I always tell my dad, generally while eating a plate of waffles at 11:30am after staying up to three the previous night, that college kids operate on a different schedule than the rest of the world. This apparently applies to blog posts as well. When other places have wrapped up their All-Star recaps and gone on to that thing called the "regular season", here I am with still the whole weekend to go over.
Well, hopefully the wait will be worth it? Here we go...
First off, it was AWESOME! In fact, I might just stop typing right now and leave it at that. There is seriously not one thing that I can think of that hit a sour note throughout the entire weekend.
One of the biggest reasons for that? The new format. I think the fantasy draft aspect got rid of a lot of the stale hockey aspect of years past. It seemed to give the players something to play for more than just the Conference they happen to play in - they had to prove that they deserved to be taken at the slot they were, or why they should have been taken higher (I laugh at Phil Kessel being taken last - but the dude got a car out of it? Um, can I be picked last?). I mean, they were actually playing defense (or as close to defense as you'll get in an All-Star Game) in the third period - because neither team wanted to be the ones that were picked to lose.
Below I've posted a slideshow thing of all my pictures (well, the good ones at least) from the weekend. And, yes, I did manage to get a picture of Ovechkin's stick shattering from the upper level.
Let's see, what else was awesome about the weekend? The NHL Fan Fair was spectacular - tons of fun going around to each of the booths and trying your hand at various hockey skill games. I believe I registered a 27 mph slapshot - watch yourself Zdeno Chara, I'm gunning for you!
The Skills Competition was great as well. In fact, it might have beat out the actual All-Star game on the awesomeness scale. I mean, how can you compete with seeing Chara beat his own hardest shot record?
It was really cool to see the best of the best compete against each other. It's pretty hard to believe that some of these guys are so talented - Sedin in the accuracy competition, anyone? I mean, the guy was like a sniper, methodically knocking out those targets.
The only thing I disagreed with was Ovechkin winning the breakaway competition. Honestly, it didn't really live up to my expectations - almost none of the guys could actually get the puck in the net while doing all the fancy work. And, I don't care, that's what really matters when it comes down to it.
While the Skills Competition may have been the more exciting part of the weekend, the All-Star Game itself wasn't without it's charms. First, the opening ceremony of sorts featuring Rod Brind'Amour and Ron Francis was amazingly well done. The game was definitely exciting, with Team Staal gaining and losing a four goal lead, and of course I loved the offensive skill that abounded on each side of the ice.
And what about Ovechkin throwing his stick at Duchene for the penalty shot? Ovechkin may be annoying, but you can't deny that at some points he is an entertaining character.
The only annoying point was the amount of passes these guys were taking - it seemed sometimes like they didn't want to take a shot and get a goal.
Wait, did I say the only annoying point? No, it was also annoying that Jeff Skinner didn't score and that Team Staal lost. I find it to be a shame that Staal's team couldn't manage to win in such a friendly venue for them.
Honestly, this was one of my favorite hockey events that I've attended in a while. I thought the atmosphere was great and that the game was entertaining. Now, if only Raleigh could host it every year...
Showing posts with label 2011 All Star Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2011 All Star Game. Show all posts
Friday, February 04, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Quick Canes weekly recap
A quick briefing on the Canes finishing out the month of January before we go into ultimate All-Star mode here.
Over the past two weeks the Canes went 3-3, leaving them at 25-19-6 on the season. Still 9th in the Conference and 4th in the Southeast. Still one point behind Atlanta for the last playoff spot. No, I did not copy and paste this from the last weekly recap, things just haven't changed much standings-wise.
Things have changed since my All-Star preview. There's been a lot of people dropping out because of injuries and whatnot, Sidney Crosby being one of the offenders. But bad luck for some is good luck for Jeff Skinner and Jamie McBain - Skinner was bumped up from the rookie only team to the regular All-Stars, and Jamie McBain was added to the rookie squad. The Canes are definitely well represented now - and I think I might change my team allegiances from "Team Staal" to "Team Skinner".
The All-Star festivities begin tomorrow! I cannot wait!
Erik Cole stats (24th): 1 goal
(26th): 2 assists
On the season: 13 goals, 15 assists
Chad LaRose stats (18th): 1 goal
(20th): 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 10 goals, 10 assists
Over the past two weeks the Canes went 3-3, leaving them at 25-19-6 on the season. Still 9th in the Conference and 4th in the Southeast. Still one point behind Atlanta for the last playoff spot. No, I did not copy and paste this from the last weekly recap, things just haven't changed much standings-wise.
Things have changed since my All-Star preview. There's been a lot of people dropping out because of injuries and whatnot, Sidney Crosby being one of the offenders. But bad luck for some is good luck for Jeff Skinner and Jamie McBain - Skinner was bumped up from the rookie only team to the regular All-Stars, and Jamie McBain was added to the rookie squad. The Canes are definitely well represented now - and I think I might change my team allegiances from "Team Staal" to "Team Skinner".
The All-Star festivities begin tomorrow! I cannot wait!
Erik Cole stats (24th): 1 goal
(26th): 2 assists
On the season: 13 goals, 15 assists
Chad LaRose stats (18th): 1 goal
(20th): 1 goal, 1 assist
On the season: 10 goals, 10 assists
Saturday, January 22, 2011
All-Star Game Preview!
The All-Star Game in Raleigh is next week! It's hard to believe that after waiting so long for it, it's finally almost here!
I suppose the first thing that needs to be addressed is the All-Star format this year. This is the first year with the new "Fantasy Draft" where two All-Star captains will pick à la grade school who is on their team. When the format was first announced, I wasn't overly impressed with it, but as we get closer to next weekend I must say I'm getting excited. The Canes own Eric Staal and the Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom will be the captains (with Patrick Kane and Martin St. Louis as the alternate captains for Team Lidstrom and Ryan Kesler and Mike Green as the alternates for Team Staal), and there are a lot of ways that this draft could play out. Will Staal go with kin and pick his brother? Will either player favor teammates above other players?
And, of course, the question that I can't wait to be answered - who will be Mr. Irrelevant? Having been picked close to the bottom of quite a few gym class drafts, I'll take a sort of morbid pleasure in watching the greatest of the great squirm as they hope that they're not the last one.
The toughest question to answer is who should we, as fans, cheer for? I suppose since Staal is one of the captains I will end up cheering for his team. (Also, I always by default choose red over blue - even though in this case I think the blue jerseys look more stylish than the red ones.) However, I think I'll relish the opportunity to cheer if someone like Dustin Byfuglien scores - something I could never do when he plays for Atlanta - no matter what captain's team he is on.
The roster that the captains have to pick from is pretty stacked as well. There's always grumblings about who was/wasn't picked, but let's just gloss over that. From a Canes perspective, I'm not surprised to see the tandem of Staal and Cam Ward picked, because both have been the better players on the team this year. (Minus Jeff Skinner, of course, but he was nominated to the rookie squad). I'm a little surprised that Cam did make the cut, as there are a few goalies that probably have a little better numbers and have looked a little better - but I suppose that this is when having the game in Raleigh helps out a lot.
Of course, the game itself is not the only thing going on that weekend. The Skills Competition occurs on Saturday, and I am really excited to see this as well. Specifically the "Breakaway Challenge" - because who knows what kind of moves Ovechkin is going to pull this year? The twelve rookies named to the squad will participate in the skills segment, and I'm also really curious to see how the Jeff Skinner will do - I'm betting that he's better than some of the "real" All-Stars.
And, yeah, there's this other thing going on during the All-Star weekend. The Guardian Project. If you somehow haven't heard of this (don't worry, it probably just means you don't read as many hockey blogs and/or satire as me), well, I'm sorry to have to be the one to explain it to you. Apparently the NHL teamed up with Stan Lee and created a superhero for each of the NHL teams. Which kind of maybe sounds cool to the half of me that's still stuck as a middle schooler, but to the skeptical adult side it just sounds lame. Because hockey is cool as it is... why exactly do we need superheroes to bring across the awesomeness?
Anyways, the Canes one looks like this and gains points from me for having "the calculating mind of an intellectual". And also not looking like he's carrying around a Big Wheel, like the Red Wing one. But the whole project loses major cool points for not having a woman superhero. Girls can kick ass and like hockey too, ya know...
Guardian Project aside, I am really excited for next weekend. Finally the Caniac Nation is showcased as a host, and I can not wait to see the game and experience the fun atmosphere that I know will be present.
I suppose the first thing that needs to be addressed is the All-Star format this year. This is the first year with the new "Fantasy Draft" where two All-Star captains will pick à la grade school who is on their team. When the format was first announced, I wasn't overly impressed with it, but as we get closer to next weekend I must say I'm getting excited. The Canes own Eric Staal and the Red Wings Nicklas Lidstrom will be the captains (with Patrick Kane and Martin St. Louis as the alternate captains for Team Lidstrom and Ryan Kesler and Mike Green as the alternates for Team Staal), and there are a lot of ways that this draft could play out. Will Staal go with kin and pick his brother? Will either player favor teammates above other players?
And, of course, the question that I can't wait to be answered - who will be Mr. Irrelevant? Having been picked close to the bottom of quite a few gym class drafts, I'll take a sort of morbid pleasure in watching the greatest of the great squirm as they hope that they're not the last one.
The toughest question to answer is who should we, as fans, cheer for? I suppose since Staal is one of the captains I will end up cheering for his team. (Also, I always by default choose red over blue - even though in this case I think the blue jerseys look more stylish than the red ones.) However, I think I'll relish the opportunity to cheer if someone like Dustin Byfuglien scores - something I could never do when he plays for Atlanta - no matter what captain's team he is on.
The roster that the captains have to pick from is pretty stacked as well. There's always grumblings about who was/wasn't picked, but let's just gloss over that. From a Canes perspective, I'm not surprised to see the tandem of Staal and Cam Ward picked, because both have been the better players on the team this year. (Minus Jeff Skinner, of course, but he was nominated to the rookie squad). I'm a little surprised that Cam did make the cut, as there are a few goalies that probably have a little better numbers and have looked a little better - but I suppose that this is when having the game in Raleigh helps out a lot.
Of course, the game itself is not the only thing going on that weekend. The Skills Competition occurs on Saturday, and I am really excited to see this as well. Specifically the "Breakaway Challenge" - because who knows what kind of moves Ovechkin is going to pull this year? The twelve rookies named to the squad will participate in the skills segment, and I'm also really curious to see how the Jeff Skinner will do - I'm betting that he's better than some of the "real" All-Stars.
And, yeah, there's this other thing going on during the All-Star weekend. The Guardian Project. If you somehow haven't heard of this (don't worry, it probably just means you don't read as many hockey blogs and/or satire as me), well, I'm sorry to have to be the one to explain it to you. Apparently the NHL teamed up with Stan Lee and created a superhero for each of the NHL teams. Which kind of maybe sounds cool to the half of me that's still stuck as a middle schooler, but to the skeptical adult side it just sounds lame. Because hockey is cool as it is... why exactly do we need superheroes to bring across the awesomeness?
Anyways, the Canes one looks like this and gains points from me for having "the calculating mind of an intellectual". And also not looking like he's carrying around a Big Wheel, like the Red Wing one. But the whole project loses major cool points for not having a woman superhero. Girls can kick ass and like hockey too, ya know...
Guardian Project aside, I am really excited for next weekend. Finally the Caniac Nation is showcased as a host, and I can not wait to see the game and experience the fun atmosphere that I know will be present.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Weekly Recap: Let's just pretend those last two didn't happen
I'd be concerned if we lost by a significant margin to Edmonton, and the other two are toss-ups - hopefully we'll go 2-1 this week.
That was my hopeful prediction last week. The good news? We didn't lose to Edmonton, instead steamrolling them 7-1. The bad news? We got steamrolled by the two other teams we played - 8-1 by the Flyers on Thursday and 7-2 by the Canadiens on Saturday.
This is just depressing. Hooray, we can beat the second-worst team in the league. But, apparently, we can't hold a candle to anything close to the top of the standings. The Canes didn't just lose, they were demolished. The comparisons to last season are already forming in my head.
So let's talk about something else, why don't we? This past week the NHL released their new All-Star game format, which will debut in Raleigh. Essentially, instead of having East and West teams, or even North America/The World teams, the teams will be picked by two players sometime before the Game. Think high school gym floor hockey when you were picked second to last because you were both a girl and unpopular despite your superior knowledge of the game. Yeah, they're doing that in the pros.
Not entirely sure I like the concept - I hope it's pulled off well if only for the fact that this is the game that's being played in Raleigh. The best positive I can draw from the situation is that, with no conference-based teams, we don't have to worry about the NHL implementing a MLB-style All-Star Game where home field advantage is giving to the winning league. But it does nothing for for cheering on geographical rivalries. I mean, how do you decide who to cheer for? Motley group of All-Stars #1 or motley group of All-Stars #2? Probably whichever team @BizNasty2point0 is on. (If you don't know what I'm referring to, just click the link and find the awesomeness. And follow me on Twitter while you're at it.)
Back to the Canes. They currently have 16 points, placing them 4th in the Southeast and 11th in the East. They play Ottawa, Pittsburgh, and Nashville this week. They're getting Patrick O'Sullivan back from healthy-scratchness, and they picked up some random dude (Troy Bodie) off of waivers from Anaheim today. Not sure if either of those will help, but something has got to start the turnaround for the Canes this week.
This is just depressing. Hooray, we can beat the second-worst team in the league. But, apparently, we can't hold a candle to anything close to the top of the standings. The Canes didn't just lose, they were demolished. The comparisons to last season are already forming in my head.
So let's talk about something else, why don't we? This past week the NHL released their new All-Star game format, which will debut in Raleigh. Essentially, instead of having East and West teams, or even North America/The World teams, the teams will be picked by two players sometime before the Game. Think high school gym floor hockey when you were picked second to last because you were both a girl and unpopular despite your superior knowledge of the game. Yeah, they're doing that in the pros.
Not entirely sure I like the concept - I hope it's pulled off well if only for the fact that this is the game that's being played in Raleigh. The best positive I can draw from the situation is that, with no conference-based teams, we don't have to worry about the NHL implementing a MLB-style All-Star Game where home field advantage is giving to the winning league. But it does nothing for for cheering on geographical rivalries. I mean, how do you decide who to cheer for? Motley group of All-Stars #1 or motley group of All-Stars #2? Probably whichever team @BizNasty2point0 is on. (If you don't know what I'm referring to, just click the link and find the awesomeness. And follow me on Twitter while you're at it.)
Back to the Canes. They currently have 16 points, placing them 4th in the Southeast and 11th in the East. They play Ottawa, Pittsburgh, and Nashville this week. They're getting Patrick O'Sullivan back from healthy-scratchness, and they picked up some random dude (Troy Bodie) off of waivers from Anaheim today. Not sure if either of those will help, but something has got to start the turnaround for the Canes this week.
Erik Cole stats (Tuesday): 1 goal
On the season: 4 goals, 5 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Tuesday): 1 goal
(Thursday): 1 goal
On the season: 4 goals, 4 assists
Monday, July 26, 2010
Canes reveal red logo
Canes news of the day is the revealing of the 2011 All Star Game logo.
And, uh, there's a lot of red.
But other than that it looks fine, I think. It's not groundbreaking, but it's not too horrendous that I won't consider buying some memoribilia with it on there.
Also newsworthy today is the NHLPA filing a grievance protesting the NHL's rejection of the Kovalchuk contract. From here, the deal goes into arbitration, with the results being the contract being legit or Kovalchuk being a free agent again.
Only problem? They have to decide on a arbitrator. Which, of course, will drag out this saga even longer. Although I'm not complaining too much, as it does add some spice into this rather droll offseason.
Updates whenever something interesting happens, per normal.
And, uh, there's a lot of red.
 |
| Artist's rendering of Canes All-Star Logo |
But other than that it looks fine, I think. It's not groundbreaking, but it's not too horrendous that I won't consider buying some memoribilia with it on there.
Also newsworthy today is the NHLPA filing a grievance protesting the NHL's rejection of the Kovalchuk contract. From here, the deal goes into arbitration, with the results being the contract being legit or Kovalchuk being a free agent again.
Only problem? They have to decide on a arbitrator. Which, of course, will drag out this saga even longer. Although I'm not complaining too much, as it does add some spice into this rather droll offseason.
Updates whenever something interesting happens, per normal.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Lots of hockey stuff today
Well, today has certainly been a hockey-news-riffic day, especially considering it's before the draft and free agency.
To begin with, the NHL released the 2010-2011 schedule today, which holds some irregularities for the Canes. First, the Canes are opening the season in Helsinki, Finland against the Wild. Before this they will play six preseason games, one of which includes the KHL St. Peterburg team. Because of this overseas start, which is followed by a brief Western Conference road trip, the Canes' home opener is not until the 27th of October, which is really abnormally late.
Second, the Canes do not have a New Year's Eve home game for the first time in... forever? I honestly can't remember the last year in which this did not occur. However, the Canes do play on New Year's Day, which will make a nice doubleheader of sorts after watching the C[r]apitals-Pens Winter Classic earlier in the day.
Third, of course, is the All-Star Game, which isn't technically on the Canes schedule, but will be totally awesome nonetheless, and is possibly the thing I am looking forward to the most about this upcoming season.
To finish up with the Canes-specific news, they signed Jerome Samson today to a two-way contract. Which I think is good, as he played well when he had his brief stint with the Canes, and had the fourth most points in the AHL this past season. Not to mention, his name sounds awesome when spoken aloud.
A big move in the Southeast today - the Panthers traded Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to Boston for Dennis Wideman. I think Boston gets the better talent in Horton - us Caniacs can vouch for his offensive ability - but the move also puts themselves in a tough position under the salary cap. Or rather, doesn't relieve their cap issues at all.
Scott Niedermayer retired today, ending an era on the blueline.
And, finally, the Hockey Hall of Fame class was announced today, consisting of people that I don't recognize because I'm not old enough or because I don't follow women's hockey. Definitely not that Francis/Messier/MacInnis/Stevens class of a few years ago.
The NHL Awards banquet is tomorrow. I'm not canceling my plans for it.
The NHL Draft is this Friday and Saturday. Canes draft 7th overall - could've been higher, but noooooo, they had to decide to win halfway through the season. (How dare they!) I'm hoping for a pick that's not a dud!
To begin with, the NHL released the 2010-2011 schedule today, which holds some irregularities for the Canes. First, the Canes are opening the season in Helsinki, Finland against the Wild. Before this they will play six preseason games, one of which includes the KHL St. Peterburg team. Because of this overseas start, which is followed by a brief Western Conference road trip, the Canes' home opener is not until the 27th of October, which is really abnormally late.
Second, the Canes do not have a New Year's Eve home game for the first time in... forever? I honestly can't remember the last year in which this did not occur. However, the Canes do play on New Year's Day, which will make a nice doubleheader of sorts after watching the C[r]apitals-Pens Winter Classic earlier in the day.
Third, of course, is the All-Star Game, which isn't technically on the Canes schedule, but will be totally awesome nonetheless, and is possibly the thing I am looking forward to the most about this upcoming season.
To finish up with the Canes-specific news, they signed Jerome Samson today to a two-way contract. Which I think is good, as he played well when he had his brief stint with the Canes, and had the fourth most points in the AHL this past season. Not to mention, his name sounds awesome when spoken aloud.
A big move in the Southeast today - the Panthers traded Nathan Horton and Gregory Campbell to Boston for Dennis Wideman. I think Boston gets the better talent in Horton - us Caniacs can vouch for his offensive ability - but the move also puts themselves in a tough position under the salary cap. Or rather, doesn't relieve their cap issues at all.
Scott Niedermayer retired today, ending an era on the blueline.
And, finally, the Hockey Hall of Fame class was announced today, consisting of people that I don't recognize because I'm not old enough or because I don't follow women's hockey. Definitely not that Francis/Messier/MacInnis/Stevens class of a few years ago.
The NHL Awards banquet is tomorrow. I'm not canceling my plans for it.
The NHL Draft is this Friday and Saturday. Canes draft 7th overall - could've been higher, but noooooo, they had to decide to win halfway through the season. (How dare they!) I'm hoping for a pick that's not a dud!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Today is a good day for Caniacs
Some BIG news at the end of this post... but for now, let's get caught up on the past games that the Canes have played.
The Canes laid a big fat egg on Saturday, losing 4-0 to the New Jersey Devils. It was Martin Brodeur's 109th career shutout. This loss also eliminated the Canes from the playoffs - yes, it truly did take that long for this team to be mathematically eliminated, which I suppose is an accomplishment in itself.
On Tuesday the Canes won in a flurry of offense, defeating the Lightning 8-5. Drayson Bowman, Rod Brind'Amour and Eric Staal all had two goals apiece in that game.
And now on to the main event for today:
The Canes held a super-special press conference at their "Caniac Cookout" today. Special guests Gary Bettman, Jim Rutherford, and Peter Karmanos were there.
And so Gary Bettman said the best words to ever come out of his mouth:
The Carolina Hurricanes will be hosting the 2011 All-Star Game!
If you're like me, your response most likely is "Finally!". Bettman had promised the area the game a while ago - well, he has finally followed through on his promise.
And then, if you're me, your follow-up response to the satisfaction of this market finally getting something it has deserved was a girlish scream of delight - THE ALL STAR GAME IS COMING TO RALEIGH!!!!
I'm already excited for it - only 9 months away! At least this will make the doldrums of this non-playoff year a little more satisfactory!
Canes play tonight against Montreal, then finish up the season in Boston on Saturday. If there's any more cool All Star Game news I will definitely post it!
Erik Cole stats (Tuesday): 1 assist
On the season: 10 goals, 5 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Tuesday): 1 goal, 2 assists
On the season: 9 goals, 14 assists
The Canes laid a big fat egg on Saturday, losing 4-0 to the New Jersey Devils. It was Martin Brodeur's 109th career shutout. This loss also eliminated the Canes from the playoffs - yes, it truly did take that long for this team to be mathematically eliminated, which I suppose is an accomplishment in itself.
On Tuesday the Canes won in a flurry of offense, defeating the Lightning 8-5. Drayson Bowman, Rod Brind'Amour and Eric Staal all had two goals apiece in that game.
And now on to the main event for today:
The Canes held a super-special press conference at their "Caniac Cookout" today. Special guests Gary Bettman, Jim Rutherford, and Peter Karmanos were there.
And so Gary Bettman said the best words to ever come out of his mouth:
The Carolina Hurricanes will be hosting the 2011 All-Star Game!
If you're like me, your response most likely is "Finally!". Bettman had promised the area the game a while ago - well, he has finally followed through on his promise.
And then, if you're me, your follow-up response to the satisfaction of this market finally getting something it has deserved was a girlish scream of delight - THE ALL STAR GAME IS COMING TO RALEIGH!!!!
I'm already excited for it - only 9 months away! At least this will make the doldrums of this non-playoff year a little more satisfactory!
Canes play tonight against Montreal, then finish up the season in Boston on Saturday. If there's any more cool All Star Game news I will definitely post it!
Erik Cole stats (Tuesday): 1 assist
On the season: 10 goals, 5 assists
Chad LaRose stats (Tuesday): 1 goal, 2 assists
On the season: 9 goals, 14 assists
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