The Buffalo Sabres, sitting 13th in the Eastern Conference Standings, are playing with nothing to lose. Within the last week, they have sent 3 players to other teams and simply put, no one is safe. With the dismal season coming to an end in a few short weeks, all that’s left is to play a game they love to play and hope that it all works out in the end.
They came into Pittsburgh Tuesday night trailing the 8th place team by 5 points. While there is still a slim chance to make the playoffs, this team is focusing on winning games and rebuilding the team in order to make a long run in the future. Pittsburgh sits on top of the conference, and trail Chicago by only one point for the overall lead, with 56 points. They have won 15 straight games and 18 of their last 20 and five points ahead of the second place team. The streak, however, cannot last forever, just ask Chicago.
The Sabres came out on fire, with all players worrying about losing their jobs by the Wednesday trade deadline and snapped the Penguins 15 game streak with a 4-1 win. The Penguins would also be playing their first full game without star Sidney Crosby who was knocked out of the last game against the Islanders by a puck to the face and will be out indefinitely.
Ryan Miller, even amidst trade rumors, got the start in net for Buffalo and Thomas Vokoun got the nod for Pittsburgh. The Sabres were able to get on the board first at the halfway mark of the first with a nice wrist shot by Kevin Porter, his first of his short season with Buffalo. Pittsburgh would answer just 3 minutes later with a wrist shot from the newly acquired Jarome Iginla, his first as a Penguin. The Sabres would not let the first period end in a tie as the scored with only two minutes left to make it 2-1.
The second period, famously known around Buffalo as the worst period for the Sabres, would see two goals in the first three and a half minutes. Cody Hodgson would get a nice wrap around goal with Vokoun being stuck out of the net. Porter would get his second of the night with a quick wrist shot that bounced off a Penguin player and past Vokoun.
Into the game comes Marc Andre Fleury for the Penguins, who hasn’t played since March 26, due to an upper body injury. Fleury was solid in net for the rest of the game not allowing any more Buffalo goals. Miller would also stay strong for the remainder of the game not allowing any more Pittsburgh goals to help his team break their own four game losing streak.
The next game for Pittsburgh will be against the New York Rangers, in New York, and Buffalo will get a few days off before playing the Ottawa Senators in Buffalo on Friday.
While an official announcement has yet to be made, sources are reporting that the Dallas Stars have dealt 41-year-old Jaromir Jagr to the Boston Bruins for Lane MacDermid, Cody Payne and a conditional 2013 draft pick. Jagr currently leads the Stars with 14 goals, while lacing up for 34 of 35 games with Dallas.
The trade will bring some added relief and loads of excitement to Boston’s faithful fans. Boston was looking for change and a glimmer of hope after a deal with Calgary and Jarome Iginla fell through late last week. While Boston will suit up to take on the Ottawa Senators at home tonight, Jagr will most likely be taking the ice as a Bruin against the New Jersey Devils on Thursday
Editors Note: Normally, we would have fantastic Bruins Cuts for a Cause coverage. As the resident Bruins writer for The Pink Puck, the task to bring you photos and video from the event fall into my jurisdiction. Well, that fell by the wayside due to illness my lovely readers and I apologize. Honestly, I thought it would be a better choice to stay home than infect practically the entire Bruins roster with illness. So, our good friend Matt Linsky from Inside Hockey was kind enough to shoot some videos from the event our way!
Stay calm and endure the trade deadline,
Winter
The Bruins hosted their 6th annual Cuts for a Cause on Monday. The event allows auction winners to shave the heads of their favorite players while raising money for the Shawn Thornton Foundation, Boston Bruins Foundation and Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center. While player participation is far from mandatory, this years 18 participants marks the highest number in the event’s six-year history.
The line-up included, Gregory Campbell, Jordan Caron, Zdeno Chara, Andrew Ference, Dougie Hamilton, Nathan Horton, Aaron Johnson, Chris Kelly, David Krejci, Milan Lucic, Lane MacDermid, Brad Marchand, Adam McQuaid, Daniel Paille, Rich Peverley, Jay Pandolfo, Dennis Seidenberg and Shawn Thornton.
Everyone’s been up-to-date on the top Eastern and Western teams since the beginning. It was an exciting first half of the season when Chicago went on their hot streak. And now all the talk is about the Penguins winning the Stanley Cup—errr, winning 15 straight and trading for Iginla, Morrow, and Murray in the past few weeks. But what has really been heating up is lower down in the Eastern Conference; the race for the last playoff spots.
Currently, it’s down to the New Jersey Devils, the New York Rangers, and the New York Islanders. Of course, all of that can change by next week but as of now it’s a tight race between division rivals.
The Devils started off their season better than expected after the loss of Captain Zach Parise. Once their Hall of Fame goaltender Marty Brodeur got injured, though, their season took a turn for the worst. After being first in the East at one point in the season, they’re now struggling to hold on to their 7th spot with 39 points. Another thing Devils fans won’t be too happy about is that they are the only team out of the three that still have to play the Bruins, Canadiens, and Penguins at least one more time this season. Out of their remaining 12 games, 9 of those will come against teams that are currently in the top 8. On top of that, the last game of their season will be against the Rangers. It will be interesting to see how meaningful that game ends up to be for both teams.
Unfortunately, the New York Rangers have also had a disappointing season so far. After last year, expectations were high and they just didn’t live up to the hype. (Whether that has something to do with the coaching style or not, I won’t get into it). The Rangers are only two points behind the Devils. Even though they are tied with the Islanders with 37 points, the Rangers have an edge on them and currently hold the 8th spot. The Rangers also have an advantage in that they have one less game played than the Devils and the Islanders. Their next two games are against the hot Pittsburgh Penguins; if they can get through that, though, the rest of their season isn’t too bad.
NHL.com
On the other hand, the New York Islanders are surpassing expectations. Star forward John Tavares is leading his team to a potential playoff spot. This would be their first time making the playoffs in six years. With one game more than the Rangers, they are tied with them in points but sit in the 9th spot. After giving Pittsburgh a run for their money and beating the Devils a few days later, there’s certainly no reason to count them out of playoffs yet. Upcoming, they probably have the easiest schedule of the three. Only 5 of their remaining 12 games are against teams that are currently in the top 8. And that includes two games against the Jets (who only actually have 38 points but are fortunate enough to be in the South East division). That means, though, that the majority of the teams they play will also be fighting to make a playoff spot.
So which teams will take the last playoff spots? Or will it be someone outside of the Atlantic Division? Carolina and Washington are next in line with 34 points as of today. And with the trade deadline coming up quickly, anything could happen. Either way, this will undoubtedly be a tight race to the finish.
Keeping with the tradition of goalies and our obsession with customizing our gear, my latest series of dress designs are inspired by some of the most popular pads! These fabulous frocks were designed for those fabulous goalie girls. The dedicated goalie girlfriends can also show their man that support, encouragement, and love through their wardrobe! Honestly, what tendy wouldn’t love to see his girlfriend in a dress designed around his pads? The [Smoke]Show Stopper dresses are sure to show the world you are a fierce goalie, loving goalie girlfriend, or a woman with a passion for hockey that goes beyond the expected!
Number Four
Based off the Premier 4. Looking for a classy frock with a bit of an edge? Want to show the crowd you are a fierce tendy with a sophisticated style? The Number Four features a mid-thigh hemline, bodycon fit, and an asymmetrical one-shoulder neckline. Turn heads at your victory party after you turn aside pucks on the ice.
Bad Habits
Based off the Warrior Ritual. A timeless neckline and a modest skirt make this a fabulous frock for the office, cocktail party, or date night with your guy. A trendy mix of horizontal and vertical stripes will help accentuate your feminine curves, and remind everyone that you are a powerful woman with style and class.
Certified Rocket
Based off the Brian’s G-Netik. Edge. Edge. Edge! You will look sharp and sexy in this scoop-neck dress with a curved hemline. Just like the fierce and innovative Brian’s pads, you will stop everyone in their tracks. You stop the pucks on the ice, drop some jaws off the ice.
Double Take
Based off the Bauer RX. Looking for a casual dress for the beach, or the mall, or for a cute day-date with your man? The Double Take is the dress you are looking for. You will look sweet and innocent, but you know the truth; you are a fierce tendy who will deny any shot, and a woman with class and sass!
Butterfly Babe
Based off the Vaughn Velocity 4 7600. Fierce tribal graphics will showcase your wild side! Your style on the ice is undeniable, make sure your wardrobe says the same. This dress is sure to put butterflies in your man’s stomach every time he sees you. No matter your save percentage, your chances of being the center of attention in the Butterfly Babe is always 100%!
Too Hot to Handle
Based off the Brian’s Zero-G Halak. Elegance and class are the only words to describe this dress. A high neckline and modest hemline are perfect for semi-formal business functions, a night out to the theatre, or hosting the classiest dinner party in the city.
Rink Baby
Based on the Vaughn Velocity 5 7990. Feeling sexy? Want to be the hottest girl in the club? Show off the results from your hard work on the ice and in the gym in the Rink Baby! The low-cut sweetheart neckline and high hemline will highlight your best features! Legs for days! Never pay for a drink at the club again.
TotalROCKET
Based off the Bauer TotalONE. Try to get more edgy than this fierce and powerful dress. You can’t! Featuring the hard lines and futuristic graphics of your brand new setup. The asymmetrical hemline and one-shoulder neckline add a big dose of sexy to your wardrobe!
Heart Breaker
Based off the Reebok Larceny. Are those claw marks from the all the guys wanting you, or did they come with the dress? Either way, the Heart Breaker will have all eyes on you. The one shoulder, slight flow to the skirt, and a sexy hemline are just what you need to be the center of attention at any party.
Digits
Based off the Koho 588. Going to an awards ceremony? Maybe a wedding? The Digits is the perfect dress for any occasion where you need to be camera-ready. Modest, yet edgy, and classy, yet sassy. You may look better than the bride, but you’re used to stealing the spotlight, aren’t you? Get ready to have every guy asking for your digits.
Stone Cold Beauty
Based off the Brian’s Sub-Zero. Cute and flirty, this fun little dress is perfect for a day at the park, barbeque, or a block party. Everyone will want to snap a picture with you in this light and airy summer frock!
Stunner
Based off the Vaughn Vision. Late night cocktails? Looking for a dress for your friend’s wedding? Hosting a dinner party? The Stunner is the answer to your prayers! Sexy, but conservative. Classy, yet sassy. Prove that you’re the most fashionable tendy on and off the ice with this gorgeous dress.
Nothing But Gorgeous
Based off the Brian’s Zero-G 2011. Ever wonder what it’s like to be the most envied girl in the room? Of course you do, you’re a tendy! In this dress, you will never lose that feeling. You’re powerful, strong, and fierce, which means this dress is 100% you!
Nasty Girl
Based off the Vaughn Velocity 5 7800. Halter top, flowing asymmetrical neckline, fierce graphics. Anything else you want? How about feeling like a million bucks? Yep, this dress will do just that! You will look fierce, sexy, ready to dance the night away in the Nasty Girl!
All Hail the Queen
Based off the Bauer One100. Royal and elegant describe you. Those words should describe your wardrobe too. Squared neckline, knee-length hemline, form-flattering fit. This is the perfect dress to show the world who is really in charge. You’re the queen on the ice, in your crease, be the queen off the ice. You deserve it!
Since 2009 when the Phoenix Coyotes and then owner, Jerry Moyes, declared bankruptcy, the fate of the franchise has been up in the air. Numerous groups have attempted to buy the team but no deal has ever been finalized leaving the NHL in control of the team.
Once again, discussions about the fate of the team have surfaced. The NHL has decided that within the next month or two they will either sell the team to a buyer or allow the team to relocate. Ideally, the NHL and the mayor of Glendale, Jerry Weiers, would like to keep the team in Glendale at minimal cost to taxpayers.
The alternative option for the Coyotes is relocation. There are only two legitimate options available; Quebec City, Canada and Seattle, Washington. After the success the Winnipeg Jets saw in their return to Canada, Quebec City seems like a viable option for the team because of the city’s past experience hosting an NHL team (Quebec Nordiques). They have also started constructing a brand new arena and former Quebec Nordiques owner, Marcel Aubut, is one of the men leading the campaign to bring hockey back to Quebec. If they do move to Quebec, the team and their new arena would be headed by Pierre-Karl Peladeau, owner of Quebecor, one of Canada’s largest media companies. However, adding a team to Quebec City would affect the NHL’s new realignment proposal.
Moving the team to Seattle presents its own issues as well. Though the realignment would not be affected, the team would be moving into an extremely competitive market as Seattle is home to the MLB Seattle Mariners, NFL Seattle Seahawks, MLS Seattle Sounders, and the University of Washington Huskies. Another issue is the arena. Recently an arena was approved in Seattle but it needs to secure an NBA tenant before construction breaks ground. There have been talks around the NBA suggesting to move the struggling Sacramento Kings to Seattle. Such a proposal has yet to be made. One of the biggest questions raised is whether or not Seattle would be able to support the addition of two new professional sports teams given all of the competition already in the market.
One of the most recent options for relocation has been Kansas City, home to the NFL Kansas City Chiefs and the MLB Kansas City Royals but the likelihood of a team relocating to Kansas City within the next year is slim.
If relocating the franchise is the option that the NHL chooses, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team move to Quebec City. It is the most viable option if the team does relocate. Many fans and critics of the NHL believe the team should relocate regardless of potential buyers in Glendale as the market has always struggled to support the Coyotes due to the competition of NBA Phoenix Suns, NFL Arizona Cardinals, MLB Arizona Diamondbacks, and Arizona State University.
As the 2012-2013 NHL season continues, we will have to wait and see whether or not the Coyotes will call Glendale home next season or move north to a new home.
With a month left in the regular season, teams have reached their make it or break it point, the Edmonton Oilers are no exception. Currently sitting just out of a playoff spot at 10th in the West, the Oilers will have to push hard in their last 14 games to make the post season. After putting a stop to the Vancouver Canucks 6 game win streak, they seem to be on the right track. The Oilers owned their 3rd meeting with the Canucks, with Taylor Hall scoring the game winning goal just 16 seconds into the first period. The Oilers second goal, scored by Ladislav Smid at 2:05 saw starting goaltender Cory Schneider hitting the bench in favour of Roberto Luongo. Taylor Hall scored the remaining two goals of his 3rd career hat trick less than 10 minutes into the 1st and the Oilers held onto their 4-0 lead for the remaining 50 minutes giving goaltender Devan Dubnyk his 6th career shut out. The Oilers chase their next two points Monday night when they host provincial rivals the Calgary Flames at 6:30 PST.
I love hockey.
I grew up as a Toronto Maple Leaf fan, true and totally blue (colour of uniform).
I started out seeing the game with my dad’s season tickets. If he couldn’t sell the tickets, then I got to see a game! When my dad said I was going, I jumped for joy! I had my coat on, hours before we had to leave the house!
It seemed to me that back then the players played for the love of the game. I mean, there weren’t big pay checks waiting for them at home. Players didn’t fight managers and managers never closed hockey rinks! Yes, the players made money, they needed to support families and such but it never got out of hand before. It seems to me that the whole money thing is out of hand. Players making millions while the prices for seats, food and such seems to just go higher and higher. It might get to the point when only the rich can see a hockey game.
Back then, it wasn’t important for the public to know what company supported who or what corporation paid for seats at the blue line. I really don’t think we cared. It wasn’t important to the game or to the way players played.
Today the players make millions per season. Companies parade their logos on everything and on everybody. Advertising at a hockey rink is big business! To me, I feel overwhelmed with all the advertising. It is the same all of the time, the same products, the same amount of money, same-old things!
I am not impressed with all the advertising I see going to my seat. But, I do have one advertising pet peeve. I don’t know if you all know this, but I have helped in writing advertising projects before and one thing my teachers always said to us…location, location and one more time….location.
So when I see advertising for a company around the rink’s white boards, I shake with confusion all the time. The number one place to advertise besides the ice itself and company’s don’t know how to do it! First, the idea of advertising around the boards and on the ice is fine if the message has a ice cold theme to it.
I might sound to you that I support advertising at the hockey rink. I really don’t, I get my advertising fix during the rest of the day! But, if the big companies will continue to use the rink as an advertising billboard, then step up and make them smarter and with reference to the professional game.
One thing I love about The Pink Puck is the seamless blend of hardcore hockey news and all things girly. You won’t find hockey fashion tips on just any site! I love accessories that show everyone I’m a proud fan of the best sport in the world. Today I wanted to share a little tutorial for these awesome hockey earrings I made.
I fell in love with, and had to have, this key chain from the USA Hockey Store. What can I say? It was adorable and on sale! However, when I got it in the mail I wasn’t as enamored with it as I originally thought – plus I already have a pretty cool Buffalo Sabres key ring. I knew I still loved this USA one, though, and the charms on it were just begging to be made into something even better. Sometimes an item’s original design just isn’t what it was meant to be. So I gave the key chain new life by turning it into earrings!
What you will need:
You don’t have to have a key chain like I did, as long as you have some kind of charms, you can make earrings like these. You could also make charms from Shrinky Dinks like Lyndsey did in her NHL Peter Pan Collar Tutorial. Or you could cut up old hockey cards and laminate them – be creative!
Hockey charms
Earring hardware (fishhook or post, available at craft stores)
Jump rings (optional)
Pliers
These are so simple anyone can make them, no matter your skill level. All you have to do is [1] remove your charms from your key chain using the pliers. You can skip this step if you made or bought loose charms. [2] Open your jump ring(s) or the loop on the earring piece with the pliers – the amount of jump rings you need depends on the orientation of the loop on your charm. You want your charm to face forward once it’s attached to the earring base. I used 2 jump rings on my first pair of earrings to achieve this.I didn’t use any for my second pair because the fishhook hardware has a nice loop you can open and close. And finally [3], re-close your jump ring(s) around the loops in your charm and your earring piece, linking them together. Or simply close the loop on the earring if you didn’t use any jump rings. And you’re done! Your earrings are ready to wear. Now go rock the rink!
Prev
