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Looking for those daily thoughts or musings about the state of the game? The Daily Dive, our soapbox for sounding off about the good, the bad, and the occasionally ugly.

11-20-2008

Jay says ...

Anyone vote yet for the All-Star game that doesn't live in Montreal or Detroit? Currently if the voting ended today, it would be Koivu, Kovalev, and Tanguay across from Datsyuk, Zetterberg, and Hossa. By the way, how is Tim Thomas not on the ballot? I've never been a huge fan of his but he won me over in the playoffs last year and he's just been phenomenal this season.
Bruins, who are playing great right now, suffer a tough loss in losing Andrew Ference. He was the Bruins best defensemen so far this year.
Wow, what a mess in Tampa.
I thank Mike for not rubbing the Rangers "win" over the Bruins last Saturday.

11-18-2008

Mike says ...

Joey MacDonald is getting it done on the Island. I interviewed him last year after a game in Bridgeport and noted his thoughtfulness and consideration when answering questions. Seemed like a good guy to have on the team and we at TheHockeyHub.com wish him continued success.
The Rangers won another game in a shootout, coming from behind in the third to tie the game at one apiece. Renney can't be happy with the way his team seems to "throw away" the first period but they are 8-1 (I think) when trailing in the third.
I won't talk about the constant onslaught of "lame" calls perpetrated by the refs. I won't talk about the phantom slashing/tripping/holding/interference nonsense that is whistled throughout each and every game. I won't talk about the inconsistency of calls from game to game, night to night. I promise I won't talk about any of this.
Former Ranger Thomas Pock was suspended for five games for an elbowing infraction. From my vantage point, it's the first time he's shown any passion or feistiness since entering the league.

11-14-2008

Mike says ...

I can't believe the Mulleted One just got fired. Barry Melrose, all of 16 games, was fired today as reported by ESPN at 8:48PM. I can't understand an owner, or ownership group, that fires coaches wily-nily. And this is about as wily-nily as it gets. I understand that expectations were high with the money and players they acquired but let's get serious for a moment. How do you expect a coach, any coach, to get a team to win with as many new (rather old) faces as this team. There isn't an elite defensemen or defense pairing to speak of and the backup goalie is AARP-eligible. Maybe this is Barry's fault or maybe the ownership's for selecting him as coach. Either way, I think it's a bit premature. Maybe they can ask Tortorella if he wants to come back. Think he'd say yes?
Call me Karnak but as I perused today's hockey web sites I read two articles addressing violence in the NHL, specifically hits from behind and to the head. Told ya it wouldn't take long. Look, no one wants to see anyone get seriously injured but the continued dialogue borders on the absurd. Go ahead and read Jim Kelly's article and then flip through this one featuring Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun. Let me know if I'm being a bit of a Neanderthal because I just want to let the players play and let the league handle the "egregious acts of violence" as they have and will continue to do.
Can someone explain to me what type of defense the Detroit Red Wings are playing? Is it the NHL's version of the Prevent D? Seems like it because they've left Osgood out to dry game in and game out. I watched Tuesday's game versus the Penguins and was amazed at the poor positioning and decision-making. Even Nicklas Lidstrom, he of the Norris Trophy, looked out of sorts on few of the Pens' goals.

11-9-2008

Mike says ...

Bob Gainey has a proposal to create more offense: ban players from leaving their feet in the defensive zone (i.e., to block shots). I don't like it. I'd like the NHL to let things settle down a bit before trying to "tweak" the game again to improve scoring. What's next: banning all contact on players who possess the puck once in the offensive zone?
First question: who is the next commissioner?
Second question: when does he start?
I feel it coming. One more fighting major which draws blood and it will be upon us: a barrage of articles decrying violence in the NHL. And then we will get to enjoy a heaving helping of trifle from the nation's best sportswriters as they renounce fighting while linking it to the limited appeal of the NHL in the US. It's become an annual rite of passage of sorts for mainstream writers to promulgate their "disgust" with fighting in the NHL. "If only", my brethren state, "the NHL would eliminate this scourge upon the game" would all be right once again. Higher ratings, greater attendance and more dollars for everyone involved. To which, I reply, whatever. If you don't like fighting, the passion put on display by players, then don't watch. Fighting in hockey is a healthy thing and endemic to the sport. Remove it and you will alienate the very fans this game so desperately needs.

11-7-2008

Jason says ...

Obviously in our country, there is no bigger day than 11/4 for our future. Please go out and vote (for Barack Obama if you can?!).
So the Mats Sundin sweepstakes is on. There are $20 million reasons for him to go to Vancouver. The Ducks have thrown their beaks into the contract talks but the most intriguing in the Senators interest. Can you imagine him in a Sens jerseys?
I was at last Saturday's Hartford Wolf Pack game. "Announced" attendance was 3,146. That seemed right...if they subtracted 1,146. People just don't seem to care. My take is that the ownership needs to stop thinking the Hartford Wolf Pack are an NHL team in New York.
Bruins are in 5th place in the conference. Just like saying that.

10-29-2008

Jason says ...

Milan Lucic! Yes sir! Hat trick, glass shattering, the next Cam Neely! Well he may not score like Cam but he's the real deal. This kid can hit and change a game. He's my favorite Bruin!
Get your Winter Classic merch now: http://shop.nhl.com/family/index.jsp\?categoryId=3360678. This game is going to be special. I think more than last year because of the history or Wrigley Field. You got the Stanley Cup champs and the resurgence of the Blackhawks.
Mike is all happy as the Rangers are rolling. He's my partner but, I don't like this.

Mike says ...

I'm loving Facebook ... 15 friends and counting. If you love hockey, let's be friends. I know, you're getting that funny feeling in you're tummy. Me too.
The Rangers seem to be on autopilot. They took advantage of a far less talented and healthy Islanders team and showed them what it means to play in all 3 zones. Drury netted his first two goals and Gomez was skating all over God's creation. Brandon Dubinsky is looking like the real deal and Callahan chipped in his third of the year. The Broadway Blueshirts are making their march down Broadway to the Stanley Cup.
Marian Gaborik was placed on IR. Again. When healthy, he is one of the 15-best players in the world. But he is never more than 1 play away from getting hurt. Contract negotiations are not going well and it'll be interesting to see if the Wild trade him now so they get something (or somebody) in return. If I were a GM, it would be hard to ignore what he brings to the game offensively, though his injury history might give me a moment pause.
Some of the refs in the league continue to call things a might close, something I've railed against for the last year or so. During the Rangers game there were a few penalties called on both sides that seemed to be a bit "soft". I've shamelessly chided the NHL for the abundance of weak calls, all to no avail. I'm thinking I need to have some "alone time" with Gary to straighten this whole thing out .... Not that kind of alone time.
Attended a preseason contest between the Danbury Mad Hatters and the Jersey Rockhoppers last night. Good stuff. They're part of the newly formed Eastern Professional Hockey League, a lower-level league designed to provide entree to the AHL and NHL. I spoke with some of the folks who work for the team and they are truly excited about having a team back in Danbury. I'm writing an article about the team and the league and want everyone in CT to know there's something worthwhile here. By the way, Billy Tibbetts, yes that Billy, is on the Danbury Mad Hatters. I'll see if I can get a few words with him and some of the other fellas on the team in the next few weeks.

10-21-2008

Mike says ...

I've watched a few Rangers' games and like what I see: speed, forechecking and an aggressive backcheck.
- I don't know where Aaron Voros came from but he has been a godsend.
- Brandon Dubinsky looks stronger and is starting to "round out" the physical side of his game.
- Gomez is "roadrunner" fast and continues to smartly distribute the puck.
- Chris Drury has been quiet offensively but it's only a matter of time 'till he starts burying those game-winners.
Chris Osgood hasn't looked too comfortable in net. His GAA is well over 3 and his save % is below 90. Yet, the Wings are 3-1-1 because they still score and play team D. Still think this is the team to beat in the West.
What in the wide, wide world of Sarah Palin is going on with the Mighty Ducks, er Ducks. They have Selanne and Niedermayer back in the fold as well as Messrs. Perry, Getzlaf and Kunitz. And don't forget one of the best playoff goalies in Jean-Sebastian Giguere. But their record is a putrid 1-5-0. Is it because Burke is ready to exchange his sun block for a warm pair of mittens and a hot cocoa? Stay tuned ...

10-20-2008

Jason says ...

Denis Savard gets the axe in Chicago. Bad move in my opinion. He had a lot of rookies on that team last year and did a great job.
Suspension for the Leafs Ryan Hollweg and the Jackets Mike Peca. One guy who's a nobody and one guy who was barely somebody.
Fabian Brunnstrom of the Dallas Stars exploded on the scene netting three goals in his debut. Another reason the Stars will be one of the best of the West.

10-14-2008

Jason says ...

In happy news ...

Drinks are on Anze Kopitar. After signing a seven year/$46.7 contract, his wallet is now truly fit for a King. Although, I don't know if THAT much money would get me amped up to play in L.A.
Congrats to Mike Richter, Brett Hull, Brian Leetch, and Cammi Granato for getting inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame last weekend.

In sad news ...

The NY Rangers 17th overall selection in the 2007 entry draft, passed away in what is believe to be a heart attack during a game for his team Avangard Omsk of Russia’s Continental Hockey Leauge. During the draft, speculation was he was going to be a top 5 pick. I felt the Rangers stole him that late. Now, he was stolen from the hockey world far too early as he was only 19.

10-12-2008

Jason says ...

I smell Stanley Cup for my B's. Ok, I'm getting a little ahead of myself. The win over the Avs wasn't pretty defensively. Having said that, Wheeler netting his first goal, Kessel getting it started, and Krejci getting the winner gives Boston fans comfort in the youth. Oh yeah, it was great to see #37 skating around again.
The Leafs beat the Wings? Did I watch that?
I now officially hate Def Leppard and I'm the biggest hair metal fan there is. Joe Elliot should be tarred and feathered for putting the Cup upside down.
Captain Luongo looked awesome in the Canucks 6-0 route over the Flames. I thought scoring was going to be a problem?

Mike says ...

The Rangers are 4-0. I said on this site not too long ago that I didn't like some of the changes that Sather made. Looks like Slats has them heading in the right direction.
The Lightning haven't won a game yet, though Barry's hair is kickin'.
Daniel Sedin leads in NHL in points with 5. Yup, I got this Mad Swede on one of my fantasy teams.
Vancouver is in first place in the Northwest Division. Enjoy it while it lasts (another 4 or 5 days at most).
Toronto looked like a different team when they beat the Wings on Wednesday. Then they looked like the Leafs when Montreal kicked their posterior on Saturday night.
I'm getting stronger on my roller blades and am predicting a 15 goal season (12 games per season). By the way, finished up last season with a 4 goal game. Waiting for Slats to give me a call so I can center the third or fourth line.
Who is dating Elisha Cuthbert these days? Oh yeah, it's Dion Phaneuf. I'm pretty sure I could take him in a fight.
Why do I continue to grow hair in places I don't want (e.g., nose and ears)?

10-1-2008

Mike says ...

Today is the first Daily Dive of the 2008-2009 season!
The Rangers beat Metallurg 4-3 to win the Victoria Cup. A harbinger of good things to come in this year's NHL race? Perhaps ...
My good friend Geoff Sanderson is without a team as we speak. He's listed on the Blackhawks roster on ESPN though I'm not sure why. Don't know if he's gonna get picked up by some team in the next little bit or if he's truly hung up the skates for good. I'll let you know as soon as I find out.
Everybody's talking about the Blackhawks this year and one look at the roster tells you why: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Brian Campbell, Martin Havlat, Patrick Sharp and Cristobal Huet. And, most importantly, Scotty Bowman is in the house. Playoffs anyone?