Avoidance is key and that’s exactly what we’ve been trying to do here at The Pink Puck since Cosmopolitan magazine put out a list of the Hottest Guys in the NHL; but alas, it’s become impossible to ignore the list of 30 players. A list that was more than likely compiled from the first player to pop up in the search engine box when a specific team was typed in. Come on, Mike Green hasn’t exactly been a major player for Washington and somehow showed up numero uno, two years running. Half the list is bogus, while some players are more deserving than others. It isn’t just the list that’s lighting our lamps of fury- it’s the captions, anyone with a love for the sport can agree that “Helmet head never looked so good”, or “Oh, heyyy, Dennis”, are absolutely qualities necessary to win games, right? Wrong.
Perhaps we’re sounding a bit bitter, as female hockey fans, we’ve all noticed the dashing good looks of the NHL elite— but let’s face it, we love them for what they bring to the ice, not the locker room mirror. Sure, it’s all good looks, until someone takes a stick to the face, or spits a few teeth on the ice. Clearly the blood spattered smile and stitched up lip photos won’t be gracing the pages of Cosmopolitan anytime soon.
So, in light of the article, we’ve complied a list of the 30 hottest NHL players of our own… smiles don’t win cups, snipes do.
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that they’ve signed newly appointed alternate captain Joffrey Lupul to a 5-year contract extension. The deal which is worth about $5.25 million per season will have Lupul wearing blue and white through 2018. Lupul had a highly successful season last year, landing him a spot on the All-Star team in Ottawa. Lupul suffered a separated shoulder on March 7th, which ended his 2012 season earlier than anticipated. Prior to injury, Lupul was on track to scoring career highs and averaging one point per game. The deal shows Toronto’s faith in the forward and Lupul is looking to restore Toronto’s faith in the team, posting the following via Twitter: “Thrilled to be a Maple Leaf for 5 more years. Look forward to doing everything I can to help bring a Stanley Cup to Toronto.” @JLupul
The Bruins hit the ice, ready to give faithful fans everything they’ve been missing. After the circulation of rumors that NHL fans would boycott arenas earlier this week surfaced, it’s safe to say that a rumor was just that, a rumor. The Bruins skated onto home ice in front of 17,565 fans, for their 130th consecutive sellout. With an abbreviated season, every game holds a slightly higher value than the usual time line of an October start. A key component is chemistry and with few changes to their roster, chemistry for the Bruins picked up where it left off last season.
With the Bruins ousting the Rangers 3-1, it was a night of milestones for a few select Bruins players. Lucky 17, with the birth of his daughter Valentina on the 17th, Milan Lucic has quite a bit to be thankful for- last night, fans were thankful for his presence on the ice as he netted the first goal of the season for Boston at 14:14 of the first period. While Daniel Paille beat Lundqvist at 8:20 of the second and Johnny Boychuk celebrated his 29th birthday with a goal at 8:13 of the 3rd. The lone Rangers goal came from Brad Richards at 12:50 of the second period. Assisting on the Richards goal, the highly sought off-season addition of Rick Nash, who wasn’t exactly pleased by the start of his career in a Rangers jersey. “It didn’t come out the way we wanted it to, a lot of rust in the first period,” said Nash. “Good thing about hockey, there’s another one tomorrow night.”
The Rangers have quite a few Massachusetts roster ties, with some players from the state and others holding collegiate backgrounds from Boston schools. One player in particular, forward Chris Kreider holds both ties. A native of Boxford, MA, Kreider played 18 games for New York during last season’s playoff run. However, last night marked his first NHL regular season game, played in front of friends and family on familiar ice.
While it was Kreider’s first regular season NHL game, last night was a milestone for the youngest player on the Bruins. At just 19-years old, 6’5″ defenseman Dougie Hamilton skated in his first career NHL game. Quite possibly an overwhelming experience, Hamilton focused on staying calm and his actions on the ice reflected that nicely. “You don’t really hear the cheering, it’s pretty cool to go out and look around” said Hamilton, “and realize your dream has come true.”
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After a pre-season scrimmage loss of 7-5 earlier in the week against AHL affiliate Providence Bruins, skepticism bubbled to the surface about Tuukka Rask’s ability to carry the team as a starting goaltender. Despite the team playing less confidently in front of Rask in the past, with Tim Thomas out of the picture, the Finnish goaltender has an opportunity to shine in crease. “I just want to go day by day,” said Rask. “Game by game, see where it leads us.”
While the first period didn’t bring much action, and lacked a certain amount of physicality that some fans may have been expecting based on past match ups, the game turned physical as time ticked away. Shawn Thornton pummeled Rangers Mike Rupp, closely followed by Bruins Gregory Campbell dropping the gloves with Stu Bickel both fights coming during the second period just 3 seconds after one another.
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Fights occur for a variety of reasons, but often as a spark to swing momentum in one direction or another. It’s a tactic used to benefit all players on the ice, goaltenders included. “You see those fights and stuff, the last thing you want to do as a goalie is let that next shot in,” said Rask. “My mindset is to stay focused on my job, get that next save so the team can build momentum.”
It was an energy packed start to a jam packed season for the Bruins and their fans. The team will look to keep the wins coming as Winnipeg jets into town tomorrow afternoon for a 1 pm puck drop. The Bruins will then head to New York for a quick re-match on Wednesday against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. After months of rest, teams will no longer be afforded that luxury as the Bruins close out the week on Friday back at the Garden against the Islanders. For fans that missed having a season, there’s plenty of hockey to be had.
Especially in a shortened season, two points could make all the difference between making the playoffs or hitting the golf course come May, but earning their first two points of the season isn’t what makes their win in this seasons first Battle of Pennsylvania special. No – it isn’t getting revenge for their somewhat embarrassing playoff defeat at the hands of the Flyers either, but the incredibly special milestone in fan favourite Marc-Andre Fleury’s already impressive career that this game represents.
With these two points, the starter affectionately known as Flower became the winningest goalie in Penguins history. Winning 226 games – a feat that took Tom Barrasso twelve seasons – has taken Fleury only eight seasons to tie, but he’d have to wait until the start of his ninth season to win number 227.
2013 is bound to be a career year for Fleury, with a few more milestones within reach even during this shortened season. The starter is one shutout away from becoming the Pens all time shutout leader and is within 14 wins of earning his place on the list of the NHL’s Top 50 all time winningest goalies.
What does Fleury think of today’s milestone win?
“It’s just great to play again,” Fleury said. “It was such a long wait to come back here with such a great ambience and it was loud and fun. A fun hockey day. It was definitely fun to win that one.”
The American Hockey League announced the rosters for the 2013 All-Star Game today where the best in the league will have the chance to showcase their talent. But there still might be a few changes before the All-Stars take the ice for the Skills Competition on January 27th. Some of those named are still participating in training camps for their respective NHL clubs. For the first time, a number of the players at the top of the league in scoring were not even named as they will be returning to the NHL to start the season this weekend. This year’s rosters include 33 first time participants, 12 of whom are rookies. Voting for the starting line ups starts tomorrow and will close January 24th. All-Star Weekend will take place on January 27th and 28th at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI.
Eastern Conference Roster
Coached by: Luke Richardson, Binghamton Senators and Jon Cooper, Syracuse Crunch
Goaltenders:
Robin Lehner, Binghamton Senators
Curtis McElhinney, Springfield Falcons
Niklas Svedberg, Providence Bruins
Forwards:
Jonathan Audy-Marchessault, Springfield Falcons
Beau Bennett, W-B/Scranton Penguins
Alexandre Bolduc, Portland Pirates
Chris Bourque, Providence Bruins
Bobby Butler, Albany Devils
Peter Holland, Norfolk Admirals
Tyler Johnson, Syracuse Crunch
Tim Kennedy, Worcester Sharks
Chad Kolarik, Connecticut Whale
Nino Niederreiter, Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Richard Panik, Syracuse Crunch
Tyler Toffoli, Manchester Monarchs
Trent Whitfield, Providence Bruins (“C”)
Defensemen:
Mark Barberio, Syracuse Crunch
Andre Benoit, Binghamton Senators
Matt Donovan, Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Tim Erixon, Springfield Falcons
Eric Gustafsson, Adirondack Phantoms
Tomas Kundratek, Hershey Bears
Zach Redmond, St. John’s IceCaps
David Rundblad, Portland Pirates
Western Conference Roster
Coached by: Dallas Eakins, Toronto Marlies and Jeff Daniels, Charlotte Checkers
Goaltenders:
Barry Brust, Abbotsford Heat
Petr Mrazek, Grand Rapids Griffins
Justin Peters, Charlotte Checkers
Forwards:
Andrew Agozzino, Lake Erie Monsters
Mark Arcobello, Oklahoma City Barons
Matt Fraser, Texas Stars
Brendan Gallagher, Hamilton Bulldogs
Ryan Hamilton, Toronto Marlies
Quintin Laing, Abbotsford Heat (“C”)
Gustav Nyquist, Grand Rapids Griffins
Kevin Porter, Rochester Americans
Martin St. Pierre, Rockford IceHogs
Mike Sgarbossa, Lake Erie Monsters
Drew Shore, San Antonio Rampage
Brett Sterling, Chicago Wolves
Jason Zucker, Houston Aeros
Defensemen:
Victor Bartley, Milwaukee Admirals
Chad Billins, Grand Rapids Griffins
Adam Clendening, Rockford IceHogs
Mark Cundari, Peoria Rivermen
Michal Jordan, Charlotte Checkers
Mike Kostka, Toronto Marlies
Brayden McNabb, Rochester Americans
Jamie Oleksiak, Texas Stars
..and now you can using the arrow buttons on your keyboard. Check out today’s interactive game on the Google homepage.
Happy ice cleaning!
NHL clubs are reaching out to the fans alienated by the lockout. As rumors of boycotting the home openers league wide circulate, teams are hoping to get fans in seats this weekend. Will you be spending more or less on tickets, or will you even be attending a game?
Here are some of the discounts being offered for some of the team’s home opener:
College students can redeem one ticket per student ID to the Dallas Stars home opener Saturday morning at 10am.
The Vancouver Canucks are offering a weekend’s worth of tributes, in-game experiences, prizes, merchandise sales and food discounts ($1 items) as they face the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers on Saturday and Sunday.
Florida Panthers will host a full team signing session following opening night. Minnesota Wild and the New York Rangers will have free T-shirts for all fans in attendance at the first game of the season.
Anaheim Ducks fans who purchase a ticket for the home opener will get a second game at half off.
All educators, police officers, firefighters, nurses, EMTs and military personnel receive $20 off all lower bowl and club-level seating, and $10 off upper level seating at the second Nashville Predators home game.
Boston Bruins fans attending every home game in January will receive three vouchers for select concession items.
The Los Angeles Kings finally get to raise their banner as the 2012 Stanley Cup Champions.
It’s odd to see that some of the teams that struggle year over year to fill seats have yet to comment about discounted tickets, concessions or merchandise for fans – Phoenix Coyotes and New Jersey Devils.
The Boston Bruins hosted and lost 7-5 to their AHL affiliate Providence Bruins last night. It was a game setup to get the team back into the swing of things and drum up excitement for the fans. “It was fun being out there again, the crowd was great, they gave a lot of energy,” said fan favorite Brad Marchand. “I’m sure it was fun for them, it was definitely exciting for us.”
The largest predicament on the evening for most fans was who to cheer for, “I heard people booing the Bruins,” said Melissa Keen, a life long Bruins fan who made the drive to Boston from Warwick, Rhode Island. “It was more confusing than anything, since everyone on the ice is a big happy family.”
Family or not, when roster spots are involved it’s every man out to prove he’s worth a chance come opening night. Chris Bourque has played exceedingly well for Providence this season with 8 goals and 20 assists and thus far has transitioned that play into success during camp in Boston. “It’s something that I’ve always dreamed of, putting on a Bruins sweater and skating on the Garden ice,” said Bourque. “It felt great to finally do that and hopefully I’ll get a chance come Saturday night.”
The game proved a larger opportunity for some players who didn’t get an invite to training camp; allowing coaches to see them in action. One player that showcased his abilities last night was Maxime Sauve, with 4 goals and 9 assists in Providence so far this season, he was able to net 2 goals and an assist during last nights match up. Not receiving an invite to camp wasn’t disappointing for the Providence forward, “I gave my impression during the game, I’ll see what happens after,” continued Sauve. “We play it like a normal game, just have fun and play hard.”
With opening night just a few days away, the abbreviated training camp has forced players to get back into fighting shape. With time not on their side, players will be forced to quickly find the rhythm that’s brought success during past seasons. Losing 7-5 isn’t an ideal situation, but the scenario allows Boston a few days to examine strengths and weaknesses. “It was good to get a 60-minute game under our belts before we start a real game,” said goaltender Tuukka Rask. “It was sloppy for all of us, but rather take it now than Saturday.”
Fans will hope that sentiment rings true, as the New York Rangers, a notably successful team while playing in Boston take to the ice to finally start the 2013 season Saturday evening at the Garden.
Much like the rest of their opponents, the Boston Bruins have been hitting the ice since the league announced late Saturday night that it was all systems go. It’s been full steam ahead with an abbreviated camp schedule and opening night skating into the Garden on Saturday. Tonight the Bruins will take to the ice in front of a sold out crowd for an inter-squad scrimmage. The tickets to tonight’s team preview were available for free to the first 17,565 fans that could get them- ie the Garden’s capacity. With such a popular demand, the Bruins will live stream the game on their website beginning at 6:55 p.m. ET.
With only a few vacancies on the current roster, fans will get to see Providence Bruins Matt Bartowski, Jamie Tardiff, Chris Bourque, Ryan Spooner, Lane MacDermid and David Warsofky give it their best shot for a spot on the opening night NHL roster, which for Boston begins at home January 19th against the New York Rangers.
In an attempt to slowly win back the hearts of many NHL fans, the team has offered select free concessions for those in attendance this evening. Another notable mention, fans looking to purchase gear at the ProShop will also receive a 25% discount at all home games in January. Although small gestures, its a valid attempt to show the fans that the team does care about their suffering during the lockout.
The Bruins aren’t the only team in the NHL offering similar incentive’s to fans, many teams are also taking part in similar pre-season preview games. It’s safe to say that NHL hockey is back in full force.
Last night the Springfield Falcons and the Providence Bruins met for the fifth of ten times on the season, this time in Springfield. The Falcons were coming off of an overtime loss the night before and were looking for the two points. They certainly did not disappoint their fans in front of the biggest crowd so far this season.
“I felt the energy right away. Then Amadio getting in an early fight definitely helps and we got a powerplay goal early,” Head Coach, Brad Larsen, said of the biggest crowd of the season.
The Falcons extended their streak of scoring at least one powerplay goal to seven games when they capitalized on the first powerplay of the game. Bruins goalie Michael Hutchinson came up big on a save but would let in a goal later on the same play. Nick Drazenovic got his first assist of the night as he passed the puck right in front of the net for Captain Ryan Craig to put the puck behind Hutchinson.
Less than a minute later, tensions boiled over between the two teams. Bobby Robbins of Providence and Greg Amadio of Springfield did not even bother to square off before the fists started flying. The pair did not manage to stay on their feet long before they fell, still trying to land punches. The officials struggled to finally get the two players separated and off the ice.
The Bruins tied it up at 1 on a shot by Torey Krug from the top of the face-off circle, but that was as close as they would get. With about three and a half minutes to go in the first, Cody Goloubef took a hard shot from the blue line that found the back of the net for his first goal of the season. He was playing in only his second game since November after having missed two months to a wrist injury.
“I was out for awhile, it gets frustrating. You just have to stay with and stay positive,” Goloubef said of his time injured. “Now that I’m back, I’m just trying to get my legs back under me and take off.”
The second frame was much quieter than the first, but Jonathan Audy-Marchessault seemed determined to get onto the score sheet. Less than two minutes in, the officials were reviewing a play to see if Audy-Marchessault managed to get the puck over the line. Although he was not successful, his first goal of the game would come at the very end of the second period. Bobby Robbins was assessed a double minor for high sticking with just about a minute left. Then, with about twenty seconds to go in the period, Audy-Marchessault lifted the puck over the goalie’s right shoulder and into the net. Drazenovic earned his third assist of the game as Springfield went up 3-1.
The Bruins made a strong effort in the third period to come back, putting up 13 shots. But Springfield goalie, Allen York, stood tall and smothered the puck to keep from giving up rebounds. He made a number of difficult saves look effortless.
“He didn’t face a ton of shots, but he made some good saves. There were some deceiving ones,” Larsen said of goalie Allen York. “He made it look easy. He was finding the puck real well in traffic.”
The Falcons went ahead 4-1 a little more than halfway through the third period when Audy-Marchessault had his second goal of the night. Once again, Audy-Marchessault went top shelf after Sean Collins passed him the puck from behind the net. Drazenovic had another assist, notching one on each of the four Springfield goals last night.
Despite a late effort in the third, when Wes O’Neill managed to make the score 4-2, the Falcons had no trouble hanging on to get the two points. The Bruins are back at it in Providence against Manchester today. The Falcons have the day off, but head up to take on Manchester on Tuesday.
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