Archive for July, 2010
Here is the latest on the never ending Ilya Kovalchuk soap opera.
According to Dmitry Chesnokov of Yahoo! Sports, Ilya Kovalchuk's mother spoke to the media about her son and said, "I want my son to play in the NHL. Because to play in the best league was always his dream."
Like I have said countless times I think he will stay in New Jersey.
If Kovalchuk does ...
Captain Nino? Will Nino Niederreiter Lead the New York Islanders One Day?
Posted: 9th July 2010 by BC ISLEMAN in NHL
On the first day of summer, 1991 on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, two of hockey's immortals took their place in the pantheon of the sport's heroes.
Denis Potvin was probably the most complete defense man the sport has ever known. Mike Bossy was one of the game's best snipers. Together they helped form the core of the last sports franchise to win four straight championships and ...
The miraculous goal is now one month old.
The parades and appearances have come and gone, just as players have.
How the Blackhawks have gotten to this moment is by having one of the best organizations from the top down.
Once again the cycles begin.
Today through Monday, the organization will hold their annual Prospects' Camp at Johnny's Ice House West.
With nearly 70 prospects looking to prove what they have is valuable, ...
Hanging Up the Skates: NHL Retirements and Could-Be Retirements in 2010
Posted: 9th July 2010 by Joe Favia in NHL
Every year there are players that come into the NHL that make an impact with their respective teams. Some come in hot and eventually burnout; while others have long and outstanding careers.
As with all things; the cycle of a professional hockey players career at some point must come to an end.
With this offseason there are many players that have already made it known that they will not be ...
Evgeni Nabokov Heads For Greener Pastures With SKA Saint Petersburg
Posted: 8th July 2010 by Nik Mosshart in NHL
Having spent the past seven days hovering near the top of "still available" lists of National Hockey League general managers, spearheading the "goaltender" subheading, unable to agree to terms with any of the 30 North American teams, star crease monster Evgeni Nabokov has agreed to walk toward the tax-free light of mother Russia.
Early Thursday morning, SKA Saint Petersburg, one of the Kontinental Hockey League's premier organisations, announced its signing of ...
Controversy? Yankees tell Robinson Cano: No Home Run Derby
Posted: 8th July 2010 by Double G Sports in MLB
When Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano received an invitation to participate in this years Home Run Derby, the All-Star was surprised and excited.
He did not think twice about it. Cano accepted the invitation and had every intention of participating. Then the Yankees stepped in. The problem however is that it seems the Yankees stepped in without Cano knowing.
When it became public knowledge that Cano would ...
Recent reports suggest that the Philadelphia Flyers are having trouble finding a home for Simon Gagne.
Darren Dreger even mentioned that some NHL executives think that they may have no choice but to put him on waivers.
The Flyers are ready to announce a confusing signing of Nikolai Zheredev to a one-year contract, which would make Gagne and his 5.25 million dollar contract the best option to move.
Gagne is a former Olympian and 47 ...
NHL Free Agency: What Each Team Needs in Order to Reach Next Level
Posted: 8th July 2010 by Tom Schreier in NHL
"The Trade" which sent Wayne Gretzky from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings on August 9, 1988 had a significant impact. The impact not only on the Kings and the Oilers, but on hockey in general.
The Kings, who had been unsuccessful since entering the league as a member of the Second Six in 1967, became relevant overnight. The team went to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1993, losing ...
In the third piece of my series, "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," assessing the San Jose Sharks offseason, we examine the ugly or non-moves of the summer. (See the following links to read about the team's good and bad decisions in free agency.)
The thing that makes these decisions ugly is the business of the NHL: It is not so much that they were bad moves as they ...
Burke’s Vision Begins To Evolve: Grading the Leafs Offseason Thus Far
Posted: 8th July 2010 by Brad LeClair in NHL
Brian Burke’s philosophy for building teams has always been predicated on building from the goalie out. He won a Stanley Cup with the Anaheim Ducks with a team built with a Conn Smythe Trophy winning goalie and two Hall of Fame defenders. Not to mention a skilled top six which included the likes of Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and Teemu Selanne.
This philosophy is quite apparent when taking a look ...