Breakdowns

Will The NHL Allow A Coaches Challenge

Will the NHL get a “Coaches Challenge”

We have seen it in the NFL … looks like a touchdown, players jump around like its a touchdown, however after reviewing the play we find out by slow motion instant replay the players knee touched the grass 2 inches before the ball crossed the line.  Result – No Touchdown!

The only type of review process we have in the NHL is the War Room in Toronto.  A small room, only 12 x 36 feet, with TV’s, DVRs, Rosters, and every game being played in the NHL that night.  I KNOW – sounds like heaven to me too!!!  The job of the War Room is to be on hand for every game should there be a reviewable situation, usually a goal will be reviewed to verify the puck fully crossed the line.  Other duties are reviewing illegal hits (hits to the head and such) along with a review of how the on ice officials call the game, Yes – on ice officials are reviewed each game them officiate.  I found this video of the Toronto War Room to give you an idea of the layout and equipment …

On Tuesday Oct 26th … there was an instance in Toronto that has some GM’s thinking about adding a “coaches challenge” to the agenda for the November GM’s meeting.  Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon appears to have the support of 14 other GM’s in the NHL that want to discuss adding this ability to the bench.

As in any fast paced sport, calls will be missed and with the magic of instant replay we as viewers have the advantage of seeing what was missed or not called.  Keep in mind, hockey is a sport that is non stop and always fast.  So, to have the War Room as a back up is a good thing … and most of the time, will slow things down to make sure the call on the ice was correct.  You see this when the referee skates to the side and puts on the headphones.

Dale Tallon and 14 other GM’s in the NHL would like to give the coaches the ability to call on Toronto to make a call.  Tallon is upset, and rightly so, because of the horrible interference from Colton Orr that resulted in a Toronto goal … you can see that play here!  Wait for it … you’ll see it.

So – what do you think.  The Referee missed that blatant call … and according to the rules, Toronto could not review it because it was clearly a goal, however, it was a goal that was the result of a penalty.  Tallon says because of mistakes like that – Coaches should have the ability to bring Toronto into the mix.

This will be an interesting discussion and an even interesting decision.  If it is allowed for Toronto to expand their reviewable guidelines, then where would they stop?  So many ways video review could be used … and one concern of mine is … how will this affect the play and flow of the game?  Would the challenging coach have repercussions if the challenge is lost.  A couple ideas were the forfeiture of a time out … or maybe even a bench minor 2 minute penalty assessed to the challenging coach.

Will coaches be able to challenge penalties or missed calls?  How far back would a challenge be allowed – If a hooking call which ended up as a turnover and on the odd man rush the team scored … would the challenge be able to rewind back to the hook?  I would be very easy for a coach to use this challenge as a tactical rest for his line.  If this does happen, I am sure there will be very strict guidelines on when and how coaches could use this.  We all have our issues with the on ice officals and the calls that they allow and do not allow.  If we are going to consider a Coaches Challenge … I would really like to see the guidelines

I Am A Winner – Just Ask Saucerpass.com

Many months ago my buddy at Saucerpass.com – Brian Schrembs threw out a contest … short version was “Guess where the Free Agents are going!”  Brian listed how the scoring would go and I downloaded the list and began wracking my brain for a few days … reading and researching … pondering silently … trying to think “WWDWD” (What Would Doug Wilson Do)?  For the record … I NEVER wanted Heatley in San Jose – but that is another post for another day!

I made my selections and emailed Schrembs the list … thinking it was fun and moving on with my life I received notice a few weeks ago that I WON!  After I picked myself up off the floor, I dusted off my shirt, thanked Schrembs (and the League) for my winnings and patiently awaited the arrival of my winnings!

TA DA … today, I signed for a box that was addressed to Bill Bristerzorz and it was sent to me from Brian Schremzorz!!!  IT WAS TRUE … I am a winner!

Here are the pictures to prove it … I would like to thank Brian Schrembs and everyone who LOST for this win … I would like to thank the NHL for being such a Kick Ass league providing us fans with a Kick Ass sport … and above all … I would like to thank ME … for being so Bad Ass, I picked where everyone was going!!! *smile*

Enjoy the pictures … I know I’ll be enjoying the jersey!

Tags : contest, draft, jersey, Mario Lemieux, NHL Draft, Saucerpass.com, winner

Welcome To IceJunkies

I have launched this blog in an effort to share my passion of hockey and this sport.  I’ll be adding my previous posts from my old blog The Daily Deke shortly … until then, keep checking back.  I will be posting my first ever Video Blog tomorrow.  Stay Tuned and welcome to IceJunkies.com

The Deke’s 2009 NHL Awards

Brian Schrembs (@saucerpass) and I were talking a few weeks ago about the NHL and some of the craziness surrounding the teams, players, GM’s and Owners.  It seems like in our small world of Hockey there is enough drama to fill quite a few prime time slots on any of the major networks.  Brian suggested we do some type of award ceremony, not a “Rocket Richard, Lady Bing or Vezina” type award ceremony, but one more focused on the lighter side of hockey.  So, with the recent NHL Awards that were held in Las Vegas, we at the Deke are going to share our thoughts regarding what awards should be doled out.

I sent an email out to the regulars on The Weekly Deke podcast asking for everyone’s 5 “Awards” to hand out – I asked that the awards be for any aspect of the NHL and to be creative.  Included in my email was an award topic I wanted everyone to contribute to … As you all know, Randy Moller from the Florida Panthers was a special guest on the Deke and after 2 years of recording a podcast … Randy was our first ever “Real Interview!”  I am looking forward to the many more “Real Interviews” we have on the Deke … however, Randy was our first and will always hold that special place in our hearts.  I’ll throw in a few comments for the awards that need a little explaining, my comments will be italicized.

First up for the Awards we have Sandi Lincoln, The Weekly Deke’s Official Hockey Mom … Sandi brings a special passion for the sport and her sense of humor keeps us all on our toes.  Sandi is usually the one that points out “The Weekly Dirty” and you can usually hear her “Shhhing” her pug Sophie.  Here are Sandi’s 5.

1.      Have Snow Will Blow – Joe Sakic

2.      Double Dinner Awards / Sloppy Seconds – NY Rangers

3.      ACME Award – Phoenix Coyotes This award is for that one team that just keeps trying and trying and will never give up.

4.      Was A Coach (WAC) Award – Barry Melrose I think if you look on Wikipedia the entry that discusses Barry Melrose’s tenure with the Tampa Bay Lightning equates to about 17 minutes

5.      Jinx with Jugs Award – Sarah Palin Quite the clever award … seeing how when she dropped the puck for the Blues they went on a losing streak, until she dropped the puck for the Flyers which then started their losing streak.

Judy has been with us for as long as I have been hosting the Deke.  Judy has introduced us to knitting in the NHL, what not to eat at the Shark Tank and my favorite, her website … Big Whiny Defenseman.  Judy is also known for her segment The Weekly Dirty which takes wonderful commentary from the on air announcers and puts the statements in a whole new light.  Here are Judy’s 5.

1.      Most Outraged Announcer – Jim Jackson “You cant do that Scott Hartnell”

2.      Big Whiny Award – Sidney Crosby

3.      We told you that wouldn’t wash off and look what happened to your season – Jose Theodore Its what happens when you mack on Paris Hilton and score!

4.      Diluted Fasionista Award – Don Cherry

5.      Hockey’s Hope for high fashion – Vesa Toskala, Sean Avery, Ryan Getzlaf … winner – Teemu Selane

Emily is the newest member of the Deke family.  Known for her mad skillz at arranging Tweet Ups in the DC area she is also the prime target of the Schrembs School of Stalking … When Emily is not watching hockey or talking about hockey, you can find her teaching western civilization at the local Jr College.  Here are Emily’s 5.

1.      Bo Jackson Multiple Career Award – Alexander Semin Part Hockey player, part bongo player (drummer, percussionist, boxer).  We all love his crazy fighting style

2.      Halle Barry Award – Tim Thomas Did he really cry when he won the Vezina trophy

3.      Ponzi Pyramid Scheme award – Marion Hossa Hoped for a cup with Pitt (lost to Det), went to Det for a cup (lost to Pitt), now in Chicago … somehow he keeps getting paid more!

4.      Soap Star of the year (dramatic performance during the Free Agency) – Danny Heatley

5.      Zsa Zsa Gabor All Star Team (cause you can’t understand them) – Chara, Datsyuk, Malkin, Sedin twins, Varlamov

6.      Honorable Mention … Most likely to be mistaken as a Sesame St character award – Gary Bettman (as the Count)

Kate, also known as @Avsluvr or @MrsHockeyRocker on Twitter … Kate hangs with her hubby and biking buddy Tom – @HockeyRocker.  Tom and Kate have the best story on how they met, they were playing hockey, Tom saw Kate tie up with another hockey player and she knocked him out … Tom was instantly enamored and the rest is history.  Kate and Tom were recently married and they make a pretty awesome team on the Deke (mostly Kate, Tom keeps busy trying to pair wine to hockey games).  Here are Kate’s 5.

1.      Rocky Balboa Award – Evgeni Malkin (for thinking he can fight)

2.      Golden Toilet Award – San Jose Sharks (for flushing a good season)

a.      Boston with the Silver flush award as runners up

3.      Bobby Knight Award – John Tortorella If goons became coaches.

4.      Spidey Award – Florida Fan who flashes her boobs to get attention

5.      3 Blind Mice Award – All of the 2009 playoff Ref’s

Bill … that’s me!  Here are my 5 …

1.      The Little Engine That Could Award – Jimmy Balsielle Gotta give the guy some props for trying to buy a team.  Pitt, Nash, Phoenix … who is next?  This guy just wont give up.

2.      The Dad He Is Looking Out Of My Window Award – Len Barrie / Oren Koules So if you remember, it was only a couple months ago … Len and Oren were fighting over who had control of the team and they had to go to NY to talk to Gary Bettman to figure out who actually had control.

3.      The You Using The Whole Fist Doc Award – Brian Burke Here is a great line from an equally great movie (Fletch) … I gave this award to Brian Burke because he never pulls his punches and he will tell you the gods honest truth no matter how much it hurts.

4.      The He Is Just Not That Into You Award – Sean Avery With Sean’s comment regarding a couple of his ex-girlfriends … I think its just safe to say

5.      Why is he STILL a Shark – Patrick Marleau He should have been traded 3 years ago … but alas!

Chris, our fearless producer and local funny guy … Chris has been with the Deke longer than I have.  Well, that’s because the blog and podcast was partly his idea, I think.  Anyway … Chris had some pretty creative award categories and I believe there might be a smattering of sarcasm in some of these.

1.      Gary Bettman Award for Playoff Innovation – Bill Brister Evidently my idea of adding more rounds to the current playoff format struck Chris as humorous

2.      NHL Award for league most likely to overtake them for 4^th place in TV ratings – NBA

3.      Prodigal Mullet Award – Barry Melrose / ESPN He left … and now he is back

4.      Dead Beat Dad Award – The people involved in the Chapter 11 bankruptcy hearing of the Dewey Ranch hockey LLC (holding company created by NHL and Reinsdorf)

5.      2009 Snowbird Award – NHL General Managers who hold the meeting in Naples, Fl

Brian … or as we all know him “Schrembs” is our Fantasy Hockey knowledge base.  If you have any Fantasy Hockey related question please, ask Brian … then, do the opposite!  Brian is known for great Fantasy Hockey advice like “Trade Havlat quick, cause he is going to get injured” … Here are his 5.

1.      The “oh shit, you just got pwned” Award: Ottawa Senators for not
knowing how to deal with Dany Heatley

2.      The Papa Shango Sleeper Hold Pick of the Off-season – Florida
Panthers (my sleeper team to make the playoffs)

3.      The Fantasy Man Award – Bob Gainey (for putting together a better
fantasy team than most of the managers in my keeper fantasy hockey
league)

4.      The Worst First Award – For having the ugliest looking first line
so far in the off-season (Avery-Dubinsky-Gaborik)

5.      Brian Michael Schrembs Award for Outstanding Achievement in the
Field of Excellence – Chicago Blackhawks (see, much like myself, the
Blackhawks are getting in way over their head financially, and when
they have to re-sign Toews, Keith and Kane next season, they’re going
to regret signing Hossa. And while I can continue to take out student
loans and accrue interest, they certainly cannot. THERE’S NO CAP FOR
STUDENT LOAN DEBT BABY! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Randy Moller Award -

1.      Skippy Top Shelf Award, ’cause that’s where Mrs. Moller keeps the peanut butter! (Bill)

2.      Most Likely to take a career as an auctioneer (Emily)

3.      Molar Award – I kept my own teeth (Sandi/Emily)

4.      Most Likely to make a member of The Weekly Deke’s team head explode (Judy)

5.      Motorboat award for linguistic excellence (Chris)

So there it is … if you have your own award to throw into the mix, please, leave a comment below.

Florida Panthers’ Randy Moller on The Weekly Deke this Tues June 2nd

Amazing News – the greatness that is the Florida Panthers’ play by play announcer, Randy Moller,  an ex-player who has taken a fondness to using pop culture references during goal calls, will be our special guest this Tuesday, June 2nd on The Weekly Deke!

Randy’s professional career started with the 1981 NHL Entry Draft when he was picked up by the Quebec Nordiques (1st round 11th overall – he played from 1982 – 1995).   Randy was selected along with other great players like – Grant Fuhr (1st round – 8th overall), Chris Chelios (2nd round – 40th overall) and John Vanbiesbrouck (4th round – 72nd overall).  His 15 years in the NHL had him wearing 4 jerseys (Quebec Nordiques, NY Rangers, Buffalo Sabers and Florida Panthers) and in his 15 years he has played along side greats like Joe Sakic, Tie Domi, Lindy Ruff, Adam Graves, Mark Messier and Rob Niedermayer.  His stats are 815 games with 45 goals and 180 assists (225 points).  He was also featured on the cover of NHLPA Hockey ’93

Randy has been the center of a few discussions on the Deke for his hillarious and awesome goal calls!

I am looking forward to our chat with Randy next week, and from what I have read, with Randy, its all about making the sport better.  Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald interviewed Randy last December and Randy told him:

“We’re having a blast with it, I take the position very seriously, but I don’t take myself too seriously. But if we’re down 5-0 with two minutes left and score a goal, I’m not going to do something. It doesn’t fit the situation.  The Panthers have been supportive, {team president Michael Yormark} knows I won’t go over the line, I absolutely stay away from anything that could be perceived as controversial or racial or derogatory, and I don’t think we need the goal calls to become bigger than the goal itself. I don’t want it to become a sideshow. If the mood and timing are right, I will continue this.”

You can listen to our chat with Randy this Tuesday June 2nd at 9:45ET at http://www.nosebleedtv.com … join us in the chat and if you have any questions for Randy, either leave them here as a comment or ask your question in our chat room Tuesday night.

Tags : Florida Panthers, Randy Moller, Special Guest, TWeekD

Amazing NHL Saves and Post Season Observations

Over the past few days I have witnessed some of the hardest hitting, physically taxing and absolute amazing playoff hockey!  I was talking to a buddy last night about the Varlamov and Luongo saves, and how this post-season has to be “The Year of the Goalie!”  Every analyst will tell you goalies win playoff games, and every year there is that one or two goalies that stand out and own the playoffs.  This year, there seems to be a greater number than two!  Hiller in Anaheim, Thomas in Boston, Luongo in Vancouver and Osgood in Detroit have all been amazing!  Now, add to that mix Varlamov in Washington!

The Washington Capitals struggled against the New York Rangers in the first round, and they delivered some amazing first round hockey and in the end came out victorious.  I am very happy to see them playing the Pittsburgh Penguins this round for no other reason than to watch them win!  Since the Sharks are no longer in the chase for the cup, I have to choose a new dog to hunt with – I have the teams I am cheering for in the current games (Carolina and Chicago) and then there is that Detroit / Anaheim round where I wish it was mathematically possible for BOTH teams to lose, but to no avail, ’tis not.  So, I hang my hat on our boys in DC.

If you missed the saves here they are … keep reading because have another point I want to make in this post.

Varlamov’s Amazing Save (5/2/2009)

Luongo’s Amazing Save (5/1/2009)

Now, since Dawn has been in France over the past week, I have been able to watch many hockey games.  In Washington’s recent play, and thinking back to their play all this season, I have noticed something that has brought them to round 2 and has been a big benefit for their team.  They play with passion and emotion, they physically grind in the corners and take away the neutral zone – they play good solid text book hockey … however, their secret weapon looks to be their poise!  I have noticed this especially with Alexander Ovechkin that when he misses a one-timer or does not hit a pass just right or his check comes up short, he does not get frustrated.  He puts his head down and gets right back into the play.

Pay attention to the poise and frustration of players in the next game and you’ll see a big difference in how that simple, yet incredibly hard to handle emotion can have devastating results on a player.  Joe Thornton in San Jose, better yet, the whole San Jose Sharks team fell victim to this killer.  You could see every time the whistle stopped play in the Sharks/Ducks series how frustrated everyone was on the San Jose bench.

Hopefully, the Sharks can learn from this years melt down and at the same time I hope the Washington Capitals do not lose it – Frustration is a silent killer in Hockey and I think our boys in DC can continue this push and take it far this post season.  What do you think, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the teams left?

Tags : Attitude, Goalies, Sharks, washington capitals

2009 NHL Calendar Breakdown – How Time Flies!

We have 6 weeks left in the 2008/2009 NHL season.  Here are the highlights left for the players, coaches, general managers, owners and future hockey hopefuls.  I have broken down a few of the dates and explained what is going to happen and what to expect … and also, what to look for.  I am anticipating July 1st and the RFA/UFA season – do you know where your favorite player is going?  Many people talk about the off season being a slow NHL time … however, keep an eye on the RFA/UFA list (link below) and hang on for the ride!  Beside the NHL Trade Deadline – July 1st and the Free Agency period are my 2nd most favorite non-game NHL time.

April 24-May 10 – IIHF World Championship, Switzerland

May 25-30 – NHL Combine, Toronto

You can view here the 2009 Combine Invite List

The NHL Combine is a downright vigorous and probably the most physical, medical and psychological test these kids have to endure while the try to get into the NHL.  It’s an “Invite Only” party that will help the scouts, coaches and GM’s decide where they put their draft picks and with whom.  This is the second year it is being held at the Bristol Palace hotel in Toronto.  The players are going to have everything tested – agility, stamina, coordination, thinking ability, maturity, their mental state … the only thing they will not have to do is skate.

NHL Central Scouting Director E.J. McGuire told NHL.com there are a number of reasons for not putting the prospects on skates.  First, for the top players, teams likely have seen them multiple times in person or on video already.  Also, there’s the fact that some players, including many with U.S. colleges and high schools, haven’t been on the ice since February, while others will have played in the Under-18 World Championships or just finished at the Memorial Cup, which ends the same week as the Combine.

“Is it fair to the kid whose high school season ended in February to stand next to the kid who (just) played in a championship game?” McGuire asked. “It might be unfair to the Memorial Cup participant if the (high school) kid had just been doing the Combine tests, sprinting five times as week, and not having to practice. That Memorial Cup guy, did he block a shot to win a championship and his ankle is sore?”

Instead, the players are put through their paces in a three-hour crucible which includes events as simple as the sit and reach, push-ups and sit-ups, right through a pair of high-tech torture chambers — exercise bike tests that measure anaerobic fitness and an aerobic-max VO2 test.  This is one test that these kids dread, yet anticipate their entire lives!

June 15 – Last possible day for Stanley Cup finals

Plain and simple … by June 15th we will have the 2008/2009 Champions!

June 18 – NHL awards show at Las Vegas

Are you going?  2009 NHL Awards

June 26-27 – NHL draft, Montreal

New York Islanders get the first pick, Tampa Bay Lightning picks second and Colorado Avalanche get the third pick.  The NHL Entry Draft consists of seven rounds, with each team assigned one pick in each round. Draft picks can be traded at any time and as we all know, most of those picks have been traded or pawned for position or players.  The 2009 NHL draft order has not completely been set (we’ll know by June 15th) – there is a running list on Wikipedia regarding the 2009 NHL Draft Order

How They Decide The Draft Order:

• The 14 teams that missed the playoffs during the previous NHL season hold the first 14 picks. They draft in order of fewest points to most points, subject to the results of the draft lottery (see below).
• The current Stanley Cup champion picks last (30th).
• The Stanley Cup runner-up picks 29th.
• The other two Conference Finalists pick 28th and 27th.
• Regular-season division winners hold the other lowest positions.
• Remaining teams draft in order of fewest points to most points from the previous regular season.

Why They Hold The Draft Lottery:
The selection order in the first round is subject to a lottery, held among the teams that hold the top 14 picks.  There is only one winning team in the lottery.  That team moves up a maximum of four places in the draft order.  The lottery is weighted to favor the teams with the fewest points.  It was introduced to prevent a weak team from deliberately losing to guarantee itself a high draft pick.

Who Are Eligible For The Draft:
Eligible Players are players who turn 18 by September 15 and are not older than 20 by December 31.  Also, non-North American players over the age of 20 are eligible.  Any North American player who is not drafted by the age of 20 is an unrestricted free agent and all non-North Americans must be drafted before being signed, regardless of age.  Players can also Re-enter the Draft when they are not signed by an NHL team within two years of being drafted, as long as he is 20 years old or younger at the time of the subsequent draft.  Players over 20 become unrestricted free agents.  NCAA players are an exception: NHL teams retain the rights to a college player until 30 days after the player has left college.  Any team that does not sign a first-round draft pick is awarded a compensatory pick in a future draft upon losing the rights to that player and a player who has been drafted a second time cannot re-enter.

July 1 – Free agency signing period begins

Here are the lists of 2009 NHL Free Agents (by team) from Sports City – Restricted Free Agents and Unrestricted Free Agents

Unrestricted NHL Free Agents – As of 2008, any player whose contract has expired can declare himself an unrestricted free agent if he is at least 27 years old or has at least seven years of service as an NHL player.  Between 2005 and 2008, the age of unrestricted free agency declined from 31 to 27.  An unrestricted free agent is free to negotiate and sign a contract with any NHL team.  Teams losing unrestricted free agents do not receive any compensation.  Under the old collective agreement, which expired in 2005, draft picks were awarded as compensation.

Restricted Free Agents are players who are no longer considered “entry-level” but do not qualify as unrestricted free agents become restricted free agents when their contracts expire.  The current team must extend a “qualifying offer” to a restricted free agent to retain negotiating rights to that player.  Players who earned less than $660,000 in the previous season must be offered 110 percent of last season’s salary.  Players making up to $1 million must be offered 105 percent.  Players making over $1 million must be offered 100 percent.  If the qualifying offer is not made, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent.  If the player rejects a qualifying offer, he remains a restricted free agent.

July 5 – Deadline for player-elected salary arbitration / July 6 – Deadline for club-elected salary arbitration

Original post by Clint back in July 2007 – You can read it HERE

Arbitration is a tool that teams and players can use to handle salary disputes. It is only available to restricted free agents with four years of NHL experience. However, this term can be reduced for players that signed their first contract after the age of 20. Teams also have the ability to take their players to arbitration but a team may only take a player to arbitration one time in their career. Furthermore, a team can request no more than an 85% decrease in the player’s salary. Players, on the other hand, can request an arbitration hearing as much as they’d like throughout their professional career.

In arbitration, the player (and their agent) and the team each propose a potential salary and then argue for why they believe that salary to be fair. They base their proposals on things such as the player’s previous statistics, their overall contributions to the team’s success or failure, and the salaries received by other players that are deemed comparable.

A decision is made within 48 hours and at that point the team has the right to accept the arbitrators decision and sign the player to the deal or walk away. If the team walks away, the player becomes an unrestricted free agent and can be signed by any team in the league.

July 10 – Deadline for eligible players to elect Group 5 free agency

Group 5 Free Agents are the rarest of all the groups. A Group V free agent is, in essence, a player with the option of electing Group II status* or unrestricted free agency.  Historically, players have opted for unrestricted free agency.  If a team makes a qualifying offer, the player has until Aug. 5 to elect unrestricted free agency.  If the player chooses not to become an unrestricted free agent, the team which owns his rights will have the option of matching an offer from a new team or draft-pick compensation as it applies to Group II free agents.  If a team does not make a qualifying offer, the player is moved to the unrestricted list.

Qualifying age/experience for Group V players – They must have completed 10 pro seasons or more (NHL or minors, excluding junior hockey), earned less than the league average and received a timely qualifying offer.  These players have the right to elect once in their careers to become unrestricted free agents.  If they elect unrestricted status, then fall under the qualifications of a Group V again, they will automatically be restricted.

*Group II Free Agents – The most restrictive of all groups. Should a Group II free agent sign an offer sheet from another team, the team that owns his rights has the option of matching the offer or receiving compensation in the form of draft picks from the new team. Draft choice compensation is based on the amount offered by the new club. Original clubs must tender a qualifying offer, a minimum amount based on the player’s previous salary, to qualify for matching rights and compensation.

July 20-Aug. 4 – Salary arbitration hearings held

Aug. 6 – Deadline for salary arbitration decisions to be rendered

Tags : NHL Calendar, NHL Draft, Off Season

2009 NHL Playoff – Round 1 Wrap Up

Since the regular season ended and the Sharks took home the Presidents Trophy … I have been so proud of the boys from San Jose and their passionate play and emotional ride for the fans this year.  Every April my stomach is tied in knots knowing that 4 short (yet, always seeming longer than life) rounds and another champion will be crowned – another etching will be scheduled for those names to be engraved onto the Cup!  This year my energy and enthusiasm was doused by a quick back to back loss on home ice by the Sharks.  Fast forward to now – Round 2 starts tomorrow and I now have to gather my emotions, think clearly and make my predictions!  But first … lets reflect.

Some Call It Sweeps Week!  The Canadiens, Blue Jackets, and Blues.

Montreal was plagued with injuries and had to play a better team, I think Columbus making the playoffs was good for the team, community and morale, however they really didn’t stand a chance and the Blues – well, Vancouver and Luongo were just that good.I am quite Surprised the Rangers almost beat the Captials.

Bottom Line – Lundqvist was not the goalie the Rangers were hoping he would be.  The lack of offense from the Rangers in the final three games allowed the Capitals to win the series 4-3.  I have to admit I was excited to see NYR come out swinging and after going up 3-1 it appeared Torts and his merry band of misfits were going to pull something out to wrap it up, but Washington had different plans and ended up making it to the second round.

Hawks and Flames – hey, Chicago was feeling charitable and gave Calgary 2 … Its up to Vancouver to represent our neighbors to the North the rest of this playoff!

The Ducks beat the Sharks 4-2 – Not really news anymore … I am over it … really, let it go! *sigh*

I know the Sharks were the best team in the regular season again, but they started to show fatigue and some vulnerabilities after the All Star break and, to me, it looked like the started to fall apart.  I am looking forward to see what they do with the leadership in San Jose now that the season is over for them.  My $2 says Doug Wilson is dusting off his resume.  The Ducks being one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs didnt help either … You can thank Hiller for that.  However, He’ll have his catching glove full in the second round with the Wings, though.

Penguins were strong and the Flyers held their own for as long as they could.

I was kinda pulling for Pittsburgh only because I wanted to see the Crosby/Ovechkin matchup in Round 2.  It good for the league, and for the fans … I am hoping this round will be entertaining, hard hitting and fast.

Shock of the first round!  Canes best the Devils in 7.

This was low on my list of series to watch, I was pulling for the Hurricanes and would celebrate when the highlights would show a win in their column.  I think game 7 was absolutley sick and incredible … to allow the other team two goals in the final 1:20 in game 7.  INSANE!

I have to say I am very impressed and pleased to see how accepting and inviting the NHL is in their online communication through Mike DiLorenzo (@Umassdilo on Twitter) and Schuyler Baehman (@schuylerb on Twitter) … they have both been an awesome contributor to many cool things the league is doing to incorporate their passionate and loyal fan base.

NHLTweetUp anyone???

So here we are … Round 2 starts tomorrow and I hope my heart can keep up with me!

Tags : Hockey Playoffs, Round 2

My Top 10 NHL TV Commercials

I have been saying for a long time that NHL commercials need to be more creative, more passionate and more edgy.  There have been a few campaigns that stick in my memory … the Hockey Falls guys … the coach that screws up the lessons at hockey practice “If we are going to win as a team, we need 100% of you guys, giving 110%, 100% of the time!”  Today I ran across a couple commericals for the Bruins and I watched them a few times, ok 5 times each!  I laughed out loud … the creativity in these commercials is simple yet brilliant!  Have a look for yourself … this got me thinking about my favorite Hockey commercials, I have put together my Top 10 List here … Enjoy!

I ran across Paul Benvin’s post today at The Hockey Writers Blog – Puke and Spitballs: Paul’s Top Ten Hockey Commercials – Man I did not know there were so many funny Hockey commercials out there.

Here is a rundown of my Top 10 NHL Hockey Commercials … If you would like to build this list leave a comment and lets make this a great collection of Hockey commercials.

Number 10: Joe Thornton making toast.

Number 9: Players concerned about their appearance now that there is High Def games broadcast

Number 8: Yo Mama fight between goalies (Ryan Miller)

Number 7: Coach explaining how to give 110%

Number 6: Do Not Ever Tuck In A Jersey

Number 5: Anyone Order Swedish Twins?

Number 4: The Sportscenter Office’s

Number 3: Hockey Locker Room Celebration

Number 2: Who Not To Date

Number 1: Hockey Falls Signature Jacket

Honorable Mention -

From Bill Highfield in Florida : Nobody Shaves During The Playoffs

The following 4 videos are from Brian @ SaucerPass.com -Thanks for the email Brian … these are good additions to our list.

Security @ The SportsCenter Studios:

You really do not want to mess with Canadians … EH???  Noo Doobt Aboot It! *smile*

Hockey … What A Feelin!  (I dont remember this being played in the US … think it was mainly a Canadian ad)

Who else wants to be able to have more curve on their stick?

Tags : Commercials, Funny, NHL

Central Florida, Fast Cars and the Make-A-Wish Foundation!

I know this is an NHL Hockey centric blog, however, this is something I believe deeply in and I would ask each and every one of my readers to please – help!  Every year in April the Celebration Exotic Car Festival is held and in the past four years this group has helped raise over $500,000 to go towards granting wishes. Dawn and I have pitched in this year to help with the media and marketing of the event.  We have been working over the past 3 months and it is finally here … this festival is all about raising money to grant wishes!  The group putting this event on is an amazing bunch of guys, with a heart of GOLD and it shows when they hand over the check to the Make-A-Wish foundation every year.  I am proud and honored to be helping these guys launch this event this year.  I am hoping, with your help, we can raise more than we have ever raised before – all you have to do is send a Text Message!!!

This is the first year we are incorporating SMS Text Messaging donations.  Over the next 4 days, everyone who texts the word “WISH” to 90999 will automatically donate $5.  Our festival is one of the premier event / fundraisers for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and by adding the ability to donate through your cell phone … I do not see why we cant break the bank this year.  I would LOVE to see this keyword raise over $100,000 for our chapter and I have all the faith that its possible!

If you are not familiar with the Make-A-Wish foundation this is from our local chapters website – www.wishcentral.org

Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has given hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions.  From their humble beginnings with one boy’s wish to be a police officer, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has evolved into an organization that grants a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida began in 1986 and has offices in Orlando, Tampa Bay and Sarasota.

Starting today and running through Sunday April 19th I am asking everyone who reads this blog to do two simple things …

1. Text “WISH” to 90999

2. Tell every one you know to send in their Text Message.

I will update this post next week when I find out the amount we were able to raise. Thank you all for reading … and giving to a great and worthy foundation.

Tags : Cars, Donate, Make A Wish, Race Car, Text Message

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