Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when Mr. Campbell comes for you, 2010-11 edition

With a new season underway, Chief Justice Colin Campbell of the NHL Supreme Court stands by to mete out justice for those that can't play fair on the frozen ponds of the NHL.

We will follow the efforts of Justice Campbell as he does his best to punish the offenders and set forward those good examples to keep everyone on the straight and narrow.

We'll track the need for discipline through the season, as the offenders make their appearances in the halls of NHL justice, our offenders may now approach the bench.

January 14-- Nashville Predators-- Shane O'Brien suspended for two games and to forfeit $39,024.04 in salary after a stick swinging incident with Florida's Stephen Weiss on January 13.

January 9-- Calgary Flames-- Tom Kostopoulus receives a six game suspension and forfeits $29,569.82 in salary after delivering a blow to the head of Red Wing Brad Stuart in January 7 game.

December 29-- Philadelphia Flyers-- Jody Shelley suspended for two games after an on ice incident against Vancouver, Shelley also will forefeet $26,829.27 in salary.

December 13-- Philadelphia Flyers-- Jody Shelley will sit out two games and forfeit $11,827,96 in salary after a hit on Adam McQuaid on Saturday night.

November 18-- Calgary Flames -- Olli Jokinen is out of the Flames line up for three games after a cross check to the head of Phoenix's Wotek Woloski on Wednesday night.

November 18-- Tampa Bay Lightning-- A charging incident on Wednesday night has the Lighting's Mattias Ritola suspended for two games and out 5, 555.92 in salary for an incident against the Islanders Matt Moulson.

November 13-- Minnesota Wild-- Careless use of his stick has gained Minnesota Wild defenseman Brent Burns a two game suspension, after an incident on November 12 at the end of the Wilds' game with Florida.

November 5-- San Jose Sharks-- Joe Thornton will sit out two games and forfeit 77,419.36 in salary for an illegal check on Blues Forward David Perron on Thursday, November 4

November 1 -- Philadelphia Flyers -- The Flyer's Danny Briere receives a three game suspension for a stick swinging incident on Saturday night.

October 22-- Vancouver Canucks-- Vancouver's Rick Rypien will sit out six games for making contact with a fan during a game in Minnesota.

October 18-- Doan suspended three games for hit to head -- Phoenix Coyotes forward has been suspended for three games and will forfeit $73,387.11 in salary after an illegal check to the dead of Anaheim's Dan Sexton.

October 15-- Ottawa Senators -- Nick Foligno won't be suspended but will be short 2,500 dollars after he was fined for an illegal check on Carolina's Patrick Dwyer.

October 13--  Chicago Blackhawks-- The Hawks will be without Niklas Hjalmarsson for two games after he was suspended for his hit from behind on Jason Pominville of the Sabres on Monday.

October 12-- New York Islanders-- Isles' Wisniewski suspended for two games for an inappropriate gesture in Monday game with the New York Rangers.

October 10-- New Jersey Devils-- The Devils Pierre-Luc Letourneau Leblond has been suspended for one game for instigating a fight in the final five minutes of a game Saturday with Washington.

October 4 -- Montreal Canadiens--  Michael Cammalleri will serve a one game suspension for a slashing incident Saturday against the New York Islanders.

September 24--  Chicago Blackhawks -- Defenceman Nick Boynton suspended for one game for a throat slashing gesture on September 22

Season long tally by team 


Calgary -- 9 games
Chicago -- 3 games
Minnesota-- 2 games
Montreal --1 game
Nashville-- 2 games
New Jersey-- 1 game
New York Islanders-- 2 games
Philadelphia-- 7 games
Phoenix-- 3 games
San Jose -- 2 games
Tampa Bay-- 2 games
Vancouver-- 6 ganes






Total games suspended in 2010-11 ( 40)

The Trading Post 2010-11

The trade, it can change a players career for good and sometimes for the bad. An opportunity for a fresh start for some players, or just one final indication that their days in the pros may soon be coming to an end.

For the General Manager it provides the opportunity to improve a team heading towards a playoff spot or fill in some gaps that suddenly become urgent due to injuries. For teams that are going nowhere fast, the trade can line up future prospects or remove burdensome contracts in preparation for a better tomorrow.

We'll track the deals as the come to pass during this 2010-11 season, providing some background for the names that may soon have to change their mail delivery notices.


October 7-- Vancouver/Florida -- Vancouver acquires defenseman Nathan Paetsch from the Florid Panthers in exchange for defenseman Sean Zimmerman (see NHL trade alert here)


October 6-- Vancouver/Florida-- The Canucks sent Darcy Hordichuk to the Florida Panthers for Andrew Peters (see NHL trade alert here)


October 5-- Vancouver/Nashville--  Vancouver trades defenseman Shane O'Brien and forward Dan Gendur to Nashville in exchange for defenseman Ryan Parent and forward Jonas Andersson.
(see NHL trade alert here)

Hired to be Fired 2010-11

A compilation of the unlucky members of the NHL coaching and managerial fraternity, who find themselves outsourced in the 2010-11 season.

From the freshest of recruits, to the oldest in tooth of the ancient order of coaches they never know when the phone call or tap on the shoulder will come. Some survive through to the playoffs, others are gone before the season gets too far along.

We track the departed here.
.
.
December 28-- Calgary-- Darryl Sutter resigns as Flames GM, replaced by Jay Feaster as Acting GM

December 23-- New Jersey-- John MacLean is replaced as coach of the Devils, Jacques Lemaire is coaxed out of retirement to take over the team once again.


November 15-- New York Islanders--  The Islanders remove Scott Gordon as head coach, replacing him with AHL coach Jack Capuano
.

Hockey Nation main feature maintenance

Pre Game Skate Notes homepage
Hokcey Nation Headlines (use direct link to daily headline)
Hockey Nation Archive

Hockey Nation Archives

Our catalogue of offerings from the 2009-10 hockey season.

Stanley Cup Review 2010
Quest for Stanley 2009
Quest for Stanley 2008 Finals
Quest for Stanley 2008 Third round
Quest for Stanley 2008 Second round
Quest for Stanley 2008 First round
Memorial Cup Review 2010
On the Memorial Trail 2009
Memorial Cup 2008
Hockey Nation Headlines 2009-10
Trading Post 2009-10
Trading Post 2008-09
Trading Post 2007-08
NHL Suspensions 2009-10
League of Less than extraordinary gentlemen
Hired to be fired 2009-10
Hired to be fired 2007
Vancouver 2010 Mens Olympic tournament information
Vancouver 2010 Olympic results
World Junior Championships Saskatchewan 2009-10
Spengler Cup Davos Switzerland
World Championships 2009
Spengler Cup 2007
World Championships Quebec City/Halifax 2008
World Junior Tournament home page 2009
World Junior Tournament schedule 2009
Pre Tournament News
World Under 18 tournament 2008
World Junior Championships 2007
World Women's under 18 hockey championship
NHL standings 2008-09
Rumblings of a Hockey War 2008
Hockey Nation Legends Archive 2008
The Top Shelf Book Reviews
Hockey Historica 2008 Archive
Hockey Historica 2004-2007 Archives
Uniforms 2007
Team Memorials Winnipeg Jets
Team Memorials Hartford Whalers
Montreal Wanderers
Kenora Thistles
Quebec Bulldogs
Hamilton Tigers
Ottawa Silver Seven/Original Ottawa Senators
Montreal Maroons
California Golden Seals
New York Americans
HockeyNation Extras Hall of Fame
Hockey Nation Extra Science of Hockey
Hockey Canada
HockeyNation Links NHL.com
HockeyNation Links NHLPA.com
NHLPA Goals and Dreams program
HockeyNation Links NHLFA.com
HockeyNation Links WHA 2004
HockeyNation Links 0SHL 2004
HockeyNation Links AHL
HockeyNation Links ECHL
HockeyNation LInks Victoria Salmon Kings ECHL
NHL Features The Instigator
NHL Features Hockey 101 The Spirit of Hockey
NHL Features Kraft Hockeyville
Hockey Features CBC Hockey Day in Canada
Hot Stove Blogs HOckey Blog in Canada
Hot Stove Blogs Spector's Hockey

Hockey Nation Headlines of 2009-10
Hockey Nation Headlines of 2008-09
Hockey Nation Headlines of 2007-08
Hockey Nation Headlines of 2006-07
Hockey Nation Headlines of 2005-06 

Injury reports 2010-11

Injuries, they can derail even the most talented teams Stanley Cup plans in the twist of an ankle.

Whether a star player is out for a couple of games, or  a string of players goes on the IL just as a team makes a push for a playoff run, the loss of a player for any length of time is the thing that keeps GM's up late at night.

Through the 2010-11 season, we'll log those players that miss action due to injury. We'll provide the NHL injury alerts as part of our review of the injuries as the season moves forward.

October 28-- Chicago Blackhawks-- Marian Hossa will be out of the lineup for a couple of weeks after suffering an upper body injury on Wednesday.

October 28-- New Jersey Devils-- A broken hand means that Matthew Corrente won't be on the Devil's blue line for the foreseeable future.

October 27-- Colorado Avalanche -- Craig Anderson is listed as indefinite after injuring his right knee, no surgery is required, but the treatment and rehab time takes the goaltender out of the line up.

October 21-- Los Angeles Kings-- Defenseman Drew Doughty will be out of the line up for at least a week after  an upper body injury on Wednesday night in a game with Carolina.

October 19-- Montreal Candiens-- The Habs will continue to be without the services of Andrei Markov who remains on the injured list as he recovers from off season knee surgery.

October 15-- New York Rangers -- Injuries are going to play an important role in the start of the New York Rangers season, the Rangers will be without Marian Gaborik and Chris Drury for a significant amount of time, Gaborik suffered a separated shoulder in a game with the Leafs, he will be out two to three weeks, while Drury will miss six weeks after breaking his left index finger, he had recently returned to action from an injury to that same finger in a different place

October 15-- Ottawa Senators-- Goaltender Pascal Leclaire is back on the injury and will miss an undetermined amount of time after suffering what is called a lower body injury.

October 13-- New Jersey Devils-- Brian Rolston will be out of the line up for 4-6 weeks as he recovers from sports hernia surgery (see NHL injury alert here)

October 13-- Pittsburgh Penguins-- Jordan Staal, center, there is still no timetable for Jordan Staal's return as he begins skating with the team (see NHL injury alert here)

October 12-- Detroit Red Wings-- Brian Rafalski, Defence, out indefinitely following knee surgery (see NHL injury alert here)

October 11-- Buffalo Sabres-- Jason Pominville, forward, suffered a concussion onOctober 11 with not time frame as to his return (see NHL injury alert here)

October 9-- Atlanta Thrashers-- Ondrej Pavelec, Goaltender is out indefinetly pending further tests required as a precaution from his fainting spell  on October 8 (see NHL injury alert here and here) (see NHL injury alert update here)

October 9-- New York Islanders-- John Tavares, centre, the New York Islander is sidelined at least until Monday suffering the effects of a concussion (see NHL injury alert here)

October 8-- Philadelphia Flyers-- Michael Leighton, goaltender, out for at least six to eight weeks after scheduled back surgery October 11 (see NHL injury alert here) (previous injury alert can be found here)

October 7-- Philadelphia Flyers-- Chris Pronger, Defence, listed as day to day after an off season of knee repairs (see NHL injury alert here)

October  6-- Philadelphia Flyers-- Ian Lapierre, forward, the status of the veteran flyer is still unresolved after last season's eye injury. Reports out of the Philadelphia area have it that Lapierre has been advised to retire (see NHL injury alert here) (see previous Injury alert here)

October 3-- Chicago Blackhawks-- Brian Campbell, Defence,  will miss the first four to five weeks of the season as he continues to recover from his broken clavicle of last season (see NHL injury alert here)

September 30-- Carolina Hurricanes-- Sergei Samsanov, forward, the Hurricanes place Samsanov on the Injured reserve list after he crashed into the boards in a pre season game (see NHL injury alert here)

September 28-- New York Islanders-- Kyle Okposo, forward, a shoulder injury to the Islander forward puts him on the injury list for 2-3 months (see NHL injury alert here)

September 26-- New York Islanders-- Mark Streit, Defence, out indefinitely after with a left shoulder injury (see NHL injury alert here) (previous alerts can be found here and here)

September 20-- New York Rangers-- Chris Drury, forward, the Rangers captain will miss four weeks due to a broken finger (see NHL injury alert here)

September 19-- Ottawa Senators-- Filip Kuba, Defence, the Senators will be without the services of their defenseman for five to six weeks after he suffered a broken leg (see NHL injury alert here)

September 16-- Pittsburgh Penguins-- Jordan Staal, center, is expected to miss the start of the regular season, out of the line up for 5-6 weeks as he recovers from a procedure on his infected foot (see NHL injury alert here) (see previous injury alert here)

September 7-- Minnesota Wild-- James Sheppard, center, out indefinitely due to a serious knee injury (see NHL injury list alert here)

Pre Game skate notes for 2011-2012

We will archive our various team home sites here, one click takes you to a page with a variety of information about your favourite team. From homepages, to schedules, news items and information from the HockeyNation archives it's your starting point each day to finding out more about all 30 teams of the NHL .


Northeast Division

Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Montreal Candiens
Ottawa Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs

Atlantic Division

New Jersey Devils
New York Rangers
New York Islanders
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins

Southeast Division

Winnipeg Jets
Carolina Hurricanes
Florida Panthers
Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington Capitals

Central Division

Chicago Black Hawks
Columbus Blue Jackets
Detroit Red Wings
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues

Northwest Division

Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Minnesota Wild
Vancouver Canucks

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks
Dallas Stars
Los Angeles Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks

In Memoriam:

Atlanta Thrashers 1999-2010

The road to Stanley now runs down Madison Street

The Chicago Blackhawks ended a 49 year drought on Wednesday evening, with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, winning the Stanley Cup four games to two on Patrick Kane's shot which took a few moments to register with all at the Wachovia Centre.

The Hawks battled off a hard pressing Flyers squad which had sent the game into overtime in the third and came within inches of sending the series to a game seven showdown back in Chicago.

As things turn out the only flight plan being booked is that of the Hawks charter jet expected in Chicago in the early hours of Thursday morning, with what should be a rather wild celebration to come on Friday morning through the streets of Chicago.    

Chicago Tribune-- Hawks beat Flyers to win Stanley Cup
Chicago Tribune-- Date with destiny: Hawks hoist Stanley Cup
Chicago Tribune-- One goal. Check
Chicago Tribune-- Stanley Cup gratification: Rocky Wirtz remembers
Chicago Sun Times-- Blackhawks bring Stanley Cup back to Chicago
Chicago Sun Times-- Blackhawks beat Flyers in OT to win Stanley Cup
Chicago Sun Times-- Chicago to celebrate Blackhawks' Stanley Cup win on Friday
Chicago Sun Times-- A jubilant city reacts to Cup win
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Hawks trip Flyers, 4-3, in OT to win Cup
Philadelphia Inquirer-- Valiant Flyers made Chicago earn Stanley Cup
Philadelphia Inquirer-- The Flyers faithful did all they could
Philadelphia Daily News-- Flyers finally fall

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Ron McLean!

Some folks it seems really do take that slogan of the City of Brotherly love to heart!

The bye day in the Stanley Cup play-offs didn't provide much in the way of down time for CBC Hockey Night in Canada host Ron McLean.

The counter foil to Don Cherry's intermission thoughts found himself part of a drama playing out on the Deleware River close to a restaurant that he and Cherry had chosen for dinner.

As they were settling in for their meal, a distraught woman ran into the restaurant to seek assistance for a man who had apparently thrown himself into the river. Like a modern day Captain Canuck, McLean was quick to the river side to lend a hand, in his case using a rope from the restaurant to help another man who had already arrived to render assistance  haul the man in.

As the story first broke across these tubes of information, the story was that McLean had jumped into the river to attempt to save the man, once all the excitement had died down he was quick to correct the official record, crediting the man who dove into the river with the recognition deserved for such a heroic act.

Still for McLean some credit no doubt is due as well, rushing out into a situation of which he knew nothing about does take a certain amount of courage and his assistance was most likely welcome in a very tense and possibly dangerous situation.

Needless to say, the fable of Ron McLean is growing across the internet, a dash of Canadianna that perhaps one day will join the ranks of Bill Barilko in a Tragically Hip ballad or maybe as a Stompin' Tom feature.

Globe and Mail-- Ron MacLean helps rescue man from river
Toronto Star-- Sportscaster Ron MacLean helps rescue man from river
CBC-- Ron MacLean springs to river rescue

  

Headlines of June 2010

Tacking the stories of the day for June.

June 17-- Habs trade Halak to Blues
June 16-- NHL expansion in Europe a long way off, Burke says
June 15-- NHL attendance dips by 2.5 per cent
June 14-- Leafs introduce Phaneuf as team captain
June 13-- 'Hawks the toast of Wrigley Field
June 12-- Hawks a model for rebuilding
June 11-- Chicago celebrates Stanley Cup win
June 10-- Hawks face contractual conundrums
June 9-- Hawks beat Flyers to win Stanley Cup
June 8-- Only winning NHL teams would thrive in Quebec City and Winnipeg, experts say
June 7-- Stanley Cup finals ratings all good news
June 6-- Hawks regain Stanley Cup swagger
June 5-- Blackhawks hanging by a claw
June 4-- Flyers pull level with Hawks
June 3-- Ron MacLean helps rescue man from river
June 2-- Flyers skated like their boots were on fire
June 1-- Flyers have been down this road before

The Final Round: Series Review

Philadelphia vs Chicago
Chicago wins the Stanley Cup Final 4 games to 2

Saturday, May 29, 2010-- Chicago 6, Philadelphia 5
Monday, May 31, 2010-- Chicago 2, Philadelphia 1
Wednesday, June 2, 2010-- Philadelphia 4, Chicago 3 (OT)
Friday, June 4, 2010--  Philadelphia 5, Chicago 3 
Sunday, June 6, 2010-- Chicago 7, Philadelphia 4  
Wednesday, June 9, 2010-- Chicago 4, Philadelphia 3  (OT)  

The Third Round: Series by series review

Chicago vs San Jose

Chicago sweeps the series 4 games to 0, advances to Stanley Cup Finals

Sunday, May 16-- Chicago 2, San Jose 1
Tuesday, May 18-- Chicago 4, San Jose 2 
Friday, May 21-- Chicago 3, San Jose 2 (OT) 
Sunday, May 23-- Chicago 4, San Jose 2 



Montreal vs Philadelphia

Philadelphia wins the series 4 games to 1, advances to Stanley Cup Finals

Sunday, May 16-- Philadelphia 6, Montreal 0
Tuesday, May 18-- Philadelphia 3, Montreal 0 
Thursday, May 20-- Montreal 5, Philadelphia 1 
Saturday, May 22--  Philadelphia 3,  Montreal  0
Monday, May 24-- Philadelphia 4, Montreal 2 

Memorial Cup 2010 -- Brandon, Manitoba

Canadian Junior Hockey's championship tournament is underway in Brandon, Manitoba as the host Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL champs Calgary Hitmen, OHL winners Windsor Spitfires and Moncton of the Quebec League begin the week long quest for Canada's national Junior Championships.

You can follow the path of the games this week from the blog as we track the results on the way to the Championship game.





Memorial Cup home page


 Memorial Cup Schedule

Friday, May 14 Windsor 9 -- Brandon 3
Saturday, May 15 Calgary 5 -- Moncton 4
Sunday, May 16  Brandon 4 -- Moncton 0
Monday, May 17 Windsor 6 -- Calgary 2
Tuesday, May 18 Windsor 4 -- Moncton 3
Wednesday, May 19 Calgary 5 -- Brandon 1
Friday, May 21 Semi Final Brandon 5 -- Calgary 4 (OT) 
Sunday, May 23 Final Windsor 9 -- Brandon 3 Windsor wins the Memorial Cup!




May 20-- National Post/CBC-- Calgary capitalizes on Brandon mistakes
May 19-- National Post/CBC-- Spitfires eliminate Wildcats with OT win
May 18-- National Post/CBC-- Hall, Spitfires cruise into Memorial Cup final
May 16-- National Post/CBC-- Wheat Kings blank Wildcats at Memorial Cup
May 14-- Globe and Mail-- Spitfires open Memorial Cup with a win 

Once again Winnipeg rumours float from Arizona

Now that the feel good run of the playoffs is over it's apparently time to return to situation normal in the Phoenix Coyotes camp, a situation which in one word is once again nothing but chaotic.

It seems that the much anticipated celebrations over the arrival of Jerry Reinsdorf into the happy family of NHL owners may not take place after all.

Numerous media outlets are now reporting that the Reinsdorf deal to buy the Coyotes is falling apart, so much so that the NHL now faces the prospect of the previously spurned Ice Age folks stepping back into the picture.

With Glendale and Reinsdorf apparently not seeing eye to eye on much of their talking points, Glendale has apparently called Ice Age back into the discussions, a move which may or may not meet with the approval of the NHL owners, who are rather anxious to remove the burden of ownership of the Coyotes  hopefully turning them over to a group or individual that is a little bit more flush in cash.

Reinsdorf’s bid calls for massive subsidies for the club from officials in Arizona, something that apparently isn't going to happen in the current financial environment and is in fact frowned upon by Arizona law.

The clock is moving forward towards June 30th when the NHL can sell the team and move it if indeed it proves unfeasible to continue the Arizona expeirment. And many observers suggest that it's just as likely that the NHL will move the team as turn it over to Ice Age to continue on in Arizona.

With the sudden change of direction once again, the ususal rumours that the Coyotes will return from whence they came have begun to gather steam again. With Canadian billionaire David Thomson one of the leading candidates to get the team through his affiliation with True North in Winnipeg.

Safe to say that the NHL most likely finds much more comfort in the number of zeroes that Thomson could add to a list of numbers as opposed to the Ice Age group. Still, for Winnipegers this is becoming rather tedious we imagine, every time some NHL franchise gets tied to a railroad track it's Winnipeg that is supposed to swoop in and pull the franchise off the tracks before the train hits.

No doubt before they start ordering the season's tickets or plan the welcoming social they'll be waiting to see if there is any substance to the latest tumble weed to blow in from the southwest.

National Post-- Coyotes’ sale to Reinsdorf sunk: reports
Globe and Mail-- Reinsdorf deal on verge of collapse
Winnipeg Free Press-- Coyotes sale to Reinsdorf dead, team headed to Winnipeg?
CBC News-- Coyotes sale in jeopardy: reports
Arizona Republic-- Ice Edge Holdings may be back in the running to buy the Phoenix Coyotes
Toronto Star-- Reinsdorf offer for Coyotes appears in jeopardy
TSN-- Sale of Coyotes to Reinsdorf in Jeopardy

Big Buff grabbed three and is tormenting the Canucks with unabashed glee

“I have a stone in my shoe. You can remove it”
Don Altobello to Mosca in the Godfather.

Alain Vigneault may be channelling the Don these days, thinking much the same thing behind that Vancouver bench whenver he sees the visage of Dustin Byfuglien on the big screen, or in front of his goaltender.

Wednesday night, it was Byfuglien once again who caused much of the way of angst in the camp of the Canucks, his Game three performance distracting the Canucks from their game and more importantly added to the Black Hawk goal count when it mattered most.

The giant 6 foot 4, 257 or so winger was a concern for the Canucks in last year's playoff run and though off to a slow start in this years festivities, Wednesday night was like Groundhog Day for Roberto Luongo and the hard pressed Vancouver defence, the immovable object in Byfuglien took root outside the crease (and occasionally within it) limiting Luongo's visual range while Byfuglien stood ready to bang in the rebounds as he did with quick succession as he tallied up a hat trick and quickly became public enemy number one for the suddenly furrowed brow set of the Cancuk fan base.

And much while the Canuck's coach might wish that the Byfuglien factor wasn't such a media obsession, after Wednesday night's performance it's safe to say that the marquee name for this series won't be the oft celebrated Jonathan Toews,  Patrick Sharp or  Marian Hossa, but the guy now proudly wearing the Black Hawks black hat.

While the Canucks may wish to see Byfuglien out of the crease area and pushed to the boards, the real place he's seemingly having an effect is in their minds, he attracts their attention and seems to be able to spur them on to bad decisions whether it's an untimely penalty or a mis-directed pass to try and avoid him, regardless by his presence he's been able to knock them off their game.

The last two games have brought the Canucks quickly back down to the ice after their astounding jump out of the gate in game one, but with Wednesday's domination the balance of momentum may be slowly drifting the way of the Hawks, something that will have to be stopped on Friday, going back to Chicago down 3 games to 1 would not be a move that builds confidence.

The first thing they will have to do on Friday is find a way to focus more on the game and less on the work of Byfuglien, find ways to bury their own opportunities and reduce the time of play in their own end allowing the Hawk torment them so.

Otherwise the only way that Alain Vignault may be able to beat the fellow is to ask management to pick him up whenever he gets a chance at free agency.

Globe and Mail-- Byfuglien proves a power and a pain
Globe and Mail-- Byfuglien unleashed, Blackhawks overwhelming
Globe and Mail-- Byfuglien paces Hawks
Vancouver Sun-- Canucks defenceman look to rebuff Dustin Byfuglien
Vancouver Sun-- Byfuglien stampedes through Canuck defence
Vancouver Sun-- Blackhawks’ Dustin Byfuglien a huge presence on the ice, invisible off it
Vancouver Province-- Byfuglien: He's the biggest, the baddest — and he's feeding off the fans
Vancouver Province-- Only plan that's working belongs to Chicago
Chicago Tribune-- Once a farce, now a force, Dustin Byfuglien finds his way
Chicago Sun Times-- Focus shifts to big Buff
Chicago Sun Times-- Rattled Canucks may be headed for trouble

Photo from Chicago Sun Times website

Headlines of May 2010

Tracking some of our highlights for May.

May 31-- Quick strike Blackhawks win again
May 30-- Flyers goaltending up in the air
May 29-- Hawks win Stanley Cup opener
May 28-- Bettman: NHL franchises stable
May 27-- Flames, Habs take game outdoors
May 26-- Pressure’s on for NHL prospects
May 25-- Yzerman takes Tampa Bay GM job
May 24-- The Habs' heart-stopping run comes to a close
May 23-- Hawks' Cup isn't full yet
May 22-- Russia to face Czech Republic in final
May 21-- Flyers finding motivation in loss
May 20-- ‘Desperate’ Canadiens keep despair from their door
May 19-- Canadiens’ Martin has CFL coaching connection
May 18-- Blackhawks owe road success to big scorers, versatile checking lines
May 17-- Canada's Team?
May 16-- A new bully on Broad Street
May 15-- Stamkos returns after suffering head injury
May 14-- Flyers seal comeback, crush Bruins
May 13-- Sharks downplay regular-season record against Hawks
May 12-- Game 7: Canadiens bounce Penguins 5-2
May 11-- Canucks’ deja vu: Crash out of NHL playoffs again with loss to Blackhawks
May 10-- Spacek rises to occasion
May 9-- Roberto Luongo steps up for Canucks, leads team to victory
May 8-- Sharks eliminate Red Wings
May 7-- To rebound, Canucks must play to their strengths
May 6-- Canadiens rally to square series
May 5-- Byfuglien unleashed, Blackhawks overwhelming
May 4-- Big guns go silent
May 3-- Canucks lose their heads, and lead, as Blackhawks rally to win 4-2
May 2-- Sharks take 2-0 lead on Red Wings
May 1 -- Canucks humble Hawks in Game 1

Stanley Cup Review 2010

Round by Round reviews of the quest for the Stanley Cup

Final Round (Stanley Cup Finals)
Round Three
Round Two
Round One

The Second Round: Series by series overview

Detroit vs San Jose
San Jose wins the series 4 games to 1

Game One-- San Jose 4 - Detroit 3
Game Two-- San Jose4, Detroit 3
Game Three-- San Jose 4, Detroit 3 (OT)
Game Four-- Detroit 7, San Jose 1 
Game Five-- San Jose 2, Detroit 1 



Montreal vs Pittsburgh
Montreal wins the series 4 games to 3

Game One-- Pittsburgh 6 - Montreal 3
Game Two-- Montreal 3 Pittsburgh 1 
Game Three-- Pittsburgh 2  Montreal 0
Game Four-- Montreal 3, Pittsburgh  2
Game Five-- Pittsburgh 2, Montreal 1
Game Six--  Montreal 4, Pittsburgh 3
Game Seven-- Montreal 5, Pittsburgh 2 



Philadelphia vs Boston
Series is tied at 3 games each

Game One-- Boston 5, Philadelphia 4 (OT)
Game Two-- Boston3,  Philadelphia 2 
Game Three-- Boston 4,  Philadelphia 1 
Game Four-- Philadelphia 5, Boston 4 (OT)
Game Five-- Philadelphia 4, Boston 0
Game Six-- Philadelphia 2, Boston 1
Game Seven-- Philadelphia at Boston (Friday May 14 7pm ET, 4 PT)


Vancouver vs Chicago
Chicago wins the series  4 games to 2

Game One-- Vancouver 5 ,  Chicago 1  
Game Two-- Chicago 4, Vancouver 2 
Game Three-- Chicago 5, Vancouver  2
Game Four--  Chicago 7,  Vancouver 4 
Game Five-- Vancouver 3,  Chicago 1 
Game Six-- Chicago 5, Vancouver  1

Montreal sends Capitals into Habernation

The most unlikely of outcomes played itself out on Wednesday evening as the Montreal Canadiens, eighth seed in the Eastern conference and barely into the playoffs by the slimmest of margins overcame the powerhouse Washington Capitals to win their opening round series 4 games to three. The first number eight seed to come back from a 3-1 deficit against a number one and take a series.

Another stellar performance from Jaroslav Halak propelled the Canadiens onto their next date with destiny, as the Montreal goaltender faced 41 shots, allowing only one (that counted) behind him to secure the win. Over the last three games Halak has faced over 134 shots and remarkably turned aside all but three. A legendary bit of goaltending for a franchise that has more than a few legends between the pipes over the years.

Yet Wednesday night's victory wasn't all Halak, Candiens dropped to block shots, took and made hits and most of all frustrated the one of the most potent offensive units that the NHL has, only to have Washington's top guns return to their bench shift after shift shaking their heads in wonderment as to what they needed to do to extinguish the Habs hopes.

They will have an entire off season to wonder now, Montreal never seemed to buckle, they were overwhelmed at times, and on more than one occasion it seemed as though destiny was finally going to lift the Capitals onto the next round, yet again and again there was Halak, or anyone else for that matter ready to lay waste to those plans.

For Washington, it was a case of no finish! No finish around the net when the scoring chances arrived and no finish to a season that many suggested was theirs for the taking. It's the latest setback for one of the NHL's marquee franchises and one suspects that Gary Bettman and the upper brass in New York weren't particularly happy with the way that the Capitals seemed to extinguish once again.

Again, as in years past there will be many questions raised about the Capitals and their inability to grasp the greatness that many say is theirs for the taking, when faced with a strong defensive team and a remarkable performance in the nets, they couldn't make their own breaks, the chances missed over the four games lost will come back to haunt over the summer, though one suspects that some changes will also be on the way before training camp in the fall.

For the NHL there will be no magical showdown of Crosby and Ovechkin this year in the East, instead the Pens having just battled through a surprisingly resilient Ottawa Senators will have to steel themselves for yet another team  that clearly isn't ready to be road kill on the way to the Cup. Montreal has little time to enjoy their thrilling victories of the last week, work begins anew on Friday when the offensively dominant Penguins will see first hand what the Caps just lived through.

In a post season with more than a few surprises, the NHL may want to keep the ladder handy, just in case they have to change the marquee...  


Montreal Gazette-- Habs oust Caps, meet Penguins next
Montreal Gazette-- Only one statistic matters: Habs win four to clinch series
Montreal Gazette-- 'That's playoff hockey,' Martin says
Montreal Gazette-- Huge crowd descends on downtown
Globe and Mail-- Where hockey is religion, delirious Habs disciples celebrate
Toronto Star-- Habs make history by storming back to upset Caps
CBC Sports-- Canadiens upset Capitals in Game 7 stunner
Washington Post-- Caps complete historic collapse
Washington Post-- Top-seeded Washington Capitals knocked out of Stanley Cup playoffs by eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens
Washington Post-- Mike Wise on the Washington Capitals' stunning loss to the Montreal Canadiens
Washington Post-- Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals come up short
SI.com-- Too much Halak and a power-play outage sent the Capitals packing

Every dog has his day... but not today!

The Detroit Red Wings finally solved the Ilya Bryzgalov riddle, shelling this year's  number one candidate for the Vezina trophy with four goals in a second period turn to reality for the Phoenix Coyotes. A twenty minute blitz of shots, hits and goals that brought to an end the Cinderella Coyotes season and perhaps saved Gary Bettman from a lot of splaining to do!

The Red Wings appeared more like the Stanley Cup champions they once were as they directed 50 shots at Bryzgalov, rattling the entire Coyote roster with their sudden crushing dominance of the pivotal game seven match up.

It might have been a 6-0 final If not for a mental lapse on the part of the Red Wings Jimmy Howard, who let in a poor goal off of a faceoff that almost gave the Coyotes hope, yet the Wings veteran team that they are simply increased the tempo and took back control of the game, the crushing blow coming with a solid penalty kill that was rewarded with Brad Stuart's goal as he climbed out of the penalty box, the goal just seconds before the end of the second period seemed to send the message that the series was done and the Phoenix  fans could possibly give some thought to what their team will do in the off season, or maybe not judging on past precedent.

Outside of the Red Wings front office and the fans back home, perhaps the most relieved person of the night was the NHL Commissioner, he certainly must have been getting nervous watching a team that the other 29 team owners was subsidizing continue on its quest for Lord Stanley's Cup, while it was all good fun that they were the success story of the season, winning the Cup with money from the House of Bettman, funded by the collective perhaps might not have been quite so humorous to the fellow share holders.

As things end up the Coyotes wrap up their season feeling pretty good about themselves, their management team wins accolades for persevering under extremely difficult circumstances and their coach and goal tender may very well find themselves up on the stage in Las Vegas in June collecting awards for their years work.

For the fans the challenge now is to translate this sudden infatuation with the sport into concrete devotion, for the most part of the season Coyote games were known for two things the large number of empty spaces inside the rink and the number of out of towners who arrived knowing that if ever there was a chance for a cheap seat close to the action Phoenix was the place.

Should the NHL be correct about all of its talking points in the last year, this is we imagine the beginning of the Coyote renaissance era, providing negotiations with potential new owner Jerry Reinsdorf come to fruition, he would apparently be ready to lead them to the next phase of their development.

Then again, if attendance and interest returns to the levels of the regular season, one wonders how long a man well versed in his financials as Reinsdorf will give for hockey to truly take hold in the desert.

If somehow, as not beyond the realm of possibility, the Reinsdorf deal falters, one wonders if perhaps Tuesday night was the last night for hockey in Glendale.

There was lots to be fascinated about the Coyotes this year, their season was a fairly remarkable achievement, their playoff run one to talk about for more than a few years we imagine, but considering the nature of their franchise at the moment, the best thing (not for the truly devoted Coyote fans) but perhaps for the NHL, was that the Red Wings finally found their scoring touch when it mattered most.

Globe and Mail-- Wings spoil Coyotes party 
National Post-- Datsyuk, Detroit end Coyotes' season with 6-1 rout 
Detroit Free Press-- Powerhouse Red Wings prevail over workhorse Coyotes 
Detroit News--  Red Wings 6, Coyotes 1: Wings storm to victory in desert
Arizona Republic--  Phoenix Coyotes' storied season ends with tough loss 
SI.com-- Key three minutes power Wings past Coyotes and into West semis