Wild Win Season Opener
St. Paul, Mn -- The Minnesota Wild opened the regular season Saturday night at the Excel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul against the Boston Bruins, and in addition to the regular season opening festivities the Wild raised their first Northwest Division Title banner to the rafters.
Going into Saturday night, Minnesota ranked fifth in the NHL on opening night with a .643 win percentage (4-2-1 all-time) including 4-0-0 in season openers that are home openers. The only tie was the Wild's first ever regular season home game against Philadelphia on 10/11/00 (3-3), and Marian Gaborik is the only player who has remained with Minnesota from the roster that night. Also since the Wild's first NHL season in 2000-01, they rank fourth in the league in GAA (2.47). Only New Jersey (2.30), Detroit (2.36) and Dallas (2.37) have given up fewer goals per game in the last seven NHL campaigns. In that same span, Minnesota goaltenders have the highest Save Percentage of any NHL team (.915). The LA Ducks are second with a .912 SV %. Also since 2000-01, the Wild has the third-best home GAA of any NHL team (2.25). Only Dallas (2.24) and New Jersey (2.24) have given up fewer goals at home over the past seven seasons.
Six skaters made their regular season Wild debut Saturday. Right Wingers Owen Nolan, Craig Weller, and Antti Miettinen along with Defenceman Marc-Andre Bergeron, Marek Zidlicky, and Tomas Mojzis. Left Winger Andrew Brunette, who played for Minnesota from 2001-04, officially started his second tour of duty with the Wild Saturday night. During his first tour, the 35 year old played in 245 games and registered 164 points (54-110=164) and has played in 453 consecutive NHL games, the most of any active player.
Also interesting to note is that Defenceman Erik Reitz is the only American on Minnesota's opening night roster. That is the fewest number of United States-born players of any NHL team.
For Boston this was their second game of the NHL season, as the Bruins defeated the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 on Thursday in Denver, and looked the part as they won the opening face off and got their first shot on goal :11 in.
In a night and season of first's, Owen Nolan registered the Wild's first shot on goal of the season at 1:41 into the game, a wrist shot from 17 feet on the right side. Brent Burns was called for the Wild's first penalty, and double minor, of the season at 3:06. Minnesota killed off the four-minute penalty, but it wasn't too long after that the Wild found themselves trailing for the first time. Former University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Phil Kessel got off a wrist from the right face off dot that went past Minnesota goaltender Niklas Backstrom, playing in his 100th NHL game, to give the Bruins a 1-0 lead. The Wild got their first power play goal of the season, on their second chance, at 18:32 when 19 year-old Colton Gillies fed Eric Belanger, who was set up on the right side of the net, and fired a wrist shot past former Minnesota goalie Manny Fernandez to tie it 1-1.
Minnesota started the second period, just as they had finished the first, on the attack and charging the net. At 1:49 the Wild fired several shots which were stopped by Manny Fernandez, who finished the night with 22 saves, but it wasn't until 4:01 that Minnesota took the lead. Marc-Andre Bergeron fired a slap shot just a few feet in front of the blue line, that Fernandez got his pads on but didn't fully stop as it trickled thru him and past the goal line for the Wild's second power play goal of the night. At 10:22 as Minnesota brought the puck in the zone and was charging the net Andrew Brunette fed Antti Miettinen on a tic-tac-pass-shot that Fernendaz wasn't able to react to for the Wild's first even strength goal of the season. At 12:28 Pierre-Marc Bouchard, who was set up behind the net, fed Eric Belanger whose slapper gave the Wild a 4-1 lead, which they carried into the second intermission.
Boston cut the lead in half to 4-2 at 11:51 of the third period when Michael Rider skated into the zone and stopped by the boards and turned around just to the right face off circle, and fed Marc Savard whose wrist shot went over the blocker of Minnesota netminder Niklas Backstom. The Bruins also got a late goal, again from Savard, but it wasn't enough as the Wild won it 4-3.
Next up for Minnesota is a three-game road trip to Atlanta, Florida, and Tampa Bay starting on Tuesday, and the Wild's next home game is on Thursday October 23rd against the Buffalo Sabres at 7pm. On the other side, Boston will continue their season opening four-game road trip in Montreal on Wednesday. The Bruins home opener comes on Monday October 20th against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Post-Game Notes:
C Eric Belanger tallied his first two-goal game as a member of the Wild. It was his sixth career multi-goal, with the last coming March 2, 2007.
D Marc-Andre Bergeron became the first defenceman to score in his Wild debut since D Kurtis Foster scored twice on Nov. 19, 2005, against Nashville. Bergeron was held to just two points (1-1=2) in his last 26 games last season with the New York Islanders and LA Ducks.
LW Antti Miettinen scored his second goal in as many regular season games, having finished off the 2007-08 season with Dallas with a goal against San Jose on April 6.
RW Pierre-Marc Bouchard notched his 46th career multi-point game with two assists. The Wild improved to 40-5-1 all-time when Bouchard has at least two points.
The Wild improved to 7-0-1 all-time in home openers, with seven straight wins. Minnesota is 5-0-0 in home openers that also begin a season.
Wild D Kim Johnsson had an assist in his 599th career NHL game.
G Niklas Backstrom improved to 53-15-10 in his last 78 decisions, and 44-12-8 in his last 64. Saturday was his 100th NHL appearance overall. He has won seven straight regular season home games dating back to last season, and is 8-0-4 in his last 12 decisions since his last home regulation loss on March 4, 2008.
Dating back to last season, the Wild has won seven straight regular season home games.
Minnesota went 8-24-5 when allowing the first goal last season.
C Marc Savard scored twice for the Bruins, while former Minnesota Golden Gopher Phil Kessel scored Boston's first goal. G Manny Fernandez, the Wild's all-time leader with 113 wins in net, made 22 saves in his first game back at Xcel Energy Center since a July 1, 2007 trade.
3 Stars of the Game (Picked by Doug Johnson of Lets Play Hockey)
1- Minnesota - Eric Belanger (2 Goals)
2- Minnesota - Mikko Koivu (2 Assists)
3- Minnesota - Brent Burns
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
October 3rd
Colonials Stun Gophers 3-2
Minneapolis, Mn -- The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Womens hockey team opened the regular season Friday night hosting the Robert Morris Colonials at Ridder Arena in the East/West Shootout.
While it was the first meeting between the two schools, it wasn't the first time Robert Morris faced a WCHA opponent . Last season the Colonials played Wisconsin, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State and Minnesota State, and posted a 2-5-1 record. Overall they finished the season 12-22-1 (2-11-0 CHA) under second year coach Nate Handrahan.
The Gophers played two exhibition games last weekend beating the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) 8-0, and losing in overtime to the United States Select Team 3-2. On the weekend, Minnesota had 15 players earn a point. Freshman Sarah Erickson had a goal and three assists, as well as scoring a goal during the shootout against Team USA. Kelli Blankenship scored a goal in each game and tallied an assist for three total points. Also earning multiple points over the exhibition games were Gigi Marvin and Brittany Francis with three points (one goal, two assists), Monique Lamoureux (2-0-2) and Emily West (1-1-2).
On the other side, Robert Morris opened their season last weekend with an exhibition game against the Guelph Gryphons winning 4-1, and getting two goals each from senior Megan Picinic and sophomore Sara O'Malley.
Minnesota had no problem from the first face-off getting into the zone and setting up their offense, the problem was they couldn't get any past Colonials goaltender Brianne McLaughlin. The sophomore made 18 saves in the opening period, and finished the game with 63.
Robert Morris converted their first power play chance of the game, when Senior Morgan Beikirch's wrist shot from the side of the net hit off Gophers netminder Kim Hanlon's back and into the net at 8:02 of the first period. The Colonials added another one at 17:46 from freshman Brianna Delaney and took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
Minnesota started the second period with a barrage of shots on McLaughlin, but she once again turned all of them away. Robert Morris scored their second power play goal of the game at 5:46 off the stick of junior Jacki Gibson and led 3-0.
Having given up three goals on seven shots faced, Gophers head coach Brad Frost decided to make goaltending change and pulled Hanlon in favor of Sophomore Jenny Lura.
Minnesota finally got on the board as Freshman Anne Schleper scored her first career goal on the power play, a slapper from the left face off dot, at 6:42, to cut the deficit 3-1.
With just a few minutes left in the third, the Gophers called timeout, pulled their goalie, and with the extra attacker sophomore Emily West scored at 18:55 to cut the lead Colonials lead 3-2, and the Gophers scored the what looked like game tying goal with :41 seconds left but it was waived off due to a player in the crease, and despite being outshot 65-10 Robert Morris won it over third ranked Minnesota 3-2.
Face off for Saturday nights game is 7:07pm.
Game Note:
It was a homecoming of sort for Colonials Maria Stoa. The former Eden Prairie Eagle played in 31 games last year registering 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points. The sophomore centre finished the game a plus-1 with one shot on goal and was called for a hooking penalty at 18:10 of the third period.
GAME STATS:
Minnesota Team Summary
Player --------------------G A PIM Sh +/-
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 0 0 8 0
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 0 4 0
Laura May------------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Rachael Drazan------------- 0 1 2 7 -1
Kelli Blankenship------------ 0 0 0 2 0
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 0 0 3 0
Jocelyne Lamoure------------- 0 1 2 5 -1
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 0 2 3 0
Emily West-------------------1 0 2 5 0
Gili Marvin-------------------0 1 0 4 0
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 2 0 0
Monique Lamoureu -------- 0 1 6 11 -1
Anne Schleper--------------- 1 0 0 6 0
Dagney Willey---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Jen Schoullis----------------- 0 0 4 2 -1
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 0 0 0 0
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Goalie Stats
Minnesota
Kim Hanlon (Loss) 25:47 Min 3-GA 4-Sv
Jenny Lura 32:13 Min 0-GA 3-Sv
Empty Net 02:10 Min
Robert Morris
Brianne McLaughlin (Win) 60:00 Min 2-GA 63-Sv
Scoring
RMU 2 - 1 - 0 3
MN 0 - 1 - 1 2
Prd - Time - Team - Goal (Assists)
1 - 08:02 - RMU - PP- Morgan Beikrich (Megan Picinic)
1 - 17:46 - RMU - EV - Brianna Delaney (Unassisted)
2 - 05:47 - RMU - PP - Jacki Gibson (Kylie Rossler)
2 - 06:42 - MN - PP - Anne Schleper (Monique & Jocelyne Lamourex)
3- 18:55 - MN - EX - Emily West (Rachael Drazan, Gigi Marvin)
SOG
RMU 5 - 4 - 1 10
MN 18 - 23 - 24 65
Penalties--Minutes
RMU 11-22
MN 11-22
Power Plays
RMU 2-8 (4 SOG, Time 12:12)
MN 2-8 (25 SOG, Time 11:51)
Three Stars
1 - Robert Morris - Brianne McLaughlin (63 saves)
2 - Robert Morris - Morgan Beikirch (PP goal)
3 - Robert Morris - Brianna Delaney (goal)
Minneapolis, Mn -- The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Womens hockey team opened the regular season Friday night hosting the Robert Morris Colonials at Ridder Arena in the East/West Shootout.
While it was the first meeting between the two schools, it wasn't the first time Robert Morris faced a WCHA opponent . Last season the Colonials played Wisconsin, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State and Minnesota State, and posted a 2-5-1 record. Overall they finished the season 12-22-1 (2-11-0 CHA) under second year coach Nate Handrahan.
The Gophers played two exhibition games last weekend beating the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) 8-0, and losing in overtime to the United States Select Team 3-2. On the weekend, Minnesota had 15 players earn a point. Freshman Sarah Erickson had a goal and three assists, as well as scoring a goal during the shootout against Team USA. Kelli Blankenship scored a goal in each game and tallied an assist for three total points. Also earning multiple points over the exhibition games were Gigi Marvin and Brittany Francis with three points (one goal, two assists), Monique Lamoureux (2-0-2) and Emily West (1-1-2).
On the other side, Robert Morris opened their season last weekend with an exhibition game against the Guelph Gryphons winning 4-1, and getting two goals each from senior Megan Picinic and sophomore Sara O'Malley.
Minnesota had no problem from the first face-off getting into the zone and setting up their offense, the problem was they couldn't get any past Colonials goaltender Brianne McLaughlin. The sophomore made 18 saves in the opening period, and finished the game with 63.
Robert Morris converted their first power play chance of the game, when Senior Morgan Beikirch's wrist shot from the side of the net hit off Gophers netminder Kim Hanlon's back and into the net at 8:02 of the first period. The Colonials added another one at 17:46 from freshman Brianna Delaney and took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
Minnesota started the second period with a barrage of shots on McLaughlin, but she once again turned all of them away. Robert Morris scored their second power play goal of the game at 5:46 off the stick of junior Jacki Gibson and led 3-0.
Having given up three goals on seven shots faced, Gophers head coach Brad Frost decided to make goaltending change and pulled Hanlon in favor of Sophomore Jenny Lura.
Minnesota finally got on the board as Freshman Anne Schleper scored her first career goal on the power play, a slapper from the left face off dot, at 6:42, to cut the deficit 3-1.
With just a few minutes left in the third, the Gophers called timeout, pulled their goalie, and with the extra attacker sophomore Emily West scored at 18:55 to cut the lead Colonials lead 3-2, and the Gophers scored the what looked like game tying goal with :41 seconds left but it was waived off due to a player in the crease, and despite being outshot 65-10 Robert Morris won it over third ranked Minnesota 3-2.
Face off for Saturday nights game is 7:07pm.
Game Note:
It was a homecoming of sort for Colonials Maria Stoa. The former Eden Prairie Eagle played in 31 games last year registering 4 goals and 12 assists for 16 points. The sophomore centre finished the game a plus-1 with one shot on goal and was called for a hooking penalty at 18:10 of the third period.
GAME STATS:
Minnesota Team Summary
Player --------------------G A PIM Sh +/-
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 0 0 8 0
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 0 4 0
Laura May------------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Rachael Drazan------------- 0 1 2 7 -1
Kelli Blankenship------------ 0 0 0 2 0
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 0 0 3 0
Jocelyne Lamoure------------- 0 1 2 5 -1
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 0 2 3 0
Emily West-------------------1 0 2 5 0
Gili Marvin-------------------0 1 0 4 0
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 2 0 0
Monique Lamoureu -------- 0 1 6 11 -1
Anne Schleper--------------- 1 0 0 6 0
Dagney Willey---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Jen Schoullis----------------- 0 0 4 2 -1
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 0 0 0 0
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Goalie Stats
Minnesota
Kim Hanlon (Loss) 25:47 Min 3-GA 4-Sv
Jenny Lura 32:13 Min 0-GA 3-Sv
Empty Net 02:10 Min
Robert Morris
Brianne McLaughlin (Win) 60:00 Min 2-GA 63-Sv
Scoring
RMU 2 - 1 - 0 3
MN 0 - 1 - 1 2
Prd - Time - Team - Goal (Assists)
1 - 08:02 - RMU - PP- Morgan Beikrich (Megan Picinic)
1 - 17:46 - RMU - EV - Brianna Delaney (Unassisted)
2 - 05:47 - RMU - PP - Jacki Gibson (Kylie Rossler)
2 - 06:42 - MN - PP - Anne Schleper (Monique & Jocelyne Lamourex)
3- 18:55 - MN - EX - Emily West (Rachael Drazan, Gigi Marvin)
SOG
RMU 5 - 4 - 1 10
MN 18 - 23 - 24 65
Penalties--Minutes
RMU 11-22
MN 11-22
Power Plays
RMU 2-8 (4 SOG, Time 12:12)
MN 2-8 (25 SOG, Time 11:51)
Three Stars
1 - Robert Morris - Brianne McLaughlin (63 saves)
2 - Robert Morris - Morgan Beikirch (PP goal)
3 - Robert Morris - Brianna Delaney (goal)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1st
Wild Herd Buffalo 3-2
St. Paul, Mn--The Minnesota Wild played their final home preseason Wednesday night hosting the Buffalo Sabres at the Excel Energy Center in Downtown Saint Paul. This was the second meeting of the two teams in the preseason, as the Wild beat the Sabres in the shootout Sunday 2-1 at HSBC Arena.
Minnesota is playing their second game in as many days after beating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 Tuesday night on Stephane Veilleux's goal with :24 remaining in overtime. This by the way, is the only time the Wild will play back to back games on consecutive days at home this season, or at least until the playoffs, but that's getting way ahead of ourselves.
Already without defenceman Marek Zidlicky because of a sore ankle, the Wild lost Marc-Andre Bergeron in the second period Tuesday night after he broke his nose in a fight with Kyle Beach. It was Bergeron's third fight in three preseason games. Strangely, his only NHL fight came during his rookie year in 2002-03.
Wednesday marked the sixth all-time preseason meeting between the two teams and the last of which was a year ago in Grand Forks, N.D., a 2-1 Minnesota win. The Wild will host Buffalo during the regular season on October 23rd. It's interesting to note that it's been over two years since the Wild last played the Sabres at Excel Energy Center, and now the two clubs are playing each other twice in St. Paul in less then a month.
Ryan Miller got the start in net for Buffalo and stopped the first shot he faced, a Derek Boogaard back-hander, but wasn't able to do the same for the next few fired his way. Minnesota scored the games first goal 5:23 into the game off the stick of Antti Miettinen, got a power play goal from Owen Nolan at 11:34, and a short handed goal at 13:32 from Brent Burns, and were able to convert three straight shots on the Buffalo goaltender for goals. In all the Wild scored goals on three of their first four shots on goal and took a comfortable 3-0 lead into the first intermission.
The Sabres finally got on the board at 14:24 of the second period on a Daniel Paille breakaway goal, and even though they out shot Minnesota 22-12 through two periods found themselves trailing 3-1. It could have been much worse if not for the excellent play of Ryan Miller who stopped six Wild shots toward in goal in the period's closing minute.
At 7:38 of the third period Minnesota defenceman Martin Skoula's stick was deflected toward Wild goalie Josh Harding and caught him in the eye. The severity of the injury to Harding isn't yet known or if he'll miss the rest of the preseason as a result.
In the games closing minute the Wild had a goal waived off due to goaltender interference, and the Sabres Andrej Sekera scored a 6-on-4 goal with :02 seconds left, but it wasn't enough as Minnesota won it 3-2.
The win improves the Wild's preseason record to 4-1 and assures them of their 7th winning preseason in 8 years.
After a day off Thursday, the Wild will close out the preseason with back to back games in Columbus and Montreal on Friday and Saturday before opening the season Saturday October 11th at home against the Boston Bruins.
THREE STARS
(Picked by Doug Johnson of Lets Play Hockey)
1- Minnesota - Defenceman - Brent Burns
2- Minnesota - Centre - Mikko Koivu
3- Minnesota - Defenceman - John Scott
SCORING
Prd - Time - Team - Goal (Assists)
1 - 5:23 - Mn - EV - A. Miettinen (J.Sheppard, S.Veilleux)
1- 11:34 - Mn - PP - O.Nolan (P.Bouchard, E.Belanger)
1- 13:32 - Mn - SH - B.Burns (Unassisted)
2- 14:24 - Buf - EV - D.Paille (T.Lydman)
3 - 19:58 - Buf - PP - A.Sekera (A.Kotalik)
PENALTIES--MINUTES
Buffalo 8--16
Minnesota 8--16
POWER PLAYS
Buffalo 1-6 (11:18 min)
Minnesota 1-6 (9:01 min)
SHOTS ON GOAL
Buffalo 12--10--10 32
Minnesota 5--7--12 24
St. Paul, Mn--The Minnesota Wild played their final home preseason Wednesday night hosting the Buffalo Sabres at the Excel Energy Center in Downtown Saint Paul. This was the second meeting of the two teams in the preseason, as the Wild beat the Sabres in the shootout Sunday 2-1 at HSBC Arena.
Minnesota is playing their second game in as many days after beating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 Tuesday night on Stephane Veilleux's goal with :24 remaining in overtime. This by the way, is the only time the Wild will play back to back games on consecutive days at home this season, or at least until the playoffs, but that's getting way ahead of ourselves.
Already without defenceman Marek Zidlicky because of a sore ankle, the Wild lost Marc-Andre Bergeron in the second period Tuesday night after he broke his nose in a fight with Kyle Beach. It was Bergeron's third fight in three preseason games. Strangely, his only NHL fight came during his rookie year in 2002-03.
Wednesday marked the sixth all-time preseason meeting between the two teams and the last of which was a year ago in Grand Forks, N.D., a 2-1 Minnesota win. The Wild will host Buffalo during the regular season on October 23rd. It's interesting to note that it's been over two years since the Wild last played the Sabres at Excel Energy Center, and now the two clubs are playing each other twice in St. Paul in less then a month.
Ryan Miller got the start in net for Buffalo and stopped the first shot he faced, a Derek Boogaard back-hander, but wasn't able to do the same for the next few fired his way. Minnesota scored the games first goal 5:23 into the game off the stick of Antti Miettinen, got a power play goal from Owen Nolan at 11:34, and a short handed goal at 13:32 from Brent Burns, and were able to convert three straight shots on the Buffalo goaltender for goals. In all the Wild scored goals on three of their first four shots on goal and took a comfortable 3-0 lead into the first intermission.
The Sabres finally got on the board at 14:24 of the second period on a Daniel Paille breakaway goal, and even though they out shot Minnesota 22-12 through two periods found themselves trailing 3-1. It could have been much worse if not for the excellent play of Ryan Miller who stopped six Wild shots toward in goal in the period's closing minute.
At 7:38 of the third period Minnesota defenceman Martin Skoula's stick was deflected toward Wild goalie Josh Harding and caught him in the eye. The severity of the injury to Harding isn't yet known or if he'll miss the rest of the preseason as a result.
In the games closing minute the Wild had a goal waived off due to goaltender interference, and the Sabres Andrej Sekera scored a 6-on-4 goal with :02 seconds left, but it wasn't enough as Minnesota won it 3-2.
The win improves the Wild's preseason record to 4-1 and assures them of their 7th winning preseason in 8 years.
After a day off Thursday, the Wild will close out the preseason with back to back games in Columbus and Montreal on Friday and Saturday before opening the season Saturday October 11th at home against the Boston Bruins.
THREE STARS
(Picked by Doug Johnson of Lets Play Hockey)
1- Minnesota - Defenceman - Brent Burns
2- Minnesota - Centre - Mikko Koivu
3- Minnesota - Defenceman - John Scott
SCORING
Prd - Time - Team - Goal (Assists)
1 - 5:23 - Mn - EV - A. Miettinen (J.Sheppard, S.Veilleux)
1- 11:34 - Mn - PP - O.Nolan (P.Bouchard, E.Belanger)
1- 13:32 - Mn - SH - B.Burns (Unassisted)
2- 14:24 - Buf - EV - D.Paille (T.Lydman)
3 - 19:58 - Buf - PP - A.Sekera (A.Kotalik)
PENALTIES--MINUTES
Buffalo 8--16
Minnesota 8--16
POWER PLAYS
Buffalo 1-6 (11:18 min)
Minnesota 1-6 (9:01 min)
SHOTS ON GOAL
Buffalo 12--10--10 32
Minnesota 5--7--12 24
Sunday, September 28, 2008
September 28th
Team USA Beats Gophers in OT
Minneapolis, Mn - The University of Minnesota Women's hockey team played their second and final exhibition game Sunday afternoon against the U.S. Women's National Team at Ridder Arena. The Gophers were coming off an 8-0 win over the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) back on Friday, and Team USA made the 227 mile drive from Bemidji where they defeated the Beaver's Saturday afternoon 7-0.
Since the 2006 Olympics the University of Minnesota has had 17 players within USA Hockey, including current Gophers Gili Marvin and Rachael Drazan who helped the Americans win a gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World Championships, along with Kelli Blankenship (Under-22), Sarah Erickson (Under-18), Alyssa Grogan (Under-18), Jocelyne and Monique Lamourex (Four Nations Cup, Under-18), Anne Schleper (Under-18, Under-22, Four Nations Cup), Kelly Seeler (Under-18), and Emily West (Under-22).
Also with Minnesota ties playing in the game for Team USA were former Gophers (and current assistant coach) Natalie Darwitz, Anya Miller, and Erica McKenzie, as were former University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Jenny Potter and Jessica Koizumi, and Minnesotan's Megan Van Beusekom from Loretto who played at Princeton alongside Erin Keys from St. Paul who played at Ohio State.
Even though this was an "Exhibition" game, it was apparent from the drop of the opening faceoff that neither team was playing it as such and wanted to win. Both teams seemed to feed off each others energy and the U.S National team scored the games first goal off a mistake. Erica McKenzie picked the Gophers pocket at neutral ice and staked into the zone turning around at the last second and scoring on the backhand past Kim Hanlon for 1-0 USA lead at 4:40. Just a few seconds later Minnesota committed back to back penalties and found themselves two players short. Senior Kim Hanlon stopped two barrages of shots, 6 in all, and the Gophers killed off the 5-3 powerplay which lasted 1:34. The Gophers tied it up at 9:03 when Kelli Blankenship and Brittany Francis charged the net and Francis fed Blankenship whose wrist shot went past USA's Megan Van Beusekom.
For the second game in a row, but not a hugh surprise, Minnesota Head Coach Brad Frost played all three of his goaltenders one period, as Kim Hanlon got the start, Alyssa Grogan for the second, and Jenny Lura for the third and overtime periods, as well as the shootout.
Both teams added a goal in the second, but not till the periods closing minutes. On a delayed penality Team USA's Anya Miller scored with the extra attacker on the ice to give the American's a brief 2-1 lead. Gopher Sophomore Left Wing Emily West tied it at 2-2 on a power play goal with just :37 left in the second period. It could have been much worse for Minnesota, as Team USA's Julie Chu missed a open net off a one time pass at 8:30 and had another shot hit off the post at 9:42.
The third period was even stevens with both the Gophers and Team USA each getting off 12 shots and killing off the others power play chances, three for Minnesota and 2 for the Americans.
Team USA's Erica McKenzie scored the winning goal 1:31 into overtime on the power play as Jenny Lura stopped her shot, but it managed to trickle through her pads past the goal line to give Team USA the victory.
Just like in their previous exhibition game Friday night, there was a shootout practiced, per new WCHA rules, and while it didn't count in the official stats Sarah Erickson converted for the Gophers while Erica McKenzie and Natalie Darwitz converted two of the three Team USA chances.
GAME STATS:
Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 0 15 1 -1 .
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 1 6 0 +1
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 2 4 0
Laura May--------------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Rachael Drazan------------- 0 1 2 0 -1
Kelli Blankenship------------ 1 0 0 6 +1
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 1 0 1 +1
Jocelyne Lamoure---------- 0 0 2 3 -1
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 0 0 1 -2
Emily West-------------------- 1 0 0 3 -2
Nikki Ludwigson------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Gili Marvin--------------------- 0 1 0 3 -1
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Monique Lamoureu -------- 0 0 0 0 0
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Dagney Willey---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Jen Schoullis----------------- 0 0 0 6 0
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 0 2 0 0
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Shots on Goal
USA 19-6-12-1 38
MN 6-12-12-0 30
Faceoffs Won
USA 38
MN 26
Penalties--Minutes
USA 11--33
MN 9--29
Power Plays
USA 1-8 (11 SOG, Time on PP 10:01)
MN 1-10 (10 SOG, Time on PP 15:06)
Goals:
USA 1-1-0-1 3
MN 1-1-0-0 2
Prd--Time--Team--Scored by (Assist/s)
1st--04:40--USA--EV Erica McKenzie (Unassisted)
1st--09:03--MN--EV Kelli Blankenship (Brittany Francis, Melanie Gagnon)
2nd--17:01--USA--EX Anya Miller (Erin Keys)
2nd--19:23--MN--PP Emily West (Rachael Drazan, Gigi Marvin)
OT--01:31--USA--PP Erica McKenzie (Caitlin Cahow, Molly Engstrom)
Goalie Stats
U.S. National Team
Megan Van Beusekom (Win) 61:25 Min 2 GA 28 SV
EMPTY NET 00:06 Min
Minnesota
Kim Hanlon 20:00 Min 1 GA 18 SV
Alyssa Grogan 20:00 Min 1 GA 5 SV
Jenny Lura (Loss) 21:31 Min 1 GA 12 SV
Minneapolis, Mn - The University of Minnesota Women's hockey team played their second and final exhibition game Sunday afternoon against the U.S. Women's National Team at Ridder Arena. The Gophers were coming off an 8-0 win over the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) back on Friday, and Team USA made the 227 mile drive from Bemidji where they defeated the Beaver's Saturday afternoon 7-0.
Since the 2006 Olympics the University of Minnesota has had 17 players within USA Hockey, including current Gophers Gili Marvin and Rachael Drazan who helped the Americans win a gold medal at the 2008 IIHF World Championships, along with Kelli Blankenship (Under-22), Sarah Erickson (Under-18), Alyssa Grogan (Under-18), Jocelyne and Monique Lamourex (Four Nations Cup, Under-18), Anne Schleper (Under-18, Under-22, Four Nations Cup), Kelly Seeler (Under-18), and Emily West (Under-22).
Also with Minnesota ties playing in the game for Team USA were former Gophers (and current assistant coach) Natalie Darwitz, Anya Miller, and Erica McKenzie, as were former University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs Jenny Potter and Jessica Koizumi, and Minnesotan's Megan Van Beusekom from Loretto who played at Princeton alongside Erin Keys from St. Paul who played at Ohio State.
Even though this was an "Exhibition" game, it was apparent from the drop of the opening faceoff that neither team was playing it as such and wanted to win. Both teams seemed to feed off each others energy and the U.S National team scored the games first goal off a mistake. Erica McKenzie picked the Gophers pocket at neutral ice and staked into the zone turning around at the last second and scoring on the backhand past Kim Hanlon for 1-0 USA lead at 4:40. Just a few seconds later Minnesota committed back to back penalties and found themselves two players short. Senior Kim Hanlon stopped two barrages of shots, 6 in all, and the Gophers killed off the 5-3 powerplay which lasted 1:34. The Gophers tied it up at 9:03 when Kelli Blankenship and Brittany Francis charged the net and Francis fed Blankenship whose wrist shot went past USA's Megan Van Beusekom.
For the second game in a row, but not a hugh surprise, Minnesota Head Coach Brad Frost played all three of his goaltenders one period, as Kim Hanlon got the start, Alyssa Grogan for the second, and Jenny Lura for the third and overtime periods, as well as the shootout.
Both teams added a goal in the second, but not till the periods closing minutes. On a delayed penality Team USA's Anya Miller scored with the extra attacker on the ice to give the American's a brief 2-1 lead. Gopher Sophomore Left Wing Emily West tied it at 2-2 on a power play goal with just :37 left in the second period. It could have been much worse for Minnesota, as Team USA's Julie Chu missed a open net off a one time pass at 8:30 and had another shot hit off the post at 9:42.
The third period was even stevens with both the Gophers and Team USA each getting off 12 shots and killing off the others power play chances, three for Minnesota and 2 for the Americans.
Team USA's Erica McKenzie scored the winning goal 1:31 into overtime on the power play as Jenny Lura stopped her shot, but it managed to trickle through her pads past the goal line to give Team USA the victory.
Just like in their previous exhibition game Friday night, there was a shootout practiced, per new WCHA rules, and while it didn't count in the official stats Sarah Erickson converted for the Gophers while Erica McKenzie and Natalie Darwitz converted two of the three Team USA chances.
GAME STATS:
Minnesota Team Summary
Player -------------------------- G A PIM Sh +/-
Kelly Seeler------------------- 0 0 15 1 -1 .
Melanie Gagnon------------- 0 1 6 0 +1
Sarah Erickson--------------- 0 0 2 4 0
Laura May--------------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Rachael Drazan------------- 0 1 2 0 -1
Kelli Blankenship------------ 1 0 0 6 +1
Jaimie Horton---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Brittany Francis-------------- 0 1 0 1 +1
Jocelyne Lamoure---------- 0 0 2 3 -1
Chelsey Jones--------------- 0 0 0 1 -2
Emily West-------------------- 1 0 0 3 -2
Nikki Ludwigson------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Gili Marvin--------------------- 0 1 0 3 -1
Alexandra Zebro------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Monique Lamoureu -------- 0 0 0 0 0
Anne Schleper--------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Dagney Willey---------------- 0 0 0 1 0
Jen Schoullis----------------- 0 0 0 6 0
Terra Rasmussen----------- 0 0 2 0 0
Michelle Maunu-------------- 0 0 0 0 0
Shots on Goal
USA 19-6-12-1 38
MN 6-12-12-0 30
Faceoffs Won
USA 38
MN 26
Penalties--Minutes
USA 11--33
MN 9--29
Power Plays
USA 1-8 (11 SOG, Time on PP 10:01)
MN 1-10 (10 SOG, Time on PP 15:06)
Goals:
USA 1-1-0-1 3
MN 1-1-0-0 2
Prd--Time--Team--Scored by (Assist/s)
1st--04:40--USA--EV Erica McKenzie (Unassisted)
1st--09:03--MN--EV Kelli Blankenship (Brittany Francis, Melanie Gagnon)
2nd--17:01--USA--EX Anya Miller (Erin Keys)
2nd--19:23--MN--PP Emily West (Rachael Drazan, Gigi Marvin)
OT--01:31--USA--PP Erica McKenzie (Caitlin Cahow, Molly Engstrom)
Goalie Stats
U.S. National Team
Megan Van Beusekom (Win) 61:25 Min 2 GA 28 SV
EMPTY NET 00:06 Min
Minnesota
Kim Hanlon 20:00 Min 1 GA 18 SV
Alyssa Grogan 20:00 Min 1 GA 5 SV
Jenny Lura (Loss) 21:31 Min 1 GA 12 SV
Saturday, September 27, 2008
September 26th
After a 3+ month off season, Christophers Crease is back. Pete Waggoner and myself are still working hard (well mainly Pete) for several of the new changes to both TheStitch.us and MyFoxHockey.com along with a weekly radio hockey show starting in just a few weeks.
It felt kinda weird at the Wild's first preseason game on Wednesday against Columbus getting back into the swing of things. It didn't seem like five months had past since last being in the Al Shaver Press Box during the playoffs. It felt surreal in a sense, as did the Gopher Womens game tonight. Guess it goes to show that the media along with the players needs a training camp/few games to get back into the grove.
Be sure to check back as between the Crease, The Stitch, and My Fox Hockey we'll have plenty of Wild, Gopher Women, and Gopher Mens coverage for you, and thanks for your support.
GOPHERS DOWN SASKATCHEWAN 8-0
Minneapolis, Mn - The University of Minnesota Womens Hockey team opened the 2008-09 season Friday night at Ridder Arena with an exhibition against the University of Saskatchewan (Canada). The Gophers are coming off a 27-7-4 season (21-5-2, 2nd WCHA) in which they returned to the NCAA post-season after a year hiatus, helped in part to a 21-game unbeaten streak (19-0-2, November 18th to February 23rd), but lost a 3-2 heartbreaker in overtime to Wisconsin in the NCAA Regionals and just missed going to the Frozen Four.
Gone from last years roster are Whitney Graft, Erica McKenzie, Anya Miller, Jenelle Philipczyk and Bobbi Ross, who led the Gophers to two national championship games and 110 wins, and three of the top five scorers in McKenzie, Ross and Miller. Minnesota does return 15 letterwinners, including first-team All-WCHA selections Gigi Marvin and Rachael Drazan. Marvin, a second-team All-American, led the team in scoring with 54 points, which was good enough for 2nd in the Conference and eighth in the Nation. Drazen was second among defensewomen in scoring, and led them in plus/minus with a rating of +19.
The Gophers didn't waste any time once the puck dropped as they got their first offensive chance and shot on goal just :23 in, as Senior Gili Marvin's wrist shot went off the blocker of Saskatchewan's Vanessa Frederick. Junior Kelli Blankenship's fired a slapper from the left circle at 5:46 that hit off the pipe, and it wasn't until 6:44 that Minnesota's Gili Marvin scored the games first goal on the power play. The Gophers added another one about six minutes later off the stick of Freshman Monique Lamoureux, again on the power play. It wasn't until 15:15 in that Saskatchewan got their first shot on goal, and at periods end were trailing 18-1 in that department, as Minnesota established control early on and converted two of three power play chances on four total shots in the first period.
As is usually the case in most exhibition games the Gophers played all three of their goaltenders one period. Sophomore Jenny Lura for the first, Freshman Alyssa Grogan for the second, and Senior Kim Hanlon for the third.
Minnesota added three more goals in the second period from Junior Brittany Francis, Lamoureux's second, and Junior Kelli Blankenship, and got third period goals from Freshman Nikki Ludwigson, Sophomore Jen Schoullis, and Freshman Sarah Erickson.
New to WCHA play this year is the shootout. Just like in the NHL, if the score is tied at the end of regulation a five-minute overtime period is played, and if no one scores there will be a best of three shootout. Even though the game ended with the Gophers winning 8-0, the shootout was still practiced. For the record, Minnesota won it 2-1 with goals from Gili Marvin and Monique Lamaureux, and Chelsea Purcell converted for Saskatchewan.
The Gophers will play another exhibition game against the U.S. National Team at Ridder Arena on Sunday at 2pm, before opening the season October 3rd and 4th at home against Robert Morris.
GAME STATS
Shots on Goal:
SASK 1-6-3 10
MINN 18-13-16 47
Faceoffs Won
SASK 31
MINN 36
Penalties--Minutes
SASK 5--10
MINN 5--10
Power Plays
SASK 0-5 (2 SOG, Time 8:08)
MINN 2-5 (10 SOG, Time 7:24)
Goals:
SASK 0-0-0 0 (SO 1)
MINN 2-3-3 8 (SO 2)
Prd--Time--Team--Scored by (Assist/s)
1st--06:44--Minn-- PP Gili Marvin (Emily West)
1st--12:22--Minn-- PP Monique Lamoureux (Sarah Erickson, Anne Schleper)
2nd--10:31--Minn--EV Brittany Francis (Kelli Blankenship, Sarah Erickson)
2nd--16:20--Minn--EV Monique Lamoureux (Jocelyne Lamoure, Alexandra Zebro)
2nd--19:05--Minn--EV Kelli Blankenship (Brittany Francis, Sarah Erickson)
3rd--12:58--Minn--EV Nikki Ludwigson (Terra Rasmussen)
3rd--15:23--Minn--EV Jen Schoullis (Kelly Seeler)
3rd--18:22--Minn--SH Sarah Erickson (Gigi Marvin)
Goalie Stats:
Minnesota
Jenny Lura (Win) 20:00 Min 0 GA 1 SV
Alyssa Grogan 20:00 Min 0 GA 6 SV
Kim Hanlon 20:00 Min 0 GA 3 SV
Saskatchewan
Vanessa Frederick (Loss) 40:00 Min 5 GA 26 SV
Chauntal Armet 20:00 Min 3 GA 13 SV
It felt kinda weird at the Wild's first preseason game on Wednesday against Columbus getting back into the swing of things. It didn't seem like five months had past since last being in the Al Shaver Press Box during the playoffs. It felt surreal in a sense, as did the Gopher Womens game tonight. Guess it goes to show that the media along with the players needs a training camp/few games to get back into the grove.
Be sure to check back as between the Crease, The Stitch, and My Fox Hockey we'll have plenty of Wild, Gopher Women, and Gopher Mens coverage for you, and thanks for your support.
GOPHERS DOWN SASKATCHEWAN 8-0
Minneapolis, Mn - The University of Minnesota Womens Hockey team opened the 2008-09 season Friday night at Ridder Arena with an exhibition against the University of Saskatchewan (Canada). The Gophers are coming off a 27-7-4 season (21-5-2, 2nd WCHA) in which they returned to the NCAA post-season after a year hiatus, helped in part to a 21-game unbeaten streak (19-0-2, November 18th to February 23rd), but lost a 3-2 heartbreaker in overtime to Wisconsin in the NCAA Regionals and just missed going to the Frozen Four.
Gone from last years roster are Whitney Graft, Erica McKenzie, Anya Miller, Jenelle Philipczyk and Bobbi Ross, who led the Gophers to two national championship games and 110 wins, and three of the top five scorers in McKenzie, Ross and Miller. Minnesota does return 15 letterwinners, including first-team All-WCHA selections Gigi Marvin and Rachael Drazan. Marvin, a second-team All-American, led the team in scoring with 54 points, which was good enough for 2nd in the Conference and eighth in the Nation. Drazen was second among defensewomen in scoring, and led them in plus/minus with a rating of +19.
The Gophers didn't waste any time once the puck dropped as they got their first offensive chance and shot on goal just :23 in, as Senior Gili Marvin's wrist shot went off the blocker of Saskatchewan's Vanessa Frederick. Junior Kelli Blankenship's fired a slapper from the left circle at 5:46 that hit off the pipe, and it wasn't until 6:44 that Minnesota's Gili Marvin scored the games first goal on the power play. The Gophers added another one about six minutes later off the stick of Freshman Monique Lamoureux, again on the power play. It wasn't until 15:15 in that Saskatchewan got their first shot on goal, and at periods end were trailing 18-1 in that department, as Minnesota established control early on and converted two of three power play chances on four total shots in the first period.
As is usually the case in most exhibition games the Gophers played all three of their goaltenders one period. Sophomore Jenny Lura for the first, Freshman Alyssa Grogan for the second, and Senior Kim Hanlon for the third.
Minnesota added three more goals in the second period from Junior Brittany Francis, Lamoureux's second, and Junior Kelli Blankenship, and got third period goals from Freshman Nikki Ludwigson, Sophomore Jen Schoullis, and Freshman Sarah Erickson.
New to WCHA play this year is the shootout. Just like in the NHL, if the score is tied at the end of regulation a five-minute overtime period is played, and if no one scores there will be a best of three shootout. Even though the game ended with the Gophers winning 8-0, the shootout was still practiced. For the record, Minnesota won it 2-1 with goals from Gili Marvin and Monique Lamaureux, and Chelsea Purcell converted for Saskatchewan.
The Gophers will play another exhibition game against the U.S. National Team at Ridder Arena on Sunday at 2pm, before opening the season October 3rd and 4th at home against Robert Morris.
GAME STATS
Shots on Goal:
SASK 1-6-3 10
MINN 18-13-16 47
Faceoffs Won
SASK 31
MINN 36
Penalties--Minutes
SASK 5--10
MINN 5--10
Power Plays
SASK 0-5 (2 SOG, Time 8:08)
MINN 2-5 (10 SOG, Time 7:24)
Goals:
SASK 0-0-0 0 (SO 1)
MINN 2-3-3 8 (SO 2)
Prd--Time--Team--Scored by (Assist/s)
1st--06:44--Minn-- PP Gili Marvin (Emily West)
1st--12:22--Minn-- PP Monique Lamoureux (Sarah Erickson, Anne Schleper)
2nd--10:31--Minn--EV Brittany Francis (Kelli Blankenship, Sarah Erickson)
2nd--16:20--Minn--EV Monique Lamoureux (Jocelyne Lamoure, Alexandra Zebro)
2nd--19:05--Minn--EV Kelli Blankenship (Brittany Francis, Sarah Erickson)
3rd--12:58--Minn--EV Nikki Ludwigson (Terra Rasmussen)
3rd--15:23--Minn--EV Jen Schoullis (Kelly Seeler)
3rd--18:22--Minn--SH Sarah Erickson (Gigi Marvin)
Goalie Stats:
Minnesota
Jenny Lura (Win) 20:00 Min 0 GA 1 SV
Alyssa Grogan 20:00 Min 0 GA 6 SV
Kim Hanlon 20:00 Min 0 GA 3 SV
Saskatchewan
Vanessa Frederick (Loss) 40:00 Min 5 GA 26 SV
Chauntal Armet 20:00 Min 3 GA 13 SV
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
June 3rd
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT, AND STAY TUNED...
Both Pete Waggoner and myself would like to thank those of you for logging onto the Stitch.us and MyFoxHockey.com this past hockey season and also during the High School off-season and joining us during Wild Chatter.
For those of you wondering why the two sites along with "Christopher's Crease" haven't been updated the last few months since the Wild were eliminated in the first round and the Pioneers defeated the Hornets in the Championship game.....We've been working behind the scenes getting things in order for the start of the 2008-09 High School and Hockey seasons.
Look for some new changes come late September/Early October, and thanks for your support.
Both Pete Waggoner and myself would like to thank those of you for logging onto the Stitch.us and MyFoxHockey.com this past hockey season and also during the High School off-season and joining us during Wild Chatter.
For those of you wondering why the two sites along with "Christopher's Crease" haven't been updated the last few months since the Wild were eliminated in the first round and the Pioneers defeated the Hornets in the Championship game.....We've been working behind the scenes getting things in order for the start of the 2008-09 High School and Hockey seasons.
Look for some new changes come late September/Early October, and thanks for your support.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May 6th
'HAWKS AGREE TO TERMS WITH NIEMI
The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with Finnish goaltender Antti Niemi. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Niemi posted a record of 26-6-14 with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 49 games last season with Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League.
"Antti is one of the top European goaltenders and had been courted by the majority of NHL teams," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "We like his size, athleticism, ability and the depth that this gives us at this position. We're thrilled to add a young talent like Niemi to our stable of prospects."
The 24-year-old Niemi notched a mark of 56-44-29 with a 2.71 GAA over the past three seasons with Pelicans.
LEAFS SIGN MITCHELL TO ENTRY LEVEL DEAL
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Dale Mitchell to a three-year entry level contract.
Mitchell was the Maple Leafs' first choice, 74th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
The 19-year-old skated in 15 playoff games for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League in 2008 with 16 points and scored 24 goals and 60 points in 63 regular season games.
Over the past three seasons with Oshawa, Mitchell has played in 195 games, collecting 183 points (87 goals, 96 assists) along with 223 penalty minutes.
Mitchell signed an amateur try-out contract with the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies last week and will join the Marlies for the Calder Cup playoffs.
START TIMES AND COVERAGE ANNOUNCED FOR CONFERENCE FINALS
(Game--Date--Time--Home Team--Network)
Western Conference Final: #1 Detroit vs #5 Dallas
Game 1--Thur, May 8--630pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Game 2--Sat, May 10--6pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Game 3--Mon, May 12--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
Game 4--Wed, May 14--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
*Game 5--Sat, May 17--1230pm--@ Detroit--NBC
*Game 6--Mon, May 19--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
*Game 7--Wed, May 21--630pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Eastern Conference Final: #2 Pittsburgh vs #6 Philadelphia
Game 1--Fri, May 9--630pm--@ Pittsburgh--Versus
Game 2--Sun, May 11--630pm--@ Pittsburgh--Versus
Game 3--Tues, May 13--630pm--@ Philadelphia--Versus
Game 4--Thur, May 15--630pm--@ Philadelphia--Versus
*Game 5--Sun, May 18--2pm--@ Pittsburgh--NBC
*Game 6--Tues, May 20--630pm--@Philadelphia--Versus
*Game 7--Thur, May 22--630pm--@Pittsburgh--Versus
*If Necessary
The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to terms with Finnish goaltender Antti Niemi. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Niemi posted a record of 26-6-14 with a 2.35 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage in 49 games last season with Pelicans of the Finnish Elite League.
"Antti is one of the top European goaltenders and had been courted by the majority of NHL teams," said Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon. "We like his size, athleticism, ability and the depth that this gives us at this position. We're thrilled to add a young talent like Niemi to our stable of prospects."
The 24-year-old Niemi notched a mark of 56-44-29 with a 2.71 GAA over the past three seasons with Pelicans.
LEAFS SIGN MITCHELL TO ENTRY LEVEL DEAL
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Dale Mitchell to a three-year entry level contract.
Mitchell was the Maple Leafs' first choice, 74th overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
The 19-year-old skated in 15 playoff games for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League in 2008 with 16 points and scored 24 goals and 60 points in 63 regular season games.
Over the past three seasons with Oshawa, Mitchell has played in 195 games, collecting 183 points (87 goals, 96 assists) along with 223 penalty minutes.
Mitchell signed an amateur try-out contract with the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies last week and will join the Marlies for the Calder Cup playoffs.
START TIMES AND COVERAGE ANNOUNCED FOR CONFERENCE FINALS
(Game--Date--Time--Home Team--Network)
Western Conference Final: #1 Detroit vs #5 Dallas
Game 1--Thur, May 8--630pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Game 2--Sat, May 10--6pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Game 3--Mon, May 12--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
Game 4--Wed, May 14--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
*Game 5--Sat, May 17--1230pm--@ Detroit--NBC
*Game 6--Mon, May 19--7pm--@ Dallas--Versus
*Game 7--Wed, May 21--630pm--@ Detroit--Versus
Eastern Conference Final: #2 Pittsburgh vs #6 Philadelphia
Game 1--Fri, May 9--630pm--@ Pittsburgh--Versus
Game 2--Sun, May 11--630pm--@ Pittsburgh--Versus
Game 3--Tues, May 13--630pm--@ Philadelphia--Versus
Game 4--Thur, May 15--630pm--@ Philadelphia--Versus
*Game 5--Sun, May 18--2pm--@ Pittsburgh--NBC
*Game 6--Tues, May 20--630pm--@Philadelphia--Versus
*Game 7--Thur, May 22--630pm--@Pittsburgh--Versus
*If Necessary
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