Bloggy blog Monday

SamPWoo.com – I am on business for the next few days. Since I cannot give you my insightful blogs, I did a lot of reading and found some great articles.

NHL Headshots

Reality Glitch

No rest for Bergeron, B’s Olympians

Kovalchuk off to slow start in Newark

Devils still ranked #5

Friday’s trade deadline roundup

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Setting the record straight on the “hit”

SamPWoo.com – I’ve received a pretty large response to my latest blog, regarding Jeff Carter’s hit on Anssi Salmela in Monday’s game, so here’s my response to all of you who were gracious enough to write in. You can read the e-mails HERE:

Look. I’m not trying to be “homerific,” as I was called by one kind Flyers fan.

I’m not saying that the hit wasn’t clean or, for that matter, that there was any part of the hit that was illegal. There wasn’t. It was a clean hit on a player that was, unfortunately, in a vulnerable position.

But that’s just it. The player was in a vulnerable position making the hit, no matter how clean, a dangerous hit.

Unfortunately, a lot of these hits happen to occur when the Flyers are involved. Physical play is engrained in the fabric of this team and with physical play sometimes comes reckless play and that’s exactly what this hit was — reckless.

I don’t think that it was pre-meditated. I don’t think that Carter’s intent was to injure Salmela and I honestly do believe that he feels remorseful about the hit.

But here’s where the recklessness comes into play.

One of the justifications for the hit was “If there is a rebound and Salmela puts it in, it’s Carter’s fault for not hitting him.”

That just isn’t true.

If there’s a rebound and Salmela puts it in, it isn’t Carter’s fault for not hitting him; it’s Richards’ fault for not tying up his stick and allowing him a second chance. It was Richard’s man.

This hit was so reckless because of the fact that Carter didn’t need to hit him to prevent him from scoring. Richards was right there with him and could have easily tied him up to prevent the rebound from coming home.

My point in all of this is that it wasn’t an illegal hit. By the letter of the law, it was 100% legal. But that doesn’t mean it was a clean hit.

After the puck was in the net, Salmela was in a dangerous position, with his back to Carter, with another player draped on him.

There was absolutely no reason to hit him — especially not that viciously.

That was my point. Not that the Flyers suck or that the Flyers are a dirty team or even that Jeff Carter should be drawn, quartered, and suspended for life.

My point was that the league needs to come down on these types of hits firmly. They need to do away with headshots or dangerous hits like these. Trust me, I am all for a physical brand of hockey, but only if it is done responsibly. Where is the respect for the player and the game?

Unfortunately, it’s likely going to take someone getting seriously injured, or even death, before the league decides to take any sort of action on anything like this, especially when a star player involved.

Hockey Primetime’s Three Stars of the Night (2.10.2010)

NY Daily News should be informed that the Devils don’t play at the Izod Center

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Puppy Bowl during the NFL’s Super Bowl

SamPWoo.com – My girlfriend was flipping through the channels during the Super Bowl. And on Animal Planet, they had the puppy bowl.

I have an idea. If Animal Planet wants to gain some market share in ratings next season, they should have the Puppy Bowl, Hosted by Michael Vick.

The program should also help raise money for animal shelters or organizations to help stop dog fighting.

What do you think?

Rex Ryan in trouble

SamPWoo.com – Well, I am not a Jets fan, but I do like Rex Ryan’s attitude.

He sets high standards and maps it out for his team. Everything, including the parade, was scheduled. Some say it is being cocky. I say it is setting the bar high and showing what you can achieve when you meet your goals of winning the Super Bowl.

Now, I see he got in trouble after he was heckled by the fan. Ryan knows it was stupid in what he did, but at the same time, do you blame him?

I hope this coach has a lot of success. Just maybe not with the Jets.

Woo Mail from readers 2.10.2010

SamPWoo.com – Here are the e-mails I have received:

Great article

You probably have never played hockey in your life. Carter won’t be suspended for finishing a check in front of his own goalie. Everyone knows if your going to go hard to the net, you better keep your head up. But I’m sure you knew that…

Your theory has no merit. You do a great job of stirring emotions to your readers, but as a journalist for hockey, you suck. Anyone can find vicious hits and list them for every team in the nhl. Its a vicious sport, but also the best sport in the world. I’m all for taking head shots away, but no one will able to take situations like that away from the game. It’s too high-speed, and with height differences like Carter-Salmela, it’s inevitable.

Maybe instead of writing about that unfortunate play, you could write about how lifeless and out of sync the Devils looked the second half of the game. Its been a scary trend recently, and an important point to bring up about your own team. Or you can whine about the Flyers…

carter hit

Sam Woo

You are a Homer!! The only people questioning that hit are Devils fans. That was a clean hit. No charging, he was gliding. It wasn’t a head shot it was shoulder to shoulder. Carter even lowered his shoulder to make the hit. Salmela ended up in a bad position on a clean hockey hit. Why don’t you spend your time writing about something important instead of being a flyers hater. This is hockey. Last time I checked it’s a contact sport.

No one in Devils land called out Scott Stevens when he layed out Kariya or Lindross or the many others.

Frickin homer=

Add Salmela to the latest Flyers’ list of victims…

Your article in regards to the Salmela hit is poorly written and off base. The day you can no longer hit with your shoulder and finish a check is the day I stop following the NHL. Salmela himself regards the hit as clean, and he was the one laid out on the ice. I agree the NHL has a major problem with headshots and injuries. I further agree that the flyers have had MORE than their fair share of such incidents. However, handing out suspensions and throwing you arms up in the air every time someone gets hurt is not going to fix the problem. Players get hurt on clean hits. Injury does not equal a dirty play. The league needs to call penalties and hand out suspensions based on the action, not the outcome. I think a constructive solution would be to make head shots illegal. Make it a double-minor penalty. It has worked with some success in college/pro football. Go blog about that instead of crying about a legit hit. I don’t recall anyone up in arms when Stevens laid people out with hits just like that. In fact he made a career out of it.

No Subject

Sam,

I think you have a short memory.

Stevens laid out Kozlov, ended Lindros’ career and almost killed Paul Kariya.

Aren’t you being a tad hypocritical about these hits?

I’m a Devils fan, that was a angled hit from behind last night but there is a reason Devils players did not attack Carter.

If there is a rebound and Salmela puts it in, it’s Carter’s fault for not hitting him.

Also Salmela is shorter than Carter and was ducking down while making his move.

last nights game

Sam:
wow that couldnt have been any more biased about last nights game.
avery did it 3 years ago to kovalchuk and last night it worked again…
don’t worry about last nights game the Devils are a better TEAM
Last night gaborik’s team won, and only for a difference of 3 minutes,
lundqvist was better than marty thats all.
Just worry about the devils power play
Game On

Devils Hockey Notes from past two games

Hey Sam Woo,

I read your articles and love what you say about the Devils. But I have to say that I am alittle dissapointed in all of the articles.. Not one article, whether it be in the newspapers or in your columns, mentions the poor play of Mike Mottau. I was at the past two games, the incredible comeback victory and the incredible disappointment in MSG. This team is lacking defensively, which is very uncharacteristic of a team that preaches “Defense First” for so many years. Mike Mottau is the main reason for all of our losses. Mike Mottau is just terrible! On Friday’s game, he had atleast two turnovers, sure he was +2 but that was only because goals scored on the PK doesn’t count against the +/-. His turnover on Saturday led to Callahan’s Goal. Everytime he is remotely pressured, he coughs up the puck. Don’t believe me?? Look at every single game this season. We Devils fans are tired of Mike Mottau and his pathetic play. I do not wish injury on any player, but if this guy tore his ACL, it would actually be a blessing in disguise. He is terrible and needs to go. Besides Mark Fraser, he is the only “Top 4″ defensemen to be at the optional skate this morning. Why?? Because he knows his poor play has costed the Devils numerous games this season. When Martin comes back, he surely needs to sit. Another poor player on Defense is White. He has meant alot to this organization, but his time has come and gone and is not worth 3 more seasons. Lamorillo needs to make a trade for a physical defensmen. Who you ask? Milan Jurcina from Columbus. Columbus is no way in playoff positioning and Jurcina is a UFA at the end of this season. And with what is going on in Columbus, he would be an absolute steal of a pick up. I would give up White, who brings experience to a young team, and Atlanta’s 2nd Round Pick this year to Columbus for the 26year old, 6-4; 233lbs Right Handed Defensmen. Also, why not critisize Neidermayer for his poor play as well. He has been getting alot of “stupid” penalties the past few games. When the team gets healthy, Neidermayer and Pando need to be moved to the 4th Line with Zarkhov. The top two lines remain the same, but you have to make MacAmmond, Rolston, and Clarkson as a No. 3 Line. These are just my 2 cents. Hopefully you can put some of this in your next article.

Thanks,

Add Salmela to the latest Flyers’ list of victims

SamPWoo.com – When are these types of
hits ever going to stop?

I am not going to question if the hit on Anssi Salmela was premeditated because it appears it wasn’t. Flyer and Devil fans can all agree that we do not want to ever see a player laid out on the ice motionless. But why does it keep happening?

Since the lockout, Philadelphia Flyers have developed a reputation for dangerous hits that would warrant a lengthy suspension. Jeff Carter’s hit should be reviewed and whatever punishment Colin Campbell dishes out should be more than what the referees gave out last night, which was nothing.

In late 2007, NHL brass warned the Flyers’ GM about cleaning up their act. They did for awhile, but now they returned back to their old ways. I am sure Carter was remorseful, but that is not enough to stop these hits. Campbell should finally take a firm stand once and for all. These violent hits are not good for the game.

Here is the list of high profile dangerous hits by Flyers’ players since 2007:

Anssi Salmela –hit by Jeff Carter
David Booth – hit by Mike Richards
Dean McAmmond – Hit by Steve Downie
Patrice Bergeron – Hit by Randy Jones
Ryan Kesler – Hit by Jesse Boulerice
Andrew Alberts – Hit by Scott Hartnell
Matt Niskanen – Hit by Riley Cote

Here is a good article by J.P. Hoornstra. It is titled: Anatomy of a winning streak

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Kovy is a stand up Devil

SamPWoo.com – Finally. Someone has decided to stick up for Martin Brodeur. Who knew it would be Ilya Kovalchuk?

The New York Post reported yesterday that Kovalchuk took no exception and immediately defended his goaltender from the same old Sean Avery antics. And to think, that was only Kovalchuk’s second game with the club.

“Emotions. That’s hockey. Nothing wrong with it. He always talks. That’s part of the game,” said Kovalchuk, told New York Post.

Whether or not he was baited into Avery’s plan, I am happy that Kovy stood up to that pest. To defend a teammate, especially your goaltender, is very important. It sets the tone and message in the future that no one will be allowed to verbally or physically abuse your goaltender. That is something the Devils have lacked consistently throughout the years when dealing with Avery or players like him. In the past, Brodeur had to take matters into his own hands.

I can see why Lou Lamoriello made this trade.

Essentially, Kovalchuk is the complete package. We all know what he can do offensively. But he is also a leader that sets an example for the rest of the team to follow suit. Not since Scott Stevens’ retirement that the Devils have had an impact position player with his stature. You have to believe Brodeur loves it. Kovalchuk’s energy is contagious and it is all about winning.

Looks like Kovalchuk is fitting nicely as a Devil.

Power rankings this week:
Devils ranked #6 by Hockey Primetime

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Let’s talk reality here

SamPWoo.com – Here are my thoughts on last night’s game.

1. Give Jacques Lemaire credit for taking risks and experimenting. Five forwards on the power play and giving Ilya Kovalchuk ice time to develop chemistry with his new linemates. It may take some time for him to get used to all of his teammates tendencies, but it is better now to try new things out than during the last few weeks of the season into the playoffs. That entire notion about Jacques Lemaire being such a conservative coach is nonsense.

2. Early on, it seems like there is too much focus on Ilya Kovalchuk and players trying to get him the puck. This is not team first style Devils fans are accustomed to seeing. But that will change as time goes along. It is exciting to see Elias and Kovalchuk play together and having that potential explosive offense when the team is down a few goals. Nevertheless, no matter what the scoreboard says during the game, the Devils will always have a chance to win.

3. Conservative? New York Rangers played a “boring” style of defensive hockey and waited for the Devils to make mistakes before taking advantage. Once Rangers’ forward Marion Gaborik scored, New Jersey tried to get something going offensively but turnovers did them in. Ultimately, New York sat on the lead.

4. All things considering, I thought New Jersey played very well. After all, they just had played the night before and the Rangers were well rested. The energy level was good and putting 42 shots on goal is extremely good sign. This kind of sustained pressure is a good sign and the Rangers were fortunate that Henrik Lundvquist was focused and solid in net.

5. Speaking of HANK, he should really THANK the referees officiating the game last night. I can point out at least half dozen quick whistles after the save was made, yet he did not have the puck. I can understand losing the sight of the puck, but there were times the puck was clearly outside of the crease and the whistle was blown. Then again, maybe I should go easier on the refs. Hank’s king-sized mattress sized leg pads seem to be always obstructing their view.

6. Last, but not least: Ilya Kovalchuk and Sean Avery.

Since Avery likes the attention and be fashionable, I decided to give you my opinion about the fight. Yes, he did his job as the pest, but was that necessary? Some hockey analysts will say it was stupid because Kovalchuk fell into the trap and got baited into not participating the closing minutes of the game. Well, this was not the playoffs.

That fight won character points in my book. Kovy proved to me that he does not need to hide behind the Devils’ enforcers and he will finish his own fights. To me, he is a natural born leader and this kind of attitude will rub off on his entire team.

I would like to say that Kovalchuk and Gaborik are generally equal in terms of their NHL superstar status and what they can do on offense. But I would take Kovalchuk over Gaborik any day because of the intangibles. Kovalchuk literally manhandled Sean Avery without hesitation and this fight will go a long way of winning respect from your new teammates. Enjoy the videos of the difference between Gaborik and Kovalchuk when it comes to fighting.

Checkout Denis Gorman’s article on Hockey Primetime. Mario Lemieux trying to save the Pittsburgh Pirates?

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Kovy’s debut; Devils and their fans to invade MSG tonight

SamPWoo.com – It is not how you start, its how you finish. And for the New Jersey Devils, they finished on top.

Down 3-1 late in the third period against the Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey stormed back and exploited the Maple Leafs’ newly revamped Swiss cheese defense. Ilya Kovalchuk played well and he came as advertised, one of the most exciting players in the NHL.

Kovalchuk’s speed, great vision and puck handling skills drew a lot of attention from the Devils’ faithful. Not since Scott Gomez that the Devils had a player that can move the puck quickly through the neutral zone. The only difference is Gomez tends to lose the puck often when he gets to the neutral zone and his salary takes up more cap space than Kovalchuk. And we are witnessing why Lou Lamoriello was going to use his cap space wisely than overspend to resign players in the past when opportunities like acquiring someone like Kovalchuk’s stature come around. Moreover, he is an exciting marquee player and wants to win now.

Our condolences:

Driving home last night and listening to NHL Home Ice, I listened and learned the death of Brendan Burke, the son of Maple Leafs’ GM Brian Burke. It really makes you think how precious life is and as the family mourns, we, as fans, are there to support.

Here are more links and Kovalchuk reaction from my colleagues at Hockey Primetime.

Atlanta tries to move on without Kovalchuk
By Brett Friedlander

Devils react to Kovalchuk’s arrival
By Denis Gorman

Devils win Kovalchuk sweepstakes
By J.P. Hoornstra

The big showdown at MSG

Devils and Rangers are ready to rumble for an Atlantic Division showdown tonight at MSG. This rivalry is always heated and one of the best rivalries in all of sports. You can technically call this a “Subway Summit”. Will Devils fans show up in huge numbers tonight?

Here is a video from the last meeting at MSG:

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Hell-ya Kovalchuk! Devils want to win now

SamPWoo.com – The paradigm has changed in the Eastern Conference. The New Jersey Devils acquiring Ilya Kovalchuk just gave their power play and offense a significant boost. Once Patrik Elias returns from injury, New Jersey may have the best top two lines in the NHL.

How did Lou Lamoriello do it? He had to give up defenseman Johnny Oduya, rookie forward Niclas Bergfors, junior prospect Patrice Cormier and New Jersey’s first-round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. Some say he had to give up a lot for a rental. I beg to differ.

Yes, these are quality players, but they can be replaced. Essentially, the Devils farm system has proven this season that they can step in and do the job for Jacques Lemaire. But by obtaining Kovalchuk, it gives them an immediate offensive threat they have not seen since Alexander Mogilny. What did the Devils do that year? They won the Stanley Cup.

Once Patrik Elias comes back from injury, the Devils will have two power play units that can score at will and their point will cause havoc for defenseman trying to block the shooting lanes. This is going to open up and spread out their opposing team’s penalty kill. It may take some time for Kovalchuk to get used to his new surroundings, but I fully expect the power play to be running on all cylinders by the playoffs.

I feel that Lamoriello is not finished yet. The Devils still need some help on the blueline, even when Paul Martin returns to the lineup after the Olympic break. They have the world class goaltending. Lamoriello did not mortgage the future with this deal, but he certainly put most of his poker chips in the middle of the table and is all in. With Martin Brodeur having a Hart and Vezina trophy type record breaking season, Kovalchuk will certainly have a taste of winning.

More Kovalchuk coverage

I’ll have some quotes and more coverage of Ilya Kovalchuk in the next two days. Keep checking my blog and Hockey Primetime.

Now I know why Rangers fans are often confused.

I blame the MSG network. Maybe they should have just played 1994 Stanley Cup highlights instead. This is from last night’s game when the Rangers played the Capitals. This picture says it all. And they were not playing the Hurricanes. Sent to me by Blake Benzel of Hockey Primetime

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