Why the Shoot-Out Needs to Go: In the Words of a Flyer’s Fan

Today’s game against the Ottawa Senators was exactly why the shootout needs to done away with. After battling back from a 3-0 first period deficit and dominating the overtime, the Flyer’s were once again done in by the shootout. In most people’s opinions, the shoot out is nothing more than a glorified skills competition that decides the winner and loser of an official game.

While everyone in Philadelphia, and New York, remembers it was a shootout win on the last day of the regular season back in 2009 that got the Flyers into the playoffs and onto the Stanley Cup finals. However, it would have been a much more incredible feat to see that game go deeper into overtime or multiple overtimes rather than the shootout.

On the year, the Flyer’s are 4-9 in shootouts and 6-2 in games decided in overtime. So in total, they are 10-11 in games decided beyond regulation. Lets hypothetically imagine that there were no shootouts this year in the NHL and each game ended in a tie after a 4^th 20 minute period. How would such a scenario help the Flyer’s? In two main ways.

First, some of those 9 losses could have easily become wins if the overtime was longer than 5 minutes. While it is inevitable that some of these games would still be loses, eliminating the shootout would probably add about 4-6 points to the Flyer’s point total this year. This could easily be the difference between home ice advantage, a division title, and 3^rd in the division/5^th in the conference. Obviously, this would be incredibly beneficial to the team this season.

Second, other teams with a large amount of shootout wins, such as the Penguins and Devils, division rivals, would not have as many points as they currently do. With 9 and 12 shootout wins on the season respectively, the Penguins could easily be below the Flyer’s in current standings and the Devils may not even be in the playoff picture without the shootout!

Everyone, especially those in the Philadelphia region are thrilled that the shootout hasn’t invaded the playoffs( and likely won’t ever) However, the NHL needs to get rid of its’ experiment and go back to its old overtime rules for the regular season. Having a concurrent overtimes until someone scores in the regular season, like in the playoffs, doesn’t seem feasible due to travel and games on back to back days during the regular season.

Bottom line, lets hope the shootout is gone very soon!

- Michael Joachim

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Hawks Take Out The Leafs

Well the Toronto Maple Leafs are sure glad to see the 'Leap' month of February go away as they ended it on a losing note once again, falling to the Chicago Black Hawks 5-4.

It is a shame to see what we all thought was going to be a good team in the young Leafs fall from a playoff spot in January and then going 1-8-1 in the last 10 games to drop out of the race for the playoffs and even having the possibility of finishing in 12th or 13th place in their conference..... man does that hurt!

I guess we could say it is a 'growing pain' for a young team or we could blame management or coaching for not directing these young players in the right direction. We even could declare that the management hasn't brought in the right mix of players to be a top 8 place team but all this does is show that we are pointing fingers at each other. And my Head Coach (MY DAD!) always said" be careful of pointing fingers as you point one at someone, you have 4 pointing back at you!" Meaning it is time for the players, coaches and management to stop, look into the mirror and re-exam what they have and maybe admit that they have gone off course and start getting back to the problem on hand!

Well I digress (as sometimes I do).

I was worried about the way this game was going to start off as I watch warm ups. Leafs goalie, Gustavsson skated out from the corner to take his turn in net for some shots and actually tripped over the goal post as he entered the crease. I thought to myself, boy this is going to be a long night...again.

But the game last night looked to be a barn burner as both teams came out flying, hitting and getting scoring chances. The Leafs had talked about their slow starts and they came out with a start that every team wants to have. By the end of the first period the Leafs were up 3-1 with goals coming from Tyler Bozak, Joffery Lupul and Clark MacArthur who had built the 3-1 lead but only to see it slip half way through the 2nd period.

With goals for the Hawks coming in bunches ( Shaw, Kruger, Kane, Hossa) by the end of the second period the Hawks were up 4-3 and looking to close the door on the Leafs with help from Ray Emery who had come into the 1st period taking over from starting goalie Crawford.

The third was a entertaining period as the Leafs out shot the Hawks 17-12 and threw everything at Emery but Ray 'Sugar' Emery stoned the Leafs with save after save.


Marian Hossa picked up his second of the evening at 19:44 of the third to keep the Leafs at bay and with the  Leafs net empty, an extra attacker, the Leafs put one more in from Mike Brown, but as the say a little to late for that.

Game Notes.

Chicago was also on a little skid of their own dropping the last 3 games and not getting production from Kane and Hossa. Thanks for the Leafs coming to the 'Windy City' and looking after that!

Gustavsson had 30 shots and allowed 5 goals and looked shaky at times. Maybe it is time the Leafs look at the Goalie Coach and see where a change can happen there?

Matthew Lombardi was a healthy scratch for the 1st time this year, he is a -13 the teams worst on that category.

Best Hockey Player name right now? BlackHawks Johnny Oduya (O-do-ya)

Leafs stay on the road and are in Montreal for this Sat 3rd taking on the Canadians at 7pm. Should be a entertaining game as it is always between this two clubs.

Until next time,

Se You After the Game,

Coach Nye

NHL on NBC Analysts Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick in Heated Exchange Last Night.

There was a fascinating moment of live television last night on NBC Sports Network as NHL on NBC hockey analysts Mike Milbury and Jeremy Roenick had a heated exchange about a hit to the head that took place during the Dallas Stars-Pittsburgh Penguins game. The argument about Eric Nystrom's roughing penalty on Kris Letang was secondary to the emotion on display as it appeared Milbury and JR were about to come to blows. 

The root of the animosity between them goes back to 2010 just after Roenick's former team the Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup in 49 years. JR wears his heart on his sleeve and in a moment of real genuine emotion he started crying, talking through his tears about not having won the Cup with Chicago and how happy he was that Blackhawks fans finally get to celebrate a championship after waiting for so long. 

But then Milbury ruined what was a rare moment of heartfelt emotion on national television by saying "well I didn't win the Cup either, but I'm not crying." It made Milbury look like an unempathetic jerk. Milbury has a reputation as being an obnoxious blowhard. He even was accused of assaulting a 12-year-old boy during a fight with his son. The case was dismissed. For some reason NBC keeps bringing Milbury back. There have been times after seeing him appear on TSN that I thought he was banished to Canada. But then I see him on NBC again putting down his fellow analysts like JR and ridiculing some of my favorite players like Alex Ovechkin, who he says has a "low hockey IQ." In other words, Milbury doesn't think Ovie is very smart. Of course it is easy to criticize a player like Ovechkin from a studio in Bristol, Connecticut. 

It's not that Milbury doesn't make good points sometimes. In fact, tonight he was on the right side of the argument regarding the Nystrom-Letang hit and in his concern for all the concussions in the NHL. The problem is how he comes across as arrogant and domineering. Kudos to Roenick for challenging Milbury and standing up for himself. Keep it up JR. You've got millions of us rooting for you.

Click here to watch video of tonight's Milbury-Roenick rumble courtesy of Deadspin.

- Josh Marks

Takeaways From The Flyers Venture Into The Northwest

The Flyers wrapped up their Canadian/West Coast road trip, and after watching the games, there are a few bits of knowledge to take away from them.

To begin, I'd have to say the offense was for the most part, wildly inconsistent. They seemed to lack the initiative to take the early lead, giving up the first goal in each and every one of the four contests. For whatever reason, it seems like they enjoy coming back from a goal down, and in two of the games they managed to stay complacent, allowing the Sharks and Oilers to shut them out completely. For a club known as the highest scoring team in the NHL, this is simply unacceptable.

I spoke about moving Danny Briere before, and now he has found himself landing on the fourth line. Is that truly where you want to spend 7 million dollars in the middle? I don't dislike Danny, hardly the case, but honestly, this guy should've gone at the deadline to collect more youth for the movement going on in Philly. The Flyers will have yet another chance of course to clear cap space in the offseason, but so will everyone else, and his value wont be nearly as high considering his worth climbs during the playoffs. Philadelphia could've made a bold move to snatch up a young winger and have them gel with Schenn and Couturier these final 20 games in preparation for the next season when chemistry will be more important than ever.

I've noticed along with any other fan who follows hockey the intense Bryzgalov bashing in Philadelphia, but I also endured this same outlandish attitude as whole over Scott Hartnell's value to the organization. For the last three seasons while preaching his knack for getting dirty goals, for actually showing up in the SC Finals, people around me endlessly moped and raged about trading him, getting him out of town. Now? He made his first All Star Game appearance, quite possibly stole the show in Ottawa, and when seeing games at the Well Fargo Center, his jersey is virtually on every fourth or so fans back. Goaltenders take a little more time to cohesively fit into a team's defense, so we may not see the best of Bryz until year three, but his value is there, and in the two shutouts, he stood on his head just to keep the game from getting more out of hand than it already had.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway though, is the lack of quality shots they are taking and the fact that one of the best road teams failed to capture more points during this stretch, the Sharks are playing like shells of their former selves and the Oilers are definitely not known as one of the better defensive units in the league. They eeked out wins over two teams they should've handled with more authority, and it stems mostly from the fact that they have somehow deviated away from typical Philly style of play, no one is crowding or clogging the lane in front of opposing teams goalies as often as they should, and far too many shots from low percentage areas are being taken. Coburn's pinball goal in Calgary was a fluke, and has it not occurred, we'd be discussing how the Flyers dropped three of four out west. The Flyers can't afford to have Scott Hartnell leading the charge when his role is more defined being posted up right in front of goalies, waiting on the rebound. I'll be attending tomorrow's game against the Isles, and I seriously fear more of the now routine don't-do-much-in-the-first-two-periods-then-shoot-25-times-in-the-third offense. The Flyers need to get back to basics, grind it out a little more early on, and take more high percentage shots, or Flyers fans can expect more of the same type of results we have witnessed in the last week or so. 

- Clayton Taylor

Habs Calling It A Season

In my last post I made a case for the Habs and their dreadful campaign. Allow me to even out the playing field…

Before I completely rag on this team, let me first say that it was exciting to see Blake Geoffrion in a Habs sweater for the first time. He was pretty soft of the puck for his debut, but nerves are excusable for his first effort. Not only is he a Geoffrion, but also think about how freaky it would be for anyone to make his debut as part of such a winning franchise. I mean, really. Does this team ever stop constantly winning? I’m surprised any Hab has time to shave in the morning for all the winning. Just one win after the other, let me tell you.

The Canadiens are currently 11 points behind the Capitals in the race for the final Eastern playoff spot, with 18 games to go. It might take a combination of Jesus, Tony “Bananahands” Robbins, and 22 copies of ‘Miracle’ on DVD to make it happen, but it is not yet officially impossible to save this season.

Regardless, after an especially soft effort by the Habbies last night, where they were edged 2-1 in Tampa, it looks as though they’re packing it in and calling it a season.

Pretty generous, if you ask me. I wouldn’t call it a season. I would call it an asshole. I would walk straight up to the Habs’ 2011-12 season, look it straight in the eye, and say “Look, pal. You’re an asshole. And that’s all there is to it.” I mean, the mess they’re in is something to behold. It’s uncategorical!

“At least they weren’t slaughtered,” says my girlfriend, Jacky, after the game.

A valiant effort to thwart my hurling of coffee mugs at walls, Hun, but the scoreboard can be a very deceiving thing.

The beauty of this game, as to any sport, is that there are all these hidden variables to why things happen -- things like a defenseman who uses more energy than necessary on an unsuccessful fore-check, only to be a few breaths short of a successful back-check to follow -- but what I’m specifically referring to is that they all play for themselves in the grand scheme of things. It is almost inconceivable to suggest that a player would dumb down their play for the good of the team’s lottery chances, though it does seem to look that way.

Confidence is paramount.

Lets take a peek at a few interesting stats regarding two players with two of the most important roles on this Habs team:

C Tomas Plekanec

Plekanec’s average ice-time is listed at 20:37. As the Habs resident PK specialist he has been called upon pretty often this season. The problem is that he has the 2nd worst plus/minus in the entire league.

This is an assistant captain who is widely considered to be the best player on this team and I am not convinced that Coach Cunneyworth has a clue in the world how to use him. Get to know your players, man. Yes he is good on the PK, but he really thrives offensively as an unbelievably gifted playmaker. The way Pleks has been utilized this season is criminal and it shows in his lack of confidence.

This result is not solely the fault of coaching, as poor management by Pierre “Mr.” Gauthier never resulted in acquiring formidable line mates for Tomas, though I think a consistent length of time centering Eller and Kostitsyn might have resulted in some dangerous chemistry.

D Tomas Kaberle

I should first note that, regardless of his Leafs persuasion, it is my opinion that Kabs used to be one of the best decision-making, puck moving, break-out defenseman in the entire league. I wanted him on the Canadiens team badly.

Fast forward to this year's trade deadline . . .

Lets put it this way: In return for him I would have accepted a conditional 30th round pick, contingent on whether he can tie his own skates in under half an hour in more than one regular season game.

Listed at -19, Kaberle is the worst D-man in the entire league in plus/minus. The worst.

Holy hell, man. What is the major malfunction?

Granted, this is a man who was obviously brought in to help the Habs PP, but lord knows I’m not going to dig out that armpit of a stat. Nor do I want to bring up his pairing with Campoli.

Kaberle is not necessarily on board to “defend”, but his TOI, listed at 17:40, suggests otherwise. He is the 3rd most-used defenseman behind Subban and Georges.

These are only a few stats that illustrate just a few discrepancies involving this albatross of a season for the Habs. There are a few exciting and glaring upsides, notably the Cole line with the baby genius David Desharnais leading the team in scoring, +/- and being just over 50% in the face-off circle, but lets face it . . .

As the Hollywood of Canada, Montreal fans love the dirt. They prefer to jump into the back seat, the pissed-off end of the bandwagon.

As an obsessive fan, it will always sting the ‘ol ass to watch this team lose, even if it is to gain a Grigorenko, a Galchenyuk, or maybe even a Yakupov in turn. Yes, but you sure as shit won’t see me complaining as one of them hits the stage, awkwardly pulling the CH over their heads for the first time.

Just all of you be sure to spend the next 18 games on your knees, praying like hell to the God of Hockey Fate, Lottery Luck and Amateur Scouting to end up with the real deal stud, and not the real deal dud.

And be real polite about it, ‘cause judging by our Habs’ recent draft history, I think that God is a Bruins fan.

- Amos Legault

This week is the Going Deep Trade Deadline Special!

Here is the new podcast. http://grantrobinson.podbean.com/2012/02/28/going-deep-nhl-trade-deadline/

Grant recaps all of the trades that happened before the deadline, and also discusses what else happened in and around the NHL throughout the past week during the “Headlines”.

He then discusses the 5 main topics of the day

1)      The Jeff Carter trade to LA, for Jack Johnson & a 1^st. And why he believes the Jackets didn’t get enough for him. (30 minutes-39:30)

2)      Steve Downie in the 3 way trade that sent him to Colorado, Quincey to DET, & a 1^st rounder to TB. And why he believes the trade should have never happened. (39:30-46)

3)      Andrei Kostitsyn being reunited with his brother in Nashville, and whether or not the combination will work. (46-53:30)

4)      Hodgson being shipped to Buffalo for Kassian, and why it’s a big risk for the Canucks. (53:30-57:30)

5)      The trades we expected that never happened and why they didn’t.

-          Rick Nash: why teams were wise to stay away (57:30—61:30)

-          Steve  Ott & other big names: why they werent moved (61:30-62:30)

-          Why Burke was smart to not make a big move for the Leafs, and how the true winners of the deadline were the teams that stayed away from the high prices, and showed self-restraint (62:30…)

If you have any suggestions for next week’s podcast feel free to tweet Grant @TheSportsGrind

Enjoy the show!

Breaking Down Deadline Day

The 2012 NHL trade deadline passed at 3pm eastern, and it was a relatively quiet day. Deals were made on a hockey basis and the usual dumping of salary did not happen. Some interesting moves were made as both Stanley Cup finalists from last year made deals and Nashville was clearly a buyer.

Starting with the Vancouver Canucks, who made the most interesting deal with the Buffalo Sabres. The Canucks sent Cody Hodgson and prospect Alexander Sulzer to Buffalo in exchange for Zack Kassian and Marc-Andre Gragnani. This deal has the potential to be good for both sides. Hodgson is having a good year with 16 goals and 33 points in 63 games and is the #1 or #2 center the Sabres so desperately need. Hodgson was stuck behind Henrik Sedin and Ryan Kesler on the depth chart and he is not a checking center. The Canucks received a big winger in Kassian, who was one of Buffalo's top prospects. Kassian plays with an edge and has good hands. With skill and the willingness to be physical, Kassian will mix it up and even drop the gloves once in awhile. Vancouver didn't have a player in their system with those unique attributes.

The Canucks also picked up Sami Pahlsson from Columbus for a prospect and a couple picks. Pahlsson makes sense now that Cody Hodgson has been traded and he is a typical 3rd line checking center. Everyone remembers the job Pahlsson did in the playoffs of 07 for Anaheim, if he can get close to that level for the Canucks, they became the favorite to win the cup.

The Boston Bruins picked up some blue line depth by acquiring Greg Zanon From Minnesota for Steven Kampfer, as well as Mike Mottau and forward Brian Rolston from the Islanders for a couple of minor leaguer's. It never hurts to have blue line depth in the playoffs and GM Peter Chiarelli commented that he wanted 8 NHL caliber defenders going into the playoffs.

The Nashville Predators added a couple of forwards for draft picks. The first trade of the day was acquiring Adrei Kostitsyn from Montreal for a 2nd round pick in 2013. This reunites the 2 Kostitsyn brothers and if Andrei can improve like Sergei did when he left Montreal, he could turn out to be a 30 goal scorer in this league. Paul Gaustad was also picked up from Buffalo for a 1st round pick in this summers draft. The Predators are clearly sending a message to defenceman Ryan Suter and Shea Weber that they are serious about contending and want to resign Suter (UFA) and Weber (RFA) to contract extensions before July 1st.

The only other trade worth mentioning is the Chicago Blackhawks acquiring defenceman Johnny Oduya from Winnipeg for a 2nd and 3rd round pick in 2013. This gives the Hawks a little more depth on their blueline, however their playoff chances lie with the injured Jonathan Toews and when he can return to the line up.

In all 15 trades were completed, the lowest number since the lockout, involving 31 players and 11 draft picks. The fact that Rick Nash is still a Columbus Blue Jacket, and GM Scott Howson threw him under the bus after the deadline passed, will be an interesting saga between now and the NHL entry draft. Scott Howson told the media in a press conference that Rick Nash asked for the Jackets to explore trade options. Howson said he would try to accommodate the request only if he could get cornerstone pieces in return that will help the club win a championship. There rest of the season was already going to be a bit of a distraction in Columbus and now it will be a little worse after Howson's comments.

- Mike Lord

Sheffield Steelers and Belfast Giants Crush Opponents (UK Round Up 26th February)

With the title race well and truly on in the EIHL there were crucial games to be played across the country.

Edinburgh Capitals 0 Sheffield Steelers 7

The Steelers coach Ryan Finnerty had said that his side needed to be more potent in front of the goal following two less than convincing games in Scotland. Finnerty also gambled by resting John De Caro to be replaced by British goalie Geoff Woolhouse.

The gamble paid off as the Steelers’ dominated the game from start to finish. A brace from Finnerty was backed up by goals from King, Huttel, Birnstill and Legue whilst Woolhouse stayed strong in front of some spirited Capitals attacks.

It was a vitalising victory for the Steelers who needed a boost after two shaky performances.

Belfast Giants 5 Coventry Blaze 0

Coventry returned to the rink looking for some points after their pointless weekend less time out. However Belfast were on again a hot streak.

The Giants picked up a 4-point lead with 13 goals scored and non conceded.

Braehead Clan 5 Dundee Stars 6 (APS)

The Stars – Clan game was the game of the round with the Stars looking to take advantage of the Capitals poor run and the Clan on some good form.

The Stars took the lead twice early only to find themselves 3 goals behind going into the last ten minutes. It was Kolanos, Maclean and McIntosh who netted within a minute of each other to level the scores and send the game to overtime.

No overtime winner was found and it fell to Chris Whitely to save from the usually reliable Jade Galbraith to win the game for the home team.

Nottingham Panthers 4 Fife Flyers 3

The Flyers were missing 3 players in their match up but again the Kirkcaldy side made it difficult for the visitors. But it was the visitors who showed the skill and took an advantage through Benedict and Francis.

It was a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish but a third period double from Gunn meant that the Panthers couldn’t relax.

Hull Stingrays 3 Cardiff Devils 5

The Devils maintained their good run of form to remain in contention for a top 4 finish with a controlling display against the Stingrays.

However it was the Stingrays that took the lead through former Devil Jason Silverthorn but a double from Matzka and 1 from Gerard Adams meant the Devils were in control of the tie.

Hull remained in contention with a Sylvan Cloutier strike but 2 in a minute from Pierce and Scott Matzka (for his hat trick) put the game beyond doubt even though Osman came in with consolation for the Stingrays.

English Premier League

There were just 3 games in the EPL on Sunday night and with Guildford not in action it was a chance for the Manchester Phoenix to close the gap. The Phoenix were missing Slava Koulikov to an injury picked up in the tie at Bracknell on Saturday night but looked to have done enough to beat the Berkshire outfit for the second night in a row. But with 90 seconds to go the Bees found an equaliser that appeared to be taking the game to overtime until James Archer netted his second of the game with 18 seconds left on the clock to win it for the Manchester Phoenix.

The 3^rd and 4^th placed sides also meant at Ice Sheffield with both sides having lost the night before. The Jets took the lead but it was Sheffield who came away with the spoils and leapfrog their opponents into third spot.

The final game of the night was in Peterborough where the Phantoms were involved in another high scoring match up this time against the Milton Keynes Lightning. This time though it was the Lightning who did the majority of the scoring to beat the Phantoms who remain outside of the playoffs but tied on points with the Bracknell Bees.

Scores

Sunday 26^th February

EIHL

Hull Stingrays 3 Cardiff Devils 5

Edinburgh Capitals 0 Sheffield Steelers 7

Belfast Giants 5 Coventry Blaze 0

Nottingham Panthers 4 Fife Flyers 3

Braehead Clan 5 Dundee Stars 6 (APS)

EPL

Bracknell Bees 2 Manchester Phoenix 3

Milton Keynes Lightning 9 Peterborough Phantoms 3

Slough Jets 3 Sheffield Steeldogs 5

Neil Tucker

www.bluelinehockeyblog.wordpress.com

The $50,000 dollar question? 'What are the Leafs Sellers or Buyers'?

Send in your comments to Coach Nye and explain what you would do with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As a coach, well I will tell you one thing BB and Ron 'not my fault' Wilson will need to do is stay calm and not let the emotions take over for the next 24 hours. Because they have alot of decisions to make that will either tell their fans in Leaf Nation they are sellers or buyers.

Taking a look at last nights contest and this is only the Coach's opinion I think the masterminds behind the Leafs will be looking at all possibilities and not over reacting. I do not think blowing up what they have created is the answer but I do think there is some bodies to move and to replace with the younger core coming up from the Marlies.

The Leafs for some reason again came out flatter then a 'pancake'  with no zip or any intensity which you would think these players would be doing. But know they didn't, they allowed the Capitals to out work them, out chance them and to add insult to injury the Caps did it front of the 1962 Toronto ML Stanley Cup Winners, who the present club honoured before the game.

Just 4 minutes into the game the Capitals were up 2-0 which resulted in give aways by the Leafs defence and a bad attempt of goal tending by Reimer. Both goals need to be stopped but you can't blame Reimer entirely as his own team mates left him out to dry a few times all evening.

All game the Leafs looked disorganized in their own end and then when the did mustered up some offence it was from the outside as the Capitals kept the Leafs from entering the scoring zone (front of the net) as much as possible.

Going into the 2nd period was really no better as the Capitals scored another two making the score 4-0 and a hole way to big for the Leafs to climb out of. Though Reimer did show a bit of a spark but the rest of his team mates didn't get the same 'memo' from the coach in between the 2nd and 3rd periods. There was no going hard to the net, not getting into open spots on the ice or even any real back checking done. It almost looked like and I hate to say because I'm not one who believes in this but it looked like the team has given up on Wilson and his coaching tactics (there I said it!)

Finally in the 3rd the Leafs got on the score board with a goal from Colby Armstrong and then another at the 15:03 mark scored by Tim Connolly, a little to late to develop any type of come back for sure and believe me any type of salvation to this season as the Leafs are falling and falling fast!


Game Notes

Alex Ovechkin picked up his pace last night and collected a couple of assists to have a good evening. He seems to love playing the Leafs as he has picked up 42 points in 26 games against them.

Count them....3 defensive turnovers by the Leafs in 32 seconds....not good hockey for sure.

Not sure how long the players and Brian Burke can handle  this but getting booed off the ice continually for the past 3 games is going to take it's toll.

Leafs are up again after the trade deadline on Tuesday 28th vs the Panthers,game time at 7pm

Until Next Time.

See you after the game.

Coach Nye

Professional Hockey Player Andrew Ference Goes Green

Most hockey fans know about Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference because of the team's Stanley Cup championship run last season. And recently Ference made headlines for a three-game suspension he received after a hit on the New York Rangers' Ryan McDonagh. But the National Geographic Channel is showing another side of Ference that many NHL fans might not be aware of: eco-warrior.

"Beyond the Puck," a web video series featuring new episodes every Thursday, provides brief glimpses (the videos average only a few minutes) into the off-ice life of Ference and his family as the Edmonton, Canada native goes green. Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki inspired Ference to pursue a carbon neutral lifestyle and helped him start in 2007 the NHL's first environmental program that encourages players to go carbon neutral and think about their impact on the environment. 

One webisode shows how Ference ditched his gas-guzzling truck for a bicycle. He now bikes to work and plays with his two children on bikes. Other webisodes show Ference grocery shopping for healthy organic food and composting at home with his kids.

Ference joins other current and former NHL players like ex-Rangers goalie Mike Richter in taking a public stand for protecting the planet. With so many professional athletes these days making headlines for all the wrong reasons, it is nice to see someone like Ference inspiring others to do the right thing. 

- Josh Marks

Leafs Gobbled Up By The Sharks

Do you think Brian Burke has a lot questions to ask his team before the trade deadline?

I would sure hope so, as the Toronto Maple Leafs showed up for only the 3rd period last night and that wasn't enough to beat the SJ Sharks. It is getting to be a broken record here but what the Leafs seem to be doing is forgetting that the game is a 6o minute venture and that it is always better to start off fast and get things going then waiting till the last period.

Trailing by 2-0 going into the 3rd after a scoreless, unemotional 1st period and then watching the Sharks take over the 2nd; it took Mike Brown of the Leafs to shake things up by coming out of the gate and taking on Jim Vandermeer with a entertaining bout. Surprisingly shortly thereafter finally the Leafs woke up as Jake Gardiner from the point blasted a shot home to narrow the lead to 2-1 at 3:53.

But this Leaf team doesn't seem to be to desperate for some reason and it doesn't look like there is any sense of urgency going on. There isn't any feel of a playoff atmosphere with this team especially at this time of year and that has to worry the Leafs brass.

The Sharks did a good job of shutting down the Leafs top 2 lines and goaltender Neimi played well to boot it off. Tonight wasn't a case of bad goaltending from the Leafs, actually James Reimer played well stopping several Sharks on good chances. It really looked like the scorers of the Leafs went AWOL this time and that isn't going to sit well with the coaching staff nor GM Burke.

The Leafs have the Capitals in town on Saturday and then have to sit through the trade deadline on Monday in Florida for a  Tuesday night tilt with the Panthers. Should be a interesting next few days in Leaf Nation as Brian Burke will be working the phones trying to figure out who should go and who should stay.


Notes:

Dominic Moore didn't dress last night for the Sharks as he has a lower-body injury.

Mike Komisarek sat out again making that the 9th time in 11 games...something should be happening with that in the next day or two.

Jake Gardiner didn't seem to leave the ice in the third period as he logged the most ice by a defenceman for the Leafs. Gardiner is also getting some notice from around the league for the Rookie of the Year, let's keep a watch out for this shall we.

Until next time.

See you after the game,

Coach Nye