The Rink Rat

Sydney's Outing

2009-05-11T01:45:00.006-04:00

Syd the Kid goes for a walk on a nice Spring day.

Twitter Made Me Famous

2009-05-04T15:14:00.005-04:00

My massive overstatement of a title notwithstanding, I did manage to get one of my tweets quoted in the Washington Post over the weekend. I grew up on the Washington Post. I read it every day. Tony Kornheiser was the man (although, so were these guys). I dreamed of writing a sharp, witty, insightful column that people clamored for every Tuesday and Thursday. I'm not counting anything in the Style section.

Instead, I started a blog. And I'm pretty sure that I'm now only 7,852 page views behind an average Kornheiser post. I guess you can call that progress. In the virtual world there are ample opportunities for fame, its just that now, the time frame has dropped from 15 mintues to 15 seconds. It's much easier that way. My "fame" had come and gone before I even knew about it. I didn't have to deal with the paparazzi since 1. they don't care and 2. they have no idea what I look like since I'm just a screen name. Sure, Kornheiser has a byline, a cable show, a national weekly prime time sporting event and tons of money. But has he ever had one of his tweets published (online) in the Washington Post. Well, I'm not actually sure, but I'm going to say no since he probably thinks twitter is idiotic.

Well Tony, it feels pretty damn good. Maybe not as good as that first time you were published in the print version of the Post. But we digital now, baby, and my backhanded jab at Marc-André Fleury's soul path is the only thing people seem to be discussing. Sure its only the three other people in my cube, but they're talking a lot. Oh wait, they stopped. It's already been 15 seconds. That was quick.

Some City Will Suffer

2009-04-27T23:02:00.009-04:00

The playoffs progress. Two game sevens are scheduled for tomorrow. Two game sixes commenced last night and two more are ongoing at this moment. For the pure hockey fan the daylight hours signify a waiting, a need, only satiated when the puck hits the ice later that night. But those fans live for the purity of the sport. They are the ones who will come home or go out and default to watching hockey. Those fans don't need their team to be playing to love the game. It helps. But since so many of those fans live in Toronto, they aren't used to seeing their team in the playoffs. It doesn't matter since they are just as happy to root against Montreal. Or maybe they will pull for Vancouver because of some OHL connection or because their grandkid lives in Pentiction,BC or some other city somewhere. Those are true hockey fans.

While those fans might need hockey as much as hockey needs them, they aren't as invested as Aunt Edna living in New Jersey right now who's not totally sure what icing is but is damn sure that Zach Parise is cute. Now I may not agree with her about Parise, but I will admit that such passion for an NHL team is what the playoffs are all about. They are supposed to insprire those fans that some call 'bandwagon' to rally behind their team. They are supposed to inspire a city. They are supposed to make Raleigh, NC and Calgary, AB scary places to visit. They are supposed to make you hoarse at work the next day. They are supposed to make you appreciate all those years your team missed out.

Tomorrow night will feature the first two game sevens of the 2009 playoffs. Four cities will watch and hang on every hit and every shot. On Wednesday some of those residents will go to work and get coffee and prepare for the rest of the year without the thought of hockey. Other fans will prepare for another series, another test of emotions and another step toward The Cup. And still others will be devastated. They may miss work. They may just exist in a haze. But they will survive. They will graviate back midway in the second round after the scars aren't as raw.

Some city will suffer. That is what game seven does. It ensures elimination. One team will exit. I just hope it isn't mine.

Building a Capital Community

2009-04-03T22:17:00.017-04:00

Michael Pivonka was the first person who ever tried to teach me to skate backwards. I had no idea what he was saying. I didn't understand a word. I had never played hockey and had no context for what he was trying to explain. His accent didn't help either, but it didn't matter. I was hooked.

That was in 1987. It was at Washington Capitals hockey camp. At the end of the week I got a Certificate of Completion signed by David Poile and Yvon Labre. I got my picture taken with future Hall-of-Famer Scott Stevens and I learned that you could actually play hockey if you lived below the Mason-Dixon line.

It's interesting and amazing to see the way the residents of the DC Metro area have started supporting the Caps. It helps that they have Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, Semin and are playing as good as ever but these seeds were sewn a long time ago.

Hockey didn't just sprout in Washington, Virginia and Maryland overnight. It's been growing for a long time. The Capitals have always been active in that regard. They allowed for the creation of a hockey community and then they fostered it and watched it grow.

They are responsible for more than just putting a great team out on the ice this year. They are responsible for having made a 34-year investment in a city and in a metro area that has not only grown as an NHL community, but as a overall hockey community. And the Caps are responsible for that growth. The Caps are also directly responsible for turning out some great hockey players.

Caps fans should be proud of what the 2008-2009 team has accomplished, but they should be just as proud as what the team has accomplished for the hockey community in and around the District since they entered the league.

Unfortunately, I did find a couple photos from some of those years at Caps camp. They might be a little embarrassing, but it could’ve been worse than just the bowl cut. I could've been sitting next to Larry Murphy.

Scott Stevens

Mike Ridley

When Goalies Attack

2009-03-25T00:03:00.023-04:00

The AHL has decided to not fine Tuukka Rask of the Providence Bruins for his meltdown last Friday. Why was fining him even an option? Why wasn't there talk of giving him a bonus? It doesn't even matter if the referee got the call right. That's not the point. The poor kid is 22 years-old and lives in Providence. Rhode Island! Just look at what it's doing to him.

He's a goalie. They're known for being crazy. Any goalie will openly admit to such cerebral schizophrenia. Everyone hockey fan knows it. Tuukka just got pissed during (and after) the game because of a questionable call. He's not the first and certainly won't be the last professional goalie to throw a tantrum in an awesome display of psychotic rage.

There are much worse things he could have done. Back in the days of the Patrick Division the fans were treated to better aggression on a weekly basis. If one types "Ron Hextall Fight" into YouTube the results returned border on batshit insane.

He was one crazy goalie. He probably still is. And even Ron Hextall (Heeeeeexxx-taaaallll) was a close second to 'Battlin' Billy Smith of the Islanders when it came to down to being bonkers. But this is about Tuukka Rask and his potential.

It's not about how good a goalie he can become, but how crazy he can get. He's only 22 right now. He has a lot more crazy in him. Moving to Boston can help him take that next step. I know.

Tuukka, the fans believe in you. We dream of a day where you are butt-ending Lindy Ruff for no reason or skating down to the other crease to drop the gloves. You have shown that you have promise, but don't let it go to waste. If you need some help, I'm sure opposing fans can work in a nice "Tuuuuuuu-kkkaaaaaaa" chant. Just believe in them because they believe in you.

Autism, Hockey and Inspiration

2009-02-26T11:23:00.008-05:00

Below is an inspirational story about a Washington DC area hockey team that plays a special role in the community and in the lives of all the people it touches. It serves as a reminder of how large an influence hockey, and sports in general, can have on a child, a family and even a community.

Interestingly enough, Washington DC is where longtime autism spokesman and Athletes Against Autism founder Olaf Kolzig played for 16 years. Along with Byron DaFoe and Scott Mellanby they have "realized the importance of using their status and influence to make an impact on the over 1.5 million people in the United States alone affected by autism."

NHL Tie-Breaking Formula

2009-02-19T15:50:00.012-05:00

The trade deadline is approaching, the final quarter of the season is drawing near and it's officially time for the same old questions to begin. Who will make the playoffs? Who will miss the playoffs? Why are they still running those terrible commercials on the NHL Network? How is the playoff seeding determined? And, what is the NHL's tie-breaking formula if teams have the same number of points at the end of the regular season?

Here is the breakdown of how the standings will be determined for each Conference at the conclusion of the regular season, determined in accordance with the following priorities in the order listed:

a) First place in each of the three (3) divisions seeded 1, 2, and 3.
b) The higher number of points earned by the Club.
c) The greater number of games won by the Club.
d) The higher number of points earned in games against each other among two (2)
or more Clubs having equal standing under priority (b) and (c) **
e) The greater differential between goals scored for and against by Clubs having
equal standing under priority (d).
** NOTE: For the purpose of determining standing under priority (d) for two or more tied Clubs that have not played an even number of games with one or more of the other tied Clubs, the first game played in the city that has the extra game (the “odd game”) shall not be included. When more than two Clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any “odd games”) shall be used to determine standing.

That's it, plain and (relatively) simple. Don't worry, the playoffs will be here before you know it.

Stanley Cup Championship Rings - The 80s

2009-02-15T21:01:00.013-05:00

The 1980s were an amazing time for NHL hockey. Those who lived through it will never forget those dynasty teams that dominated the league. Those who didn't lived through it should go out and buy some DVDs because there is much to be appreciated. Watching Gretzky and Bossy on YouTube doesn't quite do them justice. There are so many other great players and Hall-of-Famers from those two teams it's almost unbelievable.

History was being made during this decade. Legends were being created by young men who would one day become immortal. Records were set that may never be broken. And the league, after mergers, expansion and realignment had begun to look more similar to the one fans now know.

It was the heyday of hockey to most that remember it. It was a great time for a great league, great players, and the greatest of teams.

Below is the continuation of the Stanley Cup Championship Ring galley featuring the rings of the 1980s.

Calgary Flames 1989 Stanley Cup Ring

Edmonton Oilers 1988 Stanley Cup Ring

Edmonton Oilers 1987 Stanley Cup Ring

Montreal Canadiens 1986 Stanley Cup Ring

Edmonton Oilers 1985 Stanley Cup Ring

Edmonton Oilers 1984 Stanley Cup Ring

New York Islanders 1983 Stanley Cup Ring

New York Islanders 1982 Stanley Cup Ring

New York Islanders 1981 Stanley Cup Ring

New York Islanders 1980 Stanley Cup Ring

Coming Next...Stanley Cup Championship Rings of the 70s

Stanley Cup Championship RIngs - The 90s

2009-02-11T22:23:00.013-05:00

The 1990s will forever be remembered as the decade that wasn't as weird and crappy as the 80s but lacked all the awareness and accountability of the new millennium. My mayor was still doing crack, MC Hammer still had his sweet pants, Dylan from 90210 still had his less sweet sideburns, neon had made way for denim and the NHL had no problem with letting Craig MacTavish skate around looking like Bob Ross with a stick. We had no idea what we were doing to the planet and George W. Bush was just one of five guys who owned a baseball team in Texas. It was a great decade.

It was an even better decade for the those hockey players fortunate enough to obtain the most prized jewelry in the game. No I'm not talking about those limited edition Larry Murphy belt buckles. I'm talking about a Stanley Cup Championship Ring.

Below is the continuation of the Stanley Cup Championship Ring galley featuring the rings of the 1990s.

Dallas Stars 1999 Stanley Cup Ring

Detroit Red Wings 1998 Stanley Cup Ring

Detroit Red Wings 1997 Stanley Cup Ring

Colorado Avalanche 1996 Stanley Cup Ring

New Jersey Devils 1995 Stanley Cup Ring

New York Rangers 1994 Stanley Cup Ring

Montreal Canadiens 1993 Stanley Cup Ring

Pittsburgh Penguins 1992 Stanley Cup Ring

Pittsburgh Penguins 1991 Stanley Cup Ring

Edmonton Oilers 1990 Stanley Cup Ring

Next...Stanley Cup Championship Rings of the 80s

Stanley Cup Championship Rings - The New Millenium

2009-02-09T16:45:00.015-05:00

As the Stanley Cup Playoffs approach thoughts drift to visions of captains and legends raising the cup as teammates circle around to join in the realization of their childhood dream. Nothing else in professional sports carries with it the magnitude of watching the cup hoisted in the culmination a life-long pursuit by the the greatest hockey players in the world. Those lucky enough to have their name engraved on the cup are guaranteed to have it there for at least 64 years, but one day it will be removed to make way for other champions.

One thing that will never be taken away from any player is his Stanley Cup Championship Ring. Each one is unique for each team, each city, each individual, each era, and each cup. And it is in the spirit of what it symbolizes that therinkrat.com has compiled the below gallery of Stanley Cup Championship Rings. This post has rings going back to 2000 and is the first of many posts in this series. New posts will be made regularly featuring new decades and new rings.

Detroit Red Wings 2008 Stanley Cup Ring

Anaheim Ducks 2007 Stanley Cup Ring

Carolina Hurricanes 2006 Stanley Cup Ring

Season Not Played

Tampa Bay Lightning 2004 Stanley Cup Ring

New Jersey Devils 2003 Stanley Cup Ring

Detroit Red Wings 2002 Stanley Cup Ring

Colorado Avalanche 2001 Stanley Cup Ring

New Jersey Devils 2000 Stanley Cup Ring

Coming soon...Stanley Cup Championship Rings of the 90s

Here's Hockey! (in 1953)

2009-01-29T11:09:00.004-05:00

As much as the game has changed over the last 50+ years it will always remain the same in so many ways. This film is a reminder that all the new technology, expensive advertising, rule changes, salary negotiations and other modifications will never alter what we all truly love about hockey.

When A Sniper Fights

2009-01-05T11:11:00.005-05:00

It could have been just one of those fights where two guys tussle, don't really get in a good punch and fall to the ground. And it was...until the end.

Why don't most snipers fight? Well most people probably think it's because they don't want to break a hand, or a nail, or maybe it's a more logical matter like coach doesn't want them wasting their time in the penalty box.

Well, Alexander Semin provides his own answer to that question. He shows us that he just, straight-up, doesn't know how to punch horizontally. Apparently he can throw a temper tantrum or play the bongos, or throw a lower-cut, but whatever it is, its ugly.

Pond Hockey in Boston

2008-11-14T12:12:00.011-05:00

Pond hockey came early to Boston this year. Not the sport itself - it’s still too warm for that - but the documentary Pond Hockey was screened at Boston University this week. The event was held at the Agganis Arena, serving as both a screening of the film and a tribute to Jack Falla, the celebrated hockey journalist and professor at BU.

The event was well coordinated in every way, and I don’t just write that because of the open bar. Hockey fans, players, men, women, boys and girls all came out to the screening and sat, transfixed on the screen as every level of hockey player talked about the game we all love. The two greatest active coaches in men’s college hockey even managed to make it to the festivities. Friends and rivals Jack Parker of Boston University and Jerry York of Boston College were on hand to watch the movie and show their support for the Jack Falla Memorial Fund.

But the real stars of the night were those players featured in the film. Pond Hockey is a film made for those who love the game, by guys who love the game. It is about the love of the game in its purest form. It is about hockey the way it was supposed to be played, the way it was originally played.

The film follows the journey of two teams at the US Pond Hockey Championships. But that simply serves as an extension of examining the game. Whether competitive games or whether games where none know the exact score, it is irrelevant. The documentary reminds us all that the game isn’t about suicides or two-on-three drills. It’s not about whether you are playing sober or drunk or have a bonfire going or have a warming hut or only have the sun to provide some warmth or none at all. It’s about playing ice hockey.

In an era of elite camps, travel teams, over practicing, and year round training, the player begins to forget that it should be fun. The irony is that those players are playing or practicing too much to appreciate what they are doing. Being on the pond signifies that freedom that few take the time to recognize anymore. A pond doesn’t cost $125 an hour. You don’t have to schedule time. You don’t have to go because you think your coach is going to pissed if you don’t show. You go because you would rather do nothing else.

Pond hockey is about the love of the game because anyone skating out there loves the game. He or she loves it so much it doesn’t matter how cold it is. Most of them thrive on it. They inhale the taste of winter and exhale the exhilaration of the moment in pure vapor form.

Pond hockey is not just about pond hockey. It’s about pure hockey. It is about the game, not the sport. Pond, river, backyard, parking lot or anywhere else frozen water can become a rink serves the sprit of the game and those crazy enough to play it. The film reminds us what it means to be out there on a fresh sheet. It shows us that any player - from the Great One himself to the guy who was the last cut on the high school team – can lace up a pair of skates, step onto the ice and be taken away to a special place where he can exist until his mother or wife calls him in for dinner.

Don't Call it a Controversy

2008-11-12T14:57:00.009-05:00

At some point this season the question will need to be addressed. Based on pondering and musings throughout the Nation’s Capital I am under the impression that the question has already been raised. What are the Washington Capitals going to do about their goalie situation? I think most hockey fans understand that I’m not talking about Brent Johnson.

I write this as a former goalie and a lifelong Olaf Kolzig fan. Olie did more for the Caps than all the Murray’s put together, but even I could admit that his reflexes were diminishing and his reaction time has been slowing the past few years. He was, however, and still is, twice the goalie that Jose Theodore is. And at this same point last season, the Caps had a better starting goalie between the pipes.

The saving difference (no pun intended) this season has been the impressive play of Brent Johnson. He only seems to get better each year, drawing praise from coach Boudreau who believes Johnson to be “…better than he was when he was 25 and he’s better than when he was 29.” That sounds like improvement. Just have a look at his stats with the Caps.

At 31, Johnson is off to the best start of his tenure with the Caps and seems to be making the most of his opportunities. After acquiring Cristobal Huet at the trade deadline, Johnson was the odd man out, demoted to third string, and his future with the organization appeared uncertain.

But all that improvement does nothing for the Theodore situation. At this point it can be called a “situation”. With a 3.44 GAA, a .877 SV%, and a $4.5^ salary you are indeed in a double-quotation mark “situation”. And without some luck, some Russians and an overachieving backup your team is in a “situation” as well.

It doesn’t take a goalie coach to tell you that his angles are off and his confidence is lower than his save percentage. I have nothing against him and I don’t know anyone that does. But after over a decade with Olie as the starting goalie, the fans in Washington expect to have one of the best keepers in the game. And, as of this writing, their highest paid goalie isn’t the best on the team, let alone the league.

Brent Johnson is set to make only $812,500^ this year. With the salary cap being a concern for the Caps this year, it has to do be disappointing when the goalie on the bench makes 5.5 times the goalie on the ice. And if you don’t think he is serious about staying the number one goalie look at his media photo. Now that says “serious”.

Can Jose turn it around? Yes he can, but thus far in the season his numbers are dismal and his approval rating would be on par with the guy down the road from the Verizon Center. And if he doesn’t turn things around, I don’t see any reason why the Caps wouldn’t look to trade him. Sure salary cap room is tight, but if he doesn’t improve I wouldn’t even want him as a backup.
In Theodore’s defense, the season is young, and he’s not that old. He should have plenty of pad saves left in him. Hopefully, for his sake and the caps, those saves don’t have to come in the minors

========================

^ hockeybuzz.com
*current season, through 11/12/08

Great Tribute to a Great Goalie

2008-11-11T14:00:00.002-05:00

Tribute to Olaf Kolzig from Capitals v. Lightning game last night (Nov 10th)

Already a NHL Winter Classic

2007-12-30T00:02:00.002-05:00

New Years Day, 1pm EST. NBC, CBC, RDS. Buffalo Sabres v. Pittsburgh Penguins. Outside.

70,000 hockey fans. 2 teams. One frozen pond. Classic.

The CBC just reported that 60,000 people are on the waiting list for tickets to the AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic. How amazing is that?

The pregame show begins at 11am EST on Tuesday, but the hype has been ongoing for months. It's nice to not be one of the only people excited about a hockey game for once. Fans, players, coaches, equipment managers, buffaloes are all waiting to see what the next installment of frozen outdoor hockey has in store for the National Hockey League. Well maybe the buffaloes themselves aren't all that interested in the game, but citizens of Buffalo seem to be jazzed about it. And for once, I share their enthusiasm.

Sabres fans might not be all that jazzed if the afternoon plays out anything like the first game of the home and home series between the two teams. Thanks to Colby Armstrong and Evgeni Malkin the Pens took it to the Sabres in the Igloo Saturday, which is probably the last thing the fans, the networks, and the buffaloes want.

As the first, outdoor regular-season NHL game to be played in the United States many fringe fans will watch their first outdoor game unlikely knowing what to expect. Sabres goalie Ryan Miller, having played outdoors for Michigan State in 2001 during the 'Cold War' provided some insight into the conditions:
"I think that cold does a lot more to you than you think. Get one of those survival books, figure out what those guys do to stay alive in the wild, I guess. You can get dehydrated very quickly in the wind and the cold, just the same way you can as if it's hot out. So you have to be aware of that, try and stay as warm as possible, get the core temperature up."

The game, regardless of the temperature or conditions will be a unique memory for all types of fans. If not just for the experience of seeing teams play outdoors, there are also going to be special rule changes made to the game format according to an NHL press release:

To [rectify] any advantages or adversities created by weather conditions at Ralph Wilson Stadium during Tuesday’s AMP Energy NHL Winter Classic, the Buffalo Sabres and Pittsburgh Penguins will switch ends halfway through the third period – ensuring each team would spend the equivalent number of minutes attacking or defending each goal, the National Hockey League announced today.

If necessary, a five-minute overtime period also would be divided in half, with the teams switching ends after 2:30 of play.

Should a shootout be needed, each goaltender would be given the option of determining which goal to defend. Thus it is possible that both teams would shoot at the same goal. Once a goaltender has chosen the goal he wants to defend, he must defend that goal for every round of the shootout.

The League also announced that length of intermissions between – and timeouts during – periods may be subject to modification depending on weather and ice conditions, as may be determined by the Game Officials and/or Commissioner Gary Bettman, in consultation with representatives of the National Hockey League Players’ Association.

NHL Goalie Masks Anniversary Special

2007-12-07T20:10:00.000-05:00

No other aspect of hockey encompasses the intensity, insanity and individuality of the goaltender like the goalie mask. Unless you have suited up between the pipes yourself it is difficult to gain insight into the mind of these unique individuals. Even if you have spent the seemingly endless minutes putting on all that equipment, one can almost guarantee that your mind works entirely different than anyone else who plays the same position. For those of you fascinated with the history of the goalie mask, the design, or the motivation behind some of the artistic decisions, you are in luck.

To celebrate the anniversary of Jacques Plante becoming the first NHL goalie to regularly wear face protection, the NHL has compiled a collection of information and imagery to salute these popular padded protectors.

Featuring a brief explanation about the design along with some rich visual imagery the NHL has compiled an impressive collection that any goalie enthusiast will relish.

DISCLAIMER: Insight into the mind of a goaltender may result in confusion, disorientation, night terrors, overheating, and in extreme cases could possibly lead to a fear of Jonathan Toews.

Back to the Future: The New NHL Schedule

2007-12-01T14:19:00.000-05:00

The notable philosopher George Santayana once said that "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." And for the first time since coincidental penalties were reverted back to a 4 on 4 affair, the NHL it seems like the it has recognized that the present may not be an improvement over the past.

While many of the post-lockout changes have clearly improved the quality of the NHL product, the current, regionally-intense schedule has been a topic of debate since its initial inception. Feedback from fans and players alike has prompted the league to change the format for next year's 2008-2009 NHL season, which will adopt the following structure:

24 divisional games (3 home/3 away vs. each team in division)
40 in-conference games, but outside division (2 home/2away vs. other 10 teams)
15 non-conference games (1 game vs. each team, alternating home/away yearly)
3 non-conference "at-large" games

The new NHL Players' Association executive director Paul Kelly explains the motivation behind the new scheduling format as reported by tsn.ca:

"The reason the players feel this is one; they're tired of seeing the same guys week after week," Kelly explained to reporters on Thursday. "(And) two; they believe the fans in their buildings want to see the star players in other teams and they themselves would like to like to see other cities."

The current schedule, its third and final year, will go the way of the Dodo, the Cuban Spider Monkey and the Emperor rat. It seems unlikely that anyone will miss the schedule as much as those extinct animals but one never knows. Maybe New York area residents have enjoyed the ability to see so many Devils, Rangers and Isles games in such close proximity. Although, on second thought, it might be easier to fly from Newark to Chicago as it would be to drive from Newark to Uniondale for an after work game.

NHL Hockey Bedding (for teens!)

2007-11-27T12:17:00.000-05:00

For those of you that eat and drink hockey, you can finally complete the icy trifecta: eating, drinking, and now sleeping hockey.

At long last PBteen (Pottery Barn Teen, for those less hip) have released their line of NHL Bedding. While hundreds of teens will be receiving these pillow covers and blankets as holiday gifts I can't help but lament over the fact that no such items were available during my teenage years. Is it possible that my awkwardness and angst could've been assuaged by a simple yet fashionable duvet cover? How different would my life be if I had been able to score with Debbie Mendez on my Capitals sham? Oh the possibilities.

It does provide some solace to know that I can go home tonight, turn off my PuckHead Lamp, and go to sleep on my Eastern Conference Pillow Case. If only I knew what had happened to Debbie Mendez.

Noteworthy Night: Jussi Jokinen

2007-11-17T14:44:00.000-05:00

As the league continues to undergo the transformation in the post-lockout era we see the torch being passed from the old guard to the new. Sakic, Modano, and Roenick will soon be sitting behind the bench instead of on it. Maybe they will be watching the game from the same perspective as Steve Yzerman and Garth Snow now watch. Or maybe they will sit at the studio desk as they analyze the moves of their former teammates like Ray Ferarro. Regardless of the new location, the veteran stars of today are beginning to make way for the stars of tomorrow. Sakic, Modano and Roenick will soon be Stastny, Jokinen, and Cheechoo. The transition has already begun, but most casual fans still aren't aware of this new crop of rising stars. This new feature, "Noteworthy Nights", is an attempt to educate the causal fan about those stars who don't yet shine as bright in the hockey universe.

Last night, Jussi Jokinen had one of those performances few are capable of in the NHL. Any time a players nightly performance summary is followed by, "the last person to accomplish that was Brett Hull", it usually means he had a good night. If you consider 4 goals a good night, then we are on the same page. If you don't, well then you are probably too good for your beer league and need to find a new team.

Jokinen actually scored more goals last night (again, 4) than he had previously the entire season (3) and he ended the night with even more goals than the most prolific goal scorer in US history with 7 (Modano has 5 goals this season).

After putting up 48 (14g, 34a) last year, and 55pts (17g, 38a) during his 2005-2006 rookie season it looks as if he's in good shape to improve upon those numbers this year. Considering his 7 goals have come in just 18 games, I say that improvement is likely to occur. There are always those moments where young, improving players get the opportunity to show the league that they are ready to be considered in the next tier of NHL players. Jussi Jokinen looks as if he's ready for some consideration.

The goals and the post-game interview can been seen below.

GOAL 1

GOAL 2

GOAL 3

GOAL 4

POSTGAME INTERVIEW

2008 NHL All Star Voting Time

2007-11-14T11:36:00.000-05:00

Tis the season. The All-Star season that is. That time when all the kids gather round the computer and submit their votes for the starting five (plus a goalie) in each conference. Back in the day, before hanging chads were an issue, I remember going to the games and filling in Don Beaupre over and over as a write-in vote. No longer is that the case; and not simply because Beaupre is no longer in the league.

Now we live in an online world. No, I don't mean Second-life. I mean a world where ten clicks of the mouse determine the starting lineup and no longer ten punches with a golf pencil.

So take up your mice, click ten times and see if your vote determined the All-Stars.

Find your ballot below:

American? | Canadian? | Other?

Bubble Boy Blasphemy

2007-11-05T15:56:00.000-05:00

I saw something today that deeply troubled me. Well actually I saw two troubling things, but I'm not going to count the 5 minutes I caught of a Mr. Belvedere rerun while eating lunch in the break room.

What I do want to discuss focuses on the concept of taking something good and then shrinking it. This principle works with some things and not others. The key is to recognize what works with this model and what doesn't work. Things that work would be airplanes and model airplanes or cars and matchbox cars. One version is fun for some and the other version is fun for others. An even better, more relevant example might be bubble hockey which takes the precision of hockey and classically shrinks it into petite plastic perfection.

Now lets move on to something that doesn't work. I'm thinking something like this:

Look at those thumbs. Nothing about that image looks enjoyable. Some of you might argue that it would suffice as a stocking-stuffer or possibly a 5th place prize at a local 50/50 draw. I would disagree. I can envision a seemingly clam, normally mild-mannered, appreciative child reacting:

"Dad?! This sucks!"
"Son, haven't we learned that it's the thought that counts?"
"Sorry, you're right. Thanks for thinking I'm stupid enough to enjoy this trash. What are you trying to do, make me hate hockey?"
"Look, it's better than nothing. Next year you're getting coal!"
"Coal? Sweet, that much better than nothing, and much better than this thing! My fingers are killing me. I'm 8 years old and I already have carpal tunnel syndrome!"

Seriously though, wouldn't it just be easier to give a kid a couple quarters and drop him off at the mall? That way you save money in the long run on the inevitable re-constructive thumb surgery. Trust me, its better that way.

I don't believe that there exists a better way for a child to comprehend the intricacies of the Cold War like Bubble Hockey. Red plastic versus blue plastic with two guys on each team with a stick twice the size of his body. That pretty much sums it all up doesn't it?

But when you shrink it down to a laughable and frustrating size it really just downplays the importance of the entire era. Bubble hockey should remain in its purest form. No need to tarnish it because someone thinks kids want to play a cheapened version of it in the car. Let the kid play 'I Spy' or 'Car Bingo' if he or she needs some excitement.

Statistics, Facts and Figures on Arena Debuts

2007-10-30T19:22:00.000-04:00

With the opening of the Devils' Prudential Center come new dreams, limitless expectations, fond memories of past eras, and statistics. Heaps of statistics, and not statistics, but facts and figures as well. Ah, statistics, facts and figures, you gotta love the joy they accomplish in their simplicity. The answer to the question yet to be asked, just waiting for something to happen so they can be relevant and important. The magical unsung hero of so many sports, which appeal to the repressed mathematician or burgeoning historian in us all.

Who scored the last goal at Continental Airlines arena? Who scored the first goal there? Who scored the first goal at the new Prudential Center? Who scored the first goal in the McNichols Sports Arena? Who cares?

The answers are irrelevant. But in case you're just that curious they are as follows: Scott Gomez, Don Lever, Andrej Meszaros, Larry Skinner and possibly you. The point remains that they are out there just waiting to be uncovered like an ancient artifact. Maybe you don't care, but I find it extremely interesting that in 1974 Yvon Labre scored the first goal at what was then called the Capital Centre (as eulogized by Tony Kornheiser). I spent many games throughout my younger years sitting in that arena wondering why his number hung above me. Apparently it was because he scored their first goal at home. Maybe there are a few more reasons, but I have yet to look that thoroughly through the yearbook.

Scoring the first goal in a new arena instantly places a player into the record books, regardless of what else he accomplishes in his career. Andrej Meszaros solidified his spot last Thursday night even if he never makes it back to the Stanley Cup Finals to get his name engraved on the Cup. That first goal in an arena can be as traumatic as Jari Kurri scoring the first at The Saddledome in Calgary. It can be as undeniably perfect as Milan Hejduk scoring the first goal at the Pepsi Arena in Denver less that two years before he would celebrate a Stanley Cup Championship with Ray Bourque and those same fans.

Going down the list of first goal scorers there are plently of other recognizable names: Al MacInnis at the HP Pavillion in San Jose, Anson Carter at the Staples Center in LA, Vincent Damphousse at Bell Centre in Montreal, and Steve Yzerman at GM Place in Vancouver. But there is an equally unimpressive list of guys who where at the right place at the right time, like Steve Washburn at the Verizon Center in DC, Krzysztof Oliwa at the Philips Arena in Atlanta or even the forgettable Bruce Gardiner who scored the first goal in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history at Nationwide Arena.

There is something special about the first goal in an arena. It creates an instant bond between player and rink, between record and book. Maybe that last one is a stretch, but whatever bond it does create became official between Andrej Meszaros and the Prudential Center last Thursday night. All that remains to be determined now is whether or not his name will be be in the "recognizable" column in another two decades. I'm guessing it will be.

New NHL Advertising Campaign

2007-10-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

Beginning tonight, Monday, October 29th, the NHL will launch a new advertising campaign featuring the new tagline, "Live Every Shift".

According to NHL.com:

The first of the TV spots features NHL stars asking “Is This The Year?” that various milestones are reached. Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabresand Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins askif the Stanley Cup will land in their respective city. Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky asks if this is the year “that someone scores 93” goals in one season, breaking his record of 92. Eric Staal of the Carolina Hurricanes asks if this is the year we “finally figure out who is dad’s favorite,” in reference to his hockey-playing brothers.

The second spot promotes Shop.NHL.com and features the new Rbk EDGE jerseys as NHL stars make hockey-related pledges. In it, Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals vows “to make one-timers happen, way more than once,” while Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning assures that his team “will scrap for every point on the schedule.” Finally, Sidney Crosbypromises to “play for the logo on the front, not the name on the back,” of his jersey.

You can view both spots by following the links below:

"I Pledge"
"Is this the year"

NHL Testing New Heated Skate Blades

2007-10-28T16:17:00.000-04:00

According to a recently released Reuters article , "eight to 10 players are set to begin trials in mid-November" testing out a new technology of hockey skate blade geared not only to improve the speed of the game but ideally reduce fatigue among players as well.

The heated, yes heated, skate blade developed by Therma Blade Inc. of Verdun, Quebec reduces friction by heating the players' skate blade to just above freezing. That slight amount of melt creates a thin layer of water that acts as a lubricant for the blade and reduces friction between it and the ice.

Therma Blade Inc., which include Wayne Gretzky as one of its investors, accomplishes this revolutionary technological advancement though its inclusion of a microprocessor-regulated rechargeable battery attached to the blade by a tiny resistor. Try saying that three times fast.

Need more clarification? Take a look at the image below.

What do I think? Well I'm glad you asked. I don't think the NHL would be as great a game without goalie masks, curved blades, composite sticks, or any other of the less obvious improvements the game has made to help players compete at the highest levels. I see these skate blades as just another progression in the continuous evolution of the sport. Plus, there is also the fact that it's being endorsed by "The Great One".