Frozen Four, here we come!

Grattis, Johan!

100!

Johan Hedberg celebrates his 100th career win v Ottawa Senators

Golf, anyone? Anyone?!

Hm. Someone could be beginning their summer a touch early this year.... :

ATLANTA (Ticker) — In the wake of the upper body injury suffered by Kari Lehtonen one night earlier, the Atlanta Thrashers on Friday recalled fellow goaltender Dan Turple from Chicago of the American Hockey League.

Lehtonen left Thursday’s 5-4 shootout victory over the New York Rangers after one period and is not expected to play against Ottawa on Saturday.

Well THAT sucks. I mean, yay for Turps... I'm guessing Ondrej's too busy trying to make playoffs, or also injured? Curious though. Good job getting injured in the last almost-two weeks, Kärppä....

... where did all those fans come from?

First question of the day, obviously, is why the hell they're reporting Kari's "injury" as "upper body" when it's not like there's a chance in hell the team will make playoffs, and don't need to really keep their players' injuries under cover? I mean, seriously. I'm all for keeping a guy's situation guarded when he's in a situation that he can get hurt, badly, and the team needs him, badly. But when there's 15 days left in the season wherein a team's been mathematically eliminated, "he got his bell rung" would not be an out-of-line description of an injury. Nor "well his own player cross checked him into his own net after that douchebag Avery checked him, so, y'know, we're just gonna let him take it easy so he doesn't go back on the ice and try to kill that man-purse carrying asshole." Just a little honesty, that's all I'm askin' for!

But in other news, what an awesome win. And no, seriously, where did all the fans come from? Was it free beer night at Philips? I don't think I'd EVER heard as loud a crowd there as when Moose denied Drury in that last shootout round. Least, not this season anyway. Whatever the case, props to the locals for putting their butts in the seats to round out the season.

Someone please tell me that in 15 more days, we'll NEVER have to see or hear Natalie Taylor's insanely vapid "interviews" again. Please please? Make my day, willya?  There've been few occasions where I honestly considered a true-to-life replay of that "wanna get away?" commercial where the guy throws the Wiimote at the TV... and I don't have a Wii, but the insanely over-acted slap-happy routine when she interviewed Whitey gave me an itchy throwing hand. Honestly, who did she blow to get that job? And can I blow them too? Because I could do a better job hammered off my tits on Long Island iced teas while wearing skates. Seriously, get me a contact name. It's for the betterment of the team!

I know I've kind of fallen down on the "blogging" job lately, but as it were the blogging job that actually pays the bills has really gotten in the way of my fucking-off time, both at work and at home. Not that I'm complaining, I mean, I still have a job so there's that. And being busy at work is nice. But holy shit do I have a couple frillion photos for y'all once things get into a normal groove for me. And it appears that time will dovetail nicely with the end of the (Thrashers') season. Although then I'll be frenetically foaming at the mouth over the Bruins, and possibly the Oilers, should they manage to make it out of the bubble and into the top 8. And golfing. I will definitely be golfing. I think I'ma switch to lefty, since my right shot cruises about 3' off the ground, no matter how far I drive that fucking thing.

Right right, you don't care. Anyway, here's a photo of Kari from tonight. Surprisingly, this was NOT a goal. I say surprisingly because K's eyes are closed, and it looks like the puck's going over his glove. But it's labeled as "makes a save" so .... come to your own conclusions?

And just to make it fair, here's the same guy, in the same game, shooting on a different goalie. Same result though: NO GOAL!

I hope I've satiated your craving for a couple HQ photos. More later. Eventually. No REALLY! I PROMISE!

Ron Hainsey and Jamie Rivers are blogging!

You can find Ronnie's blog here: http://www.maxhockey.com/ronhainsey/

And Jamie's is here: http://www.maxhockey.com/jamierivers/

You're welcome.

St Patrick ousted on St Patrick's Day. Oh teh irony!

552

 

 

 

"Why is a puck called a puck? Because 'dirty little bastard' was taken." 

-- Martin Brodeur

circa 1999ish

SORRY! I've been BUSY!

Fucking layoffs. Not that I got laid off. It's just intensified my workload. Yay for business? I'm not ignoring you guys though! I do love you, I do!! All 11 of my loyal and darling readers! God you look so good today. Whaddya, doing P90X?? You look amazing! Let's go out and get smashed tonight in honour of St Patrick driving the pagans from Ireland (yeah I don't get it either, but hey, Jesus is coming soon, so hide the eggs!)! I'm hoping we can start our tribute to religious persecution at work. Like in 10 minutes. WHAT TIME DO ALCOHOL SALES BEGIN?! I've taken up recreational alcoholism, if you were wondering.

I know, I know, sorry. You don't care about me, you want me to blow sunshine up Kari's ass, and swoon over the team. Lately I think the mainstream media's done a pretty great job of picking up my slack. 6 wins in a row, 2 shutouts (ALMOST THREE!!!!!), and thank GOD Ovie didn't get 50 on Kari. 60 last year was bad enough, and I though K's post-game remark about that was pretty funny.

Oh also? When you're interview the #1 star of the game on National Television, can you PLEASE make the damned effort to not call him CARRIE? Sweet bleeding Jesus, try and prepare a little better!

I still think Kari's playing mostly for next year's contract. The better he plays, the more other teams will try to woo him, and the more DW will have to up his contract offer since he's still RFA. So at this point, they could wind up hitting the cap ceiling just on K's contract alone - haha YOU GO, LEHTS! Speaking of awesome Finns, Salmo scoring his first NHL goal last night was pretty sick. Onnea, Salmo! Is there something about Finnish names that people can't say them right? Could someone please ASK Anssi how to say his name, since I haven't heard it said the same way twice.

I love that the team embarassed the fuck out of the Caps last night. I will be gloating to all the Caps fans later. Especially since my Bruins couldn't manage to do too too much in the way of embarassing them. Funny how the Caps aren't such hot shit when they don't have Game-Over Green on their blueline, eh? And here we all thought Ovechkin was carrying the team.

So Broddy goes for the new record tonight. I can't lie. I'm swooning over him because I've "watched" him go from a punk ass rook to the greatest of goalies. Well I can't lie, I was always swooning over him. Helllloooooo hot flexible goalie guy. Sorry, puckbunny moment, couldn't be helped. I'm not entirely sure I have the patience or temerity to actually WATCH the entire Devils game tonight (zzzzzzzzzzzzzztrap), but a little Jamesons goes a long way towards gearing me down. Maybe I'll just watch the post game stuff.

But well done Kari, well done Thrashers, and well done, Broddy!

Seriously, I have pictures. I know you're dying. I've just got to resize them before I can upload them. SOON I PROMISE!

LOVE YOU! DON'T GO CHANGING!!!

Ovechkin is god damned hilarious

Round these parts, all the famous athletes (namely, every questionably famous Redskin, Raven, and Wizard), has done a commercial for Eastern Motors - where your job's your credit. This is the #1 most recognisable jingle in the DMV area, and now, it has a little Russian flava! This was shot yesterday, and I. Can not. Stop. Laughing. My ass off. 



In comparison, here's one of the many ones the Redskins ( Clinton Portis, Jason Campbell, Chris Cooley and Antwaan Randle El) did:




You are welcome!

Q&A: Why Tavares would not fit here

Hi Puck Daddy readers. Thanks for dropping by. There's an hilarious video of Alex Ovechkin's commercial for a local car dealer in the post above this one, if you wanted some more entertainment.

Welcome to the first in probably no other installments of Q&A with Maali! You ask a question, and if I can't answer in 20 words or less, I'll make a post about it! Before we get into the meat of the post, I want to preface it with saying: I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I am not a scout. But I have known many, many, many London Knights, and I have seen some succeed, and I have seen a lot more burn out. And I will also accept the possibility that I am talking out of my ass, so feel free to make corrections where necessary, but keep in mind, this is my personal opinion, not an absolute. With that in mind..........

Today's question comes from the handsome and charming Wayne in AL:

And why exactly would Johnny Tavares be a bad fit in Atlanta?

To me, the only way he'd be a bad fit is if he couldn't speak English...

And the only way he'd be a BETTER fit is if he were black...

YES! PK Subban would be AWESOME here! Maybe, haha. That's another analysis for another day, BUT I am glad you asked! As it were, I'm something of an expert on the subject of the London Knights, and that is tied in with part of the answer here. But let's start with Atlanta's issues.

You know, I know, and the 11teen season ticket holders know that DW trades away all the great prospects we get our hands on. Braydon Coburn, I'm looking at you! You go, Braydon Coburn!

The ones that don't get traded away aren't given the proper development, particularly because this team seems to be lacking in specialized coaching, and while I don't KNOW this for certain, I would be willing to bet that they don't provide the young rookies with non-/teammate mentors/life-coaches as a lot of other teams tend to do to help the youngsters adjust to life in the NHL. Additionally, considering that Tavares was fast tracked into the OHL (I have a fascinating senior thesis on the topic of fast tracking highly-skilled but too-young players vs mental maturity in context of the pressures of professional hockey, with Alexander Daigle as one of the example cases, if anyone is interested), there will definitely need to be a highly cushioned transitional period into the NHL, especially coming out of London.

"But, Maali... he was just TRADED to London," you're likely saying. "He's only been there for 40-some odd games! He spent the bulk of his OHL career in Oshawa, which is a far cry from London!" True. Very true. But let's consider a few things. JT's from Oakville, 51 miles from Oshawa. I wouldn't go so far as to call him a precious flower like Sam Gagner is, but his family was never far. And having grown up with Sam Gagner (and Steve Mason and Stefan Legein) in Oakville, being in London has put him back under the watchful eye of Mom #2, Jo-Anne Gagner. Point being, he's always been surrounded by family, whether it be blood, or selected.

To date, Sergei Kostitsyn, Rick Nash, Pat Kane, and Corey Perry are really the only former Knights that have truly lived up to their billing. Nasher mostly because he went to a team in its infancy that was still struggling to find its identity, and they were able to hang the identity on Rick, and build a solid team around his style of play. I have no idea about Pat Kane because I don't ever watch the Hawks and know nothing about their organisation. CoPe was lucky enough to go to a team with a great coach that does an excellent job of knowing when to be the coach, and knowing when to be a friend. And Sergei went onto a team with his brother, and they played on the same line. Someone made a point in comments, what about Dino Cicarelli, Sam Gagner, Jason Allison? Frankly, with the exception of Corey Perry, who I'd kind of forgotten about, because it's not like he's setting the NHL on fire, at least not to the point where he's a household name the way JT is projected to be, none of those names really scream LIVED UP TO THE HYPE. Sam Gagner is still struggling to find his identity on the Oilers, and hopefully he will in time, because he's a great player. But even in his sophomore season, he hasn't quite made that CHL-to-NHL jump as well as other, lesser-known players. The spotlight is a heavy cross to bear for some, and often it's easier to just get to play your fucking game and get the job done, than to have every single mistake you made criticised by every media outlet covering the sport.

Between the way the Hunters run their organisation, and JT's near constant-proximity to family of one manner or another, it does not bode well to go from that type of lifestyle, into what is nothing more than corporate tax write-off (until the Thrashers are sold to an ownership group who gives a fuck) where players are treated as, at best, a commodity. In that situation, the likelihood of not making the M/J-to-NHL jump successfully increases exponentially. I think Rob Schremp (love you sweetie!) is the best example of how a ridiculously great player drafted into the wrong team can result in the steady decline in both attitude and production.

That's not to say Rob was on the level JT is, even though he was an amazing player in Juniors, but it is a perfect example of how a team demanding and expecting perfection can easily ruin a fragile player. JT is a lot tougher, mentally and physically, and he has a lot of the same scrutiny on him as did Sidney Crosby prior to his draft. Going from a world wherein he's the Big Big Fish in the medium sized pond (top news story every night, adoration for him loud and clear, and he's not just enjoyed, but appreciated, encouraged and rewarded) to an enormous ocean of disinterest and ambivalence, will likely result in slower progression into and adjustment to the league, and a slower, and more difficult, acclimation to the utter lack of interest shown in the team by ownership and management, by the media, the city, the NHL on the whole, and in direct correlation, the fans. Not to knock the few die-hard fans Atlanta does have, but I don't think anyone will be soon forgetting either Dan Boyle's extremely public refusal to come to Atlanta, nor sea of empty seats seen by everyone who watches Thrashers home games.


You wanted another example? Sure. How about Kari Lehtonen? Kari was the Sidney Crosby of SM:L when he was drafted and came to North America. Thanks to the critically sharp eye and sharper tongue of Bob Hartley, he is still struggling to live up to the hype that accompanied him being the highest-drafted European goaltender since Olie Kolzig.

Still not convinced? See: Steven Stamkos.

And now that I've written the longest essay since university, I hope everyone came away with something to think about. But just in case you didn't: If a highly touted prospect doesn't pan out in a market that no one cares about - does anyone notice?

All that said, the way the team is trending, they'll climb out of the basement into mediocrity, and be lucky to get one ball in the lottery tumbler. So perhaps this has all been moot. But you asked, I answered, and if I'm wrong, I'm wrong. But it's not too too often I'm wrong. That was cocky wasn't it? Aah well, is what it is.

One day I'll write out a pronunciation guide

It was bad enough when the idiots on NHL Network confused Carey and Kari because they don't read their pronunciation guides, but the guys on SportsnetWest saying Val-uh-beek? Oy-stare-ick? Are they THAT hard to say? Seriously? And the goalie's name is Kah-ree. Not Carrie. Christ almighty.

I do love how the team's trying to prove something now. And I can't lie to any of my 8 loyal readers (hi MJ! hi SwedCan!)... I would be kind of heartbroken if Johnny Tavares wound up in Atlanta. I know a lot of the team's fans are praying for that, but unless the GM is replaced prior to the 09-10 season, I can't seeing it being anything but a bad fit. Steve Stamkos is a great example of how the expectations of being a saviour in a non-hockey market can turn into a cautionary tale. As was Kari, and Ilya, and Zach. Also of great note, for those of you who're keeping track at home, JT broke the OHL career scoring record today - formerly held by Peter Lee, potting his 56th-58th of the season, and his 215th of his career.

So I'll wrap up with congratulating the Thrash on the mini-streak they've putting together since dumping Havs, The Count, and Crusher. Whether they have a shot in hell at the 8th spot or not, they're playing like a TEAM finally, and it's heart-warming to see.

In conclusion.... Slats your flow is so sick I'm sending it a get well card! Way to bring back the hockey hair buddy!

I have a new plan

For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.

I have noticed that every time I talk SERIOUS shit about the Thrashers, they step it up and put on a clinic. I'm thinking I'm just going to become Negative Nelly and CONSTANTLY talk MAJOR shit about them, and then they'll never lose!

Glad I could do my part. You may carry on.

For the record

I started this blog because I love hockey, and a good portion of my friends do not, and they got tired of reading about hockeyhockeyhockeyhockeyhockey on my personal blog all the time, so I decided to take it public, and write about what I knew and loved best - Kari Lehtonen, and myriad other players and teams I've come to love, or loathe, over the years.

I don't write here because I want a debate. I don't write here because I'm attention whoring and praying for comments. I'm not seeking attention, I don't ever want press credentials, I don't care if I'm acknowledged by the teams, or their fans. I write because I like writing, and I love hockey, and that's what I want to write on. I'm not breaking any new ground here. I rarely, if ever, write or post any original thoughts (except the ones that are littered with cuss words, those are all me!). This has become more of a scrapbook of my teams' and players' careers.

So if you don't agree with me, that's fine. I'm not trying to change your mind on anything. I'm writing what I feel and think, and what I want to remember. But in the same way I'm not trying to change your mind, please avoid attempting to change mine. Because it's not going to happen. I won't get into arguments, debates, or even heated discussions about anything I post.

All that said, from now on, I reserve the right to ignore or delete your comments. And frankly? If you don't have enough moxie to make up a fake name to comment with, don't even bother. If you feel strongly enough about what you think that you MUST tell me, and share with my 9 loyal readers, at least grow a set and attach SOME kind of name to your thoughts. You think my name is really Maali? Think again. The fact is, I don't care if you sign it "your mom," although I'd be a little shocked if either of my moms understood enough about hockey TO comment. I applaud creativity and well thought-out remarks, and love a great zing. If you can't contain your replies within that realm, just go start your own blog and post them there.

In summation:
- I'm writing for ME, not you;
- I'm not trying to change your mind on anything;
- Don't try and change my mind, cause you won't;
- If you're in accordance with the three rules above, comment away;
- Just keep in mind I'm not above deleting or locking comments.

And for further clarification? This WAS a sermon, NOT a thought.

Deadline Day has arrived

Follow full coverage online with TSN's streaming feed.

I would like to add a caveat to yesterday's rage-fueled post. I've known Eric Perrin since we were both at UVM, and that guy busted his ASS to get into the NHL. I don't think most fans have even the slightest grasp of how hard he worked to get to the Show. Even after winning the Cup with the Bolts, he still went back to Europe because he wasn't appreciated or compensated properly. And for a guy like that, who doesn't want to move his family again, who has lived all over the world, and done everything he can to be and stay in the greatest league in the world, to say "I don't want to play on this NHL team," there is something HORRIBLY WRONG there. Add in that Eric might well be the nicest guy in the NHL (yeah yeah, they're ALL the nicest guys in the world), and this entire transaction stinks shit from the ground up.

Here's to hoping Kari's no longer a Thrasher by day's end.

??? ???

Thrashers organsation: you are DEAD to me

And thus begins the full descent into complete hatred for this organisation. RUN KARI, RUN! GET OUT NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!!

Did Perrin want out of Dodge? Absofuckinglutely, the man went to my Alma Mater, he's got a brain! Do you think he wanted the further kick in the ass and lack of respect that being waived offers players? Doubtful. Fuck you, Thrashers. 13:17 - Eric Perrin has been placed on waivers by the Atlanta Thrashers

And just in case I didn't say it, fuck you, Thrashers. I'll be spending the remainder time up to the deadline revamping my blog, because I absolutely positively can no longer enable nor support this type of behaviour, nor treatment of employees. I hope your fucking team is contracted and folds.

Kari, Eric, Jordy, love you guys. Jordy, I hope you can get the hell out of there too. Kari - seriously dude. RUN. Get the hell off this team. Go back to play for Jokerit! CALL SEAN AND SEE IF THE ISLANDERS NEED A GOALIE!!!!!

@&#$^&#$^#&$^#$^)@*($^#&$^#&$^(#&*%$^@$&*_)@#^&*#3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.... it's a start

ATLANTA: Acquired defenseman Anssi Salmela from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for defenseman Niclas Havelid and forward Myles Stoesz; recalled defenseman Grant Lewis from Chicago (AHL).

First Schneider, now Havelid - excellent. If Atlanta wants to, or has any intention of keeping Kari on this team, this is definitely a good start. Begin culling the dead weight d-men, and bring in more Finns.  You'll remember that D-Wad intended to bang out a deal with K's agent last week. You'll notice no such deal was done. In fact, all offers were rejected. And Kari's parents are in town, coincidentally at the trade deadline? This is a player who has no intention of staying where he is unless drastic measures are taken, and this move had better be just the beginning.

Raise your hand if you think his parents showed up to help him pack and give him moral support.

Raise your other hand if you caught all of the little chirps he threw out about the organisation after the post-game interview after the Carolina game.

If you look like this guy, you're most likely a big WINNER: