Here are today's injuries...
*- Maxim Afinogenov of the Buffalo Sabre's will miss at least a weeks worth of games due to a nagging groin injury he received from a hit against Chara.
*-In other Buffalo news Craig Rivet is set to return after missing 11 games with an injured shoulder. Also Teppo Numminen is almost 100% after missing a few games with an undisclosed illness.
*-The Columbus Blue Jacket's have finally placed Rostislav Klesla on the I.R for a nagging undisclosed lower-body injury. The time frame is expected to be 2-4 weeks.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
World Junior Report: Team Kazakhstan
During the last three weeks I've been attending every World Junior game possible and I've decided to review every team and highlight the players that have caught my eye during the tournaments and profile the major names as well good or bad. Tonight we'll start with team Kazakhstan the last place team in this years tournament.
Although there's not much to be excited about for the Kazakhstani's but a can list a couple of players that I did notice out there.
Prospects:
No drafted players on team Kazakhstan
Talent:
#14. Yevgeni Bolyakin - D - APR 30 1990 - Amur Khabarovsk (KHL) -
- Bolyakin was by far team Kazakhstan's best defensemen and quite possibly their best player period. He is currently just a boy playing amongst men in the KHL this season and it shows with his maturity on the ice. The rest of the squad seamed shelled shocked every game they played and took needless penalties trying to take out their frustration. Bolyakin however was the exception of the latter. He remained calm and cool the entire game and made smart sensible plays. He knows when to pick his spots and has that meanness to his game and knows when it's time to use it. He also showed a bit of offensive through out the tournament setting up some close calls. Maybe worth checking out with a late late last round pick.
Honorable Mentions:
#20. Andrei Yankov - G - JUN 02 1989 - Kazzinc-Torpedo (Kazakhstan)
-Although he wasn't stellar or could even be considered to be a prospect, I really feel he deserves an honorable mention for giving it his all even though he was being shelled and was down by an ungodly amount of goals each game. He did make some really beautiful saves in the Finland game and showed he has a Arturs Irbe like scramble to his game. Yankov also showed he has a pretty nice glove as well. By no means a prospect but he has more heart than any player in the tournament by far I'd say.
Tomorrow I'll review the other relegated team, team Germany.
Although there's not much to be excited about for the Kazakhstani's but a can list a couple of players that I did notice out there.
Prospects:
No drafted players on team Kazakhstan
Talent:
#14. Yevgeni Bolyakin - D - APR 30 1990 - Amur Khabarovsk (KHL) -
- Bolyakin was by far team Kazakhstan's best defensemen and quite possibly their best player period. He is currently just a boy playing amongst men in the KHL this season and it shows with his maturity on the ice. The rest of the squad seamed shelled shocked every game they played and took needless penalties trying to take out their frustration. Bolyakin however was the exception of the latter. He remained calm and cool the entire game and made smart sensible plays. He knows when to pick his spots and has that meanness to his game and knows when it's time to use it. He also showed a bit of offensive through out the tournament setting up some close calls. Maybe worth checking out with a late late last round pick.
Honorable Mentions:
#20. Andrei Yankov - G - JUN 02 1989 - Kazzinc-Torpedo (Kazakhstan)
-Although he wasn't stellar or could even be considered to be a prospect, I really feel he deserves an honorable mention for giving it his all even though he was being shelled and was down by an ungodly amount of goals each game. He did make some really beautiful saves in the Finland game and showed he has a Arturs Irbe like scramble to his game. Yankov also showed he has a pretty nice glove as well. By no means a prospect but he has more heart than any player in the tournament by far I'd say.
Tomorrow I'll review the other relegated team, team Germany.
Breaking OHL Trade: Tavares Deal In Place?
It has just recently been revealed that a deal is in place for OHL and Team Canada superstar John Tavares. Sportsnet has earlier revealed that he had indeed been traded this afternoon to the London Knights. This however is not true as the OHL has a no-trade rule for players attending the World Junior tournament.
All being said I have learned that the deal could possibly go through Tuesday evening and it is only a possible deal that is in place. The rumored deal would be forward Phil Varone, defenseman Scott Valentine, Christian Thomas, a 3rd round draft pick and cash all for Tavares.
The Generals have made an official statement "Contrary to the current reports, the Oshawa Generals have NOT traded John Tavares to the London Knights, the Windsor Spitfires or any other Ontario Hockey League team."
Also TSN has reported the deal is false and still claims the Windsor Spitfires are the number one contender.
Personally I do believe it will be the Knights who gain Tavares services just due to the fact the Windsor Spitfires are an up and coming young team and don't seam to really need the extra push when they have a really young talented core who could get the job done. I also believe that it wont be Tuesday but after the Oshawa plays the Knights this Friday night.
All being said I have learned that the deal could possibly go through Tuesday evening and it is only a possible deal that is in place. The rumored deal would be forward Phil Varone, defenseman Scott Valentine, Christian Thomas, a 3rd round draft pick and cash all for Tavares.
The Generals have made an official statement "Contrary to the current reports, the Oshawa Generals have NOT traded John Tavares to the London Knights, the Windsor Spitfires or any other Ontario Hockey League team."
Also TSN has reported the deal is false and still claims the Windsor Spitfires are the number one contender.
Personally I do believe it will be the Knights who gain Tavares services just due to the fact the Windsor Spitfires are an up and coming young team and don't seam to really need the extra push when they have a really young talented core who could get the job done. I also believe that it wont be Tuesday but after the Oshawa plays the Knights this Friday night.
Mondays Scoopz: Spezza? Schneider?
Well apparently "Rumor Round-up" is apparently has already being claimed by Hockey News so we have switched to "Scoopz" instead. So welcome to the first edition of Scoopz.
*- It has been reported the Ottawa Sens are ready to part with a big name. All signs point to the defensively prone but set-up superstar Jason Spezza. It's the most likely name that will bring back some return on the squad. Daniel Alfredsson has a no-trade and will likely end his career as a Sen while Dany Heatley has the NHL's highest salary and Mike Fisher also has a no trade clause so this leads us to believe Spezza will be the casualty. A lot of rumors point to Vancouver but this makes no sense as the Canucks just signed Mr. Sundin at centre. Columbus is another front runner because they have been searching for a set-up man for Rick Nash. I hear Ottawa is looking for a number one offensive defenseman and I really don't think Columbus has the answer unless they can work out a three way deal. Calgary has also been reported but once again that's another rumor that comes up short. Calgary wouldn't have the cap space unless they could convince Ottawa for Adrian Aucoin. The other name I'm hearing is Robyn Regher? could be possible but kind of unlikely. The last destination I'm hearing could be LA as they have lots of young stud offensive defensemen in waiting i.e Johnson, Doughty, and Hickey. They may be able to part with one to ensure a future at center.
*- Matthew Schnieder is being shopped as the Thrashers are falling out of contention by the day. His hefty 5.6Mil$ salary prevents many teams from jumping on the offers for the aging blueliner who still has a bit of puck moving left in him. Ottawa is a front runner for the defenseman but are a bit cautious as they too however may end up being sellers at the deadline if they don't make a change soon.
Thats it for now! game time!
*- It has been reported the Ottawa Sens are ready to part with a big name. All signs point to the defensively prone but set-up superstar Jason Spezza. It's the most likely name that will bring back some return on the squad. Daniel Alfredsson has a no-trade and will likely end his career as a Sen while Dany Heatley has the NHL's highest salary and Mike Fisher also has a no trade clause so this leads us to believe Spezza will be the casualty. A lot of rumors point to Vancouver but this makes no sense as the Canucks just signed Mr. Sundin at centre. Columbus is another front runner because they have been searching for a set-up man for Rick Nash. I hear Ottawa is looking for a number one offensive defenseman and I really don't think Columbus has the answer unless they can work out a three way deal. Calgary has also been reported but once again that's another rumor that comes up short. Calgary wouldn't have the cap space unless they could convince Ottawa for Adrian Aucoin. The other name I'm hearing is Robyn Regher? could be possible but kind of unlikely. The last destination I'm hearing could be LA as they have lots of young stud offensive defensemen in waiting i.e Johnson, Doughty, and Hickey. They may be able to part with one to ensure a future at center.
*- Matthew Schnieder is being shopped as the Thrashers are falling out of contention by the day. His hefty 5.6Mil$ salary prevents many teams from jumping on the offers for the aging blueliner who still has a bit of puck moving left in him. Ottawa is a front runner for the defenseman but are a bit cautious as they too however may end up being sellers at the deadline if they don't make a change soon.
Thats it for now! game time!
The British Elite League Summary: Mon Jan 5th 09
News
Not really anything big in the BEL news this week except the leagues currently running the Challenge Cup with Belfast leading Pool A with 8pts and Manchester following with 6pts followed by Newcastle with 4pts. In Pool B Basingstoke is in the lead with 6pts trailed by Coventry with 5pts and Cardiff close behind with 4pts.
Tuesday December 30th 08 Results
Edinburgh Capitals 4 Basingstoke Bison 2
Belfast Giants 2 Sheffield Steelers 3
Nottingham Panthers 3 Newcastle Vipers 0
Saturday January 3rd 09 Results
Basingstoke Bison 2 Cardiff Devils 4
Belfast Giants 3 Manchester Phoenix 1
Nottingham Panthers 4 Coventry Blaze 1
Sheffield Steelers 4 Hull Stingrays 3 (After Overtime)
Newcastle Vipers 5 Edinburgh Capitals 4
Sunday January 4th 09 Results
Cardiff Devils 1-2 Belfast Giants
Manchester Phoenix 4-2 Nottingham Panthers
Hull Stingrays 4 Basingstoke Bison 3
Coventry Blaze 3 Sheffield Steelers 4 (After Overtime)
Edinburgh Capitals 2 Newcastle Vipers 1 (After Overtime)
Standings
#. Team - GP - W - WOT - L - LOT - PTS
1. Sheffield - 32 - 20 - 4 - 3 - 5 - 53
2. Nottingham - 32 - 18 - 4 - 8 - 2 - 46
3. Belfast - 31 - 19 - 3 - 8 - 1 - 45
4. Coventry - 30 - 19 - 2 - 8 - 1 - 43
5. Manchester - 32 - 16 - 3 - 11 - 2 - 40
6. Cardiff - 32 - 11 - 4 - 12 - 5 - 35
7. Newcastle - 31 - 8 - 4 - 16 - 3 - 27
8. Edinburgh - 33 - 8 - 1 - 19 - 5 - 23
9. Hull - 33 - 6 - 2 - 21 - 4 - 20
10. Basingstoke - 34 - 5 - 3 - 24 - 2 - 18
Leading Scorers:
#. Player - TEAM - GP - G - A - PTS
1 . David-Alexandre Beauregard - Manchester - 36 - 36 - 28 - 65
2 . Greg Chambers - Basingstoke - 37 - 19 - 42 - 61
3 . Mark Hurtubise - Edinburgh - 39 - 20 - 38 - 58
4 . Sylvain Deschatelets - Coventry - 34 - 18 - 33 - 51
5 . Dan Carlson - Coventry - 34 - 15 - 34 - 49
6 . Adam Carlder - Coventry - 34 - 22 - 26 - 48
7 . Tony Hand - Manchester - 34 - 11 - 37 - 48
8 . Dan Tessier - Nottingham - 33 - 14 - 33 - 47
9 . Paul Deniset - Belfast - 38 - 22 - 24 - 46
10. Brent Hughes - Basingstoke - 38 - 14 - 31 - 45
11. Colin Shields - Belfast - 37 - 18 - 26 - 44
12. Matthew Reynolds - Hull - 37 - 19 - 24 - 43
13. Jeff Legue - Sheffield - 38 - 16 - 27 - 43
14. Ashley Tait - Sheffield - 36 - 18 - 24 - 42
15. Luke Fulgham - Manchester - 34 - 18 - 24 - 42
15. Steve Thornton - Belfast - 31 - 8 - 34 - 42
Not really anything big in the BEL news this week except the leagues currently running the Challenge Cup with Belfast leading Pool A with 8pts and Manchester following with 6pts followed by Newcastle with 4pts. In Pool B Basingstoke is in the lead with 6pts trailed by Coventry with 5pts and Cardiff close behind with 4pts.
Tuesday December 30th 08 Results
Edinburgh Capitals 4 Basingstoke Bison 2
Belfast Giants 2 Sheffield Steelers 3
Nottingham Panthers 3 Newcastle Vipers 0
Saturday January 3rd 09 Results
Basingstoke Bison 2 Cardiff Devils 4
Belfast Giants 3 Manchester Phoenix 1
Nottingham Panthers 4 Coventry Blaze 1
Sheffield Steelers 4 Hull Stingrays 3 (After Overtime)
Newcastle Vipers 5 Edinburgh Capitals 4
Sunday January 4th 09 Results
Cardiff Devils 1-2 Belfast Giants
Manchester Phoenix 4-2 Nottingham Panthers
Hull Stingrays 4 Basingstoke Bison 3
Coventry Blaze 3 Sheffield Steelers 4 (After Overtime)
Edinburgh Capitals 2 Newcastle Vipers 1 (After Overtime)
Standings
#. Team - GP - W - WOT - L - LOT - PTS
1. Sheffield - 32 - 20 - 4 - 3 - 5 - 53
2. Nottingham - 32 - 18 - 4 - 8 - 2 - 46
3. Belfast - 31 - 19 - 3 - 8 - 1 - 45
4. Coventry - 30 - 19 - 2 - 8 - 1 - 43
5. Manchester - 32 - 16 - 3 - 11 - 2 - 40
6. Cardiff - 32 - 11 - 4 - 12 - 5 - 35
7. Newcastle - 31 - 8 - 4 - 16 - 3 - 27
8. Edinburgh - 33 - 8 - 1 - 19 - 5 - 23
9. Hull - 33 - 6 - 2 - 21 - 4 - 20
10. Basingstoke - 34 - 5 - 3 - 24 - 2 - 18
Leading Scorers:
#. Player - TEAM - GP - G - A - PTS
1 . David-Alexandre Beauregard - Manchester - 36 - 36 - 28 - 65
2 . Greg Chambers - Basingstoke - 37 - 19 - 42 - 61
3 . Mark Hurtubise - Edinburgh - 39 - 20 - 38 - 58
4 . Sylvain Deschatelets - Coventry - 34 - 18 - 33 - 51
5 . Dan Carlson - Coventry - 34 - 15 - 34 - 49
6 . Adam Carlder - Coventry - 34 - 22 - 26 - 48
7 . Tony Hand - Manchester - 34 - 11 - 37 - 48
8 . Dan Tessier - Nottingham - 33 - 14 - 33 - 47
9 . Paul Deniset - Belfast - 38 - 22 - 24 - 46
10. Brent Hughes - Basingstoke - 38 - 14 - 31 - 45
11. Colin Shields - Belfast - 37 - 18 - 26 - 44
12. Matthew Reynolds - Hull - 37 - 19 - 24 - 43
13. Jeff Legue - Sheffield - 38 - 16 - 27 - 43
14. Ashley Tait - Sheffield - 36 - 18 - 24 - 42
15. Luke Fulgham - Manchester - 34 - 18 - 24 - 42
15. Steve Thornton - Belfast - 31 - 8 - 34 - 42
The I.R: Monday Morning
Not much really to report on this morning, I'm stoked for the medal rounds today for the World Juniors. I managed to score tickets to Russia vs Slovakia and I'm trying to wheel some Canada tickets as I speak. So I'll keep this short.
*-As reported Minnesota Wild's star Marian Gaborik will undergo surgery to his other hip today and will reportedly miss up to 10 weeks. Gaborik has had an extremely unlucky season playing in only 6 games this season for the Wild. Trade talks have slowed down because of the season long rash of injuries but they expect him to be up and ready to play by deadline day. I will almost guarantee he'll be in another city by the deadline.
*- Zach Bogosian has been assigned to Atlanta's baby team Sunday for a conditioning stint with the squad. Bogosian has missed 28 games after fructuring his fibula in Novemeber. He played on the 31st of December but still felt he wasn't ready for full time action.
Thats it for this morning! Enjoy the game.
*-As reported Minnesota Wild's star Marian Gaborik will undergo surgery to his other hip today and will reportedly miss up to 10 weeks. Gaborik has had an extremely unlucky season playing in only 6 games this season for the Wild. Trade talks have slowed down because of the season long rash of injuries but they expect him to be up and ready to play by deadline day. I will almost guarantee he'll be in another city by the deadline.
*- Zach Bogosian has been assigned to Atlanta's baby team Sunday for a conditioning stint with the squad. Bogosian has missed 28 games after fructuring his fibula in Novemeber. He played on the 31st of December but still felt he wasn't ready for full time action.
Thats it for this morning! Enjoy the game.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Back In Business / New Format
Well once again I've been having ridiculous problems with my Internet service provider. It decided to die several days after my last post and now after much fight its back. They reassure me it's going to be clear sailing from here on out. My deepest apologies to everyone who had been checking in regularly but now we should be up and running once again for good!
This little week hiatus has given me much time to reevaluate and actually put a plan together on the format of this site. I've decided to sort of run a schedule cause before it was just news and rumors as they came but I think if a system is in place then things with flow a lot smoother. So here's my schedule as planned
MONDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The British Elite League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the BEL)
PM - The American Hockey League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the AHL)
TUESDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Canadian Hockey League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the CHL)
PM - Draft Watch 09 (Draft news and a draft player profiled each week)
WEDNESDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Swedish Elite League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the SEL)
PM - On The Block (Possible players being shopped around the league)
THURSDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Kontinental Hockey League Report(Weekly news, scores and standings from the KHL)
PM - Prospect Spotlight (A weekly report on NHL teams top prospects)
FRIDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - Fantasy Friday (Fantasy hockey pool tips and advice)
PM - The Finnish Elite League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the SM-Liiga)
SATURDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Hot Topic (A weekly column on a major event from around the hockey world)
PM - On The Block (Possible players being shopped around the league)
SUNDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Weekly Wrap (A weeks summary of important news)
PM - The Top 10 (A top ten countdown of a hockey related subject)
*-Also I will have a monthly book review and a monthly top 20 draft eligible player list.
There will be tons more, this is only the start of something big. I have something big planned for deadline day so expect the best coverage possible!
This little week hiatus has given me much time to reevaluate and actually put a plan together on the format of this site. I've decided to sort of run a schedule cause before it was just news and rumors as they came but I think if a system is in place then things with flow a lot smoother. So here's my schedule as planned
MONDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The British Elite League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the BEL)
PM - The American Hockey League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the AHL)
TUESDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Canadian Hockey League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the CHL)
PM - Draft Watch 09 (Draft news and a draft player profiled each week)
WEDNESDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Swedish Elite League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the SEL)
PM - On The Block (Possible players being shopped around the league)
THURSDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Kontinental Hockey League Report(Weekly news, scores and standings from the KHL)
PM - Prospect Spotlight (A weekly report on NHL teams top prospects)
FRIDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - Fantasy Friday (Fantasy hockey pool tips and advice)
PM - The Finnish Elite League Report (Weekly news, scores and standings from the SM-Liiga)
SATURDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Rumor Round-Up (Reported rumors from around the NHL)
PM - The Hot Topic (A weekly column on a major event from around the hockey world)
PM - On The Block (Possible players being shopped around the league)
SUNDAY
AM - The I.R (An injury report)
PM - The Weekly Wrap (A weeks summary of important news)
PM - The Top 10 (A top ten countdown of a hockey related subject)
*-Also I will have a monthly book review and a monthly top 20 draft eligible player list.
There will be tons more, this is only the start of something big. I have something big planned for deadline day so expect the best coverage possible!
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