Showing posts with label Hockey. Show all posts

Monday, April 29, 2013

GREGSKY'S PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS: EAST

Now that the matchups are set in the East, it's time for GREGSKY'S PLAYOFF PICKS. Again, just going with my gut on these picks...letting that silly monkey throw her poop at the spinning wheel and do the antic thing...not me...not this time...not going to let any little primate rattle me!!

PITTSBURGH vs NEW YORK ISLANDERS
As glad as I am to see the kids on Long Island gain some much needed playoff experience, they unfortunately drew the short straw this year. Facing a monster roster in the Pens will be an experience alright, but one the Islanders will want to soon forget. I liken this matchup for the kids to getting into a fight with a buzzsaw. PITTSBURGH in 5

MONTREAL vs OTTAWA
This series could go either way. Both clubs have been banged up a bit and have relied on kids to step up and produce. Looks like the Habs are a bit stronger in net and more potient on special teams. The Sens however can be punnishing physically. I see the Habs moving on to the next round, but definately not the easy way. MONTREAL in 6

WASHINGTON vs NEW YORK RANGERS
The Caps are hitting all cylinders going into the post season and show no signs of slowing. The Rangers on the other hand, are not looking like a team ready for playoff action. The Blueshirts look sad on special teams and without Staal on the blueline lack the needed defense. Look for the Rangers to win a couple at home on their crappy ice with a few fluke goals, but the Caps should take this Ranger team to task. WASHINGTON in 6

BOSTON vs TORONTO
Glad to see the Leafs back in the post season. With that said...we'll see you next year. As much as the Bruins have limped into the playoffs they are a much better team than the Leafs all around. It actually is a blessing in disguise that the B's drew this matchup. If they had any other opponent they would be one and done. Look for the Bruins to get their mojo and their nastiness back tuning up against Toronto. BOSTON in 6

Enjoy the first round my friends...we'll see how well I do against that damn monkey!!!

*NOTE: REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT GREGSKY'S HOCKEY CARD COLLECTION AT AUCTION NOW!! See here for details and/or follow links to view or bid:

http://aroundtherinkwithgregsky.blogspot.com/2013/04/attention-hockey-card-fans-and.html?m=0

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151320&lotNo=42188&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43210&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43213&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43214&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43215&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151322&lotNo=44181&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151322&lotNo=44182&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151322&lotNo=44183&type=

Sunday, April 28, 2013

GREGSKY'S PLAYOFF PICKS : WEST

Hey gang...it's time once again for Gregsky's Playoff Predictions!! Since the West is set today we'll focus there. Shooting straight from the hip and going with my gut on the picks this year given the nature of a shortened regular season. Speaking of nature...I'll let Maggie the Monkey jump up and down, throw her poop at the spinning wheel and do her thing...not going to pay her any mind or let her antics be a distraction this time out!! So let's get right to it...

CHICAGO vs MINNESOTA
For all the crazy money the Wild spent to stumble their way into the postseason, just doesn't smell like a team primed for a first round upset. Couple that with the fact the Hawks are so dominate, makes this pick an easy one. CHICAGO in 5

ANAHIEM vs DETROIT
This series has all the markings of an upset. Ahhh...but that's not going to get me to bite!! I have a feeling that the bigger, stronger Ducks will be just too physical for the aging Wings to survive. Detroit will win a few behind the marvel of Datsyuk and Zettts, but will be finding it too hard to play the control game from the seat of their pants. ANAHEIM in 6

VANCOUVER vs SAN JOSE
The Nucks are playing well and benifitted from the short season to win the division this year. The additions to the roster did give them much needed depth, but this series is where the upset will occur. The Sharks will take full advantage of the mistakes Vancouver will undoubtably make and punish them on the powerplay. SAN JOSE in 7

ST. LOUIS vs LOS ANGELES
It would be easy to pick the defending champs to roll through the first round given that the team made very few changes since raising the cup. The thing about being champs in this league though is it's so difficult to repeat. The Blues, have had an up and down season, but are clicking at just the right time. Thinking their speed will outlast the physical play of the Kings and advance past the champs. ST. LOUIS in 7

So there you have it folks...my picks for the first round in the West. Picks for the East will be coming next so be on the lookout for that. Now...I need more coffee...enjoy!!

*NOTE: REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT GREGSKY'S HOCKEY CARD COLLECTION...AT AUCTION NOW!! See here for details and/or follow links to view or bid :

http://aroundtherinkwithgregsky.blogspot.com/2013/04/attention-hockey-card-fans-and.html?m=0

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151320&lotNo=42188&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43210&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43213&type=

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43214&type=

Monday, April 22, 2013

ATTENTION HOCKEY CARD FANS AND COLLECTORS

Hey hockey fans...as you may recall Gregsky's massive hockey autograph collection sold at auction last year. Now Gregsky's hockey card collection is going on the block!! The collection has been broken down into 12 different lots and spread across 4 consecutive auctions. The auctions are online only and run for approx a month each. The first auction is underway and each following Sunday another will start.

Featured in these auctions are a starter card collection of approx 4500 cards of many stars and HOFers ranging in years from 1968-2000's. Several lots of stars and HOFers autographed. A collection of Wayne Gretzky autographed cards. Mario Lemieux and Ray Bourque autographed cards. A complete 60 card set of Topps 1954 with Gordie Howe autographed. And much more!!

Go to Heritage Auctions website http://www.ha.com/ and search for the following auction numbers and sub-category hockey:
Auction # 151320 - Apr. 21- May 19
Auction # 151321 - Apr. 28 - May 26
Auction # 151322 - May 5 - June 2
Auction # 151323 - May 12 - June 9

You can follow these links to view and bid now:

http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151320&lotNo=42188&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43210&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43213&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43214&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151321&lotNo=43215&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151322&lotNo=44181&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151322&lotNo=44182&type=
http://sports.ha.com/c/item.zx?saleNo=151322&lotNo=44183&type=

Go view...Go bid...Go own a part or several of a great collection...Go enjoy...Go celebrate the great game we all love!!

Monday, July 2, 2012

JUST FOR FUN DEPT...THE ZACH PARISE THEME SONG

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d play in your barn

I would play in your barn

And if I had a hundred million dollars

If I had a hundred million dollars

I’d wear the “C” in your barn

Maybe an “A” but I’d rather wear the “C”

And if I had a hundred million dollars

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d buy you a playoff seed

A nice top playoff seed

And if I had a hundred million dollars, I’d buy you a cup

If I had a hundred million dollars

I’d build you a dynasty in your barn

If I had a hundred million dollars you could watch

It will only cost you the farm

If I had a hundred million dollars

Maybe we could put a locker made of gold

In there somewhere

We could just go in the room and hang out

Like talk to the press and stuff

And there’d be lots of cameras pointed at me

Like I’d say all the usual and right things

They would eat me up like candy

I’d flash them my smile and they’d melt

Well, can you blame them?

Yeah

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d buy fur seats for the fans

But not real fur seats, that’s cruel

And if I had a hundred million dollars

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d buy us a championship

Yep, like a division or a conference

And if I had a hundred million dollars

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d entice other free agents to play here

All them crazy free agents

And if I had a hundred million dollars, I’d buy you a cup

If I had a hundred million dollars

We wouldn’t have to fly first class anymore

If I had a hundred million dollars

We’d take a leer jet ‘cause it costs more

If I had a hundred million dollars

We wouldn’t have to eat hotel food

But we would eat hotel food

Of course we would, we’d just eat more

And buy really expensive wines with it

That’s right, all the fanciest French wines

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well I’d buy us third jerseys

But not real third jerseys, that’s cruel

And if I had a hundred million dollars

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d bring you some trophies

A President’s or a Stanley

If I had a hundred million dollars

Well, I’d buy you a new Zamboni

Haven’t you always wanted a new Zamboni?

If I had a hundred million dollars, I’d buy you a cup

If I had a hundred million dollars

I’d be Zach

Saturday, June 30, 2012

GREGSKY'S FREE AGENT FRENZY PREDICTION GAME

As we approach the start of the free agent period on Sunday, I thought it would be fun to take a look into the crystal ball and use my amazing “Kreskin-like” abilities as a prognosticator to see just where some of the top free agents will be landing.

DISCLAIMER - Keep in mind that this exercise is intended for entertainment only. That means it is purely for fun and should not be used as a guide or strategy for any gambling purpose or money making endeavor. Especially since all predictions are made from someone suffering a coffee induced haze and all thoughts within are channeled through the brain of someone so hyped up on caffeine he can feel his hair growing.

Now on to the fun…

Ahh…yes…the picture is becoming clear…I see Alex Semin skating alongside Pavel Datsyuk…yes so it shall be…Semin becomes a Red Wing.

Hmmm…the crystal ball is still seeing red…it seems that the Wings are not done dipping into the pool…WOW!!! …what a splash!!! The Red Wings sign Ryan Suter!!!

Now I see that the Avs want to get in on the act…they snap up Juri Hudler in a quick move

What’s this? It seems that Sami Salo is now a Penguin…the crystal ball has shown this to be so

The Dallas stars so it seems…yes…it is the Stars pulling P.A. Parenteau from the pool

Uh-oh…so many tears…what can this possibly mean? Oh I see it clearly now…Zach stays a Devil

Oh my…say it’s not so…well it must be…the crystal ball wouldn’t steer me wrong…would it? It is telling me that Shane Doan is now in a Dallas Stars sweater!!!

Good news for Leafs Nation…Matt Carle signs with Toronto!!!

Looks like Ray Whitney is putting on a familiar sweater…nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina!!!

My crystal ball is showing me an old goat…what can this mean? Oh…I see it now…Jagr re-ups with Philly

The Avs are getting back into the fray…well…look at that…they sign Dustin Penner

Okay crystal ball…you have shown some interesting UFA signings…but can you show me any trades?

Yes…that’s it…well it’s a little fuzzy…can’t see the returns…but it looks like Rick Nash is wearing a Sens sweater…wait…something else is coming through…Luongo going back to the Panthers…wow…what’s this? …one more? …oh…okay…it looks like Bobby Ryan in a Rangers sweater

Well…the crystal ball has gone dark…I guess that’s as much “frenzy” as it is willing to show. I guess we will just have to wait and see how accurate these predictions come Sunday…here’s hoping your team snags everyone on your wish list.

Friday, June 29, 2012

GREGSKY'S RANDOM THOUGHTS

Because my brain is scattered due to the amount of coffee I’m pouring down my gullet I guess now is a good time to revisit an old staple in GREGSKY’S RANDOM THOUGHTS…

Okay Kings…let’s not get the FBI involved in the search for the missing Stanley Cup winning puck…please

Will Sidney Crosby still be an elite player in the final years of that new contract extension or will he spend those years drooling in his oatmeal thinking how great it is to be Batman?

Just a thought…maybe Tim Thomas is a better fit in Toronto than Roberto Luongo…we all know how B.B. loves those American players

Justin Schultz better be as good as he thinks he is…I guess offer sheets isn’t the only loophole that needs closing in this next round of CBA talks…just sayin’

Who’s a better fit in Boston to round out the forward corps…Ray Whitney or Shane Doan?

Who’s a better fit in Carolina to round out the forward corps…Ray Whitney or Shane Doan?

Here’s hoping that Jonathan Quick isn’t the new Rick DiPietro

Here’s hoping that Cory Schneider isn’t the new Andrew Raycroft

Brad Richards posing nude…is that really necessary Brad? Really?? …’nuff said moving on

Sitting here wondering if Sunday will bring us a “frenzy” or a flop

Given the situation both teams are in…a deal highlighting swapping Nash for Ryan would be ideal…given that the Ducks aren’t on “Nash’s list” makes it improbable…so when the ransom for Nash weakens and he finally moves on…so should Howson

I love this year’s HOF class…so much talent…so many memories…so deserved

Best of luck to Adam Oates and Kirk Muller in their first full years at the helm…the Southeast will be fun to watch…can’t wait

Sitting here wondering if anyone will pick the Sharks…again

I love what you’re doing in St. Louis…keep it up

Sweet Lou will find a way to keep Zach in a Devils sweater…it’s a perfect fit

Thursday, June 28, 2012

THE MEANING OF LIFE, THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING...FOR LEAFS NATION

Don’t panic.

No, this isn’t the beginning of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” rather a couple friendly words of advice to all of die-hard “Leafs Nation”. I know you’ve heard those two little words before many, many times in the past. Completely understood is the fact that the prospect of facing yet another year of underachieving mediocrity when you were promised “truculence” would most definitely send even the most optimistic of fans into sheer panic mode. But try not to panic, not just yet.

Don’t get me wrong though, it sure won’t be easy for Brian Burke to right the ship especially the way it is listing at the present time, but he does deserve one more chance. Unfortunately for Burke, this may be his last chance to do so. This is Toronto we are talking about where every single move is scrutinized to death and where the local media has no problem calling out anything it deems moronic regardless if it is or not. Since his arrival, Burke has been hammered over everything from bringing on board the wrong coach with the wrong system to selling the farm for…Gasp!!!...Americans. Not that any of that matters at all to Mr. Burke as he makes quite clear his disdain for those who criticize his actions in a most entertaining way. You have to give him credit in that aspect at the very least. Everyone likes a guy who is willing stick to his guns and “Burkie” is that kind of guy. Besides, you have to admit that your team is better today than it was under J.F. Jr., right? I mean at least scoring is up and the team is younger now. Okay, so the back end leaves a lot to be desired and the goaltending situation is in need of a serious upgrade, but rest assured that fact isn’t lost on Burke. He above anyone else knows that the defensive side of his roster has more gaps in it than Dustin Brown’s smile and it needs to be addressed this offseason.

The pressure is definitely on for Burke to at the very least make this club a playoff contender and back up the promises he made coming in. However, if you look closely at what he has already done and how he has set the table going forward you’ll see there is a method to his madness. Given the uncertainty of how the next CBA will pan out, wisely Burke has positioned the franchise to be able to pick and choose how it fleshes out the roster under the new agreement. With seven forwards due to become UFA’s in 2013/2014 tremendous amounts of flexibility is in the hands of management due to Burke not handcuffing the franchise with overpriced long term contracts. As long as he shores up the back end this year and there is no doubt that he will your beloved Leafs will be poised to come roaring back into relevance thanks to Burke and his colorful yet crafty way of conducting business. I only hope that he will be allowed to be around to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

So relax Leafs fans, the universe is not coming to an end…don’t panic.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

CAROLINA DRAMA...OR...COOL YOUR ENGINE BEFORE IT STAALS

You know, it’s funny how life takes us on a journey of twists and turns. Such is the case for me, as I find myself newly relocated in North Carolina less than ten minutes from the PNC Arena in the heart of “Cainiac” country. What is funny is that I grew up spending the majority of my weekends following this franchise when they were known as the “Whale” in downtown Hartford, Connecticut. Remembering how awesome it was to see the Howe family skate together on the same team. It almost seems fitting that this is where I find myself being that I never truly took my eye off of this team even after they packed up and headed South. A part of me was even quite pleased when the raised the Cup back in 2006 as I had waited what seemed to be a lifetime to see this franchise win a championship.

With all of that said, I have started to settle in here in this beautiful part of the country familiarizing myself with my new surroundings and checking the pulse of this “Southern Fried” hockey fan base. I have to say that the heartbeat is strong and very passionate, so the term “Cainiac” is quite appropriate. Although the fan base may not be as well schooled as some traditional hockey markets, the fire, passion and support these fans feel for their Hurricanes rivals that of any NHL city. That fact is extremely apparent just by giving a quick glance into the chat rooms, message boards or any social network platforms where hockey talk dominates. Even more apparent as of now, due to the latest Draft Day drama that took place the other night in Pittsburgh. Where we saw possibly the biggest trades of the off-season instantly send shockwaves through this sleepy southern community as well as the rest of the hockey world.

The rumors had been swirling for days leading up to the draft as the writing was on the wall and it was no secret that something had to give in regards to the situation Jordan Staal and the Penguins found themselves in. Also well known was the desire of the Carolina Hurricanes to add Staal to their roster, but at what cost? Therein lay the drama that has caused “Cainiac’s” worldwide hearts to racing either with excitement or disbelief. The cost of landing Jordan Staal in a Hurricanes sweater alongside his brother Eric was indeed quite steep as the price was the number eight pick in this year’s draft, young gun Brandon Sutter and former B.C. Eagle d-man prospect Brian Dumoulin.

As the dust starts to settle and the reality of the deal starts to sink in, reaction is a mixed bag of emotions for Hurricanes fans. Some applauding Mr. Rutherford for doing whatever it took to land the star forward, some calling for his head for giving up so much for a player who could end up being no more than a one year rental along with some who just don’t know what to make of the entire situation but are happy that the team is doing something active be it good or bad as well as those who think the franchise is doomed. I can understand the mixed feelings amongst the hometown fans as losing an opportunity at drafting another top ten prospect for the future along with a standout such as Sutter is an awful lot of sacrifice, but on the other hand Jordan Staal, who won’t turn 24 until September, brings a ton of upside to a Hurricanes roster for years to come if they can entice him to sign long term. What I believe brings the most anxiety to Canes fans is if Rutherford could have waited a bit longer he just might have been in a position to obtain Staal without having to part with Sutter. The problem with him waiting until Jordan became an UFA next year is the same lack of guarantee that he would come to Carolina as it is whether or not they can sign him. The plus to that is at least now they have a year with him as a Hurricane to get that accomplished which is the better of the two scenarios.

So my “Cainiac” friends, before you throw yourself into the eye of the storm or call for J.R.’s head on a platter or give up completely on hockey before the season even starts, try to see how this move actually makes your team stronger. How the move actually puts them in a good position to be active in pursuing and enticing bigger name free agents to head south and enjoy what we all already know to be a wonderful place to hang our skates.

Monday, July 18, 2011

FLASHBACK: WINNIPEG JETS

The following presentation is an attempt to celebrate the return of the Winnipeg Jets to the NHL. In no particular order, here are some of my favorite all-time Jets for you to remember and enjoy! All pictures are courtesy of Gregsky's collection.

In remembering the past we all can look forward to the future....

Teemu Selanne

Dale Hawerchuk

Doug Smail

Anders Hedberg

Bobby Hull

Dave Christian

Peter Sullivan

Bob Essensa

Randy Carlyle

Dave Babych

Willy Lindstrom

Barry Melrose

Brian Mullen

Dave Ellett

Lucien DuBlios

Laurie Boschman

Phil Housley

Ted Green

Gord Donnelly

Morris Lukowich

Ulf Nilsson

Serge Savard

Paul MacLean

Keith Tkachuk

Ron Wilson

Monday, July 4, 2011

IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD(LINES)

So I thought I’d have a little fun this morning playing catch up with some of the events that have taken place lately in the world of the NHL. Enjoy!

Where everybody “nose” your name or Never “bite” off more than you can “chew”

That was one hell of a run boys! The Boston Bruins winning the Stanley Cup this year, in the fashion in which they did, was truly amazing. To think that they played in and won 3 Game7’s in route to hoisting the cup, without a bonified 40 goal scorer and an anemic power-play speaks volumes to their strength and character as a team. I can’t remember a time when the pieces of the puzzle just fell together for another team like they did for the B’s this season.

Tim Thomas….are you freakin’ kidding me? I know over the years I have picked on Timmy for his unorthodox style, but I have to give him credit for putting up those numbers and that performance all year. Well deserved all around Tim, you were completely lights out! Unfortunately for all goaltenders going forward, you will be judged by Timmy’s accomplishment and undoubtedly fall short in your efforts. At least now Tim can shave off that playoff beard that made him look like one of the Muppets and go back to that cheesy 70’s porn star mustache that we have all come to know and love! You didn’t really think that I wasn’t going to get any shot in at him, did you?

His name is my name too? or But you doesn’t have to call me Johnson

Congratulations to the newest member of the Oil Nation, youngster Ryan Nugent-Hopkins picked #1 overall in this year’s draft. So let me get this straight kid…..your full name is Ryan Jeremy Noel Nugent-Hopkins? What the hell were your folks thinking? Makes me wonder if your nickname in Edmonton will be…. “Alphabet” or “The Nuge” or “Jingle Heimer-Schmidt”. Anyway, good luck to you kid and at least we all can rest assured that whenever you go out the people will always shout “There goes Ryan Jeremy Noel Nugent-Hopkins la,la,la,la,la,la,la,la!”

I think that Philly cheese-steak I ate was bad! or The Carter you go, the Jagr you get

Sorry Flyer fans, but this has to be said. I just don’t know how you can justify purging your roster of 80 goals per season in Carter, Richards and Leino and replacing them with a possible (and I’m being generous here) 50 goals in Jagr, Voracek and Simmonds. Okay, so they kind of upgraded their goaltending situation….but Bryzgalov hasn’t proven to be any better come playoff time than any of the carrousel horses you rode last year so forgive me if I’m not feeling all warm and fuzzy about it.

Come on…. Jagr?? The old goat can only give you one 20 second rush up the ice and he is huffing and puffing to do that! Whoever he plays with won’t be better next year stat wise you can count on that. He will be too slow to keep up the pace with the speed of Briere ,Van Riemsdyk or Giroux and forget about seeing him back-check he’ll be too busy struggling to get to the bench to do that! Mark my words people….two months in and he will only see minutes on the power-play and maybe two shifts per period at regular strength. I just don’t understand how you can be so close to raising the cup and then throw it all away….wait a minute, yes I do….Paul Holmgren…..nevermind! Time to stock up on the antacids!

Sunday, January 18, 2009

PLAY GREGSKY'S NHL OVERRATED/UNDERRATED GAME

Instead of the usual Mid-Season report, I figured it would be more fun to throw around a few thoughts playing a little game I like to call Overrated/Underrated. Okay the game goes like this: I say who or what I think is underrated or overrated and you hit the comments and tell me if I’m “spot on” or “out of my tree”. Play along it’ll be fun, really.

OVERRATED

The Atlantic and Northwest divisions

Scott Gomez

Shootouts

The RBX jerseys

The All-Star Game

Keith Tkachuk

Fabian Brunnstrom

Maxim Afinogenov

Steven Stamkos

Marty Turco

Brian Burke

Barry Melrose’s knowledge

Don Cherry’s wardrobe

The need for ESPN to carry games

UNDERRATED

The Krejci – Wheeler – Ryder line

Mike Richards

Mikko Koivu

Bryan Little

Loui Eriksson

Dustin Brown

Mike Green

Brian Engblom’s new hairdo

Shea Weber

NHL Center Ice Package

Scott Clemmensen

The new schedule format

U.S. born players

Peter Chiarelli

Okay now it’s your turn. You can agree or let me have it with both barrels. You can even give me your list of over/under rated if you feel compelled. Enjoy!

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A FEW THOUGHTS BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

I hope that everyone is having a safe and wonderful Holiday Season in these tough times in which we all live. While on my holiday break from posting, I have been watching a ton of games and figured that I’d post a few thoughts just before the new-year begins. Enjoy!

Isn’t it strange when a player just seems to flourish under a certain coach? Case and point: Ryder and Julien.

I don’t really care that Ovechkin chews tobacco; as a matter of fact I wouldn’t care if drank like a fish, chased after women or hung out at the casino as long as he continues to be the most exciting player to watch. Remember that boys will be boys.

It’s good to see Jonathan Quick getting a shot along with former Hockey East rival Corey Schnieder. I hope they can stick.

I hope that the Hawks were just playing possum with the Wings in that Winter Classic preview.

I can’t wait for that Bruins vs. Sharks match-up on the schedule! Will Lemieux be a factor or a farce by then? Hmmm…

Come on Toronto, you can’t keep playing decently and end up seeing Tavares in a Leafs sweater next year. Just look at the Isles for the formula.

Swapping Kovalchuk for Gaborik won’t do either club or player any good, forget that one folks.

Well I hope you all have a great New Year and check back in 2009 for upcoming posts continuing the series: Celebrating 100 Years of Habs Hockey.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

HEY BRUINS...DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING...YET

So let me ask you, have you ever had one of those questions that seem to just pop in your head at a time when you’re not even focused on the subject? You know, like when you’re rushing around getting ready for work making sure you have everything you need before you leave (The old … Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch pat down) when out of nowhere you’re blindsided by the instant memory of your crazy uncle pulling the “Hey kid, pull my finger” trick on you when you were five. That kind of question that you just can’t get out of your head after the initial trigger, like “Why is it that my uncle shit his pants and then proceeded to point and laugh at me?” You know what I mean? Or maybe that’s just me. Damn… maybe I should have thought that one through a bit more before putting it down. Somehow I don’t think coffee helps my thought process.

Anyway, that kind of question popped into my head the other day while heading into work. I was minding my own business, thinking about what I was going to face for the next nine and a half hours, when one simple question started to pinball around upstairs. Should the Bruins even think about tweaking the roster in time for the playoffs? And of course that one simple question nagged at me all night and ended up opening up a slew of other questions that just won’t leave my melon. So now I’m at the point where I have to write about it just to get it out of my head and into yours. Oh, lucky you!

Before we start to tackle the questions (Why is it that there are always questions when it comes to the Bruins? Sorry another question just popped in there for a second.), let’s take a look at just what the Bruins have been doing lately and how they are getting it done during their surge to the top of the East.

The Bruins success can be attributed directly to the fact that they can roll four lines and produce effective puck possession and scoring from each line. The Bruins are the best 5-on-5 team in the league; which allows them the luxury of not having to rely on the power play as their bread and butter. Ranking at #5 the PP isn’t struggling by any means and their PK is holding steady at #8, so special teams for the Bruins are just an added bonus. Coach Julien has his troops committed to the system and the proof is in the pudding (9-1-0 in the last 10 games). Goaltending has been rock solid with both net-minders sporting top 5 spots in both save% and goals against average. Just about every player on the roster is a plus player. What the Bruins bring to the table every night is hard work, discipline, speed, puck possession and firepower topped off with a tough, physical style and that is just too much to handle for opponents.

For the first time in years the Bruins are sitting in the catbird seat and sitting pretty at that. They are so deep at the center position that a player the caliber of Patrice Bergeron sees more time on special teams than anything else and sometimes plays on the wing. Most nights they have a problem getting players like Nokelainen and Sobotka into the lineup. With both goaltenders playing superbly they can afford to let Rask get more playing time in the minors. Injuries, so far, haven’t seemed to hurt the B’s as they haven’t missed a beat since the loss of Ference, Ward and Sturm. In fact with the return of Sturm it poses a question of who do you sit to make room for Sturm? That is a good dilemma to have and the Bruins know it. How many teams would kill to have too much depth?

With all of that said, let’s now get back to the question: Should the Bruins even think about tweaking the roster for the playoffs? My answer is: for the playoffs yes, but for right now “don’t fix what ain’t broken” is the best approach. Even though they took their foot off the pedal in the 2nd half of the game against Tampa Bay, they still managed to win and Julien and the boys know exactly how to correct that “running around” bit they displayed. Right now they are still on top of their game and if I were them I wouldn’t change a thing. That in no way means that I wouldn’t be on the phone to Atlanta to set up a package for Kovalchuk and looking West for another veteran defenseman offering up one or two roster players the likes of Bergeron, Sturm, Kobasew, Nokelainen, Stuart, Hnidy, Ference or Fernandez.

Some Bruins fans may be swearing at me right now for even suggesting that the B’s trade away some of the names I mentioned, but the reality is that the roster is too inexperienced to go far in the playoffs as is. If all you want to accomplish is a first round win, then I guess go with what you have and ride it till it fails. If you want to make a serious run, then you need to go out and get what will put you over the top. The Bruins are so deep that they can afford to move some of the names I mentioned above. It’s only a matter of what you want to call a successful season, a 2nd round loss or the Stanley Cup Finals. Can you picture the impact a player like Kovalchuk would bring? Adding another playoff tested D-man to solidify the backend too risky? What happens if some of these kids hit a wall or wear down? Don’t you think that with a bit of tinkering this team could go the distance?

Did you see what just happened there? Another friggin’ bunch of questions just invaded the space! I guess the questions surrounding the Bruins won’t go away, but at least now the questions are positive which is a sure sign that finally this franchise is on the way back up to the standards it set for itself from the beginning. Maybe I’m just a big softy when it comes to Original Six teams doing well or maybe that’s just me showing my age, either way all the Bruins really need to do is just keep doing what they’ve been doing and be set up and prepared to pull the trigger on deals that will help them in the post-season. There is no need for any of the playoff questions to be answered right now. The Bruins shouldn’t change a thing yet; there is no need to. Right now life is sweet for the B’s, just “let the good times roll” and stay healthy.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

GREGSKY'S EASTERN CONFERENCE NOTEBOOK : NORTHEAST DIVISION

Welcome to Gregsky’s Eastern Conference Notebook. Let’s take a quick look around the Northeast, now that we are creeping up on twenty games into the season, and see what signs are starting to appear that can give us some insight into what to expect for the next twenty games.

Here are a few questions to chew on:

Where have the Senators gone?

The Senators are taking up residence at the bottom of the division instead of their normal perch at the top. This is due to the fact that they lost key cogs on the blue-line over the last couple of seasons and did little to replace them. It’s not like the Sens can’t score or anything, the guys paid to put the puck in the net are doing their jobs just fine. It is the fact that they can’t stop the opposing team from scoring that trip this team up. Not that this fact should in any way excuse Nick Foligno for not working harder on his defensive game (4 points and a –11 is shameful). Just who is the anchor of this defense? Chris Phillips (-8)? Volchenkov (-4)? Jason Smith (-2)? To top it off the Sens are using a quality backup goaltender in Alex Auld as a workhorse when everyone knows that that is a recipe for disaster. Unless this team solves its leaky defense issues their view won’t change much over the course of the next twenty games.

Are we starting to see Buffalo’s true colors (3-5-2 in the last 10)?

The Sabres started the season on fire with Vanek finally living up to his paycheck. The problem for the Sabres is that it takes more than one guy to win consistently (Afinogenov this means you). Miller is doing all he can in the net to steal some games, but even that is not enough. The fast start is keeping them in the race for now, but they need to find consistent secondary scoring if they want to remain in the middle of the pack. If they don’t they will be cursed to be a .500 team over the next twenty games and perhaps loose some real estate in the conference.

Are the Bruins ready to turn the corner?

The Bruins are for real, for now. Just about every player on the roster is a plus player. They are at the crossroads at this very moment and as well as they have started, it remains to be seen if they can sustain their tough style of play. It does appear that Coach Julien has his troops fully committed to the system, which I for one never doubted his ability to do so, but the nasty injury bug usually shows up this time of year to dash the hopes of this surging team. If the “Big, Bad Black and Gold” can stay healthy through this next stretch they will indeed be for real and a real threat to challenge for the conference crown. Both goaltenders have been steady and that is a plus for this team who have worked so hard to solidify their blue-line the last couple of seasons and the payoff is on display this year. Missing Andrew Ference due to his injury is a bit of a problem for the B’s (this means that Mark Stuart has more ice time than you would like him to have and Matt Hunwick has to show that he belongs), I wouldn’t be surprised if they go shopping for another defenseman to help hold the fort. They do have a stockpile of forwards they could use as bait (Sobotka or Nokelainen come to mind since both can’t make the roster at the same time) and don’t forget that they also have Rask in the minors who could make Fernandez expendable to a team struggling at the goalie position. Right now that is a good problem to have over the injury bug and the Bruins are poised to take it to the next level, the next twenty games will be crucial to weather or not they will be able to.

What is stalling the Canadiens push for dominance?

Relax. There is nothing to worry about in Hab Land. The Canadiens had some jump right out of the gate at the start of the season and since have played like a .500 team, but in reality they have kept a nice pace and if it wasn’t for the Bruins’ superb play they would be leading the division. The scorers are scoring, the defense is steady, and goaltending for the most part have kept them in it, so there is no problem with the core of this team. The only area of their game that has been lacking and is the root cause of their recent .500 play, is they have lost the spark on the power play. It is strange to see considering that they had one of the most potent PP units in the league just last year. All in all the Canadiens are in good shape and in a good position so if they focus on getting the power play clicking over the next stretch they will ease all of the fears in Montreal. Just breath people the sky isn’t falling.

Does anyone really think that Burke can save the Maple Leafs?

Brian Burke nor anyone else can save the Leafs this season. This team isn’t rebuilding it’s imploding. The only thing anyone can do with this club now is blow it up and start over. The roster is filled with one-dimensional forwards and too many offensive minded defensemen, which translates to poor play in their own end. Goaltending hasn’t been sharp (it’s not like the team has been out-shot on most nights) and that isn’t helping the situation any. The bottom line is IF they can jump out to an early lead, and a big lead at that, they can hang on long enough to win some games, but with no commitment to defense they won’t win many. The only area they play well is the power play, and for some reason this year they are staying out of the box (good thing because they suck on the PK), so one would think that this would be something to build on, but not this team. Lack of defensive discipline will haunt this team not only over the next twenty games, but the rest of the season if major changes aren’t made to the roster. The front office can only help restructure the team, it’s not like Burke can slap a bucket on his head and help stop the bleeding on the ice. You can blame the front office and the coach, but when all is said and done it is the players that have to execute and this team has failed to execute so far and give no indication that they are even trying to turn it around.

Saturday, October 25, 2008

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF HABS HOCKEY: STRENGTH UP THE MIDDLE

One of the many things that have always impressed me about the Montreal Canadiens over the years; is their ability to effectively use strength up the middle in order to let the wings’ fire power do its damage. The center position has always been a key factor in the success of the Habs offensive prowess. Although overall it hasn’t primarily been the centers that garner the most attention, the wings, defense and goaltenders usually get the spotlight when it comes to the most celebrated Canadiens players, there have been some that have won the hearts of fans and media alike. I think over the years the media has been more critical of centers than any other position players, but that just may be a weird coincidence or perception on my part, nonetheless, even though they may have faced more scrutiny they have indeed won the praise of all.

Some of the best centers the Canadiens have ever had did the dirty work, the grinding and back checking that created the turnovers that led to offensive attacks. The ability to move the puck and draw the defense in, then to dish it perfectly to an open winger with the cannon loaded has been a staple for the Habs for decades. They used their strength, speed and skill to make the offense effective and allow the wings to fly. If you couldn’t tell by now, this week’s celebration focuses on my favorite Montreal Canadiens centers over the years.

The following courtesey of Gregsky's Collection. http://aroundtherinkwithgregsky.blogspot.com/2008/07/once-in-lifetime-offer-from-gregsky.html

ELMER LACH

GP G A PTS PIM SEASONS YRS
664 215 408 623 478 1940-1954 14