Triple the hockey, triple the fun!

Now that's how you launch the Stanley Cup Final!

If you had tickets, frame them.

If you didn't have tickets, lie to your grandchildren when the time comes,  tell them you were there and that it was awesome.

Game One of the Stanley Cup final fulfilled all the superlatives, Epic, Classic, Showcase, Magnificent, pick one and repeat it over and over again. All would be correct, there are probably more, but frankly, we're too tired to drag out the thesaurus to look for extras.

For every mid season, mind numbing regular season game we've sat through, this was our reward.

For the endless days of lockouts, as two sides tested the faith of their followers, this was our reward.

For those infuriating press conferences where both the players and the league said the good of the game was their main concern, a refrain greeted with disdain at the time, this was our reward for keeping the faith.

Two teams, equal in skill, at times mirror images of each other, left nothing on the bench in game one.

The Hawks and Bruins, exhausted by the time the first OT rolled around, continued to find the resolve to carry us through two and then three periods of extra time.

Momentum would change with every line change (sometimes aided by an untimely too many men penalty, yes we're pointing at you Chicago), a sudden burst of energy that came with a near miss, sudden death avoided for just one more rush.

It was a game that featured it all, the Bruins jumping out to a commanding two goal lead heading through the third, suddenly found the Blackhawks had some push back, one goal then another taking the game to a 3 all tie, the extra frame morphing into period five then six.

The Overtimes, brought drama with every rush, the goal tending from both Corey Crawford and Tuuka Rask extending the night's magic, minute after minute of defensive scrambles, blocked shots, desperation lunges, with everyone making that extra effort to live for another shift.

On any number of occasions it could have come to an end and no one would have complained, a doink off a goalpost, a shot sailing just wide, a scramble where somehow the puck stayed out of the net, all of it and more the narrative to game one.

In the end, as is the case when tired players make desperate plays, it was blind luck, in this case a double deflection that put a puck in the net, proving once again that old coach's adage that you  just have to get the puck on the net (or at least in it's general direction).

The Hawks the recipients of Lady Luck for a night. Chicago claiming the 4-3 victory on a wacky shot from Michael Rozsival deflecting first off Dave Bolland's cue, then with a bounce off of Andrew Shaw, a kinder fate perhaps deserved for Tuuka Rask, who until that point had  shut down the Hawks in the triple overtime thriller.

A goal just before the midnight hour in Chicago,  six periods of hockey, the fifth longest game in NHL playoff history and two very, very, tired teams, one with a 1-0 lead in the best of seven (and please can it go the full seven?) series.

Two nights off for both (and the fans as well), Thursday and Friday to rest, reflect and recharge.

Game Two is Saturday night, if it's half the game of the series opener, we'll be well rewarded for our faith in the game.

Yes, it may be June, many of our first choice teams have long since been removed from the picture, and yes, the mind could be drifting to summer pursuits.

But if this is what the NHL is offering, we'll gladly park down in front of the television until the Cup is hoisted.

The reviews of Game One

Chicago Tribune-- Hawks win Game 1 epic in 3 OTs 
Chicago Sun-Times-- Shaw's triple Overtime goal gives Blackhawks Stanley Cup opener
Chicago Daily herald-- Hawks take Game 1 4-3 in Triple OT
Boston Herald-- Blackhawks beat Bruins, 4-3 in triple OT of Game 1
Boston Globe-- Bruins lose Game 1 in Triple Overtime
NESN-- Bruins' Missed Opportunities Cost Them in Game 1 As Blackhawks prevail...
National Post-- Blackhawks outlast Bruins in Triple Overtime thriller to open Stanley Cup Finals
Globe and Mail-- Blackhawks draw first blood with win over Bruins in Triple Overtime
Toronto Star-- Blackhawks beat Bruins in Game 1 triple OT thriller

Our Archive for the Stanley Cup Finals

Stanley Cup Playoffs-- The Stanley Cup Final-- Game One, Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Stanley Cup Final Game One

The Schedule for Wednesday, June 12 in the quest for Stanley.

Boston and Chicago

Botson 3 at Chicago 4 (3 OT) (22,110)
Chicago leads the series 1 game to None
8 PM ET/7 CT/5 PT
CBC, RDS, NBC

The Stanley Cup Final: Boston and Chicago

While at times both teams have struggled through their respective series, in the end, the Bruins and the Black Hawks found the ways to win when required the most.

The Bruins who faced with elimination with ten minutes to go of the final game of the first round, rallied for a comeback for the ages, one which Leafs fans will be marking right up there in their index of Maple Leaf misery, a lengthy tome which seems to add chapters on a year basis.

The wake up call of that game seven comeback has propelled the Bruins on through the playoffs, each series pushing the Bruins a little further to the goal of another Stanley Cup, the domination along the way as impressive a thing as seen in recent Stanley Cup time lines.

Chicago, who served notice in the regular season that they were to be reckoned with, has had a few scares along the road to Stanley as well, while making fairly quick work of the Minnesota Wild, they then ran into trouble with the Red Wings (who surrendered what seemed as certain victory)

suffering a Double Overtime victory to defeat the Red Wings in Game seven.

Double Overtime would once again send the Hawks into the Stanley Cup final, this time in a Game 5 victory that snuffed out any hopes that Los Angeles had for a Stanley Cup repeat in 2013.

And while the errors along the way are no doubt worrisome to head coach Joel Quenneville, the nature of the Hawks play, the physical price that they make their competition pay, should set them up well for the showdown with the Bruins for the Cup.

In a season that took far too long to get underway, hockey fans who at times can wander away from the game as the calendar flips through June, may be hoping for seven games with the Bruins and Hawks.

It seems like a just reward for the long suffering fans who had to deal with the lock out and bickering from September through January.

Finally, when it matters most, hockey may provide for a series that will be remembered for seasons to come.



CHICAGO WINS the series 4 games to 2

Wednesday, June 12-- Boston 3 at Chicago 4 (3 OT) (22,110)
Saturday, June 15-- Boston 2 at Chicago 1 (1 OT) (22,154)
Monday, June 17-- Chicago 0 at Boston 2   (17,565)
Wednesday, June 19-- Chicago 6 at Boston 5 (OT) (17,565)  
Saturday, June 22-- Boston 1 at Chicago 3 (22,274) 
Monday, June 24-- Chicago 3 at Boston 2 (17,565)  

Games on CBC, RDS, NBCSN or NBC

Media Sources for the series
(some may feature a pay wall)


Chicago Sun Times
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Daily Herald
Boston Globe
Boston Herald
NESN
USA Today
Globe and Mail
National Post

The Stanley Cup Final

The Path to Stanley started with sixteen teams and now in the final half of June, we are down to two, iconic Original Six franchises and two teams that in the end offer up what may be a most entertaining season finale.

Considering the short span from January to June, we perhaps should not have been so fortunate, a season finale with any number of underlying themes, highlighting two teams that are recent Stanley Cup Champs, both with a hard hitting style of play that promises four and with a little bit of luck seven fast paced and physical games.

The Bruins, who came within ten minutes of disaster and what many believed was a certain rebuild ahead, have regained their form through the second and third series, finding little of concern to them from the New York Rangers and then most effectively dismissing the early season favourites the Pittsburgh Penguins.

So impressive was Boston's domination of the Penguins, that one wonders if the Pens will ever find their game again with their present line up. The Bruins just seemed to get better and better as the playoffs moved forward, utilizing the full team concept to its utmost they are a team that not only depends on each other, but expects full attention to the task ahead.

Chicago is a team along the same lines of the Bruins, a physical team that isn't afraid of the corner play that can make the difference between victory and defeat.

They too struggled at times, the Red Wings series taking them to the limit and sparking a remarkable comeback, much like the Bruins had.

Their showdown with the defending Stanley Cup champs the Kings also offered up the confounding side of Chicago.  At times the Hawks looked as though they were on course for a dominating performance, only to slip into bad habits and surrender those gains, giving their opponents life.

The Hawks finally secured their berth in the Stanley Cup Final, claiming victory in Los Angeles, the finale to the Western Final steeped in the kind of sudden death drama, that was significantly lacking for the Bruins as they eviscerated the Pens.

All of that now however is the past.  The Hawks were the toast of the NHL in this shortened season, a remarkable start that seemed to have them destined for the Stanley Cup, with a few hiccups along the path they finally have arrived at that placement.

The Bruins, who nearly lost it all in the first round, have since morphed into a most formidable opponent, all of which sets up what should be a dandy of a Stanley Cup final.

Click below for more information on a game by game account as the final two seek their chance to hoist Stanley.

Boston and Chicago
CHICAGO WINS the Series 4 games to 2

Stanley Cup Playoffs-- Western Conference Finals, Saturday, June 8, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Saturday, June 8th in the Quest for Stanley.

Los Angeles and Chicago

Los Angeles 3 at Chicago 4 (2 OT) (22,237)
CHICAGO WINS the series 4 games to 1
8 PM ET/ 7 CT / 5 PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs -- Eastern Conference Finals, Friday, June 7, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Friday, June 7th in the Quest for Stanley.

Boston and Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 0 at Boston 1 (17,565)  
BOSTON WINS the series 4 games to 0
8 PM ET/5 PM PT
CBC, RDS, CBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs-- Western Conference Finals, Thursday, June 6, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Thursday, June 6th in the Quest for Stanley.

Los Angeles and Chicago

Chicago 3 at Los Angeles 2 (18,621)
Chicago leads the series 3 games to 1
9 PM ET/ 8 CT / 6 PT
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Eastern Conference Finals, Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Wednesday, June 5th in the Quest for Stanley.

Boston and Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 1 at Boston 2 (2 OT) (17,565)
Boston Leads the Series 3 games to 0
8 PM ET/5 PM PT
CBC, RDS, CBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Western Conference Finals, Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Sunday, June 1st in the Quest for Stanley.

Los Angeles and Chicago

Chicago 1 at Los Angeles 3  (18,477)
Chicago leads the series 2 games to 1
9 PM ET/ 8 CT / 6 PT
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Eastern Conference Finals, Monday, June 3, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Monday, June 3 in the Quest for Stanley.

Boston and Pittsburgh

Boston 6 at Pittsburgh 1 (18,619)
Boston Leads the Series 2 games to 0
8 PM ET/5 PM PT
CBC, RDS, CBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Western Conference Final: Sunday, June 2, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Sunday, June 1st in the Quest for Stanley.

Los Angeles and Chicago

Los Angeles 2 at Chicago 4 (21,824)
Chicago leads the series 2 games to 0
8 PM ET/ 7 CT / 5 PT
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs- Conference Finals: Saturday, June 1, 2013

Conference Finals for the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Saturday June 1st in the Quest for Stanley.

Los Angeles and Chicago

Los Angeles 1at Chicago 2 (21,535)
Chicago leads the series 1 game to 0
5 PM ET/4 CT/ 2 PT
TSN, RDS, NBCSN



Boston and Pittsburgh

Boston 3 at Pittsburgh 0 (18,628)
Boston Leads the series 1 game to 0
8 PM ET/5 PM PT
CBC, RDS, CBCSN

The Conference Finals

Sixteen is down to four, the final step before the Stanley Cup Playoff final round.

Of the four teams left standing after two round of elimination play, two are favourites, one a defending champion and the final one a survivor.

The Hawks and Penguins perhaps pegged by many to be the Stanley Cup Finalists back when the early part of the truncated schedule which started in January finally began to shake things out.

The Kings, by way of their defending Cup Champ status, were more than likely thought to go at least one round, though the early match up with St. Louis may have given many cause for thought as to whether they could last through the playoffs to defend their Championship status, a hard fought series with the Sharks again testing the faith of the true believers of the Kings.

Yet here they are, one round away from a chance for a repeat, all that stand in their ways a Chicago team that struggled quite a bit with the Red Wings and battled back from 3-1 deficit to move on to the Conference Finals.

And then there are the Bruins, all but eliminated in the first round after stumbling against the Leafs, only an epic third period collapse in Game 7 by Toronto saved the Bruins from the second guessing and inevitable change that comes to a team that exits early.

Instead, in the space of ten minutes they saved their season, their playoff ambitions and now are but 4 wins away from a Stanley Cup Final berth.

To get there, they have to go through the Penguins, a team firing on all of its cylinders at the moment, as dominant of a team as we've seen thus far and one that unlike the Leafs and the Rangers, knows how to turn it on to win when required.

All of that preamble now however, part of the past.

The playoffs are like a new season every round, you turn the page from the last effort and move forward to the task at hand.

Click on each series below, to find out mare about the teams looking to grab their placement in the Stanley Cup Final.


Los Angeles and Chicago
CHICAGO WINS the series 4 games 1


Botson and Pittsburgh
BOSTON WINS series 4 games to 0

Stanley Cup Playoffs Round Three: Boston and Pittsburgh

The Penguins, while having a wee bit of trouble getting in gear in the first round, certainly found their game in round two, providing as Ottawa head coach Paul Maclean put it "a clinic" on how to turn on the pressure when required most.

The early round struggles against the Islanders now long forgotten, the Pens look ahead to a Boston Bruin team, that survived it's own near playoff death experience with the Leafs before kicking their own game up a notch against the Rangers.

Both teams benefited from a week long break, which could make for a sloppy game one as both try to get back some of the intensity it requires for the possible seven game march to a Stanley Cup berth.

Considering the nature of the play of both teams however, we suspect it won't take long for both to get their game on, making for an interesting match up, one of depth on the part of the Penguins and
desperation for the Bruins, who seem to play their best hockey when the odds seem stacked against them.

One thing would seem certain for the Bruins to keep in mind however moving into round three, unlike the Leafs and the Rangers, the Penguins it seems know how to put a team away, falling behind can be fatal to Stanley Cup prospects should it become a common theme through the series.

Boston WINS the series 4 games to 0

Saturday, June 1-- Boston 3 at Pittsburgh 0 ( 18,628 )
Monday, June 3-- Boston 6 at Pittsburgh 1 (18,619)
Wednesday, June 5-- Pittsburgh 1 at Boston 2 (2 OT) ( 17,565) 
Friday, June 7-- Pittsburgh 0 at Boston 1 (17,565)

All Games on CBC, RDS, NBCSN

Media sources for the series
(some may feature a pay wall)


Globe and Mail
National Post
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
USA Today
Boston Globe
Boston Herald
NESN

Stanley Cup Playoffs Round Three: Los Angeles and Chicago

Both of the Western Conference finalists went to the final game to secure their berth in the last step before a Stanley Cup berth, the Hawks coming back from the depths of a 3-1 series with Detroit, while the Kings and Sharks traded off home ice victories until the Kings clinched their series in game 7.

The domination of the regular season by the Hawks now is very much a story for the past, their struggles in the playoffs thus far showing hints that they are not as formidable a team as was thought when the playoff rounds started in April.

Chicago, has at times looked ready to fall, yet, has found a way to battle back, but not before testing the resolve of the Madhouse on Madison.

The seven game series with the Wings was as hard a hitting and at times nasty series as you might find,

the Wings no doubt looking back at where they could have dispatched the Hawks to the off season and an opportunity to review a number of questions on their playoff play.

However, the Hawks found the way to win, though it took an overtime period in game seven to ensure that the Hockey Gods got it right, with a timely winner to move the Hawks on towards Stanley.

The Kings as well had their struggles with the Sharks, San Jose having become the poster team for missed opportunities, seemingly on a yearly basis.

At times in the second round the Sharks looked as though they finally had figured out the right formula, yet through hard hitting and tenacity the Kings battled back, facing elimination in a game 7 at home, they squeaked out a 2-1 victory to move on.

Both teams offering up more questions for Round three, both more than aware of where improvement is needed should they have designs on the final round.

CHICAGO WINS the series 4 games to 1

Saturday, June 1-- Los Angeles 1 at Chicago  2 (21,535)
Sunday, June 2-- Los Angeles 2 at Chicago 4 (21,824)
Tuesday, June 4-- Chicago 1 at Los Angeles 3  (18,477)
Thursday, June 6-- Chicago 3 at Los Angeles 2 (18,621)
**Saturday, June 8-- Los Angeles 3  at Chicago 4 (2 OT) (22,237) 


Games 1-3 TSN, (4-7 If nec CBC) RDS, NBCSN

Media sources for the series
(some may feature a pay wall)

Chicago Sun Times
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Daily Herald
Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Daily News
Windsor Star
USA Today
Globe and Mail
National Post

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Wednesday, May 28th in the Quest for Stanley.

Detroit and Chicago

Detroit 1 at Chicago 2 (OT)  (22,103)
CHICAGO WINS the series 4 games to 3
8 PM ET/7 CT/5 PM PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: May 28, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Tuesday, May 29th in the Quest for Stanley

San Jose and Los Angeles


San Jose 1 at Los Angeles 2 (18,593)
LOS ANGELES WINS the series 4 games to 3
6 PM PT, 9 PM ET
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Monday, May 27, 2013

Round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Monday, May 27th in the Quest for Stanley.

Detroit and Chicago

Chicago 4 at Detroit 3 (20,066)
Series is tied at 3 games each
8 PM ET/5 PM PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sunday, May 26, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Sunday, May 26th in the Quest for Stanley

San Jose and Los Angeles

Los Angeles 1 at San Jose 2 (17,562)
The series is tied at 3 games each
5 PM PT, 8 PM ET
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Saturday, May 25, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Thursday May 23rd in the Quest for Stanley

New York and Boston

New York 1 at Boston 3 (17,565)
Boston WINS the series 4 games to 1
5:30 PM ET/2:30 PM PT
TSN, RDS and NBCSN



Detroit and Chicago

Detroit 1 at Chicago 4 (22,014)
Detroit leads the series 3 games to 2
8:00 PM ET/5:00 PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Friday, May 24, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Friday, May 24th in the Quest for Stanley



Ottawa and Pittsburgh

Ottawa 2 at Pittsburgh 6 (18,656)
PITTSBURGH WINS the series 4 games to 1
7:30 PM ET/4:30 PT
CBC, RDS,  NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Thursday, May 23, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Thursday May 23rd in the Quest for Stanley

New York and Boston

Boston 3 at New York 4 (OT) (17,200)
Boston leads the series 3 games to 1
7 PM ET, 4 PM PT
TSN, RDS and NBCSN



Detroit and Chicago

Chicago 0 at Detroit 2 (20,066)
Detroit leads the series 3 games to 1
8:00 PM ET/5:00 PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN



San Jose and Los Angeles

San Jose 0 at Los Angeles 3 (18,584)
Los Angeles leads the series 2 games to 1
7PM PT, 10 PM ET
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Wednesday, May 22nd in the Quest for Stanley



Ottawa and Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 7 at Ottawa 3 (20,500)
Pittsburgh leads the series 3 games to 1
7:30 PM ET/4:30 PT
CBC, RDS,  NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Tuesday, May 21st in the Quest for Stanley

New York and Boston

Boston 2 at New York 1 (17,200)
Boston leads the series 3 games to 0
7 PM ET, 4 PM PT
TSN, RDS and NBCSN




San Jose and Los Angeles

Los Angeles 1 at San Jose 2 (17,562)
Series is tied at 2 games each
7PM PT, 10 PM ET
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Monday, May 20, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Monday, May 20th in the Quest for Stanley

Detroit and Chicago

Chicago 1 at Detroit 3  (20,066)  
Detroit leads the series 2 games to 1
7:30 PM ET/4:30 PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Sunday, May 19, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Sunday, May 19th in the Quest for Stanley

New York and Boston

New York 2 at Boston 5 (17,565)
Boston Leads the Series 1 game to 0
3 PM ET, Noon PT  
TSN, RDS and NBCSN

Ottawa and Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh 1 at Ottawa 2  (2 OT) (20,500)
Pittsburgh leads the series 2 games to 1
7:30 PM ET/4:30 PT
CBC, RDS,  NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Saturday, May 18, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Saturday, May 18th in the Quest for Stanley

Detroit and Chicago

Detroit 4 at Chicago 1 ( 21,822 ) 
The Series is tied at 1 game each
12 Noon  CT/1 PM ET/10 AM PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN



San Jose and Los Angeles

San Jose 2 at Los Angeles 1 (OT) (17,562)
Los Angeles leads the series 2 games to 1
6 PM PT, 9 PM ET
TSN, RDS, NBCSN

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Friday, May 17, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Friday, May 17th in the Quest for Stanley


Ottawa and Pittsburgh

Ottawa 3 at Pittsburgh 4  (18,645)
Pittsburgh leads the series 2 games to none
7:30 PM ET/4:30 PT
CBC, RDS,  NBCSN

Shoot Out and OUT for Canada at the World Championships

For the fourth year in a row, Canada's stay at the IIHF World Championships won't last beyond the quarter finals.

In the most thrilling of the four Quarter finals of Thursday, Team Canada fell to the Swedes in the always dreaded shoot out, that after 70 minutes of end to end hockey, which featured some brilliant plays, some ugly plays, untimely penalties and one very unfortunate injury to Team Canada's captain Eric Staal, more on that in a bit.

As for the game, Canada had their moments to put away the Swedes but some outstanding goal tending from  Jhonas Enroth held off the Canadian attack, though not for lack of trying by the Canadians.

Steven Stamkos opened the scoring for Canada with a second period marker that set the pace for the Canadian squad for the rest of the period, Stamkos marker came on the power play.

Sweden finally got on the board in the third as Nicklas Danielsson picked up two goals on the night as Sweden then took the lead on the power play. One of them, the go ahead marker, as Claude Giroux sat in the box for an untimely and in the minds of some unjustified two minute penalty, providing a bit more open ice for the Swedes to put together their attack and take the lead in the third.

Giroux went from goat to hero shortly after that, once back on the ice he had definite zeal for the Swedish end of the ice, gaining back the lost goal shortly after his return.

The two teams then exchanged many opportunities for the remaining ten, a period that was highlighted by many opportunities at both ends, with both Enroth and Canada's Mike Smith holding the fort down as the clock ticked down.

by the bizarre incidence of the Swedish goaltender exiting the ice for what we imagine were equipment repairs, which required that his backup be dropped into the game at perhaps its most pivotal moment, holding up his end of the bargain, he stared down the Canadian attack and shut down Team Canada on three scoring chances, rescued from further duty when Enroth returned to the ice.

Neither Canada, nor Sweden could find the range to finish out the period and the ten minute, 4 on 4 overtime provided for much of the same, many chances but no goals, but no shortage of strange things on the European ice.

The OT featured the bizarre incidence of the Swedish goaltender Enroth exiting the ice for what we imagine were equipment repairs, which required that his backup Jacob Markstrom be dropped into the game at perhaps its most pivotal moment.

Holding up his end of the bargain, he stared down the Canadian attack and shut down Team Canada on a couple of scoring chances, rescued from further duty when Enroth returned to the ice.

With the full 70 minutes of regulation and OT out of the way, the IIHF shoot out provided for the final outcome, with Canada and Sweden exchanging goals in the first round, leaving Sweden to clinch the victory in round number two on a slap shot from Fredrik Pettersson, a most unusual thing in a shootout, blasting the winning goal past Smith to send the Swedes renew acquaintances with their long time nemesis  from Finland on Saturday.

With the Swedish victory, Canada was eliminated from further action at the Worlds, left to collect their belongings and bring the wounded home.

Among them Eric Staal, who suffered what appeared to be a very serious knee injury in a collision with Alex Edler.  From replays it would seem that Edler did not move his leg out of the way of the oncoming Staal, a questionable hit that could leave Carolina hockey fans worried for the start of training camp and  an incident that will no doubt carry a long memory for next year for Staal upon his recovery.

National Post-- Eric Staal injured in collision with Alex Edler during Sweden vs. Canada
CBC-- Eric Staal hurt as Canada eliminated from world championship
Globe and Mail-- Eric Staal injured in knee-on-knee collision at hockey worlds


Reviews of Canada's final game at this years Worlds can be found below:

Globe and Mail-- Sweden eliminates Canada in shootout at hockey worlds

While Canada makes its exit, there are still the Semi-Finals to be played on Saturday and the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal games of Sunday.

Saturday's match ups feature the Surprising Swiss taking on the USA who trounced the Russians on Thursday. Saturday will also showcase Sweden and Finland which should provide for much in the way of drama between the two rivals.

Winners advance to the Gold medal game, losers to the Bronze match up.

Canada looks for Quarter Final success at the World Championships

Canada has its eyes focused on a Gold medal as second round action at the World Hockey Championships gets underway on Thursday.

The Canadians compiled a record of 6 and 1 in the preliminary round, the only blemish a Shoot out loss to a surprisingly strong Swiss squad back on May 5th.  The majority of Canada's games were close contests, with  just a goal or two as a buffer along the way. The only real blow out of the opening round a 7-1 victory over Norway on May 7th.

After a two day rest, the Canadians meet up with Sweden in their Quarterfinal match, a good draw for the Canadian squad, as Canada recorded their only shut out of the opening round against the Swedes a 3-0 victory on May 9th.

Still with the tournament on Swedish and Finnish ice, the home side squads will be highly motivated to move forward towards the Gold medal game of the weekend. As well, with the early exit of some NHL teams from the playoffs, a Euro Airlift is underway to shore up the rosters, with the Vancouver Canuck's Henrik and Daniel Sedin arriving just in time for Thursday show down.

Game time on TSN is 2:15 PM ET/11:15 AM PT

The USA will open up the day's IIHF action as they face off against the Russian squad
Update: The USA defeated the Russians 8-3

TSN World Championship Website

You can review all of the results from the 2013 IIHF Championships from our archive page here.

Some notes on the tournament and Thursday's game in particular can be found below.

May 15-- Canada plots Sedins strategy for world hockey championship quarter-final
May 15-- PK Subban Accepting Team Canada invitation a no-brainer
May 15-- The Utlimate Swedish Debate: Mats Sundin or Peter Forsberg?
May 15-- Coyotes goaltender Mike Smith goes international
May 14-- Alex Ovechkin to join Russia at world hockey championship
May 14-- Mike Smith is making a case for Canada's Olympic team
May 14-- Canada gets host Sweden as quarter-final opponent at hockey worlds
May 13-- Long awaited Maple Leafs inspired trip to Sweden happens at worst possible playoff moment
May 13-- P K Subban to join Canada at world hockey championship
May 13-- Canada needs OT to beat last place Slovenia at hockey worlds
May 12-- Team Canada finishes their Czechs
May 12-- Canada clinches quarter final berth at world hockey championship by beating Czech Republic
May 10-- Canada cruises to top of men's hockey worlds with win over Belarus
May 10-- Russia's descent at hockey worlds continues with loss to Finland
May 9-- Mike Smith shuts out Sweden as Canada moves up at hockey worlds
May 8-- Canada's rookie defencemen learning as they go at hockey worlds
May 7-- Steven Stamkos does it all for Canada at hockey worlds
May 5-- Canada falls to Switzerland in shootout at men's hockey worlds
May 4-- Matt Duchene leads Canada in win over Denmark at world hockey championship
May 2-- Aftermath of NHL lockout could slow some teams at hockey worlds

Stanley Cup Playoffs, Thursday, May 16, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Thursday, May 16th in the Quest for Stanley

New York and Boston

New York 2 at Boston 3 (OT) (17,565)
Boston Leads the Series 1 game to 0
7 PM CT/8PM ET/5 PT
TSN, RDS and NBCSN

San Jose and Los Angeles

San Jose 3 at Los Angeles 4 (18,527)
Los Angeles leads the series 2 games to 0
7 PM PT, 10 PM ET
TSN, NBSCN

Memorial Cup 2013 Newsline

Items of interest that we come across regarding the participants in this years Memorial Cup and other notes on the CHL as they celebrate their Championship tournament.

May 26-- Mooseheads beat Winterhawks to win first-ever Memorial Cup
May 25-- Mooseheads, Winterhawks prepare for Memorial Cup final clash
May 25-- Mooseheads forward Jonathan Drouin named CHL player of the year
May 23-- This Domi produces a different kind of hockey highlights
May 23-- Fans, empty seats mingle at MemCup
May 23-- Two Minutes in the Box with Bob Hartley
May 23-- Schenn hopes Blades capitalize on their Memorial Cup chance
May 23-- Blades face elimination
May 23-- Blades lose to Winterhawks
May 23-- Knights use loss as motivation
May 22-- Winterhawks respond to questionable hit on the scoreboard, down Saskatoon to reach semifinal
May 22-- Who's up next in the London Knight's net?
May 22-- London Knight's Max Domi not matching regular season performance at Memorial Cup
May 22-- 2014 Memorial Cup ticket prices released
May 22-- Knightmare from beginning to end
May 22-- Hawks come up big in the third period again in 4-2 win over Saskatoon
May 22-- Families boost Moose
May 22-- Winterhawks plan to use crowd's energy in showdown with Saskatoon
May 22-- Singer tunes up for second chance
May 22-- Things coming to a head for Blades
May 22-- History nothing to Blades, Winterhawks
May 22-- Two minutes in the box with Chirs Jacobson
May 22-- Blades dreaming of final
May 21-- Molleken aims to refocus players
May 21-- Former Saskatoon singer feels sympathy
May 21-- All four teams tied at 1-1
May 21-- Makarov's performance no surprise to former teammate
May 21-- Horvat's skill not lost on MacKinnon
May 21-- For the players at the Memorial Cup, it's all about gorgeous goals
May 21-- The London Knights, Blades' attendance of 10,203 has drawn the biggest numbers
May 21-- Top prospect Jones not lived up to billing
May 21-- London Knights adapting to Memorial Cup rules
May 21-- Cup chase gone totally nuts
May 21-- Winterhawks derail Knights' stirring three-goal comeback
May 21-- Hardcore Winterhawks fans go well out of their way to support their team
May 21-- With four teams at 1-1, here are four scenarios for the final standings
May 21-- Mooseheads win big
May 20-- Temperature rising
May 20-- Reality TV show could unmask inner workings of OHL hottest franchise
May 20-- Players and crowd help sing anthem
May 20-- London must deal with the latest hockey superstar from Cole Harbour NS...
May 20-- There is something about being a champion
May 20-- London Knights' defender Nikita Zadorov's recent play could make him hot commodity in NHL draft
May 20-- Suspended Winterhawks coach and GM Mike Johnston watches win over London from the stands
May 20-- Drouin determined to do better
May 20-- Big third period outburst leads Winterhawks to 6-3 victory over London
May 20-- Winterhawks feel bad for botched anthem singer, say they couldn't do any better
May 20-- Canadian singer botches US national anthem before Winterhawks first Memorial Cup game
May 19-- Hello Winterhawks, greetings from Portland
May 19-- Saskatoon Blades beat Halifax Mooseheads 5-2
May 19-- Hawks' Taylor Leier feeling right at home at Saskatoon
May 18-- MacKinnon has big night in Moosheads' Memorial Cup opener
May 18-- Mooseheads' five goal second period dooms Winterhawaks, 7-4
May 18-- Portland Winterhawks drop Memorial Cup opener to Halifax Mooseheads, 7-4
May 18-- Blades hang tough, but fall in Memorial Cup opener
May 18-- Plenty of hits during London Knights vs. Saskatoon Blades Memorial Cup opener
May 18-- London Knights had to fight for 3-2 win against host Saskatoon Blades
May 18-- London Knights strike first with win over Saskatoon Blades in Memorial Cup opener
May 17-- This Memorial Cup a Scout's dream
May 17-- Talent converges at Cup as draft looms
May 17-- Makarov knows a lot about the Knights
May 17-- Blades can take some lessons from 1989 finalists
May 17-- Goaltending a question mark for OHL champions
May 17-- Blades not lacking in tournament experience
May 17-- London Knights' Bo Horvat still riding high from game winning overtime goal against Barrie Colts
May 17-- Blades' Molleken under pressure to produce
May 17-- Knights best Blades in Memorial Cup opener
May 17-- Two Canadian hockey families clash when the London Knights take on the Saskatoon Blades
May 17-- London Knights open Memorial Cup against host team swept out of first-round playoffs
May 17-- A heartbreaker, literally, for Lubiniecki
May 17-- Memorial Cup motivation easy to find
May 17-- Gulutzan returns to familiar place
May 17-- NHL draft stock on the line at Memorial Cup
May 17-- Blades honour armed forces with special military-themed sweater
May 17-- Saturday's Halifax-Portland showdown is 'one stop shopping for NHL scouts'
May 17-- Top prospects Jones, MacKinnon and Drouin the focus at Memorial Cup
May 17-- Saskatoon Blades' keeper Andrey Makarov doesn't know who he'll be staring down in London Knight's crease
May 16-- Hawks put sanctions behind them
May 16-- Memorial Cup teams hit town
May 16-- Mooseheads veterans riding high
May 16-- Memorial Cup not short on story lines
May 16-- Saskatoon welcomes Memorial Cup
May 16-- Winterhawks' berth shaped by Mike Johnston and Travis Green's partnership
May 16-- Motivation driving all players at Memorial Cup
May 16-- Shaw WHL play by play man Peter Loubardias talks about Portland and Halifax
May 16-- A look at the Portland Winterhawks, Halifax Mooseheads, London Knights and Saskatoon Blades
May 16-- London Knights have unfinished business at MasterCard Memorial Cup
May 15-- Blades prepare for CHL's top stars
May 15-- Makarov ready to conquer world
May 15-- A look at the Mooseheads' Memorial Cup opponents
May 15-- Moose ready for the big stage
May 14-- Saskatoon Blades seek redemption at Memorial Cup
May 14-- London Knights to host 2014 MaterCard Memorial Cup

Running Back to Saskatoon! Memorial Cup 2013

Canada's premiere Junior Hockey Tournament is about to get underway in the hockey hotbed of Saskatoon, as the Champions of the Quebec League, Ontario League, Western League and hometown Blades take to the ice, each team with the goal of hoisting the Memorial Cup on Championship Sunday May26th.

Saskatoon has been resting for a while now, having been eliminated in the Western League's early rounds, the remainder of the participants have just completed the long trek through their individual leagues, claiming championships in some hard fought series, claiming victories that now take them to Saskatchewan.

First puck drop in the one week series is Friday night.

Memorial Cup Final

Sunday, May 26-- Portland Winterhawks 4 vs Halifax Mooseheads 6
HALIFAX WINS THE MEMORIAL CUP

Semi Final

Friday, May 24-- London 1 vs Portland 2 

Elimination Game

Thursday, May 23-- Saskatoon 1 and London 6

The Memorial Cup Opening Round Schedule is as follows

Friday, May 17-- London 3 - Saskatoon 2
Saturday, May 18-- Portland 4 and Halifax 7
Sunday, May 19-- Saskatoon 5 and Halifax 2 
Monday, May 20-- Portland 6 and London 3
Tuesday, May 21-- Halifax 9 and London 2
Wednesday, May 22-- Saskatoon 2 and Portland 4

All Games will be broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet, more on their coverage can be found here.

The Home page for the Memorial Cup can be found here

CHL home page

You can find more information about each participating team for our Memorial Cup Team pages below.

Halifax Mooseheads
Portland Winterhawks
London Knights
Saskatoon Blades


Items of interest through the Memorial Cup can be found on our Memorial Cup Newsline here.

Memorial Cup Team Page: Saskatoon Blades

The hometown Blades knew they had a late May ice time as far back as last year when Saskatoon was granted the hosting rights to the Memorial Cup. Though the probably had hopes of playing meaningful hockey on the way to their hosting duties.

Instead the Blades bowed out early in the WHL playoffs, leaving them to rest (and maybe rust a bit) as they waited for their Tournament participants to sort things out along the way. Still, home ice advantage can sometimes provide that key edge, the Blades no doubt are hoping for a chance to hoist the Memorial Cup in their own rink on May 26th.

Western League home page

Saskatoon Blades home page

You can learn more about their path to the Memorial Cup from these media sources

Saskatoon Star-Phoenix
Sportsnet

Memorial Cup Team Page: Halifax Mooseheads

They'll be making the longest of travel plans, as the Quebec League champion Halifax Mooseheads make the cross country trek to Saskatchewan to try to bring the Memorial Cup back to the Q.

Halifax makes their first return to the Memorial Cup championship since 2000, showcasing the stability and ability of the Moosehead franchise to rebuild and retool, something quite important in the very competitive Quebec league.

How Halifax got there

Quebec League home page

Halifax Mooseheads home page

You can learn more about their path to Saskatoon from these media sources

Halifax Chronicle Herald
Sportsnet

Memorial Cup Team Page: London Knights

The champions of the Ontario League return to the Memorial Cup once again, the Hunters year after year putting on the ice a most formidable franchise in the OHL, consistently among the top ranked teams in the league.

How London got there

OHL home page

London Knights home page

You can learn more about their path to Saskatoon from these media sources

London Free Press
Sportsnet

Memorial Cup Team Page: Portland Winter Hawks

The champions of the Western League blazed their trail to the Memorial Cup through after many miles of travel through the W, claiming the WHL title in the League Final against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

How Portland got there

WHL home page

Portland Winterhawks home page

You can learn more about their path to Saskatoon from these media sources

The Oregonian
Portland Tribune
Sportsnet

Stanley Cup Playoffs, Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Round Two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs

The Schedule for Wednesday, May 15th in the Quest for Stanley

Detroit and Chicago

Detroit 1 at Chicago 4 ( 21,494 )
Chicago leads the series 1 game to 0
7 PM CT/8PM ET/5 PT
CBC, RDS, NBCSN