i missed last night's games...

If a hockey game is played in the woods and no one is around does it matter?

Long weekend...good hockey

But i don't remember anything of significance.

Well, more on the "goalie is not the most important player on the ice" front...
Weekes gets a win for the Devils. Why? is he better than Brodeur? Did he play significantly better than Brodeur did against the Pens last week? (a 5-0 romp by the pens)

No Weekes played a solid game. Made a couple of big saves. But largely, the difference was - New Jersey played better...they scored first and played solid defense. With the exception of the goal by Crosby...the defense played as good as they could. They are not the defense that the Devils have iced over the past 15yrs - even last year around december, the Devils had one of the better defenses in the league. By player, probably not, but by system and discipline to the system, definitely.

For some reason, that is all i remember about this weekend. Oh and the Rangers won and gave a point to Toronto. I think the Rangers have that team that can give up a crucial goal - meaning no lead is safe (against the teams that can score - Ottawa, Carolina, etc...).

No bitter beer on tap tonight...

But two stale ones in bottles.

Toronto - Buffalo
ho hum. This could be a shootout. It could be a blowout. It could be that i don't care. Ya know for all the non-interest i have for Buffalo - they are playing ok. Props to Lindy Ruff. (Also, i do like Connelly and Vanek...)

Atlanta - Florida
These two have some noteworthy-ness. Youngsters and scorers and a new coach and whatnot...but why watch? Kovalchuk is almost enough...truly, this isn't so bad.

The rest of the games all have promise!
Columbus - Detroit
Columbus is coming off a complete bust against Chicago. I would guess this will have them playing tighter tonight. Detroit, well, is Detroit. Lidstrom, Rafalaski, Chelios...Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom... I am there. I will watch this game if i am around a TV or computer (slingbox baby!) and able to do so!

St. Louis - Chicago
Kane. (oh and these two teams are showing themselves this year.)

Colorado - Vancouver
Vancouver can put me to sleep...but this year they are letting goals slip by. That and Colorado has a fun team.

Anaheim - San Jose
I guess i am more into this one because of last season, because this season, neither team is all that exciting. Will Roenick get 500? He's one of the greater ones i have seen so more power to him.

after the previous debacles, i won't be prognosticating any time soon. Maybe after the mid-point of the season when teams MIGHT have a clear pattern to their play.

The only call i got right...

Making calls is basically worthless.

I think every thing i wrote was exactly wrong.

Enter Sydney

New York Rangers - Pittsburgh
Another go anywhere game. It isn't all happy over in Crosby-land, but the Pens are still plenty dangerous. Many fingers point at M.A.Fleury, but the offense isn't quite as prolific as it was last season either. Perhaps if the O was keeping it in the opposition zone a bit more, the defense and MAF wouldn't be as pressed! I sure hope the O doesn't find anything on this night.

The Rangers have been crossing over...finding some offense...at least creating opportunities. Let's hope that stays true. They did pretty well at home* to the Isles...if not for some defensive lapses they would have won that game. As is they got NO POINTS...it hurt and now this game is that much bigger. The Pens haven't found themselves yet, thus, this game is more of a winner.

NYR needs to pepper the Pens' goalie as they did Biron the other night. They need to make better decisions in their own zone when heavily forechecked. The way Trent Hunter ran around, Gary Roberts could be a force...albeit an old one.

other games to watch...
New Jersey - Philidelphia
Can't not watch another opportunity to see Brodeur face quality scoring chances. Philly can certainly light the lamp. It will be interesting to see if their defense can stop the two lines of NJ and by that i mean, Parise's line and the other line without Elias. As i have mentioned before, i hope Elias finds a connection with a linemate but until he does he is going to be a huge PUZZLE this season.

Tampa Bay - Carolina
Always a good game between these two. Carolina SHOULD waltz around this one-punch shadow boxer. However, never has TB been easy for the Canes...at least in my memory. Wallin will be out for a few more weeks and that hurts the Canes a lot...hopefully that won't be a glaring hole for them tonight. Lecavalier is pretty awesome and opens a lot of space for St Louis or whoever else he is out there with.

Montreal - Boston
This should be a good battle. Boston coming off a tough, tight loss cannot be taken lightly. Montreal has played some good hockey as well. I will be interested in this matchup. Kovalev is playing well.

Ottawa - Washington
The way the caps have been playing as of late, this game might be the blowout of the night. Gerber could get a shutout too...or Emery or whoever.

Vancouver - Calgary
Even with Vancouver's lack this season, i always pay attention to a game between these two. Besides, isn't Iginla alone worth watching!?

Okay i guess it goes without saying, but this season has been about as predictable as say a tornado sighting. Other than Ottawa and Detroit, every team seems to hit spots where they can't win and it doesn't matter if they are playing Phoenix or Washington or San Jose or Anaheim...what's the reason!?

* we all know that Nassau is the vacation home for the Rangers' fans

Hitchcock, Nolan, Laviolette, Stevens, Paddock, Carbonneau, Babcock, Quenneville...

Does that cover everyone? I mean which of these coaches DOESN'T deserve the Adams!?

Sure Paddock and Ottawa was expected to be pretty good. As was Detroit...but to the extent that they are? Those guys deserve anything that could be awared.

After that, there are a lot of teams that were medicore and are now playing more solid. You can't deny those coaches the kudos.

And then there are those like Hitchcock...turning teams around to that degree. He could easily get the Adams as well.

I don't know who i am most impressed with. Hitchcock is on the front of my tongue - but when i look at the teams that are doing well, i can't really eliminate any of their coaches.

Good thing there is plenty of time left in the season - i'd certainly hope that things sort themselves out by season's end.

Tonight's action

Philadelphia - Pittsburgh
This could be a barn-burner (whatever that means). Philly has been giving up tons of shots - maybe the defense is being exposed. They have the potential to put a barrage of shots on as well. MAF will have to play solid to keep up with Biron. But both should be facing some crazy chances.

Nashville - Detroit
Nashville has been playing well as of late...against the lesser teams anyway. Detroit will be a true test or maybe just an indicator that Nashville isn't improved but better than the bad teams. I like Nashville. Trotz. No Kariya. Zetterberg will probably get some points...is that a stretch or what!

Columbus - Chicago
Pascal gets number 6? It could certainly happen.
** update 8 Nov 2007: WRONG!

Buffalo - Boston
Truly, i can watch any game. Buffalo interests me probably the least. But i need to watch Boston play. I am not sure what is going on there...is Tim Thomas that real!? I will have a hard time watching....but i should. My feeling is that Chara is settled in and the defense is better with the system. The defense is not in need of more talent. They have a good corp there.

San Jose - Dallas
Battle of the division leaders. I guess. I don't know if anyone should make the playoffs from the Pacific division. I'd rather see all the Central and the top 3 from the Northwest. But this will still be a hockey game. These teams...i don't get it.

Edmonton - Colorado
Colorado is fun to watch and i probably will watch this game. I still can't believe that Jose Theodore is doing ok in goal there. I saw him as a Jim Carey/Felix Potvin/Roman Cechmanek. More power to him though - outplaying Budaj it seems.

New Jersey: P.Elias

Reading the boards that i read, i have seen people coming down on Elias. Even to the extent of benching him. (perhaps it would motivate him...but better, the entire team)

It is interesting that in this new system, the Devils have yet to get Elias producing. It is odd, i think Elias would be producing something no matter where he is! I love this guy. BUT perhaps the effects of losing a pure passing, smooth skating center - Gomez, shows that Elias can't create his own opportunities?! I don't know. I expect that Sutter would mix lines up until they find someone to get Elias the puck in good situations.

Maybe Langenbrunner will get him going.

More to be seen - i hate New Jersey, but i like this guy. I hope he can turn it around without any benefit to the Devils! (that would be too good...and impossible.)

Blown.

Rangers v Islanders
The Rangers had this game. Solid play for most of it...but when the lapses came they came big. Can't fault the Isles. They capitalized. That play by Comrie was nice*.

Overall, Lundqvist played well. The defense felt small and slow at moments. When the Isles started it churning in the zone, the Rangers had problems.

It isn't all bad. The Rangers come away with nothing...this is certainly bad as the points are important. But it will be great to get this rivalry meaning something. And i think these two teams have a great chance to battle for the division.

Of course, i am not an optimist. So i doubt the Rangers will hold it tight. They had moments where they were making bad decisions with the puck in their zone. And often that cost them. In fact, i believe the 3rd goal by Satan was set up after the Rangers laid a weak pass behind the net with the other d-man not there. (i'll have to watch again to see if that was in fact what happened)

DiPietro came up big at the end. However, on the other side, the Rangers did put good pressure and had the tie in their hands there.

Lundqvist had some big saves before Satan netted his. A nice outlet pass by DiPietro caught the Rangers doing a full line change. Lundy stopped the breakaway shot by Sillinger.

It was a fun game to watch. Disappointing as it was.

* Isles 4 on 3 powerplay, Comrie passes the puck low to ???? who then passes it back to Comrie who skates across switching sides with another Islander. Comrie makes a nice little fake, as if dropping the puck to the passing d-man high. This pauses the Rangers. Fedotenko slips out from in front of the goal and sets up to Lundqvist's left. Comrie curves down on Lundy's right and lays a nice quick pass to Fedotenko who buries it. Nice play. Rangers pay for an accidental high-stick in a big way.

Good games last night...

Lundqvist does it again. Well that is all anyone will see. The Rangers gave up 32 shots maybe...that is a good shutout, for sure. And Lundy played very well...i don't mean to take anything from him. I think he is a top echelon goalie. And i think with this coaching and system that he can keep it up long term. BUT the team is playing solid. They are clearing fromt he front. They are keeping shots from out high and to the side. Philly did get some creative breaks and Lundy came up big more than once. But the team is playing some very solid defense.

Also the offense...although they put up 40 shots...and Biron played equally solid...the offense was not so impressive.

Other games were good...Kipper made an amazing save. That guy is athletic. He reminds me of Felix Potvin, only good.

Good slate of action tonight...

Rangers vs Philly.
Well this will be quite the reality check. The Rangers have been playing a quality defensive style and Lundqvist has been holding down the net very solidly. Lately, against fairly weak offenses, the blueshirts have had just enough offense to get the two points. Philly will not be so easy to do this against. Philly is one of the better teams 5 on 5...so the great penalty kill of the Rangers will be even more important as will more timely saves and tight defensive commitment.

Hope they can pull this one out.

With wins against Devils twice and the caps and lightning once each and a loss to Toronto - i am not convinced that they are truly turning the corner. The defense is tight and has been with the exception of that Toronto game and an earlier Ottawa game. So i do believe they can hold the Flyers to 3 or less. BUT can they score at least 2 to guarantee a tie...i don't know.

The flyers seem to be in a spot where they are still finding themselves. I hope this is an off night.

Other games to watch...
pittsburgh v new jersey - what is up with the O in pittsburgh? And has NJ turned a corner here? They seem to be playing a bit tighter in their zone. This game could be anything! From nj getting a shutout to pens winning a shoutout 6-5.

calgary v colorado - hard fought game. I would imagine lots of end-to-end action. Should be fun to watch.

Love seeing it...defense first has gone no where

Wow, love seeing these teams able to adjust and clamp the defense down. I think good defense is amazing to watch, although slightly frustrating. I guess my hope would be for this game style to drive away all the "fans" that love what the game could be, if...

...we had bigger goals, smaller goalies, no fighting, more scoring, smaller puck, bigger rinks, less players on the ice...

All these things, might initially increase scoring...but it will not change the simple fact that defense is an easier thing to count on than offense. the defensive zone, with five men all packing it in is more managable and reliable than offense. Ultimately, much less skill required to block a shot than to make a shot go where you want it.

Still props to Pascal Leclaire. 5 shutouts already. Nice for me too - more evidence that teams make goalies more than goalies make teams...a great team with a good goalie will always go further than a good team with a great goalie. AND clearly, a bad goalie can ruin any team.

Proud of Lundqvist too. But proud of that system even more. Now, can they open it up a little and still maintain that defensive tightness...to be seen. Certainly the talent is adequate.

a visit from those impish ones....

New Jersey. I sure do hate them. However, at this point, i welcome them more than ever. They are very beatable.

So far, like 2minutes to go, 1 to 1. Good game. Solid play in every zone by both teams. Even the gaffes have been fairly well handled.

The refs SUCKED in the first and then have gone the opposite direction the rest of the game, calling nothing...

I think the Rangers have looked good, but more, i think the Devils are finding themselves. They've played more solidly than i have seen so far.

Points for each...go Rangers for the extra point.

YES. Grab that extra point. These are points that will be BIG come season end. Even more preventing this NJ team from getting that point.

I think both of these teams are turning their play around. Solid own zone commitment. Both will have trouble when they are down in games.

Go Rangers. Very nice goal by Prucha in the shootout.

diversion #2: Boxing

I do love hockey unlike any other sport. But there is another interest that i will interrupt most anything for...Boxing.

Tonight: Calzaghe vs Kessler
I haven't seen Kessler fight before. But if he can stand with Calzaghe and match that speed...this should be fun.

I love good boxing and i will probably post on this fight after i watch it.

first two rounds...
Lots of feeling out. some decent exchanges toward the end of round 2.
Kessler has the best so far.

3rd round:
definitely more active.
Calzaghe is fast...
Kessler is good to match though...not as fast but fast still.
Kellerman is giving the 3rd clearly to Calzaghe.
Calzaghe had some moments where his right jab was getting through down the middle with ease.

4th round:
Kessler landed some early...nice flurry.
Landed a rocking uppercut on Calzaghe.
Calzaghe is handling it fine...not hurt really.
So far this is Kessler's round.
Calzaghe put some together at the end of the round but still Kessler's.

Let me say - i love Max Kellerman. The best boxing knowledge out there i think.

5th round:
small stuff - feeling each other out...Kessler waiting to counter...Calzaghe being more cautious.
Really good fight. A chess match, if you will.
Calzaghe maybe slightly...

6th round:
still cautious
Calzaghe is fast.
Kessler hasn't landed much, if anything really.

7th round:
more of the same.
Kessler less effective.
seems Kessler is changing it up some...attacking more. But not as much as Calzaghe..
Good round - maybe Kessler's.

8th round:
the best punch so far has still been an uppercut by Kessler.
When his land they are better - but Calzaghe is landing more and more cleanly.
Good round...fun last minute or so.
I think Calzaghe got that one...but a good flurry by both.

9th round:
Kessler landed a really good punch
Calzaghe does put some harmless flurries together...but they back Kessler up. So they look good on a scorecard.
Calzaghe is very good...to state what all the commentators have already said.

10th round:
so far to me...kinda like watching Kiltscho against Sam Peter. With more action and more skill in Kessler than Peter, and more in Calzaghe than Klitscho
Good exchanges here.
Still Calzaghe coming out a little better.
Kessler landed some nice punches at the minute mark.
Calzaghe SHOULD probably being playing it safer...love this guy, win or lose.
(Calzaghe broke Kessler in the second half of that round - M.Kellerman)

11th round:
more of the same...
Calzaghe is too quick.
Kessler is there though - these two HAVE TO BE the best in the class.
Calzaghe is crazy to keep stepping in...but he wouldn't be Calzaghe if he didn't.
Calzaghe gets that round although nothing much happened.

12th and final round:
unless something amazing happens by Kessler...Calzaghe puts another brick on the shrine he has built himself for the boxing world. He is truly a great fighter. Smart and fast. Very tough to fight.
Kessler, though, has proven to be worthy. I will watch this guy whenever i can.
Nice uppercut...Kessler could get lucky.
1:30 to go
Calzaghe unchanged, still bringing it...
Kessler still game...but overmatched slightly but clearly.
Big bombs thrown by Kessler but missing...
10secs to go...
the embrace after the bell...these two respect the hell out of each other.
Calzaghe just better.
Kessler needs to take it...and learn from it. He is good.

Calzaghe - Taylor
Calzaghe - Pavlik

Calzaghe wants Hopkins. Wow. I think Hopkins would have his hands full.
Nice fight.

http://hockeyadventure.com/2007/11/02/fighting-the-nhls-answer-to-twinkies/

well written and good points.

He doesn't give enough time to the effect hockey has on the ice. Does the threat of getting a beat down pose any deterent to borderline actions?

If it does, even at all...then maybe fighting does have a place.

Borderline actions cannot be REFERREEd or suspended out of the game. Unless you draw the line for an offense far enough from the feared offense that a player can't come close to the feared offense. And in my opinion THAT would destroy the game.

Example...you don't want headshots. Ok bigger suspensions for head shots. As the litigation moves forward eventually ALL headshots are lessened...and in that time, players learn that they can lead with their heads. Play with their heads down, even. So yay! no more headshots, but boo everyone skates with their heads down.

However, allow the on-ice goons to handle the cheap headshots. Players respect that they can't take liberties and lead with their heads while opposing players know not to take advantage of player in a cheap way.

quick response...not well written and out of annoyance...the politically correct view always gets more time and more respect. Fighting = violence, violence = BAD, so fighting = BAD! Annoying as hell, fighting arose in the sport for a reason. The NHL has always been the toughest league in the world...and toughness needs protection.

The Flyers of the 70s perverted this system of justice and the 80s evolved to adjust for that sort of sillyness...but underneath the just fighting still did what it should. The 90s saw the overadjustment against fighting and the game has been going down hill since...

Rangers = defense first = the Devils?

What are we seeing here!? Defense gave up shots but low percentage. Lundqvist 31 saves - shutout. Only two goals scored. Is Renney secretly bringing Jacques Lemaire and phat Lou Lam into his coaches' meetings? As long as it works. As long as the team BUYS into it - the New York Randevilgers is fine with me!

It is clearly the trend in the NEW NHL. Kinda funny really. All the rules to open the game up and it seems the best strategy for a team has become - play tighter DEFENSE. I don't mind. I like for the goals to cost hard work. As long as we don't get any 4 shot games, i'm cool with it.

AND if my rangers play it the best...i am cooler with it.

One game. Two games. but it was the Caps and a Lightning team that is woefully struggling.

i guess other than a second solid ranger performance i was surprised a bit by the Montreal win over Philly. I certianly thought it would be more of a game. Oh and Detroit's win. I didn't watch - but it seems those two will have some great battles.

Does Detroit have the best 5 in the league!? Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Holmstrom, Lidstrom, Rafalski. Wow.

Games tonight

obviously, Rangers vs Capitals.
Ovechkin. The caps are a cool team. I like what they have, but for the sake of all that is Olie...they need to mature fast, make the playoffs and do something QUICK.
Chris Clark is out. Too bad, great character guy. Loved him with Calgary in '04...tough. Semin is out as well...smooth skill guy (is he a big boy??? i can't remember seeing him and too lazy to look it up).

The Rangers looked ok in the last game against TB. But TB wasn't playing well...sense my pessimism!? If not, let me be more clear - the Rangers have not turned the corner yet and may not this season (i do hope so though and i do believe they have the talent).

Montreal - Philly.
A lot to watch here. I am a Kovalev fan - so i like to watch that. Should be a fun game though.

Detroit - Calgary.
hmmm can i be interesting and colorful? No. Good game though.

St. Louis - Minnesota.
Will Minnesota rebound to form? Missing some key key key players (Gaborik, Demitra, and Backstrom). For St.Louis, Andy Murray is a good coach and i like what he is doing there. I hope him the best.

Any game is a good one, except the Buffalo - Boston game. No interest there.

Just making note...

It wasn't Brodeur as much as the team. (NJ beats TB 6 - 1...Brodeur faced two really good shots. One got in.) Here's the thing - NJ's team will buy in to the system it is being taught and if that system focuses on the d-zone, Brodeur's numbers will improve. This win against the Lightning doesn't mean a lot, but it could be a step toward them playing better and more solid...buying in.

Things to note on the "Teams make Goalies more than Goalies make teams" front:

• Pascal Leclaire - 4 shutouts already. hmmm, what kind of system is there? Hitchcock. other goalies that were SOLID under him? Turco, Cechmanek, Esche...others??
• Any Minnesota goalie since Lemaire. i do think Backstrom is a very good goalie...but team system is inflating his numbers.
• Gerber, Thomas, Osgood...i don't mean to totally knock these guys, but it is clear that when the defense in front of them is shakey, they are too. This season, all three have been behind darn consistent teams...and the numbers reflect that.

a bad goalie can destroy a team, but once a goalie is to a certain level - it is all about the team.

Detroit is the best run organization around...or is it the solid defensemen effect...or both? The blueline has had a more than solid core since Lidstrom and Chelios. Doesn't hurt when the others include Schneider and now Rafalski. If i am GM i build my team around a solid defenseman...even better, two of them.

Carolina. Good to see them playing well...they had flashes of it last season. This year, they are contenders again. Niklas Wallin, baby. That guy is solid and one of the more underrated dmen in the league.

My Rangers. Not much to say. They need to gel. If they don't, oh well. If they do, they could be FUN to watch and difficult to beat.

CBJ. I'm in. I like the way they play. IF Zherdev can become motivated for the NHL game...the guy is talented! Reminds me of Kovalev with a little less of everything.

Hopes

Having followed the first 8th of this new NHL season, i withhold hoping too much. But if i did have hopes, perhaps they would be:

• A Ranger turn-a-round.

The Rangers have started off without any consistency. It would be hard for me to point at any one player. The team just has not yet gelled. Will they? That would be my hope, if i did hope. But over the years i have learned that hope is more closely a dream than anything real. The team has talent...Jagr leads the way. But take any of the top-six offensive players and any team would take them. The defense is maturing. I don't that is a talent issue either. Last season, from the midpoint on - this team played very solid defense and the pieces haven't changed too much. Will Gomez fit in? Once again i refuse to hope. The memory of Bobby Holik is too fresh. But Gomez certainly possesses the talent to fit well centering Jagr. With Jersey his puck distribution and movement was as good as anyone - primarily transitioning the puck from the d-zone to the o-zone.

• Enforcers carving out a clearer role.

The drive for fans pushed the NHL into a family friendly mode. A good notion - if the NHL can draw families, ticket sales increase now and in the future because the young ones grow into old hockey fans. But families can't condone violence. So the NHL began taking hard swipes to cull the violence that is natural to such a rough game. This hurt the game more than any would have predicted - defense became easier. Anyway, the New NHL, i thought, would curb this sort of protector mentality even more. However, the goon is still alive and with the ways of Brian Burke's Ducks as a model of good GMing. The goon may gain more importance in the coming years. I am not one for fighting just to fight, but i do love the quick justice that an enforcer/goon/protector can bring to a situation. If i were to be hopeful, i would hope that the NHL comes closer to the needed balance that goons can bring to the game.