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Shot over 15 days, this documentary/short film captures the up and down roller coaster ride the of Ilya Kovalchuk saga with the Los Angeles Kings.
Visit us online at http://kingscast.net and join the discussion!
6 Jul, 2010 | by Alex
If you ask the majority of Kings fans how their off-season is going, don’t expect a pleasant response. But, were we expecting too much? As some say, were our eyes bigger than our stomachs? (Not literally, of course). In no way am I saying the Kings are staying mum for the remainder of the season transaction-wise, but a lot of expectations have been built up for Dean Lombardi to make some big moves early, and he has failed to do so. The Kings were labeled as buyers, and certain ones at that, when it came to the free agent market and the off-season in general. Many fans are griping, and they have reason to. However, that doesn’t mean I agree. Below, I’ll be breaking down the market that has eluded Dean Lombardi, what could still happen, and other off-season headlines:
Chuck any thoughts of Ilya: Consider the Kings attempt at signing free-agent left-winger Ilya Kovalchuk all but over with. Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider quoted Dean Lombardi responding to a question about Kovalchuk’s “choices”. “We are not a choice.”, said Lombardi. Many are upset, not I. Never did I have a comfortable feeling in regards to Kovalchuk joining the Kings roster. Yes, we need a talented winger, but Kovalchuk never felt like the right addition to me. I’ll admit, Russian free-agents scare me. Don’t pull the discrimination card. Did Kovalchuk seem like an odd-ball in a locker room full of youngsters and solid, seasoned veterans such as Ryan Smyth, Rob Scuderi, and Dustin Brown? I pictured it….not working. But what do I know? Honestly. I just hope Kovalchuk works out better for the Isles than Alexei Yashin. But not really. Deano, can’t blame you for staying idle on this one.
Richardson getting Richer?: It was reported yesterday courtesy of Rich Hammond of the LA Kings Insider that Brad Richardson has filed for arbitration. And the man deserves to get paid. Arguably the hardest working player on the roster, Richardson earned a salary of $587,500 last season. He won’t rack up astounding points, but his effort makes up for it. A right-winger who develops offensive-zone possession with his ruthless work in the corners, I’d be surprised to see the Kings take this to court. Richardson deserves the raise, and with the Kings quiet in the market, expect them to reach an agreement.
Gagne? I say, NO WAY: The Kovalchuk talk is dead, and now reports have been popping up regarding Kings interest in Philadelphia’s Simon Gagne. Yeah right. Maybe four years ago, like Keith mentioned. Not worth it. Rumors show Philadelphia is interested in either Jonathan Quick or Jonathan Bernier along with winger Wayne Simmonds. It’s really simple to me. Gagne costs too much to take the risk with the young core we have. Lombardi is smarter than to break up the young offensive group we have to acquire an 11-year NHL veteran who is on the down-slide. If we’re talking about acquiring a defenseman, different story. With the exit of Sean O’Donnell, the Kings don’t necessarily need a top-four defenseman, but a smart, proven veteran.
Final Thoughts: I’m happy with a quiet off-season. Give this young roster another year to mature together. Lombardi had, and still has, the opportunity to make moves. I’d like to see the Kings acquire a veteran defenseman, but I won’t push for a trade for an elite forward. I have confidence in the growth of the team we have. What are your thoughts? Trade possibilities? Any remaining fee agents you’d like to acquire?
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The 2010 NHL Entry Draft took place at Staples Center and the Los Angeles Kings traded up to grab 6'5" defenseman Derek Forbort. In this show, Keith and Chris talk about the draft experience, upcoming free agency and interviewed a few Michal Jackson fans about hockey. Your thoughts about the draft?
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Who needs to go to Vegas and see who wins all the awards at the NHL Awards Show when you can get the low down from all the great hockey bloggers out there. Matt Reitz from View From My Seats put together a star studded cast of hockey bloggers/vloggers and created an online 2010 NHL Year End Awards project.
Check it out! It will be fun to compare the bloggers selections vs the NHL's in June 23rd. What do you think of the bloggers picks?
Hart Trophy: 2010 Year End Awards – Blogger Style
For the Eastern portion of North America, this might come as a bit of a surprise– but there are other players up for this award besides Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. In fact, when we asked 45 writers from around the internet to tell us who they’d vote for in the Hart Trophy balloting, it was a redheaded clone from the Pacific Northwest (by way of Sweden) who narrowly walked away with the hardware. I believe this is where I say something like, “Gary Bettman wouldn’t be happy,” or something else to that effect.
Are you surprised The Kid didn't win?
Aside from Henrik Sedin winning the league’s MVP award, the writers also gave some love to the goaltenders. After “the big three” nailed down the top spots, both Ryan Miller and Ilya Bryzgalov received a ton of consideration for their stellar seasons. There are always arguments about whether a goaltender should be considered for the Hart, but both Bryzgalov and Miller were the most important player in leading their respective teams to surprisingly good seasons.
The best part of the voting was the comments that the voters left as they cast their ballots. As much as the writers explained their picks, there were also contributors who took issue with how the Hart Trophy is actually viewed and voted upon. The best player in the league might not necessarily be the most valuable player to his team. The comments that the writers shared were exactly the type of thing that we were looking for when we decided to launch this project in the first place.
After checking out the results and the opinions of the voters, tell us—how do YOU think the Hart Trophy should be viewed? On that note, who do you think are the most deserving candidates to win the league’s most prestigious individual award? Let us know in the comments!
Name Total Points 1st Place Votes Total Votes 1 Henrik Sedin 124 10 35 2 Sidney Crosby 123 8 36 3 Alexander Ovechkin 117 7 37 4 Ryan Miller 81 7 24 5 Ilya Bryzgalov 60 6 18 ______________
“I would have given my 1st place vote to Henrik but I firmly believe in upholding the east coast bias thing.”
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“Anyone who can sell tickets in Tampa Bay has to get a vote somewhere along the line.”
–Brian Kennedy, Growing Up Hockey
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“Without Miller, the Sabres are a dead-in-the-water team duking it out with the Maple Leafs and Lightning at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. He started virtually every game and had even more pressure on him because Patrick Lalime was a crappy backup. He was the best at his position at his job and the best player Buffalo had all year. The same can be said of Sedin with Vancouver as well and he had an electric season, but he also had some help as well as a guy with matching DNA playing alongside him.”
–Joe Yerdon, Gross Misconduct Hockey
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“Unconventional pick in Anderson, but frankly, the Avs don’t even sniff the playoffs this year without his performance. Toews had a strong supporting cast around him, but his on-ice play and his off ice leadership merit serious consideration.”
–Mark Willoughby, The View From 111
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“This award is ridiculous, since it seems like the nominees are always just the top scoring forwards, but being the MOST VALUABLE player for your team doesn’t just mean putting up goals/assists. Most of those guys have a support team that could step up and while they would be missed, the team wouldn’t collapse into complete disarray without them.
What about the guys who really are so valuable that in their absence, the team is basically screwed? Shouldn’t that be what the award is about? So… that’s why my list is totally random (i.e. Brad Richards, Miikko Koivu, Zach Parise, etc.)”
–Amanda Fortier, View From My Seats
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“To me, the writers missed it already. Sedin had a great season, and the other two did as well. But if you take Bryzgalov away from the Coyotes, they probably finish with just 65 points instead of a franchise record 107.”
–Jon Moncrief, The Examiner
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“The Flyers don’t make the playoffs without Pronger and don’t win a series without Pronger, let alone make it to the Cup Final.”
–Ben Wright, The Blueland Blog
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“Simply a very easy list. Miller and Bryzgalov round it off because the goalies should get some mention to me at least. Why Sedin 3rd? No way 29 goals is enough to get noticed. It reeks of a Jumbo Joe like season and those should not get awarded. Have to put a few more in the net next year Henrik!”
–Chris Wassel, The Hockey Program
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“How Miller isn’t a candidate for the Hart just baffles me!”
–Ryan Porth, RLD Hockey
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“Leading by example, even when his captain couldn’t… even when his brother wasn’t around. I think that sums up the season that Henrik Sedin had and what the Canucks truly needed. There were some pretty big highs for the Canucks in times where everyone thought they were going to be awfully low and the regular season was extra good.
Bryzgalov gets my 2nd place vote, because he was the glue that really held that Coyotes team together. When you have a team that scores by committee, you really need a great goalie to chalk up those wins. Bryzgalov was that guy, moreso than Miller, who gets my 3rd place vote for about the same thing, but his own expectations is what takes him down a notch.
Crosby gets a vote this year, because Evgeni Malkin was almost nowhere to be seen, despite his 77 points, while Anderson gets consideration and could very well be much higher, if he wasn’t beaten like a rented mule in Denver.”
–Clayton Corley, Opiated Sherpa
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“The Coyotes would be nothing without Bryzgalov. They averaged just one shot on goal more than their opponents per game, and yet finished with 107 points. Sure, the defensive system benefits the goaltender, but the goaltender is the key to the defensive system actually working.
Besides, even the grandmaster of trap Jacque Lemaire’s system wouldn’t make Carey Price a good goalie, so it isn’t only the system.”
–Bryan Reynolds, Hockey Wilderness
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“Funny how none of these guys made it to the finals. Kinda says a bit about the sport of hockey.
I like to focus on the “valuable” part of the award by asking which team is most impacted by the player. Sabres might as well be the Atlanta Thrashers without Miller.”
–Andrew Bernier, Blackhawks DL
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“Miller owned the regular season and was the reason why the Sabres were so competitive this year. While Sedin, Ovechkin and Crosby are obvious follow up votes, St. Louis’ contribution at 34 years old (which helped the Lightning stay afloat as well as helped propel young Steven Stamkos’ rise) is probably the most underappreciated contribution this season.
–John Fontana, Raw Charge
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“Captain Serious has his team poised for immortality, he is the super glue for that youthful group. Ovi and Sid are obvious because when the Habs shut them both down their team vanished into thin air. I wanted the B’s to sign Cammalleri desperately; he was quietly a stabilizing force for a team with lots of drama. Sedin? Well, I didn’t want to be accused of East Coast bias, besides…he did manage to hold his team in a power position with BobbyLu melting down and clone Daniel out injured.”
–CJ Shepard, View From My Seats
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“I always feel weird about the Hart voting since it’s for the player most valuable to his team; not the most valuable player in the NHL.
For example Alex Ovechkin is an amazing goal scorer but if you take his goals away entirely the Capitals still lead the league in goals. I think that takes away from him being the most valuable player to a team.
Meanwhile Howard and Anderson really stepped in and dragged their teams through their respective seasons. Without them Colorado and Detroit would have been in rough shape.”
–Chemmy, Pension Plan Puppets
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“I have to go with Crosby over Ovechkin due to a better all round game including defense and face offs. Crosby is more of a team player and rarely quits on a play. Sedin and Stamkos had the numbers and Kane is the most explosive player in the Western Conf with the puck on his stick.”
–Buddy Oakes, Preds On The Glass
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“I get Sedin being nominated but Ovie and Sid seem too easy. I tossed in Boyle because if anyone if the MVP of the Sharks, it’s that guy.”
–Gray, Couchtarts
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For a look back at any of the other Year-End awards the writers voted on, feel free to check out all of the posts in this series here…
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We sit back and crack some packs and throw back a few shots on the last show of the season.
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The Stanley Cup is always accompanied by a handler, one of several who rotate, and is supplied by the Hockey Hall of Fame. On the surface, being 'keeper of the Cup' is the greatest job in the world, but underneath that shiny veneer, it truly is one of the great unheralded jobs -- too many nights with no sleep, too many meals eaten on the fly racing through the airport to make a connecting flight, and extended travel that takes the keeper away from family and friends over long periods of time. Yet, there's not a hockey fan we've met yet who wouldn't trade his or her soul for the chance to accompany the greatest trophy in sport — the Stanley Cup.
Mike Bolt spends almost as much time with the Stanley Cup as the NHL's championship team. Crisscrossing the continent, Mike ensures that the rights and privileges that accompany winners of the Stanley Cup are both enjoyed and upheld, doing so in a firm yet most entertaining way. Loved by both players and management, Bolt is a hockey fan first and foremost, but treats his job with the seriousness it demands. Even NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman once took him aside and said, "You've got an awesome job."
Born and raised in Toronto, Mike dreamed of one day hoisting the Stanley Cup just like every other hockey-playing youngster. After all, the Leaside area in which he grew up was rich in hockey heritage -- former Maple Leafs George Armstrong, Carl Brewer, Bob Davidson and Cal Gardner all called the area home. But life took a different turn early on, as Mike's career saw him managing a cowboy boot and western wear store. It wasn't until 1995, when he joined the Hockey Hall of Fame working on special events and as a guest services associate, that the path veered back towards hockey. Mike's first foray with the Stanley Cup was a quick jaunt down the street from the Hockey Hall of Fame to the studios of the CBC, Canada's public broadcaster, in 1997.
The Stanley Cup will be in attendance this evening for Game 6 between the Flyers and Blackhawks at Wachovia Center . If you were going to place a bet at an online sportsbook, who do you think leaves with the cup? Will it be the Blackhawks captain, Jonathan Toews or Mike Bolt, the "keeper of the cup"?
As the custodian who accompanies the Stanley Cup, I would say Mike Bolt has an amazing job watching the players live a childhood dream, raising the Stanley Cup.
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As we know the Flyers and Blackhawks are battling it out for the 2010 Stanley Cup. There is no love loss between the two teams and the hatred thermometer is rising. Just ask Ben Eager and Chris Pronger if they like each other.
However, while these two great teams continue to battle each other, we thought it would be fun to discuss which of the two teams would have the best all-time line up and who would win the Stanley Cup between the two of them.
So without further ado, The Hockey Zen brings to you the starting line ups for each team.
Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers were part of the 1967 NHL Expansion, the Flyers were the first non-Original Six team to win the Stanley Cup, victorious in 1973-74 and again in 1974-75.
Click here to download:
flyers-legends-vs-blackhawks-legends-who-wins-vkBEFaowDtDriHijbdwb.zip (639 KB)
Goalies
Bernie Parent: The entire history of the Philadelphia Flyers would have been different without Bernie Parent. It is extremely unlikely that they would have won either of their two Stanley Cups without him. Parent was not only the greatest goaltender in franchise history; he was one of the best to ever grace a National Hockey League crease.
Ron Hextall: Hextall joined the Philadelphia Flyers for the 1986–87 season and played until 1991–92. In his first year, he was the winner of the Vezina Trophy (NHL's Best Goaltender), named a First Team All-Star, and named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. He also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Flyers took the eventual champions Edmonton Oilers to seven games during the Stanley Cup Finals. The Calder Trophy was the only honor that eluded Hextall that year as he finished second behind Luc Robitaille. Hextall is one of only two goaltenders, along with Henrik Lundqvist, to record at least 30 wins in his first three NHL seasons, which Hextall did from 1986–1989. Hextall was also known as one of the toughest and craziest goaltenders in the NHL. Just ask Chris Chelios.
Defense
Mark Howe: Howe played 16 seasons in the National Hockey League and 6 seasons in the World Hockey Association. He is the son of Gordie Howe, and early in his career was a teammate of his father. Despite the enormous shadow cast by his father and splitting time between two leagues, Mark shone as one of the best two-way defensemen of the 1980s, being a three time runner-up for the Norris Trophy and making the Stanley Cup finals three times. He is a member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Chris Pronger: Pronger was originally selected 2nd overall by the Hartford Whalers in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft and played for them from 1993–95, followed by the St. Louis Blues (from 1995–2004), the Edmonton Oilers (from 2005–06), and the Anaheim Ducks (from 2006–2009), with whom he won a championship. He won the Hart Trophy as the league's most valuable player in the 1999–2000 season and was the first defenceman to win the award since Bobby Orr in 1972.
Forwards
Tim Kerr: Kerr was a pure goal scorer with an amazing wrist shot. Kerr was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Flyers. It proved to be a great move for Philadelphia, as Kerr scored 50 goals four times, and set the NHL single-season record for power-play goals in a season with 34 in the 1985–86 season.
Bobby Clarke: Nuts!!! Clarke and Hextall on the same team would be a visiting teams nightmare. Played his entire National Hockey League career with the Philadelphia Flyers and is currently an executive with the team. During his 15 season playing career, he led the Flyers to two Stanley Cups and was awarded the Hart Trophy as league MVP three times. A 1987 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Clarke was rated number 24 on The Hockey News' list of The Top 100 NHL Players of All-Time in 1998. He was a mean SOB as well.
Rick MacLeish: MacLeish was drafted 4th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft after playing the majority of his junior career with the Peterborough Petes. After splitting the 1971–72 season between the Flyers and Richmond Robins, MacLeish scored 50 goals and 50 assists during the 1972–73 season. He won two Stanley Cups with the Flyers in 1974 and 1975.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks joined the NHL in 1926 as part of the league's first wave of expansion into the United States. They were one of three American teams added that year, along with the Detroit Cougars (now the Detroit Red Wings) and New York Rangers. They have won three Stanley Cup Championships and fourteen division titles since their founding in 1926. The Blackhawks are one of the Original Six NHL teams, along with the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings.
Click here to download:
flyers-legends-vs-blackhawks-legends-who-wins-GrCrFlugyzFHjrvljlgj.zip (423 KB)
Goalies
Tony Esposito: Eposito was one of the pioneers of the now popular butterfly style. Tony is the younger brother of Phil Esposito, a centre. Both brothers had notable careers and are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Tony O. was one of just eight goalies to win the Vezina catching the puck right-handed.
Ed Belfour: Well we know which two goaltenders would square off if there was a bench clearing brawl in this Cup Final. Belfour's characteristic face mask earned him the sobriquet "Eddie the Eagle", and some of his quirks and off-ice antics earned him the nickname "Crazy Eddie". Belfour helped lead the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1991–92 season, where they eventually lost in 4 games to the Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux. Many regard Belfour as an elite goaltender and one of the best of all-time. His 484 wins rank 3rd all-time among NHL goaltenders.
Defense
Chris Chelios: The Gordie Howe of the new era. Chelios was the oldest active player in the NHL, had played the most games of any active player in the NHL, was the last player from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft still active (or any draft from 1986 and earlier), and had the most career penalty minutes of any active player. Chelios helped lead the Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup Final in 1992 with Ed Belfour. He was in top form for the 1992-1993 season, scoring 73 points and winning his 2nd Norris Trophy.
Pierre Pilote: After playing junior hockey for the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association, Pilote played minor professional hockey for the Buffalo Bisons in the American Hockey League. Pilote played 890 games in the National Hockey League. He scored 80 goals and 418 assists for 498 points in 13 seasons with the Chicago Black Hawks and one year for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Forwards
Stan Makita: Makita generally regarded as the best centre of the 1960s, led the league in scoring four times in the decade, tying Bobby Hull's single-season scoring mark in 1966–67 with 97 points (a mark broken two years later by former teammate Phil Esposito and currently held by Wayne Gretzky).. In 1961 he won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Black Hawks, with whom he played his entire career and amassed 1467 points. We will also remember him for the Northland Dome helmet he wore.
Bobby Hull: He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the fastest shot, earning him the nickname "the Golden Jet". He possessed the most feared slapshot of his day. He became the first NHLer to score more than 50 goals in a season, surpassing Maurice Richard and Bernie Geoffrion's hallowed mark of 50 goals.
Denis Savard: He was known for his trademark move, the 'Savardian Spin-o-rama' (a term actually coined by Danny Gallivan, referencing the move performed by Serge Savard). In 1,196 NHL games, Savard scored 473 goals and 865 assists, totalling 1338 points. He trails only Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita for total points in Chicago Blackhawks history.
There ya have it. Who wins? Who else would you have on these two great teams? Please leave your comments below.
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The Stanley Cup
It's the most recognized and oldest trophy in all four major sports, but it's not so much the trophy, but what is done with it.
Evolution of the Stanley Cup Slideshow
Did you know?
The stories and lore surrounding the Stanley Cup are endless. Do you have any Stanley Cup stories to share? If so please share in the comments.
Also, in case you missed it, Adrian and I are talking Happy Lappy, Hossa and the Trophy Jinx on THZTV.
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We are chillin' on the deck on a beautiful holiday Monday and talking hockey. Specifically the ladies Tie Domi has...you know.
Justinhttp://twitter.com/hockeycardshowComments [0]
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