NHL Schedule Changes for 2008
The NHL has approved a scheduling format that will have each team play 24 divisional games, 40 in-conference matchups, 15 games against non-conference teams and three wild card games against out of conference teams.
"Every team will play every other team at least once," commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters after the day's Board of Governors meetings. "And we did it notwithstanding that this is likely to be the third year in a row with record attendance and the fact that divisional games are better attended than any others we did want to be responsive to the fans."
The new schedule, which received the necessary two-thirds majority vote at 26-4 in favour of changing the format, will swing into play next season. The format - which was used prior to the NHL lockout - allows for every team to play every team at least once in a season, but it would still be every other year before a player like Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin or Stitch favorite Darien Hatcher would play in every building every year.
This year's format - the third season in which it has been used - has each club playing 32 divisional games and 40 games within the conference. The remaining 10 games are inter-conference with five at home against the clubs in a designated division and five on the road against a different designated division.
New NHL Players' Association executive director Paul Kelly met with the league's owners on Thursday, and added that the players preferred going to an 84-game schedule with 24 divisional games, 30 against the rest of the conference and 30 against the other conference. "The reason the players feel this is one; they're tired of seeing the same guys week after week," Kelly explained on Thursday. "(And) two; they believe the fans in their buildings want to see the star players in other teams and they themselves would like to like to see other cities."
I for one have to applad the NHL for making the schedule change and it's a step in the right direction. While it would have been nice if the change would have led to a home-and-home with every team in the NHL, hopefully that will be coming in the next few years. Lets not forget that after the lockout and cancelled season, the league wasn't sure what kind of reaction it would get not only in places like Columbus, Nashville, and Carolina that aren't hockey hotbeds but several of the other established markets. The unbalanced schedule not only gave a chance for some rivalries to develop, which did, but for two more Leafs/Habs, Edmonton/Calgary, Minnesota/Vancouver, and Pittsburgh/Philadelpia games during the season. There are some other changes which hopefully will come, but the league listened to it's fans and made some changes, which can't be said for some of the other Pro leagues.
No Coaches Charged in Kids Hockey Brawl
No criminal charges will be laid against adult hockey coaches for allegedly assaulting each other during a brawl that also involved eight-year-old players in Guelph, Ont. Police said Thursday they came to the decision not to lay charges after speaking to witnesses, investigating the case and reviewing a videotape of the fracas. The officers said the incident would be better handled by the teams' hockey association.
The fight happened during the third period of a game last Friday between the Duffield Devils and Niagara Falls Thunder, two novice AAA teams.
The videotape shows the young players throwing punches at each other. An altercation is also visible on the players' bench that appears to involve parents and coaches. There were allegations that a Niagara Falls coach spat on a rival coach and that both sent many of their players from the bench onto the ice during the fracas.
The Ontario Minor Hockey Association is investigating the incident.
Coaching staff, trainers and two coaches were suspended indefinitely during the investigation, said Richard Ropchan, an official with the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
Ruutu Mistaken for Robbery Suspect
Chicago Blackhawks forward Tuomo Ruutu was mistakenly arrested this week and detained briefly as a suspect in a robbery attempt in a Chicago suburb, according to authorities. He was released after indulging an officer's request for an autograph.
Bensenville police arrested Ruutu, 24, on Wednesday because he matched the description of a robbery suspect, said Bensenville Village manager James Johnson. "He met the initial description," Johnson said. "This was just an unfortunate coincidence."
Ruutu, dressed in a black team sweatsuit and black cap, told police he was out for a short jog after team practice at Edge Ice Arena, Johnson said.
Authorities said an armed man, wearing a black jacket, black pants and black hat had entered an apartment complex near the arena before noon and demanded cash from the office manager. After the man discovered the manager and office safe didn't have any money, he fled on foot.
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Friday, November 30, 2007
Today in NHL History, November 30th
1911: Hall of Famer Dave "Sweeney" Schriner born in Russia. At he age of one month his family settled in Calgary, Alberta. Schriner played in the NHL 1934-35 through 1945-46 with the New York Americans and Toronto.
1918: The NHL modified its penalty rules: From this time forward, teams would play shorthanded for only the first three minutes of a five minute major, and for only the first five minutes of a 20 minute match penalty.
1926: Ace Bailey scored his first career hat trick as the Toronto St. Patricks (before their name changed to "Maple Leafs") beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0, at the Mutual Street Arena in Toronto. John Roach recorded his 6th career shutout.
1929: Nels Stewart scored a natural hat trick as the Montreal Maroons won 3-2 at Ottawa.
1933: Playing on a line that averaged only 150 pounds, Cooney Weiland was the star in his first game with Detroit, as they beat Chicago 2-1.
1940: Toronto's Hank Goldup scored his first career hat trick in the first period and later added another goal as the Maple Leafs won 6-1 over the visiting NY Americans.
1946: Toronto's Bill Ezinicki scored his first career hat trick and Turk Broda got his 36th career shutout in the Maple Leafs' 11-0 win over the Chicago Black Hawks.
1947: Toronto goalie Turk Broda and Bruins' Frank Brimsek dueled to a 0-0 scoreless tie, in a game played at Boston. It was the start of a team-record 9 game road unbeaten streak (4-0-5) for the Leafs.
1950: Toronto Maple Leafs' rookie Al Rollins and Canadiens' rookie Gerry McNeil recorded shutouts to lead their teams to a 0-0 tie in Montreal. It was the 5th career shutout for McNeil, and the second for Rollins.
1949: Rookie defenseman Jean Lamirande scored two goals in his first NHL game, as the Rangers beat Montreal, 5-2.....Goaltender Harry Lumley recorded his 22nd career shutout to lead the Red Wings to a 3-0 win over the Bruins at the Olympia in Detroit.
1954: Montreal and Chicago had a 3-3 tie in a Black Hawks "home" game in Omaha, Nebraska. 4,506 fans showed up to see the game. Chicago played six "home games" on the road that year, in Omaha, St. Louis, and St. Paul.
1957: Montreal's Jean Beliveau scored his 5th career hat trick and added an assist as the Canadiens won 6-1 against the Black Hawks, at the Forum.
1958: Montreal's Bernie Geoffrion scored his 7th career hat trick and an assist, and Dickie Moore added two goals and three assists when the Canadiens won 7-0, at Detroit. Jacques Plante earned his 38th career shutout for the Habs.
1963: Boston Bruins' goalie Eddie Johnston and Canadiens' Charlie Hodge dueled to a 0-0 scoreless tie, in a game played at Montreal. It was the third career shutout for Johnston and the 7th for Hodge.
1966: Goaltender Ed Giacomin recorded his second consecutive shutout (and the third of his career) and Reg Fleming scored two goals and an assist in the Rangers' 5-0 win at Chicago.
1972: Bobby Orr scored twice and added two assists to lead the Bruins to a 5-4 win against Buffalo.
1973: Los Angeles Kings traded Gilles Marotte and Real Lemieux to the NY Rangers in exchange for Sheldon Kannegiesser, Tommy Williams, and Mike Murphy.
1974: etroit goaltender Jim Rutherford recorded his 7th career shutout to lead the Red Wings to a 1-0 win over the expansion Scouts, at Kansas City, in the first game ever between the two teams.
1976: Buffalo beat Boston 6-2, to end the Bruins' 31 game home unbeaten streak. Andre Savard scored a goal and added two assists to lead the scoring.....Detroit Red Wings traded veteran defenseman Bryan Watson to Washington, in exchange for Greg Joly, who had been the first player selected in the 1974 draft.
1977: Peter Mahovlich scored his third (and final) career hat trick in his first game as a Penguin, and Lowell MacDonald had a goal and three assists to lead the Penguins to a 6-4 win against the Red Wings, at the Civic Arena.
1983: Darcy Rota scored his fourth hat trick as a Canuck and the 8th (and final) of his NHL career and added an assist in the Canucks' 6-2 victory over the Whalers, at Hartford. Thomas Gradin earned four assists in the game.
1985: Quebec goaltender Clint Malarchuk recorded his second career (and second consecutive) shutout in the Nordiques' 2-0 win over the visiting Boston Bruins.
1988: Hartford's Ray Ferraro scored his 100th NHL career goal when the Whalers lost 6-3 to the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
1989: Andy Moog extended his unbeaten streak to 7-0-1 with a 5-1 Bruins' win over Buffalo. Boston's Cam Neely extended his goal streak to eight games, the second-longest such streak in team history.
1991: Bryan Trottier played in his 1,200th career NHL game as the Penguins won 5-1 at Philadelphia to extend their undefeated streak to 6 games (5-0-1).....Minnesota North Stars veteran Bobby Smith scored his 1,000th career NHL point with an assist, and also added a goal in a 4-3 win at Toronto.
1993: NHL Officials announced the end of their strike, which had begun on November 15, 1993.....Gary Roberts scored his 200th career NHL goal as the Flames extended their home undefeated streak against Dallas to 12 games (9-0-3), in a 2-2 tie with the Stars. Roberts became the 5th player in franchise history to score 200 goals as a Flame.
1995: Grant Fuhr became the 11th goaltender in NHL history to reach the 300-victory plateau as St. Louis won 4-1 against the Jets, at Winnipeg. Fuhr improved his career record to 300-207-74.....Mario Lemieux scored four goals, and Markus Naslund added four assists as Pittsburgh won 9-6 at Boston. It was the 34th career hat trick for Lemieux.
1996: Mario Lemieux had a goal and three assists for his 1,400th career point and Ron Francis added a goal and two assists for his 900th career assist in the Penguins' 6-2 win over Boston. Lemiuex became the 9th NHL player to score 1,400 points.....New Jersey's Steve Thomas scored his 300th career NHL goal, in a 2-1 Devils' loss in Colorado.....Ed Belfour became the third goaltender in franchise history to record 200 victories as a member of the Blackhawks. The milestone came in a 5-3 win over the Kings, at Los Angeles. Tony Amonte led the scoring with his third career hat trick.
2000: Rookie goalie Robert Esche recorded his first career shutout (in his sixth start of the season) as the Coyotes won 2-0 against the visiting Minnesota Wild.
2001: Igor Larionov scored his 150th career NHL goal and added an assist in the Red Wings 4-2 win over the visiting New Jersey Devils. Larionov's goal came 3 days before his 41st birthday.
2002: Former NHL stars Peter Stastny, Stan Mikita and Vaclav Nedomansky were inducted into the newly created Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.
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1918: The NHL modified its penalty rules: From this time forward, teams would play shorthanded for only the first three minutes of a five minute major, and for only the first five minutes of a 20 minute match penalty.
1926: Ace Bailey scored his first career hat trick as the Toronto St. Patricks (before their name changed to "Maple Leafs") beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-0, at the Mutual Street Arena in Toronto. John Roach recorded his 6th career shutout.
1929: Nels Stewart scored a natural hat trick as the Montreal Maroons won 3-2 at Ottawa.
1933: Playing on a line that averaged only 150 pounds, Cooney Weiland was the star in his first game with Detroit, as they beat Chicago 2-1.
1940: Toronto's Hank Goldup scored his first career hat trick in the first period and later added another goal as the Maple Leafs won 6-1 over the visiting NY Americans.
1946: Toronto's Bill Ezinicki scored his first career hat trick and Turk Broda got his 36th career shutout in the Maple Leafs' 11-0 win over the Chicago Black Hawks.
1947: Toronto goalie Turk Broda and Bruins' Frank Brimsek dueled to a 0-0 scoreless tie, in a game played at Boston. It was the start of a team-record 9 game road unbeaten streak (4-0-5) for the Leafs.
1950: Toronto Maple Leafs' rookie Al Rollins and Canadiens' rookie Gerry McNeil recorded shutouts to lead their teams to a 0-0 tie in Montreal. It was the 5th career shutout for McNeil, and the second for Rollins.
1949: Rookie defenseman Jean Lamirande scored two goals in his first NHL game, as the Rangers beat Montreal, 5-2.....Goaltender Harry Lumley recorded his 22nd career shutout to lead the Red Wings to a 3-0 win over the Bruins at the Olympia in Detroit.
1954: Montreal and Chicago had a 3-3 tie in a Black Hawks "home" game in Omaha, Nebraska. 4,506 fans showed up to see the game. Chicago played six "home games" on the road that year, in Omaha, St. Louis, and St. Paul.
1957: Montreal's Jean Beliveau scored his 5th career hat trick and added an assist as the Canadiens won 6-1 against the Black Hawks, at the Forum.
1958: Montreal's Bernie Geoffrion scored his 7th career hat trick and an assist, and Dickie Moore added two goals and three assists when the Canadiens won 7-0, at Detroit. Jacques Plante earned his 38th career shutout for the Habs.
1963: Boston Bruins' goalie Eddie Johnston and Canadiens' Charlie Hodge dueled to a 0-0 scoreless tie, in a game played at Montreal. It was the third career shutout for Johnston and the 7th for Hodge.
1966: Goaltender Ed Giacomin recorded his second consecutive shutout (and the third of his career) and Reg Fleming scored two goals and an assist in the Rangers' 5-0 win at Chicago.
1972: Bobby Orr scored twice and added two assists to lead the Bruins to a 5-4 win against Buffalo.
1973: Los Angeles Kings traded Gilles Marotte and Real Lemieux to the NY Rangers in exchange for Sheldon Kannegiesser, Tommy Williams, and Mike Murphy.
1974: etroit goaltender Jim Rutherford recorded his 7th career shutout to lead the Red Wings to a 1-0 win over the expansion Scouts, at Kansas City, in the first game ever between the two teams.
1976: Buffalo beat Boston 6-2, to end the Bruins' 31 game home unbeaten streak. Andre Savard scored a goal and added two assists to lead the scoring.....Detroit Red Wings traded veteran defenseman Bryan Watson to Washington, in exchange for Greg Joly, who had been the first player selected in the 1974 draft.
1977: Peter Mahovlich scored his third (and final) career hat trick in his first game as a Penguin, and Lowell MacDonald had a goal and three assists to lead the Penguins to a 6-4 win against the Red Wings, at the Civic Arena.
1983: Darcy Rota scored his fourth hat trick as a Canuck and the 8th (and final) of his NHL career and added an assist in the Canucks' 6-2 victory over the Whalers, at Hartford. Thomas Gradin earned four assists in the game.
1985: Quebec goaltender Clint Malarchuk recorded his second career (and second consecutive) shutout in the Nordiques' 2-0 win over the visiting Boston Bruins.
1988: Hartford's Ray Ferraro scored his 100th NHL career goal when the Whalers lost 6-3 to the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
1989: Andy Moog extended his unbeaten streak to 7-0-1 with a 5-1 Bruins' win over Buffalo. Boston's Cam Neely extended his goal streak to eight games, the second-longest such streak in team history.
1991: Bryan Trottier played in his 1,200th career NHL game as the Penguins won 5-1 at Philadelphia to extend their undefeated streak to 6 games (5-0-1).....Minnesota North Stars veteran Bobby Smith scored his 1,000th career NHL point with an assist, and also added a goal in a 4-3 win at Toronto.
1993: NHL Officials announced the end of their strike, which had begun on November 15, 1993.....Gary Roberts scored his 200th career NHL goal as the Flames extended their home undefeated streak against Dallas to 12 games (9-0-3), in a 2-2 tie with the Stars. Roberts became the 5th player in franchise history to score 200 goals as a Flame.
1995: Grant Fuhr became the 11th goaltender in NHL history to reach the 300-victory plateau as St. Louis won 4-1 against the Jets, at Winnipeg. Fuhr improved his career record to 300-207-74.....Mario Lemieux scored four goals, and Markus Naslund added four assists as Pittsburgh won 9-6 at Boston. It was the 34th career hat trick for Lemieux.
1996: Mario Lemieux had a goal and three assists for his 1,400th career point and Ron Francis added a goal and two assists for his 900th career assist in the Penguins' 6-2 win over Boston. Lemiuex became the 9th NHL player to score 1,400 points.....New Jersey's Steve Thomas scored his 300th career NHL goal, in a 2-1 Devils' loss in Colorado.....Ed Belfour became the third goaltender in franchise history to record 200 victories as a member of the Blackhawks. The milestone came in a 5-3 win over the Kings, at Los Angeles. Tony Amonte led the scoring with his third career hat trick.
2000: Rookie goalie Robert Esche recorded his first career shutout (in his sixth start of the season) as the Coyotes won 2-0 against the visiting Minnesota Wild.
2001: Igor Larionov scored his 150th career NHL goal and added an assist in the Red Wings 4-2 win over the visiting New Jersey Devils. Larionov's goal came 3 days before his 41st birthday.
2002: Former NHL stars Peter Stastny, Stan Mikita and Vaclav Nedomansky were inducted into the newly created Slovak Hockey Hall of Fame in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia.
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Thursday, November 29, 2007
November 29
No NHL Olympics in 2014
In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman explained that the league may not give it's players permission to compete in the Sochi, Russia games. "It is a strain on the players, on the schedule and on our fans here. It has an impact on the momentum of the season and the benefits we get tend to be greater when the Olympics are in North America than when they're in distant time zones" Bettman told Reuters and that the NHL players will be participating at the Vancouver games in 2010, "Vancouver was an easy call because we're going to play in the games in Canada. I think after Vancouver we'll have to take a deep breth, debrief and make sure we balance the pros and cons from going to the Olympics".
This does of course leave the possibility for the NHL to allow it's players to participate in World Cup of Hockey, last played in 2004 with several of those games at the Xcel, when they do decide to pick up that tournament next. The difference with the WCOH being that it's played just prior to the regular season as opposed to right in the middle/ two-thirds in.
It wasn't until the 1998 games that the NHL leased it's players to participate in the Olympics, due in part to the success of the WCOH, won by the United States in 1996 and as a trial for the 2002 Salt Lake Games in the US.
I'm in agreement with Commissioner Bettman on this in that it's a strain on the NHL players and kinda takes away from the end of the regular season when many teams are in the hunt for the Stanley Cup playoffs and getting to that chance to hoist the "Holy Hockey Grail". The Olympics are for the non-professional athletes, at least in team sports, which is why they have them in the first place. While it was fun to watch the 2002 Gold Medal game between the US and Canada, it didn't have that same flair with the pros on the ice who had only played together as a team for a few weeks, and the same was true about the 2006 games. The thing that made the World Cup of Hockey great was that every eight years you had the chance to see the Pro's play, and while every six years might work better, the Olympics have a better feel to them when it's the young talent before reaching the NHL and other Pro/Elite leagues around the world playing in that setting for their country's, just like with the Juniors before they turn Pro and progress in their careers.
Lidstrom, Zetterberg Lead West
Detroit (dee-troy-it) Red Wings teammates Nicklas Lidstrom (158,349) and Henrik Zetterberg (115,543) are the top two all-star vote getters in West followed by Calgary (cal-gary) Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf (111,940) in third for the second straight week.
Leading all vote-getters among defenseman are Lindstrom and Phaneuf. The front-runners among forwards are Zetterberg, Jerome Iginla (81,739) of the Flames and Pavel Datsyuk (79,590) of the Red Wings. Netminder Pascal Leclaire of the Columbus Blue Jackets is the top goaltender in votes with 76,665.
For the Minnesota Wild Marian Gaborik slipped one spot to 11th among forwards with 40,725 votes and Brain Rolston is 26th with 10,612 and goalie Niklas Backstrom is now in 5th with 33,567 tallies.
Coburn Extended for Two Years
The Philadelphia Flyers granted defenseman Braydon Coburn a multi-year contract extension on Wednesday. :Braydon is a good young defenseman that we believe will contuine to get better," said Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. The extension will last two years and is worth $2.6 million paid out over the next two seasons as $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and the salary cap hit to Philly will be $746,100.
The Flyers traded Alexei Zhitnik to Atlanta in exchange for Coburn back on February 24, and the 22 year-old has eight assists in 23 games this season, and has registered three goals and 20 assists in 81 career games over parts of three seasons with the Flyers and Thrashers.
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In an interview with Reuters on Tuesday, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman explained that the league may not give it's players permission to compete in the Sochi, Russia games. "It is a strain on the players, on the schedule and on our fans here. It has an impact on the momentum of the season and the benefits we get tend to be greater when the Olympics are in North America than when they're in distant time zones" Bettman told Reuters and that the NHL players will be participating at the Vancouver games in 2010, "Vancouver was an easy call because we're going to play in the games in Canada. I think after Vancouver we'll have to take a deep breth, debrief and make sure we balance the pros and cons from going to the Olympics".
This does of course leave the possibility for the NHL to allow it's players to participate in World Cup of Hockey, last played in 2004 with several of those games at the Xcel, when they do decide to pick up that tournament next. The difference with the WCOH being that it's played just prior to the regular season as opposed to right in the middle/ two-thirds in.
It wasn't until the 1998 games that the NHL leased it's players to participate in the Olympics, due in part to the success of the WCOH, won by the United States in 1996 and as a trial for the 2002 Salt Lake Games in the US.
I'm in agreement with Commissioner Bettman on this in that it's a strain on the NHL players and kinda takes away from the end of the regular season when many teams are in the hunt for the Stanley Cup playoffs and getting to that chance to hoist the "Holy Hockey Grail". The Olympics are for the non-professional athletes, at least in team sports, which is why they have them in the first place. While it was fun to watch the 2002 Gold Medal game between the US and Canada, it didn't have that same flair with the pros on the ice who had only played together as a team for a few weeks, and the same was true about the 2006 games. The thing that made the World Cup of Hockey great was that every eight years you had the chance to see the Pro's play, and while every six years might work better, the Olympics have a better feel to them when it's the young talent before reaching the NHL and other Pro/Elite leagues around the world playing in that setting for their country's, just like with the Juniors before they turn Pro and progress in their careers.
Lidstrom, Zetterberg Lead West
Detroit (dee-troy-it) Red Wings teammates Nicklas Lidstrom (158,349) and Henrik Zetterberg (115,543) are the top two all-star vote getters in West followed by Calgary (cal-gary) Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf (111,940) in third for the second straight week.
Leading all vote-getters among defenseman are Lindstrom and Phaneuf. The front-runners among forwards are Zetterberg, Jerome Iginla (81,739) of the Flames and Pavel Datsyuk (79,590) of the Red Wings. Netminder Pascal Leclaire of the Columbus Blue Jackets is the top goaltender in votes with 76,665.
For the Minnesota Wild Marian Gaborik slipped one spot to 11th among forwards with 40,725 votes and Brain Rolston is 26th with 10,612 and goalie Niklas Backstrom is now in 5th with 33,567 tallies.
Coburn Extended for Two Years
The Philadelphia Flyers granted defenseman Braydon Coburn a multi-year contract extension on Wednesday. :Braydon is a good young defenseman that we believe will contuine to get better," said Flyers GM Paul Holmgren. The extension will last two years and is worth $2.6 million paid out over the next two seasons as $1.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively, and the salary cap hit to Philly will be $746,100.
The Flyers traded Alexei Zhitnik to Atlanta in exchange for Coburn back on February 24, and the 22 year-old has eight assists in 23 games this season, and has registered three goals and 20 assists in 81 career games over parts of three seasons with the Flyers and Thrashers.
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Today in NHL History, November 29th
1930: Montreal's George Hainsworth became just the second goaltender in team history to win 100 career games, as the Canadiens won 3-2 over the visiting Boston Bruins.
1931: Rangers' Bill Cook scored a natural hat trick, and Johnny Roach recorded his 36th career shutout as New York won 5-0 at Chicago.
1932: Ottawa's Alex Connell became the first goaltender in NHL history to record 70 career shutouts, in the Senators 2-0 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
1936: New York Americans' goalie Roy Worters recorded his 67th (and final) career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Red Wings, in Detroit.
1956: Boston goalie Terry Sawchuk recorded his 68th career shutout in the Bruins' 2-0 win at Chicago.
1962: Rangers' Andy Bathgate scored his 229th career NHL goal to become New York's all-time leading scorer, breaking Bill Cook's record for Rangers' goals (228) in a 5-0 win at Detroit. Gump Worsley got his 23rd career shutout.
1967: In one of hockey's biggest trades, St. Louis traded Ron Stewart and Ron Atwell to the NY Rangers in exchange for Barclay Plager and Red Berenson, who went on to become stars of the expansion Blues.....Scotty Bowman picked up the first coaching victory of his NHL career when the Blues beat the Kings 3-2 in St. Louis (to end a team-record 7 game losing streak). Jimmy Roberts led the scoring with two goals.
1972: Eddie Shack scored his 7th (and final) career hat trick (and his only one with Pittsburgh) and Syl Apps had a goal and three assists in the Penguins' 7-4 win against Toronto, at the Civic Arena.
1975: Los Angeles goalie Rogie Vachon made six saves in the first 1:02 of the game, and went on to win his 200th NHL career game when the Kings won 8-3 over the Sabres, at the Forum. Vachon became the 19th NHL goaltender to get 200 career wins.....Islanders' Denis Potvin and Eddie Westfall each scored a goal and added three assists as New York won 8-2 over the visiting St. Louis Blues.
1981: Lindy Ruff scored his first career hat trick as the Sabres beat the N.Y. Islanders 5-2.....Montreal's Mario Tremblay scored a goal and added four assists, Doug Risebrough got his second career hat trick and Pierre Mondou had a goal and three assists in the Canadiens 6-3 win against Hartford, at the Forum.
1983: Brent Sutter scored three goals to lead the Islanders to a 5-5 tie at St. Louis.
1984: Kings beat the Canucks 12-1 at the Forum, setting team records for power play goals (6) and goals (12) in a game.....Playing in his 416th NHL game, Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky recorded his 599th and 600th career assists as the Oilers won 4-2 at Boston.
1986: Philadelphia's Mark Howe picked up three assists in the Flyers 6-5 win over the Islanders, in New York. Mike Bossy scored his 38th career hat trick for the losing Islanders.....Whalers' defenseman Dave Babych collected four assists in a 7-5 Hartford win over the Canadiens at Montreal.
1987: Rangers' goalie Bob Froese was credited with a goal during a delayed penalty against the Islanders. The scoring was changed a few days later when a replay revealed that Froese was not the last Ranger to touch the puck. Rangers won 3-1
1991: Rangers' Brian Leetch began a team-record 15 game assist streak as New York won 5-4 over the Sabres, at Buffalo.....Kevin Stevens scored four goals and an assist to lead the Penguins to a 9-3 win at Philadelphia. It was the 5th hat trick of Stevens' NHL career.
1992: Sabres' Pat LaFontaine scored twice to give him 350 goals in his NHL career as Buffalo won 5-2, at Ottawa.
1997: Toronto's Wendel Clark recorded his 500th career NHL point (287 goals, 213 assists), with a goal in a 4-2 Maple Leafs' loss to Vancouver.....New York Islanders celebrated their 1,000th home game in team history with a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues.
1998: John LeClair scored four goals, including his 9th career hat trick and Eric Lindros picked up four assists in the Flyers' 6-2 win against the visiting Vancouver Canucks.....Chicago Blackhawks beat the Oilers 3-2 in Edmonton, for the 2,000th all-time win since the franchise entered the NHL in 1926-27.
2001: Minnesota goalie Dwayne Roloson recorded his 4th career shutout and Matt Johnson collected his 1,000th career penalty minutes as the Wild won 6-0 against the visiting Florida Panthers.
1931: Rangers' Bill Cook scored a natural hat trick, and Johnny Roach recorded his 36th career shutout as New York won 5-0 at Chicago.
1932: Ottawa's Alex Connell became the first goaltender in NHL history to record 70 career shutouts, in the Senators 2-0 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
1936: New York Americans' goalie Roy Worters recorded his 67th (and final) career shutout in a 2-0 win over the Red Wings, in Detroit.
1956: Boston goalie Terry Sawchuk recorded his 68th career shutout in the Bruins' 2-0 win at Chicago.
1962: Rangers' Andy Bathgate scored his 229th career NHL goal to become New York's all-time leading scorer, breaking Bill Cook's record for Rangers' goals (228) in a 5-0 win at Detroit. Gump Worsley got his 23rd career shutout.
1967: In one of hockey's biggest trades, St. Louis traded Ron Stewart and Ron Atwell to the NY Rangers in exchange for Barclay Plager and Red Berenson, who went on to become stars of the expansion Blues.....Scotty Bowman picked up the first coaching victory of his NHL career when the Blues beat the Kings 3-2 in St. Louis (to end a team-record 7 game losing streak). Jimmy Roberts led the scoring with two goals.
1972: Eddie Shack scored his 7th (and final) career hat trick (and his only one with Pittsburgh) and Syl Apps had a goal and three assists in the Penguins' 7-4 win against Toronto, at the Civic Arena.
1975: Los Angeles goalie Rogie Vachon made six saves in the first 1:02 of the game, and went on to win his 200th NHL career game when the Kings won 8-3 over the Sabres, at the Forum. Vachon became the 19th NHL goaltender to get 200 career wins.....Islanders' Denis Potvin and Eddie Westfall each scored a goal and added three assists as New York won 8-2 over the visiting St. Louis Blues.
1981: Lindy Ruff scored his first career hat trick as the Sabres beat the N.Y. Islanders 5-2.....Montreal's Mario Tremblay scored a goal and added four assists, Doug Risebrough got his second career hat trick and Pierre Mondou had a goal and three assists in the Canadiens 6-3 win against Hartford, at the Forum.
1983: Brent Sutter scored three goals to lead the Islanders to a 5-5 tie at St. Louis.
1984: Kings beat the Canucks 12-1 at the Forum, setting team records for power play goals (6) and goals (12) in a game.....Playing in his 416th NHL game, Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky recorded his 599th and 600th career assists as the Oilers won 4-2 at Boston.
1986: Philadelphia's Mark Howe picked up three assists in the Flyers 6-5 win over the Islanders, in New York. Mike Bossy scored his 38th career hat trick for the losing Islanders.....Whalers' defenseman Dave Babych collected four assists in a 7-5 Hartford win over the Canadiens at Montreal.
1987: Rangers' goalie Bob Froese was credited with a goal during a delayed penalty against the Islanders. The scoring was changed a few days later when a replay revealed that Froese was not the last Ranger to touch the puck. Rangers won 3-1
1991: Rangers' Brian Leetch began a team-record 15 game assist streak as New York won 5-4 over the Sabres, at Buffalo.....Kevin Stevens scored four goals and an assist to lead the Penguins to a 9-3 win at Philadelphia. It was the 5th hat trick of Stevens' NHL career.
1992: Sabres' Pat LaFontaine scored twice to give him 350 goals in his NHL career as Buffalo won 5-2, at Ottawa.
1997: Toronto's Wendel Clark recorded his 500th career NHL point (287 goals, 213 assists), with a goal in a 4-2 Maple Leafs' loss to Vancouver.....New York Islanders celebrated their 1,000th home game in team history with a 4-2 win over the St. Louis Blues.
1998: John LeClair scored four goals, including his 9th career hat trick and Eric Lindros picked up four assists in the Flyers' 6-2 win against the visiting Vancouver Canucks.....Chicago Blackhawks beat the Oilers 3-2 in Edmonton, for the 2,000th all-time win since the franchise entered the NHL in 1926-27.
2001: Minnesota goalie Dwayne Roloson recorded his 4th career shutout and Matt Johnson collected his 1,000th career penalty minutes as the Wild won 6-0 against the visiting Florida Panthers.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
November 28
Minor Hockey Association Investigates Brawl
The Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association launched an investigation on Tuesday into a bench-clearing brawl between two teams of eight-year-old players last week. The NFMHA released a statement, saying it is "deeply saddened by the events of Nov. 23, and we wish to extend our apologies to the staff and volunteers of the Guelph Powerplay Tournament."
Police in Guelph, Ont., said criminal charges could be laid and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association is also investigating the incident, which occurred between the Duffield Devils and Niagara Falls Thunder novice AAA teams. The Devils were playing the Thunder at a Guelph, Ont., arena last Friday during a tournament when, in the third period, the game got out of hand. Each team has its own version of what happened but police say it is clear that a fight broke out among several players at the end of the game. The Niagara Falls Thunder have a videotape of the incident, which they have provided to police and say will be given to the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for review. "Upon reviewing the tape of this unfortunate incident it is clear that the Duffield Devil players greatly outnumbered the Niagara Falls players on the ice when the altercation occurred," the NFMHA said. "While it appeared that the incident between the children didn't last more than 30 seconds, it is obvious by this tape that the Niagara Falls players were clearly defending themselves."
The NFMHA also said the "tape also demonstrated that members of each coaching staff were equally at fault for escalating the violence of the situation." Duffield Devils team president Frank Carbone said earlier he hadn't seen the tape but that he believed his team was not at fault, that the Duffield coaches, parents and players involved did not instigate or escalate the events. Thus far, the coaches of the Niagara Falls Novice AAA team have been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation. "Upon conclusion of their findings, the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association will determine whether further suspensions and/or immediate dismissal will occur," the NFMHA stated.
Hartnell Suspended 2 Games
Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell was suspended two games for his hit on Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Alberts Monday night. Hartnell was given a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, which occurred during the second period. Alberts layed on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the dressing room, and did not return to the game. Hartnell is eligible to return to the Flyers lineup on Dec. 5 for Phillys game against the Minnesota Wild. The seven-year NHL veteran will forfeit almost $45,000 in salary during that time.
Hiring Ferguson a Mistake?
Richard Peddie, the President of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, told the Toronto Sun that hiring Ferguson, who had no prior experience as a general manager, was a mistake.
"To be honest, it was a mistake on my part for not fully understanding at the time what the job of being (the Leafs GM) in this market fully entailed," Peddie told the Sun. "Let's face it. It probably was the wrong place for a rookie general manager to start. I mean, all GMs make mistakes, but they are not under the constant microscope and scrutiny that you have in Toronto, which is, in our opinion, the top hockey market there is. That is all hindsight now. John has had time to learn a lot since then."
Under Ferguson, the Leafs have a 134-99-34 record and have made the playoffs just once in three seasons.
The 40-year-old executive was a dark horse hire in August of 2003, beating out high-profile candidates like Neil Smith and Steve Tambellini for the position. Ferguson came on board with no previous GM experience, but worked as assistant general manager and vice-president and director of hockey operations for the St. Louis Blues. He was also a member of the Ottawa Senators' scouting staff from 1993 to 1996.
Peddie also denied reports that the Leafs have been looking for candidates to replace either Ferguson or Head Coach Paul Maurice.
Crosby Maintains Eastern Lead
Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby has maintained his lead among Eastern Conference players in fan voting for this years NHL all-star game. Crosby has received 177,873 votes in the all-digital voting program. He was well ahead of Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov, who leads all blue-liners with 115,007 votes. Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara was third with 84,111 votes.
Crosdy, Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators (80,211) and Vincent Lecavalier (73,743) of the Tampa Bay Lightning were the leading vote-getters at forward. Markov and Chara led all defenceman and Cristobal Huet of the Canadiens was tops among goaltenders (64,351).
The updated Western Conference voating totals are scheduled to be released today.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
The Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association launched an investigation on Tuesday into a bench-clearing brawl between two teams of eight-year-old players last week. The NFMHA released a statement, saying it is "deeply saddened by the events of Nov. 23, and we wish to extend our apologies to the staff and volunteers of the Guelph Powerplay Tournament."
Police in Guelph, Ont., said criminal charges could be laid and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association is also investigating the incident, which occurred between the Duffield Devils and Niagara Falls Thunder novice AAA teams. The Devils were playing the Thunder at a Guelph, Ont., arena last Friday during a tournament when, in the third period, the game got out of hand. Each team has its own version of what happened but police say it is clear that a fight broke out among several players at the end of the game. The Niagara Falls Thunder have a videotape of the incident, which they have provided to police and say will be given to the Ontario Minor Hockey Association for review. "Upon reviewing the tape of this unfortunate incident it is clear that the Duffield Devil players greatly outnumbered the Niagara Falls players on the ice when the altercation occurred," the NFMHA said. "While it appeared that the incident between the children didn't last more than 30 seconds, it is obvious by this tape that the Niagara Falls players were clearly defending themselves."
The NFMHA also said the "tape also demonstrated that members of each coaching staff were equally at fault for escalating the violence of the situation." Duffield Devils team president Frank Carbone said earlier he hadn't seen the tape but that he believed his team was not at fault, that the Duffield coaches, parents and players involved did not instigate or escalate the events. Thus far, the coaches of the Niagara Falls Novice AAA team have been suspended pending the outcome of the police investigation. "Upon conclusion of their findings, the Niagara Falls Minor Hockey Association will determine whether further suspensions and/or immediate dismissal will occur," the NFMHA stated.
Hartnell Suspended 2 Games
Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Hartnell was suspended two games for his hit on Boston Bruins defenceman Andrew Alberts Monday night. Hartnell was given a major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct, which occurred during the second period. Alberts layed on the ice for several minutes before being helped to the dressing room, and did not return to the game. Hartnell is eligible to return to the Flyers lineup on Dec. 5 for Phillys game against the Minnesota Wild. The seven-year NHL veteran will forfeit almost $45,000 in salary during that time.
Hiring Ferguson a Mistake?
Richard Peddie, the President of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, told the Toronto Sun that hiring Ferguson, who had no prior experience as a general manager, was a mistake.
"To be honest, it was a mistake on my part for not fully understanding at the time what the job of being (the Leafs GM) in this market fully entailed," Peddie told the Sun. "Let's face it. It probably was the wrong place for a rookie general manager to start. I mean, all GMs make mistakes, but they are not under the constant microscope and scrutiny that you have in Toronto, which is, in our opinion, the top hockey market there is. That is all hindsight now. John has had time to learn a lot since then."
Under Ferguson, the Leafs have a 134-99-34 record and have made the playoffs just once in three seasons.
The 40-year-old executive was a dark horse hire in August of 2003, beating out high-profile candidates like Neil Smith and Steve Tambellini for the position. Ferguson came on board with no previous GM experience, but worked as assistant general manager and vice-president and director of hockey operations for the St. Louis Blues. He was also a member of the Ottawa Senators' scouting staff from 1993 to 1996.
Peddie also denied reports that the Leafs have been looking for candidates to replace either Ferguson or Head Coach Paul Maurice.
Crosby Maintains Eastern Lead
Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby has maintained his lead among Eastern Conference players in fan voting for this years NHL all-star game. Crosby has received 177,873 votes in the all-digital voting program. He was well ahead of Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov, who leads all blue-liners with 115,007 votes. Boston Bruins defenceman Zdeno Chara was third with 84,111 votes.
Crosdy, Daniel Alfredsson of the Ottawa Senators (80,211) and Vincent Lecavalier (73,743) of the Tampa Bay Lightning were the leading vote-getters at forward. Markov and Chara led all defenceman and Cristobal Huet of the Canadiens was tops among goaltenders (64,351).
The updated Western Conference voating totals are scheduled to be released today.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Today in NHL History, November 28th
1925: Playing in his 328th straight game for Montreal, goaltender Georges Vezina collapsed during a game against Pittsburgh. Suffering from tuberculosis, he died four months later.
1935: Montreal Canadiens goalie Wilf Cude and Red Wings Norm Smith dueled to a 0-0 scoreless tie, in a game played at Detroit. It was Cude's 10th career shutout and the 4th for Smith.
1943: Montreal's rookie goalie Bill Durnan improved his career record to 10-0-2, with a 2-2 tie over the New York Rangers, in New York. Durnan went on to set an NHL record for rookie goalies by going 12-0-2 in his first 14 games.
1945: Bill Shill scored three goals as the Bruins won 5-1 over the NY Rangers.
1957: Gordie Howe picked up an assist during Detroit's 3-3 tie against Toronto to become the NHL's all time assist leader, with #409 of his career. He broke the record set by Montreal's Elmer Lach.
1963: Glenn Hall earned his 54th career shutout, and picked up an assist in the Black Hawks' 2-0 win over the Maple Leafs at Chicago Stadium. It was Chicago's 11th straight win at home.
1964: Rangers' Phil Goyette scored a goal and added three assists as New York won 4-1, at Toronto.
1970: Boston's Bobby Orr picked up an assist to give him 200 in his career as the Bruins tied the Rangers at New York, 3-3. Orr also scored a goal in the game.....Toronto rookie Darryl Sittler scored the first goal of his NHL career, and added an assist in the Maple Leafs' 9-4 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
1974: Detroit's Marcel Dionne scored his 100th career NHL goal as the Red Wings lost 5-2 at Buffalo.
1978: Montreal's Jacques Lemaire became the 6th player in franchise history to score 350 goals. The milestone goal (along with two assists) came as the Canadiens won 3-0 over the Flyers, at the Forum. Ken Dryden recorded his 43rd career shutout.
1979: Billy Smith became the first goalie in NHL history to get credit for a goal. He was the last Islander to touch the puck before Rob Ramage of Colorado put it into his own net. But the Islanders lost 7-4 to the Rockies at Denver.....Greg Malone picked up 6 assists to tie a club record for most assists and points in a game, as the Penguins beat Quebec Nordiques 7-2, in the 1st game between the 2 teams. Gary McAdam scored his 1st career hat trick & an assist.....Rookie Steve Baker made his NHL debut in goal, and helped the Rangers to a 4-4 tie against the Minnesota North Stars, at MSG.
1980: Canucks' Bobby Schmautz picked up four assists as Vancouver won 6-4 over the visiting Chicago Black Hawks
1981: Doug Keans made 41 saves to lead the Kings to a 3-2 win over Vancouver. He had been recalled from New Haven of the AHL earlier in the day.
1982: Edmonton's Mark Messier scored twice to give him 100 career NHL goals, and Wayne Gretzky picked up four assists as the Oilers won 7-5 at Detroit.....Ron Sutter made NHL history when he played in his first game, with the Flyers. It was the first time in league history that five brothers from the same family all played in the NHL. The Flyers tied the Canucks, 5-5 at Vancouver
1985: Quebec's Peter Stastny scored his 9th career hat trick, and Clint Malarchuk recorded his first NHL career shutout as the Nordiques won 3-0, at Boston.
1986: St. Louis' Mark Hunter scored both goals, including the game winner at 4:10 of overtime, to lead the Blues to a 2-1 win at Detroit.
1989: Buffalo defenseman Phil Housley scored his 500th career NHL point with a first period assist, and later added a goal as the Sabres beat the Whalers 4-2, at Hartford.....Philadelphia's Mike Bullard scored his 300th NHL career goal, and added two assists in the Flyers' 6-3 win at Pittsburgh.
1990: Rookie Peter Bondra scored his first career NHL hat trick and added an assist, and Michal Pivonka had a goal and three assists to lead the Capitals to a 6-3 win over the Rangers at New York.
1991: St. Louis' Brett Hull began a team-record 25 game point scoring streak in the Blues' 5-2 win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques.
1992: Pittsburgh defenseman Larry Murphy had three assists in the Penguins' 5-3 win over the Capitals, in Washington.....Chris Kontos scored a goal to become the first 20-goal scorer in Lightning team history, as Tampa Bay lost 4-3 in overtime to the Oilers at Edmonton.
1995: Colorado's Claude Lemieux scored his 5th career hat trick in the first period and added an assist, and Peter Forsberg had a goal and four assists as the Avalanche won 7-3 over the Islanders, at Long Island.
1996: Keith Tkachuk completed his third career hat trick with a goal at 4:08 of overtime as the Coyotes won 4-3 over the visiting New Jersey Devils. Brad McCrimmon picked up one assist in the game to give him 400 career NHL points.
1999: Rookie goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 43 shots in his first NHL game as the Islanders won 2-1 at Boston.
2000: Marcus Ragnarsson became the highest scoring defenseman in San Jose Sharks history, with an assist in a 4-1 win against the visiting Minnesota Wild. He broke the mark of 116 points set by Sandis Ozolinsh.
2001: Anaheim's Bryan Murray coached his 1,000th NHL game in the Mighty Ducks 2-0 loss to the visiting Edmonton Oilers. Murray became the 8th coach in NHL history to hit the 1,000 game milestone.
2003: Eric Lindros scored his 350th career NHL goal in the Rangers 4-1 win over the Penguins at Pittsburgh.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
1935: Montreal Canadiens goalie Wilf Cude and Red Wings Norm Smith dueled to a 0-0 scoreless tie, in a game played at Detroit. It was Cude's 10th career shutout and the 4th for Smith.
1943: Montreal's rookie goalie Bill Durnan improved his career record to 10-0-2, with a 2-2 tie over the New York Rangers, in New York. Durnan went on to set an NHL record for rookie goalies by going 12-0-2 in his first 14 games.
1945: Bill Shill scored three goals as the Bruins won 5-1 over the NY Rangers.
1957: Gordie Howe picked up an assist during Detroit's 3-3 tie against Toronto to become the NHL's all time assist leader, with #409 of his career. He broke the record set by Montreal's Elmer Lach.
1963: Glenn Hall earned his 54th career shutout, and picked up an assist in the Black Hawks' 2-0 win over the Maple Leafs at Chicago Stadium. It was Chicago's 11th straight win at home.
1964: Rangers' Phil Goyette scored a goal and added three assists as New York won 4-1, at Toronto.
1970: Boston's Bobby Orr picked up an assist to give him 200 in his career as the Bruins tied the Rangers at New York, 3-3. Orr also scored a goal in the game.....Toronto rookie Darryl Sittler scored the first goal of his NHL career, and added an assist in the Maple Leafs' 9-4 win over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
1974: Detroit's Marcel Dionne scored his 100th career NHL goal as the Red Wings lost 5-2 at Buffalo.
1978: Montreal's Jacques Lemaire became the 6th player in franchise history to score 350 goals. The milestone goal (along with two assists) came as the Canadiens won 3-0 over the Flyers, at the Forum. Ken Dryden recorded his 43rd career shutout.
1979: Billy Smith became the first goalie in NHL history to get credit for a goal. He was the last Islander to touch the puck before Rob Ramage of Colorado put it into his own net. But the Islanders lost 7-4 to the Rockies at Denver.....Greg Malone picked up 6 assists to tie a club record for most assists and points in a game, as the Penguins beat Quebec Nordiques 7-2, in the 1st game between the 2 teams. Gary McAdam scored his 1st career hat trick & an assist.....Rookie Steve Baker made his NHL debut in goal, and helped the Rangers to a 4-4 tie against the Minnesota North Stars, at MSG.
1980: Canucks' Bobby Schmautz picked up four assists as Vancouver won 6-4 over the visiting Chicago Black Hawks
1981: Doug Keans made 41 saves to lead the Kings to a 3-2 win over Vancouver. He had been recalled from New Haven of the AHL earlier in the day.
1982: Edmonton's Mark Messier scored twice to give him 100 career NHL goals, and Wayne Gretzky picked up four assists as the Oilers won 7-5 at Detroit.....Ron Sutter made NHL history when he played in his first game, with the Flyers. It was the first time in league history that five brothers from the same family all played in the NHL. The Flyers tied the Canucks, 5-5 at Vancouver
1985: Quebec's Peter Stastny scored his 9th career hat trick, and Clint Malarchuk recorded his first NHL career shutout as the Nordiques won 3-0, at Boston.
1986: St. Louis' Mark Hunter scored both goals, including the game winner at 4:10 of overtime, to lead the Blues to a 2-1 win at Detroit.
1989: Buffalo defenseman Phil Housley scored his 500th career NHL point with a first period assist, and later added a goal as the Sabres beat the Whalers 4-2, at Hartford.....Philadelphia's Mike Bullard scored his 300th NHL career goal, and added two assists in the Flyers' 6-3 win at Pittsburgh.
1990: Rookie Peter Bondra scored his first career NHL hat trick and added an assist, and Michal Pivonka had a goal and three assists to lead the Capitals to a 6-3 win over the Rangers at New York.
1991: St. Louis' Brett Hull began a team-record 25 game point scoring streak in the Blues' 5-2 win over the visiting Quebec Nordiques.
1992: Pittsburgh defenseman Larry Murphy had three assists in the Penguins' 5-3 win over the Capitals, in Washington.....Chris Kontos scored a goal to become the first 20-goal scorer in Lightning team history, as Tampa Bay lost 4-3 in overtime to the Oilers at Edmonton.
1995: Colorado's Claude Lemieux scored his 5th career hat trick in the first period and added an assist, and Peter Forsberg had a goal and four assists as the Avalanche won 7-3 over the Islanders, at Long Island.
1996: Keith Tkachuk completed his third career hat trick with a goal at 4:08 of overtime as the Coyotes won 4-3 over the visiting New Jersey Devils. Brad McCrimmon picked up one assist in the game to give him 400 career NHL points.
1999: Rookie goalie Roberto Luongo stopped 43 shots in his first NHL game as the Islanders won 2-1 at Boston.
2000: Marcus Ragnarsson became the highest scoring defenseman in San Jose Sharks history, with an assist in a 4-1 win against the visiting Minnesota Wild. He broke the mark of 116 points set by Sandis Ozolinsh.
2001: Anaheim's Bryan Murray coached his 1,000th NHL game in the Mighty Ducks 2-0 loss to the visiting Edmonton Oilers. Murray became the 8th coach in NHL history to hit the 1,000 game milestone.
2003: Eric Lindros scored his 350th career NHL goal in the Rangers 4-1 win over the Penguins at Pittsburgh.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
November 27, Part II
Santana, another Viola Trade?
Towards the end of the regular season, and around the trading deadline, there was that should the Twins trade Johan Santana question and talk that circulated. Most of which started out as fun speculation, and maybe never really progressed past that, and if there was any merit behind it in the first place turned from a fun what if article and sports talk show topic to the Twins are without a doubt going to trade him, with no confirmed sources to back it up. There are several sites that are speculating that the Twins are in talks with the New York Yankees to trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner. I first herd about the proposed trade on ESPN.com, and was a little hesitant to believe it as the Eastern SPorts Network has a tendency to at times make up their own sports news, but you have to pay close attention to catch it. (For example during the trading deadline two years ago when Alfonso Soriano was available then Twins GM Terry Ryan said the team wasn't interested in acquiring him, but on ESPN they were reporting the Twins as being one of the front runners to get him. The point being that if you had just watched that report on ESPN, and didn't look elsewhere, you might have been disappointed and frustrated with Minnesota for not getting him, when they weren't going after him in the first place) With it being a possibility that Johan might be traded before he becomes a free-agent at the end of this upcoming season, the Twins fan in me is a little confused.
Between the Twins four stars of Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, and Johan Santana, chances were that they'd only be able to sign three of them, and without a doubt both Mauer and Morneau were staying put, which just left the question of would Hunter or Santana be gone? The Twins did make a three-year $45 million offer to Hunter in August, which was rejected and the Angels came calling with a five-year $90 million contract which the seven-time Gold Glove Award winner signed last week. Before the trading deadline second baseman Luis Castillo and his $5.75 million salary was traded to the Mets, and while there was no merit behind it the speculation was that the third highest paid Twin was let go so part of his salary to go toward re-signing either Hunter or Santana. With $21.25 million now freed up on the payroll (Hunter $12 million, Castillo $5.75, Retired Rondell White $2.5 all gone) the Twins for sure have $15-17 million a season that could be offered to re-sign Santana, who made $13 million this past season. Where I'm a little confused is with Torii Hunters $12 million gone (and the $15 million a season they offered him) why the Twins are looking to trade Johan? It seems as though the money is now there, and one of the big arguments was that the team isn't getting the revenue they need in the Dome to keep such players, but with the new stadium coming and the new revenue streams that'll bring shouldn't they have enough now?
The other reason Santana might be traded is that he might be viewed as Frank Viola was in 1989, another left handed Cy Young winner who's best pitching days are now behind him, and in the Viola trade the Twins acquired a few players that helped them win the World Series in 1991.
Going back to the start of the 1989 season, Frank Viola was just a year removed from being the '87 World Series MVP and the '88 AL Cy Young Award winner (24-7, 2.64 ERA, 255.1 IP, 7 CG, 193 SO). What happened to Viola has been true for several Cy Young Winners (just like Barry Zito, and Johan after they won theirs for example) in that there's a more in depth scouting report put on you and it's not the the batters your trying to pitch against, but the advance scouts and scouts in general that are putting more emphasis on what your pitching, your out pitches, pitches in certain counts, etc... that wasn't there before. Frankie V went 8-12 with a 3.79 ERA and was shipped to the New York Mets at the trade deadline, and did go 5-5 in 12 starts with a 3.38 ERA and his combined totals for the '89 season was a 13-17 record in 36 starts, 9 CG, 261 IP, 211 SO, and a 3.65 ERA. Granted a drop off from the year before, but it was the only time Viola had over 200 K's in a season and he did win more then 10 games, which outside of his first 2 seasons and last 3 injury riddled ones did every full healthy year he pitched. Through the 1989 trade deadline Viola had a career 112-93 record with 3.85 ERA in seven and a half seasons ('83-'89), and in the seven and a half after the trade ('89-'96) went 64-57 with a 3.51 ERA, and not counting his last 3 seasons in which he started only 12 games and went 2-5, Viola was 62-52 with a 3.30 ERA from '89-'93. The obvious is that there was a slight drop off in wins, but his ERA was almost a half run better, and forgotten is his first full season with the Mets in which he went 20-12 with a 2.67 ERA and four 10+ win seasons, just one 10+ win season less then before the trade. My point is that as is usually the case in all players, the production drops off as they get older, but there really wasn't a hugh he can't get any one out type of drop off, and had four more decent seasons before several injury's in his last 3 seasons forced him to retire. Who's to say if the Twins would've gone on and won the World Series had they not traded him, but Minnesota did struggle to find that caliber a pitcher to replace him, which came along in Jack Morris for a season in '91, but you could almost argue was missing until Johan Santana.
Should the Twins trade Santana, for the same reasons in which they did Viola, there's no guarantee that the players received in return will bring a World Series title, and you could again argue that it'll put them further away from one. This past season was a down Johan year (15-13, 3.33 ERA, 33 GS, 219 IP, 235 SO) from his past three years. With two Cy Young Awards under his belt and at 28 years old, baring an injury or string of one's you could say he has 4-10 years left in his career. If double digit wins, an above .500 record, 30+ games started and an ERA around 3.50 is going to be the Santana the baseball world sees the rest of his career, why get rid of him? There are so many other pitchers that in their career year won't come close to double digit wins, an at or above .500 record, and an ERA under 4.00, yet many Twins fans want him gone for the chance of getting something better? There's no guarantee that when Francisco Liriano comes back this year he'll be the same pitcher he was before his surgery and could turn out to be another Mark Prior or Kerry Wood, and should he be the same dominant pitcher that out dueled Roger Clemens and win a Cy Young do you get rid of him as well? It been pointed out that Santana might not win another Cy Young, and does he need to? If he has five more years like last season he doesn't need to. Should he go to the Yankees and help them win a World Series, and the Twins stay at around or below .500, the same fans who wanted the trade will be the same one's pissed at the team for letting him go, but won't admit to it.
Bottom line is that with Santana the 2008 Twins look like a .500 team that might be in the playoff hunt at the end of August and maybe into the first week of September but not as good as Detroit or the White Sox to win the division. Take him out of the picture, and you'll need Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to put up similar numbers as they have the past few seasons. Jason Kubel to hit when the season matters along with Craig Monroe to get back to where he was before last year. Nick Punto to not flirt with .200. Scott Baker and Matt Garza to step it up in the rotation. Pat Neshek to get over his arm troubles that forced his season to end early and remain the lights out set-man man for Joe Nathan, but the main key is to have Mauer tough it up and play a whole season even when hurt, and how Liriano pitches, but even that may not be enough. Trading Santana would only seem like a cost cutting decision which is mind boggling to me since the new stadium is right around the corner, and lets not forget that the Twins finished dead last in the American League in 1990 after trading Viola, and only a one of it's kind that had never been done in the history of baseball type miraculous turn it around season in 1991 made that trade pay off to a World Series title, and unlike this current edition that team had the same nucellus of players that won the World Series in 1987.
Towards the end of the regular season, and around the trading deadline, there was that should the Twins trade Johan Santana question and talk that circulated. Most of which started out as fun speculation, and maybe never really progressed past that, and if there was any merit behind it in the first place turned from a fun what if article and sports talk show topic to the Twins are without a doubt going to trade him, with no confirmed sources to back it up. There are several sites that are speculating that the Twins are in talks with the New York Yankees to trade the two-time Cy Young Award winner. I first herd about the proposed trade on ESPN.com, and was a little hesitant to believe it as the Eastern SPorts Network has a tendency to at times make up their own sports news, but you have to pay close attention to catch it. (For example during the trading deadline two years ago when Alfonso Soriano was available then Twins GM Terry Ryan said the team wasn't interested in acquiring him, but on ESPN they were reporting the Twins as being one of the front runners to get him. The point being that if you had just watched that report on ESPN, and didn't look elsewhere, you might have been disappointed and frustrated with Minnesota for not getting him, when they weren't going after him in the first place) With it being a possibility that Johan might be traded before he becomes a free-agent at the end of this upcoming season, the Twins fan in me is a little confused.
Between the Twins four stars of Justin Morneau, Joe Mauer, Torii Hunter, and Johan Santana, chances were that they'd only be able to sign three of them, and without a doubt both Mauer and Morneau were staying put, which just left the question of would Hunter or Santana be gone? The Twins did make a three-year $45 million offer to Hunter in August, which was rejected and the Angels came calling with a five-year $90 million contract which the seven-time Gold Glove Award winner signed last week. Before the trading deadline second baseman Luis Castillo and his $5.75 million salary was traded to the Mets, and while there was no merit behind it the speculation was that the third highest paid Twin was let go so part of his salary to go toward re-signing either Hunter or Santana. With $21.25 million now freed up on the payroll (Hunter $12 million, Castillo $5.75, Retired Rondell White $2.5 all gone) the Twins for sure have $15-17 million a season that could be offered to re-sign Santana, who made $13 million this past season. Where I'm a little confused is with Torii Hunters $12 million gone (and the $15 million a season they offered him) why the Twins are looking to trade Johan? It seems as though the money is now there, and one of the big arguments was that the team isn't getting the revenue they need in the Dome to keep such players, but with the new stadium coming and the new revenue streams that'll bring shouldn't they have enough now?
The other reason Santana might be traded is that he might be viewed as Frank Viola was in 1989, another left handed Cy Young winner who's best pitching days are now behind him, and in the Viola trade the Twins acquired a few players that helped them win the World Series in 1991.
Going back to the start of the 1989 season, Frank Viola was just a year removed from being the '87 World Series MVP and the '88 AL Cy Young Award winner (24-7, 2.64 ERA, 255.1 IP, 7 CG, 193 SO). What happened to Viola has been true for several Cy Young Winners (just like Barry Zito, and Johan after they won theirs for example) in that there's a more in depth scouting report put on you and it's not the the batters your trying to pitch against, but the advance scouts and scouts in general that are putting more emphasis on what your pitching, your out pitches, pitches in certain counts, etc... that wasn't there before. Frankie V went 8-12 with a 3.79 ERA and was shipped to the New York Mets at the trade deadline, and did go 5-5 in 12 starts with a 3.38 ERA and his combined totals for the '89 season was a 13-17 record in 36 starts, 9 CG, 261 IP, 211 SO, and a 3.65 ERA. Granted a drop off from the year before, but it was the only time Viola had over 200 K's in a season and he did win more then 10 games, which outside of his first 2 seasons and last 3 injury riddled ones did every full healthy year he pitched. Through the 1989 trade deadline Viola had a career 112-93 record with 3.85 ERA in seven and a half seasons ('83-'89), and in the seven and a half after the trade ('89-'96) went 64-57 with a 3.51 ERA, and not counting his last 3 seasons in which he started only 12 games and went 2-5, Viola was 62-52 with a 3.30 ERA from '89-'93. The obvious is that there was a slight drop off in wins, but his ERA was almost a half run better, and forgotten is his first full season with the Mets in which he went 20-12 with a 2.67 ERA and four 10+ win seasons, just one 10+ win season less then before the trade. My point is that as is usually the case in all players, the production drops off as they get older, but there really wasn't a hugh he can't get any one out type of drop off, and had four more decent seasons before several injury's in his last 3 seasons forced him to retire. Who's to say if the Twins would've gone on and won the World Series had they not traded him, but Minnesota did struggle to find that caliber a pitcher to replace him, which came along in Jack Morris for a season in '91, but you could almost argue was missing until Johan Santana.
Should the Twins trade Santana, for the same reasons in which they did Viola, there's no guarantee that the players received in return will bring a World Series title, and you could again argue that it'll put them further away from one. This past season was a down Johan year (15-13, 3.33 ERA, 33 GS, 219 IP, 235 SO) from his past three years. With two Cy Young Awards under his belt and at 28 years old, baring an injury or string of one's you could say he has 4-10 years left in his career. If double digit wins, an above .500 record, 30+ games started and an ERA around 3.50 is going to be the Santana the baseball world sees the rest of his career, why get rid of him? There are so many other pitchers that in their career year won't come close to double digit wins, an at or above .500 record, and an ERA under 4.00, yet many Twins fans want him gone for the chance of getting something better? There's no guarantee that when Francisco Liriano comes back this year he'll be the same pitcher he was before his surgery and could turn out to be another Mark Prior or Kerry Wood, and should he be the same dominant pitcher that out dueled Roger Clemens and win a Cy Young do you get rid of him as well? It been pointed out that Santana might not win another Cy Young, and does he need to? If he has five more years like last season he doesn't need to. Should he go to the Yankees and help them win a World Series, and the Twins stay at around or below .500, the same fans who wanted the trade will be the same one's pissed at the team for letting him go, but won't admit to it.
Bottom line is that with Santana the 2008 Twins look like a .500 team that might be in the playoff hunt at the end of August and maybe into the first week of September but not as good as Detroit or the White Sox to win the division. Take him out of the picture, and you'll need Morneau and Michael Cuddyer to put up similar numbers as they have the past few seasons. Jason Kubel to hit when the season matters along with Craig Monroe to get back to where he was before last year. Nick Punto to not flirt with .200. Scott Baker and Matt Garza to step it up in the rotation. Pat Neshek to get over his arm troubles that forced his season to end early and remain the lights out set-man man for Joe Nathan, but the main key is to have Mauer tough it up and play a whole season even when hurt, and how Liriano pitches, but even that may not be enough. Trading Santana would only seem like a cost cutting decision which is mind boggling to me since the new stadium is right around the corner, and lets not forget that the Twins finished dead last in the American League in 1990 after trading Viola, and only a one of it's kind that had never been done in the history of baseball type miraculous turn it around season in 1991 made that trade pay off to a World Series title, and unlike this current edition that team had the same nucellus of players that won the World Series in 1987.
November 27
Briere NHL's First Star
Philadelphia Flyers centre Daniel Briere was named the NHL's first star of the week on Monday.
Briere led the league in scoring last week with eight points in three games (five goals, three assists), including a pair of game-winning goals. The former Buffalo Sabres forward notched his first hat trick as a Flyer and added an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes Nov. 21. He scored a power-play goal in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Nov. 23 and tallied three points (one goal, two assists) in a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators the next day. Briere leads the Flyers in scoring with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 22 games this season.
Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov was named the second star. Claimed off waivers by the Coyotes from the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 17, Bryzgalov posted a 3-0-0 record, 1.62 goals-against average and .938 save percentage for the Coyotes last week.
Dallas stars goalie Mike Smith was the third star of the week. Smith posted a 3-0-0 record, 1.00 GAA, .963 save percentage and one shutout last week as the Stars moved into first place in the Pacific Division.
Lighting Sale is Off
The proposed sale of the Tampa Bay Lighting to a group that includes former Florida Panthers coach Doug MacLean is off. The team said Monday night that an agreement Palace Sports & Entertainment reached in August to seel the NHL franchise to Absolute Hockey Enterprises was terminated on Nov 14. The deal also included the leasing rights to the St. Pete Times Forum and about 5.5 acres adjacent to the downtown area.
"The Lightning entities terminated the agreement because of the failure of Absolute to comply with the terms of the purchase," the team in a statement issued after the St. Petersburg Times reported on its Web site that the deal fell apart when Absolute did not make a required $5 million payment. "At the same time, the buying group expressed continuing interest in purchasing the team, while informing PS&E that there were internal disagreements to be resolved. ... While there is no current agreement in place to sell the team, PS&E is hopeful that those differences can still be resolved and a successful ownership transfer can take place."
Palace Sports & Entertainment is led by Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson, who bought the Lightning in 1999 and helped transform the club from a perennial last-place team into a franchise that won the Stanley Cup in 2004.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Philadelphia Flyers centre Daniel Briere was named the NHL's first star of the week on Monday.
Briere led the league in scoring last week with eight points in three games (five goals, three assists), including a pair of game-winning goals. The former Buffalo Sabres forward notched his first hat trick as a Flyer and added an assist in a 6-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes Nov. 21. He scored a power-play goal in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Nov. 23 and tallied three points (one goal, two assists) in a 4-3 victory over the Ottawa Senators the next day. Briere leads the Flyers in scoring with 28 points (12 goals, 16 assists) in 22 games this season.
Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov was named the second star. Claimed off waivers by the Coyotes from the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 17, Bryzgalov posted a 3-0-0 record, 1.62 goals-against average and .938 save percentage for the Coyotes last week.
Dallas stars goalie Mike Smith was the third star of the week. Smith posted a 3-0-0 record, 1.00 GAA, .963 save percentage and one shutout last week as the Stars moved into first place in the Pacific Division.
Lighting Sale is Off
The proposed sale of the Tampa Bay Lighting to a group that includes former Florida Panthers coach Doug MacLean is off. The team said Monday night that an agreement Palace Sports & Entertainment reached in August to seel the NHL franchise to Absolute Hockey Enterprises was terminated on Nov 14. The deal also included the leasing rights to the St. Pete Times Forum and about 5.5 acres adjacent to the downtown area.
"The Lightning entities terminated the agreement because of the failure of Absolute to comply with the terms of the purchase," the team in a statement issued after the St. Petersburg Times reported on its Web site that the deal fell apart when Absolute did not make a required $5 million payment. "At the same time, the buying group expressed continuing interest in purchasing the team, while informing PS&E that there were internal disagreements to be resolved. ... While there is no current agreement in place to sell the team, PS&E is hopeful that those differences can still be resolved and a successful ownership transfer can take place."
Palace Sports & Entertainment is led by Detroit Pistons owner Bill Davidson, who bought the Lightning in 1999 and helped transform the club from a perennial last-place team into a franchise that won the Stanley Cup in 2004.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Today in NHL History, November 27th
1921: Toronto purchased Harry Cameron from the Montreal Canadiens.
1926: Rangers rookie Lorne Chabot became the second goaltender in NHL history to record a shutout in his first career game as New York won 2-0 over the Canadiens, in the Rangers' first visit to Montreal.
1931: Toronto Maple Leafs fired coach Art Duncan, and named Dick Irvin as his replacement. Irvin went on to coach the Leafs for the next eight years.
1941: Boston Bruins tied an NHL record by scoring four goals in the 10-minute overtime period, to beat the New York Americans 6-2. Overtime was a mandatory 10 minute period before it was discontinued in November 1942
1943: Bob Davidson scored his first career hat trick and Lorne Carr had a goal and four assists as the Toronto Maple Leafs won 7-4 over the Boston Bruins. Don Gallinger scored a hat trick for the losing Bruins.....Montreal's rookie goalie Bill Durnan improved his career record to 10-0-1, with a 6-3 win over the visiting New York Rangers. Durnan set an NHL record for rookie goalies by going 12-0-2 in his first 14 games.
1946: Boston's assistant coach Dit Clapper came out of retirement to help the Bruins' on defense, replacing the injured Jack Crawford. He got a standing ovation from 14,000 fans and inspired the Bruins to a 5-2 win against the NY Rangers.
1948: Chicago's Bill Mosienko scored four goals and added an assist to lead the Black Hawks to a 5-3 win against the Red Wings, at Detroit.
1960: Rod Gilbert played in his first NHL game, a 3-3 NY Rangers' tie against the Chicago Black Hawks, in New York.....Terry Sawchuk got his 83rd career shutout as the Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 2-0 at the Olympia in Detroit.
1963: Rod Gilbert beat Terry Sawchuk on a penalty shot when the Rangers beat Detroit 3-2 at MSG.
1965: Detroit's Gordie Howe scored his 600th NHL goal. It came in a 6-2 Red Wings loss to Montreal. Howe also got a major penalty that night for elbowing J.C. Tremblay. Howe became the first NHL player to get 600 career goals.
1969: Detroit's Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to score 1,700 career points, when he picked up two assists in a 5-1 win against Los Angeles. Howe reached 1,700 points in 1,567 NHL games.
1974: Montreal Canadiens began an NHL-record 23 game road undefeated streak (14-0-9), with a 3-2 win at Pittsburgh.....Jean Ratelle became the second player to score 300 goals as a member of the NY Rangers. The milestone came in a 4-1 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
1976: Roland Eriksson scored his first career NHL hat trick, with three power play goals in one period to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 6-1 win against the Washington Capitals, at the Met Center.
1981: Minnesota's Dino Ciccarelli scored three goals (for his third career hat trick) to lead the North Stars to a 5-5 tie with the Jets, at Winnipeg.
1984: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky scored his 30th career hat trick and added two assists, and Mike Krushelnyski had two goals and two assists in the Oilers' 7-1 win at Toronto.
1985: New York's Mike Bossy scored his 34th career hat trick, with three straight goals in the third period as the Islanders tied the North Stars 4-4 at Minnesota.....Washington's Bengt Gustafsson set a new club record with an assist in his ninth straight game, as the Capitals beat Montreal 5-3.
1988: New York's Bryan Trottier picked up two assists to become the 8th player in NHL history to score 1,300 career points, as the Islanders lost 5-3 to the Rangers at MSG.
1991: Penguins defeated the Devils 8-4 at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, following a 10 minute candlelight ceremony paying tribute to Bob Johnson, who had passed away one day earlier.
1992: Steve Larmer, in his 824th consecutive game, scored two goals and four assists, and Jeremy Roenick had four assists to lead the Blackhawks to an 8-1 win against the Oilers, at Edmonton.
1993: Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman Larry Murphy picked up his 646th career assist in a 2-2 tie against Ottawa to move ahead of Bobby Orr into sixth place on the all time assist list for defensemen.
1995: Daren Puppa set a club mark with 45 saves in his 13th career shutout, and Alexander Selivanov scored both goals as Tampa Bay won 2-0 over the visiting L.A. Kings. The Lightning set a franchise-record with their fifth consecutive win.
1996: St. Louis Blues obtained Pavol Demitra from the Ottawa Senators, in exchange for Christer Olsson.
1999: Al MacInnis scored once to tie Jeff Brown as the highest goal scoring defenseman in St. Louis team history. His 80th goal with the Blues (along with two assists) came in an 8-3 win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.....Toronto's Mats Sundin scored twice, including his 400th point as a Maple Leaf, in a 5-2 win against the visiting Edmonton Oilers.
2001: Rookie goalie Johan Hedberg made 39 saves to record his 3rd career shutout, and Robert Lang scored a goal and added three assists in the Penguins 6-0 win over the visiting New Jersey Devils.....Colorado's Joe Sakic scored a goal and added an assist to become the 34th NHL player to record 1,200 career points as the Avalanche won 4-1 against the visiting Florida Panthers.
2002: Andreas Johansson scored his first career hat trick (including two power play goals) in the Predators 4-2 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks.
2003: Despite being outshot 43-23 by the visiting Los Angeles Kings, Sean Burke made 39 saves, and Ladislav Nagy scored his first career hat trick (with a goal in each period) and added an assist in the Coyotes 6-4 victory. Also in that game Luc Robitaille of the Kings became the second left wing in NHL history to record 700 career assists.....Dan Cloutier recorded his 100th NHL victory, and Markus Naslund scored with 46.2 seconds remaining in overtime and added an assist to give the Canucks a 3-2 win against the Senators at Ottawa.
1926: Rangers rookie Lorne Chabot became the second goaltender in NHL history to record a shutout in his first career game as New York won 2-0 over the Canadiens, in the Rangers' first visit to Montreal.
1931: Toronto Maple Leafs fired coach Art Duncan, and named Dick Irvin as his replacement. Irvin went on to coach the Leafs for the next eight years.
1941: Boston Bruins tied an NHL record by scoring four goals in the 10-minute overtime period, to beat the New York Americans 6-2. Overtime was a mandatory 10 minute period before it was discontinued in November 1942
1943: Bob Davidson scored his first career hat trick and Lorne Carr had a goal and four assists as the Toronto Maple Leafs won 7-4 over the Boston Bruins. Don Gallinger scored a hat trick for the losing Bruins.....Montreal's rookie goalie Bill Durnan improved his career record to 10-0-1, with a 6-3 win over the visiting New York Rangers. Durnan set an NHL record for rookie goalies by going 12-0-2 in his first 14 games.
1946: Boston's assistant coach Dit Clapper came out of retirement to help the Bruins' on defense, replacing the injured Jack Crawford. He got a standing ovation from 14,000 fans and inspired the Bruins to a 5-2 win against the NY Rangers.
1948: Chicago's Bill Mosienko scored four goals and added an assist to lead the Black Hawks to a 5-3 win against the Red Wings, at Detroit.
1960: Rod Gilbert played in his first NHL game, a 3-3 NY Rangers' tie against the Chicago Black Hawks, in New York.....Terry Sawchuk got his 83rd career shutout as the Red Wings beat the Maple Leafs 2-0 at the Olympia in Detroit.
1963: Rod Gilbert beat Terry Sawchuk on a penalty shot when the Rangers beat Detroit 3-2 at MSG.
1965: Detroit's Gordie Howe scored his 600th NHL goal. It came in a 6-2 Red Wings loss to Montreal. Howe also got a major penalty that night for elbowing J.C. Tremblay. Howe became the first NHL player to get 600 career goals.
1969: Detroit's Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to score 1,700 career points, when he picked up two assists in a 5-1 win against Los Angeles. Howe reached 1,700 points in 1,567 NHL games.
1974: Montreal Canadiens began an NHL-record 23 game road undefeated streak (14-0-9), with a 3-2 win at Pittsburgh.....Jean Ratelle became the second player to score 300 goals as a member of the NY Rangers. The milestone came in a 4-1 win over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
1976: Roland Eriksson scored his first career NHL hat trick, with three power play goals in one period to lead the Minnesota North Stars to a 6-1 win against the Washington Capitals, at the Met Center.
1981: Minnesota's Dino Ciccarelli scored three goals (for his third career hat trick) to lead the North Stars to a 5-5 tie with the Jets, at Winnipeg.
1984: Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky scored his 30th career hat trick and added two assists, and Mike Krushelnyski had two goals and two assists in the Oilers' 7-1 win at Toronto.
1985: New York's Mike Bossy scored his 34th career hat trick, with three straight goals in the third period as the Islanders tied the North Stars 4-4 at Minnesota.....Washington's Bengt Gustafsson set a new club record with an assist in his ninth straight game, as the Capitals beat Montreal 5-3.
1988: New York's Bryan Trottier picked up two assists to become the 8th player in NHL history to score 1,300 career points, as the Islanders lost 5-3 to the Rangers at MSG.
1991: Penguins defeated the Devils 8-4 at the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, following a 10 minute candlelight ceremony paying tribute to Bob Johnson, who had passed away one day earlier.
1992: Steve Larmer, in his 824th consecutive game, scored two goals and four assists, and Jeremy Roenick had four assists to lead the Blackhawks to an 8-1 win against the Oilers, at Edmonton.
1993: Pittsburgh Penguins' defenseman Larry Murphy picked up his 646th career assist in a 2-2 tie against Ottawa to move ahead of Bobby Orr into sixth place on the all time assist list for defensemen.
1995: Daren Puppa set a club mark with 45 saves in his 13th career shutout, and Alexander Selivanov scored both goals as Tampa Bay won 2-0 over the visiting L.A. Kings. The Lightning set a franchise-record with their fifth consecutive win.
1996: St. Louis Blues obtained Pavol Demitra from the Ottawa Senators, in exchange for Christer Olsson.
1999: Al MacInnis scored once to tie Jeff Brown as the highest goal scoring defenseman in St. Louis team history. His 80th goal with the Blues (along with two assists) came in an 8-3 win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.....Toronto's Mats Sundin scored twice, including his 400th point as a Maple Leaf, in a 5-2 win against the visiting Edmonton Oilers.
2001: Rookie goalie Johan Hedberg made 39 saves to record his 3rd career shutout, and Robert Lang scored a goal and added three assists in the Penguins 6-0 win over the visiting New Jersey Devils.....Colorado's Joe Sakic scored a goal and added an assist to become the 34th NHL player to record 1,200 career points as the Avalanche won 4-1 against the visiting Florida Panthers.
2002: Andreas Johansson scored his first career hat trick (including two power play goals) in the Predators 4-2 win over the visiting San Jose Sharks.
2003: Despite being outshot 43-23 by the visiting Los Angeles Kings, Sean Burke made 39 saves, and Ladislav Nagy scored his first career hat trick (with a goal in each period) and added an assist in the Coyotes 6-4 victory. Also in that game Luc Robitaille of the Kings became the second left wing in NHL history to record 700 career assists.....Dan Cloutier recorded his 100th NHL victory, and Markus Naslund scored with 46.2 seconds remaining in overtime and added an assist to give the Canucks a 3-2 win against the Senators at Ottawa.
Monday, November 26, 2007
November 26, Part V
The Professor
At the Stitch, Pete Waggoner and myself have nicknamed Oilers Head Coach Craig McTavish "The Professor", with his square glasses and tight hairdo. After recently coming across a picture of "The Great One" I think we might have a new professor, but you be the judge.
At the Stitch, Pete Waggoner and myself have nicknamed Oilers Head Coach Craig McTavish "The Professor", with his square glasses and tight hairdo. After recently coming across a picture of "The Great One" I think we might have a new professor, but you be the judge.
November 26, Part IV
A new addition to the Crease, be sure to check out "On This Day in Hockey History". I waited till today to debut this feature as back in 1917 on this date the National Hockey League was officially founded, and what better day then this to start, so be sure to check back everyday for look back at Hockey's History.
On This Day in Hockey History, November 26th
1917: The National Hockey League was founded. The original teams were the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Arenas, and Quebec Bulldogs (which announced that they would not operate during the inaugural season).
1925: Pittsburgh Pirates and NY Americans franchises were officially acccepted into the NHL. The Americans purchased the Hamilton Tigers roster to fill its lineup, while the Pirates purchased the USHL's Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets.
1927: Detroit goalie Hap Holmes and Black Hawks' Chuck Gardiner dueled to a 0-0 tie at Chicago. It was the 8th scoreless tie in NHL history, the first of Gardiner's NHL career and the 8th career shutout for Holmes.
1944: Montreal's Maurice Richard scored his 5th career hat trick as the Canadiens won 4-1 against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
1953: Goaltender Terry Sawchuk recorded his 36th career shutout and Marcel Pronovost scored a goal and an assist in the Red Wings' 2-0 win over the Maple Leafs at Toronto.
1961: Detroit's Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to play in 1,000 career regular season games, when the Red Wings lost 4-1 at Chicago.
1975: Pittsburgh's Jean Pronovost picked up an assist to become the first player to score 400 points in a Penguins' uniform as Pittsburgh won 5-2 over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
1976: Flyers' Bernie Parent became the 20th NHL goaltender to record 200 career victories when Philadelphia won 4-2 against the Rockies, at Colorado. Bobby Clarke led the scoring with a goal and two assists.
1980: Edmonton rookie Jari Kurri got his first NHL hat trick and added an assist, and Wayne Gretzky scored a goal and picked up four assists to lead the Oilers to a 10-3 win over the Black Hawks.
1983: Neal Broten scored a "natural" hat trick, including the OT winning goal (for his second career hat trick) in the Minnesota North Stars' 7-6 win at Toronto.....Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky began an NHL-record 17 consecutive game assist streak, at St. Louis. It came in the midst of his NHL record 51-game point scoring streak (during which he scored 153 points). Oilers lost 8-6 to Blues.....Hartford's Blaine Stoughton scored the winning goal at 4:52 of overtime to lead the Whalers to a 4-3 win over the Rangers. It was the Whalers' first NHL overtime game.
1986: Peter Zezel scored his seventh game winning goal just 21 games into the schedule, as the Flyers beat Montreal 4-2 at the Spectrum. Their record at the Spectrum was 13-1.....Petri Skriko scored his 3rd hat trick in 8 days (4th of his career) as Vancouver won 5-3, at Los Angeles. Skriko had the hottest scoring period of any player in Canucks history, scoring 12 goals and 2 assists for 14 points in a span of five games.
1989: In his 11th NHL season, Rangers' Lindy Ruff was awarded his first penalty shot, and he scored in a 3-1 win over the Quebec Nordiques.
1991: Defenseman Randy Ladouceur was named the Hartford Whalers' 10th Team Captain in their 20-year history.
1992: Owen Nolan scored his 4th career hat trick, including the game winner :23 into overtime, to lead the Quebec Nordiques to a 5-4 win at Toronto.
1996: Rangers' Mark Messier scored his 18th career hat trick, and Mike Richter extended his unbeaten streak to 14-0-2, as New York won 3-1 at Phoenix.
1999: Steve Yzerman scored his 600th NHL goal in the Red Wings 4-2 win against the visiting Edmonton Oilers. Yzerman joined Gretzky, Howe, Dionne and Messier as the only NHL players with 600 goals and 900 assists
2000: Antti Laaksonen scored his first career hat trick (and the first in Minnesota Wild history) and added an assist in a 4-2 win against the visiting Vancouver Canucks.
On This Day in Hockey History, November 26th
1917: The National Hockey League was founded. The original teams were the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Arenas, and Quebec Bulldogs (which announced that they would not operate during the inaugural season).
1925: Pittsburgh Pirates and NY Americans franchises were officially acccepted into the NHL. The Americans purchased the Hamilton Tigers roster to fill its lineup, while the Pirates purchased the USHL's Pittsburgh Yellow Jackets.
1927: Detroit goalie Hap Holmes and Black Hawks' Chuck Gardiner dueled to a 0-0 tie at Chicago. It was the 8th scoreless tie in NHL history, the first of Gardiner's NHL career and the 8th career shutout for Holmes.
1944: Montreal's Maurice Richard scored his 5th career hat trick as the Canadiens won 4-1 against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
1953: Goaltender Terry Sawchuk recorded his 36th career shutout and Marcel Pronovost scored a goal and an assist in the Red Wings' 2-0 win over the Maple Leafs at Toronto.
1961: Detroit's Gordie Howe became the first player in NHL history to play in 1,000 career regular season games, when the Red Wings lost 4-1 at Chicago.
1975: Pittsburgh's Jean Pronovost picked up an assist to become the first player to score 400 points in a Penguins' uniform as Pittsburgh won 5-2 over the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
1976: Flyers' Bernie Parent became the 20th NHL goaltender to record 200 career victories when Philadelphia won 4-2 against the Rockies, at Colorado. Bobby Clarke led the scoring with a goal and two assists.
1980: Edmonton rookie Jari Kurri got his first NHL hat trick and added an assist, and Wayne Gretzky scored a goal and picked up four assists to lead the Oilers to a 10-3 win over the Black Hawks.
1983: Neal Broten scored a "natural" hat trick, including the OT winning goal (for his second career hat trick) in the Minnesota North Stars' 7-6 win at Toronto.....Edmonton's Wayne Gretzky began an NHL-record 17 consecutive game assist streak, at St. Louis. It came in the midst of his NHL record 51-game point scoring streak (during which he scored 153 points). Oilers lost 8-6 to Blues.....Hartford's Blaine Stoughton scored the winning goal at 4:52 of overtime to lead the Whalers to a 4-3 win over the Rangers. It was the Whalers' first NHL overtime game.
1986: Peter Zezel scored his seventh game winning goal just 21 games into the schedule, as the Flyers beat Montreal 4-2 at the Spectrum. Their record at the Spectrum was 13-1.....Petri Skriko scored his 3rd hat trick in 8 days (4th of his career) as Vancouver won 5-3, at Los Angeles. Skriko had the hottest scoring period of any player in Canucks history, scoring 12 goals and 2 assists for 14 points in a span of five games.
1989: In his 11th NHL season, Rangers' Lindy Ruff was awarded his first penalty shot, and he scored in a 3-1 win over the Quebec Nordiques.
1991: Defenseman Randy Ladouceur was named the Hartford Whalers' 10th Team Captain in their 20-year history.
1992: Owen Nolan scored his 4th career hat trick, including the game winner :23 into overtime, to lead the Quebec Nordiques to a 5-4 win at Toronto.
1996: Rangers' Mark Messier scored his 18th career hat trick, and Mike Richter extended his unbeaten streak to 14-0-2, as New York won 3-1 at Phoenix.
1999: Steve Yzerman scored his 600th NHL goal in the Red Wings 4-2 win against the visiting Edmonton Oilers. Yzerman joined Gretzky, Howe, Dionne and Messier as the only NHL players with 600 goals and 900 assists
2000: Antti Laaksonen scored his first career hat trick (and the first in Minnesota Wild history) and added an assist in a 4-2 win against the visiting Vancouver Canucks.
November 26, Part III
Around The NHL
Tonight will be the Bruins' first game against the Flyers since defenseman Randy Jones slammed Patrice Bergeron into the TD Banknorth Garden end boards, putting the alternate captain's career at risk with a Grade 3 concussion and a broken nose.
Flames head coach Mike Keenan wants the NHL to suspend Avlanche forward Scott Parker for his cross-check against Dion Phaneuf in Saturdays game at Pepsi Center. Keenan told Calgary reporters, "This should be a major suspension to this guy".
The Stars power play has gone 10-for-21 in the last seven games.
Red Wings injured winger Tomas Kopecky is hoping to return to practice today, while Matt Ellis sat out Saturday night's game with a head injury.
Despite sitting out the second half of the Rangers Friday game at Florida, Martin Straka played yesterday with no apparent difficulty, and logged 20:35 of ice time.
Even with a right knee devoid of noticable cartilage, the Flyers Darian Hatcher probably will be back on the ice this week, possibily for tonight's game against the Bruins.
Blues left winger Martin Rucinsky sat out Sunday with a bruised right hand, which he injured blocking a shot in Friday's win over the Canucks.
The Lightning will have an update today on forward Ryan Craig, who left Saturday's game with a left knee injury and was scheduled for an MRI Sunday.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Tonight will be the Bruins' first game against the Flyers since defenseman Randy Jones slammed Patrice Bergeron into the TD Banknorth Garden end boards, putting the alternate captain's career at risk with a Grade 3 concussion and a broken nose.
Flames head coach Mike Keenan wants the NHL to suspend Avlanche forward Scott Parker for his cross-check against Dion Phaneuf in Saturdays game at Pepsi Center. Keenan told Calgary reporters, "This should be a major suspension to this guy".
The Stars power play has gone 10-for-21 in the last seven games.
Red Wings injured winger Tomas Kopecky is hoping to return to practice today, while Matt Ellis sat out Saturday night's game with a head injury.
Despite sitting out the second half of the Rangers Friday game at Florida, Martin Straka played yesterday with no apparent difficulty, and logged 20:35 of ice time.
Even with a right knee devoid of noticable cartilage, the Flyers Darian Hatcher probably will be back on the ice this week, possibily for tonight's game against the Bruins.
Blues left winger Martin Rucinsky sat out Sunday with a bruised right hand, which he injured blocking a shot in Friday's win over the Canucks.
The Lightning will have an update today on forward Ryan Craig, who left Saturday's game with a left knee injury and was scheduled for an MRI Sunday.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
November 26, Part II
Yanks/A-Rod Marketing Pact
Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed to a $30 million marketing agreement that according to multiple published reports could raise the total value of his contract to $305 million over 10 years. The agreement would pay A-Rod an additional $6 million over his contract base for matching Willie Mays with 660 career home runs, Babe Ruth with 714, Hank Aaron with 755 and Barry Bonds mark (currently at 762), and then an additional $6 million for passing Bonds to become baseball's all-time home run king. The agreement has not yet been finalized, but both sides have reportedly agreed to its terms.
Two weeks ago both parties agreed to the basic framework of a 10-year, $275 million contract.
Rodriguez will enter next season with 518 career home runs and is on pace to break the all-time record sometime around 2013. Major League Baseball doesn't usually endorse bonuses tied to home run totals, but the Commissioner's Office approved this arrangement because A-Rod would need to make additional personal appearances and memorabilia signings to collect all its benefits, according to the Associated Press.
What will be interesting to see is how other contracts are effected by this agreement, not only in baseball but the other professional sports. As much as I hate to say it, there is that chance that A-Rod suffers a career ending injury before he ever gets to 660 or 714 and this agreement is for not, but should he surpass Barry Bonds and hit 850 or 900 home runs how many other players would have clauses like this one built into their contracts, and would it start to become the norm? While we may not see the career home run record broken in our lifetime, what about the all-time hit record, or doubles record, or stolen base record?, etc... What might start to come from this is bonuses added to players contracts if single season records are broken too. Some players have certain performance clauses added such as if they win the MVP or win 20 games or play in "X" number of games, etc... but that usually pays them several thousand/hundred thousand dollars and nowhere in the neighborhood of $6 million. While it is early to speculate, as Rodriguez's clauses haven't been finalized yet, this could be the start of possibility new clauses being added in contracts and endorsed by the Commissioner's Office.
Kennedy May Have Had Enlarged Heart
The agent for Joe Kennedy said Sunday the family has been told by doctors the pitcher's death might have been the result of an enlarged heart. Agent Damon Lapa said it will take 6-to-8 weeks for the results of Kennedy's autopsy, pending the completion of toxicology tests. Kennedy, a journeyman who pitched for three major-league teams in 2007, finishing up the season with Toronto, died at his in-laws' home Friday at age 28. Kennedy woke up at about 1:15 a.m. Friday and collapsed as he was leaving a bedroom at the home of his wife's parents, Hillsborough County sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took Kennedy to Brandon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Kennedy spent seven years in the majors, playing last season with Oakland, Arizona and Toronto. He also spent time with Tampa Bay and Colorado and had a 43-61 career record with a 4.79 ERA in 222 appearances.
Be Sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
Alex Rodriguez and the New York Yankees agreed to a $30 million marketing agreement that according to multiple published reports could raise the total value of his contract to $305 million over 10 years. The agreement would pay A-Rod an additional $6 million over his contract base for matching Willie Mays with 660 career home runs, Babe Ruth with 714, Hank Aaron with 755 and Barry Bonds mark (currently at 762), and then an additional $6 million for passing Bonds to become baseball's all-time home run king. The agreement has not yet been finalized, but both sides have reportedly agreed to its terms.
Two weeks ago both parties agreed to the basic framework of a 10-year, $275 million contract.
Rodriguez will enter next season with 518 career home runs and is on pace to break the all-time record sometime around 2013. Major League Baseball doesn't usually endorse bonuses tied to home run totals, but the Commissioner's Office approved this arrangement because A-Rod would need to make additional personal appearances and memorabilia signings to collect all its benefits, according to the Associated Press.
What will be interesting to see is how other contracts are effected by this agreement, not only in baseball but the other professional sports. As much as I hate to say it, there is that chance that A-Rod suffers a career ending injury before he ever gets to 660 or 714 and this agreement is for not, but should he surpass Barry Bonds and hit 850 or 900 home runs how many other players would have clauses like this one built into their contracts, and would it start to become the norm? While we may not see the career home run record broken in our lifetime, what about the all-time hit record, or doubles record, or stolen base record?, etc... What might start to come from this is bonuses added to players contracts if single season records are broken too. Some players have certain performance clauses added such as if they win the MVP or win 20 games or play in "X" number of games, etc... but that usually pays them several thousand/hundred thousand dollars and nowhere in the neighborhood of $6 million. While it is early to speculate, as Rodriguez's clauses haven't been finalized yet, this could be the start of possibility new clauses being added in contracts and endorsed by the Commissioner's Office.
Kennedy May Have Had Enlarged Heart
The agent for Joe Kennedy said Sunday the family has been told by doctors the pitcher's death might have been the result of an enlarged heart. Agent Damon Lapa said it will take 6-to-8 weeks for the results of Kennedy's autopsy, pending the completion of toxicology tests. Kennedy, a journeyman who pitched for three major-league teams in 2007, finishing up the season with Toronto, died at his in-laws' home Friday at age 28. Kennedy woke up at about 1:15 a.m. Friday and collapsed as he was leaving a bedroom at the home of his wife's parents, Hillsborough County sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said. Hillsborough County Fire Rescue took Kennedy to Brandon Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Kennedy spent seven years in the majors, playing last season with Oakland, Arizona and Toronto. He also spent time with Tampa Bay and Colorado and had a 43-61 career record with a 4.79 ERA in 222 appearances.
Be Sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
November 26
Wild Injury Update
Defenseman Kurtis Foster sustained a hairline fraction in his face, and he'll be out three to five days.
According to head coach Jacques Lemaire, Pavol Demitra will probably be back for the Wilds next game on Wednesday against the Phoenix Coyotes. Demitra has missed 13 of the last 15 games, and Minnesota is 5-9-1 in those contests.
Mikko Koivu doesn't appear ready to return. After sustaining a crack in his left fibula a week ago in Vancouver courtesy of Mattias Ohlund, he was originally expected to miss a week but it now appears as though it will take longer for his injury to heal.
Kings Call Up Klemm
The Los Angeles Kings recalled defenceman Jon Klemm from AHL Manchester on Sunday prior to their game against the Anaheim (LA) Ducks. Klemm, a 14-year NHL veteran, hasn't played for the KIngs this season, but in 17 games with Manchester, where he served as captain, had no points and 16 penalty minutes.
Lehtinen Out Indefinitely
Dallas Stars right wing Jere Lehtinen will be out indefinitely with an abdominal strain, but might not need surgery as the team originally thought, according to head coach Dave Tippett. Lehtinen led the stars with 26 goals last season, and the 13-year NHL veteran has six goals and 13 assists in 21 games this season
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Defenseman Kurtis Foster sustained a hairline fraction in his face, and he'll be out three to five days.
According to head coach Jacques Lemaire, Pavol Demitra will probably be back for the Wilds next game on Wednesday against the Phoenix Coyotes. Demitra has missed 13 of the last 15 games, and Minnesota is 5-9-1 in those contests.
Mikko Koivu doesn't appear ready to return. After sustaining a crack in his left fibula a week ago in Vancouver courtesy of Mattias Ohlund, he was originally expected to miss a week but it now appears as though it will take longer for his injury to heal.
Kings Call Up Klemm
The Los Angeles Kings recalled defenceman Jon Klemm from AHL Manchester on Sunday prior to their game against the Anaheim (LA) Ducks. Klemm, a 14-year NHL veteran, hasn't played for the KIngs this season, but in 17 games with Manchester, where he served as captain, had no points and 16 penalty minutes.
Lehtinen Out Indefinitely
Dallas Stars right wing Jere Lehtinen will be out indefinitely with an abdominal strain, but might not need surgery as the team originally thought, according to head coach Dave Tippett. Lehtinen led the stars with 26 goals last season, and the 13-year NHL veteran has six goals and 13 assists in 21 games this season
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Sunday, November 25, 2007
November 25
Around the NHL
ANAHEIM (LA DUCKS): Winger Drew Miller left Friday's game with a strained left knee in the second period and didn't return. Head Coach Randy Carlyle indicated that he will be assessed over the weekend, perhapds needing an MRI test to check for any damage.
ATLANTA: Injured Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen will be sent to Chicago today for a conditioning assignment with the AHL's Wolves. Lehtonen has been out since injuring his groin against the NY Rangers on October 18.
FLORDIA: Cory Murphy's bruised shoulder was only supposed to keep him out of a few games, but he hasn't played in more then a week and his return is not known. Coach Jacques Martin says he cannot count on Murphy returning Wednesday at Washington until he gets some real practice time.
LOS ANGELES: Leading scorer Alexander Frolov (4 goals, 20 points) will miss at least 1-2 games, possibly more, because of an injured right groin.
NEW JERSEY: Pat Burns who's a Devils scout in Florida, brushed aside rumors out of Toronto that the Leafs were going to fire Paul Maurice and bring him back as coach telling the Toronto Star, "Nobody's talked to me about it. And they couldn't anyway. That would be tampering. They'd need to get permission from Lou. As far as I know, nobody's asked".
NEW YORK RANGERS: After missing 15 games with a broken finger, Martin Straka is out again after suffering a Hamstring pull in Friday's 3-2 shoot-out loss at Florida.
OTTAWA: Daniel Alfredsson missed Saturdays game against Philadelphia and is listed as day-to-day. The Senators leading scorer says his groin tightened up in the third period Thursday against Pittsburgh.
PHOENIX: The Coyotes have loaned goaile David Aebischer to HC Lugano of the Swiss Elite League. Aebischer was assigned to the AHL's San Antonio Rampage on October 24. The move was to make room in San Antonio for Alex Auld, who was sent down eariler this week after the team claimed Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers last weekend. Aebischer appeared in one game for the Coyotes this season after signing a one year $600,000 deal on July 19, and Lugano will pick up the rest of his NHL salary.
WASHINGTON: Alexander Semin left practice early Thursday, after playing in the last two games, and didn't make the Caps road trip and missed his 16th game of the season Saturday with a sprained right ankle. Semin originally injured his ankle when his stake got caught in the netting behind the goal in the second to last exhibition game. He has now returned and reinjured that ankle three times.
Lidstrom, Zetterberg Top West
Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings lead all Western Conference All-Star vote-getters. Lidstorm's 80,903 votes top the west, followed by Zetterberg with 58,074 and Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneup is third with 56,664 votes.
Zetterberg, Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla (42,552) and Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (39,041) lead all forwards in votes. Lidstrom and Phaneuf are the front-runners among defensemen. Pascal Leclair of the Columbus Blue Jackets tops all Western Conference goaltenders with 37,574 votes.
For the Minnesota Wild, Marian Gaborik is 10th among forwards with 20,539 votes, and Brian Rolston 22nd with 6,774, while Niklas Backstrom is 4th among goaltenders (19,756). The voting runs through January 2.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
ANAHEIM (LA DUCKS): Winger Drew Miller left Friday's game with a strained left knee in the second period and didn't return. Head Coach Randy Carlyle indicated that he will be assessed over the weekend, perhapds needing an MRI test to check for any damage.
ATLANTA: Injured Thrashers goalie Kari Lehtonen will be sent to Chicago today for a conditioning assignment with the AHL's Wolves. Lehtonen has been out since injuring his groin against the NY Rangers on October 18.
FLORDIA: Cory Murphy's bruised shoulder was only supposed to keep him out of a few games, but he hasn't played in more then a week and his return is not known. Coach Jacques Martin says he cannot count on Murphy returning Wednesday at Washington until he gets some real practice time.
LOS ANGELES: Leading scorer Alexander Frolov (4 goals, 20 points) will miss at least 1-2 games, possibly more, because of an injured right groin.
NEW JERSEY: Pat Burns who's a Devils scout in Florida, brushed aside rumors out of Toronto that the Leafs were going to fire Paul Maurice and bring him back as coach telling the Toronto Star, "Nobody's talked to me about it. And they couldn't anyway. That would be tampering. They'd need to get permission from Lou. As far as I know, nobody's asked".
NEW YORK RANGERS: After missing 15 games with a broken finger, Martin Straka is out again after suffering a Hamstring pull in Friday's 3-2 shoot-out loss at Florida.
OTTAWA: Daniel Alfredsson missed Saturdays game against Philadelphia and is listed as day-to-day. The Senators leading scorer says his groin tightened up in the third period Thursday against Pittsburgh.
PHOENIX: The Coyotes have loaned goaile David Aebischer to HC Lugano of the Swiss Elite League. Aebischer was assigned to the AHL's San Antonio Rampage on October 24. The move was to make room in San Antonio for Alex Auld, who was sent down eariler this week after the team claimed Ilya Bryzgalov off waivers last weekend. Aebischer appeared in one game for the Coyotes this season after signing a one year $600,000 deal on July 19, and Lugano will pick up the rest of his NHL salary.
WASHINGTON: Alexander Semin left practice early Thursday, after playing in the last two games, and didn't make the Caps road trip and missed his 16th game of the season Saturday with a sprained right ankle. Semin originally injured his ankle when his stake got caught in the netting behind the goal in the second to last exhibition game. He has now returned and reinjured that ankle three times.
Lidstrom, Zetterberg Top West
Nicklas Lidstrom and Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings lead all Western Conference All-Star vote-getters. Lidstorm's 80,903 votes top the west, followed by Zetterberg with 58,074 and Calgary Flames defenseman Dion Phaneup is third with 56,664 votes.
Zetterberg, Calgary Flames right wing Jarome Iginla (42,552) and Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk (39,041) lead all forwards in votes. Lidstrom and Phaneuf are the front-runners among defensemen. Pascal Leclair of the Columbus Blue Jackets tops all Western Conference goaltenders with 37,574 votes.
For the Minnesota Wild, Marian Gaborik is 10th among forwards with 20,539 votes, and Brian Rolston 22nd with 6,774, while Niklas Backstrom is 4th among goaltenders (19,756). The voting runs through January 2.
Be sure to log onto WWW.THESTITCH.US
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