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

Keeley's Korner - The Hunks of Hockey 2.0

The GetRealHockey Gmail account went crazy after I wrote my first article on the Hunks of Hockey.  Ladies all over the planet emailed me with comments and suggestions so I had  no choice but to hit the laptop and write another edition of the Hunks of Hockey.   

I am here in between all the articles on goals and fights to show the most important part of the beautiful game; the beauty !!!  Sorry boys but us ladies love our favorite players on and off the ice. Who wouldn't love a gorgeous, hockey playing , multi millionaire !!! 

Anyways close your eyes boys and ladies get ready for The Hunks of Hockey 2.0.   Check out the pics of my favorites and don't forget to email me (getrealhockey@gmail.com) with your favorites for the next edition of my column.       

Boston wonderboy Tyler Seguin is only 20 years old, but with his exceptional talent and his killer smile, it’s no wonder he’s already managed to make a name for himself in the league – both on and off the ice. With the amazing shirtless photos from the Bruins Foxwood celebrations a few years ago still being talked about, there’s no doubt that Seguin’s earned his spot on the list. (Plus he saw The Vow – who doesn’t love a guy who can actually admit he’s got a softer side?)

John Tavares has always been exceptional and 200 games into his NHL career and in the middle of what some are calling his ‘break-out’ year, that fact does not seem to be changing soon. With his hockey hair, amazing smile – and, let’s face it, his abs are kind of amazing as well – it’s easy to see why he’s as popular off the ice as he is on it.

Now, Ryan Kesler was covered last time – but after looking around a bit more, more photo’s have come up making it impossible to not put him up here again. In the ESPN Body issue, Kesler took it a step further then his underwear modeling shots and took it all off. There’s nothing to say really but wow; just…wow. 

Anyways, I have to get off to class now.  Hopefully the prof won't mind me day dreaming about the NHL and all those pretty faces.    

- Keeley Ryan

NHL Trade Deadline Update - The Flames have the most to gain in Western Canada

With the Vancouver Canucks 15 points ahead of 9th place Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers 15 points behind 8th place L.A. Kings, the role of buyer and seller has been determined for the 3 Canadian teams. The Oilers plan to continue the youth movement and the Canucks are gearing up for another run at Lord Stanley's mug. That just leaves the Flames.

Calgary is in a dog fight for the playoffs as 9 points separate 6th to 13th. The Phoenix Coyotes are tied with the Kings for 8th with 65 points each and just 2 points behind sit the Flames. Calgary has no cap space and adding a piece to get over the hump will not be easy. The Flames desperately need a second line center and players that could be offered up in a trade would be Lee Stempniak, who is an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Blake Comeau who is under performing at a $2.5 million cap hit. Moving Matt Stajan may be a pipe dream as he has a no trade clause, however getting someone to take on his $3.5 million salary may be harder than getting him to waive the no trade.

The Vancouver Canucks have been coasting through the regular season as they sit 2nd in the west 4 points behind Detroit. There is no cap space, so to add a player without shedding some salary will be impossible. The Canucks are mentioned to be involved in the Rick Nash trade rumors but the price maybe too high as Cory Schneider and Cody Hodgson plus more are said to be the asking price. Vancouver is already deep and with Sami Salo and Aaron Rome the only UFA's this summer, don't expect much movement. Shipping Keith Ballard and his $4.2 million contract out of town would be an amazing feat by GM Mike Gillis.

Perhaps the most exciting team in the NHL is also one of the youngest, the Edmonton Oilers are clearly out of the playoff race and the youth movement has been on for a few years. With a young group of exciting forwards already in place, look for the Oilers to target prospects for their blue line. Ales Hemsky is the best asset the Oilers have that they would be willing to part with, as his contract expires at the end of this year. Ryan Smyth's contract is up as well but he has made it clear he wants to be in Edmonton. Expect him to resign at a discounted price. Unloading Shawn Horcoff and his huge salary would be a blessing, however Horcoff has a no movement clause through next season. It looks like Oilers fans will have to put up with him for another season.

- Mike Lord

Valentines' Day is a Time to Celebrate our Love of Rivalries

The NHL has some of the best rivalries in professional sports.  These rivalries  bring out the best in players, fans and teams.  Fans have watched NHL legends star in rivalries which are in the highlight reels for generations to come.     

This tradition of hardcore rivalries lives well and prospers in today's NHL.  From left to right on the dial we have some pretty decent rivalries which keep fans on the edge of their seats.

In Western, Canada you have the Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers which have seen incredible battles.  Luongo and the Nucks can look forward to growing competition to the kiddie brigade in Edmonton.  The young Oilers have some incredible talent which should challenge Vancouver which are perennial Cup contenders.

In the rest of Canada the focus of hockey fans is on two other teams. The Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens are pretty much the center piece rivalry for Canadian hockey fans and the rest of the NHL.  Ever since their Original Six days; these squads have been bashing out some hardcore hockey.  No matter who is ahead of who in the standings; a Leafs versus Habs game is a treat for fans around the league.

American NHL fans tune in to see clashes between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers as well as games between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks.  These four teams lay it down large ad leave the blood , sweat and tears on the rink. 

Other note worthy rivalries include:

Red Wings versus Stars (on tonight)

and

Rangers versus Bruins (on tonight)

So enough about flowers, chocolates, and movies like The Notebook; it's time to dig your teeth into something you can really love. Tune out and tune in to watch some of the best rivalries the NHL has to offer.  Who says hockey isn't about love ?

   

Canucks and Flames Ring Up Victories for West Coast Hockey

Time differences often leave West Coast NHL teams in the dark when it comes to fan followings.  Big markets like Toronto, Montreal, Boston, and New York seem to always take center stage on the ESPN's and TSN's of the world.  The obvious reason is that they all play in the EST time zone.  That is an unfortunate fact and it means that some great hockey teams and players , out West, get ignored by more than half the NHL fan base.  

That West Coast magic was on display for all to see in Boston last night as the Canucks rolled into town for a rematch to last year's Stanley Cup final.  The game was very intense as expected and Vancouver came out on top by a final of 4-3.  The Bruins tried to muscle their brothers from out West but the Canucks smashed back and showed that they can play the type of game which cost them the Cup last year.  As everyone recalls the poor Canucks were unable to go toe to toe physically with the Bruins in last year's final.  This doesn't seem to be an issue now .Last night's game seems to have heralded a change for the Canucks and the Bruins and everyone else in the NHL should be paying attention.

Jerome Iginla finally racked up his 500th goal for the Calgary Flames on Saturday night.  It was the game winning goal for the Flames against the Wild. The Flames  who have been playing a better brand of hockey for the last month or so; seem ready to make a strong push at the end of the year.  Their captain is destined for the Hall of Fame and he will go down in Co Town as one of the greats along with Lanny McDonald.  His 500th last night was a game winner for his team and that is a testament to his leadership.  Iginla always seems to score when it counts and we think Flames' fans can expect many more productive years from their favourite son.

GetRealHockey wants to speak to fans, businesses and non-profits interested in GetRealNHLVip

The GetRealHockey readership is growing on a daily and weekly basis. Our writers are the backbone of this effort.  In a move to monetize the website and offer a quality service to NHL fans we have devised a new website which will be good for fans, businesses and non-profits. Profits from this new website will be used to pay writers.

Our team is getting ready to launch www.getrealNHLVip.com.  The site will offer real NHL VIP experiences to fans who want to get close to their favourite stars.  We intend to offer alumni trips with formers NHLers.   In the past we ran a story on a trip with the alumni of the Vancouver Canucks and received a solid response.  If you are planning this kind of event or trip and what to work with us; please email us @ getrealhockey@gmail.com.  

Our other getrealNHLVIP offerings will include access to NHL charity events like fundraisers and golf tournaments.  If you are a non-profit and would like to speak to us about this undertaking; please email us @ getrealhockey@gmail.com.   

Early tally troubles leads to Islanders 4-1 loss to Vancouver

The New York Islanders (4-7-3) gave up an early first period goal to the Vancouver Canucks (9-8-1), who never looked back in their 4-1 victory over the Isles. Vancouver was able to use their defense to create scoring opportunity against the Isles-who have now lost three straight games.

In the only meeting between these teams, the Isles are still looking for their first victory on the road-as the guys could not get their feet going until the later part of the game. Having an outstanding game in the cage for New York was Evgeni Nabokov, who recorded a season-high 32 saves in the cage.

Vancouver was able to use all of the personnel on the ice to help score their goals, earning the first score of the game at the 1:57 mark, as Aaron Rome (3) banged home a wrap-around attempt by David Booth (6) for a 1-0 lead.

The Canucks were able to find another early scoring opportunity, as with 0:34 minutes into the second period Henrik Sedin (6) took advantage of a screen set up by his teammates to add on to the Vancouver lead.

New York had plenty of opportunities throughout the night, but was stoned by Canucks keeper Roberto Luongo, who earned his 200^th victory in a Vancouver uniform. The cager now has 315 wins in his career thus far, and is climbing his way up the ranks of winning keepers in the NHL.

The Islanders were able to break through on Luongo, when at the 15:09 mark Matt Moulson (4) banged home a nine foot backhanded shot, on a great effort by teammates Michael Grabner (2) and John Tavares (6).

Tavares played the puck aggressively to Grabs, who made an amazing diving pass to Moulson, who banged the puck twice on the cage to cash in on the first New York goal.  The goal for Mat is his second in three games, as the determined forward kept working at the puck until it banged home.

It was at this point in the game that the Islanders needed momentum, and great skating to try to pick up their first victory on the road. Instead it was Vancouver who rose to the occasion, starting the period off with a barrage of shots.

The Canucks took over the momentum of the game at the 2:47 mark when Cody Hodgson (4) deflected a power play goal, which was assisted by Aaron Rome (1) and Chris Higgins (4). David Booth (2) capped the victory off at the 16:59 mark, cashing in on an empty-net goal.

New York returns home to Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, to host three of the Original Six teams in a week that’ll test this Islanders team. Fans of the Isles need to keep an eye on the horizon, as there is a storm brewing by the name of ‘El Nino.’ It was reported on the MSG Plus network tonight that Nino Niederreiter, who was injured before the start of the season, has now finished with his conditioning program with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Now the question is when can fans get the chance to see the young star in action.

The first opportunity for ‘El Nino’ to strike for the Islanders will be on Tuesday night, when the red-hot New York Rangers come to the Coliseum. The game is scheduled to air on the MSG Plus network, with face-off slated for 7:00 p.m.

Stacy Podelski

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