Let Dan Ellis Be @33dellis
Filed under: Lightning, NHL Media WatchDon't hate Dan Ellis because he made the mistake of being honest in under 140 characters. Thank him for offering a window into what he really thinks. If you don't like his viewpo...
Julie Robenhymer: Prospects of Note: PITTSBURGH & CAROLINA
As the start of rookie camp is on the horizon, Iâll be spending the next two weeks highlighting some of the players of interest that will be participating. While many that I mention will be the most ready to make the jump into the NHL, some of them wonât, but they will definitely be players to keep your eye on.
Weâll start with Pittsburgh and Carolina.
What makes the Penguins interest...
Eric Engels: Price Deal, Good for Both Sides. Uncertain Future for Ryan O'Byrne
Not sure why anyone was surprised with Carey Price's remuneration, as the Canadiens got their number 1 signed to a reasonable 2nd contract, in an era of hockey where these kinds of deals have almost disappeared. If Price had played to expectation over the last two seasons, he'd have been signed to a long-term deal at a much higher cap-hit, when you consider how other teams have compensated top dra...
Paul McCann: Monday Notes
Random Notes - Weâre past Labor day and players are filtering back to town⦠15 at the last informal practice and risingâ¦
- The 2010 Training Camp schedule is posted on predators.nhl.com. Some dates to circleâ¦
9/13 â Rookie camp opens.
9/17 â Veterans report.
9/19 â First scrimmage at Sportsplex. Noon start time.
9/23 â First preseason game vs. Carolina â beginning of Pred...
Valeri Bure, Russ Courtnall to compete on Season 2 of 'Battle of the Blades'
NHL 2010-11 Season Preview: Wrestling with Chicago Blackhawks
Colorful characters, revered championships, staged fights ... the rink shares plenty with the squared circle. So here at Puck Daddy, we've decided to preview the 2010-11 NHL season with the help of old-school wrestling icons, images and lingo. It's a slobber-knocker, Mean Gene ... Last...
Toronto Maple Leafs: Does Francois Beauchemin Still Fit Into the Team's Plans?
When Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke brought defenseman Francois Beauchemin into the fold via free agency almost every Maple Leaf fan applauded Burke for signing the veteran defenseman, regardless of the high price (three year deal worth an average of $3.8 million).
At the time of the signing, Burke described Beauchemin as a “rock solid, steady defender that will add character to our team.”
Wit...
NHL Today (9/7): Devils, Stars, Parise, Stamkos, and More
*Hey readers! It has come to my attention via a fellow writer on b/r that one of my segments has been shamelessly stolen from me by an NHL.com writer. I will be contacting NHL.com today voicing my concerns. As a reader, you can support me by following me on twitter (@BR_JohnTabone) as I try to reason with t...
Penguins Partner with Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group for Under the Cap Promotion
Click here for more information on how to enter!
The Pittsburgh Penguins will be partnering with the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group on an under the cap reta...
Goalie Dan Ellis discovers lack of sympathy for whiney millionaires
Dan Ellis is a backup goaltender for the Tampa Bay
Lightning. He's also painfully oblivious to the fact that he's (a) employed at
a time when so many others are not and (b) being compensated ra...
Winter Classic: Top 15 Holiday Games on the 2010-11 NHL Calendar
In an epic showdown between two of the NHL's biggest stars, this year's Winter Classic will pit Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Hosted in the Steelers' Heinz Field, this will be the first Winter Classic which features a southern-based team. The Caps are expected to wear retro jerseys that can be traced back to the team's inception in 1974. The Penguins will retire their baby blue jerseys, worn in their first Wint...
Richard Cloutier: Almost There...
A week to go until I can see some hockey action. September 12 at 5pm, more specifically, is the day when the Baby-Oilers take on the Baby-Canucks. I can't wait.
One thing that is really difficult about the pre-season is that it's a bit of a fallacy. Theoretically, all 50-70 players who come to camp are there to compete against each other for jobs, be it with the big club, the minor league, or t...
Travis Yost: Inside: Predicting Career Year(s) in Ottawa
Many expect Ottawa to be a force in the Eastern Conference race, with a nice influx of young talent complementing the veteran base that the Senators brass has assembled. With the season just over a month away, it's time now to take a serious look at one of the most important questions that will face the Senators this season - who will step up and surpass expectations?
It's no secret that the Ot...
Maple Leafs Preseason Debate: Is the NHL Putting Teams Through Too Much?
There has been a long-standing debate in the NHL on how long the preseason should be, and how many games need to be played before starting the regular season. Now, more than ever, the question needs to be raised on how important these games really are.
Yes, the games bring in more money to both the teams involved and the league as a whole; they also give cities without a team the opportunity to host an actual NHL game. And final...
NHL Power Rankings: Who Has the Best Home-Ice Advantage?
Although all three division winners in the Eastern Conference failed to take advantage of their home ice in the playoffs, playing in front of a rabid fan base gives teams an edge. Late last season, the Atlanta Thrashers were facing the Boston Bruins on the brink of their second postseason in franchise history. Even after the Ilya Kovalchuk fallout that resulted in their franchise player departing to New Jersey, the Thrash looked ready to take advantage of a weak Eastern Confere...
Top 20 New York Rangers Of All Time
Every sport has its storied franchises. The Yankees, Red Sox and Dodgers in baseball. The Giants, Packers and Raiders in the NFL, and the Lakers, Celtics and Knicks in the NBA. The NHL has the "Original Six," compiled of the Montreal Canadians, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins and of course, the New York Rangers. This is my list of the top 20 players to put on the Rangers' sweater since the team was founded back in the late 1920s. Of course, t...
Matthew Barry: Never a Dull Moment - Today's Rumors
Just when I thought I could kick back, watch the kids swim in the pool, drink a few Mike's Hard Lemonade's (I actually like those things), the blackberry kicks into overdrive.
Spezza
It's no secret the Kings have been targeting a 2nd line center. Last year they came close to Lecavalier but the then Lightning ownership duo was split between dealing that contract or keeping that contract.
Spe...
Numbers don't add up for Leafs
This is just the first week of school, but the Maple Leafs are already facing math problems.
Hockey Books All NHL Fans Should Read
When watching highlights of your favorite team on You Tube gets old and there hasn't been any news on your favorite team in what seems like weeks, you may think you are out of ways to satisfy your hockey craving.
Think again.
If you go on Amazon.com or head down to your local Barnes and Noble, you will find a cure from all the withdrawal: books about hockey.
What could be a better way to pass away the days until the season and keep yourself occupied than a good hockey ...
Richard Cloutier: Souray, Cogliano and More
More word today that the Edmonton Oilers and Washington Capitals are talking trade involving Sheldon Souray. There are some pros and cons with the proposed deal:
Pro's - The Oilers could start the season free of Souray, eliminating an uncomfortable dressing-room situation. Souray would be happier too elsewhere, and that means less tension for the entire team. The main player coming back in retu...
Shawn Gates: The $400 Mill Nordiques Question: Should Public Funds Finance NHL Arenas?
It goes without saying that sports fans are crazy about their teams. Even the word âfanâ, derived from âfanaticâ, implies an extreme enthusiasm directed towards a sport, whether it be as a whole or specific to a single team. Many theories abound as to why people develop this fanaticism towards these activities, although that most generally accepted is that this focus allows for the individ...
Toronto Maple Leafs' Luca Caputi: Home Town Kid Ready for a Breakout Season?
Last year, Luca Caputi came home to Toronto, Ontario, to the team he watched growing up, after playing in Pittsburgh's organization since being drafted in the fourth round in 2007 111th overall.
Caputi spent time with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins in the AHL and the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.
In his 28
Leaf Talk: With Kovalchuk Signed, Who Are The Leafs' Top Five Devil Targets?
With the Ilya Kovalchuk contract finally behind us, the Devils now move forward in their pursuit for the Cup. Unfortunately, the signing of Ilya Kovalchuk put the Devils approximately $3.0 million dollars over the cap.
So what does this all mean in the grand scheme of things? It's pretty simple actually, to afford Ko...
Voting For The Best Center
This is the third in a series of articles asking fans to vote on the best Sharks player at each position as the club enters its 20th year. Today it’s all about the centers. (Note that players must have spent two years with the Sharks organiz...
Jan Levine: Per Ek: Sharks Interested in Staal
Per Ek's blog today: "The Sharks, who improved greatly by acquiring Niemi last week aren't done yet. Sources have told me the possibility exist the Sharks make another move for a D-man and have had talks with the NY Rangers about Mark Staal, The Canucks about Kevin Bieksa, and Paul Mara, and even MA Bergeron. The Rangers would like Setoguchi in return for Staal..The Rangers are playing some extrem...
Mike Augello: SURPRISING GUNNARSSON KEY TO LEAFS D-ECISIONS
The sudden ascendency of Carl Gunnarsson last season shows that once in awhile the Toronto Maple Leafs scouting staff discovers a gem in the late rounds of the NHL Draft, although the adage that even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally might explain it as well. Like Tomas Kaberle, who was drafted in the waning hours of the 1996 Draft, Gunnarsson was selected with Torontoâs final pick in 2...
Nikita Filatov of the Columbus Blue Jackets: Where is He?
Nikita Filatov was the highest ranked European player in 2008 and was drafted sixth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Since then, he has only played in 21 NHL games.
In two U-18 World Championships, he has a gold and silver medal, and in three World Junior Championships, he has two bronze medals along with being named to two tournam...
All-stars coming to Ottawa?
The NHL's best of the best could be coming to Scotiabank Place next season. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will be in Ottawa for a Sept. 15 luncheon at the Chateau Laurier, along with Senators owner Eugene Melnyk and GM Bryan Murray.
Thrashers sign veteran Modin
The Atlanta Thrashers made it official and signed forward Fredrik Modin to a contract on Monday.
Thrashers sign 35-year-old forward Fredrik Modin to one-year deal
Puck Headlines: Return of Nordiques news; ‘Goon' movie casting
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection
of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the
few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.
• Washington Capitals star
Julie Robenhymer: Why One Team Doesn't Qualify for Sleeper Pick Status
If you missed my features on Nashville's Colin Wilson, Vancouver's Billy Sweatt and Flyers Prospects Ben Holmstrom, Andrew Rowe, Mike Testwuide and Eric Wellwood and you're looking for something to read on this long holiday weekend, be sure to take a look.
As the season approaches, more and more of you are asking for my sleeper picks for this season and many of you are posturizing or making the...
Meet the LA Kings Ice Crew: Eric
...
Fantasy Hockey Philosophy: How Darryl Dobbs builds his teams
(Ed. Note: In celebration of Yahoo! Fantasy
Hockey's return, Puck Daddy presents a short series of guest posts this
week that look at how some prominent fantasy experts go about building their
own teams. First up,
Duncan Keith's Day at Wrigley
Filed under: Blackhawks, NHL VideosThe Chicago Blackhawks have been celebrating nonstop since they won their first Stanley Cup in 47 years this past June. Patrick Kane has been up to lots of drunken debauchery...
Burke helping turn over new Leaf
In the past 12 months, the Toronto Maple Leafs have advocated change more than a campaigning politician.
Chicago Blackhawks: A Bold Insight On a Critic's Failure To Spark Doubt
Recently sparking doubt in many Chicago Blackhawks fans, were comments made by ESPN Chicago blogger, Jesse Rogers.
In an article titled "Niemi's Moves Makes Things Interesting", Rogers made statements regarding fans undervaluing the loss of Antti Niemi, the form...
Gordie Howe Hat Trick: 10 Players Most Likely to Achieve the Trick
Most hockey fans have heard of the Gordie Howe Hat-trick, but have they actually seen one? It's a rare feat to accomplish and there is a lot of myth and legend surrounding it. To refresh your memory, the trick includes notching a goal, assist, and fight in the same game. To see it in action, you can see Rick Nash complete the trick last season. Interestingly, teams that had a Gordie Howe hat-trick were 13-4 i...
Fredrik Modin signs one-year contract with Atlanta Thrashers
The Thrashers have signed free agent forward Fredrik Modin, giving the team another veteran with ...
Travis Zajac Being Shopped by the New Jersey Devils: Brian Burke Better Call
With Ilya Kovalchuk's name finally on a contract, the New Jersey Devils now have to shed around $3.5 to 4 million off their total salary. Many have been saying that Danius Zubrus, Bryce Salvador, and possibly Brian Rolston would be the most likely...
Divers search for Que. hockey team co-owner
Quebec provincial police divers have resumed their search for the co-owner of a major junior hockey team.
BT's 10 Bold 2010-11 NHL Predictions: The Calgary Flames
Alright, so based on some prior confusion, I suppose we need a few ground rules, or at least outline a few things: 1) The stretch is just that—a stretch. It's not a real prediction folks, so just calm down. Also, Armageddon was not a biopic nor some sort of immediate preview of what's happening to the Earth, and the only world-changing thing to happen in 2012 might be (hopefully) a Canadian team winning the Stanley Cup...
Eklund: Sharks Interested in Marc Staal, Canucks/Caps, Souray, Guerin, O'Sullivan..
Happy Labor Day All...
A few quick hits for you all...
* The Sharks, who improved greatly by acquiring Niemi last week aren't done yet. Sources have told me the possibility exist the Sharks make another move for a D-man and have had talks with the NY Rangers about Mark Staal, The Canucks about Kevin Bieksa, and Paul Mara, and even MA Bergeron.
* The Rangers would like Setoguchi in return...
Fight Video: Jonah Coonishish-Coon says hello with his fists
When fresh fight footage begins appearing on the venerable HockeyFights.com, you
almost feel a chill as hockey season draws that much closer.
The following is a preseason tilt from the Quebec
Major Junior Hockey League featuring 6-foot-6 Tyler
Howe of the Moncton Wildcats (No. 4) against a player whose name we still
...
Bill Guerin: A Good Fit For The Philadelphia Flyers?
Free agent forward Bill Guerin skated at the Flyers' practice facility on Wednesday, an appearance that set off a firestorm of rumors and speculation.
The Flyers have long had interest in acquiring Guerin. In addition, Guerin has expressed a desire to play only for a contender. The reigning Eastern Conference Champions would seem to fit his criteria.
Guerin lat...
Oil Kings' Lowe steps up
For Keegan Lowe, it was supposed to be a gradual process. It was expected the Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman would be eased into the Western Hockey League as a 16-year-old.
Bubnick expected to help lead Hitmen
Jimmy Bubnick has proven to be a clutch performer. He led the Calgary Hitmen in scoring at last spring's Memorial Cup, putting up eight points in four games.
My Ultimate Foursome: Dustin Boyd
MONTREAL -- Caddyshack aside, golf is a pretty serious game. But if certain Canadiens were given the chance to tee off with their dream foursome, the day would be anything but uptight. Here’s what Dustin Boyd’s dream day on the links w...
Labor Day Discord: Is the Cap Killing Quality in the NHL?
It's the dawn of another beautiful Labour Day in North America. The NHL and the NHLPA seem to have agreed on a contract for Ilya Kovalchuk and the New Jersey Devils. Instead of a front loaded 102 million dollar contract over 17 years they've agreed on a front loaded 100 million dollars over 15 years.
This agreement has helped the NHL avoid the embarrassment of having their highest profile unrestricted free agent signed by anothe...
What We Learned: Boss Bettman and the Kovalchuk contract fight
Hello, this is a feature that will run through the entire
season and aims to recap the weekend's events and boils those events down to
one admittedly superficial fact or stupid opinion about each team. Feel free to
complain about it.
You know, it's interesting how all this played out.
You migh...
NHL Today (9/6): Neal, Nolan, Fleischmann, Ortmeyer, Zubrus, and More
James Neal
Sources are reporting that negotiations between Neal and the Dallas Stars aren't going too well. The Stars have a glut of left wingers and maybe Neal just isn't in the picture. He'd make a great trading piece.
Owen Nolan
As reported by me yesterday, the San Jose Sharks are not interested i...
An Internet-owned hockey team, for the price of a few beers?
Owning a professional or minor league franchise has always been an expensive venture, requiring deep pockets to cover costs. Enter Toronto-based Alan Kasperski, who's trying to bring the idea of Internet ownership of a sports team over from Europe -- and applying it to a junior hockey team. The price of ownership? It migh...
NHL: Around the League in 30 Days, Day Six– Tampa Bay Lightning
Day Six: Tampa Bay Lightning
2010 Record: 34-36-12 (80 Points) finished fourth in the Southeast Division
Roster Changes
2010-2011 Notable Arrivals: Pavel Kubina (ATL), Simon Gagne (PHI)...
NHL 2010-11 Season Preview: Wrestling with Carolina Hurricanes
Colorful characters,
revered championships, staged fights ... the rink shares plenty with the squared
circle. So here at Puck Daddy, we've decided to preview the 2010-11 NHL season
with the help of old-school wrestling icons, images and lingo. It's a
slobber-knocker, Mean Gene ...
Last Season ...
Eklund: Sources: Kings are still looking to make major acquisition..Spezza?
According to three sources, the LA Kings are still very much in the market to add a "major player" before camp opens. That player? At least two sources agree the kings are once again targeting Jason Spezza.
Remember how hot the Spezza rumours were before and during this year's draft? with h the Kovalchuk saga is behind us, Spezza talks have already heated up..
If the Kings can manage t...
Top Twelve Power Play Performers of 2009-10
With the 2010-11 season just a few weeks away, I thought it would be fun to look back on the top twelve power play performers of the 2009-10 season. Special teams are becoming more and more important to an NHL teams playoff chances, making players that can perform on the power play a very important part of a teams success. Here are the top twelve power play performers of 2009-10:
Report: Atlanta Thrashers to sign Fredrik Modin to one-year deal
He Scores: The Top 10 Goal Scoring Celebrations
The goal of hockey is to score goals. When a player accomplishes his goal (forgive my puns), it is a moment of pure joy. Arms raised, mouth open, fists pumping, he celebrates as the crowd shares in his joy. Some players celebrate more than others. Some are classy, some are classless. Some are famous, some are infamous. Some are memorable, some are forgotten as quickly as they occurred. And some inspire and can provide the defining moment of a player's career a...
ISLANDERS FISHING FOR A CAUSE
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Yesterday, Bruno Gervais, Andrew MacDonald, Matt Moulson and Frans Nielsen set out on Huntington Harbor for an ...
Exclusive: Kovalchuk on the end of NHL contract controversy
Early Saturday morning, the NHL and NHLPA officially made
Ilya Kovalchuk a member of the
New Jersey Devils' Cap Situation: Devils That May Go Through An Exorcism Soon
Today I will look further into the Devils' current cap situation. GM Lou Lamoriello must move $3M+ cap space before the season commences to be under the cap. Who can he trade/waive? Everyone is a candidate. However, there are a few players that have been in trade rumors as of late. Are these rumors products of the hype machine or do they actually hold truth? Let's see. Begin Sli...
NHL Free Agency: List of Remaining Available Players Dwindling
As training camp grows closer and the heat of the free agency period in the NHL winds down, the list of available players still on the market has begun to dwindle.
With Ilya Kovalchuk finally settled on a contract with New Jersey, there are just 11 forwards and four defenseman on the list of remaining UFAs who scored double-digit points last season, in addition to only two goalies who started more than ten games.
H...
Meet the LA Kings Ice Crew: Cassie
...
Quebec preparing for Nordiques return?
Quebec Premier Jean Charest will meet with Quebec City mayor Regis Labeaume next Tuesday to discuss the financing of a new arena in the provincial capital, QMI Agency has learned.
Exclusive: Kovalchuk on the end of NHL contract controversy
Early Saturday morning, the NHL and NHLPA officially made
Ilya Kovalchuk a member of the
