellishing hits. Mike Ribeiro is no stranger to making enemies. The one-time hometown boy of the Canadiens was traded for Janne Niinimaa two years ago, after it was decided that his poor work ethic and attitude, despite his talents, were not welcome in the locker room. Fortunately for him, [...]
As we near game time in this fateful game 3, I’m wondering what will happen tonight if the Wings get ahead by 3 or 4.
After all that business on Saturday, I would be shocked if a couple of Stars don’t get thrown out of the game, or maybe something suspension worthy. Ott has got to [...]
The season may be over for the Sharks organization and fans, but preparations have already begun for next season. I’ll be the permanent co-host on The Teal Spiel when it picks back up in September. The last show of the season was last night, and it’ll be moving to a different format for [...]
Welcome once again to “An Expert’s Audit”. This audit will also be posted here as well as on my fantasy hockey blog at www.fantasyhockey.hockeyanalysis.com . I also do weekly reviews of teams for people who email in to me for a look-see. These audits will continue to appear here monthly and if you’re interested in [...]
A fun month is coming to a frustrating end for our boys in black. By the end of game 2, the Stars were wearing that frustration on their sleeves. Not with Osgood mind you, with the Detroit defense. Osgood has been rather pedestrian in this series, and why shouldn’t he be when he’s only seeing [...]
With the hiring of Laurence Gilman to a directorial position in the Canucks’ organization, I have a skepticism that most would agree is warranted.
I understand through my readings and experience as a Jets fan in my teenage years that he worked his way up through the lower ranks in Winnipeg and is a member of [...]
The Toronto Marlies are surprisingly playing a game 7 at Ricoh Coliseum for the second time in this year’s Calder Cup playoffs. After a hard fought come from behind 4-3 OT victory over the Syracuse Crunch in game 5, the team eked out another win by scoring 3 goals in the 3rd period on [...]
Fabian Brunnstrom’s decision to sign with the Stars is no longer news. I feel like I should comment on this a little bit though…
Brunnstrom exploded onto the hockey radar during Christmas. Since then, this guy’s been hailed as the next Peter Forsberg. He’s been pursued by no less than 20 teams at one point, and [...]
The Ottawa Sun reports that Wade Redden will not be suiting up for the Sens next year. It was reported that the two sides were too far apart in contract negotiations, with the Sens ready to offer Redden a Chris Phillips-contract, worth about $3.5m/year. It is no secret that Redden’s play has been digressed and [...]
Strike while it’s hot. The Leafs need to speed their search up a tad on the GM front if they have any hope of landing what is one of the best available coaching candidates in Joel Quenneville. Quenneville is a former Leaf draft pick, and also came up through their minor league coaching [...]
That pretty much says it all. Foot in crease, his right leg on the blocker and/or stick. Ass in face.
I don’t think we have the personnel to deal with this. He’s like 2 feet taller than Daley and Robi.
It will be a busy offseason for teams wishing to hire new front office staff or coaches. The Rocky Mountain News reports that Joel Quenneville will not be returning next season for the Avs. This may be a prelude to a number of coaching changes to come, including Peter Laviolette, John Tortorella, Alain Vigneault, and [...]
5 Responses to “Apropos to Nothing”
By scotlund on May 9, 2008
Wasn’t she dating Sean Avery? Damn you hockey gods, DAMN YOU!
By Jason C on May 9, 2008
He is a headcase, and shouldn’t have gotten the Norris nomination this year.
By cantstopthegrier on May 10, 2008
Headcase has nothing to do with winning the Norris. Example: Chris Pronger.
By thewordbird on May 11, 2008
I agree that ego has nothing to do with talent.
But chemistry is something that WILL take that into account.
By Steve on May 11, 2008
Elisha Cuthbert - the ultimate puck bunny. She’s written blogs for NHL.com, and apparently likes to let players slip it between the pads.
I still don’t think I could date a girl that went out with Sean Avery though… and not just because my girlfriend wouldn’t be ok with it.