Today is draft day!
As I mentioned in my previous post, the Canes have the 7th overall pick in tonight's draft. It looks like they're pretty content with staying at that spot, so I doubt they'll move up at all.
The Canes site has been previewing the prospects likely to be on the board when the Canes draft, and I have picked out my choice if I was the one making the picks tonight.
Nino Niederreiter. No, I don't know how to pronounce the name, but comparisons to ERIK COLE will definitely get my attention and approval. Apparently he plays a physical game and scored 60 goals in 65 games with his junior team - a power forward for sure. Please, Rutherford, draft this guy. You can always use a power forward.
Anyways, the Canes site also has what amounts to a summary of what's going on with the team. To do a summary of a summary, they might trade some of their later picks for another first rounder, but it would have to be a significant player to do that. Ray Whitney, sadly, seems to ready to part with the team, but Rutherford is still keeping the door open. Justin Peters looks to be the backup goalie and any buyouts will occur after the draft.
Making a splash around the league, the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks traded Dustin Byfuglien, Brent Sopel, Ben Eager and a prospect to the Thrashers for a first and second rounder, Marty Reasoner, a prospect, and another forward. Which means that the Canes will have to regularly face Byfuglien's presence in front of the net - likely not a fun situation.
Draft starts at 7 tonight!
Showing posts with label Chicago Blackhawks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chicago Blackhawks. Show all posts
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup
I didn't see it coming.
No, really, I didn't see the Stanley Cup winning goal. I, like 90% of other people watching Game 6, had a thought process something like:
"Wait, did he just score? No, he didn't score. What the...? Where the heck is the puck?"
But Patrick Kane did score - 4 minutes into the overtime period - to win the Stanley Cup for the Blackhawks after a 49 year drought.
It means that the third time is the charm for Marian Hossa - the curse is over, which makes me kind of sad to lose that joke. But it means that Pronger, Carcillo and other players I don't like were stopped from raising the Cup above their heads. So it's all good, I guess.
I'm somewhat disappointed to not have a Game 7, just because I think that the fight between the two teams would have created some excellent hockey. But the series was great even without that - this Flyers team had so much fight in them. They should be proud that they were even to make a series of it - not many teams could recover after going down 0-2 to this Blackhawks team. Even in Game 6, the Flyers looked like they were dead in the second period, but they battled back again. Unfortunately, it seemed as if their luck finally ran out in the overtime.
So, what now? Hockey season is over - it's officially the offseason, probably the only instance where I will begin wishing summer to be over. I guess it's free agency and then training camp - maybe I'll get back to actually talking about the Canes.
Congratulations to the Blackhawks and their fans. I remember what it was like for the Canes to win their Cup, and I must say that I'm a little jealous to not be a part of it this year - maybe next?
No, really, I didn't see the Stanley Cup winning goal. I, like 90% of other people watching Game 6, had a thought process something like:
"Wait, did he just score? No, he didn't score. What the...? Where the heck is the puck?"
But Patrick Kane did score - 4 minutes into the overtime period - to win the Stanley Cup for the Blackhawks after a 49 year drought.
It means that the third time is the charm for Marian Hossa - the curse is over, which makes me kind of sad to lose that joke. But it means that Pronger, Carcillo and other players I don't like were stopped from raising the Cup above their heads. So it's all good, I guess.
I'm somewhat disappointed to not have a Game 7, just because I think that the fight between the two teams would have created some excellent hockey. But the series was great even without that - this Flyers team had so much fight in them. They should be proud that they were even to make a series of it - not many teams could recover after going down 0-2 to this Blackhawks team. Even in Game 6, the Flyers looked like they were dead in the second period, but they battled back again. Unfortunately, it seemed as if their luck finally ran out in the overtime.
So, what now? Hockey season is over - it's officially the offseason, probably the only instance where I will begin wishing summer to be over. I guess it's free agency and then training camp - maybe I'll get back to actually talking about the Canes.
Congratulations to the Blackhawks and their fans. I remember what it was like for the Canes to win their Cup, and I must say that I'm a little jealous to not be a part of it this year - maybe next?
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Musings after two
Well, I will say that this has been an interesting Stanley Cup Finals series so far. Chicago's up 2-0 at this point, and Philadelphia is going to have to work at it to get back in it, I think.
First off, Game 1 was so absolutely amazing. If you missed it, I feel really sorry for you because that was some exciting hockey. I mean, assuming, of course, that you like offense. If you like goaltender-based or defensive hockey (hello readers from New Jersey!), you must have absolutely hated this game.
5 goals after the first period, 11 overall - man, it was like every time you blinked someone else was scoring a goal. And the weirdest part was that neither of the teams' top lines contributed to the scoring!
Game 2 was low-key, comparatively, the teams only scoring 3 goals during the game. Toews and Kane still didn't contribute to the scoring.
After two games, I think, obviously, that the Blackhawks are in a very strong position to win it. And, yes, I am a fickle fan with this series. I was somewhat on the Flyers side when the series began, probably because I think it's hilarious that Marian Hossa can't win a Cup, and that I always liked Peter Laviolette. But then, after watching these games I remembered how much I hate Chris Pronger and how much of a punk Dan Carcillo is. So I think I'm not going to be too upset if the Blackhawks win.
But even still, I can't give the Blackhawks a certain victory. Philadelphia has obviously come back in these playoffs before, and tonight they come back to their home building. Antti Niemi is playing well, but as we saw in Game 1, he can obviously let in goals. However, on the flip side, can the Flyers continue to shut down the Blackhawk's big name players?
Unfortunately tonight is my last sure bet at seeing the games on TV... my family vacations to the backwoods of PA never have any respect for the hockey blogging schedule. Don't expect a post until days after Game 5... so I suppose I'm no longer cheering for a team, but at least a six game series. Although, more hockey before the offseason can't be a bad thing, can it?
First off, Game 1 was so absolutely amazing. If you missed it, I feel really sorry for you because that was some exciting hockey. I mean, assuming, of course, that you like offense. If you like goaltender-based or defensive hockey (hello readers from New Jersey!), you must have absolutely hated this game.
5 goals after the first period, 11 overall - man, it was like every time you blinked someone else was scoring a goal. And the weirdest part was that neither of the teams' top lines contributed to the scoring!
Game 2 was low-key, comparatively, the teams only scoring 3 goals during the game. Toews and Kane still didn't contribute to the scoring.
After two games, I think, obviously, that the Blackhawks are in a very strong position to win it. And, yes, I am a fickle fan with this series. I was somewhat on the Flyers side when the series began, probably because I think it's hilarious that Marian Hossa can't win a Cup, and that I always liked Peter Laviolette. But then, after watching these games I remembered how much I hate Chris Pronger and how much of a punk Dan Carcillo is. So I think I'm not going to be too upset if the Blackhawks win.
But even still, I can't give the Blackhawks a certain victory. Philadelphia has obviously come back in these playoffs before, and tonight they come back to their home building. Antti Niemi is playing well, but as we saw in Game 1, he can obviously let in goals. However, on the flip side, can the Flyers continue to shut down the Blackhawk's big name players?
Unfortunately tonight is my last sure bet at seeing the games on TV... my family vacations to the backwoods of PA never have any respect for the hockey blogging schedule. Don't expect a post until days after Game 5... so I suppose I'm no longer cheering for a team, but at least a six game series. Although, more hockey before the offseason can't be a bad thing, can it?
Monday, May 24, 2010
Well, that was a quick round
After an action-packed first and second rounds, I do believe the Conference Final didn't quite live up to billing - who would have thought that we'd have our Stanley Cup Finalists after only nine games?
I mean, the Sharks once again lived up to being the definition of "choke". Granted, they did manage to get out of the first two rounds, but I think being swept out still places them in that category.
Although, I must say that the series was rather good hockey. All of the games were decided by two goals or less, Game 3 going into overtime. The Sharks played well, but they couldn't get it done in any of the games. And, really, that's all that counts at this point in the season.
Then there was the Montreal-Philadelphia series which was, in my opinion, despite going one more game than the Western Conference Final, much more lopsided. The Flyers shut out the Canadiens in 3 of the four games that they won, giving the Canadiens almost no chance in the series.
So this sets up a Chicago-Philadelphia final, both cities going through quite a drought since their last Stanley Cup. I can't decide which team I want to cheer for, and I can't decide which team I think will win. Chicago seems to have all the weapons to win, but Philadelphia has proven themselves capable in these playoffs, not to mention featuring Peter Laviolette behind the bench. As for cheering, I hate this iteration of Philadelphia goons, but I really don't want to root for Marian Hossa to finally get a Cup either.
The conclusion? Well, we'll have to go through a best-of-seven to find out... First game is on Saturday.
I mean, the Sharks once again lived up to being the definition of "choke". Granted, they did manage to get out of the first two rounds, but I think being swept out still places them in that category.
Although, I must say that the series was rather good hockey. All of the games were decided by two goals or less, Game 3 going into overtime. The Sharks played well, but they couldn't get it done in any of the games. And, really, that's all that counts at this point in the season.
Then there was the Montreal-Philadelphia series which was, in my opinion, despite going one more game than the Western Conference Final, much more lopsided. The Flyers shut out the Canadiens in 3 of the four games that they won, giving the Canadiens almost no chance in the series.
So this sets up a Chicago-Philadelphia final, both cities going through quite a drought since their last Stanley Cup. I can't decide which team I want to cheer for, and I can't decide which team I think will win. Chicago seems to have all the weapons to win, but Philadelphia has proven themselves capable in these playoffs, not to mention featuring Peter Laviolette behind the bench. As for cheering, I hate this iteration of Philadelphia goons, but I really don't want to root for Marian Hossa to finally get a Cup either.
The conclusion? Well, we'll have to go through a best-of-seven to find out... First game is on Saturday.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Another win!
The Canes managed to get another win last night against the Blackhawks 4-2. Which I find positively amazing, due to the fact that the Blackhawks are one of the premiere teams in the league this season.
I was able to catch the game from the second period onwards on the radio and I must say that this is the first game all year where I wished I could have watched the game. The Canes sounded like they were playing well and it sounded like an exciting game, the Canes and Blackhawks trading goals until the Canes finally pulled away. Watching the highlights, I must say that Cam Ward also looked spectacular, stopping several good chances.
I almost can't believe that the Canes are playing this good now. This is they way I had imagined them playing at the beginning of the season - skating well with effort all game long. I guess this is a legitimate upswing for this team - I can no longer attribute the wins to the lack of skill on the other team, as that is certainly not the case for this opponent.
The next game is tomorrow against Edmonton, who is pretty much on the other end of the spectrum from the Blackhawks. I wonder how long we can stretch these winning ways?
Chad LaRose stats: 1 assist
On the season: 3 goals, 6 assists
I was able to catch the game from the second period onwards on the radio and I must say that this is the first game all year where I wished I could have watched the game. The Canes sounded like they were playing well and it sounded like an exciting game, the Canes and Blackhawks trading goals until the Canes finally pulled away. Watching the highlights, I must say that Cam Ward also looked spectacular, stopping several good chances.
I almost can't believe that the Canes are playing this good now. This is they way I had imagined them playing at the beginning of the season - skating well with effort all game long. I guess this is a legitimate upswing for this team - I can no longer attribute the wins to the lack of skill on the other team, as that is certainly not the case for this opponent.
The next game is tomorrow against Edmonton, who is pretty much on the other end of the spectrum from the Blackhawks. I wonder how long we can stretch these winning ways?
Chad LaRose stats: 1 assist
On the season: 3 goals, 6 assists
Friday, March 13, 2009
Recaps.
Oops. Haven't posted since Monday. Oh well - I was busy doing absolutely nothing. Which is both a lie and an oxymoron.
Anyways, way back on Monday, the Canes beat the Rangers 3-0. The game was a solidly played one, although the Canes came out a little sluggish in the first period and caught a break with a no-goal call for the Rangers.
Oh, and Sean Avery is a punk. As always.
Then on Wednesday, the Canes lost in a shootout to the Blackhawks. I saw none of the game, but Cam Ward looked spectactular in the highlights and Tuomo Ruutu scored a goal to tie the game with 26.5 seconds left.
Then, last night, the Canes lost to Dallas 3-2 in another game I didn't see. The good thing is that, even with this loss, the Canes are still "in" the playoffs as of right now - they're sitting eighth, although every single other team in the conference has less games played.
The next game is tomorrow against the C[r]apitals.
Erik Cole stats (Monday): 1 assist
With the Canes: 1 goal, 5 assists
On the season: 17 goals, 16 assists
Anyways, way back on Monday, the Canes beat the Rangers 3-0. The game was a solidly played one, although the Canes came out a little sluggish in the first period and caught a break with a no-goal call for the Rangers.
Oh, and Sean Avery is a punk. As always.
Then on Wednesday, the Canes lost in a shootout to the Blackhawks. I saw none of the game, but Cam Ward looked spectactular in the highlights and Tuomo Ruutu scored a goal to tie the game with 26.5 seconds left.
Then, last night, the Canes lost to Dallas 3-2 in another game I didn't see. The good thing is that, even with this loss, the Canes are still "in" the playoffs as of right now - they're sitting eighth, although every single other team in the conference has less games played.
The next game is tomorrow against the C[r]apitals.
Erik Cole stats (Monday): 1 assist
With the Canes: 1 goal, 5 assists
On the season: 17 goals, 16 assists
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Mega-Recap-Post!
Didn't have time to post this week - wasn't near a computer and I've felt under the weather this weekend.
So it's time for a Mega-Recap-Post!
New Year's Eve the Canes beat the Thrashers 3-1 in a very sloppy game. The only reason I think the Canes won this one is because they were playing a crappy team like the Thrashers.
New Year's Day the Detroit Red Wings played the Chicago Blackhawks outside at Wrigley Field. I only saw the third period of this one, which means I really only saw Detroit whoop up on the Blackhawks - Chicago certainly lost that one. I really hope they continue to do these outdoor games - they are definitely fun to watch!
The next day the Canes beat the Blues 2-1. And, even though I attended the game, I can't remember anything important about it. Which says more about my current state of health than the game itself. But it was $1 popcorn night. So I feasted on some popcorn. Which was delicious. Especially at a dollar.
Then the day after that (aka yesterday) the Canes beat Tampa 3-2, which I also watched but can't remember a thing about now. Oh well, whatever.
If you want a laugh, (as if this meandering post wasn't enough), check out Alex Semin's "fight" against Marc Staal. I can guarantee you, my loyal readers, I can certainly throw a better punch than that nonsense...
Next game for the Canes is Tuesday against the Devils.
Chad LaRose stats (Saturday): 1 goal
On the season: 9 goals, 3 assists
So it's time for a Mega-Recap-Post!
New Year's Eve the Canes beat the Thrashers 3-1 in a very sloppy game. The only reason I think the Canes won this one is because they were playing a crappy team like the Thrashers.
New Year's Day the Detroit Red Wings played the Chicago Blackhawks outside at Wrigley Field. I only saw the third period of this one, which means I really only saw Detroit whoop up on the Blackhawks - Chicago certainly lost that one. I really hope they continue to do these outdoor games - they are definitely fun to watch!
The next day the Canes beat the Blues 2-1. And, even though I attended the game, I can't remember anything important about it. Which says more about my current state of health than the game itself. But it was $1 popcorn night. So I feasted on some popcorn. Which was delicious. Especially at a dollar.
Then the day after that (aka yesterday) the Canes beat Tampa 3-2, which I also watched but can't remember a thing about now. Oh well, whatever.
If you want a laugh, (as if this meandering post wasn't enough), check out Alex Semin's "fight" against Marc Staal. I can guarantee you, my loyal readers, I can certainly throw a better punch than that nonsense...
Next game for the Canes is Tuesday against the Devils.
Chad LaRose stats (Saturday): 1 goal
On the season: 9 goals, 3 assists
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Things are starting to heat up...
Canes signed Tuomo Ruutu today to a one year $2.25 mil contract.That number seems a little large in my estimation - to me he's still kind of an unknown in the offensive area (although not in the ability-to-get-stitches area). But, hey, it's only a year - if he doesn't live up to it, at least it's not a long-term contract. But if he can hit and fight and score, then it's money well spent in my book.
Interestingly, the player we traded for Ruutu, Andrew Ladd, signed a two-year deal with the Blackhawks as well today. Hope things continue to go well for him and he scores lots of goals this season (as long as they're not against us!).
Yesterday, Jeff Hamilton and David Tanabe were placed on waivers to be boughtout by the team. Which is sad in Tanabe's case, as he doesn't seem to have recovered from that concussion he suffered at all.
And hiding in that article about the buyouts was this gem:
And to cap all of today's news off: Barry Melrose was instated as the Tampa Bay Lightning coach. Which is just sort of weird.
Interestingly, the player we traded for Ruutu, Andrew Ladd, signed a two-year deal with the Blackhawks as well today. Hope things continue to go well for him and he scores lots of goals this season (as long as they're not against us!).
Yesterday, Jeff Hamilton and David Tanabe were placed on waivers to be boughtout by the team. Which is sad in Tanabe's case, as he doesn't seem to have recovered from that concussion he suffered at all.
And hiding in that article about the buyouts was this gem:
Additionally, Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford said the team has been unable to reach an agreement with forward Darcy Hordichuk, whose free-agent rights the Canes obtained from the Nashville Predators on Thursday. [...]So, the point of that trade was...?
"The fact that we had tried to get a jump on it and he wasn't interested in what we had to say, it would appear we're not getting him," Rutherford said.
And to cap all of today's news off: Barry Melrose was instated as the Tampa Bay Lightning coach. Which is just sort of weird.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Canes win over Blackhawks
Canes won 3-0 over the Blackhawks last night.
I didn't see the game because I got home late, it started at 8:30, and I didn't feel like watching the TV so I turned on Chuck K.
And didn't actually listen to any of the game itself, but I did hear an interesting interview with Joe Corvo.
Anyways... Erik Cole scored a goal! And Cam Ward got a shutout.
Canes scored all of their goals in the first, two of them on the powerplay.
Next game is against Buffalo on Friday.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal
On the season: 20 goals, 25 assists
I didn't see the game because I got home late, it started at 8:30, and I didn't feel like watching the TV so I turned on Chuck K.
And didn't actually listen to any of the game itself, but I did hear an interesting interview with Joe Corvo.
Anyways... Erik Cole scored a goal! And Cam Ward got a shutout.
Canes scored all of their goals in the first, two of them on the powerplay.
Next game is against Buffalo on Friday.
Erik Cole stats: 1 goal
On the season: 20 goals, 25 assists
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Trade deadline!
Well, so much for this trade deadline passing without any big trades...
On the Canes end of things, they traded Andrew Ladd for Tuomo Ruutu from the Chicago Blackhawks.
I have no idea what this guy is like - or how to pronounce his name, for that matter. In Ladd, the Canes lose a gritty forward who could be physical - but he had a lot of injury problems in his tenure which prevented him from reaching the next level.
Hopefully he'll have happy trails in Chicago.
Anyways, Ruutu will wear #15, and he may play tonight depending on his flight.
Patrick Eaves is also expected to play tonight (Finally!).
As for the rest of the league...
- Atlanta trades Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to Pittsburgh for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, and prospect Angelo Esposito AND a first-round draft pick. By far the biggest (at least in number, if not anything else) trade of the day.
- Montreal trades Cristobal Huet to Washington for a second round draft pick. (Don't understand this one...)
- Tampa Bay trades Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist for some peeps from the Stars.
And a bunch more which I don't feel like typing out or looking at right now. Those at least are the preliminary ones from the Southeast Division
Canes play New Jersey tonight!
On the Canes end of things, they traded Andrew Ladd for Tuomo Ruutu from the Chicago Blackhawks.
I have no idea what this guy is like - or how to pronounce his name, for that matter. In Ladd, the Canes lose a gritty forward who could be physical - but he had a lot of injury problems in his tenure which prevented him from reaching the next level.
Hopefully he'll have happy trails in Chicago.
Anyways, Ruutu will wear #15, and he may play tonight depending on his flight.
Patrick Eaves is also expected to play tonight (Finally!).
As for the rest of the league...
- Atlanta trades Marian Hossa and Pascal Dupuis to Pittsburgh for Colby Armstrong, Erik Christensen, and prospect Angelo Esposito AND a first-round draft pick. By far the biggest (at least in number, if not anything else) trade of the day.
- Montreal trades Cristobal Huet to Washington for a second round draft pick. (Don't understand this one...)
- Tampa Bay trades Brad Richards and Johan Holmqvist for some peeps from the Stars.
And a bunch more which I don't feel like typing out or looking at right now. Those at least are the preliminary ones from the Southeast Division
Canes play New Jersey tonight!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Adams is gone...
The Canes had a net gain of 2 players today - Cullen, Walker, and Hedican have been taken off of IR, while Craig Adams has been sent to Chicago for "future considerations".
It's sort of a shame to see Adams go, but in this year he was nowhere near productive for the Canes. At least he'll be part of the "Adams Family" again (Kevyn Adams is in Chicago as well, although currently he's on IR with a torn ACL -ouch!).
Game is tonight against Ottawa.
It's sort of a shame to see Adams go, but in this year he was nowhere near productive for the Canes. At least he'll be part of the "Adams Family" again (Kevyn Adams is in Chicago as well, although currently he's on IR with a torn ACL -ouch!).
Game is tonight against Ottawa.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Interesting...
File this under interesting: Phoenix Coyotes trade Kevyn Adams to Chicago Blackhawks for Radim Vrbata.
One ex-Cane for another!
Yeah... that's actually all that's interesting about it... that's summer hockey news for ya...
One ex-Cane for another!
Yeah... that's actually all that's interesting about it... that's summer hockey news for ya...
Monday, July 02, 2007
Lots and lots of signings
Tons of stuff went down yesterday. There's going to be a lot of new faces on teams this season...
First and foremost, the Canes signed center Jeff Hamilton, formerly of the Chicago Blackhawks, to a two-year $800,000 contract.
Let me take this moment to point out that this is why I hate the NHL's current schedule - I have absolutely no idea who this dude is because the Canes haven't played the Blackhawks in a year.
Anyways... he had 39 points last year - a good number on the Blackhawks team - but the kinda scary part is that the guy looked to be a career AHLer before last season. Is this supposed to be our third line center? Or is this just getting more depth on the team? Personally, I'm thinking there's still something bigger waiting for the Canes.
As for the rest of the league: whoa! That's a bunch of signings!
- Ryan Smyth went to the Avalanche for 5yrs/35.25 mil ($6.25 mil per year).
- Rangers signed Scott Gomez for 7yrs/51.5 mil ($7.35 mil per) and Chris Drury for 5yrs/35.25 mil ($6.25 mil per).
- Flyers got Daniel Briere for 8yrs/52 mil ($6.5 mil per).
- The long-awaited Joni Pitkanen trade went down - Oilers traded Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul for Pitkanen and Geoff Sanderson.
And there's some others, too - I just don't feel like typing them all out. NHL.com's summary of the day is here.
The moral of today's story is: If you want more money - go to the New York Rangers!
First and foremost, the Canes signed center Jeff Hamilton, formerly of the Chicago Blackhawks, to a two-year $800,000 contract.
Let me take this moment to point out that this is why I hate the NHL's current schedule - I have absolutely no idea who this dude is because the Canes haven't played the Blackhawks in a year.
Anyways... he had 39 points last year - a good number on the Blackhawks team - but the kinda scary part is that the guy looked to be a career AHLer before last season. Is this supposed to be our third line center? Or is this just getting more depth on the team? Personally, I'm thinking there's still something bigger waiting for the Canes.
As for the rest of the league: whoa! That's a bunch of signings!
- Ryan Smyth went to the Avalanche for 5yrs/35.25 mil ($6.25 mil per year).
- Rangers signed Scott Gomez for 7yrs/51.5 mil ($7.35 mil per) and Chris Drury for 5yrs/35.25 mil ($6.25 mil per).
- Flyers got Daniel Briere for 8yrs/52 mil ($6.5 mil per).
- The long-awaited Joni Pitkanen trade went down - Oilers traded Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul for Pitkanen and Geoff Sanderson.
And there's some others, too - I just don't feel like typing them all out. NHL.com's summary of the day is here.
The moral of today's story is: If you want more money - go to the New York Rangers!
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