Thursday, August 14, 2008
It's a Cruel, Cruel Summer
by Jes
(Yes, I used to listen to Ace of Base when I was a kid)
One major factor in why it is hard to have true dynasties in this day and age is the "Stanley Cup Hangover".
I'm not talking about the morning after drinking champagne from the holy mug, but rather the fact that the Stanley Cup Finalists often experience a drop-off in their record during the next season, especially early in the season. The fatigue builds such much that it is harder for the Cup finalists to repeat their great exploits from year to year.
With the seasons getting longer and finishing later, the summer time break for NHL teams has been getting shorter and shorter. Is it any wonder why the Ducks, who also had to put up with a long trip to-from London, faltered so badly last season?
Over at Empty Netters, the excellent MSM blog over at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Seth Rorabaugh crunches some numbers and we see that the Pittsburgh Penguins have the shortest summer break out of all the teams.
Life in the NHL is physically brutal, and players have to work harder, faster, and take more physical punishment then players from 15+ years ago. Every player has to maintain a strong off-season training regimen, leaving few players with a true chance to take a long break from physical activity and fully recover.
It should be no surprise if the Wings and Penguins start the season slowly and have problems later in the year with fatigue. The Wings, especially, might run into problems as their roster has more older players than the Penguins.
Who should really benefit? Take a team on the upswing who had a long off-season, and I figure they will start off gangbusters. How about the Blackhawks? They added some big names, and have had lots of rest. The Capitals, too, could be primed to make another jump ... although their defence corps still sucks.
So, how can a team beat this hangover and succeed year after year?
For one thing, they could stop making these fricking long trips to Europe ... really, these jaunts really seem to do a number on the two teams who participate.
Like Seth points out on his post, the Penguins experienced a rather high turnover for a Cup finalist, which means the newer players will be somewhat fresher and help compensate. The Wings? They experienced very little turnover. Perhaps cycling some fresh players in the depth positions can keep the team's skill level intact while helping offset the fatigue.
It would be foolish to think the Wings and Penguins won't be very good next season, but one must strongly consider the factor of the "Stanley Cup Hangover" when making predictions.
(Yes, I used to listen to Ace of Base when I was a kid)
One major factor in why it is hard to have true dynasties in this day and age is the "Stanley Cup Hangover".
I'm not talking about the morning after drinking champagne from the holy mug, but rather the fact that the Stanley Cup Finalists often experience a drop-off in their record during the next season, especially early in the season. The fatigue builds such much that it is harder for the Cup finalists to repeat their great exploits from year to year.
With the seasons getting longer and finishing later, the summer time break for NHL teams has been getting shorter and shorter. Is it any wonder why the Ducks, who also had to put up with a long trip to-from London, faltered so badly last season?
Over at Empty Netters, the excellent MSM blog over at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Seth Rorabaugh crunches some numbers and we see that the Pittsburgh Penguins have the shortest summer break out of all the teams.
After winning the Cup on June 6, 2007, the Ducks enjoyed a brief 115 days off before starting up again on Sept. 29 in London. That was the shortest offseason for any NHL team. The Penguins will own that distinction this offseason by having only 122 days off since losing the Cup to the Red Wings on June 4.Now, his calculations do not factor in training camps and pre-season games, so the summers for the Pens and Wings will be even shorter than indicated.
Life in the NHL is physically brutal, and players have to work harder, faster, and take more physical punishment then players from 15+ years ago. Every player has to maintain a strong off-season training regimen, leaving few players with a true chance to take a long break from physical activity and fully recover.
It should be no surprise if the Wings and Penguins start the season slowly and have problems later in the year with fatigue. The Wings, especially, might run into problems as their roster has more older players than the Penguins.
Who should really benefit? Take a team on the upswing who had a long off-season, and I figure they will start off gangbusters. How about the Blackhawks? They added some big names, and have had lots of rest. The Capitals, too, could be primed to make another jump ... although their defence corps still sucks.
So, how can a team beat this hangover and succeed year after year?
For one thing, they could stop making these fricking long trips to Europe ... really, these jaunts really seem to do a number on the two teams who participate.
Like Seth points out on his post, the Penguins experienced a rather high turnover for a Cup finalist, which means the newer players will be somewhat fresher and help compensate. The Wings? They experienced very little turnover. Perhaps cycling some fresh players in the depth positions can keep the team's skill level intact while helping offset the fatigue.
It would be foolish to think the Wings and Penguins won't be very good next season, but one must strongly consider the factor of the "Stanley Cup Hangover" when making predictions.
Labels: Penguins, Red Wings, stanley cup
Thursday, June 05, 2008
EuroWings: The Cream of the Crop
Don Cherry must be crying into his loud polyester pajamas this morning. Not only did his beloved Gary Roberts not skate off into the sunset with a Stanley Cup, but the Detroit Red Wings are, by far, the most Euro-laden team to ever win the big prize.
It is true that in the past, you'd want Canadian grit and heart on your roster, given how most Stanley Cup winners were very much filled with a majority of Canucks (and a few Americans). The Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, and Anaheim Ducks had very few Europeans on their roster, and gave fuel to the fire about European players sucking trash when it counts most.
Then came this year's Red Wings... just look at the European influence on their roster.
Henrik Zetterberg
Pavel Datsyuk
Johan Franzen
Niklas Kronwall
Jiri Hudler (look at how many points he scored with so little ice time)
Mikael Samuelsson
Nicklas Lidstrom
Tomas Holmstrom
Valtteri Filppula
Andreas Lilja
Dominik Hasek
Yes, almost half of their playoff roster was European.
The best players on the team? They are European. You have Conn Smythe winner Zetterberg, captain Lidstrom, and slick Datsyuk.
Role players? You have the hard-working Franzen with Holmstrom, plus defensive-minded guys like Filppula and Samuelsson.
Yeah, the evil Swedes can certainly bring it when it counts.
It's not where the players are from, but which players you get. Yes, Zetterberg and Datsyuk were once playoff non-factors, but they obviously matured and learned how to score when the spaces get tighter and the battles get fiercer.
Despite the fact that I still maintain the Wings got lucky not to play a physical opponent other than overmatched Nashville in the playoffs(Anaheim and San Jose would have given the Wings fits), we can't deny that from start to finish, the Wings were just the best team in the league this year.
Record: 54-21-7 (1st)
Goals For: 257 (3rd)
Goals Against: 184 (1st)
Power Play: 20.7% (3rd)
Penalty Kill: 84.0% (8th)
As for the Penguins, this was a great year for them, and, despite the lack of a cup, no Pens fan should look back on this season with much derision.
It is true that in the past, you'd want Canadian grit and heart on your roster, given how most Stanley Cup winners were very much filled with a majority of Canucks (and a few Americans). The Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, and Anaheim Ducks had very few Europeans on their roster, and gave fuel to the fire about European players sucking trash when it counts most.
Then came this year's Red Wings... just look at the European influence on their roster.
Henrik Zetterberg
Pavel Datsyuk
Johan Franzen
Niklas Kronwall
Jiri Hudler (look at how many points he scored with so little ice time)
Mikael Samuelsson
Nicklas Lidstrom
Tomas Holmstrom
Valtteri Filppula
Andreas Lilja
Dominik Hasek
Yes, almost half of their playoff roster was European.
The best players on the team? They are European. You have Conn Smythe winner Zetterberg, captain Lidstrom, and slick Datsyuk.
Role players? You have the hard-working Franzen with Holmstrom, plus defensive-minded guys like Filppula and Samuelsson.
Yeah, the evil Swedes can certainly bring it when it counts.
It's not where the players are from, but which players you get. Yes, Zetterberg and Datsyuk were once playoff non-factors, but they obviously matured and learned how to score when the spaces get tighter and the battles get fiercer.
Despite the fact that I still maintain the Wings got lucky not to play a physical opponent other than overmatched Nashville in the playoffs(Anaheim and San Jose would have given the Wings fits), we can't deny that from start to finish, the Wings were just the best team in the league this year.
Record: 54-21-7 (1st)
Goals For: 257 (3rd)
Goals Against: 184 (1st)
Power Play: 20.7% (3rd)
Penalty Kill: 84.0% (8th)
As for the Penguins, this was a great year for them, and, despite the lack of a cup, no Pens fan should look back on this season with much derision.
Labels: Don Cherry, Penguins, Red Wings, stanley cup
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Chad Kroeger: Wings Fan and Giant Douche
Crad Kroeger is the lead singer of the horrible band Nickelback, for which I, on behalf of many Canadians, apologize for our country spawning onto the world. Listening to their music is only slightly less painful than puncturing your ballsack with a Hattori Hanzo sword.
Kroeger is also a drunk driving douchebag that just happened to be caught cheering for the Red Wings in this (Getty Images) photo.
As if you needed another reason to hate the guy, besides the fact that he likes to such himself off, and is uglier than Hillary Clinton.
Kroeger is also a drunk driving douchebag that just happened to be caught cheering for the Red Wings in this (Getty Images) photo.
As if you needed another reason to hate the guy, besides the fact that he likes to such himself off, and is uglier than Hillary Clinton.
Way to jump on the bandwagon there, buddy.
Notice the douchebag look on his face, and the douchebag hand gestures? Does he think the fans are there to see him 'rock it out'?
Kid Rock as a Red Wings fan is believable. Chad Kroeger as a Wings fan is not.
Labels: Celeb fans, Chad Kroeger, Red Wings
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Tuesday's Thoughts
As if typical with the Toronto Maple Leafs, they can't quite do anything right.
Such is the case of their soon-to-be-hire of coach Ron Wilson, a guy they've hired before a new GM has been put in place.
That's just asking for trouble down the line. What if the new GM and Wilson butt heads? What if the new GM wants to make an offensive team, and not the stifling defensive club Ron Wilson is so keen on putting out?
Of course, given JFJ's experience, we know the GM doesn't make the final call on whether the coach is hired or fired. It makes you wonder why anyone would take the job.
As for Wilson, we know he's an excellent coach. Still, I don't see him fitting in well in Toronto, given the kind of team they have. Wilson is very much defensive-oriented, and the Leafs have quite a few offensive-minded players on the club. Kyle Wellwood? Don't expect to stay around much longer.
---
The Pens got lucky, and should be kissing Marc-Andre's Fleury's feet all day for the way he stole Game Five for them last night.
You had the feeling the Wings had the game sewn up, and were greatly outplaying the less experienced Penguins.
But, Fleury robs Samuelsson with the save of the series, Hossa ties it up, and now the series shifts back to Pittsburgh.
At the very least, the NHL must be thrilled that the Penguins managed to stretch this thing out somewhat.
---
Freaknomics was a book that I enjoyed, and their blog is one I frequent regularly.
It was rather surprising that the blog mentioned hockey, albeit briefly.
The blog post points out one very interesting stat that the AP picks up.
Road teams have won 10 of the past 12 overtime games in the finals and are 15-4 since 1990.
Some interesting comments, including this one (poor capitalization included)
it is mental. the home team typically has the mental edge during the game as they “should win” and get energy from the crowd. as the game goes on and into overtime, that edge shifts to the visitor as they are now almost in a “nothing to lose” situation because technically, they should not be there still, they should have already lost. this translates into the home team playing “tighter” and leads to mistakes. since it is hockey, a single mistake can lead to a goal and the game.
in this game, detroit had it won until the lat .35 seconds and could clinch the cup at home. that increased the anxiety on their part. a pittsburg win would allow them to go back home for the next game….
One other point: Good teams tend to get home ice advantage because they put up good records. That's just a fact
Such is the case of their soon-to-be-hire of coach Ron Wilson, a guy they've hired before a new GM has been put in place.
Toronto Maple Leafs interim general manager Cliff Fletcher says he's found the man he wants to coach the team and has offered him the job.
Sources tell TSN that former Sharks coach Ron Wilson is on his way to Toronto to meet with Leafs officials to try and work out a deal.
When reached by phone, Wilson, who was about to board a plane, refused comment.
While scrambling to catch a plane himself on Monday, Fletcher told reporters he had offered the Leafs' coaching job to a candidate and was in negotiations to seal the deal.
That's just asking for trouble down the line. What if the new GM and Wilson butt heads? What if the new GM wants to make an offensive team, and not the stifling defensive club Ron Wilson is so keen on putting out?
Of course, given JFJ's experience, we know the GM doesn't make the final call on whether the coach is hired or fired. It makes you wonder why anyone would take the job.
As for Wilson, we know he's an excellent coach. Still, I don't see him fitting in well in Toronto, given the kind of team they have. Wilson is very much defensive-oriented, and the Leafs have quite a few offensive-minded players on the club. Kyle Wellwood? Don't expect to stay around much longer.
---
The Pens got lucky, and should be kissing Marc-Andre's Fleury's feet all day for the way he stole Game Five for them last night.
You had the feeling the Wings had the game sewn up, and were greatly outplaying the less experienced Penguins.
But, Fleury robs Samuelsson with the save of the series, Hossa ties it up, and now the series shifts back to Pittsburgh.
At the very least, the NHL must be thrilled that the Penguins managed to stretch this thing out somewhat.
---
Freaknomics was a book that I enjoyed, and their blog is one I frequent regularly.
It was rather surprising that the blog mentioned hockey, albeit briefly.
The blog post points out one very interesting stat that the AP picks up.
Road teams have won 10 of the past 12 overtime games in the finals and are 15-4 since 1990.
Some interesting comments, including this one (poor capitalization included)
it is mental. the home team typically has the mental edge during the game as they “should win” and get energy from the crowd. as the game goes on and into overtime, that edge shifts to the visitor as they are now almost in a “nothing to lose” situation because technically, they should not be there still, they should have already lost. this translates into the home team playing “tighter” and leads to mistakes. since it is hockey, a single mistake can lead to a goal and the game.
in this game, detroit had it won until the lat .35 seconds and could clinch the cup at home. that increased the anxiety on their part. a pittsburg win would allow them to go back home for the next game….
One other point: Good teams tend to get home ice advantage because they put up good records. That's just a fact
Labels: Leafs Suck, Penguins, Red Wings, Ron Wilson, stanley cup
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Bold Prediction: Wings in Six
Yes, I planned to have a prediction post done last Friday, but real life and laziness got in the way. Besides, everyone and their dogs have posted a prediction for the series, so it's not like the hockey world is missing the content.
My original prediction was the Wings in 6, but even that might be a bit generous to the Penguins given how thoroughly they've been pwned in Games 1 and 2.
Instead of doing a detailed analysis, I can say that the primary asset that the Wings have in spades is EXPERIENCE. Look at any past cup winner, and you see loads and loads of playoff experience.
The Wings have Lidstrom, Holmstrom, McCarty, Rafalski, Hasek, Osgood, Chelios, Draper, Maltby who have Cup rings, plus other crusty veterans like Dallas Drake and Brad Stuart. These guys have been there, done that, and have the T-shirts to prove it.
The Penguins? They have Gary Roberts, whose idea of leadership is to go after the concussed head of Johan Franzen, and Petr Sykora as cup winners. Gonchar is really the only other big-time old guy they got goin.
Oh, I guess Ty Conklin has cup experience, although he's likely tried very hard to forget that. Hossa? He hasn't done THAT much in the playoffs until this season.
So, the Wings know what the deep playoffs are like, and know how to handle all of the pressure. They are calm, cool, collected, and playing like the well-oiled machine we know them to be. The Wings were way better than anyone else at preventing shots against, and have held the Penguins to just 41 shots and 0 goals in 2 games. Kinda hard to score with 20.5 shots per game.
The Penguins are clearly frustrated.
Sidney Crosby? He's visibly frustrated at the Wings ability to choke the neutral zone and hem the Penguins in their own zone. Seeing him swear his head off is rather disconcerting.
Evgeni Malkin? Is he even playing? It's hard to notice. Did he suddenly remember that Russians aren't supposed to play hard when the calendar nears June?
It's pretty much a golden rule in the Stanley Cup playoffs that the most experienced team will win, especially when the gap is wider than Tara Reid's genitals.
I just hope the Penguins can take Game Three and turn this into a respectable series. The fact that the Pens are down 2-0 wouldn't be so bad if they were actually putting up a fight, but we know that hasn't been the case.
*sigh*
My original prediction was the Wings in 6, but even that might be a bit generous to the Penguins given how thoroughly they've been pwned in Games 1 and 2.
Instead of doing a detailed analysis, I can say that the primary asset that the Wings have in spades is EXPERIENCE. Look at any past cup winner, and you see loads and loads of playoff experience.
The Wings have Lidstrom, Holmstrom, McCarty, Rafalski, Hasek, Osgood, Chelios, Draper, Maltby who have Cup rings, plus other crusty veterans like Dallas Drake and Brad Stuart. These guys have been there, done that, and have the T-shirts to prove it.
The Penguins? They have Gary Roberts, whose idea of leadership is to go after the concussed head of Johan Franzen, and Petr Sykora as cup winners. Gonchar is really the only other big-time old guy they got goin.
Oh, I guess Ty Conklin has cup experience, although he's likely tried very hard to forget that. Hossa? He hasn't done THAT much in the playoffs until this season.
So, the Wings know what the deep playoffs are like, and know how to handle all of the pressure. They are calm, cool, collected, and playing like the well-oiled machine we know them to be. The Wings were way better than anyone else at preventing shots against, and have held the Penguins to just 41 shots and 0 goals in 2 games. Kinda hard to score with 20.5 shots per game.
The Penguins are clearly frustrated.
Sidney Crosby? He's visibly frustrated at the Wings ability to choke the neutral zone and hem the Penguins in their own zone. Seeing him swear his head off is rather disconcerting.
Evgeni Malkin? Is he even playing? It's hard to notice. Did he suddenly remember that Russians aren't supposed to play hard when the calendar nears June?
It's pretty much a golden rule in the Stanley Cup playoffs that the most experienced team will win, especially when the gap is wider than Tara Reid's genitals.
I just hope the Penguins can take Game Three and turn this into a respectable series. The fact that the Pens are down 2-0 wouldn't be so bad if they were actually putting up a fight, but we know that hasn't been the case.
*sigh*
Labels: finals, Penguins, playoffs, Red Wings
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Tuesday's Tight Thoughts
While the Nashville Predators gave the Wings some fits with their physical, grinding play, the finesse of the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars has allowed Detroit to easily roll into the Stanley Cup Finals.
Yes, I know the Stars/Wings series is not officially over, but the Stars have as much chance for a comeback as Hilary Clinton. It ain't gonna happen, as we all know.
Wayne, our Southern Correspondent, charms in:
In a topic I've covered before, Wings fans just aren't coming out to pack Joe Louis Arena. Combine a bad economy with a spoiled fanbase, and you get empty seats.
Wayne chips in again:
Well, Detroit certainly isn't a 'soft' market, and the NHL is probably going to realize that American fans might have to cut expensive NHL tickets out of their budget as food and gas prices soar. It's rather troubling that 'Hockeytown' (self-billed, I know) can't sell out a Conference Finals playoff match.
At least the Flyers/Pens series is entertaining, if not entirely one-sided. The Flyers' are getting punished for taking penalties, and Martin Biron is not the answer to the question, "What goalie is going to take us to the Stanley Cup?"
Yes, I know the Stars/Wings series is not officially over, but the Stars have as much chance for a comeback as Hilary Clinton. It ain't gonna happen, as we all know.
Wayne, our Southern Correspondent, charms in:
Could someone put the Stars-Wings series out of its misery? I tuned to a hockey game, and a soccer game broke out...The only thing missing was the voice of John Paul Della-Camera (the second greatest soccer announcer ever)...No wonder Wings fans are staying home...
In a topic I've covered before, Wings fans just aren't coming out to pack Joe Louis Arena. Combine a bad economy with a spoiled fanbase, and you get empty seats.
Wayne chips in again:
Take a look at things right now: $4/gallon gas, homes being forclosed, layoffs in the white-collar/middle-and-upper management sector (the people who buy season tix and luxury boxes), make MLB, the NBA, and the NHL (especially the NHL) particularly vulnerable...I don't think people are going to be willing to plunk down $60/ticket much longer, especially in soft markets. All NHL teams are going to have to take a good hard look at themselves...
Well, Detroit certainly isn't a 'soft' market, and the NHL is probably going to realize that American fans might have to cut expensive NHL tickets out of their budget as food and gas prices soar. It's rather troubling that 'Hockeytown' (self-billed, I know) can't sell out a Conference Finals playoff match.
At least the Flyers/Pens series is entertaining, if not entirely one-sided. The Flyers' are getting punished for taking penalties, and Martin Biron is not the answer to the question, "What goalie is going to take us to the Stanley Cup?"
Labels: attendance, flyers, musings, Penguins, playoffs, Red Wings
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Wings Extend Osgood for Three More Seasons
by Jes
In terms of team building, the Detroit Red Wings rarely do anything wrong. The Wings are experts at bringing in the right Free Agents to compliment the talent that has been developed in-house, plus having an excellent coaching staff on hand to utilize that talent.
Now, every team is prone to have a bad day, and I believe the Wings made a bit of a boo-boo by granting Chris Osgood a 3-year contract extension.
His new deal will pay him $1.7 million next season, $1.45 million in 2009-10 and $1.1 million in 2010-11.
Normally, you'd look at the stats (19-2-1 record, 1.68AA, 93.2SV%) and be liked "Damn right I want that for a few more years!"
The problem?
1. Osgood is 35 years old, and one of the league's oldest goaltenders. He is far from his prime. At the end of this deal, he'll be qualified for an old age pension.
2. Osgood is just not that good, normally. Look at his career stats, and tell me which season is the outlier.
This season: 93.2SV%
Career: 90.8SV%
Osgood has a long string of mediocrity over his career, fluctuating between below-average and just-above average. His recent seasons have been an adventure, but certainly nothing outstanding. Osgood is really not the type of goaltender you want playing more than 25-30 games a season for you if you have true cup contention hopes.
I can see signing him for another season as the backup/1B goaltender, but 3 seasons? What happens when the clock strikes midnight and the Wings are left with a 38-year old pumpkin? Look at how Dwayne Roloson hit the wall!
OK, I realize it's not nearly the worst contract in the world, but it smacks of buying a stock when the price is near its highest.
Now, the big question is ... who will the Wings go with in the playoffs? Hasek, the oft-injured guy, or Osgood, the Cinderella goalie? Perhaps the Wings figure they can win the cup with Osgood in net, since they did it before by playing so air-tight in front of their oft-maligned netminder.
In terms of team building, the Detroit Red Wings rarely do anything wrong. The Wings are experts at bringing in the right Free Agents to compliment the talent that has been developed in-house, plus having an excellent coaching staff on hand to utilize that talent.
Now, every team is prone to have a bad day, and I believe the Wings made a bit of a boo-boo by granting Chris Osgood a 3-year contract extension.
His new deal will pay him $1.7 million next season, $1.45 million in 2009-10 and $1.1 million in 2010-11.
Normally, you'd look at the stats (19-2-1 record, 1.68AA, 93.2SV%) and be liked "Damn right I want that for a few more years!"
The problem?
1. Osgood is 35 years old, and one of the league's oldest goaltenders. He is far from his prime. At the end of this deal, he'll be qualified for an old age pension.
2. Osgood is just not that good, normally. Look at his career stats, and tell me which season is the outlier.
This season: 93.2SV%
Career: 90.8SV%
Osgood has a long string of mediocrity over his career, fluctuating between below-average and just-above average. His recent seasons have been an adventure, but certainly nothing outstanding. Osgood is really not the type of goaltender you want playing more than 25-30 games a season for you if you have true cup contention hopes.
I can see signing him for another season as the backup/1B goaltender, but 3 seasons? What happens when the clock strikes midnight and the Wings are left with a 38-year old pumpkin? Look at how Dwayne Roloson hit the wall!
OK, I realize it's not nearly the worst contract in the world, but it smacks of buying a stock when the price is near its highest.
Now, the big question is ... who will the Wings go with in the playoffs? Hasek, the oft-injured guy, or Osgood, the Cinderella goalie? Perhaps the Wings figure they can win the cup with Osgood in net, since they did it before by playing so air-tight in front of their oft-maligned netminder.
Labels: Chris Osgood, Free Agent Signings, Red Wings
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Game One Ramblings: Ducks, Wings, and Pigs
by Jes
If Games 2-4 and perhaps 5,6,7 are as good as Game 1, then this series is gonna rock more than the Dschinghis Khan reunion concert in Moscow.
While I don't have a dog, or duck, in this fight, I am still watching the games and was pleased to be well entertained by the action on the ice.
Some random thoughts
1. Does CBC hate hockey fans? It's bad enough that we get the stale Leafs-homer Harry Neale and dinosaur Bob Cole in the booth, but why is Greg Millen(!) the third man in the booth?
Does CBC not listen to the fans? Does CBC not surf the internets? How could they not know that Millen is the most despised colour commentator in this country?
Is this a conscious decision, or are they simply trying to milk their sunken investment in the guy? Ugh. Millen was definitely at his best/worst last night.
2. Note to self: If you have a kid, make sure s/he befriends a super-rich and generous athlete when they are young.
Teemu Selanne kept a promised and flew 16 of his childhood friends to Anaheim to watch him and the Ducks smack around the Sens.
Yeah, what a guy!
I got the full dealio over at The NHL Fanhouse.
3. Red Wings fans are a classy bunch, eh?
If you ever wanted a fine example of male chauvinism and pig-headedness, check out Helene Elliot's article on what happens when a female reporter dares to not pick the Wings to advance.
Here are some of the samples of the fine writing Red Wings fans are capable of ...
Ahh, the anonymity of the internet lets people show their true colours with no fear or retribution.
Helene Elliot has always been a classy, intelligent, award-winning writer who has shown NO inkling of being a 'puck bunny'. Why she has to put up with crap like this is beyond me. Does being female preclude one from having an intelligent perspective on the game of hockey? Of course not!
I'm going to resist calling Wings fans a bunch of spoiled pigs. We know they are spoiled, but these kind of comments could have come from the fans of any hockey club. It's pretty sad that some male fans feel threatened that a female might actually *gasp* know more about the game of hockey than they do.
Anyway, Helene goes on to point out that Wings' fan anger should be rightfully pointed at owner Mike Ilitch, who priced tickets so outrageously that the average commoner could not afford to attend. The Wings have also been notoriously media-unfriendly and fan-unfriendly, for what it's worth.
(hat tip to Wayne for the story pointer)
If Games 2-4 and perhaps 5,6,7 are as good as Game 1, then this series is gonna rock more than the Dschinghis Khan reunion concert in Moscow.
While I don't have a dog, or duck, in this fight, I am still watching the games and was pleased to be well entertained by the action on the ice.
Some random thoughts
1. Does CBC hate hockey fans? It's bad enough that we get the stale Leafs-homer Harry Neale and dinosaur Bob Cole in the booth, but why is Greg Millen(!) the third man in the booth?
Does CBC not listen to the fans? Does CBC not surf the internets? How could they not know that Millen is the most despised colour commentator in this country?
Is this a conscious decision, or are they simply trying to milk their sunken investment in the guy? Ugh. Millen was definitely at his best/worst last night.
2. Note to self: If you have a kid, make sure s/he befriends a super-rich and generous athlete when they are young.
Teemu Selanne kept a promised and flew 16 of his childhood friends to Anaheim to watch him and the Ducks smack around the Sens.
Yeah, what a guy!
I got the full dealio over at The NHL Fanhouse.
3. Red Wings fans are a classy bunch, eh?
If you ever wanted a fine example of male chauvinism and pig-headedness, check out Helene Elliot's article on what happens when a female reporter dares to not pick the Wings to advance.
Here are some of the samples of the fine writing Red Wings fans are capable of ...
"If Detroit wins, your gonna be gettiing a [ton] more emails from me you [prostitute]. Why don't you report on your own teams from now on. Like the Kings, where are they? Or the Lakers? Women should stick to writing articles about cooking and homemaking and NOT sports, cuz its obvious you have no idea what....you are talking about, [Don Imus word]."
"You have no idea what your baby ducks are in for! A woman writing about hockey in southern California! Leave the hockey to us sweetheart!"
"You are one cocky writer. I am going to remember that damn story and if the wings win the series, I'm gonna laugh in your face via e-mail. If there's one kind of writer I have no respect for, it's a writer exactly like you who writes worthless … like that.
"I'm surprised your man let you out of the kitchen long enough to write this article. You don't know much about sports, so you should stick to cleaning the house."
"Of course what do women know about hockey anyway. Go back to the kitchen and make me something to eat."
Ahh, the anonymity of the internet lets people show their true colours with no fear or retribution.
Helene Elliot has always been a classy, intelligent, award-winning writer who has shown NO inkling of being a 'puck bunny'. Why she has to put up with crap like this is beyond me. Does being female preclude one from having an intelligent perspective on the game of hockey? Of course not!
I'm going to resist calling Wings fans a bunch of spoiled pigs. We know they are spoiled, but these kind of comments could have come from the fans of any hockey club. It's pretty sad that some male fans feel threatened that a female might actually *gasp* know more about the game of hockey than they do.
Anyway, Helene goes on to point out that Wings' fan anger should be rightfully pointed at owner Mike Ilitch, who priced tickets so outrageously that the average commoner could not afford to attend. The Wings have also been notoriously media-unfriendly and fan-unfriendly, for what it's worth.
(hat tip to Wayne for the story pointer)
Labels: ducks, Females in hockey, musings, Red Wings, Selanne, stanley cup
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Chelios: Explain Thyself!
by Jes
When Chris Chelios skipped the post-series handshake line at the conclusion of the Wings/Ducks series, his enemies in the hockey world used this as fodder for their Anti-Chelios stance. Certainly, I was thinking "Typical Chelios" after I heard the news.
Chelios, known as one dirty old guy, was an easy target for those who "respect the fine traditions of the game."
Well, Chelios gave his side of the story.
Reasonable? Yeah, I think it certainly is. (Fanhouse Link)
Chelios will spear you if he ever gets the chance, but he never struck me at the kind of guy who would act like a spoiled brat on purpose. Chelios never usually dodges the issue, so to speak.
Still ...
When Chris Chelios skipped the post-series handshake line at the conclusion of the Wings/Ducks series, his enemies in the hockey world used this as fodder for their Anti-Chelios stance. Certainly, I was thinking "Typical Chelios" after I heard the news.
Chelios, known as one dirty old guy, was an easy target for those who "respect the fine traditions of the game."
Well, Chelios gave his side of the story.
Reasonable? Yeah, I think it certainly is. (Fanhouse Link)
Chelios will spear you if he ever gets the chance, but he never struck me at the kind of guy who would act like a spoiled brat on purpose. Chelios never usually dodges the issue, so to speak.
Still ...
Labels: Chelios, ducks, Red Wings, third round
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Steve Yzerman: Your Team's Next GM?
by Jes
With Stevie Y leading Team Canada, as GM, to GOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!!!!111 at the recent World Championships in Moscow, you know that the media is all swooning over Yzerman as a potential GM of some NHL club.
Yzerman says he's not ready, but you know it's a matter of time before he's offered such a post by some team.
Let's face it, Yzerman is the face of class and dedication in the NHL, is working with the Wings in the front office, and probably has more connections and good relationships than most players.
It certainly appears, from the outside, that Yzerman is aiming to have a big front office role some time in his future. Unlike Mark Messier, who simply puts his name out there to inflate his own ego, Yzerman has been working actively to ease himself into the NHL's rooms of power, and has done so quietly.
With that, I have a look at Yzerman's present qualifications over at The NHL Fanhouse.
With Stevie Y leading Team Canada, as GM, to GOOOOOOOOOOOOOLD!!!!111 at the recent World Championships in Moscow, you know that the media is all swooning over Yzerman as a potential GM of some NHL club.
Yzerman says he's not ready, but you know it's a matter of time before he's offered such a post by some team.
Let's face it, Yzerman is the face of class and dedication in the NHL, is working with the Wings in the front office, and probably has more connections and good relationships than most players.
It certainly appears, from the outside, that Yzerman is aiming to have a big front office role some time in his future. Unlike Mark Messier, who simply puts his name out there to inflate his own ego, Yzerman has been working actively to ease himself into the NHL's rooms of power, and has done so quietly.
With that, I have a look at Yzerman's present qualifications over at The NHL Fanhouse.
Labels: Red Wings, Steve Yzerman
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Gőlbez's Third Round Predictions
by Jes
So, I was 4-for-4 in the 2nd Round while Greg was 2-for-4. Obviously, this makes me twice as good as Greg. HA!
In the 1st Round, Greg was 50% (4-for-8) and is 6-for-12 overall. Moi? I went 6-for-8 and am now 10-for-12 (83%).
You may now lick the jam from in between my toes.
Now, let's ramble about Round Three.
---
I see a total lack of Cinderella teams, as all the semi-finalists are strong contenders for the cup with very deep rosters and a lot of talent. It's been awhile since we could say that.
Buffalo vs. Ottawa
Two high-powered offensive squads go head-to-head in what should be a fun series to watch.
Ray Emery has not been bad for the Senators, but his 91.9SV% is actually the lowest, by far, of the Final Four goalies. Ryan Miller has been spectacular thus far, and has answered the critics with strong play against some offensively talented Islanders and Rangers squads.
The Senators have been relying heavily on the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza trio, while the Sabres have spread out their scoring like a good peanut butter. If the Sabres can hold off the Sens' top line, they'll be well on their way back to the Finals.
One point against the Sabres is their woeful 79.6 PK% in the playoffs. They weren't all that good during the regular season, either. The Sens have the 2nd best playoff PP% at 22.7%.
While the Sens have played like a steamroller, the Sabres have looked rather shaky, despite the fact they've lost only 3 games. There is always the though that the Sabres could play better, but it could be just the fact that their team isn't packed with the same defensive presence up front that other teams have.
Prediction: Senators in 7. I'm going Canadian.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
Two very nice contrasts: the mechanical, finesse, euro-heavy Red Wings vs. the crash-and-bang, in-your-face, euro-light Anaheim Ducks.
Dominik Hasek is back to his old self with a 93.0SV% and a bit of goofiness in the crease. J-S Giguere has a eye-popping 95.2SV%, albeit built up against the Canucks' pathetic offence.
After years of playoff suckiness, Pavel Datsyuk is now 2nd on his team with 11 points in 12 games. The amazing Nick Lidstrom is first, and is controlling games just as well as he ever has. The rest of the offence hasn't been spectacular. The Wings have actually generated the most shots on goal, by far, with 445, but have a low 7% conversion rate. Unless Bertuzzi and Holmstrom can generate more chaos in front of the net, Giguere won't have a tough time handling outside shots, just like he did against the Canucks.
For the Ducks, they kind of have the same issue. Chris Pronger leads the team in scoring, and Samuel F. Pahlsson (!) is second on the team with 7 points. The Ducks' big guns (MacDonald, Selanne, Getzlaf) are capable of more.
The Wings PP was bad during the regular season, but has been effective in the playoffs. With the Ducks tendency to take some undisciplined penalties (they lead the NHL with 191 playoff PIMs), the Wings will have to do what the Canucks couldn't, and score Power Play goals. According to Yahoo!, the Ducks have a 94.6% success rate on penalty kills, and are also more effective with the man advantage.
Given the Ducks amazing defence, goaltending, and superior special teams, I'm going to have to call this series in their favour. That, and the Red Wings suck!
Prediction: Ducks in 6.
So, I was 4-for-4 in the 2nd Round while Greg was 2-for-4. Obviously, this makes me twice as good as Greg. HA!
In the 1st Round, Greg was 50% (4-for-8) and is 6-for-12 overall. Moi? I went 6-for-8 and am now 10-for-12 (83%).
You may now lick the jam from in between my toes.
Now, let's ramble about Round Three.
---
I see a total lack of Cinderella teams, as all the semi-finalists are strong contenders for the cup with very deep rosters and a lot of talent. It's been awhile since we could say that.
Buffalo vs. Ottawa
Two high-powered offensive squads go head-to-head in what should be a fun series to watch.
Ray Emery has not been bad for the Senators, but his 91.9SV% is actually the lowest, by far, of the Final Four goalies. Ryan Miller has been spectacular thus far, and has answered the critics with strong play against some offensively talented Islanders and Rangers squads.
The Senators have been relying heavily on the Heatley-Alfredsson-Spezza trio, while the Sabres have spread out their scoring like a good peanut butter. If the Sabres can hold off the Sens' top line, they'll be well on their way back to the Finals.
One point against the Sabres is their woeful 79.6 PK% in the playoffs. They weren't all that good during the regular season, either. The Sens have the 2nd best playoff PP% at 22.7%.
While the Sens have played like a steamroller, the Sabres have looked rather shaky, despite the fact they've lost only 3 games. There is always the though that the Sabres could play better, but it could be just the fact that their team isn't packed with the same defensive presence up front that other teams have.
Prediction: Senators in 7. I'm going Canadian.
Detroit vs. Anaheim
Two very nice contrasts: the mechanical, finesse, euro-heavy Red Wings vs. the crash-and-bang, in-your-face, euro-light Anaheim Ducks.
Dominik Hasek is back to his old self with a 93.0SV% and a bit of goofiness in the crease. J-S Giguere has a eye-popping 95.2SV%, albeit built up against the Canucks' pathetic offence.
After years of playoff suckiness, Pavel Datsyuk is now 2nd on his team with 11 points in 12 games. The amazing Nick Lidstrom is first, and is controlling games just as well as he ever has. The rest of the offence hasn't been spectacular. The Wings have actually generated the most shots on goal, by far, with 445, but have a low 7% conversion rate. Unless Bertuzzi and Holmstrom can generate more chaos in front of the net, Giguere won't have a tough time handling outside shots, just like he did against the Canucks.
For the Ducks, they kind of have the same issue. Chris Pronger leads the team in scoring, and Samuel F. Pahlsson (!) is second on the team with 7 points. The Ducks' big guns (MacDonald, Selanne, Getzlaf) are capable of more.
The Wings PP was bad during the regular season, but has been effective in the playoffs. With the Ducks tendency to take some undisciplined penalties (they lead the NHL with 191 playoff PIMs), the Wings will have to do what the Canucks couldn't, and score Power Play goals. According to Yahoo!, the Ducks have a 94.6% success rate on penalty kills, and are also more effective with the man advantage.
Given the Ducks amazing defence, goaltending, and superior special teams, I'm going to have to call this series in their favour. That, and the Red Wings suck!
Prediction: Ducks in 6.
Labels: ducks, playoffs, Red Wings, sabres, senators, third round
Monday, May 07, 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen, We Have our Villains!
by Jes
I was worried that I'd have nobody to cheer against in the 3rd round. Sure, the Ducks are somewhat thuggish and dirty, and San Jose is full of pussy-boy software designers, but I can't work up a lot of hate for them, or the Sens/Sabres.
Well, the Detroit Red Wings won tonight and have given us a reason to cheer for the Ducks.
Let's face it, if I can't have the Canucks, I need to have a reason to care.
Ganked from: http://www.blogger.com/%20http://milehighstanley.com/wings.html
Like most warm-blooded Ruthenians, I hope Dominik Hasek chokes on pork chop.
Chris Chelios? He's dirtier than my kitchen sink.
Nicklas Lidstrom? He gypped Rory Fitzpatrick out of an All-Star berth.
Henrik Zetterberg? Evil Swede.
There are just so many reasons to cheer against this team, and I'll relish their defeat like a good hot dog.
(Yes, I know I am going to Hockey Hell for this post...)
I was worried that I'd have nobody to cheer against in the 3rd round. Sure, the Ducks are somewhat thuggish and dirty, and San Jose is full of pussy-boy software designers, but I can't work up a lot of hate for them, or the Sens/Sabres.
Well, the Detroit Red Wings won tonight and have given us a reason to cheer for the Ducks.
Let's face it, if I can't have the Canucks, I need to have a reason to care.
Ganked from: http://www.blogger.com/%20http://milehighstanley.com/wings.html
Like most warm-blooded Ruthenians, I hope Dominik Hasek chokes on pork chop.
Chris Chelios? He's dirtier than my kitchen sink.
Nicklas Lidstrom? He gypped Rory Fitzpatrick out of an All-Star berth.
Henrik Zetterberg? Evil Swede.
There are just so many reasons to cheer against this team, and I'll relish their defeat like a good hot dog.
(Yes, I know I am going to Hockey Hell for this post...)
Labels: Red Wings, third round, villains
Monday, April 23, 2007
Picture of the Day: The Fellowship of the Wings
I don't know who the original artist is that did this, but it's definitely something to share and pass around ...
Labels: picture of the day, Red Wings
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Todd Bertuzzi to the Wings. Get Your Hate On!
by Jes
I'm not going to bother commenting on every single deal, as there are other sites to view that sort of thing and I don't take the day off of work to watch the Deadline Day madness.
Still, how can I pass on the opportunity to comment on the fact that Todd Bertuzzi, aka Grumpy Bear, is now heading to Detroit to play for the Red Wings.
I didn't think it was possible to hate that team any more than I do, but here we are, and the lazy prick with attitude problems has left Florida after playing only 7 uninspired games with the Panthers.
Oh, how delicious this is...
TSN is reporting
Unless the Canucks have to face the Wings, in which Bertuzzi might actually give a damn, I wouldn't be all that scared of this club. The Wings haven't been getting great goaltending from Hasek (yet) and Bertuzzi, even if he does come back, is hardly worth ph33ring any longer.
We'll wait and see what the Panthers get back. Maybe they can actually recover a little something from the Luongo debacle.
(edit 1:26pm)
So, prospect Shawn Matthias (who?) and some conditional picks is what the Panthers get. We'll have to wait and see what the final price is, but I wish Jiri Hudler was included. Poor guy will never get a fair shake in Detroit.
I'm not going to bother commenting on every single deal, as there are other sites to view that sort of thing and I don't take the day off of work to watch the Deadline Day madness.
Still, how can I pass on the opportunity to comment on the fact that Todd Bertuzzi, aka Grumpy Bear, is now heading to Detroit to play for the Red Wings.
I didn't think it was possible to hate that team any more than I do, but here we are, and the lazy prick with attitude problems has left Florida after playing only 7 uninspired games with the Panthers.
Oh, how delicious this is...
TSN is reporting
Todd Bertuzzi's stay in the Sunshine State could be short-lived, as the Florida Panthers have agreed on a package to trade the veteran power forward to the Detroit Red Wings.How will the Wings react to having this guy on the roster? Remember how Bertuzzi pasted Chris Chelios to the boards a few years back during the Cloutier-choke playoff series?
In return, Detroit gets a conditional draft pick and a prospect.
Bertuzzi, 31, is in the final season of a four-year, $27.8 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in July.
Unless the Canucks have to face the Wings, in which Bertuzzi might actually give a damn, I wouldn't be all that scared of this club. The Wings haven't been getting great goaltending from Hasek (yet) and Bertuzzi, even if he does come back, is hardly worth ph33ring any longer.
We'll wait and see what the Panthers get back. Maybe they can actually recover a little something from the Luongo debacle.
(edit 1:26pm)
So, prospect Shawn Matthias (who?) and some conditional picks is what the Panthers get. We'll have to wait and see what the final price is, but I wish Jiri Hudler was included. Poor guy will never get a fair shake in Detroit.
Labels: Bertuzzi, Deadline Day, Panthers, Red Wings, trades
Friday, December 29, 2006
What's up with Daniel Cleary?
Apparently, his scoring.
For many years, Daniel Clearly always represented the height of 'laziness' to me. He never seem to 'bring it' very often, and loafed around so much that even Todd Bertuzzi would be shaking his head in disbelief. For all of his promise, Cleary was clearly a 'useless' player for much of his career.
All of a sudden, Cleary started scoring more, playing harder, and turned into a useful player. This wouldn't be the first time that the Detroit Red Wings have turned trash into treasure. It just goes to show what good coaching and development can do for a club. *grumble*
Just check out the career stats...
Yeah, one of these things is not like the other...
Then, I happened upon this article by Pierre LeBrun. It seems Cleary has finally whipped his ass into gear and taken his work ethic to a different level.
It just goes to show that leopards can sometimes change their spots. It'll be interesting to see if Cleary can maintain this new-found production.
For many years, Daniel Clearly always represented the height of 'laziness' to me. He never seem to 'bring it' very often, and loafed around so much that even Todd Bertuzzi would be shaking his head in disbelief. For all of his promise, Cleary was clearly a 'useless' player for much of his career.
All of a sudden, Cleary started scoring more, playing harder, and turned into a useful player. This wouldn't be the first time that the Detroit Red Wings have turned trash into treasure. It just goes to show what good coaching and development can do for a club. *grumble*
Just check out the career stats...
Year Team GP G A Pts +/- PIM
97-98 CHI 6 0 0 0 -2 0
98-99 CHI 35 4 5 9 -1 24
99-00 EDM 17 3 2 5 -1 8
00-01 EDM 81 14 21 35 5 37
01-02 EDM 65 10 19 29 -1 51
02-03 EDM 57 4 13 17 5 31
03-04 PHO 68 6 11 17 -8 42
05-06 DET 77 3 12 15 5 40
06-07 DET 37 17 11 28 12 8
Career 443 61 94 155 14 241
Yeah, one of these things is not like the other...
Then, I happened upon this article by Pierre LeBrun. It seems Cleary has finally whipped his ass into gear and taken his work ethic to a different level.
Look no further than Hockeytown for one of the coolest stories in the NHL this season.Now, if only JAN BULIS could start emulating Cleary and turn himself into a useful scorer, the Canucks might make the playoffs.
Daniel Cleary has a career-high 17 goals and it's not even January yet. "If feels good," the Detroit Red Wings forward said over the phone Friday. That might sound like a cliche from almost any other player but it speaks volumes coming from Cleary. After a decade full of trials and tribulations, it appears he's finally showing the form that was expected of him long ago.
"I've matured as a person and as a player, that's the first thing," said the 28-year-old native of Carbonear, Nfld. "I've dedicated myself to hockey. I've become a lot more determined.
"The last few years, I've really started concentrating on making this a 12-month job and training hard in the off-season and preparing myself."
It just goes to show that leopards can sometimes change their spots. It'll be interesting to see if Cleary can maintain this new-found production.
Labels: Analysis, Cleary, Red Wings
