Deja Vu: Paille’s OT Winner Evens Stanley Cup

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Derek
Getty Images/Nam Y. Huh

It was deja vu all over again. Three periods weren’t enough to decide Game Two. The Bruins and Blackhawks went overtime for the second consecutive game at United Center. Unlike the triple overtime Game One saga that Andrew Shaw won, the winner came in the first OT off the stick of Daniel Paille. His wicked wrister went top shelf beating Corey Crawford at 13:48 to send Boston to a come from behind 2-1 victory. The Original Six series is all even shifting East to TD Garden.

The Hawks dominated the first getting the lone goal from Patrick Sharp on a follow up thanks to a tremendous shift from Patrick Kane with Michal Handzus screening Tuukka Rask. So lopsided was the period that they out-shot the Bruins 19-4. Only stupendous goaltending from Rask kept Boston alive. He stood on his head. Chicago came at them in waves but were turned away for the final  62:26 by the omitted Finnish netminder who finished fifth for the Vezina. Rask made 33 saves. 
After the first, Boston turned it around. They out-shot Chicago 24-15 the rest of the way while outscoring them 2-0. The Hawks blew a couple of opportunities to increase their lead. They continued to struggle on the power play- firing blanks in three chances. That included a pair prior to Chris Kelly evening it. The Bruins’ aggressive penalty kill swarmed the Hawks, who looked disjointed. Not only did they get the job done but generated momentum thanks to shorthanded bids from pest Brad Marchand. On the same shift after refs ignored Brent Seabrook’s slash on a shot that rang off the post, his persistence drew a trip on Johnny Oduya. It’s that kind of effort that Claude Julien expects. The coach made a great adjustment, moving Tyler Seguin with Paille and Kelly. Not coincidentally, the trio were in on both goals. 
Paille beat Nick Leddy behind the net and forced Crawford to make a tough save on a wrap around. The puck caromed out to Kelly who deposited it for his first of the postseason. The goal allowed the Bruins to seize momentum. They were much sharper. As usual, their physicality helped stem the tide. They outhit the Hawks 50-34, including a game high 10 from bruising power forward Milan Lucic. He and rugged blueliner Adam McQuaid combined for 18 hits. Johnny Boychuk also delivered a couple of crunching checks. The Hawks coughed up the puck more, finishing with twice as many giveaways (16-8). 
The B’s got a boost from Nathan Horton, who was able to return following his undisclosed upper body (shoulder) injury. The extra day off helped. Despite Julien being able to use his best line, the trio of Horton, Lucic and David Krejci were held to two shots. They got inspired play out of their grinders with Paille and Kelly having instant chemistry with Seguin, who’s been flying. He only has one goal but is close to snapping out of it. It was his sweet dish across off a Brandon Bollig turnover that allowed Paille to snap his third past Crawford to square the series. Seguin also made a similar pass in Game One for Patrice Bergeron’s power play goal that at the time, gave Boston a 3-1 lead in the third before the Hawks rallied back to take Game One. There’s little doubt that the former No.1 pick who was part of the Phil Kessel blockbuster with Toronto has been arguably the best forward. 
Many have debated shifting him to the top line. One of those was NBC’s Mike Milbury. The outspoken one feels Seguin belongs with Bergeron and Marchand. Jaromir Jagr has been there since the first round. He hasn’t scored but continues to create chances. For the second straight game, he hit the post in sudden death. Perfectly set up by Marchand last night, No.68 let go of his trademark wrist shot only to see it clang off the crossbar. It takes a lot to frustrate Jagr. This time, he let out a primal scream that summed it up. 
The 41-year old future Hall Of Famer was again one of the Bruins’ best players, nearly setting up Marchand for the winner on a brilliant rush that reminded of a younger Jagr. It would’ve been nice if he had tried to finish it. If you take Jagr off the top line, sticking him with grinders probably doesn’t make any sense. Bergeron’s line has been good. Part of that’s due to No.68 who’s a relentless forechecker, whose muscle often draws two defenders. If I were Julien, I’d keep them together for Game Three and let Seguin stick with Kelly and Paille. They won the game.

“I’ve got no problem with that if we keep winning,” Jagr said. “That would be kind of sad if we lose the hockey game [after the shot hit the crossbar] but hey, there’s always next time.“It’s a hockey game, it’s a game of inches. It’s not a problem for me. Of course you have to forget about it and try to score next time.“

It’ll be interesting to see how the Blackhawks bounce back. This series has been tremendous. The single overtime was one of the most exciting with each side trading chances. Both Rask and Crawford were sensational. This is easily the best Stanley Cup since Detroit played Pittsburgh back-to-back. The combination of skating, skill, physicality and netminding has been breathtaking. Will they need extras again tomorrow? Good thing we don’t have a rooting interest. 
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Report: Rangers Close To Hiring Vigneault

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Derek
According to a source close to NY Post’s Larry Brooks, it appears the Rangers coaching search could be over. They are close to hiring Alain Vigneault. The former Canucks bench boss met with owner James Dolan and GM Glen Sather tonight. He got his start with the Canadiens before coaching Vancouver the last seven, including a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011. First round ousters the last two years resulted in his departure.

Vigneault is 52 and appears to be the front runner despite Mark Messier admitting to reporters he spoke to Sather about his “dream job” this week. Oddly enough, if Messier was hired Brian Leetch was interested in joining his staff. That would be a lot more intriguing than bringing in a veteran coach who failed with a better roster. However, Vigneault has the necessary experience which makes him better equipped for the job. 
The Stars had strong interest in hiring him. But Vigneault shot them down due to the vacancy in the Big Apple. It looks like he wants the Rangers. Despite management having not examined every alternative, they seem content with Vigneault. If he thought the pressure to win in Vancouver was immense, wait till he arrives here. Henrik Lundqvist’s power trip basically ended Tortorella’s reign despite the franchise’s first Conference Final appearance last year since 1997. Lundqvist wants to win now. A year away from free agency, he has the Rangers by the balls. If this is what he wants, he better deliver.
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Del Zotto Has Surgery, Still Vital To Rangers Back End

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Derek

Mike Del Zotto is recovering from sports-hernia surgery. The 22-year old Ranger defenseman already completed his fourth season. He tweeted an update following successful surgery.

“Long morning in surgery. Finally get to leave,” Del Zotto tweeted this morning. “Wonderful nurses. Back in top shape in no time.“

Del Zotto included a #motivation hash tag. Hopefully, he comes into camp ready for a big year. He followed his best season with an up and down shortened campaign that left fans, bloggers and media scratching their heads. In 46 games, he had three goals and 18 assists for 21 points with a plus-six rating. Despite his offensive capabilities, he didn’t register a power play goal. Former coach John Tortorella didn’t always trust him on the point. Del Zotto still recorded eight of his 10 helpers on the man-advantage. One of three goals came while shorthanded. He struggled in the postseason tallying a goal and helper going minus-three over 12 games. 
Despite Del Zotto’s shortcomings, he was still on pace for close to 40 points. In his two full seasons, he’s averaged 39. There’s no doubt about his talent. He’s still a young player who can be part of the Rangers core. However, there are questions about his mental state. He has moments where he looks lost. Confidence is still an issue. Under Tortorella, his defense improved. In ’11-12, he delivered a career high 41 points with bests in goals (10), assists (31), game-winners (2), shorthanded points (3) and plus/minus (20). That included two goals and eight helpers during the club’s run to the Conference Finals- featuring the series clincher in the deciding game against the Caps.
Del Zotto is an interesting case. With Ryan McDonagh, Dan Girardi and Marc Staal ahead of him, he doesn’t have to play top pair. However, Staal’s eye injury remains a serious issue. Nobody can predict if he’ll ever be the same player. Tortorella leaned heavily on Del Zotto, who at times responded with more physical play. He must become more consistent. He enters the final year of a multi-year contract and is set to earn $2.9 million. If Staal is able to return, the Rangers boast a strong defense that also includes underrated Anton Stralman and John Moore. One to six, that’s solid. Imagine if Mike Sauer was part of it.

Glen Sather must improve the team’s depth. He can re-sign steady influence Steve Eminger. After that, the Rangers are thin. Brady Skjei is a ways away. Pavel Valentenko and Mikhail Pashnin remain in the KHL. Former 2011 fifth rounder Samuel Noreau reached agreement on his first pro contract. The 20-year old posted a career high 32 points (7-25-32) with Baie-Comeau of the QMJHL.  
Sather signed free agent defensemen Tommy Hughes and Conor Allen this Spring. Hopefully, they can develop under Ken Gernander.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Time For Sather To Do His Job Following Malkin Extension

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Derek
A day after announcing a two-year extension for coach Dan Bylsma, the Penguins signed Evgeni Malkin to an eight-year extension worth a reported $76 million. The 27-year old former league MVP and Conn Smythe winner was set to enter the final year of his contract. He was making an average of $8.7 million. He’s due $7.5 million in ’13-14.

The new deal will pay him a cap hit of $9.5 million. Malkin will also receive $10 million in bonuses. It includes a no-trade clause. Sidney Crosby signed his extension last summer. He’ll be making an average of $10.6 million once his new contract kicks in this Fall. Mission accomplished for GM Ray Shero, who decided to retain Bylsma following the disappointment against Boston in a lopsided Conference Final.

“He made it very clear that this is where he wanted to play,” Shero said.“I like the city, is good for hockey,” Malkin said. “I like fans. I have house here and all my friends here. It’s good for me.“

Malkin took responsibility for not scoring against the Bruins. He praised Bylsma and was enthusiastic about staying with the team that drafted him second overall in the ’04 Draft behind fellow Russian Alex Ovechkin. The Pens will continue to have arguably the world’s two best players through 2022. A scary prospect for their competition. 

“We’re still young and can stay here a long time,” Malkin said. “We’re a group that we’ve won Stanley Cup before and I believe we will again.“

By keeping Malkin in Pittsburgh, Shero can now focus on getting defenseman Kris Letang signed to an extension. The Norris candidate is set to enter the final year of his contract in which he’ll earn $3.5 million. A bargain for one of the game’s best. With the cap set to decrease an estimated six million, Shero will be hard pressed to re-sign unrestricted’s Pascal Dupuis, Jarome Iginla, Brenden Morrow and Doug Murray. Matt Cooke is also a UFA and should be a good bet to stay. Dupuis might cash in elsewhere. Unless they’re willing to take discounts, it looks like the Pens will have a different look. 
With the Pens doing their job, it’s time for Rangers President and GM Glen Sather to do his. The firing of John Tortorella has served as a distraction for re-signing Henrik Lundqvist long term. Lundqvist will make $5.125 million in the final season of a deal that pays him an average cap hit of $6.875 million. The 31-year old Swede’s disappointment following the Rangers’ second round ouster to the Bruins set in motion Tortorella’s dismissal. The coaching process is playing out leaving our fans in the dark. Alain Vigneault and Lindy Ruff remain the top candidates as I noted in yesterday’s coaching carousel post. 
The Blueshirts must have a new coach in place by the Draft. They don’t have many picks in what’s a deep draft. That’s the risk Sather took by acquiring pending UFA Ryane Clowe and acquiring Rick Nash. While Nash is here for the long haul, Clowe’s situation remains in limbo. A rumored three concussions doesn’t help. It’s an important off season for Slats, who must re-sign Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan to new deals while also getting Carl Hagelin, Mats Zuccarello and John Moore re-upped. 
Injured defenseman Mike Sauer turns restricted. He hasn’t played since Dion Phaneuf concussed him in December 2011. Including playoffs, he’s missed the last 138 games. The 25-year old Sauer is a former second round pick the Rangers selected in ’05. His size (6-3 213) is severely missed. He was a strong player who took the body and cleared the front of the crease. An area that’s plagued the Rangers D. He also was tough standing up for teammates. There’s no doubt they’ve missed that edge. Such a shame if he can’t resume his career. It remains to be seen if he’ll be kept. 
Much is up in the air with our team. Sather must get a step on it. Lundqvist should have a new contract soon. Enough dilly dallying. He’s our franchise. 
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Islanders trade Streit to Flyers

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Derek

Yesterday, the Islanders made some news. They traded the rights to Mark Streit to the Flyers in exchange for minor leaguer Shane Harper and a 2014 fourth round pick. Facing the prospect of losing their former captain for free, the Isles got something for him. Though moving Streit inside the division is risky. 

“I’m pretty confident,” the 35-year old defenseman said about the possibility of signing with Philadelphia. “Maybe they need a few days or weeks, but I’m pretty positive. It’d be awesome to play for the Flyers. The future is bright. They were in the (Stanley) Cup finals three years ago and there is so much skill and a great mix between veteran players and young players, so I’m pretty confident.“

“This year was a short season and they had lots of injuries,” he added. “That makes it tough. It was a special year because of the lockout. That gave an advantage to some teams and some teams struggled. But when you see the Flyers lineup, it is a playoff team. It’s no question to me. I believe the Flyers will be in the playoffs next year. They have the skill and the physical part of it. It’s a great group and I’d love to join that team.“


If you’re an Islander fan, his comments have to be a concern. The last thing they want to see is Streit donning orange and black. You have to question why GM Garth Snow moved him to a bitter rival. The Flyers have until July 5 to re-sign him. Due to the late conclusion to the season, they get an extra four days to work something out before Streit turns unrestricted. 

“Mark is a player we would have had interest in on July 5th,” Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said. “We now have exclusive negotiating rights and we are hopeful that we can get an agreement in place prior to him becoming an unrestricted free agent.“

Streit tallied six goals and 21 assists for 27 points in 48 games. He added two goals and three helpers in the first round. The Islanders signed him in ’08 to a five year $20.5 million deal. Due to missing the entire ’10-11 season, he played four years totaling 40 goals and 139 assists for 179 points in 286 games. 
Harper is 24 and hasn’t played in the NHL. He’s spent four seasons with the Phantoms and totaled 41 points (20-21-41). He’s restricted this summer. 
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Live Blog SCF Game One: Bruins 3 Blackhawks 4 (3 OTs)

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Derek
12:34 AM They’re about to start the third overtime in Chicago. It’s only Game One and I’m already exhausted. Can you imagine how Blackhawks and Bruins fans feel right about now? Their teams are locked in a Cup classic. Tied 3-3, they’re entering the sixth period! The first Original Six Final since 1979 and already it’s tremendous. From the scoring, goaltending, defense, hustle and checking, it’s the best match-up we’ve seen since the Red Wings and Penguins.

12:37 AM Who ever loses this is gonna be devastated. Boston led 3-1. But Chicago stormed back thanks to goals from Dave Bolland and former Devil Johnny Oduya. Oduya’s banked in off Andrew Ference. See what happens when you shoot the puck?!?!?!?! Foreign concept around these parts. Can you believe the Islanders traded Mark Streit to the Flyers? Imagine if he signs with them. That’s a disaster even if they got a prospect and fourth round pick. Inside your own division? What an odd organization.
12:41 AM Milan Lucic has 2 of 3 Boston’s goals. The other came from Patrice Bergeron on the power play. Chicago’s goals are Brandon Saad, Bolland and Oduya. The depth guys have come through. The Bruins have time left on a second Hawks’ bench minor. We start now. Triple OT!

12:42 AM Jaromir Jagr feeds Bergeron who misses wide. No.68 has astonishingly gotten stronger as the game’s worn on. At 41, one of the all-time greats is showing why. Still no goals in the postseason. He did hit another post on a Zdeno Chara blast on a redirect. Hawks kill penalty.

12:44 AM Corey Crawford turns aside a Johnny Boychuk try. The B’s have gotten momentum from their PP. Crawford had a great first OT but watched counterpart Tuukka Rask stand on his head in the second extra session. The Hawks have an edge due to Nathan Horton leaving with an injury.

12:45 AM The Bruins keep the puck in. Dennis Seidenberg attemps two shots and Crawford gets both. Then another keep leads to a chance for Conn Smythe candidate David Krejci who is stifled.

12:46 AM They’re four minutes into the third OT or 105 minutes in Game One. The Blackhawk crowd is getting antsy. They want a penalty called. Looks like unless it’s blatant sans their awful bench minors, it won’t get called.

12:48 AM I can never get tired of Doc. As I say that, the teams trade end to end chances. First, Krejci is denied by Crawford and then Patrick Sharp is wide with a backhand off a rush. Jagr now sends a pass off a Hawk stick into the crowd. Nothing separates these teams.

12:50 AM There’s definitely more room in this sixth period. The defenses are tired. We’re seeing the goalies have to come up with bigger saves. It’s more frenetic.

12:51 AM Michal Rozsival blocks a Torey Krug shot. Rozy’s had his scary moments in this one, fanning on a puck in the third that led to a great Boston chance. But he recovered to make an awkward save. He and partner Nick Leddy were caught out just now but no damage done. They’re past eight minutes of the 3rd OT.

12:52 AM Of all the players, nobody has been more dangerous than Marian Hossa. He’s been everywhere. He and Saad each have nine shots. Hossa’s backchecking has been ferocious. It’s not just his offense but his skating is second to none. Why didn’t I want him here? He is worth the price of admission. And the Hawks have Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane!

12:55 AM They’re almost at another halfway mark which means another stoppage. And Kaspars Daugavins had a wide open net but his backhand missed wide. Greg Campbell probably buries that. As the whistle sounds, replay shows that Daugavins was forced wide by Oduya. The former Devil’s hustle saved the winner.

12:56 AM Fact: This is the 5th longest overtime in Stanley Cup history.

12:58 AM They’re back out with 9:31 left. The faceoff is won by Toews over Bergeron. A huge defensive win. Some neutral zone play allows Hossa to get his 10th shot from the left circle. An easy save for Rask.

12:59 AM Ed Olczyk notes that Julien has decided not to play Shawn Thornton. That means he’s going with only 10 of 12 forwards thanks to Horton’s injury. The Bruins are up to 54 shots. The Hawks have 61 Doc notes.

1:00 AM Rozsival with a point shot that is redirected in front! Hawks win! I picked Andrew Shaw to win it in the 2nd ovetime. It appears he’s won it. The replay shows Rozy’s shot deflected off Bolland and then Shaw, who had it go off his knee. Funny that it would be a shot from Rozsival. I can’t help but laugh. We were at the double overtime game versus Buffalo in ’07. A great memory.

1:03 AM Shaw had a strong game. He was all over the ice, delivering big hits and was around the net. The simple play works in sudden death. Rozsival got the shot off and had good fortune with Bolland redirecting it off Shaw for the winner. A classic Game 1 hockey fans will never forget.

1:04 AM Chicago again wins in overtime on home ice. I can’t recall the last time they lost there. They showed why they’re the President’s Trophy winners. Their depth players came through. It’ll be interesting to see how Boston responds. Such a tough way to lose. They blew a two-goal lead. What is the status of Horton? If he’s out, how do you replace him? A lot of key players logged big minutes for the B’s. The Hawks draw first blood.

1:06 AM Final Score Bruins 3 Blackhawks 4 (3 OTs)

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

Coaching Carousel: A Closer Look At Rangers Coaching Candidates

Posted on June 12, 2013 by Derek
All Photos Copyright Getty Images
On a warm June day, the Blackhawks host the Bruins in Game One of the Stanley Cup Final. A place the Rangers hoped to be. Instead, Glen Sather is searching for a new coach. After firing task master John Tortorella, Sather has already seen one good candidate crossed off the list. Edmonton GM Craig MacTavish fired Ralph Krueger and replaced him with Dallas Eakins. Eakins moves from coaching the Toronto Marlies to his first NHL job behind the bench. As usual, the Rangers dropped the ball. They didn’t even get Eakins in for an interview. Even though unusual circumstances existed with MacTavish wanting his own guy. He quickly snatched up Eakins. 
With one name gone, that leaves several choices. Alain Vigneault is the front runner. Apparently, fired coaches of other teams is acceptable. Vigneault was successful with Vancouver getting a talented roster featuring The Sedins and Roberto Luongo to the Cup Final two years ago. They blew leads of 2-0 and 3-2 losing in excruciating fashion on home ice to Boston. Blown out in Game Seven. After coming close to delivering the franchise’s first Cup, Vigneault’s teams failed to live up to expectations. They were dumped in the first round by the Kings and Sharks, winning one game. His mishandling of Luongo and Cory Schneider didn’t help. In a bizarre twist, Tortorella is interviewing for the job. Wouldn’t it be ironic if they traded places? 
If the Rangers don’t hire Vigneault, they could bring in former Sabres coach Lindy Ruff. Ruff is similar to Tortorella. He’s no nonsense and expects his teams to perform. He’s also curt with the media. After taking over for Ted Nolan, he became the longest tenured coach in the league. In fact, his stay in Western New York ranked just behind San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich for the most active in the four major sports before GM Darcy Regier relieved him on 2/20/13. Among the highlights was a trip to the Cup Final in ’99 along with three Conference Finals including back-to-back in ’06 and ’07. Despite a talented roster that featured Ryan Miller, Daniel Briere, Chris Drury and Thomas Vanek, Buffalo never won. It’s been downhill since. That was enough for Ruff to lose his job. New York Puck contributor Brian Sanborn did a piece on Ruff’s time in Buffalo. The Rangers have received permission to speak to Ruff.

After Vigneault and Ruff, it’s anyone’s guess. Somehow, Mark Messier is third. Leave it to some of our fans who actually think it would be a good idea to hire the former legend with no real experience. Like many, I appreciate what Messier did for our team. He captained a Stanley Cup winner. Something most never thought they’d live to see. The Rangers already paid for that when they brought Messier back after he left for Vancouver. Not to be a sour puss. But Messier’s second stint here was a disgrace. He hogged the spotlight and took away ice-time from better players. There was no youth movement. It took a lockout for him to retire. Ironically, Sather wised up. The team became good again thanks to Henrik Lundqvist and Jaromir Jagr. Messier is the sentimental choice. A fan favorite who walks on water. He is Sather’s special assistant. Moving down behind the bench is a huge risk. In my opinion, he’s better suited for management.
Wayne Gretzky is also interested. Gretzky at least coached in Phoenix, lasting four years. His teams never made the playoffs and was only over NHL .500 once. Gretzky didn’t have much talent to work with due to the unstable ownership in the desert. However, replacement Dave Tippett has done a great job since. Prior to this year, he got the Coyotes to the postseason three straight seasons including their first ever trip to the Conference Finals. He’s a defensive oriented mind who gets the most out of his players. The Rangers might be waiting to see if Tippett leaves Phoenix. His contract expires. He’d be a hot candidate for any job. He also guided Dallas to the Conference Finals with Brad Richards. While Gretzky is a long shot, Tippett isn’t.
Dan Bylsma has come under fire in Pittsburgh for their no show against Boston. He took over for Michel Therrien in ’09 and took the Penguins to the Cup. Since, the Pens have been past the first round once finally reaching the Conference Finals this Spring. A star-laden roster boasting former MVPs Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin along with Kris Letang and rental pickup Jarome Iginla was held to two goals. They were swept by the Bruins who dominated. Some Pens bloggers and fans weren’t happy with Bylsma, who didn’t make adjustments. Despite rumors that he’d lose his job, GM Ray Shero extended him today saying, “I believe in Dan Bylsma.” No truth to the rumor that he stole this line from Christian Bale in The Dark Knight when he mocked Aaron Eckhart’s character Harvey Dent. Scratch Bylsma off.
One candidate who hasn’t gotten much notoriety is current Islanders assistant Doug Weight. Following a successful career in which he reached 1,000 points, Weight’s done a solid job in two years as an assistant to coach Jack Capuano. The Isles’ offensive improvement particularly on the power play can be attributed to Weight. One of the most under appreciated playmakers, he is a great offensive mind who certainly could be a logical choice to fix the Rangers’ power play. Only 42, he definitely has a coaching future. If he stays with the Islanders when they move to Brooklyn, he might be their next coach. However, if he’s ready, then Weight could come to Manhattan where his NHL career began. At this point, it doesn’t look like the Rangers have a watchful eye. As much as I’d love to see it, don’t expect it to happen.
There are other possibilities. One is John Stevens. The ex-Flyer coach has rebuilt his reputation as Darryl Sutter’s top assistant with the Kings. Los Angeles won their first Cup last year after Sutter took over the reigns from Stevens, who was the interim coach. Their success has made him a good candidate. The Canucks are said to be interested and possibly the Stars. Stevens lasted three years in Philadelphia guiding them to the Conference Finals in ’08. They lost to the Pens. A year later, they were out in the first round. A mediocre start to his fourth year was enough for Peter Laviolette to replace him. Stevens is 47 and could fare better the second time. I’m not opposed to him. He doesn’t have the appeal of Vigneault or Messier. 
I’ve seen Mike Eaves surface because he coached Wisconsin products Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. But that makes little sense. He’s a great college coach who has a cushy job. Why would he risk that for the NHL where there’s no stability? Especially in the pressure packed environment of the Big Apple. Eaves has done it all with Wisconsin and coached Team USA to gold in the ’04 WJC. The infamous year the Rangers selected Al Montoya. Eaves is better suited for a younger team with lower expectations. 
The only other guy I can think of is Guy Boucher. It was only two years ago when he took a talented Lightning team to the Conference Finals. They lost in seven to eventual champ Boston. Nathan Horton won it. After instant success, Tampa Bay missed the postseason in ’11-12 and ’13. Their poor performance this year following GM Steve Yzerman’s spending spree doomed him. They were 13-17-1 when he was axed. Inconsistent goaltending and defense was too much to overcome. Only 41, Boucher is still young and could learn from this experience. He teaches offense. Something Tortorella lacked. While there are more proven candidates who fit the criteria, looking at Boucher should be examined. Unfortunately, we root for a dysfunctional organization who will probably make the predictable choice.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

NY Puck Preview: Original Six Stanley Cup A Rarity

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Derek
Getty Images 

When the puck is dropped tomorrow night for Game One of a highly anticipated Stanley Cup Final between Original Sixes Boston and Chicago, it pits two of the game’s best vying for the most prestigious trophy in sports. The Bruins and Blackhawks have won two of the last three Cups. Boston won in 2011 and Chicago in 2010. One is at least guaranteed of winning twice in a brief span. A rarity not seen since the Devils won two over four years in ’00 and ’03. Detroit won their last two six years apart in ’02 and ’08.

One of the big story lines is the fact this is the first time since 1979 that two Original Six clubs will do battle for Lord Stanley. Thanks in large part to expansion, it took 33 years for that to happen. In ’79, Montreal defeated the Rangers in five games completing their dynasty of four consecutive Cups. The success of the Islanders and Oilers followed with the franchises combining for nine Cups over 11 years (’86 Montreal ’89 Calgary). Another expansion team Pittsburgh repeated prior to the Habs winning a record 24th in ’93. The Rangers erased a 54-year drought in ’94. Then came the Devils and Avalanche before another Original Six Detroit won back-to-back.

Before Boston lifted the chalice two years ago, their last Cup came in 1972. It took them 39 years to win their sixth championship. Odd how that works for a few of the NHL’s oldest franchises. The Red Wings had a similar drought (42 years) before winning four over 11 (’97-98 ’02 ’08). The Blackhawks went an even longer time before winning their fourth Cup. Prior to their six-game triumph over the Flyers, they hadn’t won since 1961.

Indeed, history hasn’t been kind to the Original Six. The Maple Leafs have won 13 Cups. However, their recent first round failure against classic rival Boston illustrated fans pent up frustration. While the Bruins play on, Leaf Nation will lament what might have been if their team hadn’t blown a three-goal lead in Game Seven. Toronto is the hockey capital of the world. Their current 46-year drought is the longest in league history. In fact, since the Leafs won in 1967 they’re the only Original Six that haven’t raised Lord Stanley. Wait till next year.

In the mean time, we have classic rivals meeting for the very first time for the hardware. It’ll either be the President’s Trophy winners from Chicago or the tough No.4 seed from Boston. Two championship caliber rosters featuring a pair of goalies in the Conn Smythe mix. Both Corey Crawford and Tuukka Rask have been superb. In fact, they’re separated by one with Crawford boasting a 1.74 GAA with Rask’s 1.75 right behind. Rask has the higher save percentage (.943 to .935) and has posted two shutouts to Crawford’s one.

If Boston prevails, David Krejci has a strong case leading the postseason with 21 points (9-12-21) while linemate Nathan Horton is second with 17 (7-10-17) including a playoff best plus-21. No Hawk has more than 14 points with Marian Hossa (7-7-14), Patrick Kane (6-8-14) and Patrick Sharp (8-6-14) all tied with Bryan Bickell (8-5-13) right behind set for a big payday.

The match-up also pits Selke candidates Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron against each other. Bergeron has been Mr. Clutch scoring the tying and winning goals in the first round and the OT winner in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final. He’s dominated in the faceoff circle winning 61 percent. Toews has struggled offensively. The Hawks’ captain only has one goal but was instrumental on Kane’s hat trick, setting up the Western Conference Final clincher. His nine points tie him with deadline pickup Michal Handzus. A guy I like. Go figure. Toews still has eight helpers and has won 53.1 percent of his draws. Expect him to step up.

The series also features former Norris winners Zdeno Chara and Duncan Keith. Both can control the tempo. Chara of course is dominant due to his combination of size, strength and dexterity. Keith is a superb skater who knows when to jump in and works perfectly with overlooked partner Brent Seabrook. Ironically, Chara also teams with underrated Dennis Seidenberg, who really bolstered the Boston corps- helping them blanket Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

If you enjoy depth, these teams have it. The Bruins can sic Milan Lucic and Brad Marchand on you. They’re infuriating players for the opposition who get the job done in all three zones. They can agitate with their physicality and contribute offensively. Don’t forget about Jaromir Jagr. No.68 is back in the SCF for the first time in 21 years when he teamed with Mario Lemieux on consecutive Cups (’91-92). At 41, Jagr still must be accounted for. He got stronger against his ex-team burning them with a helper on Bergeron’s Game Three winner. He hasn’t scored but certainly has had plenty of opportunities, hitting the post several times. He’s due. Tyler Seguin has been ice cold this Spring with only one goal. He’s capable of turning it around. Daniel Paille is an energizer who teams with Shawn Thornton on the B’s fourth line. Unfortunately, Claude Julien will miss physical forward Greg Campbell (broken fibula). Johnny Boychuk and Andrew Ference are proven on the back end while rookie Torey Krug has been a surprise. Even Adam McQuaid has been solid.

The Hawks get solid play out of Calder hopeful Brandon Saad. He doesn’t have a goal in his first postseason but plays with energy as does Andrew Shaw. Former Panthers’ first round pick Michael Frolik has become a fixture on a strong penalty kill. Dave Bolland is a human freight train on the fourth line. The depth extends to the blueline with ex-Blueshirt Michal Rozsival providing Joel Queeneville with a capable vet used to pressure. He and former Devil Johnny Oduya have flown under the radar. Chicago also has the steady Niklas Hjalmarsson who has done a masterful job. Nick Leddy hasn’t been as consistent.

It’s odd with Rozsival and Wade Redden battling to win the Cup. Redden was a nice addition for Boston before an injury sidelined him. Rozsival has been steady. One will win before Henrik Lundqvist. One of those sad realities if you’re a Rangers fan. It never fails. It should be a great series. One that likely goes seven. Don’t be surprised if it requires sudden death.

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Those were the days

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Derek

Ten years ago to the day yesterday, the Devils won their third and most recent Stanley Cup in 2003, beating the Mighty Ducks in Game 7 at the Continental Airlines Arena.  Thirteen years ago to the day today, Jason Arnott‘s goal clinched the Devils’ second Stanley Cup in double OT of a Game 6 in Dallas.  I’m not bad at remembering dates but it would never have occured to me those two seminal victories were just one day apart (with three years’ difference).  Honestly, it was somewhat depressing finding out it’s been ten years since that 2003 victory.  Not because it’s a long time for a sports team to go between championships, it really isn’t all things considered – unless you’re a Yankees fan anyway.  Ten years is a long time in one’s life though.  It’s just one of those things that make you feel old as you get into your mid-30’s.

Funny thing is I still remember that 2003 run like it was last year.  Although ironically last year’s playoff run did recapture past glories for a few weeks and gave us some fresh, new memories.  And in a way last year’s run has its own special place in my heart, since I was a full-fledged season ticket holder for the first time during a long playoff run, and was able to share it with fellow sth’s who are arena buddies and my best friend who’s become a lot more of a fan since she started going to games with me.  Of course given the fact we had a war of a first-round series with Florida, and then had to get past our two biggest rivals would have made last year’s run memorable regardless but being to every single playoff home game added a little extra emotional oomph to it.  From my anger and frustration during and after Game 3 against the Panthers to my ecstacy after Game 6 against the Rangers, and my pride after Game 5 against the Kings when once again last year’s team refused to quit and pushed the eventual champs farther than anyone else. 
In a way nothing will surpass 2003 for me though.  Winning for the first time in ’95 was like getting a new toy since I’d only really become a full-time fan the year before.  I didn’t have SportsChannel on a regular basis until my family moved before the ’95 season so in a way it was fortuitous timing that I would get into hockey for the first time during the ’94 playoff run, especially with the Conference Finals with the Rangers on MSG (something that’d be unheard of today with national TV contracts being what they are).  2000 was an emotional roller coaster, with a talented team having suffered four straight devastating early ends to their season after ’95, and things looked to be going up in smoke again towards the end of the regular season when Robbie Ftorek was fired with only eight games remaining.  Even after that, things looked bleak in the Conference Finals against the Flyers when this talented but mercurial team drove mild-mannered replacement Larry Robinson to exacerbation, before they finally rebounded to win it all in dramatic fashion.
In those days I mostly watched on TV though.  Probably my most number of games attended in a season was around 8-10, usually when my dad’s boss got us his tickets in the lower corner.  I was able to go to the memorable Game 6 against Toronto in 2000 (the six-shot game), but other than that and the hideous Game 4 loss to the Flyers I wasn’t in attendance for any of the other playoff games.  That was the last season I was able to sit in those seats though.  It took a while before I started to go to games myself.  Especially since I knew few other Devil fans in those days and wasn’t too fond of the drive in, I actually didn’t go to a single regular season game in ’03.  
That doesn’t mean I wasn’t enjoying the team.  If anything that year felt like a true ‘us vs. the world’ mentality, at least as far as I was concerned.  Coming off a poor year in ’02, with the offseason defection of Bobby Holik across the Hudson and contreversial trade of former A-liner Petr Sykora, there was a lot of negativity surrounding the Devils in ’03, even with Pat Burns coming in to coach the team.  I always liked and respected Burns even before he got to the Devils, to me he was the NHL equivalent of Bill Parcells (another coach I was a huge fan of even before he got to my team), and that was a big part of the reason I believed in the team where many other Devils fans didn’t.  Being on the NJDevs message board at that time, the negativity and skepticism was palpable but where others doubted, I believed.  Especially with the fact the Devils went almost the entire season without losing three straight games – compare that with this season and the six/ten game losing streaks!
Even with the team in first place, the criticism was insane when the Devils did ‘nothing’ at the deadline, as Lou Lamoriello contented himself with acquiring role players like Grant Marshall and Pascal Rheaume while other teams got the sexy names and Teemu Selanne allegedly turned down a deal to New Jersey to remain in San Jose.  To add more fuel to the firestorm, Scott Gomez and Oleg Tverdovsky were healthy scratches the night of the deadline, leading to the speculation they were involved in the alleged Selanne deal that fell through.  As has been the case often in his career though, Lou was proven right in the end as Marshall and Rheaume carved out important roles down the stretch and in the postseason and the team as constituted proved good enough.
That wasn’t immediately evident though, even after the Devils disposed of the Bruins and Lightning in quick five-game series to get to the Eastern Conference Finals…where they seemed to face certain defeat against a powerful Senators team that won the President’s Trophy and had offense to burn, as well as a young Zdeno Chara leading a talented defensive core.  Losing Game 1 in OT seemed like a missed opportunity that would come back to bite us, but amazingly the Devils won the next three games including a 5-2 drubbing in Game 4 that was my first game attended of the season.  I’d finally decided by that point screw the drive and the fact I was going myself, I was going to support this team and enjoy the playoff run in-person.  Perhaps for the only time all postseason though, I went from believer to overconfident before Game 6, which I was also attending.  I figured if we were going to win it had to be in six games, and it was all set up for us, especially with our 8-0 home record in the postseason up to that point.  With everything that had happened that season, things seemed all set up for a return to glory and a trophy celebration.
Ottawa didn’t cooperate with the script though, winning another OT game and spoiling a potential home celebration.  Now it seemed the tide had turned with the series tied, and top center Joe Nieuwendyk hurt to add injury to insult.  Maybe for the only time all season I doubted the team’s chances in Game 7, but deep down I still thought if any team could overcome the odds this one could.  True to form, that team found a way somehow, someway.  Even in a hostile environment, even after falling behind early and giving up a bad third-period goal after they’d re-taken the lead.  Playoff hero Jeff Friesen came through once again, scoring the decisive goal with under three minutes left after a pinpoint pass from Marshall through the legs of defenseman Wade Redden.  
At that point, I knew we weren’t going to be denied.  I just knew it, with a belief I’ve seldom had before or since.  Even with all the hoopla around the Cinderella Mighty Ducks and eventual Conn Smythe winner Jean-Sebastian Giguere in the Finals.  I got tickets to Games 1 and 5 before the series but was unable to get Game 7.  And I did go to Games 1 and 5, which were both wins as the series took on a hometown feel with each team protecting its home rink throughout.  After Game 4 I wound up going on e-bay and paying a pretty penny for a lower-bowl seat to Game 7, just in case ($370 for a $150 face value seat).  I’m not ashamed of that either, since a Finals Game 7 could very well be a once-in-a-lifetime event and sure enough, the series did come down to that single-elimination game in the end.  I might feel different about things if we’d lost in the end, but before Game 7 my main concern wasn’t what I’d paid for the ticket but rather the fact I’d gotten sick with the flu.  That wasn’t going to stop me from going either though, not that night.
I still thought we’d win but obviously you’re going to be nervous in a one-game situation with the season on the line.  Before the game a nice moment happened though.  Lifelong Devil Ken Daneyko had been a healthy scratch for the first six games of the series, as his career was winding down in those final weeks of 2003.  When the scratches before Game 7 were announced and Dano’s name wasn’t among them, the crowd roared and emotionally I felt that everything was going to be just fine now.  Ironically it was the no-nonsense Burns who showed an emotional understanding of what the team and crowd needed at that moment.  And sure enough things were just fine, as once again Martin Brodeur pitched a shutout and once again Friesen got a put-away goal late to clinch our 3-0 win and ensure a once-in-a-lifetime event for me (maybe twice in a lifetime for the select Devil fans that were fortunate enough to be there in Game 4 of ’95 as well).
That 2003 season is the lure of being a sports fan, something every fan wants to experience with their team at least once.  And the Devils’ triumph against the odds proved yet again that sports is by far the best reality TV out there.
Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Around the league: SCF preview and potpourri

Posted on June 9, 2013 by Derek

Somewhat surprisingly, two Conference Finals that were supposed to be epic wound up being mismatches, in terms of games at least.  Boston’s shocking sweep over Pittsburgh – outscoring the Penguins 12-3 in the series – after all of Ray Shero‘s eye-catching deadline moves makes you wonder about the future of coach Dan Bylsma, and displaced goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (clearly outplayed in the playoffs by vet Tomas Vokoun).  Not to mention the inquest over what happened to Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, as the Pens’ vaunted offense was a total no-show against the Bruins with Pittsburgh scoring a mere two goals as a team in the four-game series.

Chicago’s five-game win over LA was at least competitive most of the way through, with four of the five games being nail-biters, including the dramatic double-OT finale last night with Patrick Kane getting the winner in a 4-3 final.  Kane awakened from a playoff-long malaise just in time for a decisive hat trick in the game which finally eliminated a gritty champion.  Perhaps the biggest surprise of that series was much-maligned Corey Crawford clearly outplaying Conn Smythe winning Johnathan Quick in net, with Quick giving up a series of questionable goals against the Hawks (including Duncan Keith‘s opening salvo last night) after being every bit as dominant in the first two rounds as he was during last year’s historic playoff run.

Despite not having the defending champs in the Final, or the best player in the game, or the biggest US market in NY, the NHL in the end got itself a pretty good final with its fourth Original Six matchup of the playoffs – this time between Boston and Chicago, two big US markets with plenty of star power and big-name players on both sides.  Especially given the fact both teams are recent Cup winners (three years ago for the Blackhawks, two years ago for the Bruins).  Interestingly, both teams have different goalies than they did in their Cup-winning years, but Crawford and the Bruins’ Tuukka Rask have been equal to the task in the first three rounds, posting nearly identical numbers – Rask with a 1.75 GAA and .943 save percentage in sixteen games, Crawford with a 1.74 GAA and .937 save percentage in seventeen postseason games.

Incredibly, the last matchup between these two teams was in early October 2011, as the teams only met that one time in the United Center (a Bruins shootout win) during the ’11-12 season and not at all in ’12-13 due to the conference-dominated schedule in the 48-game season.  Part of each team’s strength is its relative lack of turnover though, as each team’s roster has remained relatively stable over the last couple of seasons, aside from the goalie changes.  And with all of the coaching turnover happening in the league – the Oilers’ Ralph Kruger being the latest to go just yesterday – a much-maligned Claude Julien and the Hawks’ Joel Quenneville are among the longest-tenured coaches in the league.

Without going into a big preview, this seems to be a fairly even series, with Chicago having a slight advantage offensively and Boston a slight advantage defensively.  Then again, both Conference Finals seemed to be tight matchups on paper and wound up not being that way.  And the last time the NHL had a Final where neither team had met during the season, the Devils pulled a surprising sweep of the President’s Trophy-winning Red Wings in 1995.  I doubt this year’s President’s Trophy winners (the Hawks) suffer a similar fate but the Bruins have looked like a different team since nearly imploding against Toronto in the first round.  Commissioner Gary Bettman can only hope this series turns out like the two prior Original Six seven-game classics in the playoffs where the Bruins and Hawks each faced crisis moments against Toronto and Detroit, respectively – as opposed to the five-game dud that was Bruins-Rangers.

If you’re looking to handicap Conn Smythe candidates, Crawford’s the clear favorite if Chicago wins to this point with nobody else having standout offensive numbers yet.  Rask is a favorite for the Bruins, but so are offensive standouts David Krejci (9-12-21, +14) and Nathan Horton (7-10-17, +21).  Not to mention you can’t ever count defensive stalwart Zdeno Chara out of the running (2-9-11, +12) after the Bruins’ defense put on a clinic against some of the best offensive players in the sport in the Conference Finals, and will need to be at their best again in the Stanley Cup Finals with threats like Kane, Johnathan Toews and Patrick Sharp to worry about, along with playoff surprise Bryan Bickell.  Of course, the Bruins have their own playoff surprise that the Hawks need to account for in defenseman Torrey Krug (4-2-6, +5 in nine games since getting into the lineup).  I’d probably pick the Bruins in six – only because I’m sticking with my preseason prediction of the Bruins winning the Cup – but neither team winning would surprise me really, unless it was in fewer than six games.

Although other teams don’t want to make news during the playoffs, there’ll be plenty of decisions to be made soon enough with the draft in three weeks and free agency starting less than a month from today.  God knows the Devils have enough free agents – again – to fill a lot of column space over speculation and intrigue.  Many coaching vacancies still need to be filled (including the Rangers, Canucks, Stars and Oilers…though most expect them to hire Dallas Eakins), and at least one more may join the ranks if Dave Tippett decides not to return to Phoenix.  Dallas did make some news over the weekend, dealing a sixth-rounder to Ottawa for defenseman Sergei Gonchar, then signing him to a two-year, $10 million deal.  Ironically their new GM did something Joe Nieuwendyk was heavily criticized for…bringing in over-the-hill players on multi-year deals.  It’s been a while since the Avs hired one-time goaltending legend Patrick Roy to be their coach, but boy that’ll be interesting to watch.  Especially with the apparent power struggle going on there, and Roy being a de facto GM as well (perhaps even auctioning off the top pick).

Not to mention one more announcement can finally be made during the Stanley Cup Finals which many local hockey fans have been waiting for – will Martin Brodeur make the cover of the NHL14 videogame or not?  That ‘campaign’ took on a life of its own during the offseason, especially with some of the internet jabs back and forth between the Devils’ and Blue Jackets’ twitter accounts during the last round of voting (since the Jackets’ Sergei Bobrovsky was the other finalist).  Many Devil fans even had voted for Bobrovsky in the previous round, fearing the Isles’ John Tavares would be a tougher foe in the finals – much like real-life politics where sometimes in tight primaries the opposite party will attempt to vote for whoever they have a better chance of beating.

While you never know sometimes with fan voting, especially in the days of internet power ballots, I do expect Marty to win and ironically it seems as if the Devils are getting more outside publicity now than they were when they were winning three Cups in nine years.  Having the draft, an outdoor game and potentially getting on the cover of a popular hockey video game all inside the same off-season is astounding really.  All that’s left is an All-Star game and usually that comes a couple years after the draft, though there isn’t going to be an All-Star game next year in all likelihood with the Olympics in Sochi.

Not that any of that will help us get on national TV anymore, but hey with all of Steve and Chico’s idiosyncrascies, I still prefer them and our pregame/postgame/intermission to what NBC does and most of who they employ anyway.  At least I’ll be able to watch the Finals without cringing, ironically having all the teams I have an axe to grind with for one reason for another out of the playoffs will make me more likely to watch, as I’d rather not get too emotionally invested in the postseason with the Devils not involved.  I have still watched the highlights of every game on NHL.com though.

Oh and one other thing, if anyone even cares at this point, the full and unabridged CBA has finally been written and released to the public in the last few days (it’s over 500 pages):

http://cdn.agilitycms.com/nhlpacom/PDF/NHL_NHLPA_2013_CBA.pdf

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment