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Greg Wyshynski | December 21, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: San Jose Sharks at Dallas Stars, 8:30 p.m. EST. Look, we’re sure this game will be the bee’s knees and all, but we must use this space to talk about a must-see video sent over by Puck Buddy Ivan: The holiday greeting from Silicon Valley Sports and Entertainment, featuring the San Jose Sharks’ Dany Heatley(notes), Rob Blake(notes) and Patrick Marleau(notes) conversing with "Slappy," whom you may remember from an earlier ad with Joe Thornton. (Alas, no fart jokes this time.) Comedy. Gold. Seriously, if Heatley’s "Slappy … he’s got it figured out" isn’t one of the funniest line readings in the history of holiday hockey commercials featuring ventriloquist dummies, we don’t know what is. Click the image for the video, or head over via this link.

Preview: Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m. EST. Story of the day in Toronto: Can the Leafs solve Ryan Miller(notes), who is 3-0-0 this season and has been the team’s personal tormentor for his career? Miller, by the way, told reporters in Toronto regarding his weight loss during the season: "That’s why I cut my hair – I looked like a heroin addict [at the end of the season]. I looked like I belonged in a grunge band like Alice in Chains." Yeah, but the guy from Alice in Chains … oh well, whatever, never mind.

Preview: New Jersey Devils at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7 p.m. EST. No Mark Eaton(notes) in this showdown for the Pens. Marty Brodeur is ready to face another potential Olympic teammate in Marc-Andre Fleury(notes) after crapping the bed against Roberto Luongo(notes) when the Canucks came to town.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games (like the ones in progress) on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• From the NHL: "Boston Bruins center Marc Savard(notes) and Philadelphia Flyers left wing Scott Hartnell(notes) are guests on the Wednesday, Dec. 23 edition of the Emmy Award-winning ‘The Price Is Right’ (11 a.m.-12 p.m. ET; 10 a.m.-11 a.m. PT) on the CBS Television Network." They’ll be presenting a Winter Classic-themed Showcase Showdown that includes "air travel and hotel accommodations, two tickets to the outdoor game" and other prizes that may or may not include Zdeno Chara(notes) personally lifting them to their seats on the Green Monster. [NHL]

• Check out what The Chief and the A2Y crowd are trying to do for a "Christmas miracle," one that’s now taken on even more charitable aspects. [A2Y]

• Mike Brophy places Sidney Crosby(notes) and Alex Ovechkin(notes) ahead of Marty Brodeur for players of the decade. Be there when Brophy celebrates the end of the next decade in 2014. [Sportsnet]

• Joe Sacco comes to the defense of David Koci(notes) after his career was disparaged by Washington Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau: "Bruce should just worry about his own players. That’s what I try to do – worry about my own guys. David goes out there and plays hard, and David’s never been suspended. For the role he plays, he’s a clean player and I don’t think he went in there intending to hurt anybody." [Denver Post]

• The Los Angeles Kings have been doing a whole lot of winning without Ryan Smyth(notes). Well, he’s back. You’re on notice, Western Conference. [LA Kings Insider]

• The beer in St. Louis is of an admittedly high quality, to the point where consumption of it is an actual pleasure to experience, no matter the quantity. In a related story, Jeff Gordon writes about the St. Louis Blues trading for Eric Staal(notes). [Dispatch]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Ben D. is the voice of dissent on the blissful Carrie Underwood/Mike Fisher(notes) engagement story:

Nice to see Puck Daddy evolving (devolving?) into People magazine.

Carol Alt laughs at the idea of a hockey ’super-couple.’

Look, we’ll settle for nothing less than Soap Opera Digest.

Bold Prediction: Simon Gagne(notes) scores a goal for the Philadelphia Flyers for the first time since Oct. 24.

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Tags: air travel, Alex Ovechkin, Alice in Chains, Boston Bruins, Bruce Boudreau, Buffalo Sabres, Carol Alt, Carrie Underwood, CBS, Christmas, clean player, Dallas Stars, Dany Heatley, David Koci, Denver Post, Eric Staal, hockey, Jeff Gordon, Joe Sacco, Joe Thornton, Los Angeles Kings, Marc Savard, Marty Brodeur, Mike Brophy, Mike Fisher, nhl, Patrick Marleau, Philadelphia Flyers, Reading, Rob Blake, Ryan Miller, Ryan Smyth, San Jose Sharks, Scott Hartnell, Sidney Crosby, Simon Gagne, Soap Opera Digest, St. Louis, St. Louis Blues, the Emmy Award, The Price Is Right, Toronto, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, Washington Capitals Coach Bruce Boudreau

Greg Wyshynski | December 19, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Boston Bruins at Chicago Blackhawks, 8:30 p.m. EST. Antti Niemi(notes) gets the call for Chicago as the Blackhawks seek their third consecutive shutout as the Bruins come to town. Tomas Kopecky(notes), a healthy scratch earlier this week, returns to the lineup; congrats to everyone who predicted he’d be a free-agent stiff. Meanwhile, Milan Lucic(notes) faces injury rehab as the clock ticks towards the Winter Classic at Fenway.

Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at St. Louis Blues, 8 p.m. EST.  Should Andy Murray take a page from Rick Tocchet’s book and bench some of this veteran players to send a message? On second thought, better to stay away from Tocchet and book-making.

Preview: Washington Capitals at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m. EST. It’s always fun when Alex Ovechkn visits NHL cities that the Capitals rarely visit, because the coverage is so over the top. For example: "Russia’s Messier," by Mark Spector: "In fact, today’s 16-year-old likely finds Ovechkin more ‘awesome’ or ‘gnarly’ than Sidney Crosby(notes), who you would never see entering a visiting arena in ripped jeans and a Cookie Monster T-shirt, as Ovechkin did here Thursday." What about "rad" or "tubular," sir?

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games (like the ones in progress) on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• Check out Puck Daddy on Monday for a really cool new feature.

• Huge news for the Montreal Canadiens, as defenseman Andrei Markov(notes) will return against the New York Islanders on Saturday night. Their power play thanks him. [Faceoff]

• The Nashville Predators are challenging for the top of their division, but can the goal-scoring continue? [On The Forecheck]

• Nice work by Derek Zona, snagging an interview with Oklahoma City’s mayor about an AHL franchise coming to town, one that could be an Edmonton Oilers affiliate. From the interview: "One of the things to remember in Oklahoma City, when you’ve got hockey, you own the sport.  In basketball, we’ve got high school basketball, college basketball, all sorts of basketball going on.  If you’re doing this with hockey, it’s pretty much yours.  I think that helps the business model." [Copper & Blue]

• Allan Muir on whether we’ll see a team relocate or fold in the next five seasons: "I think you’d get better odds betting on Gary Bettman making an unannounced appearance during the pre-game ceremonies at the Winter Classic to sing ‘All The Single Ladies.’" [SI]

• More tough talk from John Tortorella. [NY Daily News]

• Finally, it’s yours truly vs. Steve Kouleas in our weekly segment on The Score, talking about whether the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to make the playoffs and other topics:

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: We give it to Jon W for his comments on the Wild equipment fire:

Good thing no one was hurt. Unfortunately, I imagine the smell of burning hockey gear would be one of the worst smells imaginable.

Yucky.

Bold Prediction: Ovechkin scores two against the Canucks, but Vancouver wins the game.  

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Alex Ovechkn, Allan Muir, Andrei Markov, Andy Murray, Antti Niemi, basketball, Boston Bruins, Chicago, Derek Zona, Edmonton Oilers, hockey, John Tortorella, Mark Spector, mayor, Milan Lucic, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, nhl, Oklahoma City, Reading, Rick Tocchet, Russia, Sidney Crosby, St. Louis Blues, Steve Kouleas, Tampa Bay Lightning, The Score, Tomas Kopecky, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Zona

Greg Wyshynski | December 18, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins at Philadelphia Flyers, 7 p.m. EST. It should be a mad house for the rematch between the state rivals after that 6-1 win for the Penguins in their fight-fest earlier in the week. Evgeni Malkin(notes) has his popcorn helmet ready to go. Huge game for the Flyers in front of their home heathens. Watch the Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: New York Rangers at New York Islanders, 7 p.m. EST. John Tortorella promised a shake-up, and the shake-up is making Wade Redden(notes) and Ales Kotalik(notes) healthy scratches. Expect a fresh round of "the Rangers are quitting on Torts" if they don’t come up with a stronger effort than last night’s dud. For the Islanders … well, even if they sweep the Rangers the conversation’s still about the Blueshirts. Such is life.

Preview: Anaheim Ducks at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. EST. Can Dan Sexton(notes) avoid the Dobber kiss of death? The big news here is Coach Todd McLellan starting Operation: Jump-Start Devin Setoguchi(notes) by breaking up the Heatley-Thornton-Marleau line. Instead, Heatley will skate with Joe Pavelski(notes) and Ryane Clowe(notes) according to Working The Corners. McLellan indicated it may not be permanent. Can’t blame him for trying, as the Sharks can ill-afford Gooch slipping into Jonathan Cheechoo’s(notes) enigmatic old skates.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• Fines but no suspensions for the super-talented David Koci(notes) of the Colorado Avalanche and Jarkko Ruutu(notes) of the Ottawa Senators. [TSN]

• The Pensblog offers alternative uses for Mellon Arena after the Penguins leave. The "American Gladiators"-style Eliminator is full of win. [tPb]

• Pagnotta has a good column on what to expect from the Ilya Kovalchuk(notes) contract, wherever and whenever he signs it: "First off, a player’s salary cannot exceed 20% of the salary cap, which would make the maximum salary $11.34 million per season based on this year’s cap figure of $56.7 million. Secondly, several league executives don’t believe any player in the league will receive more than $10 million per season over such a long period of time — Alex Ovechkin’s(notes) 13-year deal with a $9.538 million annual salary currently leads the pack." [TFP]

• Hey, someone tell Balsillie there’s a new professional hockey league starting next season. [AP]

• Jacques Lemaire splits up Zach Parise(notes) and Travis Zajac(notes). [Devils]

• Dirk Hoag on the Nashville Predators vs. Sommet situation. [On The Forecheck]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: No contest – it’s "sticksidehigh" on the junior team that killed a bat on the ice:

The bat had every opportunity to fly away – right up until the moment of impact. I blame the bat.

Awesome.

Bold Prediction: Columbus cools off Phoenix and the Rangers earn the split with the Islanders.

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, coach, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus, Dan Sexton, David Koci, Devin Setoguchi, Dirk Hoag, hockey, Jacques Lemaire, Jarkko Ruutu, Joe Pavelski, John Tortorella, Jonathan Cheechoo, Mellon Arena, Nashville Predators, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, nhl, Ottawa Senators, player, Reading, San Jose Sharks, Todd McLellan, Travis Zajac, USD, Wade Redden, Zach Parise

Sean Leahy | December 16, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Montreal Canadiens at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. EST. It’s almost fitting that Martin Brodeur(notes) will tie Patrick Roy’s record for games played tonight against his boyhood team. Now, if he should post a shutout against the Habs tonight and break Terry Sawchuk’s all-time record, the fans at Prudential Center tonight would really get the most out of their tickets. Carey Price(notes) is expected in goal for Montreal as Jaroslav Halak(notes) continues to shy away from questions that he asked Canadiens GM for a trade earlier in the week.

Preview: New York Islanders at New York Rangers, 7 p.m. EST. After an inspiring overtime win against Boston on Saturday, the Islanders fell flat on their faces with a 7-1 stomping by Florida on Monday night. Now with a home-and-home with their hated rivals in the next two days, it’s an opportunity for Scott Gordon to get his team back on track. 

Preview: Buffalo Sabres at Ottawa Senators, 7:30 p.m. EST. Jason Spezza(notes) is now gone for 6-8 weeks with a torn MCL bringing the number of Ottawa regulars sidelined to five. The Sabres smell blood and enter the game with a four-game win streak and have won eight of their last 10 games. Buffalo will be looking for their first win in Ottawa since March of 2008.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

-Sportsnet reported this morning that Columbus, Boston, Minnesota, Carolina, San Jose, and Phoenix will all start the 2010-11 season in Europe, but a Hurricanes team official said the process is not complete just yet.  [Canes Country]

-A second, Canadian-based Winter Classic could be upon us next season. [Fanhouse]

-Can Ty Conklin(notes) play defense? The Bruins announced that they will be without defenseman Mark Stuart(notes) for 4-6 weeks after he suffered a broken sternum Monday night against Philadelphia. [Boston Globe]

-Sharks radio play-by-play man Dan Rusanowsky asks questions in light of Montreal’s lineup error last week. Thanks to PD reader Dustin for sending this in [Sharks]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: Who doesn’t love a good movie reference around here? Helm’s Deep posed a question in today’s Winter Classic post:

"Didn’t the Rangers already play in Mystery Alaska? …No, I like the Central Park idea. NYR vs. WAS"

Bold Prediction: Martin Brodeur doesn’t shutout Montreal and Anaheim knocks off the Canucks.

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Anaheim, Boston, Boston Globe, Buffalo, Buffalo Sabres, Carey Price, Carolina, Central Park, Columbus, Dan Rusanowsky, Europe, Florida, Hurricanes team official, Jaroslav Halak, Jason Spezza, Mark Stuart, Martin Brodeur, Minnesota, Montreal, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, nhl, Ottawa, Ottawa Senators, Patrick Roy, Phoenix, Reading, San Jose, Scott Gordon, Terry Sawchuk, Ty Conklin

Sean Leahy | December 15, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Nashville Predators, 8 p.m. EST. With one win their last nine games, Lightning coach Rick Tocchet is shaking things up by benching Alex Tanguay(notes) and Jeff Halpern(notes) and dressing eight defensemen. The time is now for Tocchet: "It’s a situation where it’s a shock thing for everybody or . . . I really don’t care what the message is other than the fact that we need results. We need to be able to play 60 minutes, not 30 minutes and because we are down a goal everybody does their own program. Ultimately, that falls on me so we are going to find guys who can stick with the plan.’"

Preview: Washington Capitals at Colorado Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. EST. Jose Theodore(notes) returns to Colorado to face his old team as two of the NHL’s top scoring teams face off. Milan Hejduk(notes) is out with a knee injury. The Caps haven’t played in Denver since 2006 and Bruce Boudreau plans on giving his lines short shifts to keep their endurance in the thin mountain air.

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Edmonton Oilers, 10:30 p.m. EST. Oilers goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin(notes) will undergo a spinal procedure and his return is unknown. Jeff Deslauriers will make his 12th consecutive start as Edmonton look to win their sixth in a row. Watch this game live on Y! Sports.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

-Puckheads with NHL Network US, rejoice! They’ll be airing all of Team USA and Team Canada’s games at the upcoming World Junior Championships along with the entire medal round. If you’ve missed Gary Thorne yelling "SCORE!", then you’ll be happy to hear that he’ll be the lead play-by-play man for all the of Team USA broadcasts. For all other games on NHL Network, the TSN feed will be used. Enjoy spending the holidays with Pierre McGuire. [NHL]

-B.D. Gallof continues his excellent work covering the Lighthouse Project saga. [Hockey Independent]

-Two Flyers fans are hoping to raise $5000 to help Blessed Sarnelli Community in Philadelphia and plan to ride a tandem bike to Fenway Park for the Winter Classic. [Broadstreet Bikers]

-Before their game against the Caps, Colorado will honor Mike Keane as part of their "Alumni Night" promotion. Keane is still playing for the Manitoba Moose of the AHL at age 42 still has plenty of hockey in him. [Denver Post]

-It looks like Oklahoma City will be getting an AHL franchise next season. Thanks to PD reader Scott for sending that in [NewsOK]

-Anaheim’s offense might be taking a hit as Joffrey Lupul(notes) might need back surgery. [OC Register]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: On our "Top 10 Fights" post from this morning, The Unholy Goat rightly defines Derek Boogaard’s(notes) puglistic abilities:

I guess they left Boogaard off because what he does isn’t so much fighting, it’s more like demolition work.

Bold Prediction: Jose Theodore shuts out the Avalanche and Nicklas Backstrom(notes) has a hand in all of Washington’s goals in a 3-0 win.

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Alex Tanguay, Anaheim, back surgery, Bruce Boudreau, coach, Colorado, Colorado Avalanche, Denver, Denver Post, Derek Boogaard, Edmonton Oilers, Fenway Park, Gary Thorne, hockey, Jeff Deslauriers, Jeff Halpern, Joffrey Lupul, Jose Theodore, Los Angeles Kings, Mike Keane, Milan Hejduk, Nashville Predators, nhl, Nicklas Backstrom, Nikolai Khabibulin, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, Pierre McGuire, Reading, Rick Tocchet, Tampa Bay Lightning, USD, Washington, Washington Capitals

Greg Wyshynski | December 15, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Philadelphia Flyers at Boston Bruins, 7 p.m. EST. It’s a glorious Winter Classic preview! Or at least it would be if the Flyers weren’t a floundering team under .500 and 1-4 under Peter Laviolette. Either the Flyers start playing better heading into Jan. 1, or they continue to lose and get really surly for the Classic. Either way, we win!

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Vancouver Canucks, 10 p.m. EST. Bow down to your first-place Los Angeles Kings! Is the Jonathan Quick/Erik Ersberg platoon ending? Congrats to Alain Vigneault for finally being able to tell the Sedins apart.  Watch the Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: Ottawa Senators at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7 p.m. EST. Pension Plan Puppets offers its, ahem, candid take on the Battle of Ontario. Round 3: Fight!

Preview: Phoenix Coyotes at Detroit Red Wings, 7:30 p.m. EST. Two positive stories about the Phoenix Coyotes on TSN? They know Gretzky’s not the coach anymore, right?

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• The Carolina Hurricanes place Aaron Ward(notes) on waivers. [Bruins Blog]

• Jordin Tootoo(notes) breaks his foot and will miss about a month. [Tennessean]

• A former Quebec major-junior hockey player found guilty of an on-ice assault has been given an absolute discharge, according to the Canadian Press. [CP]

• Good piece by Ryan Kennedy on Mike Fisher(notes) of the Ottawa Senators, who has bounced back like a Super Happy Fun Ball this season. [THN]

• Spector talks Vinny Lecavalier rumors and speculation. [THN]

• Japers breaks down the Michael Nylander(notes) salary cap relief the Washington Capitals find themselves with. [Japers' Rink]

• The Coyotes’ new owners would still like to play home games in Canada next season. No word on playoff games. [WSJ]

• Do you miss the Iowa Chops? Then you’re not alone. [KCCI]

• Please hold your laughter: Wayne Gretzky’s 18 games qualifies him for St. Louis Blues "Dream Team" status. [AP]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From wngzie on Twitter, regarding out Float contest:

If someone doesn’t produce "naked Chara as a parade balloon" I will lose all faith in your readership.

Indeed.

Bold Prediction: Oh, what the hell — Tavares hat trick against Florida.

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Boston Bruins, Canada, coach, Detroit Red Wings, Florida, hockey, KCCI, nhl, Ontario, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Phoenix Coyotes, player, Quebec, Reading, Ryan Kennedy, St. Louis Blues, Tennessean, the Canadian Press, Toronto Maple Leafs, Twitter, Washington Capitals, Wayne Gretzky

Sean Leahy | December 7, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: New Jersey Devils at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m. EST. Possibly an Olympic preview in the nets tonight at HSBC Arena as Ryan Miller(notes) and Martin Brodeur(notes) are expected to square off against one another. Looking past the Olympics and at the Stanley Cup, Sabres legend Gilbert Perreault told the Buffalo News he likes what he sees: "They have a good chance to go all the way. I really think so. I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on them but they have a very good team. There’s a lot of excitement to watching them."

Preview: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning, 7:30 p.m. EST. Alex Ovechkin(notes) returns from his two-game suspension and to the scene of his "hot stick" celebration from last season. Washington has scored 14 goals in Ovechkin’s absence, so Lightning starter Mike Smith(notes) should prepare himself for the peppering he’ll receive. The Capitals are looking for their 12th straight win over Tampa Bay.

Preview: Calgary Flames at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. EST. Calgary looks to continue their road dominance and finish their six-game road trip by taking 10 out of a possible 12 points. Miikka Kiprusoff(notes), fresh off a 2-1 win in San Jose, will be back between the pipes for the Flames. Rob Scuderi(notes) will be back after suffering a sprained ankle that has kept him out of action since November 14th. Watch this game live on Y! Sports.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

-Don’t forget about our "Create a Winter Classic Parade Float" contest. One early entry from Mark M. really captures the idea:

-Former Flyers coach John Stevens on his firing: "When you coach, you always think you can get things done, but we had stumbled of late, and when I pull back and look at it, I can certainly understand" the firing." [Philadelphia Inquirer]

-Sid the Kid is back for the Penguins after sitting out Saturday’s game with a sore groin. [Penguins]

-Despite the disasterous debut, Ray Ferraro believes Peter Laviolette is a good fit for the Flyers. [TSN]

-Brian Burke says he’d like to have Team USA’s roster finalized by December 16. The names won’t be released until January 1 during the Winter Classic. [NHL.com]

-The on-ice officials were named today by the International Ice Hockey Federation for the men’s and women’s Olympic tournaments. Seven NHL officials will be heading to Vancouver including Bill McCreay and Paul Devorski. [ Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Alex Ovechkin, Bill McCreay, Brian Burke, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary, Calgary Flames, coach, Flyers coach, Gilbert Perreault, head coach, HSBC Arena, International Ice Hockey Federation, Jerk Store, John Stevens, Los Angeles Kings, Martin Brodeur, Miikka Kiprusoff, Mike Smith, New Jersey Devils, nhl, Olympic, Paul Devorski, Peter Laviolette, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ray Ferraro, Reading, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Miller, San Jose, Stanley Cup, Tampa Bay, Tampa Bay Lightning, the Buffalo News, the Olympics, Vancouver, Washington, Washington Capitals

Greg Wyshynski | December 4, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Anaheim Ducks at Dallas Stars, 8:30 p.m. EST. An interesting game for several reasons. Anaheim needs to start winning their division games, and fast, sitting seven points out of a playoff spot. They’ve lost six in a row on the road. Corey Perry(notes) is shooting for a 20-game point scoring streak. The Stars, meanwhile, are facing an impatient fan base that’s not exactly stomaching the team’s inconsistent play.

Preview: Colorado Avalanche at Pittsburgh Penguins, 7:30 p.m. EST. The Avs are 3-5-4 in their last 12 and Craig Anderson(notes) is "day-to-day" with a neck injury after getting plowed by Keith Ballard(notes) last night. We can only assume Mike Rupp’s assault on the Richard Trophy will continue this evening. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: Ottawa Senators at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m. EST. Along with Anze Kopitar(notes), Dustin Brown(notes) is also not putting many biscuits in the basket for the Kings. But Terry Murray is cool with him at least getting said biscuits on net. For Ottawa, Nick Foligno(notes) gets scratched due to some poor efforts lately. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• If you’ve not seen it, here is the full Chicago Blackhawks press conference for the signings of Patrick Kane(notes), Jonathan Toews(notes) and Duncan Keith(notes). We’ll have more about this on Friday.

• Paint It Blackhawks took a critical look at the deals. [PiB]

• Interesting column about headshots, players taking liberties and how it ties into the instigator rule. [Province]

• Jiri Tlusty(notes) is traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, in one of those project-for-a-project deals. [TSN]

• Has CBC Sports just reinvented the wheel for online hockey viewing? Introducing the user-controlled camera that offers a 360-degree angle of the game. [CBC Sports]

• Lepore makes six hockey-related predictions for the new Comcast/NBC monster, including "The NHL Network will open up a New York studio at 30 Rock." [Puck The Media]

• More about the NBC deal from Panicstreak, who wants to see the NHL Draft treated with more prominence. [Panicstreak]

• Jim Kelley of Sports Illustrated takes a calm, rational approach to the Alex Ovechkin(notes) suspension story … by evoking the names of Todd Bertuzzi(notes), Marty McSorley and Chris Simon(notes) in relation to the Washington Capitals‘ support of AO. Wow. [SI]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: We give it to Pension Plan Puppets, in response to Brooks Orpik’s(notes) Ovechkin critique:

If anyone knows about taking 10 strides and throwing dirty hits it’s Brooks Orpik.

Burn.

Bold Prediction: The St. Louis Blues score on the power play and beat the San Jose Sharks on the road.

Category: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Tags: Anaheim, Brooks Orpik, Carolina Hurricanes, Chris Simon, Colorado Avalanche, Comcast, Corey Perry, Craig Anderson, Dallas Stars, Duncan Keith, hockey, Jim Kelley, Jiri Tlusty, Jonathan Toews, Keith Ballard, Marty McSorley, Mike Rupp, NBC, New York studio, nhl, online hockey viewing, Patrick Kane, Pittsburgh Penguins, Reading, San Jose Sharks, Sports Illustrated, St. Louis Blues, the NHL Network, Todd Bertuzzi, Washington Capitals

Greg Wyshynski | December 3, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Vancouver Canucks at New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. EST. Canwest: "It’s Roberto Luongo(notes) versus Martin Brodeur(notes), which in Canada during an Olympic year may be the Jersey equivalent of a Bruce Springsteen-Jon Bon Jovi double-bill." See, there’s your problem, Canadian media: Everyone in Jersey knows that without the rest of the Jovi, Jon is just a country singer and a bad actor. Analogy Fail.

Preview: Colorado Avalanche at Florida Panthers, 7:30 p.m. EST. Craig Anderson(notes) returns to Florida, no doubt to taunt the Panthers about what might have been. Adrian Dater has solid video on Tomas Vokoun(notes) (not starting) and Keith Ballard(notes), while wondering what the reaction to Ballard is going to be after the stick incident. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y! 

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• The Chicago Blackhawks have a press conference scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, and Chicago Now is reporting that the Patrick Kane(notes), Jonathan Toews(notes) and Duncan Keith(notes) contract signings will finally become official. Can’t wait to see the final numbers. [ChicagoNow] 

UPDATE: Bob McKenzie’s contract figures for the deals: "Sources tell TSN that Toews and Kane will sign identical five-year contract extensions worth about $6.3 million per season.  Meanwhile Keith’s deal is worth $72 million spread over a whopping 13 years at an annual average of $5.5 million."

• Big League Screw believes Larry Brooks of the NY Post lifted an idea from a fan on a message board, but it struck us as two observers of the New York Rangers arriving at the same conclusion in the same way. [BLS]

• Presenting the $1,200.08 Alex Ovechkin(notes) hand-painted jersey. This thing is so nutty, we’re not even sure if there’s a category of Foul for it. [First Cuts]

• Darren Elliot on the growing college connection for the NHL. [SI]

• Chris Osgood(notes) acknowledges that the loss of Jiri Hudler(notes) hurt the Detroit Red Wings more than expected. [Snapshots]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: From Jibblescribbits on Twitter comes the re-tweet of the year and one of the most well-timed "CSI: Miami" meme jokes we’ve ever seen:

Miami PD Spokesman: "Ballard will have to (takes off glasses) cut another Czech" YEEEEAH!!

Epic.

Bold Prediction: Timmy Thomas shutout in Boston.

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Tags: Adrian Dater, Alex Ovechkin, Bob McKenzie, Boston, Canada, Chris Osgood, Colorado Avalanche, country singer and a bad actor, Craig Anderson, Darren Elliot, Detroit Red Wings, Duncan Keith, Florida, Florida Panthers, Jiri Hudler, Jon Bon Jovi, Jonathan Toews, Keith Ballard, Larry Brooks, Martin Brodeur, Miami, Miami PD, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, nhl, Olympic, Reading, Roberto Luongo, spokesman, the NY Post, Timmy Thomas, Twitter, USD, Vancouver Canucks

Greg Wyshynski | December 2, 2009

Here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished.

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Anaheim Ducks, 10:30 p.m. EST. Wait, the hell? There’s a Western Conference? Based on today’s coverage, who’da thought? Anyway, the Kings and Ducks exchange pleasantries this evening, with the Ducks working on a 7-2-1 roll as a home team. Interesting blog from Rich Hammond today about whether Kings defenseman Drew Doughty(notes) is the next Scott Niedermayer(notes). Check his beard in 15 years to find out. Watch The Game Live Via Hockey Night on Y!

Preview: Ottawa Senators at San Jose Sharks, 10:30 p.m. EST. Before he faces his old teammates for the first time since the Big Trade, Dany Heatley(notes) had to meet with some other old faces: The Ottawa traveling media, who peppered him with questions that he ducked like Patches O’Houlihan dodging wrenches. Meanwhile, Jason Spezza(notes) probably wants to steal a teal jersey and line up next to Heater for a game at this point in his underwhelming season.

Preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Montreal Canadiens, 7:30 p.m. EST. Mike Ulmer, on the Leafs’ official site, hates on Habs fans: "It’s just a little unseemly to be constantly patting yourself on the back when your team’s hasn’t won since the final days of the Brian Mulroney era."

Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets at Chicago Blackhawks, 8 p.m. EST. The Hawks debut their new third jerseys tonight. Speaking of which, the NHL sent this over: "The rock band Weezer will sport Kane, Toews, Hossa, Keith and Sharp jerseys during their show Tuesday night at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago. After tonight’s show, the jerseys, signed by both the band members and Blackhawks players, will be up for auction." A Rivers Cuomo autographed ‘Hawks sweater almost makes up for "Beverly Hills." Almost.

Check out previews and updated scores for all of today’s games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page.

Evening Reading

• Nice reporting on Chris Pronger(notes) walking a "tightrope" over his leadership role in the Philadelphia Flyers‘ locker room, as captain Mike Richards(notes) and the Flyers have lost 5 of 6 games. [CSN]

• Also nice: Pierre LeBrun speaks with David Booth(notes) about his concussion recovery. [ESPN]

• As we passed along this morning, the Boston Bruins have officially inked Marc Savard(notes) to a seven-year deal. TSN’s still going with that amazing $4.2 million cap hit. [Bruins Blog]

• Analyzing the Atlanta Thrashers‘ fast start. Puck Buddy Stefan mentioned an interesting scenario over email: Chicago wants to dump salary; the Thrashers are contending; former Chicago assistant GM Rick Dudley is now in Atlanta. Hmmmm …. [Sports Climax]

• Sarah Spain cracks the case of the Patrick Sharp/Victoria’s Secret/Chicago’s Sexiest Athlete voting controversy, as a voting glitch propels Derrick Rose of the Bulls to the title of "Mr. Sexy" over the Blackhawks winger. Said Sharp: "The loss is heartbreaking. As a hockey player from Canada, it has always been a lifelong goal of mine to be called Mr. Sexy by my teammates." [No Spain, No Gain]

• Looking at the Nashville Predators attendance declines and their impact on revenue sharing. [On The Forecheck]

• The Molsons take over the Habs and talk about the direction of the team. [Habs Inside/Out]

• Finally, the sound you just heard was champagne popped at Versus: The Comcast takeover of NBC is in the final stages of approval. They will show us their ‘V’ … and then NFL, Olympic and Notre Dame football programming, too. [CNBC]

Puck Buddy Comment of the Day: It was a pretty intense day in the comments, what with the suspension chatter and all that. Something unexpected happened as well: The maker of those ’tobacco’ pipes with trademarked logos on them got upset with us for pointing out the obvious, which is that their store doesn’t specifically reference team names in order to make it harder for the pages to be found through a search.

For this, we were called "square."

For that, Puck Buddy commenting legend Bubba Banjo unleashed this:

Wyshynski yer a gas man, you need a new bag brother, I mean writin a far-out groovey article like this and then goin all nark on somebody is just not copasetic. I mean lighten up daddy-O its just a drag man. Year articles normally are far out ….the ginchiest……………so I dont get the heavy freak out man. Somebody give you a melvin?? Or call the pigs on ya fer havin a pipe man? Shag yer old lady baby?

Hockey is outta sight man, righteous…..never stinks! Right on!! Be cool man. 

Bubba Banjo. Never stinks.

Bold Prediction: Heatley is shut down by the Senators, but the Sharks win the game.

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Tags: Anaheim Ducks, assistant, Atlanta, Atlanta Thrashers, Beverly Hills, Blackhawks winger, Boston Bruins, Canada, Captain, Chicago, Chicago Blackhawks, Comcast, Dany Heatley, David Booth, Derrick Rose, Drew Doughty, gas man, hockey, hockey player, Jason Spezza, Los Angeles Kings, Marc Savard, Mike Richards, Mike Ulmer, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, National Football League, NBC, NFL, nhl, Olympic, Ottawa, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pierre LeBrun, Reading, Rick Dudley, Rivers Cuomo, San Jose Sharks, Scott Niedermayer, Sharks, Spain, The Kings, The Molsons, Toronto Maple Leafs, USD, Victoria's Secret, Weezer