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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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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Monday Morning Netminder: Devils need a “stopper”

SamPWoo.com – It almost seems like the same nightmare is being repeated from last season. Dominating and leading for most of the game and suddenly, you lose the game. For now, the New Jersey Devils can get away with it because it is only the regular season, but they need to find a way to close out games. Moreover, they need to find a “stopper”.

Devils fans: Thanks to Brian Burke, we will have no more dreams of picking up Dion Phaneuf. However, I expect the rumors of Scott Niedermayer rejoining his brother and former employer will heat up. Niedermayer would be the most logical choice for Lou Lamoriello to bolster up his roster for another Stanley Cup playoff run. We shall see.

Aside from needing an upgrade on the blueline, I am still hopeful that the New Jersey Devils will have the most depth going into the playoffs. They have had a ton of injuries and half of the lineup resembled the Lowell Devils than New Jersey. That is not bad considering that they are near the top of the Eastern Conference, while the New York Rangers can’t produce a $56 million team record.

Curse?

Since the infamous two half games with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Devils power play seem to also have suffered a “brownout”. Although I am concerned, better to have it now than after the Olympic break.

New Jersey won’t make excuses, but they certainly will benefit by getting some of their key veterans back from injury list. When Paul Martin, Patrik Elias, and David Clarkson find their way back to the lineup, this team will have their depth and have an advantage of having their younger players having some experience playing with the big club. These young kids may be called upon in the playoffs and in certain situations at a moment’s notice. It is a blessing in disguise and the Devils are still in first place of the Atlantic Division despite all of these setbacks.

Community Service project

Roger Mussa and I are working on something cool for you the readers. I’ll have more details later this week.

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Unthinkable: Would Lamoriello trade Devils’ captain?

SAMPWOO.com – This definitely caught my eye this morning. I read this on fannation.com.

Jacques Lemaire is sending a message to his team by demoting Jamie Langenbrunner to the fifth line. Lemaire, no stranger to proper discipline, is the sheriff in town and he wants to shake up the environment. He wants leadership and maybe he is sending a message to Langenbrunner, who is coming off a career year last season, to not get too comfortable. Was there something to the fact that Brendan Shanahan was wearing the “C” during the last preseason game?

Langenbrunner does have a clause in his contract which would limit the Devils in having him dealt. He has two years left and with a cap hit of $2.8M per year. After having 69 points with a plus/minus +25, his stock value is high and Lamoriello could get a lot in return with the right deal. The Devils do have a glut of young talented right wingers in the system, but are they willing to rush them up in case the Devils’ captain goes elsewhere?

My opinion: this is a coaching decision rather than a personnel change. However, it does look intriguing because of the rumors swirling around in the past month of the Devils looking for a center. For now, Lemaire wants to test his players mentally and focus on winning the Stanley Cup.

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Shootout: Devils win 3-2 over Rangers in preseason action

SAMPWOO.com — With Jacques Lemaire back as head coach of the New Jersey Devils, this early preseason victory maybe an early sign for what is in store for a franchise looking to get back to the Stanley Cup finals since 2003. With the departures of Brian Gionta and John Madden, New Jersey is looking towards their youth and under the radar acquisitions to help solidify their depth. It has worked in the past and so far, I have been impressed.

My observations:

1.    Shanahan wearing the “C” on his jersey. There will be no captain controversy here when Langenbrunner is in the lineup. There is plenty of leadership in the locker room and any one of these top veterans can be captain on any other NHL team. He has had a profound impact on David Clarkson.

2.    Speaking of Clarkson, this kid will have a surprise breakout season and it has nothing to do with it being a contract year. He grew up idolizing Brendan Shanahan and he must be thrilled to be playing for Lemaire. It didn’t surprise me he wore the “A” last night. He has grit, works very hard, and takes every Devils’ practice very seriously and this dedication is starting to pay off dividends.

“I’ll have a big season with a lot of garbage goals if I can,” said Clarkson, whose 17 goals last season were an NHL career high. “A lot of my goals are from around the net.”

Clarkson scored 17 goals on defensive checking lines last season and has been improving steadily since he first played with the club in 2007. He fits perfectly in the system and as long as he goes hard to the net, he will enjoy having shots coming off of rebounds. Chemistry between Shanahan, Zubrus, and Clarkson?

3.    This game displayed the future for both teams. Nicklas Bergfors, who missed rookie camp this summer, looked impressive and Lou Lamoriello hinted before that he is a top six forward potential. If he has a great camp, he can really fill in the void for Patrik Elias.

4.    Patrik Elias is supposed to miss the next 3-6 weeks with groin problems. He had a fantastic year last season and the Devils will miss him on the power play in the beginning of the season.

5.    The Devils’ power play looked great and the Devils’ forwards were able to move the puck quickly around the perimeter. Lemaire is not being conservative and I like this. He is not hesitating to use four forwards and he is showing his naysayers that he is willing to take some chances. The results were two power play goals, both from Clarkson.

6.    Yann Denis looked solid and he is vying to be Martin Brodeur’s backup. With the departures of Kevin Weekes and Scott Clemmenson, he may have a chance to be that number two netminder. Jeff Frazee will have his chance, but I think he would be better served with playing time in Lowell.

7.    Devils held the Rangers scoreless on the power play on six attempts.

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