The Official MERB 2011-2012 NHL Hockey Thread

[Doc Holliday]

The Bruins have crazy team chemistry, this is what helped them win the Cup last year. They are great at sharing the puck, the way the game is supposed to be played.

The Bruins currently have a near-perfect, very well balanced team: veterans, youth, strong goaltending, very good coaching, toughness, scoring, top defenceman, strong defensively, good special teams, good fan base, etc.

If they remain healthy throughout the season, watch out for them Bruins!

 

[lgna69xxx]

Bruins lost to the Nucks, does this mean no post from Tom Terrific today

 

[Doc Holliday]

Vancouver Canucks dispose of Bruins in Stanley Cup rematch

Henrik Sedin broke a tie with the third of Vancouver's four power-play goals and the Canucks beat the defending champion Boston Bruins 4-3 on Saturday in the first game between the teams since the Stanley Cup finals.

The Bruins won their first title in 39 years by taking the last two games of the seven-game series.

Ryan Kesler lifted the Canucks, who have the NHL's best power play, to a 1-0 lead 5:41 into the first period, but Brad Marchand and Rich Peverley responded for Boston. Alexander Burrows tied it at 15:21 of the second period and Sedin put the Canucks ahead at 19:47.

Vancouver's Cody Hodgson and Boston's David Krejci scored in the first two minutes of the third period.

Boston began the day leading the NHL in goals scored and goals against. Vancouver was the second-highest scoring team and third stingiest.

The Canucks did their scoring against Tim Thomas, their nemesis in the Cup finals when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as most valuable player. He later won the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's top goaltender.

That series sparked bad feelings between the teams.

Boston's Nathan Horton missed the final four games after suffering a concussion in Game 3 on an open-ice hit by Aaron Rome. The Bruins were the much more physical team, pushing stars Henrik and Daniel Sedin around with little response. And Boston fans chanted “Luongo, Luongo” about Vancouver goalie Roberto Luongo, who struggled much of the series and was pulled in the first period of Boston's 5-2 win in Game 6.

They did it again just 1:55 into Saturday's game even though Cory Schneider played goalie the entire game.

About two minutes later, the ill will resurfaced when nine penalties were called during a scrum at the Vancouver bench that ended with Milan Lucic of the Bruins getting a game misconduct for stepping on his bench then leaving it to join the fray.

Boston, which won its previous two home games 8-0 and 9-0, fell behind early when Kesler scored his 11th goal of the season during a two-man advantage. Chris Kelly blocked a shot in front of Thomas, but Kesler got the rebound and connected on a wrist shot from the bottom of the left faceoff circle.

The Canucks took the first seven shots on goal.

Marchand scored his 16th goal a little more than nine minutes later when he cut in front of Schneider and connected on a pass from Patrice Bergeron along the boards.

Daniel Paille missed a penalty shot for the Bruins at 23 seconds of the second period, but Peverley gave them their only lead at 7:12 with his seventh goal on a wrist shot. Burrows tied it when he tipped in Hodgson's shot.

Then came a costly penalty for Boston when Marchand was called for clipping when he hit Sami Salo along the boards, flipping him to the ice. That also drew a game misconduct.

Henrik Sedin, who began the game tied for the NHL scoring lead, took advantage exactly one minute later, scoring his 11th goal when he tipped in Alexander Edler's shot from just above the right circle.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...ey-cup-rematch-against-bruins/article2294980/

 

[Doc Holliday]

Hey guys.......

Leafs beat Detroit Red Wings in wild win

Leaf fans came to the Air Canada Centre Saturday to see their team engage in arguably their biggest test of the season.

This was a major tilt for the Leafs, who have restored the playoff hopes of their followers, against the always excellent Detroit Red Wings.

And though the Leafs gave up a 3-0 lead, Joffrey Lupul scored in the third for a well-earned 4-3 win.

This may have been the game of the year for the Leafs, and Lupul’s goal, his 19th, was the finishing touch on a wonderful display of speed and creativity.

Phil Kessel scored on a penalty shot, one of three goals in the first period — Dion Phaneuf and David Steckel had the others.

That was unexpected, given the Wings’ usual brilliance, but the Leafs overwhelmed the visitors with speed and creativity.

It all went away quickly in the second period. The Leafs were outshot 14-2 and got goals from Todd Bertuzzi and Niklas Kronwall to cut the margin to 3-2.

Jiri Hudler banged in a rebound of a point shot at 4:32 of the third to complete the comeback and set up a tense finish.

But the Leafs found Lupul in the right spot to pick up a fanned clearing attempt from behind the net by Henrik Zetterberg. Lupul stuffed a backhander into the top of the net while Wings goalie Jimmy Howard was on his side and trying to stack his pads.

The Leafs produced their best first period of the season. Just prior to Kessel’s penalty shot, Tim Connolly spotted Kessel streaking up ice and fed him a stretch pass from near the hashmarks in the Leafs zone. Connolly’s pass sent Kessel in alone on Howard. Ex-Leaf Ian White managed to catch up and hooked him in the shooting motion — triggering the penalty shot call.

Kessel sped in on the free shot, stickhandled six times and drew Howard to the ice before stuffing a wrist shot top shelf for his 24th goal of the season.

Phaneuf’s goal, his seventh on the season, came on the power play seven seconds after Zetterberg went off for holding the stick at 8:12.

Phaneuf owns one of the harder, heavier shots in the NHL and he unloaded one off a broken play in the Detroit end that sailed into the top corner. Phaneuf, wearing facial protection after taking a puck off the jaw on Thursday, gave a windmill arm swing after the goal and that sent the fans into a frenzy.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1112196--leafs-earn-wild-win-over-wings

 

[lgna69xxx]

Kessel/Lupul best 1-2 punch in the entire league.

Hey guys.......

Leafs beat Detroit Red Wings in wild win

Leaf fans came to the Air Canada Centre Saturday to see their team engage in arguably their biggest test of the season.

This was a major tilt for the Leafs, who have restored the playoff hopes of their followers, against the always excellent Detroit Red Wings.

And though the Leafs gave up a 3-0 lead, Joffrey Lupul scored in the third for a well-earned 4-3 win.

This may have been the game of the year for the Leafs, and Lupul’s goal, his 19th, was the finishing touch on a wonderful display of speed and creativity.

Phil Kessel scored on a penalty shot, one of three goals in the first period — Dion Phaneuf and David Steckel had the others.

That was unexpected, given the Wings’ usual brilliance, but the Leafs overwhelmed the visitors with speed and creativity.

It all went away quickly in the second period. The Leafs were outshot 14-2 and got goals from Todd Bertuzzi and Niklas Kronwall to cut the margin to 3-2.

Jiri Hudler banged in a rebound of a point shot at 4:32 of the third to complete the comeback and set up a tense finish.

But the Leafs found Lupul in the right spot to pick up a fanned clearing attempt from behind the net by Henrik Zetterberg. Lupul stuffed a backhander into the top of the net while Wings goalie Jimmy Howard was on his side and trying to stack his pads.

The Leafs produced their best first period of the season. Just prior to Kessel’s penalty shot, Tim Connolly spotted Kessel streaking up ice and fed him a stretch pass from near the hashmarks in the Leafs zone. Connolly’s pass sent Kessel in alone on Howard. Ex-Leaf Ian White managed to catch up and hooked him in the shooting motion — triggering the penalty shot call.

Kessel sped in on the free shot, stickhandled six times and drew Howard to the ice before stuffing a wrist shot top shelf for his 24th goal of the season.

Phaneuf’s goal, his seventh on the season, came on the power play seven seconds after Zetterberg went off for holding the stick at 8:12.

Phaneuf owns one of the harder, heavier shots in the NHL and he unloaded one off a broken play in the Detroit end that sailed into the top corner. Phaneuf, wearing facial protection after taking a puck off the jaw on Thursday, gave a windmill arm swing after the goal and that sent the fans into a frenzy.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/leafs/article/1112196--leafs-earn-wild-win-over-wings

 

[joelcairo]

Leaf fans came to the Air Canada Centre Saturday to see their team engage in arguably their biggest test of the season.

This was a major tilt for the Leafs, who have restored the playoff hopes of their followers, against the always excellent Detroit Red Wings.

That was unexpected, given the Wings’ usual brilliance.

Congratulations to the Leafs on their amazing and incredible upset victory. The Leafs beating the great Wings HAS to be the biggest shock in the world of sports thus far in 2012.

 

[lgna69xxx]

Not to Leafs fans. They have been playing good all season, most nights outplaying the other team but not always seeing the results on the scoreboard, so it was nice to see them play a strong game, yet not as strong overall by a older more experienced Detroit team, YET walk away with the 2 points. That was the sign of a good team and now officially as of last night being the youngest team in all of the nhl, thats was a huge win for the "kids". Total Character win and these are huge to a young group fighting to become better. hard work pays off, just ask Kessel and Lupul. Ever since they both decided to play a 200 foot game each night, their offense has took off, and now Grabo is doing the same, actually i have not seen one forward "floating" at all this season. Credit the coaches for some of that but also Kessel, he does not talk much but leads by example, something Boston fans would never of thought possible, well, he has grown up, and finally took the advice of his coaches and it truly shows.

The Leafs beating the great Wings HAS to be the biggest shock in the world of sports thus far in 2012.

 

[joelcairo]

I must admit that Kessel is no longer the Invisible Man. Leafs also did well to get rid of Colton (Not Bobby) Orr, although THAT move broke Burkie's heart since Burkie is an admitted lover of goon hockey.

 

[lgna69xxx]

Burke just does not like RATS!.... and who can take care of the rats?Well, it used to be the Goons, but the league has changed and as long as you have other guys who can police the rats, and have skill, like Phaneuf, Brown, Komiserak, Schenn, and even Aulie, there was no need for Colton anymore, at least at this point of the season. I will say one thing about Detroit, they do not need to play a boston type thug game to win, they have had 6 fighting majors all season, the lowest in the entire NHL.

I must admit that Kessel is no longer the Invisible Man. Leafs also did well to get rid of Colton (Not Bobby) Orr, although THAT move broke Burkie's heart since Burkie is an admitted lover of goon hockey.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Not to Leafs fans. They have been playing good all season, most nights outplaying the other team but not always seeing the results on the scoreboard, so it was nice to see them play a strong game, yet not as strong overall by a older more experienced Detroit team, YET walk away with the 2 points. That was the sign of a good team and now officially as of last night being the youngest team in all of the nhl, thats was a huge win for the "kids". Total Character win and these are huge to a young group fighting to become better. hard work pays off, just ask Kessel and Lupul.

Last night, the youngest team in the NHL played against its oldest team. The younger one won the game. But i'll admit that Detroit appeared overwhelming at times & they'll be tough to beat come playoffs time. Jimmy Howards was very impressive & made many great saves. So did Gustavsson. Add a little more toughness to the Detroit team & they could go all the way to the Cup. This is one of the biggest differences between them and Vancouver: currently the Canucks have much more toughness & this could be the difference-maker on which of those two teams represents the Western Conference in the finals.

Big character win last night for the Leafs, who saw their first period 3-0 lead disappear in the 3rd, only to see the Leafs take the lead for good a few minutes later on Lupul's goal. Komisarek played extremely well in his first game back from injury, and he also played on the left side of the pairing in order to keep Cody Franson in the lineup. Mike Brown looked good out there in his first game back from major back surgery & they both were on the ice to kill penalties & for the final minute of the game.

It was great to see Brett Lawrie, J.P. Arencibia, Ricky Romero & Casey Janssen at the game to encourage their buddies.....Lawrie, Arencibia & Romero are good friends with Tyler Bozak & Colby Armstrong.....even though these two players were also out due to injuries.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I will say one thing about Detroit, they do not need to play a boston type thug game to win, they have had 6 fighting majors all season, the lowest in the entire NHL.

I agree. However, it might come back to haunt them in the playoffs.

 

[lgna69xxx]

Orr to Detroit?

I agree. However, it might come back to haunt them in the playoffs.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Orr to Detroit?

I doubt Detroit would want him, but i'd see a player such as Mike Brown being a better fit due to his speed. Orr likely wouldn't play during the playoffs.

 

[joelcairo]

I doubt Detroit would want him, but i'd see a player such as Mike Brown being a better fit due to his speed. Orr likely wouldn't play during the playoffs.

Right: I'd be astonished if Kenny Holland would ever want a player like Orr. Bertuzzi for example has certainly had a dark side in the past but Bertuzzi also has skill.

 

[Doc Holliday]

I doubt a Canadian team will ever participate in the 'winter classic'. My gut-feeling tells me that the NHL wants two American teams in the classic game in order to attract fans south of the border.

I also doubt the Leafs would ever be one of the teams included as long as Brian Burke is the team's GM. He's always insisted he'd never allow the HBO cameras follow one of his teams. As we know, the HBO series 24/7 and the Winter Classic now go hand-in-hand.

I just read in the Toronto Star that a very well-placed league official has told a reporter that a Leafs/Red Wings participation in the 'winter classic' is a 90% done deal. This announcement came on the heels of last night's well-fought game between these two gargantuans won by the Leafs 4-3. Now the question is: will Brian Burke revise his position in regards to allowing movie cameras within his dressing room & allow the HBO people to follow his team for a month?

Such a game would do wonders for Detroit's struggling economy & holding the game in that 100 000 college football stadium would be huge! I'd expect a sell-out considering all the fans from Toronto & the rest of Ontario would want to attend that game in person.

 

[Doc Holliday]

Two key Penguins out with long-term injuries

The Pittsburgh Penguins received a double dose of bad news on Sunday, as the club learned that forwards Jordan Staal and James Neal are will miss significant time with injuries.

Staal will miss approximately 4-to-6 weeks with a knee injury suffered in Friday's game against New York when he collided with Rangers forward Mike Rupp.

The 23-year-old has totaled 15 goals and 21 points in 34 games this season.

Neal will be lost for "weeks" with a broken foot sustained when he blocked a shot in Saturday's contest against the New Jersey Devils.

A crucial pick-up during last year's injury fiascoes with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, Neal leads Pittsburgh with 21 goals and ranks second in points with 36 over 40 contests.

In addition, Pens head coach Dan Bylsma said that forward Craig Adams, who was injured during practice on Sunday and aggravated a previously unknown injury, will be further evaluated on Monday.

Already without Crosby due to concussion-like symptoms, the Pens have struggled to keep pace in the Atlantic Division, falling to fourth with a 21-15-4 record following a 3-1 home loss to the Devils on Saturday.

http://www.torontosun.com/2012/01/08/staal-neal-out-with-long-term-injuries

 

[Doc Holliday]

Someday, he's going to get it!----------Alain Vigneault on Brad Marchand

It is becoming the most vicious rivalry in hockey, Vancouver Canucks vs. Boston Bruins, and weekend events only aggravated things.

Normally reserved Canucks coach Alain Vigneault was furious Sunday after Bruins forward Brad Marchand was given a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for clipping the Canucks’ Sami Salo in the teams’ Saturday matinee. The veteran defenceman reportedly suffered a concussion on the play.

Marchand faces a possible fine or suspension and has a hearing with the NHL’s chief disciplinarian, Brendan Shanahan, on Monday.

The Canucks capitalized on Marchand’s penalty to score twice and beat the Bruins 4-3 in Boston, where Vancouver failed so badly in last June’s Stanley Cup final. After Saturday’s game, Bruins coach Claude Julien floated the weird theory that the 5-foot-9 Marchand’s low-blow hit on Salo was self-defence.

Vigneault was less than impressed with Julien and Marchand on Sunday, speaking in Florida ahead of the Canucks’ game against the Panthers on Monday.

“That’s stupid,” Vigneault said of Julien’s explanation. “That’s a stupid comment. What Marchand did there, you could end a player’s career doing that.”

Vigneault said the 23-year-old Bruin from Halifax, who pestered and plagued Vancouver last June, could face vigilante retaliation if the NHL doesn’t do something.

“Some day he’s going to get it,” Vigneault said. “Somebody’s going to say, ‘Enough is enough,’ and they’re going to hurt the kid because he plays to hurt players. In my mind, if the league doesn’t take care of it, somebody else will.”

The game – with fans eating breakfast in Vancouver – came alive with agitation, fights, casual brutality, all staples of last June’s Cup final. The Canucks also delivered what they could not last June in Boston: goals.

Emblematic was Henrik Sedin’s power-play goal to put Vancouver up 3-2 near the second-period buzzer, the first of the two decisive tallies on the Marchand major.

Sedin’s goal, a redirection of an Alex Edler slap shot, was the team captain’s retribution for Bruins thuggery in last year’s Cup final. The normally subdued centre thrust his fist and stick skyward at silenced Boston fans.

“I had a lot of emotions,” Sedin said.

The Canucks, often mocked for their perceived lack of brawn, held their own against a violent Bruins side; Vancouver outhit Boston 24-17 and had almost as many penalty minutes (52 compared with Boston’s 55). On the power play, Vancouver went four for 11 – all its goals in the 4-3 win – and shut out Boston on its seven power plays.

“We showed that we shouldn’t stand here after a lot of games and answer those questions [about toughness],” Sedin said.

The win bolsters the Canucks’ position near the top of the NHL standings, as of Sunday led by the New York Rangers. Vancouver is two points up on Boston, but the Bruins have played four fewer games.

Read more:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/spor...it-vigneault-says-of-marchand/article2295466/

 

[Special K]

Here's an interesting article / take on Marchand's hit of Salo. Included are Julien's comments as well.



http://www.daysofyorr.com/2012-articles/january/reviewing-marchands-hit-on-salo.html


Claude Juliens comments here. "We all have our opinions with what is going on with the game and the hits and everything else," said Julien. "All I'm gonna tell you is that, I have always told my players that they need to protect themselves. The last thing I want my players to do is to get hit and then end up with a concussion, and they have to protect themselves.

"Whether it's the right way or the wrong way, it'll depend on how the league looks at it. But I'd rather have a guy take a two-minute penalty than turn his back to the play, stand up straight, and then get his face knocked into the glass, and be out for the rest of the year with a concussion, or maybe end a career, like Savard.

"In my opinion, if guys start protecting themselves the way Marchand did, maybe guys will stop taking runs at other guys."

 

[Doc Holliday]

Claude Juliens comments here. "We all have our opinions with what is going on with the game and the hits and everything else," said Julien. "All I'm gonna tell you is that, I have always told my players that they need to protect themselves. The last thing I want my players to do is to get hit and then end up with a concussion, and they have to protect themselves.

"Whether it's the right way or the wrong way, it'll depend on how the league looks at it. But I'd rather have a guy take a two-minute penalty than turn his back to the play, stand up straight, and then get his face knocked into the glass, and be out for the rest of the year with a concussion, or maybe end a career, like Savard.

"In my opinion, if guys start protecting themselves the way Marchand did, maybe guys will stop taking runs at other guys."

You omitted to say that Claude Julien's nose quadrupled in size during that interview.

 

[evillethings]

strip the skaters of all kevlar enforced equipment, helmets n visors too and strap on the leather and wool padding. the oldtimers said the newage of covered up, players would lead to a generation of plastic goons running around the ice hurting skilled players and i'd have to agree with that.