NHL

• TSN's Power Rankings: Ottawa Ahead of New Jersey and Montreal-- Are You Serious???- Power rankings do not mean anything to me.  I don't care for them at all.  They're useless and full of inaccuracies.  But, when TSN.ca decided to rank Ottawa ahead of Montreal and New Jersey yesterday, I maddened and screamed.  What have the Senators accomplished recently to justify the fourth spot?  I can easily justify the Devils recent road success, recording four wins on the road, including two consecutive at western conference foes.  In fact, the Devils maintain the second best record (7-3-0) for an eastern conference
• Season Predictions: From Hart to 2008 Stanley Cup Champions- With the clock ticking, I reveal my predictions for the regular season's most valuable player, rookie, defenseman and goaltender. Then, not in any order particular order, I offer my "two cents" on the Eastern and Western Conference representatives fighting in the Stanley Cup Finals. Warning Sign: Detroit and Pittsburgh WILL NOT compete in the championship round despite their best efforts this season, due to their goaltender issues. Although Ty Conklin has successfully taken over the goaltender reins in Fleury's absence, Conblock cannot dominate a seven-game series.
• Breaking News: Sidney Crosby Back in Lineup, Will Play Tonight- The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that captain and reigning MVP Sidney Crosby will return to the lineup tonight against Tampa Bay. Crosby missed 21 games due to a high ankle sprain he suffered on Jan. 18. The team originally expected Crosby to return mid-March, so this is a surprise. Whether Crosby can make a successful comeback will arguably determine the Penguins regular season and postseason hopes.

  During his absence, the Penguins registered a 11-6-4 record, utilizing Evgeni Malkin’s dominance (36

• Devils Fall to Montreal, I Lose My Mind on Officiating or Lack There Of Last Night-

  The previous game, a 4-0 loss Washington, I described as unintelligent. Head coach Brent Sutter ensured a more competitive match in the second half of a back-to-back stretch, yet the Devils fell for the third straight game, 2-1 to Montreal, in front of a soldout raucous crowd of 21,273 at the Bell Centre.
  
  Both teams worked hard in the first period, with the Devils leading 13-8 in shots on goal. However, after 20 minutes of action, the game remained scoreless.
  

• Hossa Injured in Penguins Debut: Expected To Miss 1 Week- Marian Hossa suffered a sprained MCL in his Pittsburgh Penguins debut and the team expects him to miss about one week with the injury. The Pittsburgh Union-Tribune reported the injury after the Penguins 5-1 loss to Boston on Thursday night. In my opinion, this news will not only hurt the Penguins on the ice, especially since Sidney Crosby is also on the sidelines, but off the ice as well. The team traded awa several of its young players and a first round draft choice for Hossa, an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and now has to overcome his loss with a group of minor leaguers.
• Pierre McGuire: Straight or Confused?- I usually refrain from posting controversial videos for many obvious reasons. But, this one made the site. Not only did I approve of the video, I recommend watching it until you're stomach hurts too much or you laughed yourself into a cry. Trust me, we've all been there before, so don't worry if someone else sees you crying. Just tell them to watch the video. What a freaken weird person, Pierre McGuire. Make sure to focus on the comment at the 1:57 mark regarding a big stick.
• Sundin Remains With Leafs, Hossa and Richards on Market- Mats Sundin will remain with the Maple Leafs until at least the end of this season. Sundin, an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, refused to waive his no-trade clause despite the Leafs strong desire to move him prior to Tuesday’s 3 pm trade deadline. On the other hand, Marian Hossa and Brad Richards’ futures are still undecided. Meanwhile, Versus broke the story about yet another Flyers trade.
• Breaking News: Peter Forsberg Signs with Avs, Flyers Trade for Prospal, Boyle Signs Extension-

  Wow, I just finished my previous post while watching VERSUS' tremendous NHL coverage and news is flying at me like a scene from Harry Potter. I learned that Peter Forsberg signed with the Colorado Avalanche earlier today, Dan Boyle just signed a 6 year-deal with the Lightning and, as Versus just broke the story, the Flyers traded defenseman Alexander Picard and a 2009 conditional draft pick for Vincent "Vinny "Prospal.

• Breaking News: Henrik Lundqvist Signs Extension with Rangers- Citing reports in the NY Daily News, the New York Rangers and goalie Henrik Lundqvist have agreed upon a 6-year extension worth about $6.5 million per season. The 25-year-old netminder earned $4.25 million this season and would have been a restricted free agent if he had not signed before July 1. The organization will likely make an official announcement sometime in the next
• NHL's Top 25 Highest Paid Players- I should have brought this to your attention earlier this season, but here are the most expensive contracts in the NHL (listed below).  Some are ridiculously stupid, overpaid, and out of control.  If I were a team owner, the general manager would have been fired immediately after seeing these outrageous signings.  Then again, how many GMs are worthwhile in sports today?  I have found eight successful organizations in the four major sports in America.
  
  Here are my picks (not in any order).
• Famous NHL Hits: Stevens Move Over, Camphell's Here- I love watching Scott Stevens' famous open-ice hits on Slava Kozlov, Eric Lindros and Paul Kariya, but they take a back seat to Brian Campbell's memorable collision on RJ Umberger. After witnessing this video, I was shocked, stunned and in disbelief. Even if you've seen this before, it's worth another look. Believe me.

  (Courtesy of Orland Kurtenblog)

• Top 6 Issues Discussed at GM Meetings- The No-Trade Clause allows players to determine their futures, determine when, and if they are dealt before the trade deadline. If, say, the Maple Leafs offer Mats Sundin in a trade, he must grant them permission. He has the last laugh, signing on the dotted line. This is a severe problem, which the league has not yet resolved. In fact, during the GM Meetings held this past week, it was not even raised in discussions. Instead, the executives talked about reducing minor infractions committed in overtime from
• NHL Update: GM Meetings, Lidstrom's Knee, Peter Forsberg- Much has taken place lately in the NHL and I feel obligated to relay over what I think I know thus far. From implementing new rules to potentially decimating injuries, the league has been faced with all it can handle. Have Commissioner Gary Bettman, Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, and Senior Executive VP of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell managed to overcome low scoring, poor television ratings (outside of the Winter Classic) to regain the professional sport’s fourth position behind NFL, MLB and NBA? Absolutely not. Yet, I am here today, hoping
• General Managers Meet in Naples: Trade Deadline Approaching- With the trade deadline approaching faster than a speeding bullet, all 30 NHL general managers convened in Naples, Fla. for a tan, some cookies and discussions. There are many rumors regarding who is likely to be moved before Feb. 26 at 3pm eastern time. Scott Burnside of ESPN thinks that 6
• Southeast Sleepiness- Is anyone else concerned about the Southeast Division’s weakness from 15? I look at this division and I find it hard to believe some of their current records and seeds. If it were not for the division leader rule, the Southeast would not have qualified a member for the postseason as of today. The NHL did not even implement the policy until they separated the teams into three divisions per conference. I am stunned, especially considering the division’s talented skaters. Washington, Carolina, Atlanta, Florida and Tampa Bay. I am just stunned.
• Zednik's Life NOT in Danger: Should NHL Alter Rulebook?- While sports may be fun and exciting, they are also extremely dangerous. Nobody knows that more than Richard Zednik of the Florida Panthers. During the Panthers game at Buffalo last night, Olli Jokinen’s skate blade accidentally sliced Zednik’s carotid artery (neck), nearly killing him. After watching the video, I nearly broke down. It was painfully disturbing to see. The AP reported that Zednik underwent emergency surgery to repair the artery
• Devils Trade Rumors, Updates- As the clock ticks until Feb. 26 at 3 pm, the trade deadline rumors are sizzling. Eklund and Lyle "Spector" Richardson have been on the phones calling their contacts, trying to find something going on. I hear many things about Mats Sundin, Darcy, Tucker, Rob Blake, Olli Jokinen and Alex
• Today in Hockey: White House, Scott Niedermayer, Segei Brylin, Russian Hockey League, Rick Tocchet and Sidney Crosby- On Wednesday, many things occurred, for good and for bad. Duke beat its longtime rival UNC in Chapel Hill and the the market plunged even further (recession??). But, good things happened too, including Dick Vitale's return (gosh, I love that man). And, President Bush Jr. welcomed the 2006-07 reigning Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Mighty Ducks to the White House for tea and crumpets. Unfortunately, comm. Gary Bettman slipped through secret service and enjoyed the spotlight as well. The Ducks won the Cup. I am not sure what the President had to offer Bettman other than a toupee.
• Devils Shoot Sabres Out of Newark-

  The Devils were clearly frustrated after they allowed the Sabres to to tie the game with 1:37 remaining in regulation, preventing goalie Martin Brodeur from earning yet another shutout. Instead of succumbing in the last 90 seconds plus overtime, they regrouped and captured the 2-1 shootout win.

• Pandolfo's Iron Man Streak To End, Bettman On Air, NHL Changes Schedule, and Steve Williamson Completes 30-Day 30-Team Tour- When the New Jersey Devils take the ice on Friday night against the Atlanta Thrashers, they will be missing a very familiar face.  A defensive-minded forward who has played 307 consecutive regular season games was knocked out in the third period against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night.  He is Jay Pandolfo.
  
• LA Times Writer Thinks Devils Play in East Rutherford-

  This story upsets my stomach. Lisa Dillman, staff writer for the Los Angeles Times, believes the Devils never left their old arena in East Rutherford. A professional writer, who does not even cover hockey, mistake is worthy of a fine, suspension and possibly temporary leave of absence. This is a perfect reason for the league to hire bloggers, allow bloggers into the media rooms, locker rooms, etc. People like James

• East Shocks West with All-Star Game Victory- Whether it was the game-winner by Marc Savard, the hat trick by Rick Nash, or the MVP truck awarded to Eric Staal, the Eastern Conference sent a message to the West come playoff time. Despite the absence of Sidney Crosby and the New Jersey Devils from the Eastern Conference's star-studded lineup, they were still able to come away with the 8-7 victory.
• London in 2007, More Europe in 2008- The NHL will open the 2008-09 season in Europe, NHL.com reported. The players’ organization has yet to ratify the league's decision, which will affect four eastern conference teams. I apologize about not posting this story two days ago, when it was first announced. I just returned from winter vacation and I had to revert to my academia. The league will attempt to replicate its success with Anaheim and Los Angeles opening the current season with two games in London.
• 2008 NHL All Star Weekend- The 2008 NHL All-Star Weekend is already underway in Atlanta, GA.  The sold out events have been absolutely phenomenal.  Later tonight, check out the Dodge/ NHL SuperSkills competition at 7pm televised on Versus.  The Eastern and Western Conference All-Stars will battle for bragging rights on Sunday at 6pm.  Versus, CBC, RDS and NHL Radio will broadcast the 56th Annual All Star Game at Phillips Arena in Atlanta.  Have f
• Rangers Raise Brian Leetch's No. 2 tonight-

  While the New Jersey Devils look to increase their Atlantic Division lead tonight when they host the Canadiens tonight, the New York Rangers have their own business to handle.  Tonight they will honor one of their greats, raising defenseman Brian Leetch’s No. 2 jersey to the rafters.

• The New OHL (Ovehckin's Hockey League)-

  There are three types of forwards usually found on NHL teams: the grinder, play maker and goal scorer.  Let me explain all three to you, while Jeremy discussed the Devils UFAs already.  Don't jump the gun.  Then there is Alexander Ovechkin, who may in fact comprise all three genres.  If there is an Oscar for best NHL player, he may win it.  Yep, he's that good.

• 2008 NJ Devils Unrestricted Free Agents-

  I have researched the list of the New Jersey Devils unrestricted free agents after the 2007-08 campaign.  There are only two players that I am overtly concerned with, winger Jay Pandolfo and defenseman Karel Rachunek.  Pandolfo, 32, earned roughly $836,000 this year but has been out of commission since Nov. 28 with a pelvic/abdomen injury.  Before suffering the injury, Pandolfo scored 13 points in 24 games and was on pace to easily surpass his career high in goals and points.

• Update: Crosby Placed on IR, Reportedly Out 7-8 Weeks-

  The Pittsburgh Penguins placed Sidney Crosby on injured reserve, after he suffered a high ankle sprain in Friday night's 3-0 loss to Tampa Bay.  Crosby will miss 7-8 weeks, according to the Pittsburgh Sports Insider quoting sources close to the team, includi

• Around the Devils Blogosphere- 01.21.08- Since fellow New Jersey Devils bloggers focused their eyes and ears on the New York Giants 23-20 thrilling NFC Championship win over Green Bay following the Patriots win over San Diego, the posts were shorter than usual, as expected.
• Devils Host Maple Leafs and NY Football Giants Playoff Game-

  The New Jersey Devils, who are hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs at 5 o'clock, did not expect the New York football Giants to be playing today at 6:30.  To accommodate Devils and Giants fans, myself one of them, the Prudential Center will broadcast the Gmen's NFC Championship Game on TVs throughout the arena and the Bud Light Goal Bar, Restaurant, and Fire and Ice Lounges will stay open for the entire NFC title game in Green Bay.
  

• Sidney Crosby Suffers Ankle Injury, Could Miss Significant Time and All-Star Game-

  Pittsburgh Penguins captain and reigning Hart Trophy winner Sidney Crosby left Friday’s contest with a high-ankle sprain versus Tampa Bay.  He carried the puck into the offensive zone, fell to the ice due to a slash by Tampa Bay defenseman Paul Ranger, and collided feet-first with the end boards, unable to protect himself.  The similar injury sidelined teammate and goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for over a month and possibly longer.

• Devils Power Play Fails Again in Disappointing Loss to Florida-

  Although the New Jersey Devils were hosting a backup goaltender and several minor leaguers, they flopped against the Florida Panthers.  The Devils, who played in front of 15,203, failed to capitalize on five power play opportunities, en route to their second consecutive home loss.  The Panthers defeated the Devils 2-1 behind spectacular play by reserve netminder Craig Anderson, timely scoring and strong penalty killing.

• Devils in Midst of Important Stretch at Rock- As everyone in the metro area will be tuned into the Giants-Packers NFC Championship Game this Sunday night, the Devils have plenty of work to do at home.  Beginning with the 2-1 loss to the New York Islanders on Wednesday night, the New Jersey Devils have begun an 18-game stretch, 15 of which will take place at the Prudential Center.
• Devils Health and Broadcast Report-

  The New Jersey Devils enter tonight's fourth meeting of the season against the Florida Panthers as one of the healthiest teams in the league.  There I said it.  You might hate me for saying this, but it's the truth.  Only Jay Pandolfo remains on injured reserve with his ligament injury.  Relative to the rest of the NHL, that is good news for the Devils, who are battling for the divisional lead.

• Devils Host Florida Without Madden and Pandolfo-

  For only the second time in the last eight years, the New Jersey Devils will host the Florida Panthers Friday night without two of its best defensive forwards.  While Jay Pandolfo is still nursing a pelvic bone ligament he suffered on Nov. 28, linemate John Madden will miss the fourth meeting between these two teams this season with a laceration on the inside of his right ankle dating back to Jan. 11(TG).

• Rick Nash's Goal of Century- Last night, after eating supper, I flipped on Sportscenter knowing that those bumbling idiots are not talking about college football these days. Instead, ESPN gave hockey some coverage.  Then again this morning, Sportscenter showed NHL highlights.
  
• Devils Notes From Past Week, Late-Night Statistics III-

  While I was on vacation, the New Jersey Devils went 2-1.  They were victorious  in both road contests before falling at home to the NY Islanders last night.  I am sure that everyone wants to know how London was, but, more importantly, we need to discuss the Devils current events.  A lot has taken place, including John Madden’s leg injury, special teams updates, shots on goal and the Prudential Center’s attendance figures.

• Devils Score Four, Brodeur Shuts the Door-

  The New Jersey Devils seem to amaze the hockey world night after night.  Tonight was no different as they dismantled the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 (Just as Ethan predicted they would). 

  The Devils seem to get scoring from everyone this season.  Last night four different New Jersey players tallied goals as the Atlantic Division's hottest team collected two more points (some may argue that Pittsburgh is hotter considering it has won eight straight).

• Ovechkin Lands Record Contract- Alexander Ovechkin has agreed to a 13-year contract extension with the Washington Capitals worth a record setting $124 million. 
  
  ESPN is reporting that Ovechin signed the record contract "working out the details himself in negotiations with owner Ted Leonsis and GM George McPhee."
  
• One Size Doesn’t Fit All-

  In recent years, goal scoring and television ratings have been the main topics of discussion around the National Hockey League.  Mostly, the discussion has been how to increase scoring which will in turn increase ratings (I believe this to be false as any true/old school hockey fan would rather see a 1-0 low-scoring affair with great goaltending and many scoring chances).

• Devils Deliver Due to Sutter's Teamwork- Teamwork can be defined as "cooperative or coordinated effort on the part of a group of persons acting together as a team or in the interests of a common cause." I feel the New Jersey Devils have taken in this concept and used it towards their success in the National Hockey League.
  
  Mark Everson of the New York Post, spoke about giving the Devils their due.
  
• NHL All-Star Fan Balloting Final Numbers, Brodeur's 10th Appearance, 4th Career Start- Unlike the Presidential election and last year's "Vote for Rory" scandal, there were no miscalculations this time around.  No illusions, aberrations, or inaccuracies.  The 2008 NHL All-Star Fan Balloting results were as successful as the Winter Classic.  You can't ask for much more for that.
  
• Devils Broadcast History Timeline- Instead of sleeping last night, I worked hard to locate the New Jersey Devils broadcast information.  It wasn't easy.  I had to assassinate four dead monkeys and two live chickens to find all of this information.  Just kidding.  Only one chicken.  In all seriousness, this is the most accurate non-official timeline dating back to 1986.  Unfortunately, I am not sure who broadcasted Devils games on the radio and on television before the year of the NY Mets last World Series Win.
• Devils Broadcast Information vs. Buffalo-

  The New Jersey Devils welcome Buffalo to the Prudential Center tonight for a standard 7 o’clock start.  Tonight's contest will air on FSN-NY (HD) and as usual, on WFAN 660 AM.  The television pregame show begins at 6:30 p.m., a time when most people are still at w

• Devils Host Sabres Tonight, Begin Second Half of Season-

  The New Jersey Devils definitely slept well last night.  Even though they lost to Boston on Jan. 5, they looked at the standings and realized they remained in first place.  Despite injuries and offseason departures, they have managed to hold down the fort for the first half of the 2007-08 campaign.  They have done so with timely scoring, superior goaltending, and the addition of some new arrivals.

• Rolling Into the NHL-

  Throughout the past decade, there has been a common theme among many American-born NHL players.  While they can all skate, shoot, pass and hit, the more obvious similarities, there is one more that many ice hockey coaches and players overlook: roller hockey.

  While viewed as a trend that died out in the late 1990s, many professionals initiated their game on blades.  I too started my hockey career on roller blades, and while I never advanced to the professional realm, I vouched for the game that developed my stick handling ability and built my youthful confidence.

• NHL Calendar, All Star Game Later This Month-

  Later this month, the world will experience some peace and quiet with the  2008 NHL All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.  Well, not exactly.  I hope the Philadelphia Flyers are not invited though.  They are not friendly creatures.  NY Islanders' Chris Simon is not welcome either.  Can someone encourage him to do rehab?  I am not certain that a 30-game suspension will suffice for someone who broke his own 25-game record established back in March for a dangerous and violent stick-butting inci

• NHL All-Star Game Final Numbers-

  The fans spoke.  After several months of deliberation, they voted for Crosby, Levacalier, Markov, Chara, and Martin Brodeur to lead the east.  Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Lidstrom, Phaneuf, and Luongo received the most votes for the Western Conference.  The NHL will officially release the starting line-ups Jan. 8.

• Devils Stellar Play of Late Earns Coach a Spot in All-Star Game-

  ESPN reported that Mike Babcock of the Detroit Red Wings, Ron Wilson of the San Jose Sharks, John Paddock of the Ottawa Senators and Brent Sutter of the New Jersey Devils will comprise the 2008 All-Star game coaching staff. 

• Devils Late-Night Statistics II-

  Since our first edition of Devils Late-Night Statistics was a great success, we will continue with round two, just earlier in the evening.  We will focus on the Devils' special teams, scoring (or lack there of), goaltending, attendance figures (yikes), and a quick glance at the standings (much better), not in any particular order.
  

• It's a Bird. It's a Plane. It's the Winter Classic (Live)-

  The National Hockey League really found its niche in sports, in my opinion.  Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend the NHL Winter Classic in Buffalo, New York.  The NHL really put on quite a show at this game and the sellout crowd of 71,217 could not have been more excited and even too enthusiastic (guys, you had to go topless, c'mon).

• Atlantic Division: New Year's Eve Update- In early November, the New Jersey Devils faced their Atlantic Division opponents in nine consecutive games.  They went 4-1 against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but 0-3-1 against the New York Rangers and Islanders. 
• Devils Late-Night Statistics-

  I am incredibly bored and have nothing better to do at 4 a.m. on the east coast.  I am assuming that you are sleeping in a warm cozy bed.  I will join all of you shortly (in my bed).  In the meantime, enjoy some Devils’ statistics, which I find valuable and important to their success this season.