Top Tough Guys

article

-1

2010-03-09T17:11:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

49 7872 <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Generator"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Originator"> <link href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AARONW%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> Every team has the player who is the scrapper, the guy who causes trouble for the opposing team. But not only do some of the top tough guys cause problematic penalty points, these guys can score.    <o:p></o:p>David Clarkson- New Jersey Devils  <o:p></o:p> Never was a fan of the Devils, rather was a New York Rangers fan. Anyone living in the tri-state area can tell you, it’s not an option to be a fan of both. My nephews played hockey in New Jersey and often met the Devils in their junior leagues. Still wasn’t a fan. Then, last season I picked up David Clarkson on my fantasy hockey team because he got into a fight every week; he was a guaranteed five for fighting.   <o:p></o:p> After a lengthy stint on injury reserve, New Jersey Devil’s David Clarkson returned packing punches for ten penalty minutes for fighting twice with Calgary Flame’s Jamal Myers. The right-winger has a total 16 points for the season, which may not seem like much but Clarkson can score with the best of them. He has 54 penalty minutes thus far, but that stat should climb.   <o:p></o:p> The NHL Network named David Clarkson one of the top tough guys, ever. He’s not afraid to pick a fight to turn the momentum to his team and it’s showing as the Devils are heading into the playoffs in a comfortable fourth position in the Eastern Conference. He has been the main reason I am a fan of the Devils, but will follow Clarkson whatever team he plays for in the future.   <o:p></o:p>  Sean Avery- New York Rangers  <o:p></o:p> I put Avery on the list because he has 133 penalty minutes, and seems to get into a scruff any chance he can.  I’ve seen Adam Foote back down from a charge from Avery. He has the ability to score as he has 25 points this year. Though the Rangers are fighting an uphill battle this season sitting in ninth in the Eastern Conference and will most likely miss any playoff run, Avery hasn’t backed down. But Avery will have to take his energy elsewhere once the playoffs begin if the Rangers are not able to perform a playoff run miracle. Perhaps his previous internship with Vogue magazine could offer him some part-time seasonal work.  The day Sean Avery works the runway at Bryant Park is a proud day for Rangers fans, at least the ladies.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>Daniel Carcillo- Philadelphia Flyers  <o:p></o:p> He taunts the crowd after he’s won the fight on the ice. He’s a dude you want in your corner if you like the penalty minutes and tough energy. Carcillo has 156 penalty minutes and 16 points this season.  He’s prone to suspensions, and is the bad kid on the team who behaves for a game or two then lets the fury out of the bag. You either love him or think he’s overrated.   <o:p></o:p> Colton Orr-Toronto Maple Leafs<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> As a Rangers fan, Orr was the other tough guy to complement Avery. The NHL Network also named Colton Orr one of the best tough guys. Orr ranks third thus far in penalty minutes with 170.  Scoring isn’t his priority with four points, so it’s safe to say he’s the pummel hound no matter what team he’s with. Now with the Leafs, Orr has kept his image intact in Canada.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>Alex Burrows- Vancouver Canucks  <o:p></o:p> The Western Conference is riding high with top talent this year, and Burrows lays claim to the much of the Canucks’ success. Having been moved to the top line with the Sedin brothers, Burrows has become one winger who can split the stats between plays and punches.   <o:p></o:p> Alex Burrows fought his way to the NHL up through the ranks, and now boasts 55 points, 94 penalty minutes and an amazing plus-32 rating. Though Burrows seemed to be in a slump early in the year, it’s been my experience that he heats up later in the year. I picked him up when someone dropped him last year and have never looked back.   <o:p></o:p> Cody McLeod- Colorado Avalanche  <o:p></o:p> This is more of a personal choice because I live in Denver and know more about Cody McLeod from local stories, Av's skates and training camp. McLeod is a true hockey player in the sense that he just wants to play the game and loves every minute of it. He’s not into the flashy lifestyle as Sean Avery, rather he’s a Canadian boy who takes one for the team. For fans, he’s available for autographs, usually walking right into the sea of fans to shake hands and pose for pictures.  Fans love to thank him for taking the punches and scraps against other players to defend the honor of the Colorado Avalanche; it’s just part of his game.   <o:p></o:p> These are just some of my favorite tough guys, because without these guys hockey wouldn’t be the same. Avery, Burrows, and even McLeod add some spunk to the competition and in many ways adds valor to the game protecting the honor of their teammates. And there’s nothing better than a great hockey fight.  76.97.188.228

2010-03-09T17:11:00-05:00

top-tough-guys

Yes 123.125.66.94, 96.246.117.182, 66.249.68.236, 63.215.202.234, 72.30.142.237, 174.129.141.17, 38.99.98.102, 76.97.188.228, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.113.247, 174.36.241.157, 75.101.176.194, 24.9.98.48, 64.135.129.86, 66.249.67.238, 142.166.170.100, 99.132.129.161, 174.129.95.55, 64.13.147.187, 89.151.116.60, 70.37.66.48, 216.24.142.47, 65.52.26.149, 211.43.152.55, 67.207.201.166, 174.129.67.212, 184.73.30.105, 184.73.20.47, 83.149.199.55, 72.44.38.12, 74.208.125.5, 174.129.90.99, 69.248.176.108, 66.172.194.105, 67.83.175.188, 75.101.195.195, 75.101.227.15, 66.249.65.36, 142.166.170.62, 207.58.131.147, 72.26.101.150, 75.101.174.137, 142.166.170.103, 66.249.65.52, 216.129.119.11, 174.129.139.3, 174.127.132.153, 87.250.252.241, 174.37.205.91

Top Tough Guys

No NHL, Sean Avery, David Clarkson, Alex Burrows, Daniel Carcillo, Cody McLeod, Colton Orr

-1

Top Tough Guys

845

writer

article

-1

2010-03-07T23:46:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

97 7853 I know it’s been awhile, but I have been a very busy guy!!!!!<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> I can now add a gold medal to my list of accomplishments in life. Although this wasn't necessarily a dream of mine growing up, winning a gold medal for my country is something I am very proud of. We rallied together after a tough start to bring home the gold in dramatic fashion. To get scored on with less than a minute left and then win it in overtime is something you only usually see in movies. With Sid scoring that goal, he and the rest of us will be part of a classic for years to come. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> It was truly an honor to be chosen and a very rewarding life event that I will never forget.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I also got to spend two weeks with my family, and that alone was worth it.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This gold medal meant everything to our country and that is what pleases me the most. To see 33 million Canadians partying in the streets after the win was awesome.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Now it’s back to work with the Sharks as we get prepared for the playoffs. Hopefully we learned our lesson last year and play with a little more intensity and determination down the stretch as we fight our way into the playoffs.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Nothing means more to me right now than winning another Cup with this very deserving franchise.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I am gonna give it everything I have and hope we are left standing at the end.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Later,<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Dan<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Dan Boyle is a defenseman with the San Jose Sharks. His blog for <a href="../../../">www.playerpress.com</a> runs at <a href="http://www.danboyle22.com/">www.danboyle22.com</a>. Follow him on Twitter at <a href="http://www.twitter.com/danboyle22">www.twitter.com/danboyle22</a>. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 76.97.188.228

2010-03-07T23:46:00-05:00

bringing-home-the-gold

Yes 76.97.188.228, 123.125.66.90, 66.249.68.236, 174.129.157.195, 128.242.241.134, 204.236.232.79, 184.73.40.108, 89.151.116.52, 97.74.144.196, 67.220.192.215, 38.100.41.119, 67.207.201.141, 67.202.7.134, 184.73.20.47, 38.100.21.196, 216.129.119.81, 70.37.70.228, 65.52.25.231, 72.44.38.12, 174.37.205.85, 142.166.170.102, 76.192.49.114, 67.205.89.211, 71.4.186.6, 83.149.199.55, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.46, 204.236.198.91, 184.73.30.105, 67.202.63.158, 72.13.91.40, 79.99.6.106, 75.101.197.164, 174.143.213.49, 208.74.66.39, 24.6.81.221, 32.156.204.101, 204.236.206.142, 13.2.20.80, 67.188.176.100, 67.195.113.247, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.67.238, 75.101.249.213, 38.99.98.102, 66.172.194.105, 96.246.117.182, 89.151.116.54, 216.24.142.47, 174.129.141.199, 74.201.117.226, 91.121.85.14, 38.104.134.114, 72.44.48.172, 67.207.201.162, 174.143.181.251, 142.166.170.104, 24.16.1.11, 64.233.172.6, 174.129.19.27, 65.55.104.42, 65.55.51.37, 65.55.246.88, 65.55.120.59, 65.55.109.20, 207.54.100.81, 72.44.34.118, 71.6.37.34, 69.39.86.10, 67.188.253.247, 67.83.175.188, 75.101.219.151, 69.59.180.93, 69.59.180.92, 74.54.136.114, 72.44.33.94, 75.101.195.195, 75.101.212.118, 193.47.80.50, 74.208.8.17, 67.218.116.131, 216.129.119.11, 165.138.241.20, 67.16.94.2, 87.250.252.241, 167.230.38.116, 174.36.117.103, 71.147.43.201, 74.208.16.138, 174.120.10.66, 142.166.170.101, 174.129.139.3, 64.42.123.114, 174.127.132.157, 174.37.205.91

Bringing Home the Gold

No Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks, Canadien Olympic Hockey, NHL

141

Bringing Home the Gold

460

athlete

article

-1

2010-03-07T20:18:00-05:00

Playerpress

43 7845 PITTSBURGH - -    The Bruins will continue their road stretch without the help of star center Marc Savard.   Savard, who missed 23 games at the start of the season, was taken off the ice on a stretcher.   Matt Cooke's shoulder to head hit on Savard, causing a concussion, went without any penalty.    Cooke, who is known for his dirty, "questionable" hits, told members of the media he was just finishing his check.    "If Shawn Thornton hit Sidney Crosby  it would be completely different," said NESN commentator Jack Edwards. " Suspension wouldn't even be a question he'd be shipped off to Siberia."   It was a scary sight as he laid motionless on the ice. For B's fans the feeling is all too familiar, having dealt with the concussion of center Patrice Bergeron in the 2007-2008 season.    View the hit here:    <object width="480" height="295"> <param value="http://www.youtube.com/v/w_F7LEZ78_o&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" name="movie" /> <param value="true" name="allowFullScreen" /> <param value="always" name="allowscriptaccess" /><embed width="480" height="295" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/w_F7LEZ78_o&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></embed></object> 76.97.188.228

2010-03-07T20:18:00-05:00

cooke-concusses-marc-savard

Yes 71.192.70.186, 66.249.67.238, 123.125.66.131, 201.231.30.29, 66.249.68.236, 174.36.241.149, 142.166.170.100, 67.195.113.247, 67.195.115.214, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 128.242.241.134, 216.24.142.47, 216.24.142.46, 89.151.116.61, 67.202.5.6, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.212.118, 184.73.30.105, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.62, 69.50.240.242, 70.37.70.230, 65.52.25.231, 74.208.125.5, 72.44.54.68, 38.99.98.102, 66.172.194.105, 174.120.129.98, 129.63.236.203, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.155.116, 173.33.58.48, 209.214.228.51, 24.97.224.6, 174.129.139.3, 67.16.94.2, 24.9.98.48, 208.43.204.166, 142.166.170.103, 174.129.131.200, 87.250.252.241, 216.129.119.11

Cooke concusses Marc Savard

No Marc Savard,Matt Cooke,Dirty hits

115

Cooke concusses Marc Savard

391

writer

article

-1

2010-03-04T19:34:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

66 7802 In my last post I mentioned that the Men's Ice Hockey Tournament was the best ever in Olympic history. We saw outstanding play but we also saw outstanding sportsmanship as well. Sure, there was pushing and shoving after whistles --- that's to be expected. However, there is one “aspect” of hockey that was not seen. No fighting. It's not allowed in the international game nor is it permissible in college or high school. Should there be fights during those games, an automatic one game suspension is mandatory, without exception. Yet, in professional hockey and in juniors, fighting is very much allowed and considered by some a staple of the game. My intention here is to briefly weigh the pros and cons of fighting and I will give my opinion on whether hockey should or should not be banned on all levels. Pros --- Traditionalists believe that fighting is a necessary evil in hockey. Fights are to inspire a team playing lethargically, show opponents that they will not be pushed around, or sometimes players fight just for the sake of fighting. It does happen. Many fans ( In this instance, I use “fans” loosely) go to games merely to see a fight. At one time, if the game was played with elbows, knees, and sticks were used as weapons, fights and the occasional bench clearing brawl would erupt as a way to control the game. In effect, players were policing themselves. Yes, there were times where brawls got out of hand and that was alright with many teams. That was a part of hockey years ago. Cons --- Fighting, according to many, disrupts the flow of hockey for no reason whatsoever. Two grown men dropping the gloves and removing helmets from their own heads just to see who is tougher is just plain stupid. Fisticuffs do nothing for the game and is just a sideshow with most fights involving players with little or no hockey talent. Fighting promotes violence in hockey and therefore must be banned. Now that I have giving some examples as to why fighting is either necessary or unnecessary, my opinion is... Fighting should NOT be banned. As a hockey fan since the late 1960's, I feel that there are benefits to fighting. I believe that fights can and do inspire teams playing poorly in a particular game. Although the National Hockey League, has done a very good job in limiting the number of fights by imposing the instigator rule, banning it would lead to more dangerous play especially an increase in the stick fouls of slashing and high sticking. Also, players would be more apt to take a run at players with reckless abandon, thus leading to more major injuries. That's just one hockey fans opinion...what's yours? Dick Send email to <a href="mailto:dlafrance2@207me.com">dlafrance2@207me.com</a> 76.97.188.228

2010-03-04T19:34:00-05:00

professional-hockey-to-fight-or-not-to-fight

Yes 123.125.66.70, 64.135.129.131, 205.188.255.75, 66.249.68.155, 174.36.241.148, 206.53.147.129, 66.249.67.186, 174.129.141.17, 69.248.176.108, 38.98.19.67, 38.99.96.233, 76.97.188.228, 67.202.11.49, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.47, 89.151.116.56, 64.13.147.187, 67.202.7.134, 65.52.25.231, 216.24.142.46, 67.202.63.158, 67.202.56.119, 79.99.6.106, 208.74.66.42, 208.74.66.61, 184.73.20.47, 67.207.201.142, 174.129.90.99, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.238.112, 174.129.139.3, 75.101.212.118, 75.101.195.195, 142.166.170.102, 67.195.113.247, 66.172.194.105, 64.135.129.71, 67.195.115.214, 204.236.203.128, 66.249.68.210, 71.95.178.68, 174.36.60.26, 72.26.101.150, 87.250.252.241, 66.130.93.150, 85.17.226.119, 24.9.98.48, 63.215.202.234, 72.204.180.245, 173.32.237.2, 81.94.206.226, 81.94.194.34, 142.166.170.61, 24.75.63.232, 66.249.68.236, 98.28.104.120, 75.21.81.231, 66.249.67.238, 142.166.170.100, 67.16.94.2, 209.214.228.51, 206.53.153.126, 38.100.41.113, 67.218.116.131, 206.53.64.224, 66.249.65.36

Professional Hockey --- To Fight Or Not To Fight?

No National Hockey League, Olympics, Fighting

-1

Professional Hockey --- To Fight Or Not To Fight?

1323

writer

article

-1

2010-03-01T20:45:00-05:00

Playerpress

75 7753 Well, the Games of the 21st Winter Olympiad have closed. We witnessed some truly amazing feats such as United States men’s speed skater Apollo Ono becoming the greatest ever in his sport, women’s skier Lindsay Vonn winning a gold medal on a bum leg, and the Canadian men’s curling team capturing gold on home soil (yes, I like curling ). However, there was one event that captured the attention of most Olympic fans --- the finest display of competition in the history of the Winter Olympics. The Men’s Ice Hockey Tournament. From game one to the final game, I have never seen such skill, intensity, and passion in so many games. My goodness, even teams like Latvia and Norway played tremendous hockey! Switzerland had a chance to beat both the Canadians and Team USA, Slovakia gave Canada all they could handle, and of course the Gold Medal game between Canada and Team USA was perhaps the greatest game played in Olympic history. Where else can you find a collection of great players on a sheet of ice? The National Hockey League’s very best players from Sidney Crosby to Alexander Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk to Zach Parise, are some of the most elite athletes in the world. To play in one venue simply blows the minds of not just hockey diehards but casual fans as well. If you weren’t a hockey fan before, watching this tournament would have mage you a fan for sure! Of course, playing in Canada, the birthplace of hockey, certainly helped bring hockey to the forefront of all North Americans. The crowds were raucous, which in turn gave the Canadians extra energy to play at peak levels. I don’t feel the need to recap any great moments during the tournament --- we watched and we marveled. We saw the very best play out of the very best players. That is cut and dried. Send email to <a href="mailto:dlafrance2@207me.com">dlafrance2@207me.com</a> 64.135.129.105

2010-03-01T20:45:00-05:00

the-greatest-tournament-ever

Yes 123.125.66.89, 64.135.129.105, 66.249.68.184, 67.195.115.214, 174.36.241.148, 67.195.114.230, 67.189.195.149, 67.202.38.107, 68.81.166.28, 75.101.238.112, 38.99.96.233, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.141.199, 66.249.67.154, 76.97.188.228, 75.101.185.232, 211.43.152.54, 204.236.198.91, 204.236.211.51, 65.52.26.149, 216.24.142.45, 89.151.84.35, 70.37.70.228, 211.43.152.57, 67.202.40.201, 174.129.176.154, 174.129.142.69, 204.236.232.79, 67.207.201.161, 75.101.170.136, 208.74.66.62, 64.13.147.187, 208.74.66.39, 38.100.41.120, 142.166.170.21, 67.222.16.91, 72.44.42.113, 72.44.38.12, 38.100.21.196, 83.149.199.55, 174.129.139.3, 174.129.155.45, 206.83.86.2, 128.241.112.231, 67.189.194.53, 186.137.24.219, 64.135.129.98, 74.86.227.233, 66.224.21.233, 64.135.129.80, 184.8.74.224, 64.135.129.82, 67.195.113.247, 75.101.174.137, 74.98.182.2, 64.135.129.69, 38.98.19.66, 216.129.119.11, 218.28.29.236, 66.172.194.105, 64.135.129.118, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.68.248, 13.2.20.1, 209.249.53.82, 64.135.129.113, 64.135.129.131, 142.166.170.103, 87.250.252.241, 64.135.129.71, 66.249.68.210, 71.95.178.68, 85.17.226.119, 66.30.208.245, 66.249.68.236, 81.94.206.226, 81.94.194.34, 76.65.6.29, 142.166.170.102, 66.249.67.49, 66.249.68.8, 174.127.132.155

The Greatest Tournament Ever!

No Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Zach Parise, Team USA

-1

The Greatest Tournament Ever!

1323

writer

article

-1

2010-02-23T21:39:00-05:00

Playerpress

94 7659 Meet the lovely ladies of the Blackhawks Ice Crew Sunday, March 7th at Bull & Bear! 431 N. Wells. There will be plenty of specials, and a raffle for Blackhawks tickets. No cover! Going to be a great night.  <img width="363" height="545" src="/uploads/Image/BHIC.jpg" alt="" />   76.97.188.228

2010-02-23T21:39:00-05:00

meet-the-blackhawks-ice-crew-march-7th

Yes 99.26.95.198, 66.249.68.251, 123.125.66.64, 66.249.67.215, 174.37.205.87, 67.195.37.188, 69.248.176.108, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 216.24.142.45, 204.236.198.91, 70.37.70.228, 211.43.152.54, 89.151.116.61, 211.43.152.55, 174.129.142.69, 75.101.170.136, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.62, 94.23.51.159, 67.202.10.201, 216.129.119.81, 212.92.18.15, 74.208.125.5, 72.44.54.68, 83.149.199.55, 174.129.90.99, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.139.3, 67.195.112.88, 72.44.48.172, 38.99.96.233, 79.182.41.225, 87.250.252.241, 67.218.116.131, 38.100.8.50, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 64.13.222.190, 209.191.123.35, 24.9.98.48, 66.249.68.236, 174.7.78.48, 75.101.238.112, 66.249.68.81, 66.219.58.42, 216.129.119.11, 72.20.212.22, 66.172.194.105, 98.213.194.253, 98.151.228.104, 142.166.170.102, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.184, 66.249.68.178, 66.249.67.111, 218.28.29.236, 208.40.212.50, 66.235.124.57, 66.249.68.172, 99.61.235.153, 98.213.110.149, 67.128.23.239, 85.17.171.225, 76.16.102.140, 142.166.170.103, 195.113.214.213, 71.95.178.68, 119.63.198.31, 75.63.61.101, 66.249.67.238, 63.215.202.234, 85.17.226.119, 67.167.118.157, 96.246.114.122, 67.16.94.2, 76.188.123.32, 98.236.45.105, 67.175.128.131, 81.94.206.226, 81.94.194.34, 67.175.192.183, 24.14.41.184, 67.167.7.74, 167.177.39.6, 98.212.5.234, 12.36.76.225, 71.192.70.186, 24.203.237.3, 66.249.65.36, 71.201.191.28, 142.166.170.100, 67.202.15.82, 66.249.65.38

Meet the Blackhawks Ice Crew March 7th!

No Blackhawks, Ice Crew, Ice Girls, Cheerleader, Chicago

131

Meet the Blackhawks Ice Crew March 7th!

2420

writer

article

-1

2010-02-13T12:39:31-05:00

Playerpress

89 7454 <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"> <meta content="Word.Document" name="ProgId"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Generator"> <meta content="Microsoft Word 9" name="Originator"> <link href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AARONW%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta>   You’d think because Team USA won the World Junior Championship that the Olympic team would be rated better than they are. Perhaps the hype over hockey south of the border was a passing fancy, and the true champions of the sport reside in the frozen tundra of Canada, Russia and Sweden who are all ranked before us for Gold in Vancouver.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Sure, Canada has Sidney Crosby, Russia has Ovechkin and the Swedes have brothers Daniel and Henrik Sedin.  Team USA has plenty of talent that is apparently being cast in fourth with no medal.  Interesting to watch for international fans, the players from the Home of the Brave are facing lowered expectations that they can accomplish the feat to bring home a medal.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Starting goaltender for the US will be Buffalo Sabres Ryan Miller who has had an outstanding year with a record of 29-14-6 including against teams with Crosby, Ovechkin and the Sedins.  Miller has the best GAA rating among all the starting goalies with a 2.01, as well as his save percentage at .936%.  He’s had hit a rough patch recently, but he leads with 27 shutouts.  If he can’t stop a puck then Team USA can start worrying.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Both Los Angeles King Jonathan Quick and Boston Bruin Tim Thomas will back Miller in the net.  Quick has had an outstanding year leading the Kings into a comfortable spot in the Western Conference, which no one anticipated.  Quick holds a 34-17-3 record having won in his last two meetings with the heavily loaded Swedish Detroit Red Wings. Thomas has had a tough time with the ailing Bruins and a record of 13-15-7.  Controversial goaltender selections brewed over the selection of Quick and Thomas over the hotshot of the Colorado Avalanche, Craig Anderson.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Defending the net will be a chore for the Americans as they face some physical players from Russia and Sweden.  Detroit Red Wing defenseman Brian Rafalski will lead the charge with previous Olympic experience.  Rafalski’s resume is impressive with three Stanley Cups and two Olympics, winning Silver in 2002.  But Rafalski doesn’t wander from the blue line with the intent of scoring except for setting up for the assist so he’ll have pressure to lead the inexperienced players and play more aggressively.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> The Johnson boys, St. Louis Blues Erik Johnson and LA King Jack Johnson will debut in Vancouver both displaying a work ethic that impressed the US selection panel.  Nashville Predator Ryan Suter will most likely be in the starting line-up with his strong play. Rounding out the healthy participants is Pittsburgh Penguins’ Brooks Orpik whose youth will be either an energetic positive addition or an inexperienced bad experiment. Orpik has experience playing with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, which could prove to be beneficial against Canada and Russia.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Two of the defensemen, New Jersey Devil Paul Martin and Toronto Maple Leaf Mike Komisarek are reported to be unlikely to play, and will need to be replaced due to injuries.  Martin is still holding out hope he could be ready by February 15th.  Possible replacements rumored have included Carolina Hurricanes’ Tim Gleason; Ryan Whitney of the Anaheim Ducks; Pittsburgh Penguins’ Alex Goligoski; and from the Atlanta Thrashers, Ron Hainsey or Zach Bogosian.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Putting pressure on the scoring line, only Chris Drury and Jamie Langenbrunner have Olympic games to back up their insight for their team.  New York Rangers’ Drury won Silver in 2002, while New Jersey’s Langenbrunner played in Nagano in 1998 with no medal.  Drury has been a bust this season and has disappointed in points, but has been able to be a leader.  Langenbrunner’s Devils have held on tight in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference sitting in second behind Washington and Ovi.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> The list of forwards consists of what The Hockey News calls, “youth over experience.”  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> David Backes of the St. Louis Blues has steadily climbed his way into the limelight, for better or for worse.  Critics say he isn’t all that, but Backes has posted 34 points and 77 penalty minutes this season.  His strength is scoring, while his weakness is fighting.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Dustin Brown of the LA Kings has 40 points this season and 22 penalty minutes.  He is one reason the Kings have been able to dazzle the NHL and are holding steady for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Ryan Callahan’s debut on Broadway keeps outdoing each performance for the New York Rangers.  He’s on par to surpass last season’s scoring, and he’s been heating up lately despite the Rangers lack of pizzazz in the playoff hunt.  Expect Callahan to take the charge.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Patrick Kane is out of all the wingers, an anticipated star on the roster for crowds.  Playing for the talented young Chicago Blackhawks, Kane has emerged with 64 points this year and a plus 17 rating.  He’s good and doesn’t make mistakes.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Phil Kessel’s career in the NHL has matured into more scoring and less penalties.  Though his team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, may not be anywhere near a playoff contender Kessel keeps his play as if he were.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Joe Pavelski is as even on goals and assists as ying is to yang.  Pavelski makes his home with the San Jose Sharks and adds additional depth to the point machine of the Western Conference.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Ryan Kesler was a must have last year for fantasy hockey owners, so this year he was scooped up quickly. His presence in Vancouver was the secret ingredient for the Canucks.  Though he won’t be traveling far, this will benefit the US with one less jetlagged player.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Paul Stastny had an opportunity to play for Canada or Slovakia, but good for Team USA to have the commitment from this Colorado Avalanche assistant captain.  Stastny will draw international interest and hopefully draw plays towards the net.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Ryan Malone is a fantasy hockey owner’s dream with 42 points and 57 penalty minutes (if you’re in PIM leagues). The Tampa Bay Lightning knew Malone was something special and he’s proven he can keep up the points.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils is one player that was a must to represent the USA, though he sports a Canadian bloodline.  Parise is the second leading scorer for the Devils and synonymous with the new energy of the team.  It shows in their fiery style of play.  Teammate Jamie Langenbrunner will lend some helpful advice.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Bobby Ryan ignites his style with the Anaheim Ducks.  Ryan tallied 45 points and 57 penalty minutes so far this season.  Let’s just hope he scores rather than scraps.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Youth over experience could leave Team USA into overdrive. But beware; the lack of experience could be costly when confronted with players with more skill, more exposure and more scoring.  Mistakes can be costly with these high stakes, but it’s a great opportunity for these young NHL stars to be recognized as our team, Team USA.   24.9.98.48

2010-02-13T12:39:31-05:00

nhl-talent-of-team-usa

Yes 123.125.66.83, 24.9.98.48, 66.249.68.155, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 76.97.188.228, 85.114.136.243, 216.24.142.47, 216.24.142.46, 65.52.22.215, 67.202.11.49, 204.236.198.91, 208.74.66.62, 89.151.84.35, 174.143.181.251, 75.101.197.164, 64.62.134.170, 70.37.70.228, 67.202.63.158, 83.149.199.55, 75.101.176.194, 75.101.195.195, 64.135.129.91, 75.101.212.118, 38.99.97.126, 72.44.54.68, 174.129.139.3, 174.133.61.66, 66.172.20.57, 204.232.248.53, 66.55.145.4, 75.101.174.137, 64.135.129.89, 74.86.82.175, 74.205.81.180, 72.44.33.94, 66.249.67.240, 94.228.34.213, 79.176.68.156, 142.166.170.51, 142.166.3.122, 75.72.102.134, 66.233.213.141, 66.249.67.206, 79.182.4.253, 76.223.80.222, 205.188.116.145, 142.166.170.103, 67.218.116.131, 64.135.129.124, 216.129.119.11, 87.250.252.241, 72.201.87.80, 150.147.13.2, 66.249.68.184, 65.197.19.242, 96.229.11.14, 98.70.47.138, 81.132.205.175, 77.88.51.11, 24.150.90.126, 80.203.95.215, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.67.150, 66.249.68.251, 79.182.41.225, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.115.214, 67.195.114.230, 217.14.6.210, 66.249.68.81, 174.127.132.112, 67.16.94.2, 66.249.68.248, 66.172.194.105, 85.17.171.225, 206.83.86.2, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.68.233, 218.28.29.236, 66.249.68.172, 119.63.198.60, 195.113.214.213, 69.115.241.123, 66.235.124.59, 69.131.20.187, 63.215.202.234, 91.35.241.47, 66.249.65.36, 174.127.132.155

NHL Talent of Team USA

No NHL, Team USA, Ryan MIller, Ovechkin, Sedin, Crosby, Quick, Tim Thomas, Drury, Olympics

-1

NHL Talent of Team USA

845

writer

article

-1

2010-02-09T16:42:00-05:00

Playerpress

73 7382 <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AARONW%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> Plagued with injuries and critics calling the Detroit Red Wings goners for the playoffs, the Red Wings have never been quitters.  With a strong building of their young talent in the minors, the Red Wings have proven they are fighting back and strong.  Even Johan Franzen is catapulting Detroit into the spotlight as he is expected to return to the line-up tonight against the St. Louis Blues.   <o:p></o:p> Franzen has been out since October 8th with a torn left anterior cruciate ligament and has been trying to return to the lineup for a few weeks.  Just as Tomas Holmstrom has been iffy for play due to a bruised knee so he’s listed as day-to-day.  Defenseman Niklas Kronwall has the same issue and is waiting for a knee brace to ensure stability in play.   <o:p></o:p>   But not everyone sees Franzen’s return as saving grace.  The Detroit Free Press presented ESPN.com's Scott Burnside opinion:   He writes: "The assumption is the Wings will somehow be a playoff team as long as they get healthy, but blowing a 3-0 lead against the Kings was a reminder they have a long way to go to be the team they've been the past couple of seasons."   Burnside also dropped the Wings four places to 16th in this week's power rankings.   Can the “Mule” save the Wings from the depths of peril or will he produce as he always has when times are tough?  Drew Miller expects to play, but Patrick Eaves is doubtful.  Sitting in 9th place, the Wings are still in the hunt as the Olympic break approaches leaving Holmstrom and Kronwall on a shorter recuperation time, while Franzen may heal his wounds for the battle of the West.  <o:p></o:p>   76.97.188.228

2010-02-09T16:42:00-05:00

mule-tidings

Yes

Yes 67.177.202.166, 66.249.68.204, 123.125.66.57, 142.166.3.122, 76.97.188.228, 216.24.142.47, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.22.215, 89.151.116.54, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.170.136, 174.129.155.45, 174.36.241.149, 208.74.66.42, 67.195.37.188, 66.249.67.229, 174.133.61.66, 75.101.176.194, 67.195.112.114, 72.44.54.68, 174.129.139.3, 75.101.212.118, 75.101.195.195, 38.99.97.126, 66.249.68.149, 87.250.252.241, 142.166.170.104, 38.99.97.10, 67.218.116.131, 61.247.222.83, 216.129.119.11, 76.236.124.230, 79.176.68.156, 79.182.4.253, 66.249.68.117, 68.63.112.9, 76.236.37.70, 71.191.157.29, 142.166.170.103, 98.251.90.255, 98.244.105.187, 70.190.186.143, 99.165.224.121, 69.254.253.23, 75.3.126.120, 66.249.67.206, 24.210.99.189, 66.249.68.187, 173.169.87.241, 67.195.112.88, 66.249.67.107, 79.182.41.225, 67.195.115.214, 24.9.98.48, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.114.230, 217.14.6.210, 66.249.68.81, 66.219.58.42, 67.16.94.2, 66.249.67.137, 66.172.194.105, 123.125.66.134, 98.151.228.104, 85.17.171.225, 67.195.113.247, 66.249.67.172, 119.63.198.25, 195.113.214.213, 202.131.30.148, 207.46.204.182, 69.115.241.123, 66.249.65.21

Mule Tidings

No NHL, Franzen, Detroit Red Wings, Holmstrom, Kronwall, Eaves, Drew Milller

140

Mule Tidings

845

writer

article

-1

2010-02-05T16:31:37-05:00

Playerpress

87 7217 <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AARONW%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta>   One of my New York Rangers fan groups has this ongoing discussion, for over a week, about Chris Drury’s leadership.  The call was to offer Drury for someone better.  That’s not a bad idea.  But recently rumors of trades have not involved the captain, rather performers Ryan Callahan and Ales Kotalik.  Really?  Allegedly. And what the Rangers will get in return is putting a big pile of mess on the ice at the Garden.   <o:p></o:p>   <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"> <meta name="ProgId" content="Word.Document"> <meta name="Generator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> <meta name="Originator" content="Microsoft Word 9"> <link rel="File-List" href="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/AARONW%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_filelist.xml" /><style type="text/css">  </style> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> Talks with the Calgary Flames turned heads in New York as fans were hoping to get the call for Dion Phaneuf.  Suggestions were Drury and Donald Brashear for Phaneuf.  Is that even an equivalent assessment?  I had to remind some of my fellow Rangers fans of the “sloppy seconds” debauchle involving Dion and Sean.  Phaneuf has been dealt out of Calgary, so the two bad boys will eventually have more battle time on the ice when Phaneuf plays the Rangers on March 27th.  Early blogs raised the question of the Ranger’s spark and was it possible to revive with a trade.  Maybe the wrong guy is being traded.  A captain’s job is to ignite the team into the best team they can be.  Drury seems like a nice guy, but a pushover.  Maybe he needs to go to Calgary.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> His skills were apparent with his peak in Colorado, when the Avalanche had their dream team. He played against his former team Sunday night with a 3-1 win. Drury has landed his dream job, being a Connecticut native his aspirations as a kid was to play with the Rangers.  Could this mean that even a superstar such as Chris Drury suffers from complacency on the job?   What’s worse is his under par 19 points, then throw in his –11.  Go back two years previous when Drury posted 58 points.  If Drury can’t lead the troops into battle, then someone needs to suggest that another commander lead the call.  <o:p></o:p> So if the Rangers bring in the big prize, Olli Jokinen, who has slumped lately can he become a team leader?   Good player at the start of the season as Calgary was displaying, but it went up in flames. Trade options for the Rangers are limited: Brashear’s a bust; the blue line is badly drawn, and seems to be invisible.  Sean Avery is battling back but frustrations are showing.  Acquiring a Center puts some pressure on Olli to come in, take the lead and prove he’s worthy.  It could happen if the trade happens, but some wheeling and dealing is happening to benefit both sides.  Fans are buzzing over the flurry.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> The only saving grace of the Rangers, like last year, is King Henry.  The Swedes are all over the ice in domination, so let’s put goaltender extraordinaire Henrik Lundqvist in as team captain.  Honestly, look at what Roberto Luongo has done in Vancouver.  The goalie seems a natural captain.  The team puts the knuckles in the faces of those who greet Lundqvist brutally.  He’s the reason we were in the playoffs last year, he’s the reason the Rangers still sport some respectability.   <o:p></o:p> Stay tuned for more drama from the New York Rangers.  <o:p></o:p>   67.177.202.166

2010-02-05T16:31:37-05:00

rangers-reroute

Yes 67.177.202.166, 66.249.65.114, 69.63.178.251, 190.17.87.27, 174.36.241.149, 24.8.240.73, 123.125.66.59, 75.101.176.194, 66.249.65.77, 75.101.195.195, 72.44.33.181, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 211.43.152.49, 216.24.142.46, 216.24.142.47, 216.24.142.45, 211.43.152.53, 67.202.63.158, 208.74.66.62, 89.151.84.35, 75.101.197.164, 128.205.192.14, 174.129.58.57, 72.13.91.40, 68.173.108.50, 75.101.232.231, 68.160.234.170, 83.149.199.55, 174.21.243.205, 174.129.139.3, 38.99.97.126, 72.44.54.68, 67.195.114.42, 67.195.112.85, 66.249.68.204, 71.177.23.190, 74.136.7.171, 67.218.116.131, 203.131.250.162, 85.114.136.243, 174.129.141.199, 75.101.170.136, 64.135.129.75, 72.44.60.250, 67.195.37.188, 87.250.252.241, 174.133.61.66, 66.249.67.107, 174.121.65.107, 216.129.119.11, 67.195.112.114, 119.63.198.49, 75.101.233.125, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.67.142, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.68.149, 38.99.97.10, 63.215.202.234, 88.131.106.30, 67.191.6.83, 66.249.68.155, 79.176.68.156, 142.166.170.100, 79.182.4.253, 66.249.68.184, 66.249.68.187, 66.249.68.134, 66.249.67.167, 67.195.112.88, 206.74.10.244, 65.55.207.75, 66.249.68.251, 205.209.170.10, 66.249.68.236, 66.249.68.81, 67.195.114.230, 67.195.115.214, 66.249.67.154, 38.99.96.233, 68.192.28.94, 66.249.67.238, 38.98.19.111, 67.195.113.247, 207.46.195.230

Rangers Reroute

No New York Rangers, Calgary Flames, NHL, Chris Drury, Dion Phaneuf, Henrik Lundquist, Ryan Callahan, Ales Kotalik, Olli Jokinen

126

Rangers Reroute

845

writer

article

-1

2010-01-26T15:05:35-05:00

Playerpress

102 7136 1993 seems like so long ago - the NHL played an 84 game regular season schedule, the Ducks were still a movie not a hockey team, Eric Lindros and Teemu Selanne were promising rookies, wearing a helmet was optional for players, Ron Hextall was wearing a Quebec Nordiques jersey (seriously!), Gary Bettman was just named the NHL's first Commissioner, Bruce McNall still owned the Kings and yes, mullets were cool.<div class="post-header-line-1"> Five years prior the Kings had made 'the trade' with Edmonton to bring Gretzky to LA, turning Hollywood to Hockeywood. The Kings had their best year ever in 1990-91, posting 102 points and winning the Smythe Division. After losing to Edmonton that postseason and the year after, coach Tom Webster was fired. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S17TVrtE09I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/3SPfWvOiX-A/s1600-h/melrose+ref.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431010570117895122" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 183px; float: right; height: 200px; cursor: hand" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S17TVrtE09I/AAAAAAAAAQ8/3SPfWvOiX-A/s200/melrose+ref.bmp" /></a>Then, prior to the 1992-93 season the Kings hired Barry Melrose, a Tony Robbins following - mullet wearing coach who had never been behind the bench for an NHL game. His star player, #99, missed the first 36 games of the season with a back injury. Luc Robitaille captained the team while he was out, in route to the best season of his career with 63 goals and 125 points. The team finished in 3rd place with a record of 39-35-10, just 11th best in the 24 team league. Fan favorite and starting goaltender, Kelly Hrudey, had gone through a horrible slump earlier in the year and still wasn't right as the playoffs began. Down 2-1 in the series, Melrose replaced him with Robb Stauber. Hrudey says "Robb played in game four and we won 2-1 to even the series. Barry stuck with him in games five and six...He won the series." Melrose kept Stauber between the pipes to open the second round against Vancouver. After the Kings lost the first game Hrudey recalls "Immediately following the game Barry called me into his office and told me I was going to start game two." The Kings went on to win the series 4-2, setting the stage for what came next... THE SERIES The Campbell Conference Finals in 1993 would determine who would play the Montreal Canadians for the Stanley Cup. Hockey know-it-alls would tell you the Toronto Maple Leafs were going to send Melrose, Gretzky and the rest of the LA Kings packing. Even though the Leafs had gone 2-1-1 against the Kings during the regular season, team leader Doug Gilmour didn't take the Kings lightly, saying "We don't want to get into a scoring match up with the Kings. We want to play them strong defensively and go from there." Rookie goalie Felix Potvin agreed, adding "It's going to be a tough series...they've got a wide-open offense...and we're going to try to have to shut them out. We don't want to get into a shootout with the Kings." There were also plenty of odd associations on both sides as well. Leafs winger Mike Krushelnyski had played two seasons for the Kings before being traded to Toronto a few years earlier. Glenn Anderson of the Leafs had played with Gretzky and Kurri back in Edmonton and felt the Kings were "very determined not only to get by this series against us but to win the Stanley Cup." Toronto's captain, Wendel Clark, just so happened to be the first cousin of Melrose. Clark, who played a key role in most of the games, has since said "That series was probably the most excitement I saw around here," referring to Maple Leaf Gardens. Melrose didn't let family ties stand in the way of what he says "was one of the best series the NHL has had in the last 30 years," adding "both buildings were electric, and both cities were unbelievable." Game 1 - while the Maple Leafs defeated the Kings 4-1 to take the early series lead, the real story of the game centered on a hit LA defenseman Marty McSorley put on Gilmour. Clark took exception to the hit and went after McSorley, in what became a series long theme (<a href="http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/21903">click here</a> for video of the whole incident). The hit also enraged Burns, who tried going after Melrose on the bench, convinced he ordered the hit on Gilmour. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S17Um5B13vI/AAAAAAAAARE/TPcUBVOew_Y/s1600-h/mcsorleyblackeye.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431011965264060146" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; float: right; height: 195px; cursor: hand" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S17Um5B13vI/AAAAAAAAARE/TPcUBVOew_Y/s200/mcsorleyblackeye.jpg" /></a>McSorley's bruised face was on the cover of the Toronto sports page with a quote from Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher "All I'm saying is (McSorley) may try (going after Gilmour), but it won't happen again". The coaches were beginning their own war too. Burns began to take aim at Melrose through the media - feeling the Kings coach didn't respect him or his team. After Melrose made a comment about the Leafs being good at protecting a lead because they have "10 guys 30 years old. They plug up the middle pretty well." Burns retorted with "We had 99 points this year, his team had 88. I guess our 30-year-olds did a pretty good job clogging up the middle. We beat Detroit and St. Louis, and I firmly believe we'll beat the Los Angeles Kings, too." The war of words later escalated to Melrose commenting on Burns' weight - even telling him to have another donut - while Burns would call him Billy Ray Cyrus. Looking back now Melrose says "Pat and I are both competitive guys. We're both outgoing guys," Melrose said. "We both talk a lot, and when you get both of those things combined...a lot of stuff is going to happen." Game 2 - the Kings tie the series with a 3-2 win in Toronto Game 3 - with the series now in LA for games three and four, the Kings win 4-2, taking the series lead Game 4 - the Leafs tie the series with a 4-2 victory at the Forum Game 5 - in the first of back to back overtime games, the Leafs win 3-2 when Anderson whacks a puck out of the air with 40 seconds left in the extra period...the Leafs now lead the series 3-2 and the series heads back to LA. Game 6 - prior to the game a Toronto columnist noted that Gretzky was playing like he had a piano on his back throughout the series..the Great One then went out and proved you don't call out a legend like that... Urban myth has it that Wayne addressed the team before the game and asked them to give it their all to tie the series and send things back to Toronto, where he promised he would take care of things in game seven. It almost never came to be. The Kings dominated the first two periods and were up 4-1 early in the third. However, Clark scored three goals for the Leafs to even the game 4-4 and send things to overtime. Early in the fourth period Gretzky high-sticked Gilmour for what Leaf fans will forever claim should have been a penalty. Referee Kerry Fraser disagreed and play continued. From behind the net Robitaille set up Gretzky to win the game. Kings 5, Leafs 4. Board the plane. We're going back to Toronto for game seven and a possible trip to the Stanley Cup Finals. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S16sQpb792I/AAAAAAAAAQs/UkqkHjK6SYo/s1600-h/luc+kisses+taylor.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430967602656311138" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; float: left; height: 250px; cursor: hand" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S16sQpb792I/AAAAAAAAAQs/UkqkHjK6SYo/s320/luc+kisses+taylor.bmp" /></a>Game 7 - in what will forever be known as 'the series' among Kings fans and players, this is 'the game' Gretzky opened the scoring on a shorthanded give-and-go with McSorley to provide the Kings an early 1-0 lead. He then set up Tomas Sandstrom for a goal to put the Kings up 2-0 at the end of the first period. Toronto tied things up early in the second on goals from Clark and then Anderson. Melrose called a time out to settle things down. At the half way point of the second period Gretzky was alone in the slot and put a slap shot past Potvin to give the Kings the lead again at 3-2. Like the intermission before, the Kings were leading at the break. Clark scored his second goal of the game just minutes into the third period to tie things up once again. Both teams rushed up and down the ice repeatedly for over 10 minutes, neither scoring. With just under four minutes remaining in the third, Kings forward <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/player.htm?id=8446449">Mike Donnelly</a> scored on a rebound of a shot originally taken by <a href="http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=5861">Alex Zhitnik</a> - giving the Kings a precious one goal lead. Just seconds later Gretzky ended up with the puck, circled behind the net and backhanded it off the skate of Leafs defenseman Dave Ellet. It went by Potvin and the Kings now had a two goal lead on #99s hat trick. The next few minutes probably seemed like an eternity to Kings fans everywhere. Then, with about a minute to go, Ellet got a small sense of redemption, scoring to pull the the Leafs close, now trailing by just a goal. Tick, tock...pass, shot, save...rinse, repeat...ten seconds left...three seconds left...game over. Kings win the game 5-4 and the series 4 games to 3. Gretzky has been quoted as saying that his performance in game 7 was the best NHL game of his career. For Kings fans it will certainly was. With a roster full of guys like Corey Millen, Gary Shuchuk and Pat Conacher the Kings beat an original six team in the playoffs for the first time since entering the league in 1967. Oh yeah, they also had guys named Granato, Carson and Blake. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S17SsC36ijI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/CiBX-iVohto/s1600-h/gretzky+hug.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431009854782868018" border="0" alt="" style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 186px; float: right; height: 200px; cursor: hand" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S17SsC36ijI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/CiBX-iVohto/s200/gretzky+hug.bmp" /></a>In two of the iconic moments in franchise history, Gretzky skated over to the bench after the game to give Melrose a huge hug (pictured at right)...later in the locker room, Luc Robitaille kissed Dave Taylor as they celebrated around the Campbell Conference trophy (picture above). It truly was probably the greatest seven game series ever played and the mere mention of Kings-Maple Leafs will always bring back memories of that epic playoff battle. Ah, 1993...when mullets were cool and the Kings owned LA. The Mayor <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Mayor119">www.twitter.com/Mayor119</a> note: Numerous highlights of the series are available on YouTube including this one: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlQhZv3LpKw&feature=PlayList&p=5629E16CE6D11AA3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=1">click here</a>. What's your favorite moment from the seven games with Toronto? Post a comment below and share it with other readers.</div> 71.177.23.190

2010-01-26T15:05:35-05:00

kingsleafs-when-mullets-were-cool

Yes 71.177.23.190, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.245, 123.125.66.121, 174.37.205.87, 67.195.111.172, 142.166.3.122, 38.99.97.126, 72.44.54.68, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 211.43.152.49, 85.114.136.243, 211.43.152.53, 204.236.198.91, 174.129.90.99, 216.24.142.46, 89.151.116.59, 216.24.142.47, 208.74.66.61, 208.74.66.42, 67.202.63.158, 70.37.70.228, 75.101.197.164, 72.13.91.40, 65.52.22.215, 174.133.61.66, 216.129.119.81, 130.226.208.249, 67.218.99.195, 83.149.199.55, 208.80.193.62, 67.177.202.166, 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.66, 79.99.6.106, 72.44.48.172, 63.215.202.234, 174.129.48.204, 142.166.170.101, 38.99.97.10, 64.184.179.77, 67.218.116.131, 68.37.27.54, 81.94.205.98, 64.184.179.74, 142.166.170.102, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.204, 76.101.181.118, 99.56.0.89, 204.244.9.59, 66.249.65.114, 190.17.87.27, 67.195.112.85, 87.250.252.241, 64.74.243.101, 67.195.37.188, 203.131.250.162, 142.166.170.104, 130.149.228.10, 71.60.95.13, 119.63.198.27, 67.195.112.114, 98.164.155.116, 66.235.124.59, 66.249.68.149, 74.53.3.132, 66.249.68.131, 82.30.30.212, 66.249.68.11, 66.249.68.155, 67.83.206.205, 71.117.252.25, 129.234.193.111, 65.55.207.53, 66.249.68.187, 65.55.106.156, 67.195.112.88, 75.102.214.185, 66.147.244.176, 130.206.158.140, 206.74.10.244, 66.249.68.251, 66.249.68.236, 67.195.115.214, 205.209.170.10, 67.195.114.230, 66.249.68.81, 207.46.195.242, 66.249.67.197, 66.249.67.154, 204.122.253.240, 66.249.68.178, 98.193.16.228, 38.99.96.233, 173.63.118.96, 67.195.113.247, 58.246.102.198, 207.46.195.232

Kings/Leafs - When Mullets Were Cool

No NHL, hockey, Kings, Leafs, Toronto, Gretzky, Kurri, Robitaille, Clark, Gilmour, Melrose, Burns, Mayor, playoffs, McSorley

114

Kings/Leafs - When Mullets Were Cool

1218

writer