June 8, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Gerry Charbonneau

“By the age of 18, the average American has witnessed 200,000 act of violence on television, most of them occurring during Game 1 of the NHL playoff series.” —–Steve Rushin

It’s hockey playoff time of the year again and devoted and/or disappointed fans are rallying around their teams in the hopes of capturing the much coveted Stanley Cup. The team sweaters are being worn proudly by the contending teams’ fans and the excitement of another season prepares itself to blast the air waves.

At a midget hockey game I attended a while ago I asked a number of people if they would consider a “no contact” hockey game as exciting as the rough and tumble style currently played in the National Hockey League.

Should younger players (at all nonprofessional levels of play) be forced to adapt a “no contact” approach to the game? The younger children were learning the rules of the game and especially learning how to skate well and handle themselves on the ice effectively.

Many parents I spoke to agreed that the no contact, less physical style of hockey be played by younger players. This more genteel approach would allow players learning the game to develop the essential skating and game playing skills needed to become proficient at the sport and develop a skating and team playing style.

Parents having youngsters currently playing said there was currently too much physical contact and violence on the ice and that this type of game should be more closely monitored. The time spent in the penalty box for rough housing and unnecessary roughing should be cut down to a minimum. Many players were being called Penalty Kings since a majority of their time was spent in the penalty box for committing major/minor game infractions or demonstrating bad sportsmanship.

The more vocal and aggressive fans thought that hockey without violence was a waste of time and good money. They totally favored the goon squads, overly excessive body checking, high sticking and fighting that occurred on the ice. These parents would constantly rile and loudly ridicule the youngsters on the ice while they played and loudly argued with team coaches.

Somehow they seemed to believe that this type of hockey got the fans and players adrenaline flowing and helped the audience get even more involved with the action on the ice. Scoring for them became more important than how the game was played.

The good news arose from the fact that everyone I chatted with agreed that a women hockey team did not need to display any form of excessive violence in order for fans to enjoy the sport. Somehow women players being overly aggressive on the ice struck a sour note with all respondents.

Many hockey parents favor a less physical style of hockey and hope that the violence and overly aggressive style of playing the sport will be monitored and eventually regulated. Until that time the game infractions will continue and the time spent in the penalty box increase.

Gerry Charbonneau has recently retired from the active work force and now has the free time and the energy to write articles for his blog, Nibbled News. The articles cover topical issues of the day and offer readers the opportunity to question their own reality, smile a bit more each day and above all take a much needed break from their busy work day. The site is located at, http://www.nibblednews.typepad.com Reader feedback is always welcomed. Drop by. Relax. Read. Enjoy.

Article Source: Gerry Charbonneau

Is Rough and Tumble the Only Way to Play the Game of Hockey?

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June 1, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Gary J. Wilson

After two rounds of play, the playoffs gave us some surprising candidates at the top of the list (Halak, Cammalleri, Pavelski). Now that we’re down to 2 teams, the candidates are more of the expected variety for each team. The one unknown factor here, is how do you deal with Philly’s goaltending situation? If Leighton rattles off 3 more shutouts, is it conceivable to give the award to a player who missed the first half of the playoffs? Since we’re a long way from that playing out, here are the top candidates through the first 3 rounds of action, along with what will have to play out for them to get the prize:

1. Antti Niemi

Prior to the playoffs, there was a general sentiment in the hockey world that goaltending would be the one potential weak link for the Hawks. I don’t understand where that was coming from, aside from his rookie status, as Niemi was solid in net throughout the regular season, and had to fight through the politics of Huet’s big contract to earn the #1 job. Through 3 rounds of play, the cynics have started to fade. Niemi has not only avoided being the weak link, he has actually been the team’s greatest strength. Through 3 rounds of play 16 games, he has a 2.33 GAA, (tying him with Philly Goalie Option 1, Brian Boucher), and placing him 2nd only to Philly Goalie Option 2, Michael Leighton.) His.921 save percentage and 2 shutouts are also quality numbers, rookie or not.

What it will take: The Hawks are getting scoring up and down their roster, which somewhat diminishes the role of any one of their stellar forwards. If the Hawks go the distance, and he keeps his GAA to under 2.5 for the series, he’s the most logical choice for the award.

2. Jonathan Toews

Toews has done it all for Chicago. His solid play in all corners of the rink is only complemented by the fact that he leads all scorers this postseason with 26 points. He also leads all playoff scorers with 5 power play goals. He’s still a far cry away from the 36 points that Malkin put up last season, but going back to 1996, the leading scorer in the playoffs before Malkin never topped 27. Toews should join that company by the end of game one with the streak he’s had.

What it will take:Obviously, it will probably require a Chicago win for Toews to be considered. He’ll have to keep up a good point per game pace to prove his worth over his goaltender. If Niemi’s numbers start to slide and Toews can keep up the pace, Toews should pick up the prize.

3. Mike Richards

With a strong surge in the last few games of round 3, Richards now finds himself alone in second place with 21 points in 17 games. He’s been the emotional catalyst for their run this season, and has came through with key goals and assists at every turn.

What it will take:If the Flyers win the Cup and Richards puts in a couple more points, he should be the man. Even if Briere ultimately outscores him, it will have to be by a number of points to convince the jury that he was more valuable to the Flyers’ fortunes than their captain.

4. Chris Pronger

It has become more common recently for the award to go to a defenseman. Three of the last 9 have been awarded to a blueliner. Perhaps the only difference is that for all three (Niedermeyer, Lidstrom, Stevens), those guys were also the captain of their team. Although he doesn’t officially wear the ‘C’ in Philadelphia, nobody can question the leadership he has brought to the Flyers. After all, this isn’t the first time Pronger has led an underdog team to the Finals in the past 5 years. In terms of numbers, Pronger leads all defensemen in the playoffs with 4 goals and 14 points. He’s also been playing close to 30 minutes a night.

What it will take:If the Flyers win and Pronger is in on a game winner or two, the case can certainly be made for him over Richards. Also, if the points dry up for Richards, look for the Pronger talk to heat up as the favorite. While these top 4 will merit most of the attention, here a few other names who could come into play if they step it up in the Finals, (or keep up their pace from Round 3).

5. Patrick Kane

Kane enters the finals as the 3rd highest scorer with 20 points in 16 games. He’s tied with Toews in goals, but trails his captain by 6 assists. Beyond the scoresheet, Kane hasn’t been as valuable to the overall success of his team as Toews, so he would have to pull off some magic in the final round to win the award.

6. Dustin Byfuglien

Although he currently sits in 28th position among playoff scorers in points, his contributions in terms of goalscoring make him a darkhorse candidate. His 8 goals, including 3 game winners in Round 3, are tops for the Hawks. If he can repeat that magic in Round 4, his name will certainly enter the conversation.

7. Danny Briere

Briere went on a nice, long point streak and currently sits 6th in scoring with 18 points in 17 games. He also enters the finals as the player with the most goals, (second overall only to Cammalleri, who has gone home). Briere will have to outscore Richards by a wide margin to earn the honors.

8. Michael Leighton

Even if Leighton can keep his miraculous playoff numbers rolling, it’s a longshot that the award could go to a guy who missed the first round and a half. And it’s not as if he rescued the team from poor goaltending, as Brian Boucher was leading all goalies at the time of his untimely injuries. Nonetheless, his play has been so spectacular, that it would be a crime not to include him on the list.

As for predictions, I say that ultimately, the Flyers will put a few more pucks past Niemi than the teams in the West managed to do. Jonathan Toews will continue to step up his play and lead his team to the Cup and the Conn Smythe.

To view this article in its original context, visit: http://www.landsharkhockey.com/post/2010/05/26/Conn-Smythe-Favorites-Finals-Preview.aspx

To get more free fantasy hockey tips and tools, visit http://www.landsharkhockey.com.

Article Source: Gary J. Wilson

Conn Smythe Candidates

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May 20, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Ryan C Coyle

It wasn’t long ago that the Philadelphia Flyers faced a do-or-die situation in the 82nd game of their regular season. Win, and a playoff berth awaited. Lose, and their season was over. A month later, the Flyers are on the doorstep of a Stanley Cup Finals appearance. What happened?

To start, the playoffs happened. While cliché, the playoffs really are an entirely new season. The Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Montreal Canadiens have all proven as much. The Flyers spent most of the 2009-2010 season overcoming injuries and fighting off accusations of locker room issues. Instead of folding and looking toward next year, the Flyers regrouped to become the grittiest team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They erased the overwhelmingly favored New Jersey Devils with relative ease in round one, and followed that up by treating fans to one of the greatest comebacks in history. Overcoming a three games to none deficit is an amazing accomplishment. We could spend 1,200 words describing such a feat. As enjoyable as that may be, let’s focus on what enabled the Flyers to pull off the greatest comeback the NHL has seen in thirty years.

As previously mentioned, the Flyers have overcome a rash of injuries, both in the regular season and the playoffs. They’ve essentially advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals with two goalies that were each listed as the team’s third goalie at one point this season. The Flyer’s top scorer and most lethal offensive threat (Jeff Carter) struggled through a rough year and was essentially lost for the playoffs early in the first round. Another offensive threat and veteran leader was also injured for a chunk of the playoffs and just recently returned to action. With or without those injuries, the Flyers are hardly one of the NHL’s elite squads anyway (as far as talent is concerned). Ask any NHL fan from outside the Delaware Valley to name two players from the Philadelphia Flyers and they’ll respond, “Chris Pronger” and “Ron Hextall.” The Flyers aren’t laden with superstars or marquee players. They’re a hardworking, resolute group that have found their groove at the right time, and refuse to roll over when logic tells them they should. (This was perfectly exemplified in game 4 when the Bruins tied the game in the final minutes to force overtime. Most teams down 0-3 in that situation close up shop. The Flyers outplayed Boston in overtime to stay alive and momentum shifted to the Flyers. Tying the game late and then losing was the worst possible scenario for Boston. It gave too much confidence to Philadelphia and deflated Boston more than an outright loss would have. All the pressure immediately shifted to Boston. They never recovered.) Like the city they represent, these Flyers are fighters. They’re Rocky Balboa, Vince Papale, and Bobby Clarke all wrapped into one.

While noble, overcoming injuries and playing with heart isn’t enough to win in the playoffs. An unheralded complementary cast is necessary to succeed. Scottie Hartnell and Claude Giroux won’t make Sportscenter’s Top Plays on a nightly basis, but they will make a difference in a long series. TNT’s basketball analyst, Doug Collins often uses the term, “50/50″ plays. These are the small plays that appear insignificant but ultimately decide a series. Obviously, they’re referred to as 50/50 plays because they’re entirely up for grabs. These plays aren’t given freely though, they’re earned. Hustle, hard work, determination, and grit win most 50/50 plays. Hartnell and Giroux have provided the Flyers with an overwhelming majority of 50/50 plays. Giroux has an uncanny ability to find the open man and create offense, while Hartnell has thrown his body around to clear a puck, insight some energy, and even score a significant goal when needed. These guys are pocketknives. Whatever you need from them, they’re willing and able to provide it. You can’t win in the playoffs without “pocket knife” players.

In addition to the pocket knives, a successful playoff team requires heroic performances. Even though he looks as if he skates in mud through open ice, Chris Pronger has proven his worth throughout these playoffs. He’s big, mean, and more importantly, the reason Flyer goalies have had mostly clear views of the shots coming their way. Pronger clears the front of the night like a plow, and he isn’t afraid to deliver or absorb a severe blow in the process.

On the offensive end, the Flyers are getting “who are you, and what did you do with your old self?” performances from Danny Briere and Simon Gagne. Fittingly, both players have been tagged as career underachievers for the Flyers. In the second round especially, Briere and Gagne have carried the scoring load. Both scored goals at critical junctures of the series. Gagne returned from injury to net the overtime-game winner to avoid the sweep in game four, and then sealed the series with his late 3rd period goal in game 7. Briere has scored big goals throughout the series as well and has also been a catalyst for the Flyers offense. It took awhile, but Briere is finally playing like the player the Flyers thought they were getting when they plucked him from Buffalo three years ago.

Even more critical to the Flyers success is the character of the team. The Flyers never stop fighting, always play with urgency, and never believe they’re finished. These characteristics are all a direct reflection of leadership. In hockey terms, the Flyers’ captain is a bad man. That man is Mike Richards. Over the past two seasons, Richards has received harsh criticism for his leadership skills-he’s not tough enough, not focused, stays out too late, etc… Well guess what? When your team claws its way back from a 0-3 deficit to win a seven game series, that means your captain knows what he’s doing, and he’s doing it well.

Great athletes rise from adverse situations. It took Richards some time to figure out his role as captain, but he’s certainly responded to that call now. Watch any Flyers game over the past month and one player will stick out. He’s the player that goes all out for an entire shift. He scores, he facilitates, he defends, he fights, he hits, and he’s the fiercest player on the ice. For lack of a better term, he RUMBLES. Now look at that man’s number; it’s number 18. Mike Richards has grown into the leadership role the Flyers knew he was capable of when they slapped that “C” on his sweater. He couldn’t have picked a better time.

The Flyers playoff run is full of feel-good stories and obviously, a historic revival. They discarded long time nemesis Martin Brodeur and the New Jersey Devils in round one, poetically fought off a 0-3 series deficit to win game seven 4-3 after trailing 0-3 early in the first period, and have managed to gain home ice for the conference finals as a seventh seed. It’s a great story. Now here’s the inconvenient truth of the situation; if the Flyers don’t win the Stanly Cup, or at the very least advance to the Cup Finals, it will all be mostly forgotten.

I know, I know, you’re angry and think I’m wrong. Settle down and listen. It’s not fun, but this is the way sports work. If the Boston Red Sox don’t go on to win the 2004 World Series after storming back from 0-3 against the Yankees, do we remember that comeback like we do today? No, not really. Maybe we remember the comeback, but it’s severely watered down. Look at 4th and 26. It was/is perhaps the greatest play in NFL playoff history. Unfortunately, the miraculous fourth down conversion is mostly ignored in the sports world because the Eagles wet the bed against Carolina in the NFC Championship. If a title doesn’t follow a great playoff moment, that moment is ultimately for naught. It’s a harsh reality, but also very true.

Right now the Flyers’ second round comeback against the Boston Bruins is historic. For it to become legendary, a parade down Broad Street must ensue. We remember the Red Sox’s rally in the ALCS because they won the World Series. We adore Rocky’s determination and toughness because he eventually took down Ivan Drago. Without a Stanley Cup, we’ll have a nice story and fond memories of the 2010 Flyers, but nothing legendary.

Enjoy the article? Thought it was horrible? Please share your thoughts. Contact me at ryan@4thanddone.com
Website: http://4thanddone.com/

Article Source: Ryan C. Coyle

A Broad Street Revival

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May 18, 2010 by jameslucas.

By Jeffrey Bausch

So, on “random Stanley Cup hockey trivia and fact Saturday”, it’s kind of hard not to report on the significance of the Boston Bruins’ unbelievable collapse against the Philadelphia Flyers, and look in to just how rare their losing the series after being up 3-0 really truly was…

The Boston Bruins have joined what is now a hat trick of teams that have “accomplished” this failure. The other two NHL teams in history to have lost their playoff series after gaining a 3-0 lead include the Detroit Red Wings - the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Red Wings back in 1942 - and the Pittsburgh Penguins - who fell in classic fashion to the upstart New York Islanders all the way back in 1975.

“History Will be Made” parodies (UPDATE: they’ve already started) are likely to follow in the coming days, with lines like “What if the Bruins knew how to score?” and “What if Rask had an offense in front of him?” But those will be short-lived hype. More eternally, the 2009-2010 Bruins will now be a footnote to any story covering an NHL series in which one team goes up 3-0. Their play will be studied over and over again for points on “what not to do” on the rink. And in all likelihood, this Bruins team will now serve as a benchmark on what type of roster you don’t want when heading in to the playoffs: in their four losses, the team lacked leadership, goal scoring, and all-around toughness. They had the speed and they had the skill, but without any one of those three additional elements, they lacked the necessary goods to move forward in an NHL Stanley Cup playoff series.

A Hockey Chump stick tap to the Bruins’ fans who stuck around and saw their team off the ice last night during what has to be probably the most painful moment in the franchise’s history. That’s true heart and dedication, which is a lot more than what we saw from the Bruins during the second and third periods.

Hockey Chump: http://www.hockeychump.blogspot.com

Article Source: Jeffrey Bausch

Hockey News: Hockey Trivia About the Bruins Loss to the Flyers

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January 3, 2007 by jameslucas.

Edmonton Oilers: IXS
The Edmonton Oilers is a professional ice hockey team located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They enjoy playing in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Oilers efficiently supervised the 2006-07 NHL season as the defending Western Conference Champions.

Gretzky’s Impact Reaches Beyond The Ice
Wayne Gretzky has been expected to be a savior his entire life. At the age of 14, Gretzky was expected to revolutionize the game of hockey, saving it from the brutes and thugs that were overrunning it. He did.

The New, High Scoring NHL?
This article discusses the change of rules on NHL and their impact on the game. As a result of the change the game has opened up and so too has the net. The life has got tougher for the defense and sweeter for the shooters. The result is fans are enjoying more action, which makes them the ultimate winners.

NHL Plays of The Week for December 27, 2006
Watch the Best goals, saves, and hits from the week of December 27, 2006.

The Best Hits of November
Watch all the bone crushing hits that November had to offer!

NHL Plays of The Week for December 19, 2006
Watch the Best goals, saves, and hits from the week of December 19, 2006.

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December 6, 2006 by jameslucas.

Sidney Crosby: 10 Years From Now
How good will NHL superstar Sidney Crosby get? Where will he be ten years from now?

Sidney Crosby: From Just a Kid to a Superstar
Growing up in Canada made hockey the obvious choice when Sidney was a kid and tried different sports. Seeing how big Canadian hockey idols like Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman dominate the NHL in the early 90’s really inspired Sidney to one day do the same. But how did he do it? How does his progress look, from just being another kid dreaming of being an NHL star?

What You Need To Know About Hockey
Hockey is a popular game played all over the world. The exact date of its origin is not known. One belief is that it originated from the English game of field hockey. When the English came to North America, they realized that ice is faster than grass and started playing on ice covered ponds. Today, the term hockey in the US is synonymous with ice hockey. The term hockey is derived from the French word hoquet meaning shepherds crook, which is similar in shape to a hockey stick.

Beantown Face Off
BC and BU face off in one of the oldest rivalries in college hockey. Watch your face off when the two teams hit the ice on Friday, Dec 1st on CSTV.

Foggy Conditions Cancel Hockey Game
The BC vs. BU hockey showdown was cancel The BC vs. BU hockey showdown was cancelled because the rink conditions were too foggy.

Rbk Sydney Crosby commercial
I’m sure Crosby went to his Prom and such, but oh well.

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November 30, 2006 by jameslucas.

Have The Flyers Turned The Corner?
The Flyers have put together back-to-back wins for the first time this season. Has the team finally turned the corner? I say yes and it happened way before they traveled out west.

Hockey Rules The Hearts Of A Nation
Hockey north of the US Canadian border seems to carry more sway than any political, national or international moment.

Appreciating Ice Hockey: An Alternative to South Florida Football and Basketball Teams
If you know nothing about hockey (beyond, of course, the bit about the Canadians punching each other), here are some basic rules and things to watch for: Each team is allowed 6 players, including the goaltender. The game is played in three twenty-minute periods, and the object is to put the puck in your opponent’s net as many times as possible. That pretty much sums up the gist of the game.

NHL Best of Pavel Datsyuk
All the best from russia to detroit including classics and some you never saw.

Darcy Tucker vs. Paul Mara November 25, 2006
Watch the fight between Darcy Tucker (Toronto) and Paul Mara (Boston).

NHL Season 06-07, Part I
Highlights from the NHL Season 2006-07, Part 1

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November 16, 2006 by jameslucas.

Buffalo’s Fast Start is No Fluke
The Buffalo Sabres have won their first nine games out of the box and can tie the NHL record for fastest start with a road win over the Islanders tonight. The Toronto Maple Leafs started ‘93-94 off by winning ten straight, nine in regulation and one in overtimes. The Sabres to this point have won six in regulation and three shootouts.

Black Sunday: Overreaction or Overdue?
The bombshell resignation of Bob Clarke and the firing of Ken Hitchcock made headlines Sunday. Were these moves overdue or merely an overreaction to a poor start?

Hockey: The Fastest Game On Earth
As a sport, hockey is exciting to watch. I have been watching it for 20 years. My son started at 5 years old and played right through high school. From what he and others tell me, it is more exciting to play.

College Hockey: Watch Your Face Off
Watch Your Face Off. CSTV brings you college hockey’s best plays. Watch Friday Night Hockey on CSTV and online at www.cstv.com

2005/06 NHL Hockey Fights
Hockey fights from the 2005/06 NHL season.

NHL Hockey: Hits, Saves, and Goals
NHL - Hockey - Hits Saves Goals

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