Links galore tonight.
-Sean Avery is done with the Dallas Stars. His immediate future is unclear - be it trade or ressignment to the AHL. If no trade options come up he'll probably be bought out at the end of the season.
-Cody Hodgson was named an Assistant Captain of the Canadian WJC team. The captain is Thomas Hickey of the Seattle Thunderbirds. (That link has the full roster as well.)
-The current transit strike in Ottawa may threaten transportation to the WJC this year.
-Brian McGrattan of the Phoenix Coyotes has entered the NHLPA substance abuse program. He formerly played for the Sens, and has only appeared in 3 games with Phoenix this season.
-Teka from Talk Hockey to Me has finished her thesis on women hockey fans. Check it out!
-Mats Sundin is supposedly narrowing the field of choices to two - Vancouver or New York.
-The Pens have named their new arena - the Console Energy Center.
-Ryan Whitney and MAF are close to coming back. Keep your fingers crossed.
-I've been a little behind with the blogroll updates but we do have a few new Pens blogs around. Check out I Bleed Black and Gold and PensFans4Ever for more Penguin news.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Catching up with some Prospects.
So last year I did a little digging, and came up with some predictions and stats on some up and coming prospects. As we head toward the holidays it's time to take a look and see how the prospects are holding up.
Steven Stamkos:
First overall to Tampa Bay, wasn't really a surprise there. He has started off the season with the club, and will remain for the rest of the year. He's posted 3g and 8a for 11 points in 27 games, and is a -11. He's a talented young guy, and the marketing around him is pretty good - but he's not posting super impressive numbers. At this point I wouldn't count him out of the Calder race or anything, but it seems like there are quite a few other rookies who will definitely be challenging for it over him.
He's had a turbulent season though, with the team under new management, and already two coaches. Barry Melrose said that he doesn't think Stamkos is ready for the NHL - but that's not up to him anymore. I don't think there's any doubt that Stamkos can, and probably will, develop into a very talented player - but in my opinion, he hasn't quite lived up to the hype yet.
Drew Doughty:
Drafted 2nd overall to the L.A Kings, Doughty has had a pretty strong start to the season. He's playing quality minutes everynight and will remain with the team for the season. He has 9 points so far, 3G and 6A and he's even on the +/- right now.
So far Lombardi has been impressed with Doughty's performance, and though he probably still needs to pick up his physical game a bit, he seems to be fitting in well on the L.A blueline. Then again, being only 2pts out of last place in the league, L.A. might need a little more help than Doughty can give.
Nikita Filatov:
Filatov was drafted sixth overall to Columbus in last year's draft. It was a little lower than I expected, but still a high draft spot. He played 4 games with the Blue Jackets, scoring 1 goal before going to the AHL. In 20 games with Syracuse he has 16pts and 6 PIM.
It looks to me like Columbus is developing Filatov a bit, and trying to get him used to the North American game before putting him with the main club. He's doing well in Syracuse and there's no reason to doubt that he won't get a call up later this season, or be a strong contender for a spot on the rooster at next year's camp.
Alex Pietrangelo:
Alex Pietrangelo was taken by the St. Louis Blues, fourth overall in the draft. He had a good showing in camp and played 8 games with the club (tallying one assist) before being reassigned to his junior team.
With the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL he has 15pts in 9 games so far this season. I'm sure that Niagara, who is missing a few of their top players from last year, were more than happy to have him back. The IceDogs are playing at exactly .500 right now, and are second in the Central Divison, though the team ahead of them (Brampton) has accumulated 9 more wins than they have. Like Filatov - it seems like Pietrangelo just needs more time to develop his game before he's ready for the NHL. His day will come.
Cody Hodgson:
Cody Hodgson was drafted 10th overall by Vancouver, and is currently playing with his OHL team - the Brampton Batallion. He's 6th in scoring in the OHL with 20G and 22A in only 23 games. (He missed the start of the OHL season at Vancouver's training camp.) He's only 4pts shy of topping his 63 game points total (46pts) from 06-07 and in two years has gone from being a -21 to a +11 (and he'll probably continue to improve over the course of the season.)
The Batallion are currently third in the league with a 21-8-1 record (the top team, Windsor has an impressive 26-3-1 record). Hodgson is the team's top scorer, and will probably continue to develop into a great prospect for Vancouver, though he was not ready for NHL play this season.
Quick Hits:
David Towes:
Drafted much later than expected, 66th overall in the 3rd round by the Isles. He's still hard to find info on... sigh.
Luke Schenn:
Luke Schenn went fifth overall to Toronto, and immediately took up a spot on their blue line. He's a stay at home defenseman, so his offensive stats are limited to 2A in 27 games. Recently injured, Schenn will probaby be out until the end of the month, but he has been pretty solid for the Leafs and should continue to develop over the next few years.
Jared Staal:
The youngest Staal is back with the Sudbury Wolves this season. He has 22pts in 29 games, but is below pace from last year's 49pt season. He's also a -10 on the season. Sudbury has had a few tough seasons, and aren't playing great hockey - Staal may be suffering a bit by playing with a team that is going through some growing pains. I still think he could develop into an NHL calibre player, especially with more developed players around him.
Zach Boychuck:
Boychuck was on pretty familiar ground when he came out of the Lethbridge Hurricanes system and was drafted 14th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. He definitely has no excuse to forget who he plays for. Boychuck started the season with the 'Canes, but was injured after 2 games. He underwent wrist surgery and is now back with his WHL team. He has 26pts in 21 games and is a +18. I think he would have been sent back down regardless of his injury, but he does look like a good prospect, and solid two way player, for Carolina.
For the original posts:
Steven Stamkos
Drew Doughty
Nikita Filatov
Cody Hodgson
Alex Pietrangelo
The Roundup
Steven Stamkos:
First overall to Tampa Bay, wasn't really a surprise there. He has started off the season with the club, and will remain for the rest of the year. He's posted 3g and 8a for 11 points in 27 games, and is a -11. He's a talented young guy, and the marketing around him is pretty good - but he's not posting super impressive numbers. At this point I wouldn't count him out of the Calder race or anything, but it seems like there are quite a few other rookies who will definitely be challenging for it over him.
He's had a turbulent season though, with the team under new management, and already two coaches. Barry Melrose said that he doesn't think Stamkos is ready for the NHL - but that's not up to him anymore. I don't think there's any doubt that Stamkos can, and probably will, develop into a very talented player - but in my opinion, he hasn't quite lived up to the hype yet.
Drew Doughty:
Drafted 2nd overall to the L.A Kings, Doughty has had a pretty strong start to the season. He's playing quality minutes everynight and will remain with the team for the season. He has 9 points so far, 3G and 6A and he's even on the +/- right now.
So far Lombardi has been impressed with Doughty's performance, and though he probably still needs to pick up his physical game a bit, he seems to be fitting in well on the L.A blueline. Then again, being only 2pts out of last place in the league, L.A. might need a little more help than Doughty can give.
Nikita Filatov:
Filatov was drafted sixth overall to Columbus in last year's draft. It was a little lower than I expected, but still a high draft spot. He played 4 games with the Blue Jackets, scoring 1 goal before going to the AHL. In 20 games with Syracuse he has 16pts and 6 PIM.
It looks to me like Columbus is developing Filatov a bit, and trying to get him used to the North American game before putting him with the main club. He's doing well in Syracuse and there's no reason to doubt that he won't get a call up later this season, or be a strong contender for a spot on the rooster at next year's camp.
Alex Pietrangelo:
Alex Pietrangelo was taken by the St. Louis Blues, fourth overall in the draft. He had a good showing in camp and played 8 games with the club (tallying one assist) before being reassigned to his junior team.
With the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL he has 15pts in 9 games so far this season. I'm sure that Niagara, who is missing a few of their top players from last year, were more than happy to have him back. The IceDogs are playing at exactly .500 right now, and are second in the Central Divison, though the team ahead of them (Brampton) has accumulated 9 more wins than they have. Like Filatov - it seems like Pietrangelo just needs more time to develop his game before he's ready for the NHL. His day will come.
Cody Hodgson:
Cody Hodgson was drafted 10th overall by Vancouver, and is currently playing with his OHL team - the Brampton Batallion. He's 6th in scoring in the OHL with 20G and 22A in only 23 games. (He missed the start of the OHL season at Vancouver's training camp.) He's only 4pts shy of topping his 63 game points total (46pts) from 06-07 and in two years has gone from being a -21 to a +11 (and he'll probably continue to improve over the course of the season.)
The Batallion are currently third in the league with a 21-8-1 record (the top team, Windsor has an impressive 26-3-1 record). Hodgson is the team's top scorer, and will probably continue to develop into a great prospect for Vancouver, though he was not ready for NHL play this season.
Quick Hits:
David Towes:
Drafted much later than expected, 66th overall in the 3rd round by the Isles. He's still hard to find info on... sigh.
Luke Schenn:
Luke Schenn went fifth overall to Toronto, and immediately took up a spot on their blue line. He's a stay at home defenseman, so his offensive stats are limited to 2A in 27 games. Recently injured, Schenn will probaby be out until the end of the month, but he has been pretty solid for the Leafs and should continue to develop over the next few years.
Jared Staal:
The youngest Staal is back with the Sudbury Wolves this season. He has 22pts in 29 games, but is below pace from last year's 49pt season. He's also a -10 on the season. Sudbury has had a few tough seasons, and aren't playing great hockey - Staal may be suffering a bit by playing with a team that is going through some growing pains. I still think he could develop into an NHL calibre player, especially with more developed players around him.
Zach Boychuck:
Boychuck was on pretty familiar ground when he came out of the Lethbridge Hurricanes system and was drafted 14th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. He definitely has no excuse to forget who he plays for. Boychuck started the season with the 'Canes, but was injured after 2 games. He underwent wrist surgery and is now back with his WHL team. He has 26pts in 21 games and is a +18. I think he would have been sent back down regardless of his injury, but he does look like a good prospect, and solid two way player, for Carolina.
For the original posts:
Steven Stamkos
Drew Doughty
Nikita Filatov
Cody Hodgson
Alex Pietrangelo
The Roundup
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Book Review: Saved by Jack Falla
Earlier this year (aka June) Frank at Pensburgh put up a book review of Saved, and an interview with author Jack Falla, so, naturally I just got around to reading the book now.
The story centers on Boston Bruins goalie Jean Pierre Savard, a guy late in his career who, along with his teammate and friend Cam Carter, is angling to get his name on the Cup before retirement. When a trade sends one friend to another contender they’re pitted against each other, in what could be their last chance at the Cup, and only one can take it home.
I always think niche books like this are tough to judge by their covers, it would be easy for Jack Falla to fall into a trap of one dimensional characters, who exist in the book solely to be names in the hockey games. It’s true that there always have to be background characters but Jack Falla does a good job of building not only his main characters, but also his “supporting cast.” It makes the book interesting because the characters are interesting, and they have a story. It doesn’t seem like they were only conceived and put in the book to serve the purpose of making a pass, or scoring a goal.
The book has a good mix of humour and emotion. The story doesn’t live and die on the ice, and the story itself is a compelling one. (I hate having books spoiled for me, so I’ll just leave it at that for you.) There’s hockey drama- trades, fights and injury; as well as some real life drama- family, friends, arguments, love interests. It certainly packs a whole lot of story into 276 pages.
At the end of the day this was a feel-good book. It took me a while to get interested in the book, mostly because I was just wary about a hockey novel in general, but once I started reading I really enjoyed it. It’s not a heavy read – it’s intended to be a fun one, and I think it succeeds at that. It strikes a good balance between being character-driven and story-driven, and Falla rarely sacrifices one for the other.
Jack Falla’s newest book, Open Ice, is a collection of essays on hockey related topics – I have a review of that coming as well, but I’ll just put it out there that Open Ice would be a great holiday gift for any hockey-fans/readers in your life.
The sad news in this story is that Jack Falla passed away suddenly this fall. It’s a big loss for the sports writing community, as Jack Falla was a talented hockey and sports writer and a sure loss for fans of hockey writing. Through his books, and his interview with Pensburgh, Falla seemed like a really great guy, it’s a tough loss, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family this holiday season.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
What to do with Sean Avery...
A few days ago, right after the Avery story came out, I put up a link, and my off the cuff initial reaction (it wasn't pro-Avery, as you might have guessed). Then I took it down. Instead of joining in the commentary I decided to read it - a lot of it.
My opinion did change a little, and I'm still slightly divided, but mainly over whether this should have been a league issue (as it has become) or a team issue. The truth is, I think Avery's ploy to get attention, and the fact that he so clearly wanted it to be broadcast, published and reprinted, deserves a punishment. Maybe not indefinite suspension - but something (a fine? I don't know what all the options are). He didn't just "get caught" saying something rude, he planned and orchestrated a little media event for himself, so he could say something rude.
I also think that the fact that he was talking about someone's girlfriend (and I know that the issue is more complex because he used to date her - although I don't think it has any bearing at all on the deeper issues) is a dangerous line for the NHL. Everyone knows that trash talking happens on the ice, but I think the NHL should try to keep it there. They don't want to set a precedent of trashing player's wives/girlfriends or children and families on TSN and ESPN.
I pretty much agree with Sidney Crosby on this one. ["I agree with it," Crosby said. "You can't say stuff like that. There are a lot of things said on the ice, and that's where it should stay."] from the Post-Gazette
At the end of the day though - I don't think what the league decides to do will be the interesting part of this story. It'll be what the Stars decide to do that will be interesting.
James Duthie blogged this at TSN this morning - Avery's teammates hope 'indefinitely' means 'forever.'
That's the biggest issues for the Stars right now. How to mangage this in their own dressing room. His teammates are mad, they didn't much like him to begin with, and their patience has been tested. Dallas is in a tough situation with a player who isn't likely to be worth much on a trade at the moment, isn't very welcome in his own dressing room, and is pretty expensive to be sending down.
It'll be interesting to see it play out over the next few days. In the meantime I'll just keep reading - who knows, my opinion might change again.
Update: Today Avery was handed down a 6 game suspension, retroactive to Tuesday. So he still has to sit 4 more games.
My opinion did change a little, and I'm still slightly divided, but mainly over whether this should have been a league issue (as it has become) or a team issue. The truth is, I think Avery's ploy to get attention, and the fact that he so clearly wanted it to be broadcast, published and reprinted, deserves a punishment. Maybe not indefinite suspension - but something (a fine? I don't know what all the options are). He didn't just "get caught" saying something rude, he planned and orchestrated a little media event for himself, so he could say something rude.
I also think that the fact that he was talking about someone's girlfriend (and I know that the issue is more complex because he used to date her - although I don't think it has any bearing at all on the deeper issues) is a dangerous line for the NHL. Everyone knows that trash talking happens on the ice, but I think the NHL should try to keep it there. They don't want to set a precedent of trashing player's wives/girlfriends or children and families on TSN and ESPN.
I pretty much agree with Sidney Crosby on this one. ["I agree with it," Crosby said. "You can't say stuff like that. There are a lot of things said on the ice, and that's where it should stay."] from the Post-Gazette
At the end of the day though - I don't think what the league decides to do will be the interesting part of this story. It'll be what the Stars decide to do that will be interesting.
James Duthie blogged this at TSN this morning - Avery's teammates hope 'indefinitely' means 'forever.'
That's the biggest issues for the Stars right now. How to mangage this in their own dressing room. His teammates are mad, they didn't much like him to begin with, and their patience has been tested. Dallas is in a tough situation with a player who isn't likely to be worth much on a trade at the moment, isn't very welcome in his own dressing room, and is pretty expensive to be sending down.
It'll be interesting to see it play out over the next few days. In the meantime I'll just keep reading - who knows, my opinion might change again.
Update: Today Avery was handed down a 6 game suspension, retroactive to Tuesday. So he still has to sit 4 more games.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
to all of our American Friends. Enjoy your 4 day weekend.
To all of our Canadian friends, let's ponder why we only get a 3 day weekend at Thanksgiving and how we can turn it into a 4 day weekend.
Here's a little Thanksgiving love from your Pens. I particularly like a smiling, but not too talktative Dupuis.
To all of our Canadian friends, let's ponder why we only get a 3 day weekend at Thanksgiving and how we can turn it into a 4 day weekend.
Here's a little Thanksgiving love from your Pens. I particularly like a smiling, but not too talktative Dupuis.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Linkage: Trades Looming?
Link: Tavares Trade in the works?
Usually trade rumours don't start up until a player hits the NHL - but John Tavares seems like a likely candidate to break the mould.
The Generals have supposedly put him up on the block looking for an offer that will give them a bigger package of prospects to build in the years to come, in exchange for his 17G and 19A in 23 games this season.
It could be a smart move. The Generals are slumping, and without Tavares next season they could be in a rebuild. If they keep him and he goes to the NHL next season (which is likely) then they're left to rebuild. If they trade him now, they can start the process this season, and even try to jump start the remainder of their season.
Windsor and London are the two names being batted around in this article. It doesn't seem like Windsor sounds too interested, especially with the strength of their roster right now, then again if they think Tavares could give them the push they need to stay on top, they might go for it.
I'm not too up on London's stats this season so I can't comment much on the prospect of them accepting the trade.
I'd be looking at teams who are on the verge and need a boost to make a long Memorial Cup run to be active on this - it's a Hossa deal - basically. Tavares is the OHL rental player of the year, and he's almost certain to be gone next season, as he's been cast as a top two draft pick in the early rankings.
Usually trade rumours don't start up until a player hits the NHL - but John Tavares seems like a likely candidate to break the mould.
The Generals have supposedly put him up on the block looking for an offer that will give them a bigger package of prospects to build in the years to come, in exchange for his 17G and 19A in 23 games this season.
It could be a smart move. The Generals are slumping, and without Tavares next season they could be in a rebuild. If they keep him and he goes to the NHL next season (which is likely) then they're left to rebuild. If they trade him now, they can start the process this season, and even try to jump start the remainder of their season.
Windsor and London are the two names being batted around in this article. It doesn't seem like Windsor sounds too interested, especially with the strength of their roster right now, then again if they think Tavares could give them the push they need to stay on top, they might go for it.
I'm not too up on London's stats this season so I can't comment much on the prospect of them accepting the trade.
I'd be looking at teams who are on the verge and need a boost to make a long Memorial Cup run to be active on this - it's a Hossa deal - basically. Tavares is the OHL rental player of the year, and he's almost certain to be gone next season, as he's been cast as a top two draft pick in the early rankings.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Linkage: The most expensive seat in the house.
Link: Penner benched by Oilers.
A year ago July, Dustin Penner was pretty much on top of the world. He came from a Cup winning Ducks team to a huge offer sheet from the Oilers. 21.25 million over five years - or 4.25 million a year.
Penner has a great story and I read a great piece about him in the Winnipeg Free Press last summer (found the link) but he didn't live up to the hype in Edmonton, and last night he was a healthy scratch. He had 23 goals last season, but his conditioning has been a problem. In a sport where guys are getting more and more commited to being in shape, he hasn't found his place.
Just look at a guy like Carey Price who, coming off a great rookie season, was challenged by his team to get into better shape and came back to training camp 25lbs lighter and in the best shape of his life. Or even a vetran like Marty Brodeur, who is one of the best in the NHL, and has cemented his reputation, who has said he needed to get back into shape for this season. I just read about Brodeur's new regimine (pre-injury obviously) in a copy of The Hockey News (I think... I'm so forgettful lately).
Dustin Penner needs to buy into the system, and get smart about his conditioning if he wants to see serious time in Edmonton. 4pts in 16 games isn't going to cut it for him in Edmonton, and the management is sending him a message.
They're also paying him about $52000 a game to sit in the box. Doesn't sound like anyone's going to be happy with this situation.
A year ago July, Dustin Penner was pretty much on top of the world. He came from a Cup winning Ducks team to a huge offer sheet from the Oilers. 21.25 million over five years - or 4.25 million a year.
Penner has a great story and I read a great piece about him in the Winnipeg Free Press last summer (found the link) but he didn't live up to the hype in Edmonton, and last night he was a healthy scratch. He had 23 goals last season, but his conditioning has been a problem. In a sport where guys are getting more and more commited to being in shape, he hasn't found his place.
Just look at a guy like Carey Price who, coming off a great rookie season, was challenged by his team to get into better shape and came back to training camp 25lbs lighter and in the best shape of his life. Or even a vetran like Marty Brodeur, who is one of the best in the NHL, and has cemented his reputation, who has said he needed to get back into shape for this season. I just read about Brodeur's new regimine (pre-injury obviously) in a copy of The Hockey News (I think... I'm so forgettful lately).
Dustin Penner needs to buy into the system, and get smart about his conditioning if he wants to see serious time in Edmonton. 4pts in 16 games isn't going to cut it for him in Edmonton, and the management is sending him a message.
They're also paying him about $52000 a game to sit in the box. Doesn't sound like anyone's going to be happy with this situation.
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