Hawk Fans Make St. Louis Seem Like Home

article

-1

2010-02-07T01:17:00-05:00

Playerpress

42 7324 It's Saturday night and I find myself in St. Louis about to watch the Chicago Blackhawks take on the St. Louis Blues. As with any fan that goes to an away game, I expected to be the minority. I was wrong. While the Blues fans did have the majority it wasn't by a lot. There was still plenty of red and white Hawk jerseys all over the arena. When I say plenty I mean at least 40%. It was a great showing, proving how much love and hope the Hawk fans have in their team this year. Three days after St. Louis came into Chicago and took two points, the Hawks came right back and took two points in St. Louis's home arena. It was a beautiful game and gift to the many Hawk fans that made the ride down to St. Louis. Hawk fans made their presence known, not without making some dedicated Blues fans mad. As always the game was intense form beginning to end. But Blues fans were silenced early once the Hawks scored twice in the 1st period. The intensity was amped up by the physicality of the game, yielding to many scruffs after the whistle and three fights. I can't help but think that the Hawk fan turnout was a serious advantage for the Hawks. The fans literally made it seem like the Hawks were the home team. Chants of LET'S GO HAWKS!! out shined the chants of LET'S GO BLUES. It was something I had never experienced in any of the road games I have been to. It just goes to prove that fans do make a difference in games. 76.97.188.228

2010-02-07T01:17:00-05:00

hawk-fans-make-st-louis-seem-like-home

Yes 68.188.76.25, 66.249.67.142, 123.125.66.69, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.37.188, 75.101.176.194, 67.195.112.114, 174.129.139.3, 174.129.155.116, 174.129.95.55, 142.166.3.122, 75.101.195.195, 174.129.171.1, 38.99.97.126, 76.97.188.228, 216.24.142.46, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.47, 85.114.136.243, 70.37.70.230, 65.52.22.222, 174.129.67.212, 174.129.90.99, 89.151.116.54, 75.101.170.136, 208.74.66.42, 174.129.249.16, 208.74.66.39, 174.129.89.199, 67.202.63.158, 83.149.199.55, 174.36.241.155, 67.218.116.131, 174.133.61.66, 142.166.170.51, 207.179.181.130, 204.236.206.142, 79.99.6.106, 216.129.119.11, 79.182.21.80, 66.249.67.167, 142.166.170.102

Hawk Fans Make St. Louis Seem Like Home

No Chicago Blackhawks, Hawks fans, St. Louis Blues, nhl, hockey

131

Hawk Fans Make St. Louis Seem Like Home

579

writer

article

-1

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

Playerpress

57 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

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

68 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

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

article

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2010-01-25T18:38:31-05:00

Playerpress

56 7125  The Blackhawks first full week of their eight game road trip has come to a close, and what an up and down week it was for the Hawks.    We saw a mixture of things this week. One of them being an increasing problem with goaltending. Throughout the whole year the Hawks have had one of, if not, the best goaltending duo with Huet and Niemi. Just recently though amny have started to question their ability to win big games. More importantly, playoff games. <a mce_href="http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4842295" href="http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nhl/news/story?id=4842295">Most recently former Hawk player, Jermey Roenick.</a>   Those questions were asked right after a terrible Hawks performance last Tuesday against Ottawa. A game in which the Hawks lost 4-1.  The Hawks sputtered on defense, and also failed to gain the momentum after Marian Hossa's shorthanded goal. Ottawa just came out of the gate and attacked the Hawks. That's something every team is figuring out at this time of the year.    Later that week the Hawks doused the Flames, winning 3-1. Antti Niemi was in net, and performed like an all star.  Coach Quennville then gave the nod to Niemi the next game on January 23rd. I, like many other people, was feeling confident. Once the game started though, I lost all of it.   Niemi only lasted one period and the Hawks fell 5-1 to a injured Vancouver Canucks. Another bad performance by the Hawks net minders more yielded mre criticism towards them. I, sadly being a Chicago sports fan, am always a little weary and, quite frankly pessimistic, towards Chicago teams(thank you Cubs!), but as for the Hawks, I am not.   While I'm not pleased with the play of the goalies as of late, I do know that I can't expect them to be perfect every game. Even Patrick Roy had off days. I can forgive them for having a couple too. 82 games is a lot of games. Goalies and players are going to have off days. It's very common, and it happens to every athlete in every sport.    It was a week filled with joy, beating rival Detroit on Sunday, and sadness, Vancouver giving us a beatdown, but that's what makes sports interesting. Anybody can beat anybody on any given day.   Let us hope the Hawks are the ones doing the winning this week.   Their schedule this week is as follows: Tuesday they are at Edmonton. Game time is 8:30pm cst. Thursday they travel to San Jose to battle the Sharks at 9:30pm. It should be a GREAT game. I wouldn't miss it. Finally they close of the road trip in North Carolina at 6pm cst.   76.223.76.186

2010-01-25T18:38:31-05:00

blackhawks-weekly-update-up-and-down-week-

Yes 76.223.76.186, 66.249.67.229, 174.37.205.86, 123.125.66.122, 66.249.68.245, 67.195.114.42, 63.215.202.234, 72.44.54.68, 67.195.111.172, 76.97.188.228, 67.202.11.49, 85.114.136.243, 204.236.198.91, 216.24.142.47, 216.24.142.46, 89.151.116.54, 208.74.66.61, 208.74.66.62, 91.121.89.155, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.170.136, 67.202.5.6, 65.52.22.222, 75.101.232.231, 64.246.135.98, 70.37.70.230, 67.202.10.201, 83.149.199.55, 38.99.97.126, 72.44.48.172, 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.66, 75.101.174.137, 207.179.181.130, 38.99.97.10, 216.129.119.11, 67.218.116.131, 81.94.205.98, 98.197.178.93, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.112.85, 71.231.137.83, 119.63.198.4, 64.74.243.101, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.68.119, 137.104.233.42, 75.13.67.250, 67.195.37.188, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.112.114, 68.92.61.210, 66.235.124.59, 142.166.3.122, 72.241.64.198, 66.249.67.142

Blackhawks Weekly Update: Up and Down Week

No Chicago Blackhawks, Goaltending problem, NHL, hockey, Chicago,

131

Blackhawks Weekly Update: Up and Down Week

579

writer

article

-1

2010-01-25T04:52:00-05:00

Playerpress

53 7116 Life can be funny at times. Occasionally, things just have a way of working themselves out. After the recent meeting between the Kings and Red Wings - that resulted in a 2-1 loss for LA, despite putting up 52 shots on goal - the last person many Kings fans wanted to see again was Wings goalie Jimmy Howard. Fortunately, LA won the rematch 3-2 on Saturday in Detroit...and in the process the Kings figured out a few things:  ...they figured out how to come back when down two goals to a good team. The Kings seemed to wilt after San Jose scored their second goal in Tuesday's game. Today was different. Down 2-0 before the first period hit the halfway point, the Kings pulled it together, finally tying the game a little more than six minutes into the third. A nice achievement for the Kings, made even better by the fact that Detroit entered the game 17-0-4 when leading after two periods. ...Coach Murray somehow figured out how to get even more out of <a href="http://kings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8474190">Wayne Simmonds</a>. It's almost like it doesn't matter who he's paired with. Wayne the Train just makes everybody play better. Pick up one of his bobble heads at the home game on February 11th and he'll probably make you better at something too. ...they figured out how to beat Detroit when it mattered, when they were nipping at their heals in the standings. The Wings had beaten the Kings 22 of the last 24 times they played...with Detroit recently coming back from the dead and reentering the playoff race, it was never more important than tonight to beat them. That's how you make the playoffs when you're already in the top eight, you keep beating the teams below you. ...<a href="http://kings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8471685">Anze Kopitar</a> once again figured out a way to score without Ryan Smyth. All in all it was actually one of Kopi's better games this season. The new WAR line (Wayne-Anze-Ritchie), put together on Thursday for the Buffalo game, had another solid outing. All three guys had multi-points. Don't like the name of the line? Well, come on, it's better than what they're calling the top line in San Jose - the burger line. You want to call this the 're-mix' line instead, since that what Murray is doing right now? ...they figured out a way to get more pucks on <a href="http://kings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8470755">Brad Richardson</a>'s stick...and that's a good thing...the Kings are 6-0-1 when he's scored this season, the only blemish being a shootout loss when the Blues visited LA on December 5th...tonight he picked up the game winner with about eight minutes left in the third. There is at least one thing the Kings haven't figured out how to do though... win a face off with anybody other than <a href="http://kings.nhl.com/club/player.htm?id=8468526">Jarret Stoll</a> at the dot. Number 28 was the only player above 50% on the night, going 10-16 (63%). It needs to be addressed...hopefully soon. <div>In the meantime, it's on to Toronto - where the Kings need to figure out how to keep the momentum going.</div> <div> </div> <div>Figuring out how to pick up another two points is the top priority at the moment.</div> The Mayor <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Mayor119">www.twitter.com/Mayor119</a>   71.177.23.190

2010-01-25T04:52:00-05:00

kings-figure-out-howard-in-detroit

Yes 123.125.66.75, 174.37.205.67, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.68.245, 66.249.67.229, 67.195.111.172, 38.99.97.126, 76.97.188.228, 72.44.61.86, 216.24.142.46, 216.24.142.47, 65.52.22.215, 174.129.90.99, 70.37.70.230, 67.202.5.6, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.39, 89.151.84.35, 75.101.197.164, 216.129.119.81, 67.218.99.195, 174.21.236.85, 67.195.114.42, 83.149.199.55, 204.236.206.142, 174.133.61.66, 72.44.54.68, 162.84.243.233, 63.215.202.234, 173.56.6.68, 142.166.170.101, 38.99.97.10, 71.225.213.175, 81.94.205.98, 216.129.119.11, 66.249.68.149, 66.235.124.57, 67.218.116.131, 69.245.89.158, 66.249.68.204, 67.195.112.85, 76.26.237.245, 64.74.243.101, 87.250.252.241, 69.113.12.123, 173.11.47.129, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 98.228.208.198, 203.131.250.162, 66.249.67.72, 72.205.206.182

Kings Figure Out How(ard) in Detroit

No NHL, hockey, Kings, Simmonds, Kopitar, Smyth, Richardson

114

Kings Figure Out How(ard) in Detroit

1218

writer

article

-1

2010-01-24T22:26:07-05:00

Playerpress

78 7112 <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>   The Detroit Red Wings lost Jiri Hudler, the New York Rangers said goodbye to Nikolai Zherdev, and rumors abound on Alex Ovechkin’s tug of war with the media on his loyalty to the NHL or the KHL.  Olympic hockey teams have squared off, with top Russians player playing for the homeland the patriotic conflict has become a competitive nagging ache to the NHL.  <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> According to an article in USA Today, “the reality is Russian players are disappearing from the NHL landscape. Only 23 Russians (and nine more from former Soviet republics) are playing full-time in the NHL today, compared with 87 total in 2000-01." The Kontinental Hockey League in its sophomore year has enticed players to come back home.  Such was the case with veteran Sergei Federov, who may have been seen as over- the-hill, despite the Washington Capitals desire to resign the three time Stanley Cup champ, who also was the first Russian player to reach 1,000 NHL points. Illya Bryzgalov has been in question whether he will stay in the league.  In the same article he offers his view, “They are paying good money over there," said the Phoenix Coyotes goaltender. "If you can earn as much as you can here, why wouldn't you want be in your home country, with your friends and family watching?" <o:p></o:p> Will the Olympics bring tears to the eyes of the Russian players who may see another side to their homeland?  Comradely could play an interesting role in next seasons NHL’s configurations.  Bryzgalov is expected to start for Team Russia, along with Washington Capitals’ Simeon Varlamov, and San Jose Sharks’ Evgeny Nabokov.  Other Russian starters include Detroit Red Wings’Pavel Datsyuk, Atlanta Thrasher’s Maxim Afinogenov, Pittsburgh Penguins’ Sergei Gonchar and Evgeni Malkin, Capitals’ star Alex Ovechkin and former NHL star Sergei Federov.   <o:p></o:p> Atlanta Thrashers’ Illya Kovalchuk has asked for more money to stay in Atlanta, but no contract extension has been signed yet.  Rumors have indicated he may flee to the KHL if offered more money. If a player receives an offer from an NHL club, his KHL club has the right to offer him more (to leave the player in KHL) regardless of salary cap. The same if a KHL club wants to entice a player from the NHL - the salary of enticed player is not counted for salary cap.  Interesting note, KHL’s President Alexander Medvedev visited with Kovalchuk, and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman recently. In an article from the Toronto Star, "Hey, we can afford to pay more than the NHL right now," a high-ranking executive with the Russian league said. "Our economy is commodities-based so we're not going through the same problems that you have in America."  <o:p></o:p> Many players want to play in the NHL as opposed to the KHL due to rules and standards. One blogger, KUN, from Canada on the International Hockey Forum indicated, “If the KHL copies everything exactly like the NHL, it will be nothing but a dupe or knockoff league. It won't appeal to the larger extent of Europe possibly, a market they need. Smaller rinks will affect Russian style regional play, if the rinks become smaller, it's a given. Do RSL supporters want that? When the WHA competed up against the NHL they had two distinctive things that made them popular. Fighting and Blood.”     <o:p></o:p> A series of KHL brawls resulted in 840 penalty minutes causing the game to be called less than four minutes in when both teams ran out of eligible players.  Players left the penalty box in a single-file line to join in the scrap, including former New York Ranger Jaromir Jagr, now a member of Avangard Omsk.  Dropping his gloves. Jagr was good and pissed off, specifically at Darcy Verot, who started the whole mess earlier during warm-ups by shooting a puck at one of Jagr's teammates.  The players were fined as the NHL has implemented in fervor.    Check out the chaos at: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1ckILu8Sfs&feature=player_embedded">KHL Brawl</a>  <o:p></o:p> I offer you an example of other rough play in Russian leagues: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqC6B9K8-40&feature=player_embedded">Russian League Brawl</a>  <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The NHL’s rule on head hits have been scrutinized and revamped based on crucial injuries and unsportsmanlike conduct in Bettman’s proper game.  Alexander Ovechkin has been on the suspension side of rough hits because he’s a physical player. But NHL brawls have not achieved the unruly status of the KHL brawl.  Hey, but then again it’s hockey.  Whether in Russia, Sweden or the States, players will play for their love of the game or money.  Really it’s a matter of a player’s individual preferences.  The controversy of the NHL versus the KHL is good competition in a market where another hockey league can utilize more players.  The NHL needs some stiff wake up calls to compete on a global scale, where hockey is celebrated as a national sport not a marketing nightmare.     <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>   67.177.202.166

2010-01-24T22:26:07-05:00

nhl-vs-khl

Yes 67.177.202.166, 66.249.68.245, 123.125.66.73, 174.37.205.67, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.67.229, 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.52, 38.99.97.126, 75.101.232.109, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.157.195, 216.24.142.47, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.22.222, 70.37.70.230, 89.151.116.52, 216.24.142.46, 174.129.90.99, 91.121.89.155, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.107.161, 75.101.232.231, 208.74.66.62, 208.74.66.61, 79.99.6.106, 174.129.105.16, 64.62.134.170, 72.44.48.172, 174.143.183.119, 67.202.10.201, 67.18.5.134, 83.149.199.55, 174.127.132.136, 67.195.114.42, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.68.116, 174.133.61.66, 74.110.96.156, 63.215.202.234, 76.223.76.186, 142.166.170.104, 206.18.203.162, 24.87.57.88, 173.57.192.146, 24.196.161.59, 142.166.170.100, 38.99.97.10, 216.129.119.11, 91.121.53.183, 81.94.205.98, 98.197.178.93, 66.249.68.149, 128.163.142.21, 67.218.116.131, 66.249.67.142, 67.195.112.85, 65.96.65.220, 67.187.168.245, 66.249.65.114, 66.249.68.204, 64.74.243.101, 119.63.198.37, 87.252.227.48, 87.250.252.241, 76.200.151.30, 76.100.171.67, 65.94.22.47, 67.195.37.188, 203.131.250.162, 94.143.55.216, 66.249.67.72, 86.57.242.68, 69.140.243.114, 67.195.112.114, 24.255.117.221, 99.139.51.211, 221.6.27.14

NHL vs. KHL

No NHL, KHL, Ovechkin, Federov, Medvedev, Bettman, Malkin, Gonchar, Datsyuk, Olympics, Brzgalov

-1

NHL vs. KHL

845

writer

article

-1

2010-01-23T20:38:33-05:00

Playerpress

57 7098 Despite a new coaching staff, new philosophy, and new #1 goaltender, Edmonton has sunken this season and is looking to be in the Taylor Hall / Tyler Seguin / Cam Fowler sweepstakes  It's a common theme lately in Edmonton; another game, another disappointing show for what started as a promising season in Edmonton.  At the start of the season, Nikolai Khabibulin was playing well minus a few mishaps, Dustin Penner was looking to have a career year, and the Oilers were having a decent record under the new coaching staff of Pat Quinn and Tom Renney.    And then, November 21st '09 struck.    <img width="200" height="217" border="1" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/dubnyk.jpg" />Khabibulin was having flare-ups of old back problems, and Devon Dubnyk was called up for precautionary reasons.  Khabby sat out, and then after further analysis, it was determined he would need surgery for a herniated disk.  On the IR, he is likely to miss the rest of the season due to the surgery. It was determined by the Edmonton GM Tambellini that the best action was to keep the team intact and not trade for a proven goaltender, and instead splitting time were Jeff Deslauriers and Devon Dubnyk.  Both were unproven goaltenders at the NHL level, and judging by the season results so far with Deslauriers going 9 - 14 - 3, and Dubnyk going 0 - 5 - 1, they haven't been what the Oilers were hoping for.     And then, November 26th '09.   Ales Hemsky, the Oilers top center, suffered a shoulder injury that required what is likely season ending surgery.  He was on pace for a career year, averaging a point a game, and the key reason why Dustin Penner was in the top five in the NHL for goals.  Hemsky has a history of shoulder problems, missing a combined 18 games in '06-'07, but nothing as serious as the season-ending surgery he's having to endure right now.  And with the way the year is going, with no wins in 2010 yet, don't expect Hemsky to try for an early return, as management is going to try to make sure he is 100% for next season.   After those two went down, there was not much Pat Quinn could do to keep the club rolling.  The unfortunate and untimely injuries made the Oilers go 7 - 18 - 3 since, a measily 17 points in 28 games.  They are an amazing 11 points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are 14th in the conference.  And a common sign in the last few years that a team isn't doing well?  When even the Toronto Maple Leafs are comfortably ahead of them in the league standings.   The sad sack Oilers are mired in it's worst losing streak since Ryan Smyth was traded in February of '07, when they went 0 - 11 - 1.  And with rumours that Sheldon Souray is being shopped, especially after he told the media that he would be willing to waive his no trade clause, their current streak could become even worse later in this season.  Granted Souray is no Smyth in terms of heart and soul, and he is having an off season, but his loss would greatly impact the Oilers.  It would be as kicking them when they're down, and virtually making the Edmonton Oilers a lock for either the first or second pick in this year's draft.    <img width="200" height="250" border="1" align="left" alt="" src="/uploads/Image/TaylorHall2.JPG" />But as most Oilers Fans would now tell you, this could have a silver lining.  The light at the end of the tunnel for Edmontonites, is possibly having Taylor Hall and Jordan Eberle together on the Oilers squad next year.  Eberle was chosen 22nd overall in '08, and every year looks more and more like a steal.  And Taylor Hall is a candidate to become the 1st overall pick this June in the 2010 draft, and has the awards to justify that position, winning the Memorial Cup with Windsor last year, and being named the tournament's MVP.  Not to mention those two were linemates on a stacked Team Canada, and saw extensive powerplay time.  Having the two former Canadian World Junior teammates on the same Oilers squad, who played well and were clutch for Team Canada, would appear to bring in a bright future in a dark, dark time in the Oilers grand history.  24.207.53.223

2010-01-23T20:38:33-05:00

edmonton-s-continuing-woes

Yes 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.52, 66.249.68.248, 123.125.66.93, 67.195.111.172, 66.249.67.229, 174.129.157.222, 67.195.114.42, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.157.195, 211.43.152.49, 216.24.142.45, 174.129.90.99, 216.24.142.46, 65.52.22.222, 208.74.66.36, 208.74.66.61, 89.151.116.54, 75.101.197.164, 79.99.6.106, 72.13.91.40, 174.129.104.29, 83.149.199.55, 68.149.70.111, 38.99.97.126, 75.154.83.67, 75.152.109.114, 66.249.68.245, 68.148.98.178, 174.36.228.155, 174.120.116.194, 62.24.75.138, 72.8.93.186, 67.218.116.131, 65.46.48.174, 66.183.52.177, 38.99.97.10, 119.63.198.36, 66.249.68.149, 81.94.205.98, 67.160.201.104, 24.12.139.17, 218.28.29.236, 216.129.119.11, 199.126.143.12, 66.249.68.204, 65.46.255.194, 66.249.65.122, 64.74.243.101, 87.250.252.241, 71.98.49.127, 203.131.250.162, 66.249.67.72, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 142.166.3.122

Edmonton's Continuing Woes

No Edmonton Oilers, Hemsky, Khabibulin, Smyth, Quinn, Taylor Hall, Eberle

138

Edmonton's Continuing Woes

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writer

article

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2010-01-23T16:46:16-05:00

Playerpress

71 7094 Blackhawks coach Joel Quennville did confirm that goaltender, Antti Niemi, will get his his second start in a row this Saturday night against the Vancouver Canucks.    “Based on how well he’s played, keep him going,”<a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/blackhawks/post/_/id/4661797/antti-niemi-to-start-in-goal-vs-canucks-on-saturday"> Quenneville said</a> after Friday’s practice at GM Place in Vancouver. “That’s all part of it. Everybody gets a chance to get some confidence and I think that’s all part of it [as well] ... Every goalie goes through stretches where they are hot so we want to make sure he keeps playing. He’s played well all year long and we liked the way he’s played on this trip as well.”    Even though Niemi will be starting today, Quennville did say that Huet still has the starter's job, and that he was sure Huet would get out of the little slump he finds himself in.    “[He’s a] very competitive guy in his own right and I think he’s looking forward for the chance to get back in there as well,” Quenneville said. “He’s working hard with [goaltending coach Stephane Waite].”    This news will surely excite Hawk fans as they are constantly bugging Quennville to start Niemi more often. Now that Niemi has a chance, he needs to prove to the team that he deserves this start.    The Hawks take on the Vancouver Canucks tonight at 9pm cst.  64.53.198.184

2010-01-23T16:46:16-05:00

blackhawks-niemi-to-start-in-goal-tonight-against-the-canucks

Yes 64.53.198.184, 66.249.67.229, 123.125.66.131, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.68.248, 75.101.249.213, 67.195.111.172, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.95.55, 64.13.147.189, 174.129.90.99, 204.236.198.91, 65.52.22.222, 216.24.142.46, 89.151.84.34, 70.37.70.228, 208.74.66.62, 208.74.66.61, 72.13.91.40, 75.101.197.164, 91.121.89.155, 67.202.5.6, 174.133.61.66, 75.101.232.231, 67.218.99.195, 216.129.119.81, 72.44.38.12, 83.149.199.55, 66.249.68.245, 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.52, 38.99.97.126, 69.248.176.108, 208.118.60.154, 72.167.232.238, 94.228.34.213, 91.121.53.183, 173.69.167.33, 119.63.198.47, 38.99.97.10, 66.153.25.244, 69.166.35.194, 63.215.202.234, 128.255.191.132, 24.98.54.143, 81.94.205.98, 218.28.29.236, 66.249.68.149, 216.129.119.11, 68.59.114.206, 66.249.68.204, 67.218.116.131, 142.166.3.122, 66.249.67.142, 89.149.254.73, 60.251.229.172, 142.166.170.101, 66.249.67.182, 61.247.222.46, 64.74.243.101, 87.250.252.241, 67.195.112.85, 74.14.101.194, 142.166.170.103, 70.176.147.31, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.37.188, 67.195.112.114, 76.29.99.73, 71.54.95.223

Niemi to Start in Goal Tonight Against the Canucks

No Chicago Blackhawks, Antti Niemi, starting in goal, NHL, hockey, Chicago

131

Blackhawks' Niemi to Start in Goal Tonight Against the Canucks

579

writer

article

-1

2010-01-20T05:45:00-05:00

Playerpress

Yes

92 7066 <div class="post-header-line-1">Rob Blake is still rather contoversial in Los Angeles.</div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content">He was drafted by the Kings.  Went to the Stanley Cup Finals with the team, won a Norris Trophy with the team and was later traded away to the Avs, where he won a Stanley Cup.</div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> </div><div class="post-header-line-1">Mere mention of his name still divides Kings fans, some praising him for what he did for the organization - while others hate him for what he did to the organization. He had resigned the captaincy after receiving what he thought to be a 'take it or leave it' contract offer in 2000. At the time he said "When (an offer) is put that way, if you don't agree, you're gone. I stepped down as captain because the team needs to keep moving forward." Then, a few days later, when he asked for the captaincy back he said "This is a business. But I think I took it way too personal."  </div> <div class="post-body entry-content">He had a second tour of duty with the Kings beginning in 2006.  After two painful years, for him and the fans, he was cut loose - with many of the previous wounds still not healed.  Now with the Sharks, he seems to have put the whole thing behind him...even if some fans haven't.</div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content">Either way, he's an important part of the Kings story and certainly one of the best defenseman in franchise history. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S1WMzn4hDoI/AAAAAAAAAO0/taEa5GHyNLY/s1600-h/RobBlakeLarge.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_14EAkPRbXD8/S1WMzn4hDoI/AAAAAAAAAO0/taEa5GHyNLY/s200/RobBlakeLarge.jpg" style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; float: left; height: 200px;" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428399744372248194" /></a>He returned to LA tonight for what could be his final trip into the Staples Center.  As a preview to the game I chatted with Blake about his time in LA and we reflected a bit, as things begin to wind down on what will surely be a Hall of Fame career. When you were drafted by the Kings back in '88 was that something you were expecting or had you been talking more with some other teams? It was more unexpected than expected. Back then they didn't really do all the interviews and things they do now. So when I went to the draft I really didn't have a clue where I would end up. LA wasn't a team that I spoke with before hand or anything, so I didn't know they were going to pick me. You played two more years of college hockey before finally signing with the Kings. What were some of your first thoughts when you finally showed up to play with the Kings? I came right at the end of college. We finished our season at <a href="http://www.bgsufalcons.com/hof.aspx?hof=18&path=&kiosk=">Bowling Green</a> and the next day I flew to LA. I remember my stall was right beside Larry Robinson, who was a childhood idol of mine growing up. So to walk into the dressing room, over at Culver City at the time, and have Larry Robinson as the guy next to me and looking across the room was Wayne Gretzky. I remember he actually came over and introduced himself, saying 'Hi. I'm Wayne Gretzky' or something like that. I was like, 'I grew up in Canada. I know who you are.' That's how personable those guys were. But, when you're not in the NHL and you're working your way up, those guys are idols to you. Then, from one day to the next, all the sudden they became teammates. It was pretty amazing. Players often talk about how much faster the NHL is than college or juniors. What were some of the first things you noticed about the game itself being different? I think the size and strength of the guys is the first thing you noticed. I think the first game was against Winnipeg. I remember skating around in warm-ups and thinking 'Look at the size of all these guys.' In college you might have had one or two guys that were kinda big, but they might not have been as fast. It seemed like it was a whole different level. And it was men! I was coming from college and kids. Now all the sudden I was in a league of men. It's almost better that you don't know what to expect. You just kinda get thrown in and away you go. One of the first real high points for the franchise was winning the Smythe Division in '90-91, your first full year with the team. As you guys entered the playoffs that year, what kind of a sense did you get from your teammates - how close did that group think the team was at that point to making a serious run at the Cup? I think we thought we were...obviously, finishing first in the Smythe - a division that was, at the time one of the toughest divisions for sure. We all expected we would go a lot further. We had some big games and we had guys like Gretzky and <a href="http://mayor119.blogspot.com/2009/11/hugging-post-w-kelly-hrudey.html">Kelly Hrudey</a>. So our expectations were to go very deep into the playoffs. It's not easy to do, but winning the Smythe put us in a position where we thought 'We're not far away from going to the finals.' Some of your teammates from the early '90s have said they felt it was the Oilers that were the big hurdle for you guys. That getting past that team was just too much. Did you see things that way or did you have a different perspective? I don't know if that was it so much with me because I had just come in at that time. But, we did have a lot of ex-Oilers. We had Marty, Huddy, Gretzky, Kurri. So, we had plenty of ex-Oilers and that created that issue. But, not so much with me because I wasn't part of it. When you look back on it though you can certainly see the history between the two teams for sure. On to the '93 playoffs. The seven game series with Toronto had to be draining. Entering the finals, were you concerned that maybe the team wouldn't have enough left to compete with Montreal - who was well rested at that point? Yeah, they had been off. Anytime you make it that far though and you get into the finals you understand there's a maximum of seven games left, so you have enough left in your tank. Interestingly, we had to go through four Canadian teams that year in the playoffs. Obviously, the majority of us being from the Toronto area, to be able to beat them in a seven game situation was a pretty exciting situation. We stayed right there in Toronto after it was over. I think we had a day or two off and then was off to Montreal and the hype began for the finals. It was a pretty amazing experience. You're probably tired of talking about it, yet we have to if we're talking about this time period...Marty and the stick situation - everybody has an opinion about it and over time some opinions have changed - do you think that was the turning point in the series? I think it's the most publicized turning point of that series. I don't know if it was the real turning point. I mean if you look, we were still up by a goal when that happened. We should have been able to put the game away. We should have been able to kill that off. They scored it overtime. They won three games in a row in overtime. I think Desjardins, LeClair and <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=10923">LeClair</a>. So...it wasn't just that we lost that game. The next two games were very close too. The series ended up 4-1 and in the fifth game they kinda took it to us. There were a lot of different key points, but I think the stick incident will always be the most talked about just because it gave them that power play late, late in the game. As you look back at your career, is there one guy you wish you would have had a chance to play with? I don't know. I've been fortunate. I played with so many players throughout the LA era there. It's been pretty amazing. I look more at the guys I played with, rather than I didn't. Like I mentioned Gretzky, Robinson, Kurri - then you have guys like <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=10553">Granato</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofhockey.net/LegendsOfHockey/jsp/SearchPlayer.jsp?player=11093">McSorley</a>, Huddy, Hrudey. I can go on and on with the players. So for me, I've been blessed to be able to play with some great players over my career. It's made it a lot of fun. How about the hiring of <a href="http://mayor119.blogspot.com/2010/01/interview-with-andy-murray.html">Andy Murray</a>. He told me that you were one of the reasons he wanted to come to LA. Was that something you lobbied for after having him coach you with Team Canada or were you surprised when he ended up here? No it wasn't a coincidence. It was definitely something we had talked about. I had him before in previous hockey Canada situations and I understood what type of coach he was and the structure he had, his understanding of the game. He had us so well prepared in those World Championships I thought that was something that could be brought to the Kings. Obviously his record over the years on different teams shows that he can do that. He brings teams that are kinda coming together and he finds a way to get them playing and producing every year. So, we were fortunate to be able to have him there for a few years to help build that. What happened with all the injuries? People in the media, even fans, they like to point to him working his teams too hard in practice. I don't know, I don't really buy into that. The conditioning has changed so much from he 90's until now. I mean it's tremendous. If you watch, now you see why kids are so developed coming into the league. I think the way Andy coaches the practices and how he drives it that's anticipated. You need to have your body in that position and need to be able to take all that. So, I don't read too much into it. But, I do think the transition of the training process has increased so much from the early 90s to now, it's changed the game a lot. The trade. By resigning the captaincy some would say you forced the teams hand. In hindsight is that how you see things? Well that's totally false. I don't really answer these things because a lot of it is what people want to say and what people want to make up. Obviously there was a dispute in the number of years and things we wanted on the contract and then the next day I wake up and get a call and I'm traded. So, there's not a lot a player can do. You respond to the trade. When you're traded, you go to that team and you show up the next day and go to work. That's the position I was in at the time. Some fans in LA didn't treat you so well after the trade. Being a fan favorite for so long in LA, was that a bitter pill to swallow at the time or was winning the Cup in Colorado your own sense of satisfaction? Well I don't know if there's any satisfaction in it. I came into the league a Los Angeles King and that's what I wanted to remain. Like I said we're in a business. When you get that phone call that you've been traded your mindset has to change that very day. You have to become a product of the Colorado Avalanche now and you've got to leave those memories that you had with Los Angeles behind you. I've always said the fans are passionate fans there and they're not going to cheer for somebody wearing a different uniform, that's for sure. That's the way it's been handled from that day on and we can live with that. How about returning to the Kings in '06, GM <a href="http://kings.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=41315">Dean Lombardi</a> took some heat for it at the time. Was it something you needed to do, wanted to do or was it just the right offer at the right time? No. I didn't even actually look anywhere else. It's what I wanted to do at the time. I've enjoyed my time in LA and I enjoyed playing there, living there, raising a family there. It was an opportunity to be able to come back and try to work things out, try to get through it. It wasn't the best two years for the franchise or for me personally. But, it was something that I needed to do and I'm glad I did it. Obviously we've gone different ways now. That being said, at that time, it's exactly what I had hoped. I had hoped I could go back and try to play in LA again. That's what I wanted to do. Speculation at the trade deadline in '08, your last year here, was that Lombardi wanted to trade you and you wouldn't allow it. Any truth to that? No. He tried to trade me and I allowed it to go through if that's what he wanted to do. I guess at the last minute they couldn't get the deal worked out. I wasn't going to stand in the way of anything they wanted to accomplish. That summer, without a contract, did you contemplate retirement...or did you know you wanted to play, but you knew you just wanted to play somewhere else? It's not that I wanted to play someplace else, that was the only option I had. I wanted to keep playing in the NHL. I had some injuries that took awhile to heal and later on through the year you start feeling a little better. As I was overcoming those things I knew I wanted to continue my career in the NHL. It's a dream to be able to do that, that's how it's unfolded even a couple more years past that. How about getting the 'C' in San Jose. Was that captain by default? Does it bother you when people say Joe Thornton is the real leader of the team? Not at all. We have more of a leadership group. It's definitely not one guy wearing a letter that's going to be able to lead this team. We needed a group. We didn't look at it so much as Patty losing the captaincy, he's a big part of this team and anything going forward. When we go into meetings and whatnot we have four or five guys go in as a group, so its obviously not just one guy in there. That's the way this team has been set up. You have a lot of guys capable of handling things at different times, so we kinda do it as a group. *  *  *  *  *  *</div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content">The real test for the Sharks will be later this Spring.  The NHL Playoffs haven't been kind to San Jose and many of their players will be forever be judged by their performance in 2010.</div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content">For Blake, most fans have already made up their minds...one way or the other.</div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> The Mayor <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Mayor119">www.twitter.com/Mayor119</a></div> 76.97.188.228

2010-01-20T05:45:00-05:00

rob-blake-interview

Yes 174.37.205.85, 66.249.68.137, 67.195.114.42, 66.249.67.162, 38.99.97.126, 123.125.66.76, 201.254.124.181, 69.248.176.108, 186.137.26.75, 142.166.3.122, 174.129.141.17, 76.97.188.228, 174.129.155.45, 64.13.147.189, 216.24.142.47, 204.236.232.79, 89.151.116.54, 65.52.18.116, 70.37.70.230, 174.129.89.199, 174.129.142.69, 67.220.192.215, 75.101.170.136, 67.207.201.152, 64.34.161.235, 174.143.213.49, 94.23.51.159, 67.218.99.195, 208.74.66.61, 208.74.66.42, 174.129.141.109, 83.149.199.55, 67.195.111.172, 174.133.61.66, 204.27.60.140, 64.135.129.144, 174.129.90.99, 12.37.155.14, 72.3.241.218, 75.101.174.137, 174.120.190.34, 166.205.138.159, 67.202.39.9, 142.166.170.50, 208.94.117.201, 99.185.43.190, 67.218.116.131, 216.129.119.11, 66.55.145.4, 142.166.170.102, 4.78.248.3, 67.177.202.166, 67.18.5.140, 173.77.163.249, 75.204.26.159, 71.142.253.76, 66.249.68.248, 66.249.68.91, 88.191.89.58, 174.127.132.158, 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.52, 218.186.10.228, 208.118.60.154, 142.166.170.101, 174.127.132.64, 71.177.23.190, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.68.245, 142.166.170.100, 217.129.18.233, 66.249.65.109, 87.250.252.241, 63.215.202.234, 66.249.67.146, 38.99.97.10, 66.249.67.218, 66.249.68.149, 81.94.205.98, 68.186.6.246, 66.249.68.120, 66.249.68.204, 66.249.67.142, 86.208.12.45, 66.249.65.77, 67.195.112.85, 64.74.243.101, 98.244.106.120, 203.131.250.162, 119.63.198.20, 67.195.112.114, 67.195.37.188, 66.235.124.55

Rob Blake Interview

No NHL, hockey, Kings, Sharks, Blake, Mayor

114

Rob Blake Interview

1218

writer

article

-1

2010-01-19T23:37:00-05:00

Playerpress

86 7063 <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>   American’s love of hockey is growing; nowhere near the sparkling thunder of Canada’s devotion to the game.  Russia and Sweden have great fanfare over the sport, yet the NHL has placed its roots in the States.   <o:p></o:p> </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> <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>   Every hockey fan can pinpoint the moment they fell in love with the sport.  Growing up in Michigan was close to living in Canada, literally a drive over the bridge or a car ride over a border of forest.  Michigan boasts seven college hockey teams, equivalent to rival hockey state Minnesota.  Michigan, Michigan State, Western Michigan, Wayne State, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan and Lake Superior State create a vortex of goons on ice that is impossible to avoid.  Not to mention minor leagues spanning from Grand Rapids to Saginaw to Calumet in the Upper Peninsula.  <o:p></o:p>   I always had a pair of skates.  Never remember not skating on a frozen pond, at Yost Arena or in my best friend’s backyard where her father built us a rink to practice every day after school.  I loved making figure eight tracks in the ice and the whoosh and scrape sounds my skates sang.  I was in training to be a professional ice skater because in my day, girls playing hockey wasn’t the norm.  Today, I know many women who strap on the gear for some non-contact ice time.  The big ice arena where I took lessons was in Muskegon where my dad would take us for Mohawk games.  The thrill of watching the pros move the puck on the very same ice I loop to looped was exhilarating.  I felt a kinship.   <o:p></o:p>   Years passed, college came and the Detroit Red Wings drafted Steve Yzerman.  To say that most girls in Michigan had a super crush on Stevie Y is an understatement.  His presence in Detroit hockey rivaled the previous generation’s love of Gordie Howe, who was a household name for most in the Great Lakes region.  Some of us may not have known all of Howe’s triumphs but we knew he stood for something great in our state and one of our greatest ambassadors for the sport and the state.   Howe still lives in Michigan.  We love him.    <o:p></o:p>   The Detroit Red Wings defined hockey for me beyond what I knew.  Super bad boy Darren McCarty defended the pride of the Motor City with his spunk and fists.  His scraps enlightened my view of fighting’s purpose in the game.  When some player rushed Chris Osgood or Dominic Hasek I awaited a brawl.  Defending your friends and your teammates seemed a viable reason to cause some stink.  I know obsess over penalty minutes for roughing and fighting drafting the toughest defenders for my fantasy teams.  I cheer when my guys rack up the PIMs, and devote my blog to the blue line.    <o:p></o:p>   So as I’m writing this in response to a recent posting of the 5 Reasons You Love Hockey, for Puck Daddy’s blog I’m reminded of another great influence of my fascination, Wayne Gretzky.  He may not have started my love affair with the sport but his dominance was eye opening.  Honestly, I never followed his career in Edmonton. I took notice when he went to the Los Angles Kings mostly because I couldn’t believe anyone would put a team near the beach.  Stats and news trickled in on my radar for the Great One yet my interest wouldn’t peak until after the Kings.  I recall a co-worker who was a St. Louis Blues fan thus the debate over our rival team’s greatness. He crashed into my office boasting of the acquisition of Gretzky.  I assured him it wouldn’t help his team.   <o:p></o:p>   Off to the bright lights of the big city, Wayne Gretzky landed with the New York Rangers.  Comparable to the Stevie Y worship, Gretzky and NYC were irresistible.  My boss gave me tickets to a New Year’s Eve game when the Rangers came to Denver to play the young Colorado Avalanche in 1999.  My love for hockey infiltrated that job with a Boston Bruins fan and a San Jose Sharks fan all under one department.  If we had to stay late during the playoffs, we had a radio broadcasting the games.  Our boss, a Denver Broncos fan, couldn’t believe he had three voracious hockey girls in his office.   <o:p></o:p>   Gretzky’s retirement is held in high tribute in my home with a framed print plate from the actual New York Daily News front page announcing Gretzky’s departure.  My husband somehow acquired this for me, along with giving me his vintage Rangers jacket.  The New York Rangers are my Eastern Conference team.  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> I landed in Denver, Colorado before any NHL franchise planted its roots.  In 1996, I found a new hockey hero in Joe Sakic.  Walking downtown one day, the meager crowds were ambushed by numerous fire engines carrying men waving, and sitting atop one was Sakic hoisting the Stanley Cup.  Shining in the sunlight, my heart raced.  Hockey was finally in the Rocky Mountains in grand style.  I followed Sakic’s career, was an Avalanche season ticket holder in 1998 and wore my Avs gear with pride.  My Colorado hockey experience was born.  <o:p></o:p>   In 2002, I looked at graduate schools.  My interest fell on Cornell or the University of Denver based on their academics but a must was their hockey traditions.  DU was down the street from my house, so the choice was clear and what an amazing opportunity to see the DU Pioneers ravage the college hockey scene.  I watched NHL stars Paul Stastny and Tyler Bozak play in front of my third row season ticket seats.   <o:p></o:p>   Sometimes, the best time out is cozying up on the sofa with a beer and a hockey game.  I watch hockey every night.  I can’t live without knowing the scores and who’s kicked it on my fantasy hockey teams.  What the players do on their ice time is their concern, as I just want to experience the joy of their triumphs. My fantasy hockey team drives what keeps me watching hockey where stats and percentages finally make sense.  Few players on my team have been notified of their status, yet it’s always fun to tell them this fact.   <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> Five reasons why I love hockey seem too few.   Mentally and spiritually the greatest game on ice fills a place like no other. Hockey has always been a large part of my life.  I never realized how influential the sport has been to who I am and how I approach people and situations.  Tell people you’re from Detroit may invoke a mixed response of sympathy and fear, but tell them you’re a Red Wings fan be prepared to defend your turf.  </meta> </meta> </meta> </meta> 24.9.20.128

2010-01-19T23:37:00-05:00

-for-the-love-of-hockey

Yes 24.9.20.128, 66.249.68.137, 186.137.26.75, 174.37.205.85, 76.97.188.228, 142.166.3.122, 67.202.11.49, 64.13.147.189, 216.24.142.45, 216.24.142.46, 70.37.70.230, 89.151.116.59, 67.202.63.158, 207.179.181.130, 75.101.170.136, 208.74.66.62, 68.193.125.240, 208.74.66.39, 83.149.199.55, 174.129.58.57, 67.195.114.42, 67.218.99.195, 216.129.119.81, 66.249.67.162, 67.195.111.172, 38.99.97.126, 123.125.66.127, 174.129.141.17, 174.133.61.66, 208.94.117.201, 142.166.170.50, 24.207.53.223, 66.249.68.90, 174.120.168.34, 142.166.170.101, 66.55.145.4, 71.56.226.62, 75.101.233.125, 66.249.68.228, 75.101.174.137, 75.101.219.151, 61.247.222.83, 79.99.6.106, 67.218.116.131, 67.18.5.133, 68.74.74.195, 119.30.36.26, 142.166.170.100, 71.253.36.138, 88.191.89.58, 174.127.132.157, 216.129.119.11, 174.120.243.194, 174.121.2.2, 209.191.123.35, 66.249.68.245, 174.120.200.162, 66.235.124.56, 87.250.252.241, 66.249.65.109, 66.249.67.229, 66.249.67.146, 142.166.170.102, 38.99.97.10, 218.186.10.228, 66.249.67.218, 66.249.68.149, 69.143.82.37, 81.94.205.98, 218.28.29.236, 66.249.68.38, 66.249.68.204, 66.249.67.142, 67.195.112.85, 68.57.176.248, 71.229.164.156, 64.74.243.101, 122.167.98.80, 97.92.221.100, 70.181.220.2, 203.131.250.162, 67.195.37.188, 99.236.243.78, 202.131.30.147, 67.195.112.114

For the Love of Hockey

No NHL, Detroit Red Wings, Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman, Wayne Gretzky, New York Rangers, Joe Sakic

-1

For the Love of Hockey

845

writer