Just when I thought something had gone wrong in Detroit's front office they throw me a curveball and have me thinking once again that they probably are the smartest run franchise in the NHL.
Letting players to the likes of Hossa, Kopecky, Conklin and Hudler either leave the team or the league in general, had people like me scratching their head wondering why they'd let some core guys that were so key to their success go. Well that question was just answered for me in the form of Marian Hossa.
A rotator cuff injury likely sustained during this past years playoffs has lead him toward surgery that likely has him out until December at the earliest. It kind of makes me wonder why no member of the Blackhawks brass required Hossa to take a physical first. This also leads me to believe that Detroit may have known considering they made little effort to retain him.
Two thumbs up to the Red Wings on this one....
Bryan
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
A Few Thoughts
This is a wonderful time of the year for me. Firstly, mini camps around the NHL are underway as the first sign of work and conditioning for the upcoming season is now fully underway. This coupled with the buzz surrounding this years draft that just ended has fans from the Young Guns camp in Tampa all the way to Syosset, Long Island salivating over what next year is going to bring for their franchises.
Although I could not make it to Syosset today, Dee Karl was able to attend and is updating both myself and other fans wonderfully from hockeybuzz.com and 7thwoman.blogspot.com. To be quite honest, from what she has said so far, I'm dieing to see these guys skate and see what they can do on the ice, but all in due time I guess. Apparently New York's newest celebrity, John Tavares has been skating with U of Denver forward Rhett Rakhshani and Sarnia Sting captain Matt Martin. I liek that line a lot although I may have stuck Tavares with Martin and Sting teammate Justin DiBenedetto. Jeez, this kind of talk gets me overwhelmingly pumped for October.
Speaking of October....
A team that probably wont see October this year unfortunately is the New York Mets. Santana looked good last night though as he seemed to have his command in place and had Red whiffing left and right for his pitches. Newcomer Jeff Francoeur looked good too in his NYM debut with 2 hits and 2 rbi. Could be interesting to see if a change of scenery will help this 2005 Rookie of the year and 2007 Gold Glove winner. Once he learns to take a few pitches he is our legitimate #5 hitter. Then when the lineup is healthy again, it could be Reyes, Castillo, Beltran, Delgado, Wright, Francoeur, Murphy, Santos and the pitcher. Thats a scary lineup. Lets see how quick this team can get healthy though before I go getting myself excited, after all being 6.5 games out fo the division doesnt have Post Season anywhere in its sights.
Bryan
Although I could not make it to Syosset today, Dee Karl was able to attend and is updating both myself and other fans wonderfully from hockeybuzz.com and 7thwoman.blogspot.com. To be quite honest, from what she has said so far, I'm dieing to see these guys skate and see what they can do on the ice, but all in due time I guess. Apparently New York's newest celebrity, John Tavares has been skating with U of Denver forward Rhett Rakhshani and Sarnia Sting captain Matt Martin. I liek that line a lot although I may have stuck Tavares with Martin and Sting teammate Justin DiBenedetto. Jeez, this kind of talk gets me overwhelmingly pumped for October.
Speaking of October....
A team that probably wont see October this year unfortunately is the New York Mets. Santana looked good last night though as he seemed to have his command in place and had Red whiffing left and right for his pitches. Newcomer Jeff Francoeur looked good too in his NYM debut with 2 hits and 2 rbi. Could be interesting to see if a change of scenery will help this 2005 Rookie of the year and 2007 Gold Glove winner. Once he learns to take a few pitches he is our legitimate #5 hitter. Then when the lineup is healthy again, it could be Reyes, Castillo, Beltran, Delgado, Wright, Francoeur, Murphy, Santos and the pitcher. Thats a scary lineup. Lets see how quick this team can get healthy though before I go getting myself excited, after all being 6.5 games out fo the division doesnt have Post Season anywhere in its sights.
Bryan
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Power Surge
As I am sure many of you have noticed, this new NHL and its ever notorious salary cap due to the lockout of 2004-2005 is in place now to prevent the long lasting winning traditions of the NHL to that point and give way to youth movements and a new style of play. The implementation of the European way of playing and taking a lot of the North American physical aspect out of the game as made for a more finessed based style of play, thus making the enforcer more rare to find than a wolverine. But again, I digress...
The point I was getting at is even with this salary cap, the dynasty type teams have thinned out, but certainly wont be non existent as we may be seeing many beginning to for with the birth of this new trend of what I like to call lifetime contracts. As an NHL fan base, we're all aware of the notorious 15 year contract to Rick DiPietro, the 13 year to Alex Ovechkin, the 11 year extension to Vinny LeCavalier, 11 year extension to Johan Franzen and the recent 12 year signing of Marian Hossa in Chicago. These, coupled with many others are how the NHL and its players have responded to this cap. The same amount of ridiculous millions, over a long period of time allows their payments to be thinned, thus have little impact on the cap. In addition, players get some much needed job security where otherwise in the country is lacking. The point being, this cap has turned out to be extremely beneficial to the players as individuals and has only given the NHL teams new was in which to build their winning traditions.
Those of you still in disagreement with me on the fact that I think the cap has been more beneficial and that better dynasties can be built, well here's more...
When you look at the recent winners in the NHL, teams like the Detroit Red Wings it is clear to see that this dynasty hasn't succumb to the new cap because they are still going 18 years strong without missing the playoffs. Aside from being in awe of that number, it makes you wonder how that withstood the changing league and held its strong hold on its winning ways. Well, they simply bought into the new system and manipulated it (coupled with a little luck of course). They sign veteran Chris Osgood back a few years ago and get phenomenal Stanley cup caliber play that he demonstrated years back in 1997. Johan Franzen, a Detroit draft product turns out to be a stud and is inked to a 11 year extension. A core of veterans wants to stay around and they don't demand the amount of money they could elsewhere (Draper, Chelios, Holmstrom) and young inexpensive kids provided spark and talent as well (Abdelkader, Helm, Filppula, Hudler). Add that with a few others and its no wonder they not only make the playoffs every year, but go far too.
Now, as far as new dynasties go, we just may be seeing some develop right before our eyes, starting with Montreal. Firstly, they have drafted well and left themselves with some undisputed talent in this league (Price, Kostitsyn x2, Plekanec, Halak etc) and have been able to establish a core of veterans through both trade and free agency that will undoubtedly form what I predict to be the Stanley Cup Champions of 2010. These players include Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri, Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill. This is not adding the fact that they could end up being able to bring Koivu, Kovalev or both back for next season, only adding to their potential.
What I am getting at is teams this front loaded with talent are not supposed to exist within this new NHL. Teams like the before mentioned Canadiens and Red Wings are going against that the league had intended by the salary cap.
In contrast, other dynasties may be forming in the likes of Pittsburgh and Chicago, as the Penguins and Blackhawks are becoming league wide powerhouses, but they did it in a different way, a way in which the league and Gary Bettman intended for. They basically drafted their winning ways. With Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury and others in Pittsburgh celebrating their first championship you can see how well this strategy worked. Of course there were a substantial amount of veteran roll players that had their hand in the success of the Penguins as well.
Although the Blackhawks have built up through the draft, they have also lured in some pretty big fish via free agency. That makes me place this team somewhere in the middle. The drafting of guys by the names of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg have without question out the Blackhawks where they are today, but the signings and acquisitions of people like Brian Campbell, Cristobal Huet, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Tomas Kopecky and John Madden, the Blackhawks have become more then just a good team, but a legitimate contender.
Up and growing franchises, that look to be following in the footsteps of the Penguin and Blackhawk type teams include the Coyotes (Mueller, Boedker, Turris) the Islanders (Tavares, Bailey, DiPietro, Okposo) and the Capitals (Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Alzner) who already are making themselves very known through the league.
As you can see, dynasties are not something that can be kept out of hockey with a simple salary restriction or anything else. Players in this league love to win, whether it be by taking a pay cut or sticking around through a rebuild of a franchise, the commitment is better than ever. So dynasties can try to be prevented and rules can be implemented that make it harder for them to form, but they still will.
Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) said it best in Jurassic Park. "If there is one thing the history of evolution has taught us it's that life will not be contained. Life breaks free, expands to new territory, and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously."
The same with dynasties, you can hope to control and contain, but they will inevitably break free.
-Bryan
The point I was getting at is even with this salary cap, the dynasty type teams have thinned out, but certainly wont be non existent as we may be seeing many beginning to for with the birth of this new trend of what I like to call lifetime contracts. As an NHL fan base, we're all aware of the notorious 15 year contract to Rick DiPietro, the 13 year to Alex Ovechkin, the 11 year extension to Vinny LeCavalier, 11 year extension to Johan Franzen and the recent 12 year signing of Marian Hossa in Chicago. These, coupled with many others are how the NHL and its players have responded to this cap. The same amount of ridiculous millions, over a long period of time allows their payments to be thinned, thus have little impact on the cap. In addition, players get some much needed job security where otherwise in the country is lacking. The point being, this cap has turned out to be extremely beneficial to the players as individuals and has only given the NHL teams new was in which to build their winning traditions.
Those of you still in disagreement with me on the fact that I think the cap has been more beneficial and that better dynasties can be built, well here's more...
When you look at the recent winners in the NHL, teams like the Detroit Red Wings it is clear to see that this dynasty hasn't succumb to the new cap because they are still going 18 years strong without missing the playoffs. Aside from being in awe of that number, it makes you wonder how that withstood the changing league and held its strong hold on its winning ways. Well, they simply bought into the new system and manipulated it (coupled with a little luck of course). They sign veteran Chris Osgood back a few years ago and get phenomenal Stanley cup caliber play that he demonstrated years back in 1997. Johan Franzen, a Detroit draft product turns out to be a stud and is inked to a 11 year extension. A core of veterans wants to stay around and they don't demand the amount of money they could elsewhere (Draper, Chelios, Holmstrom) and young inexpensive kids provided spark and talent as well (Abdelkader, Helm, Filppula, Hudler). Add that with a few others and its no wonder they not only make the playoffs every year, but go far too.
Now, as far as new dynasties go, we just may be seeing some develop right before our eyes, starting with Montreal. Firstly, they have drafted well and left themselves with some undisputed talent in this league (Price, Kostitsyn x2, Plekanec, Halak etc) and have been able to establish a core of veterans through both trade and free agency that will undoubtedly form what I predict to be the Stanley Cup Champions of 2010. These players include Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Mike Cammalleri, Jaroslav Spacek and Hal Gill. This is not adding the fact that they could end up being able to bring Koivu, Kovalev or both back for next season, only adding to their potential.
What I am getting at is teams this front loaded with talent are not supposed to exist within this new NHL. Teams like the before mentioned Canadiens and Red Wings are going against that the league had intended by the salary cap.
In contrast, other dynasties may be forming in the likes of Pittsburgh and Chicago, as the Penguins and Blackhawks are becoming league wide powerhouses, but they did it in a different way, a way in which the league and Gary Bettman intended for. They basically drafted their winning ways. With Crosby, Malkin, Staal, Fleury and others in Pittsburgh celebrating their first championship you can see how well this strategy worked. Of course there were a substantial amount of veteran roll players that had their hand in the success of the Penguins as well.
Although the Blackhawks have built up through the draft, they have also lured in some pretty big fish via free agency. That makes me place this team somewhere in the middle. The drafting of guys by the names of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Kris Versteeg have without question out the Blackhawks where they are today, but the signings and acquisitions of people like Brian Campbell, Cristobal Huet, Marian Hossa, Patrick Sharp, Tomas Kopecky and John Madden, the Blackhawks have become more then just a good team, but a legitimate contender.
Up and growing franchises, that look to be following in the footsteps of the Penguin and Blackhawk type teams include the Coyotes (Mueller, Boedker, Turris) the Islanders (Tavares, Bailey, DiPietro, Okposo) and the Capitals (Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Alzner) who already are making themselves very known through the league.
As you can see, dynasties are not something that can be kept out of hockey with a simple salary restriction or anything else. Players in this league love to win, whether it be by taking a pay cut or sticking around through a rebuild of a franchise, the commitment is better than ever. So dynasties can try to be prevented and rules can be implemented that make it harder for them to form, but they still will.
Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) said it best in Jurassic Park. "If there is one thing the history of evolution has taught us it's that life will not be contained. Life breaks free, expands to new territory, and crashes through barriers, painfully, maybe even dangerously."
The same with dynasties, you can hope to control and contain, but they will inevitably break free.
-Bryan
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Crazy Start to the Holiday Season
This years start to the NHL Free Agency period has been as crazy as any other that I have ever seen. In addition to many changing teams, there have been some pretty lengthy contracts as well, highlighted by Marian Hossa's new deal in Chicago for 12 years. But although many teams benefited from the free agency, some also saw some key components leave, see Detroit with Ty Conklin, Tomas Kopecky and Marian Hossa taking the walk. But never the less, this activity is making for some exciting thoughts of the coming season.
Some noteworthy signings and trade acquisitions include;
Minnesota
Martin Havlat
Greg Zanon
Montreal
Brian Gionta
Hal Gill
Jaroslav Spacek
Scott Gomez
Mike Cammalleri
Rangers
Marian Gaborik
Chris Higgins
Donald Brashear
Tampa Bay
Mattias Ohlund
Chicago
Marian Hossa
Tomas Kopecky
John Madden
Islanders
Dwayne Roloson
Leafs
Mike Komisarek
Atlanta
Nik Antropov
Calgary
Jay Bouwmeester
Edmonton
Nikolai Khabibulin
Dany Heatley?????
I apologize for the ones I left out as I tried to do this from memory, but as you can see it wa sa very active and productive day league wide.
Here is where I thought I would give my first official Stanley Cup prediction for the 2009-2010 season. I will update my ideas and give my final prediction rigfht before the season starts, but for now, here it goes.
West
1. Detroit
2. Vancouver
3. San Jose
4. Chicago
5. Calgary
6. Columbus
7. Anaheim
8. Minnesota
9. Edmonton
10. Colorado
11. St. Louis
12. Los Angeles
13. Nashville
14. Dallas
15. Phoenix
East
1. Montreal
2. Pittsburgh
3. Washington
4. Boston
5. Tampa Bay
6. Philadelphia
7. Ottawa
8. Islanders
9. Carolina
10. Rangers
11. New Jersey
12. Florida
13. Buffalo
14. Toronto
15. Atlanta
Stanley Cup Champs are the Montreal Canadiens over the Chicago Blackhawks in 6.
Thats all I've got for now... more later.
-Bryan
Some noteworthy signings and trade acquisitions include;
Minnesota
Martin Havlat
Greg Zanon
Montreal
Brian Gionta
Hal Gill
Jaroslav Spacek
Scott Gomez
Mike Cammalleri
Rangers
Marian Gaborik
Chris Higgins
Donald Brashear
Tampa Bay
Mattias Ohlund
Chicago
Marian Hossa
Tomas Kopecky
John Madden
Islanders
Dwayne Roloson
Leafs
Mike Komisarek
Atlanta
Nik Antropov
Calgary
Jay Bouwmeester
Edmonton
Nikolai Khabibulin
Dany Heatley?????
I apologize for the ones I left out as I tried to do this from memory, but as you can see it wa sa very active and productive day league wide.
Here is where I thought I would give my first official Stanley Cup prediction for the 2009-2010 season. I will update my ideas and give my final prediction rigfht before the season starts, but for now, here it goes.
West
1. Detroit
2. Vancouver
3. San Jose
4. Chicago
5. Calgary
6. Columbus
7. Anaheim
8. Minnesota
9. Edmonton
10. Colorado
11. St. Louis
12. Los Angeles
13. Nashville
14. Dallas
15. Phoenix
East
1. Montreal
2. Pittsburgh
3. Washington
4. Boston
5. Tampa Bay
6. Philadelphia
7. Ottawa
8. Islanders
9. Carolina
10. Rangers
11. New Jersey
12. Florida
13. Buffalo
14. Toronto
15. Atlanta
Stanley Cup Champs are the Montreal Canadiens over the Chicago Blackhawks in 6.
Thats all I've got for now... more later.
-Bryan
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Is Twitter coming to an NHL GM near you? Maybe in Minnesota....
I don't have much to say about this...but I do believe it's noteworthy...and silly for Minnesota to waste their time...according to Bob Mckenzie of TSN, Minnesota is after Lecavalier...check out his twitter here for more info.
http://twitter.com/bobmckenzietsn
http://twitter.com/bobmckenzietsn
Saturday, June 27, 2009
And the Oscar goes to.... Garth Snow!
I never thought I'd see a better acting display than Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, coupled with a better poker face than Lady GaGa, but I was proven wrong last night amongst the mayhem that was 10,000+ in the Nassau Coliseum. With an uncanny ability to keep the entire hockey world in the dark, Garth Snow fooled scouts, analysts, players and fans into this being a 3 man race to the finish, when this whole time it has been about the man most of us had hoped for, John Tavares.
Little did we know, the anguish suffered at the hands of last years draft and moving back twice has brought us the fortune of moving up in this one. Our 26th pick eventually turned into the 12th as the Islanders selected quick, puck moving defenseman Calvin deHaan. deHaan, a former teammate of Tavares with Oshawa will surely provide more speed in the back as he developes over the next year or two.
The fans in attendance, including myself were treated to a night of happiness, promise and more importantly, hope. A hope purer than 2002 after a Shawn Bates penalty shot, purer than a trade deadline marquis acquisition(Ryan Smyth) and purer then any I have seen in my 22 year life so far as an Islander fan. Finally, an identity that had been long lost since the 80's is back, and more importantly, my generation of Islander fans will finally know what it is like to really have something to lean on within this franchise.
Admittingly, there still stands some substantial work to be done as far as addressing team needs but for the time being, I think its ok for Islander fans to be able to enjoy a drink of their choice, and soak in all that we as a fanbase have been waiting for, a fresh start and something to believe in.
In other draft and hockey related news...
As expected, the Lightning and Avalanche followed suit and made the logical picks as Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene went in that order.
The Philadelphia Flyers made the biggest noise in the trade department, acquiring the rights to Chris Pronger in exchange for Joffrey Lupul (who makes his second stint in Anaheim), Luca Sbisa and a couple of first round picks. HUGE pickup for phille who now boast a very intimidating blueline, even beyond the likely first due of Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger.
The Calgary Flames made the biggest news of day 2 acquiring the rights to Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers for Jordan Leopold and a third rounder. This was a little confusing on my part because Calgary managed to not part with much, and the Panthers managed to not fix anything and create another hole. With many free agents, Florida is now in desperate need of offense and defense as Tomas Vokoun seems to be the only sure thing in Sunrise anymore. I think they could have obtained much more at the deadline.
Now its off for me to get ready for game 2 of the Subway Series at Citifield. I think im going to grill up some Hot Dogs and hope AJ Burnett is off so the Mets can finally get back on a roll.
More later..
-Bryan
Little did we know, the anguish suffered at the hands of last years draft and moving back twice has brought us the fortune of moving up in this one. Our 26th pick eventually turned into the 12th as the Islanders selected quick, puck moving defenseman Calvin deHaan. deHaan, a former teammate of Tavares with Oshawa will surely provide more speed in the back as he developes over the next year or two.
The fans in attendance, including myself were treated to a night of happiness, promise and more importantly, hope. A hope purer than 2002 after a Shawn Bates penalty shot, purer than a trade deadline marquis acquisition(Ryan Smyth) and purer then any I have seen in my 22 year life so far as an Islander fan. Finally, an identity that had been long lost since the 80's is back, and more importantly, my generation of Islander fans will finally know what it is like to really have something to lean on within this franchise.
Admittingly, there still stands some substantial work to be done as far as addressing team needs but for the time being, I think its ok for Islander fans to be able to enjoy a drink of their choice, and soak in all that we as a fanbase have been waiting for, a fresh start and something to believe in.
In other draft and hockey related news...
As expected, the Lightning and Avalanche followed suit and made the logical picks as Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene went in that order.
The Philadelphia Flyers made the biggest noise in the trade department, acquiring the rights to Chris Pronger in exchange for Joffrey Lupul (who makes his second stint in Anaheim), Luca Sbisa and a couple of first round picks. HUGE pickup for phille who now boast a very intimidating blueline, even beyond the likely first due of Kimmo Timonen and Chris Pronger.
The Calgary Flames made the biggest news of day 2 acquiring the rights to Jay Bouwmeester from the Florida Panthers for Jordan Leopold and a third rounder. This was a little confusing on my part because Calgary managed to not part with much, and the Panthers managed to not fix anything and create another hole. With many free agents, Florida is now in desperate need of offense and defense as Tomas Vokoun seems to be the only sure thing in Sunrise anymore. I think they could have obtained much more at the deadline.
Now its off for me to get ready for game 2 of the Subway Series at Citifield. I think im going to grill up some Hot Dogs and hope AJ Burnett is off so the Mets can finally get back on a roll.
More later..
-Bryan
Friday, June 26, 2009
Brian Burke Wired for the Draft?
I'd like to know who runs things at TSN? I mean really...Brian Burke wired for the draft? Are there really people sitting out there saying..."God, ya know what the 2008 draft coverage was missing? Brian Burke wired." I mean it's tough enough to have Pierre McGuire chirping in your ear for 4 hours (not to mention the 9 months you have to listen to him) and now you have to listen Brian Burke utter awkward things to other Leafs management. I guess the real question is...are we supposed to believe that's really aquafina in Burke's water bottle? This guy sounds like John Madden after the 3rd quarter. Come Burke, get it together man.
Instant Classic Quote from Bud Selig
I think this quote was note worthy as steroids are also a hot topic in relation to Major League Baseball, as it comes from Bud Selig in regards to steroids and Hall of Fame ball players.
So when Selig was asked this week about the possibility of adding a "steroids wing" to the Hall of Fame, Selig replied with this witty response;
"If we have a steroids wing then I guess we'll just have to go ahead and attach a cocaine wing now won't we."
I guess people will never stop taking shots at Darryl Strawberry huh?
So when Selig was asked this week about the possibility of adding a "steroids wing" to the Hall of Fame, Selig replied with this witty response;
"If we have a steroids wing then I guess we'll just have to go ahead and attach a cocaine wing now won't we."
I guess people will never stop taking shots at Darryl Strawberry huh?
Twitter Plus Ochocinco Equals Terrible
A blog just would not be complete if we didn't have some type of connection with Twitter...right? Well here's the connection; anytime an athlete makes some type of ridiculous statement via Twitter, it is necessary that we exploit it. With the likes of those characters we all know as "NFL Players" and the clowns we know as "NBA Players" we should have plenty of action in this section. I could only wish that more NHL and MLB players had time to be "tweeting."
So without further a due, our first ridiculous statement comes from "Ochocinco" aka Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals. After the shocking and untimely death of the "King of Pop" Ochocinco has this to tweet.
"Okay, first Mrs. Fawcett now Mr. Jackson, please tell me that this is a mistaken rumor, if not this is just as sad as 9/11
It's like this guys off his rocker. At least he can really put things in perspective.
NOTE: If Ocho doesn't get a job in P.R. after his NFL career, by the looks of his Twitter picture, he could possibly become a photographer as I'm sure he is a self-proclaimed top photographer.
So without further a due, our first ridiculous statement comes from "Ochocinco" aka Chad Johnson of the Cincinnati Bengals. After the shocking and untimely death of the "King of Pop" Ochocinco has this to tweet.
"Okay, first Mrs. Fawcett now Mr. Jackson, please tell me that this is a mistaken rumor, if not this is just as sad as 9/11
It's like this guys off his rocker. At least he can really put things in perspective.
NOTE: If Ocho doesn't get a job in P.R. after his NFL career, by the looks of his Twitter picture, he could possibly become a photographer as I'm sure he is a self-proclaimed top photographer.
Brian Burke "I think the Islanders will take Matt Duchene"
Ok first of all I think there doesn't need to be much said when it comes to Brian Burke and his General Managing shenanigans. He turns your average draft day or trade deadline into a trip to the carnival, not saying of course that it isn't entertaining sometimes. But now, when asked who he thought the Islanders would take with their #1 overall pick today, his all knowing self was fairly quick to say "Matt Duchene" as per TSN.
Now, there are many ways to read into something like this. First, being a GM of an NHL franchise, is it possible that maybe he knows something we the fans don't? Not likely. Rather I think this is the Brian Burke way of hoping he can still land John Tavares. Remeber, Burke has made his desire to have Tavares in Toronto well known, and he is known for the heavy draft day trade to make some noise around the league.
The other way to interpret this is that maybe Matt Duchene is who Garth covets and Burke has given us a little insight as to what will happen later on, but also in my opinion, unlikely. Heres, why...
Matt Duchene is a great player, scouting reports from all across the league have this guy pegged as the fastest forward in the draft with the quickest release. Couple that with a fundamentally sound penalty killing ability and you've got yourself a star player. Some have even written that in last years draft, Duchene is a clear #1 over Steven Stamkos, but only time can give that rumor validity. So if all of this stands to be true, then Matt Duchene is a cardboard cutout of the type of player Scott Grodon looks for in his overspeed system of play. While all of this is well and good, Matt Duchene isn't "the player" the Islanders so deperately need right now.
Lets do the Math:
Which Player can have an immediate impact? All 3
-ok were even so far.
Which player can contribute to the "system" the best?
-On paper, Duchene, giving him the advantage so far
Which player can provide sufficient help for DiPietro, the current face of the franchise in front of the net?
-Hedman
Which player has to ability to contribute most offensively?
-Tavares and Duchene (215 OHL goals for Tavares kind of sticks out)
Which player can step up in the big situations?
-Tavares, see Team Canada's world junior score sheets and game summaries over the past two years and if you aren't convinced yet,you'll start to get the feeling this kid is the real deal.
Which player can help save a team from moving?
-Ok, so no single player can save any team, but its a start, and Tavares brings the name that can bring about that change.
Tavares wins the head to head.
More importantly, the acquisition of Tavares can start to put pressure on county officials to get Hempstead moving toward approval to keep Long Islands last professional team around. If 23,000 fans at a draft party, which surpasses the Coliseum seat total of 16,234 isnt a start, then I'm not sure what is. What Tavares does is brings in a marketable name, that will draw league and fan attention and can eventually lead to big name free agent or trade acquisitions. The time is now for Long Island, and right now, all eyes are on Garth Snow.
God speed Garth, our faith and future for the next few hours is in no ones hands but yours.
Draft Day Rumors:Heard from Eklund and hockeybuzz.com, here are my thoughts.
Touching on the rest of the NHL, as previously mentioned, Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs are already in the news as a rumored deal with Boston has been reported. The trade would involve Phil Kessel straight up for Tomas Kaberle. Clearly Brian Burke didn't pull the trigger and neither would I have. Kaberle is right in his prime and could get a lot more then just Phil Kessel.
It seems all but definite that Jay Bouwmeester will be headed out of South Florida today. A few teams are said to be involved in the talkes more notably Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Vancouver is my favorite here as it looks as Montreal has its priorities set on getting LeCavalier and Toronto is busy trying to either move up in the draft or move Kaberle first. Look for Vancouver to try for Kaberle if they fail on Jay Bo. Just a hunch.
As for Dany Heatley, I don't think I could be more confused. He is said to have released the list of teams he would accept a trade to which include Boston, Edmonton, Rangers and some others. To be quite honest, from what I heard Edmonton has their sights set on Spezza. That would either mean Heatley ends up staying or we may be witnessing the Ottawa Senators redefining themselves as a team.
The Islanders also could make a move today, as some on hockeybuzz.com and thefourthperiod.com think it possible that the Islanders could also land the negotiating rights to the Sedin twins as part of a Draft Day double whammie. I am not sure what would be traded to acquire this, but it would be nice having the twins on the Island. I just beg the Islanders make sure they can sign them before they go making a deal like this.
things should get interesting....
Now, there are many ways to read into something like this. First, being a GM of an NHL franchise, is it possible that maybe he knows something we the fans don't? Not likely. Rather I think this is the Brian Burke way of hoping he can still land John Tavares. Remeber, Burke has made his desire to have Tavares in Toronto well known, and he is known for the heavy draft day trade to make some noise around the league.
The other way to interpret this is that maybe Matt Duchene is who Garth covets and Burke has given us a little insight as to what will happen later on, but also in my opinion, unlikely. Heres, why...
Matt Duchene is a great player, scouting reports from all across the league have this guy pegged as the fastest forward in the draft with the quickest release. Couple that with a fundamentally sound penalty killing ability and you've got yourself a star player. Some have even written that in last years draft, Duchene is a clear #1 over Steven Stamkos, but only time can give that rumor validity. So if all of this stands to be true, then Matt Duchene is a cardboard cutout of the type of player Scott Grodon looks for in his overspeed system of play. While all of this is well and good, Matt Duchene isn't "the player" the Islanders so deperately need right now.
Lets do the Math:
Which Player can have an immediate impact? All 3
-ok were even so far.
Which player can contribute to the "system" the best?
-On paper, Duchene, giving him the advantage so far
Which player can provide sufficient help for DiPietro, the current face of the franchise in front of the net?
-Hedman
Which player has to ability to contribute most offensively?
-Tavares and Duchene (215 OHL goals for Tavares kind of sticks out)
Which player can step up in the big situations?
-Tavares, see Team Canada's world junior score sheets and game summaries over the past two years and if you aren't convinced yet,you'll start to get the feeling this kid is the real deal.
Which player can help save a team from moving?
-Ok, so no single player can save any team, but its a start, and Tavares brings the name that can bring about that change.
Tavares wins the head to head.
More importantly, the acquisition of Tavares can start to put pressure on county officials to get Hempstead moving toward approval to keep Long Islands last professional team around. If 23,000 fans at a draft party, which surpasses the Coliseum seat total of 16,234 isnt a start, then I'm not sure what is. What Tavares does is brings in a marketable name, that will draw league and fan attention and can eventually lead to big name free agent or trade acquisitions. The time is now for Long Island, and right now, all eyes are on Garth Snow.
God speed Garth, our faith and future for the next few hours is in no ones hands but yours.
Draft Day Rumors:Heard from Eklund and hockeybuzz.com, here are my thoughts.
Touching on the rest of the NHL, as previously mentioned, Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs are already in the news as a rumored deal with Boston has been reported. The trade would involve Phil Kessel straight up for Tomas Kaberle. Clearly Brian Burke didn't pull the trigger and neither would I have. Kaberle is right in his prime and could get a lot more then just Phil Kessel.
It seems all but definite that Jay Bouwmeester will be headed out of South Florida today. A few teams are said to be involved in the talkes more notably Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. Vancouver is my favorite here as it looks as Montreal has its priorities set on getting LeCavalier and Toronto is busy trying to either move up in the draft or move Kaberle first. Look for Vancouver to try for Kaberle if they fail on Jay Bo. Just a hunch.
As for Dany Heatley, I don't think I could be more confused. He is said to have released the list of teams he would accept a trade to which include Boston, Edmonton, Rangers and some others. To be quite honest, from what I heard Edmonton has their sights set on Spezza. That would either mean Heatley ends up staying or we may be witnessing the Ottawa Senators redefining themselves as a team.
The Islanders also could make a move today, as some on hockeybuzz.com and thefourthperiod.com think it possible that the Islanders could also land the negotiating rights to the Sedin twins as part of a Draft Day double whammie. I am not sure what would be traded to acquire this, but it would be nice having the twins on the Island. I just beg the Islanders make sure they can sign them before they go making a deal like this.
things should get interesting....
Thursday, June 25, 2009
2009- A Draft to be Remembered
So tomorrow sets the mark for the next generation of hockey talent to be divided among the 30 NHL franchises, as the first steps toward the 2009-2010 season begin at 7:oo pm among the watchful eye of thousands not only at the Bell Centre, but at the Nassau Coliseum and the rest of North America. In arguably the most anticipated draft since 2005's crop that produced none other than newly crowned Stanley Cup Champ Sidney Crosby. All eyes will be focused on who Garth Snow and the New York Islanders decide to dub the first overall pick in this years extremely deep, and controversial draft.
Now before this continues any further, let me start off by giving a little background on myself since this is only the second post on this blog so far. I am Bryan and one of two bloggers who will be contributing to this site not only hockey, but my opinion on all things sports associated of which I feel necessary. I was born and raised on Long Island so my sports loyalties stay with the Islanders, Mets and Giants. My blogging partner, Adam well reflect on similar things. As opinionated sports enthusiasts, we surely will make all of our interested readers either agree or disagree with how we feel, but we hope that in the end you won't develop a distaste for our feelings. But I guess if you're still reading you can't hate it that much. But I digress....
Back to the exciting stuff now. While I begin my final hourly countdown to when I head to the Islanders Draft Party tomorrow night(18 hours as of now!!) with approximately 23,000 other Islander hockey enthusiasts, I leave with some final thoughts before I drift to sleep not counting sheep, but rather the number of different possible occurrences that tomorrow may bring, that will begin the upswing of what has been a number of years of lack luster hockey on Long Island.
Here are my hopes and wishes for tomorrow, followed by my nightmares as swirls of possible outcomes are running through my mind:
Hopes:
1) That Garth Snow realizes what a mob of 23,000 can do, and draft John Tavares. Especially when they are fans of a franchise that has a knack for not making the wisest decisions on draft day, thus having an already thinned patience, and confidence in their teams management. (Takes one to know one). My first prediction, if any other name other than John Tavares is called, duct tape will no longer hold together our ever aging building, and riot may ensue that would not be a pretty sight. Ask the residents of Vancouver in 1994.
2) Although many may argue for it, our other 1st rounder, whether it be the 26th overall or if we move, should not be used on a goalie! From what I have seen or read, none rank higher than 40 at their most generous. Assuming we take Tavares, we have Center covered with him and josh Bailey. Draft a defensemen or at very least a speedy wing. Landon Ferraro would be my choice.
3) A trade of some kind. Now understand I am not just looking for a trade for the sake of it here, I am talking something to get the fans excited. A shake up that will be beneficial to show that the Islanders have every intention of doing what is necessary to get fans back in the seats so the franchise does not move. Also, get the league and its fans talking again. There should be fans in Dallas, Toronto and San Jose alike all talking about what the Islanders have done at the draft. Get the name back out there so we are more than last years 30th place finisher.
Nightmares:
1)Victor Hedman. Woah, before I get yelled at, let me explain. Victor Hedman is a brilliant defenseman and will make a great NHL level talent. However, this is not the time nor place for a franchise of the Islanders stature to be making a draft choice that seems to be a quiet and in the long run maybe a better thing. No, time is against this team right now and we just don't have that luxury. John Tavares has the immediate impact ability of a marketable name, that is raised in our own system, something lacked heavily since Zigmund Palffy.
2) Dare I say it, a trade down. Now I know Garth Snow has assured that he has had a guy picked for a while now and that a trade down is not an option, but I think all Islander fans know that the franchise is capable of more than just going back on its word and making poor decisions. Although we were seen to be winners trading down at last years draft, I still would have liked to have seen what Nikita Filatov could have brought to the Islanders. Luckily Josh Bailey seems to be progressing fine and it looks to have been an okay decision to trade down to Bailey. This year though, a trade down would all but write a one way ticket to Kansas City.
I will be back on tomorrow before leaving for the Coliseum, now if I can just get to bed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXxTki3Agx4&feature=fvw
Now before this continues any further, let me start off by giving a little background on myself since this is only the second post on this blog so far. I am Bryan and one of two bloggers who will be contributing to this site not only hockey, but my opinion on all things sports associated of which I feel necessary. I was born and raised on Long Island so my sports loyalties stay with the Islanders, Mets and Giants. My blogging partner, Adam well reflect on similar things. As opinionated sports enthusiasts, we surely will make all of our interested readers either agree or disagree with how we feel, but we hope that in the end you won't develop a distaste for our feelings. But I guess if you're still reading you can't hate it that much. But I digress....
Back to the exciting stuff now. While I begin my final hourly countdown to when I head to the Islanders Draft Party tomorrow night(18 hours as of now!!) with approximately 23,000 other Islander hockey enthusiasts, I leave with some final thoughts before I drift to sleep not counting sheep, but rather the number of different possible occurrences that tomorrow may bring, that will begin the upswing of what has been a number of years of lack luster hockey on Long Island.
Here are my hopes and wishes for tomorrow, followed by my nightmares as swirls of possible outcomes are running through my mind:
Hopes:
1) That Garth Snow realizes what a mob of 23,000 can do, and draft John Tavares. Especially when they are fans of a franchise that has a knack for not making the wisest decisions on draft day, thus having an already thinned patience, and confidence in their teams management. (Takes one to know one). My first prediction, if any other name other than John Tavares is called, duct tape will no longer hold together our ever aging building, and riot may ensue that would not be a pretty sight. Ask the residents of Vancouver in 1994.
2) Although many may argue for it, our other 1st rounder, whether it be the 26th overall or if we move, should not be used on a goalie! From what I have seen or read, none rank higher than 40 at their most generous. Assuming we take Tavares, we have Center covered with him and josh Bailey. Draft a defensemen or at very least a speedy wing. Landon Ferraro would be my choice.
3) A trade of some kind. Now understand I am not just looking for a trade for the sake of it here, I am talking something to get the fans excited. A shake up that will be beneficial to show that the Islanders have every intention of doing what is necessary to get fans back in the seats so the franchise does not move. Also, get the league and its fans talking again. There should be fans in Dallas, Toronto and San Jose alike all talking about what the Islanders have done at the draft. Get the name back out there so we are more than last years 30th place finisher.
Nightmares:
1)Victor Hedman. Woah, before I get yelled at, let me explain. Victor Hedman is a brilliant defenseman and will make a great NHL level talent. However, this is not the time nor place for a franchise of the Islanders stature to be making a draft choice that seems to be a quiet and in the long run maybe a better thing. No, time is against this team right now and we just don't have that luxury. John Tavares has the immediate impact ability of a marketable name, that is raised in our own system, something lacked heavily since Zigmund Palffy.
2) Dare I say it, a trade down. Now I know Garth Snow has assured that he has had a guy picked for a while now and that a trade down is not an option, but I think all Islander fans know that the franchise is capable of more than just going back on its word and making poor decisions. Although we were seen to be winners trading down at last years draft, I still would have liked to have seen what Nikita Filatov could have brought to the Islanders. Luckily Josh Bailey seems to be progressing fine and it looks to have been an okay decision to trade down to Bailey. This year though, a trade down would all but write a one way ticket to Kansas City.
I will be back on tomorrow before leaving for the Coliseum, now if I can just get to bed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXxTki3Agx4&feature=fvw
Official First Post for Stars to Benders
In less than 24 hours, true hockey fans on Long Island who aren't sell outs to the Rangers (Alternative Lifestyle Tom) will find out who and what they will have to look forward to this October. We'll also keep you updated on what ridiculous picks Brian Burke makes to compliment that train wreck they call a hockey club up there in Toronto. Our Islanders insider will have more information in the near future.
Fast Eddie
Fast Eddie
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