It all started yesterday with the goalie swap.
I understand that Craig Anderson wasn't performing the sort of Superman heroics this season as he did last season. But does that mean he's not a number one goaltender? No, it doesn't. I maintain that there were a few factors in Anderson's less than stellar season. The first are the knee and groin injuries he had early on in the season. I just don't think he fully regained his timing after coming back. The other thing that I think most people forget is that we have a new goaltending coach this season. Not that I know much about Kirk McLean, but I don't think it's coincidence that we change goaltending coaches and both of our goalies go to hell. I also think that coaching decisions overall played a hand in the turn around. Last year, Sacco would let Anderson work himself out of those situations and Anderson was better for it. This year, Sacco just didn't seem to trust that Anderson could do it.
Not that Peter Budaj is a terrible goaltender, and I don't know enough about Brian Elliot, because the Senators are admittedly a team that I don't follow and truthfully don't care to follow (part of it goes to being a Leafs fan), to know whether or not he's an adequate replacement for Craig Anderson. What I do know is that the last time the Avalanche relied on Peter Budaj to be the number one goaltender, we drafted Matt Duchene 3rd overall and went out and found Craig Anderson. And I still don't care what Joe Sacco says - Peter Budaj is not a number one goaltender and he DOES NOT give that team the best chance to win on any given night. Despite his struggles, Craig Anderson was at least able to make clutch saves when he needed to to either keep the Avalanche in the game or allow them to keep a lead.
As for the Chris Stewart, Kevin Shattenkirk trade ... I'm still trying to decide what I think of this. I understand you have to give up something of value to get something of value, but I'm just not sure that Erik Johnson and Jay McLement are worth a former number 1 draft pick in Stewart and a promising defenseman in Shattenkirk. Although, I suppose the conditional first rounder in either 2011 or 2012 is a good toss in.
It wasn't a surprise that one of Liles, Cumiskey, Hunwick, or Shattenkirk was going to be moved. Cumiskey, by sheer virtue of being injured is guaranteed to stick around through the end of the year. Hunwick hasn't done anything since coming over from Boston that would endear teams to wanting to give anything up for him. And Liles, with his salary and partial no trade clause, makes Shatty sort of the odd man out on that. It sucks to lose both Shatty and Colby Cohen to trade this year, but we do still have a decent crop of defensemen coming up in the system. It's also still possible that another one of our defenseman is moved before the trade deadline. Personally, I think I'm about ready to put John-Michael Liles on lock down.
Needless to say, the next couple of months are going to be long here in Denver, and it's going to be an even longer summer. I'm just hoping that the management, led by yet another accountant turned GM, figure out what they're doing, because right now, it doesn't seem as though they have a plan at all, and if they do, it seems they are grossly over estimating how much guys they are interested in are worth.
Showing posts with label You're going where?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label You're going where?. Show all posts
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
I'm not stuck under something I swear!
I'm taking time from my very busy international starlet schedule to touch base on the best game....yeah, I can't even type that honestly. I've just been lazy but I've watched a lot of hockey in the first month of this fine season and I've seen a lot that I wanna comment on.
Head Shots
There has been an awful lot about shots to the head lately and the issue of preferential treatment. I'm sorry, but if you hit a guy high and he has to go hospital for a concussion, you should miss the same amount of time the injured player does. End of story. No matter who you are or what you intended or not intended to do. That will stop shots to the head. A paltry $2,500 fine will do nothing. Hit them where it hurts - with ice time.
Killing Your Fantasy Team One Injury At A Time!
Some big (and not so big) names are on the shelf and it's really tossing some wrenches into fantasy hockey teams (well yeah, and I guess the NHL clubs they play for).
The latest injuries include Ilya Kovalchuk, Marc Savard, Jonathan Toews, and Sergei Gonchar. Those are some big names. For a complete list of who is banged up, check out Yahoo's Injury Report. There are a LOT of guys there. Now there are also some injured players that (perhaps to my down fall) holding on to for now because I don't want them to slip through my fingers when they come back to their rosters. I'm doing alright in my leagues. Leading one, upper middle of the packs in two others. Not bad for my first go around.
Will Wonders Ever Cease?
Now on to the surprises of this season. Hell, there are a ton (and not all for the good).
The Colorado Avalanche: A hall of fame shoe-in captain retired, two 18 year old boys on the roster and an somewhat untested goalie in net. Should spell disaster right? Wrong. They are leading the west with a hard working style of play. I give credit to the new coach and captain for that - Sacco and Foote dont strike me as the sort who want floaters around. Who knew Anderson (he gets my vote for a goalie for team USA in Vancouver) would be that good? Who could have guessed Duchene and O'Reilly would be ready to play with the big boys? Did anyone pick this version of the Av to win games? Total surprise and even if they do fall back to earth a bit, I think barring a huge injury bug settling down in Denver, this could be a playoff team.
The Buffalo Sabres: Read it here now. If Ryan Miller keeps up his play, he will be in the Venzia running. He's just got an all around solid game right now. Last season before an unfortunate run in with Scott Gomez, Miller was going to get his team into the playoffs. He's right back at it now and this time, the team in front of him are helping out. And for the record, I love Tyler Myers - all eighteen feet of him. Yes, he's made a mistake or two but what veteran in the league hasn't? He's allowed, and for all the good he's done, he should stay. I think he's shown that he can't learn much more in junior. He needs to stay in Buffalo (plus, he's giving Hank Tallinder a chance to get his confidence back. A good thing all around)
The Tampa Bay Lightening, the Ottawa Senators and The Atlanta Thrashers: Now, losing Kovalchuk will sting a bit for the Thrashers but these three teams surprise because they don't stink this year. I'm not sure they can sustain the success but as the Av have proven, you never know with this game of ours. And I still have a crush on Ronnie Hainsey. Shut it, I'm allowed.
The Pittsburgh Penguins: Is anyone really surprised by this team? As Shelly Anderson writes over at the Post Gazette "The Penguins don't feature a top-10 scorer despite employing skilled stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Haven't got a hot-shot rookie. Don't have one of the NHL's top-10 power plays. Haven't gotten a shutout victory, even though goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been stellar almost every game.
What they do have is a 9-2 record, giving them the most wins in the NHL." Hard to argue with teamwork.
Other not so surprising surprising teams include the Flames, the Sharks and the Craps. All playing some pretty darn good pucks.
Now To The Stinkers.
Is there team out there that can top the Maple Leafs in stinkatude. Granted, I feel bad for the players (some, not all) because they are out there and mostly young. Who I can blame is Brian know it fucking all Burke and Ron Wilson. Any takers on how long they will have their jobs?
While they aren't stinking so much as struggling, I give you the Red Wings. Now I have a personal belief on why they are struggling but I'm not going to say it (lets just say that I believe any team with a particular player on it won't have success. Hockey karma and all that) but they took some summer time losses and now are facing some injuries....that's gonna hurt any team. But they just don't seem to be the teams of old...which could be the problem. They are growing old and not adapting.
The Vancouver Canucks: after a blistering hot training camp schedule, the Canucks have slowed a bit. The all world goalie isn't looking so unbeatable and while they've also had some injuries, they seem to me a team that lacks something. I don't want to say focus but something.
Scheduling
I realize that with just a month into the season, there is a LOT to shake out yet. Also, this schedule? Blows. Hard. I'm tired of every one playing on Saturday and then sparse games through the week. I'm hoping it evens out over the next few weeks.
On a "not hockey" note, I just want to talk about a special anniversary I had on the 25th. A year ago, my folks and I went down to Coldwater and came back with a dog. Not just any dog, but my dog. Max has been the best dog for me - we're talking life changing - and I couldn't be happier with the way things have worked out. It's been a fun first year for the two of us and I look forward to many many more with him. If you can work it out in your life, I highly suggest getting a pet. You won't be sorry.
Head Shots
There has been an awful lot about shots to the head lately and the issue of preferential treatment. I'm sorry, but if you hit a guy high and he has to go hospital for a concussion, you should miss the same amount of time the injured player does. End of story. No matter who you are or what you intended or not intended to do. That will stop shots to the head. A paltry $2,500 fine will do nothing. Hit them where it hurts - with ice time.
Killing Your Fantasy Team One Injury At A Time!
Some big (and not so big) names are on the shelf and it's really tossing some wrenches into fantasy hockey teams (well yeah, and I guess the NHL clubs they play for).
The latest injuries include Ilya Kovalchuk, Marc Savard, Jonathan Toews, and Sergei Gonchar. Those are some big names. For a complete list of who is banged up, check out Yahoo's Injury Report. There are a LOT of guys there. Now there are also some injured players that (perhaps to my down fall) holding on to for now because I don't want them to slip through my fingers when they come back to their rosters. I'm doing alright in my leagues. Leading one, upper middle of the packs in two others. Not bad for my first go around.
Will Wonders Ever Cease?
Now on to the surprises of this season. Hell, there are a ton (and not all for the good).
The Colorado Avalanche: A hall of fame shoe-in captain retired, two 18 year old boys on the roster and an somewhat untested goalie in net. Should spell disaster right? Wrong. They are leading the west with a hard working style of play. I give credit to the new coach and captain for that - Sacco and Foote dont strike me as the sort who want floaters around. Who knew Anderson (he gets my vote for a goalie for team USA in Vancouver) would be that good? Who could have guessed Duchene and O'Reilly would be ready to play with the big boys? Did anyone pick this version of the Av to win games? Total surprise and even if they do fall back to earth a bit, I think barring a huge injury bug settling down in Denver, this could be a playoff team.
The Buffalo Sabres: Read it here now. If Ryan Miller keeps up his play, he will be in the Venzia running. He's just got an all around solid game right now. Last season before an unfortunate run in with Scott Gomez, Miller was going to get his team into the playoffs. He's right back at it now and this time, the team in front of him are helping out. And for the record, I love Tyler Myers - all eighteen feet of him. Yes, he's made a mistake or two but what veteran in the league hasn't? He's allowed, and for all the good he's done, he should stay. I think he's shown that he can't learn much more in junior. He needs to stay in Buffalo (plus, he's giving Hank Tallinder a chance to get his confidence back. A good thing all around)
The Tampa Bay Lightening, the Ottawa Senators and The Atlanta Thrashers: Now, losing Kovalchuk will sting a bit for the Thrashers but these three teams surprise because they don't stink this year. I'm not sure they can sustain the success but as the Av have proven, you never know with this game of ours. And I still have a crush on Ronnie Hainsey. Shut it, I'm allowed.
The Pittsburgh Penguins: Is anyone really surprised by this team? As Shelly Anderson writes over at the Post Gazette "The Penguins don't feature a top-10 scorer despite employing skilled stars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Haven't got a hot-shot rookie. Don't have one of the NHL's top-10 power plays. Haven't gotten a shutout victory, even though goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury has been stellar almost every game.
What they do have is a 9-2 record, giving them the most wins in the NHL." Hard to argue with teamwork.
Other not so surprising surprising teams include the Flames, the Sharks and the Craps. All playing some pretty darn good pucks.
Now To The Stinkers.
Is there team out there that can top the Maple Leafs in stinkatude. Granted, I feel bad for the players (some, not all) because they are out there and mostly young. Who I can blame is Brian know it fucking all Burke and Ron Wilson. Any takers on how long they will have their jobs?
While they aren't stinking so much as struggling, I give you the Red Wings. Now I have a personal belief on why they are struggling but I'm not going to say it (lets just say that I believe any team with a particular player on it won't have success. Hockey karma and all that) but they took some summer time losses and now are facing some injuries....that's gonna hurt any team. But they just don't seem to be the teams of old...which could be the problem. They are growing old and not adapting.
The Vancouver Canucks: after a blistering hot training camp schedule, the Canucks have slowed a bit. The all world goalie isn't looking so unbeatable and while they've also had some injuries, they seem to me a team that lacks something. I don't want to say focus but something.
Scheduling
I realize that with just a month into the season, there is a LOT to shake out yet. Also, this schedule? Blows. Hard. I'm tired of every one playing on Saturday and then sparse games through the week. I'm hoping it evens out over the next few weeks.
On a "not hockey" note, I just want to talk about a special anniversary I had on the 25th. A year ago, my folks and I went down to Coldwater and came back with a dog. Not just any dog, but my dog. Max has been the best dog for me - we're talking life changing - and I couldn't be happier with the way things have worked out. It's been a fun first year for the two of us and I look forward to many many more with him. If you can work it out in your life, I highly suggest getting a pet. You won't be sorry.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
So ok, pretty much scrap that last post.
Instead I give you this:
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
The Sharks gave up all that for Heatly? Oh it's gonna be sadly easy to cheer against the Sharks now.
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!!!
The Sharks gave up all that for Heatly? Oh it's gonna be sadly easy to cheer against the Sharks now.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Sad day in hockeyville
After 20 years of NHL service, Quoteless Joe is hangin' 'em up. Joe Sakic by all accounts was a really wonderful guy to be around and one hell of a player. He always reminded me of Steve Yzerman with his style and class. Joe, you'll be missed.
In other news, the Iowa Chops have been "involuntarily suspended for the 2009-10 season by the league’s Board of Governors, effective July 6, 2009." I find this more than odd. What will the players do? There isn't a lot of information out there regarding what actually happened other than by laws violations. Hmm...
Lot of signings lately - some don't make a lot of sense and some are just down funny. Pronger for 7 years with the Bullies? He'll fit in nicely. I think he just missed the orange. At least he managed to wear a tie (*coughCartercough*)
From the Puck Daddy files - in talking about NHL 10:
That said, the "after the whistle" function is pretty much the greatest thing to happen to video gaming since the invention of giant apes throwing barrels at Italian plumbers. Face washes, cheap shots, putting the puck on the goalie after the whistle ... so, Claude Lemieux Mode then?
* * *
Still no word on the Patrick Kane mouthpiece ripping feature. Maybe it's hidden ...
I love gamers with a sense of humor. Also watching PKane get his mouth guard swatted from his mouth will never get old.
I know we'll eventually get around to posting the free agent grades, but we probably should talk about them first right?
Until next time,
only a handful of weeks until Olympic training camps!
In other news, the Iowa Chops have been "involuntarily suspended for the 2009-10 season by the league’s Board of Governors, effective July 6, 2009." I find this more than odd. What will the players do? There isn't a lot of information out there regarding what actually happened other than by laws violations. Hmm...
Lot of signings lately - some don't make a lot of sense and some are just down funny. Pronger for 7 years with the Bullies? He'll fit in nicely. I think he just missed the orange. At least he managed to wear a tie (*coughCartercough*)
From the Puck Daddy files - in talking about NHL 10:
That said, the "after the whistle" function is pretty much the greatest thing to happen to video gaming since the invention of giant apes throwing barrels at Italian plumbers. Face washes, cheap shots, putting the puck on the goalie after the whistle ... so, Claude Lemieux Mode then?
* * *
Still no word on the Patrick Kane mouthpiece ripping feature. Maybe it's hidden ...
I love gamers with a sense of humor. Also watching PKane get his mouth guard swatted from his mouth will never get old.
I know we'll eventually get around to posting the free agent grades, but we probably should talk about them first right?
Until next time,
only a handful of weeks until Olympic training camps!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Free Agent Frenzie
July 1st brings us a holiday to the north and craziness in the league we love. Canada Day and The first day of unrestricted free agency.
The madness has already begun. ThePhillies Flyers (bringin' sexy goonery back) went nuts and traded away (I think too much) to get Pronger (apparently his wife approved). Montreal picked up Scottie Gomez for Christopher "don't call me Chris" Higgins and Calgary made a big cannon ball splash with ChuckAPucker favorite Jay Bo. Who is next? [Edit by Amy: Hey Chica? It's the Flyers... Phillies don't have goonery, just a bi-polar bullpen that I feel the need to smack quite often this season. ;D]
Apparently, Dany Heatley isn't one of them. I still don't understand this whole fuster cluck of a situation. Heatley says he wants out but has a no trade clause. This isn't about the no trade clause. If a team is going to offer those, a player should be able to have that kick in. But when you say you want out because it's just been too hard to play for your team, then do you really have the say so to wave that no trade in the team's face? Also at issue is an apparent signing bonus of a nice chunk of change that goes into effect either today or tomorrow (funny, the AGENT isn't really sure when that kicks in). Is Heater holding off to get the payday? If so, not only is that really wormy, I hope there is some sort of karmic payback if he doesn't, say, oh I don't donate to some sort of fund for families of children who are killed by their 'best' friends in a stupid car accident.
In talking with Boss Man Joe, we both agree that if the Wings don't sign Hossa (which is entirely possible), they need to spend the money on a lunking defenseman. They are small on the blue line (Ericksson notwithstanding) and could use a good stay at home sort of guy. Like Rob Scuderi. Just saying. [Edit by Amy: Bite your tongue!]
Got my eye on a few other players today....hopefully it will end soon enough. If you don't hear from Amy for a few days, it's because she's in Mitten Land with me and Friend of the Chuckers, Lisa. Have bail money if we call. [Edit by Amy: Honest officer... we have no idea how that man got in the trunk. Yes, it is amazing how he folded up like that... but not really, he's a goalie. Wait... what?]
Until next time (when we'll probably have a run down of who went where)
The madness has already begun. The
Apparently, Dany Heatley isn't one of them. I still don't understand this whole fuster cluck of a situation. Heatley says he wants out but has a no trade clause. This isn't about the no trade clause. If a team is going to offer those, a player should be able to have that kick in. But when you say you want out because it's just been too hard to play for your team, then do you really have the say so to wave that no trade in the team's face? Also at issue is an apparent signing bonus of a nice chunk of change that goes into effect either today or tomorrow (funny, the AGENT isn't really sure when that kicks in). Is Heater holding off to get the payday? If so, not only is that really wormy, I hope there is some sort of karmic payback if he doesn't, say, oh I don't donate to some sort of fund for families of children who are killed by their 'best' friends in a stupid car accident.
In talking with Boss Man Joe, we both agree that if the Wings don't sign Hossa (which is entirely possible), they need to spend the money on a lunking defenseman. They are small on the blue line (Ericksson notwithstanding) and could use a good stay at home sort of guy. Like Rob Scuderi. Just saying. [Edit by Amy: Bite your tongue!]
Got my eye on a few other players today....hopefully it will end soon enough. If you don't hear from Amy for a few days, it's because she's in Mitten Land with me and Friend of the Chuckers, Lisa. Have bail money if we call. [Edit by Amy: Honest officer... we have no idea how that man got in the trunk. Yes, it is amazing how he folded up like that... but not really, he's a goalie. Wait... what?]
Until next time (when we'll probably have a run down of who went where)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Stanley hangover
I've spent the last two days scanning the interweb for information and photos of the Penguins celebrations (Sunday at the ball park, the parade yesterday) with an odd feeling of glee and jealously. It was the Wings last year and time moves on to another team to be on top. I'm honestly ok with that and I think I have a stronger tie to a lot of the Penguin players watching them so much this year (and nice new tattoo Duper!). Over all, I've enjoyed it. But now I'm ready for camp to start anew and to see all 30 teams take the ice on with a fair shot at a parade of their own (I'm looking at you Buffalo).
But first! We have some unfinished business to take care of: NHL awards are Thursday, the Draft is next weekend, July 1st brings free agency, and lest we forget the ongoing saga of the Phoenix Coyotes (which really must suck for their fans). Much to do in the up coming days before we can really enjoy the summer and put our toes in the sand and bid 2008-2009 NHL season a farewell. Keep your eyes peeled for Chuck A Pucks take on all of it.
Tomorrow: Men in tuxes! Uh, I mean the Puckers take on the NHL awards.
Until tomorrow...
But first! We have some unfinished business to take care of: NHL awards are Thursday, the Draft is next weekend, July 1st brings free agency, and lest we forget the ongoing saga of the Phoenix Coyotes (which really must suck for their fans). Much to do in the up coming days before we can really enjoy the summer and put our toes in the sand and bid 2008-2009 NHL season a farewell. Keep your eyes peeled for Chuck A Pucks take on all of it.
Tomorrow: Men in tuxes! Uh, I mean the Puckers take on the NHL awards.
Until tomorrow...
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