Why Max Talbot never Should Have Left Pittsburgh

He may not be the biggest player out there.  Or the top draft pick, not even in the top 5 rounds(taken round 8 234^th over all in 2002), be he has proven himself over and over again that he is built for playoff success.

10 months ago the Pittsburgh Penguins let center Maxim Talbot walk over the dark side of Pennsylvania and sign with the Philadelphia Flyers.  All over a couple extra years on his impending contract.  What were they thinking?!

Talbot signed with the Flyers on July 1, 2011 for a great salary of $8,750,000 over a 5 year contract.  Being a lover of Pittsburgh he wanted to stay in Pittsburgh for at least three years at a mere $800,000 per season, but as the constantly faltering management of the Penguins organizing decided he was not worth it and threw him out to the NHL free agency pool.

Flyers management took advantage of this opportunity and snagged the Stanley Cup goal scoring champ right up.  Talbot was responsible not only for the goal that put the Penguins on the board in the 2009 Stanley cup show down against the Red Wings he was also the Overtime goal scorer that brought the cup back to Pittsburgh, a fact that seems to slip the Penguins managements minds.  This man is built for playoffs.

His best season in Pittsburgh was his 2007-2008 campaign where he was still going back and forth between the Wilkes-Barre Scranton AHL team and the big league NHL Penguins.  He registered 12 goals 14 assist 26 total points and a +8 rating. 

His playoff performance was better then his regular season stats even if the numbers don’t line up exactly.  Not only did he win the cup in the 2008-2009 rematch between the Penguins and Red Wings he scored 8 goals, 5 assists, 13 points and another +8 rating.  Considering the Playoffs are only a possible 28 games where the regular season is 82 games I think that’s a pretty damn good playoff record.

As a Flyer Talbot has an outstanding season record of 19 goals 15 assists 34 points and a +5.  His playoff stats show again just how valuable he is during this time.  He has scored in all three of the Flyers first round playoff against non other the Pittsburgh!  He also has an assist giving him 4 points and a +5.  If the Flyers make it past round one and Max keeps doing what he is built to do, play playoff hockey, he will be setting himself up to be one of the MVPs for the team during playoffs.

Max fits in so well with the Flyers.  Their play and his play match up so well.  They are an aggressive get things done team, and Max is a get things done kinda guy!  Although I have to say I don’t like the whiney complaining that comes from its players or its coaching staff, I do appreciate that Max knows where he came from and still shows respect for the city and love for his teammates.  Even if it isn’t during playoffs, come the end he will pick up the phone and him and Fleury will still be close friends. And with the management doing their own rebuild with their own break out stars it would not surprise me if a cup is in the next year or so for this team and another one for Talbot.

Might I also add that while Crosby was out with his concussion, and Malkin was out having surgery the ONLY Penguin to play all 82 games of the season was, yes, Max Talbot!  Another reason he was a value to the Penguins Club!

In my personal opinion, and I know a lot of people are going to argue with me and call me an idiot, well I really don’t care, this is my opinion and my personal take on a player so just keep your rude comments to yourself.  Max Talbot is built for playoffs in the NHL he never should have been allowed to be picked up by Philadelphia.  Pittsburgh was stupid for letting him go.  Despite the obvious thing that Pittsburgh really only cares about Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Marc Andre Fleury, Max Talbot would have been one of the biggest advantages for them in this run for the cup.  Yes they have Crosby back, yes Malkin had an incredible year, and yes they have James Neal, who is really coming out of his shell and rocking in Pittsburgh.  But they are also down 3-0 in a best of 7 series against the Flyers where Max Talbot is shinning and has scored three goals against his former teammates. 

The Penguins could have really used those three goals to be on their side coming from their playoff champ!

I see the Penguins making a comeback (which makes me happy), but if they let the very aggressive Flyers get back inside their heads they are going to lose in round 1.  They will not be swept this series is going to go to game 7.  The Penguins are the favorite to win the Cup this year but that doesn’t mean the other teams are going to lay down and let them take it without a fight and they need to wake up and fight for what they want and what they deserve.

So after my Penguins bash I say:      Lets Go Pens come back and win!                   

Energy Care (Products) Review

Let me start off by saying I was skeptical about these products.  Anything that is supposed to give you energy and make me feel better sounds like a scam.  I mean how can a piece of rubber/plastic make anyone feel more alert and energized?  Well I can tell you after having my Energy Care Signature Sports Band (Max Talbot version) for almost 2 months now this amazing piece technology does exactly that!  I know I usually write about hockey but this just had to be put out there!  I am so impressed and so happy with these products I had to share.  And it sort of has some hockey in it with Max Talbot & James Neal!

I work in a ski resort town, and most days things are fine pretty average, doing paper work, speaking with people, creating new things for people do around the area.  When we get busy though during holiday weeks or vacation weeks it can be a real killer.  I am usually up around 5:30a EST and go to bed around 11p EST.  I feel like by the time I get home around 4 or 5p that I just need to crash.  I try to do a light workout when I get home from work to stay in shape and some days that was just hard to do with no motivation what-so-ever.  I've tried all the energy supplements on the market and have not had any results other then a quick fix for an hour or so and then my body feels twice as worse as it did before the supplement.

Being a huge fan of Max Talbot and a follower of his on Twitter, I learned of his connection with the Energy Care line of products.  He went on about how it made his workouts easier and considering he is traveling from city to city weekly with his teammates and sleeping in different beds each night he is away from his home constantly it seemed like a good thing. 

I looked into the products and as I stated in the beginning how can a bracelet make anyone feel energized?  The Energy Care line of products uses a new technology called Atraxlite.  "Everything in the universe is made of energies that vibrate at specific frequencies from high, mid-level to low frequencies. These energetic vibrations influence and control the electrical and chemical systems in the body. EnergyCare’s next generation and proprietary technology utilizes Atraxlite™ and MAP™ processes to maximize absorption of natural light and energy into the body at subatomic levels. This technology is brand new, never before introduced in the United States.  Atraxlite™ technology is a new scientific discovery that maximizes the absorption of natural light and energy at a sub-atomic level, facilitating the MAP™, (molecular alignment process), a process that structures and re-programs H2O stressed molecules, to optimize a cell’s capability for transferring and storing energy. When your body's H20 molecules are in natural alignment it is less work for the body to process the energetic imbalances and “electro-smog” that we are bombarded with everyday. This balance can improve electric channels and strengthen meridians.(Energycareusa.com)." .

In other words, this stuff is awesome!  I received my Signature series Max Talbot sports Band as an early Christmas gift and I haven't taken it off since.  My 14 hours days are much easier to go through and I have enough energy to do my workouts at the end of the day with little exhaustion. 

After having had a great experience with my band I looked into the Dream Pillow.  I sleep horrible, granted mostly because my bed is a piece of junk but when I can get comfortable and sleep for a good 5-6 hours I feel great.  I bought the Dream Pillow during the February promotion where you buy a sports band a health band and you get the pillow free (Very good deal by the way!).  I was a little confused when it came in the mail when you see Pillow you think big fluffy thing, this is a small soft square that goes under your pillow under the fitted sheet. I put the pillow under my fitted sheet that night.  At first I was extremely uncomfortable with it, I took some getting used to but I could feel it doing its cool Atraxlite job.  I now have my Dream Pillow on 100% of the time, the thing is amazing.

I have a nine year old Boarder Collie / Australian Shepard mix who when she was a puppy broke her back leg and was forced to have pins and plates put on here rear leg and hip.  She loves being outside and loves the winter months the most.  The winter cold seems to take a toll on her though, especially now that she is getting older.  Her legs get stiff and sometimes with the cold she limps.  I am looking into getting the Energy Care Pet Pad for her.  If their products can help work-a-holic humans like me, their pet products are sure to make an outside loving dog happy and comfortable.  Another reason to buy a Pet Pad now would be their new promotion going on with Pittsburgh Penguins star James Neal.  "From now until March 31, 2012, you can get a FREE Pet pad autographed by James Neal with each James Neal Signature Series Sports Band purchased. In addition, 10% of your purchase will go to Animal Friends, Pittsburgh(http://energycareusa.com/affiliates/JamesNeal/ecJamesNeal.html)."  I am going to assume that the Pet Pad is similar to the Dream Pillow.  My dog jumps on my bed every night and it is a fight to get her off of my pillow!

Being huge Penguins fans I'm sure my girl will love her new Pet Pad and I will have a new Sports band to wear with my Max Talbot one!

If your still unsure of this product do your research watch the testimonials of athletes and other people around the country.  I highly recommend Energy Care USA and all of it products!  Its not some mumbo jumbo put out there to make you think you are getting more energy it really works!  The cost for the items is high but in the long run it is very worth it, and worth the great feeling you'll get from using the products.

Recommended Energy Care Products:
Sports Band/Signature Series (for the sports lovers-they are waterproof!)
Health Bands (Fabric versions great for the elderly)
Dream Pillow (get a good nights sleep)
Pet Pad (Don't have it yet but I'm sure it will work as well as the dream pillow)

Tim Thomas staring in Enemy of the State

On Monday January 23 2012 the Boston Bruins where invited to the White House by President Barak Obama.  Absent from the festivities was All Star goalie Tim Thomas.

His statement on why: "I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.

This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.

Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.

This is the only public statement I will be making on this topic. TT"

Pretty acceptable reason to me.  Apparently not enough for hockey fans everywhere and a certain TSN writer.  Dave Hodge a TSN writer said this on Tuesday, "Don't know if it's fair to point this out, but Tim Thomas has three children named Kiley, Kelsey and Keegan." Honestly this is the most pig headed and ignorant thing I have EVER heard a writer say! He must be a complete moron to insinuate this.  It ranks up there with Kane West saying “President Bush hates black people!” on stage. Really? You fucking ignorant fool get over yourself!  Please keep your foolish, uneducated assumptions to yourself.

I think Tim Thomas has done an outstanding job at showing who he is and holding true to his character and beliefs.  Just like Tebow TT is sure to undergo must scrutiny for the remainder of the season and post-season.  Had he gone through with the charade he would have been called a traitor and backstabber to his beliefs, a double edge sword for Mr. Thomas.

This is not the first time an athlete has declined to visit the President.  Former Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling also declined to meet the president because of his political views. 

What happened to the days when the President would just call the championship team instead of making a big hoopla about it?  Now I understand that there are charities and all that jazz, that’s all fine and dandy but doesn’t the president have better things to do then spend a day with a sports team?  Ya know like fixing shit wrong in the country?

 

Give TT some credit for standing up for what he believes in! Not only is an Olympic bronze medalist, 3 time All-Star and Stanley Cup Champion, he is Enemy of the State!

Tim you are my hero! And you should have been in net versus the Capitals on Tuesday night, even with Ovechkin out, they are a dangerous team!

 

The Scarlet Letter - 'C'

Apparently all you need to snap a six game losing streak is for the media to get on your back about your Captain. 

As of Friday January 13,2012 the Pittsburgh Penguins where going into the Florida Panthers arena on a six game losing streak.   After a Pittsburgh writer, wrote a nasty little article about the Penguin’s captain Sidney Crosby being soft and there being upset in the locker room and a need for someone to step and be a leader, the Penguins came back and won the game against the Panthers 4- 1.

The team showed their love and respect for their captain by dawning ‘C’ on their practice jerseys.  If that didn’t shut the critics up then the teams comments sure would.

““When someone says we don’t want Sid as our captain, it’s pretty ridiculous,” forward James Neal said. “He’s an unbelievable player, unbelievable leader. He’s going to be captain here for a lot of years. In the room there is no doubt that he is our leader and he is our guy. … It’s a pretty stupid comment.”(Penguind.nhl.com). “  Brooks Orpik also said; “(Crosby’s place on the team) has never been in question, not in this room. People can speculate. If we are on a six-game winning streak it probably doesn’t come up. We can only control what goes on in here.   Sid will be our captain until he’s retired. I don’t know where that came from, but we had a little fun with it today.” (Penguins.nhl.com).”

Why anyone would every think that because he has an injury he would never return to his team, or not be an efficient leader is beyond me.  Concussions affect everyone differently, and with Crosby technically dealing from two back to back and then a very hard hit from a teammate to reinstate his symptoms, it does look bleak for him to return this season.  I’m sure when he does return, to the game he will be bring another 4 point night or better.

People, media and fans alike, should never doubt the resolve and dedication an athlete has to his pride and his devotion to his team.  His team will stand by him in any way they can, they will never turn their back on him, and will take his words to heart and listen to what he has to say.

The Penguins show of devotion is just that, true team work and respect for each other.  It sure shut the media up, who shouldn’t have opened their mouths and let their lies spill out.

To wrap up I think HBO said it best:

Never get caught telling a hockey player it's just a game.

Never get caught trying to explain to him all the things in the world that matter so much more. His mind might well acknowledge the truth to your point, but his soul would be powerless to accept it, considering the immensity of what he gives to the sport and the immeasurability of all it offers in return.

Nothing ever feels as perfect as a moment of flawlessness on the ice.

No bond as strong as one that compels brothers to bleed for one another.

Not many leaders as this versed in the craft of motivation.

Not many pursuits can evoke such visions if brilliance.

This is why it hurts so much when skill falls short of what the will desires. This is why it's so unforgettable when absolute passion yields ultimate reward.

And that's all still just the start of what the Game can do to you.

Hockey may in fact be just a game, but it's also who they are.

Nothing like playing your game and then getting told to get in a taxi

Your half way through one of the biggest rivalries in NHL history and your coach tells you that you need to go to the locker room, remove your gear, get in a taxi and head back to the hotel the team is staying at.

That is exactly what happened to Montreal Canadiens winger Mike Cammalleri on Thursday January 12, 2012 in Boston.  Cammalleri had made comments earlier that his now former team had the mentality of losers and that is why they were doing so terrible.   Mike paid the consequences for tell his team the truth.  In a very low and classless act by GM Pierre Gauthier, Mike was pulled from the game that his team was, well, losing in and told to go back to the team hotel and await further instructions.

To be traded is one thing; to be traded half way through a game is just about as low as a GM could go.  Just because you can’t handle what the man says does not mean you have to a dick and trade him in the middle of a game. 

Ryan Whitney, an Edmonton defenseman said last night via twitter; “The funny thing is Cammalleri is checking twitter just as often as everyone else right now.  50/50 that’s how he finds out where he is going”.  By that time Cammalleri had been trending in the US, as we all waited patiently to hear of what was going on.  It is a shame is that is how he found out, I’m sure he is a bit upset, but probably happy at the same time to be back on the team that he had an outstanding career year in. 

Cammalleri was traded to the Calgary Flames along with Karri Ramo and a fifth round draft pick in the 2012 draft.  The Canadiens acquired Rene Bourque, Patrick Holland and a second round draft pick in the 2013 draft.

All in all probably a better trade for the Flames, considering that Rene Bourque is still serving his suspension for his “vicious elbow to the head (Bleacher Report).” of Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom.  Bourque was assessed a five game suspension, where in actuality it should have been closer to 10.  Bourque from what I’ve seen is very notorious for this kind of hit. 

To quote a friend from Montreal “There is 3 cancers in the locker room.  Subban is starting to be a dick, Weber thinks’ he better then every other defenseman, and Cammalleri said the team was a bunch of losers. “ 

He is also one of the many Montreal folks upset that the new INTERM coach Cunnyworth does not speak French.  My personal opinion, if your team is going to win and do better who cares?  So long as the players understand him and he is doing his job right.  Subban starting to be a dick, starting?  He’s got to be one of my least favorite players out there because all he does is act and pretend to be hurt and then mock his opponent.   The boy can’t even step up and fight when confronted.

While Calgary gets to get full use of their new winger, Montreal will have to wait for Bourque’s suspension to be over.   Not really sure, besides size how good Bourque is going to be for Montreal, other than bad plays.  I hope he can step up otherwise Montreal fans are going to chew him up and spit him out.  To Mike Cammalleri, good luck and I hope you start having another break out year in Calgary, and that’s a lot coming from an Edmonton fan.

All Star Game (Thin lineup) full of disappointments

With the All star game only two weeks away we see the 2012 roster on Thursday January 12, 2012.  And what an upsetting roster it is.  At first look on Wednesday, there seemed to be a lacking of talent.  Not only was Alex Ovechkin not there, but greats like Corey Perry and Sidney Crosby where absent the list.  Now we all know that Crosby will not be going to yet another All Star game because of his brain boo-boo.  But why would someone like Perry not be on the list from the start?

Unlike last year, the Bruins barely have any representation at the games for winning the Stanley Cup.   Two of the three Bruins representative are veterans of the ASG.  A well deserved place on the roster is for Tyler Seguin.  He has really come into his own this season, with a boat load of goals, and assist he is really one of the biggest benefactors to the Bruins ongoing success.   Seguin, a league leader with as plus-minus of 33 has certainly earned his place.  But what about the other Bruins players?  Patrice Bergeron certain should have a spot on the roster but is absent.  Anyway Tim Thomas is sure to impress with his outstanding goaltending and get out of the way for Zdeno Chara’s slap shot!

Other players who have been in the ASG before who are missing would be Marc Andre Fleury.   Notably one of the league’s best goaltenders missing.  Yes, I know he isn’t doing well right now, but the Penguins are in a very bad slump right now.  Hopefully they will pull through it after the break or sooner!  Also missing who deserves a spot this year would be Edmonton’s Taylor Hall.  No, he didn’t do great at the begining of the season but has really stepped up to show he was worth that number one pick in 2010.  Jordan Eberle also absent from the roster makes me VERY upset.  There is so much talent there, and despite his injury it would have been nice to see him at least thought of, much like Crosby & Malkin where last season.  At least Edmonton will hopefully be represented by their rookie Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.  This of course only if his shoulder injury is better, which from the forecast last week was going to be a 4 week+ recovery.  Edmonton may not be the best in the league as of right now but certainly does deserve some representation.

With Lidstrom and Selänne for the veterans of the league, was Jagr even considered?  After a 3 year hiatus from the NHL, he certainly should be.  Despite signing with his former team’s sworn enemy the Flyers, she has done outstanding.  Even elevating and mentoring some of the Flyers players.

I’m not sure if, like last year, I will be glued to the TV for the entire weekend.  This seems like a very dumb-down and drab ASG.  I will certainly watch the skill completion though, that’s always a good time.

My hopefuls for this year were:

Ryan Whitney (EDM) Defense: Injured

Maxime Talbot (PHI) Center: Not there

Jordan Eberle (EDM) R.Wing: Injured

Wright in of Shawn Thornton (BOS) Forward- because the game needs him, his toughness, and apparently his penalty shot!

Marchand Movie Poster

Poking fun at the Marchand suspension a bit.  Which I know I will get a lot of shit for but really its all in good fun.  Others will get their day! The word Predator used by Shanahan is where this came from obviously!  O! And I love the Predator movie series =)    ENJOY!

Is the NHL fixing games & Playing favorites?

Saturday January 7 2012 The Boston Bruins faced their Stanley Cup rival the Vancouver Canucks.  All of Boston was a buzz thinking that the high scoring Bruins would kill their west coast rival without a doubt.  A referee decided that would not be the case.  The Boston Bruins fell to the Canucks 3-4.

The Saturday matinee between the Bruins and Canucks was to say the least interesting and intense rematch.  62 combined penalty minutes in the first period alone between the two teams.  A game misconduct and ejection from the game for Milan Lucic in the first period and the same for Brad Marchand later in the game, left the Bruins wonder what had happened to their high goal games that during the week.  A scrum between all of the players in the first period from Lucic down in the locker room for the remainder of the game.  In the aftermath the NHL has found that they were wrong in that call.  

“Lucic was assessed a Game Misconduct 3:54 into the first period for violating National Hockey League Rule 70.1 – Leaving the Bench. However, a video review of the incident revealed that Lucic did not leave the bench to join or start an altercation but rather had entered the ice legally over the boards and was about to step back onto the bench through the door when he changed course and joined a scrum.

"The referees reacted to what they saw," Gregson said. "The only player they saw coming from the bench area from either team was Lucic. But with the benefit of replay, we can see that Lucic had previously entered the ice over the boards legally to join the play and actually was contemplating stepping back onto the bench through the door when the altercation ensued.

"It should be further noted that a review of the video confirmed that all players on both teams involved in the altercation had entered the ice legally for the purpose of joining the play. None entered the ice for the purpose of joining or starting an altercation, which is prohibited by Rule 70. (via NHL.com Terry Gregson; Director of Officiating)."

Would Lucic being in the game have saved the Bruins and keep them rolling in the goals?   It certainly wouldn’t have made things worse for the Bruins.  Obviously a bad call on the part of the referees, who were only listening to what the Canuck players, had to say.

This game was a very one sided game, in the favor of the Canucks.  Were Tortorella’s comments following the Winter Classic correct?  Stating that the game was rigged?  It may not be as farfetched as we think.  We think of all the garbage that Luongo went through during the Stanley Cup finals in Boston, lasting only nine minutes in game 7.  Even if he didn’t play, much to Boston fans disapproval, he must be feeling pretty good right about now. 

I don’t think that the game was rigged, I do think, and this does happen no matter what the team, that the refs where choosing sides.  You’ve seen the same thing in the Pittsburgh Montreal game where no call was given on Max Pacioretty’s hit on Kris Letang.  Letang now is suffering from a concussion because of that hit.  Yes discipline was administered but there were still no on ice calls.  The refs where completely in favor of Montreal in that game.  Montreal fans say the same thing when they play Boston.  They also think Boston is the favorite in the league.  If Boston is the favorite in the league then Vancouver is the most hated team by other players in the league.  I all I ever see from other players am the cowardice and two faced plays of the Vancouver players.  You do not pretend to be hurt and then laugh about it on the bench with your teammates to antagonize the other team!  Show a little respect for yourself, your team, and the game.  I know you are out there to win but show some fucking class!  I see this alot from a certain player on the Montreal team all the time.  It’s wrong and disgusting display from a human being. 

Ok, rant over; I am very happy for Cory Schneider to get to play in front of his family and friends in the city he was brought up in. 

All in all Boston was bound to lose some time and their high goals fall down was inevitable.  I just wish that it hadn’t happened against Vancouver.  I was at game 3 of the Cup Finals and have never seen a more energized team.  After a despicable start to the season Boston was beginning to impress and become more interesting. 

This rematch has been on the topic for the last week here in the New England.  Two points in the standings, and just a fun overall game.

Predictions I think these two teams will meet again the Cup Finals or if the realignment goes through on schedule, in the Cup run next season.  Both are on top of things this season, but I have a feeling that the New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild might be a good Cup match up.  That is if Minnesota can keep up their winning.

On another note: Penguins lost their fourth straight game last night against New Jersey.  They proved last season that they are perfectly capable of winning games without Crosby and Malkin, so what is going on?!  Maybe that five day break was the worst thing that could have happened to them.  They have fallen to sixth place in their respected division, and only have 5 goals in the last 4 games.  Pittsburgh needs Jordan Staal to come back soon, hopefully that knee hit he took from former teammate Mike Rupp won’t keep him out too long.  They also need Kris Letang (who is now skating) to come back and help their blue line.  Malkin and Neal need to keep doing what they are doing being steam rollers and scoring goals for the team.  Find your focus Fleury, you’re a great goal and will always be my favorite <3 

“I have a lot of issues with 29 but a goalie isn’t 1 of them.”

Trying to stay neutral….

So I’ve found myself rooting more and more for Boston in the past few weeks and I feel awful about it.  I try and take a neutral stance on things, as I do enjoy the game itself.  But damn, those boys in Boston make it hard not to root for them.  They are doing so well, it’s crazy!  They have defiantly woken up from their “Stanley Cup Hangover”.  With huge wins this past week over the New Jersey Devils (8-0), The Florida Panthers (6-1), and recently the Calgary Flames (9-0), it’s hard to say these guys are heading into 2012 in the right direction.  The look like a team that is ready to fight for their title and not looking to give it up.  As much I would like to experience another Boston win and experience another Stanley Cup game, I really would like to see an underdog team come and take the cup.  I am looking forward to the Cup rematch on Saturday January 7, 2012 at 1pm in Boston again the Canucks and the Bruins.  I am happy to see Cory Schneider starting in net for Vancouver, he could be their saving grace, and give them a fighting chance against the high scoring Bruins. 

I had high hopes for Edmonton at the start of the season.  They were playing so well and their “Kid Line” of Eberle, Hall, and Nugent-Hopkins has been on fire.  Things seem to go downhill for the Oilers when a good portion of their blue line went down with injuries.  They have proven to be able to come through these injuries, but now with Nugent-Hopkins out for the next 4-6 weeks with his tweaked shoulder, I can’t really foresee them making a huge come back to be in a cup race.  I hope that I am wrong, because they have proven twice now that they can dominate a team like Chicago and win with incredible numbers.

Predictions at the beginning of the 2011-2012 season seem to be completely off.    According to puckmeplease.com these where their predictions in September:

http://www.puckmeplease.com/nhl-news/34-june2010/699-nhl-2011-predictions.html 

Now I have to say I highly disagree with the their choice of finale teams.  No offence to the Capitals, but really they didn’t perform great in the pre-season or start of the regular season.  I will be very impressed if they can get to the finals this season.

Your current standings have the New York Rangers top in the Atlantic Division, Boston Bruins top in the Northeast division, Florida Panthers top in the Southeast Division, Chicago Blackhawks top in the Central Division, Vancouver top in the Northwest Division, and finally San Jose Sharks top in the Pacific Division.  I guess with Washington being second in the Southeast they could still pull of a miracle and jump up and take me by surprise, but I will not be holding my breath for that to happen. 

Enough of my Washington bashing and pure disappointment in them.

I think there is a good chance that there could be a rematch form last season or the cup between the Bruins and the Canucks.  Both are now playing great after a crummy start, and after all we haven’t seen back to back teams since the 2008 and 2009 runs with Detroit and Pittsburgh!

I would love to see Pittsburgh step up and be the winning team I know they are, but with injuries still plaguing them it’s hard to conceive that.  Going to jump on the Sidney Crosby band wagon here and say that I hope he comes back soon, not only for his team’s sake, but for the sake of the game.  He is a great player, and we are all missing out on great plays, and skill without him on the ice. 

So I do plan on watching the Bruins Canucks game on Saturday, purely to see how these two teams face off.  I will keep my neutral place on the game.  I hope Schneider can prove that he is worth being a number one goaltender over Luongo.  I think over the last few years Luongo has gotten cocky with his title and pay and that is messing up his game.  Yes, there is chirping between teams and players but really to take it to the media and then make yourself look like a complete ass that is unnecessary.  Keep it on the ice and let your talent do the talking not your empty words. 

Review of Saturday’s game I hope will be up on Sunday.

HBO 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic Rangers Flyers Finale Review

On Thursday January 5, 2011 HBO aired its final installment of the 24/7 Road to the Winter Classic series.  We all saw how the Winter Classic ended with the Rangers winning big after 3 big come-back goals (two from former Penguins Mike Rupp!).  I was really hoping Rupp would have gotten a hatty that would have been so awesome and a Winter Classic first!  Instead this year’s Winter Classic first was a penalty shot for the Flyers.   I feel that Rupp was bit caught in the moment with his Jagr Salute to the crowd after his first goal.  I don’t think he was trying to be insulting, but what do I know?  Just my assumptions.

I honestly have to say that I feel bad for Sean Avery.  This has not been his season, being on and off waivers twice now!  I do understand Coach Tortorella’s point though of him not being a good fit for the team this season.  I just hope that somewhere down the line whether it be with the Rangers or another team that Avery gets his shot and gets to keep playing in the big league where he belongs.

Henrik Lundqvist showed why he is a top goalie by completely stoning Danny Briere on the Penalty shot.  I know there was this huge controversy with the refs and Tortorella and how things seem rigged.  What did everyone else think of his comments?  Should he have been fined?  I think pointing out how he felt was fine but the constant blaming and pity he seemed to be trying to get from the league for the Rangers.  I think he is lucky that is was just a fine of $30,000.

Congratulations to Marc Staal on his return from a concussion.  Coming back on the day of the Winter Classic just like his younger brother Jordan did last year in Pittsburgh.  The only difference is that Marc’s team won.

Was so intense to see/re-see the game between the Flyers and the Penguins.  After living in Pittsburgh for 5 years I know how incredibly strong that rivalry is, and how awesome both cities glow with their team’s colors on game night!  Brought tears to my eyes to see that Max Talbot (one of my all time favorite players) had such a nice reception back in Pittsburgh and that they made that very nice tribute to him.  I like how he honored them by raising his hand and stick to them, classy guy!  After scoring that empty netter at the end though probably won’t give him such a warm welcome next time he is in Pittsburgh, but that is the way of the game.  He made the best choice for his career and after Pitt publicly said they had no interest in resigning him who could really stay mad at him?  Did everyone in Pittsburgh just expect him to hang up his skates because he couldn’t stay in Pitt?  Look at him know scoring goals and doing such good things for the Flyers.  Any true fan of his when he was a Penguin knows his heart is still in Pittsburgh and I have a feeling when it does get time for those skates to be hung he will probably be skating in Pittsburgh’s black and gold again!  One can only hope (I still have my Talbot shirt and jersey don’t go busting my bubble!!).

Jagr silenced his critic by also scoring on his former team…Well maybe not silenced got louder boos!

The only down side for Max is that he has now lost 2 of the Winter Classics he has played in.  The one last year in Pittsburgh against the Capitals and the one this year with the Rangers.  He would have played in the 2008 game but him and goal tender Marc-Andre Fleury where both out with injuries.  Good second choice career with acting on HBO 24/7 though, also his season year!

Talbot isn’t the only one to have lost two Winter Classics, The Flyers; his new team has lost two as well.  The first in 2010 against Boston, and this year.

I got a bit of a kick out of Wayne Simmonds and his “finger hole”.  He, to me at least, was acting like a 5 year old! “How big of a hole!?”  And then hiding his face in his jersey while the medical staff drilled the hole.  I probably would have done the same thing!  Glad to see it didn’t keep him out of the game but I guess he will be steering clear of Claude Giroux’s shot from now!

Speaking of Claude Giroux, how about his chirps at Lundqvist, during the game?  “Come on just one goal?”  How great and Lundqvist didn’t let it bother him at all, just a tap of the stick to say shut up and he was good.

So yes, HBO again did a fantastic job!  I hope that next season will be as good, if not better.  Props to the crew for what they do, and props to guys on the teams for putting up with camera’s and strangers following them around.  I don’t understand how reality stars can do it day in and day out, so yes, GOOD JOB!  Please put season two on DVD faster than you did the Penguins Capitals one, fans need it!

Thanks to Greg Wyshynski of Puck Daddy for the final F-bomb count of the final episode 67 (unofficial)

“Never get caught telling a hockey player it’s just a game.”

Yes, the orange juice is unlimited

Here is the Talbot tribute video : http://www.961kiss.com/pages/morningfreakshow.html?an=Pens-lose-to-Flyers-4-2-Jagr-Talbot-score-goals

The 2012 Bridgestone Winter Classic (Year 5)

Ode to the Winter Classic my favorites and cool facts!

I know what you’re all going to say: “She’s a Penguins fan so she is going to say her favorite Winter Classic was the one where Crosby scored the shootout winner.”  Well, you’re all wrong!  I honestly say that my top Winter Classic game was the 2010 one in Boston, with the Bruins hosting the Flyers.  Everything about it was perfect.  My next would be this past year’s game.  There was perfect weather, two top teams, outside, back where it all began.

The game was great.  A little sloppy at the end, with some goofy calls, but still a fantastic game.  Both teams gave it their all for their 2 points in the standings.  I will be waiting patiently for the final episode of 24/7 to air on Wednesday night to see what was said between Hartnell and Rupp, after Rupp did his Salute.  I don’t think it was anything to get bent out of shape about the guys where just having a good time.  But I can understand why Hartnell was upset and spoke up about it.  Please HBO give us insight on the dialogue between these two!

Top Winter Classic games (by me and my standards)

1.       2010 Boston vs Philly (First and only team to win at home on the outdoor game)

2.       2012 Philly vs New York (first Penalty Shot in the outdoor game)

3.       2008 Buffalo vs Pittsburgh (biggest attendance record for the outdoor game 71,000+)

4.       2009 Red Wings vs Blackhawks (highest scoring in the outdoor game)

5.       2011 Pittsburgh vs Washington (second highest attendance record 68,000+)

Other cool notes from Wiki (I know I know wiki but it’s cool information)

Notes:

·         The 2008 Winter Classic was colloquially called the "Ice Bowl" around Buffalo. As of 2011^[update], it was also the only Winter Classic to have a shootout. It was voted the best Winter Classic in an NHL.com poll. It has been the only Winter Classic where the home team has worn white uniforms (Buffalo wore their 1970-71 away uniforms for the event).

·         The 2009 Winter Classic was the first to feature two Original Six teams, as well as the first to be played in a baseball stadium.

·         The 2010 Winter Classic was the first to be won by the home team. It was also the first without Ty Conklin as a goalie and Brian Campbell as a defenseman. Conklin played for Pittsburgh, and Campbell played for Buffalo in the 2008 Winter Classic. Conklin played for Detroit, and Campbell played for Chicago in the 2009 Winter Classic. This Winter Classic was also the first containing a fight, a bout that featured Philadelphia's Dan Carcillo scrapping with Boston's Shawn Thornton.

·         The 2011 Winter Classic was the second involving the Pittsburgh Penguins. This was the first weekend Winter Classic and the first time the game was delayed from its original start time, thus the first to air in prime time. 2011 was also the first time it rained during the Winter Classic.

·         The 2012 Winter Classic was the first game not played on New Years Day. The NFL played their final regular season games on New Years Day. The NHL scheduled for January 2, 2012 to avoid competing with the NFL and comply with NBC's contractual issues.  It was the first to feature a penalty shot.

Bring on 24/7 Final Episode!! Airs Thursday January 5, 2012 at 10pm EST on HBO

Happy New Year!

I want to thank everyone for following me on twitter and being a big support for me.  I love the game of hockey and with that passion I spent my New Years Eve the only way I could imagine.  At an AHL game in Manchester NH with the Monarchs vs. Providence Bruins.
Manchester won 2-1, there was a great Fireworks show after wards and I got to spend it with the two people that mean the most to me. 

My Fiance Jon and my Best Friend Cheri.  Also this was Cheri's first Hockey game!  She loved it and now wants to go see her favorite NHL team the Carolina Hurricanes ! 


I hope everyone has a wonderful new year in 2012 and we can all learn to love and respect one another. 









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