HockeyNation: 06/01/2012

Monday, June 11, 2012

Stanley Cup Final Game Six -- New Jersey at Los Angeles -- June 11, 2012

Saturday, June 09, 2012

TV ratings stars knocked out of alignment for NHL's Stanley Cup Finals

In New York today, there is but one person feeling worse about his sports prospects than NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, that being the guy that works the betting window at Belmont, currently working overtime refunding all that "I'll Have Another" action for today's Triple Crown.

Now, there's a guy that's going to have a bad day

But the Commish must be a close second in the New York misery index, tonight's Game 5 in New Jersey, a potential Stanley Cup awarding night is basically going to be hit by avalanche of attention awarded to the rival NBA, a head to head battle that most likely will see the Heat/Celtics Game 7 ECF match up blow the NHL's American overnight ratings into the deep pits of media despair.

Sure Hockey Night in Canada will probably do OK, if not spectacular with a potential Stanley Cup celebration on ice tonight, but in America, the ratings it would seem are destined for dismal.

For Gary Bettman's blue print to conquer America, the stars this playoff year clearly have not aligned.

Denied his dream match up of the Ranger and Kings in a cross continent battle for the hearts and minds and eyeballs of America, the Devils/Kings showdown seemingly hasn't resonated much beyond New Jersey and those parts of LA than can find the NBC Sportsnetwork on their cable systems.

You know your media strategy has been blow up rather nicely when TV sports columnists in LA start to refer to the main broadcaster of the NHL's American media strategy as the Witness Protection Program for television.

Add on the head to head match up with LeBron and the Celtics and the NHL is sinking further and further down the media scale of importance.

NBC has seemingly run up the white flag to its affiliates across America, shifted the Stanley Cup from the main NBC feed to the digital backwaters of NBC Sportsnet, partly we imagine to quell rebellion at the local levels when NHL hockey didn't quite deliver the audience that the local stations want.

Not that it seems to matter anyways, as even members of the LA media seem to be unaware as to who are actually on the Kings roster, as helpfully pointed out by Deadspin and when the Kings do get attention in LA, as Puck Daddy explains things get a little complicated.

With a little luck for the NHL, but perhaps not New Jersey fans, the Kings will win in five, removing the burden of coverage from all involved until the league next takes to the ice, whenever that may be.

Toronto Star-- TV ratings take a dip, but NHL remains positive
Globe and Mail-- Star power hasn't been enough to ignite NHL TV ratings in the US
Yahoo Sports-- Five reasons why 2012 Stanley Cup Final has been a ratings disappointment
Yahoo Sports-- Why aren't US fans watching Stanley Cup Final? ...
NESN-- LeBron James, NBA Ratings Juggernaut may be one foe...

Stanley Cup Final Game Five -- Los Angeles at New Jersey -- June 9, 2012

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Stanley Cup Final Game Four -- New Jersey at Los Angeles -- June 6, 2012

With game three about as close to a capitulation as a team could provide, it would appear that all that remains to be seen this year is whether the Kings can close out the Stanley Cup in four straight.

The Kings dominated Game Three in regal fashion, owning pretty well every aspect of the game and seeming to drain the Devils of any ambition by the time the final horn went.

A quick scam of the New Jersey/New York papers paints a pretty grim picture of a bounce back for the east coasters, and with the evidence of game three, it would seem most hockey observers concur with the synopsis.

Really, when you have questions such as Who has been the biggest no show in the Stanley Cup Finals, If that was max effort, Devils have no hope and What disgusted you most about Game 3? Well, suffice to say that the homecoming probably isn't going to end in a parade we imagine...

One thing would seem certain, leaving as many power play opportunities to pass by without result is not exactly the course to a Stanley Cup parade, game three was such that one point you almost expected the Devils to decline the penalty, just to see if their luck would change.

For the Kings, the opportunity to close out the series and share the Stanley Cup celebration with Los Angeles is upon them. As one wit on Twitter put it on Monday night, with one more win, the Kings can say from the friendly confines of Staples that they pushed the Easy button and judging by their performance in rounds one, two, three and now four, it's been a pretty remarkable run.

As the Stanley Cup tradition goes and with the Kings in a position to clinch the series, the Cup will be in the house at Staples Centre for game four.They have been on a roll since the playoffs began and one imagines that they'll bring it all home on Wednesday night.

Game Four-- New Jersey 3 at Los Angeles 1

Los Angeles leads the series 3 games to 1

Previews and Reviews

POST GAME

LA Times-- Kings fail to finish off the Devils in Game 4
LA Times-- Kings will have to go on the road again
LA Times-- Instead of airing it out, Los Angeles Kings let air out of Staples
LA Times-- Devils' Adam Henrique is spot on against Kings
LA Times-- Kings miss several chances to put away Devils
LA Times-- The Devils made the Kings lose it
LA Times-- Kings' Willie Mitchell says postseason run is pretty sweet
LA Daily News-- No one's sleeping on Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick anymore...
LA Daily News-- Devils score 3 third-period goals in 3-1 win to deny Kings ...
LA Daily News-- Bang-bang goal gives Devils a sliver of hope
Newark Star Ledger-- Can Devils actually do it?
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' Adam Henrique continues to show poise beyond his years
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils win Game 4 by bridging young and old...
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' Adam Henrique and David Clarkson 'shave' Kings 3-0 lead
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils win 3-1, staying alive and moving series back to New Jersey
Newark Star Ledger-- Have NBC broadcasters been fair and balanced?
NY Post-- Devils beat Kings; force Game 5 back in Newark
NY Post-- Brodeur puts Devils in spot to make historic comeback
NY Post-- Power Plays
NY Post-- Devils' Parise will soon wear new jersey
NY Daily News-- NJ Devils hold off elimination in Stanley Cup Finals...
USA Today-- Despite Game 4 loss, Kings still confident in Cup pursuit
USA Today-- Brodeur, Henrique helps Devils stay alive
Globe and Mail-- Devils stay alive with 3-1 win to force Game 5
Globe and Mail-- Rookie Henrique comes up big for Devils
Globe and Mail-- Kings are built to last
National Post-- Devils finally come alive, send series back to New Jersey
National Post-- Dominant Kings still a far cry from dynasties of old

PRE GAME

LA Times-- Los Angeles Kings are close to the Cup, but are they close?
LA Times-- It's tough to beat Kings' Jonathan Quick
LA Times-- The versatile Stanley Cup - baptismal font and cereal bowl
LA Times-- Kings face a battle of nerves heading into Game 4
LA Times-- Kings trace current Stanley Cup run to March
LA Times-- It's polished effort as Los Angeles Kings close in on Stanley Cup
LA Daily News-- Kings notes and quotes from Tuesday
LA Daily News-- Simon Gagne talks about his comeback
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' mood is good; Anton Volchenkov comeback is possible
Newark Star Ledger-- Petr Sykora will return to lineup against Kings
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils' Martin Brodeur will cherish playoff run no matter what happens
Newark Star Ledger-- Was Kings' first goal legit and did it make a difference in Game 3?
New York Post-- Devils routed by Kings need victory to avoid Stanley Cup Sweep
New York Post-- Devils call on Sykora to be scorer
USA Today-- Devils stay optimistic despite being dominated by Kings
USA Today-- Sutter's success rooted in hard work, honesty
USA Today-- Petr Sykora could return to Devils' lineup
Globe and Mail-- Kings on verge of capping one of most dominant recent Cup runs
Globe and Mail-- On a team deep with playoff stars, Quick has the edge for MVP

Previous items on this series

Game One
Game Two
Game Three

Monday, June 04, 2012

Stanley Cup Final Game Three-- New Jersey at Los Angeles -- June 4, 2012

Geography it seems wasn't a major at school for those planning the NHL's Stanley Cup playoffs schedule this year.

For some reason, which we imagine revolves around arena availability and such, the NHL has provided for an interesting schedule for this year's championship finale.

The Devils and Kings recently completed games one and two of the Finals, a two game stint that included a two day break between games one and two, allowing the Kings we imagine to enjoy the sights and sounds of Newark and providing for an attention diverting absence from the sports cycle in the USA.

So, now that the series is moving to California, we are treated to some kind of Mad Max Like race across the continent, with Saturday's game two in Newark going to OT, the Kings were no doubt hoping that their flight would still be able to sneak out of New Jersey early, early Sunday morning (which it did).

The Devils chose to sleep in their own beds on Sunday morning, took to the air for the six hour flight later on in the day, all so both teams could be in place for game three on Monday night.

Two already travel weary teams, adding a mad dash and time zone, body altering shift to their to do list in pursuit of Stanley, a very strange way to run your Championship round one would think.

But, here we are, Game Three still on tap for Monday afternoon in LA, a 5 PM start for the west coast hockey fan who will challenge LA's notorious freeways at rush hour to make it for game time...

As for the hockey, the momentum is all on the side of the home side tonight, with two wins in their pocket, they can grab a stranglehold on the series with a game three win tonight. If the Devils can't find a way to put more than a goal a night behind Jonathan Quick, this series will be over in a fashion that his surname surmises..

Game Three-- New Jersey 0 at Los Angeles 4

Los Angeles leads the series 3 games to 0

Previews and Reviews

POST GAME

Los Angeles Times-- It's polished effort as Los Angeles Kings close in...
Los Angeles Times-- Kings face a battle of nerves heading into Game 4
Los Angeles Times-- Flush with excitement L. A. is ready to crown...
Los Angeles Times-- Kings one win away from Stanley Cup triumph
LA Daily News-- One more Kings miracle?
LA Daiily News-- Kings' Gagne makes timely comeback
LA Daily News-- These Kings are acing their Final exam
LA Daily News-- New Jersey tries to keep stiff upper lip after defeat
LA Daily News-- Captain Messier is a fan of captain Brown
LA Daily News-- LA Kings one win away from title...
Newark Star Ledger-- Who has been the biggest no show...
Newark Star Ledger-- LA Kings on verge of winning first Stanley Cup
Newark Star Ledger-- What disgusted you most about Game 3?
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils do nothing on power plays as Game 3 loss turns...
Newark Star Ledger-- For Devils, no shame in losing, unless it's like Game 3...
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils need to get goals from top forwards to have any hope
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils lose 4-0, now sit one game away from elimination
Newark Star Ledger-- Devils Game 3 brings back memories of original Kings owner
NY Post-- Devils routed by Kings, need victory to avoid Stanley Cup sweep
NY Post-- If that was max effort, Devils have no hope
NY Post-- Devils confident they can find "life" in Los Angeles
NY Daily News-- LA Kings beat NJ Devils goalie Martin Brodeur...
NY Daily News-- LA Kings fans hold up "Jersey Shore" cast member heads...
USA Today-- Kings blank Devils to close in on Cup
USA Today-- Kevin Allen's three stars of Stanley Cup Game 3
USA Today-- Kings' Gagne plays first game since December
USA Today-- Kings' Quick putting up historic numbers
Globe and Mail-- Kings blank Devils to move within one win of Stanley Cup title
Globe and Mail-- Gretzky gets Game 3 under way at Staples Center
Globe and Mail--
National Post--
National Post--

PRE GAME

LA Times-- Kings hope to share something more than office space with Lakers

LA Times-- Los Angeles kings suddenly are in the buzz biz

LA Times-- For Kings fans, what makes sense is the sense of place

LA Times-- Los Angeles Kings to find schedule a change of pace

LA Times-- Yes, this Kings run is real, now breathe

LA Times-- Stanley Cup Final is new to Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi

LA Times-- Who are the 10 greatest Los Angeles Kings of all time?

LA Daily News-- After slow start, Kings defenseman Drew Doughty leaves no doubt...

LA Daily News-- Wait turns out to be worth it for Carter

LA Daily News-- Kings can look up for inspiration as they return to Staples Centre

LA Daily News-- Overtime is just like any other time for L. A.

Newark Star Ledger-- Are Devils at a disadvantage against much-traveled Kings?

Newark Star Ledger-- What's your pre game speech to the Devils before must-win Game 3?

Newark Star Ledger-- N. J. senators collect on bet with N. Y. counterparts ...

Newark Star Ledger-- Devils believe Stanley Cup finals are far from over

Newark Star Ledger-- Success in the Stanley Cup Finals has people in L. A. paying attention...

Newark Star Ledger-- Where's the best place in NJ to watch Devils-Kings game?

NY Post-- Devils confident they can find 'life' in Los Angeles

NY Post-- Devils, Brodeur have comeback experience to draw from

NY Daily News-- In Stanley Cup Finals NJ Devils have missed their opportunities

NY Daily News-- LA Kings appear to be team of destiny...

USA Today-- Soaring Kings have that unstoppable look

USA Today-- Tallinder thought about blood clot on flight west

USA Today-- Stanley Cup Final Game 3 preview

Globe and Mail-- Can the Devils come back from down 2-0?

Globe and Mail-- Quick's standout play proves bedeviling

Globe and Mail-- Comedy show for hockey widows shoots well wide of net

National Post-- Kings succeeding despite punchless power play

National Post-- Devils so close and yet so far from Kings

National Post-- Kings' road streak alive, Devils in big hole..

Toronto Sun-- Hextall believes in the will to win

Previous items on this series

Game One

Game Two

And we thought that Bryzgalov was the er, eccentric goaltender?

As the NHL playoffs moved from round one to round two, much of the focus on the more colourful of NHL characters fell on the skates of Ilya Bryzgalov, the Philadelphia Flyers goaltender who could be counted on for a good quote and much in the way of head shaking at the fall out.

At times the commentary both by Bryzgalov and about Bryzgalov bordered on the side of the slightly strange to say the least, the pressure of a Flyers playoff exit it seems was destined to carry him through the summer as exhibit A that goaltenders are well, a little bit different.

But good news Ilya, buddy, the heat is off for now...

Maybe it's a bargaining position, maybe it's fact, regardless, the latest of Facebook posts from Tim Thomas, the Boston Bruins' goaltender is making for much conversation from twitter to bar room stool we imagine.

Thomas, who has been in the spotlight this year for a number of reasons, some of them even hockey related, has once again logged on to his Facebook account to somewhat cryptically offer his vision of world events and such, punctuating the latest developments as announcing his departure from the NHL for year, a decision that he states was one that revolved around friends, family and faith.

With a link to a British newspaper with dire warnings of our financial future, while also stumping for his goaltender equipment company, the Facebook posts have become a fairly entertaining trend of their own on the Twitter boards, offering of course much in the way of discussion on the possible reasons for Thomas' suggested sabbatical from the NHL.

For some it would seem that the latest from the talkative Tim is just a method to push the Bruins to trade him to a team more to his liking in a location he would rather be (we gather real estate agents west of the Mississippi should be paying attention here), while others think perhaps he's been watching too much television or listening to talk radio a bit more than he should.

Regardless of the background, for the moment anyways, it would appear that the now vacationing Bruins goaltender isn't going to play in 2012-13, leaving his 3 million or so salary behind and leaving the Bruins behind a salary cap headache that may, more than anything else push them to move him to a team that he likes, providing that team will have him.

If indeed, part of the genesis of the Thomas departure is of concerns over the US and world economy, we wonder of the wisdom of leaving a guaranteed 3 million dollars on the table, heading into the perceived financial Armageddon to come.

It's an interesting approach to financial planning, but really, considering Gary Bettman's magic with bankrupt and beyond bankrupt NHL franchises of late, who would you rather spend the financial apocalypse with?

If anyone can keep the money flowing through financial turmoil, surely with his track record it's the Commish isn't it?

Uh, ok, perhaps a bad example..

Hmm, maybe Thomas is on to something and the end is nigh and then it's every goaltender for himself...

At any rate, we imagine, considering his attention to world financials and such that he's made the required financial moves to take a year off.

However, should things go sideways for a bit, like many North Americans he could always use his credit card, you know just in case things get a little tight over the next year or so, shouldn't be a problem there...
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Boston Herald-- Thomas makes big stop
Boston Herald-- Tim Thomas confirms he will take the year off
Boston Herald-- Bruins doubt about Tim Thomas
Boston Globe-- Thomas confirms that he won't play
Boston Globe-- Tim Thomas and the art of media delusion
NESN-- Tim Thomas confirms he won't play for Boston Bruins next year
NESN-- Tim Thomas' confusing decision puts Bruins in a bind...
Globe and Mail-- Tim Thomas confirms he's taking a year away from hockey
National Post-- Bruins' Tim Thomas announces he will sit out next season
Toronto Star-- Applaud him for putting life before Stanley Cup pursuit
Toronto Sun-- Bruins' Tim Thomas confirms year off on Facebook
Sportnset-- Tim Thomas: Why Hockey's Not Important
SI.com-- Tim Thomas will sit out 2012-2013 NHL season
USA Today-- Bruins goalie Tim Thomas explains NHL hiatus

Saturday, June 02, 2012

Stanley Cup Final Game Two -- Los Angeles at New Jersey -- June 2, 2012