NHLTALK202

The Carolina Hurricanes have placed Defenseman Aaron Ward on waivers, I expect someone will claim him as the multiple teams have interest.

This is the third edition of my weekly blog called ‘Flyers Fans React,’ and with us we have Glenn Karabin.

Glenn is a complete sport-freak who was born in Philadelphia and has been in the Air Force for 17 years.  He was assigned to the Special Operations Command at Hurlburt Field, Florida for 16 years where he was a Communications and Navigations System Technicians on MH-53M helicopters (repaired radios, radar, GPS, etc).  While at Hurlburt Field, Glenn deployed many times, including three deployments to Iraq.  He also did a remote assignment for a year to South Korea.  In November 2008, Glenn was assigned to Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, and will be there till 2012.

Simply put, Glenn loves the Flyers, Eagles, Phillies, and Sixers to death.

DL - Was the right decision made to fire John Stevens?

GK - Yes, I think it was the right decision to fire John Stevens.  He was hired to coach the Flyers for one reason: to win the Stanley Cup.  To be a .500 team with our talent is unacceptable.  My biggest problem with Stevens was he never held the players accountable.  If players didn’t show up to play every night, took shifts, periods or games off, he should have bench them or made them a healthy scratch; regardless who the player was.  The same with taking an undisciplined penalty, he should have reduced their ice-time.

DL - Should the Flyers make a trade? If so what and why?

GK - Yes, I think the Flyers need to make a trade to change the chemistry of our locker room.  Jeremy Roenick recently stated:  “There is somebody bad in that locker room.”  Whoever that person is, they need to get traded today.  Homer knows who it is, or who they are, and they need to go right now.

DL - Who's to blame for the lack of success over the last three-plus weeks?

Everyone in the Flyers organization shares in the recent failures.  Homer has built a team that does not play hard consistently, and does not seem to enjoy playing together.  The players are not giving a 100% effort every time they step on the ice.  They NEVER play a 60-minute game.  The coaching staff needs to hold the players accountable, reduce the ice time of the players that are not giving a 100% effort every shift, and that are taking undisciplined penalties. 

DL - What’s the best part of being a Flyers fan?

GK - The best part of being a Flyers fan is knowing the organization will do everything in their power to win a Stanley Cup.  They want to win, and that’s all they care about.  There are many teams in the league that go into a season with the mindset to be competitive, put an entertaining product on the ice, and to make money.  The Flyers goal every year is to win the Stanley Cup, and I know the organization does anything in their power to get that done.

DL - What are your expectations of the Philadelphia Flyers this season, as a fan? Contender or pretender?

GK - I know we have the talent on this team to win the Stanley Cup, so I still expect the Flyers to make the playoffs, and make a run at the Stanley Cup.  But, time is really running out…

DL - Who is your favorite Flyer and why?

GK - My favorite current player is Mike Richards because I know every time he steps on the ice is gives a 100% effort.  As a fan, that’s all I ask out of the players.  Show up and give a 100% effort, every play, every game.  Richards does that, and he’s going to become a better Captain as he gets more experience.

I’d like to thank Gleen for doing this, and thank him for all that he’s done and is doing for this country, greatly appreciated. You can follow Glenn @PhillyRulez88.

Coming up I will have a blog on Philadelphia's entire organization and the changes that really need to be made.

Dustin Leed

Philadelphia Flyers Beat Writer

www.CrashtheCrease.com

www.HendricksHockey.com

www.Phillysportsspace.com

The Calgary Flame were simply awful, taking way too many penalties and standing around as they lost to the Avs for the third straight time this season. The only reason it was not worse was because of Kipper. This team was taking too many penalties and Kipper made save after save after save. When you stand around and do not use your legs,  take 4 penalties and get out-shot 20-6,  and you are only down 1-0, you ought to kiss the ground your goalie walks on. The Flames have to start skating and cut the giveaways, or this game will get ugly.  To give you an idea of how bad the defense has been for the Flames, they have allowed 66 shots in the last 4 periods. Kipper should sue for the lack of support.

When you play like the Flames did, you need to give your head a shake. The forwards  really need to start helping out the defense.  The defense has to start skating, has to follow the puck and start hitting. The biggest concern is to finish your checks and stop being caught out of position.  Everyone has to do their part, and then some.

During the second period the Flames could have scored an early powerplay goal, but their powerplay continues to struggle. You're not going to score that way. On the positive side, the Flames had some jump early in the second period. A positive sign that at least they were going to put some effort into the game. The Flames get their second powerplay – they should have declined it.  The Avs seemed to get more momentum after each penalty.  The Flames' powerplay is woeful at best. Putting it politely, the Flames really have get something new in their powerplay. Stop being so predictable.  On the bright side, their defensive play has improved in the second. Much better effort in their own zone, so I was beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.  Then the Avs began to make another push after the penalties. Like I said, the Avs seem to take courage after the awful powerplay.  The Avs pretty much ended this game, as the Flames threw in the towel.  

I cannot really leave this all on the defense. The forwards really have to help. But I think it's time to make some changes, because this team is just mailing it in.  The Flames do cut it to 2-1 on a great shot by Bourque. Maybe now the Flames would wake up and figure out there is a game going on.  But alas, another penalty by the Flames.  The Flames were awful this period. An awful period. This game was hard to watch.  They're not looking like the Flames of  November. To give you an idea, the shots on goal were a horrible 33-14 for the Avs

.

I have no idea what happened to the Flame tonight. They really have to pull up their socks if they want to be a contender this year.  The Flames had their chances but their powerplay is really struggling right now.  It looks totally disorganized.  The Flames lose their third straight to the Avs, with a horrible effort in the Pepsi Centre.  What was really bad was  that the Avs spent the whole third period taking three penalties. The Flames finally score again, Gio with the honours, cutting the lead down to 3-2.  If the Flames could have taken advantage of the powerplays, they could have easily won this game.  

The main moral of the story: get your darn powerplay to work, and just maybe once in a while give your goalie a break. The Flames had a much better third period. In fact, they pretty much dominate the third period.  But it was just too little too late. You do not win games by playing a 20 minute game. It just does not work that way.  Avs win 3-2.

Until next time, take care.

Randy

Today’s blog  is on the awards in the first quarter. Well, who I think deserves the awards so far this season.  The awards I will be discussing are: the best dman, and MVP of the year so far, and the best goalie in the League.

Nothing more to it, I just thought it would be cool just to write on who I think would get the awards  On a future blog I will ask the fans who they think deserves the awards. I have asked Paul Kreischer for his opinion below, but I get to pick first; of course it's my blog .

    Coach of the Year Jack Adams Award

    Joel Quenneville, Black Hawks

Did you ever just sit there and watch him coach a game? He is an artist when it come to coaching. No one really knows how hard is to coach a team of superstars, teaching them to share the spotlight can be a tricky proposition. Joel has the Black Hawks playing to the next level so far this season, with big wins over the Flames and Sharks. The Hawks also made one of the best comebacks against the Flames this season, when Joel regrouped the team after two periods.

    MVP (Heart Memorial Trophy) 

Marian Gaborick, Rangers 

This award is the hardest for me to pick. I have debated whether the award should be awarded to the best player in the League, or the most important player to a team; where would the team be without that player? I chose the most valuable player to their team. Marian has simply been the best free agent pick-up this season. He has been a perfect fit for the Rangers.  I think he was the first 20-goal-scorer in the League. 

    Best Defensemen (James Norris Memorial Trophy)

Mike Green  Capitals

Mike is, simply put, the best rushing defensemen in the game. He has a howitzer for a shot from the blue line. Have you ever seen this guy rush down the ice with the puck end- to-end?  He is a pure skater with moves like a jaguar on the hunt, a perfect defensemen for the powerplay.  He might very well be the best powerplay quarterback in the League.

Best Goalie (Vezina Trophy)

Mikka Kiprusoff

This choice was one of the hardest choices. It had to be one of: Kipper, Miller, or Anderson. I went with Kipper just simply because of how much rubber he faces from game to game. I hate to imagine where the Flames would be without Kipper. He has been outstanding all season.  He has stolen most of the Flames victories.

So I went out to  ask another great blogger, who by the way is a great guy and an excellent writer. Today’s blogger response is from Paul Kreischer. You can follow him on  twitter http://twitter.com/Netminder39  and his site http://islandersblogger.blogspot.com/  he is a great hockey mind, and I am honoured to get this interview with Paul.

    First, the Vezina. Who is your pick of the best goalie?

Ryan Miller. Miller is taking the Sabres higher into the standings then what most expected and for right now, is the best all-round goaltender.

Like I said, I could have gone with Miller just as easy as Kipper. Miller is an awesome goalie who can win a game all by himself.

Who gets the MVP? Who do you think is the best player?

Craig Anderson. Plain and simple here: If Anderson did not play as many games as he did, the Avs would not be where they are today. Period.

Where would the Avs be without Anderson? He has been simply outstanding this season. A great choice by Paul.

Jack Adams Coach of the Year

John Anderson of the Atlanta Thrashers. The Thrashers brought in quite a few players over the off-season, and Anderson has found a way to make everyone succeed. Anderson could be a big reason why Kovalchuck stays with Atlanta passed this year, and bring the Thrashers to the playoffs.

John Anderson has done a great job with the Thrashers, who seem to be on the verge of making the playoffs this season. A great choice by Paul.

Norris Best Defensemen of the Year

Mike Green, Washington Capitals. Mike Green has the entire package and is a major reason why the Capitals will go deep into the playoffs this year.

As I said earlier, Mike Green is simply the best defensemen in the League.

A special thanks to Paul. He is a great guy to follow.

Until next time take care.

Randy

Last night on Hot Stove, Pierre LeBrun stated that if the Thrashers can't re-sign Kovalchuk by next month they will probably  look at trading the Russian sniper.

According to Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun the St. Louis Blues are looking at struggling Forward Eric Staal, Staal has struggled this year but since his return he has been solid.

The Florida Panthers are shopping Goaltender Tomas Vokoun, the Panthers are happy with the play of Scott Clemmensen this season and the Panthers believe prospect Jakob Markstrom is ready to make a jump to the NHL.

2 MASSIVE wins for both teams. The Sabres really stepped up, especially Pat Kaleta and got the win, even with the fatigue issues following a game against the fast Hawks team. An incredible effort shown by Lalime Friday, Miller matched it Saturday with a win over Marian Gaborik and Henrik Lundqvist (Rangers team basically). As for the Ducks, Jonas Hiller is back! Stopping 35 of 36 in a huge 3-1 win, this team has life.

I really think that the Ducks will knock everybody's socks right off. This team is heating up, pulling things together, look out Western Conference!

As for the Sabres, I think this is the short stretch in which they completely take over the division, and climb to the very top of the east. Tyler Myers has been just amazing, this guy is the real deal.

Thanks for reading guys, as these teams continue to take strides and improve (especially the Ducks) there will be a lot more for me to write about.

Dev

The Leafs season started at a very high point.  In case your wondering, I'm referring to the preseason.  The Leafs were looking like a playoff bound team throughout the preseason.  They only lost 3 games, and the full team was looking great.  Then the season started with a overtime loss to the Habs.  Still, things looked good for the Leafs after that great preseason.  But somewhere among the players getting sent to the minors, the motivation to win disappeared.  It took 24 days for the Leafs to win a season game, where the games count.

As the season goes on, the Leafs seem to be falling even more out of the playoffs.  Even when their winning it's followed by a loss.  Let's not forget, 31 games into the season, and were yet to win 3 straight games.  40 percent of the season gone by, and the Leafs are yet to manage a 3 game win streak.  What makes everything worse, the Leafs are giving a top player (Hall) to the Boston Bruins!!!  Not that I dislike the trade for Kessel, which is looking pretty good with the Leafs so far, I just thought we'd be giving the Bruins less in that first round pick. 

So, now I have to ask what else could go wrong for this Leaf club.  I really can't name a thing that could make this season any worse.  Wait a minute, can it get any worse? That's a hard question, but I'm going to have to go with a no. 

Now with the Leafs season done (basically) I ask my self, what next for the Leafs.  I like to look on the bright side of things, and for the Leafs believe it or not it's pretty easy to do.  Well your probably wondering how I find it easy to look at the bright side of this season for the Leafs, but the answer for that can be found simply by looking at the stats.  Tomas Kaberle. Third in the entire league in assists (28).  Ahead of Sidney Crosby, one of the best playmakers in today's game. Now in the title I simply ask what's next for the Maple Leafs.  I think that question surrounds this guy.  To the Leafs keep him and build around him, or trade him and get some value in prospects. 

The thing is with Kaberle, he knows rumors very well.  There always seems to be a rumor out there floating around with his name in it.  You have to wonder, will a trade for this guy ever happen.  If one don't happen, this guy may be the front runner for the next Captain of the Leafs. This guy like's the Leafs, want's to win as a leaf, and most importantly wants to stay a Leaf.  This guy wants to be part of the Maple Leafs but the Media just keeps putting his name out there.  As of right now, he's putting up numbers, and playing good hockey.  I say keep him.  Tho, if we do trade him I'd like to see a forward coming back in the deal, along with maybe a draft pick and a small D-man.

If by chance before this season is over Kaberle do end up with a C on his chest and next year, last season in his contract the Leafs approach him and ask him to waive his no trade clause for the Leafs to gain some young talent then for Kaberle to sign back with the Leafs in the off season.  I'm sure he'd be glad to help out the team.  Sorry, just had to do that.  You all know who I'm talking about in that sentence.  

So back to the answer to the question, "What's next for the Leafs." Three things:

1. To get "The Monster" locked up.  He's a RFA this season and it would hurt a lot of Leaf fans to see this guy not resigned by the team he decided to come to.  The team he seems to be doing so well on.  The team he got a chance to be the number one goalie.  Something he wouldn't get to be in Dallas, with the Sharks,  Which were two teams in the race for the young goalie.  This guy needs to get on contract.
2. Gain a first round draft pick from a team looking to miss the playoffs.  I'm sorry, but the Leafs needs to draft sometime during the draft.  I don't care how, or from what team but I really want the Leafs to gain a pick somehow.  Hagman is looking to be the man to help us out in that area. 
3. To decide which one of their free agents this season they are planing to resign, and which they are not before the deadline.  That way they won't lose them for nothing and will gain hopefully.   

Starting Goales

Devils - Martin Brodeur (probable)

Flyers - Brian Boucher (probable)

Game Notes

- Paul Martin is making progress but still not ready

- Clarkson and Zubrus are still a couple weeks away

- Langenbrunner extended his point streak to 7 games (2 goals, 6 assists)

- Gagne is skating but still not ready

- Blair Betts is out with a dislocated right shoulder

Team Stat Leaders

Record

Devils 21-8-1 - 43 points

Flyers 14-14-1 - 29 points

Goals

Parise 15

Richards 13

Assists

Langenbrunner 21

Pronger 15

Points

Parise 34

Carter 25

PP

Devils 21.4%

Flyers 22.0%

PK

Devils 81.5%

Flyers 78.8%

GFA

Devils 2.73

Flyers 2.90

GAA

Devils 2.20

Flyers 2.83

Prediction

Devils 4

Flyers 2

The Oilers made an unreal comeback Friday night. Not nearly the same as the Hawks earlier this season, but still pretty good. The Blues were up 3-0 tonight, until Gilbert Brule scored his 8th of the year with 11 seconds to go in the 2nd. Brule scored again in the 3rd (his 2nd career multi goal game), followed by a fluke shot by Gagner that found its way in. The Oilers took the lead when Horcoff scored on a quick redirect out in front to give the Oilers the 4-3 lead. It was Shawn's 7th of the year. With just under 3 minutes to go, Penner scored his 18th of the season to put the Oil up 5-3, which would be the final. The Oilers out-shot the Blues, and in the 3rd they really out played them, making it look almost easy. Penner's goal tonight gives him 18 on the year, when he only scored 17 all last season. He had 4 points tonight (1G, 3 A). JDD looked shakey at times, but played well enough for the win, putting him to 8 wins on the year as Khabibulin sits out with a back injury. Sheldon Souray was kicked out of the game after taking a roughing call late in the 2nd period. He argued all the way to the box and kept going even after he went in, getting Bill McCreary mad enough to give him the game misconduct. The Oil have now won 5 in a row, all 5 on the road which is a team record, thats right they didn't even do this during the Gretzky days! The Oilers will put their 5 game win streak on the line Tuesday night when the LA Kings come to town for the 2nd meeting between the teams this season

-Boston

Courtesy of the Calgary Flames website:

Thursday's skate and Friday's projected lines:

Note: Sarich is still out with an injury but should return to the lineup soon.

Dawes-Jokinen-Iginla

Bourque-Langkow-Moss

Glencross-Conroy-Nystrom

Sjostrom-Boyd-McGrattan/Prust

Regehr-Phaneuf

Bouwmeester-Giordano

Johnson/Kronwall-Pardy

Starting Goalies

Devils - Brodeur

Panthers - Clemmensen

Game Notes

- Brodeur is looking for shutout #104

- Clarkson, Zubrus and Martin will remain out of the lineup for a few more weeks

- Jamie Langenbrunner has a 6 game point streak (2 goals 5 assists)

- Gregory Campbell is questionable with a concussion

- Clemmensen facing his former team

Team Stat Leaders

Record

Devils 21-7-1 - 43 points

Panthers 11-14-6 - 28 points

Goals

Parise 15

Weiss 13

Assists

Langenbrunner 20

Horton 17

Points

Parise 34

Horton 25

PP

Devils 21.8%

Panthers 15.2%

PK

Devils 82.2%

Panthers 76.4%

GFA

Devils 2.76

Panthers 2.48

GAA

Devils 2.14

Panthers 3.26

Prediction

Devils 3

Panthers 1

OH CANADA

FORWARDS:

Dany Heatley – Joe Thornton – Patrick Marleau

Rick Nash – Sidney Crosby – Jarome Iginla

Brendan Morrow – Ryan Getzlaf – Corey Perry

Vincent Lecavalier – Mike Richards – Shane Doan

Ex: Eric Staal, Jonathan Toews, Martin St. Louis

DL – I think Team Canada’s offense is pretty self-explanatory. You can make some arguments for Steven Stamkos, but I think Morrow and Doan will make the team based on their experience and the leadership they bring. They need those types of players.

DEFENSE:

Chris Pronger – Scott Neidermayer

Dan Boyle – Shea Weber

Mike Green – Dion Phaneuf

Ex: Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith.

DL – I am not sure how many defensemen they are taking; my guess would be seven. I think the top-four is set in stone and I kind of went off the map with Green and Phaneuf starting over Doughty and Keith. I love Doughty’s game and he is going to be GREAT, I just think for this winter, Green and Phaneuf are a bit more proven and bring a little bit more to the table as far as the Olympics are concerned. No one in the game plays like Mike Green and despite Phaneuf’s attitude and locker room problems in Calgary, he is still one of the most complete defensemen in the league. I do believe that Doughty’s skill is on par with all the guys listed in front of him, in my eyes he simply is an odd-man out to be a started. But I do think he will make the team over Keith.

GOALTENDERS:

Roberto Luongo

Martin Brodeur

Marc-Andre Fluery

DL – I don’t think I really need to explain? It’s the Luongo and Brodeur show. I think Luongo gets the start.

GOD BLESS AMERICA

FORWARDS:

Zach Parise – Paul Statsny – Patrick Kane

Bobby Ryan – Joe Pavelski – Phil Kessel

Dustin Brown – Ryan Kesler – Ryan Malone

Tim Connolly – Chris Drury – Jason Pominville

Ex: James van Riemsdyk, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie

DL – No this is the Team USA World Junior roster; it’s the youth movement in America. I think for team USA to compete they need to start over. There are a lot of new names on this list and I think a younger American team will be hungrier. No disrespect to Modano, Knuble, Gurein , Tkachuk, etc. But I think the youth movement is the way to go. I think Gomez has played himself off the roster, much like Jeff Carter did for Team Canada and if Pominville doesn’t get that spot, Jamie Langenbrunner will. Keep in mind there is A LOT of young up-and-coming American talent in the NHL Cory Schneider, Max Pacioretty, Peter Mueller, Brian Lee, Blake Wheeler, Nathan Gerbe, Jack Skille, Tim Kennedy and recent  top draft  picks Colin Wilson and Jordan Schroeder.

DEFENSE:

Zach Bogosian – Brian Rafalski

Ryan Suter – Erik Johnson

Brooks Orpik – Paul Martin

Ex: Jack Johnson, John-Michael Liles

DL - To be honest, I don’t think they’re many USA defensemen around the league to pick from, but I like this group. I’m a HUGE Zach Bogosian fan and think he and Brian Rafalski will do fine as the top-pair. The Team USA defense could be better…and once you read Team Canada’s you really see the difference in skill.

GOALIES:

Ryan Miller

Tim Thomas

Craig Anderson

DL – I think Ryan Miller is playing amazing right now and has the best goalie in league this season. That bodes well for the American’s and the team in front of him. If Miller can get in a groove and steal some games, who knows how far this team can go.

Dustin Leed

Philadelphia Flyers Beat Writer

www.CrashtheCrease.com

www.HendricksHockey.com

www.Phillysportsspace.com

Rumors are a funny thing. There are some you read that you instantly know are fake. Either the cap implications just don’t jive or the players are violently over, or underrated so the deal seems lopsided. Then there's the, “where there’s smoke there’s fire” rumors like the one that seem to be signaling Mr. Halak’s time in Montreal may be coming to an end.

From what I can gather, No fewer then three outlets have reported that our 1-B goalie is being actively shopped to the highest bidder. The strongest report is coming from Sportsnet.ca, quoting Montreal newspaper, La Presse.

Now, I like Halak, he saved our ass while Carey was finding his game. But it appears that Carey has turned the corner, so if we can get a top six winger for Jaro I’d say it's time to get it done. Yea, Carey could fall apart again but I'm willing to bet he wont. But hey,  that’s just my opinion.

My question to you is, If you were Mr. Gainey, would you move the young Slovakian puck stopper? And if so, why or why not?

Habguy

 A great game for the canucks tonight as they beat the Thrashers 4-2. The canucks will have to keep on winning in this eight game home stand if they want to find them self in a great playoff spot. Daniel Sedin got a hat trick and was named first star of the game and first star in the NHL for tonight. It was a bit funny because when Daniel scored his third goal no one through their hats on the ice because it was hard to see who scored and they were switching all the goals around then when they announced the goal the wisle then blow and people started throwing their hats. The crowed was crazy tonight yellow whooooow!!!! all night long and yelling so loud when Rypien beat up Valabikin that fight. I thought the canucks had a full team and that’s what we need ifwe want to win. One down eight more to go on this home stand.

Go Canucks Go, Whooooooo!!!!!!

Here are some pictures that i took from the warm-up

According to Sportsnet.ca Canadiens GM Bob Gainey is shopping Goaltender Jaroslav Halak for a top 6 Forward. I have heard up to 6 teams have interest in Jaroslav, it is just a matter of if they will pay up.