Chelios Hungry For Another NHL Stint

Numerous reports around the NHL say veteran defenseman Chris Chelios has signed a deal with the Atlanta Thrashers. The 48 year old blue-liner has spent this season with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL hoping to return to the senior circuit. It appears he’

ll get his wish. Chelios missed all but 28 games last season due to a broken leg, which is probably why no one was jumping at the chance to sign him as a free agent this past summer. This season with the Wolves, Chelios has scored five goals and 16 assists with a +/- of 35. Chelios grew up in Chicago and spent a significant part of his career with the Blackhawks.

UPDATE: 12:15 p.m.

New reports have surface out of Atlanta that Chelios has indeed signed with the Thrashers, but was immediately sent back down to Chicago. The Thrashers say the signing of Chelios is “for insurance” and when he clears waivers, he will be brought up to the Thrashers as needed. From TSN:

“Chris Chelios on his way back to the NHL, as the veteran blueliner has signed with the Atlanta Thrashers.

Chelios, 48, must clear waivers and will remain with the the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League until the Thrashers call him up.

Chelios signed with the Wolves last fall.

The Chicago native has played in 1,644 NHL games with 185 goals and 763 assists during a career with Montreal, Chicago and Detroit.

Chelios won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenceman three times, played in 11 NHL All-Star games and was on three Stanley Cup winners, one with Montreal and two with Detroit. He also played in three Olympics.”

USA vs. Norway Wrap Up

“Not-so-Live” Blog: United States vs. Norway
Coming off a slightly less than stellar opening game against the Swiss, Team U.S.A. would like to use this game against Norway as a sort of stepping stone, if you will. This is an opportunity for them to work out the kinks and get rid of the rust. It will also serve as an opportunity to build up some chemistry within the locker room and on the ice.

1st Period:
Unfortunately, I don’t tune in until the 17:54 mark once again, but this time I promise it’s not my fault. We were treated to an epic finish in men’s curling, but as we return to action, Phil Kessel flies into the zone for his first Olympic goal. He goes top shelf on the Norwegian net minder Paul Grotnes. The Madison, Wisconsin native gets a pass from fellow cheese head Joe Pavelski. I would be remiss if I failed to mention Ryan Malone had the other assist on the goal.

Team U.S.A. is flying high early generating chances and shots; a much faster start than the game against the Swiss. I said on Facebook earlier for Joe Pavelski and Patrick Kane to have big days today. I forgot to mention Phil Kessel, who is somewhat of a role model for me. With 14:48 to go, barely five minutes in, the shots are 7-1 in favor of Team U.S.A.

Tim Gleason finally registers a shot in these games but right into the glove of Grotnes. Overall, it’s a much better start for the U.S. team. They’re doing everything right and getting about all they could hope for from all lines.

Despite the early goal, Grotnes continues to make some big saves and is weathering the barrage of shots from Team U.S.A. We have our first penalty of the contest for a stick hold against Norway around the 10:00 mark of the period. I’m hearing a lot of iron so far in the game; one off the pipe on the power play along with Pavelski’s earlier. Miller is tested for the first time as Norway kills off the power play. A slick back hand pass fools the U.S. as Patrik Thoreson comes through the back side but Miller is quick to shut the door. Two minutes later, the States score again with Chris Drury on the doorstep from a rebound. This goal is the result of sharp presence in the zone by David Backes. Backes kept the puck in the zone at the far point, checked down to Brooks Orpik, but made the pass to the slot where Chris Drury ultimately banged it through for his first Olympic goal.

Kristian Forsberg gets an opportunity on a 2-on-1 resulting from a turnover with a little over four minutes to go in the period. Still only a handful of shots for Norway, but they are gradually getting chances. As they alluded to on the broadcast, these are games goalies hate to play in. A stellar goalie like Miller can get cold in a hurry with so few shots by the opposition.

Norway will head to the box with 2:24 to go after an altercation in front of the Norway net. MATS ZUCCARELLO AASEN gets the penalty. Paul Stastny has his spot picked out right in front of Grotnes on the power play. Pavelski slips off the boards and gets off a wicked wrist shot right into the chest of Grotnes. The Norwegians have killed off both U.S. Power Play opportunities. Ryan Malone gets off a late shot with about a second left, but Grotnes throws it aside to end the period. Team U.S.A. played much better than their first period against Switzerland. Furthermore, it seemed like the boys kept their foot on the gas the entire period and didn’t try to just sit on the early lead. I’ll look (and hope) for more of the same into the second period.

2nd Period:
NBC was three seconds late coming back to coverage… big surprise. The period starts with Norway controlling in the American zone trying to get a chance, but no luck. They do, however, register the first shot of the second period. David Backes will take a high sticking call at 2:29 of the second period setting Norway up for their first man advantage. Kesler and Langenbrunner quickly clear the zone. Team U.S.A. isn’t giving Norway much room on the power play so far. The Norwegians aren’t making very smart passes on special teams as they’ve been tipped or picked off and cleared. Kesler’s latest clear will kill the Backes penalty. Just as Backes steps back on the ice, MATS ZUCCARELLO AASEN finesses his way in front of Miller, but the Buffalo goaltender holds on. It is only Norway’s third shot of the game, “officially.”

The youngsters are making me look good today. Patrick Kane picks up the pieces in front of the net. Zach Parise takes the initial shot from the near point, but Grotnes gives up a juicy rebound to Patrick Kane with a wide open net. All the goal scorers have registered their first career Olympic goals today. Immediately following the goal, Norway generates yet another odd man rush led by Tore Vikingstad. This may have been the best chance they’ve had. Paul Stastny just took a vicious hit in the corner. As they mentioned again on the broadcast, following the hit, Brian Rafalski immediately came to Stastny’s defense. Not to retaliate with a dirty hit of his own, but just a quick jab to the Norwegian bully to let him know that they will not be pushed around. I think it’s safe to say the chemistry is now evident for Team U.S.A.

Rafalski is taken down by Tore Vikingstad in the corner at 8:26. Team U.S.A. will go to their third power play. Now here’s Norway with a shorthanded 2-on-1; Langenbruner falls down after whiffing on an open chance, but it allows Norway to take it in shorthanded with a 2-on-1 and this time it burns Miller. Marius Holtlet scores his first Olympic goal, a shorthanded marker with a little over 11 minutes to play. Still 1:29 to go on the U.S. power play. I’m intrigued as to how the power play will respond. Moreover, how will Team U.S.A. as a whole respond? I’ve already lost count of the odd man rushes they’ve relinquished in this game. If they can’t fix this problem before the Canada game on Sunday Night, it could be recipe for disaster. Norway leads the period in shots 4-3, getting more chances than the U.S. on their own power play.
David Backes is playing a whale of a game throwing the body and setting up nice plays like in the first period. He’s been involved in a couple of heavy collisions, but he himself is no worse for wear. At 12:27, Team U.S.A. will head to their fourth power play. They’ve come up goose eggs so far on the man advantage and will need to start a fire for the power play and possibly think about putting this game out of reach for Norway. In any case, a power play goal here would be absolutely demoralizing for the Norwegians. The penalty was for charging, but USA doesn’t like throwing up the time and name of the guilty party heading to the sin bin. So we’ll chalk that up to the graphics department for USA and not on my faulty reporting skills this time. Grotnes has come up large since the third goal for Norway. They’re turning up their checking game a bit to counter the U.S. attack as well. Pavelski drills a shot off of the mask of Grotnes stopping play.

Joe Pavelski is all over the place on the U.S. power play. He is a man possessed and determined to put the puck in the net. The former Waterloo Blackhawk has shown uncanny awareness on the ice in front of the net, making passes and taking shots. He’s done just about everything besides putting the puck in the net.
Miller was forced to hold his breath on a Norway shot that was redirected on the way to the net, but no harm done. After a moment of instability, the U.S. appears unphased by the Norway goal. The scoring opportunities have almost evened out for both sides in the second period. Each team gets a decent chance as the period closes along with some extracurricular activities after the horn, or whatever that thing is they’re blowing at GM Place. I’ve noticed a little post-whistle fisticuffs picking up a bit. I don’t think much will come of that due to the harsh consequences of fighting in international play. Through two periods, 22-9 shots in favor of the U.S.

This was no doubt a very sloppy second period for the U.S. The odd man rushes MUST STOP. However, it seems like the boys know this as you may have noticed in the interview with Zach Parise. He mentioned the fact that it needs to be cleaned up “before we play a team like Canada.” To add insult to injury, the Norway goal on the 2-on-1 was shorthanded. It’s hard for me to sit here and place blame on Jamie Langenbrunner. He lost an edge trying to turn around for the puck, but before he got to his feet, Norway was halfway to a shorthanded goal. Players lose an edge on their skates all the time, Langenbrunner just came at really bad time. Final thought before the third period – any money as to when Jeremy Roenick is going to drop kick Mike Millbury in the face? I can sense quite a bit of tension on-air.

Third Period:

This could be a critical period for Team U.S.A. Not necessarily for the result of this game, but in preparations for the showdown with Canada on Sunday Night. This is their last game situation opportunity to work out all the issues and fix what needs to be fixed (odd man rushes) before they take on the nearly flawless Canadian team.

The Kane and Parise line has impressed in this game so far after not doing much in the Swiss game. These two seem to know where one another is at all times on the ice, but not in the same creepy way that Sedin twins do for the Canucks. Jack Johnson will get a penalty for tripping MATS ZUCCARELLO AASEN. In case you’re wondering why Zuccarello’s name is in all caps in this piece, I’ll be man enough to admit that I’m too lazy to type this kid’s name over and over again. Yes, I copy and pasted. Langenbrunner and Kesler developed a 2-on-1 shorthanded and almost cashed in. Pierre Mcguire is really letting Tim Gleason have it right now for “pinching in shorthanded” saying he’s lucky the Norwegians didn’t take it the other way. Well, he may be right, but come on; Kesler and Langenbrunner had a chance going the other way. The three man crew is completely unnecessary for these games, not to mention the NBC game of the week. I like Emerick and Eddie Olczyk are a pretty solid crew by themselves, but Pierre Mcguire loves to hear himself talk. The comparisons of Joe Pavelski to Joe Sakic really need to just stop. I like Pavs now, but I don’t think anyone on that slab of ice today is on the same level as Joe Sakic at his prime.

A nearly disastrous turnover for the U.S. almost makes this a one goal game. Miller was quick to react and is probably getting a bit agitated with his defense. Ron Wilson must feel the same way, but it’s partially his responsibility to help work with some of these guys between now and Sunday to keep the turnovers and odd man rushes to a minimum. As I say that, another one, this time a 3-on-2 develops for Norway. I’m not saying Jonathan Quick or Tim Thomas wouldn’t have stopped all of these shots, but Ryan Miller is a big part of why Norway only has one on the board. He has been quick on his feet, but not really needing to stand on his head. It’s merely the fact that Norway is getting the ridiculous chances via the turnovers but Miller is there and he is ready. I’ve been impressed with Miller through the first two games. Like I mentioned in the last post, Miller had seen his share of turmoil since the middle of January as the Sabres had cooled off quite a bit. He was giving up goals in bunches at times. However, since he arrived in Vancouver, he’s been equal to the task.

Ryan Malone is now the team leader in goals; Jack Johnson shows what he can do with the stick as he goes inside and outside into the zone. The rebound on Johnson’s shot came to Ryan Malone as he slaps it past Grotnes. It’s Malone’s second goal of the games. Ryan Miller will pick up an assist on the goal as he made a fine pass to Jack Johnson to lead the rush.

Pavelski feeds Kessel again for another chance, much like Pavs’ did in the first, but Kessel is denied on the breakaway. I spoke about chemistry earlier, but here is more evidence of the team coming together. Pavelski and Kessel have similar awareness on the ice as Kane and Parise seem to have now. The two never played together, but they are both former Badgers at Wisconsin.

The issue no longer seems to be in doubt at 4-1 and Team U.S.A. on another power play with less than four minutes to go as Bobby Ryan took a high stick to the face. That penalty results in another US goal – hard to keep up with these guys now. Good work in the corner by Parise to dig it out and slip behind the net and find a crashing Brian Rafalski for the first power play tally of the day. They’re 1-5 on the man advantage today. The power play is another aspect of the game that Ron Wilson might want the guys to work on before Canada comes calling in three days.

Under one minute to play, and the U.S. is starting to have fun now. A faceoff to the left of Grotnes was won by none other than Joe Pavelski as he played it back to Brian Rafalski. Too much traffic in front of Grotnes for this one as Rafalski picks up his second goal of the period. Pavelski notches his second assist today as well. A three goal third period puts this into the win column for the States.

Norway didn’t roll over for Ron Wilson’s team and I’m glad they didn’t. They’re certainly not a high-caliber team like Canada, but they held their own. There was a real danger that Team U.S.A. could have looked ahead to the marquee matchup on Sunday. However, they seemed locked in from the opening faceoff scoring in less than three minutes. They controlled the pace through the entire first period. Norway played its best hockey in the second period. I wasn’t sure how the shorthanded goal was going to affect the play of Team U.S.A. the rest of the way, but all things considered, I think they responded well. They managed to get some quality shots off after a couple minutes of trying to reconvene.

David Backes has been one of the best players so far for the U.S. He has a goal and an assist, but he’s done so much more than just show up on the score sheet. He’s making the passes, setting screens and throwing some heavy hits. I think he helped spark the U.S. in the hit department as the game today went on. Backes has also played well with Bobby Ryan of Anaheim. In fact, Team U.S.A. really developed their chemistry today, in a big way. The chemistry is there now; there should be no more questions as to whether these kids can play with each other, whether the chemistry is present on the lines or defensive pairings. This was the game they needed to have early in this tournament. All the lines got in on the action. Backes and Ryan are playing well, Kane and Parise, and especially Joe Pavelski and Phil Kessel who almost hooked up almost twice today (but did once). It came together against Norway. If I may steal a quote from Mike Ditka during his days with Saints: “I think we became a team today… we became a team!” (The video amuses me for some reason).

Speaking of amusing, if you want a laugh, keep listening to Mike Millbury talk. If you want a reason to throw something at your television, keep listening to Mike Millbury talk. I take Mike Millbury’s “analysis” with a grain of salt. He already says that Canada will, in not so many words, destroy the U.S. on Sunday. Now, I’m not saying that can’t happen, because it will if they play like they did today with the turnovers and the lackluster play on special teams (particularly the power play). All this, though, coming from the man that is partially responsible for the abyss that the New York Islanders have fallen into this decade. I couldn’t agree with Jeremy Roenick more at this point. Going into the Canada game, it has to be Miller between the pipes. Like any playoff season, you ride the hot goalie through the post season to get you to the Promised Land. Goaltending alone will not beat Canada. It will take goaltending, defense, scoring, and fewer turnovers. There’s no question that Team U.S.A. has their work cut out for them on Sunday Night and there is much work to be done before then. But don’t write these guys off yet. It’s still early in the tournament and a scrappy Swiss team had Canada on the ropes tonight on the brink of embarrassment. I’m confident that Ron Wilson will help this team make the needed corrections in the strategy and special teams, having them ready to go on Sunday. You forget… this is the Olympics. Some pretty special stuff happens here.

US vs. Switzerland Post-Game Wrapup

Michael Frazier’s “Not-so-Live” Blog

1st Period

I missed the first minute and a half of the game because I was held up at the Taco Bell drive-thru. Apparently, I didn’t miss much. If you didn’t tune in until the second period, though, you did miss a bit. Anaheim’s Bobby Ryan scores on teammate Jonas Hiller. David Backes didn’t get an assist on the goal, but definitely helped out in the corner and created some traffic in front. The Americans get out of the first unscathed at the other end as Ryan Miller was tested a time or two. The Swiss almost found the back of the net a couple times. Despite their inability to put one on the board, Doc Emerick made an astute observation about the Swiss. If you’re an avid NHL fan, you’ll recognize two, maybe three names with goalie Jonas Hiller and defenseman Mark Streit. Outside of them, there aren’t any big names, but they are coached well and believe in the system. They’re generating a few chances against a team that is far and away more talented. Miller looked solid between the pipes, though as mentioned above, the Swiss haven’t exactly peppered him with shots either with just five. The Swiss team did a fine job in keeping the USA Power Play in check.

2nd Period

I noticed in the first period that the Swiss had difficulties clearing the puck from the defensive zone. More of the same early in period number two. They’ll need to finish these plays off and not allow the US any more second chances than they’ve already given them. So far this period, the Swiss are playing about as bland a game as their jerseys. Seriously, a little more effort and originality would be nice. I’ve heard Joe Pavelski’s name quite a bit, along with Erik Johnson and David Backes. Very physical play from E.J. and Backes while Pavs continues an aggressive fore-check. I think it’s safe to say Johnson has been the most effective defenseman so far. Just as I mention Mr. Backes, he finishes a beautiful play similar to one he scored on in this same building earlier in the season against the Canucks. Backes pulled a power move right in front of Hiller from backhand to forehand to make it 2-0 in favor of the United States. The play developed following a scramble in front of Miller at the other end that nearly resulted in a Swiss goal. Mark Streit is busy on special teams for the Swiss as he’s out killing another penalty. His efforts prove to be futile as Ryan Malone hammers it home. Joe Pavelski camped out in front of Hiller creating a screen and also created confusion for Hiller as he couldn’t find the puck in front of him. Malone picks up the garbage and the first U.S. power play goal.

I was about to make the point that Mark Streit has been truly effective with his Swiss colleagues killing penalties up to now. The Swiss have taken a couple of bad penalties and rendered the U.S. special teams useless until the Malone power play goal. I suppose Streit can’t be expected to do it all on his own. He’ll try again as the U.S. has another power play with about eight and a half minutes left in the period. I’m a bit surprised at Hiller’s play through a period and a half. Here’s a guy that indirectly sent J.S. Giguere packing for Toronto by taking his starting job in Anaheim and has proven to be a solid NHL net minder. In all fairness to the Swiss and the slow start for the U.S., it’s only the first game of the Olympic tournament. The U.S. has found their sea legs finally and, they’re moving the puck rather well, although the Swiss are still throwing out a decent effort on the penalty kill. The Swiss kill off the penalty, but once again are having problems clearing the zone.

With three minutes left in the second, Roman Wick for the Swiss has arguably their best scoring opportunity against Miller, but the Buffalo goaltender fends off the chance. Pierre Maguire mentioned that Tim Gleason isn’t getting consistent shifts in this game and he’s right. I had forgotten Gleason made the team as a replacement until now. That’s the first I’ve heard his name this game.

Kane and Stastny get a late scoring chance, but perhaps one too many passes with about 45 seconds to go. Mark Streit led a 2-on-1 with about 10 seconds left and decided to take the shot rather than pass. A last rush by Kane ends the second period with the Americans on top 3-0. Quick thought as the period ends: David Backes should consider endorsements for Puffs tissue, as I’m pretty sure he has about two boxes of tissue lodged in his nostril. Also, the best player not on the score sheet in this game is definitely Joe Pavelski. Pavs has helped generate traffic in front of the net, he’s firing shots and is solid on the forecheck. Pierre Maguire called him a “poor man’s Joe Sakic.” Interesting analogy.

3rd Period

Let’s hope David Backes and Erik Johnson don’t bring their three goal misfortunes to Vancouver. The Blues have blown many a three goal lead this year, but they also didn’t have an Olympic roster around them. However, the Swiss will get their first power play at 4:50 of the third. Solid PK for the Americans so far. Roman Wick and Gnat Dominchelli quarterback the Swiss power play. Dominchelli is a former NHL who enjoyed some success in the NHL long ago. No harm, no foul on the penalty as Miller continues to turn the Swiss team away. Ryan Suter will now go off for a hit up high. There is little to no tolerance for high hits in international play and this call was a no-brainer. The Swiss would love nothing more than to save a little face and steal a goal from Miller. Streit is now manning the point for the Swiss power play. Miller’s shutout bid is gone. Roman Wick throws a harmless looking backhand at the net that Miller appeared to have stopped, but it trickled past him into the back of the net. Dominichelli appeared to have gotten a piece of it in front of Miller. The Swiss have picked up their game a bit since the goal trying to generate some more chances. The U.S. may have been caught sitting back a bit, but would find it useful to grab an insurance marker here in the last 6:39.

Hiller makes a solid save with five and a half left to keep the Swiss alive. Drury misses on a quick 2 on 1 in the zone shooting wide with 2:46 left. Hiller has allowed three goals, but in turn has made some solid saves to give the Swiss a fighting chance late. They continue a late surge with under two minutes to go. Pierre Mcguire insists you don’t pull the goalie with two minutes left down by two unless it’s a gold medal game. I’m sure many of us would disagree as each game is important from prelims all the way through. One minute to go and no signs of Hiller heading to the bench. The Swiss may have conceded the fact it’s too much at this point. 6.9 seconds to go and Jack Johnson has some words for the Swiss. The final seconds tick off and the Americans have a slightly less than impressive 3-1 win over the Swiss team. Miller was probably the most impressive player for the U.S. overall making a couple big saves. Miller had been struggling the past few weeks with the Sabres, but for an opening round game he still stepped up and played well. Pavelski had a solid game, as did Ryan Malone. David Backes now gets the game-winner. Switzerland’s lone goal on the power play is officially credited to Roman Wick and NOT Gnat Dominichelli. I would be remiss, however, if I didn’t credit the Swiss team. The talent level was far from even in this match-up. The entire U.S. roster is in the NHL. All of three NHL players star for the Swiss, Dominichelli notwithstanding. They both looked slow in the first period, but the Swiss held it together to give themselves a great chance to at least contend in this game, but if nothing else, they gave the U.S. more than they wanted in this game. Streit and Wick played very well for them and might help the Swiss raise a few eyebrows before we’re done in Vancouver.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Look, it wasn’t a bad effort by team U.S.A. today. However, it could’ve been better. It was the first game, so the jitters, the nerves and all the nerves are to be expected. I don’t think anyone had a “BAD” game, but there are a few issues to work on. Team Switzerland played about as well as anyone could have expected, but the Americans were applying consistent offensive pressure – and Hiller couldn’t hold them off all game.

They’re playing in Vancouver, where the Canadians are the heavy favorite for gold, so that makes for added pressure. Ron Wilson said he knows his team is the “villain” heading into these games. It won’t be easy for this team to medal, but they will have another chance to come together against Norway on Thursday. Many of these guys are playing together for the first time ever so maybe there are a few early chemistry issues. But overall, these guys look like they’re having fun playing with each other out there. The excitement and emotion were evident in Bobby Ryan’s first goal celebration as he greeted his teammates (all from other NHL cities) with open arms. I won’t be surprised if these guys find themselves on the podium in two weeks.

Survivor China

Something smells fishy here… and it’s not the sushi from the Nassau Coliseum concessions.

What in the world is happening on Long Island? You know, I’ve been a casual Islander fan for almost ten years now. Still, I must agree with the hecklers that the New York Islanders are probably the biggest joke of a franchise in all of sports. This is Charles Wang’s latest gimmick in a long line of failed marketing ploys for the Isles. For a remotely rational explanation for this latest debacle, look no further than Islanders owner Charles Wang. For several years, Wang has tried to gain the NHL some attention in Asia, and he’s finally managed to organize a tour of pre-season games in China.

“The team will be in China from Sept. 14-23, with most of that time spent in Beijing, Wang said. The Islanders will also visit Harbin and Qiqihar in Heilongjiang Province in the northeast, the most popular area for winter sports in China. The trip will conclude what he called the team’s “friendship tour” in Shanghai.

“We have gotten approval from the N.H.L. Players’ Association, the N.H.L. and the Chinese government, and they are welcoming us and are excited about us coming,” Wang said.

Wang said the Islanders would combine training sessions during the tour with games in four cities. Some would be intrasquad games, and others would involve the Chinese national team. He said half the Chinese players would combine with half the Islanders players to create two mixed teams, which would play exhibition matches.

“The Far East, and China in particular, represents a huge untapped opportunity to grow both participation and interest in our game,” Daly said. “Charles Wang has always recognized this potential and has worked tirelessly over a number of years on a project to expose the N.H.L. and N.H.L. players to the Chinese people and culture.”

The Islanders, who are in Florida as they struggle for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, will be the first N.H.L. team to tour China.” {NYT}

So the Isles will be in China for up to a week and a half, then they’ll come home to the States and start the exhibition slate, only to travel some more. I’m curious, when some of these global treks for NHL and NFL games come up as a serious consideration, do the respective leagues ever think about the players? Jet-lag much? I mean, who cares if the Isles come home and go winless through the preseason as long as they’re ready to go on opening night? Well, they could also be sluggish into the regular season, too. Whatever, that’s kind of beside the point here. My point of emphasis is why does the NHL need to try and generate interest in Beijing and Shanghai? Maybe in 2011, Gary Bettman can send the Florida Panthers to Zimbabwe to help spread NHL awareness. Heck, they made a movie about the Rangers playing a game in Alaska, so I suppose anything is possible (“Mystery, Alaska” great flick). It just seems awfully cliché to me that Charles Wang wants to take this circus of a franchise of his to Asia for over a week. Do you think many of those players within the Islander locker room are very keen on the idea of this trip? In any case, I can’t help but get the feeling there is more to this trip. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? (I sure hope not).

Seriously, though; let’s step outside the box here. Could the powers-that-be of the NHL possibly – in their right minds – be considering relocating a franchise to China? I may have just lost you in saying that. However, consider the recent track record for the Islander franchise since Wang gained ownership of the team. Among the ridiculous and comical ideas Wang has used/considered for the Islanders are: the 15 year contract offered to Rick DiPietro in 2006; promoting then backup goaltender Garth Snow to… General Manager in the same year; toying with the idea of sticking a sumo wrestler between the pipes to play goalie, not to mention the multitude of current NHL superstars he’s traded away. The laundry list of names includes Roberto Luongo, Olli Jokinen, Tim Connolly and Taylor Pyatt to name a few. But perhaps the biggest disappointment during Wang’s reign of terror is his interest in moving the team and the debacle that the Lighthouse Project has turned into (www.lighthouseli.com). You can read all about this project and how it is essentially the last hope to keep the Islanders on Long Island. It’s quite an intriguing project for the island. However, it’s been on the table for nearly seven years. Wang has gone public saying that if the project is not approved soon, he will not hesitate to relocate this once proud franchise. Kansas City has already been considered a favorite should the Isles move. Now with the Beijing training camp trip, nothing seems outside the realm of possibility for the New York Islanders.

The Phaneuf and Giguere Trade: A Second Look

If by chance you haven’t heard and are hearing about it here on The Doctors first, the Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired defenseman Dion Phaneuf from the Calgary Flames and net-minder John Sebastian Giguere from Anaheim. It’s a major development that needs a little extra analyzing.

I’m rather intrigued by the two acquisitions by Maple Leaf GM Brian Burke. He sacrificed over 100 points in scoring offense to get one of the premiere defensemen in the National Hockey League with Phaneuf. From NHL.com:

“We are in buying and selling mode,” Burke said during his morning press conference to announce a deal for Phaneuf, who come aboard with two other players from the Calgary Flames in exchange for four players.

The complete deal was Phaneuf, right wing Fredrik Sjostrom and prospect Keith Aulie to Toronto for forwards Niklas Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayers and defenseman Ian White.”

If it was possible to be a buyer AND seller at this point in the season, Burke has it perfected. They didn’t exactly acquire Phanuef for his scoring prowess, but more for his aggressive, hard hitting style of play that makes many an NHL rookie nervous (ask Kyle Okposo, even though he’s not a rookie anymore). Phaneuf has the ability to score, especially on the power play, but he will in no way compensate for the offense heading to Calgary. Stajan and Hagman should get plenty of playing time with the Flames and should provide a much needed boost in offense that the Flames have been missing for the last few weeks. Burke was definitely a buyer in this trade, but no doubt at a steep cost.

I like the Giguere deal. He is a proven winner with experience. Vesa Toskala has been shaky at best this season, but it has been enough to keep the Leafs in contention in a floundering Eastern Conference. Though they’re 11 points out at the time of the trade, nothing is impossible. But again, it goes back to the scoring. After everything the Leafs just lost in offense, do they still have enough time to chip away at 8th place? At this point, it looks iffy for them to climb the ladder, but if Burke “bought” Phaneuf and Giguere to “sell” for next year, then the2010-11 Leafs already look like a solid club ready to contend for the postseason again.

These “Pups” Have Bite

I’m not a big cliché guy. Every now and then, sure but only if completely necessary. Here, it’s not necessary. I’m not going to tell you about the bark and bite in a dog or the fight in a dog. Though those are fitting words for the Phoenix Coyotes, it goes beyond that. Simply put, the Phoenix Coyotes have a lot of bite in them. For years, many have referred to them as the “Desert Dogs.” This season, the franchise is going with a marketing slogan that appeals to the youth of the team: “Coyotes Hockey – A New Breed.” Take a look down the Coyote roster this season, and you’ll see a lot kids who are nothing more than “pups.” (Yes, full pun intended). They’re not all young pups, though. Five players on the roster are over the age of 30, the oldest being NHL journeyman Robert Lang at 39 (Now with his 8th NHL team). Captain Shane Doan, 33, is the last charter member of the Phoenix Coyotes that made the move from Winnipeg. For the most part, though, this team is just a bunch of pups… pups with plenty of bark in their bite, or however the saying goes.

So what’s with all the talk about the bite in the dog and the size of the bark and every other cliché I could possibly get wrong? The Coyotes stunned a slightly less than packed Joe Lewis Arena last night by erasing a 4-2 deficit with under two minutes to go. Keith Yandle’s weak wrist shot on the power play fluttered past a screened Jimmy Howard to make it 4-3 with about a minute and a half to go in regulation. Now, since dad came into the room and thought it was cool to change the channel, I didn’t see the JoVo Cop’s game tying goal. I did manage to see Doan’s game winner in overtime and that was the result of some hard work in the slot by the Coyotes. As a Blues fan, it never breaks my heart to see Detroit lose like this. However, I’m a self proclaimed hockey purist and I like to think I know a lot about the rest of this league, especially the Western Conference. I know good hockey when I see it and it’s hard to ignore the Coyotes right now. These pups are growing up before our eyes as we saw on Tuesday Night in Detroit.

Two of the hottest young stars in the desert are defenseman Keith Yandle, 23, and Martin Hanzal, 22. They are just two in a cast of several youngsters including Peter Mueller (21), Lauri Korpikoski (23) and the team leader in scoring, Scottie Upshall at the age of 26. Upshall leads the team with 18 goals heading into Thursday Night’s home date with the Calgary Flames (which they won 3-2). We learned a lot about these kids in the comeback against Detroit; the resiliency of this team could be what the Coyotes were missing down the stretch last season. For you hockey purists that keep tabs on previous seasons, you know the Coyotes were sitting pretty between the fourth and sixth seed for awhile. It was around this same time, late January and into February that they sat in the thick of the playoff race. Sadly, I believe Adam and I were single handedly responsible for sending the Phoenix Coyotes into a tail spin mid February. Ironically, it was after an impressive 6-3 win over Detroit in the desert. I made the observation that they were playing very well amidst all the adversity, what with the possibility of moving back to Canada and all. They were playing well with some young talent. I proudly proclaimed that this team was headed to the playoffs. Sadly, the Coyotes were on the wrong side of the eighth seed within about two weeks. I have yet to issue a formal apology to the city of Phoenix. In any case, much of that young talent remains intact here in ‘09/’10.

The real question here is will the youth and inexperience catch up with the Coyotes once again like it did last season? In fears of sending the Coyotes into a free fall again, I’ll refrain from telling you I think they have what it takes again. With that being said, they are better than last season. That can be attributed to a man whom I’ve yet to mention, head coach Dave Tippet. A new system and style of play is in place from a guy who has helped the Dallas Stars get into the playoffs multiple times. So with the alpha dogs in Shane Doan and Robert Lang leading the way, how far can they lead these pups into the spring? At this point in time, a home ice series as a four seed is completely within reach. However, I don’t think they need a four seed to impress anyone. The Pacific Division title may be out of reach at this point, but the Coyotes believe they can run with anyone. This team has already made plenty of noise to this point; you can bet by season’s end, the entire Western Conference will hear just how loud the bark is in the Phoenix Coyotes.

Cruel Intention: The Intent to Blow Rule and Other Officiating Blunders

First off, allow me this opportunity to say how pleased I am to be able to contribute to this rapidly growing website. I hope to help this community grow and flourish for quite some time. Now that the intro is out of the way, let’s talk a little hockey.

When it comes to this great sport, I have an opinion about everything; rules, players, teams, parody and even salaries. In any case, I happen to have an opinion about this ridiculous rule with the referees losing site of the puck in the middle of a scrum in front of the net. It kind of goes hand in hand with the “intent to blow” rule with the whistle. Since they can’t go back and reverse a call on replay in which the whistle blew AFTER the puck crosses the line. So what am I getting at here? Do you have any idea how many goals have been disallowed because of this rule? A lot.

This may seem like old news to many of you, but the most recent example comes from an MLK Day matinee with the Devils and Islanders. Without getting too bogged down in details, the official behind the Devil net tried to maintain a clean view of the puck while Richard Park of the Islanders tried to get a shot off. On the game’s telecast, it is obvious that Devil net minder Marty Brodeur never once had possession of the puck to warrant a stoppage in play. My understanding of the rule is that if at any point during a play like this that an official loses the puck, it’s at his discretion to blow the play dead. In most cases (This case as no exception), the play was blown dead as the puck crossed the line into the goal. In this case for the Islanders, the goal was disallowed immediately because the official lost the puck, though it was never covered by Brodeur. I can imagine what some of you may be thinking about if you’re reading that; the Islanders won 4-0 and this goal wouldn’t have made any difference in the end result. I’ll give you that much. However, this issue is about a matter of principle. I understand it’s probably difficult, let alone impossible to amend a rule like this. It’s a judgment call. There’s no such thing as a perfectly officiated game.

I’ve posted the game’s highlight video below for you those of you that may have missed this officiating blunder. This one ranks pretty high among missed calls, no-calls, and just blatant lapses in judgment. Pay attention to the puck and you should be able to see that it never stopped moving and was never covered up. Fast forward to the 23 second mark of the highlight. Notice Doug Weight saying his piece about the play. The guy really shows why he’s wearing that C on his jersey for an otherwise young Islander team.

Like I said, had the play rolled on and had Richard Park been awarded the goal, all it really would’ve done was make the final 5-0 instead of 4-0. However, if this rule isn’t tweaked in some fashion, some of these premature whistles and the “intent-to-blow” rule are going to pull critical goals off the board in some key situations. Lucky for this scrappy Islanders team, no harm done. It’s just one less goal Richard Park can claim to his season total.