Providence Bruins' Home-Ice Struggles Continue in Loss to Sharks

Maxime Sauve of the Providence Bruins (Photo Courtesy of Alan Sullivan/Providence Bruins)

 

The Providence Bruins' struggles in the early season continued Friday, the team dropping their fifth contest of the first seven to open the season ' this time to their hated rivals from up Rte. 146, the Worcester Sharks.

The P-Bruins nearly completed a comeback, but Worcester goaltender Alex Stalock was solid when it mattered and veteran forward Bracken Kearns notched a pair of powerplay goals ' including the game-winner to earn the Sharks' victory.

One could certainly term the B's 'snake-bit' after another night where a few small bounces either way could have meant a different outcome. After the game, Providence Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy said, 'I don't want to play the 'what-if' game to be honest with you' we lost the game, we got behind again' one of these days, we're gonna get some pucks to bounce our way.'

'Tonight was a night of posts and all you can do is keep putting pucks to the net. The guys can't get discouraged… [However] some of these games if we're a little tighter defensively, or get an extra stop ' we'd be in overtime or a shootout' We've gotta be sure that a one-goal deficit doesn't become two or three''

Responding to a question about Ryan Spooner's relatively new spot between Jordan Caron and Chris Bourque, Cassidy said: 'Five-on-five we haven't clicked with anybody. We gotta start scoring goals five-on-five.'

Later, Cassidy opined: 'I think we're all a little frustrated ' I think we should be. No one should accept losing. That frustration at some point has to turn into anger and an 'enough's enough' attitude about losing and losing at home.'

Facing their first 'homestand' of the year ' a mini three-game stand that will keep them at the Dunk through next Friday ' the P-Bruins were looking for their first win in the friendly confines of the DDC this season and deny the Sharks their first road win of the campaign (and first since March 3 in Providence, a span of 12 away games without a win).

Goaltender Michael Hutchinson dropped his fourth straight contest. Despite giving up three goals on twenty shots, he saw his save percentage climb to .838 during the match.

The opening frame saw plenty of action. Just over seven minutes in, Tim Kennedy tipped a point-shot by Nick Petrecki past Hutchinson for the game's opening goal with John McCarthy adding an assist.

The Bruins cashed-in on one of the three powerplay opportunities they were handed ' a two-man-advantage goal tallied by Carter Camper (his first of the season) after a nifty cross-ice feed from Ryan Spooner found him shortside. Jamie Tardif added his third assist of the season on the play.

The contest didn't remain even for long. The Sharks picked-up their first PP goal of the night when Bracken Kearns deflected a Danny Groulx shot past Hutchinson for the go-ahead tally, with Sena Acolaste grabbing the secondary assist on the marker.

Two heavyweight bouts brought the crowd to its feet: Lane MacDermid and Frazer McLaren danced at center-ice in a spirited session which left both men bruised and the fans hoarse; and Bobby Robins and the Sharks' big Brandon Mashinter traded heavy rights.

The second frame saw more of the same. The teams expressed some genuine disdain for each other via some impressive post-whistle scrums. After boarding a Shark, Christian Hanson was dispossessed of his lunch-money by a much-smaller Acolaste in a decent match.

However, the Sharks also added to their goal-total with Kearns' second powerplay score of the game, after Jon Matsumoto took the puck away from Chris Bourque after a failed D-zone clearance. Kearns backhanded the biscuit past Hutchinson to extend the lead.

The Bruins' fought hard to get back in the game. The Sharks kept the action in the Baby B's end for two-thirds of the frame, forcing hurried zone-exits and turnovers.

Then, the P-Bruins struck back. Maxime Sauve scored after some excellent movement with the man-advantage. Bourque and Torey Krug earned helpers on the tally. 'It was a great play by Bourque and Krug'' said Sauve after the game, '' and it just left the open-net so I put it in.'

With five minutes remaining, the Bruins swarmed the net but Stalock held firm and denied their myriad opportunities to earn his third win of the young season.

Sunday, Providence Bruins will play host to the St. John's IceCaps in the first meeting between the divisional rivals this season.

 

Follow Bob Mand on Twitter at @HockeyMand

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Breaking: NHL Reportedly Willing To Absorb Portion Of 'Make Whole' Provision

Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr better be busy this weekend!
(Brad Penner-US PRESSWIRE)

TSN’s Darren Dreger recently Tweeted that “NHL advised PA it will absorb share of Make Whole provision. This is a considerable concession”.

This is a significant change of tune for the NHL, who had been balking at the idea of making any kind of legitimate concessions with regards to the “Make Whole” provision of the CBA.

Dreger later Tweeted that “The NHL’s verbal offer to absorb some or all of “Make Whole” was made Tuesday. 3 days ago?? PA wants more detail before getting too excited.” Which begs the obvious question: if the NHL was willing to absorb a portion of the “Make Whole” provision as many as three days ago, what the heck is the NHLPA waiting for, and why did they allow the cancellation of the Winter Classic to take place?

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly spoke about the cancellation of the Winter Classic on behalf of the NHL today, releasing the following statement:

“We are extremely disappointed, for our fans and for all those affected, to have to cancel the Winter Classic and Hockeytown Winter Festival events,” Daly said in a statement Friday. “We look forward to bringing the next Winter Classic and the Hockeytown Winter Festival to Michigan.”

NHLPA executive director, Donald Fehr called the cancellation of the Winter Classic “unnecessary” and continued to throw mud in the direction of the NHL and it’s owners.

“The fact that the season has not started is a result of a unilateral decision by the owners; the players have always been ready to play while continuing to negotiate in good faith,” Fehr said in a statement. “We look forward to the league’s return to the bargaining table, so that the parties can find a way to end the lockout at the earliest possible date, and get the game back on the ice for the fans.”

NHL fans around the globe are growing increasingly impatient with both sides, but if Dreger’s report is true (and given Dreger’s excellent reputation as a hockey insider there is no reason not to believe him), then the NHLPA will likely receive a lot of criticism from the fans for not reacting to the NHL’s latest concession in a timely manner.

Of course, the NHL’s offer would have to be reviewed, and that takes time. But the consequences of a delayed response has seemingly already cost the fans the loss of the Winter Classic. With the loss of another full season looking very real, hopefully the NHLPA has been hard at work reviewing the NHL’s latest concession over the past three days.

Sportsnet/Prime Time Sports Bob McCown reported on his show Friday night that the NHL’s offer is to pay out approximately 60 percent of the players.

To be clear, the NHL was originally looking for the players to pay any shortcomings with their own money through escrow. The NHL’s latest offer would call for the NHL to refund the losses incurred from the players going from a 57 percent share of hockey related revenue to a 50-50 split of HRR with the NHL’s own money.

How long this would take and at what level the NHL is willing to pay out is still a mystery, but it is a start, and it should be enough to get the two sides back at the negotiating table.

Admittedly, with the NHL’s latest CBA proposal off the table as of October 26th, the two sides still have a lot of details to work out, such as, term of contracts, salary cap, percentage of expected revenue growth, entry level deals, etc. That said, this latest news gives fans hope that the two sides MIGHT just be able to put together a deal.

More on this as things transpire…Hopefully NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr are very busy tonight!

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

2000 NHL Draft: The 21 Goalies Selected Before Henrik Lundqvist

Based on Henrik Lundqvist’s career statistics, one might think that the New York Rangers goaltender was a top pick in the NHL Draft.

However, some might be hard pressed to believe that the Are, Sweden native was selected in the seventh round of the 2000 NHL Draft. Today, most scouts and team executives can only utter the phase ‘hindsight is 20/20′ to explain how Lundqvist wasn’t selected earlier.

Out of the 204 players chosen before the Rangers’ franchise netminder, 21 of them were goaltenders. In following the inspiration of a recent article published here, as well as an ESPN production called ‘The Brady 6,” here is a look at the goaltenders selected in the 2000 NHL Draft prior to the 2011-12 Vezina Trophy winner.

1. Rick DiPietro – Selected in the 1st Round (1st Overall) by the New York Islanders

The Islanders were so confident that DiPietro would be their goaltender of the future that general manager Mike Milbury traded another young goaltender, Roberto Luongo, to the Florida Panthers on draft day. DiPietro became just the second goaltender and fourth American to be selected first overall.

After two dominant years with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in the AHL, the Boston University product became the Isles’ number one goalie during the 2003-04 season. After leading the Islanders to the playoffs in 2003-04 and winning 30 games in the 2005-06 season, DiPietro signed a 15-year, $67.5 million contract extension.

DiPietro helped lead the Islanders to the playoffs in 2006-07, and was New York’s representative at the 2008 All-Star Game.

However, a series of injuries have derailed DiPietro’s career. The Isles’ goalie has only played in 47 games over the last four seasons, posting a 14-24-7 record over that timespan.

2. Brent Krahn – Selected in the 1st Round (9th Overall) by the Calgary Flames

The Flames selected Krahn after he posted a 33-6-0 record for the Calgary Hitmen in the WHL. However, Krahn’s statistics declined in his last three years of junior hockey.

Krahn spent eight years in the Flames organization, but a series of knee injuries hindered his development. After playing the 2007-08 season in the AHL, the Flames decided to let the Winnipeg, Manitoba leave as a free agent.

Krahn was picked up by the Stars organization, and played in one NHL game in 2008-09. Krahn allowed three goals on nine shots in one period of action.

After the 2010-11 season, Krahn was let go by the Stars. He didn’t play during the 2011-12 season.

3. Ilya Bryzgalov – Selected in the 2nd Round (44th Overall) by the Anaheim 

Bryzgalov has carved out a solid NHL career, although he is arguably just as well known for his “universal thoughts” as his play in the net.

After being drafted by the Ducks, Bryzgalov got a taste of the NHL in 2002-03 and 2003-04 before he starting 31 games in 2005-06. Bryzgalov took over as the team’s number one goalie during their 2006 playoff run. Ilya posted a 6-4 record with three shutouts while leading the Ducks to the Western Conference Finals.

“Bryz” won the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, but with J.S. Giguere and Jonas Hiller on the roster, the Ducks put Bryzgalov on waivers, and he was claimed by the Phoenix Coyotes.

(Tom Turk/THW)

Bryzgalov’s best years to date have been in Phoenix. In the 2009-10 season, Ilya won 42 games and was nominated for the Vezina Trophy while leading the Coyotes to the playoffs.

After the 2010-11 season, the Togliatti, Russia native was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers. Bryzgalov had a decent year in Philadelphia, while helping the Flyers reach the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Whether or not he will live up to the nine-year, $51 million contract he signed remains to be seen.

4. Mathieu Chouinard – Selected in the 2nd Round (45th Overall) by the Ottawa Senators

Chouinard was originally selected in the first round of the 1998 Draft by the Senators. However, after the two sides were unable to come to terms on a deal, Chouinard re-entered the Draft and was selected by Ottawa again.

The Laval, Quebec native had a solid junior career with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL. Although Chouinard posted respectable numbers in his first three years of pro hockey, he was let go by Ottawa after the 2002-03 season.

Chouinard joined the Los Angeles Kings organization for the 2003-04 season, and appeared in one NHL game with the Kings. However, the remainder of Chouinard’s career was spent in the ECHL.

Chouinard retired from pro hockey after the 2005-06 season.

5. Dan Ellis – Selected in the 2nd Round (60th Overall) by the Dallas Stars

(Icon SMI)

Ellis has had a solid NHL career. After playing college hockey with the University of Nebraska-Omaha, Ellis was developed in the Stars organization.

The Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native made his NHL debut with the Stars in 2003-04. However, he only played one game with Dallas.

Ellis joined the Nashville Predators for the 2007-08 season, and burst onto the scene. He posted a 23-10-3 record, with a 2.34 goals against average, .924 save percentage, and six shutouts.

However, Ellis has been unable to replicate that success. After two more seasons in Nashville, and one season in Tampa Bay, Ellis has served as the Anaheim Ducks’ backup for the last two years.

6. Mikael Tellqvist – Selected in the 3rd Round (70th Overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs

Tellqvist was drafted out of Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Elite League. The Sundbyberg, Sweden native played his first season of professional hockey in 2001-02 with the St. John’s Maple Leafs in the AHL.

After playing 14 games combined in the 2002-03 and the 2003-04 seasons, Tellqvist’s first significant stretch of NHL experience came in the 2005-06 season. The then 26-year-old Tellqvist posted a 10-11-2 record in 25 games with Toronto.

However, Tellqvist was traded to the Phoenix Coyotes early in the 2006-07 season.

2008-09 was Tellqvist’s last NHL season. The netminder split the year between the Coyotes and the Buffalo Sabres.

7. Peter Hamerlik – Selected in the 3rd Round (84th Overall) by the Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite being selected by the Penguins, Hamerlik couldn’t reach an agreement with Pittsburgh. Two years later, the Slovakian goaltender was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2002 NHL Draft.

After playing with the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL, Hamerlik spent time in the ECHL and the AHL for three seasons.

Hamerlik returned to Slovakia for the 2005-06 season, and is currently playing for Trinec Ocelari HC in the Czech Republic.

8. Jean-Francois Racine – Selected in the 3rd Round (90th Overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs

Racine played his junior hockey with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the QMJHL. After his junior career, the Roxton Falls, Quebec native split time between the Memphis Riverkings in the CHL and the St. John’s Maple Leafs in the AHL for the next three years.

Racine played with the Toronto Marlies for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 seasons, but left the Maple Leafs organization after the 2006-07 season. Racine last played for Sorel-Tracy Carvena in the LNAH.

9. Stefan Liv – Selected in the 4th Round (102nd Overall) by the Detroit Red Wings

Liv was one of the best goalies in the Swedish Elite League. The Gdynia, Poland native was the starting goaltender for HV71 from the 2000-01 season to the 2005-06 season.

In 2006-07, Liv played his first season of pro hockey in North America. The goalie split time between the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids and their ECHL affiliate in Toldeo. However, after the season, Liv returned to the Swedish Elite League.

After playing with HC Sibir in the KHL for the 2010-11 season, Liv signed with Lokomotiv Yaroslavl for the 2011-12 season. Unfortunately, Liv was one of the players killed in the team’s plane crash on September 7, 2011.

(Rich Kane/Icon SMI)

10. Ghyslain Rousseau – Selected in the 4th Round (111th Overall) by the Buffalo Sabres

Rousseau played with Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL. After his junior career, the Thetford Mines, Quebec native played in the CHL during the 2002-03 season, before playing in the LNAH for the remainder of his pro career.

Rousseau’s last season was with the St. Georges CRS Express during the 2008-09 season.

11. Levente Szuper – Selected in the 4th Round (116th Overall) by the Calgary Flames

In his last year of junior hockey, Szuper posted a 31-15-2 record with the Ottawa 67′s of the OHL. The Budapest, Hungary native started the next season with the St. John’s Flames, where he would play the next three seasons.

After playing most of the 2003-04 season in the ECHL, Szuper left North America and played in Europe. Szuper returned to North America for two seasons, but in 2011-12, he signed with Arystan Temirtau of the Kazakhstan Senior League.

12. Davis Parley – Selected in the 4th Round (120th Overall) by the Florida Panthers

Parley spent all four years of junior eligibility with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL. From the junior ranks, Parley moved up to the ECHL.

However, Parley barely made it out of the ECHL, appearing in only one game for the AHL’s Hershey Bears in the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.

Parley’s last year of pro hockey came in 2008-09. The Grenfell, Saskatchewan native split the season between The Nottingham Panthers in the EIHL and the Tulsa Oilers in the CHL.

13. Brandon Snee – Selected in the 5th Round (143rd Overall) by the New York Rangers

The Rangers selected the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native out of Union College, where Snee started for all four seasons. Snee played 13 games in the ECHL during his first year of pro hockey in 2002-03.

The following season, Snee played 12 games for the Jacksonville Barracudas under former Rangers player Ron Duguay. The 2003-04 season would be Snee’s last in pro hockey.

14. Matus Kostur – Selected in the 6th Round (164th Overall) by the New Jersey Devils

Kostur played for HKM Zvolen in the Slovakian Extraliga when he was drafted by the Devils. Kostur came to North America for the start of the 2002-03 season.

After spending the 2002-03 season in the ECHL, Kostur split the following year between the ECHL and the AHL. By the time the 2005-06 season began, Banska Bystrica, Slovakia native was back in Europe.

Kostur played in Belarus, Latvia, and even returned to Zvolen in Slovakia, before ending his career with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL after the 2008-09 season.

15. Nathan Marsters – Selected in the 6th Round (165th Overall) by the Los Angeles Kings

Following his selection, Marsters played four years of college hockey at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In the 2005-06 season, Marsters was the starting goalie for the Portland Pirates inthe AHL.

However, following that year, most of his career was spent in the CHL. Marsters hung up the skates for good in 2008.

On June 8, 2009, Marsters was killed in a car accident.

(Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE)

16. Nolan Schaefer – Selected in the 6th Round (166th Overall) by the San Jose Sharks

Schaefer spent four years at Providence College, where he became one of the best goaltenders in the school’s history.

After 12 games in the ECHL in 2003-04, Schaefer was called up to the Cleveland Barons of the AHL, where he would play for the next three years.

In 2005-06, the Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan native made his NHL debut with the Sharks. In seven games that season, Schaefer posted a 5-1-0 record with a 1.87 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. However, those seven games were the only times Schaefer played in the NHL.

Schaefer played the next three years exclusively in the AHL, splitting time with the Worcester Sharks, Hershey Bears, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, and the Houston Aeros. After playing the 2009-10 season in the KHL with CSKA Moscow, Schaefer returned to North America and played with the Providence Bruins and Hershey in the 2010-11 season.

Currently, Schaefer is playing with Ambri-Piotta in the Swiss National League.

17. Zdenek Smid – Selected in the 6th Round (168th Overall) by the Atlanta Thrashers

Smid never played in North America. The goalie spent the most of his career in the Czech Republic, playing for Karlovy Vary HC, Sparta Praha HC, Slavia Praha HC and Plzen HC.

Smid’s last season was in 2004-05.

18. Shane Bendera – Selected in the 6th Round (169th Overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets

The Edmonton, Alberta native split his junior career between the Red Deer Rebels and Kelowna Rockets of the WHL.

After his junior career ended, Bendera played two seasons in the ECHL, with the Dayton Bombers and the Bakersfield Condors. Bendera retired after the 2003-04 season.

19. Roman Cechmanek – Selected in the 6th Round (171th Overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers

If not for Lundqvist, Cechmanek would have been the goaltending steal of the 2000 NHL Draft.

Unlike the other players selected, Cechmanek was 29 years old when he was drafted. The Gottwaldov, Czechoslovakia native burst onto the scene in 2000-01, posting a 35-15-6 record with a 2.01 goals against average.

In 2002-03, Cechmanek won the William M. Jennings Trophy by recording a 1.83 goals against average in 58 games.

After playing one season with the Kings in 2003-04, Cechmanek returned to Europe after the lockout. Cechmanek played in Europe for four seasons and retired after the 2007-08 season.

20. Michael Ayers – Selected in the 6th Round (177th Overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks

Ayers played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire for four seasons, and was one of the most dominant goalies in Hockey East.

After his college career, the Hingham, Massachusetts native split the next four seasons moving back and forth between the ECHL and the AHL.

Ayers spent the 2007-08 season with Leksands IF in the Swedish Elite League, and retired after the season.

21. Jure Penko – Selected in the 7th Round (203rd Overall) by the Nashville Predators

Penko was playing with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL when he was drafted by Nashville.

After playing 17 games apiece in the ECHL in 2001-02 and CHL in 2002-03, Penko’s career in North America ended.

(Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE)

Which brings us all the way back to Lundqvist. The Swedish netminder was selected two picks after Penko. ‘King Henrik’ played five seasons with the Frolunda Indians in the Swedish Elite League before coming to North America.

Lundqvist has won at least 30 games in each of his first seven NHL seasons, becoming the first goalie to accomplish that feat. He won the Vezina Trophy in 2011-12, and is third on the Rangers all-time wins list.

Safe to say, the Blueshirts lucked out with their franchise goaltender.

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Providence Bruins' Coach Cassidy Reflects on Goalie Hutchinson's Difficulties

 

Michael Hutchinson of the Providence Bruins (Photo Courtesy of Alan Sullivan/Providence Bruins)

Friday night, Providence Bruins goaltender Michael Hutchinson took home his fourth 'L' of the season in the Baby B's 3-2 loss to the Worcester Sharks at the Dunk.

With the seventeen-save performance, Hutch's abysmal early-season numbers improved ever-so-slightly: Raising his save percentage to .838 and lowering his goals-against-average to 3.75. The P-Bruins' de facto starter entering the season has seen his grip on the role loosen… significantly.

Michael Hutchinson of the Providence Bruins (Photo Courtesy of Alan Sullivan/Providence Bruins)

After the loss, Providence Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy spoke at length on his stumbling starter: 'I'm not hanging anything on Hutch. [Still,] Goalies are judged like coaches ' you win or you lose, nobody cares how' so he needs to win.'

And Hutch hasn't won' at all. Cassidy continued, '' coming into the year he was our number-one goalie and he's basically 0 and 5' he lost the exhibition game. So he's got to find it within himself to win.'

Cassidy understands fully how the team's successes (or lack thereof) don't rest squarely on Hutchinson's shoulders ' but he needs to do a better job giving the B's a chance: 'I think there's been game where we've played well enough to win in front of him, [and] I think he needs more 'run-support' for lack of a better term'  We went through a little bit of this with Anton [Khudobin] at the start of last year: [Khudobin] found it, he went out and won a 2-to-1 game and got himself going.'

While adamantly affirming his belief in Hutchinson's ability, Cassidy acknowledged that there's a limit on the team's patience with his current level of production:

'He got pulled last Saturday and we told him ' he's going back-in [for their Friday game against Worcester] ' so we're certainly not abandoning our faith in him” said Cassidy. “At the same token, he's a third-year pro, if he wants the number-one job, he's like everyone else in that room, at some point it's about production, he's gotta earn it.'

Hutchinson's letdowns aren't happening in a vacuum. When juxtaposed against the solid play of his netminding counterpart, Niklas Svedberg, Cassidy's decision becomes that much more difficult. 'It's a long year,' he said.  'The other kid [Svedberg] has won our only two games; we have to look at that option as well without just going to the guy that's just been here longer.'

Svedberg’s .915 save percentage and 2.59 goals-against-average dwarf Hutchinson’s production but his tally in the ‘W’ column – two wins to only a single loss – may be tougher to ignore.

Niklas Svedberg of the Providence Bruins (Photo Courtesy of Alan Sullivan/Providence Bruins)

Cassidy cautioned, 'We're here to develop, but we've put more of an onus on winning this year ' and that hasn't happened to this point.' Reflecting the organization's commitment to winning at every level: 'We've gotta get our guys to feel comfortable about our game but produce at the same time.'

It's a classic catch-22 for the organization: If they chose to ride-out Hutch's struggles, other prospects' development may be hurt by 'winning hockey's' absence from the DDC. On the other hand, if they hand the reins to Svedberg, Hutchinson's development could be stalled ' or worse.

Like many of the P-Bruins, Hutch's early-season issues can be traced in no small part to a string of unlucky events. Friday, he was on the receiving-end of two net-front deflection-goals. Earlier, it was tailor-made rebounds. A few fortunate bounces here or there and the tale of his 2012-13 season would be going much better.

Excuses notwithstanding, Hutchinson has nowhere to go but up. As his 2011-12 numbers clearly displayed, this kid has talent and should be more than capable of handling starting duties for an AHL club. The only question is when.

 

Follow Bob Mand on Twitter at @HockeyMand

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Taylor Hall Has Impact in First Game with Oklahoma City

(Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE)

Taylor Hall finally got back on the ice and it didn’t take the young Oiler star long to make an impact in a Barons uniform.

It took 38 seconds to be exact.

Hall went out and scored on his first shift, tipping in a point shot from defenceman Colten Teubert en route to a 4-3 Barons victory over the Houston Aeros.

“I felt good….It's a lot different scenario when you're playing a game; you can only practice so much. It was good to get a goal early on and get a little more comfortable, but it'll take me a few more games to get up to 100%.' -Hall

Hall played on the Barons top line with Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi.  Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was out of the lineup last night, but one would have to think the Oilers top line of Hall, Eberle and RNH will be reunited in OKC as soon as all three players are available.

Eberle also got in on the action last night with 2 goals and a +3, and was dangerous on every shift.  Teemu Hartikainen had the other goal in the win.

Hall’s night however proved to be more eventful as his night also finished early when he was assessed a five minute major and game misconduct for a hit on Aeros defenceman Jonas Brodin,

Even with the goal, Hall looked rusty in his first action and admitted to having some nerves after being out for seven months.

'There were some jitters,' admitted Hall.  “When you're out for seven and-a-half months, it almost feels like you don't know how to play hockey again. So for me to go out in my first game and score on my first shift, it was really exciting and it helped me out a lot.

'The jitters, the nerves and the anxiety are a big part of hockey and it's always tough when you're playing your first game.'

The Aeros fought back and scored three times in the third period to tie it up before Eberle scored the winner to put the game away.  Houston will get their chance for a rematch as they play the second of back to back games versus the Barons tonight in Houston.

Hall won’t be in the lineup, however, as the Barons will keep him out of back to back situations for the time being for precautionary reasons.

 

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

Connecticut Whale Edge Albany Devils In Shootout

Stats are like a model in a bikini, they show a lot but not everything.  Case in point, out shooting a team by a count of 44-16 and falling in a shootout.  Alas it’s all about quality over quantity my friends.  That turned out to be true as 5,324 turned out in Albany to watch the Connecticut Whale and Albany Devils play their rivalry on the Hudson (well at least Albany is on the Hudson River).

In their previous bout, the Whale ran roughshod over the Devils in a 5-2 drubbing.  This time around things tightened up on the scoreboard.  It was enough to make one exclaim, “holy shot block Tortorella!”

Just as they did in virtually all of October, Albany got on the ledger first in the first period.  Off a David Wohlberg face-off win just outside the offensive zone, Mattias Tedenby flew past the Whale defenders and was able to backhand one past Cameron Talbot.  It was Tedenby’s second marker of the year and another strong start for the Devils.

(Ed Mulholland-US PRESSWIRE)

 

From that point though, Talbot would stand tall for 43 saves and first star honors.  Although between Talbot (6-3) and Jason Missiaen (6-8) it’s kind of hard not to stand tall if you’re a Whale keeper.

On the other end, Jeff Frazee was solid as well, turning aside 14-of-15 sent his way.  I know it looks like a light day at the office on paper but when your team only scratches out one goal for you, that makes for a pressure packed game.

Speaking of not getting help, late in the first, Jacob Josefson turned the puck over in the defensive zone for the Devils and the Whale took advantage.  Josefson couldn’t clear the puck and Tommy Grant intercepted the puck.  With Devils defenceman Jay Leach caught turned around, Grant found Christian Thomas for the one-timer on the right side to beat Frazee.  It was Thomas’s second tally on the year and knotted the contest at one.

From there it was all about the goalies and all about not being able to finish.  While the Whale were 0-for-3 on the power play, the Devils couldn’t cash in on seven such opportunities with the extra attacker.  Not to mention a second period which saw Albany out-shoot Connecticut by an astounding 18-2!

From the third period on, it was also a cruel “hat-trick” of the iron unkind for Devils forward Bobby Butler.  In the closing minute of the final frame, Butler touched one off the crossbar to no avail.  As the game progressed to overtime, with the Devils on a 4-on-3 power play, Butler rang one off the outside of the left post.  Topping it off in the shootout, Butler (you guessed it) ripped the rubber off the right post.

Speaking of that shootout, Connecticut’s lone goal was the only one needed.  Defenceman Matt Gilroy, a member of the 2009 Boston University National Championship team, was the first shooter for the Whale and put home the eventual winner.  Talbot was able to fend off all challengers on his end as well.

(Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI)

Hence, despite countless opportunities, shots and ringers off the iron for Albany, Connecticut was able to skate off with the 2-1 shootout victory.

So after the second battle of Northeast Division rivals, Connecticut stands at 4-3-1-0 (9 points) and Albany goes to 2-4-0-1 (5 points).

***

For those wondering, both big guns Chris Kreider and Adam Henrique were held scoreless on the evening for the Whale and Devils respectively.  Additionally, Dan Kelly of the Devils and Andrew Yogan of the Whale went toe-to-toe in the second period, with Yogan saving himself by virtue of ending the scrap by leveraging Kelly down on the back of the goal net.

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.

The Five Most Ridiculous Jerseys of All-Time

 

With the advent of the internet, most hockey fans have now seen dozens of articles listing the ugliest jerseys of all-time. We are quite familiar with the usual suspects, from the 'fish stick guy' Islanders jerseys to the 1970s-era Vancouver Canucks' 'giant V' uniforms. In fact, it seems as if every time a top ten list is constructed, the familiar brown, gold and orange doorstops are automatically awarded the title of ugliest jersey in hockey history'and rightfully so. Those things were hideous.

However, it is only with the benefit of hindsight that we can make this judgement. It was, after all, the late-seventies. The combination of gold, brown, and orange was kind of a thing'and it could be found everywhere from shag carpets to outerwear.

For the poorly-designed uniforms on this list, however, there are no excuses. Their creators simply should have known better. They may not necessarily be the ugliest of all-time, but here are my top five most ridiculous uniform choices in hockey history:

 

Photo Credit: www.uni-watch.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5) Montreal Canadiens Barber Pole Jersey (2009 Edition)

At first glance, this jersey doesn't look so bad. In fact, I even own one and often wear it while watching the game. Worn with a pair of jeans and a baseball cap, the stripes kind of work.

When they were first designed in 1912, I'd be willing to bet they were even quite stylish; at a live hockey game, seated nice and close, the look has some appeal'but whoever thought it would be a good idea to bring these back in 2009, even as a tribute, needs to give their head a shake.

A single jersey, on its own, is a funky and unique throwback. Nineteen guys warming up in full uniform, matching socks included however, is darn-near seizure inducing. I don't care how good your television is, watching five players, each wearing no less than 40 one-inch horizontal stripes while moving at top speed' is a downright dizzying experience.

 

Photo Credit: deadspin.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) Kingston Frontenacs Don Cherry Jersey

These aesthetic abominations were worn on Kingston's Military Appreciation Night in October of 2009. Not only are they red plaid, they actually feature a necktie and lapel flower.

The only reason these don't sit higher on the list is because of the amount of good that eventually came from their design. Following the game, each of these jerseys was signed by the team, including head coach Doug Gilmour, as well as Don Cherry himself, before being auctioned off with the proceeds going to charities which support military families.

 

Photo Credit: www.digjack.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) Atlanta Thrashers Third Jersey (2008-2009)

Umm'guys'.you forgot the logo.

While I actually kind of like the color scheme on these, the fact that they were essentially long-sleeve football jerseys irritates the traditionalist in me to no end. Although not the ugliest in terms of pure design, hockey has a long standing tradition of placing the team crest on its players' chests. Football gets away with it by putting helmet space to good use, boldly and proudly displaying each team's logo'but with no discernible logo to speak of other than shoulder crests, these Thrasher uniforms just look like very, very expensive practice jerseys.

 

 

Photo Credit: 25Stanley.com

 

 

 

 

 

2) LA Kings Third Jersey (1995-96)

The fact that some schmuck managed to dress Wayne Gretzky up like a cross between a purple playing card and a corkscrew that was drawn with a dying marker is downright hilarious. Not often remembered because of its exceptionally short shelf-life, this apparently fast-food inspired faux-pas was one whopper of a failure.

 

 

 

 

1) Buffalo Sabres (2006-2010)

Again, not necessarily the ugliest'but this one has got to be, by far, the most ill-conceived hockey jersey of all time. My best guess is that the design process  had to have gone down something like this:

Sabres management decided to go back to their original blue and gold, which was a great idea. They hired a design firm to create a modern new logo based on the team's heritage, but the day before the project was due, the designer in charge still hadn't come up with anything. He must have panicked and begun working his way through a large bottle of liquor before turning on the television and tuning a game between the Buffalo Bills and the San Diego Chargers. When he awoke the next morning with a splitting headache, it was too late; he had already submitted the design before passing out the night before.

If I tell myself this story long enough, I can begin to comprehend how one person might think this was an OK idea. Of course, that still leaves me with two burning questions; how on earth did so many people sign off on this design ? And how did the Sabres manage to avoid being sued for blatant copyright infringement?

 

 

 

This article was originally published at: The Hockey Writers.