Clicks and Clippings: When Hockey Gods are smiling
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 12:49 PM EDT
in Hurricanes Newsstand
Email
PrintSo why am I (and seemingly so many others across the hockey blogosphere) so pleased the Canadiens won last night? Because I'm a hockey fan who, like most of us, hold a special place in our hearts for the underdogs who defy the "experts" and figure out how to win on guts, smarts, and all-out total team effort. So when I read this story today by a Yahoo!Sports writer not named Wyshynski, it all made sense:
Old-school Habs deserve to be America's team - NHL - Eric Adelson, Yahoo! Sports These loveable Habs are turning the NHL world upside down by going back to the game's roots. ...Had the sport changed completely, from team-first to star-centered? Were media-blessed stars like Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby really able to take over and win on their own?
Damien Cox: Dare to dream, Habs fans - thestar.com ...Jaroslav Halak, Evgeni Nabokov and Antti Niemi, two ninth-round picks and an undrafted Finn, have already secured berths in the Final Four.
Habs heat up in Year of the Smurf - The Globe and Mail Despite hearing their whole careers they were too small, Cammalleri, Gionta, Gomez et al continue to defy tall odds
After the jump, great home video of fans welcoming their Canadien heroes home at the Montreal airport, looking afresh at Michael Leighton, Canes at Worlds, and a few other links from the blogosphere.
YouTube - Montreal Canadiens Arriving At the Airport after game 7 VS Pittsburgh (via Puck Daddy's story on all the ways the Habs fans celebrated - not all of which are admirable). Go to the 5:30 mark to see P. K. Subban get his birthday wishes, as he turns 21 today. And it's also Jaroslav Halak's birthday today. He's 25.
Flyers come back from 0-3, to take the Bruins to a Game 7
As the TSN.ca headline on their front page read this morning: Better Leighton Never
Did you see these comments from Chris Pronger, yesterday, about the goalie situation in Philadelphia? Coming from the "Bad Cop" who plays opposite Captain Mike Richard's "Good Cop" in the Flyers leadership structure, I thought Pronger couldn't have done a better job to take the pressure of Michael Leighton who made his first Stanley Cup playoff start, ever. Who knew he could be more than just a big elbow?
"Well, I've never seen this type of situation where you have a starter and have another starter, then another," Pronger told the media Wednesday morning. "Then you go back to the other starter and go back to your third guy, who's now the second guy, who became your first guy, who was your cousins' brothers' sisters', friend."
Flyers bully history as Leighton forces Game 7 vs. Bruins - Puck Daddy He's had nine different uniforms in nine years, and now he's backstopping the Flyers in an historic quest for the conference finals.
Rich Hofmann: Flyers' Leighton a realist in midst of storybook tale | Philadelphia Daily News | 05/13/2010 'THE NEXT ONE, that's the big one, said Michael Leighton, a realist and a spoilsport and a storybook character, all rolled into one set of goalie pads."
And some insight on Peter Laviolette's coaching style: While Philadelphia Flyers coach Peter Laviolette makes adjustments, Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien stays the course - ESPN Boston
At the Flyers' SBN Blog, Broad Street Hockey, they're both excited and admittedly surprised. ECSF Game 6: Leighton Stops 30, Flyers Win 2-1, GAME 7 IS NECESSARY Can't say I blame them. (This story follows yesterday's Game 6 preview with the header: "Can they actually do this?" Humility is a wonderful thing.)
Game 7 Softens Blow of Less Star-Laden Final Four " Puck The Media Expecting Friday to be a great night for hockey.
For you trivia buffs, Mike Sundheim tweeted this last night in the 3rd period. He sure knows how to make a Caniac smile (and Michael Leighton was there too):
The Bruins are trying to avoid their second consecutive May 14th Game 7 at home.
And, needless to say, Boston's not worried: Julien remains upbeat - The Boston Globe Bruins Blog - Boston.com
IIHF
If you're among the few who have been following the IIHF World Cup tournament in Germany, hopefully you weren't rooting for Team USA which was embarrassed into the relegation yesterday. I'm not even sure it's worth finding out what that means.
However if you're a Canes fan, there are other teams to keep an eye on.
Team Finland features Canes' MVP Jussi Jokinen on the top line. And Oskar Osala will apparently get to play Friday. There's a Finnish hockey journalist, Juha Hiitela, who tweets in English for his new-found Caniac followers. Here's what he reported this morning (and our resident champion of the values of big bruising wingers, abramsdoug, has kindly put up a fanpost of their conversation here)
Twitter / Juha Hiitelä:
Oskar Osala will play against... whatever it's going to be.. on Friday...They will decide tomorrow in which line Osala will be. ...Osala will play in either 3rd or 4th line. Head coach Jalonen said that they won't break 1st and 2nd line....I think I spoke first time ever with Osala today. Don't remember if I did that before he went to North America. Nice guy.
Team Canada, now led by Captain Ray Whitney, lost to the Swiss yesterday. Alrighty then. Also, Canada's GM Mark Messier reportedly wants to add another goalie. Yesterday there was speculation it might be Carey Price. Today the name Marc-Andre Fleury comes up. Conspicuously absent in the pool of candidates: Team Canada's Olympic gold-medal netminder, Roberto Luongo.
And for Team Germany, Cane's (unsigned) prospect and recently graduated Cornell University blueliner Justin Krueger is getting a lot of minutes in winning efforts. Krueger cheers for son, Justin Krueger Ralph Krueger was a nervous nelly as he watched the record-breaking opening game at the 2010 World Championship. And after Germany beat Team USA 2-1 in overtime, his wife Glenda cried when the German anthem was played.
Other names in the news
Michael Leighton isn't the only hockey player still alive in the SC playoffs who began the season in Carolina. Sounds like Niclas Wallin is glad to be able to get back in the mix after a lower-body injury sidelined him for several games. For San Jose Sharks, rest wins out over rust in debate - San Jose Mercury News explains how he earned the nickname "The Secret Weapon" to Sharks fans eager to have clutch players in a playoff scenario:
"It was very frustrating," said Wallin, 35, a member of Carolina's 2006 Stanley Cup winner. "I was getting phone calls from family and friends, questions from my dad and wife about how I was feeling. It got to the point where I stopped answering phone calls. This is what you play the whole season for, these kinds of game."
Grindcast 7: Puck Daddy, Playoff Predictions Gone Bad and Our First Catchphrase - Sean Gentille - The Grinder - Sporting News The first 30 minutes of this podcast are a fantastic conversation with Greg Wyshynski regarding, among other topics, blogs, twitter and the evolving nature of sports coverage.
Devils captain Jamie Langenbrunner soul-searching after early playoffs exit Langenbrunner was unhappy about being a healthy scratch for the April 3 game in Raleigh, N.C., and remained silent on the matter for the next four days. He still will not discuss the incident in detail, but two other members of the organization suggested Lemaire disrespected Langenbrunner by trying to give the "C" to defenseman Colin White for that one game. White wouldn’t wear it.
Remembering well what it's like when your team is just plain old, from the Detroit Free Press, Mitch Albom: 'Next year' no sure thing for Red Wings In Hockeytown, when the team wins, it feels like destiny, and when it loses, destiny took a breather, sure to be back next year, ready for a kiss, right?
Minor League news
Hundred Degree Hockey: An Interview with AHL Commissioner David Andrews talking about the future of AHL across the country with mentions of the move into Charlotte.
Checkers News Former Checkers Stick Boy Drafted by OHL'S Sarnia Sting.
And the Hershey Bears won the first game of the AHL Eastern Conference Finals last night. Handily, in regulation. Hershey Bears use quick start to beat Manchester Monarchs in Game 1 | Tim Leone, PennLive.com
42 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Well HM2
you did a great job on this and even though that utube video was good but too dark for me to see really well. And yes, i too was surprised by some of the postings from the flyers fans…as they seemed to be in shock as it were that they could even possible win game 6.I hope i never live to see they that canes fans would ever get to be that “lethargic” in pulling for the Canes…I thank you HM2 for your, Bob’s & Cory’s efforts. Each of you make it look so easy…when in reality I know it is NOT…Be safe and enjoy the week end…
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
Nice series of articles. Now I don’t have to do the browsing, do I?
I do not lament the passing of the “old barns” as the writer of the first article does. I grew up in Chicago and attended Hawks games in the old Chicago Stadium. The bathrooms were old and leaked constantly. Nothing like having a full house and seeing urine dribbling down the stairs. It also have VERY limited view seats under the balcony extensions. You could maybe see one-quarter of the ice/basketball court. Nope, don’t miss it.
Go Canes!
There are a lot of teams with some vile hockey fans who have outraged many Canes fans with horrendous behavior, if you wanna look at it that way. Last year it was the Bruins and especially the Pens fans generating a lot of hate. Sabres’ fans every year – require special forces at the RBC. I’m sure we all have experiences to share.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
All of the Northeast is vile, but I haven’t had bad experiences with Boston fans or New Jersey fans. Buffalo fans are by far the worst, 2a & 2b are Philly & Pens fans. I remember I got into it with a Pens fan in Wrightsville Beach last spring. The worst thing about Habs fans is they’re everywhere and some of us even have them in their family.
some of us even have them in their family.
That’s when it is especially painful. Sorry to hear that. ;)
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions
TSN did a good job with this 2 1/2 minute video talking to players in both locker rooms after the game at the Igloo last night.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 2:29 PM EDT reply actions
Speaking of interesting folks to follow on twitter – a moment ago:
@MikeSundheim
It sounds like we have an actual player transaction to announce shortly. And a somewhat intriguing one at that.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 3:25 PM EDT reply actions
Player transaction…. What does that even mean? Teams can’t trade till the seasons over right? I’m confused.
Oh… I guess it could mean the re-signing of a player or the official retirement of “someone”. Didn’t think of that.
No way it’s a retirement announcement. Can you say “Fish called Babchuk”?
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
If we re-sign Sami Kapanen, I'm going to laugh.
And probably get angry soon thereafter. But first laugh.
(Best real guess is still Babchuk.)
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
Hey! Sami scored the game-winner for Team Finland yesterday. We could have done worse!
Phoblographer and Finn Aficionado
SISU
by Jamie Kellner on May 13, 2010 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I saw — that’s what made me think of him.
Doesn’t look like he has any real desire (or reason) to head back to North America, not at this stage — short-season, big-ice European game is probably good for him. I always liked Sami.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
I am happy Pittsburgh lost
Join the NLL community at http://www.nationallacrosseleagueblog.blogspot.com/
Talk about Boston sports at http://www.bestbostonsports.com/
by bestbostonsports on May 13, 2010 3:44 PM EDT reply actions
nhl_canes
The Canes have acquired the rights to Jared Staal from Phoenix for a 5th-round pick. http://carhur.com/xg
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 3:55 PM EDT reply actions
That's intriguing, alright.
That 17-year-old Hokie sitting in the rafters in Greensboro didn't see any of this coming.
I kind of feel like we really only acquired him because of his name… Maybe it will be good for him but I could see it being bad if expectations are too high. At least at this point in his development he is nowhere near the point all of his brothers were.
I agree… We got him for free.
I just hope people don’t blow it out of proportion because his name is Staal… He is a minor league prospect who may not even be good enough to make the Checkers.
He’ll at least make the Checkers…and will sell some tickets, too.
Agree he’s the “least Staal”. But, he’s a Staal. Still young and growing into that big body.
I wouldn’t be to terribly surprised to see him on the Everblades. You are probably right though, his name alone will probably warrant him a spot on the Checkers as people will buy tickets to see mini-Staal in Charlotte. There is a reason Pheonix didn’t even sign him to a contract though.
Jared Staal
I recall reading some time ago that Eric Staal said he thought Jared had as much talent as any of the Staals. I can appreciate the fact that big brothers can be protective of their younger siblings; but frankly I suspect that Eric knows Jared’s athletic abilities better than any NHL scout. Younger brothers in athletic families are often treated as if they are far older than their years. Clearly, Jared Staal’s development as a hockey player seems to have been slower than Eric, Marc, or Jordan; but it’s a gamble well worth taking. As far as saying, Jared is the least of the Staals, that is true today; but whether in two or three years that is true remains to be seen. He is a later bloomer than Eric, Marc, or Jordan without question.
Sundheim added this
MikeSundheim:
Both brothers are fired up. RT @nhl_canes Canes have acquired the rights to Jared Staal from Phoenix: http://carhur.com/xg
I don’t know what to say. I remember him being suspended for a bad fight or hit in OHL play? Is that right? is this the kind of distraction Eric needs? Let’s assume he’ll be moving to Charlotte?
And my 13 yr old pointed out that if we only need to get 2 more & we’ll have the Staal Monopoly.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
hehehe…yep jared has been trade to the canes…here’s the link :
http://hurricanes.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=529073
hope he is signed as he’ll be a good fit there in Charlotte
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
If he’s got a temper it would be like his brother in Pittsburg…as he is known to be a wee bit snarky & etc …and has helped break a few sticks too this season as well…so let’s just let the dust settle a bit and see IF the Canes do sign him…and if so when he has to be in Charlotte to begin with the checkers and what number he’ll be wearing…
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
Steve, as you know I am highly in favor of some big forwards who bring the mean with them. Also, big power forwards often take longer to grow into their bodies and to develop into NHL players. It is too soon to plan a victory parade and to put Jared on the NHL All Star list; but it is great I think that this trade was made.
On that AD
we agree 1000%
When The People Fear Their Government,There is Tyranny;
When The Government fears The People, There Is Liberty
by CaniacSteve on May 14, 2010 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Bob just put up a new story on the front page on Jared.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 4:20 PM EDT reply actions
I am highjacking this thread to announce that the Hurricanes have traded for Jordan Staal…o wait, that’s the text my wife sent me. When I sent her a text back clarifying which Staal the Canes actually acquired, her response was, “Well, yeah.”
Love my wife. Miss Canes hockey.
Given this, Gillimus, you might want to concede to 2010 and get a twitter account for yourself, and even if you only get the Canes and CanesCountry relayed to your phone, you would be in the know first. And accuracy would be a tad more reliable. Lemme (or a bunch of others here) know if you need some suggestions.
Olympian Tim Gleason in Vancouver: "I don’t care what anybody says, to watch an exciting hockey game, there’s nothing like it."
by Carolyn Christians on May 13, 2010 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for all you do
Took a while for me to get to this “issue” of Clicks and Clippings, but it was a good read.
Thanks for putting this all together for us. Saw some things that I would not otherwise have found.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Puck Previews: Ducks’ road trip continues; Sens, Panthers in battle of most surprising teams
- Watch the weirdest goal of the year, courtesy of ECHL ref’s rulebook gaffe (VIDEO)
- Jeremy Roenick’s OK with Blackhawks trading Patrick Kane for goalie upgrade
- Puck Headlines: Rick Nash chatter; Jagr turns 40; Ovechkin too much of a rock star?
- NHL Trade Deadline Dream Scenarios: Whom do you want to go where?
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
