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
Showing posts with label Humor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Humor. Show all posts
Monday, April 29, 2013
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
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
Monday, July 2, 2012
JUST FOR FUN DEPT...THE ZACH PARISE THEME SONG
If I had a hundred million dollars
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
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
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
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
If I had a hundred million dollars
If I had a hundred million dollars
If I had a hundred million dollars
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 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Monday, October 6, 2008
JUST IN CASE YOU WERE BUSY WATCHING FOOTBALL
Hey gang, I know you watched the opening of the NHL regular season on Sunday, right? You did watch hockey on Sunday, didn’t you? Please tell me you were at least aware that the NHL opened its season this weekend in Europe and Verses was showing two games on Sunday. You were aware, right? Right? (Whew!) For a minute there I thought you were going to tell me that you were too busy watching football all weekend to notice that hockey had started or something equally as ridiculous as that. Okay people, you have to stop scaring me like that or I’m going to start thinking that you’re not paying attention.
Just in case you missed it, here are a few things that I noticed. (Because I was watching)
The games this weekend left me wishing that they showed a bit more of Prague and Stockholm.
Three out of the four teams that played escaped from Europe with points.
Tampa Bay gave up twice as many goals than they scored, no surprise to me, but Melrose might want to focus attention there.
Marty St. Louis’ backhand goal was a thing of beauty!
Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley look sharp, not sold yet about the rest of the team.
This could be a year where Malkin absolutely dominates, IF, he drives to the net like he did on his first goal.
Markus Naslund looks too comfortable with the Rangers, he could easily net 30+ this year if he can stay healthy.
Jaromir who?
Alex Auld continues to be one of the better backup goaltenders in the league.
Brandon Dubinsky is New York’s best-kept secret. Not bad for a big Alaskan boy, there should be more press on this kid.
And finally… BRIAN ENGBLOM NO LONGER LOOKS LIKE HE IS WEARING A MUSKRAT PELT ON HIS MELLON!!! Looking sharp Brian, it’s about time you made the adjustment. Now maybe we can start taking you seriously!
Just in case you missed it, here are a few things that I noticed. (Because I was watching)
The games this weekend left me wishing that they showed a bit more of Prague and Stockholm.
Three out of the four teams that played escaped from Europe with points.
Tampa Bay gave up twice as many goals than they scored, no surprise to me, but Melrose might want to focus attention there.
Marty St. Louis’ backhand goal was a thing of beauty!
Jason Spezza and Dany Heatley look sharp, not sold yet about the rest of the team.
This could be a year where Malkin absolutely dominates, IF, he drives to the net like he did on his first goal.
Markus Naslund looks too comfortable with the Rangers, he could easily net 30+ this year if he can stay healthy.
Jaromir who?
Alex Auld continues to be one of the better backup goaltenders in the league.
Brandon Dubinsky is New York’s best-kept secret. Not bad for a big Alaskan boy, there should be more press on this kid.
And finally… BRIAN ENGBLOM NO LONGER LOOKS LIKE HE IS WEARING A MUSKRAT PELT ON HIS MELLON!!! Looking sharp Brian, it’s about time you made the adjustment. Now maybe we can start taking you seriously!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
YEAR OF THE LOSERS - NHL 2008-2009
Okay, here we go. The NHL pre-season is in full swing; teams are feeling their way through it with the hopes that their newly adjusted rosters will bring them rich rewards. Timing, chemistry and learning systems are only a few of the bugs being ironed out feverishly as they gear up for October 4th.
While everyone is busy speculating how well (or poor) their team will do and predictions are already running rampant, I can’t seem to take my focus off the fact that once this season is done we will have another dream lottery by way of the “Tavares Sweepstakes”. I know what you’re thinking, “Gregsky, the season hasn’t even started and you want to talk about the next draft? Just what are you putting in your coffee man?” I know, I know, but I just can’t get away from it when I look at some of the rosters that teams are icing this year. I’m already convinced that no matter how much I try to focus on the teams that will be leading the league this year, keeping an eye on the bottom dwellers will divert my attention all season. It’s going to happen and I won’t be able to do a thing to stop it.
For some reason I have a feeling that we will have more teams with sub-par records making the playoffs this year. The last 3 playoff spots in each conference could very well be noticed earlier this year than in years past as there just might be fewer teams fighting for them. However, the race for the worst record (and best lottery chance) will be jam packed with teams in a battle to become the league’s ultimate loser. Which, in the end, will make them the ultimate winner.
We have seen what being a loser has done for some teams lately when impact players come through the draft that are clearly above the rest of the pack. If there were a year to become the biggest loser, this is the year. How hard will the bottom dwellers work in March and April when the light at the end of the tunnel is John Tavares? My guess is not very. I can’t help but imagine the Leafs, Thrashers, Panthers, Islanders, Canucks, Kings, Blues, Oilers, Sabres and Blue Jackets all fighting to be the worst they can be in the hopes of landing a player that could turn their fortunes around. And you might even be able to throw in the Canes, Preds, Bolts and Yotes to that mix just to make things interesting. Any of the aforementioned teams stands a good chance of “earning” the dubious yet attractive title of becoming the worst of the worst.
So while everyone is focused on who the best teams are going to be I will be keeping an eye on the other side of the coin. Call me crazy (it’s okay I know you want to) but I think it will be a bigger dogfight to suck than to succeed this year. Now that I have spread some sunshine, my work here is done. Enjoy!
While everyone is busy speculating how well (or poor) their team will do and predictions are already running rampant, I can’t seem to take my focus off the fact that once this season is done we will have another dream lottery by way of the “Tavares Sweepstakes”. I know what you’re thinking, “Gregsky, the season hasn’t even started and you want to talk about the next draft? Just what are you putting in your coffee man?” I know, I know, but I just can’t get away from it when I look at some of the rosters that teams are icing this year. I’m already convinced that no matter how much I try to focus on the teams that will be leading the league this year, keeping an eye on the bottom dwellers will divert my attention all season. It’s going to happen and I won’t be able to do a thing to stop it.
For some reason I have a feeling that we will have more teams with sub-par records making the playoffs this year. The last 3 playoff spots in each conference could very well be noticed earlier this year than in years past as there just might be fewer teams fighting for them. However, the race for the worst record (and best lottery chance) will be jam packed with teams in a battle to become the league’s ultimate loser. Which, in the end, will make them the ultimate winner.
We have seen what being a loser has done for some teams lately when impact players come through the draft that are clearly above the rest of the pack. If there were a year to become the biggest loser, this is the year. How hard will the bottom dwellers work in March and April when the light at the end of the tunnel is John Tavares? My guess is not very. I can’t help but imagine the Leafs, Thrashers, Panthers, Islanders, Canucks, Kings, Blues, Oilers, Sabres and Blue Jackets all fighting to be the worst they can be in the hopes of landing a player that could turn their fortunes around. And you might even be able to throw in the Canes, Preds, Bolts and Yotes to that mix just to make things interesting. Any of the aforementioned teams stands a good chance of “earning” the dubious yet attractive title of becoming the worst of the worst.
So while everyone is focused on who the best teams are going to be I will be keeping an eye on the other side of the coin. Call me crazy (it’s okay I know you want to) but I think it will be a bigger dogfight to suck than to succeed this year. Now that I have spread some sunshine, my work here is done. Enjoy!
Monday, August 4, 2008
YOU KNOW IT'S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN.....
Gregsky's collection for sale
The off-season, a time when hockey fans crave any scrap of news concerning their favorite teams or players just to appease their insatiable appetites for the greatest sport known to man. The period from mid July to mid August is always the roughest time for fans as days go by without any newsworthy happenings in the world of hockey. The lack of news over this time period has an interesting effect on the deprived masses. Today I’ll take a look into the phenomenon called the NHL off-season. Get your barf bags ready people.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. The Sundin Watch generates a daily buzz rehashing the same old news we’ve known since June adding only insignificant and mostly inaccurate speculation. What’s next? Breaking news that Mats farted and the fumes seemed to waft in the general direction of Vancouver?
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Dan Hinote’s wedding is a top searched hockey news topic.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. People actually give a shit that Mike Comrie went shopping with Hillary and her mother.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Articles are written about Sidney Crosby’s favorite kind of alcohol when he doesn’t turn 21 until Thursday, but has been of age in Canada since 18.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Mainstream media outlets give us such “gems” as NHL Logo Rankings.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. People actually stoop to levels of all-time low by wondering who will replace Barry Melrose on ESPN.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Ice Girl tryouts for several teams top the latest news from your favorite “lonely” blogger.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. There is actually an article out there discussing Sean Avery’s “creamy calves”. Are you kidding me???
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. I actually have enough material to post this kind of drivel.
The off-season, a time when hockey fans crave any scrap of news concerning their favorite teams or players just to appease their insatiable appetites for the greatest sport known to man. The period from mid July to mid August is always the roughest time for fans as days go by without any newsworthy happenings in the world of hockey. The lack of news over this time period has an interesting effect on the deprived masses. Today I’ll take a look into the phenomenon called the NHL off-season. Get your barf bags ready people.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. The Sundin Watch generates a daily buzz rehashing the same old news we’ve known since June adding only insignificant and mostly inaccurate speculation. What’s next? Breaking news that Mats farted and the fumes seemed to waft in the general direction of Vancouver?
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Dan Hinote’s wedding is a top searched hockey news topic.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. People actually give a shit that Mike Comrie went shopping with Hillary and her mother.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Articles are written about Sidney Crosby’s favorite kind of alcohol when he doesn’t turn 21 until Thursday, but has been of age in Canada since 18.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Mainstream media outlets give us such “gems” as NHL Logo Rankings.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. People actually stoop to levels of all-time low by wondering who will replace Barry Melrose on ESPN.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. Ice Girl tryouts for several teams top the latest news from your favorite “lonely” blogger.
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. There is actually an article out there discussing Sean Avery’s “creamy calves”. Are you kidding me???
YOU KNOW IT’S THE NHL OFF-SEASON WHEN ….. I actually have enough material to post this kind of drivel.
Monday, July 14, 2008
A FEELING OF "OPTSKEPTAFEARISM" IN TAMPA BAY
Gregsky's offer
What’s that smell in the air in Tampa these days? [Sniff] yes, yes, definitely it is an emotion that is thick in the air. [Sniff] I can’t tell if it’s a smell of optimism, skepticism or fear. Maybe it is a combination of all three at once. Optskeptafearism. That must be it, a new hybrid human emotion exclusively acquired by those who follow and are fans of the Lightning. Whew! I’m glad I figured that out quickly, it was starting to smell like cheese.
I suppose you can’t blame Bolts fans for not really knowing just how to feel, what with the resent crazy whirlwind that has ripped through the entire organization and all. Just how in the hell are Bolts fans supposed to feel? They were the laughing stock of the league last season. Have a weak and depleted farm system. Watched their team draft a glutton of forwards when everyone knows it is the backend that needs the most help. Under a media blitz, witnessed the team usher in a new ownership group, hire a train wreck for a coach, sign a slew of free agent forwards some past their prime, sign a declining goaltender, ask your best defenseman to leave town, replace the front office and re-sign your best player for $85 million. To top it all off have one of your new owners, obviously hopped up on Flintstone Vitamins, publicly declare that your “new look” team will indeed win the division.
"What the deuce?" (Read out loud in your best Stewie Griffin voice and cue a Family Guy flashback montage) "I haven’t seen a circus this bad since the one on Wang Island where a pot-smoking monkey on a unicycle was giving advise to the front office staff."
Was that a bit too much? Oh well, let’s just blame it on the coffee and move along.
The levee has to break at some point. Don’t you think? They are going to have to unload some of the new stockpile of forwards to shore up that disturbingly weak defense. Don’t you think? I mean they can’t really think that this roster will win the division. Right? Come on, Bochenski? Hasn’t he been in something like six different uniforms over the last three or so years? Gratton? Recchi? Roberts? Halpern? Who will they unload to try and plug the gaping holes on defense? Well, the way things are going, don’t be surprised if in all of their infinite wisdom they decide to trade away one or more of their younger forwards like Craig or Ouellet or Tarnasky. Now won’t that be nice. Just who could you get to shore up the D? For a best-case scenario look to swing a deal with Carolina or Vancouver.
No matter how you look at it, things in Tampa still smell a bit funky and will continue to do so under the hot Florida sun until something gives way to at least get fans leaning more toward optimisism than skepticism and down right fear.
What’s that smell in the air in Tampa these days? [Sniff] yes, yes, definitely it is an emotion that is thick in the air. [Sniff] I can’t tell if it’s a smell of optimism, skepticism or fear. Maybe it is a combination of all three at once. Optskeptafearism. That must be it, a new hybrid human emotion exclusively acquired by those who follow and are fans of the Lightning. Whew! I’m glad I figured that out quickly, it was starting to smell like cheese.
I suppose you can’t blame Bolts fans for not really knowing just how to feel, what with the resent crazy whirlwind that has ripped through the entire organization and all. Just how in the hell are Bolts fans supposed to feel? They were the laughing stock of the league last season. Have a weak and depleted farm system. Watched their team draft a glutton of forwards when everyone knows it is the backend that needs the most help. Under a media blitz, witnessed the team usher in a new ownership group, hire a train wreck for a coach, sign a slew of free agent forwards some past their prime, sign a declining goaltender, ask your best defenseman to leave town, replace the front office and re-sign your best player for $85 million. To top it all off have one of your new owners, obviously hopped up on Flintstone Vitamins, publicly declare that your “new look” team will indeed win the division.
"What the deuce?" (Read out loud in your best Stewie Griffin voice and cue a Family Guy flashback montage) "I haven’t seen a circus this bad since the one on Wang Island where a pot-smoking monkey on a unicycle was giving advise to the front office staff."
Was that a bit too much? Oh well, let’s just blame it on the coffee and move along.
The levee has to break at some point. Don’t you think? They are going to have to unload some of the new stockpile of forwards to shore up that disturbingly weak defense. Don’t you think? I mean they can’t really think that this roster will win the division. Right? Come on, Bochenski? Hasn’t he been in something like six different uniforms over the last three or so years? Gratton? Recchi? Roberts? Halpern? Who will they unload to try and plug the gaping holes on defense? Well, the way things are going, don’t be surprised if in all of their infinite wisdom they decide to trade away one or more of their younger forwards like Craig or Ouellet or Tarnasky. Now won’t that be nice. Just who could you get to shore up the D? For a best-case scenario look to swing a deal with Carolina or Vancouver.
No matter how you look at it, things in Tampa still smell a bit funky and will continue to do so under the hot Florida sun until something gives way to at least get fans leaning more toward optimisism than skepticism and down right fear.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
HAVE NO FEAR - MELROSE IS HERE!
Please forgive me if I'm not getting that same warm and fuzzy feeling about this decision by the Tampa brass that some people are. If you are lucky enough to be too young to remember Barry's playing days, this move may have you saying "Wicked cool man, the Bolts just got that ESPN guy with the mullet to coach!" If you are like me and sat through many a game where Barry pretended to play defense, "wicked cool" most likely isn't your choice of words to express your opinion of the move. Unfortunately I just happened to have lived in L.A. when he was coaching the Kings, so I've had more than my fair share of Melrose exposure. I do wish the Bolts all the luck in the world going forward if this is what they think will work for them. At least the star players will be pampered, after all that's what makes a great hockey team right? Pampered superstars and a coach who loves the attention of the media should at least make for some "wicked cool" billboards. Whatever sells tickets, I guess. Go Bolts! Melrose Rocks!
Monday, June 23, 2008
DRAFT AFTERMATH
Well this was supposed to be a wacky post handing out grades for the Draft, but after some thought about the experience that was the 2008 Entry Draft I was left with a feeling that it just wasn’t that eventful to warrant such a post. Not quite a yawn-fest mind you, but a bit on the lackluster side. Instead of an off the wall post I’ll give you my take on some key moves/picks that took place.
When the hell did the Coyotes learn how to draft? There are just some things in life that you can count on –
1. The sun rising
2. A rainstorm just after you washed the car
3. That annoying guy at work that thinks he’s your pal will try to make small talk with you on subjects he knows absolutely nothing about
4. The Yotes will draft the worst possible players available in any given draft
Well we can now scratch #4 off the list because the Coyotes have drafted well in consecutive drafts and this one has got to be their best ever. They used their 1st round picks wisely by adding a future scorer in Boedker and a possible menace on ice in Tikhonov (if he plays with the same emotion he displayed for Russia in the World Juniors). Going with some big boys with the next 3 picks in Staal, Stone and Brodeur shows a commitment to getting tougher to play against in the near future. They were able to shed deadweight and cap chokers in Boynton and Ballard while acquiring a gem in Jokinen to give them (as well as Jokinen) a serious chance at the playoffs next season. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the question. When did the Coyotes learn how to draft? When they added Greg Malone to their scouting staff.
Another team that must be grinning from ear to ear is the Blue Jackets. They landed Umberger (played college hockey for Ohio State), selected what may be the most dynamic player in the draft in Filatov and loaded up with big defensemen with big potential in the future. The Jackets are hoping that this Russian turns out to be more like Ovechkin than Zherdev. No, the Jackets didn’t exactly hit it out of the park on draft day, but GM Scott Howson must be pleased with how well they did with the picks they had.
The Bruins rolled the dice with their selections, banking more on character type players than actual skill level. They went center happy hoping that one or two will pan out (centers taken in past rounds have been less than stellar). Only time will tell if the gamble will pay off. Perhaps the biggest gamble was trading up to pick Arniel. He must have interviewed well and there must be more to the story with this guy or at least another side to the story. That’s not to take away from another gamble they took with their first pick in Joe Colborne. With a ton of high ranking talent left on the board with the 16th overall pick the B’s raised a few eyebrows when they selected Colborne. Mostly due to the fact that he played in the AJHL against what most see as inferior competition. However, the Bruins see more in this guy and most likely hope that his time at the University of Denver will go a long way for his development at a higher level. Now if the hush-hush news about Wheeler comes to bear fruit and they are able to land Hossa, the gambles on draft day won’t look as bad if they don’t pan out.
The Lightning may have gotten the best overall player in the draft in Stamkos, but did little after that to address their need to add depth to their future backend. We all knew that they would get the leftovers when it came to defensemen and goaltenders, but instead of taking the best available with the 62nd overall pick the Bolts (in all of their infinite wisdom) traded down to take another forward with the 117th pick. They finally took a goaltender with the 122nd pick and chose Tokarski who ranked 9th in North American goaltenders. They didn’t pick a defensemen until the 6th round where they took two. So much for playing it smart and shoring up the weak areas in your system. They did however get the green light from the new ownership to be aggressive in the free agent market this year. The only trouble with that is they also set a cap limit of $44 million, when they already have $35 million committed to payroll next season. I’m sorry, Bolts fans, but $9 million isn’t enough to be aggressive and fill the holes on that roster.
When the hell did the Coyotes learn how to draft? There are just some things in life that you can count on –
1. The sun rising
2. A rainstorm just after you washed the car
3. That annoying guy at work that thinks he’s your pal will try to make small talk with you on subjects he knows absolutely nothing about
4. The Yotes will draft the worst possible players available in any given draft
Well we can now scratch #4 off the list because the Coyotes have drafted well in consecutive drafts and this one has got to be their best ever. They used their 1st round picks wisely by adding a future scorer in Boedker and a possible menace on ice in Tikhonov (if he plays with the same emotion he displayed for Russia in the World Juniors). Going with some big boys with the next 3 picks in Staal, Stone and Brodeur shows a commitment to getting tougher to play against in the near future. They were able to shed deadweight and cap chokers in Boynton and Ballard while acquiring a gem in Jokinen to give them (as well as Jokinen) a serious chance at the playoffs next season. Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the question. When did the Coyotes learn how to draft? When they added Greg Malone to their scouting staff.
Another team that must be grinning from ear to ear is the Blue Jackets. They landed Umberger (played college hockey for Ohio State), selected what may be the most dynamic player in the draft in Filatov and loaded up with big defensemen with big potential in the future. The Jackets are hoping that this Russian turns out to be more like Ovechkin than Zherdev. No, the Jackets didn’t exactly hit it out of the park on draft day, but GM Scott Howson must be pleased with how well they did with the picks they had.
The Bruins rolled the dice with their selections, banking more on character type players than actual skill level. They went center happy hoping that one or two will pan out (centers taken in past rounds have been less than stellar). Only time will tell if the gamble will pay off. Perhaps the biggest gamble was trading up to pick Arniel. He must have interviewed well and there must be more to the story with this guy or at least another side to the story. That’s not to take away from another gamble they took with their first pick in Joe Colborne. With a ton of high ranking talent left on the board with the 16th overall pick the B’s raised a few eyebrows when they selected Colborne. Mostly due to the fact that he played in the AJHL against what most see as inferior competition. However, the Bruins see more in this guy and most likely hope that his time at the University of Denver will go a long way for his development at a higher level. Now if the hush-hush news about Wheeler comes to bear fruit and they are able to land Hossa, the gambles on draft day won’t look as bad if they don’t pan out.
The Lightning may have gotten the best overall player in the draft in Stamkos, but did little after that to address their need to add depth to their future backend. We all knew that they would get the leftovers when it came to defensemen and goaltenders, but instead of taking the best available with the 62nd overall pick the Bolts (in all of their infinite wisdom) traded down to take another forward with the 117th pick. They finally took a goaltender with the 122nd pick and chose Tokarski who ranked 9th in North American goaltenders. They didn’t pick a defensemen until the 6th round where they took two. So much for playing it smart and shoring up the weak areas in your system. They did however get the green light from the new ownership to be aggressive in the free agent market this year. The only trouble with that is they also set a cap limit of $44 million, when they already have $35 million committed to payroll next season. I’m sorry, Bolts fans, but $9 million isn’t enough to be aggressive and fill the holes on that roster.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
PRE-DRAFT RAMBLINGS
The 2008 Entry Draft is fast approaching and everyone already knows that the Bolts plan on taking Steven Stamkos with their #1 pick. Stamkos (a 6’-3” 185 lbs. center out of Scarborough, ON.) isn’t something you pass up on even if he won’t necessarily address your needs. Some think that with this draft being heavy with defensemen and goalies that the Bolts in particular should start building up their back end, but keep in mind that in this draft they can accomplish that in later rounds. That is why they jumped right away and announced their intention on picking Stamkos. There will be no surprises on who goes 1st overall on Friday.
This year on draft day I think I will be most interested in what trades go down more so than who picks who. I just have this feeling that there will be a plethora of movement amongst teams trying to shed payroll and gather more picks for either this draft or ones in the near future. This will most likely be a last ditch effort for teams to trade away players before buying them out or losing them to free agency come July 1st. Hey sometimes a future draft pick and a bag of pucks is better than taking a cap hit on a buyout or getting nothing in return. Ahh yes, I can see it now, sort of like a clearance sale or better yet like a concession vendor; “Emery…Emery here…get ‘yer ice cold Emery here…” or “Only one Murray left…last chance for a Murray here…buy one Murray and get a Fernandez free…and by free I mean we’ll be free of him…get ‘yer Murray here…”
I think we will see a lot of defensemen taken in the first couple of rounds this year, as they seem to dominate the landscape. There will be a fair share of goaltenders taken as well and the Bolts will get their chance at a number of them and d-men to boot. By taking Stamkos with their first pick they will get the leftovers when it comes to the back end but in this draft the leftovers will be solid as well. In Stamkos they will however get the future replacement for Vinnie, this time I am hoping they will seriously consider how much they should pay a young super-talent.
Settle in on Friday and watch your teams select the future and attempt to move payroll and enjoy it hockey fans, it will be the last bit of excitement until July 1st. I will hand out my report card on how everyone did after the draft ends, most likely in a wacky format so until then keep your head up and enjoy!
This year on draft day I think I will be most interested in what trades go down more so than who picks who. I just have this feeling that there will be a plethora of movement amongst teams trying to shed payroll and gather more picks for either this draft or ones in the near future. This will most likely be a last ditch effort for teams to trade away players before buying them out or losing them to free agency come July 1st. Hey sometimes a future draft pick and a bag of pucks is better than taking a cap hit on a buyout or getting nothing in return. Ahh yes, I can see it now, sort of like a clearance sale or better yet like a concession vendor; “Emery…Emery here…get ‘yer ice cold Emery here…” or “Only one Murray left…last chance for a Murray here…buy one Murray and get a Fernandez free…and by free I mean we’ll be free of him…get ‘yer Murray here…”
I think we will see a lot of defensemen taken in the first couple of rounds this year, as they seem to dominate the landscape. There will be a fair share of goaltenders taken as well and the Bolts will get their chance at a number of them and d-men to boot. By taking Stamkos with their first pick they will get the leftovers when it comes to the back end but in this draft the leftovers will be solid as well. In Stamkos they will however get the future replacement for Vinnie, this time I am hoping they will seriously consider how much they should pay a young super-talent.
Settle in on Friday and watch your teams select the future and attempt to move payroll and enjoy it hockey fans, it will be the last bit of excitement until July 1st. I will hand out my report card on how everyone did after the draft ends, most likely in a wacky format so until then keep your head up and enjoy!
Monday, June 9, 2008
THANK YOU
Now that the season has ended things here at Around The Rink will start to slow down to its off-season pace of around once a week. At this time I want to shout out a big Thank You to Miser for his great work and contributions to this site this year and look forward to working with him next season. I also want to thank everyone who checked out our blog over the past year and especially those who kept coming back. You are the reason we do this on top of our normal everyday life schedules, without you we are just talking hockey to ourselves. I do encourage everyone to respond to what they read by adding comments to the posts (not enough of you do this, you know who you are) we would love to hear what you have to say and carry on discussions about the topics. So don’t be shy (Lord knows I’m not) and let us know what you think about the game we all love.
This past season we had over 3800 new and unique visitors from 13 different countries stop by Around The Rink to expose themselves to the madness. Over 1200 of which came back for more, time and time again, adding to our growing number of regular visitors to the site. Thanks to that we have a steady growth rate and look forward to increasing that rate next year. With that in mind, Around The Rink will undergo a face-lift this summer in an attempt to make the site more visually pleasing to our readers as well as easier to manage.
Even though the season has come and gone, don’t forget to stop by Around The Rink from time to time over the summer, as the posts tend to get a little wilder, funnier and even more experimental. I’m sure to have a few things to say about the Draft, Free Agency, Offer Sheets, Salary Cap and the like. Things may be getting slower, but the madness here at Around The Rink never stops. Thank you all for making Around The Rink a part of your day, as you all make our day every day. Enjoy your summer one and all!
This past season we had over 3800 new and unique visitors from 13 different countries stop by Around The Rink to expose themselves to the madness. Over 1200 of which came back for more, time and time again, adding to our growing number of regular visitors to the site. Thanks to that we have a steady growth rate and look forward to increasing that rate next year. With that in mind, Around The Rink will undergo a face-lift this summer in an attempt to make the site more visually pleasing to our readers as well as easier to manage.
Even though the season has come and gone, don’t forget to stop by Around The Rink from time to time over the summer, as the posts tend to get a little wilder, funnier and even more experimental. I’m sure to have a few things to say about the Draft, Free Agency, Offer Sheets, Salary Cap and the like. Things may be getting slower, but the madness here at Around The Rink never stops. Thank you all for making Around The Rink a part of your day, as you all make our day every day. Enjoy your summer one and all!
Friday, June 6, 2008
FINAL THOUGHTS
Now that the season has ended, I wanted to take a moment to put down some final thoughts. I must warn you though, the coffee is strong this morning and I’m awake way too early so things may get a bit wacky. Buckle up Spanky it could be a bumpy ride.
A tip of the hat to Dallas Drake and Gary Roberts – thanks for the memories boys you have exemplified what it means to be a heart and soul kind of player – no regrets you have been champions your whole careers.
I hope Sean Avery takes the off-season to work on how to just play the game and put all of his bullshit antics on the shelf once and for all.
Hey Alex – are you still seeing that play in your nightmares? Maybe next time you’ll shoot the damn puck!
I don’t want to hear any more about how Euro’s are soft. Got it? Okay, let’s move on.
I don’t want to hear any more questions of Sidney Crosby’s heart and leadership skills – I think he proved enough this year to put an end to the speculation he can’t handle the load, he was truly special this post-season.
Why would Marion Hossa want to go anywhere else? Sometimes it’s not all about the money. Besides, Mario has a ton of it.
I hope the brothers Staal can keep from making the news with any drunken escapades this off-season.
I’ve never watched Tiger Woods do his thing and now I’m damn sure I never will – and watching that gay-assed Gillette commercial featuring the three gayest guys in all of sports doesn’t count – unless that’s his thing in which case I’ve seen it and I must say I’m not impressed. I hope Tiger Woods will remember – hockey fans don’t need him around anyhow.
If the new ownership of the Lightning actually thinks Barry Melrose is the answer – I will have to question every other move they make. I fear for you Bolts fans.
The only thing Malkin needs to work on this summer is his stamina. I hated watching him run out of gas right when he was needed most.
Someone please give Chris Osgood a bit of credit for stepping up when Hasek fell flat – he’s a hard working goalie who never seems to get any credit for being a number one net-minder. I think a couple of Cups speaks volumes.
Okay Bruins – you have a tough little team going – now will you please get a goal scorer to play alongside Savard. Murray just can’t bring it anymore and P.J. can’t hit the net.
A tip of the hat to Dallas Drake and Gary Roberts – thanks for the memories boys you have exemplified what it means to be a heart and soul kind of player – no regrets you have been champions your whole careers.
I hope Sean Avery takes the off-season to work on how to just play the game and put all of his bullshit antics on the shelf once and for all.
Hey Alex – are you still seeing that play in your nightmares? Maybe next time you’ll shoot the damn puck!
I don’t want to hear any more about how Euro’s are soft. Got it? Okay, let’s move on.
I don’t want to hear any more questions of Sidney Crosby’s heart and leadership skills – I think he proved enough this year to put an end to the speculation he can’t handle the load, he was truly special this post-season.
Why would Marion Hossa want to go anywhere else? Sometimes it’s not all about the money. Besides, Mario has a ton of it.
I hope the brothers Staal can keep from making the news with any drunken escapades this off-season.
I’ve never watched Tiger Woods do his thing and now I’m damn sure I never will – and watching that gay-assed Gillette commercial featuring the three gayest guys in all of sports doesn’t count – unless that’s his thing in which case I’ve seen it and I must say I’m not impressed. I hope Tiger Woods will remember – hockey fans don’t need him around anyhow.
If the new ownership of the Lightning actually thinks Barry Melrose is the answer – I will have to question every other move they make. I fear for you Bolts fans.
The only thing Malkin needs to work on this summer is his stamina. I hated watching him run out of gas right when he was needed most.
Someone please give Chris Osgood a bit of credit for stepping up when Hasek fell flat – he’s a hard working goalie who never seems to get any credit for being a number one net-minder. I think a couple of Cups speaks volumes.
Okay Bruins – you have a tough little team going – now will you please get a goal scorer to play alongside Savard. Murray just can’t bring it anymore and P.J. can’t hit the net.
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