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May 31, 2006

Huge Sale

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Dean gives us the heads up that 1800faceoff.com is having a HUGE relocation sale. Stock up on Z-Bubbles.

Posted by aetchells at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)

Sabres Force Game Seven

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It's Game SEVEN of the Conference Finals and the Hurricanes have to advertise for TICKET SALES???

Canes facing last shot

Once the puck hit goalie Cam Ward, he didn't know where it went. It hit his left shoulder, bounced off his glove and disappeared into the ether, as far as Ward was concerned.
He didn't see it as it looped up and over him, landing on the goal line and slipping across by a matter of inches before Ward could snap his glove onto it and drag it back across.

Canes rail on refs

After a season when the NHL's officials were often in the spotlight, under pressure to call the rules by the book and take the clutching and grabbing out of the game, referees Bill McCreary and Dan O'Halloran were in a different spotlight on Tuesday.
The Carolina Hurricanes accused the duo of missing three calls -- one by action, two by inaction -- in overtime that the Canes argued led directly to Daniel Briere's goal that gave the Buffalo Sabres a 2-1 win and sent the Eastern Conference finals to Game 7 on Thursday in Raleigh.
"I wholeheartedly disagree with the original call," Carolina coach Peter Laviolette said. "I wholeheartedly disagree with the two missed calls."

A Wild Win For Sabres

With apologies to Sabres play-by-play man Rick Jeanneret: "Well, NOW do you believe???"
The Eastern Conference finals series between the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes is down to a decisive Game Seven for a ticket to the Stanley Cup finals and a date with former Sabres Michael Peca, Dwayne Roloson and the Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers.

Staying Alive

The game ended several hours ago.
Feel free to extract your fingernails from the recliner or your buddy's forearm.
And get ready for at least one more ride Thursday night.

Posted by aetchells at 10:15 AM | Comments (0)

May 30, 2006

Careful What You Wish For

Small Markets. Big Results

Everything is going exactly as the National Hockey League planned, if not as it wanted. Another arena rocks with the renewed excitement of playoff hockey, and two small-market teams are playing here in late May, a time long reserved for their big-market brothers.
But the energy vibe and broadcast waves emanating from HSBC Arena — home of the rejuvenated Buffalo Sabres, bankrupt and teetering toward extinction three years ago — are not infinite.
The N.H.L., looking for a comeback, is left to wonder: How long and sweeping is this radius of intrigue?

Posted by aetchells at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)

In Defense of Scott Stevens

In a mailbag column last week John Buccigross took on the deity of Scott Stevens.

It's amazing to me how much Scott Stevens is viewed as a deity. Well, maybe it's not. He is a player who is easy to latch on to. Hardworking, exciting and tough. Doesn't Ottawa wish he were 32 and a free agent? But you think Scott Stevens played over 20 years in the NHL and never got an elbow, slashing, cross-check, roughing or high-sticking penalty? The Kariya hit was clearly late. I believe Stevens was looking to eliminate this formerly concussed player from the series.

Well Off Wing Opinion responds in defense of Stevens.
Stevens eventually came to knew that he was holding himself back, and he changed his game. So while he was just as tough as he ever was, his game smartened up but good. Funny, but if Stevens' play was so unsportsmanlike, how did he manage to get through the last nine full seasons he played in the NHL while posting more than 100 penalty minutes only twice? Remember, it was during this period more than any other that Stevens cemented his reputation as a fearsome hitter. If he was really that dirty, wouldn't he have racked up more PIMs?

Posted by aetchells at 12:42 PM | Comments (2)

May 28, 2006

Some Pictures

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Kev_Kills_Jager (WinCE).JPG

Pile_up (WinCE).JPG

Posted by aetchells at 08:04 AM | Comments (7)

Hoseheads Win WSL Championship

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A great time was had by most. Three kegs were emptied and I need pictures! A special thanks to Billy, Jon, and everyone else who put the event together.
0FINAL   3 FINAL
4 5
0FINAL   1 FINAL
6 2

Posted by aetchells at 06:23 AM | Comments (3)

May 26, 2006

Art Ross Winner

Over twenty-one seasons Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr, or Mario Lemieux, won the Art Ross Trophy, leading the NHL in scoring between 1980-81 and 2000-01? It would have been 22 seasons if this player hadn't scored one more goal than Wayne Gretzky in 79-80. They finished tied in points. Who was it?

To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:

Marcel Dionne

Posted by aetchells at 01:42 PM | Comments (6)

Ducks Survive

Ducking the Sweep

The Edmonton Oilers were hoping to go to the Stanley Cup finals Thursday, but instead they got taken to school.
The Anaheim Mighty Ducks blitzed the Oilers for six goals on 46 shots - including 25 shots in the first period alone - en route to a 6-3 win in Game 4 of the NHL's Western Conference final.

Ducks stay afloat

The Ducks were only wounded, not dead. On a night when the Edmonton Oilers had a chance to convert a commanding 3-0 series lead into a trip to the Stanley Cup final, Anaheim's waterfowl struck early and often on the way to a 6-3 win Thursday at Rexall Place.

Ducks Are Still in the Hunt, 6-3

One streak finally ended for the Mighty Ducks. Now they hope another one has begun.
The Ducks gave an emphatic response to anyone who thought the best-of-seven Western Conference finals were over against the Edmonton Oilers, riding an inspired first period to a 6-3 victory that staved off elimination in Game 4 on Thursday night at Rexall Place.

Posted by aetchells at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)

May 25, 2006

Can The Oilers Sweep?

Giguere: Saver to Savior?

The Ducks should play their hole card tonight by using Jean-Sebastien Giguere in Game 4, and Randy Carlyle is at least thinking about it.
Giguere still remembers how to play goal. He just doesn't know what he's supposed to do with this bugle and saddle.
"I've never had to do this before," Giguere said Wednesday, as it became likely that he'll mount the horse tonight and ride down the hill to save a bunch of stranded Mighty Ducks.

Flu bug hits several Oilers

The flu is giving the Edmonton Oilers a lot more trouble than the Anaheim Mighty Ducks in the Western Conference finals.
So far, the bug has run through the Edmonton dressing room and even forced lineup changes. The Mighty Ducks have not put up much resistance and are just one loss away from elimination.

Ducks Must Overcome Many Obstacles to Win

To extend the Western Conference finals beyond a fleeting four games, to leave town tonight with hope and a place to be Saturday, the Mighty Ducks must win a game in a series in which they haven't led for a single second of 180 minutes.

Posted by aetchells at 04:23 PM | Comments (0)

Around the NHL

Gretzky's wife, Tocchet eye lawsuits

Janet Jones, wife of hockey star Wayne Gretzky, and Phoenix Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet are reportedly planning to launch separate $50-million US defamation suits against the state of New Jersey.
Jones and Tocchet were each implicated earlier this year by New Jersey authorities in an alleged illegal gambling ring.
Attorneys for Jones and Tocchet filed notice May 8 that they plan to sue the New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety, the state police and the head of the state police public information office for allegedly defaming them by illegally releasing evidence from confidential wiretaps.

Shero new Penguins GM

Ray Shero was hired Thursday as the Pittsburgh Penguins' general manager, a day after the Nashville Predators assistant general manager broke off talks with the Boston Bruins about their GM job.
Shero replaces Hall of Fame executive Craig Patrick, whose contract was not renewed in April after 16-plus years on the job.

Wings re-sign Chelios

Red Wings general manager Ken Holland's first order of business upon returning from Riga, Latvia, was to shore up the defense. Tuesday he signed 44-year-old defenseman Chris Chelios to a one-year deal worth $850,000.

Posted by aetchells at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)

Time to Cheer

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Games #1 is WSC vs. Wetas at 10:00 AM. Game #2 is Hoseheads vs. Ducks at 11:30AM. Game #3 is Darkness vs. Chiefs at 1:00pm. The championship Game between the Winners of Game #1 and Game #2 is at 3:00 PM.

Everyone should know that we are officially asking every team to refrain
from having "call-up" players for the tournament because every team will be
missing a few players due to the holiday weekend. Judging from the
information that we have, most teams will be down to 10-12 players at best.
If a player is not on your roster, then he cannot play in the tournament. We
want to avoid any controversy and or bad feelings etc as they will make the
party less festive.

Speaking of the Party, we will have two kegs, 200 wings, 30lbs of sausage,
hot-dogs, hamburgers, and tomato pies. Sounds good. Remember, the beer cup
and tee-shirt (see attached picture) is $10. All are welcome. Its all about
the party.

Thanks,
Jon and Bill

Posted by aetchells at 11:56 AM | Comments (12)

Sabres Have Moxie

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Home Remedy
Moxie has been a substantial factor to the Buffalo Sabres' success. Whether battling through injuries or rebounding from humbling defeats, they have answered repeatedly and often emphatically. Perhaps never this season have they offered up such a persuasive reply as they did Wednesday.

Sorry span sinks Canes

The Hurricanes came close to tying the score and forcing overtime, but the hole they dug in the second was too deep to overcome. The Sabres win 4-3.

Penalties take away series' promise

Now there's a new weather phenomenon in Buffalo: lake-effect penalties.
It happens when Hurricanes cross Lake Erie and hover over the ice of the HSBC Arena.
The first NHL playoffs meeting ever in Buffalo between the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres produced a blizzard of penalties that hit both teams in the first two periods.
But it was the Canes who got buried.

Posted by aetchells at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

May 24, 2006

To Be Canadian....

Every wonder why A-train celebrates every goal? It’s in his blood, which by the way, is the exact same red as a goal post.


Thanks to Dean for the prose and link.
Go Oilers!

Posted by aetchells at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)

Final WSL Standings

WSC is tops, Hoseheads lock up second.
Team W L T Pts
wsc_pennant.gif 7 2 0 14
hoseheads_pennant.gif 5 3 1 11
wood_ducks_pennant.gif 4 3 2 10
wetas_pennant.gif 5 4 0 10
darkness_pennant.gif 2 6 1 5
chiefs_pennant.gif 2 7 0 4

Posted by aetchells at 02:02 AM | Comments (5)

WSC Clinches First, Ducks Get 2nd

2FINAL   7 FINAL
3 9

Posted by aetchells at 12:09 AM | Comments (3)

May 23, 2006

Richards Re-signs With Tampa

Lightning lock up Richards

Brad Richards is considered to be among the upper echelon of NHL players — now he'll be paid like them, too.
The Tampa Bay Lightning signed their leading scorer to a five-year, $39-million US contract extension on Monday.
The 26-year-old native of Murray Harbour, P.E.I., made $3.4 million this season and could have taken the team to salary arbitration in the off-season.

Buccigross: Who deserves to drink from Lord Stanley's Cup

John Buccigross remembers Ray Bourque finally tasting glory in 2001. In these playoffs, Bucci picks four players he'd like to see hoist the Cup.

Bruins offer GM post to Shero

The Boston Bruins may have locked up their search for a new general manager, as the Boston Globe reports that Ray Shero was offered the position over the weekend and could be announced to the post as early as Tuesday.
Ray is the son of the late Fred Shero, who coached the Philadelphia Flyers to back-to-back Cups in 1974 and 1975.

Posted by aetchells at 12:25 PM | Comments (1)

Softee Dooms Sabres

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Hurricanes thunder through Sabres 4-3 to even series
Ray Whitney has a reputation as a player who could find room to score in a tanning booth. On Monday the Carolina Hurricanes combined team-wide intensity with Whitney's skillful hands to pin a 4-3 win against the Buffalo Sabres to tie the best-of-seven Eastern Conference finals at 1-1. Whitney scored a pair of goals, one on the power play and one at even strength, to help end Buffalo's five-game road winning streak.

Canes, Sabres fans face off; 6 arrested, 1 hurt

The Stanley Cup playoffs have brought the Triangle a taste of major-league fan violence, as some Caniacs are finding out.
Raleigh police arrested four unruly fans Saturday at the RBC Center, and two at the arena Monday, on charges that include assault, fighting and damaging property. That's half as many arrests as in a typical full regular season.
A Carolina Hurricanes fan was hospitalized after he, like his hockey team, came out on the losing end Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres.
Raleigh surveyor Nathaniel King said he needed doctors twice after fighting with several belligerent Sabres fans.
The alcohol-fueled clash started between periods of the opening game of the Eastern Conference finals, in a smoking area outside Section 108, police said.

'Canes are able

In Game One, the Buffalo Sabres broke serve.
In Game Two, the Carolina Hurricanes broke even. In a big way.
The Hurricanes dominated Monday night in RBC Center, scoring first and never trailing in a 4-3 victory that wasn't nearly as close as the score would imply.
"I won't consider that a narrow defeat by any means," Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said. His team scored one goal almost by accident and the other two in the third period while up two skaters.


Sabres lose their edge and their composure

This isn't Philadelphia, a team they can skate circles around all night long. And this isn't Ottawa, a free-wheeling club susceptible to being victimized in transition. The Carolina Hurricanes are qualified to neutralize what the Buffalo Sabres do best, capable of unnerving them, frustrating them and, it turns out, winning with authority.

Posted by aetchells at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

Hoseheads Stop Chiefs

McCALLUM STREET - The Hoseheads continued their winning ways with a 6-3 victory over the Chiefs. A one-sided affair for the first two periods, the hosers gave the Chiefs' defense quite the early-week workout. As for the fourth period, it went to the Chiefs by default ... seeing as they are all old enough to consume alcoholic beverages.

Looking forward to Saturday, and eager to see how it all shakes out.

6 Final   
3

Posted by aetchells at 01:24 AM | Comments (0)

May 22, 2006

Canes And Sabres Rev It Up Tonight

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7:30 Tonight on OLN
Sabres don't intend to back off

The Buffalo Sabres have been using their seventh defenseman much more frequently than they'd care to. Now they might need to plunge farther down the depth chart to find a player who hasn't seen a solitary second of NHL ice time in the past 27 months.
Looks like the last thing Sabres coach Lindy Ruff would want to do on the road against the potent Carolina Hurricanes is expose his back end by opening up the offense tonight in Game Two of the Eastern Conference finals.

Canes' old hands must grab chance

Carolina Hurricanes coach Peter Laviolette recalled the scene from Saturday's Game 1 with chagrin.
Referring to bad bounces and near misses in the one-goal loss to Buffalo in the opener of the Eastern Conference finals, he said:
"For instance, there was an opportunity where [the Sabres] were kind of stretched out, we threw it down to Mark Recchi, he threw one on his backhand through the defender, had Doug Weight on the back door."
That sequence failed when Weight lost the handle on the puck. For the Canes to go deeper in the playoffs, the players will have to click more often.

Injured Cole not forgiving

Carolina winger Erik Cole took another notable step forward in his recovery from severe injury Sunday, joining his team's 23-minute practice at the RBC Center. But as far as forgiving, or forgetting, that day appears to remain well off in the distance.
Cole rode an emotional roller-coaster during a news conference following the Hurricanes' workout. He's thrilled to be participating in contact practices after suffering a twice-fractured vertebrae when driven head-first into the boards in a March 4 game at Pittsburgh.
But thoughts of how the injury could have ended his career, rerouted his life, got Cole's eyes to watering and brought his resentment for Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik, an Amherst native, bubbling to the surface. It was Orpik who drove Cole into the boards, a hit that resulted in a three-game suspension.

Mayors wager 'cue, wings in conference finals

Mayor Charles Meeker isn’t much for trash-talking, but he felt cocky enough today to wager three pounds of ’cue on the ’Canes.
In a midday phone chat with Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, Meeker wagered the pig against three pounds of Buffalo wings — the loser of the Hurricanes-Sabres series buys.

Posted by aetchells at 04:47 PM | Comments (0)

Hey Bellows!

This is a classic. Brian Bellows must have taken one heck of a dive to piss off Trottier and Kevin Stevens this badly.

Posted by aetchells at 12:06 PM | Comments (2)

Swedes Win Worlds

Swedes golden; no medal for Canada

Canada left the men's world hockey championship empty-handed for the first time in four years, while Sweden skated away with a second straight major international title.
Finland whipped Canada 5-0 to win the bronze medal Sunday in Riga, Latvia. Sweden then went on to shut out the Czech Republic 4-0 in the gold-medal game.

Top Five Goals of the World Championships


Posted by aetchells at 11:32 AM | Comments (0)

Ducks in a Tough Spot

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Oilers withstand Ducks' charge

The Edmonton Oilers are two wins away from reaching the Stanley Cup final for the first time in 16 years.

Ducks in a Deep Hole

Edmonton shows more of the same to Anaheim as it relies on a familiar formula for another 3-1 win and a 2-0 series lead heading home.

Anaheim-lich manoeuvre

Shot after shot, shift after shift, the routine never changes now for Dwayne Roloson. He'll kick away one shot, throw out his glove to grab another -- whenever, however.
And that was exactly the case again on Sunday when the unwavering netminder backstopped the Oilers to a 3-1 victory on the Mighty Ducks' home ice.

On Surface, Puck Stops Here

The playing surface at the Arrowhead Pond on Friday looked and played like a real pond, mushy in some spots, bumpy in others and altogether inhospitable to swiftly and accurately passing a small rubber disk in a manner that would justify hockey's reputation as the fastest game on ice.
"It felt more like an outdoor rink in the springtime when the sun comes out," Mighty Duck right wing Teemu Selanne said Saturday.

Posted by aetchells at 10:59 AM | Comments (0)

May 21, 2006

Rude Boy

Behind the music with Rude Boy

Posted by aetchells at 09:25 AM | Comments (2)

May 20, 2006

Kings To Crown Crawford

Kings Set Their Sights on Crawford

Former Vancouver Canucks head coach Marc Crawford is expected to be hired as the Kings' coach, two league sources said, with the deal anticipated to be in place by Monday.

Posted by aetchells at 12:08 PM | Comments (3)

May 19, 2006

Yum! Roller Girl! Yum!

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Enjoy the weekend.

Posted by aetchells at 05:04 PM | Comments (0)

Elsewhere in Hockey

Czechs edge Russia in OT

Zbynek Irgl scored the winning goal 7:58 into overtime as the Czech Republic pulled off a 4-3 victory over Russia in quarter-final action at the 2006 world hockey championship Thursday in Riga, Latvia.

Plenty of similarities between Hurricanes, Sabres

Perhaps it isn't the marquee television pairing that league beancounters were hoping for, but the Carolina-Buffalo Eastern Conference final series could turn out to be just the match up the NHL has been looking for.
Both teams play an exciting brand of hockey, with a hint of the proverbial Cinderella story thrown into the mix.

Sabres need offense from Afinogenov

As long as Maxim Afinogenov is generating scoring chances, Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff won't worry. However, he wouldn't complain if some of those opportunities turned into goals for the flashy Russian forward. "I don't think it's anything more than just relaxing a little bit," Ruff said after the Sabres practiced Thursday in advance of the Eastern Conference final.

Posted by aetchells at 01:57 PM | Comments (1)

Hey Beer Man

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70,000 Beer Cans Found in Ogden Townhouse

A seemingly unbelievable mess discovered last year in an Ogden townhouse has suddenly become an Internet legend.
It's all TRUE!
You know how some people, after they use something, just can't bear to throw it away. That might make sense if it's magazines or clothes. But what if it's empty beer cans? In astounding numbers?

Posted by aetchells at 01:08 PM | Comments (1)

Playoffs Return Tonight

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NHL.com: Edmonton at Anaheim 9PM Eastern
Just Ducky!
Mystery Solved: Oilers have pieces to Bryzgalov puzzle
Ducks are ready while Oilers are on a roll

Posted by aetchells at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)

Passing the Cup

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In the not too distant past only the captain of the Stanley Cup winner skated around the ice with the Cup. Wayne Gretzky changed all of that though. Who did he hand the cup to first? And why?

To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:

Steve Smith. He handed the cup to Smith to show all was forgiven for Steve's gaffe the year before where he banked the eventual game-winning goal of Grant Fuhr's skate.

Posted by aetchells at 12:01 PM | Comments (4)

May 18, 2006

Playoff Pool Complete Standings

Complete standings and stats through the first two rounds. Looks like only one person has any shot at catching the A-Train. (Note: there was a calculation error yesterday when the players remaining were calculated. The error was fixed, and the results are just plain ugly.)
Points Players Left
Atrain 146 4
The Hoagies 133 1
LJ's Team 131 1
Klams (Karlbrad) 130 0
RD Bradbury 123 1
Art's Gourmet Shots 121 1
Miller Life Allstars (Mark H.) 119 4
Charlie's Horse  jones 119 2
McGretzky 116 2
Golin 109 3
Denny Philly Fakeouts 109 0
Deaner 103 2
ZDALDO 97 2
Bern Fiyah 95 1
Your Team Name: Denny Philly Fakeouts 109
Player  Team G A P
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 0 1 1
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Jason Spezza Ottawa 5 9 14
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Scott Gomez Detroit 5 4 9
 Pavel Datsyuk Detroit 0 3 3
 Brendan Shanahan Detroit 1 1 2
 Jarome Iginla Calgary 5 3 8
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
 Mathieu Schneider Detroit 1 7 8
 Brian Rafalski New Jersey 1 8 9
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Manny Legace
Team with lowest GAA: Detroit
Your Team Name: LJ's Team 131
Player  Team
 Tomas Holmstrom Detroit 1 2 3
 Pavel Datsyuk Detroit 0 3 3
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Jason Spezza Ottawa 5 9 14
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Patrick Marleau San Jose 9 5 14
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Patrik Elias New Jersey 6 10 16
 Jarome Iginla Calgary 5 3 8
 Daniel Briere Buffalo 4 9 13
 Matt Carle San Jose 0 3 3
 Brian Rafalski New Jersey 1 8 9
 Dion Phaneuf Calgary 1 0 1
Conn Smythe Award Winner:  Jonathan Cheechoo
Team with lowest GAA: Calgary
Your Team Name: ZDALDO 97
Player  Team
 Simon Gagne Philadelphia 3 1 4
 Peter Forsberg Philadelphia 4 4 8
 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 0 1 1
 Pavel Datsyuk Detroit 0 3 3
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Brendan Shanahan Detroit 1 1 2
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Scott Gomez New Jersey 5 4 9
 Teemu Selanne Anaheim 5 5 10
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
 Sergei Zubov Dallas 1 5 6
 Joni Pitkanen Philadelphia 0 2 2
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Peter Forsberg
Team with lowest GAA: New Jersey
 
Your Team Name: Golin 109
Player  Team
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 0 1 1
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Andy McDonald Anaheim 1 5 6
 Steve Sullivan Nashville 0 2 2
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Mike Knuble Philadelphia 1 3 4
 Peter Forsberg Philadelphia 4 4 8
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
 Chris Pronger Edmonton 2 10 12
 Sergei Zubov Dallas 1 5 6
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Joe Thornton
Team with lowest GAA: New Jersey
 
Your Team Name: Deaner 103
Player  Team
 Jason Spezza Ottawa 5 9 14
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Steve Yzerman Detroit 0 4 4
 Brendan Shanahan Detroit 1 1 2
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Teemu Selanne Anaheim 5 5 10
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Mike Modano Dallas 1 3 4
 Simon Gagne Philadelphia 3 1 4
 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 0 1 1
 Sergei Zubov Dallas 1 5 6
 Zdeno Chara Ottawa 1 3 4
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Joe Thornton 
Team with lowest GAA: Detroit
 
Your Team Name: Art's Gourmet Shots 121
Player  Team
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Patrick Marleau San Jose 9 5 14
 Jarome Iginla Calgary 5 3 8
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Jason Spezza Ottawa 5 9 14
 Peter Forsberg Philadelphia 4 4 8
 Simon Gagne Philadelphia 3 1 4
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Dion Phaneuf Calgary 1 0 1
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
 Joni Pitkanen Philadelphia 0 2 2
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Peter Forsberg
Team with lowest GAA: Calgary
Your Team Name: Charlie's Horse  jones 119
Player  Team
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Pavel Datsyuk Detroit 0 3 3
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Brendan Shanahan Detroit 1 1 2
 Maxim Afinogenov Buffalo 3 3 6
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Jason Spezza Ottawa 5 9 14
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Scott Gomez New Jersey 5 4 9
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Brian Rafalski New Jersey 1 8 9
 Sergei Zubov Dallas 1 5 6
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Martin Brodeur
Team with lowest GAA: New Jersey
Your Team Name: The Hoagies 133
Player  Team
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Peter Forsberg Philadelphia 4 4 8
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Jason Spezza Ottawa 5 9 14
 Patrick Marleau San Jose 9 5 14
 Mike Modano Dallas 1 3 4
 Patrik Elias New Jersey 6 10 16
 Simon Gagne Philadelphia 3 1 4
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Jarome Iginla Calgary 5 3 8
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
 Sergei Zubov Dallas 1 5 6
 Wade Redden Ottawa 2 8 10
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Peter Forsberg !!!!!!!!!!
Team with lowest GAA: Calgary
Your Team Name: McGretzky 116
Player  Team
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Peter Forsberg Philadelphia 4 4 8
 Simon Gagne Philadelphia 3 1 4
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Joe Thornton San Jose 2 7 9
 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 0 1 1
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Patrik Elias New Jersey 6 10 16
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Mike Modano Dallas 1 3 4
 Nicklas Lidstrom Detroit 1 1 2
 Scott Niedermayer Anaheim 2 5 7
 Sergei Zubov Dallas 1 5 6
Conn Smythe Award Winner: Danny Heatley
Team with lowest GAA: New Jersey
Your Team Name: Bern Fiyah 95
Player  Team
 Henrik Zetterberg Detroit 6 0 6
 Brendan Shanahan Detroit 1 1 2
 Daniel Alfredsson Ottawa 2 8 10
 Dany Heatley Ottawa 3 9 12
 Joe Sakic Colorado 4 5 9
 Jonathan Cheechoo San Jose 4 5 9
 Eric Staal Carolina 5 10 15
 Brian Gionta New Jersey 3 4 7
 Jaromir Jagr NY Rangers 0 1 Posted by aetchells at 01:51 PM | Comments (4)

Oilers Flatten Sharks

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Weary, Happy
Oilers barrel ahead
Sharks didn't seize its chances to take charge against the oilers
Oilers say physical play was a key to their success

Posted by aetchells at 01:04 PM | Comments (0)

This Week's Sign of the Apocalypse

051806news.jpgLorena Who? This woman used her bare hands to rip up her man's junk!

The Nicetown man said he had been sleeping peacefully in the couple's bed Tuesday night when his wife pounced on him without warning, grabbed his groin, dug her manicured fingernails in and flayed him, leaving his gore-slicked gonads dangling much lower than normal.
"She didn't use no weapon - this was just sheer brute strength and fingernails. She grabbed me by my [scrotum] and ripped it apart with her bare hands," Randolph said yesterday from his hospital bed at Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he was in stable condition with stitched and bandaged genitals. [...]
Talk about a strict violation of the penal code.
Howard Randolph said his wife tore "everything out of the sac and all the skin away."
Just the thought triggers most men to hunch over and wince, but Randolph said he felt "fine" yesterday thanks to the morphine that doctors administered.

A Genital Reminder

Posted by aetchells at 11:54 AM | Comments (2)

May 17, 2006

Oil Slick!

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Oilers win 2-0 and are going to the Conference Finals.
The Oilers are the first number eight seed to advance to the Conference Finals since the NHL adapted their current format in 1994.

Posted by aetchells at 10:43 PM | Comments (0)

Latest Pool Standings

Here are the up to date standings with just one series still going on. Each team's full statistics will be posted after this round is complete.
Points Players Left
Atrain 146 10
The Hoagies 133 6
LJ's Team 131 8
Klams (Karlbrad) 130 6
RD Bradbury 123 4
Art's Gourmet Shots 121 7
Miller Life Allstars (Mark H.) 119 10
Charlie's Horse  jones 119 7
McGretzky 116 6
Golin 109 7
Denny Philly Fakeouts 109 5
Deaner 103 7
ZDALDO 97 4
Bern Fiyah 95 4

Posted by aetchells at 04:59 PM | Comments (1)

Sharks Face Tough Fight Tonight

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For Sharks, it will take a championship effort

Down 3-2 in a best-of-seven playoff series and playing Game 6 on the road, the Sharks are in a bad spot. But four times in recent years, a team has faced the same predicament and ended up winning the Stanley Cup.

Toskala hardly startled by start

Sharks goalie Vesa Toskala didn't get the news that he would be starting tonight's Game 6 until Tuesday, when reporters told him. ``This is the first I've heard of it,'' Toskala said when asked his reaction to the strong vote of confidence delivered Monday by Coach Ron Wilson.

oloson developing Fuhr-like ability to make big saves at right time

Dwayne Roloson has made 139 saves for the Edmonton Oilers in their series against the San Jose Sharks.
And his best have come when the Oilers needed them most.
It's one of the big reasons the Oilers are up 3-2 in the series.
"He's played exceptionally well," said Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish. "You talk about our penalty killing, but it's been our goaltending as well. You don't have a chance without good goaltending. He's given us that each and every night."

Posted by aetchells at 04:21 PM | Comments (0)

USA Falls in Quarters

latvia_whm.gifUSA's worlds journey ends in 6-0 loss to Sweden

Mika Hannula's hat trick helped Olympic champion Sweden beat the United States 6-0 Wednesday in the quarterfinals at the World Ice Hockey Championship.
Sweden goalie Johan Holmqvist had 18 saves, earning his first shutout in five games in the tournament.

Canada into world hockey semis

Patrice Bergeron, Sidney Crosby and Jeff Carter scored in a 1:37 span in the third period to give Team Canada a 4-1 victory over Slovakia in the quarter-finals of the 2006 world hockey championship Wednesday in Riga, Latvia.
Canada advances to play defending Olympic champion Sweden in the semifinals Saturday.

Posted by aetchells at 04:00 PM | Comments (2)

Best Hits

Someone with way too much time on his hands does us the favor of putting together the best hits of 2005-06. Here's to people with too much time on their hands! He has some other videos worth watching. Including a different Eric Lindros singlehandedly playing keepayway from three Russians including Darius Kasparaitis. Sometimes you forget how dominating The Big-E was.

Posted by aetchells at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)

Non-playoff Tidbits

Elias, Devils eager to negotiate

Patrik Elias wants to remain in New Jersey and the Devils want him back. But he's prepared to explore free agency if need be.
Elias, 30, is eligible to become a free agent on July 1.
"If it's right, I want to stay, obviously," he said. "It's just that I'm in a situation where I can take advantage of it, but we'll see.

Will Hasek return to Sens? Murray not so warm to idea

Senators coach Bryan Murray told reporters Monday that he believes it's time for the team to "move on" from Dominik Hasek next season.

Niittymaki suffered groin tear in Latvia

Flyers goalie Antero Niittymaki is expected to arrive in Philadelphia tonight and see the team's orthopedic doctor, Bill DeLong at Temple Sports Medicine, tomorrow.

Posted by aetchells at 10:57 AM | Comments (0)

Week 8 Standings

WSC remains in first, Ducks drop to fourth.
Team W L T Pts
wsc_pennant.gif 6 2 0 12
wetas_pennant.gif 5 3 0 10
hoseheads_pennant.gif 4 3 1 9
wood_ducks_pennant.gif 3 3 2 8
darkness_pennant.gif 2 5 1 5
chiefs_pennant.gif 2 6 0 4

Posted by aetchells at 10:39 AM | Comments (8)

Hoseheads, WSC Win

5FINAL   9 FINAL
4 1

Posted by aetchells at 09:48 AM | Comments (1)

May 16, 2006

A Special Wood Duck Invite

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Here's the Wood Ducks own special invite to the Memorial Day tournament.

wood_duck_invite.gif

Posted by aetchells at 03:08 PM | Comments (13)

Boozin in the City?

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Any of you punk asses interested in boozing it up in the city this Saturday? Seems like a good idea to me.
I was thinking of hitting up Leo at Grace Tavern among other places. In other words, a typical Saturday for me. But hey, sometimes I like company.

Posted by aetchells at 12:39 PM | Comments (3)

USA Surprises Czechs

Pens' Malone leads USA past Czechs at worlds

The Pittsburgh Penguins' Ryan Malone scored a goal and set up another in an impressive United States victory over the Czech Republic that closed out second round play at the ice hockey world championship on Tuesday.
The 3-1 victory gives Canada the top spot in Group E. In the quarterfinals Russia will meet the Czech Republic, the defending champions, while Sweden will face off against the United States and Finland takes on Belarus.

Posted by aetchells at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

No Playoffs Last Night Or Tonight

stanley_cup_playoffs_2006.gifGretzky impressed by Oilers

Phoenix Coyotes head coach Wayne Gretzky could be excused for cheering on the Edmonton Oilers.
Gretzky, who won four Stanley Cups in Edmonton, would never openly admit to rooting for the Oilers, but certainly admires how they've performed in this year's playoffs.
"They're fast, they're explosive, they play hard, they play gritty," Gretzky told Pierre LeBrun of Canadian Press.

San Jose mayor apologizes for anthem booing

San Jose's mayor apologized Monday for the behavior of Sharks fans who loudly booed the Canadian national anthem before Game 5 of the second-round playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers. "This showed a lack of respect to our Canadian neighbors, to the players of both teams, and to our own residents," Mayor Ron Gonzales said.

Will break benefit Connolly, Kalinin? Sabres unsure

Coach Lindy Ruff gave his Buffalo Sabres a rare two-day break, which is much-needed, for a Sabres team that's a little banged up and can use all the rest it can get in preparing to face the second-seeded Hurricanes in the East finals.

Posted by aetchells at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

Flyers Still Getting Hurt

carter_niiti.jpgNiittymaki hurt at worlds after Carter burns him

Jeff Carter beat Flyers teammate Antero Niittymaki for two shorthanded goals, leading Canada past Finland, 4-2, and into first place in Group E at hockey's world championships yesterday in Riga, Latvia.
Niittymaki left the ice for good midway through second period because of an apparent groin pull. He had the top save percentage in the tournament entering the game.

Forsberg has first ankle operation

Philadelphia Flyers center Peter Forsberg underwent a three-hour operation on his right ankle Monday to have torn ligaments repaired and several bones realigned.

Posted by aetchells at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)

Wetas Squeak Out Win

4 Final   
3

Posted by aetchells at 02:51 AM | Comments (2)

May 15, 2006

Canes Ravage Jersey, FEMA Does Nothing

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Now, bring on Buffalo

The Hurricanes closed out the New Jersey Devils in five games Sunday with a 4-1 win on home ice, moving on to the Eastern Conference finals against Buffalo with a win in front of fans who know about Final Fours. But this time, it's the NHL variety.

Devs can't find solution, bow out

After taking an early lead, the Devils were overcome by the energized 'Canes. Devils done in 5.

Ward basks, Brodeur packs

As he lined up to shake the hand of Hurricanes rookie goaltender Cam Ward last night, Martin Brodeur felt a tinge of nostalgia.
Brodeur knows the joy Ward is feeling at this early stage of his career by reaching the Eastern Conference finals. He went through the same euphoria as a Devils rookie in 1994.
"I wished him luck," Brodeur said. "This is a great time in a young guy's life. I knew he looked up to me as a youngster. A lot of guys said nice things to me when I was young."

sharks_oilers_gm5.png

Oilers finally deliver on road

So much for home-ice advantage at the Shark Tank. After blowing that myth wide open with a four-goal third period to defeat San Jose 6-3, the Edmonton Oilers can clinch the Western Conference semifinal series at home. Win at Rexall Place on Wednesday and the Oilers advance to the Western Conference finals for the first time in 14 years.

Purdy: Hard to envision series going as far as Game 7

The Sharks are not just in trouble. They are also in international distress. They are heading back to Canada for the next -- and likely final -- game of this playoff series. Because after their 6-3 loss Sunday to the Edmonton Oilers, the Sharks will be flying north as a team that in no way resembles the confident group that won eight of nine games to close out the regular season, then won six of its first seven postseason starts.

Posted by aetchells at 10:34 AM | Comments (0)

May 14, 2006

Wood Duck Winners

The foursome of Brnich, Quenzer, Pat, and Arthur Orr won the 2nd Annual Wood Duck Open with a score of 6 under. And for the next year they'll be known as the ultimate Aix sponsa.

Posted by aetchells at 09:05 AM | Comments (1)

May 12, 2006

This Week's Sign of the Apocolypse

You Got Juiced

In a scene from his new candid-camera program "Juiced," O.J. Simpson pulls a prank involving the infamous white Bronco, drawing criticism from the family of a man he was accused of killing.
As part of the pay-per-view show, Simpson pretends to sell the Bronco at a used car lot and boasts to a prospective buyer that he made the vehicle famous, according to a segment aired Thursday on "Inside Edition."
"It was good for me -- it helped me get away," Simpson said, referring to the slow-speed, televised police chase that preceded his 1994 arrest on charges of murdering his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman.

Posted by aetchells at 06:06 PM | Comments (0)

Oilers Relieved To Not Be Down 3-0

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Tonight on OLN NHL.com: San Jose at Edmonton

Posted by aetchells at 05:19 PM | Comments (0)

Got Something to Tell Barry?

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Fans On Bonds

Posted by aetchells at 04:39 PM | Comments (1)

Wood Duck Foursomes (Updated)

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We will be using a scramble format, everyone’s drive must be used 3 times, we are on the honor system. Is there anyone we forgot?

12:15 PM
Jones
Gunning
Brett
Yashin

12:30 PM
Bernie
Kevin Dowell
Jenkins
Berkery

12:45 PM
Carter
“Lou”
Hockey Bob
Atrain

1:00 PM
Brnich
Quenzer
Pat McDonald
Arthur Orr

Posted by aetchells at 03:23 PM | Comments (5)

Leafs Get New Coach

Paul Maurice hired to guide Maple Leafs back to playoffs

Paul Maurice was hired Friday as coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who finished ninth in the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs the first time since the 1997-98 season.

Tocchet in limbo over alleged acts

With great fanfare, New Jersey law enforcement three months ago accused Coyotes associate coach Rick Tocchet of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy.
During a news conference, the high-profile investigation was dubbed "Operation Slap Shot" because of its alleged ties to the National Hockey League. There also were rumors that the case was connected to organized crime.
But since then, Tocchet still is waiting his day in court.
The New Jersey Attorney General's Office has yet to obtain an indictment, and officials there are mum on when - or if - Tocchet will be charged with a crime.

Umberger returns from worlds complaining of dizziness
Flyers forward R.J. Umberger is apparently suffering from concussion-like symptoms and has withdrawn from the hockey world championships in Latvia.

Posted by aetchells at 03:08 PM | Comments (1)

Being Stanley

the_trophies.jpg
Check out BeingStanley.com, a well animated series of shorts on the humble beginnings of Stanley. Now he's everyone's favorite trophy, turns out it didn't start that way.

Posted by aetchells at 02:57 PM | Comments (0)

Who wore this helmet?

unique_helmet.jpg
This sixteen year NHL vet was as famous for this helmet as he was for the Cups he won.
Story goes he was given the helmet when he was twelve years old and he wore it through his entire professional career.
Can you name the NHLer?

To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:

Long time Islander Butch Goring.

Posted by aetchells at 11:18 AM | Comments (14)

Playoff Pool

Can anyone stop the A-Train? He's in first with 128 points and an amazing 13 players left.
Points Players Left
Atrain 128 13
The Hoagies 121 8
LJ's Team 115 11
RD Bradbury 114 7
Klams (Karlbrad) 112 10
Art's Gourmet Shots 108 8
Miller Life Allstars (Mark H.) 105 10
Charlie's Horse  jones 103 10
McGretzky 103 8
Golin 95 8
Denny Philly Fakeouts 95 7
Deaner 95 7
ZDALDO 91 6
Bern Fiyah 88 5

Posted by aetchells at 10:38 AM | Comments (4)

Avalanche Lay Egg, Sens Survive

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A sweeping success
Four Ducks in a Row
Forsberg exit still rings hollow

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NOT SO FAST
Sens catch Sabres taking a deep breath
At last, they fought back

Posted by aetchells at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

May 11, 2006

OLN Playoff Doubleheader

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NHL.com: Ottawa at Buffalo
No Hasek for Sens in Game 4

NHL.com: Ahaheim at Colorado
Ducks are loosey-goosey

Posted by aetchells at 04:36 PM | Comments (0)

It Was 36 Years Ago

Orr's diving goal one for the ages

While we're reveling in the Stanley Cup playoffs, enjoying every hit and every overtime session, it's about time for a flashback.
On this Wednesday 36 years ago, Orr (and a photographer) gave hockey fans one of the most famous goals in NHL history.
View the image

Posted by aetchells at 04:32 PM | Comments (10)

Bad Math?

Forsberg to miss half of next season
Still not sure I get how Forsberg misses half the NHL season if he needs two surgies that take 4-6 weeks of rehab each.
But suddenly $11.5 million for 100 games max isn't seeming like a bargain.

Posted by aetchells at 03:47 PM | Comments (2)

Only Oilers Avoid 3-0

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Oilers win in triple OT to trim Sharks lead to 2-1
Oilers bite back in triple OT
Alive 'n' Kickin'
Woooooooo Hooooooo!!!!

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Swamp Doesn't Help Devils as they fall down 3-0 to Carolina
Pushed to the brink
Devils out of sorts, and Canes in control

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Sabres Put Strangle Hold On Sens, Lead 3-0
Sabres' first-responders enjoy 3-0 lead
Hasek starring as drama king

Posted by aetchells at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)

Crazy Bastard

Iob, other players disciplined for fight

Italy's Tony Iob was suspended from the world ice hockey championships on Thursday for his part in a fight near the end of a preliminary round game against Ukraine.
The International Ice Hockey Federation hit Iob with a three-game ban, effectively ending his world championships, for attacking Ukraine's Sergi Klymenitiev in the corridor of Skonto Arena after they were ejected from Wednesday's game.
Klymenitiev has been handed a two-game ban while the IIHF said Iob faces possible further sanctions.
The Italian was suspended from the 2002 world championships in Sweden for elbowing a Swiss player in the head, knocking him unconscious, and was later banned from the 2003 worlds.
Canadian-born Iob, a ninth round Buffalo Sabres draft pick in 1991, has been involved in a long list of disturbing episodes throughout a career spent primarily in European leagues.
The most bizarre incident occurred in the 1994 Italian league season when Iob picked up a lighter from the debris thrown on the ice during a bench clearing brawl and grabbed an opponent's jersey before attempting to set him on fire.
During his junior hockey career, Iob was charged for assault with a weapon after a fan was hit with a stick near the penalty box during a game.

Posted by aetchells at 10:01 AM | Comments (3)

Memorial Day Party

Carmen's having a party!

When: Sunday May 28, 2006
Time: 3PM to Whenever
Location: Carmen's House
Address: 1550 Franklin St.Kulpsville, PA 19443

Carmen's address does not register in Mapquest. But it looks like you can get directions using Microsoft's Virtual Earth. Look for the intersection of Sumneytown Pike and Bustard Rd. As you enlarge the map all the way you can see the intersection. Franklin St. is just South on Bustard Rd.
Horseshoes, beer-pong, Kensington horseshoes. If anyone want to bring something else like wiffle ball or anything feel free.
All are invited. Penguins, Rams, other teams, whomever. Beer will be supplied. If everyone can bring some sort of side dishes, or chips, dip, desserts, napkins, paper plates, cups, whatever it would be appreciated. Carmen will try to get a better idea of how many people will be there and let people know. Please let him know if you are coming and what you will be bringing.
If anyone has any questions give Carmen a call--- Carmen’s Cell- 215-787-8215

Posted by aetchells at 09:46 AM | Comments (0)

May 10, 2006

Three Games Tonight

San Jose at Edmonton, San Jose up 2-0
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Oilers return home facing 0-2 series deficit vs. Sharks
Oilers trying to rival Flames with nude chick sites (NSFW)

Ottawa at Buffalo, Buffalo leads 2-0
Sabres lose Connolly, Kalinin for Game 3
Burnside: It's time to get to know the Sabres
Hasek practices, still no timetable for return

Carolina at New Jersey, Carolina leads the series 2-0
Devils can look to 'Canes for encouragement
Devils won't look back

Posted by aetchells at 04:26 PM | Comments (1)

Fourteen

Putting the Humpty Dumpty Flyers back together again!

Just how broken were the Philadelphia Flyers? They gave absolutely no effort in their elimination game against the Sabres and it seems they had practically none to give.
According to the Courier Post Online, 14 players on the Flyers will be having surgeries this month. 14!!! The Sabres are a good team, but very fortunate that they faced a Flyers team that was so wrecked that they couldn't play anywhere near their full potential.

Posted by aetchells at 04:10 PM | Comments (0)

Odds & Ends

Team Canada edges U.S. at worlds

Team Canada's kids may be hogging all the headlines at the 2006 world hockey championship in Riga, Latvia, but veteran Brendan Shanahan is making sure they get the victories.
Shanahan, 37, scored the winning goal in the third period to give the Canadians a 2-1 win over the United States on Tuesday.

Flyers add Gagne, Primeau to list of players needing surgery

When the Flyers' season ended last week, the team announced that seven players were scheduled to have surgery.
Forwards Simon Gagne and Keith Primeau were not among them.
But Gagne is scheduled to have surgery today to repair a torn labrum in his right hip and to have bone spurs removed, the team announced.

Jagr has surgery to repair dislocated left shoulder; Koivu on mend

New York Rangers forward Jaromir Jagr had his dislocated left shoulder surgically repaired Monday and the team expects him to be ready to play in time for next season.
Jagr will begin rehabilitation this week, the Rangers said.

Kasparaitis latest Rangers player to go under knife

Darius Kasparaitis is the latest New York Ranger to need shoulder surgery.
The Rangers announced Tuesday that the Russian defenseman will undergo surgery to repair a tear in his labrum on Wednesday.

Buccigross: Rave review and the second round

John Buccigross fared well through the first round, but how will his picks stand up for the conference semifinals? Only time will tell.

Posted by aetchells at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)

Ducks Leave Avs Gasping

lupol_scores.jpg
Ducks flying a Mile High

Perhaps by Thursday night, when the Mighty Ducks will have an opportunity to sweep the Colorado Avalanche out of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Pepsi Center public-address announcer will have learned how to pronounce Joffrey Lupul's first name.
Lupul, a.k.a. "Jeffrey" in these parts, turned in a career night, scoring all four Ducks goals, including the winner 16:30 into overtime, as the Ducks beat Colorado, 4-3, to take a 3-0 series lead in their Western Conference semifinal.


Avs can't close Lupul
The Colorado Avalanche received some home support Tuesday night during Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinal playoff series at the Pepsi Center. Anaheim's Joffrey Lupul scored four goals, including the winner in overtime, as the Mighty Ducks won to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series. Game 4 is Thursday.

Glory days now distant memory

The banners of the golden age of hockey in Colorado now gather dust in the arena. It's all over for the Avalanche except the wistful tears of nostalgia. Look toward the ceiling of the Pepsi Center and wonder where the good times went.

Posted by aetchells at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)

Week 7 Standings

WSC leapfrogs to the top of the Spring League standings. The Wood Ducks sweep of the Wetas moves the Ducsk into second.
Team W L T Pts
wsc_pennant.gif 5 2 0 10
wood_ducks_pennant.gif 3 2 2 8
wetas_pennant.gif 4 3 0 8
hoseheads_pennant.gif 3 3 1 7
darkness_pennant.gif 2 4 1 5
chiefs_pennant.gif 2 5 0 4

Posted by aetchells at 10:03 AM | Comments (1)

Booty Melts Down And Ducks End Weta Streak

1FINAL   3 FINAL
3 2

You're my f***ing problem! You!

- Booty

Posted by aetchells at 07:31 AM | Comments (12)

May 09, 2006

Wood Ducks Take Kensington Queen Off Waivers

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Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, Jenks makes his debut tonight with the Wood Ducks. Will he help them in the first three periods, or just the fourth?

Posted by aetchells at 03:39 PM | Comments (2)

Darkness Falls

8 Final   
6
Hockey Bob reports: Darkness lost 8-6, the final goal was an empty netter, It was garbage goal heaven. Heron played a good game and had a couple of sweet goals Carter had three nice ones all the rest were trash it was 2-2 in the first four minutes.

Posted by aetchells at 12:36 PM | Comments (0)

Sharks Out Muscle Oilers

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Thornton's first playoff goal has Sharks up 2-0
Beating Edmonton in Game 2 on Monday had a familiar look to it for the Sharks, except for one major wrinkle: Joe Thornton bagged his first playoff goal as a Shark, and it held up as the winner in the 2-1 victory.

Edmonton muscles up; Sharks don't knuckle under

Another night, another bunch of body blows. The Edmonton Oilers made their wicked intentions known at Monday's opening faceoff. Standing on the rim of the circle, wearing his white road uniform and an ominous expression, was Georges Laraque.

Lacking skaters and sticks, Sharks keep Oilers out

It started out as a 5-on-3 disadvantage for the Sharks and it got worse from there. Much worse.
Scott Hannan broke his stick. Mark Smith did the same. And for nearly 40 seconds, Kyle McLaren was the only San Jose skater fully armed for the task at hand.
Yet somehow the three -- who were on the ice the entire 1:41 that the Sharks were down two men -- and goalie Vesa Toskala managed to kill off the two penalties and protect a one-goal lead.

Uh oh . . .

It has to be said: San Jose is a good team. A really good team. Their forwards can fly, and when they get possession in deep they are awfully tough to move off the puck. Better than their puck possession, though, is how well they all move without the puck; they are always attacking the net. If I didn't hate them so much I'd probably really enjoy watching them.

Posted by aetchells at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)

Sabres Stun Sens

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Miller stops 43 and Sabres head home with 2-0 lead Show-stopper
The Buffalo Sabres were exhausted. They were bruised. They could hardly keep their bodies upright. But they had enough energy to do one last thing. After the final buzzer sounded, the players quickly skated to the crease to congratulate goaltender Ryan Miller.

A team of will again finds a way

These Sabres are nothing if they're not all heart.
What other mountains can they possibly be made to climb? The Sabres lost Connolly, their leading playoff scorer, to a ferocious hit administered 21 seconds into his first shift. Center Paul Gaustad and defenseman Dmitri Kalinin went to the locker room for a spell with third-period injuries. Chris Drury and Mike Grier were hobbled. Power-play opportunities were weighted 7-3 in Ottawa's favor. A fluke delay-of-game penalty against defenseman Henrik Tallinder gave the Sens a 6-4 advantage on the attack for the final 15.9 seconds. What next? Force Miller to play blindfolded?

Senators in dire straits

Like their many fans, the Ottawa Senators will be scratching theirs heads today, trying to figure out how they could so badly outplay the Buffalo Sabres, but still lose.
They won't have to look hard for an answer: Two mistakes.
The Senators made more than just two, of course, still looking nervous from their goof-filled performance on Friday. But that was all the Sabres needed.

Posted by aetchells at 10:38 AM | Comments (0)

Devils Win, No Wait, Wow!

canes_alt.gifCanes Stun Devils, go up 2-0.
Rebirth at the RBC

Carolina appears finished after the Devils' Scott Gomez scores with 20.7 seconds left in regulation, but Eric Staal nets the tying goal with three seconds remaining and Niclas Wallin wins the game 3-2 in overtime.

Devils disintegrate in the end

The Devils might have seen their entire season crumble in one stunning loss.
Three seconds away from tying the best-of-seven Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Carolina Hurricanes at one game apiece, coach Lou Lamoriello's dazed players must now find a way to bounce back from a defeat none of them thought was possible.

Caniacs aren't brainiacs

Now, as the Hurricanes march deeper into the playoffs, every Canes-hater in North America is using the team's Sun Belt location to lampoon its fan base.
So are we really hockey neophytes who should stick to watching college hoops and NASCAR?
Using an approach that can only be described as highly unscientific, we decided to test the hockey IQ of diehard Canes fans tailgating outside the RBC Center on Monday evening. The method: a three-part quiz on hockey trivia that any Canadian worth his breezers would know.

Posted by aetchells at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)

May 08, 2006

Richards Named Alternate For Worlds

Richards and Carter look for more success with Team Canada at worlds

Success has been like a shadow for Mike Richards.
Just 21, Richards has already won a Memorial Cup with the OHL's Kitchener Rangers, Calder Cup with the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms and gold medal while serving as captain of the 2005 world junior team.
His latest challenge is this year's IIHF world hockey championship, where he's been named an alternate captain with Team Canada and will be relied on to help get another team to the top.

Canadiens captain Saku Koivu undergoes successful eye surgery

Montreal Canadiens captain Saku Koivu is recovering after undergoing successful eye surgery over the weekend.
In a brief statement Monday, the team said doctors repaired a tear in the retina of Koivu's left eye. The surgery was performed by team ophthalmologist John Little and retina specialist Mila Oh at Montreal's Royal Victoria Hospital. Koivu's recovery is expected to last several weeks.

Posted by aetchells at 02:08 PM | Comments (0)

A Statistical Look At Brind Amour's Brilliance

Rock Steady

No other forward comes close to Rod Brind’Amour’s average ice time this postseason. Brind’Amour also has proved to be one of the most dependable faceoff men in the league.

Sabres seek repeat performance

It can't possibly be that crazy again, can it? Surely after two days of practices and meetings designed to tighten their defensive systems, the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators won't come close to the 13-goal explosion they had Friday night.
Then again, why not? The Sabres enter Game Two of their Eastern Conference semifinal tonight determined to get more scoring chances. The Senators, while hoping to limit mistakes, want to keep up their frenetic offensive pace.

Finishing the job

The San Jose Sharks hit the Edmonton Oilers like the visitors had stolen something.
In the second period last night in San Jose, the Oilers were hammered at every turn, finished at every check, hit at every opportunity.
They were even hit by their own players as Jason Smith inadvertently laid out Michael Peca at the blue line.

Posted by aetchells at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)

Name the player

This Hall of Famer has won three Stanley Cups. He turned pro rather than have a chance with the 1980 US Olympic Hockey Team. He was the first American born player to score 500 goals in the NHL. Name him.

To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:
Yes, Joe Mullen is the man described above. Joe and his brother Brian grew up in the Hells Kitchen section of New York learning to play hockey on roller skates, not strapping on ice skates until they were teenagers. Joe Mullen went on to great success in the NHL managing to win three Stanley Cups over his 16 NHL seasons.

Posted by aetchells at 01:34 PM | Comments (4)

Ducks Go Up Two

Ducks on a mighty shutout streak

Ilya Bryzgalov passed his goaltending partner for the fourth-longest shutout streak in NHL playoff history on Sunday, as the Anaheim Mighty Ducks blanked Colorado, 3-0.
Bryzgalov made 22 saves to record his third consecutive shutout, as the Ducks have now jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal.

Sharks again work magic with a second-period goal

Sunday night, like they have all season and into the playoffs, the Sharks owned the second period. They outscored Edmonton 1-0 on a goal by defenseman Christian Ehrhoff that proved to be the decisive one in San Jose's 2-1 playoff victory.

Posted by aetchells at 10:01 AM | Comments (0)

Malkin Mania - Coming Soon

Dean alerted philadelphiarams.com to these Evgeni Malkin hightlights this morning.
Now will we get to see Malkin in the NHL next season is the big question. There is certainly more optimism on that front since the great Vladislav Tretiak has taken control of the Russian Ice Hockey Federation.
No doubt though, when he gets to the NHL he'll make the Penguins a much better hockey team.

Posted by aetchells at 09:41 AM | Comments (0)

May 05, 2006

Cinco de Mayo

Did you think philadelphiarams.com would not be celebrating Cinco de Mayo today?
Did you expect some pinata graphic at the top of the page?
Maybe the Ram wearing a sombrero?
Or us to take off early, and start downing frozen margaritas till we get brain freeze? Well that was a possibility.
But no, there's only one way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on philadelphiarams.com.
And that's some pictures of our favorite Mexican American....

Jessica Alba!
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Happy Cinco de Mayo.
Past posts of Jessica

Posted by aetchells at 04:11 PM | Comments (5)

Playoff Pool Standings

After One Round here are your standings.
Points Players Left
RD Bradbury 95 7
Atrain 95 13
The Hoagies 94 8
LJ's Team 88 11
Klams (Karlbrad) 88 10
Art's Gourmet Shots 85 8
McGretzky 83 8
Miller Life Allstars (Mark H.) 82 10
Charlie's Horse  jones 79 10
Denny Philly Fakeouts 78 7
Golin 77 8
ZDALDO 74 6
Deaner 73 7
Bern Fiyah 72 5

Posted by aetchells at 10:46 AM | Comments (2)

Yzerman Is No Favre

Yzerman quick to decide plans

Detroit Red Wings Steve Yzerman may confirm as early as next week whether he plans to retire or return for a 21st NHL season.
Yzerman, 40, told reporters Thursday that he has been discussing things with his wife and will make up his mind shortly.
"I'm going to do the best thing for me and the best thing for the team," Yzerman said. "I don't want this to turn into a soap opera or an ordeal."

Pucks don't stop here: Scoring swells in NHL playoffs

Goal scoring is up 33% in the NHL playoffs, adding statistical evidence to the idea that referees are maintaining the regular-season officiating standards.
According to statistics supplied by the league office, 252 goals were scored in the first 43 playoff games this year, compared with 189 in the same number of games in the last playoffs of 2003-04.

Jagr to have surgery, should recover in time for camp

Jaromir Jagr will have surgery on his dislocated left shoulder Monday and is expected to fully recover in time for training camp in September.

Posted by aetchells at 10:33 AM | Comments (0)

Clarke Blames Injuries, Olympics

Clarke has plenty of fixing-up projects to do

"This was one of the worst seasons for me because to me it started falling in January," he said. "You could see all these cracks coming and all of a sudden we're giving up way too many goals, our power play is lousy, our penalty killing is lousy - all of the things that not very good teams do, that's what we were doing."

Forsberg needs surgery; will he miss season's start?

Peter Forsberg has ruled himself out of the World Championship because he needs to have ankle surgery.

Desjardins has hip problem

Eric Desjardins may have looked immobile during the Flyers' short-lived playoff run, but there was a reason. He has a problem with his right hip.

Posted by aetchells at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

May 04, 2006

Thursday Night Hockey

Tonight at 8:45pm. Kevin "I Only Had 3" Dowell and Halligan are in net. Come out and play.
Excercise those Hockey Demons, and we don't mean the Devils!

Posted by aetchells at 02:55 PM | Comments (7)

Embarrassing Moment for Phaneuf

Dion Phaneuf had a great year, nominated for the Calder in a year that included Ovechkin, Crosby, Lundqvist, and a host of others is certainly an honor. But hockey is a humbling sport, as this footage show.

Posted by aetchells at 02:37 PM | Comments (1)

NHL announces awards finalists

NHL announces awards finalists
Not many surpises here; Jaromir Jagr, Miikka Kiprusoff, and Joe Thornton are the finalists for the Hart.

Posted by aetchells at 02:29 PM | Comments (0)

News And Notes

Devils' White still not right

The Devils have had forever to prepare for their second-round series. Still, not all of them are ready.
The status of Colin White - the Devils' top defensive defenseman - remains a question mark. Still resting an injured groin, he couldn't say for certain yesterday whether he'll play Game 1 Saturday at Carolina.

Rangers defenseman Ozolinsh charged with DWI

New York Rangers defenseman Sandis Ozolinsh, who spent time this season in the NHL's substance abuse program, was arrested Wednesday on a drunken driving charge, police said.
While the 33-year-old Ozolinsh was sidelined by a knee injury in late December, he voluntarily entered the league's substance abuse program. The seven-time All-Star was cleared to play on the eve of the Torino Olympics.

Avs' Konowalchuk cleared for next round

Not that long ago, it looked like Steve Konowalchuk's season was over. Then the Colorado Avalanche extended their season by sneaking into the playoffs and upsetting Dallas in the first round. Now Konowalchuk is back, too. The 33-year-old forward -- sidelined since November with a broken right wrist -- returned to practice Wednesday.

Posted by aetchells at 12:21 PM | Comments (0)

Second Round Matchups

Well the first round went as scripted. At least in the East where the top seeds moved on, but the West skipped that memo as the 5, 6, 7 and 8 seeds all advanced. Just craziness.

Well round two starts Friday night as Buffalo visits Ottawa and Anaheim entertains Colorado .

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1. Ottawa vs. 4. Buffalo
2. Carolina vs. 3. New Jersey

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5. San Jose vs. 8. Edmonton
6. Anaheim vs. 7. Colorado

Posted by aetchells at 10:41 AM | Comments (1)

Ducks Win - Hockey World Has To Learn How To Spell Bryzgalov

Ducks snuff Flames in Game 7

The Anaheim Mighty Ducks have denied Canadian hockey fans the Battle of Alberta by winning their war with the Calgary Flames.
Ilya Bryzgalov totalled 22 saves in backstopping the Anaheim Mighty Ducks to a 3-0 triumph over the Flames in decisive Game 7 of their opening-round playoff series at the Pengrowth Saddledome on Wednesday.
"It stings," Flames captain Jarome Iginla said. "They took it from us."

Posted by aetchells at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)

May 03, 2006

Operation Slapshot Video Now Available

That's right, you've seen the trailer, but now check out the full Operation Slapshot film online!
From the Wieners Circle to the Bronze medal, check out the video of the Lagerheads in Chicago.


You can view the video full screen or download the video from here.
Special shout out to Bern Fiyah who did most of the video taping and all of the editing.

Posted by aetchells at 02:58 PM | Comments (3)

Nothing Beats Game Seven

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Game 7 preview: Anaheim at Calgary
The first round's lone Game 7 takes place tonight when the Calgary Flames welcome the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim to the Saddledome to decide their Western Conference quarterfinal set, a game seen on OLN at 9 p.m. ET.

Bryzgalov stays loose

Goalie could start tonight.
Miikka Kiprusoff's ability to remain cool under pressure is well documented.
But Anaheim goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov takes it a step further.
Teammate Teemu Selanne has never seen anything like it.
Thrown into the series as the Game 6 starter after J-S Giguere faltered, Bryzgalov stopped Selanne before the opening faceoff and told him to smile and have some fun.

Flames coach criticizes officials' work in series

Calgary Flames coach and general manager Darryl Sutter went on the offensive Tuesday, the eve of tonight's seventh game in his club's opening-round playoff series against the Mighty Ducks.
Seeking a shift in a trend that has resulted in the Ducks receiving more power-play opportunities than the Flames in each of the past four games, Sutter made clear his frustration with the officiating.

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Also on OLN Tonight::: 8PM

Celebrate sport's greatest championship trophy, and the men who fight valiantly and heroically to raise it in the air year-after-year! Narrated by Denis Leary, Lord Stanley's Cup, captures the excitement and thrill of the NHL's annual payoff chase for the Stanley Cup, through classic highlights, rare behind-the-scenes footage, and the inside stories of recent hockey champions.

Posted by aetchells at 02:40 PM | Comments (0)

Any Cap Room?

Well with the body not even cold yet it's obvious the Flyers need to revamp their squad. With some good young talent that will hopefully not be too difficult, but what ccan be done with the $7 million owed Rathje and Hatcher? The Flyers have just over $30 million on the books for next season. For a complete look check out TSN's Payroll Tracker.

Posted by aetchells at 11:47 AM | Comments (0)

No Need To Keep Nedved

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We Hear...
THAT swimsuit model Veronica Varekova celebrated her divorce from hockey player Petr Nedved by getting cozy with Italian movie producer Valerio Morabito at Downtown Cipriani.

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Posted by aetchells at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

Playoff Pool Stats Updated

With the first round of the playoffs almost behind us there is starting to be some separation in the pack. Those who liked the idea of Red Wings and Flyers final are particularly feeling it.
Points Players Left
RD Bradbury 95 7
The Hoagies 94 9
Atrain 93 13
LJ's Team 88 13
Klams (Karlbrad) 88 10
Art's Gourmet Shots 85 10
McGretzky 83 8
Miller Life Allstars (Mark H.) 81 10
Charlie's Horse  jones 79 10
Denny Philly Fakeouts 78 8
Golin 76 8
ZDALDO 73 6
Deaner 72 7
Bern Fiyah 72 5

Posted by aetchells at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)

Canes Oust Habs

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Canes' comeback a reality
After losing the first two games of the series, Carolina wins four straight -- all by one goal, two in overtime -- and eliminates Montreal in six. The Hurricanes face the Devils in the next round.

Overtime heartbreak for Habs

Stillman ousts Canadiens from playoffs. Hurricanes 2, Canadiens 1 Fan favourite Huet deserved better fate after three periods of heroics.

Fans drown sorrows

"It was the tightest game of the season," said Felix Morin, 23, as he sipped from a bottle of beer at La Cage Aux Sports, a bar at the Bell Centre. "The (Hurricanes) goalie (Cam Ward) made three unbelievable saves."
Morin, who had a rinkside seat at the game, said the Canadiens had rested on their laurels after winning the first two games of the series

Posted by aetchells at 10:11 AM | Comments (0)

Wheels Came Off

'New NHL' Sabres teach harsh lesson

Buffalo cocaptain Daniel Briere came out for the third period, noticed that more than half the Wachovia Center had already emptied, and realized all the chasing the Flyers did trying to catch up to the speedier Sabres during the first-round Eastern Conference playoff series was over.

Esche gets rise out of fans

Three years ago when the Flyers packed up their sticks and skates after being eliminated by Ottawa, their goaltender at the time was left to shake his head and lament.
"I don't know why they hate me," Roman Cechmanek said of the fans who littered him with boos after giving up one too many easy goals.
So it was strange last night in the City of Brotherly Disdain to hear a frustrated crowd stand up and cheer as Robert Esche left the game in the second period, the scoreboard at the time reading an ugly 5-0.
But while fans here might be cranky, they are not stupid and as the blame game, otherwise known as the offseason, begins for the Flyers, the one guy who gets a pass is Esche.

Clarke's turn to right his wrongs

However good his intentions, and however bad his team's luck with injuries, there is plenty of truth in the shorthand. Clarke got them in this position and it is Clarke's job to get them out of it, salary cap or no salary cap.
No one can talk about the coach or the goaltender, two of Philadelphia's hardiest perennials when things go bad around the Flyers. Not this time; no way, no how. There is nowhere else to look but at the general manager.

Full Speed Ahead

All the Buffalo Sabres wanted was a road victory. They would have settled for a tight contest, a one- or two-goal margin.
They didn't anticipate total domination.
Sabres co-captain Daniel Briere looked around the Wachovia Center in the second period of Game Six on Tuesday night and had to feel a strong sense of satisfaction. The Philadelphia Flyers' home, renowned for its notorious fans, felt more like a mausoleum.
"It went from being one of the loudest buildings to being very quiet," Briere said.

Posted by aetchells at 09:56 AM | Comments (0)

Week 6 Standings

Don't look now, but the Wetas have won four in a row.
Team W L T Pts
Wetas 4 2 0 8
WSC 4 2 0 8
Ducks 2 2 2 6
Darkness 2 3 1 5
Hoseheads 2 3 1 5
Chiefs 2 4 0 4

Posted by aetchells at 01:24 AM | Comments (2)

May 02, 2006

Wetas Continue Hot; Chiefs, Not So Much

3FINAL   6 FINAL
7 4

Posted by aetchells at 10:38 PM | Comments (10)

Carolina fans well served by IdiotStix

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I get the feeling this guy doesn't really like ThunderStix.

We're very sorry, pretzels & prawns, but we take back all the nice things we said about Carolina and the Hurricanes.
We were wrong. Hockey doesn't belong in Carolina because the fans and the people who run the Hurricanes organization are a bunch of lobotomized basketball-loving cretins who wouldn't know an icing call from a spear to the ribs.
They don't deserve Eric Staal, they don't deserve Erik Cole, they don't deserve Rod Brind'Amour, they don't deserve Cam Ward - but they do deserve a shot of tobacco juice right in the eye.
Why? Because last night, the RBC Centre (may an earthquake swallow it up) became Carolina's version of hell on Earth. Why? Because the powers that be in their infinite stupidity decided to pass out IdiotStix to the crowd.

Posted by aetchells at 02:00 PM | Comments (2)

Flyers Try To Figure Out Selves, Sabres

A call for reinFORSments

KEN HITCHCOCK doesn't like the idea that this series swings on the play of one player.
He would rather not have people thinking that the balance of the Flyers' season rests on how Peter Forsberg plays tonight against the Buffalo Sabres. He especially does not want the rest of his players thinking that.
But the coach understands the thinking, and he believes it's a fair assessment. And with the Sabres leading the Eastern Conference quarterfinals, 3-2, he knows that's what people will be looking for in Game 6 at the Wachovia Center.

Sabres are out to finish the job

The Buffalo Sabres know the odds are in their favor.
They have two shots to beat a team against which they've had adequate success, and if the Sabres fail the first time, they get to try again at home, sweet home.
The Philadelphia Flyers can only pray the Sabres are feeling cozy heading into Game Six of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals tonight in the Wachovia Center. The Sabres are ahead, three games to two, in the best-of-seven series.

Tim Panaccio - Deja Vu All Over Again

It’s May 2 and I am still hearing the same quotes in the Flyers dressing room that I heard back in February and March and April after losses in which the team began the game listless, without energy or purpose.
There is something fundamentally wrong with this team that has to be addressed in the off-season. Why the club responds poor after winning and better after losing and why every first period of every game is one where the team “wades” into the game, as coach Ken Hitchcock calls in, instead of diving in.
There’s a character flaw to this Flyers club that is impossible to define or fix right now. We’re gonna have to wait until the off-season to address it.

Posted by aetchells at 12:08 PM | Comments (0)

Carolina at Montreal - No Koivu for Habs

Bigger stage suits Staal

Eric Staal is helping the team as much as anyone right now as the Canes head north with a chance to close out the Montreal Canadiens tonight in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. The Canes lead 3-2 after dropping the first two games of the series at home.


Capt. K's loss leaves leadership void

One by one, on this sun-splashed morning, they walked into this deathly quiet Bell Centre, heads down, shoulders slumped, wearing threads favoured by today's multi-millionaires (jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, long hair and frowns.)
Your Canadiens were there for a noon-time meeting with GM/interim head coach Bob Gainey, secure (well, almost) in the knowledge that tonight's Game 6 with the Carolina Hurricanes is a toss-up between vacation time and seventh heaven.
What might also have been going through the windmills of their minds was that after three consecutive losses following victories on the road in the first two games of this seven-game, first-round series, when does 'L', as in leader, step up.

Posted by aetchells at 11:45 AM | Comments (0)

Oilers Rock Wings

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It's Over
Teetering all game, all series, the collapse finally came, in stunning, legendary fashion. The Red Wings are done, beaten by a feisty Edmonton team and perhaps battered by time. Once in command, the Wings lost it completely and suddenly, surrendering four goals in the third period and falling to the Oilers 4-3 in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series Monday night. This was a shocking ouster, even by the Wings' shocking recent standards, and it had a somber finality to it.

Huge Night for Oilers Fans

Just a huge, huge comeback in the third. Local boy and clutch performer Fernando Pisani sparks the comeback, and everybody's least favourite player yesterday but favourite player today--Hemsky--seals the deal. What else is there?

Luck favors Ducks

The Mighty Ducks were mighty desperate.
And they played that way all game long, outlasting the Calgary Flames last night and eking out a 2-1 victory to force Game 7 in the Western Conference quarter-final series.
Needing a win to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive and overtime just minutes away, the Ducks caught a break when Scott Niedermayer's attempt to centre the puck banked in off Rhett Warrener's skate to break a 1-1 tie.

Posted by aetchells at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)

May 01, 2006

WSC Stops Ducks

3 Final   
5

Posted by aetchells at 11:22 PM | Comments (14)

Headline Needed

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There are so many ways to potentially go with this photo, I'm just opening it up to the wise readers of philadelphiarams.com. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Will Do.

Posted by aetchells at 02:36 PM | Comments (4)

More Cowbell

For those of you who were wondering what Brett's t-shirt was all about.

Posted by aetchells at 02:02 PM | Comments (2)

Conn Smythe Winners

conn_smythe.gifFive times the Conn Smythe Winner for most valuable player during the playoffs has been awarded to a member of the Stanley Cup losing team. Four times it has been a goalie, can you name the only non-goalie to win the award as a loser, and better yet, can you name all five players?

To view the answer drag your mouse cursor across the white space below:
The four goalies are Roger Crozier, 1965; Glenn Hall, 1968; Ron Hextall, 1987; Jean-Sebastien Giguere, 2003. The only non-goalie was Philadelphia Flyer Reggie Leach, who won the Conn Smythe in 1976.

Posted by aetchells at 12:02 PM | Comments (5)

Not The Best Idea

The Red Wings' Dan Cleary thought he'd try and set the tone by taking a flying leap at Chris Pronger. Sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor.

Posted by aetchells at 11:42 AM | Comments (2)

Koivu: No Permanent Damage

Koivu's status in hands of the doctors

Several news sources reported Sunday that Canadiens captain Saku Koivu was released from the hospital Saturday, but has not yet been cleared to play after suffering an eye injury in Wednesday's Game 3 against the Hurricanes.
"Right now, it's in the hands of the doctors," Canadiens coach Bob Gainey told local reporters on Saturday. "Saku has shown some improvement, but it's still a medical issue. It won't become a competitive issue until he's cleared by the doctors."
The Montreal Gazette reported that it doesn't appear that Koivu will suffer any permanent damage to his left eye. Koivu suffered the injury in Game 3 of Montreal's series against Carolina when he took an accidental high stick from Justin Williams.

Blues could go in several directions with first pick

The St. Louis Blues, who own the first pick in the 2006 draft, have a chance to select Erik Johnson, a defenseman who could help the franchise ease the pain of trading Chris Pronger last summer.
Most scouts say Johnson has pulled away from the field in terms of being the most highly-regarded prospect. He's a do-it-all style of defender, someone who can shoot the puck with authority, trigger the offensive rush, clear the front of the crease and punish opposing forwards. He can do what Pronger is doing for Edmonton in this first playoff series.
But the Blues actually have the start of a sound defense with Barret Jackman and Eric Brewer. What they don't have is a star at center.
While the conventional wisdom is that a team should take the best prospect regardless of position, the Blues have to consider that they are trying to win back fans. They could use a dynamic offensive presence like Jonathan Toews, Phil Kessel or Jordan Staal, who is the younger brother of Carolina's Eric Staal.
That's why some teams believe the Blues might consider trading the No. 1 pick, as long as they don't fall out of the top four.

Russian club wants millions from Pens for pick Malkin

The Pittsburgh Penguins must pay millions of dollars if they want to have gifted rookie Evgeni Malkin in their uniform next season, his Russian team says.
Malkin, 19, who plays for Metallurg Magnitogorsk in the Russian Superleague and is widely regarded as the best player outside the NHL, has said he wants to join the North American league.
Malkin was picked second overall in the 2004 draft by the Penguins behind fellow Russian Alexander Ovechkin, who took the NHL by storm this season.

Posted by aetchells at 11:18 AM | Comments (0)

Whatever You Do, Don't Mention The War

dont_mention_the_war.jpgJustin Hawkins to release controversial World Cup song

The Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins is to release his own World Cup anthem - and it's bound to prove controversial.
Going up against Embrace's official Germany 2006 England song 'World At Your Feet', Hawkins has previewed his own song, 'England', under his solo name British Whale.
The star told The Sun newspaper that he thinks England's bid for glory is being undermined by political correctness, with people being too scared to mention the Second World War triumph of 1945.

Posted by aetchells at 09:15 AM | Comments (1)

Playoff Poll Standings

Three Senators and a Devil top the playoffs in scoring and propel the Hoagies into first place. But now that some teams have been eliminated we should really start seeing some separation.
Team Points Players Remaining
The Hoagies 92 13
RD Bradbury 92 13
Atrain 89 14
LJ's Team 87 15
Klams (Karlbrad) 86 15
Art's Gourmet Shots 83 15
McGretzky 80 12
Denny Philly Fakeouts 76 14
Charlie's Horse  jones 76 14
Golin 73 12
Miller Life Allstars (Mark H.) 73 15
ZDALDO 70 13
Deaner 68 12
Bern Fiyah 68 11

Posted by aetchells at 08:25 AM | Comments (0)

Flyers On Cusp of Elimination

Shutout helps Miller forgive and forget

Ryan Miller, goaltender, does postgame self-analysis when they turn on the cameras. After Game 4 of this Flyers-Sabres series the other night, Miller beat himself up over a goal by the Flyers' R.J. Umberger that he should have stopped, a third-period goal that was crucial in the Sabres' 5-4 defeat.

Slow-footed Flyers rattled by speedy Sabres

Buffalo Sabres beat his Flyers, 3-0, yesterday to regain control of this first-round playoff series. "It's not their speed."

Snider backs coach, denying N.Y. story

Ken Hitchcock is going nowhere. Flyers chairman Ed Snider was angry yesterday at suggestions by a New York Post hockey columnist that there was growing friction between Hitchcock and general manager Bob Clarke, and that it might lead to Hitchcock's firing, regardless of what happens in the current playoff series.

Buffalo News web site hasn't been updated yet today. Hard to believe the Flyers are one game away from being eliminated by a team from such a backwards town.

Posted by aetchells at 08:12 AM | Comments (1)

Sharks, Avs Advance

Sharks advance to second round

After beating the Nashville Predators 2-1 in Game 5 Sunday to clinch this opening-round playoff series, the Sharks celebrated their advancement but without any wild jubilation.
``We have our eyes on bigger things, that's for sure,'' said captain Patrick Marleau, whose seventh goal of the playoffs proved to be the clincher.
``This is just the beginning,'' said defenseman Scott Hannan, who led the club in ice time (27 minutes, 24 seconds) and blocked shots (five). ``Gone are the days of us just getting by the first round. We wanted to win tonight to get the rest.''
This is the third time in a row that the Sharks have moved to the second round by ending their first series in five games. They did it in 2002, against Phoenix, and in 2004, against St. Louis.

Avs dismiss Dallas

Andrew Brunette scooped a rebound shot over sprawling goaltender Marty Turco 13:55 into overtime to give Colorado a 3-2 victory today over the Dallas Stars, wrapping up the first-round series in five games.

Ward, Hurricanes stymie Canadiens

Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Cam Ward is making a believer out of the Montreal Canadiens that he is for real.
The 22-year-old rookie once again led the Hurricanes to a 2-1 win over Montreal on Sunday night in Carolina by making several key saves.
The win gives the Hurricanes a 3-2 best-of-seven series lead in the Eastern Conference quarter-finals.

Goalie moves bring saving grace

Bold goaltending decisions have paid off for NHL teams in this postseason, particularly in Edmonton where Dwayne Roloson has the No. 1-seeded Detroit Red Wings on the verge of elimination.
"All you can ask of a goalie is to make key saves when you need them and not to give up a weak goal," Edmonton center Jarret Stoll said. "And he has done that for us the entire series."

Posted by aetchells at 08:05 AM | Comments (0)