A New Attitude – Hockey Pairings!

Posted at October 12, 2009 // Hockey Paring

In launching IceJunkies.com I was thinking to myself over the weekend – What does the NHL need?  Well … the NHL needs its very own sommelier!  If you are not aware what a sommelier does … they are the ones who suggest which wine would go well with a certain meal you are about to enjoy.  I have been watching hockey for many years now … and one thing that I feel the NHL is in need of … is someone to help guide its fans as to which refreshing beverage would help make the game they are about to watch … just that much more enjoyable.  So, walk with me as I take 4 games happening today and break them down with what I feel would be a nice drink of choice to enhance the wonderful world of Hockey!

Calgary @ Chicago
Good rivalry, both teams faced each other in the playoffs last year.  Chicago bumped Calgary in the first round and both teams seem to be on the rise.  Calgary taxis into the Windy City riding an extremely hot start.  The Flames are firing on all cylinders as just about everyone seems to be getting in on the scoring action.  That potent scoring triad of Eric Nystrom, Adam Pardy and Staffan Kronwall are just a few of the names that have allowed Calgary to jump out to a 4-1 start this season.  On the flip side of the coin, despite half their roster going through the tail end of puberty, the Chicago Blackhawks are off to a so-so start going 2-1-1 through their first 4. Both netminders for Chicago (Huet and Kippers) have shown that they are susceptible to scoring early on here this season, so make sure you grab a sandwich before this one to soak up the booze a bit; it could be a long night.

Suggested Pairing : A nice Beaujolais which tends to be a very light-bodied red wine, in celebration of the youthfulness on the Blackhawks roster

Phoenix @ San Jose
Tippett has picked up the dysfunctional Yotes and has somehow lit a fire in the desert.  Phoenix started the year off hard and determined going 3-0 … and with Nabby struggling in the first few match ups … is it possible for Phoenix to best the #1 team in the NHL from last year (regular season of course)?  San Jose is riding a 2 game win streak while Phoenix is trying not to drop 3 in a row tonight … Ilya Bryzgalov has stopped 47 of the last 48 shots protecting the Phoenix net, however, with newly acquired Dany Heatley and Big Joe Thornton in San Jose, each having 10 points so far this season … Ilya better pack a lunch – Ring the bell foolz … School is in Session!

Suggested Pairing : Any IPA for its full body strong bite … might I suggest a Lagunitas or Dogfish 60 Minute.

Florida @ Tampa
With Florida @ 1-3-0 and Tampa @ 1-1-2 … both teams need a win, and unfortunately Tampa has not had back to back wins since December 12 and 14, 2008.  With the addition of Alex Tanguay, Victor Hedman and a few others the Bolts look to extend the losing streak in South Florida to four games.  October in Florida … 90+ degree weather begs for shorts and flip flops … David Booth and Steven Rienprecht on the Panthers will look to add to the Lightning Loss column seeing how Mike Smith is out of the crease for Tampa … it is going to be up to Nittymaki.  Anywhere else in the NHL, this match up would bring the grit, grind and determination of a Game 7 playoff match … unfortunately, this game will not be like that.

Suggested Pairing : Natural Light in a red solo cup … for the watered down taste of what real hockey could be.

Colorado @ Boston
The Avs are hitting this season wide open … non-stop aggression with speed and agility from players like Duchene and Tucker are going to bring it to Bean Town hoping to ride the inconsistency train Tim Thomas is driving!!!  Colorado @ 2-1-1 seems to be the sleeper team of the season so far.  Four players on the Avs are sitting with 4 points – Wolski, Hejduk, Quincey and Stastny … while Boston coach Claude Julien brought the Bruins in for an impromptu Sunday practice.  We shall see if Boston will show up for this Mile High Melee.

Suggested Pairing : Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale … for the delicious nectar from Flying Dog Brewery in Denver, Colorado.

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