For some teams, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are about building on a season’s worth of experience. For others, the post-season is about forgetting how you got there and starting over. Before we get to ahead of ourselves, let’s take a moment to appreciate the NHL teams whose seasons will end tomorrow.
Buffalo has been giving Caps fans heartburn for the last few months – I hurt the most for their fans because it was nearly us in their place. A ton of respect to this team for the way they played in the last half of the season.
Winnipeg, the most excited place in the League, put on a good show and will benefit from realignment this summer.
Tampa Bay… I can’t talk about it. Not seeing Stamkos and St. Louis in the playoffs after their ferocious post-season performance last year just guts me. Stamkos for 60 would make it a little better.
Carolina struggled so massively in the first half, I hope they feel some accomplishment in getting where they did. Intern Jeff Skinner can even have a few days off.
Bless Toronto and Montreal fans – they get angry but they never, ever give up. Even when their teams don’t win, the passion of their fans make me jealous.
The Islanders have some blinding talent, I think they’re on the upswing. They’ll have more to cheer about soon.
Bonus points for Sign Guy.
If your team didn’t make the playoffs, we’re sorry. Enjoy the drama of the post-season without wanting to throw up over every goal, or adopt a team that would be happy to have your support. Summer’s not that long, and there’s always next year. Hockey fans never say die.
Oh my God, they made it.The Washington Capitals are in the playoffs.
Chimera knows how we feel.
Gator and I were extremely underdressed last night by wearing our 74 and 19 shirts in a swanky bar, but we still cheered and screamed. You can’t take us anywhere.
Just when you want to be relieved for a minute, there’s still a chance the Caps could be #1 in the Southeast and #3 in the East. Each team has one more game (Caps/Rangers, Panthers/Hurricanes) on Saturday and a win for DC plus a loss for Florida means they’d switch seeds. The rest of the seeds are locked, including Penguins/Flyers in the first round.
The Western Conference teams have also been locked, but not the seeds. San Jose could pull ahead of LA, or Phoenix would bump them both.
So, who’s your team and who do you want to play in the first round? I can’t even think about the Caps – the Devils are hot right now, the Rangers’ sparkly goal-tending makes me nervous. I will need an aspirin regimen for the Penguins/Flyers series, to fend off a heart attack. If the Blackhawks play the Sharks I will be so pissed that I just moved away from the Bay Area. Tomorrow afternoon cannot come soon enough!
Uh, there’s something missing from your post Chuck.
James Neal’s 40th goal of the season!
The Nealmobile was honking like mad last night as James hit this milestone. His previous career-high was 27 goals in 2009-10. How fun it must be to play alongside Geno (105 points this year) and sometimes Sid (22 points in 12 games back). Added to his 41 assists, Neal has 81 points on the year.
Can I get in on this hug?
James’ salary this year was $3.5 million, which works out to $87,500 a goal (oh my). He’s worth it. The new contract pays his $ mill/year, which means he’ll score 57 goals next season. Yeah, sounds about right.
Chuck did include the Neal/Ference fight. I was yelling, “Not the hands!” and “Kick his ass!” in the same breath. Thanks to those of you who were worried about my well being. I survived by fanning myself with a copy of Cosmo.
Not enough? Here’s Nealmobile’s post-game interview with really bad audio (and yes, I do care what he’s saying) – link.
Last night was yet another Battle of the Blog: Pants vs. Chuck.
Pants won.
You know who didn’t win? (I mean besides me and the Bruins, of course.)
Johnny Boychuk and Joe Vitale
At 6:45 of the 3rd period, Boychuk collided awkwardly with Arron Asham and crumpled to the ice.
I screamed “Boychuuuuuuuuuuuukkkkkkkkkkkkk Nooooooooooooooooo.” Immediate *facepalm* It did not look good.
He ended up leaving the ice, placing no weight on his left leg, his arms draped over the shoulders of his teammates, Chris Kelly and Brian Rolston. After the game, he was seen limping from the locker room and will most likely be reevaluated today.
Fingers (and toes) crossed that the injury isn’t as serious at it looks. The Bruins defence is already sans Darth Quaider (whose mullet is looking even more ridiculous nowadays and I love it) and the potential of losing our #3 defenceman is not something I really want to think about with the playoffs just around the corner. Boych has a dominating presence on the Bs blueline, is the team’s hardest hitter, and has a wikkid slappa. Luckily, the Bruins have some depth at defense, so we might be okay.
And then we have Joe Vitale – he of Northeastern Hockey and Foxy Friday fame.
Usually, all sorts of good things happen for our Foxy Fridays. It is like a little good luck charm.
Well, not so much for Mr. Vitale last night.
He took a Zdeno Chara slapshot to the face. A ZDENO CHARA SLAPSHOT TO THE FACE!
Everyone in the world screams “NOT THE FACE”! Everybody *facepalms*.
This is a story that Vitale will tell to his grandchildren, after bribing them to listen to him with Werther’s Originals.
“See this scar here? One time, kids, there was a great bear of man. His name was Chara. He was the biggest man I’d ever seen. He shot a puck 100 miles an hour. I stopped it with my face. And I’m alive today to tell you this story.”
No word yet on the severity of his injury, but we’re pretty sure that our stash of Muppet bandaids aren’t going to be enough.
In other game news…
Sidney Crosby scored two goals. He’s the best player in the game…blah blah blah.
Kris Letang looked like the Italian soccer team with all that diving and flopping. Even Pants agrees with me that it was a bad penalty call on Rich Peverley. Sure the stick got a little high, but Letang whipped that hair back like he was Willow Smith.
Beniot Pouliot scored his 15th goal of the season…and it was, like, really pretty. That was his 31st point of the season, which is a career high.
Andrew Ference RAGED against the goal machine that is James Neal. One of the best moments of the game, for sure.
Mike Milbury is talking crap again. In other news, water is wet.
He made some derogatory remarks about Sidney Crosby is a Philly radio interview discussing the brawl at the end of Saturday’s game. He called Sidney a “punk” and a “goody two shoes” among other things that you can read about on ESPN.com [link].
This cat? Smarter than Mike Milbury. (Real accidental internet gem.)
Let me say, as a huge Crosby fan, that sometimes he is a punk and a goody-two shoes. It’s like saying sometimes Scott Hartnell is a goon – he’s still an awesome hockey player. Ovi is lazy – we know this. Then he lights it up and you remember why you don’t really care. (Bad example, I care about that one.) Patrick Kane dives, Jonathan Toews pouts, Ryan Kesler gets his naked pictures Photoshopped (insists Jess). Get over it! You want to hate him, so you’re really just complaining about something you don’t want to stop.
from www.hockeydrunk.com
Look, I don’t care if you like Crosby or not. I could defend him for days, but loving to hate someone is half the fun! I have been brainwashed by the Capitals and I still hate Ovi, so I get it.
What Milbury’s doing here, aside from making Liam McHugh wish for a new job, is pandering. He knew his audience, that their blood was up about the game. Now he’s sorry. MY ASS, BUDDY. He realizes now his remarks were “inappropriate and wrong?” That’s like saying “no offense” then being really offensive, or ending an insult with “bless his heart.” Milbury has to cover who knows how many more Pens games this season, and is suddenly worried he’ll seem foolish or biased. Oh no, we might not respect his opinions! I’m laughing so hard I can’t even hear what he’s blabbering about.
Milbury’s other big contribution to the world in this interview was:
“[Crosby]’s not the perfect gentleman. He’s not the sweet kid you see in interviews with his hat pulled down over his eyes.”
WHAT? REALLY?! I’ve been waiting here ages in this dress for him to pick me up, and I’m pretty sure prom is over by now!
Does anyone think this? Who is Milbury astonishing with this news? Mike must be in the tanning bed between his intermission segments, because anyone who thinks that Crosby, or any player, is out there selling Girl Scout Cookies must be new around here. (Insert vision here of Stamkos skating cross-ice to tackle Troy Brouwer after a hit – we don’t want pushovers on our teams!)
Matt Cooke, past life.
You can read Sid’s comments at the same link. I wish he’d just said, “Does anyone care what Mike Milbury says?” and left it. Answering only makes things worse. (Gah! I’m doing it too!) All that matters in the end is if you performed and if you won – and even Crosby-haters can’t argue with the scoresheet.
Since Sid won’t say it, and certainly isn’t the only player who wants to, I will. Shove it, Milbury. Preferably somewhere where we’re not forced to watch you.
Saturday night was Fan Appreciation Night at Verizon Center, and they gave us plenty to love. First, Nicky B returned. I wish you guys could have heard the cheer when they announced the starting lineup!
Mike looked a little extra happy too, showing off with a between-the-feet move to end warm-ups (he missed).
Best Caps photos by the lovely jlrpuck.tumblr.com!
Just seeing Nicky out there made everyone want to hug and sing “Backstreet’s Back, alright!” (Yes, that actually happened in my brain.)
This is a real balloon! Why didn't I know this before?!
The place was packed and as loud as last year’s playoffs – thank God because we were screaming anyway. The Caps won in a shootout, then did the “Jerseys Off Our Backs” thing. Watching the entire team get partially undressed one at a time? That’s our kind of party. Here’s the video.
Not to be outdone by the celebration, Mike had possibly the seasons’ best hair night. We appreciate you, Mike’s hair. Hedgehogs everywhere bow down.
Remember the Flowbee? I think that’s how this perfection gets accomplished. It’s like a topographical map. Mike was all smiles in the post-game interview, and Nicky’s there too. [video link]
I mean COME ON.
The Capitals are not out of the woods yet. They’re 2 points up on the Sabres with only 3 games left to play. Tonight they face Tampa Bay. We’ll be there Thursday night vs. Florida. I might have to borrow Mike’s hair dye because I’m going gray from the stress.
If you weren’t watching the Penguins/Flyers game yesterday afternoon, you probably wondered what that noise was. It was the rest of us screaming.
I could (and will) watch this all day. The amount of awesome cannot be expressed. Even Pierre is speechless. I wish they’d kept his mic live so we could hear Laviolette screaming. He and Granato were both ejected, but not before Lavi picked up a stick and smashed it. Of course, it was Max Talbot’s stick.
“He broke my stick and I was pretty sad about that. It was a good stick,” Max said (which is why I still love him).
Watch Giroux, he’s begging for someone to draw him off the bench. That would have broken Pierre’s heart, because he spent the whole game fangirling over Claude. It was like his old flame Sidney didn’t even exist. How fickle, Pierre! Near the end there’s a great shot of James Neal screaming at Zac Rinaldo. I was fanning myself with a magazine, I swear.
There were all kinds of reasons for this melee – Schenn cross-checking Crosby, Bylsma putting his 4th line out for the late shift, Vitale crushing Briere in open ice – but mostly it happened because these are the Penguins and the Flyers. They love to hate each other. They’ll do it again Saturday, and probably in the first round of the playoffs.
Can you imagine? No one win too much, you have to play each other! Too bad (for me) the Pens couldn’t get the win yesterday. They’re still one point up on the Flyers and can maintain home ice advantage. You can read more about the insults and challenges traded post-game here.
Here’s the Crosby post-game interview [link], or you could just…
Is this an ad for something? Or just for his thighs?
And for the Flyers fans, I couldn’t find a Gingeroux post-game so here he is being interviewed with his dad [link]. Or if you prefer…
Okay, so for a minute there, we might have. Here has just been so much work and life and commotion going on in the WUYS offices right now, that you can’t blame us.
But fear not! Your Foxy Friday is here!
A bit late, but as they say “Better late than never.”
This week’s honoree – Craig Smith from the Nashville Predators
The Preds are putting together a serious campaign to take the title of NHL’s Foxiest this season. Mike Fisher. Colin Wilson. Pekka Rinne. And now Craig Smith.
This 6’1″, 197 lb rookie center is right there with them. His stats in his first season rank him 8th among NHL Rookies (13 G, 20 A, 33 pts) and the kid is starting to make a name for himself in Music City.
Also, he has good hair and bone structure that makes Patrick Sharp jealous.
I'm coming for your title, Sharpie.
He leads all Predators with 20 pts on the road this season. He’s second amoungst all NHL Rookies with 6 power play goals this season. And his play earned him a spot in the on the Rookie team at the NHL All Star game.
Second in assists by a Predator rookie in a single season (20), behind only Martin Erat (24, 2001-02). He also ranks third on the Preds all-time rookie points (31) -behind Radulov (18g-19a-37pts) and Erat (9g-24a-33pts). He posted three points in a game vs. Vancouver which tied him from second-highest total by a rookie in Preds history.
Not too shabby for the former Wisconsin Badger from Madison. Craig Smith is most deserving of the Foxy Friday honor.
But life ain’t always easy for the rookie. Especially when this happens.
Awkberg. Even Mike Fisher is trying hard to not to laugh at the kid’s misfortune. You just want to hug him, make him a mug of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows and tell him that it is going to be okay.
But you have to admit…it is sort of funny. Horrifiyingly embarassing, but funny.
Also, some of you with a strange Edward Cullen fantasy might find this photo sexy.
Craig Smith has vampire teeth.
The only member of the Cullen Clan worth giving up your mortal life for.
(Personally I find Edward Cullen a creepy, sparkly, controlling pedophile boyfriend, but I digress.)
Sidney took a puck to the face. I’ve said “not the face!” many times, but never at such volume. Sid bled everywhere and then did what hockey players do best, let it stop and kept playing. Well, it didn’t totally stop.
He will play tonight against Buffalo, a game the Caps need the Pens to win. Wait, what was that? The reluctant sound of DC fans rooting for Pittsburgh? Be still my beating heart.
We could say the Pens need the win also – Philly’s only two points back and there’s no reason to lose home ice advantage for the first round. Sid and Co still have two games vs. the Flyers and one vs. NYR, so any game played against someone else is a bonus where you should grab all the points you can.
In the Battle of the Blog, the Capitals beat the Bruins last night 3-2 in another shitty overtime victory that I’ll take, but don’t like. I don’t like what it says for when we meet teams that can play sixty. Any team can struggle any night, but the Caps do it every night.
This hit by Jason Chimera on Adam McQuaid was the talk of the game. Chimera got tossed for charging, but today the NHL has said no disciplinary hearing will be held. Can Shanahan do videos for hits that are NOT suspended? It would explain a lot more to me.
Chuck is not happy about that. What would cheer her up? How about Nicky B, possibly back in the line-up Saturday vs. Montreal. That’s right – MONTREAL. RENE BOURQUE. Come and get it, punk, we’ll be in section four-oh-something with our elbows up.
Also close to coming back, Jonny Toews. Imagine how cranky he is not being able to play? He’s probably organized every fork in his kitchen by how far apart the times are. With a protractor. The Hawks have won 7-of-10, but Tazer in the playoffs is a whole new kind of hot damn,
Colorado and Calgary have must-win games tonight… against each other. WELP. No guarantee a win will carry the victor into a playoff spot but it’s hard to see the loser of this one hanging on much longer.
Everyone is excited about EA Sports allowing, for the first time ever, a popular vote to decide the NHL13 cover boy. Get the interns on this one! Cast your vote(s) at www.NHL.com/CoverVote, or let the players woo you to their sides. Ton of Twitter chirping = our dream. My favorite:
Uh, Team Claude.
It also looks like the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophy races are drawing to a close, according to my master plans.
Geno can go till June, thank you very much. Stammer, well, it wasn’t to be this year. But Steven keeps on scoring. He has five goals in his last five games – 55 total, for a career high and Lightning team record. With five games left, could Stamkos get to 60? I say YES. I keep yelling it at the TV. I keep…
So here’s to tonight, as we near the end of the season, and a lot of hockey fans get ready to say goodbye to their favorite teams. If you’re looking for someone to back in the playoffs, allow us to make a few suggestions.
As some of you maybe aware, I am in my final semester of grad school (yay!). It’s been three lo000000000ng years of working full-time, while taking classes, and trying to manage somewhat of a normal social life.
The joy I will feel come graduation day in May….you have no idea….
One of my classes this semester is “Design & New Media”, where I get to play around on Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign and tap into my creative side.
For my most recent project, after much lobbying and bribery, I convinced my professor to let me create a logo and micromark for this blog. She didn’t want to at first but quickly relented after she check out the site and proclaimed it “whimsical, funny, and a delight to read…”
There’s so much happening – Will Nealmobile get 40 goals? Will Stamkos get 60? Will the Sabres ever lose? – and I’m buried in real-life work. I’m also in a fight with the Caps and not answering their calls, except from Backstrom. Kris Letang is day-to-day with a lower body injury. The Leafs have been eliminated from the playoffs, which is really too bad…
I could really use one! I’ll be back in action tomorrow – just in time for the Capitals to face the Bruins. Battle of the Blog – we need to make the playoffs!!
I spent a portion of Saturday night fighting off a panic attack that the Caps had dropped to 9th place in the East. That was after Gator, Deb (@DLF1021) and I watched them blow a three goal lead to lose in OT on Friday night. Hockey is why I don’t keep snacks in the house, I’d stress-eat constantly.
The Caps picked it up last night vs. Minnesota with a 3-0 win and reclaimed the 8th spot. I’m willing to temporarily un-hate Ovi if he comes to play everyday. Even Sasha Fierce downloaded new software from the Matrix and remembered he plays for, not against, the Capitals. Everybody happy, right?
Wrong. Among the NBS Sports 2nd intermission discussion topics was “Mike Green’s Regression.” They noted Mike’s struggles since returning, including how the Caps won the first 8 games Mike played in, but have gone some low number-for-some high number since his return. Oh yes, BLAME MIKE GREEN. It’s all his fault. The talking heads agreed that with “the way Mike Green is playing, I’d be licking my chops to face to Capitals in the first round.”
Say that to my face!
True, Mike hasn’t been in top form. He hasn’t scored a goal. Last night he tried to pass to me, in Maryland, and iced the puck for no reason. But no one gets to make fun of Mike Green except for us, because we do it out of love. Sometimes Mike does dumb things – he did them when he got two Norris nominations. The Caps have been struggling all season, where were you morons? I had some choice words for Milbury last night, I think my neighbors earmuffed their kids.
That said, I’m done defending the players on this team. I’ve kept my mouth mostly shut (except to Gator) all season and tried to stay positive. I don’t care if the defense pairings are painfully awkward. This is the time. Ovechkin has his sparkle back, maybe Semin too. We’ve been waiting all damned season for that, so take the opportunity while there’s still some gas in the tank. You might get Nicky back. You might elect Jason Chimera as your tribute from the District. You might even make the playoffs. So let’s go!
Allow me to set a scene, one I bet happened in each of your very early histories:
Doctor: “Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Parents of Future WUYS Reader. You’re having a beautiful baby girl.”
Mom and Dad: “Yes!”
Dad quickly adds: “We will never live in Thunder Bay, Ontario.”
Taylor and Tom Pyatt, brothers and fellow NHL players, are among the many reasons why.
Taylor Pyatt has had a rough season in Phoenix, notching only 7 G/9 A. The Coyotes are very much in the playoff race, battling four other teams for the last spots in the West. Through 11 NHL seasons, Taylor has played for the Islanders, Sabres and Canucks before coming to the Coyotes in ’09-’10. He will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Many of you know the heartbreaking story of Taylor’s fiancee, who was killed in a car wreck in 2009 [link]. He missed about a month of hockey, returned for a brief playoff stint and this his contract in Vancouver was up. He joined the Coyotes that summer. We’re glad to see that Taylor is still playing and hope he gets a solid contract at the end of this season.
Taylor’s definitely a fan favorite in Phoenix… and why not? He looks so much like Chris Pine that I keep expecting him to order Maximum Warp.
From yotesgurl.wordpress.com... there are a LOT more!
Okay, you can have another one.
Little brother Tom Pyatt has a career-high 10 G this season, including the two he scored last night [video]. The Lightning are slipping out of the playoff dreamscape, so this will likely be the crown on Tom’s ’11-’12 season. A recent contract extension keeps him with the Bolts through ’13-’14.
Tom is good friends with fellow Thunder Bay “hide your daughters” native Marc Staal (was in MStaal’s wedding party). His favorite NHL team uniform is the Blackhawks (random yes, but we applaud) [link]. That’s all I could really find. Someone get him on the phone so we can find out how he ask if he likes the roller coasters at Busch Gardens and wants to go to spring training with us.
Tom’s birthday is Valentine’s Day, so you can buy him candy that you fully intend to eat yourself. Maybe you can borrow this hat when you both visit the Great White North.
Check out the video of Tom’s two goals and post-game interview last night.
Someday, Canada’s going to reveal the top-secret scientific research being carried out in Thunder Bay, and they put up a sign by the road: Home of The Perfection Project.
The Blackhawks have won five in a row, including an OT nail-biter against Vancouver last night. Their next game is Sunday vs. Nashville – a big one for playoff position. Too bad they’re going to have to do it without Duncan Keith:
No question that’s a dirty play. Daniel Sedin struggled back to the bench, played one more shift then went to the dressing room [link]. Keith got an elbowing minor and now everyone fully expects him to be suspended.
Shane Doan just got Shanabanned 3 games for elbowing Jamie Benn [link]. Mike Green served 3 games. But this looks more like Rene Bourque’s hit on Nicklas Backstrom (grrrrrrrrr) that earned a 5-game suspension. Both Borque and Doan are repeat offenders – this would be Keith’s first suspension. (Green’s previous suspension was more than 18 months ago, so not classified as a repeat offender – link.)
The NHL has not yet announced a hearing, but with four days till the Hawks play again there is no rush. Sedin will be re-evaluated today in Vancouver and any sustained injury considered in the case against Keith. Henrik Sedin spoke after the game, saying Keith “did what he wanted to do” [link].
The Canucks are comfortably atop their Division and could still catch St. Louis for 1st in the West and the President’s Trophy [standings]. That dream takes a dive if they lose Sedin – their only 30-goal scorer on the year. They play tomorrow night at Dallas.
Doan and Keith have both been publicly contrite about their hits [link], but who cares? Time to start thinking before you get your elbows up, boys. If you can’t do it for safety at least do it for your teams down the stretch. But really, do it for safety.
Erik Karlsson is on fire and not mentioned – AT ALL – here. I have been loving him for some time now that the Captials season has been in the crapper with Dale Hunter Hockey. It gave me a chance to watch some other teams I may not have noticed.
And he's like two years old so he's not even gotten started on his awesomeness
Ottawa was not supposed to do anything this season once the owner had a fire sale on talent but look at those scrappy dudes? Talk about an offensive/defensive man? And Alfredsson’s kids adore him!
This isn't his only secret weapon - SPEED is his other one!
The numbers he is putting up this season are amazing so here is some love Erik. You keep rockin’ it my little Swedish bad boy. I love to watch you score!
And on the other coast, I’ve noticed Alex Edler, from the Vancouver Canucks.
I get to play with the Sedin-bots!
With all the talent on that team, I know one might get over looked especially when you have Ryan Kesler taking naked photos. But I consider him the Kris Letang of the West Coast, hot, hard-working but not an attention seeker. He’s a reliable work horse but he also attended the All-Star game.
Every girl loves a sharp dressed defensemen
So just wanted to point out some other hockey players out there and give out some pre-Play-Off-season love because as I stated last year, if your favorite team doesn’t make it, you’ll have to find someone else to cheer for, so ladies, start your choices ….
There is all sorts of right going on in this photo, I don't even know where to start
Ohhhh, HAT trick. I thought you said PANT trick. That’s how my jeans ended up on the ice. Could I have them back?
Flower says, "THIS is the game I don't start?"
Nealmobile had a hat trick last night! It was the second of his career and first with the Penguins, for a whopping 37 goals on the season.
Goal #1: Stand There, Look Pretty
James does a great job of being open in the right spot. But look at that passing! Sid, no-look to the outside to Geno cross-ice in the slot… I weep, it’s so beautiful.
Goal #2: Yaaaaaaaaaaay!
We heart rebounds. Listen to the fan yell when he scores, “Yaaaaaaaaay!” That’s either Kermit the Frog or me.
Goal #3: If You Just Smile
… and have a wicked wrist shot. Look at him trying not to smile.
Post-Game: Aw, Shucks.
Some other guys played pretty well last night too, in the Penguins 8-4 win over Winnipeg. TK had 2G, Geno had 2G/3A, Crosby had 4A. Pucks were flying and TK came thisclose to a hat trick of his own.
Things I Love.
Pittsburgh is one point behind the NY Rangers, who take on Detroit at home tonight. Go WINGS! (Haha, what?!) The Penguins host the Predators tomorrow – lets hope it brings them a shot at the #1 spot in the Eastern Conference! I’m holding on to the Penguins/Capitals first round dream (and bank account).
It can be tough to explain fighting to someone who doesn’t watch hockey.
Try explaining this:
Three seconds into the game (yes, first period), the Rangers and Devils had three simultaneous fights break out. That’s barely enough time to make a “Yo Mama” joke! Gloves and helmets, report to the ice surface.
So what’s the story?
The Rangers have lost 6 of 11 in March. The red hot Penguins (now with extra Crosby!) are breathing down their necks for 1st Place in the Atlantic Division and the Eastern Conference. A slip would knock them down to 4th and a cage match for playoff home ice advantage with the Flyers. The Devils have similar Feb and March records, and are firmly planted in the playoffs. They could claw into 5th, or drop into 7th, but they’re going to make it either way.
Be honest. Was it just because the Devils had to wear those awful green uniforms on Saturday?
No(t only). There’s a ton of history and bad blood between two teams living so close together. It’s like fighting with your bother in the back of mom’s station wagon on the way to day camp. Just this year:
– On December 20, Mike Rupp fought Cam Janssen three seconds into the game (yes, first period) . [video]
– On February 7, Rupp and Janssen decided “why wait?” and dropped the gloves two seconds into the game (yes, again). Bradon Dubinsky and Eric Boulton also fought at that time. [video]
So one fight at the opening faceoff, then two fights… you see where this is going. In the six Rangers vs. Devils matchups this season, as a total of 22 fighting majors have been handed out.
Who are these madmen?
Each of these guys is a brawler. Starting these lines is like stepping into the ring, gloved up and ready for a heavyweight title bout. Last night was crazy, but every one of the players was well-matched and ready to go.
And what’s the point?
Ah, the age old question of fighting in hockey. Some say let ’em swing. Others, like this SBNation writer, think premeditated stage fights like this need to be eliminated, lest the NHL wax hypocritical about player safety. The discussion over fights has heated up lately, with so many man-games lost to concussions and even Ralph Nader lobbying Bettman to ban brawls [link]. (Wow, was that a slow news day.) Others cite the NHL’s nearly 100-year history of policing itself with a little on-ice law enforcement [link].
I admit that I laughed my butt off watching this fight. Brawls like this don’t happen often and I don’t think allowing fights promotes fighting. We’ve all seen bad fights – attacking a smaller guy, hitting someone who’s down, even a non-fighter squaring off against an experienced combatant (Jay Beagle, how’s your head?). For the most part, the dangerous plays (hits from behind, boarding) are being addressed by the NHL, albeit with varying success. That alone won’t keep players safe in the brutal, physical game of hockey. But outlawing fighting won’t change that – it could even open the ice for big guys to run other teams’ stars without fear of consequences. Don’t tell me penalties are consequences, unless we’re getting robot referees with laser vision and the ability to stop time. Their job is the call by the rules. A fighter’s job is sometimes to call by the heart. Every hockey fan has seen a fight change the course of a game, because it’s part of the game.
Overall, I say guys who don’t want to fight, don’t fight – like Stamkos [link]. Guys who don’t fight but sometimes need to fire up their teams? Well, they fight Matt Niskanen [link]. Neither way makes them bulletproof. That’s hockey.
Last night wasn't Bickel's first dance.
What do you guys think? I’d love to hear from someone who wants fighting banned – there are a lot of good arguments and probably a million examples I haven’t considered.
The Capitals had a case of the Mondays all weekend. And not the kind of Monday we like.
This is supposed to be the positive, ‘We can do it!’ place but frankly, my optimism is a little flat.
So I’m going to say nothing and wait for tonight’s game against Detroit. Then I promise to say lots of things that are NSFThisBlog if the Capitals cannot get their act together.
Only this can cheer me up a little – look at Pat Sajack. He think Vanna White taps letters harder than these two are going to slap each other.
Sorry this is such a bummer. And by “this” is mean “the Caps.”
Intern Jeff Skinner scored his 20th goal of the season last night, and it was a beauty. Skinner had 31 last season during his Rookie of the Year campaign, but that’s what happens. More goals gets you more defense. So use your feet:
But please, don’t use your feet to kick someone. With your skate blade. Which Skinner also did during the game against the Blues:
Skinner has been suspended two games for that genius maneuver. Principal Shanahan explains… link.
When I see a kid in Target wailing and flailing on the floor in the cereal aisle, I think that I’d do that if it were socially acceptable. But I don’t. This is such a intern-level temper tantrum. Maybe he was upset because we give Mike Green the “bad boy” slot in our NHL boyband. Either way, Jeff needs a time out.
