What’s the deal with signing Willie Mitchell?
Last year that player seemed to be Alex Tanguay a player coming off injury but who has showed the league that he could play in his role. This season, that free agent happens to be former Minnesota Wild and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Willie Mitchell.
Categories: NHLHS Features Tags: Anton Volchenkov, Kevin Bieksa, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals, Willie Mitchell, Zybnek Michalek
The Draft With Little Fanfare
NHLHS Entry Draft Correspondent Mike Murangi recaps what was the NHL Entry Draft weekend from Los Angeles.
Staples Center, Los Angeles Ca,- The 2010 NHL entry draft was one of the dullest drafts in recent memory. Going into Friday, there were two large trades, and several star players on the block. After Friday, every one of those players were still with their current clubs.
Categories: NHLHS Features Tags: Anaheim Ducks, Beau Bennitt, Bob Murray, Boston Bruins, calvin pickard, Cam Fowler, David Rundbland, Derek Forbort, Dyllan Mcllrath, Edmonton Oilers, Emerson Etem, Erik Gudbranson, Florida Panthers, Keith Ballard, Kirill Kabanov, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Kings, Mark Visiten, New York Islanders, Pittsburgh Penguins, Taylor Hall, Tyler Seguin, Vancouver Canucks
Blackhawks and Thrashers: Wheelin’ and Dealin’
NHLHS Chicago Blackhawks Correspondent Ryan Hackett and his thoughts on the blockbuster deal made between the Hawks and the Atlanta Thrashers.
Now Playing: Pearl Jam – Live at the Gorge
OK, so according to league sources, this trade has been made official.
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Central, Chicago Blackhawks, NHLHS Features, Western Conference Tags: Antti Niemi, Atlanta Thrashers, Ben Eager, Blackhawks, Brent Sopel, Chicago Blackhawks, Dustin Byfuglien, Edmonton Oilers, Ilya Kovalchuk, Jeremy Morin, Joey Crabb, John Madden, Jonathan Toews, Marty Reasoner, New Jersey Devils, NHL, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Patrick Kane, Roberto Luongo, St. Louis Blues, stanley cup, Vancouver Canucks
Blackhawks Taking Maturity to Another Level
NHLHS Chicago Blackhawks Correspondent, Ryan Hackett, discusses how the Hawks have grown to a level of maturity that is hard to match, especially this season.
Now Playing: Fuel – Sunburn
The Chicago Blackhawks have undergone more transformations in the last three seasons than a reality television star on a plastic surgery shopping spree, and yet their latest one has been the most essential to their post-season success. The team has recovered from a rocky start in the 2010 second season to become one of the best finishing teams in the NHL.
Knowing how to close games is a characteristic of championship teams in every sport on every level of athletics. It seems that the Blackhawks have learned how to accomplish that at an alarming rate mostly within this post-season. For instance, take a look at the first series against the Nashville Predators. Out of the Blackhawks 17 goals in the series, only four of them came in the third period or overtime, a mild 23%. The Hawks saw that, and raised it in the following two series, as they notched totals hovering around the 47% mark in both of the following series (11 of 23 against the Vancouver Canucks, and 6 of 13 against the San Jose Sharks) which both also eventually led to series victories for the Chicago squad.
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Central, Chicago Blackhawks, Playoff Coverage, Western Conference Tags: 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Chicago, Chicago Blackhawks, Conn Smythe Trophy, Dustin Byfuglien, Jonathan Toews, Nashville Predators, NHL, Patrick Kane, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Finals
Blackhawks and Canucks Round Two: Electric Boogaloo
NHLHS Chicago Blackhawks Correspondent Ryan Hackett breaks down the second round series between the Hawks and Vancouver Canucks.
After a good test facing a pesky Nashville Predators in Round One, the Chicago Blackhawks start a much anticipated rematch with the Vancouver Canucks Saturday night on Chicago’s west side. The Blackhawks should use the series against the Predators as well as last year’s Western Conference Semi-final against the Canucks to learn a lot about themselves and do the right things to secure a second straight trip to the Conference Finals.
Categories: Chicago Blackhawks, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Antti Niemi, Brent Seabrook, Brent Sopel, Chicago Blackhawks, Duncan Keith, Dustin Byfuglien, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, NHL, Niklas Hjalmarsson, Norris trophy, Patrick Kane, Roberto Luongo, Troy Brouwer, Vancouver Canucks
Pros & Cons: Vancouver Canucks vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Our newest feature, Pros and Cons, holds a debate between two of our featured writers as they make an argument for each team in the series. We will continue this series throughout the playoffs as we delve deeper into how these two teams will fare against each other.
Read more…
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Central, Chicago Blackhawks, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Alex Burrows, Andrew Alberts, Antti Niemi, Brent Seabrook, Chicago Blackhawks, Duncan Keith, Dustin Byfuglien, Henrik Sedin, Kyle Wellwood, Mayson Raymond, Mikael Samuelsson, Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Smyth, Steve Bernier, Troy Brouwer, Vancouver Canucks, Willie Mitchell
And Now The Pressures On, The Heat Is Rising… Tonight There’s Something In The Air (Black In ST Louis)
I,personally, should have known this game was doomed when I was screaming GET OFF MY GOALTENDER..and realized I was screaming at my own Defense. And then I realized how many mistakes had already been made 1/2 way through the game but none of them by Randy Jones.. Immediately, I started looking at flight prices to Los Angeles, AGAIN. Then I cried.
Categories: Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Anze Kopitar, Arch, Buffalo Sabres, Defense, Dustin Brown, Ersberg, Flight Prices Suck, Head to Desk, Jim Fox, LA, Lack of Defense, Los Angeles Kings, NHL, NHL 2010 Playoffs, playoffs, Quick, Randy Jones, Ryan Smyth, St Louis, Staples Center, TerrorTwins, ThrowtheTwinkie, Twitter, Vancouver Canucks, What Can Brown Do For You
NHL Conspiracy Theories: Allegations and Facts
NHLHS writer David Strehle takes a look at Conspiracy Theories regarding certain NHL teams as fans, players, and even coaches are getting into the act.
NHL fans are a passionate lot, and the postseason seems to magnify the emotions of even the most casual of fans.
But it seems that some extremely passionate supporters are becoming paranoid, especially when they appear to be looking through glasses that are in the shape of their rooting interest’s logo.
Categories: Around the League, NHLHS Features, Playoff Coverage Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Daniel Sedin, Evgeni Malkin, gary bettman, Henrik Sedin, Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Marc Andre Fleury, Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils, NHL, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Roberto Luongo, Sergei Gonchar, Sidney Crosby, Vancouver Canucks, Washington Capitals
Follow The Underdog, Hold On His Collar Tight- Kaiser Chiefs, Off With Their Heads!
Follow the underdog, hold on his collar tight
-Kaiser Chiefs- Off With Their Heads (2008)
This is the song of the blog <and part of the next> because I think it is just that fitting.. plus the name of the cd it is from.. HEH. <save the line that ends the blog>
Categories: Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Playoff Coverage, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Ovechkin, Anze Kopitar, Christian Ehroff, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Henrik Sedin, Jack Johnson, JMFJ, Jonathan Quick, Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings, Manchester Monarchs, Pittsburgh Pen, Rob Scuderi, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Smyth, Scuds, Vancouver Canucks, Wayne Simmonds
Choose Your Own Adventure…
How about I jinx the entire playoffs… and claim ignorance for my sins? Hey look… the last time the LA Kings were in the playoffs this was simple… I WANTED the Detroit Red Wings… I was living with a fan… In 1993, it was so freaking unexpected, that who gave a crap what opponent came next…. HA! So this is not only a long time coming… it is a new territory… so I claim ignorance in stirring the wrath of the Hockey Gods … and should a punishment HAVE TO rain down on me… just leave my boys out of it, mmmk? They know NOT what I do.... Bring on.... Did you think we were just giving that away?? Uh. No.
Categories: Central, Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Northwest, Pacific, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Antti Niemi, Anze Kopitar, Chicago Blackhawks, Christian Ehroff, Cristobal Huet, Detroit Red Wings, Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith, Henrik Sedin, Hockey Gods, Jack Johnson, Jack MF Johnson, JMFJ, Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Manchester Monarchs, Patrick Kane, Roberto Luongo, Sensnation, Vancouver Canucks
Close, But…
There will be no post-season play for the Anaheim Ducks this year. After a 5 – 4 shoot-out loss to the Los Angeles Kings in the final round of the Freeway Faceoff, Anaheim’s playoff hopes were put to rest.
Despite an excellent performance in the net from Curtis McElhinney, the Anaheim Ducks were unable to shut-down the Los Angeles Kings’ offense, allowing them to overcome two three-point deficits, forcing the game into overtime with Anze Kopitar eventually notching the game winner in the shoot-out.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Around the League, By Teams, NHLHS Features, Pacific, Western Conference Tags: Aaron Ward, Alexander Frolov, Anze Kopitar, Bobby Ryan, Colorado Avalanche, Corey Perry, Curtis McElhinney, Dan Heatly, Erik Ersberg, Jack Johnson, Jason Blake, Justin Williams, Los Angeles Kings, Lubomir Visnovsky, Michal Handzus, Scott Neidermayer, Sean O'Donnell, Teemu Selanne, Vancouver Canucks
Three is the Magic Number
The fun part of the blog <or where music and sports will collide for the day>:
Give me a little room here– it has been a while… but… <deep breath> ….
Did you watch School House Rock? No matter… Either way… Three is the Magic Number.. The song is originally a School House Rocks production that will run you through the combinations… past, present, the future; faith, hope and charity; the heart, the brain and the body give you three, as a magic number.. then it’ll run you through the times table. <Yep it is as good for teaching as it is sounds… so here as it has been, a couple times, now on Twitter, the only live link I have to Embrace doing it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL659ziEyT8 >
Categories: Around the League, By Teams, Los Angeles Kings, NHLHS Features, Pacific, Western Conference Tags: Alexander Frolov, Anaheim Ducks, Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Heidi Androl, Jack Johnson, Jason Spezza, Jim Fox, Jonathan Bernier, Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings, Norris trophy, Raitis Ivanans, Vancouver Canucks, Zach Parise
Henrik Sedin gets points 100 and 101 in Canucks loss
Our wonderful duo that comprise I-5 Canucks discuss Henrik Sedin and his excellent season which puts him in the running for a scoring title.
Although the Vancouver Canucks came up short in their effort tonight against the San Jose Sharks, Henrik Sedin became the first Canuck player to reach 100 points since Markus Naslund did it on this day in 2003. The assist also made Henrik the first player in the NHL this season to reach the 100 point plateau.
Henrik got his 100th point of the season after Alex Burrows scored his 34th of the season on a shot that dribbled past Evgeni Nabokov to open the scoring. Henrik picked up his 2nd assist (and 101st point) on the Canucks second goal, a power play marker by brother Daniel Sedin. Unfortunately that was all the magic they could muster as they ran out of time.
Henrik ends the night with a 3 point lead over Alex Ovechkin. Only time will tell if he’ll be able to maintain his lead, as Ovechkin has been in a bit of a slump and is due to break out anytime.
I-5 Canucks
NHLHS Canucks Correspondents
hipcheck44@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter: @Hipcheck44 and @WCE71944
Categories: NHLHS Features, Northwest, Vancouver Canucks, Western Conference Tags: Alex Burrows, Alexander Ovechkin, Daniel Sedin, Evgeni Nabakov, Henrik Sedin, Markus Naslund, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks
Sitting Ducks Fall To Canucks
The Anaheim Ducks fell 4-1 to the Vancouver Canucks. Making their struggle to reach the post season even tougher.
Saku Koivu was the one and only goal scorer for the Ducks in last night’s 4 – 1 loss to the Canucks in Vancouver. Only 9 games remain for Anaheim and they saw their already slim chance of making the playoffs dwindle to a virtually non-existent one. 11 points back of Detroit and Colorado for the last position, the Ducks have an incredibly hard road ahead of them.
Categories: Anaheim Ducks, Around the League, By Teams, Chicago Blackhawks, NHLHS Features, Pacific, Western Conference Tags: Anaheim Ducks, Andrew Raycroft, Christian Ehrhoff, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Getzlaf, Saku Koivu, Scott Neidermayer, Vancouver Canucks
The Man Behind the Mask: Johan Hedberg
The NHLHS Man Behind The Mask series is a profile on some of the best goalies in the league to ever wear the “mask”. We hope you enjoy the latest installment of the NHLHS MBTM series.
The 1994 entry draft was a solid one for goaltenders. Jose Theodore was chosen in the 2nd round by Montreal. In the 5th round, the Dallas Stars chose Marty Turco, and four goaltenders were chosen in the 9th round, three of those eventual starters: Tim Thomas by the Nordiques, Evgeny Nabokov by the Sharks, and Tomas Vokoun by the Habs.
None of them are having a season like Johan Hedberg.
Categories: Atlanta Thrashers, Eastern Conference, NHLHS Features, Southeast, The Man Behind the Mask Tags: Atlanta Thrashers, Dallas Stars, Evgeny Nabokov, Goaltender, Ilya Kovalchuk, Johan Hedberg, Jose Theodore, Kari Lehtonen, Marty Turco, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tim Thomas, Tomas Vokoun, Vancouver Canucks
