And the American League East gets a whole lot more interesting. Yankee haters everywhere rejoice.
Archive for November, 2003
November 28th, 2003
Lucky Tiger
In a statement issued by his agent, Tiger Woods has announced that he's become engaged to his Swedish girlfriend, fashion model Elin Nordegren.
Sure to be invited to the wedding is Jesper Parnevik, who originally introduced the couple. For a selection of photos of the lovely young Ms. Nordegren, click here.
November 28th, 2003
NHL Roundup
In a possible preview of the Stanley Cup finals, Vancouver downed Ottawa 3-2 in OT on a Marcus Naslund goal with 46 seconds remaining. After jumping out to a 2-0 lead over Ottawa, the Senators stormed back late in the second period to tie the game on goals by Peter Schaefer and Jason Spezza. Dan Cloutier had 31 saves to earn his 100th NHL victory.
In Atlanta, Ilya Kovalchuck scored his league-leaing 17th goal, but it wasn't enough as the Thrashers fell to the Maple Leafs, 3-1. Owen Nolan scored twice, and Ed Belfour had 31 saves for the Leafs, who seem to be turning things around after a slow stretch.
Fans in Calgary got 11 goals, overtime, and fisticuffs.
What more could you ask for?
In a barn burner that harkened back to the league's glory days of the 70s and early 80s, Colorado beat Calgary 6-5 on an OT goal from defenseman Derek Morris. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Avalanche.
And in Phoenix, Ladislav Nagy had the first hat trick of his career in a 6-4 Coyotes win over the Kings. While Nagy grabbed plenty of glory with his hat trick, the real hero for Phoenix was probably goalie Sean Burke, who stopped 39 shots -- inlcuding 19 in the third period. By comparison, L.A.'s Roman Cechmanek only had 17 all night long. In the second period, the Kings' Luc Robataille got his 700th assist on a goal by Mike Camalleri.
In other news, Caps owner Ted Leonsis told TSN there was no truth to the rumor that Jaromir Jagr was about to be traded to the New York Rangers. The Washington Post says Jagr has received treatment for the groin injury he suffered on Wednesday against Buffalo, and may play Friday night at home against Montreal.
November 27th, 2003
Discontent And Loathing in Carolina
Ned Barnett of the Raleigh News and Observer is detecting a lot of static from the fans of the Carolina Hurricanes:
Judging from my mail, many fans think Canes management has slipped back into the kind of tone-deafness that soured the team's first season at the RBC in 1999-2000. Fans think ticket, concession and parking prices are too high, ticket policies too rigid and management unresponsive. Some who did not renew their season tickets said they never heard from Canes management about why they didn't come back.And yes, some fans think that [Paul] Maurice, the longest-tenured coach in the NHL, lacks the imagination to create a more dynamic offense. And they think no one is listening to that, either.
On Sunday, Mike Flanagan, 29, a season ticket-holder from one of the most loyal and boisterous sections in the RBC, tried to get management's attention by hanging a 8-foot-by-3-foot red banner off the third deck with the words "Mo must go" written in white duct tape.
What answer did he get? "Furl the sign. We'll put it in an RBC office, and you can pick it up when you leave."
Now, when your team is struggling to draw 10,000 fans a game, alienating even one fan is probably a bad idea. But to be fair, Maurice just doesn't have a whole lot to work with in Carolina, where 2002's run to the Cup Finals is beginning to look like an incredible fluke (like the Panthers' run in 1996 and the Caps in 1998). Tumbling from an appearance in the Finals to also-run status is tough for any organization, and even tougher for a team trying to build a fan base in an area far more interested in NASCAR and College Basketball.
I'd like to say that some relief might be on the way for the Hurricanes, but they're in the same boat as the Washington Capitals -- an established franchise caught in the transition between youth and experience, that suddenly finds itself in a dogfight with expansion franchises that were formerly division doormats (Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Florida). Just by becoming teams that play somewhere around .500, those three franchises turned the division upside down. And that spells misery in both Carolina and Washington for the next few seasons.
Thanks to reader Doug Antonelli for the link.
November 27th, 2003
A Modest Proposal For OT Reform
From Michael Smith of Football Outsiders comes this proposal:
In my improved overtime format, the team captains would meet at midfield for a coin toss, just as they did on Sunday when the Ravens played the Seahawks. But the captain of the Seahawks wouldn't decide to kick or receive when he won the toss. Instead, he would have to name a yard line where the overtime kickoff would be placed. Then the Ravens' captain would say whether he wanted to kick or receive. So Mike Holmgren might instruct his captain to have the kickoff spotted at the 43-yard line. Brian Billick would tell his captain, "If they put it anywhere inside the 40, we'll receive. Otherwise, we'll kick." Losing the toss really wouldn't be any disadvantage, because both teams can determine what they think is a fair spot for the opening kickoff.Essentially, this is like an auction. Both teams want to get the ball first, so it will be awarded to the team that is willing to give up more in field position to get it. In this scenario, neither team can have any complaint. The team winning the toss can't claim the field position was unfair because it chose the field position. The team losing the toss can't claim the field position was unfair because it chose whether to take the ball deep in its own territory or try to pin the opponents deep.
Thanks to reader Dave S. for the link.
November 27th, 2003
The LT Special
It's probably best to just pass this story along without much comment:
Lawrence Taylor had a strategy not found in NFL playbooks: He sent escorts to opponents' hotel rooms the night before a game."You know what they like, and what type of women they like, and you just call the service," the Hall of Fame linebacker said in an interview that "60 Minutes" will air Sunday on CBS.
Taylor said the plan was to make sure opposing running backs were not ready for the game. The former New York Giants star said the prank was played on him.
"Knock on the door, you open the door, and you got two beautiful women sitting there, (saying), 'We're for you!' And I'm like, 'You're in the right place,''' he recalled with a laugh.
Too bad it looks like Playmakers won't be coming back to ESPN for another season, as this could have supplied an interesting storyline.
November 27th, 2003
NHL Roundup
Miroslav Satan broke out of his scoring slump, notching two goals for the Sabres in a 5-2 win over Washington. Jaromir Jagr, again rumored to be headed to the Rangers in a trade, left the game in the first period due to a groin injury, and never returned. The Washington Post reports that Jagr isn't going anywhere:
Team sources are adamant that reports that the Caps are close to trading Jaromir Jagr to the New York Rangers are completely false. McPhee has not spoken with Rangers Coach-General Manager Glen Sather in three weeks, sources said, and owner Ted Leonsis is not open to absorbing $20 million of Jagr's salary, either.New York remains the only team to express serious interest in Jagr, league sources said, and the sides held major trade talks in the offseason and will likely continue to discuss the possibility of completing the deal, but financial issues remain a significant hindrance.
Before the game, the Caps placed winger Bates Battaglia on injured reserve.
On Long Island, Kevin Weekes shut out his former teammates, leading the Hurricanes to a 2-0 win over the Islanders. Bret Hedican had a goal and an assist for Carolina.
Coming off a flat performance earlier in the week against the Caps, the Red Wings crushed the Oilers in Detroit, 7-1. The hard working Kris Draper had two goals for Detroit, giving him three in his last two games. Radek Dvorak scored the lone goal for Edmonton, extended his points streak to seven games. And Adam Oates, signed by Edmonton a week ago, still hasn't played a game for the Oilers.
Sebastien Caron was the hero in Pittsburgh, as his 38 saves -- including 14 in the third period and another 6 in OT -- helped the Penguins salvage a 1-1 tie against Philadelphia. Philadelphia's Robert Esche only had to face 20 shots. With the tie, Philadelphia's unbeaten streak was extended to 10 games.
Eric Lindros got a goal in his second game since his return from an eye injury, as the Rangers rallied to tie the Panthers 3-3 in Florida. Mike Dunham had 28 saves after returning from a 10 day absence from the lineup due to injury. He was thoroughly outplayed by Florida's Robert Luongo, who stopped 37 shots.
Bill Guerin scored twice, helping the Dallas Stars quiet a hostile crowd in Minnesota in a 3-1 win. Marty Turco had 18 saves for Dallas. Scott Walker ha two goals for Nashville in a 4-2 win over the Blue Jackets. Manny Malhotra scored again for Columbus, his second goal in as many games for his new club.
In other hockey news, Hailey Wickenheiser has returned to women's hockey, only a few weeks after leaving the men's professional team she played with for parts of two seasons in Finland.
I'll have the West Coast update later Thursday morning.
UPDATE: With the first NHL goal from Christian Erhoff, the Sharks beat the Blackhawks 3-1 in San Jose. The win was the third in a row for San Jose, while Chicago is winless in its last nine games.
Finally, in Anaheim, the Devils and the Ducks met for the first time since the Stanley Cup Finals and tied 3-3. With the start, Scott Stevens passed former teammate Larry Murphy to set the new record for NHL games by a defenseman with 1,616. Congratulations to Stevens, who should still be in a Washington Capitals uniform.
Steve Ovadia doesn't like the fact that Glen Sather and Mark Messier took part in the festivities in Edmonton last Saturday:
The outdoor MegaStar game was a very cool idea and it's easy to see why Sather and Messier wanted to participate, what with their strong Edmonton ties. But Sather and Messier are Rangers now. The time to repay debts to previous employers is retirement. Would Sather had given a player time off to go home for a reunion of former Dairy Queen employees? Of course not. Would it have sucked for either of them to have missed the game? Sure. But that's why it sucks to have a job.
Aw, come on Steve, don't be such a party pooper.
UPDATE: From reader D. Smith of Reston, Va., comes this note about Todd Fedoruk of the Flyers:
Coach Ken Hitchcock won't come right out and say so, but there is a very good chance left winger Todd Fedoruk will be back after missing five games with four fractures in his left orbital and cheekbone.Fedoruk suffered the fractures in a fight with the Islanders' Eric Cairns and underwent surgery to have three titanium plates and 13 screws inserted to put everything back in place.
Fedoruk said he has been rubbing the area hard and punching himself to see whether he's ready.
"I think I'm ready to play," he said yesterday.
Since returning to the ice for practice, Fedoruk has been wearing a full-wire facemask and won't be able to do what he has made a reputation off in the league: fight.
"I won't be able to fight for about 4 weeks, but I won't play light. It'll probably just hiss people off more," he said.
Something tells me Eric Cairns will be marking the days off on his calendar.
November 26th, 2003
NHL Roundup
In Atlanta, Wade Redden had two goals to lead the Senators past the Thrashers, 6-3. The previously listless Senators spotted Atlanta three goals before they woke up, with the back-breaker coming with the Thrashers still leading 3-2:
For Atlanta, all momentum was lost with Ottawa's game-tying shot, an unlikely goal by Todd White with 5:06 left in the second period. White launched the shot from just inside the red line, and the puck took a bad bounce to glance off Atlanta goalie Pasi Nurminen's stick and past his left skate."It counts," White said.
Added Ottawa's Jason Spezza: "That was a bounce from the hockey gods."
At the Bell Centre, the Canucks snapped a five-game road losing streak with a 5-2 win over the Canadiens. Marcus Naslund had two goals for Vancouver, and Todd Bertuzzi added another. Please remember that the Canucks were Off Wing's pre-season favorite to win the Cup.
New daddy Jussi Markkanen got his second shutout for the Rangers this season, as they beat Tampa Bay, 2-0. The ageless Mark Messier had another goal for the Rangers, as Markkanen recorded 36 saves. Tampa Bay has now gone 148 minutes and 32 seconds without a goal. In other Rangers news, after an eye injury, Eric Lindors is considering wearing a visor.
The Oilers, playing their first game indoors since Saturday's Heritage Classic, overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-1 to rally for a 3-3 tie with Columbus. Manny Malhotra, picked up off waivers earlier this week from the Dallas Stars, scored his first goal for the Blue Jackets. With a goal, Radek Dvorak extended his point-scoring streak to six games.
In the game of the night, Doug Weight scored with only 19 seconds left in OT to give the Blues a 4-3 win over the Bruins. St. Louis is 7-1 at home this season. But Weight did more than just get the game winning goal it OT, he helped keep St. Louis alive in regulation:
The Blues pulled Osgood with 55 seconds remaining, and Weight stopped Samsonov from scoring into an empty net."It would be nice if I knew there was an empty net," Weight said. "I was able to get a really good hook -- a legal hook on him -- and kind of pin him between my body and stick and just took it out. I was fortunate. It saved the day."
The Blues subsequently scored to tie the game and send it into OT.
Finally, in Los Angeles, the Devils posted another workmanlike victory over the Kings, 4-0. Martin Brodeur got the shutout, the 68th of his career. The Kings played without leading scorer Ziggy Palffy, who lost a couple of teeth on Saturday night. Scott Stevens was in the lineup for the Devils, his 1,614 game of his career, tying him with Larry Murphy for fifth on the all-time list. Stevens will pass Murphy on Wednesday night when the Devils play Anaheim.
November 26th, 2003
Xmas Musings
After tripping over a post at Martin Devon's place about how the Christmas season seems to be growing beyond its traditional boundaries, I found myself in a local Starbuck's being subjected to Holiday music a full three days before Thanksgiving.
Exasperated, I asked the two friendly baristas behind the counter why Starbuck's had decided to do this.
"If we don't play the Holiday CD, we'd get fired," said one. "The district manager tells the store manager, and the store manager tells us. We don't have any choice."
"And if we get fired," said the other, "then we'll have to go work at Cosi, and nobody wants to do that."
Even worse, the CD playing in the store only runs about 80 minutes, meaning that the kids behind the counter have to listen to the same songs about six times per eight hour shift. Ah, the glories of untrammeled commerce.
November 25th, 2003
TMQ To NFL.com
Announced about 90 minutes ago at Football Outsiders. Gregg Easterbrook says his first column for the official league Web site will be posted around Noon EST.
UPDATE: Here it is, along with the new logo.
November 25th, 2003
Questions On Mourning
The news was sad yesterday when it was announced that Alonzo Mourning of the New Jersey Nets would be forced to retire because of a long-term kidney ailment.
Prior to the season, I mentioned to Jerry West how much I hated New Jersey's signing of Alonzo Mourning for $22 million guaranteed, no matter what, including disease, disability or death. Why would our noble Nets bestow a treasure chest of Benjamins and furnish so much protection to someone in such an unstable state, I grumped? Seems to me they were bidding against themselves. . .Several years ago, I did an NBC interview with Mourning during halftime of a Finals game in Philly; he'd played in 13 games that season. Afterward, we talked for a few minutes and I alluded to a declining Portland player who was angry the Blazers wouldn't give him a two-year extension.
"Why not?" 'Zo declared. "I want a two-year extension myself."
His response shocked me. Even unwell and uncertain about his life on every level, it was still about the money. 'Zo still wanted more. And if he couldn't get it from the Heat, he'd take his business and beat-up body to Jersey, where Jason Kidd, threatening to amble down to San Antonio, pressured VP Rod Thorn into taking real good care of Mourning.
Hopefully, we won't offend too many of you by referring to this as a Kidd-ney transplant.
Ouch. I hope the Nets took out an insurance policy before they signed Mourning.
November 25th, 2003
NHL Roundup
Two days after owner Ted Leonsis unloaded publicly on his Washington Capitals, the team seemed to get the message, surprising the Red Wings 4-1 in Detroit.
The Caps scored three times in the first period on just nine shots, after which Detroit head coach Dave Lewis replaced Curtis Joseph with Manny Legace. Rastislav Stana had 38 saves for the Caps in his first NHL start -- something that ought to serve as a wakeup call for Washington's presumptive number one goalie, Olie Kolzig.
Yesterday, before the game, Matt at On The Wings had this to say about the matchup:
This should be a good opportunity for the Wings to get a win. Typically, lower-tier teams step it up to play the Wings but the Caps may be too messed up to do even that. Of course, I'll probably be wrong and the Caps will play their best game of the season,
Steve Ovadia noticed something else last night in Detroit too.
In Toronto, the Maple Leafs beat the Canucks 2-1, completing a two-game sweep of the team's home at home series. Ed Belfour got the win for the Maple Leafs, a victory that moved him into fifth place all-time with 408. Patrick Roy is first with 550.
Mathieu Biron became the first NHL player to score a goal against his brother since Phil Esposito, as the Panthers beat the Sabres, 2-1. The goal came in the second period, as Biron tipped the puck past his brother, Sabres goalie Martin. As it turned out, both of the brothers parents were at the game -- though not many other folks were as the game in Florida drew only 12,927 fans.
The Stars got a solid effort at home out of Marty Turco in a 5-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes. Mike Modano, who's been playing better now that Jere Lehtinen is playing on his wing, had a goal and two assists. I got my first look at the new Coyote white uniforms, and I'm afraid that on television they don't look all that different than the Carolina Hurricanes. Not a good sign.
Out in Denver, the Predators withstood a furious third period charge from the Avalanche to hold on for a 3-2 win. Tomas Vokoun had 34 saves for Nashville. In other Avalanche news, center Andrei Nikolishin will be out of the lineup for three weeks with a sprained knee.
Thanks to Saturday's Heritage Classic, and the below photo of Jose Theodore, a new tuque craze is sweeping Quebec. As for the actual tuque that Theodore wore in Edmonton that night, it's already on its way to the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
Now that J.S. Giguere is playing well again, folks are starting to complain about his equipment again.
The latest from John Buccigross has been posted at ESPN.com. Over at TSN, Bob McKenzie says that Ottawa GM John Muckler ought to think about calling up a minor league goalie to help light a fire under his listless and underachieving squad.
November 25th, 2003
R.I.P. Warren Spahn
The greatest left handed pitcher in the history of the game died Monday at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He was 82. Along with Hank Aaron and Eddie Matthews, Spahn is one of the reasons that Milwaukee was first and foremost a National League city. My condolences to his friends and family.
Taking a look at his career numbers, all you can do is gasp at their incredible consistency -- and then you realize he missed three season due to service in World War II, something that probably prevented him from winning 400 games.
David Pinto posted an appreciation of Spahn earlier this Summer on the occasion of the Braves erecting a statue of him at Turner Field in Atlanta.
November 25th, 2003
In Defense Of Carr
When I dashed off a short post concerning Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr's run-in with an ABC reporter at half time of the Ohio State-Michigan game, I didn't quite anticipate the reaction it would engender among my readers over the next few days.
Though most readers have been harsh with Carr, I got this note today from James Reece, a professor of accounting at Michigan's business school:
As a faculty member at UM, I regret that Coach Carr exercised bad judgment in responding to the sideline reporter's question.
November 24th, 2003
Capital Offenses, Redux
Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis really unloaded to Washington Times beat reporter Dave Fay in the wake of the team's 3-2 OT loss on Saturday to Florida:
"The issues are manifold," Leonsis said yesterday with customary bluntness. "We can't score goals, we can't stop goals, we aren't hitting, we can't play on special teams. No one should be pointing fingers at anyone on this team
November 24th, 2003
NHL Roundup: Magic In Edmonton
Their were 21 games played in the NHL this weekend, but did any of them matter as much as Montreal's 4-3 win over the Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday night? For all the talk of labor woes, empty arenas and anemic television ratings, it was heartening to see that hockey is alive and well -- even if it can't budge the Nielsen meter South of the border in the lower 48.
The touque was a nice touch for Theodore.
And that ought to be the lesson everyone takes away from Saturday night's game -- that no matter what, hockey is going to survive. Will it come to command revenue anywhere near the other major North American sports? No, but since when did that matter when it comes to whether or not the fans will continue to enjoy the game? I know it won't make a difference to me, that's for sure.
For a look at ESPN.com's coverage, click here. You can find coverage from the Canadian Broadcasting Company, here. When it comes to putting the whole weekend together, the hockey world owes a debt of gratitude to the Edmonton Oilers org-an-i-sa-tion, and their official Web site has been all over the weekend's events. Start here, and follow the links.
As long as fans are willing to do this, hockey will survive.
POSTSCRIPT: I agree with the consensus over at Sportsfilter: ESPN's new "Hockey Made In America" ad campaign has got to be the worst effort from the network that I've ever seen. Just who they're targeting with this campaign, I can't say.
UPDATE: Newsday's Johnette Howard echoes the complaints of many others that the game wasn't readily available in the U.S.
One jersey from every player who participated in the oldtimers game on Saturday will be auctioned off for charity. Keep your eyes peeled on Ebay for details.
Apparently, a couple of Mark Messier's Ranger teammates were upset that he played in Saturday's oldtimers game. Thanks to Steve Ovadia for the link. Before the weekend, Tom Benjamin took a closer look at Messier's play of late, and has found him wanting.
ANOTHER UPDATE: Mario Lemieux's hip injury isn't getting any better, so the Penguins announced that he'll be out indefinitely. Jeremy Roenick, bothered by a bad back for the better part of a week since taking a shot from Atlanta's Robert Petrovicky, had an MRI today. He may sit out a few games.
November 22nd, 2003
As The Temperature Drops In Edmonton. . .
As it turned out, the old-timers game between veterans of the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers was broadcast on NHL Center Ice, with the Oilers winning 2-0 on goals by Ken "The Rat" Linseman and Marty McSorely. Both Grant Fuhr and Bill Ranford played brilliantly at times for the Oilers, waking the old ghosts more than a few times in between the pipes.
Steve Staois and son bundle up.
There were a lot of great moments -- the Canadiens come out wearing stocking caps; seeing Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier wearing Oilers uniforms again; and watching the players shovel snow off the ice in between the two periods they played. Simply magic.
Earlier today, the NHL Players Association complained to the league that it's simply too cold in Edmonton (game time temperature is expected to be about -18 celcius, that's around 0 fahrenheit, and who knows what the wind chill is), but the word on the CBC broadcast is that Gary Bettman has decreed that the game will go on as scheduled at 7:00 p.m. EST.
November 22nd, 2003
What’s Up With Lloyd Carr?
Say your team is up 21-7 with 30 seconds left in the half, and you have the ball on your own 30-yard line. You've got two timeouts, and your team's offense has essentially been pushing the other team all over the field for the entire first half.
Sounds like you've got a chance to throw a few sideline passes, and maybe tack on a field goal before the half to extend your lead.
That's the situation Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr faced today in Ann Arbor. But instead of trusting his team, Carr told his starting quarterback, John Navarre, to take a knee and run back into the tunnel for halftime. Naturally, ABC's sideline reporter (whose name I can't recall at the moment), asked Carr about his decision before he got off the field.
Instead of answering the question, the little tin god looked the reporter in the eye and said, "What kind of stupid question is that?' To his credit, the reporter kept his cool, explained why he asked the question, and asked it again. Carr just grimaced, and turned away without answering.
Michigan eventually won 35-21, but Carr has no class.
November 21st, 2003
World Cup Of Hockey Tickets On Sale Today!
That mean's next August and September in venues across North America and Europe, as the best hockey players in the world battle it out in a two-week tournament for world hockey supremacy using NHL rules and NHL rinks.
I went to the inaugural World Cup in 1996, and let's just say that it makes the Olympics look like a glorified exhibition. This is the real deal folks, and what might be your last chance to see top flight hockey for a long time if there's a labor stoppage in 2004.
Tickets go on sale this morning at 10:00 a.m. U.S. EST.
For tickets to games in Montreal, click here.
For games in Toronto, click here.
For games in St. Paul, Minnesota, click here.
For info on games in Europe in Cologne, Stockholm, Helsinki and Prague, click here.
UPDATE: See you all in Montreal for USA vs. Team Canada on August 31, 2004.
November 21st, 2003
Me-Shawn Wastes No Time
After getting slapped down like no other football player in the history of the NFL, Keyshawn Johnson is making sure he won't be wasting anytime for the remainder of the football season, as he signed a contract with Fox Sports to work as an analyst on their NFL pre-game show.
My question is this: will Fox let Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw tear into Johnson the way they probably want to? Stay tuned.
November 21st, 2003
NHL Roundup
Mike Knuble had a goal and an assist to lead Boston to a 3-2 win over hapless Washington. The Bruins have won four straight at home, while the Caps remain tied with Pittsburgh for the worst record in the NHL. The Caps have lost five of their last seven games. In other news, Robert Lang extended his 10 game points streak. Yawn.
In Tampa, the Lightning withstood a furious third period charge by the Islanders to hold on for a 3-2 win. Nikolai Khabibulin made 26 saves to improve to 8-2-1 for the Lightning.
In Kanata, the Senators took control early and cruised to a 6-1 win over Carolina. Vaclav Varada scored Ottawa's first even strength goal in four games with 9.6 seconds left in the first period to start the avalanche for Ottawa.
Mark Rechhi had two goal and an assist to lead Philly to a 3-1 win over Minnesota. Tony Amonte had a goal and an assist, while Jeremy Roenick had 2 assists as their line with Rechhi keeps clicking for the Flyers. The Flyers are 7-0-1 in their last eight games, and are unbeaten at home this year.
After getting crushed by the Red Wings in Detroit on Wednesday, the Blue Jackets turned the tables on Manny Legace and company grabbing a 3-0 shutout at home. Dan Fritsche became the first Ohio native to ever score a goal for Columbus, while Marc Denis had 25 saves for the second shutout of his career.
Jose Theodore had 30 saves, but it wasn't enough as visiting Montreal lost 2-1 at Calgary. Veteran Martin Gelinas had the game winning goal in the third period for the Flames. In Edmonton, the Mike Keenan watch continued as the Oilers beat the Maple Leafs 3-2. Ty Conklin, filling in ably for Tommy Salo, had 31 saves for Edmonton.
In Denver, Konwalcuk is fitting right in.
In Denver, Steve Konowalchuk had two goals to lead the Avalanche to 4-3 win over the Rangers. Since being acquired from the Capitals earlier this season, Konowalchuk has scored 8 goals in 14 games for Colorado. Minor league call-up Jason LaBarbera played respectably, grabbing 29 saves for New York.
And in Vancouver, the Canucks overcame a 2-0 deficit (easily the most dangerous lead in hockey) to beat the Blackhawks 3-2 in OT. Sami Salo got the game winner 2:49 into OT. Like the Flyers, the Canucks are unbeaten at home so far this season (9-0-1). Ed Jovanovski had another goal, his third in two games.
On Saturday, I'll be watching Ohio State play Michigan for a shot at another BCS bid. But know this: my heart will be in Edmonton. The TiVo has been programmed.
In the sweater he was meant to wear, just one last time.
UPDATE: The Ontario Hockey League has renamed its annual humanitarian award after Dan Snyder, the Atlanta Thrashers forward who died in a car accident before the start of the season. While he played for the Owen Sound Platers, Snyder won the award twice. Thanks to Ben Wright for the link.
November 20th, 2003
Fill, Rinse, Repeat
Here's some other news out of Tampa that will turn your stomach:
A concessions worker filled used plastic cups with beer and resold them at Sunday's Tampa Bay Buccaneers game and pocketed $1,080 in unreported sales, police said.John Angelus Keene, 68, was charged with felony grand theft, said Tampa police Detective Bill Todd.
Todd said he observed Keene picking up used cups from tables and refilling them without rinsing them at a Bud Light booth near the south end zone of Raymond James Stadium.
"I've never seen anything like it," said Todd, who works stadium security at Buccaneers games. "Naturally, you think of health issues."
Plenty of fans in Tampa owe that security guard a debt of gratitude. As for the concession worker, why no additional charges concerning endangering public health?
November 20th, 2003
An Opportunity Lost?
Over at About.com, Jamie Fitzpatrick thinks the NHL is missing a great opportunity to hook American fans:
In short, the NHL Heritage Classic is a perfect opportunity to get the sports world talking about hockey, and attract a few curious folks who wouldn't know the five-hole from a fishing hole.But when the Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers square off under the prairie night sky on Saturday, only Canada will be watching. The NHL's first outdoor game will not be televised in the United States.
It should be quite a spectacle. Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, a football bowl, will be iced. About 56,000 seats will be filled, doubling the record for the biggest crowd ever to watch an NHL game. Retired Oilers and Habs begin the day with the so-called "Mega-Stars" game, featuring the likes of Gretzky, Jari Kurri and Guy Lafleur. The latest rumor is that Mark Messier, whose New York Rangers do not play that night, will suit up with his old Edmonton teammates.
While this isn't entirely accurate, as the NHL game between the Canadiens and Oilers will be available via the NHL Center Ice pay-per-view package (though the old timers game will not -- thanks for nothing NHL), Fitzpatrick is spot on when he later writes that the league should have ditched the All-Star Game in favor of the Heritage Classic -- an idea we fronted here at Off Wing some time ago.
Unfortunately, like all other major sports, despite protests to the contrary, the NHL All-Star Game isn't about the fans. Instead, it's about stroking the league's major sponsors (a dwindling number at that), showing them a good time, and giving them a chance to rub elbows with the greatest who have ever played the game. Anything that gets in the way of that goal, and the logistical challenge behind hosting an outdoor game at the All Star break in February isn't inconsiderable, has to settle for second place.
Not that Gary Bettman shouldn't be up for the challenge.
November 20th, 2003
Dangerous Curves Ahead
Get rid of the rule that says players can't have more than a 1/2" curve in their stick blades. Let Ilya Kovalchuk, Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic and Brendan Shanahan do whatever they want to the curves of their blades and see what happens. I guarantee we'll have a more exciting race for the Maurice Richard Trophy. I'm not the only person that thinks this will improve things. Darren Elliot said it on CNNSI and it's been said on ESPN and TSN too.Not that we need more goals. I think we're doing just fine.
I've heard this fronted on NHL2Night by Barry Melrose more than a few times, and I don't have a problem with it. I do remember how NHL players complained about how Russian players who toured North America in the 1970s never met a curve they didn't like. That must mean they saw some wicked wrist shots back then, and I'd love to see them again.
November 20th, 2003
What’s Up With The WHA?
Jeremy Roenick said he'll play in the new WHA if there's a lockout next season, and Steve Ovadia thinks it's a great idea:
Is there another player (other than Brett Hull) who's a better fit for the WHA? Roenick is all attitude. He's a jerk, but he's entertaining on and off the ice.The WHA probably doesn't have a lot of money to sign big NHL stars. And I could be wrong, but I think there may even be rules against teams signing too many stars, but if they're selective about the NHLers they invite into the league, it maybe, maybe, possibly could be a great show.
I'm still having a hard time taking the whole WHA thing seriously, and have to wonder just how close they are to the NHLPA. And no matter how many colorful stars they might attract, it will still be an inferior product.
November 20th, 2003
It’s Women’s Hoops Time!
Women's college basketball is underway, which means things are busy over at Women's Hoops. Also be sure to check out this latest post about the World Anti-Doping Agency and how it wants to be the global enforcement mechanism when it comes to performance enhancing drugs.
November 20th, 2003
NHL Roundup
In Detroit, the revival of the Red Wings continued, as they beat up the Blue Jackets, 5-1. Brett Hull had two goals, and Manny Legace, stepping in for the injured Dominik Hasek, got the win in net for the Red Wings. Columbus is 0-3-2 in their last five games.
In New Jersey, the Devils extended their unbeaten streak to 10 games with a 4-1 win over Buffalo. Scott Stevens had two assists, as Martin Brodeur recorded his 375th victory in goal to move into 10th place all-time. Despite New Jersey's hot streak of late, the game only drew a little more than 10,000 fans.
In Pittsburgh, the Minnesota Wild chased rookie goalie Marc-Andre Fleury with three goals in the first period on their way to a 6-2 victory. Antti Laaksonen scored twice for Minnesota, and Marian Gaborik added another on a penalty shot. The announced crowd in Pittsburgh was a little less than 11,000. The word is the cash-strapped Penguins will probably send Fleury back to his junior team in a cost-cutting move.
Fans got their money's worth in Atlanta last night.
In the game of the night, the Thrashers battled back from a 2-0 deficit in the first period to beat the Bruins 5-4 in OT. Ilya Kovalchuk one-timed a cross-ice pass from Frantisek Kaberle past Boston's Felix Potvin, off the left post and into the net on a rare OT power play.
In Sunrise, Florida, the Islanders took down the Panthers, 4-1. Rookie Trent Hunter continued his hot play of late, getting two goals and an assist. The win was only the second on the road for the Islanders this season. During the broadcast, I finally got a look at the video of Jordin Tootoo's freight train check on Isles defenseman, Radek Martinek, and it was pretty clear Tootoo left his feet before the hit. He deserved a suspension.
Across the Hudson, the Rangers have put Eric Lindros on IR, due to the eye injury he suffered recently against the Penguins.
In Dallas, the Stars squandered a two-goal lead, and had to settle for a 2-2 tie with the Ducks. Andy McDonald had two goals, and Martin Gerber 26 saves for the visitors. Jon Klemm, just acquired the other day from the Blackhawks, had his first goal with Dallas. In Phoenix, Shane Doan and Brian Savage both had two goals, as the Coyotes beat the visiting Blues, 5-4.
And at the Staples Center, Roman Cechmanek got the 100th win of his NHL career, stopping 30 shots for the LA Kings in a 3-0 win over the Predators. Despite a rash of injuries, the Kings sit atop the Pacific Division.
And back East in Philadelphia, journeyman Craig Berube has been signed to a contract with the minor league Philadelphia Phantoms. At the start of this season, Berube ranked seventh all-time in penalty minutes with 3,149 -- or about 3 weeks, if you prefer.
November 19th, 2003
JUST GIVE HIM THE DAMN BOOT!
Defending Champs Cut Ties with Offending Chump
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh. This is just great. Greater than great, even. The biggest punk in the NFL just got unprecedented treatment. It
November 19th, 2003
NHL Roundup
In Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes came back from a 2-0 deficit in the third period to tie the Philadelphia Flyers, 2-2. Defenseman Nic Wallin got the tying goal -- his third in two games with the Flyers this year -- with only 2:19 remaining in the game. But the real star for Carolina was goalie Kevin Weekes, who had 41 saves. The tie stopped Philly's win streak at six games.
Teemu Selanne got an OT game winning goal against the Mighty Ducks in Denver, giving the Avalanche a 2-1 victory. It was just a week ago that Selanne got a game winning goal against another ex-employer, the San Jose Sharks. Though the Ducks lost, don't blame goalie J.S. Giguere, who had 38 saves for Anaheim.
In Edmonton, Radek Dvorak had two goals and an assist to lead the Oilers to a 5-2 win over Chicago. Ty Conklin, who seems to have displaced Tommy Salo as the starter in goal for Edmonton, had 33 saves in the win. Raffi Torres had another goal for Edmonton, giving him four goals and an assist in his last five games. The recently signed Adam Oates did not suit up for the Oilers.
Toni Lydman slipped a puck past Ed Belfour 1:24 into OT to give the Flames a 3-2 win over the Maple Leafs. Jarome Iginla had three assists, as the Flames extended Toronto's winless streak to four games.
In San Jose, the Rangers blew another third period lead, yielding two third period goals to the Sharks in a 2-2 tie. The Sharks, who have eight ties already this season, remain winless in nine home games (0-3-5-1). Bobby Holik and Chris Simon scored for the Rangers, Alex Korolyuk and Marco Sturm for the Sharks.
Check out the retro duds on Trevor Linden.
And in Vancouver, the Canucks and Canadiens delivered the most exciting game of the evening in a 5-4 OT thriller. Ed Jovanovski had two goals and a crushing open ice hit on Richard Zednik to lead the Canucks to victory on a night that featured throwback jerseys for both teams. Mattias Ohlund got the OT game winning goal. Besides getting decked by "Jovocop," Zednik hadd two goals of his own for Montreal, sent Canucks defenseman Brent Sopel face first into the boards, and was also flattened by Canucks center Matt Cooke.
Tom Benjamin has some other thoughts on Jovanowski's performance last night.
In other news from around the league, Nashville rookie Jordin Tootoo won't be sanctioned for the hit he delivered to Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek on Saturday night in Nashville. As for Martinek, he's back practicing with the Islanders after suffering a concussion, and can't remember anything about the hit.
In the Washington Capitals locker room, things are looking pretty gloomy, at least according to this AP report. Meanwhile, panic is setting in up in Ottawa.
In an interview with Canada's TSN, Hall of Famer Guy LaFleur said the fun has gone out of the game.
And with all the Maple Leafs bashing going on, maybe we should thank the team for reviving their annual charity skating event with Easter Seals -- even if they only did it in response to a public outcry after initially cancelling the event.
UPDATE: On The Wings dissects LaFleur's comments on the state of the game.
In New York, it appears the Devils PR guy convinced both the NY Times and the NY Post to put together dueling profiles of Devils winger Jamie Langenbrunner. Congrats to the Devils flak.
Boston is on top of the NHL, and the Boston Globe thinks Sergei Samsonov's return is the reason why. In Denver, they love ex-Capital Steve Konowalchuck. In Detroit, vagabond Steve Thomas is feeling the love.
And in Dallas, everyone is breathing easier now that Jere Lehtinen is returning to the lineup.
OT UPDATE: The latest from John Buccigross is up on ESPN.com.
