With the NHL season about to start- the Philadelphia Flyers did not offer a contract to Bill Guerin and before getting into any predictions - this tribute needed to be put together. When Pittsburgh won the Cup- Sid handed it first to Billy.
That respect is well deserved over his Hall of Fame-worthy career: 18 years in the NHL (he missed a year due to the lockout), 1263 games, 429 goals, 427 assists, 856 points. On top of that, 89 scraps and 1,660 PIM - he was a power forward who earned respect. In 140 playoff games, he amassed 74 points (39 goals) and 162 PIMs. His locker room presence also earned him an 'A' in Boston and Edmonton, and he became the captain on Long Island, before even playing a game there.
Billy may have lost a step, but as the young players come into the league, his leadership cannot be replaced. If he does not end up playing again, he will be sorely missed, but as one of his good friends might say, "Billy is a better person than he is hockey player and he may very well be a Hall of Fame hockey player."
So no matter where the road takes him from here, he'll always be a champion, and maybe, if fate will have it, he can take his good friend Stan out for another beer or two.
[Editor's Note: It was mentioned by the author that he wished he had included video of the famous fight with Mike Keane, when Guerin was with the Devils. There's also a copy that comes with no audio, but a better picture]
She just read this great story on the STP Blog - (STP - the worldwide leader in sports blogs .... well at least sports blogs co-authored by the Hockey Guru).
The Chicago Gay Hockey Association (the Blackwolves) on a whim sent an invitation to the Chicago Blackhawks requesting the Stanley Cup to be available to march in the Gay Pride Parade in Chicago on Sunday June 27.
With the NHL draft on the 26th - the Stanley Cup will be in Los Angeles - which alone provided the perfect "excuse" to decline the request.
However, the Hawks are making sure the Cup is flown back to Chicago in time to be part of the celebration. Not only will the Cup be present - Brent Sopel volunteered to represent the team and participate in the parade.
Perhaps like the Guru, your reaction was - wow, Brent Sopel has some balls to come out and march in the parade. Well he has balls and he will be marching in the parade - but he's not gay. His story is pretty remarkable - he and his wife adopted 4 children 3 years ago - after those children lost both parents within a 6-month span.
In addition to bringing down barriers and allowing eveyone in the City and community to share in the joy of the Stnaley Cup - Sopel is marching in honor of Brendan Burke, the son of Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke. Just in case a reminder is necessary - Brendan was killed in a car accident last fall - two months after coming out late last year.
"When Brendan came out, Brian stood by him, and his whole family stood by him, like every family should," said Sopel. "We teach our kids about accepting everybody. Tolerate everybody, to understand where everyone is coming from."
Just a great story and one that the Hockey Guru wanted included in the history of STP Blogs.
Great job by Chicago, Brent Sopel and hockey in general. Once again proving that hockey is the greatest sport in the world.
Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock and Taylor Swift all fully support this effort.
Blackhawks Captain Jonathan Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe Award last night - and there's no arguing how important he was to the Stanley Cup Championship. The key face-off wins, the penalty killing and defensive play just don't show up statistically but how much did reputation come into play as he captures this latest award?
Surely, he really doesn't care too much about the individual award right now - and there's no doubt he deserved consideration - but should the award have been given out to one of the other candidates? The Hockey Guru will attempt to answer that question here - and will start by running through the list of candidates and the arguments for each (listed alphabetically).
Dave Bolland - Maybe a reach for inclusion as a candidate - but on the path to the Stanley Cup - his contributions can not be overlooked. He was responsible for shutting down the league's leading scorer and his twin brother in Vancouver and then the "best line" in the world (the line which went to Vancouver in the Olympics as a unit on the Gold Medal Winning Canadian team). In addition to killing penalties throughout the playoffs - he contributed two huge short-handed goals - the back-breaker in the series finale against Vancouver and thethird goal of the game in Game One of the finals.
Final stats for the playoffs: Minutes Played: 410 Goals: 8 (1 Game winner) Assists: 8 Shots: 35 Penalty Minutes: 30
Dustin Byfuglien - The Big Buff had a HUGE playoff run this year. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville noted: "Buff, he seems really to come to the forefront in the playoffs. He was a big presence last year, influenced a couple series. " In 82 games this year he tallied 34 points (about .4 ppg). In the playoffs - he put up 16 points in 22 games - nearly doubling his ppg production.
In the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Big Buff scored 11 times - the most on the team and third behind Daniel Briere and Michael Cammalleri. Of his 11 goals - 5 were game winners. Big Game, Big Goal Big Buff had an amazing playoff run and without players like him stepping up - teams do not win the Stanley Cup.
When not scoring - Big Buff could and did wear out opponents. The Canucks defense fell victim to Big Buff and Mike Richards just didn't seem the same in the finals after trying to run the Buff in game one. Oh, and there's the memorable hit in Game Five on Chris Pronger.
Final stats for the playoffs: Minutes Played: 366 Goals: 11 (5 Game winners) Assists: 5 Shots: 46 Penalty Minutes: 20
Patrick Kane - 10 Goals, 18 Assists, 64 shots on goal and of course there's this.
In watching Patty Kane in the Stanley Cup playoffs last year against Vancouver - it became obvious that he had "it". He has the ability to raise his game when the stakes are highest and simply score big goals. Fulfilling the dream of every player that ever laced 'em up - scoring the Stanley Cup winning OT goal - he proved again he is a BIG-TIME clutch performer. His heroics in game 5 against Nashville may have saved that series and the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run.
Duncan Keith - The love for Chris Pronger had no bounds in the media. There was talk about potentially being the Conn Smythe winner even with Philadelphia losing. Everything Pronger did - Keith did. Keith averaged 52 seconds less ice than Pronger throughout the playoffs and had one less point. However Keith's opponents were slightly more talented offensively than the Bruins and Canadiens. While competing against the "best" in the west of San Jose and Vancouver as well as Nashville and Philadelphia - Keith was able to do all that and only take a mere 5 minor penalties. Pronger was cited for 12 minor - 4 in the Stanley Cup Finals - 3 in the final two games with 2 leading to Hawk goals.
The amazing contribution by Duncan Keith is historic and his Conn Smythe candidacy may have been overlooked.
Final stats for the playoffs: Minutes Played: 620 Goals: 2 Assists: 15 Shots: 61 Penalty Minutes: 10
Antii Niemi - 16 Wins are needed to win the Stanley Cup and Niemi put up that most important stat. In a season where goaltending was the question mark on the Hawks - Niemi proved to be a Stanley Cup Winning Goaltender. In the opening round, Nashville had the Hawks in a bit of trouble (leading the series 1-0 and 2-1) - and both times Niemi responded with shutouts (his only two of the playoffs). Vancouver was left scratching their head more than a few times with Niemi in their series. Against San Jose he was exceptional. And in the finals - while not making all the saves - he has made many timely saves that were significant in the Hawks Stanley Cup run and cannot be overlooked.
Final Stats for the Playoffs: Record 16-6 Save Percentage .910 Goals Against Average 2.63
Jonathan Toews -
The Captain logged the most ice time of any forward on the Hawks. He killed penalties, he finished hits and he scored goals. There's nothing he didn't do and certainly lived up to expectations. Teams don't win the Stanley Cup when their leaders don't lead.
Well there are some good arguments for the "leading candidates" from Chicago for the Conn Smythe. After reviewing the case for each - here are the results:
Fifth Runner-up: David Bolland - great contributions throughout but was a couple performances away from really standing out as the most outstanding and most valuable impact on the Stanley Cup run.
Fourth Runner-up: Patrick Kane -the clinching goal deserves to be re-dubbed so the announcers can give it all the excitement and drama that it merits. Maybe there's an added specialness to the shot that just disappeared into the net and the world simply stopped - the moment was frozen in time and didn't need anything added to it - it was simply "unbelieveable." That goal would have moved Kane at least close to the top if only he had a couple other game winners games of shear dominance.
Third Runner-up: Jonathan Toews - A tremendous leader and proved to be a worthy captain to lead his team to become Stanley Cup Champions. His games three and four in Vancouver were awesome. He did it all - scoring, penalty killing, face-offs...
Second Runner-up: Antii Niemi - reviewing the whole body of work - particularly the first round series against Nashville and the key shutouts - he certainly moved up in the Guru's voting. The last thing we saw was a wild Stanley Cup Finals - where goals were going in fast and furious - we cannot forget that he put up the most important of all goaltending stats - the WIN. With 16 career playoff wins (all this year) - he now has more playoff wins than Henrik Lundqvist and is one behind Roberto Luongo. The point being - winning in the playoffs is hard and going 16-6 should not be discounted because of a wide open Stanley Cup Finals.
The two remaining candidates on the Guru's ballot - Duncan Keith and Dustin Byfuglien. Putting their 2010 Stanley Cup Playoff performances in context:
All-Time, Single Playoff Season Game Winning Goal Leaders (GWG started being tracked for 1967 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
Year
GWGs
Goals
Shots
Conn Smythe Winner?
Brad Richards
2004
7
12
88
Yes
Joe Sakic
1996
6
18
98
Yes
Joe Nieuwendyk
1999
6
11
72
Yes
Mario Lemieux
1992
5
16
69
Yes
Mike Bossy*
1983
5
17
No
Jari Kurri**
1987
5
15
No
Fernando Pisani#
2006
5
14
49
No
Johan Franzen##
2008
5
13
70
No
Bobby Smith###
1991
5
8
60
No
Dustin Byfuglien
2010
5
11
45
No
* 1982 - Islanders lost to the Oilers in the Finals and Mark Messier was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy ** 1987 - Wayne Gretzky was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy # 2006 - Oilers lost to Carolina in the Finals and Cam Ward was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy ## 2008 - Henrk Zetterberg was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy ### 1991 - Minnesota North Stars lost 4 games to 2 in the finals to Pittsburgh- Mario Lemieux was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy
Conn Smythe Winning Defenseman (Since 1970)
Year
G-A=Pt
Avg TOI
PIM
Bobby Orr
1970 1972
9-11=20 5-19=24
NA
14 19
Larry Robinson
1978
4-17=21
NA
6
Al MacInnis
1989
7-24=31
NA
46
Brian Leetch
1994
11-23=34
NA
6
Scott Stevens
2000
3-8=11
25:25
6
Nicklas Lidstrom
2002
5-11=16
31:10
2
Scott Niedermayer
2007
3-8=11
29:50
26
Duncan Keith*
2010
2-15=17
28:11
10
* Did not win Conn Smythe
Jarri Kurri is the precedent that scoring 5 GWG for the winning Stanley Cup Champion does not assure the Conn Smythe. Of course, the Conn Smythe was awarded to Wayne Gretzky (his second in 1987) - who happened to lead the league with 34 playoff points in 21 games (9 more than Kurri). Coincidentally the Flyers were the Stanley Cup Finalists in that year.
Johan Franzen is the only other Stanley Cup winner with at least 5 GWGs in the playoffs that didn't receive the Conn Smythe. Henrik Zetterberg, the winner in 2008 had one less (4 GWGs) and tied Franzen for the playoff goal scoring lead with 13. However, Zetterberg had 14 assists to go along with his goals and tied Sidney Crosby for the playoff scoring title. Zetterberg was the deserving Conn Smythe having potted 2 short handed goals as well.
While this year Toews finished second in playoff scoring - he was fourth on the Hawks in goals with 7 compared to Sharp and Byfuglien's 11 and Kane's 10. The 3 GWGs and the all-around play not withstanding - the Guru believes that Dustin Byfuglien's 2010 playoff performance deserves the Conn Smythe over Toews. Without Big Buff's physical presence - the Guru doesn't believe that Chicago wins the Cup. (Even if Byfuglien is an American and only 4 non-Canadians have ever received the award (Brian Leetch '94, Evgeni Malkin '09, Nicklas Lidstrom '02 and Zetterberg '08)).
However, Byfuglien still would not win the 2010 Conn Smythe Award - according the the Guru. The award should have gone to a Canadian yet again (not that nationality matters to anyone outside of the Canadian border) - but not to the Olympic's Best Forward - but to Duncan Keith. Keith's ability to play monster minutes and be so effective not only defensively but in the transition game, jumping into the offense and special teams play should have earned him this year's Conn Smythe. His performance in these playoffs compares favorably (at least in the Guru's mind) to Scott Neidermeyer's, Nicklas Lidstrom and Scott Stevens' Conn Smythe campaigns.
There's no need for a recount, re-vote or any further controversy - the individual awards really don't matter much right now - in fact, being a Stanley Cup Champion is the only award anybody on Chicago or any other NHL roster really care about. Remove anybody from that roster - and perhaps they don't win the Cup - it takes a team to win the Cup - and that is what makes it the hardest trophy in sports to win.
Congratulations Chicago Blackhawks - Our 2010 Stanley Cup Champions!
Now what'll happened next - check back after Labor Day for Carnac's 2010-11 season predictions - will Pittsburgh get back on track to being the NHL "dynasty" or is Chicago starting their own "dynasty?"
And for the runner-up - his prize will be the series of History Will be Made Videos...
Post Script: Jonathan Toews is the Conn Smythe Winner - but what are the defining moments, memories and plays from the Stanley Cup run for him specifically and the Blackhawks in general? Clearly Byfuglien and Kane have some key goals and big moments. Marian Hossa had the big game 5 OT winner against Nashville (as well as the big "hit from behind"). Finding highlights for Toews and Keith were not as easy nor do individual specific plays stand out. As always STP is always interested in your comments.
My fellow Canadians North Americans, the state of the Sports Talk Pool is good.
Never before in our nation's history have we seen so much activity, from so many sources. All 20 of us are routinely active in a league which requires finesse and attention to detail, if not everyday, then at least every Monday and every Thursday. Our sister league, the STP Baseball Dynasty, enjoys almost complete participation as well, with at least 19 teams playing daily.
But it is here, on this blog, where the fruits of that participation are felt most. Before the month is out, we are expected to pass the 100-story threshold, which is amazing when you consider that this season began with only 50 stories in the archives after the first eleven months of publishing. In fact, I felt that because so many articles have been published here lately, that I should put up a post that detailed those articles, in order to make them easier to locate. The sheer volume of material may have buried some of the features before they could be read by all, so think of this as one of those baseball cards called the Checklist. Got it? Got it. Need it, got it, got it ....
First off, where would this blog be without the more than a dozenCarnac the Guru installments over the past two weeks. The most amazing edition has to be the one when Boston was leading their series, three games to one. <Carnac Predicts the Impossible>
On top of those daily features, our friend the Hockey Guru has also provided daily updates to our playoff hockey pool, despite his own obvious lack of a hope in Hell. <Playoff Hockey Pool: May Madness>
Will-He-M continued where he left off last season, when he started publishing a 30-part series that documented the histories of each MLB teams' top players. To those of you reading this while at work, no need to worry about nudity and swearing. And chances are your boss would engage in the discussion, even if he did catch you fornicating the dog. <All Time Well Wasted>
Minnesota Chris (aka Hell Lions) would more accurately be described as the person to have picked up where Will-He-M left off, as Will had actually been publishing regular Top Ten Lists last season. If you're not a fan of Drew Barrymore, you can probably still find something interesting here, but for the rest of us, er, normal people, er, 90% of males, 10% of females, and roughly four-fifths of the gay & lesbian populations, grab some popcorn and prepare to get your Barrymore on. <The Top Ten Links to Click On>
Some of you know him as Fowl Play, but I re-christened him Dive'r Down Dave when he agreed to periodically provide us with his recurring almanac feature. For those of you who fell asleep in history class, you'll enjoy the bullets as much as Eva Braun. <Where Were You, On This Day?>
I've received a few trade offers lately that were, shall we say, not very flattering towards my intelligence. To those of you who have received a tersely worded rejection from me in the past week or so, allow me to say it more diplomatically. I loves ya but I ain't gonna be no fool. <YouTubey Goodness>
If you want to call this here post an "article", then maybe I can get away with saying that I contributed multiple stories to the blog the past few weeks. If, on the other hand, you want to be honest, then call a spade a spade and chastise the author for producing only one solitary feature this month, and then whining for days about how hard he worked on it. <Lazy, Whining Pussy>
Before ever donning the giant turban, and back in the days when the Muff Divers team thought they had a shot at winning the hockey pool, the Hockey Guru used his uncanny abilities to debunk myths, disspell notions and generally do his best to preserve the Queen's English. Despite its earlier vintage, I decided to place it here, in the Andy Rooney segment of this list. You know what I hate? When people don't click on these links. <This Is, The Guru Report>
And finally, we leave you with something to ponder, whether you're a Bruins fan, or whether you had wanted to see the Bruins get eliminated by the Habs for the 100th time. <More YouTubitude>
The Pittsburgh Penguins not only lost Game 2 - the Igloo has been stolen!
Seriously, the Igloo hasn't really been stolen; it's still in Pittsburgh - for now. The Penguins will be hosting Game 5 there and if it comes down to the decisive 7th game - that too will take place at the Igloo.
However, by not winning both home games - the Pens will be forced to win at least one game in Montreal to win the series.
Now, the idea of losing the home ice advantage by losing one of the first two games seems not only overplayed and discussed - but irresponsible journalism. The Hockey Guru is on a mission to eliminate that phrase from our collective sports vernacular.
Did the Bruins have the home ice advantage in Round One against the Sabres? Of course not, the home ice advantage for Buffalo was that Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 were slated to be on their ice. The fact the Sabres lost in 6 games - doesn't change the fact they had the home ice advantage for the series. However, Claude Julien stated after Game 2, "People will say we have home-ice advantage now, and we do."
The acceptance from the media and the fans in general that allow that phrase to be used is beyond annoying! Home ice advantage is determined prior to the series and DOESN'T change.
Anyhow, the more important issue is what is the advantage of playing on home ice?
Comfort of sleeping in your own bed?
It's not like road teams are arriving on a bus on game day or sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags. With the charter flights and four and five-star accomodations - maybe not sleeping in your own bed is the advantage.
Players have less distractions on the road (less demand for tickets, arrangements for family, friends, etc.,), teams are together at the same location for game day meetings and may have greater focus being on the road.
Everybody seems to have their own version of the "White Out." While it is a great spectacle to view on television or even to be a part of - most playoff teams have been through it all before and certainly aren't intimidated by the event.
If any team relies on their fans for motivation - they aren't a Stanley Cup contender. Fans can lift up a team - such as Montreal fans seem to have done in Round One. Fans can also create greater pressure and hinder a team - such as San Jose - particularly early in Round One.
All-in-all, there is a human element and emotional element involved in the sport - and there are certainly times when the fans at least seem to impact the play on the ice. Like this...
Or this...
Guru's Advantage-meter: Minor advantage
Last Change - Lineup Juggling
Perhaps the most significant tactical advantage - the home team coach has the last change. However, through line juggling, etc. - visiting coaches are often able to get the matchups they want. However, it seems to the Guru that more and more coaches are downplaying the importance of creating "matchups" and the game-within-the game seems to be neglected.
Guru's Advantage-meter: Moderate advantage
Even with the "advantages" listed, in Round 1 this year, home teams were (22-27). The 8 teams with the home ice advantage went (4-4) in their series'. Teams playing at home in Game 7 were (0-2).
What does that tell us? Is there a home ice advantage? Or is there a home ice disadvantage? Or neither?
What say you? (Remembering that STP would love to hear other thoughts, comments and opinions)
I paraphrase the famous ten year old question, and put it to a 40-year old veteran: will the real John Smoltz please stand up?
Or Hell, sit down? Or just lay there? Whatever you did before your last game, when the Cards benefitted from your greatness.
Then!
I'll welcome Sierra Menace into the fold. As long as this guy streams his players more than Plano, I'm certain we'll get along.
Finally!
My guest tonight in the studio will be Dany Heatley.
I'll ask him not what he can do for the league, but what the league can do for him. Tonight ... on the Guru Report!
Welcome Nation. I know it's still only Olympic evaluation Camp time, and that hockey season doesn't even kick into first gear for another few couple of weeks, so I'll remember to include some more non-hockey material in tonight's episode. First up, it's Hockey Guru's segment called, "Balls ... for kids (of all ages)!"
Eager to have a top-of-the-rotation arm, particularly one pitching for the Red Sox, I drafted John Smoltz in several leagues this Spring.
His return has been ... shall we say ... less that stellar?
Even when he's getting outs, it feels like it is being done through smoke and mirrors. Why does age have to impact pitchers? Why did Ulf Samuelson's knee have to ruin Cam Neely's career? And why can't I drink and avoid hangovers anymore?
In late July, after Week 16 had ended, the Guru transformed into his alter-ego, Clubber Lang. Witnessing yet another bad week from my man Smoltz seemed to set me off. I responded to the Commish's Week 16 Awards™ with my own recap:
"I pity the fools that performed so poorly in Week 16 that it caused me pain - so much pain that this list is limited to one fool...
John Smoltz
There was more scoring off you this past week, John Smoltz, than there was off Paris Hilton - and don't forget it was Fleet week, fool!
You say you bad? You ain't so bad. You a chump.
All your records and history is made up against creampuff National League opponents, fool.
Now go score yourself some of that HGH - I got plenty of the stuff in Clubber Lang's Laboratory. C'mon fool, you part of the chemistry team, now ..."
Moving on!
We here at the Clubhouse would like to take this opportunity to welcome Sierra Menace to the league. It's always great to see the Yankees rebranded and run outta New York, even if they were a 20th place team this season.
Sierra was joined soon after by another expansion owner, Gloucester Expos, who took over the unfortunately named Gobble Gobble Gobble team.
So to help acclimate them to their new surroundings, the Guru has a few things that you both should know...
TRADER DICK ISN'T YELLING WHEN HE POSTS IN ALL CAPS, SO DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT
Billy Bradski is probably not the real Jesus - no miracles have been performed by him to date. Perhaps he is employing his avatar in the hope that we bow down before him and let him win?
On your first day, you've already posted more Season-to-date messages than half the league. I apparently missed the memo about the rule that this is supposed to be the OttawaHockeyLeague Library Edition
Never disrespect Aaron Hill - it is critical that his value in this league does not get questioned. That issue has the potential to shut the league down, entirely
Anyway, it's great to see someone who can give the Commish a run for his money in the Total Transactions department. Unfortunately for Nepean, he forgot to include that column as a scoring category, which is why he'll never see the Top Ten.
Moving on!
My guest tonight is none other than Ottawa Senators forward, Dany Heatley. Let's give him a hand, Nation - Dany Heatley!!
...
[silence]
...
[*crickets, crickets*]
...
Ummmm, you there STP? Our producer, Spezzal Teams Playa in the booth, everyone ... STP, you there? What's going on? Where's tonight's guest?
He what?!? Just because we took him out of the first segment and replaced him with that John Smoltz piece?
Did you explain to him that he's still an important component of the show? Or that he is guaranteed more than one-third of the air-time AND he is playing the third act, aka the powerplay segment of the show?
And he still won't join us? I don't get it ...
What's that? He was booked to go on The Nightly Show with Plano Flames, then quickly cancelled his appearance in Alberta as well? What a turd. Do we have any video of that? Roll it:
You know what? Screw him. We'll do this segment without him, and probably have better chemistry to boot.
Ladies and gentlemen, Nation, it’s time for the formation of the DHL – the Dany Heatley League. There’s no room for him in the NHL anymore. In fact, the DHL doesn’t need to be limited to hockey players only – it can be a league for all athletes that are simply entitled to everything.
Society has moved so far away from accountability it’s ridiculous. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time nor probably the last time we see this garbage take place.
The outrage, disappointment and utter contempt this creates among fans is like seeing Santa Claus steal your flat screen TV. It’s something that just shouldn’t happen. It’s just plain wrong. Unfortunately, fans will root for him again. He will be loved again – not because of who he is – but merely because of the sweater he’ll pull over his shoulder pads.
His legacy is tarnished forever. He can’t un-ring that bell. Hopefully he’ll never land in the Hall of Fame (if his numbers even end up supporting his case), because voters and fans simply won’t want to honour somebody that brought dishonour to the sport.
Having the talent and opportunity to play professional sports is something that 99% of society can never fully understand. However, that 99% of society spends absurd amounts of money which gets channeled into the pockets of those gifted few.
Dany Heatley capitalized on his skills and abilities and chose to sign a 6-year $45 million dollar contract with Ottawa and required a no movement clause in that contract.
When you sign a contract like that, both you and the team lose the right to move on.
In his August 21st press conference, he claimed that he requested a trade because he felt his role had been reduced in Ottawa. Awwww, poor baby. It's an embarrassment to him, his agent and his parents that he wasn't raised to understand the importance of accountability and responsibility.
He’s guaranteed the money, but you can’t be guaranteed the ice time. That is earned. If you don’t like your role, then bust your ass and improve your role. Dany reduced his own role ever since separating his shoulder against Detroit in December 2007. Since that time, he plays mostly on the periphery looking for the big wind-up slapshot.
If he wanted out of Ottawa, he should have offered to have Ottawa tear up the contract. (Not that that would have been legal in today's NHL, unlike when Daniel Alfredsson cancelled his last contract). At the very least, let Ottawa trade his rights to whichever team makes the best offer. He’s not a free agent and shouldn’t control the process. On the open market he wouldn’t even sniff the contract he is currently paid under.
Now he wants to be given a role that may not be deserved?
Meet me over on camera 3, Mr. Heatley.
Okay, you listening Dany? If you truly love the fans of Ottawa and the city of Ottawa, then bust your ass and earn the role you want to have. Earn your contract. Become an MVP candidate.
Given his life's experiences so far, he shouldn’t be feeling sorry for himself. Rather he should be thanking his lucky stars that he continues to have the opportunities he has, and he should never have requested the trade in the first place.
At this point, there probably aren’t too many NHL teams that really want to bring in an overpaid star that wants his role given to him rather than earning his ice time. It’s the wrong message for an organization to send its players, its’ the wrong message for the league and it’s the wrong message for sports.
The Guru says trade him to the KHL so he can play with his apparent mentor - Alexei Yashin. Or better yet, create the DHL and simply let him go away and rot.
Earlier this summer, in a stunning move, the Atlanta Braves released baseball's winningest pitcher, just when he was ready to return to the big leagues.
I'll find out if the recession has hit Ted Turner, or if he's just being as cheap as Jane Fonda says he is.
Then!
I'll break with baseball tradition and speak openly about that of which we dare not speak.
Finally! I'll recap the standings from our playoff hockey pool. Mmmm....there's nothing like fresh hockey scores in August. Tonight....on the Guru Report....
Welcome, welcome Nation. I trust all nine of you have enjoyed your summers. Here at the Clubhouse, we've taken a few months off to try our hand at baseball, and I just want to say one thing off the top.
Baseball is the best because you never spill your beer no matter how crazy the play is. The annual dry cleaning bill for my fishsticks jersey is enough to send Mr. Lam's daughter to university in Ottawa, so it's nice to be able to sit back and watch a relaxing ball game and get less beer on me, than in me.
But then I remembered that you can't be angry while you're relaxed....unless, of course, you're Charles Bronson. I tried several times, but no dice. So I went to the closet, pulled out my vintage Clark Gillies sweater and got my game face on....well, at first I had to wear my wife's exfoliating mask, cuz after a few months I couldn't remember where my game face was. But then I found it, so it was cool.
Just in time, too, cuz it was NOT cool the way the Braves were treating a legend.
The 43-year-old Glavine, who was coming back from shoulder and elbow surgery, threw six scoreless innings for Class A Rome on a Tuesday night in June and proclaimed himself ready to pitch in the majors again. Instead, the Braves cut him immediately. Just another move that figures to draw the ire of Atlanta fans after the team failed to re-sign John Smoltz during the offseason. Glavine was the winningest active pitcher in the majors with a record of 305-203. The move could be based on financial considerations. Glavine's $3.5 million deal, signed after the start of spring training, included a $1 million bonus when he was placed on the active roster and $1.25 million each for 30 and 90 days on the active roster.
Sounds to me like somebody's paying some extra-high alimony to ol' Hanoi Jane.
Moving on.
Something I noticed this summer on more than one occasion - the MLB Network has, more than once, cut in live to games that are progressing as no-hitters. In the studio, however, there is no avoidance of the phrase "no hitter", which has always been the tradition in the past.
In early June, ESPN sent out text messages alerting people that Beckett had a no-hitter going into the seventh. Dennis Eckersley, on the Red Sox own broadcast, must have said "no-hitter" fifty times.
So of course, in the bottom of the seventh Beckett loses the no-hit bid - and to the guy who Eckersley had repeatedly claimed that Beckett just plain owned. Eck assured us that Curtis Granderson would be an easy strikeout.
I don't think those mentions of a no-hitter or the alerts were the reason the no-hitter was broken up - but I do like the tradition of not talking about it. The tap dance around the term is part of the intrigue to me - just like a shutout in hockey.
Anyhow, I just wanted to see what the opinions of others were.
The closest no-hitter that I saw which really stung when it was broken up:
Curt Schilling versus Oakland, which was broken up with 2 outs in the ninth, I believe. Watching on television is a little bit different from being "live" at an event, but it is still cool to be part of a no-hitter as it occurs. As a Sox fan, I've watched several no-hitters. A few that were awesome and a couple that absolutely sucked.
The first, and worst, of my life? The 4th of July, Red Sox at Yanks. I spent the day watching at my parents' friends' house without air conditioning in about a million degree heat. I'm pretty sure that it was Dave Righetti who threw it. Another shit-tastic no hitter was Chris Bosio for Seattle mowing down the Sox in a late night game on the West Coast. There's nothing better than staying up to see absolutely nothing happen. I wish I could be more open to seeing greatness as a fan, but I hated it. A classic (apparent) no-hitter, which was later taken away, was when Matt Young threw a no-no and lost, giving up about three runs on no hits.
I used to tape almost every one of Pedro's starts - waiting to save his no hitter - but it never came. I did, however, watch and tape the end of the Nomo No-No against Baltimore. Unfortunately, I was out of town for my anniversary, listening to the radio during the Derek Lowe no hitter. I was, and still am, a huge Derek Lowe fan - the guy liked to party and the guy really liked chicks. Finally, the Clay Buchholz no-hitter was unreal, watching it unfold in the September atmosphere of Fenway.
The second closest I ever came to witnessing a no-no live and in person was when Greg Harris threw a 3-hitter against the Yanks and still lost (I think the Yanks' pitcher put up a 2-hitter, himself), but the closest I ever came was a much happier occasion, seeing Crazy Carl Everett break up Mike Mussina's bid.
[At this point, the Guru's brain won't stop playing, "No No No" by Def Leppard. Is anyone else reminded of that song when using the term, "no-no"?]
Moving on.
After trying to pick up the ball from Spezzal Teams Playa, who dropped it when he stopped updating our Playoff Hockey Pool, the Guru also ended up dropping the ball.
It really didn't matter, though.
Since the previous update (my team had Nepean's team in a strangle-hold), I believe my team advanced to the Finals. Yeah. We'll go with that.
(It really, really didn't matter).
Meanwhile, Appalachia Christian had Toronto beat going into Round 2 by virtue of owning the same (and additional) players. Toronto was without a mathematical chance to catch him.
So the Finals pitted Appalachia versus the Clubhouse, but Appie had the series won before it began, yet again.
Therefore, we can safely crown Appalachia Christian as the Ottawa Hockey League Playoff Hockey Pool Champion. Congrats! Well Done! You may drink from the cup!
Well that's about all we have for tonight's installment of the Guru Report. Be sure to tune in regularly for more frequent updates, especially now with hockey season gearing up. And be sure to watch tomorrow's episode, when my guest in the studio will be Dany Heatley.
Heatley? Really? Wow, that's a good guest. Are we sure that he'll be here, Tito? Yeah? He committed to this show the day before last? Cool. I guess that means he's under contract to us and we can expect him to be here, as per that contract, so look for that.
Sorry about the technical difficulties yesterday. I should have realized that there might have been some of you out there in the Guru Nation, who might make Jacques Demers look like an Honours English major. In stead, I expected you to read the actual script for the previous episode of The Guru Report.
Now that I have located the master tape [thanks, Spezzal Teams], you can now view the episode in its full HiDef glory, the way it was meant to be broadcast. So grab yourself some popcorn and curl up with your loved ones because...
How quickly we forget. It's amazing how the last impression we get sticks with us.
Going into the playoffs, Chris Osgood looked like an obvious flaw in Detroit's Perfect Machine. It was like the hot chick at the bar, who turns around to reveal a nose like Gonzo the Muppet - so close to perfection, but just not going to work out. Osgood was a glaring problem to experts like me, in Detroit's attempted Cup run this year. And not subtly, like Seinfeld's issue with "Man Hands".
But as the Wings rolled into the Cup Finals, and through Games 1 & 2, we changed our collective tune to:
"Osgood is the most underappreciated goalie ... Ozzie is the greatest clutch goalie ... "
Going back a few days, however, to immediately after Games 1 & 2 (which could have clearly gone either way ... a couple posts, a covered puck in the crease called for a penalty shot, a different bounce off the end boards, and this series could've been a Pittsburgh sweep), all of the experts, the Guru included (note the capital G - someone's a little full of themselves) were saying:
"Detroit is simply awesome ... this is over ... there's no way Pittsburgh or anyone could win 4 of 5 from Detroit ... too bad for hockey ... this had the makings of a great series ... imagine that Detroit is doing this without Datsyuk ... "
It was OVER.
Then, a tremendous second period effort by Fleury and Pittsburgh found themselves tied up midway through the third period in game 3. Capitalizing on their powerplay, Pittsburgh pulls out Game 3 and maybe, just MAYBE the experts again felt that this could become a series.
After a second consecutive 4-2 victory on Thursday night, Pittsburgh squares the series. Now all the experts jump from one bandwagon to the other:
"Detroit is just getting old ... Pittsburgh has all the momentum now ... Osgood is vulnerable ... "
Well, let the Guru now also re-align his own thoughts.
Pittsburgh was down 2-0 to Washington and roared back to a 3-2 lead and eventually blew Washington out in Game 7.
Pittsburgh seems healthy, particularly up front. I LOVE what Dan Bylsma is doing, playing Crosby and Malkin a ton (something that the Bruins failed to do, as their goal was to simply roll 4 lines, no matter what, in case the series contained 17 overtime periods, I guess). Now is the opportunity for star players to seize the moment. With Malkin and/or Crosby on the ice for two-thirds of the game, there is constant pressure applied to the opponent.
Detroit has focused so much on the matchups and awareness of those two, that they've lost a bit of focus on their own game. They've become reactive while Pittsburgh is being proactive. That's the difference in the series, right now.
Going into this Best-of-Three for the hardest trophy to win in all of sports, here's my current breakdown:
Crosby and Malkin are close and they want it WAY more than anyone on Detroit.
Detroit has drank from the Cup a lot and can't match the drive the leaders of Pittsburgh have right now.
Fleury is more able to steal a game than Osgood, at this point. Although, we've learned never to write Ozzie off, this seems like a pretty clear advantage for Fleury.
The Guru is leaning toward Pittsburgh (of course, his rooting interest in this series has been there all along and he may be getting carried away with the short memory syndrome).
Pavel Datsyuk is a wild card - what kind of impact will he bring tonight?
Will the home ice and line-matching ability make it easier for Detroit to get the matchups they want and focus on their own game more?
Which way will the puck bounce tonight?
Aren't we due for an overtime in this series soon?
The schedule from here on out may favor Detroit a bit with the multiple days off between games the rest of the way
Peace to all those who read this post. Your comments, reactions and criticisms are wanted!
We are currently in the midst of the first Stanley Cup Finals in a number of years, that is clearly undecided, through the first four games. It's time for the Hockey Guru to post a few comments / random thoughts:
Is there really justice in the NHL? The suspension issues mentioned in several previous installments of The NHL Needs a Fix, prove the league's consistent inconsistency. That is, suspensions continue to be given not given in a bizarre, haphhazard manner.
While I am in agreement with the overturning of Malkin's suspension, how was Lucic's suspension justifiable? Moreso, how could Scott Walker not only avoid a suspension, but avoid an "automatic" suspension that required the league to overturn it? Lucic was suspended for the same infraction. It's foolish.
The Stanley Cup Finals may be teaching a lesson to the league offices. Let the players sort things out on the ice. The more the off ice officials back away, the more the game takes care of itself.
The on-ice officiating has been great. Not calling every ticky-tack "interference" allows the game to have some flow and not evolve into half-court basketball, with alternating powerplays rather than alternating possessions.
In Thursday night's Game 4, after Staal's shortie, The Igloo was ROCKING and play was fast and frantic. Have a look for yourself:
I commented to a friend that someone was going to score. It could have easily been Detroit, but play opened up and culminated in Sid's goal.
The action in this final series has been great. Unfortunately, there are only two or three games left.
Down two games to one. Down two goals to one. Late in the third period.
Sean Avery takes yet another penalty away from the play.
The opportunity for the Capitals to tie the game was there. The powerplay had some chances throughout the game. And on the previous powerplay, the Caps did everything right. But they just couldn't get one past King Henrik.
Three minutes left, now.
A goal here is absolutely necessary, or the season is on the brink.
Under the new rules, the faceoff is automatically in the offensive zone. Why not pull the goalie right now? Make it a 6-on-4. Get an extra body in front of the net. That's the best chance you have, Bruce.
Sure, there's the risk that an empty netter puts you down two, but take your shot when it presents itself. If you go to the bar and the most beautiful girl there wants to leave with you, do you turn her down because it's not closing time?
Nope. Boudreau played it safe. He wasn't ready to sack up. A crucial situation and he didn't send the message to his team that the time is now - it's do or die.
Instead, he can hold his head high and think about how close he was - only losing by one goal. Lamenting how unfortunate that Ovechkin hit the crossbar, about all the posts, blah, blah, blah.
Sometimes a coach just needs to show some guts.
Random Thought
Must Win games in the playoffs.
Teams and coaches prefer to minimize the use of this phrase. It just doesn't make sense anymore. While the regular season is referred to as a marathon - and the playoffs a sprint - wouldn't it be appropriate for a coach to treat every game as a MUST WIN?
Wouldn't the urgency and importance of every shift be emphasized to the players?
If a play-off game is not a MUST WIN, does that make it an OKAY-TO-LOSE game?
An Old-Time Hockey Lesson
Watching the Flames' / Hawks' Game 4 brought to mind the story Wayne Gretzky has told many times, about the Oilers loss to the Islanders in the '83 Cup Finals.
In short, after the loss, the Oilers had to walk past the Islanders dressing room to exit the arena. Edmonton players had expected to see the Islanders celebrating and whooping it up. When they passed the doorway, however, they saw quite a different scene.
Most Islanders' players were still in uniform. Those that were undressed were covered in ice packs. There was no celebration. It resembled more of a M*A*S*H* unit.
Gretzky realized right there, the reason why the Islanders had won. The Oilers, by contrast, hadn't left it all on the ice.
How does that relate to last night's Flames / Hawks game?
Look at the TOI report for the game - particularly for the forwards. For Games 3 and 4. Chicago had a chance to win one of those two games, and take a commanding lead in the series. They chose instead, to keep the legs fresh for later in the series.
Well congrats, Coach Q. There'll be at least 6 games in this series now.
A great night of hockey on Monday. The Guru set the DVR and managed to view all three games in their entirety – almost in real time!
Through the magic of technology, sitting through commercials was unnecessary. The first five minutes of the Montreal-Boston game were watched – then paused – so the Guru could watch the first five minutes of the Rangers-Caps game.
It was hockey bliss.
Boston 4, Montreal 2
The Bruins defense looked shaky throughout much of the game. Whether this was due to bouncing pucks, frayed nerves, or the pressure of playing in Montreal, they simply didn’t handle the puck well, especially around their own net. Had the Canadiens been more opportunistic, they might have scored three or four extra goals.
Sure, Carey Price gave up some juicy rebounds, and the injuries impacted the Habs line-up. I know. But at one point early on, Kovalev had a wide open net to shoot at and he chose to simply dump the puck into the corner (all right, you could argue he was actually shooting at the net, but missing the net by 15 feet, from 15 feet isn’t exactly an “All-Star” calibre effort).
Washington 4, New York 0
Game three unfolded perfectly for Washington. Scoring the first goal of the game is proving to be more important in this series, than in the others. The danger for Washington is that they become complacent or to think that they’ve accomplished something simply by winning this game. Sure, it was a must win game, but they’re still trailing in the series.
The goalie change for Washington was the perfect move, but as the Guru stated in his predictions, it probably should have been made prior to Game 1. Washington is likely still a year away from a serious playoff run. The missing piece is still the goaltender. This season, it's time to find out just what they have, and to allow Varlamov to gain the experience and get a taste, so that he can be better prepared for the future.
Now, this year is not written off by any means – Washington can still make noise in these playoffs, and game 4 is much anticipated, to see if they are ready to compete now (the Guru's hunch is that they may be feeling too good about themselves right now, and that the Rangers and Lundqvist will now have a great chance to take a commanding 3-1 series lead).
Calgary 4, Chicago 2
This was hit-a-minute hockey. Not merely riding guys off, but finishing checks with authority all over the ice. Great hockey, great intensity, great drama.
Calgary got a major break on the go-ahead goal to extend their lead, and cruised to the Game 3 victory. This game was so much closer than the score indicated. This has been a physical series, with the teams trying to wear each other out, regardless of the score.
Great start by the Bruins and when Krejci put the B’s ahead 2-0 – Hockey Guru thought – here we go with another boat race.
But Montreal scored the first “gut goal” of the playoffs. “Gut goals” are the goals that teams score mostly because of desperation, determination and grit. There weren’t too many scoring chances to that point but Montreal desperately needed to answer back and Christopher Higgins scored the third goal of the game. Remarkably it was done 2 minutes after that 2 goal lead was held.
This series will be close and the score will likely be tied or a 1-goal game at all times. It’s how the hockey gods want it to be. It’s Montreal-Boston. It’s awesome!
Whether this series goes 4, 5, 6 or 7 games – these are must-see games.
Detroit-Columbus
With the Bruins-Canadiens game competing for the Hockey Guru’s attention – the occasional flip to check-in on this game showed what the Guru knew. Detroit is an amazing team.
When they have to – they can take their game up a level. They have the skill, they have the experience and they have the heart. They have been champions for a reason.
RJ Umberger is trying to prove he isn’t another John Druce or 1-year playoff wonder – he scores big goals in big games.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect from the box score is that Detroit held Columbus to 2 shots in the third period. At a time when a team is desperately trying to get back into a game – that’s IMPRESSIVE.
Chicago-Calgary
The Hockey Guru did not Tivo the game – so when watching the third period and 12 seconds of overtime – the feelings of regret about missing most of the first two periods eroding the enjoyment of this game.
The Chicago crowd was tremendous and this was an awesome game but there’s not much insight for the Guru to impart.
San Jose-Anaheim
Anaheim has captured the home ice in the series!!!
Many of the readers of that know how the Guru feels about that phrase. But Anaheim winning the first game of this series demonstrates how difficult the Stanley Cup is to win.
Having the best record in the NFL – your team doesn’t even have to play in the first round of the playoffs. Then, you get to face the lowest seeded remaining team at home when you’re rested and they’ve gone through a playoff game the week before.
Losing that first game is a major upset in the NFL.
But in the NHL – the disparity between the 1 and the 8 seed is not the disparity between the 1 and 8 seed in the NCAA tournament.
As a long time fan of Jumbo Joe and defender of his – this year there are no excuses. With San Jose’s regular season – he should be rested, healthy and primed for a run.
Game 1 saw 1 shot on net from Big Joe – and he was a non-factor on most of his 28 shifts. Through the Guru’s eyes (yes they were a bit heavy during this game – and distracted with a teething baby) – San Jose didn’t generate too many quality scoring chances. For the offensive juggernaut they had been – they certainly weren’t in game 1. Credit Anaheim’s defense, credit Randy Carlyle – or blame Joe Thornton.
1 game is not a series – but the questions and the pressure are going to make it harder and harder for San Jose in this series.
It’s often said that until a team loses on its home ice – a “series” hasn’t begun – well then this series has begun – and if San Jose doesn’t respond in game 2 – it could be on its way to being over.
The Guru’s forecast for tonight’s game is put on sunblock for the Philly-Penguins game as the red light should be lit often.
