Hey Kovy! We're Proud Of You Too!

If you happened to watch last night's game on RDS, there was a brief interview with Alex Kovalev shortly after his introduction as the game's third star.

During the short Q & A, reference was made to what went on with him last season, and the transformation within himself that brought about a career year this season.

Acknowledging the interviewer's noting of the crowd response - a minute long ovation for having won this year's Molson Cup - Kovalev didn't bat an eye in his usual frankness when assessing the roaring approval for the seaon he has given the team.

The fans, obviously wanted him to feel their love, respect, and admiration.

"I'm proud of myself", Kovalev stated, something I don't think I've ever heard an athlete say in response to such a mass gesture of goodwill.

His answer didn't just catch me off guard - it knocked me out!
















One can imagine that Kovalev must have been so tormented by what he had offered to us as a game last season, so profoundly confused as to how and why it happened, and so angered by it all, that he drove headlong deep into his own psyche to take himself apart piece by piece and rebuild himself into something he could stand to look at in a mirror.

Kovalev is an honest man who speaks his heart and mind quite instinctively. He is not unlike the Maurice Richard or Guy Lafleur before him, in that sense. He has something to say - it is said.

"I'm proud of myself" was far from an answer I expected to hear, but it was the right one. It was true. And it was right.

The Canadiens leading scorer is by no means a predictable interview subject. He's a singular thinker who will rarely deviate from a team first state of mind.

Earlier in the year, after a Canadiens win over Washington that featured some highlight reel Alexander Ovechkin moments, Kovalev stopped a reporter as soon as a second Ovechkin question left his lips.

"I don't want to talk about him. We have many good players on this team. Let's talk about that."

When Kovalev was passed by for an appearance at the NHL All Star game, but considered as a last minute replacement, he balked at the notion when questioned about it. He wouldn't go under such a circumstance.

"I have my own All Star Team here", slammed that query to a fast close.

All of those responses struck me, as it might have with other fans who had heard them.






















I spent a good deal of time at this site last season, slagging Kovalev like there was no tomorrow. I termed him an enigma at every turn, and at the season's disappointing conclusion, hoped that Habs management would buy out his contract and make him walk the plank.

Today, I am glad I was so wrong, and that Bob Gainey knew enough about this man's insides and heart, that he knew some good old straight talk might fix things.

During Kovalev's offseason, there were stories of him connecting with fans, and just a few weeks back he released a DVD, for which proceeds would go to his charity of choice.

Giving is what he has done best this season.




















Before last night's game, I had heard about Kovalev receiving the Molson Cup, and learned that fans were getting poised to give his season a rousing thumbs up ovation.

Not often do I make it a point to catch such opening game ceremonies, but this one I did not want to miss.

The Bell Centre fans gave it up for Kovy last night, bigtime.

What he has given this season, was returned in cheer with the gesture.

During that minute, the camera zoomed for several closeups - on Kovalev's eyes, his sheepish smile.

There was an intent spoken in Kovalev's eyes in that moment that said "We are not done yet!"
It was an appreciative and focused stare that said, "We have a game to win tonight".

All season long, Kovalev's game has epitomized passion. Game in and game out, he has brought it and has delivered it. His leadership has enabled the post season the Canadiens are about to experience.

What Kovalev has done for the Habs in 2007-08, has made him a great Montreal Canadiens player. True to the tradition.

Kovalev has all the right to exclaim, "I'm proud of myself".

We are proud of you too Kovy.

Damned proud!
.

Habs Gain Desperate Point, Close In On Ottawa

The Canadiens showed only flashes of the prowess they displayed in the last three games, but still managed to put enough desperation together in the late stages of the game and salvage a precious overtime loss point.

The story of this game however, was an unleashed Alexander Ovechkin who scored four goals - one in each of four periods - to defeat the Habs singlehandedly.

It's been put this way before: Shut Ovechkin down and you have beaten the Capitals.

Of course, the inverse is: Fail to do so, and he'll kill you!

Tonight, Ovechkin made some mere humans look foolish.

It takes a team to shut him up, and Montreal seemed to forget that it wasn't as easy as it looked when they accomplished the trick on Tuesday night.

But enough about Ovechkin, as Alex Kovalev said after the last game, "We have good players on this team. Talk about them!"

Okay Alex, but first let's note that the loss moved the Canadiens closer to first place in the East, as they gained a precious point on Ottawa, who lost to Boston. Overall the Canadiens are tied for third in the NHL. The Habs, Dallas, and San Jose all have 63 points, but the Stars have an extra win in regulation while the Sharks have played three more games.

If anyone had said back in October that Montreal would be 5 points back of Ottawa, and fourth overall on January 31, you would have shouted, "I'll take that!", or "Buddy, it's time to clean out the pipe!"

Indeed!






















It would have been much sweeter had the Habs continued playing as they had on Tuesday, but the Capitals, with Ovechkin, are likely a different prey at home where they have the last change and can manipulate Alexander the GR8 against the Habs countering lines with more ease.

Give the Canadiens players credit for not mailing this one in. They rallied from 3-0 and 4-2 deficits to tie the game late and gain those points that are so important come April.

Certain Habs that shall remain nameless because I'm in a good mood had a brutal first half in this game. They were rescued by the KIddie Corps - the line of Sergei Kostitsyn, Maxim Lapierre, and tonight's hero, Guillaume Latendresse. The Canadiens Kid Line were the team's best line tonight, accounting for three of four goals.

With only a few games under their belt, the trio played as an experienced line should. They brought a frothing enthusiam to a game lacking in it, and each player seems to understand their roles to precision.

It was quite surprising to watch them click in the latter stages of the game. All three players throw hits when the opportunities present themselves - regardless of the opposing players size in the case of Lapierre and Kostitsyn.

Lapierre is the two way conscience of the line, dishing it out, making the first pass, and keeping an eye out for the turnovers poised to retreat. Kostitsyn can play with the puck an extra few seconds, in a manner similar to what Kovalev has mastered, in order to give his linemates time to be positioned. His passes are crisp and hardly telegraphed.

Latendresse's job is the slot and charging it. He's muffed and milliganed on countless chances of late, but is doing enough things right to earn those chances. Consistency of effort paid off in his case tonight. The big winger, often much maligned, is never given enough due credit for what he is and brings to the team. His combination of size, strength and shot are qualities which 29 other teams wished they had in a 20 year old. Those knocking him have all the foresight of a lemming. For his age, Latendresse is immensely mature between the ears. What time, dedication and experience will do for him as a player is convert him into a perenial 35 to 40 goals scorer whose forte is the big game.

Sergei Kostitsyn, drafted in the same year as Latendresse and Carey Price, might turn out to be the best player of the 2005 draft class. Every game I watch him play, the kid shows me not only something new in his game, but something unexpected. Sergei can shoot from any angle, pass in traffic, hit anyone, backcheck with speed, play the PP point, and be a general thorn in the derriere to opponants. He is doggedly determined and full of heart. Tonight he found Latendresse in the slot with an odd angled pass while a Caps defender was bearing down on him.

Just prior to Guillaume's second goal, Kostitsyn did some nifty corner work, took a shot himself that went just wide, and helped keep the puck in his zone by being relentless along the boards and in the corners.

Despite the efforts of the Kid Line, the Habs slow start cost them a point tonight. File it under the "We can't win 'em all" efforts.

Other than the gelling of the Kid Line, the big positive to take is the one point gained on the Senators.

I'm starting to believe that if trends continue, such as the current one wherein the Canadiens keep earning 13 to 15 points in every ten game slice from now until the season's end, we can catch the Senators.

Ottawa, in case you did not know, has won only 17 of 35 games since November 15, when they had an earth shattering record of 15-2. Since then, they have had to deal with injuries to star players (Heatley, Volchenkov, Spezza, Alfredsson), suspect goaltending (Gerber and Emery), star player distractions (Emery again) and contract concerns (Redden). There are triple the trade scenarios floating through their media, and the pressure of a team such as the Habs, whose fandom overtakes their backyard, can only weigh heavily on the psyche of the team.

The Senators have nowhere near the depth Montreal has. Down the stretch the Canadiens can use assets outside the nightly lineup to improve the team via a trade they can't refuse. Ottawa will be gambling by exchanging pieces of their current puzzle.

Bob Gainey will sit poised, taking calls, while Bryan Murray will be making panic calls.

And it might all be decided by that one point the Habs gained tonight.

A pair of side notes for fans of stats and all things trivial:

Tomas Plekanec had two assists tonight, bringing total to 30. At this rate, Plekanec would finish with 48 assists, which wouls top his points total from last season.

The Kostitsyn's became the first Canadiens brothers to score in the same game since Frank and Pete Mahovlich did the trick for the Habs in the 1974 playoffs.

"Sign The Guy Who Found These Kids"

At my usual coffee stop on Saturday morning, before last weekend's Rangers debacle, I was sitting around enjoying the paper when my old pal Mac came to interupt my reading and inadvertantly title this piece.

Mac's a Habs fan from way, way back. He remembers getting his shorts in a knot over the Canadiens bumping out Frank Selke to bring in Sam Pollock!

He walked in leaning on a cane and it was the first time I'd seen him this way. His walk has gained rust, but the mind is still as pointed as a spear.

As he watched me fold the last page of the sports section and close the paper, he exclaimed, "Whoa a second, flip that back one!"

News of Alexander Ovechkin signing his whopping 13 year deal caught Mac's eye, and he immersed himself in the storyline.

"Nuts", he squawks, "He's a dandy, but that's just crazy money!"

"Could turn out to be worth it", I add, "Ovechkin is the real deal, a great package of passion, personality and gamesmenship."

"Of course....and what's Pavel Bure doing these days?"

Mac made a good point. Injuries can hamper and cut short a brilliant career with just one hit to a knee or head.

"Not sure these long term deals are worth the risk", Mac summises, and to a certain extent, it's hard not to disagree.

I tell him that I believe the Canadiens should ink a few dandies of their own long term. I name Higgins, Komisarek, and Plekanec for starters, and Mac agrees but takes the thought and runs with it.

"What Bob has to get done first is sign the guy who found these kids"

"Trevor Timmins, you mean?"

"That's the guy I think, that's a name I heard before. Is he the main scout?"

"Kinda, he's the director of scouting for the team. He likely takes in every game of every player that comes highly recommended by his staff of scouts", I offer.

"Well that guy Tim Tre....."

"Trevor Timmins?"

"Yeah, that's the guy should get a deal like Ovechkin. If he's behind bringing all these young kids in, and ya wanna keep 'em comin' then he's the guy ya gotta keep!"

Mac is 82 years old. His cane is covered in Habs logo stickers.

"Betcha I could hit top corner with this thing", he brags, "Takes out Leafs fan with just one swing!"

Mac and I talked a bit more about hockey - he rarely misses games. Then we talked a whole lot about golf - to my regret!

The old guy makes a great point though, and one I hadn't really looked at in that way before. I starting thinking on the logic of signing a director of scouting long term, and it makes tons of sense in many regards.

First there are considerations of better offers coming Timmins' way. When success is proven, alluring offers follow, and locking up Timmins as New Jersey has done with David Conte assures continuity of thought and process in an organization. With the Devils, Conte swears allegiance to Lou Lamoriello, and I'd be curious to know the details of the scouting directors contract and whether it outruns the manager's deal.

I know that Gainey's contract in Montreal expires in a few seasons. My thinking is both Gainey and the Habs will want the deal extended, but should Gainey decide he is fullfilled, and Timmins contract expires with him, what prevents him from being yanked away in a moment of indecision by an incoming GM?

As scouts results are often teamed with a GM whose talents enable those skills, scouting staffs often suffer the same fate as coaching staffs when new hands take over.


















Another reason to want Timmins virtues around for another decade is that while scouts tend to shuffle from team to team, the directors remain in place longer. They get aquainted with the blossoming of talent in an organization. They speak to it, groom it, and help to guide it along. In all the overseeing duties tied to the task, no one in the organization has a better grip on where every kid is at mentally, physically, and hockey wise. Timmins knows what makes these guys tick better than anyone as he has gotten to know many of them as early as when they were perhaps 16 years old. Losing such an asset would be a killer to the Habs, as there is likely no one set to take over at any given time who has their pulse so finely tuned on the aspirations of the team as Timmins does.

The first two reasons add up to the third and have to do with the perception of stability from both both within the organization and outside of it. It ties into everything that makes the Canadiens run, from free agent signings, to contract renewals, through player trades, and stretching as far as the players drafted themselves and the scouts who scout them.

Stability and its perception can affect free agents who are thinking about the solidity of the future when prospectively signing in Montreal.

A player facing free agency will be comforted when thinking that the team will remain strong, thanks to a stable of picks overseen by Timmins filling out the team for years.

When another GM calls up Gainey inquiring about a pick manned by Timmins, they might be reassured by his track record, and go the extra length in aquiring the player - which benefits the Habs.

Players drafted by Timmins and the Canadiens are beginning to understand that the team will have them under a watchful and concerned eye as they grow. They will listen more intently to directives knowing this and will go all out to prove themselves knowing that their progression is noticed and justifiably rewarded.

Scouts, the best ones, will always want to work for the organization that best shows off their work. This is how scouts move up in the ranks. They want to work for an organization that utilises their roadtrip homework, parlaying it into NHL'ers that have their name stamped on them. They will want to work for a man like Timmins, and in consequence, an organization like the Montreal Canadiens who retain their draft picks. I makes them look good - it leads to them making more money.

As for Timmins background, one just needs to know that he has had a helping hand in building up the Ottawa Senators, from whom he was plucked away. The Senators repetoire of prospects has hardly been the equal of the Canadiens since. In Ottawa, Timmins worked his way up the ladder into scouting, and the degrees he earned prior remain with him.

He has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education, a master's in Business Administration from Queen's University, and a master's in Sports Administration.

He is most definitely a man who rises to the task of challenges. With his accumulated successes, he could easily work outside of hockey, as delegating authority and cultivating particular assests are surely among his talents as well.

Keep your fingers crossed that both Bob Gainey and Pierre Boivin know all this and realize what is at stake.

As Selke once had to make way for Pollock, perhaps Gainey will one day step aside to make room for Timmins. My old friend will hopefully still be around them and I doubt he'll be as upset now as he was then.

Mac, your genial. Next cup is on me!

Perhaps the best bio on Timmins comes from this Gazette article dating back to June 13, 2007

NHL Road Trip With Crosby And Ovechkin

Sidney Crosby only had one line in the NHL's promotional ad that was filmed January during the NHL All-Star Game, but it was a good one.

The commercial, titled "Road Trip," opens with Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin ordering room service for one in his hotel room -- lots and lots of room service.

As the clip moves to other NHLers acting up -- brothers Jordan and Eric Staal have a pillow fight in their room -- it always goes back to Ovechkin ordering more and more food. Finally, Ovechkin says, "My name? Sidney Crosby," and the commercial cuts immediately to Crosby opening his door to a huge delivery.

Crosby's one line -- snarling the name "Ovechkin" -- wasn't one he got down right off the bat, either.

"It took a lot of takes, just because of the lighting or I didn't say it the right way," Crosby said. "They have to be so precise for a two-second clip."

As of yesterday, Crosby hadn't seen the commercial, available on YouTube.

Sidney Crosby And Alexander Ovechkin 2007 All-Star Game Press Conference

That "Cat's Meow" question Sidney had to laugh off makes this whole clip worthwhile.

I thought Les Nesman died on WKRP In Cincinati!

Ovie is his usual, goofy and charming self - before a night of shooters in a Dallas pub.

Ovechkin Wins Shooter Competion

Well, kinda...

If you were one of those wondering what the heck happened to Ovechkin during the skating drill, you're not alone.

According to Martin Leclerc of Le Journal de Montreal, Ovie was a busy boy the night before. Leclerc writes:

"Hockey fans in a stylish Dallas pub got quite a surprise Monday night when Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, and Dion Phaneuf showed up together at the pub. Partyers at the club didn't hesitate to coax the three young stars into a shooter contest - and we're not talking with hockey sticks here. Not ones to back down, the two Russians and the Canadian, it is told, showed they weren't born yesterday and handled everything put in front of them. Nothing scandalous about this - the youngsters have planty right to have a little fun from time to time. Aren't the All-Star festivities a time to party, after all?"

Leclerc also caught coach Lindy Ruff putting on reporters covering the game, who were none the wiser.

If heard some of the questions coming at players from the media, it's all you can do not to fall down laughing.

When asked a Les Nesman type reporter, what it felt like to be the "cat's meow" of whole deal, Sidney Crosby almost choked on a Penguin. Laughing he said, "I don't know how to answer that question seriously!"

As for Ruff, he was asked if he planned to make use of his team in the same manner as he does behind a Sabres bench.

Putting on the most serious face imaginable, the coach leaned forward in his chair and said, "I have an 0-1 record at this game, and I have every intention of leaving here with a .500 record. For that reason, Bob Hartley and I have set aside three hours for a reunion on game strategy later on this evening."

Nobody blinked!

10 Greatest And Not So Great Moments In Washington Capitals History

(RC Note - I made a wager with CapsChick at View From The Cheapseats on Thursday's Habs - Caps game. The loser would have to post about the winning team on site at the losers blog. It sounded like fun to me and she was game. Well the Habs went and blew it big time so here I am, foot in mouth, owning up.)

I have watched grass grow before my eyes.

I once sat witness, staring as paint dried.

I have seen the wind not blow.

And now I have written about the Washington Capitals.

I did have a choice, an option, an opportunity to shut up. Look where bravado has taken me. If I were smarter, I'd feel humiliated instead of humidified.

What can I say but "Oh Lord, It's hard to be humbled!"

Never in my worst of bloggosmares would I have dreamt my Habs would be so undone. I still can't believe they were so creamed. They met a week ago and the Canadiens seemed rightfully superior. I looked for a reason, not an excuse, as to WTF went wrong. I hate excuses and this doesn't make me feel any better.

I won't beat around the Bush - she is in Washington! So here, as (kinda) promised, are the "10 Greatest And Not So Great Moments In Washington Capitals History", ...in random order because I feel feel that way.

Number 1 - September 9, 1982, a red letter day in Washingston Capitals history - and they have former bowling alley entrepreneur and then current Habs GM Irving Grundman to say a gros merci to for it. Grundman, stung by criticism resulting from consecutive early playoff exits by the Habs, pulls the trigger on a mega six player deal that launches the Caps franchise from the edges of extinction to prosperity all in one season.

Grundman sends defensemen Rod Langway and Brian Engblom, future NHL iron man Doug Jarvis, and RW Craig Laughlin to the Caps for defenseman Rick Green, a former # 1 pick in 1976, and the rugged Ryan Walter, another high Washington draft choice.

GM Grundman's rationale for the deal was that he was about to lose Langway to free agency in another season. In Montreal, he was seen as having been fleeced by Caps counterpart David Poile. While Poile continued to prove his worth as a GM for decades, Grundman was fed to the wolves two years later.

The moves improved the Capitals by 29 points and into the playoffs for the first time in 9 years. Langway played 12 seasons in Washington, winning the Norris Trophy (a rarety for such a defensive rearguard) in his first two seasons. He was a member of many All-Star teams and had his number retired by the Capitals at the end of his career, in which he was their longest serving captain.

Jarvis won a Selke Trophy with the Capitals, never missing a game in his quest to become the NHL's all time ironman. Laughlin was a perrenial 20 goal scorer in his six years in Washington. Engblom, after two solid seasons with the Caps, was sent to Los Angeles Kings for Larry Murphy, who went on to enjoy the most offensive years of a brilliant career with Washington.

For their part, Green and Walter fared well with the Canadiens. While never becoming quite as key to the team as Langway would with the Caps, they were still solid team players. Both would have injury plagued tenures with the Habs before winning a Stanley Cup in 1986.

Number 2 - The infamous missing "o" typo! TSN Sports commentator Bob McKenzie built his good reputation as a writer and editor with The Hockey News. In the early 1980's the future of the Capitals franchise was in doubt and threatening to be moved. In a THN piece, McKenzie was covering a "Save The Capitals" ticket drive that would ultimately prove succesful. Perhaps poor Bob was as tired as those working the phone lines for the team when he proofread his article for the paper. McKenzie wrote that "Capitals staffers are working cuntless hours" trying to save the team. In the following weeks edition, one letter writer suggested that it "was too much of a sacrifice". Two decades later, while being interviewed, McKenzie called it the most embarrassing moment of his life.

Number 3 - Six solid draft choices in 7 years solidified the Capitals future. Starting in 1978, Washington struck first round gold with a series of picks that panned out very well for the team. The run included Walter (78), Mike Gartner (79), Darren Veitch (80), Bobby Carpenter (81), Scott Stevens (82), and Derian Hatcher (84). While Walter paid the aforementioned dividend in the Langway trade, all but Veitch would become All-Stars. He was, nevertheless, a solid and rugged contributor to a strong Capitals defense. GM, at the time, Max McNab was very big on the highly touted Veitch and was thrilled to add him as a cornerstone to a burgeoning D-corps. History suggest the Caps would have done better taking the next player chosen - Paul Coffey.

Number 4 - The Capitals, as a team, were getting better slowly in 1981-82, but pretty much going nowhere fast. The Caps were 26-41-13 for 65 points in their eighth season and seemed on the verge of better days. One reason for hope was the play of Dennis Maruk, who set offensive marks that have yet to be bettered in the D.C. State. Seemingly out of nowhere, Maruk tallied an amazing 60 goals and 76 assists for 136 points - still Capitals records more than 25 years later. While Maruk had hit 50 goals the previous season, nothing of this sort was expected from him. The following season, while hampered by injuries, his goal production shuted to 31 and Washington offed him to the Minnesota North Stars for a 2nd round draft pick in 1984. Maruk would top out with a best 21 goals in Minny, while the aquired pick Stephen Leach, would become a journeyman NHLer.

Number 5 - The Easter Epic! Though the Capitals came out on the losing end, they along with the Islanders, produced the second longest overtime game in NHL playoff history. The game began on April 18, 1987 and ended 7 periods later in the wee morning hours when Pat Lafontaine's goal eliminated the Capitals in the seventh game of the series. Goalltenders Kelly Hrudey of the Islanders and Bob Mason of the Capitals were kept busy all game, with Washington outshooting the Isalnders 75-57. The game lasted an incredible 6 hours and 18 minutes and ended at 1:58 a.m.

Number 6 - Somewhere in here I should fit in the All-Time Caps team I originally promised, so here it is: In goal, Olaf "Godzilla" Kolzig, on defense Scott "I Turned Lindros Into A Cottonball" Stevens, and Rod "the Mod" Langway. The forwards are Peter "Why'd You Trade Me" Bondra, Dale "Head" Hunter, and Alexander " I Look Like I Should Be In Eric Burden and the Animals" Ovechkin. Now you know why I chose a different post.

Number 7 - No Cigar! In 1998, the Capitals surprised just about everyone by reaching the Stanley Cup final - where just about anything is possible! After finishing third in the Atlantic division with 92 points, the Capitals upset Boston, Ottawa, and Buffalo in succession to reach the final for the only time in their history. Unfortunately they ran up against a determined Detroit Red Wings and were broomed off in 4 straight. Hey, it was a long way from 1974, when they set records for being bad by allowing 446 goals against, racking up a grand total of 8 wins, and totalling an incomprehensible 21 points.

Number 8 - Alexander The Gr-8, what else! Ovechkin, he of the inhuman highlight reel, is quickly becoming the best foundation the Capitals have ever had to build upon. With Semin, and soon Backstrom, Washington has a trio of offensive weaponry more dangerous than what sits behind a desk in the White House. The Capitals are well prepared to do battle with the flying Penguins, hockey's (hopefully) next great rivalry. Ovie ran away with the Calder Trophy race while scoring THE greatest goal ever scored. If he never did another worthy thing, he would still be legendary.

Number 9 - Nevermind 1998, better days should have been on the horizon, as owner Ted Leonis promised. Two years after making the finals, the brash tycoon did his best to better the team, looking for the missing pieces, and polling fans on a myriad of questions. He delived by aquiring Jaromir Jagr for what amounted to a song. Trouble was, the song turned out to be "Highway To Hell" as Jagr was confused, misunderstood, moody and completely incompatible with fitting into the Capitals system. The system, for crying out loud, should have been built around him. The square peg analogy doesn't get any simpler than this.

Number 10 - A little more hardware on the table, please. I went looking for trophies, but the shelf is almost bare. Since Langway took the double Norris' in '83 and '84, Washington has not been the blessed recipient of many individual awards. 1984 also yielded a Selke Trophy for Doug Jarvis and Coach of the year nod for Bryan Murray. Jim Carey grabbed the Vezina in 1996 and Olaf Kolzig duplicated the feat four years later before adding the King Clancy Trophy in 2006. Ovechkin nabbed the calder in 2006 and has his sights poised on many an MVP award, scoring titles and Rocket Richard trophies in the not too distant future.

The Hockey New Years Wish List

Here's a list of New Years wishes for the players and personalities, teams and organization that make hockey the greatest game on Earth.

To the Canadian boys in Sweden at the WJC - another undefeated run to the Gold to launch their careers.

Former Flyers GM Bobby Clarke - a less stressful front office job while coming to grips with today's game.

For Wayne Gretzky - a healthy family and a ticket out of Phoenix before 20 years of hockey integrity is undone.

Pat Quinn - the opportunity to once again scream at NHL officials close up.

Brendan Shanahan - the 50 goal season this funnyman and astute hockey thinker's legend deserves.

Peter Forsberg - spare parts!

To Mario Lemieux and the Penguins fans - solid plans for a new arena that they will fill for decades.

Guy Carbonneau - A Jack Adams Trophy to place next to his Selke's.

To Gary Bettman and Colin Campbell - muzzles, disguises, and a goal scoring surge.

John Muckler, Harry Neale, and Don Cherry - a hastened and vile free ride off into the sunset.

Rory Fitzpatrick - peace of mind to concentrate on the task at hand and a playoff spot for the Canucks.

To the Blackhawks and Bruins - a return to the playoffs and a battle with another Original Six franchise.

Guillaume Latendresse - continued class, composure, and coolness under fire.

To Dave Lewis - a mirror and a razor.

For Sidney Crosby - an Art Ross and a hockey game in late April.

Charles Wang - perception and 25 good books on hockey.

To Sheldon Souray and Andrei Markov - lucrative multi year deals with the Habs that do not handcuff GM Gainey. (OK, that's for me also!)

Mats Sundin - hair, wingers, and a contract that keeps him in the blue and white.

To the Oilers and Flames - deep playoffs runs into the month of May.

For the Ottawa Senators - a head scout that can replenish their depleted talent base.

To Alexander Ovechkin - America wide recognition and a highlight reel goal that tops last seasons goal against Phoenix.
John Ferguson Jr. - A father in good health and free agent clarity.

To Pat Burns - A call come June from newly appointed Senators GM Bryan Murray.

To every hockey playing child, between the ages of 3 and 20 - government sponsored mandatory heart defribulators in every arena in Canada and the United States.

To Doug Gilmour - a first ballot induction to Hockey Hall immortality.

For Red Fisher - on a similar note, eliminating the "Honourees" distinction from the HHOF, and an invitation to return as a full fledged "Member."

To Jeremy Roenick - a killer second half, meals after games only, and a healthy family.

To Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, and Bobby Orr - the best health and all the adulation and love from the hockey world as it continues to not only recognize your player contributions, but also the special people you are.

David Aebischer - a starters job, anywhere!

Jose Theodore - a gossip free resurgeance to the netminding elite.

Ed Belfour - another contract well earned.

For Patrick Roy - another Memorial Cup run and a clue when to shut up when things are of no concern.

To the Capitals, Blues, Predators, and Panthers - fans in the seats.

Phil Kessel - a Lance Armstrong like recovery.

To the Zambonies rock group - a huge pop hit so good it replaces "The Hockey Song" in minds of fans for the next 30 years.

Lou Lamoriello and Claude Julien - hairpieces and cameos on "The Sopranos."

To all NHL goalies - less groin pulls unless self administered.

To the Blues and Predators - a game that's settled by a shootout lasting an additional hour featuring a ton of highlight reel goals and a complete turnover of the shooters order to make the sports story of the week.

For women playing hockey everywhere - the recognition they deserve and more TV time.

To Canada itself, a nation united around a puck - more squirts and tykes highfiving bewildered teammates after scoring on their own net, more parents of kids smiling in freezing arenas, more frozen ponds and lakes and outdoor rinks, volunteers unlimited, and a million boys and girls aspiring to be the next Sidney Crosby.

To Bob Gainey and family - good health and spiritual guidance from angels above for generations and beyond.

Habs All Over Ovechkin In More Ways Than One

Alexander Ovechkin is quite the newsmaker, on and off the ice. As the great 8 gets a firmer handle on the English language, the Russian star will surely be a media and blogger story trigger for years to come. Here's just hoping he don't turn into a Sputnik Roenick!

Writers for Le Journal de Montreal in this morning's paper, were all over Ovie, covering him pre-game and post game, with everything in between. There were on him like Hugh Hefner on a Playboy Bunny, with a fistful of viagra!

Stories on Ovechkin's comings and goings and quotes were spread out on six pages of game coverage. I consider myself damn lucky to be able to snatch this paper up a hundred miles from where it's published. I can't imagine the knowledge I'd have lost out on if I were without. I don't always agree with all they say.

Mingled in with the paper's astute thinkers, are the occasional morons who believe they have a better handle on the Habs than anyone else in the city, including the teams GM. That, or they just prey to controversy making themselves a name and selling more newsprint.

There's lots to cover, so I'll start somewhere in the middle:

It seems Ovechkin became very good friends with the Habs Andrei Markov while both were teammates in the 2004 Olympics. Before yesterday's game they were spotted enjoying each others company and sharing some laughs. Ovechkin mentioned that since The Games, they have stayed in touch, even training together during the summer months in Toronto.

The great 8 said the had lots of catching up to do the morning of the game.

When asked a few days back, which defenseman in the conference gave him the most trouble, Ovechkin dropped a few names while singling out Zdeno Chara and Markov. He uggested that Markov is one of the better D-men in the NHL.

"It's because he knows my every trick on the ice. He reads me like you read a book."

When these comments reached Markov, the defender said, "He's so funny. He's just trying to put me to sleep with all that. It's true that we're great friends but that ends on the ice."

The paper noted that "as his command of the language improves, so does his ability to express his opinions. He's quite a lighthearted treat, a refreshing athlete."

Glen Hanlon stated that he "wished the fans in the Washington area realized just what a fun-loving exhuberant star they have in their midst. He's an extraordinary player and not the only one on the team."

The Caps pull in a little less than an average 13,000 fans per game at the Verizon Center, even though the team has been doing much better than was expected. Hanlon says that will change as the team moves up in standing.

When Ovechkin was asked why the seats were empty, he replied, "They're only half empty!"

Asked to comment on his recent run-ins with the Sabres Daniel Briere, Ovechkin suggested "they were now even."

Briere seemingly evened the score in the previous game when he tagged the Russian with a sprear to the family jewels.

Ovechkin enjoyed the Buffalo crowd getting on him, heartily booing him after he scored. Ovechkin put his hand to his ear in a suggested "I can't hear you" pose.

"I play for fans and they enjoy players who give it up for them. Those boos motivated me way more than they ever could bother me!"

When asked what happened to his tinted visor, he exclaimed, "It's all Martin Brodeur's fault. He complained that he couldn't see my eyes behind it. He should keep his eyes on the puck. Anyhow, that's not why I wore it - I am just trying to be a little different, that's all. It went well with my personality. If left up to me, I'd wear one that's completely black!"

On the taxi ride taking reporters to the game, they noticed two large billboards that proclaimed, "Do you know Number 8?' They asked the taxi driver if he knew who the young man was. The driver, a native of Sierra Leone in Africa, had no clue.

"Is he French or American" asked the driver.

"He's Russian", they replied.

He turned to one reporter and asked in complete seriousness. "Is he still alive?'

"Oh yes he is", he answered. "He's just 21, and very much alive!"
















Another focus of the papers Ovechkin coverage centered around how well the Canadiens managed to contain him on this night. Coach Guy Carbonneau told that the plan was the same as the one applied Sidney Crosby a week earlier. They attempted to have the Markov - Komisarek duo on him at all times, along with Radek Bonk's line keeping to the perimeter as much as possible.

Cristobal Huet, who played another outstanding game, added, "He's such an explosive player in the offensive zone. He's a constant threat. He can let one go quickly from any conceivable angle."

Carbonneau added that he was especially pleased with the job done by his defenseman. He also gave a tip of the hat to Bonk's line, noting that Hanlon pulled the Ovechkin trio off, each time Carbonneau countered with Bonk's.

"That's exactly what I'm hoping to achieve!" said the coach.

Should be quite a circus when Ovechkin hits Montreal on Febuary 20th.

The Aftermath of the Ovechkin Hit on Briere

There has been a lot of back and forth on the Alexandre Overchkin hit on Daniel Briere of late. While the incident occurred days ago, there continues to be fall out from the small fine he received and the suspense he did not.

Most people I've spoken to, couldn't believe all he got was a slap on the wrist. Even more surprising were Ovechkin's comment in the aftermath of brouhaha.

In his very best broken English, Ovechkin has explained it this way:

"My contact was not accident. I wanted to hit him. But if you see replay, I don't hit him, you know, hard. I just saw his back and I just hit him. I don't want give him injury or do some injury to him. I'm not the player that -- we're both are players, and I know we both want to play hockey. I don't want to do some injury to him. Doesn't matter Briere or some different player. ... I know it was not a good hit, but I tell you I don't want to do that".



A Capitals fan site called Dumpnchase, gave a great detailing of the hit, stride by stride.

When Ovechkin gets to the red line, he stops moving his feet altogether and is merely coasting. Just after he crosses the red line, Briere slides the puck along boardsl into the Washington end. The two players are now nearly shoulder to shoulder. Ovechkin moves in to bump Briere. His elbows aren’t high, his legs aren’t moving. Just as he does, Briere turns to go to the bench. Ovechkin applies the hit, and rather than a shoulder to shoulder bump that might have been (at worst) an interference minor, Briere goes into the wall and loses his helmet upon impact.

Did Ovechkin hit Briere late? Yes.

Was it done maliciously or with a "dirty" intent? Sure didn’t look like it.

Could he have stopped, turned or pulled up? Probably.As mentioned, he was already coasting.

Does Ovechkin usually finish his checks? Yes.

Is Ovechkin bigger than Briere? Yes. The Caps’ 2006-07 press guide lists Ovechkin at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds. The Sabres’ book has Briere at 5-foot-9, 177 pounds.

Did Ovechkin hit him as hard as he could have hit him? I’ll bet if you asked Radoslav Suchy, Colin White, Vitaly Vishnevski or countless other, bigger players who have been on the receiving end of previous Ovechkin bodychecks, they would tell you he did not.

Does the rule book state that the puck carrying player bears part of the responsibility to avoid placing himself in a dangerous and vulnerable position? It does (Rule 42, page 92). And as previously stated, Briere’s turning motion made all the difference in the severity of the hit.

Does Briere believe he bears part of the blame for the hit? He does.

"There’s physical, and there’s hitting from behind. That’s a pretty gutless play," said Briere, in Sunday’s edition of The Buffalo News. "But at the same time, I’ve got to take part of the blame, too. You’ve got to protect yourself a little bit better than I did."

Does Ovechkin have a history of malicious hits? No.

The 20 PIM he picked up in Saturday’s game represents nearly a quarter of his career total of 82 in 107 games. The two major penalties he picked up on Saturday night were the first two of his NHL career, and one of them (the fighting major) was a complete joke. The boarding penalty he got against Buffalo was the second of his career.

Last season, Ovechkin ranked seventh in the league among forwards with 172 hits. That’s 172 hits without a single boarding violation. This season, he is tied for ninth among NHL forwards with 62 hits. That’s 234 career hits, two boarding penalties. Does that constitute a history of malicious hits? Definitely not.

How badly was Briere hurt? He laid on the ice for a bit, got up, skated to the bench. Sat there for a minute until the Buffalo trainer insisted he go down the runway for a spell. He returned even before the penalties were announced and play had resumed on the ice. Played 21:08 on the night, nearly 10% above his season average of 19:34. It was the 11th time in 26 games that he exceeded the 20-minute mark. Even spent eight full minutes (four of them after the hit from Ovechkin) cooling his heels in the penalty box during the course of the evening, preventing his ice time total from climbing even higher.

Given that preponderance of evidence and circumstance, I didn’t think there was any way he’d draw a suspension and I was glad to find out today that the league agreed.