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(Author’s Note: Please take a few moments to check out the links in this article.  Those people all do fantastic work, you will enjoy it.)

Just a few short hours after both Canada and the United States finished the weekend-long celebrations for their respective national holidays, the hockey world suffered an immeasurable loss as one of its own, Bob Probert, met his end at the young age of 45.  Widely regarded as the best “tough guy” to ever lace it up in the NHL, Probert played one of sport’s most difficult roles for an astounding 17 NHL seasons, first for the Detroit Red Wings, then for their division rival Chicago Blackhawks.

Probert’s career followed a path that was anything but conventional.  In his first season with the OHL‘s Brantford Alexanders, he played a scant 15 games, but in that time amassed 12 goals, 28 points, and 133 penalty minutes.

He certainly seemed to be a jack-of-all-trades kind of player. As time progressed, however, he found his niche as an “enforcer”, doing the dirty work and protecting his teams’ top scorers with his intimidating physical presence and ten pound hands.  There is even sports apparel bearing his post-scrap image with the tagline: “Give Blood. Fight Probie.”

Over the years, many of Probert’s on-ice bouts have become things of legend as he grappled with the likes of Jeff Odgers, Craig Coxe, Joey Kocur, and of course, 13 “trips to the boat races” with Tie Domi.  As tweeted by former NHL player and Domi teammate Nick Kypreos: “Tie told me he had 13 go’s with Probert. Asked him if that’s the most Probie’s had with one guy? Tie said ‘Can’t imagine anyone stupid enough to go for 14′.”  Adrian Dater from the Denver Post reported that veteran Ian Laperriere texted him describing Probert as the “scariest player to ever play against, for sure”.

Respect abounds throughout the league for the man affectionately known as “Probie”.  Former Blackhawks goaltender turned analyst and broadcaster Darren Pang tweeted: “There was nothing quite like knowing Bob Probert was heading to the front of your net. A big man with great hands. Sad day.”  Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch wrote a great piece on former Columbus Blue Jackets’ big man Jody Shelley‘s reaction to Probert’s passing where Shelley stated: “He’s what us other guys wanted to be. He played the game like a man.” (Read the full article here.)

Even in the role of on-ice policeman, Probert made the 1987-88 NHL All-Star team and finished the regular season third on the Red Wings in points.  He proceeded to lead the team in post-season points taking the Wings to the Campbell Conference Finals.  That year the great Steve Yzerman played only three playoff games due to injury, so Probert understood the need for a leader and stepped his game up accordingly.  Claude Lemieux, as quoted by The Hockey News on Twitter, said it best: “He was the ultimate team guy. … He really was a good player. More than a tough guy. Fans really connected with him, related to him. He’s going to be missed.”  More and more reasons why no matter how much players and fans hated seeing their team play against Probie, it was impossible not to respect the passion with which he played the game.

In keeping with the theme of an unorthodox storyline, Probert’s career was not without its stumbling blocks.  He had several run-ins with the law, and a well-documented penchant for the “rock star” lifestyle.  He indulged in alcohol and illicit drugs on and off throughout his career and even afterwards, including multiple stints in rehab clinics.  This tried the patience of the Red Wings management and was ultimately what led to his departure from the organization, and, to a certain extent, from the Blackhawks years later.

Probert’s on-ice ferocity and nastiness might lead many to think that he carried himself in a similar manner away from the rink.  In Probert’s case however, nothing could be further from the truth.  As a former long-time teammate and current general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Yzerman told Tampa Tribune’s Erik Erlendsson: “Despite being a rugged hockey player, he was really a kind-hearted guy.  He was always upbeat and always had something nice to say.”  Lest anyone think that Yzerman was biased because Probert fought for him all those years, in a quote to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, rival Doug Gilmour praised Probert as well: “Loved the guy. He was a gentle giant. A sweetheart guy off the ice. A fierce competitior on it.”

A personal favorite memory was the one brief time I met Bob Probert.  It was just a few seconds in the concourse of the United Center when he was doing broadcasting work for the Blackhawks.  I rounded the corner and almost literally ran into him.  He said “Oh, pardon me”, and I almost kept walking without looking up.  Luckily I did look up, and once I realized who it was, I shook his frying-pan hand, said a quick word about how much I appreciated his play, and tried to let him get on his way.  It was to no avail, as autograph seekers saw who it was and engaged their tractor beams immediately.  He obliged every single one with a huge smile and a “Thank you”.  Until that day I didn’t think I could like him any more than I already did, and this is a guy who played for the Detroit Red Wings!  (Quite a big deal for many Hawks fans, as we chanted “Probert Sucks!” almost as often as “Detroit Sucks!” in the late Chicago Stadium.)

One last quote from the guy with whom he had arguably his most epic battle, Marty McSorley: “The guys around the game always cheered for him and wanted well for him.  We knew he had troubles but we wanted best for him” (thanks again to Steve Simmons).  The demons he battled were no secret to anyone, and everyone truly wanted him to come out the other side as successful as he was on the ice.

Bob Probert wasn’t a goon, a meathead, a thug, or “dirty”.  He was a hockey player in the truest sense of the word.  If you didn’t believe that before now, the words from some of his greatest adversaries should illustrate the reverence and admiration he earned from players and fans of hockey everywhere.  Probie embraced his role by defending himself, his teammates, his sweater, and the rabid fans for whom he bled with the utmost fervor, and he will be remembered as one of hockey’s favorite sons.  In an era where speed dominates the game, not only may Bob Probert have been the last truly complete ”enforcer”, but he also definitely makes the team photo for the greatest to ever play the role.  To Bob’s family: Hockey fans worldwide will keep his legacy alive, he was a great player and human.  To Bob: Your contributions to our favorite game will never be forgotten, but you will be forever missed.  Thank you.

A few of the fondest memories we have of Probert:

Bob Probert vs Marty McSorley:

Bob Probert vs Joey Kocur:

Bob Probert vs Tie Domi:

Bob Probert: Last goal ever scored at Maple Leafs Gardens:

RIP Bob Probert (1965-2010)

Ryan Hackett
NHLHS Blackhawks Correspondant
rhackett@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @hawknut

With the 21st overall pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Detroit Red Wings select…

Jonathan Merriill

6’3″, 200 pounds, and a rock on the blue line. With Lidstrom and Rafalski not getting any younger, look for the Wings to go hard on a d-man and with Merrill still on board, they can secure a potential Marc Staal type to the future of their blue line.  He has good puck presence and can move well for his size.

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

We got your fix right here.

We go live tomorrow with our 2009-2010 NHL season wrap-up show.

Be sure to tune in live with us tomorrow from 1-3 p.m. EST.

The Hockey Guys on Blog Talk Radio – link for show tomorrow. Chat room will open approximately 5 minutes prior to show’s puck drop.

All round two discussion and breakdowns of the games played up to showtime.

Tune in, and join us in the live chat as well by visiting:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thehockeyguys/2010/05/01/the-hockey-guys

We hope to see you all live with us in the chat room. And feel free to call in.

~THG

Detroit Red Wings by Anthony Curatolo

Entering these playoffs, most felt the Detroit Red Wings would need to have a performance of merit. They were right.  The Phoenix Coyotes gave the Red Wings quite the scare forcing a game seven in their first round series. However, when the going got tough the vets stepped up.  Rookie netminder Jimmy Howard and his troops were able to advance thanks to a spectacular team performance during that game seven.

Heading into the semi-finals, many fans are starting to wonder if we will see another 1993 type upset.  This year, anything seems possible (SEE: Montreal Canadiens).

During the regular season, the Sharks and Red Wings went to war four times against each other four times. Detroit has the season series, taking three of the four games. The big factor here from the regular season series are the two road wins for Detroit beating the Sharks in San Jose by finals of 4-2 and 4-1.

The only loss was a shoot-out loss on home ice.  As we all know, there are no shoot-outs in the playoffs.

The big guns for Detroit are prepared and ready for battle.  They know what stepping up is all about.  With a youngster between the pipes, Nicklas Lidstrom, Niklas Kronwall, Brian Rafalski and company all need to take there first round as a lesson learned.

Never underestimate your opponent, no matter who they may be.

San Jose Sharks by Luca Vacca (LeafsWire)

Jumbo Joe. That’s who carried the Sharks on his back and past the semi-dangerous Avalanche.

But no, not the one they usually call Jumbo Joe.  Little Joe Pavelski took matters into his own hands, putting up five goals and three assists in six games in order to proceed to the next round. This begs the question, where the heck was Joe Thornton, aka the real ‘Jumbo Joe’.

Well, he’s currently sitting at a whopping 3 assists. You’d expect a little more from the guy, especially with his cap hit ($7.2M vs. Pavelski’s ~$1.6M).  Oh yeah, that Ryan Clowe guy is pretty good too. Physicality and scoring touch, exactly what the Sharks need. On a more sour note, I saw just plain performances from ‘All-Stars’ Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley. There was rumours that Dany was playing hurt, and we’ll find out in due time. As for Patty, not a good way to possibly end your Sharks career. Also, not a good way to to play in your contract year. His play puzzles me, but hopefully he can pick it up for the Sharks sake.

When the playoffs first began, you could say that Evgeni Nabokov‘s play was atrocious and worrisome. A good team is stable from the net out, and as you could see, since Nabby wasn’t good, the team lost. Well, Nabokov effectively picked himself up, and showed he could play dominantly for the rest of the series, helping to ensure his team would move on.

It’s obvious San Jose doesn’t ice a perfect team, or even the best team. They have their share of flaws, but it is also equally obvious they have talent, and if they’re coached the right way, and they play to their system (and with a little luck to overcome the curse) the Sharks could find themselves going deeper. The Red Wings won’t roll over (whats up, Coyotes), and that’s why this upcoming series should be a dandy for hockey lovers.

We are back to regular programming hours today, which means the show will start live at 2 p.m. EST. To join us live is very simple.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thehockeyguys

Use that link, create a user name, sign in and join us.

Jeff Marek will be joining the guy’s within the first hour of the show.

We hope to see you all there today.

Have a great final day of the weekend.

~THG

In what has been discussed time and time again, the National Hockey Leagues second season, also known as the Stanley Cup Playoffs, is all about goaltending.

Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, Brian Boucher of the Philadelphia Flyers, Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver Canucks, Tuukka Rask of the Boston Bruins, Ilya Bryzgalov of the Phoenix Coyotes, Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres, Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators, Martin Brodeur of the New Jersey Devils, Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks, Marc-Andre Fleury of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Antti Niemi of the Chicago Blackhawks, Brian Elliot of the Ottawa Senators, Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, Jaroslav Halak of the Montreal Canadiens, Craig Anderson of the Colorado Avalanche as well as both Jose Theodore and Seymon Varlamov of the Washington Capitals have not only stepped up to make some amazing saves but have been able to keep each and every series even or close enough to it.

On top of their in-game play, there have been some sensational saves throughout the opening round of these playoffs.  Boucher, Luongo, Quick and others have been outstanding, Anderson has set new records but Pekka Rinne’s stop on Chicago’s Patrick Sharp is one that stands out the most. Although the Hawks beat the Predators yesterday, that series remains up in the air with no clear cut favorite at this point.

Yes, as I mentioned, Craig Anderson made 50 saves in regulation yesterday, which has become the new record for saves in regulation time for a playoff game.  He is the backbone to the Avalanche advancing and so far, so good.

Sidney Crosby and Braydon Coburn have both played “hero” in saving their netminders and team by stopping goals as well.  Crosby slid across the crease with the puck standing on the goal line to keep the Senators off the score board. Another stand out moment during these playoffs.

We also were able to witness two hat tricks in one game when Montreal’s Andrei Kostitsyn and Washington’s Nicklas Backstrom did so in game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.

Henrik Zetterberg of the Detroit Red Wings also has a three goal game to his credit in this first round. Evgeni Malkin has a goal per game for his Penguins.  Mike Richards has been a man possessed for the Philadelphia Flyers. And the list goes on.

In these playoffs, outside of goaltending, it all rests on the players that take their game to the next level. In that game 2 between the Canadiens and Capitals, Nicklas Backstrom was on player who truly took his game up a notch.  Showing people Peter Forsberg like skills, Backstrom had a four point affair helping the Capitals gain a much needed victory in what was likely the most important period and game of their season.

It has been a wild and crazy start to the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs, to say the least.

Joe Depto, a writer here at the hot stove as well as one part of the brand known as The Hockey Guys, called yesterday “Separation Sunday”.

The Colorado Avalanche, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Phoenix Coyotes all took control of their series; at least by the series records.

With that, if yesterday was any indication to what is in store for us tonight you better have your jersey on tight and your seat prepared in front of your television sets.  It’s only going to keep getting better.

What is YOUR favorite moment from these playoffs so far?

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

If you were a betting man who strictly took the underdogs, the first night of the playoffs made you rich.

And as if the first night of the 2010 NHL playoffs completed wasn’t enough, it seemed as if night two would match night one.

Why you ask?  The answer is simple. Not one team considered to be the favorite were able to win.

Last night was a different circumstance.  However, one main team who are heavily favored to be representing the Eastern Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals were taken down in overtime by a team many considered as an unfair match-up.

The Montreal Canadiens, despite a lopsided first period against the Washington Capitals, were able to erase a one goal deficit, force overtime and eventually take game one.

It was not easy.

The Capitals came out like men on fire.  They shot twenty rubber discs in the direction of Canadiens netminder Jaroslav Halak in the first period alone.  Halak looked calm and collected between the pipes and only surrendered one goal during the onslaught.

With only one NHL Playoff game of record for the Habs number one netminder, the critics figured this to be an easy series for the presidents trophy winners.

If game one was any indication as to what is to come, those critics were wrong.

We have had all but one playoff series begin. Seven games have been played, currently, in these 2010 playoffs and only two “favorites” have been victorious.

The Vancouver Canucks and the Buffalo Sabres.

Outside of those two teams it seemed the rest felt the pressure of being the favorite.

In New Jersey, Brian Boucher out-dueled Martin Brodeur helping the Philadelphia Flyers defeat the New Jersey Devils.  Game two is tonight from the Prudential Center.

In Phoenix, although they are the higher seeded team, the Coyotes took down defending Western Conference champs and rookie goaltender Jimmy Howard. They also go again this evening.

The young in age but mature on-ice Colorado Avalanche, with a lucky bounce, took down the heavily favored San Jose Sharks in overtime by a final score of 2-1. Again, another game two match up is set to go tonight.

The Ottawa Senators, without any of the big guns producing offensively, took down the defending Stanley Cup champs 5-4. That goes to game two this evening as well.

It just goes to show that once the “second season” is upon us within the National Hockey League, anything is possible.

Anthony Curatolo
Senior Writer
acuratolo@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @HockeyGuy_AC

Phoenix Coyotes by David Strehle

The Phoenix Coyotes overcame bankruptcy and ownership turmoil to have the best regular season in franchise history, setting new marks for wins (50) and points (107).  Their 29 home wins were the second highest total in the league, so home-ice could be an advantage in their evenly matched first round series with Detroit.

The teams split four low-scoring contests during the season.  In order for Phoenix to win this series, goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov must be at the top of his game.  “Bryz” finished third among netminders with 42 wins, and was  2-2 against  the Red Wings.

Scoring has historically been the team’s biggest shortcoming.  With Shane Doan, Matthew Lombardi and Radim Vrbata leading the way, Phoenix had just enough offense to succeed.

But GM Don Maloney appears to have addressed that issue.  At the trade deadline, the Coyotes added Lee Stempniak and Wojtek Wolski, and both have fit in nicely.  As a matter of fact, Stempniak scored as many goals (14) in 18 games with Phoenix as he did in 62 with Toronto and was named the NHL’s “first star” for the month of March.

This additional offense bolsters a balanced attack and makes Phoenix a legitimate threat to knock off the red hot Red Wings.

Detroit Red Wings by Luca Vacca of LeafsWire

After starting the season off below standards, the Detroit Red Wings pushed very hard in the second half of the season, securing a playoff spot by locking down fifth place in the Western Conference. The main factor in the early season woes for Detroit was the sheer amount of injuries to key players they suffered. Throughout the season, they lost Johan Franzen,Tomas Holmstrom, Niklas Kronwall , Valtteri Filppula, and others to injury, and they were sorely missed. On the season, only two Wings (Henrik Zetterberg, Pavel Datsyuk) passed the 50 point mark (each with 70), while all other players produced less than 50.

In the past, Detroit has relied upon solid goaltending, strong defense and skilled forwards for success. This year, it’s a bit different. Their starting goaltender going into the playoffs will not be Chris Osgood, but rather Calder nominee Jimmy Howard (37-15-10, .924 SV%, 2.26 GAA). Howard has had an amazing season for the Wings and can be considered a big part of their late season surge and playoff push. However, he will require the Red Wing’s defense to be as strong as ever especially with the offensive shortcomings the wings have faced this year.

Niklas Lidstrom will lead his team into the playoff unknown, and they will have to battle each and every night, giving it their all because for the first time in a while, the Wings aren’t considered locks for the last dance.

As we approach the midway point of the 2009-10 season in the National Hockey League, many questions remain unanswered.

Which teams are serious about playoff contention?  Who needs a massive upgrade to make the push from a bubble team?  Which team should sell off the year and attempt a mini-rebuild?

Those are some thoughts circulating the League as we take a look at the state of all teams around the NHL.  Now, when perusing through certain rosters some names that could bring in returns which would benefit a team in need of depth.

Today, we look at the defensemen around the NHL likely to be moved by the March 3rd, 2010 trade deadline. As a side note, be sure to tune into “The Hockey Guys” on deadline day as there will be an all day live event with a live chat room for discussion on all the rumors and news as it breaks in the NHL.

If you have not noticed the way d-men are being brought into the NHL, I will help you understand the recent developments. We are beginning to see, more and more, the crop of blueliners entering the NHL have an offensive style game. To give you an example of what I mean:  Drew Doughty, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Duncan Keith, Zach Bogosian, Mike Green, Michael Del Zotto, Shea Weber are a few names from recent drafts with the gift of scoring from the blue line.

When you think playoffs, it’s about experience, two way hockey, leadership and heart and soul type players.  You also think about, outside of goaltending, offense.  However, the defense is an absolute crucial part of a roster and the game as it gives a balance at both ends of the ice.  As a team you need to be able to protect your end of the ice as well as get the puck up the ice to an offensive transition.  So, in summary the blue liners play a very vital part of the team and there will be some names in discussion come the new year and second half of the
NHL season.

Some of the potential names that can see their names sewn onto the back of a different sweater:

As discussed recently here on NHL Hot Stove as well as the recent “The Hockey Guys!” podcast, Scott Niedermayer will be the biggest name on the trading block when the deadline approaches. With the Ducks currently out of a playoff position and the season not looking like it will take a turn for the better, the Ducks would be smart to move out the duel captain (named Candian Olympic team Captain earlier today).  Scott can make one more run at a cup and the Ducks can get an important piece for their future.

Possible destinations: NJD, WSH, LAK, PHI

Joe Corvo, when healthy, provides a team looking to shore up some help on the blue line with veteran experience as well as an offensive touch that can help out a power play when called upon.  The News Observer’s Javier Serna first reported Corvo on the block on December 2nd.

Possible destinations:  PHX, NYI, BOS

Jean-Michael Liles might not be having his best season this year; queue the rumors. Liles could be packaged with a forward in order to get an upgrade up front. He is a good puck mover and has the ability to score from the blue line as well.  Another potential PP QB to add to this list.

Possible destinations: FLA, NJD

Sheldon Souray hears his name come up in rumors all season.  As the Bruce Garrioch of Ottawa Sun reported the Oilers are falling apart and if they can move Souray and relieve
themselves of the cap hit they kill two birds with one stone.  Souray will provide not only a massive shot from the point, but a leader both on and off the ice.  He plays with grit and is one of the better power play quarter backs in the league.

Possible destinations: MTL, NYI, PHX, BOS, WSH

Kim Johnsson and  Marek Zidlicky are both important pieces to the blue line in Minnesota, but if the Wild season doesn’t tame there will not be a playoff appearance. Both players bring puck moving abilities as well as defensive presence.  Pure speculation on my part, but wouldn’t you move these two if your team falls out of the race?

Possible destinations: BUF, NYI, FLA

Michal Rozsival of the New York Rangers, although a hefty price tag, could be shipped out just to have one of the younger blue liners step up and into the line up on a full time basis. It helps free up cap space in New York to acquire more important pieces which are scoring forwards. This could be one of the key figures in a Pavol Demitra deal, or a salary moved to fit said player under the cap.

Possible destinations: VAN, FLA, PHX, BUF

One of Alexander Picard or Chris Campoli, who are both RFA’s at seasons end, could be shopped by the Senators as The Sporting News recently mentioned.   Carlo Colaiacovo and Darryl Sydor of St. Louis could also be shopped.  Sydor would add great veteran depth to a playoff team. Brett Lebda, if the Wings are out of the playoffs around the deadline, could be a welcome addition as well to a younger team.

We hope you enjoyed our latest feature here at the NHL Hot Stove.  You can help NHLHS stay alive by visiting our sponsors to the right.

Follow me on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates

Anthony Curatolo
NHLHS Contributor
achockeyguys@gmail.com