With the trade deadline approaching, most teams are looking towards what they need in order to make a deep playoff run. But with the Penguins, perennial playoffs favorites, it’s a bit more complicated than simply filling holes in their roster.
The Penguins need forwards. It’s a weird thing to say for a team with two of the most dominant forwards in the game today, but it’s true. With Pascal Dupuis injured, there’s a gaping hole on Sidney Crosby’s line that’s being filled with players like Brian Gibbons who, while skilled, have yet to demonstrate being consistently first-line skilled. Dupuis is a workhorse, and on his salary ($3.75 million), it’s hard to find a first-line winger to replace him. GM Ray Shero has called the idea of finding a winger to replace Dupuis “far-fetched”.
But there’s also the issue of the third and fourth lines, which has been plaguing the Penguins all year. It’s not that the third and fourth lines are bad, but they’re not good either. While they aren’t outright liabilities, they very rarely score. On top of that, with the relentless string of injuries the Penguins have weathered, the lines are constantly in flux, making chemistry very, very difficult to form. If the Penguins hope to win the Cup this year, it’s generally thought that the third and fourth lines need to start producing more consistently. That’s not gospel (after all, most teams that win the Stanley Cup have one gaping flaw or another, think the Blackhawks and their lacking powerplay), but it is a nagging concern – enough of a concern that there’s been speculation that Brandon Sutter, the current third-line center, may be on the trade block for a more dynamic scorer.
The Penguins, however, are faced with a major problem- they have almost no cap space (roughly $1.2 million) to add high-quality players with. If Kris Letang is out for the season, it may be a blessing in disguise for the Penguins, who could use his salary to plug up the holes in their offense. (Letang’s salary is $3.5 million.) But Letang’s condition is unclear and won’t be made clear for another couple of weeks, meaning that Shero won’t know what kind of money he has to work with until after the trade deadline has passed.
Last year the Penguins went big at trade deadline, adding Jarome Iginla, Jussi Jokinen, Brendan Morrow, and Douglas Murray. Ultimately, this did not help them overmuch. Morrow and Murray were both serviceable, though Iginla, their biggest acquisition, had trouble building chemistry on either of the top two lines. But the Penguins came up short in the Eastern Conference Finals, and a lack of scoring and chemistry on the first and second lines was a big reason why. With that fresh in their minds, the Penguins may be understandably cautious about making big trades going forward, especially considering their record (40-15-3) which places them comfortably ahead of their closest competitor in the Eastern Conference, Boston (37-16-5), and miles ahead of anyone else in their Metropolitan Division.
Ultimately what the Penguins may do is go for small trades. Acquiring players like Jussi Jokinen, while maybe not a sexy, headline-worthy transaction, has served the Penguins well in the past. Jokinen, while still having part of his salary paid for by Carolina, has put up 16 goals and 26 assists this year. If the Penguins can get more players like him for similarly reduced costs to plug up holes in the bottom two lines, their trade deadline woes may be all but over.
I have always loved hockey and one of my greatest desires is to see the game grow in the United States. Having grown up loving the sport in a non-traditional hockey market, I get a little feisty when people say hockey doesn’t belong here, and further that hockey in America is an inferior product because we don’t have the same passion for the game.
Hockey participation has been steadily growing in the United States since the early 1990’s. Chris Peters did an excellent analysis of USA Hockey’s official membership record from all 50 states over a span of ten years. Despite the country being in a recession for part of that decade, participation in hockey – a sport widely acknowledged to be a rather pricey one to play – went up by 63,951 members between 2002-03 and 2012-13, and those numbers could be even higher if we were counting players not registered with USA Hockey.
While this rise in participation is due in some part to the expansion of the NHL, a lot of the credit goes to grass-roots efforts to grow the game. USA Hockey and their Hockey Weekend Across America program have played a huge role in cultivating a love for the game right here in the good ol’ USA. Tomorrow (February 28, 2014), marks the beginning of the event hosted by USA Hockey and rinks across the country for the seventh year running.
Hockey Weekend Across America lasts for 3 days (February 28-March 2), and each day focuses on a different theme.
From www.usahockey.com:
“Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day” on Friday (February 28) is the day for fans to show off their hockey pride by wearing their prized hockey jerseys. USA Hockey’s Facebook and Twitter pages will accept photos from families, friends, and colleagues in search of the most passionate hockey fans.
Saturday (March 1) is “Try Hockey Day,” sponsored by the NHL.
Hundreds of rinks nationwide will host ‘Try Hockey for Free’ clinics, allowing thousands of children to experience hockey for the first time. To find a participating rink near you and register, visit TryHockeyforFree.com.
To cap off the weekend, “Celebrate Local Hockey Heroes” day on Sunday (March 2) encourages hockey programs nationwide to develop ways to honor their local hockey heroes. USA Hockey invites all to post pictures and stories on its website, Facebook and Twitter pages. The day also includes NBC’s Hockey Day in America coverage.
Fans 13 years of age and older can register for the Hockey Weekend Across America “Great Day for Hockey” Sweepstakes at HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com. Three grand prize packages will be awarded, each including hockey skates, a hockey stick, a helmet/facemask combo and hockey gloves, courtesy of CCM. Second and third prizes will also be awarded with the drawing taking place.
Associations, teams and communities celebrating Hockey Weekend Across America are encouraged to submit their event plans to USA Hockey at HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com.
At each of 14 NHL games in American cities during Hockey Weekend Across America, two young officials will have a chance to meet the NHL officials working the particular contest prior to the game and then stay to watch those NHL officials in action.
For full information surrounding the weekend, visit HockeyWeekendAcrossAmerica.com. Visitors can seek out activities around their community or across the country, participate in exciting giveaways and download promotional materials.
NOTES: Hockey Weekend Across America was created by USA Hockey in 2008 to engage the hockey community in celebrating the sport of hockey at all levels and exposing the sport to new audiences … Liberty Mutual Insurance Responsible Sports Program and Total Hockey are sponsors of Try Hockey for Free Day.
Photo: NY Post
After spending time with the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack, centerman J.T. Miller was called up to play in tonight’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks. He totaled 26 points in 26 games so far with the Wolfpack this season. He skated on Wednesday morning, and again this morning to practice with his NHL teammates. The Rangers organization has a tendency to keep younger players in the minor league for development purposes. Those young prospects are the future of the team, so why keep them in the minor leagues for so long? The Pittsburgh Penguins have the right idea. They keep their team young, and their success has been obvious, winning a Stanley Cup in 2009. Of course all teams need their veteran players, with both their leadership qualities and experience. J.T. Miller is a player with a bright future, and keeping him on the Rangers line up will benefit the team for sure.
In a recent interview about being called up, Miller says he’s thankful for the opportunity. He says he appreciates being given another shot to play more consistently for the Rangers.
(photo: The Associated Press)
The St. Louis Blues were shut out for the first time this season as they lost, 1 to 0, to the Vancouver Canucks immediately following the Olympic break.
It took two and a half periods for points to be scored in this hard fought, back and forth game. The Canucks’ Jannik Hansen #36 finally broke the stalemate as he put one past Jaroslav Halak at 11:13 in the third period. The Blues rallied hard but were unable to score. Eddie Lack registered his third shut out for the Vancouver Canucks as he stopped all 20 shots.
The St. Louis Blues had three power play opportunities that generated most of their unfruitful scoring opportunities. The Blues possessed the puck with authority on the power play but came up short on all three chances. Power plays can be the difference maker, so the Blues need to make sure they capitalize on power play chances as they look to win games leading up to the playoffs. The inability to put the puck in the net lead the Blues to drop this game to the Canucks.
The Blues continue their road trip, traveling to California to face another strong Western Conference team, the Anehiem Ducks, on Friday February, 28th, at 9:00PM.
Photo: CBC
Today, millions around the world participate each year in pink days to stand up and speak out against bullying in schools, workplaces and communities.
Earlier this month, a flash mob of students from the surrounding BC Lower Mainland area broke out at the Vancouver Giants’ Family Day game at the Pacific Coliseum.
More than 2,800 students dressed in pink t-shirts, stood up in their seats during an extended time-out in the second period. Dancing to the tune of “Shooting Star” by Owl City, the lights in the arena dimmed as the students waved little lights.
The flash mob is part of an annual anti-bully campaign in British Columbia.
[tubepress video=”oIlvkZmuS9Q”]
For Tampa Bay Lightning fans, March 17th won’t be just a St. Patrick’s Day game against the Vancouver Canucks. It will also be the 10th anniversary celebration of the 2004 Stanley Cup Championship!
The night will start out with Chase, sponsor of the evening, providing all fans in attendance with a replica of the Stanley Cup ring that the players received back in 2004, twelve years after the team entered into the NHL.
Throughout the game, alumni from the 2004 team, as well as Stanley himself, will be making appearances. Alumni expected to attend are captain Dave Andreychuk, Ben Clymer, Jassen Cullimore, Chris Dingman, Pavel Kubina, Brad Lukowich, Fredrik Modin, Stan Neckar, Nolan Pratt, Andre Roy, Tim Taylor and Cory Stillman. Front office staff involved in the evening will be former team president Ron Campbell, general manager Jay Feaster, associate coach Craig Ramsay and assistant athletic trainer Adam Rambo. Current staff members, video coach Nigel Kirwan, head medial trainer Tom Mulligan, head equipment manager Ray Thill and others, will also be recognized. They will be available prior to the game outside of the Forum for autographs and pictures. Stanley will be on display for photos. Fans will be given a commemorative poster, presented by Chase. All alumni will also be part of a pre-game ceremony on the ice.
Marty St. Louis, alumni of the 2004 season, will be skating that night for the Lightning, while 2004 head coach, John Tortorella, will be coaching the Vancouver Canucks.
The night will bring fans back in time to 2004. In-game features such as music and trivia will revolve around the 2004 championship season. Special shirts to commemorate the evening will be on sale, and modelled by the Lightning girls during the game. There will be many other retail options that include apparel and pucks. In addition, the third period of Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup Final will be shown on LightningVision following the game.
The Lightning won their first Stanley Cup on July 7, 2004 following a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames in the seventh and final game of the series. It remains a crowning achievement for the franchise.
The Winter Games united hockey fans from around the world, lovers of the game flooded their TV’s, rooting their team towards medal placement. There is always plenty of excitement in the matches played throughout the games, with the NHL season on hold and players representing their respective countries, the games iced the way for any fan to expand their cheering demographic. It was possible for virtually any fan of any team to find their voice no matter what country was competing. Especially with Team Canada winning gold, and their roster filled entirely with NHL players. The list went on an on with the amount of NHL talent in full force in Sochi, but alas the ceremonies are closed and the NHL season faces off again beginning tonight.
While the games allowed for friendly competition between friends, the Olympics were a chance for some people to go even further. If you missed out during the Olympic run, you can get in on the action with half a season left of hockey to be played. Gambling in sports goes glove and glove with the excitement of the game, and SportsBettingDime.com, is a prime way for fans of the game to add another level of excitement to the season. Even if your team isn’t dominating their conference, it doesn’t mean you cant win in another way.
Whether a friendly bet between friends or placed in an online forum, upping the ante, so to speak, gives an added excitement to the outcome of a game. Perhaps actually placing a monetary bet isn’t you style, but placing a bet among friends to do something embarrassing is always a fun option. Players do it all the time and take to social media to share the stakes…
Friendly competition, it’s a good thing, especially if you’re certain that your team will be hoisting Lord Stanley at seasons end.
The Colorado Eagles and the Stockton Thunder came together for a three in three weekend series at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland, Colorado. It was the last meeting of the regular season for the two teams. Both have struggled through the month of February which saw the Thunder play at home two times and the rest spent on the road. The Eagles have also spent the majority of the month on the road. Each team has suffered through losing streaks, Stockton with 4 road game losses and Colorado with 5 losses, a mix of home and away. The last time the teams met was at the beginning of February at Stockton Arena. The Eagles took that contest in commanding fashion besting the Thunder 7-5 in a fast paced, high goal game.
Colorado plays a fast game, they are a team that thrives in the neutral zone and their offensive capabilities can be deadly if they gain speed and force odd man rushes on the opposing team. Stockton plays a more grind it out style, getting the puck in deep and then cycling while creating havoc in front of the net. Both have power plays that rank at the top of the ECHL, with Stockton still commanding the lead at a 20.1 % conversion rate, making it dangerous for a team to take a penalty. The weekend series showcased each team’s strengths, each game high scoring and each needing a full sixty minutes to decide, and for the middle game, overtime.
The Friday night contest gave the Eagles the first victory, with a 6-4 win over the Thunder. Colorado came out strong, dictating the pace of the game and making Thunder goaltender Brian Foster work hard the first period. Stockton got on the board first, however as Colorado turned the puck over at the blueline and Adam Brace, making his second appearance with the Thunder since coming over from the Cincinnati Cyclones, turned on the jets, and came in alone against Eagles netminder Butler, 1-0. It marked Brace’s first goal with Stockton.
The Eagles top line of Trent Daavettila, Kyle Kraemer and Kyle Ostrow showcased their growing chemistry when Kraemer stripped the puck from Thunder Mitch Bruijsten at the blueline, taking off down the ice for a 2 on 1, passed to Daavettila who popped it behind Foster and tying the game 1-1. “We are a fast team so we feed off that, ” said Kraemer. “If we get a turnover we are off to the races.” The Eagles then pulled ahead 2-1, just 30 seconds later as they won an offensive zone face-off, which Jonathan Parker put in net.
The second period continued with a Eagles offensive onslaught as Trent Daavettila notched his second of the night just 36 seconds into the second period as another Thunder turnover at the blueline created a scoring opportunity for the Eagles. Kraemer would again skate the puck ahead, feed it to Kyle Ostrow and over to Trent Daavettila who put it behind Foster increasing Colorado’s lead 3-1
“It was nice to get back to those ways, being a scoring team,” said Daavettila. “I feel like the chemistry is coming. We are starting to know what Kraemer’s tendencies are, what his capabilities are. He’s a very skilled player so he is a fun guy to play with.”
Kyle Kraemer came over from the Ontario Reign in a trade at the beginning of February. He is at a point per game pace with 10 games played in Colorado and he seems like a natural fit with the speed that both Daavettila has and the scoring touch in Kyle Ostrow.
“Playing with those two, they are so talented,” Kraemer said. “I just have to get open, because they will find me. It’s fun, we have the speed, can make plays and I am really looking forward to playing with them in the future.”
Joey Martin brought the Thunder back within one goal as Mitch Bruijsten and Riley Wetmore split the Eagles defense and put the puck on Martin’s stick who then tipped it in past Butler. Martin has been a solid performer for the Thunder, leading the team in goals and points since the departure of Greg Miller.
Stockton then tied the game up 3-3 as Mike Bergland capitalized on a broken play and came in alone on Butler in the 3rd period. The Eagles would go ahead again, this time on the power play with Greg Gardner going to the net for the goal. The Thunder would get a power play, but they gave up yet another odd man rush and Colorado Captain Riley Nelson tallied a shortie giving Colorado a commanding lead 5-3. Thunder Shawn Boutin showed that the Thunder wouldn’t go down without a fight. After crashing into the boards during the first period and missing most of the second, Boutin came back in the third and scored, giving Stockton a chance to even things up before time ran out. Eagles Kyle Ostrow finished the game, however putting in an empty netter with the final score 6-4.
……….
The second game in a three game series usually brings out the emotions for both teams, and this matchup was no exception. Both teams began the period conservatively with not very many shots put on goal for either side. The Eagles top line of Daavettila-Ostrow-Kraemer began to put on the heat generating some chances in front of Thunder netminder Milner which he was able to turn aside. The fireworks began, however as a succession of fights led to penalty minutes racked up for each side. Joey Martin, who continues to impress, scored the lone goal in the period for the Thunder with just 58 seconds left, giving him his 15th goal of the season, and giving the Thunder the lead 1-0.
“I thought our first period was a pretty well played period, said Eagles Coach Stewart. “The guys moved the puck well on both sides of the ice. They really got a good jump on us and had some good shots on net. It took us by the end of the first period to get our legs, but by then we were really going.”
Eagles Kyle Kraemer assists Trent Daavettila
and the puck gets past Brian Foster
After a heavy hitting fight between Thunder Captain Garet Hunt and Eagles Isaac Smeltzer at the beginning of the second period, Colorado got to scoring with Jonathan Parker taking a feed from A.J. Hau and putting it past Parker Milner to tie things 1-1. Stockton’s Mathieu Gagnon would answer right back, with his first goal as part of the Thunder organization and Corey Trivino would follow up right after giving Stockton the lead 3-1 . Eagles Kyle Kraemer showed his scoring finesse, however after he received a pass from Kyle Ostrow and fired the puck from the top of the right circle, beating Milner putting them within one 3-2. Kraemer would notch his second of the night before the second period was over on the power play after an initial shot by Trent Daavettila was blocked to tie the game at 3.
The game stayed knotted during the third, with opportunities coming from both sides but neither could foil the goaltenders. The game would head to overtime and Thunder defenceman Ryan Constant would beat Eagles goaltender Adam Brown after a nice cycle started from behind the net by James Henry and Garet Hunt found Constant’s tape with just over a minute left. It was a hard fought game, on both sides but Stockton took it 4-3.
………
Wild is the only way to describe the first frame of the Sunday matinee contest between the Eagles and the Thunder. Scoring, penalties and thrown waterbottles and sticks the highlights of the period. Stockton opened up the scoring with Joey Martin continuing his scoring streak, putting the puck through Eagles’ netminder Cheverie’s legs for the goal 1-0. Mathieu Gagnon and Issac Smeltzer then would make some fireworks deep in the Eagles zone sending them both off with 5 minute fighting majors. Kevin Ulanski would even things up for the Eagles after Thunder netminder Foster lost hold of the puck and it trickled behind him. More collisions, this time in the Stockton end sent Eagles Captain Riley Nelson off to the box on a questionable call. Thunder Adam Brace scored his second goal of the weekend during the resultant power play. After some delay in the faceoff circle, Colorado Coach Stewart vented his frustration at the referees, throwing every waterbottle behind the bench on to the ice. When he ran out of bottles, sticks began to fly and after it all the Eagles coach was ejected, leaving Assistant Coach Aaron Schneekloth to man the bench. The Thunder gained another power play opportunity and quickly made it work, James Henry putting in a mild shot on Marc Cheverie that snuck through, giving Stockton the edge 3-1.
The scoring wasn’t done yet as Eagles Trent Daavettila got on the board with a rebound that Stockton goalie Brian Foster couldn’t quite get, the first period result a score of 3-2.
photo credit: John Babitz
Eagles Kyle Kraemer and Thunder Riley Wetmore
The second period marked another series of strange events. Thunder Ryan Constant attempted to block a shot fired from Eagles Daniel Johnston but the puck made it to the back of the net, tying the game 3-3. Colorado would get a delayed penalty and Stockton sent Foster to the bench for the extra attacker. Corey Trivino, the extra skater, picked up the puck on a pass from Henry and Hunt and put it on net giving Stockton the lead 4-3 and a full power play to potentially add another tally.
Thunder Adam Brace continued his weekend scoring streak adding another goal to make it 5-3 in the third which would prove to be needed as Eagles Kyle Ostrow would get a power play goal to put Colorado within one goal 5-4 late in the game.
“I was really just standing in front of the net and Daavettila and Ulanski were making some nice plays,” said Ostrow. “Ulanski shot it and it hit me in the chest, the puck came down to my feet and the goalie had no idea where it was so I shoveled it in.”
Ostrow’s goal gave the Eagles some momentum but it was too late to make a push for another goal, although in the final minute of play with the extra attacker on, it nearly looked like things would get tied up to push the contest into overtime. Ostrow said, “It’s always tough the 3-in-3 and we wanted this game back. I think the fights up at the beginning and Coach Stewart firing us up there helped. We got behind early but we made our way back. I think if we had a few more minutes we could have maybe done it but it was a little too late.”
(photo: www.usahockey.com)
On January 18, the U.S. National Under-18 Team played a game against Waterloo during their annual Stars Wars Night sporting Darth Vader jerseys. The sweaters were hilariously awesome.
National Team Development Program Star Wars Night jerseys, usahockey.com
While this was USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s third straight season hosting Star Wars night, the jerseys weren’t just for fun. Game-worn jerseys were auctioned off online and raised over $4,100 to help C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich.
“The Star Wars Jersey auction was a huge success,” said Scott Monaghan, senior director of operations for the NTDP. “Not only were we able to provide our fans with the opportunity to purchase game-worn jerseys, but also raise money to support a local children’s hospital. It has been a great experience and the NTDP is looking forward to raising even more money next year.”
All proceeds benefited C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. Under the umbrella of the University of Michigan Hospital and Health Centers, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is consistently ranked among the nation’s top pediatric hospitals.
Team USA and C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital would like to sincerely thank all those who bid. The money raised will go a long way to helping make a difference in a young child’s life.
Fourteen of the 26 auctioned jerseys were worn by players that were highlighted in the NHL Central Scouting’s midterm ranking and could potentially be selected in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Among these was projected first-round pick and Team USA star Sonny Milano. Also projected to be drafted high in 2015 draft, Jack Eichel’s jersey was up for bid.
I have to admit, I’m kind of disappointed I don’t have one of these jerseys in my collection… The fact that Darth Vader is basically fist pumping makes it all the more amazing.
(Photo by: Anne-Marie Sorvin – USA TODAY Sports)
The St. Louis Blues head to Vancouver to face off against the Canucks in their first game back following the Olympic break. Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Pietrangelo return to the Blues with Olympic gold.
The Blues look to stay atop the Central Division with 84 points, and distance themselves from the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Canucks are looking to get another win against the Blues. Vancouver has beaten the Blues in their last two meetings this season. The Blues hosted the Canucks on October 25th, 2013, and took the Canucks to overtime but lost 3 to 2. On January 10th, 2014, the Canucks hosted the Blues and defeated them on home ice 2 to 1. This will be the final game of the Blues-Canucks series this season and the Blues are looking to avoid the sweep.
Vladimir Sobotka #17 is still on injured reserve for the Blues, while the Canucks have four players out with injuries, Chris Tanev #8, Kevin Bieksa #3, Andrew Alberts #41, and Mike Santorelli #25.
The Blues have been scoring from all over the ice, with both forwards and defense contributing to their goal total. Being able to rely on multiple players for points is crucial when building a winning team and heading into the playoffs. It also helps having two very strong goaltenders who can create momentum for their team. Jaroslav Halak is coming back form the Olympics and has a save percentage of .915. Brian Elliot’s save percentage is .916 and he proved last season that he can step up when the Blues need him too.
The Blues take on the Canucks at 9:30ET in Vancouver, Canada at Rogers Arena.
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