Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Mr. Wilson takes charge
Flashing around his Canadian passport, new Toronto head coach Ron Wilson did all but sing The Maple Leaf forever on Tuesday, as he was put on display for the ever hungry Toronto press corps, anxious to divine if he had a master plan to bring back the glory days of the Maple Leaf past.
He regaled the assembled media with tales of his youth as youngster, one who worshipped his Toronto Maple Leafs, how humbled he was to be given the number of his idol Dave Keon upon his arrival for a time as a Maple Leaf player.
Wilson pointed out that he left Canada in 1967 to further his journey in professional hockey, so perhaps it was a sign of deliverance that he has returned to the Promised Land some 42 years later.
1967 of course is the date forever stamped in the memories of the Maple Leaf faithful as the last time that the Stanley Cup could be found in the company of the Maple Leaf hockey team.
The press conference which attracted perhaps more attention that any Prime Ministerial announcement or Papal encyclical, sought guidance from the new head coach, who most likely quickly learned that unlike Washington, Anaheim or San Jose, they tend to take their hockey a little more seriously in the centre of the hockey universe.
Going from a media experience that on a good day might consist of a TV reporter wondering what this hockey thing is about, a couple of radio guys there for the free food and a newspaper reporter frozen out of the big sports, to watching the all things Maple Leaf Toronto crews (cast of thousands that they are) should be an eye opener.
From being the guppy in San Jose Shark Tank, to bait for the Toronto media sharks could be one of those life altering moments for Wilson.
He gave the sharks a few things to chew on during his introductory press conference, describing Darcy Tucker as a little worn down, sending who knows how many off to see if Tucker was going to take that little bit of bait.
Wilson also gave indications that change was certainly required for a Maple Leaf team that has had scant knowledge of the post season for a number of years.
Wilson said that the core of the team needed to change and there may be some backwards momentum before the team moves forward. Perhaps Back, to the future could become the marketing slogan for the Leafs in 2008-09
In the National Post, Wilson recounted how he tried to provide a bit of levity for former Maple Leaf coach Paul Maurice when he was last in San Jose. The story goes that Wilson donned a hoodie, dark glasses and began to stalk Maurice on one of his walks around town, a Grim Reaper like interpretation that was designed to try and take some of the pressure off the soon to be fired Leafs coach.
Rumours persist in Toronto that his arrival is part of a one-two punch that will eventually bring Brian Burke into Toronto as God of all hockey operations. Burke and Wilson have a long relationship in hockey, yet curiously neither has worked with the other in their long NHL careers.
Should that plan not come to fruition, you have to wonder how many of those four years on his contract that Wilson will see, before another Grim Reaper appears on the Toronto horizon…
Globe and Mail-- So long, Darcy, hello change
Globe and Mail-- Wilson doesn't expect instant results
The Canadian Press-- Now what? Fletcher says Leafs have a plan as trade talks might heat up
National Post-- Coaching Leafs could be Wilson's biggest challenge
CBC-- Ron Wilson excited to work with Leafs' Fletcher
CTV-- Leafs introduce Ron Wilson as next head coach
Toronto Star-- It’s official — Wilson named Leafs coach
Toronto Star-- Wilson's new post one tough cell job
Toronto Sun-- Seeking the promised land
Toronto Sun-- Some Leafs intrigue Wilson
Toronto Sun-- Wilson hits the right note
Toronto Sun-- Quinn feels his former assistant can handle T.O. heat
Toronto Sun-- 27 things you should know about the Leafs' 27th coach
Toronto Sun-- Wilson done, but Fletcher's work is just beginning
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
As the Crow flies
"So taking that all in, you're making a gut call, I guess, on the fit for what we project our team to be like."— LA King GM Dean Lombardi reacting to his gut and firing head coach Marc Crawford.
The Sun has set in California and for Marc Crawford, his time in that California sun has come to an end.
The Los Angeles Kings announced on Tuesday that they would commence the search for a new bench boss, after two unsuccessful seasons on the ice under the stewardship of Crawford. His departure marks the 21st time that the franchise that entered the NHL in 1967 has found their head coach to be less than they had hoped.
Suggesting that Crawford and the Kings had become a bit of an uncomfortable fit, Lombardi explained that he and the Kings had felt that their hockey team at least should have made the playoffs and with that small goal seemingly unreachable over the last two years, changes needed to be made.
Crawford last won a Stanley Cup in 1996 when he was behind the bench when the Quebec/Colorado machine was finally coming into its own; from there he spent a number of seasons with the Vancouver Canucks bringing them close, but in the end still far from a Stanley Cup parade.
The Kings will have to pay Crawford for the final year of his three year contract should he not find a new bench to stand behind before September.
While GM Lombardi gets ready to accept phone calls and resumes; Kings fans might be getting a little nervous about his overall impression of the job search "We're going to be methodical, we're not going to rush into anything. This is a critical hire. We'll get through the development camp in July and hopefully make the right gut call in the end."
He had better hope so; otherwise the next departure from the Kings might very well be that of Lombardi.
The Sun has set in California and for Marc Crawford, his time in that California sun has come to an end.
The Los Angeles Kings announced on Tuesday that they would commence the search for a new bench boss, after two unsuccessful seasons on the ice under the stewardship of Crawford. His departure marks the 21st time that the franchise that entered the NHL in 1967 has found their head coach to be less than they had hoped.
Suggesting that Crawford and the Kings had become a bit of an uncomfortable fit, Lombardi explained that he and the Kings had felt that their hockey team at least should have made the playoffs and with that small goal seemingly unreachable over the last two years, changes needed to be made.
Crawford last won a Stanley Cup in 1996 when he was behind the bench when the Quebec/Colorado machine was finally coming into its own; from there he spent a number of seasons with the Vancouver Canucks bringing them close, but in the end still far from a Stanley Cup parade.
The Kings will have to pay Crawford for the final year of his three year contract should he not find a new bench to stand behind before September.
While GM Lombardi gets ready to accept phone calls and resumes; Kings fans might be getting a little nervous about his overall impression of the job search "We're going to be methodical, we're not going to rush into anything. This is a critical hire. We'll get through the development camp in July and hopefully make the right gut call in the end."
He had better hope so; otherwise the next departure from the Kings might very well be that of Lombardi.
Globe and Mail-- Kings fire Marc Crawford
Los Angeles Kings-- Kings made the right move firing Marc Crawford
Los Angeles Daily News-- Kings fire coach Crawford
Passadena Star News-- Kings, Crawford go separate ways
Always leave when they remember you best.
That emotional farewell in April indeed will prove to be Trevor Linden’s last skate as a Vancouver Canuck.
It’s being reported that on Wednesday, Linden will bring to an end this phase of his involvement with the team that has been his home for most of his nineteen seasons.
By far one of the most popular of Canucks to wear the uniform (whatever version happened to be in vogue at the time), the former on ice captain and forever team leader has decided that his time has come to call it a career.
People still talk about the remarkable final game of April, when the classy Calgary Captain Jarome Iginla led his team back onto the ice to shake hands with Linden, a salute to a long time warrior that left not a dry eye in GM place or most likely watching on the CBC.
It was a symbol of the well earned respect that Linden has compiled in his nineteen years, a role model for the modern NHLer.
Never afraid of controversy he was in the front lines of the recent battle lines, taking more than his fair share of hits, yet for the most part coming out on the other side of those struggles a stronger figure in the league.
On the ice, he may not worn the C any more once he returned from his exile to the east, but he was still one of the most complete and identifiable players in a Canuck uniform.
Vancouver’s second pick overall in the 1988 draft, Linden played sixteen years as a Canuck and should have played all nineteen years of his career in those numerous colours, the forever to be vilified Mike Keenan cast Linden out, a move that certainly sealed Keenan’s fate on the West coast.
The Keenan experiment proved to be one of the least successful of moves ever made by Canuck management and with the departure of Linden at the time, it was perhaps one of the darkest days for the franchise.
Bringing Linden back once that interruption was over perhaps was one of the brightest.
He was the heart and soul of the franchise for a good number of his sixteen years and the face of disappointment at the Canucks second, of two unsuccessful Stanley Cup runs. While his contributions on the ice will be remembered with much fondness, his contributions to British Columbia in general may be even more long lasting.
A tireless worker on behalf of a number of charities, he has been the best ambassador a sports organization could ever hope for, someone who has given back far more than he has received from his adopted home province.
In many years, it was only Linden that rescued the franchise from itself, as many of the decisions made higher up left the city and the province befuddled at the state of their favourite team, only Linden's presence seemed to keep the fans from complete capitulation when it came to their puzzling hockey team.
The change of leadership at the moment in Canuckland has yet to show the locals where the on ice product is heading, and already chances to utilize Linden off the ice have been squandered a worrisome theme that leaves more than a few wondering.
When he makes his announcement tomorrow, Linden will be exiting as all players should hope to go, universally respected and loved by his fans.
The Canucks will need to ensure that he remains attached to the Canuck family and not just in a PR cattle call, one day his knowledge of the game and the dynamics of the personalities that play it should be put to use.
Vancouver made a huge mistake when they drove Linden out of the franchise during his playing days; they had best make sure they don’t repeat it with his retirement.
National Post-- Canuck's Linden set to retire
TSN-- Canucks' Linden to announce retirement Wednesday
CBC-- Trevor Linden to retire from NHL: source
Georgia Straight-- Trevor Linden to announce retirement from NHL
Vancouver Sun-- Trevor Linden to hang up skates
Vancouver Province-- Trevor Linden retirement Wednesday
Vancouver Province-- Multi media presentation
Vancouver Province-- Linden was hardest worker from day one
Vancouver Province-- Photo gallery
Monday, June 09, 2008
CTV gives the CBC a smackdown on the Hockey Theme
"Ms. Claman is suggesting that if the CBC doesn’t want her song then she’ll be more than happy to head off to the competition to belt out the opening notes. The only thing is, so far TSN and Sportsnet have been rather quiet on the whole situation and frankly it’s doubtful that they would be all that interested in the iconic anthem, as historic as it is."-- The genial host of this blog, showing that sometimes we don't know what the hell we're talking about!
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Ahem, as we were thinking, we wonder if CTV might be interested in buying the theme to Hockey Night in Canada, er, yeah that's what we were thinking...
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The blood feud between Canada's two largest broadcast organizations took a surprising twist today as CTV announced that they have reached an agreement with Copyright Music & Visuals to broadcast the familiar theme "in perpetuity" on all hockey telecasts on TSN and RDS, as well as on CTV during the 2010 Olympics.
In their announcement CTV explains how privileged they are to have successfully taken guardianship of the iconic Canadian song (and perhaps if you listen carefully you can hear the raspberry directed towards CBC who now sit on the sidelines wondering what hit them).
"The song has a long and storied history in Canadian sports and has become ingrained in the hearts and minds of hockey fans across the country. It is an iconic tune, embraced by Canadians everywhere, and we felt it was imperative to save it. We know we will be in hockey forever, so there's no doubt this acquisition will create value for us," said Rick Brace, President, Revenue, Business Planning and Sports, CTV Inc. "It's an honour and a privilege to own such a cherished piece of Canadiana."
The move certainly is a coup for CTV and its group of stations, though no purchase acquisition price was announced, they felt that whatever the cost the potential for the marketing splash that will come with today's announcement will more than make up for the size of the cheque.
While we're surprised that they were that interested in a thirty second jingle, we guess that in the competitive world of sports broadcasting you seize the chance to create some buzz when it presents itself (not to mention make the occassional blogger look foolish)
This now means that the CBC will most likely be going ahead with their plans to create a new anthemic opening, ready to proceed with the cattle call of would be warblers, ready to provide the next great opening act to last for forty years...
TSN.ca-- CTV ACQUIRES EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS TO 'THE HOCKEY THEME'
Vancouver Province-- CTV and TSN buy hockey theme song
Canadian Press-- CTV buys rights to former 'Hockey Night in Canada' theme song
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Hello Mr. Wilson!
"We have a verbal agreement but nothing's on paper yet, "It isn't a contract until it's signed by the parties. And that won't happen for a couple of days." -- Leafs caretaker and maintenance man Cliff Fletcher announcing that the Leafs may at least have a coach in place in time for training camp.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reported to have come to a verbal agreement with Ron Wilson, with an announcement expected any day now to firm up his terms and provide some sign of progress for frustrated Maple Leaf fans.
Wilson who most recently was the reigning hockey guru of Northern California, will be given a huge challenge should he sign on that dotted line. The Leafs have been perennial bottom feeders for far too long and will certainly provide a test of Wilson's patience, should their under performing ways continue into the new season.
Considered a hard taskmaster from his past affiliations, it will be an interesting change of atmosphere around the Air Canada Centre with Wilson in charge. Though one wonders exactly how the team building process will move along without a General Manager or President in the interim.
The Leafs have seemed to approach the idea of staffing the management levels in an unusual pattern, leaving the coveted top positions vacant until just the right person comes along, while filling in the actual day to day stewardship position first.
This of course has spurred an amazing volume of rumours that it's now a fait accompli that Brian Burke will be joining the Leafs, maybe this summer, incredibly maybe next year. Regardless of the timing, his long time association with Wilson seems to be the talisman that Leaf fans have been looking for that Burke is on the way.
That's to be determined, but it certainly makes more sense than having Wilson signed to a long term deal, only to have a new GM and President show up seeking out his own team to handle the on ice requirements.
Then again, it is the Maple Leafs who if nothing else are best known for their unorthodox ways of running professional hockey in the leagues most valuable market.
For Wilson training camp will provide him his first look at the collection of would be Dennis the Menace's that the Leafs have stored over the last few years, a precocious lot who tempt you with potential and then leave you wondering what's going to happen next. By Christmas, we would think he'll have a pretty good idea as to what he's up against (or gotten himself into).
We wish Mr. Wilson well, should be carve his name onto a contract and hope he's seen the movie and is prepared for all that is to come!
TSN-- WILSON, MAPLE LEAFS AGREE TO TERMS ON 4-YEAR DEAL
Globe and Mail-- Maple Leafs have verbal agreement with Wilson
Toronto Star-- Odds 'better than 50/50' of Wilson deal: Fletch
Has the Dominator left the building for the last time?
The buzz around the NHL on Sunday night was that Domenik Hasek the six time Vezina trophy winner and two time Hart recipient is set to announce his retirement on Monday.
It has been an interesting career that the 41 year old Dominator has enjoyed in the NHL, leaving an equal amount of devotees and frustrated fans in his mercurial wake.
One of the league's most dominating of goaltenders over the years, he also had a career that left no shortage of puzzlement in many NHL outposts over the course of his career.
In particular fans in Buffalo and Ottawa to this day are still not sure if Dom really had his heart in the same uniform as the rest of those teams, the frequent victim of many a mysterious malady at most inconvenient times.
Yet, when he was on his game he was one of the best that has come along.
Leading the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup back in the 2002 season. He was on track for another Stanley Cup run when he was replaced by Chris Osgood in the Nashville series and never played another game.
Along the way in his high profile 16 year career Hasek claimed six all star appearances and played in four Olympic Games for the Czech Republic winning the gold medal in 1998.
The Red Wings have announced an 11 am press conference when Hasek will announce his plans while the Wings are still in the haze of goodwill from a Stanley Cup Championship.
National Post-- Report: Hasek to announce retirement
Detroit Free Press-- Wings call news conference to reveal future of goalie Dominik Hasek
Detroit News-- Wings' Hasek, 43, expected to retire this morning
Sportsnet-- Dominator ready to retire
They’re not playing our song anymore (or at least that’s the latest update)
It’s becoming a bit of a soap opera and one of the great debates of our time, but for perhaps the first time since Mr. Fessenden first talked into a radio, you have to feel a tad sorry for the CBC.
The National broadcaster is finding itself in the eye of a storm as the composer of the Hockey Night in Canada theme and her agent play a serious game of hardball with the Mother Corp.
Dolores Claman, who put together the now familiar ditty over forty years ago has rebuffed a reported CBC Bid of one million dollars to purchase the song outright and negotiations have now as they say broken off with little sign of any positive developments on the horizon.
In fact, the CBC is now pushing the idea of a National song contest, letting Canadians become the next Ms. Claman, (though we suspect with a tidy contract offer that ties up any outstanding rights for the next hundred years for the grand prize award of 100,000 dollars). We shudder at the prospect of a Canadian Idol type presentation on the CBC over the summer, as we seek out the next great hockey anthem composition in all imaginable forms.
The frequent updates on the on again but mostly off again discussions have taken on the kind of drama that the CAW occupation of GM’s headquarters has garnered, two sides with hardened positions and nothing but bad feelings with nowhere to channel their remaining energies.
When the CBC wasn’t trying to buy the song outright, they had offered to continue on with the current arrangement, which rewards the composer with 500 dollars every time the first dum de de dah dum, breaks out leading to another night of fast paced NHL action (unless of course you have the Leafs game on your television, where you would swear the music is more along the lines of dum, dum, da dum, da de dum de dum de dum)
Some say the CBC has lowballed the composer, others that her expectations of compensation are out to lunch. She’s a victim of corporate greed or an out of touch musician who has greatly overvalued a song that lasts all of thirty seconds. It all depends on when you join the debate.
Like every other Canadian issue, everybody has an opinion but nobody seems to have an answer on how to bring the two sides together for a sensible solution.
One worrisome thing now is that the politicians are reportedly ready to enter the controversy, never a good sign for a sensible or frugal solution. The Liberals are urging the Conservative government to push the CBC to come to terms quickly to protect the unique Canadian tradition. Surely there are more important matters of state to deal with than what song opens up a sporting event every Saturday night?
While the politicians contemplate their next move, Ms. Claman is suggesting that if the CBC doesn’t want her song then she’ll be more than happy to head off to the competition to belt out the opening notes. The only thing is, so far TSN and Sportsnet have been rather quiet on the whole situation and frankly it’s doubtful that they would be all that interested in the iconic anthem, as historic as it is.
It’s been identified with the CBC and Hockey Night in Canada for many years now, and has been the siren call for the nation to gather around the tube every Saturday night (and many more in the playoffs), but eventually everything is replaceable we suspect even the song that is considered the nation’s second national anthem.
Perhaps Ms. Claman might wish to keep in mind that many folks considered the Maple Leaf forever to be a better reflection of Canada’s national identity, but if you were to ask today I’m not sure that many would toss O Canada aside in favour of it.
If it’s all over for the Hockey Night in Canada theme, the suggested replacements have already been tossed out there, with Stompin’ Tom Connors always popular The Hockey Song also known as The Good Old hockey Game one of the leading preferences.
Ms. Claman’s representative might be advised to give the whole issue one more thinking over, it’s surely better to take a generous stipend per game for who knows how many more years, or grab that million dollar payout and head to the beach.
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Otherwise the next stage of the melodrama might be that the composer’s negotiating team will be left with a quaint reminder of a TV jingle, that will soon be better known as the next question in an updated version of Trivial Pursuit.
CBC-- What are your special memories of the Hockey Night in Canada theme song
CBC-- Can Canada go on as we know it without the Hockey Night in Canada theme?
Globe and Mail-- The puck's stopped here for hockey theme
Globe and Mail-- CBC fumbles negotiations on Hockey Night theme
Globe and Mail-- A Jingle, not an anthem
National Post-- Canada could grieve over loss of hockey theme
Canada.com-- Further hockey theme talks possible: CBC
CBC-- Deal to keep Hockey Night theme song falls through
CBC-- Deal still possible for Hockey Night song
CBC-- Last play for Hockey Night in Canada theme song?
Winnipeg Sun-- Theme irreplaceable
Winnipeg Sun-- Hands off hockey song
Toronto Star-- Here's a toonie to keep our hockey hymn
Edmonton Sun-- 'I don’t want a new song'
The Calgary Herald-- HNIC: The song must go on
The Calgary Herald-- CBC, composer halt talks over 'anthem'
Halifax Chronicle Herald-- Use Don Cherry’s salary to pay for hockey theme
NPR-- Lights Out for 'Hockey Night' Theme Song?
Saturday, June 07, 2008
And the winner is....
Ooopsie, a little preview of the NHL Awards slipped out of the NHL head office on Friday as the NHL on line shopping portal, shop.nhl.com , apparently provided a sneak look at what the best dressed fans of what will be this years Hart Trophy winner will want to be wearing.
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In what passes for the best that they could think of for damage control the NHL is busy denying that anything of such nature took place..
The NHL clothing marketing line will apparently include a lovely medium blue tee shirt emblazoned with the likeness of Alexander Ovechkin, who if the leaked material is any indication is this years NHL MVP.
We guess this means that Pittsburgh Penguin Evgeni Malkin and Calgary Flames winger Jarome Iginla can both go get the return back on their tuxes, may as well go in jeans to the big show, we understand that there will be tee shirts available in the front walkway should they wish to help celebrate Ovechkin's success.
The official announcement is not to be made until Thursday nights televised awards show, we hope Alexander can muster up his best surprised look for the cameras...
One thing is certain, if he has any secrets to keep to himself on the big night, don't share them with the NHL shop folks, we suspect that they have a wee problem keeping things to themselves..
Stanley, grab your passport!
It’s to be an extended European Vacation for Stanley as the fabled trophy will be looking at a fair amount of travel across the Atlantic, after quick jaunts across America and Canada before next season gets underway.
With the Red Wing roster a virtual United Nations roll call, Stanley will be coming soon to a town everywhere near you!
USA
Chirs Chelios—Chicago, Illinois
Jimmy Howard—Syracuse, New York
Brett Lebda—Buffalo Grove, Illinois
Brian Rafalski—Dearborn, Michigan
CANADA
Dan Cleary—Carbonear, Newfoundland
Aaron Downey—Shelburne, Ontario
Dallas Drake—Trail, British Columbia
Kris Draper—Toronto, Ontario
Mark Hartigan—Fort St. John, British Columbia
Kirk Maltby—Guelph, Ontario
Darren McCarty—Burnaby, British Columbia
Derek Meech—Winnipeg. Manitoba
Chris Osgood—Peace River, Alberta
Kyle Quincy—Kitchener, Ontario
Brad Stuart— Rocky Mountain House, Alberta
SWEDEN
Jonathon Ericsson-- Karlskrona, Sweden
Johan Franzen -- Vetlanda, Sweden
Tomas Holmstrom -- Pieta, Sweden
Niklas Kronwall-- Stockholm, Sweden
Nicklas Lidstrom-- Vasteras, Sweden
Andreas Lilja-- Helsin, Sweden
Mikael Samuelsson-- Mariefred, Sweden
Henrik Zetterberg-- Njurunda, Sweden
CZECH REPUBLIC
Domink Hasek-- Pardubice, Czech Republic
Jiri Hudler -- Olomouc, Czech Republic
FINLAND
Valtteri Flippula-- Vantaa, Finland
RUSSIA
Pavel Datsyuk-- Sverdlovsk, Russia
Tomas Kopecky-- Ilava, Slovak Republic
Friday, June 06, 2008
Everybody loves a parade!
The Red Wings celebration wound its way down Woodward Avenue on Friday, a sea of red and white that cheered on the locals (by way of Sweden, Finland, Russia, Canada, Czech Republic, America and beyond) as captain Niklas Lidstrom hoisted Lord Stanley’s mug high for Hockeytown’s overjoyed fans.
Covered live on Detroit television, the celebration highlighted Detroit’s ongoing attachment to the game and their unrivalled enthusiasm for one of hockey’s legendary franchises.
Watching the parade on television, you can’t help and wonder what’s going through the minds of hockey fans across the Detroit River across hockey’s homeland.
In Montreal, where Stanley Cup parades are not an unknown thing, they are probably refining plans for the grand celebration down Rue. St. Catherine and on to Place Ville Marie, they thought they were close this year, but fate delayed the celebration for now.
In Ottawa, they’ve probably dusted off their parade route blueprint, an often gazed at document that many thought would have had to have been used a few times over the last few years, From Parliament Hill where Stanley would finally be home down Bank Street to Frank Clair Stadium (or what’s left of it), the national capital celebration would have been a spectacular pageant, if only the team might have cooperated.
Calgary held a Stanley Cup parade when the city was still a young member of the NHL fraternity and not the giant Canadian metropolis that it has become. A town that annually puts on one of the greatest outdoor shows in the world would have no problems putting together a celebration of hockey’s ultimate goal.
In Edmonton, all they need to do is pull out the video of past celebrations, fill up the cars and trucks with gas and head for Jasper Avenue, after an absence from the top of the heap for a few years now, the city of Champions is most likely anxious to get some more banners printed up once again.
Vancouver came close a couple of times as well in the last few years, but again destiny would be denied. It’s still the dream of many a Canuck fan to watch Stanley travel the streets of downtown Vancouver, but after a disappointing season this year it may be a few more years before they can line the streets on the West coast.
And Toronto, well 1967 was quite a long time ago, but we suspect that this particular time in Maple leaf history, only the truly delusional are making plans to jam Nathan Phillips Square any time soon to see Stanley, the best they can do for now is just pay the admission to the Hockey Hall of Fame and dream of a better future.
Covered live on Detroit television, the celebration highlighted Detroit’s ongoing attachment to the game and their unrivalled enthusiasm for one of hockey’s legendary franchises.
Watching the parade on television, you can’t help and wonder what’s going through the minds of hockey fans across the Detroit River across hockey’s homeland.
In Montreal, where Stanley Cup parades are not an unknown thing, they are probably refining plans for the grand celebration down Rue. St. Catherine and on to Place Ville Marie, they thought they were close this year, but fate delayed the celebration for now.
In Ottawa, they’ve probably dusted off their parade route blueprint, an often gazed at document that many thought would have had to have been used a few times over the last few years, From Parliament Hill where Stanley would finally be home down Bank Street to Frank Clair Stadium (or what’s left of it), the national capital celebration would have been a spectacular pageant, if only the team might have cooperated.
Calgary held a Stanley Cup parade when the city was still a young member of the NHL fraternity and not the giant Canadian metropolis that it has become. A town that annually puts on one of the greatest outdoor shows in the world would have no problems putting together a celebration of hockey’s ultimate goal.
In Edmonton, all they need to do is pull out the video of past celebrations, fill up the cars and trucks with gas and head for Jasper Avenue, after an absence from the top of the heap for a few years now, the city of Champions is most likely anxious to get some more banners printed up once again.
Vancouver came close a couple of times as well in the last few years, but again destiny would be denied. It’s still the dream of many a Canuck fan to watch Stanley travel the streets of downtown Vancouver, but after a disappointing season this year it may be a few more years before they can line the streets on the West coast.
And Toronto, well 1967 was quite a long time ago, but we suspect that this particular time in Maple leaf history, only the truly delusional are making plans to jam Nathan Phillips Square any time soon to see Stanley, the best they can do for now is just pay the admission to the Hockey Hall of Fame and dream of a better future.
Detroit's Day of Celebration coverage:
Detroit Free Press-- Enjoying the Stanley Cup parade from afar
Detroit News-- Fandemonium takes over city as hockey heroes parade
Detroit News-- Fans parade to street vendors
Detroit News-- Hockeytown celebrates its heroes
Detroit News-- Wings enjoying the moment
For those that want to share the feeling of a Stanley Cup celebration, YouTube has been filling up with Stanley Cup Parade clips through the day, a few of which we provide below.
Down Woodward Avenue
To Hart Plaza for the speeches
A warning to politicians everywhere, (especially those in political trouble) big crowds and politicians don't always mix
And now Stanley must travel one on one...
Hockeytown Hails its Heroes
The parade is planned for Friday morning, the euphoria over the Red Wings Stanley Cup victory on Wednesday night carrying through we suspect until well past the last truck full of Wings will wind through the streets.
Hockeytown is having a good couple of days and judging by the congratulatory words descending upon the Wings from the local media, hockey is back in a big way in the Motor city.
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The Wings victory allowed the residents of Detroit to take a few moments away from the worries of their economic future, the turmoil of their politics and the ever present spectre of crime. Instead, in a strange way, a hockey championship seems to have provided respite for a weary populace, anxious to celebrate achievement and hope in a part of America that is in more than a bit of hurt these days.
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Detroit's NBC affiliate provided hour after our of post game attention to the Red Wings victory on Wednesday night, not moving on to other programming until it seemed that every single person associated with the Wings had their moment of fame. The TV coverage of the Wings was remarkable for an American channel, well done, though with a touch of homerism that was probably expected and more importantly celebrated .
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The coverage certainly hammers home the impact that the Wings have on their city and the Detroit papers more than reflected the temperature of Hockeytown as they prepared to celebrate the Wings fourth Stanley Cup in eleven years.
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Detroit Free Press-- Stanley Cup parade will be hot - literally
Detroit Free Press-- How they celebrated: A hand-to-hand look at where the cup traveled
Detroit Free Press-- We win!
Detroit Free Press-- We win!
Detroit Free Press-- Red Wings needed entire team, city to win the Stanley Cup
Detroit Free Press-- Wings' Stanley Cup celebration spills into Detroit during wee hours
Detroit Free Press-- Wings' Stanley Cup celebration spills into Detroit during wee hours
Detroit Free Press-- How they called it: Radio, TV calls as the Wings won the Cup
Detroit Free Press-- Hockeytown forever! To win greatest trophy takes an entire team and city
Detroit Free Press-- Steve Yzerman shows class in front office
Detroit Free Press-- Dallas Drake: Why he got to raise the Cup second
Detroit Free Press-- Inside The Red Wings' postgame party: Champagne, beer flow
Detroit News-- Wings' championship unites a region that's often divided
Detroit News-- Lidstrom personifies Wings' skill, grace
Detroit News-- Editorial: Red Wings deliver just when we need them
Detroit News-- Cup lesson: Our town is just like our team
Detroit News-- McCarty's comeback holds lessons for Detroit and state
Detroit News-- McCarty's comeback holds lessons for Detroit and state
Detroit News-- Red Wings parade route
WDIV TV (NBC)-- Darren McCarty interviews Chris Osgood
Mr. Balsillie’s blackberry overflows..
The most popular billionaire in North America this month could very well be Jim Balsillie, the owner of the Blackberry brand and would be NHL owner if only Mr. Bettman would let him join the league of extraordinary hockey club owners.
The National Post yesterday revealed that Mr. Balsillie or his representatives have contacted or been contacted by no less than eight NHL franchisees seeking out his interest in picking up a whole or a piece of an NHL franchise.
It’s been a replay of the last couple of years which have seen the Southern Ontario based computer guru entertain possibilities of picking up the Pittsburgh Penguins (ultimately that plan feel through) or the Nashville Predators (that one seemed to have been pulled out from under him), the ultimate plan from him it seemed was a relocation to either Hamilton or Kitchener, Ontario, a U-Haul destination that seemed to cause no shortage of terror at the NHL offices.
With a report leaked last week that the six Canadian franchises are accounting for at least 31 per cent of all league revenues, one has to wonder just what it is that scares Mr. Bettman and his head office minions so much about more hockey where more people might watch it.
Yet every indication seems to be that Mr. Balsillie’s bucks aren’t particularly welcome if he plans on moving moribund franchises to where they may find profit, fans and interest. Success it seems isn’t always in the best interests of the NHL at least that is the impression one seems to divine from the attitude of the league when it comes to Mr. Balsillie’s interest.
Today, the Post follows up on the eight potential ship jumpers to one with more than hockey on his mind. Nashville Predators minority owner Boots Del Biaggio, the Predators suitor that beat out Balsillie last year for the stake in the Preds has found himself in legal trouble.
Fraud seems to be the poison of the moment, as Mr. Del Biaggio who is now faced with at least four separate files to worry about, including a potential legal separation from his wife, finds himself destined to spend much more time in a court room than in an NHL boardroom. Making for a turn of events that could bring the Predators back into a most precarious position.
Yet, it seems that still Balsillie is just a dirty word at the bunkers of the NHL, the Post reports in their story today that negotiations between Balsillie and Del Biaggio were shut down after Mr. Del Biaggio had another apparent change of heart regarding his potential business partner.
The on again off again nature of those negotiations have left the Balsillie camp just a little frustrated with his legal advisor Richard Rodier telling TSN yesterday that "The commissioner made it very clear he does not want Jim in the league under any circumstances.period"
That comment of course led the NHL to be quick to respond to and provide their own spin on the latest developments, denying that any anti Balsillie sentiments can be found in corridors of the NHL head office.
What’s curious and certainly something that should be of interest to all but the ten or so teams that are more than content with their ownership situations, is why Mr. Balsillie is receiving such input from almost one third of the teams in the league if the empire is secure and strong at the moment. Clearly the state of the NHL is not quite as strong and secure as Mr. Bettman seems to present.
Perhaps instead of phoning/faxing and instant messaging Mr. Balsillie with interests to sell, those anxious owners looking for an exit strategy should instead be contacting Mr. Bettman and telling him to let a free market reign. Those hockey teams in the most dire straits should be able to gravitate to where there is a market and somebody willing to own and operate a team in a successful fashion.
Now that might be a business plan worth bringing to a Board of Governors meeting...
National Post-- NHL teams courting RIM's Balsillie
National Post-- Balsillie spurned in new bid for Predators
National Post-- U. S. authorities investigating Predators' owner over loans
Globe and Mail-- More trouble for Del Biaggio
Globe and Mail-- NHL has many hotspots to douse
Toronto Star-- Owners' legal problems a headache for Bettman
Hamilton Spectator-- Don't count Balsillie out
The Tennessean-- Investor's ties with Predators may be cut
Nashville Scene-- Predatory lending
Nashville Post-- Preds owner under federal investigation
The National Post yesterday revealed that Mr. Balsillie or his representatives have contacted or been contacted by no less than eight NHL franchisees seeking out his interest in picking up a whole or a piece of an NHL franchise.
It’s been a replay of the last couple of years which have seen the Southern Ontario based computer guru entertain possibilities of picking up the Pittsburgh Penguins (ultimately that plan feel through) or the Nashville Predators (that one seemed to have been pulled out from under him), the ultimate plan from him it seemed was a relocation to either Hamilton or Kitchener, Ontario, a U-Haul destination that seemed to cause no shortage of terror at the NHL offices.
With a report leaked last week that the six Canadian franchises are accounting for at least 31 per cent of all league revenues, one has to wonder just what it is that scares Mr. Bettman and his head office minions so much about more hockey where more people might watch it.
Yet every indication seems to be that Mr. Balsillie’s bucks aren’t particularly welcome if he plans on moving moribund franchises to where they may find profit, fans and interest. Success it seems isn’t always in the best interests of the NHL at least that is the impression one seems to divine from the attitude of the league when it comes to Mr. Balsillie’s interest.
Today, the Post follows up on the eight potential ship jumpers to one with more than hockey on his mind. Nashville Predators minority owner Boots Del Biaggio, the Predators suitor that beat out Balsillie last year for the stake in the Preds has found himself in legal trouble.
Fraud seems to be the poison of the moment, as Mr. Del Biaggio who is now faced with at least four separate files to worry about, including a potential legal separation from his wife, finds himself destined to spend much more time in a court room than in an NHL boardroom. Making for a turn of events that could bring the Predators back into a most precarious position.
Yet, it seems that still Balsillie is just a dirty word at the bunkers of the NHL, the Post reports in their story today that negotiations between Balsillie and Del Biaggio were shut down after Mr. Del Biaggio had another apparent change of heart regarding his potential business partner.
The on again off again nature of those negotiations have left the Balsillie camp just a little frustrated with his legal advisor Richard Rodier telling TSN yesterday that "The commissioner made it very clear he does not want Jim in the league under any circumstances.period"
That comment of course led the NHL to be quick to respond to and provide their own spin on the latest developments, denying that any anti Balsillie sentiments can be found in corridors of the NHL head office.
What’s curious and certainly something that should be of interest to all but the ten or so teams that are more than content with their ownership situations, is why Mr. Balsillie is receiving such input from almost one third of the teams in the league if the empire is secure and strong at the moment. Clearly the state of the NHL is not quite as strong and secure as Mr. Bettman seems to present.
Perhaps instead of phoning/faxing and instant messaging Mr. Balsillie with interests to sell, those anxious owners looking for an exit strategy should instead be contacting Mr. Bettman and telling him to let a free market reign. Those hockey teams in the most dire straits should be able to gravitate to where there is a market and somebody willing to own and operate a team in a successful fashion.
Now that might be a business plan worth bringing to a Board of Governors meeting...
National Post-- NHL teams courting RIM's Balsillie
National Post-- Balsillie spurned in new bid for Predators
National Post-- U. S. authorities investigating Predators' owner over loans
Globe and Mail-- More trouble for Del Biaggio
Globe and Mail-- NHL has many hotspots to douse
Toronto Star-- Owners' legal problems a headache for Bettman
Hamilton Spectator-- Don't count Balsillie out
The Tennessean-- Investor's ties with Predators may be cut
Nashville Scene-- Predatory lending
Nashville Post-- Preds owner under federal investigation
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Red Wings Rule
The pony cars are cruisin’ on Woodward Avenue
Go and try to pass em’
They’ll smoke you if you do
The whole town is shakin’ from the bottom to the top
Everybody wants to do the Horizontal bop…
Bob Seger may never have written a truer reflection of Detroit than with Horizontal Bop, and on Wednesday night they were boppin’ up and down Woodward Avenue, past Eight mile road and on into the suburbs, as the Detroit Red Wings collected yet another Stanley Cup for the Motor City.
It didn’t come easy, though for while the Red Wings seemed to be in control once again for most of the game, a sudden third period spurt almost replayed some history.
For a few minutes in the final moments of game six, it appeared that it was going to be déjà vu all over again, as the Pittsburgh Penguins poured on the pressure to try and find a tying goal and send the second straight game into overtime.
The Pens who pulled to within one goal, mounted a fast paced attack in the Red Wing end of the rink with the clock ticking down frantically. In the end a puck heading for the space behind Chris Osgood would run out of that time and the Wings, who had seen destiny snatched away once before with less than a minute to go, could finally celebrate.
The game seemed to highlight much of what this series has been like, you would by games end feel as though the Red Wings had dominated the bulk of the play, yet but for a few bounces of the puck the Penguins could have once again pushed the Red Wings to brink of disaster.
The Wings won game six based on the play of Conn Smythe winner Henrik Zetterberg, who provided two points in their 3-2 victory including the third and winning goal, when he wasn’t providing the offence he was corralling Penguins in the Red Wing end of the ice, making sure that no Penguin scoring chances would slip through on his watch.
Osgood while not overwhelming the Red Wing nets, provided some key saves at most important times to frustrate the Penguin attack and give his team the opportunity to take charge of the play and move the puck out.
The four game to two margin in some ways flatters the Penguins; it seems that at times the Red Wings were their own worst enemies, with uncharacteristic lapses in intensity and untimely penalties that allowed the Penguins to gain a bit of hope as the series progressed.
Pittsburgh, while still young showed some poise in the darkest of hours, their remarkable comeback in game five almost the momentum shift that could have turned this series around. Though the veteran calm of the Red Wing dressing room seemed more than able to settle things down and get back to business.
The frustrating loss for the Penguins will prove to be a learning experience for a team that looks set to dominate the East for a good number of years to come. Much like their competition in this final, the Pens are loaded with talent and with experience they will be that much better.
If they need any reassurance of that, they need simply examine the team that just beat them. A solid franchise from top to bottom, well coached, determined and fun to watch.
They are very much a team that is a most worthy champion of Lord Stanley’s Mug for 2007-08.
Go and try to pass em’
They’ll smoke you if you do
The whole town is shakin’ from the bottom to the top
Everybody wants to do the Horizontal bop…
Bob Seger may never have written a truer reflection of Detroit than with Horizontal Bop, and on Wednesday night they were boppin’ up and down Woodward Avenue, past Eight mile road and on into the suburbs, as the Detroit Red Wings collected yet another Stanley Cup for the Motor City.
It didn’t come easy, though for while the Red Wings seemed to be in control once again for most of the game, a sudden third period spurt almost replayed some history.
For a few minutes in the final moments of game six, it appeared that it was going to be déjà vu all over again, as the Pittsburgh Penguins poured on the pressure to try and find a tying goal and send the second straight game into overtime.
The Pens who pulled to within one goal, mounted a fast paced attack in the Red Wing end of the rink with the clock ticking down frantically. In the end a puck heading for the space behind Chris Osgood would run out of that time and the Wings, who had seen destiny snatched away once before with less than a minute to go, could finally celebrate.
The game seemed to highlight much of what this series has been like, you would by games end feel as though the Red Wings had dominated the bulk of the play, yet but for a few bounces of the puck the Penguins could have once again pushed the Red Wings to brink of disaster.
The Wings won game six based on the play of Conn Smythe winner Henrik Zetterberg, who provided two points in their 3-2 victory including the third and winning goal, when he wasn’t providing the offence he was corralling Penguins in the Red Wing end of the ice, making sure that no Penguin scoring chances would slip through on his watch.
Osgood while not overwhelming the Red Wing nets, provided some key saves at most important times to frustrate the Penguin attack and give his team the opportunity to take charge of the play and move the puck out.
The four game to two margin in some ways flatters the Penguins; it seems that at times the Red Wings were their own worst enemies, with uncharacteristic lapses in intensity and untimely penalties that allowed the Penguins to gain a bit of hope as the series progressed.
Pittsburgh, while still young showed some poise in the darkest of hours, their remarkable comeback in game five almost the momentum shift that could have turned this series around. Though the veteran calm of the Red Wing dressing room seemed more than able to settle things down and get back to business.
The frustrating loss for the Penguins will prove to be a learning experience for a team that looks set to dominate the East for a good number of years to come. Much like their competition in this final, the Pens are loaded with talent and with experience they will be that much better.
If they need any reassurance of that, they need simply examine the team that just beat them. A solid franchise from top to bottom, well coached, determined and fun to watch.
They are very much a team that is a most worthy champion of Lord Stanley’s Mug for 2007-08.
Globe and Mail-- Red Wings champions again
Globe and Mail-- Lidstrom makes history
Globe and Mail-- Zetterberg wins Conn Smythe
National Post-- Red Wings take home Stanley Cup
National Post-- Babcock sees how the other half lives
CBC Sports-- Detroit Red Wings win Stanley Cup
CBC Sports-- Young Penguins facing bright future
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Game 6: Pens reach end of the line
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Penguins go down fighting
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Lemieux shares pain of vanquished Penguins
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Squandered opportunities doom Penguins
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette-- Penguins' dream season ends in 3-2 loss to Detroit
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette-- Penguins' late rally falls short as Red Wings capture 11th
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette-- Pain of being bridesmaid tough for Penguins to handle
Detroit Free Press-- Wings paint Hockeytown red
Detroit Free Press-- How Swede it is! Henrik Zetterberg wins MVP
Detroit Free Press-- Wings' champs deal death blow to 'weak' Euro myths
Detroit Free Press-- Osgood as it gets: Once-backup goalie delivered when it mattered most
Detroit Free Press-- How they celebrated: A hand-to-hand look at where the Cup traveled
Detroit News-- Winning Stanley never grows old
Detroit News-- Red Wings bounce back to win title
Detroit News-- Zetterberg tops off memorable season
Detroit News-- Conn Smythe has been controversial
Detroit News-- Detroit fans go wild for Stanley
Detroit News-- Drake's dream comes true
.
NHL.com-- Stats Pack
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Fleury saves the night; Sykora sends series to six
They were into the third overtime before the Pittsburgh Penguins once again found an extra burst of energy to send Stanley back to his case and the Red Wing fans off to make plans for Wednesday night.
In a wild night of hockey, the Pens took an early lead, surrendered it by three goals and then battled back with the clock running down to send game five in to Overtime. Once there, two complete overtimes settled nothing leading to period number six and with Detroit's Jiri Hudler serving a double minor for high sticking, Pete Sykora’s shot midway through the third overtime eluded Chris Osgood and brought to an end a rolling night of excitement, providing the Pens with a thrilling 4-3 victory and yet another life in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
For most of the night it seemed as though only a matter of time before the Red Wings took charge of the game. They were often in the Pittsburgh end of the rink and fired shots at Fleury in rapid succession, only to be stymied by the Pens goaltender who perhaps put on his best performance on Monday night.
The Penguins seemed to be barely hanging on at times, desperate to clear a puck more than anything else, the thought of making more than an occasional foray into the Detroit end seemingly far from their minds.
While they came out in the first period and certainly shocked the Wings, by the third period it seemed that Detroit had finally found the knock out punch they had been seeking. The third was another in the clinics that the Wings put on in this series, classic puck control, pinpoint passing and rocket launcher shots that but for Fleury’s remarkable performance should have put Stanley firmly in the hands of the Red Wings.
In a wild night of hockey, the Pens took an early lead, surrendered it by three goals and then battled back with the clock running down to send game five in to Overtime. Once there, two complete overtimes settled nothing leading to period number six and with Detroit's Jiri Hudler serving a double minor for high sticking, Pete Sykora’s shot midway through the third overtime eluded Chris Osgood and brought to an end a rolling night of excitement, providing the Pens with a thrilling 4-3 victory and yet another life in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
For most of the night it seemed as though only a matter of time before the Red Wings took charge of the game. They were often in the Pittsburgh end of the rink and fired shots at Fleury in rapid succession, only to be stymied by the Pens goaltender who perhaps put on his best performance on Monday night.
The Penguins seemed to be barely hanging on at times, desperate to clear a puck more than anything else, the thought of making more than an occasional foray into the Detroit end seemingly far from their minds.
While they came out in the first period and certainly shocked the Wings, by the third period it seemed that Detroit had finally found the knock out punch they had been seeking. The third was another in the clinics that the Wings put on in this series, classic puck control, pinpoint passing and rocket launcher shots that but for Fleury’s remarkable performance should have put Stanley firmly in the hands of the Red Wings.
.
It was a night that won't be remembered fondly by Wings goaltender Chris Osgood, who did not have a particularly good night. He looked tentative too often and seemed to lose his focus on events around him at times, while still providing key saves at the required times, he was hardly overworked in the regulation time and didn't have the kind of game that Championship games depend upon.
He bounced back a bit in the overtime, for the most part providing the Wings with the defensive plays required, but as always, it’s the last goal that counts and in this game the Pens had the two most important ones, the last goal of regulation with less than a minute to play to send it into overtime and then 49 minutes later the last goal of the game that sends everyone back to Pittsburgh for game six on Wednesday night.
Hockeytown was ready for a party on Monday, the local Detroit NBC affiliate providing both a pre and post game show for the spectacle, with the pre game version significantly more upbeat, positive and ready to rock. It’s as though everyone had been given their script except for the Penguins who decided that they weren’t quite ready to take their leave from the NHL stage just yet.
Down 3 games to 2, in the best of seven the Pens will have suddenly shifted some of the pressure back onto the Red Wings for the remainder of the series. Mindful of past lapses that proved costly, the Wings will have to rededicate themselves to full sixty minute effort in Pittsburgh and try to wrap things up in six.
While it’s nice to win the big game, the clinching game at home, it’s much worse to take them to a game seven and see it all slip away. A wise Red Wing team will refocus on Wednesday night and the opportunity it provides to claim the Stanley Cup for 2008, Pittsburgh gained yet another life with their 4-3 victory on Monday night, now the job is to continue on with their momentum and set up a winner takes all game seven for the weekend, to get their they need a must win in game six.
It’s something that the Penguin faithful will be more than willing to provide assistance towards on Wednesday night.
He bounced back a bit in the overtime, for the most part providing the Wings with the defensive plays required, but as always, it’s the last goal that counts and in this game the Pens had the two most important ones, the last goal of regulation with less than a minute to play to send it into overtime and then 49 minutes later the last goal of the game that sends everyone back to Pittsburgh for game six on Wednesday night.
Hockeytown was ready for a party on Monday, the local Detroit NBC affiliate providing both a pre and post game show for the spectacle, with the pre game version significantly more upbeat, positive and ready to rock. It’s as though everyone had been given their script except for the Penguins who decided that they weren’t quite ready to take their leave from the NHL stage just yet.
Down 3 games to 2, in the best of seven the Pens will have suddenly shifted some of the pressure back onto the Red Wings for the remainder of the series. Mindful of past lapses that proved costly, the Wings will have to rededicate themselves to full sixty minute effort in Pittsburgh and try to wrap things up in six.
While it’s nice to win the big game, the clinching game at home, it’s much worse to take them to a game seven and see it all slip away. A wise Red Wing team will refocus on Wednesday night and the opportunity it provides to claim the Stanley Cup for 2008, Pittsburgh gained yet another life with their 4-3 victory on Monday night, now the job is to continue on with their momentum and set up a winner takes all game seven for the weekend, to get their they need a must win in game six.
It’s something that the Penguin faithful will be more than willing to provide assistance towards on Wednesday night.
Globe and Mail-- Penguins survive Game 5
National Post-- Penguins extend Cup final in third OT
Detroit Free Press-- 35 seconds from the Cup: Celebration turns into moratorium
Detroit Free Press-- After dropping Game 5, Osgood blows off media
Detroit Free Press-- Wings are better, played better, but ... it didn't matter
Detroit Free Press-- Z's coronation must wait till another day
Detroit News-- These are 'ascending' Wings
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- Not so fast: Penguins win in third OT
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- Late, last laugh belongs to Penguins
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- Penguins live to fight another day
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Penguins force Game 6 with 4-3 3 OT win
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Wings headed back to Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Penguins aren't history yet
.
NHL.com-- Stats Pack
Monday, June 02, 2008
Headlines of June 2008
June 30-- Top unrestricted free agents
June 29-- NHL GMs set up plans for free agent frenzy
June 28-- Sundin saga drags on through another day
June 27-- Ducks place Bertuzzi on waivers
June 26-- NHL salary cap rises again
June 25-- Lecavalier, Lightning close in on big extension
June 24-- NHL suspends Ducks' owner indefinitely
June 23-- Sundin in 'no hurry' to decide: agent
June 22-- With draft over, attention turns to free agents
June 21-- Sutter makes two deals for Flames, Coyotes get Jokinen
June 20-- Lightning do the expected, select Stamkos
June 19-- NHL threatens to kick MSG out of league: report
June 18-- Lightning will select Stamkos, but not ready to hire new coach
June 17-- Four named for induction into Hall of Fame
June 16-- European clubs opt out of IIHF-NHL player transfer agreement
June 15-- Flames honoured for philanthropic work
June 14-- Freeman speaks on Del Biaggio
June 13-- DeBoer heads to Panthers
June 12-- Ovechkin caps magical season
June 11-- Another season for Fletcher
June 10-- Trevor Linden retirement today
June 9-- You're not in San Jose now, Ron
June 8-- Wilson agrees to coach Toronto Maple Leafs: reports
June 7-- Stanley Cup OK after being dented
June 6-- Red Wings fans celebrate Cup
June 5-- Red Wings on parade
June 4-- Winning Stanley never grows old
June 3-- Lightning fire Tortorella
June 2-- Penguins aren't history yet
June 1-- Visitation for Bourdon held in Shippagan
June 29-- NHL GMs set up plans for free agent frenzy
June 28-- Sundin saga drags on through another day
June 27-- Ducks place Bertuzzi on waivers
June 26-- NHL salary cap rises again
June 25-- Lecavalier, Lightning close in on big extension
June 24-- NHL suspends Ducks' owner indefinitely
June 23-- Sundin in 'no hurry' to decide: agent
June 22-- With draft over, attention turns to free agents
June 21-- Sutter makes two deals for Flames, Coyotes get Jokinen
June 20-- Lightning do the expected, select Stamkos
June 19-- NHL threatens to kick MSG out of league: report
June 18-- Lightning will select Stamkos, but not ready to hire new coach
June 17-- Four named for induction into Hall of Fame
June 16-- European clubs opt out of IIHF-NHL player transfer agreement
June 15-- Flames honoured for philanthropic work
June 14-- Freeman speaks on Del Biaggio
June 13-- DeBoer heads to Panthers
June 12-- Ovechkin caps magical season
June 11-- Another season for Fletcher
June 10-- Trevor Linden retirement today
June 9-- You're not in San Jose now, Ron
June 8-- Wilson agrees to coach Toronto Maple Leafs: reports
June 7-- Stanley Cup OK after being dented
June 6-- Red Wings fans celebrate Cup
June 5-- Red Wings on parade
June 4-- Winning Stanley never grows old
June 3-- Lightning fire Tortorella
June 2-- Penguins aren't history yet
June 1-- Visitation for Bourdon held in Shippagan
Sunday, June 01, 2008
One more sleep until a celebration?
They can feel it in the air in the Motor city, with the Red Wings heading home for game five and the possibility of bringing an end to the 2007-08 hockey season.
Detroit came one step closer to holding Stanley up high, with a convincing 2-1 victory Saturday night over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
For all their good efforts of last Thursday, the Pens came up sloppy on Saturday, providing far too many scoring chances for a Detroit team that doesn't need that much in the way of assistance. And while the scoring was low on Saturday, the Wings secured the required one extra goal, to leave Pittsburgh desperate to reverse a series lead of 3 games to one in favour of Detroit.
Pittsburgh had gotten off to a solid start, taking the lead on a Marian Hossa goal, a short lived advantage that was countered less than four minutes later when Nicklas Lidstrom tied the game up with a blistering shot into a top corner.
The two teams traded off opportunities in a scoreless second period, with the Wings finally taking the lead for good when Jiri Hudler put away a go ahead goal in the early stages of the third period, while the Pens mounted an admirable response as the waning moments of the period counted down, they couldn't steer one by the solid goal tending of Chris Osgood.
One of the key elements of the Penguins game on Saturday was their inability to connect on more than one of their six power play opportunities, a situation that has left both coach Michel Terrien and the rest of the Penguins rather frustrated of late.
With the loss, the Pens have put themselves into a deep hole, leaving no room for error and requiring three consecutive games (if they can last that long) of leaving everything on the ice.
Pittsburgh which has been running more cold than hot since the Stanley cup final got underway may have already claimed their moral victory with their game three victory, Monday may put a wrap on a remarkable season or set the stage for one more twist in their climb back into the top rung of the NHL.
For Detroit, a team that was so tantalizingly close to the term Dynasty in the last ten years, Monday provides the chance to reward the home town crowd with yet another Stanley Cup celebration and return to the status of the best that the NHL has to offer.
Globe and Mail-- Red Wings close in on Cup
Globe and Mail-- Malkin disappearing, and Pens might, too
Globe and Mail-- Pens' offence letting Fleury down
National Post-- Cup final forgettable once again
National Post-- Osgood making his case for Conn Smythe
Canadian Press-- Red Wings are on the verge of another Cup
Sun Media-- Mellon-choly Pens
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- It's a deep, deep hole for Pens in Detroit tonight
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- For Penguins to keep series, hopes alive they must win
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- Advantages? Red Wings have ones that count
Pittsburgh Post Gazette-- Power play more like power outage
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Penguins role players watch, wait
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Penguins running out of time
Pittsburgh Tribune Review-- Crosby's playing time an issue
Detroit Free Press-- Lidstrom leads a different team to brink of familiar glory
Detroit Free Press-- Zetterberg, not Osgood, the Conn Smythe favorite
Detroit Free Press-- Holmstrom says he'll play Game 5
Detroit News-- Steely Wings close in on prize
Detroit News-- Wings learn from disappointment
Detroit News-- Should Penguins try Pyramid Power?
.NHL.com--Stats Pack
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