We're going to cover a couple things in this blog. Yeah, we know. We're that good.
First a quick note on the Coyotes re-signing Lee Stempniak. Good, and relatively inexpensive two year deal for Lee who put up great numbers since being traded from Toronto at the deadline last year. The 'Yotes are shaping up to prove it wasn't a fluke last season. Although, there's still all the drama surrounding ownership and what not that it might not matter, since no one will watch them.
And in other news, what you knew had to come eventually, finally came. Chris Chelios is retiring...after 26 seasons! 3 stanley cups, 3 norris trophies. almost 1000 career points. The guy is a lock for the hall when he finally comes up for a vote. I think the only thing he's missing is playing until he's 50 so he could be like Gordy Howe. Chelios will probably go down as one of the best D-men to play the game. it'll be weird not seeing him out there after all this time. The only video i wanna post is of chelios getting his ass beat by ron hextall, but that's no way to summarize a career.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
adjö Foppa. och tack för minnen
aww shit, we goin' bilingual up in this bitch.
So, for those of you don't hate to copy and paste into a translation website, the title of the blog is Goodby Foppa and Thanks for the Memories. As i posted on the facebook page earlier, yet another comeback attempt by Peter Forsberg has been sidelined by his ever persistent foot/ankle issues. At this point, I can only home someone in Sweden says the title of this blog and he decides to bow out. It's not because I don't like the guy, it's quite the contrary. My forsberg shirt has been well worn throughout the years, even after his being traded. I just don't want to see him come back and be any less than what he was.
Forsberg has had a stellar career featuring a Calder trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy, A Stanley Cup and two olympic gold medals. To put it bluntly, he's a winner. On every level he has achieved. He has averaged over a point per game (1.25 regular season and 1.13 for the playoffs) for his career. When healthy he was simply an unstoppable force. He was a big physical center who could play hard, but then make an incredible finesse pass to a teammate. He is what everyone hopes to get in a player. He could simply do it all.
Well, he could do everything but stay healthy. He has had some type of injury that limited his playing time for 8 years out of a 13 year career. Hell even during his MVP season (in which he also won the art ross), he missed over half a dozen games. And that could be considered a good season when looking back at his injury reports. I'm not trying to take away from his game, because try as you might, you really can't, just stating a fact. I can only imagine the numbers he would've ended up with if he wasn't plagued with the shittiest ankles on the planet.
I think what makes all this hard to watch is that all he wants to do is play. But he can't. At least not at the level he wants. Barring a medical breakthough, or him becoming Robocop on ice, there's no way he can play again. At least not at an elite level. That's what he wants. In other sports you're seeing former superstars wrestling with the idea of if they want to retire or not, creating drama that everyone in the sports world seems to hang on to like it's water in the desert. Here is a simple case of a guy who wants to play and can't. yes i understand we seem to go through this every year, but unless he's putting your team through the ringer, how can you not cheer for this guy? I also can't help but wonder what his career would've been like if he wasn't traded away, along with seemingly the entire team and philadelphia branch of the federal reserve, to the Nordiques. Alas, wish in one hand and shit in the other, right?
I know that most people, including myself, would be willing to have a less than 100% Foppa, providing he's healthy enough to play. But that's not how he wants to play, and i completely respect that. I just hope that he's willing to see that it's time to call it a day and accept whatever else comes his way.
Tack Foppa. Tack.
(how fitting is the song in the video)
So, for those of you don't hate to copy and paste into a translation website, the title of the blog is Goodby Foppa and Thanks for the Memories. As i posted on the facebook page earlier, yet another comeback attempt by Peter Forsberg has been sidelined by his ever persistent foot/ankle issues. At this point, I can only home someone in Sweden says the title of this blog and he decides to bow out. It's not because I don't like the guy, it's quite the contrary. My forsberg shirt has been well worn throughout the years, even after his being traded. I just don't want to see him come back and be any less than what he was.
Forsberg has had a stellar career featuring a Calder trophy, Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy, A Stanley Cup and two olympic gold medals. To put it bluntly, he's a winner. On every level he has achieved. He has averaged over a point per game (1.25 regular season and 1.13 for the playoffs) for his career. When healthy he was simply an unstoppable force. He was a big physical center who could play hard, but then make an incredible finesse pass to a teammate. He is what everyone hopes to get in a player. He could simply do it all.
Well, he could do everything but stay healthy. He has had some type of injury that limited his playing time for 8 years out of a 13 year career. Hell even during his MVP season (in which he also won the art ross), he missed over half a dozen games. And that could be considered a good season when looking back at his injury reports. I'm not trying to take away from his game, because try as you might, you really can't, just stating a fact. I can only imagine the numbers he would've ended up with if he wasn't plagued with the shittiest ankles on the planet.
I think what makes all this hard to watch is that all he wants to do is play. But he can't. At least not at the level he wants. Barring a medical breakthough, or him becoming Robocop on ice, there's no way he can play again. At least not at an elite level. That's what he wants. In other sports you're seeing former superstars wrestling with the idea of if they want to retire or not, creating drama that everyone in the sports world seems to hang on to like it's water in the desert. Here is a simple case of a guy who wants to play and can't. yes i understand we seem to go through this every year, but unless he's putting your team through the ringer, how can you not cheer for this guy? I also can't help but wonder what his career would've been like if he wasn't traded away, along with seemingly the entire team and philadelphia branch of the federal reserve, to the Nordiques. Alas, wish in one hand and shit in the other, right?
I know that most people, including myself, would be willing to have a less than 100% Foppa, providing he's healthy enough to play. But that's not how he wants to play, and i completely respect that. I just hope that he's willing to see that it's time to call it a day and accept whatever else comes his way.
Tack Foppa. Tack.
(how fitting is the song in the video)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Paul Kariya
If you haven't heard already, Paul Kariya is sitting out the 10-11 season with post concussion syndrome. One has to imagine now, that this might be it for Kariya. I don't think anyone would blame him. He's had a good career. He's just shy of 1000 career points, which might be a deciding factor in him coming back maybe in 2011-2012. The only question i have is who would be willing to take on an injury prone, aging winger? I'm sure someone will though.
this might be rather dick of me, but i can't help but think back to this punishing cheap shot from Gary Suter back in the late 90's.
Like I said, that's mainly me being a dick. whatever. Kariya has averaged a point per game over his career, and no one will doubt his abilities, if and when the time comes and he is considered for the Hall of Fame. His lack of a cup and generally lack luster playoff performances will hurt him. In his defense however, he has always seemed to play for teams that were on the verge of competing for the cup, but never could get over the hump. While he has played for Western Conference teams his entire career, so the eastern fans might have missed a good portion of his games, anyone who got to see him play during his prime would have to agree he was one of the best in his day. jesus i make it sound like he's 100. Anyway, who knows what will happen with Kariya. Now that i think about it (and as i write this out), i would like to see him come back and go for the 1000 points. It would be a nice milestone to reach for a guy that a lot of people would say has come up short.
this might be rather dick of me, but i can't help but think back to this punishing cheap shot from Gary Suter back in the late 90's.
Like I said, that's mainly me being a dick. whatever. Kariya has averaged a point per game over his career, and no one will doubt his abilities, if and when the time comes and he is considered for the Hall of Fame. His lack of a cup and generally lack luster playoff performances will hurt him. In his defense however, he has always seemed to play for teams that were on the verge of competing for the cup, but never could get over the hump. While he has played for Western Conference teams his entire career, so the eastern fans might have missed a good portion of his games, anyone who got to see him play during his prime would have to agree he was one of the best in his day. jesus i make it sound like he's 100. Anyway, who knows what will happen with Kariya. Now that i think about it (and as i write this out), i would like to see him come back and go for the 1000 points. It would be a nice milestone to reach for a guy that a lot of people would say has come up short.
potentially interesting
well my first attempt at posting from my phone was a bust, so this is technically an edit.
Now i'm trying to stay away from "reporting" rumors. well actually reporting anything, but this is pretty interesting, especially if it's true. I got this from hockeybuzz so take it as you will. Supposedly the canadians are willing to shop carey price around for another #1 and a Dman. Interesting demands for an underachieving goaltender. I can't see who will actually take this offer, but it's worth keeping an eye on.....if it happens.
Now i'm trying to stay away from "reporting" rumors. well actually reporting anything, but this is pretty interesting, especially if it's true. I got this from hockeybuzz so take it as you will. Supposedly the canadians are willing to shop carey price around for another #1 and a Dman. Interesting demands for an underachieving goaltender. I can't see who will actually take this offer, but it's worth keeping an eye on.....if it happens.
Friday, August 27, 2010
K(HL)volchuk
really?! more pucking bullshit with this guy?! here's the link to the latest nonsense. i'd give my two cents, but i'm running out of things to say. there are at least 4 airports within 100 miles of the prudential center. i will gladly pick you up and drop you off at any one of them.
but if you do want the cliff notes version, kovy's russian agent set a 48 hour deadline for the NHL to get its shit together. that's ballsy. read the article if you actually still give a shit about this.
source: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=331738
in other news, willie mitchell signed with the Kings this week. If he can shake off the cobwebs from the concussion, he will be an excellent pick up for the defense. they still need some help up front, but are shaping up nicely.
more west coast drama, bobby ryan still hasn't signed with Anaheim. with lupul missing the start of the season with the blood infection in his back, the ducks need all the help they can get. if they can't come to terms with him, or trade his rights for another winger, it's gonna be a long season for the ducks.
but if you do want the cliff notes version, kovy's russian agent set a 48 hour deadline for the NHL to get its shit together. that's ballsy. read the article if you actually still give a shit about this.
source: http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=331738
in other news, willie mitchell signed with the Kings this week. If he can shake off the cobwebs from the concussion, he will be an excellent pick up for the defense. they still need some help up front, but are shaping up nicely.
more west coast drama, bobby ryan still hasn't signed with Anaheim. with lupul missing the start of the season with the blood infection in his back, the ducks need all the help they can get. if they can't come to terms with him, or trade his rights for another winger, it's gonna be a long season for the ducks.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Fehr weather fans
ugh. even i thought that one was a bit much. Anyway, as you have probably heard by now, the NHLPA finally has a new leader, and it's former MLBPA leader, Donald Fehr. Yay?
Sure, this is great for the union as this guy doesn't take any shit, but will this lead to another lockout after the 2012 season? The last union he was in charge of had a lock out if you remember. Ahh, the summer with no baseball. A blessing in disguise i suppose. But, and this is just my opinion, the NHL isn't quite as strong as MLB, and another lockout could prove detrimental to the league. Sure a work stoppage in any league is bad, but the NHL is coming off of a damn good season last year with both the Olympic tournament and terrific Stanley Cup playoffs. Hopefully the league can build on this popularity and draw in a larger, more committed fan base. "Faithful" readers, i assume you are already dedicated to the sport, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this wise ass's blog in the first place.
But imagine a world where hockey is front page of the sports section, and not just box scores towards the back. Well, does anyone still read newspapers anyway? Could you believe if hockey highlights were actually promoted on ESPN instead of filler between football and basketball? What about a better television presence too? Oh if only the league had more fans to warrant such an expansion! I guess the winter classic's excellent ratings and constant increase in playoff viewership doesn't count. At least we still get two games a week on Versus. Oh thank you hockey gods! Your bountiful gifts of two national games a week is more than we can handle. Yes i know there are packages you can buy through your cable/satellite provider, but that's not the point.
So yeah, new union president. He's got two seasons to make his mark and maybe, just maybe, avoid another lockout or shortened season. Mr. Fehr, show us what you've got.
Sure, this is great for the union as this guy doesn't take any shit, but will this lead to another lockout after the 2012 season? The last union he was in charge of had a lock out if you remember. Ahh, the summer with no baseball. A blessing in disguise i suppose. But, and this is just my opinion, the NHL isn't quite as strong as MLB, and another lockout could prove detrimental to the league. Sure a work stoppage in any league is bad, but the NHL is coming off of a damn good season last year with both the Olympic tournament and terrific Stanley Cup playoffs. Hopefully the league can build on this popularity and draw in a larger, more committed fan base. "Faithful" readers, i assume you are already dedicated to the sport, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this wise ass's blog in the first place.
But imagine a world where hockey is front page of the sports section, and not just box scores towards the back. Well, does anyone still read newspapers anyway? Could you believe if hockey highlights were actually promoted on ESPN instead of filler between football and basketball? What about a better television presence too? Oh if only the league had more fans to warrant such an expansion! I guess the winter classic's excellent ratings and constant increase in playoff viewership doesn't count. At least we still get two games a week on Versus. Oh thank you hockey gods! Your bountiful gifts of two national games a week is more than we can handle. Yes i know there are packages you can buy through your cable/satellite provider, but that's not the point.
So yeah, new union president. He's got two seasons to make his mark and maybe, just maybe, avoid another lockout or shortened season. Mr. Fehr, show us what you've got.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Just Say Novalchuk
Or are we going to call him K(HL)ovalchuk? Like this wasn't so ridiculous already, there are reports of a 2nd contract being shot down. Honestly, at what point do you just say fuck it and walk away? It was interesting to see where he was going to go...two god damned months ago. Now, I couldn't care less. I just want him to be signed and be done with it. Kudos to the NHL for finally taking a stand on these ridiculous contracts, but too little too late. There are already deals in place that let this kind of shit go on. I also understand the arbitration ruling, that this contract is even more ridiculous than the others.
What i can't understand is WHY Novalchuk wants to sign for life with the devils. At the end of the day, the devils nearing the end of their glory days, if such a thing exists with three first round exits in a row. Brodeur is just about done, and there's no heir apparent in the farm system as far as i know. As much as people love to write them off year after year (scott burnside what?!), but they still manage to defy all the skeptics. however, there comes a time when you have to face the music. Martin will go down as the greatest goalie in history, but even the greats have a decline. And should he re up with the devils, they're going to have to make some sacrifices to keep Parise on the team when his contract runs out, which is in a year or two.
So personally, i'd love to see him sign and then cripple this team, but it doesn't make sense. The Kings were the other player in the moronic saga, and he could be a real good fit there. They have two excellent young goaltenders and a decent core of young guys to build around. The Kings are a team to watch come up, where as the Devils are a team to watch like it's the end of The Incredible Hulk.
source: http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/report-nhl-shoots-down-another-kovalchuk-contract-with-devils.php
What i can't understand is WHY Novalchuk wants to sign for life with the devils. At the end of the day, the devils nearing the end of their glory days, if such a thing exists with three first round exits in a row. Brodeur is just about done, and there's no heir apparent in the farm system as far as i know. As much as people love to write them off year after year (scott burnside what?!), but they still manage to defy all the skeptics. however, there comes a time when you have to face the music. Martin will go down as the greatest goalie in history, but even the greats have a decline. And should he re up with the devils, they're going to have to make some sacrifices to keep Parise on the team when his contract runs out, which is in a year or two.
So personally, i'd love to see him sign and then cripple this team, but it doesn't make sense. The Kings were the other player in the moronic saga, and he could be a real good fit there. They have two excellent young goaltenders and a decent core of young guys to build around. The Kings are a team to watch come up, where as the Devils are a team to watch like it's the end of The Incredible Hulk.
source: http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2010/08/report-nhl-shoots-down-another-kovalchuk-contract-with-devils.php
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