Tough heartbraker last night for team Canada. In the end goaltending and speed were major factors for the USs big win ending the Canadians 5 year reign. Although most Canadians will disagree with me I think it was good for Canada to lose the gold. Good for the hockey world anyways. When a team is dominant for a long period of time in international hockey it hurts the competition. Most of the lower level teams get shelled embarssingly and give up hope of ever winning and eventually they'll change the tournament format to save the teams from embarssment. It allows encourages pther nations to keep putting money, time and effort into their hockey programs and the players pride for their countries.
Anyways, I thought the goaltending was the difference maker. Campbell was awesome from when he stepped in till the final 5 minutes of the 3rd. He remained composed and focused even after his brief colapse unlike his Canadian counterpart Allen. 3 timely week goals, if they had been saved the game would have been entirely different. Anyone else think Hall tried to do too much? I thought he was going to the heroic goal everytime he touched the pick instead of making the smart simple play. Um starting love Eberle last year I wasn't totally sold but now I'm on the band wagon. He's not the most skilled player in the world but he might have the most heart and best timing.overall it was an awesome game to watch last night and here's hoping next years tournament is just as good. Who am I kidding the World Juniors is always the best time of year..apart from deadline day that is. Ill wrap up the World Juniors this week with a final thoughts post.
*-> Speaking of Jake Allen he's been traded. Allen has been trade from the Montreal Juniors to Drummondville Voltigeurs of the QMJHL for a 1st round pick in 2010 and 2011.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Wednesday Morning
*-> Montreal Canadians GM Bob Gainey announced yesterday he would break his no negotiating with free agents during the regular season for UFA Tomas Plecanec. He said he'd love to retain him and would do everything possible including clear up cap space for him via trade. He also said if the right situation came up and the right deal he'd trade Halak. He also went onto say he respects Halaks wishes as he's ready to take on a bigger role. He also didn't rule out keeping the tender. Several teams have been calling Gainey it also was revealed because of Halaks play. Dallas, LA, Edmonton, and Philly are still rumored to be after him. Don't expect Halak to be traded unless the Habs fall out of the playoff race or can get a top line player or an overpriced deal. Keep in mind the Habs also have Curtis Sanford in Hamilton so if it can help the drive and Price looks ready to carry the team you never know.
*-> Ottawa is still searching for that replacement center for Spezza. Murray has admitted to searching but he's against the cap so he too would have to clear space first. The most likely candidates are Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Kelly, and Alexandre Picard. The 1st 3 are all overpaid and playing a 4th line role. Chris Kelly has been playing better or late but is paying him that much for his role worth a non existant PP and offense? Chris Neil would be much sought after in the West and would bring in the most. The only issue is he's a fan favorite and he did take a discount to resign in the Nations capital. As for the centers out there the Sens are rumored to be interested its still limited to 2, Michael Nylander and Todd White. White in my opinion is reasonable while Nylander would be a desperation move. I have heard from a source that Spezza himself has said he'll be out till late February so it may be a possibility for Murray to make a move considering that and he has stayed he's looking.
*-> Rick Dipietro is set to return to action this week. Expect the Islanders to start shopping Martin Biron or Dwayne Roloson. I sure some of you rumor fans out there are saying Roloson? I think he could be the goalie to go. Its a 50/50. Roloson has been the hotter goalie and the higher cap hit so the Isles might want to get him off the books. While Biron has struggled and has the smaller cap hit. I'm hearing Biron still has more interest right now but down the stretch a veteran guy like Roloson might be the better option for a playoff bound team. The Stars, Leafs, Kings, Flyers, RedWings, and Oilers are reportedly looking for goaltending help. I don't know about the Wings because I think they've come to terms with Chris Osgoode and Jimmy Howard. Maybe if there in contention or they can aquire a starter for next season. The Flyers are another I doubt will go after a goalie.
*-> Ottawa is still searching for that replacement center for Spezza. Murray has admitted to searching but he's against the cap so he too would have to clear space first. The most likely candidates are Jarkko Ruutu, Chris Kelly, and Alexandre Picard. The 1st 3 are all overpaid and playing a 4th line role. Chris Kelly has been playing better or late but is paying him that much for his role worth a non existant PP and offense? Chris Neil would be much sought after in the West and would bring in the most. The only issue is he's a fan favorite and he did take a discount to resign in the Nations capital. As for the centers out there the Sens are rumored to be interested its still limited to 2, Michael Nylander and Todd White. White in my opinion is reasonable while Nylander would be a desperation move. I have heard from a source that Spezza himself has said he'll be out till late February so it may be a possibility for Murray to make a move considering that and he has stayed he's looking.
*-> Rick Dipietro is set to return to action this week. Expect the Islanders to start shopping Martin Biron or Dwayne Roloson. I sure some of you rumor fans out there are saying Roloson? I think he could be the goalie to go. Its a 50/50. Roloson has been the hotter goalie and the higher cap hit so the Isles might want to get him off the books. While Biron has struggled and has the smaller cap hit. I'm hearing Biron still has more interest right now but down the stretch a veteran guy like Roloson might be the better option for a playoff bound team. The Stars, Leafs, Kings, Flyers, RedWings, and Oilers are reportedly looking for goaltending help. I don't know about the Wings because I think they've come to terms with Chris Osgoode and Jimmy Howard. Maybe if there in contention or they can aquire a starter for next season. The Flyers are another I doubt will go after a goalie.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The I.R: Tuesday
*-> The Vancouver Canucks will lose another defenseman due to injury. Kevin Bieksa will miss atleast 3 months due to severed tendons in his left ankle. Look for the Canucks to hit the market for a depth defenseman if they cant come to terms with Mathieu Schnieder.
*-> Chris Kunitz of the Pittsburgh Penguins will miss 6 weeks after he undergoes surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle. The Pens will most likely look within the organization to fill Kunitz's void.
*-> The Toronto Maple Leaf's will lose both Mikhail Grabovski and Wayne Primeau to injuries. Primeau suffered a knee injury last weekend and will miss 2 to 4 weeks. Grabovski will miss 6 weeks with a fractured wrist suffered in the same game.
*-> Patrice Bergeron left last nights game after taking a shot off his hands. He never returned. The speculation is that he'll miss 4 weeks with ether a fractured bone in his hand or a broken finger.
Thats it for now more this afternoon..
*-> Chris Kunitz of the Pittsburgh Penguins will miss 6 weeks after he undergoes surgery to repair a torn abdominal muscle. The Pens will most likely look within the organization to fill Kunitz's void.
*-> The Toronto Maple Leaf's will lose both Mikhail Grabovski and Wayne Primeau to injuries. Primeau suffered a knee injury last weekend and will miss 2 to 4 weeks. Grabovski will miss 6 weeks with a fractured wrist suffered in the same game.
*-> Patrice Bergeron left last nights game after taking a shot off his hands. He never returned. The speculation is that he'll miss 4 weeks with ether a fractured bone in his hand or a broken finger.
Thats it for now more this afternoon..
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Ice Scoopz: Saturday Evening
*-> The Ilya Kovalchuk situation hasn't gotten any better as of late and the speculation is several teams have called Don Wadell and let the Thrashers know their interested should he become available. The talks have halted and it looks like Kovalchuk is not willing to take a discount and wants full value. Now Waddell has been through this before with Mr Hossa. He didn't exactly get what he was after in the end but still got a good chunk of change. Kovalchuk will bring in a lot more and his team is aleady showing signs of improvement. The question is though will the Thrashers survive without him. I truely think that Kovalchuk has them by the balls so to speak. He is an elite player just hitting his full potential. He can make or break a game and will be consistently in the top 10 in scoring. Unfortunately for the Thrashers the KHL exists and has already said they are willing to offer him over 12mil$ per season to play. That sets the bar right away as he can allways fall back on it. Ether way he'll hit max dollars on the NHL market so the Thrashers are screwed. He wants to remain in Atlanta if the direction is right. It looks to be on track but how can you convince Ilya in the next few years they'll be contenders? Its a tough call but the easiest way in my opinion is to make a few win now deals that could sway his mind. Some players that can help put the Thrashers over the top and into the post season without sacrificing the future too much. If the Thrashers don't make the playoffs or retain Kovalchuk it could be costly. The playoffs play a big picture on whether or not they trade him as well. If their in the picture I doubt they'd want to trade him unless its for a couple of contracted players gaurentied to help them and fill the void. If they are indeed out of the race then they might be willing to take prospects and picks as well as s couple of average players. As the deadline gets closer and closer the rumors will continue so stay tuned. What do you guys think will happen? I'm leaning more towards deal deadline day then resigning as a UFA.
Ice Scoopz: Saturday Afternoon
*-> The Vancouver Canucks have placed Brad Lukowich on re-entry waivers today. The Canucks had to recall him today as Mathieu Schneider is still contemplating his future with the Canucks and whether or not he'll report to the Manitoba Moose. Brad Lukowich most likely won't be claimed but a team looking for an inexspensive veteran or depth may take a chance. The Canucks have a situation on their hands with Schneider however. He is clearly upset with his treatment and most likely will go awol and not report. They've tried to find a taker but he's too costly at the moment for a 5 6 kinda guy. If he's placed on re-entry he might be claimed. A loan to Europe might be an option but his sights are still on the NHL.
*-> The Washington Capitols are trying trade Jose Theodore but are struggling. Seymon Varlamov has all but stole the starting position and Michael Neuvirth has shown he's ready for backup duty. Theo is the odd man out but it will be hard to shop his exspensive salary. Maybe closure to the deadline the Caps might have luck. We still know Detroit, Toronto, Dallas, and LA are looking for help.
More news later plus info on the Thrashers and Kovalchuk situation.
*-> The Washington Capitols are trying trade Jose Theodore but are struggling. Seymon Varlamov has all but stole the starting position and Michael Neuvirth has shown he's ready for backup duty. Theo is the odd man out but it will be hard to shop his exspensive salary. Maybe closure to the deadline the Caps might have luck. We still know Detroit, Toronto, Dallas, and LA are looking for help.
More news later plus info on the Thrashers and Kovalchuk situation.
Ice Scoopz: Saturday Morning
Happy New Year all! I hope everyone had a great holiday and is ready for some more rumors. The Winter Classic was incredible and I was not shocked to see the Americans come close to bring the Canadians in the last World Junior Qualification game. Ryan Ellis looked defensively week for the Canadians while Jordan Eberle looked awesome as usual in pressure situations. Danny Kristo stole the show for the Yanks.
*-> Reports from the Winter Classic are reporting that the Boston Bruins have signed Miroslav Satan to a one year deal worth 600K.
*-> Reports from the Winter Classic are reporting that the Boston Bruins have signed Miroslav Satan to a one year deal worth 600K.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)