Flyers GM Paul Holmgren has announced that D Erik Gustaffson will make the trip to Ottawa.
With the rash of injuries on the back line, this is perfect timing for the young gun to get NHL experience and give the vets a rest. He impressed me at training camp and I have been hoping for a call-up all year. Hopefully he will get a chance to show the fans what he has.
Sorry for the brief post, but today we are trying to decide whether to transition the blog or not and work on the possible transition.
Showing posts with label Around the NHL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Around the NHL. Show all posts
Friday, February 25, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Trade Updates
Unfortunately I do not have enough time to devote to trades as I would like ,with an influx of school work, but I will try to do my best to keep everyone posted.
Trades From February 18th On
(Starting with most recent)
Dallas Stars acquire:
D Alex Goligoski
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire:
LW James Neal
D Matt Niskanen
My take: Pittsburgh addressed a weakness they have failed to address since the three-headed monster of Crosby, Malkin and Staal has been in the league. Crosby will finally have a winger of better than average talent to play with. They also get a D to fill Goligoski's spot. Though not as talented as "Go-go," Niskanen will hold his own on Pitt's third pair. Dallas gets cap space and a young, puck moving D in return. They needed to upgrade on D and by dealing from a position of strength (young wingers) they were able to accomplish it. Pitt wins this deal but it is not as lopsided as people may think, Goligoski may just thrive with more ice time.
Trades From February 18th On
(Starting with most recent)
Dallas Stars acquire:
D Alex Goligoski
Pittsburgh Penguins acquire:
LW James Neal
D Matt Niskanen
My take: Pittsburgh addressed a weakness they have failed to address since the three-headed monster of Crosby, Malkin and Staal has been in the league. Crosby will finally have a winger of better than average talent to play with. They also get a D to fill Goligoski's spot. Though not as talented as "Go-go," Niskanen will hold his own on Pitt's third pair. Dallas gets cap space and a young, puck moving D in return. They needed to upgrade on D and by dealing from a position of strength (young wingers) they were able to accomplish it. Pitt wins this deal but it is not as lopsided as people may think, Goligoski may just thrive with more ice time.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Antti Niemi Redeems Himself, Gives Boost to Sharks
Some of you may remember me calling out Mr. Niemi in a December 1st post entitled 5 Things That Disappoint Me About This Season. Here is what I had to say about the Sharks goalie then:
If there needed to be proof that this blog was influential, the need has been satisfied. Clearly Niemi read my post. Despite his record since (14-10-2) he has kept a floundering Sharks team in playoff contention. Four of those wins have been shutouts. That is good for 7th in the league.
Where to start? Niemi, I pulled for you all off-season. I wanted the Flyers to sign you after your arbitration decision. I thought you would only blossom from your impressive rookie year. I argued that you were not reliant on the great D in front of you in Chicago. But what have you shown me this year in San Jose? Nothing. You have been in 9 games, but only have 3 wins. You have a .877 save percentage and a 3.93 goals against. Sophomore slump? Maybe, but I expect bigger things in your future if you want to keep me on your side. There is time to turn things around, I am just disappointed you made me look like a fool.
If there needed to be proof that this blog was influential, the need has been satisfied. Clearly Niemi read my post. Despite his record since (14-10-2) he has kept a floundering Sharks team in playoff contention. Four of those wins have been shutouts. That is good for 7th in the league.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Thoughts on the Norris Trophy
Is it just me, or does this years list of potential Norris Trophy winners make everyone else sick? Among the candidates to receive the most prestigious award for defensemen are: Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Green of the Washington Capitals, and Dustin Byfuglien of the Atlanta Thrashers. Though all three of these players are among the tops of the league in scoring for blueliners, the trophy is supposed to be given out to the best all-around defenseman. It is my opinion that none of these three are truly Norris worthy.
Emery signs in Anaheim and more
Ray Emery has signed a 2-way contract for the rest of this year with the Ducks. He has already been sent to the AHL and is now on waivers. He is on waivers because he is being sent down, if he was to stay in the NHL he would not have to clear. Also, once he clears he will not be subject to re-entry if the Ducks call him up later this year.
I think ANA won't get poached with Emery. The team claiming Emery would have to keep him in the NHL and the fact that he is coming off that huge injury and hasn't played a game yet is something that will keep teams from making a claim. Once he clears I think ANA will keep Emery in the AHL for the rest of the year, giving him a chance to make a name for himself again then trade his rights before July 1st. This is a good asset move by the Ducks and also a good just-in-case move too. Hiller has played a lot of games in the past two years and their back up now has very little experience. If Hiller gets too exhausted or is injured, Emery may find himself back up in the NHL.
Also, Forsberg officially signed a 1 year deal in Colorado for 1 million dollars. Hopefully his foot stays healthy and he can make an impact again at the NHL level. Forsberg is a guy I personally cheer for because he loves the sport so much. This is not a case of the Brett Favre.
Forsberg won't have to clear any waivers and should be in a game soon. My guess would be a home game February 14th against Calgary. It would be fitting that his first game back would be in front of the home crowd that he has such a long history with. If he can stay healthy this is a great move for the Avs who lost Tomas Fleischmann for the year who was their big midseason pick up.
Blog related news: We are doing our best to stay current and on top of things here, with college work thrown in. We appreciate your views and reading, and we are doing our best to give you the best product we can. Quality and Quantity. Thank you.
I think ANA won't get poached with Emery. The team claiming Emery would have to keep him in the NHL and the fact that he is coming off that huge injury and hasn't played a game yet is something that will keep teams from making a claim. Once he clears I think ANA will keep Emery in the AHL for the rest of the year, giving him a chance to make a name for himself again then trade his rights before July 1st. This is a good asset move by the Ducks and also a good just-in-case move too. Hiller has played a lot of games in the past two years and their back up now has very little experience. If Hiller gets too exhausted or is injured, Emery may find himself back up in the NHL.
Also, Forsberg officially signed a 1 year deal in Colorado for 1 million dollars. Hopefully his foot stays healthy and he can make an impact again at the NHL level. Forsberg is a guy I personally cheer for because he loves the sport so much. This is not a case of the Brett Favre.
Forsberg won't have to clear any waivers and should be in a game soon. My guess would be a home game February 14th against Calgary. It would be fitting that his first game back would be in front of the home crowd that he has such a long history with. If he can stay healthy this is a great move for the Avs who lost Tomas Fleischmann for the year who was their big midseason pick up.
Blog related news: We are doing our best to stay current and on top of things here, with college work thrown in. We appreciate your views and reading, and we are doing our best to give you the best product we can. Quality and Quantity. Thank you.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Tampa Bay Lightning are My New Favorite Team
Check that....Organization.
I'm not front running here--I have liked Tampa since Martin St. Louis showed the league smaller forwards could still play with grit in 2002-2003. I always loved Vinny. How can you not? I was happy for the Southeast team to win the Cup in spring of 2004. I played two games against a 15 year old Steven Stamkos in a tournament in Toronto.
I'm not front running here--I have liked Tampa since Martin St. Louis showed the league smaller forwards could still play with grit in 2002-2003. I always loved Vinny. How can you not? I was happy for the Southeast team to win the Cup in spring of 2004. I played two games against a 15 year old Steven Stamkos in a tournament in Toronto.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Nabokov Claimed By Islanders
Evgeni Nabokov has been claimed by the New York Islanders today. The word around town is that Nabokov will most likely not report. If this happens that Islanders can either put him back on waivers or suspend him, ending his season. Isles GM Garth Snow does not seem worried however.
My bet is that Nabokov will be suspended if he does not report and a Western conference contender will make a favorable trade to the Islanders as a thank you for keeping Nabokov away from Detroit. That is the only reason I could see for NYI claiming Nabokov- as a favor to another team which will be repaid with draft picks.
My bet is that Nabokov will be suspended if he does not report and a Western conference contender will make a favorable trade to the Islanders as a thank you for keeping Nabokov away from Detroit. That is the only reason I could see for NYI claiming Nabokov- as a favor to another team which will be repaid with draft picks.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Nabokov Signs in DET, Must Clear Waivers
Russian goalie, Evgeny Nabokov signed in Det for 1 year at a little over 500k, pro-rated cap hit would be about 250k. His season in the Russian KHL was cut short after a few subpar performances. He has to pass through re-entry waivers first though, which means every team has a chance to claim him in order of standings. Flyers are the best team in league so they have last chance. Devils would have first.
With such a low salary- he is owed over half a mil but only about half of his salary goes on the cap- a lot of teams will have interest. Toronto would be a good bet as would Washington. Washington definitely would benefit fro ma sturdy proven backstop.I also would not be surprised if COL or OTT put in a claim. NYI may claim him to attempt to trade him for picks and prospects, as might the Devils.
However, if he makes it all the way to the Flyers, I would not be surprised if he gets claimed. They would waive Brian Boucher (who would likely go unclaimed) and the cap difference would actually be in their favor (as Boucher makes more than Nabokov). Their goalie tandem would be Bob and Nabby. Nabby would be great for Bob, an experienced Russian goalie. He also would be a better insurance policy than Boucher. Also, you would play them both down the stretch and see who has the hot hand into the playoffs. If it is Nabby then you let him play in the post season. Bob will have his chance for the next 10 years.
It is not likely, but it would be a smart move for the Flyers to take in Nabokov if they can.
With such a low salary- he is owed over half a mil but only about half of his salary goes on the cap- a lot of teams will have interest. Toronto would be a good bet as would Washington. Washington definitely would benefit fro ma sturdy proven backstop.I also would not be surprised if COL or OTT put in a claim. NYI may claim him to attempt to trade him for picks and prospects, as might the Devils.
However, if he makes it all the way to the Flyers, I would not be surprised if he gets claimed. They would waive Brian Boucher (who would likely go unclaimed) and the cap difference would actually be in their favor (as Boucher makes more than Nabokov). Their goalie tandem would be Bob and Nabby. Nabby would be great for Bob, an experienced Russian goalie. He also would be a better insurance policy than Boucher. Also, you would play them both down the stretch and see who has the hot hand into the playoffs. If it is Nabby then you let him play in the post season. Bob will have his chance for the next 10 years.
It is not likely, but it would be a smart move for the Flyers to take in Nabokov if they can.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sidney Crosby to Miss All-Star Game?
We try to take as objective and non-partisan views on issues in hockey as we can. But this one will be a little tougher.
Sidney Crosby, rumor has it, will boycott the All-Star game in Carolina this year to protest the non-suspensions of Victor Hedman and David Steckel. What could these two guys have possibly done to warrant the top vote get-er to think about skipping the festivities? You might think that they killed his dog. But instead all they did was happen to engage in legal hockey (as in the league didn't find anything wrong with it) contact with the Penguins captain...which later lead to a concussion.
Sidney Crosby, rumor has it, will boycott the All-Star game in Carolina this year to protest the non-suspensions of Victor Hedman and David Steckel. What could these two guys have possibly done to warrant the top vote get-er to think about skipping the festivities? You might think that they killed his dog. But instead all they did was happen to engage in legal hockey (as in the league didn't find anything wrong with it) contact with the Penguins captain...which later lead to a concussion.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Devils Fire MacLean
Just 189 days after taking the job, John MacLean was fired today by Devils GM Lou Lamoriello. The Devils have replaced him with former coach Jacques Lemaire, hoping he can bring the Devils out of the funk they have been in for the entire season. The Devils are now in 30th place in the NHL and the coaching change is an effort to stop their downward spiral into Islander Territory. Unfortunately for them, this guy thinks it's a little too late to salvage this season.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Zherdev and JVR Silencing Critics
Early in the season, people were quick to jump on the play of Nikolay Zherdev and young James van Riemsdyk, calling them out for various reasons but those days seem to be long gone for good reason.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Kyle Turris Makes a Splash in the Shootout
After Linus Omark's shootout goal, this one ranks right at the top for this year.
Islander's goalie Nathan Lawson's reaction says it all. What a great goal. If you have to end a game with a shootout, at least do it with style.
In case you missed it here is Linus Omark's shootout goal against Tampa Bay that has caused quite a stir. The Lightning felt it was disrespectful. I disagree, I feel that anything within the penalty shot and shootout rules is fair game. Moves like Turris's and Omark's are the only redeeming qualities of a game deciding shootout.
Linus Omark has some more moves too.
Islander's goalie Nathan Lawson's reaction says it all. What a great goal. If you have to end a game with a shootout, at least do it with style.
In case you missed it here is Linus Omark's shootout goal against Tampa Bay that has caused quite a stir. The Lightning felt it was disrespectful. I disagree, I feel that anything within the penalty shot and shootout rules is fair game. Moves like Turris's and Omark's are the only redeeming qualities of a game deciding shootout.
Linus Omark has some more moves too.
Rumor Mill
It's that time of year again. With everyone exchanging gifts, NHL teams are looking to exchange personnel to brighten their New Year. Here are a few rumors circulating the air.
The Anaheim Ducks sit just inside the playoff picture at the moment and with a record just over .500 in the last 10 games they are looking for a spark to create separation between the three teams looking in (just one point behind) and themselves. Currently the Ducks carry eight D: Cam Fowler, Luca Sbisa, Toni Lydman, Paul Mara, Andy Sutton, Sheldon Brookbank, Andreas Lilja and Lubomir Visnovsky. It seems that sometime soon the Ducks may unload one of these D for an asset to help this year. Rookie Cam Fowler and veteran Lubomir Visnovsky, along with free agent acquisition Toni Lydman, are off the table. However, Paul Mara and Andy Sutton look like prime candidates to be moved. Also Luca Sbisa, a first round draft pick and promising defenseman, may see himself involved in a trade as his long-term value is high. Sbisa has yet to hit his stride in the NHL since his rookie stint in Philadelphia but would be an appeasing player to teams building for their future who would be willing to give up a "right now" player. My prediction is that Mara is moved for a winger.
The Anaheim Ducks sit just inside the playoff picture at the moment and with a record just over .500 in the last 10 games they are looking for a spark to create separation between the three teams looking in (just one point behind) and themselves. Currently the Ducks carry eight D: Cam Fowler, Luca Sbisa, Toni Lydman, Paul Mara, Andy Sutton, Sheldon Brookbank, Andreas Lilja and Lubomir Visnovsky. It seems that sometime soon the Ducks may unload one of these D for an asset to help this year. Rookie Cam Fowler and veteran Lubomir Visnovsky, along with free agent acquisition Toni Lydman, are off the table. However, Paul Mara and Andy Sutton look like prime candidates to be moved. Also Luca Sbisa, a first round draft pick and promising defenseman, may see himself involved in a trade as his long-term value is high. Sbisa has yet to hit his stride in the NHL since his rookie stint in Philadelphia but would be an appeasing player to teams building for their future who would be willing to give up a "right now" player. My prediction is that Mara is moved for a winger.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Nabokov Talks With Yzerman
It has been widely reported that Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman has been talking to Evgeni Nabokov. The free agent Russian goaltender has recently been released from his KHL contract that he signed this past summer. Nabokov struggled in the KHL and in the olympics and playoffs last year. However, with Tampa's horrendous goaltending, Nabokov might be a breath of fresh air.
Free Thrash! Atlanta stoops To New Lows To Sell Tickets
It is no secret that the Atlanta Thrashers struggle to sell tickets. Despite their record that lands them 7th in the Eastern conference, the Thrashers average just under 12 thousand fans a game. So to put more fans in the stands the Thrashers' marketing division concocted an awesomely bad plot line:
The Thrasher's mascot, Thrash, has landed himself in jail. Why? He drove the Zamboni from practice rink to the home rink to drum up attention. Thrash was tailed by a few cops and then hauled off to the county jail and has been imprisoned. The judge has ruled that the only way to release Thrash is for the Thrashers to sell an additional 5 thousand tickets for the remaining of December home games.
The Thrasher's mascot, Thrash, has landed himself in jail. Why? He drove the Zamboni from practice rink to the home rink to drum up attention. Thrash was tailed by a few cops and then hauled off to the county jail and has been imprisoned. The judge has ruled that the only way to release Thrash is for the Thrashers to sell an additional 5 thousand tickets for the remaining of December home games.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Hats Off
Congratulations to Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings for recording his first career hat-trick in their win against the Blues on Wednesday night. He also added an assist to finish the night with 4 points. It only took 18 seasons but all of us here at ZelePUCKin are happy for you.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Getting Into (and out of) Trouble
Many players in recent months have been suspended, fined, or neither for plays that were under heavy scrutiny. zelePUCKin, always one for fairness, has decided to investigate this matter. Video evidence included.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
East or West?
According to NHL.com, the Western Conference has been beating up on the East in inter-conference play, but are they really the better conference?
Friday, December 3, 2010
Welcome Back PMB
I just wanted to give a nice welcome back to the NHL to Pierre-Marc Bouchard. I like him because he's a little guy and has great dangles. He only played 1 game last year because of a concussion and for a while return was uncertain. Concussion's are a tough thing to come back from, I know from experience, and I have mad respect for PMB keeping it real for the little guys.
Time to Call Rochester
The Florida Panthers need to make a goaltending change. Although Tomas Vokoun started the season out very well, including back to back shutouts, he has been leaving much to be desired as of late. 
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