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Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Goodbye Letter From Bruce Levenson and Michael Gearon



















Tuesday, 05.31.2011 / 11:01 AM / News
Atlanta Thrashers
May 31, 2011
Earlier today, we, along with our partners, signed an asset purchase agreement to sell the Atlanta Thrashers to True North Sports and Entertainment. If ratified by the NHL, Commissioner Bettman and the league's Board of Governors, this will result in the relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg, Canada beginning with the 2011-2012 season.

It's extremely disappointing to all of us that it became necessary after all other options were exhausted. We want to express our gratitude to you, the fans, for the years of dedication you have offered to the Atlanta Thrashers.

As many of you know, for some time we have been seeking a buyer for the team or a partner willing to join with us in continuing to fund the team. We hired an investment banking firm to seek out potential investors with the expressed goal of finding someone who would keep the team here in Atlanta. In recent months, we openly indicated a growing urgency to secure assistance in off-setting our operating losses in hopes that our public plea would produce investors who, to that point, had eluded us.

After extensive effort, nobody has come forward. As a result, we had no choice but to explore the investment option presented to us by the NHL in the form of True North Sports and Entertainment.

Relocation of the Thrashers is not the outcome that any of us ultimately wanted. We knew when we purchased the club in 2004, that professional sports teams are seldom, if ever, money-making investments but rather vital community assets. We believed in the overall impact that the team had on the sports landscape of Atlanta, and over the past seven years, invested a significant amount of money into what we felt was an integral piece of the greater metropolitan Atlanta area. We are truly grateful to have been a part of this city's professional hockey history, to have made an indelible impact on the community through our players' outreach, our organization's activities and our foundation's donations, and most of all, to have been a part of paying tribute to you, our fans, each and every time our team stepped on the ice.

Thank you for the opportunity to be entertained, thrilled and inspired alongside you by Atlanta Thrashers hockey. None of this would have been possible without your support.

Sincerely,

Bruce Levenson and Michael Gearon

VIDEO: Thrashers Moving to Winnipeg Next Season

Bruins - History Will Be Made 5/27/11

HAL GILL AGREE'S TO TERMS ON A 1 YEAR CONTRACT






















                Today in Montreal, the Candiens Gm Pierre Gauthier announced that Hal Gill has agreed to terms on a 1 year $2.2 Million Dollar contract with the Habs. In 75 games in the 10-11 season, Gill had 2 goals and 7 assist and lead the team in blocked shots. Gill will be a big part of the Canadiens season in 2011-2012.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

TSN-THE JETS METER: May 31 2011

Why does the meter sit here?

May 31 - The NHL announced the sale of the Atlanta Thrashers to the True North Sports and Entertainment. The sale will still be pending NHL Board of Governors approval, which should occur on June 21. Once that happens, the meter will finally land on 'DROP THE PUCK.' More...

NHL Rob Schremp on Winnipeg

SPORTSNET TALKED ABOUT ATLANTA BEING MOVED WITH BETTMAN


RELATED VIDEOS:

TSN: Why Not Canada? Part 1 - Introduction
TSN Why Not Canada Part 2 Why Not Winnipeg?
TSN - Why Not Canada? Part 3 - Why not Hamilton?
TSN - Why Not Canada? Part 4 - Why not Toronto?
TSN - Why Not Canada? Part 5 - Why not Quebec?
TSN - Why Not Canada? Part 6 - Conclusion

Complete True North Press Conference

ATLANTA THRASHERS ARE MOVED TO WINNIPEG
















                  This afternoon at the MTS centre in Winnipeg, the NHL had announced that the Atlanta Thrashers have been bought and moved to Winnipeg by True North. No price was announced. My sources say that the Thrashers were sold for $170 Million. "We get to be back in a place we wish we hadn't left in 1996," said Bettman.It's clear that times have changed for Winnipeg as an NHL market and this is a wonderful time to add a club to Canada.We don't like to move franchises, but sometimes ... we simply have no choice, as was the case back in '96 when the Jets left Winnipeg."

                 Bettman also stated that the move was nothing against the city of Atlanta, he even stated that he tried to keep the team where they were. But it came to a point that he had no choice and that he had to move the team. The deal was officially completed at 4:30pm E.t this morning. Winnipeg fans were watching the conference outside the MTS centre and booed Gary Bettman as he approached the podium. The fans chanted, "Boo! Bettman Sucks! Bettman Sucks!" Over and over until he left the podium.

                 This Saturday, Winnipeg will release the NHL season tickets for the year 2011-2012. There goal is to sell 13,00 season tickets. When the media asked: what if they don't sell that many? Betman said:  " I don't belive in spectulation." With Winnipeg getting an NHL franchise, the only question is: 'what will it be called?'"For me, I think the old school jerseys and the name 'Jets' is pretty cool," Thrashers forward Andrew Ladd told the Canadian Press. "It would be fun to be a part of that again." According to TSN, Winnipeg will remain in the will remain in the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference for one year before the NHL changes he conferences.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Saturday, May 28, 2011

2011 Stanley Cup Final Schedule


Stanley Cup Final Schedule:
Date Visitor Home Time (PT) TV Network/Results
Wed, 1 Jun 2011 Bruins Canucks 5:00 PM CBC, NBC, RDS
Sat, 4 Jun 2011 Bruins Canucks 5:00 PM CBC, NBC, RDS
Mon, 6 Jun 2011 Canucks Bruins 5:00 PM CBC, RDS, VERSUS  
Wed, 8 Jun 2011 Canucks Bruins 5:00 PM CBC, RDS, VERSUS  
Fri, 10 Jun 2011 Bruins Canucks 5:00 PM CBC, NBC, RDS
Mon, 13 Jun 2011 Canucks Bruins 5:00 PM CBC, NBC, RDS  
Wed, 15 Jun 2011 Bruins Canucks 5:00 PM CBC, NBC, RDS

CBC HNIC's Coach's Corner May 27 2011 Playoffs

WINNIPEG SHOULD GET THERE FRANCHISE BACK

Possible Jets Logo If they Get a Team

          Winnipeg should get there NHL franchise back. As all hockey fans know, Winnipeg had a team called the Jets from 1972-1996. There team was moved to Phoenix in 96 due to financial trouble. Now I’m here to tell you why they should get it back. First of all, two teams in the NHL are going bankrupt due to lack of attendance from the Fans. Second of all, the city of Winnipeg has an NHL standard arena. Last but most important, the people of Winnipeg want the team back.

           Two teams in the NHL are going bankrupt at that moment and those teams are the Atlanta Thrashers and the Phoenix Coyotes. The Phoenix Coyotes make tax payers pay to keep the team where it is. That is not far to the tax payers. The Tax payers should be paying for free health care not an NHL team that has on average 12,188 people going to a game when the arena can fill 18,000 people. As for the Atlanta Thrashers, they get on average, 13,469 people attending when they can fit 18,545. So with the lack of attendance in both these cities, one team should be moved.

             The MTS centre in Winnipeg is the home of the Manitoba Moose of the AHL (minor league), it could be the home of an NHL team once again. According to TSN and Rogers Sportsnet, the NHL has said that the MTS centre can be fit for a home of an NHL team in Winnipeg. It can fit over 15000 fans, which would make it the NHL’s smallest arena but it works. Night after night in the AHL, the MTS centre sells out. This is for a minor league team, not even an NHL franchise. So imagine what it would be like if it was for an NHL team. It would make for a great attendance, a great atmosphere for hockey and most of all an NHL team in Winnipeg which would really excite the fans.

         It’s been a full 15 years since there’s been an NHL team in Winnipeg. 15 years to long for the hockey fans in that city. If Winnipeg did get a team again, it won’t just be good for Winnipeg it would be good for Canada. As of now, there are 30 teams in the NHL and only 6 are Canadian. That’s a little surprising for a Canadian sport. Don’t you think? A sign of the fans wanting a team back in Winnipeg was not too long ago. When it was rumoured that Winnipeg had got an NHL team, 750, 000 fans stood outside of the MTS centre in Winnipeg Jets jerseys. That’s more fans than what could fit in the arena.

        Overall, with teams being bankrupt, the City having an NHL arena and the fans wanting a team, there’s no doubt that they shouldn’t get it. Everyone wants it so why deprive them of it? If teams can’t afford to stay where they are, then move them to a place that can afford a team. If 750, 000 fans in the city of Winnipeg, keep in mind that, that is more than what they can fit in an arena, than give them a team. That’s why Winnipeg should get there franchise back.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

EAST FINAL Game 7: Lightning @ Bruins

HORTON DOES IT AGAIN! BRUINS ADVANCE TO THE CUP FINAL






















GOAL SCORERS

BOS:   N. Horton (12:27 - 3rd)
GOALIES

TBL: D. Roloson (L)
 BOS: T. Thomas (W)




          Last night in Boston, the Eastern Conference Final had went the distance to Game 7. It was an exciting game. With 5 minutes to go in the first, Lucic got a breakaway and he was stopped by the right pad of Roloson. So it was 0-0 after 1. 2 minutes into the second, Chara's shot was tipped right on by Horton and Roloson saved it. Then with under 3 minutes to play, Moore took the puck in over the Bruins line to his left and took a shot that was stopped by Thomas and he found the puck through the scramble in front of him. On the next play, Marchand got the puck in the slot and took a shot, it was stopped the rebound was stopped as well. But the puck went back to Boychuck and his shot was stopped by the head of Roloson.

           Still 0-0 after 2.  With 8 minutes to play in the second,  Krejci played the puck to Horton (who was in front of the net) and he tipped it past Roloson to make it 1-0 Boston. That goal that Horton scored was identical to the double overtime goal he got in Game 5 of Round 1 against Montreal. That goal was big, and so is this one as it becomes the game winner.As the Bruins win 1-0 and advance to the Stanley cup final for the first time since 1990. Thomas made 24 saves for the shutout. In the lose, Roloson made 37 saves. But it doesn't matter now as the Bruins advance to the cup final with Hortons 8th goal of the playoffs and his 3rd game winner (Seen in video below).

         "I'm just happy to see those guys smiling in the dressing room," Boston coach Claude Julien said. "Right now we're four wins from winning the Stanley Cup." The Bruins won this game due to outplaying the Tampa Bay Lightning. That Shots tell the tail, 38-24 in favor of Boston. To me, the Lightning looked a little warn out. They weren't playing the way the usually play. That's why the Bruins won. But now, the Bruins will have there toughest test of these playoffs and that is trying to beat the Vancouver Canucks.

         The Canucks were the best team in the regular season and have continued that in the Playoffs by advancing to the Cup Final. So I have a hard time believing that the Bruins will win their next series. The Canucks have better goaltending, better offense and better defense. So I think the Canucks will win that series in 5 games. The Stanley Cup Final will begin Wednesday night on CBC.



Written by Andrew Di Pardo

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Who Will the Canucks play In the Final?





















         With the Canucks advancing to the Stamley cup final, the question is who will they play? The Bruins or Lightning? The Bruins had a 3-2 series lead, before the Lightning won 5-4 to force a game 7 on Friday night."We knew it was going to be a long series. ... Comes down to one game. Luckily and fortunately, all our team has been through a Game 7," St. Louis said. "Some of us have played more, but we've had that experience. So we know what to expect. The fourth win is always the toughest one to get and we know both teams will battle hard to get it." If I were to pick the team that would win Game 7, it would be the Lightning. The Lightning have great speed and great goal scorers. Not to mention that they won a Game 7 in round 1 against the Penguins.

So I think we will see a Canucks Versus the Lightning in the Cup Final.



Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Eastern Conference Final Game 6: Bruins @ Lightning

LIGHTNING WIN GAME 6 TO FORCE A GAME 7






















GOAL SCORERS

BOS:   M. Lucic (07:09 - 1st) , D. Krejci (16:30 - 1st) , D. Krejci (PPG, 09:46 - 3rd) , D. Krejci (13:28 - 3rd)
TBL:   T. Purcell (00:36 - 1st) , M. St Louis (PPG, 07:55 - 2nd) , T. Purcell (PPG, 13:35 - 2nd) , S. Stamkos (PPG, 00:34 - 3rd) , M. St Louis (10:15 - 3rd)
GOALIES

BOS: T. Thomas (L)
 TBL: D. Roloson (W)





            Last night in Tampa Bay, the Lightning were looking to avoid elimination with a win. Just 30 seconds in, Lecavalier won the faceoff to Purcell and he scored to give the Bolts a 1-0 lead. 6 minutes later, Lucic came in and ripped a shot past Roloson to tie the game. Late in first, Krejci came in and scored to give the Bruins the lead at 2-1. 8 minutes into the second, Purcell's shot was stopped but St.Louis scored on the rebound to tie the game. 5 minutes later, Purcell ripped a 1 timer past Thomas to give the Bolts the lead again.

           34 seconds into the second, Stamkos scored from the left circle to make it 4-2. 9 minutes later, Krecji scored to cut the lead to 1. 39 seconds later, Downie came in on a 2 on 1 with St Louis and he played it to St.Louis who scored to make it 5-3. Krejci would score his hat trick to cut the lead to 1. But that's as close as the Bruins get as they lose 5-4. In the win, Roloson made just 16 saves. In this game St.Louis had 2 goals and 1 assist. "He's the heart and soul of our team," young star Steven Stamkos said of St. Louis.In the lose, Thomas made 21 saves.

        The Lightning simply out played the Bruins with there speed and skill to be able to force a Game 7. "We did it against Montreal," Claude Jullien said about his Bruins going to Game 7." We had to get past it. I believe we could do it again." Game 7 will be Friday night in Boston on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

FAN 590:Bieksa best player for Canucks

AHL 2011 Calder Cup Finals (best-of-seven Schedule)












I will not be covering the Calder cup Final. To read about it and watch highlights visit http://theahl.com/

AHL highlight: Aeros Take Game 7 of Conf Finals With late Goal



Houston Aeros' captain Jon DiSalvatore scores with 1:13 left in the third to win Game 7....

AHL Playoff update:AEROS KNOCK OUT THE BULLDOGS IN 7 GAMES




















        Last night in Houston, the Aeros were looking to knock out the Bulldogs on there 4th try. They went up 3-0 in the series, then lost 3, and were looking to finally get a win. They got off to a good start, just 7 minutes in, Rau scored to make it 1-0. 9 seconds later, Wellman scored to make it 2-0 Houston. But the Dogs didn't give up. Just 2 minutes later, Boyd scored to cut the lead to 1. 4 minutes later, Carle's point shot went in to tie the game. 2:42 into the second, Wellman scored again to give the Aeros a 3-2 lead. Palushaj would tie it. But late in the third, Disalvatore scored to give the Aeros a 4-3 lead. That would be your final.

       The Aeros knock out the Bulldogs in 7 games.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
1. HOU – Chad Rau – 6 (Patrick O’Sullivan) – 7:03
2. HOU – Casey Wellman – 4 (Unassisted) – 7:12
3. HAM – Dustin Boyd – 5 (Mathieu Carle, Drew MacIntyre) – 9:13
4. HAM – Mathieu Carle – 3 (Nigel Dawes) – 13:21 (PP)

2nd Period:
5. HOU – Casey Wellman – 5 (Jean-Michel Daoust, Justin Falk) – 2:42
6. HAM – Aaron Palushaj – 7 (Dustin Boyd, Nigel Dawes) – 9:57 (PP)

3rd Period:
7. HOU – Jon DiSalvatore – 5 (Patrick O’Sullivan, Chad Rau) – 18:47

Scoring:
Houston: 2-1-1—4
Hamilton: 2-1-0--3

Shots:
Houston: 12-8-14—34
Hamilton: 7-8-12—27

Goaltending:
Houston: Matt Hackett (27 shots, 24 saves)
Hamilton: Drew MacIntyre (34 shots, 30 saves)

Power Play:
Houston: 0-for-1
Hamilton: 2-for-3

Attendance:
6,117

Western Conference Final Game 5: Sharks @ Canucks

CANUCKS ADVANCE TO THE CUP FINAL WITH A DOUBLE OT WIN






















GOAL SCORERS

SJS:   P. Marleau (PPG, 09:57 - 2nd) , D. Setoguchi (00:24 - 3rd)
VAN:   A. Burrows (08:02 - 1st) , R. Kesler (19:46 - 3rd) , K. Bieksa (10:18 - 2nd OT)
GOALIES

SJS: A. Niemi (L)
 VAN: R. Luongo (W)





             Last night in Vancouver, the Canucks were 1 win away from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final. But they needed a better effort than what we saw in Game 4.  8 minutes in, Henrik had the puck at the side of the net and he played it to the front of the net and Burrows was there to put it home to make it 1-0 Canucks. 4 minutes later, with the Sharks on a 5 on 3 powerplay, Pavelski took a shot and it was stopped and the rebound went right to Thorton and he was stopped by Luongo at the side of the net. 10 minutes into the second, the Sharks went on another powerplay and Boyle took a shot from the point and it was tipped in by Marleau to tie the game.

             24 seconds into the third,Pavelski came in on a 2 on nothing and played the puck to Setoguchi who scored to give the Sharks the lead at 2-1. Then in the final 30 seconds of the third,  Henrik Sedin took a shot from the right circle and Kesler tipped it in to tie the game at 2-2. Late in the first overtime, Higgins got a breakaway and he was stopped by Niemi. So it went to double overtime. 10 minutes into the second overtime, Henrik played the puck off the boards everybody lost sight of the puck execpt for Bieska who some how got it at the point and put it past Niemi to put the Canucks back in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1994.

            In the victory, Luongo made 52 saves and was the difference maker once again for the Canucks as they advance to the Cup final. But all the talk was about the goal that got them there (see it below)."Probably the ugliest goal of my career but the biggest," Bieksa said. "When it went in, I just yelled out, 'Let's go to the Cup, baby." Now the question is: who will they play? The Bruins have a 3-2 series lead going into game 6 against the Lightning, so most people might pick the Bruins. But the Lightning are 3-0 in elimination games. So we'll see what happens. Game 6 of that series will be Tonight at 8:00pm E.t and 5:00pm P.t on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

THE JETS METER: May 24 2011 reading

BOOSTING THE TEAM

Mayhem in the Peg

AHL Western Conference Final Game 6 - Bulldogs @ Aeros - May 22th 2011

Eastern Conference Final Game 5: Lightning @ Bruins

BRUINS BEAT THE LIGHTNING 3-1 TO TAKE A 3-2 SERIES LEAD






















GOAL SCORERS

TBL:   S. Gagne (01:09 - 1st)
BOS:   N. Horton (04:24 - 2nd) , B. Marchand (15:56 - 2nd) , R. Peverley (EN, 19:47 - 3rd)
GOALIES

TBL: M. Smith (L)
 BOS: T. Thomas (W)





             Last night in Boston, the Bruins were looking to respond after a disappointing game 4 where they blew a 3-0 lead and lost 5-3. 1:09 into the game, Stamkos came in on a 2 on 1 and played the puck to Gagne and he scored to give the Lightning a 1-0 lead. Then just 4 minutes into the second, Lucic played the puck to the slot right to Horton and he scored to tie the game at 1-1. Then with under 4 minutes to play in the period, Bergeron played the puck to Marchand in the slot and he scored to give the Bruins a 2-1 lead going into the third and final frame. Early in the third, Moore played the puck to Jones and he got a breakaway and he hit the crossbar.

             Then with 10 minutes to go, Brewers point shot was stopped and the rebound went right to Downie on an empty net and Thomas dove and saved it with the shaft of his stick. On the next play, Chara took the puck into the Lightning zone and went around the defense and he shot and was stopped by Smith. Peveraley scored an empty net goal late in the third as the Bruins are 1 win away from the Cup final.“We played well,” Boucher said after the game, “but not good enough. To beat this goaltender we have to do more – he’s making miracles, so we have to come up with miracles.”

           This series isn't over yet, think back to round 1. The Lightning went down 3-1 in the series to the Pittsburgh Penguins and went onto win that series in 7 games. If the Bruins are going to close out the Lightning on Tuesday they are going to have to come in the game with the attitude that this series isn't over. If they don't you'll see another blow out like the Penguins witnessed in Game 5 against the Lightning in round 1. So they will have to stay focused. Game 6 will be Tuesday night at 8:00pm E.t on CBC,Versus and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Monday, May 23, 2011

AHL PLayoffs:DAWES GOAL IN 2ND OVERTIME TO FORCE A GAME 7

THE JETS ARE 1 STEP CLOSER TO A TEAM

BULLDOGS WIN IN DOUBLE OT TO TIE THE SERIES AT 3-3




















             Last night in Houston, Bulldogs were looking to avoid elimination for the third straight game. 9 minutes into the game, The Bulldogs were down 1-0 until Engquist scored to tie the game at 1-1. Early in the second, Earl scored to give the Aeros a  2-1 lead. 15 minutes later, Boyd scored on the powerplay to tie the game again.2 minutes later, Dawes scored to give the Dogs a 3-2 lead. Engquist scored early in the second to give them a 2 goal lead. Prosser and Ortmeyer scored to tie the game for Houston. So they went to double overtime. Dawes scored to win the game and tie the series at 3-3.

          This was the Dogs 3rd straight win to comeback down 3-0 in the series to tie it."It shows the will of the players and commitment we have made," said Hamilton coach Randy Cunneyworth. "It's part of the process. These guys have earned it.We blame ourselves for the start to the series, but they have certainly turned it full circle, and we want to finish it the right way." Game 7 will be Tuesday night in Hamilton.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo


Scoring Summary:
1st Period:
1. HOU – Chad Rau – 5 (Jon DiSalvatore, Patrick O’Sullivan) – 3:34 (PP)
2. HAM – Andreas Engqvist – 3 (J.T. Wyman, Frederic St. Denis) – 8:58

2nd Period:
3. HOU – Robbie Earl – 5 (Marco Scandella, Maxim Noreau) – 4:29
4. HAM – Dustin Boyd – 4 (Frederic St. Denis, Mathieu Carle) – 16:07 (PP)
5. HAM – Nigel Dawes – 13 (Unassisted) – 18:37

3rd Period:
6. HAM – Andreas Engqvist – 4 (Unassisted) – 0:27 (SH)
7. HOU – Nate Prosser – 1 (Colton Gillies, Warren Peters) – 11:02
8. HOU – Jed Ortmeyer – 4 (Colton Gillies, Warren Peters) – 18:04

First Overtime:
No Scoring

Second Overtime:
9. HAM – Nigel Dawes – 14 (Aaron Palushaj, Dustin Boyd) – 9:11

Scoring:
Houston: 1-1-2-0-0—4
Hamilton: 1-2-1-0-1--5

Shots:
Houston: 14-13-19-9-6—61
Hamilton: 15-7-3-8-5—38

Goaltending:
Houston: Matt Hackett (38 shots, 33 saves)
Hamilton: Drew MacIntyre (61 shots, 57 saves)

Power Play:
Houston: 1-for-7
Hamilton: 1-for-5

Attendance:
4,033

Three Stars:
1. HAM – Nigel Dawes  (2 goals, +1, 8 shots)
2. HAM – Drew MacIntyre (61 shots, 57 saves)
3. HOU – Colton Gillies (2 assists, +2, 4 shots)


Flamboro Downs Workhorse of the Game: Andreas Engqvist

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Western Conference Final Game 4: Canucks @ Sharks

CANUCKS WIN GAME 5 AND ARE 1 WIN AWAY FROM THE CUP FINAL






















GOAL SCORERS

VAN:   R. Kesler (PPG, 09:16 - 2nd) , S. Salo (PPG, 10:55 - 2nd) , S. Salo (PPG, 11:11 - 2nd) , A. Burrows (05:43 - 3rd)
SJS:   A. Desjardins (07:02 - 3rd) , R. Clowe (15:55 - 3rd)
GOALIES

VAN: R. Luongo (W)
 SJS: A. Niemi (L)




     
          This afternoon in San Jose, the Canucks were looking to take a 3-1 series lead back home to Rogers Arena. In the first period, the Canucks killed 3 penaltys and left the period with a 0-0 tie even though the shots were 10-6 in favour of the Sharks. The Canucks needed a turning point in the second. They got a 5 on 3 powerplay just 11 minutes in. Salo played the puck to the top of the left circle to Kesler and he ripped it past Niemi. A few seconds later, they went on another 5 on 3 and this time Salo ripped it past Niemi to make it 2-0. On the next play, Salo would score again to make it 3-0. That's an NHL record for 3 goals in 55 seconds.

          Early in the third, Sedin came in on a 2 on 1 with Burrows and Sedin played it to Burrows who scored to make it 4-0. 1 minute later, Valasecs shot was tipped in by Desharadins to cut the lead to 3. Clowe would add another goal as the Sharks would lose this game 4-2. The Canucks are now 1 win away from reaching the cup Final for the first time since 1994. But the Canucks were a little lucky as they only took 13 shots and scored 4 times on Niemi. Luongo kept them in by making 33 saves on 35 shots.Luongo and the powerplay is what won the game for them as they will need a better effort to win Game 5 which is on Tuesday night.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL Game 4: Bruins @ Lightning



Lightning comeback down 3-0 to win 5-3 and tie up the series going back to Boston. Game 5 will be Monday night at 8:00pm E.t.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

WINNIPEG'S BACK

Coaches Corner May 20th 2011 (Winnipeg Jets)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL Game 3: Vancouver Canucks @ San Jose Sharks

SHARKS GRAB A WIN ON HOME ICE TO CUT THE CANUCKS SERIES LEAD IN HALF




GOAL SCORERS

VAN:   A. Burrows (01:09 - 3rd) , D. Hamhuis (PPG, 13:39 - 3rd) , K. Bieksa (PPG, 16:04 - 3rd)
SJS:   P. Marleau (PPG, 03:56 - 1st) , R. Clowe (PPG, 08:22 - 1st) , P. Marleau (17:25 - 1st) , D. Boyle (PPG, 06:46 - 3rd)
GOALIES

VAN: R. Luongo (L)
 SJS: A. Niemi (W)


       
           














             Last night in the Shark Tank, the Sharks were trying to avoid going down 3-0 in the series. But they needed a better effort than in Game 2 and they got it.  3 minutes in with the Sharks on the powerplay, Throrton played the puck in front to Marleau and he scored to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead. Then 10 minutes later, the Sharks went on another powerplay. Boyles shot was stopped but Clowe put home the rebound to make it 2-0. Then with under 3 to go, Marleau got a breakaway and he scored glove side on Luongo to make it 3-0 Sharks. Early in the second, Mcginn came in on a 2 on 0 and he played it to Desharnais and he was stopped by a sprawling Luongo.

             Late in the second, it was a five on three powerplay for the Canucks. Edler played the puck from the far right to Burrows at the side of the net and he took a shot and it was a great save by Nimei. Early in the third, Bieksa took the puck to the net and Niemi saved it, but the puck went back to Burrows who scored to cut the lead to 2 goals. Then with the Sharks on a five on three powerplay, Marleau played the puck to the far right point where Boyle is and he one timed it past Luongo to make the score 4-1. 7 minutes to go now, Sedin played the puck cross iced to Hamhuis who scored to cut the lead to 2. 3 minutes later, Bieksa scored from the point to cut the lead to 4-3. That would be your final, as the Sharks survive a late Vancouver rally.

           With the win, the Sharks have now stopped there 8 game Western Conference final losing streak that dated back to 2004."We realize how important tonight was," captain Joe Thornton said. "We realize what's at stake. The guys showed up and the fans were into it. They gave us an extra boost." In the loss Luongo made 34 saves. In the win, Niemi made 27 saves. The bad start is what killed teh Canucks in this game. "With the chances we had, we have to score," Canucks captain Henrik Sedin said. "They were blocking a lot of shots. Maybe we need to look at taking the extra pass. It was tough to take. We were feeling good about ourselves." The Canucks will need a better first period on Sunday when they are back for Game 4 at 12:00pm P.t and 3:00pm E.t.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

THE METER IS GOING UP

AHLWestern Conference Final Game 5:Hamilton Bulldogs vs Houston Aeros

Friday, May 20, 2011

BULLDOGS STAY ALIVE AGAIN TO FORCE GAME 6

           Earlier tonight in Houston, the Bulldogs were coming off an 8-1 win in Game 4 to keep there season alive and were looking to build on that in Game 5. 8 minutes in, Zenette scored to make it 1-0 Dogs. Paulshaj scored 2 minutes later on the powerplay to make it 2-0. Then in the second with the score 2-1, Russel scored off a great feed from Ryan White to give the Dogs a 3-1 lead. 2 minutes later, Ortmeyer scored to cut the lead to 1. Conboy would add an empty net goal as the Dogs win 4-2, and live to fight another day. Game 6 will be Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm E.t.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

AHL Western Conference Final Game 4: Hamilton Bulldogs Houston Aeros


Houston Leads series 3-1

Coach's Corner May 18

Jets Returning To Winnipeg 2011-05-19

THRASHERS TO MOVE TO WINNIPEG ON TUESDAY

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL Game 3: Boston Bruins @ Tampa Bay Lightning

THOMAS MAKES 31 SAVES TO SHUT OUT THE LIGHTNING






















GOAL SCORERS

BOS:   D. Krejci (01:09 - 1st) , A. Ference (08:12 - 3rd)
GOALIES

BOS: T. Thomas (W)
 TBL: D. Roloson (L)




              Last night in Tampa Bay, the Lightning returned home seeking a series lead. But Tim Thomas and the Bruins weren't going to let that happen. Just 1 minute in, Lucic played the puck to Krejci in front and he scored to give the Bruins an early 1-0 lead. 5 minutes later, Purcell came in and took a hard shot and Thomas and he made the save, spun around and did a 360 to stop  Lecavalier on the rebound. That was probably Thomas's best save of the playoffs. So the score was 1-0 after 1. With 7 minutes to go in the second, Bergeron (of the Bruins) came in on a 2 on 1 and he played it to Peveraly and he was stopped by Roloson.

            So the score was still 1-0 after 2 periods of play. 8 minutes into the third, Bergeron played the puck back to Ference at the point and Ference took a wrist shot and he scored to give the Bruins a 2-0 lead. That was Andrew Ference's first goal since Game 4 of round 1 against the Montreal Canadiens when he gave the fans the finger.But there was no finger celebration here. Just a 2 goal lead for the Bruins. Then with the Lightning on the powerplay, St.Louis brought the puck to the front of the net and he was stopped by Thomas. The puck went back to the point and Stamkos shot was stopped as well.

           That's as close as they would get as the Bruins win 2-0. Thomas made 31 saves for his 1st shutout of the 2011 playoffs to give the Bruins a 2-1 series lead."That felt more like a normal game," Thomas said. "That felt like the game we played most of the season. Playoffs are always faster and more energy and a few more scoring chances than a regular-season game, but that was Boston Bruins hockey." One thing I noticed that you have to do if your the Lightning, and that is get players to the net. Thomas will come out of his crease to make a save, so if you have someone there it will most likely be a goal. That's what I havn't seen from the Lightning in this series unless it was on a powerplay. So that's what they will need to do if they want to win.

Game 4 will be Saturday afternoon in Tampa on TSN and RDS. I will not be writing about  game 4 of this series this weekend. I will update the results  on Monday with highlights.

Written by Andrew Di Pardo

Thursday, May 19, 2011

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL Game 2: San Jose Sharks @ Vancouver Canucks

CANUCKS POUND THE SHARKS TO TAKE A 2-0 SERIES LEAD






















GOAL SCORERS

SJS:   L. Couture (PPG, 02:28 - 1st) , P. Marleau (PPG, 13:03 - 1st) , B. Eager (17:27 - 3rd)
VAN:   D. Sedin (PPG, 09:39 - 1st) , R. Torres (10:18 - 1st) , K. Bieksa (12:05 - 2nd) , C. Higgins (PPG, 07:56 - 3rd) , D. Sedin (PPG, 11:41 - 3rd) , A. Rome (14:30 - 3rd) , M. Raymond (16:42 - 3rd)
GOALIES

SJS: A. Niemi (L)
 VAN: R. Luongo (W)





               Last night in Vancouver, the Canucks were looking to take a 2-0 series lead, but they didn't bet off to the bests of starts. Just 2 minutes in, Heatly played the puck to Couture he got a breakaway and scored. 10 minutes later, with the Canucks on the powerplay. Henrik Sedin played the puck to Daniel in the slot and he scored to tie the game. 1 minute later, Ehroff played the puck to Torres in the slot and he scored to give the Canucks the lead. A few minutes later, Boyles shot was stopped and Marleau put in the rebound to tie the game. 12 minutes into the second, Bieksa had a breakaway and he scored to give the Canucks a 3-2 lead.

            Shortly after that, Edler got the puck on a wide open net but was robbed by Niemi. Early in the third, Raymond played the Puck to Higgins in the slot and he scored to give the Canucks a 4-2 lead. 4 minutes later, Daniel Sedin got the puck in the slot and he scored to give the Canucks a 5-2 lead. With 5 minutes to go, Burrows shot was stopped and Rome put home then Rebound to give the Canucks a 6-2 lead. 2 minutes later, the Canucks went on another powerplay.  Hamheuis played the puck to Higgins who played it to Raymond and he scored to give the Canucks a 7-2 lead. Eager would add a late goal to make it 7-3 and that would be your final. As the Canucks travel to San Jose up 2-0 in the series.

              In the win, Luongo made 28 saves. In the loss, Niemi made 31 saves. In this game the Canucks only took 3 penaltys and thats what there head coach wants, less penaltys."We've talked about staying disciplined," said Vigneault, whose team gave the Sharks just two power plays, "and that's what we've done throughout the playoffs. We did it again tonight. When their fourth-line player took a run at the NHL's leading scorer, possibly the MVP, we stayed focused. We stayed disciplined.Any time this year a team has tried to play us chippier, our power play has always responded. Tonight, at the right time, our power play got us important goals."

           It looked to me like it would be a close game, since it was 3-2 going into the thrid. But it wasn't. It seemed to me like the Canucks offense woke up and the Sharks defense fell a sleep. "They had more battle in their game than we did," Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. "At this time of the year, when you have more battle and more tenacity to your game, you're going to win." The next game of this series will be Friday night at 9:00pm E.t and 6:00pm P.t on CBC and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Coach's Corner May 15

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

PLAY OF THE YEAR: Round 2 Vote Now













http://www2.tsn.ca/showdown/2011/

EASTERN CONFERENCE FINAL GAME 2: Tampa Bay Lightning @ Boston Bruins

BRUINS SCORE 5 SECOND PERIOD GOALS TO LEAD TO A TIE SERIES






















GOAL SCORERS

TBL:   A. Hall (00:13 - 1st) , M. St Louis (19:53 - 1st) , V. Lecavalier (PPG, 07:48 - 2nd) , S. Stamkos (03:47 - 3rd) , D. Moore (13:15 - 3rd)
BOS:   N. Horton (PPG, 13:58 - 1st) , T. Seguin (00:48 - 2nd) , D. Krejci (02:24 - 2nd) , T. Seguin (06:30 - 2nd) , M. Ryder (PPG, 16:16 - 2nd) , M. Ryder (19:41 - 2nd)
GOALIES

 BOS: T. Thomas (W)





                Last night in Boston, the Bruins were trying to avoid going down 2-0  in the series by grabing a win on home ice. Just 12 seconds into the game, Lecavalier's shot went wide off the back boards right to Adem Hall and he scored to make it 1-0 Lightning. Then with 6 minutes to go, the Bruins went on the powerplay. On the powerplay, Seidenberg on timed the puck past Roloson and it was tipped in by Horton to tie the game. With 10 seconds to go, the Lightning would get it back. Stamkos skated in and did a spin-a-Rama pass right to St.Louis and he put the puck past Thomas to take a 2-1 lead into the second.

               Just 48 seconds into the second, Tyler Seguin came busting in past the Lightning defense and he scored  to tie the game. Just 3 minutes later, Seidenberg got the puck on the far right side and played it right to Krejci in front and he scored to give the Bruins there first lead of the series. 1 minute later, Malone got a breakaway and he was stopped by Thomas. 30 seconds later, Horton came in on a 2 on 1 with Seguin and he played the puck to Seguin and he scored to give the Bruins a 4-2 lead with his first career 2 goal game.

              Then 1 minute later with the Lightning on the powerplay, Leacavalier took a slap shot and he scored to cut the lead to 1 goal. With the Bruins on another powerplay with 3 minutes to go, Seguins shot was stopped but Ryder put home the rebound to give the Bruins a 5-3 lead. Ryder would add another late period goal as they took a 6-3 lead into the third. Smith would come in to replace Roloson in the third.  4 minutes into the third, Stamkos came in and ripped it past Thomas to cut the lead to 2 goals. With 6 minutes to go, Bergenheim's shot hit the post but Moore would put the puck in to cut the lead to 1. That's as close as they would get as the Bruins tie the series with a 6-5 win.

              In the win, Thomas made 36 saves. In the lose, Roloson made 22 saves and Smith made 8 saves. The lose has now ended the Lightning 8 game win streak.The Lightning in this game didn't play well until the third when they wer looking to come back."After eight games of playing solid, structured and intense and doing things down to the T there's bound to be some point you have something that might be a little different," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. "Even if we would have won that game, we wouldn't be happy with the way we played."  The next game will be Thursday at 8:00pm E.t and 6:00pm P.t on TSN and RDS.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo