Everyone loves a good game that goes into overtime but no more dry scraping to try to end more games before shootouts? That is what the NHL ordered in their annual November meeting.
The league has officially said goodbye to Zambonis scraping ice without laying water between the end of the final period and the start of overtime effective this week. The main idea of it was to cut down the major competition. It would supposedly improve ice quality, easier passes and better ways to just shoot and score.
It was the audience who were the main critics in this case. The time between regulation and OT actually starting was thought to be a waste of time. Zamboni dry scrapes usually took about five minutes to complete but have gone up to six and a half in some cases. At the meeting, the NHL’s general managers decided that shoveling rather that a dry scrape of the ice during this in-between period would be more beneficial to everyone involved.
The managers discussed that the ice and players would be just fine with this change. In the past, dry scrapes did not happen before shootouts and games were played just as well. Columbus Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen said,
“I guess it just took a little too long. It took the excitement out of the end of the game. I think that’s what these meetings are for. We see something that wasn’t working the way we thought and correct it rather than just let it linger.”
That was not the only thing talked about at the meeting either. Other things discussed were player safety, goalie interference, no more waiting for the whistle, and a few other key points.
Some call it a “buzzkill” but others call it “waiting in anticipation”. Shootouts have always been great but understandably, if there is anything to try to improve the league in any way, it should be done.
The hockey rink is always a good place to spend your birthday, and after a whirlwind day, I couldn’t image myself being anywhere else.
As of lately, I feel like every time I go to put an outfit on, I end up changing it in a last minute frenzy. That definitely happened again, for tonight’s game. I had the perfect idea for my new fringy J.Crew tank, and it turns out that the combo was way too New Years Eve and not hockey game enough…. This was all decided as I’m supposed to be out the door.
Here I was trying on 5 different pairs of black heels to see which ones I liked the best, and the real issue was the shirt. I’m totally being a shoe repeater, but my trusty black heels are always the way to go when you’re running late.
I love the way that the ankle length pants look with the classic platform. I think it looks so put together, and I just love it! Except, I’m never wearing these specific ones to another game, because all 3 times I’ve worn them, we’ve gone into OT….
The top I’m wearing tonight was one of those random pick up’s from H&M, and I honestly don’t even like it, but sometimes a $10 shirt is too good to pass up (and it’s handy in the case of an emergency). I actually just threw it on, and walked out the door without second guessing myself.
My jacket is one of my faves, and it doesn’t get enough attention. I’m so tiny on top, it makes my arms look like they are being eaten up, but that doesn’t stop me.
I always like to add a third piece like a jacket or blazer, because not only does it keep me warmer, (I’m a wimp) but it makes everything look more put together.
Press Level Tip: Make sure when you come to the game, you are ready to jump into everything. That might mean a whole lot of things, but for me that means I come with a coffee in hand, or I down one before I get to the arena. Coming off of a long day, whether that be at work, or school (in my case), you need to be prepared for the night. On a night like tonight, the game start is a little later, so you’re going to get out of there later. Getting out of there later, means you are going to be writing later. I live off of caffeine (I’m ashamed to say I drink 3 cups of coffee or tea a day). So make sure you do whatever you need to do to make your night go smoothly.
Shirt: H&M, $10 (old)
Pants: J. Crew Dannie, $30.00 (on sale now)
Jacket: Marshalls, $50
Shoes: Forever 21, $22.00
(photo: Dinur Blum)
The Anaheim Ducks hoped that tonight would be the night that things turned around after their last game. The Ducks suffered their third loss in a row in a 3-4 shootout against the Calgary Flames. Last year, the Ducks dominated the Flames at home 3-1 and were hoping to start adding road games to the list. This game was also highly anticipated with former Ducks’ star goalie Jonas Hiller facing his former team in red this time around.
First periods always set the tone for the entire night, especially if it starts out with a fight. Ducks’ big boy Tim Jackman started out his game with a penalty for fighting against Calgary’s big boy defenseman Deryk Engelland at just 3:06. The Ducks started out strong and ready to fight to start their winning streak again. Ducks’ defenseman Sami Vatanen scored at 15:54 to have the Flames trailing early into the game. Vatanen has scored two goals in the last seven games and is quickly rising to the plate as being one of the better defenders on the team. Hiller and Ducks’ goalie Frederik Andersen did not allow any other passes through to end the first 1-0.
The second period came around and both teams came back more fired up than the first. After having chance after chance to score but just not cutting it in his last game against the Florida Panthers, Ducks’ Matt Beleskey scored the second goal of the night on a power play. Beleskey has stepped him game up from only scoring only nine goals the entire season last year to a whopping eight goals just in this season’s first stretch. Hiller was determined to not let anymore goals pass as the game came to a trailing score of 2-0. Just like the Ducks, the Flames are known for their last minute comebacks lately so it was safe to say they were not out of the running yet.
Even though the Ducks had the Flames trailing behind them by the time the third period started, the game was not over with yet. Calgary is known as a team who comes back with magic during their third periods. They scored three goals in the third against Ottawa and ended up winning. That magic came back this period and they scored two more goals both by defenseman Dennis Wideman. The Flames were finally leading against the Ducks but not for long as the Ducks’ Kyle Palmieri scored a power play goal to tie the game. The Ducks led the game both periods but let the Flames in at the last minute. Both teams were tied 3-3 by end of regulation and headed right into overtime.
When overtime finally arrived, there was no just passing the puck back and forth anymore. At just 19 seconds left, Ducks’ Ryan Kesler suffered a cross checking penalty against TJ Brodie and that seemed to be the end of the game until Andersen would not let the only two shots from Calgary through. With overtime over, the teams would have to go through a shootout to see who would finally come out on top.
The shootout showed how high the nerves were for both teams. Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau started out and managed to get one past Andersen. Duck’s Kesler scored a goal on Hiller and Calgary’s Jiri Hudler‘s was saved. Top Ducks’ shooter Jakob Silfverberg missed while young Calgary center Sean Monahan scored. It was all down to Corey Perry against Hiller, who missed and the game ended in a a total turnaround loss for the Ducks 3-4.
The Ducks spent most of this game in the Calgary zone which gave them all the chances they needed to shoot and score but the Flames proved dominant in the end. Anaheim will be looking for redemption against Kesler’s old team, the Vancouver Canucks, on Thursday.
Name: Maple Leaf Gardens
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Year Built: 1931
Capacity: 15,728
Have you ever worked on a paper or project, but eventually decided you were so sick of it you just wanted to trash it and start all over again? Well, that’s exactly how the story of Maple Leaf Gardens’ story begins. In the 1930’s, Conn Smyth, owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, saw an increase of interest in his team. More and more fans were coming in to watch the games and see the team. During the time (the 1930’s) their current stadium, old Arena Gardens, could only hold a total of 8,000 fans. Smyth knew he would need a larger stadium. With his many connections, Smyth arranged for the purchase of land and the building of a new arena, Maple Leaf Gardens. According to the Maple Leaf’s website, the stadium went up in only five months and was referred to by many as “a miracle in engineering.
All Smyth needed now was workers. Heritagetoronto.org tells the story of what happened next, “One morning, he sent a message to staff at the old venue offering all of them work at his new facility, the catch? The jobs were only available until Smythe left for lunch at 12:15 p.m. The staff raced up to the construction site on Carlton Street, leaving no one behind to watch the furnace that powered the building’s ice-making equipment. When the flames died out, the pipes burst and destroyed the plant.” Smyth accomplished his goal of never having to play at old Arena Gardens again and was ready to get going with his brand new Barn.
(http://media.canada.com)
Maple Leaf Gardens was constructed as a simple building with just a post-and-beam rectangular concrete frame and a slab floor. It was lined with yellow concrete bricks and included a blue maple leaf insignia on the roof. It was also the largest arena in the country at the time. The building’s simple architecture made for a strong foundation that lasted through its years of use from 1931-1999. It would later become known as Canada’s “cathedral of hockey.’ Since 2006 this hockey barn has also been considered a national historic landmark for Canada.
Not only did Maple Leaf Gardens have a fascinating opening, but it accumulated even more stories and memories throughout its years. As the building opened, fans already knew this building would bring some great memories as it housed one of the original six teams of the NHL with turbulent personalities. According to the team’s website, the team had also been known for gags such as “hanging King Clancy by his feet out of an open hotel window.” Not only that, but they had a crafty owner determined to meet his goals and have his way.
In their first season at the new stadium, the Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup after defeating the New York Rangers. Going into the series the teams were evenly matched. The Rangers record was 28-17-8 while the Maple Leafs stood at 28-18-7. In the first two games the Leafs overpowered the Rangers and beat them with scores of 6-4 and 6-2. Then on April 9th the Maple Leafs won their third stright game with a score of 6-4 and took home the Stanley Cup. In the following years Toronto would be a powerhouse and made it to the finals an outstanding seven times in a nine year period between 1932-1940.
During the 1932-1933 season, the Maple Leafs met the Boston Bruins in the semi-finals and ended up playing one of the longest games in hockey history. The series began on March 25th. The game went to overtime, but was won by Bruin Marty Barry 14 minutes into the period. In game two the Maple Leafs got their revenge and won in another overtime game. In another overtime the Bruins won game three, but the Leafs once again tied things up as the series went into game five. The Bruins had the home ice advantage, but that wasn’t going to stop Toronto. The first three periods went scoreless, as did the next five overtimes. The game would not end until the sixth overtime when Toronto scored the only goal of the game.
(http://hockey.ballparks.com/NHL/TorontoMapleLeafs/interior.jpg)
As the game stretched on into overtime after overtime, Conn Smyth and Art Ross were ready to settle the game with a simple coin toss. However, the president of the NHL, Frank Calder, turned down this idea realizing that the players had already worked too long and too hard for the game to be settled by a flip of a coin. He decided that whichever team could endure would be the ones to move to the finals. After 165 minutes of hockey ending with a historical win, Toronto hit the locker rooms, loaded the bus and headed straight for New York where they would once again face off again the Rangers who later got their revenge against the Leafs for beating them in the finals the previous year.
Not only were a lot of great hockey games played at Maple Leaf Gardens, but there were many great beginnings to new traditions as well. Maple Leaf Gardens is where Foster Hewitt began his “Hockey Night in Canada” radio broadcasts in 1952. At the time it was uncommon for hockey games to be broadcast over the radio. With the Maple Leafs growing popularity, it made sense to cover the games and transmit them over the airways so that the people who could not attend the game could still know what was going on. According to the Maple Leaf’s website, the “Hockey Night in Canada” broadcasts became a “Saturday-night tradition for Canadians coast-to-coast [and] because of Foster’s description of Leaf Games and his build up of their star players, the Leafs became ‘Canada’s team.’” Through these broadcasts Hewitt also coined the well-known phrase, “He shoots, he scores.”
These are just some of the few great moments to happen at Maple Leaf Gardens. The list of memories and great stories go on, but today new memories are being made in the Leafs current arena, the Air Canada Centre. Maple Leaf Gardens still stands as a national historic monument for fans and tourists to visit. Maple Leaf Gardens may be just another arena for some, but to others like the Maple Leafs and their fans, it’s one of the greatest hockey barns that housed the Maple Leafs as they progressed and showed the world what their hockey and their team were all about.
(photo credit: Josie Vimahi)
Even royals cannot hold their reign down every time. The Ontario Reign, Four-time Pacific Division Champions and affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings and Winnipeg Jets, lost in a shutout score of 1-0 to the Utah Grizzlies.
The second that first period started, it set a tough tone for the night. At just 43 seconds in, Reign defenseman Zach Bell went up and fought against the Grizzlies’ Alex Gallant. With that firing up both teams and having them ready to charge, the mood quickly changed into giving it all or nothing that game. The Reign had a few more chances to shoot during the first with 7 shots on goal but failed to take advantage of it. The perfect chance they had for a goal was with Geoff Walker and Maxim Kitsyn during a two-on-one deal. The pair tried their best to get it through the Grizzlies zone but goalie Ryan Faragher did not allow it to pass with a great save.
With an exciting first period, everyone expected the second to be just the same, just with a few goals this time around. The Grizzlies’ Myles Harvey set the puck up for Michael Colavecchia, who then passed it to T.J. Syner for a great fire shot past Reign’s Joe Cannata at 15:49. Once again the Reign had many opportunities to get some pucks in and tie the game before the third came around with 10 shots on goal but Faragher managed to not let any of them through. The Grizzlies finally started leading the Reign along with an ending second period score of 1-0.
The third period proved to be a slow one for both teams. Even the Reign’s power play after a tripping call against Colavecchia was not enough to get them through the rest of the night against Faragher. Both teams ended the third with only six shots on goals each that came out to a total of 23-18. The Grizzlies held on to the end and Faragher saved 23 goals to achieve his first professional shutout.
The Reign is hoping to bounce back on Wednesday night against the Idaho Steelheads for the first of three games against them.
It was a game of firsts during Sunday’s matinee featuring the San Jose Sharks and the Carolina Hurricanes. The Sharks were the first team in NHL history that played 15 of its first 20 games on the road. On top of that, the travel weary club had to endure yet another challenge: backup goalie Alex Stalock was placed on IR after sustaining a minor knee injury during the Dallas Stars game on November 8. This setback created an opportunity for another first to happen.
Enter goaltender Troy Grosenick, up from the Worcester Sharks, who made his NHL debut – another first – on game six of this seven-game road trip. The 25-year-old averaged .903 last year and .908 this year in Worcester, making him a solid stand-in to give Antti Niemi some rest.
Grosenick was tested early on and faced 16 shots alone in the first period. And the Canes did not let up on the pressure for the entire game. Grosenick faced 15 shots in the second and 14 in the third – a grand total of 45 shots. But that’s not all. He saved all of those shots. So not only was he playing in his first NHL game, it was his first NHL career shutout. Not to mention, he set a record for most saves in a shutout debut in the modern era. The previous record was 41 shots, back in 1967, by Andre Gill of the Boston Bruins.
How’s that for a debut?
Another first happened in the first period involving Sharks’ right winger Tyler Kennedy. During an attack by the Canes, Grosenick dropped his stick and Kennedy came to the rescue, handing him his twig. He then made an incredible save with Kennedy’s stick – I would venture to guess that this was the first time Kennedy’s stick made a save by a goalie. Check out Troy’s awesome save, here.
Looking at the box score, you would think Carolina had this game in the bag, with 45 shots to San Jose’s measly 19. But Grosenick had other plans in mind. While defense was a definite strong point in this game, the Sharks did get two goals. Tomas Hertl scored late in the first, assisted by Barclay Goodrow, who got his first point in the NHL on that assist (Another first!). Then, with seven seconds left in the game, Joe Thornton got an empty-netter, officially making it impossible for the Canes to catch up. Troy Grosenick’s outstanding performance, however, sealed the win.
(Photo: Krista Patronick)
On Saturday, the Boston Bruins were back on home ice taking on the Carolina Hurricanes and once again the opposing team was on the board first just a little more than seven minutes into the first period. Given the panic that had taken hold of the fans after the Bruins gave up a combined eleven goals between their two road games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens early in the week, it was perhaps surprising that those at TD Garden didn’t scream in mortal pain when the Hurricanes scored. However, once again rookie Seth Griffith would be in the right place at the right time and would read the play and ultimately tie the game.
Unlike his impressive between-the-legs goal that he scored on New Jersey Devils’ goalie Cory Schneider that began with his blocking a shot during the Bruins game on Monday, November 10, in Saturday’s case, Griffith happened to be the recipient of a bad backhand pass by the Hurricanes Andrej Sekera, and just like that he had popped it past Cam Ward. Sounds simple enough, but to those who truly understand the game, what Griffith has been able to accomplish in these two games has not only resulted in goals, but has also energized the Bruins in a way that they were sorely in need.
http://youtu.be/aP9OeRlUkcM
After the highlight reel goal against the Devils that had NESN play-by-play man Jack Edwards calling Griffith “the little engine that could,” Patrice Bergeron pointed out that while most people would talk about the play at the end, that it was, in fact, the play at the beginning that even allowed Griffith the opportunity to try and score.
“We were stuck in our zone for quite awhile on that shift. [The blocked shot] broke that sequence and went out,” Bergeron said. “It wasn’t a clear breakaway either. He was actually behind both [defensemen] and found a way to battle through and to get it in so it was a great play by him.”
Chris Kelly also alluded to the blocked shot of that play being the most important aspect of the entire sequence.
“I think a blocked shot is the best part of it. That’s the one that took the most thought,” he said. “Another part I think was just maybe a reaction there. He got in the lane on purpose. It wasn’t a play, so to me there was some intent and some thought put behind that, you know, getting in that shot lane, to kill that play, to get his feet moving quickly and obviously score that nice goal.”
High praise coming from players such as Kelly and Bergeron, who went on to respond to a question by media about Griffith’s play being a lesson in not giving up on the play.
“I think that’s something really important in hockey,” Bergeron responded. “I think not giving up on any play actually and always trying to battle to get the puck and that’s a perfect example.”
Having covered the recent first win of the Northeastern University Huskies, when asked after the game if it had been hard to keep the team motivated, head coach Jim Madigan said that it hadn’t; that the players showed up every practice ready to work and that perhaps it had something to do with being young. And maybe this applies somewhat to Griffith. Maybe his youth prevents him giving up on plays; wanting to look back and say he gave his all.
And it was Griffith’s not giving up as the Devils fell back into their zone that made him available when Sekera’s shot didn’t go where it was supposed to. Had Griffith not continued to follow that play, perhaps the game on Saturday would have had a different outcome.
After Monday’s practice, The Pink Puck had an opportunity to talk to Griffith. During training camp, head coach Claude Julien had mentioned being impressed with Griffith’s hockey IQ and The Pink Puck wanted to know how Griffith sees the ice when he’s out there; is he looking at where the play is or where it will end up?
“You do a little bit of both. When I’m looking at the play, I just try and read what’s about to happen and I think that just gives you a little bit of an advantage,” Griffith told The Pink Puck. “If you’re thinking ‘what’s gonna happen?’ then you can put yourself in a good area to get a scoring chance or make a defensive play or something like that.”
Seth Griffith
When asked if that was how he ended up being in the positions he was on the last couple of plays that resulted in goals for him, he didn’t forget to mention the lucky bounces.
“It’s just being in the right area at the right time when you get lucky bounces and stuff like that,” he said. “People say it’s lucky bounces at the same time, you know, it’s also being in the right position.”
However, much like Bergeron, he is not one to consider himself special, even when it comes to the hockey IQ that Julien said impressed him, bringing mention to the others in the locker room.
“Everyone has hockey IQ in here, so, you know, that’s why they’re at this level.”
Of course as with all other skills that a hockey player has and works to improve, there are those who are great at sniping, those who can withstand huge hits, and those who can see where plays are going before they get there.
Another skill that Griffith is honing is that of looking and listening to the others on the team. Watching him during practice it is clear that he is soaking up as much as he can from his teammates, especially the two with whom he played during training camp—Bergeron and Brad Marchand. So, what has he learned from Bergeron?
“He’s such a gifted player. You look at what he’s done. There’s no better guy to look up to than that,” Griffith told The Pink Puck. “You just watch the little things he does in the corner, how he protects the puck. He’s one of those guys who doesn’t get knocked off the puck and doesn’t turn the puck over and that’s why he’s such a good player.”
And like any young player who is studying someone he holds in high regard, Griffith is trying to emulate Bergeron in those little things. Of course Bergeron is taller than Griffith, so when it comes to not being knocked off the puck and being strong on the ice, Griffith turns to Marchand for some tips.
“He just uses his skating ability to away from guys. He’s one of the strongest guys on our team, and he’s not the tallest guy out there,” Griffith described Marchand. “He never gets knocked off the puck too easy, so I just watch his little spin moves and stuff like that and try and pick up tips that way.”
Griffith is eager to grow as a player and his youth affords him that mentality to not give up on anything. Having watched his impressive year with the Providence Bruins last season, it will be interesting to see what more he absorbs and how he progresses as his first season at the NHL level continues.
(photo via letsgoflyers.net)
Gordie Howe‘s family says the hockey legend has gotten worse after suffering another stroke just recently.
His most recent stroke occurred about a week ago in Lubbock, Texas, where the former Detroit Red Wings player is currently staying with his daughter. He was also at her home last month when the initial stroke happened and impaired him a little bit.
It is not easy for any of his kids to speak about it, let alone having to witness their dad’s derailing health every day. Mark Howe, who is also a great hockey player just like his dad, told The Canadian Press on Sunday about his dad’s ongoing struggle.
“His health has taken a turn for the worse this past week to 10 days and we are doing what we can to help his situation the best that we can,” he said. “But he is not doing well at all is the bottom line.”
One of Howe’s other sons, Murray, was very optimistic when he spoke to TSN 1040 about his dad becoming strong once again and that this stroke cannot stop him. He talked about how his dad has good and bad days just like everyone else. He can walk and speak clearly on some days while during others, he cannot take a few steps without resting, will slur his words, and he has some signs of mild dementia. Howe also talked about how his dad is and never will be alone during this tough time. They remain in Lubbock and at least one of the sons is with the dad at all times.
There has not been another Gordie Howe or “Mr. Hockey” since he has been around and there probably never will be. He set high NHL marks for the record books with 801 goals and 1,850 points. The only other player to surpass him was Wayne “The Great One” Gretzky. Even after he quit playing, Howe still supported the NHL and all of hockey thoroughly, and is still seen as The Greatest Player of all Time, setting the standards high to how great the game should be.
For more on Howe’s ongoing battle : Ted Kulfan’s post in The Detroit News
Water. It’s all about water. Without it, hockey is no more. That is why the NHL is in the fresh water protection business. Their goal is to stop the diminishing supply of fresh water resources, aide in water protection and to restore fresh water supplies. The NHL is the first league to help in the preservation of water. It makes sense, hockey is a water sport of sorts. No water means no back yard ponds to practice on at 6 am in the cold. No arenas to drive to after school. No semi finals anywhere to look forward to!
That is why the NHL is partnering with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (B.E.F.) in Oregon to promote the “Gallons for Goals” program. For each goal scored during the regular 2014- 2015 season, the NHL will restore 1.000 gallons of water to a dewatered river. The league is also helping with Oregon’s Deschutes River Project. As the whole league is helping, the individual teams are also. During the 2013-2014 season, the New Jersey Devils planted a tree in a park for every game they won. The project was called “Pucks for Parks”. The list of teams and their local projects are many, so you might want to check on the team’s website for information.
This brings me to the 2014 NHL Sustainability Report. It is out and readable to fans everywhere! The major goal is to decrease the overall footprint of the NHL. It reads that this can be done by commitment and inspiration to fans and others relating to the league.
The NHL has partnered with many different groups and non-profits to help with environmental and social problems in different areas. Groups like Beyond Sport, Energy Star, the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Green Sports, Green Sports Alliance (GSA) are just a few examples of a lengthy list.
When I first started this column I thought I might be able to write a line or two about the NHL and the word “green!” Boy, this column has been an eye-opener even to me! I did not think that the NHL was and is on the same page as most of their fans. It looks good on the multi-billion dollar corporation and its’ players. It brings them down to earth a bit more.
As I continue to look into the green NHL I came to a stat that I figured you all might want to read. Hockey is full of stats but this one is a bit mind-blowing. In the 2013-2014 season the league decreased their carbon footprint; 38 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions were offset. That is like taking 3,591 cars off the U.S. roads for one year, a truly impressive statistic for one season.
The NHL has surprised me with their green projects, their outreach and their desire to help our planet. To the NHL thanks and keep up the “green” stats!
Image from Blackhawks roster
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk had to sit out of Sunday’s game against the Dallas Stars after taking a puck to the leg during the first period.
Stars defenseman Trevor Daley shot the puck at 6:18 of the first and it managed to be so bad that it made van Riemsdyk fall to the ground. Van Riemsdyk struggled as he skated by himself off the ice and disappeared into the dressing room. The Blackhawks announced that he would not be returning for the rest of the game right after the beginning of the second period.
This is definitely not the best of starts for the Blackhawks rookie. He has played in all 18 games of the season so far and has a zero-rating, one assist, and an average of 14:11 on the ice. He is also the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs forward James van Riemsdyk.
Thankfully for the Blackhawks, the only other major injury besides van Riemsdyk is left wing Patrick Sharp who suffered a leg injury on Nov. 4 and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks.
Irony or not, with the season barely have started just a little over a month ago, the entire league’s injured list seems to be growing rapidly. Pittsburgh Penguins’ Olli Maatta had a tumor from his thyroid removed that was proved to be cancerous. The Anaheim Ducks have had some of their biggest players and even a goalie in and out of the list for weeks with things like the flu and upper body injuries. Los Angeles Kings’ hard hitter Alec Martinez will be undergoing surgery for his finger after last week’s game. San Jose Sharks’ Alex Stalock had minor knee surgery and the Bruins’ Matt Fraser was a little disoriented after his fight with Canadiens’ Nathan Beaulieu. That is just to name a few as the list grows daily.
Maybe it is just early season blues or just a bout of bad luck but at the rate this is going, who know how many things could happen by the end of the season. Even the playoffs had more injuries than most people knew about but this is just ridiculous. These injuries are even bringing some of the best teams around the nation and who really knows if they can be prevented or not. Is it just a case of overworking and too much ice time, sore losers that will do sneaky things to win or maybe just sheer coincidence that will have brighter days coming out soon? Either way, cross fingers and hope that favorite players and injured ones get well fast and stay that way through the rest of the long season ahead.
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