Congratulations Chicago Blackhawks, 2013 Stanley Cup Champions!
Catching Up With Sharks Prospect Matt Nieto
Hockey players can get their start in a lot of different ways, but there are two paths that seem most common in North America. Most players either come up through the junior system in Canada or play college hockey. Matt Nieto fits into the latter option, having gone to Boston University to continue his hockey career. Unlike a lot of other hockey players, though, Nieto grew up in Long Beach, California.
Growing up in Southern California, there are understandably fewer chances for someone to start playing ice hockey. Even Nieto got into playing hockey on rollerblades first with the help of his grandfather.
“I was really into skating at that point, just rollerblading and my grandfather got me a hockey stick that I would play with for hours,” Nieto said. “My parents decided to sign me up for roller hockey at the YMCA. I played there for a few years before making the transition to ice hockey. Then I just fell in love with ice hockey and stuck with it.”
Despite California not being a traditional hockey market, Nieto still feels like he had plenty of chances. In fact, more players are coming from California. Emerson Etem, now playing in the Anaheim Ducks system, also came from Long Beach.
“I was fortunate enough to play for a good coach and play for a good team that made it to nationals,” Nieto said on having chances to play hockey in California. “I was really lucky and we had a bunch of guys on that team that are playing professionally today.”
Even though Nieto grew up in California, he committed to the east coast at an early age. When he was 14, he moved out east for prep school. During that time, he was able to visit colleges in Boston.
“I love the city of Boston. It was just a matter of BU [Boston University] or BC [Boston College],” Nieto said. “When I went on my official visit to BU, the guys were awesome. I was in love with the school and that’s how I made my decision.”
At Boston University, Nieto got the chance to play under an amazing Head Coach in Jack Parker. During his career, Parker coached four players from the 1980 US Olympic hockey team and a number of current and former NHL players. He has also won 3 NCAA National Championships and 21 Beanpot Championships.
“That was another reason that I wanted to play at BU, to play for Jack Parker,” Nieto said. “He’s a legendary coach and he always brought out the best in me. We had a great relationship and I think he really prepared me for the next level.”
Nieto had a successful first season at BU, registering 23 points in 39 games. After that season, the San Jose Sharks selected him in the second round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. It was their highest draft pick that year.
“It was crazy and it was a thrill. I couldn’t be any happier that San Jose was the team that drafted me,” Nieto said, thinking of when he got drafted. “I moved away from home at a young age. To get picked up by a California team was really special.”
After three seasons playing at BU, Nieto has made the decision to forgo his final year of college hockey to join the Sharks organization. It also coincides with Jack Parker retiring from coaching. It was a decision Nieto thought a lot about, but really felt that this was the right move for him.
“At the end of the year, I just felt that I was ready for a new challenge,” Nieto said about the decision. “I love Boston University, it was great for me for 3 years. But, I’m also ready for new competition. I want the challenge and I can’t wait to get started.”
On March 23rd, Nieto played his final game for BU in a tournament in the TD Garden in Boston. On April 2nd, he played his first game with the Worcester Sharks in the American Hockey League on a tryout. It was his first shot at playing professionally and it taught him a few things.
“It was great that I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to play those games with Worcester. It was nice to get a taste of what the pro game is like,” Nieto said about playing in Worcester. “I was able to see what I need to improve on just in those 11 games. I’ve been working hard this off season so far and I can’t wait for training camp.”
The transition from college hockey to professional hockey can be a difficult one. The players are even more talented. There are also twice as many games and that can be difficult to adjust to. Since Nieto had the chance to play in the AHL with Worcester, he realized the biggest differences in the games and what he had to work on.
“It’s a man’s game now,” Nieto said. “The guys are stronger and faster. There’s less time and space. It’s definitely going to be an adjustment. I’m glad I was able to test the waters in Worcester.”
“Strength is something I’m working on this offseason along with gaining weight. I have a very strict training program I’m sticking to right now,” Nieto said about his offseason. “I go on the ice about twice a week for skill work. Now it’s more strength training and off-ice workouts.”
Next season, Nieto will join the Sharks organization full time. In all likelihood, he will be in the AHL with Worcester while he continues to develop his game. “I’m a reliable two-way forward. I’m mostly known for my offensive ability. I think my defensive game is something that’s overlooked a little bit. I think my best asset is my speed,” Nieto said.
Sharks fans can look for Nieto to try to make an immediate impact this fall. His speed and offensive skill led to 44 goals over three seasons with BU. He added two goals in his 11 games with Worcester and hopes to continue that success this season. Keep your eyes out for the San Jose Sharks prospect.
Pink Puck Ice Lime Refresher
Left, without green tea
Right, with green tea
Living in the world of hockey, we’re used to staying cool. As the temperatures rise, unless you’re in the rink all day, it can be hard to keep your cool intact. Many of the ladies on our Pink Puck roster are fans of Starbucks “Cool Lime Refresher” when it comes to beating the heat. At almost $5 for a venti sized serving, we ventured off to make our own cost effective version. Quick and easy to make, here is our version of the “it” drink of summer.
Pink Puck Ice Lime Refresher
3 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice – 1 lime should make 1-2 drinks. (Fresh is key, you can use bottled lime juice in a pinch but we don’t recommend it.)
3/4-1 tbsp Sugar (Feel free to use Stevia or a sugar substitute, it will alter the taste a little bit)
2 Mint Leaves
Approx 1 cup ice
8-oz water
*Optional, 2 Lime Slices, sliced thin as garnish.
*Optional, Green Coffee Extract. The extract is used in the Starbucks version to give it an extra caffeinated boost, it can be purchased at any health food store. If you don’t have it, it’s not a deal breaker and the refresher is just as well, refreshing without it.
**We’ve also been known to substitute 4 tbsp steeped green tea and that gives it a nice taste as well. It’s all about preference.
In a large glass, combine lime juice and sugar. Stir well until sugar is dissolved in the lime juice. Quick chop the two mint leaves and lightly crush them to release a bit of flavor (we use the back of our stirring spoon). Drop the leaves in with the lime juice and sugar. Fill the glass about 2/3 full of ice, then top with water. Use a spoon or straw to give the drink a gentle stir before serving. Drop in the two thin lime slices as garnish and added flavor.
Blackhawks Even Series; Beat Bruins 6-5 in OT
It was an emotional Game 4 for both teams last night as Boston looked to go up 3-1 in the series. But the end result certainly wasn’t in their favor. Chicago managed to tie the series 2-2, with a 6-5 overtime win (Boxscore) and will head back to the windy city for a Game 5 contest on Saturday. That means, the winner of that outcome could have the opportunity to be hoisting Lord Stanley come Monday night, Game 6 in Boston.
The game was a consistent back and forth of scoring. It seemed as though Boston continued to find themselves one goal behind, yet they still found a way to battle back. A well fought game for both teams, brought an upsetting outcome for Boston.
“I wouldn’t say discouraging,” said Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara. “You find a way to tie the game. It was a lot of goals on both sides, which we haven’t seen yet in the series. Just a high scoring game.”
Thus far, the games in the series with the exception of a 4-3 result in Game 1 have been low scoring contests.
Now the focus is to move forward in a series that is proving to be what a Stanley Cup Final should be, challenging.
“Yeah, we knew it was going to a tough series, an even series,” said Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron, who tallied two goals on the night. “That’s what we’re having. We never said it was going to be easy. They’re a great team out there and so are we, so we just go to go out there—like you said, it’s a best of three now—and regroup and get ready for Game 5.”
With the series tied 2-2, Game 5 will give one team the edge.
“Of course I’m confident in our group,” said Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk. “We’re a good team. When we play our game good things happen and we should do that in Chicago.”
While the Blackhawks will have home ice advantage, it’s not a daunting factor for Boston who have a decidedly good track record on the road during this playoff run. It’s bound to be a chippy game on Saturday night, puck drops at 8 pm.
Hockey Night in Canada is Looking for the Next Great Canadian Hockey Song
Singer/Songwriter? Are you Canadian? Do you love hockey? If you answered yes to all three of these questions, perhaps you should look into this cool opportunity from Hockey Night in Canada and CBC Music. Remember you’ll be going up against the original and that’s tough to beat.
CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA and CBCMusic.ca are putting the call out to Canadian songwriters with the launch of Song Quest.
“CBC’s HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA is looking for an arena-sized song that will excite hockey fans from coast to coast and get the nation’s heart pounding. Alongside CBCMusic.ca, the call is out to Canadian songwriters to come up with the next great Canadian hockey song for this year’s edition of SONG QUEST.
Interested parties can submit their songs beginning on October 2, 2013; the competition will be open to the public in an online vote at CBCMusic.ca/SongQuest. The winning song will be professionally produced, and cut into a video montage for an opening sequence of a HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADAbroadcast. The winner of the competition will also travel to Lloydminster, AB/SK to perform their song at the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada concert as part of the 2013-2014 season. For more information and updates on the contest, please go to CBCMusic.ca/SongQuest.”
Growing Up Hockey with Phoenix Coyotes Keith Yandle
For Keith Yandle, the sentiment “Home is Where the Heart is”, can have a double meaning. While the 26-year-old calls Phoenix home during the season, his heart will always lie within the Boston community. A fact that rang true during and after April’s horrific Boston Marathon Bombing. If the hockey community was unfamiliar with the star defenseman before the attacks, they certainly knew who he was and what team he played for afterwards. A simple gesture for Yandle, not only proved to be a sign of “Boston Strong” support, but created a ripple effect uniting an entire hockey nation.
Photo: Coyotes
The now infamous skate with the simple words “Pray for Boston” scrawled along its base, will be auctioned off through NHL Alumni Raffles to benefit the Richard Family Fund.
“We played that Monday, and I kind of just wanted to do something to show my support and let everyone back home know that I was thinking of them,” said Yandle. “Even if one person saw it, it would’ve made me happy. It got blown up a little bit, but it was good and brought some awareness, just anything you can do during a time like that to help is good.”
Obviously, more than one person saw it and the impact of the gesture could be felt around the league.
“I wasn’t necessarily surprised, because I know how tight knit a community it is but it was definitely awesome to see. When something tragic happens, it brings out the best in people and I think it did that within the hockey community.”
Photo: Coyotes
However, what started with a skate, bloomed into a little bit more. Phoenix is a far cry from Boston, but the western conference, with Yandle’s help managed to find a way to show support. By now, everyone has heard of the youngest victim in the attacks, 8-year-old, Martin Richard, an avid hockey fan. Wearing a jersey donning his name, Yandle took pre-game warm ups in Chicago on the Saturday following the attacks. It was again a reminder of how the simplest things can hold such a large impact. Initially planning to auction off the jersey, which holds the autographs of the Phoenix Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks, it will now go to Richard’s family this summer, at their request. It’s a request that Yandle will carry-out in person.
“I’m definitely going to do that this summer, I haven’t yet. They’re obviously still going through some stuff and it hasn’t been the best time for them to do it. It’s whenever they’re ready,” said Yandle. “One of my uncles is friends with their family, so it’s getting in touch with him and whenever they want to do it. Then we’ll do it.”
A native of Milton, Massachusetts, it comes as no surprise that Yandle’s Boston ties run deep. In New England, for many, hockey is a way of life especially in a multiple child family. Following in a siblings skate strides is often second nature and the desire to play is almost expected.
“I probably started skating around 3 or 4, at least standing on skates,” said Yandle. “My older brother always played and it was one of those things, when your older brother is doing something, you always want to do it. I probably started playing on a team when I was 6.”
A product of a family in love with the game was a deciding factor early on and submersion in the game from all aspects only added fuel to the hockey dream.
“My dad always coached high school hockey here in Massachusetts and I would always be out skating with those guys,” said Yandle. “They were public high school players, obviously they were good players, but I thought they were the NHL, just guys that were so good. It was always fun skating with guys like that.”
Finding success at any level can be a challenge. The consistent support from not only his father on the ice but both of his parents off it will never go unnoticed and continues to be appreciated. Two off-ice inspirations are better than one and Yandle’s parents undoubtedly hold the title.
“My parents, both my parents, nowadays for parents being together that’s one thing and for everything that they did for me and my brother and my sister is amazing,” said Yandle. “They both worked 2-3 jobs, but always stopped for practice, baseball, football, whatever it was, whatever we wanted to do. It was one of those things that we scraped by money wise, but I can’t remember my parents ever saying no. They always found a way to get us to play a sport or whatever it was we wanted to do. It was awesome and they’re awesome.”
A hockey family through and through, the love of the game and the talent for the sport has been passed throughout the family. One of three children, in a tight knit family, all three siblings had a love for the ice.
“My sister played up until high school, she probably could have played Division 2 or 3, but decided to go to UNH,” said Yandle. “That’s where my brother went and where I was supposed to go, she wanted to go there to be with us. But she played club hockey in college and she still coaches youth girls hockey, so she’s still involved.”
Photo: Coyotes
A product of Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, like many New England hockey players, the University of New Hampshire was the next step. But Yandle ultimately chose to forgo his college eligibility and followed in the skate strides of many of his NHL peers; finding success in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). During the 2005 NHL entry draft, Yandle was picked in the 4th round, 105th overall by the team he now calls home, the Phoenix Coyotes.
After spending a majority of his playing career in the colder climates of New England and Quebec, it’s no surprise that Yandle enjoys the Arizona climate.
“Going to a game and it’s 80 degrees out,” said Yandle. “The weather, you can’t beat the weather.”
Although enjoyable, it isn’t just about the weather. Often considered one of the most non-traditional hockey markets in the league, playing in Phoenix allows players the added benefit of growing the game in a community that may not have even considered it before the franchise called Phoenix home.
“It’s fun to be a part of trying to get a city or a whole state behind us. Trying to get hockey noticed there, that’s a fun part of it,” said Yandle. “It’s tough at time when you’re not playing in front of a sold out arena. But you can see the youth programs in Arizona and every year it seems to get better and better. That’s partially because there’s a team there and kids that live there that have us to look up to. That right there is probably the best part of being in a non-traditional market.”
Finding success within the Coyotes system garnered a 5-year contract extension in 2011. It has also put the ever important “A” on his jersey. Acting as assistant captain can be an added pressure for some, but Yandle’s off-ice demeanor transitions nicely to the locker room.
“I’m the guy that tries to keep everything a little loose in the locker room,” said Yandle. “I try keep everyone a little loose, especially because we sometimes get tense before and after a game. At the end of the day, it is a game and you have to remember to have fun with it.”
In hockey, it’s always about camaraderie and supporting your peers, no matter what league they play in, that includes the females that hit the ice competitively. At the end of the day, hockey is hockey, that concept came into play for Yandle and his teammates this past season.
“Although I see it more at home, I feel like we have a lot of females coming out to the game and supporting us. We like to say that hockey’s for everyone,” said Yandle. “Perfect example, our whole team sat down and watched the Canada vs. USA women’s game this year, it was everyone cheering and getting into it. You can just tell how far women’s hockey has come and it definitely deserves the support it’s gaining.”
Photo: Coyotes
Hockey may be for everyone, but it takes more than dedication to get there. It’s about working hard, staying positive and remembering to have fun. All those and more are sentiments that have led to continued on and off-ice success for Yandle.
“Whatever it is, whatever your dream is, whether it be hockey or becoming a doctor, anything really, you’ve got to give 100% and try your hardest,” said Yandle. “You have to have fun with it, no matter what you’re doing if you have a tough day, try to have a good day the next one, just get back at it. Shoot high for your dreams and have fun.”
It’s been said, if you do what you love, you won’t work a day in your life. It’s clear as ice that Yandle does just that; loving the sport and living any hockey players dream, one stride at a time.
Grand Rapids Griffins Bring Home Calder Cup
Last night, the Syracuse Crunch hosted the Grand Rapids Griffins for game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals. After having gone down 3-0 in the series, Syracuse battled back to win two and force game 6. The 3-0 series lead proved too much for the Crunch to overcome, though, when the Griffins took the lead and eventually the game. It was the first Calder Cup for Grand Rapids since they joined the AHL during the 2001-2002 season. It was also there first ever appearance in a Calder Cup Final series.
The series started off strong for the Grand Rapids Griffins. Coming into the Calder Cup Finals, Syracuse had only lost one postseason game. But, the Griffins changed that when they won games 1 and 2 in Syracuse. The Crunch had to head to Grand Rapids down 2-0 in the series and try to make up ground if they wanted to become Calder Cup Champions. If they had managed to win the series, it would be the second straight championship for the prospects of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Despite a close game, the Griffins took game 3 on their home ice in front of over 10,000 fans. Going into game 4, Grand Rapids had an entirely unexpected chance to sweep Syracuse to take home the Calder Cup. But with their backs against the wall, the Crunch showed that they were not ready for their season to end just yet. It was a little bit rougher game and Syracuse pulled off the 3-2 win to keep their hopes alive.
Game 5 was the final game that Grand Rapids would host and the Griffins hoped to close off the series on their home ice. Once again, they took the ice in front of over 10,000 fans at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. The shots were 42-22 in favor of the Griffins, yet what really matters is the final score. The Crunch took the game 5-2 and sent it back to Syracuse. They showed how dangerous they are on the power play, going 2-for-5 with the man advantage that game.
With a chance for the Griffins to end the series, the Crunch came out battling. Richard Panik scored his 9th of the postseason to send Syracuse into the first intermission up 1-0. In the second frame, the Griffins would manage to tie the game on a goal from Mitch Callahan before taking the lead on a goal from Tomas Tatar. It was the 15th time Tatar had put the puck into the back of the net during the postseason to lead all skaters. Crunch defenseman Andrej Sustr tied the game back up five minutes into the final frame and that was as close as the game would get.
Veteran defenseman Brennan Evans, who went goalless during the regular season, scored his second goal of the playoffs for the Griffins. It ended up being the game-winning goal as his team became Calder Cup Champions. In the final minute of the game, the Griffins netted not one, but two, empty net goals. The first came from Tatar for his second of the game and 16th of the playoffs. The final goal came from Joakin Andersson with just 6 seconds remaining in the game.
It was easy to see the excitement as the Griffins celebrated their win. Grand Rapids did not have much, if any, experience being part of a Calder Cup final, let alone winning. This was also the first season for Head Coach Jeff Blashill and he was able to lead his team to a championship, as he had in his first year as a USHL head coach. On the other hand, a good portion of the Crunch players won the Cup following the 2011-2012 season as a part of the Norfolk Admirals.
Unsurprisingly, Tomas Tatar earned MVP honors after registering 16 goals to lead the league in the playoffs. He finished tied for second in overall scoring with 21 points, behind Ondrej Palat of the Crunch who put up 26 points. It was an explosive playoff run for Tatar.
The biggest key to the success of Grand Rapids seemed to be the difference in the number of goals. During the first 12 playoff games for Syracuse, the team allowed 23 goals. During the final 6 games, the Crunch allowed 22 goals. With the significant increase in goals scored, the Crunch just were not able to pull out the wins. But both teams should be proud of their playoff runs. Unfortunately for all of us AHL fans, we now have to start the countdown to next season.
A Colorful Perspective; A Look at the Blackhawks and Bruins Color Scheme
By Ariel Carron
Photo: WCVB TV
The Stanley Cup Finals inspire people around the nation to turn on their televisions and support their team. Every year, we look at frozen sea of color which represent the teams that have the chance to win it all. We shout, we laugh, we cry, and chant for our favorites. We often get so ingrained with important parts of the game like players, stats, coaches and of course, winning or losing, that we forget some of the little things that help make teams who they are. In this instance, we’re talking about team colors. Where many may say that colors are chosen due to preference, often colors are associated with emotions, items, and certain ideals. Right now, many hockey fans are surrounding themselves with red, black, and white or white, black and gold. What do these colors mean for the Blackhawks and the Bruins? A lot.
The Blackhawks were founded in 1926. With colors such as red, black, and white we already know this team means business. Red is one of the most significant colors as it represents passion, love, blood, as well as, war, strength, and power. White is associated with purity, snow, goodness, and considered the color of perfection. Then we have black which is the color of power, formality, death, and the unknown. What does this all say about the Blackhawks? It says that they want to purely dominate the ice with passion and power while simultaneously inviting love from their fans.
As for the Bruins, their most noted color is Gold. Gold makes us think of wealth, but also represents wisdom, illumination, and high quality. What does this say for the Bruins? It says that they always strive to be the best. They use their wisdom to illuminate the ice and inspire a wealthful love from their fans. As for their black and white, it shows that they strive for their own definitions of perfection and power.
So, while it’s easy to watch the games, love the players, and worship the sport, sometimes it’s nice to take a step back and look at the finer details. What do these colors mean for any team? They don’t only symbolize team characteristics, but they distinguish themselves as part of the hockey empire. They’re the conquerors on the ice. We implore fans to look at their teams and remember–remember what these colors represent for their teams and what ideals they support.
Because it’s Game 3, Boston Takes 2-1 Series Lead
It’s all in, because it’s Game 3 and both teams have everything to prove.
With the series tied 1-1 following two games in Chicago this past week, it was the Bruins turn to hit home ice. The Blackhawks found a way to win 4-3 in triple overtime during Game 1 with thanks to Andrew Shaw. While Boston’s Daniel Paille put the Bruins in the win column 2-1 in overtime during Game 2. Two equally matched teams, who have put forth amazing strides all season found themselves battling to take a series lead in Game 3.
As to be expected, it’s been a battle of the goaltenders that have made all the difference thus far in the series. Bruins Tuukka Rask and Blackhawks Corey Crawford sit among the best in the league and have carried their teams respectively to this point in the post season. With a combined 179 shots faced between the two goalies in this series alone, they are definitely the players to watch as the Finals skate on.
After a sluggish start for Boston during Game 2, with the cheers of 17,565 behind them, the Bruins took the ice with determination in their strides.
In a somewhat surprising move, Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa was deemed a scratch for Chicago. It was an impressive starting 4 minutes for Boston with continued pressure in their offensive end but Crawford continued to make impressive saves. The pressure was reciprocated by Chicago closely thereafter – with neither team capitalizing in the opening minutes. Chicago was the first on the power play at 9:57 thanks to a roughing call on Bruins Daugavins; which was effectively killed off. Boston again found themselves on the penalty kill at 14:15 on a — from Shawn Thornton; again effectively killed off. The Bruins have now killed off 24 straight penalties.
“You know the penalty killing I think we just went back to our game and they have a lot of talent up there forwards. We know that and I think that’s why we want to try harder,” said Bruins forward Daniel Paille on the success of Boston’s penalty killing. “I think we’ve been able to frustrate them right now, but I remember when we were playing against Toronto the bounces were going in their way and right now we are playing well but we have some good bounces as well so it helps in the game.”
End of the first shots on goal, Boston 11, Chicago 10. The score, 0-0 despite opportunity for both teams.
Game 2’s OT hero Daniel Paille put Boston up 1-0 just 2:13 into the second period, (Kelly, Seguin assists). The goal put Seguin on a three game point streak, with Kelly and Paille running on a two game streak. The goal was a clear momentum changer for the Bruins who followed the goal with an outstanding shift; with particular effort and repeat chances from forward Jaromir Jagr. With the shots on goal almost tied 15-16 at the halfway mark, Chicago looked to make their mark, but found themselves repeatedly shutdown by Rask. The 12:00 minute mark gave Boston their first power play of the night after a cross checking call on Blackhawks Dave Bolland. Chicago found themselves down by 2 men for 11 seconds after a blatant trip by Niklas Hjalmarsson at 13:50. With a 5 on 3 in full effect, it was Patrice Bergeron who found the back of the net at 14:05, giving Boston a 2-0 lead, (Jagr, Chara assists). Bergeron had been nothing short of amazing for his team not only during the regular season, but in the post-season as well.
“Everybody knows how good he is . I’ve never really seen anybody be that not hungry in the defensive zone, and I see a lot of guys hungry in offensive zone,” said Bruins forward Jaromir Jagr while discussing Bergeron. “I think he even like it more than in offensive zone, and he wants to win every battle on the boards and he’s so responsible back there. So, Bergy [Patrice Bergeron] makes it easy for me and Marchy [Brad Marchand].”
Boston looked to make it 3-0 with 1 minute remaining in the period when Chicago’s Bolland hit the penalty box for tripping. They were unable to capitalize, closing out the second up 2-0.
It was the Bruins who continued strong entering the third period, with multiple chances on Blackhawks Crawford. Desperately seeking not one goal, but two Chicago’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed, despite claims that they weren’t getting scoring chances. But Bruins goaltender Rask continued to turn away shots from his crease with the help of his defensive unit and saw Chicago’s opportunity from a different angle.
“Well, I think I’ve gotten used to that already during these playoffs. There’s been a lot of games like this that you don’t get quality opportunities, then all of a sudden, there’s four or five of them,” said Bruins Tuukka Rask. “But, I mean, you’re playing the last five minutes of the game, you know they’re going to throw everything at you, what they possibly can. That’s the case. Got the penalty there. Got a little lucky there, one save off my blade and the post. For the most part I think we kept them outside, as Dennis [Seidenberg] said, blocked a lot of shots, took care of the rebounds. That’s always a positive sign in my mind.”
Boston found themselves shorthanded at 7:56 from a tripping penalty on Adam McQuaid but Chicago was unsuccessful, putting the Bruins at 25 straight kills. For the third time of the night, Chicago’s Bolland hit the penalty box at 13:55 for tripping. Bruins Krejci was called for hooking at 15:55 – giving Chicago an much needed power play opportunity. Unable to score, tensions ran high and finally with 11 seconds left in the third period, fists went flying. The Bruins managed to stave off the Blackhawks and take a 2-1 series lead, putting them just two wins away from the ultimate prize.
“I think yes and no,” said Bruins Tyler Seguin on being just two wins away from winning the cup. “I think it’s going to give you even more motivation knowing you’re only two games away, but that being said, you want to stay calm and confident. Stay focused. I think we’re going to enjoy this one tonight and tomorrow is a new day.”
While Bruins rejoiced being one win closer, the Blackhawks kept their composure reminding everyone that the series is still a series and they’re still in it.
“Not at all,” said Blackhawks Niklas Hjalmarsson on whether it was time to worry. “If we win next game we’re back in it and we still have home advantage so you don’t know the importance of next game.”
Home ice for Chicago is still just one game away. It will be a quick turnaround for both teams as Game 4 faces off on Wednesday in Boston. The teams will return to Chicago for a Game 5 contest on Saturday.
In Other News Around the NHL
While the Stanley Cup Finals are going on, there have been some other headlines that have gone under the radar. All eyes have been on the Bruins-Blackhawks series (and rightfully so), so here is a quick overview of other things going on in the league.
Rangers (likely) hire Head Coach Alain Vigneault. The former Vancouver Canucks coach is expected to make New York his new home after the Rangers fired previous coach, John Tortorella. The reason I say “likely” is because even though there have been numerous reports of this news, the Rangers have yet to make an official announcement. And being a Bruins fan, I learned my lesson with the Jarome Iginla incident. Vigneault has been an NHL coach for 11 years—seven of which were spent in Vancouver. In his career, he had a 313-170-57 record with the Canucks.
John Tortorella could go to Vancouver. Before we get too excited about this New York-Vancouver coaching swap, the Canucks are still in the interviewing process. It would certainly be an interesting addition, though. Former New York Rangers coach, John Tortorella is also being eyed up by the Dallas Stars who are in the market for a new head coach. Dallas was previously looking to Vigneault to step in before he made the commitment to the Rangers.
Seattle looks to add an NHL team. This is obviously still in the discussion process, but there a few options out there for Seattle; one of those being taking over the Phoenix Coyotes franchise. There have been many back-and-forth talks about what to do with the Coyotes, and Seattle seems like a probable solution. There is a council meeting scheduled in Glendale on June 25 to make a decision on the future of the Coyotes, so after that hopefully we will know more. Another question on the table is if the Coyotes do stay in Phoenix, will Seattle try to add its own team? In the near future, it doesn’t seem likely, but it’s nice to hope– there can never be too many teams. Especially because this would even out the Eastern and Western conferences a little better. As of right now, the East has two more teams than the West, so it would make for a nice addition.
Pittsburgh re-signs Malkin and Coach Bylsma. After the Bruins swept the Pittsburgh All-Star team, it seemed as though there might be some changes. There were even reports that owner Mario Lemieux wanted Coach Dan Bylsma out. After hearing that, it was a bit of a shock when the Penguins quickly signed him to a two-year extension. Not only did they re-sign the coach, but they also re-signed their star forward, Evgeni Malkin. And that was no small two-year deal. They signed Malkin to an 8-year contract with $9.5 million a year (that’s nearly a million more than Sidney Crosby makes). In the series against the Bruins, Malkin didn’t have a single point. Of course, that’s not to undermine his incredible career excluding the most recent series.
Notable Signings. The Philadelphia Flyers acquired New York Islanders Captain Mark Streit for a fourth-round pick and minor-league forward Shane Harper. Streit had 6 goals and 21 assists in the short season.
Nashville Predators sign defenseman Roman Josi to 7-year contract. At 23 years old, Josi had 18 points this season and ranked in the top 20 for total ice time in the league.
The Dallas Stars acquire defenseman Sergei Gonchar from the Ottawa Senators. Gonchar was signed to a 2-year 10 million dollar contract and Ottawa received a sixth round pick. Gonchar had 3 goals at 24 assists this season.
And that’s what’s happening around the league, that you may have missed, because it’s the cup.
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