Rangers forward Sean Avery was rushed to the hospital early Wednesday and a CT scan revealed a lacerated spleen.
One early reportz stated that, "unconscious and not breathing, [Avery] was rushed to a Manhattan hospital Wednesday morning in cardiac arrest". This account turned out to be erroneous and there is little information about Avery's condition prior to being taken to the hospital.
Avery's mother told the Toronto Sun that her son injured her spleen in the first period colliding with a Pittsburgh defenseman.
Avery has battled for the Rangers in every way possible (and in many ways inconceivable) in the past few weeks. He has (for the most part) kept his mouth shut and focused on the game played on the ice.
While I have voiced my displeasure concerning Avery's antics in the past, he has shown himself to be a warrior and you have to feel for players who suffer injuries like this in the post-season.
Best of luck to Sean in his recovery.
The loss is troubling for the Rangers more so after they lost post-season marvel, center Chris Drury during game 3 after injuring his ribs.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tampa starts Stamkos media blitz - www.SeenStamkos.com
The Tampa Bay Lightning, owners of the first pick in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft have launched www.seenstamkos.com, a website dedicated to consensus #1 prospect, Steven Stamkos.
I can't remember another example a franchise has launched a marketing campaign for a player they have yet to obtain rights to. Either way, this tells me two things:
1. Tampa is not trading the first pick.
2. The Lightning think Stamkos may be able to step into the line-up next year.
The last time the Lightning had the first overall pick was 1998 when they selected current superstar Vincent Lecavalier. Then-Lightning owner Art Williams made one of the all-time sports blunders and referred to Lecavalier as "the Michael Jordan of hockey"....No pressure.
While Williams is no longer the owner, one wonders if Tampa has not learned from their past mistakes.
Marketing blitz or no, Stamkos will be able to join Tampa Bay in much the same way as Crosby came to Pittsburgh, with somebody there who has been in his shoes. With Lecavalier, St. Louis
and Dan Boyle as established faces of the organization Stamkos's development should not be as rushed as Lecavalier's was.
By all accounts Stamkos, a skilled play-maker, will be a star in the NHL some day.
I can't remember another example a franchise has launched a marketing campaign for a player they have yet to obtain rights to. Either way, this tells me two things:
1. Tampa is not trading the first pick.
2. The Lightning think Stamkos may be able to step into the line-up next year.
The last time the Lightning had the first overall pick was 1998 when they selected current superstar Vincent Lecavalier. Then-Lightning owner Art Williams made one of the all-time sports blunders and referred to Lecavalier as "the Michael Jordan of hockey"....No pressure.
While Williams is no longer the owner, one wonders if Tampa has not learned from their past mistakes.
Marketing blitz or no, Stamkos will be able to join Tampa Bay in much the same way as Crosby came to Pittsburgh, with somebody there who has been in his shoes. With Lecavalier, St. Louis
and Dan Boyle as established faces of the organization Stamkos's development should not be as rushed as Lecavalier's was.
By all accounts Stamkos, a skilled play-maker, will be a star in the NHL some day.
Play of the Day: Hart to Hart (Finalist)
One of my favorite plays from the 2007-2008 NHL season.
Explosive, astounding, entertaining. I'm not sure what impressed me more, the fact that Malkin basically shrugged of a blind-side hit from the 220 lb Ovechkin or that Ovechkin lost sight of Malkin for a mere split-second while airborn and retains all composure as he absorbs an incredible impact that could have winded most NHLers.
Ahh, what could have been. Leave it to Tom Poti to ruin my dreams.
Hart Trophy Finalists Announced!
The NHL has announced the finalists for the Hart Trophy (MVP or "Player most valuable to his team" depending on which definition you go by) and the nominees are:
Jarome Iginla - RW, Calgary Flames
Evgeni Malkin - C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alexander Ovechkin - LW, Washington Capitals
One interesting omission is Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur. As a Devils fan this bothers me, but only slightly. The first two names are merely formalities as Ovechkin is the hands down favorite. This was his year, nobody was wrestling the flame-shaped trophy from Ovechkin's cold Russian hands.
If Brodeur wasn't in net for the Devils they would have finally gotten a good draft pick (last top-10 pick: 1996 - Lance Ward....sigh), but with Ovechkin's domination it really doesn't matter who the other two names are. Malkin and Iginla are also more than worthy finalists.
Jarome Iginla - RW, Calgary Flames
Evgeni Malkin - C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Alexander Ovechkin - LW, Washington Capitals
One interesting omission is Devils' goalie Martin Brodeur. As a Devils fan this bothers me, but only slightly. The first two names are merely formalities as Ovechkin is the hands down favorite. This was his year, nobody was wrestling the flame-shaped trophy from Ovechkin's cold Russian hands.
If Brodeur wasn't in net for the Devils they would have finally gotten a good draft pick (last top-10 pick: 1996 - Lance Ward....sigh), but with Ovechkin's domination it really doesn't matter who the other two names are. Malkin and Iginla are also more than worthy finalists.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Goal of the Day - Brad Richards March 15, 2008, shorthanded.
When the Dallas Stars picked up the best player at the trade deadline by pulling Tampa Bay center Brad Richards out of an assured extended golf season.
A brilliant move by co-GMs Brett Hull and Les Jackson to add a Conn Smythe winner to a team that is a lock for the post-season every year. Dallas also gave up very little in exchange (Jussi Jokinen, Jeff Halpern, and Mike Smith for Richards and Johan Holmqvist)
Richards is a great playmaker who, while not a pure goal-scorer does possess a lethal shot.
Richards busted out with four points (one goal, three assists) in last nights 5-2 win over San Jose.
By the end of the third round Richards should be vying for the points lead before Dallas bows out after falling to the Wings in six.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Goal of the Day - Darern McCarty (Versus Promo)
Unfortunately this is the best quality footage of this goal I could find.
Not a bad voice over except they fail to mention that McCarty's name is on the Stanley Cup not once, not twice, but three times. A testament to how important it is to get the right mix of players on the ice and in the locker room.
McCarty has a good shot at his fourth ring as he is back with the Wings this year.
Barry Melrose leaving ESPN? Whaaa?
Apparently Hockey Night In Canada reported that ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose might be leaving the network to become the next GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
I really don't see much truth to this rumor, but musing on the topic half asleep I asked myself, who would replace Barry Melrose? Here are some options to fill in next to John "Do You Get How Much I Love Music and How Many Famous People I Know Yet" Buccigross.
Don Cherry: Grapes is a broadcasting legend. I doubt in a million years he would ever leave HNIC. NBC tried to bring him down south and it failed miserably. It's hard to appeal to Canadian pride when your audience is void of Canadians.
Neil Smith: Former GM of the Rangers and Islanders (for 40 days, but still). Currently resides in NYC and works in broadcasting for Versus. Built a winner in 1994. Has said that living in New York allows him to be close to his son. Working in Bristol, Connecticut wouldn't change much.
Bill Clement: Former NHLer has two Cup rings from his time in Philadelphia. Clement has an extensive broadcasting background working for Versus, NBC, and ESPN. Hosts a Flyer's radio show on WBCB 1490 AM in Pennsylvania.
Jeremy Roenick: Wasn't he only signing with the Sharks to get his 500th goal? What the hell is he doing scoring in the post-season like it's 1993? Ok, JR might have a bit left in the tank, but if he calls it quits (again!), he's going to the mic. He's already shown he can be an interesting, provocative presence as he is never one to mince words on the ice or off it. Gregarious and intelligent, Roenick has cut his teeth with TSN during previous post-season coverage.
Steal Someone From TSN: Let's see how YOU like it, TSN!
When TSN took Darren Dreger from rival Canadian network Roger's Sportsnet they entered a dirty game. It's payback time.
Ok, by "Someone" I might be misleading. I really meant, "STEAL BOB McKENZIE!" I know it's his home and he loves it, but Canada, you've had Bobby Mac for too long! Stop being so damn selfish. He's one of the most connected men in all of hockey, the ultimate insider. His knowledge of the game covers every aspect from Joe Thornton's Raisin Bran to Gordie Howe's dentures.
Count von Count: One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six!.....SIX!! Six skaters on the ice for the Canucks! TOO MANY SKATERS!!!
Shakira: You want ratings? This woman could be talking about the pros and cons of outside-in skate lacing and it's effect on pre-season game-day meals and guys would watch.
Wait a minute! This is ESPN! If Melrose leaves that gives them an extra three to five minutes a week they can devote to the 15th round of the NFL draft! The suspense is chilling! Who will be the 11th best offensive lineman this year?
Seriously, if Melrose does leave (and if he does I doubt it's to become GM of the Lightning), I wouldn't be surprised to see Clement, Darren Pang, or Ray Ferraro take over.
I really don't see much truth to this rumor, but musing on the topic half asleep I asked myself, who would replace Barry Melrose? Here are some options to fill in next to John "Do You Get How Much I Love Music and How Many Famous People I Know Yet" Buccigross.
Don Cherry: Grapes is a broadcasting legend. I doubt in a million years he would ever leave HNIC. NBC tried to bring him down south and it failed miserably. It's hard to appeal to Canadian pride when your audience is void of Canadians.
Neil Smith: Former GM of the Rangers and Islanders (for 40 days, but still). Currently resides in NYC and works in broadcasting for Versus. Built a winner in 1994. Has said that living in New York allows him to be close to his son. Working in Bristol, Connecticut wouldn't change much.
Bill Clement: Former NHLer has two Cup rings from his time in Philadelphia. Clement has an extensive broadcasting background working for Versus, NBC, and ESPN. Hosts a Flyer's radio show on WBCB 1490 AM in Pennsylvania.
Jeremy Roenick: Wasn't he only signing with the Sharks to get his 500th goal? What the hell is he doing scoring in the post-season like it's 1993? Ok, JR might have a bit left in the tank, but if he calls it quits (again!), he's going to the mic. He's already shown he can be an interesting, provocative presence as he is never one to mince words on the ice or off it. Gregarious and intelligent, Roenick has cut his teeth with TSN during previous post-season coverage.
Steal Someone From TSN: Let's see how YOU like it, TSN!When TSN took Darren Dreger from rival Canadian network Roger's Sportsnet they entered a dirty game. It's payback time.
Ok, by "Someone" I might be misleading. I really meant, "STEAL BOB McKENZIE!" I know it's his home and he loves it, but Canada, you've had Bobby Mac for too long! Stop being so damn selfish. He's one of the most connected men in all of hockey, the ultimate insider. His knowledge of the game covers every aspect from Joe Thornton's Raisin Bran to Gordie Howe's dentures.
Count von Count: One! Two! Three! Four! Five! Six!.....SIX!! Six skaters on the ice for the Canucks! TOO MANY SKATERS!!!
Shakira: You want ratings? This woman could be talking about the pros and cons of outside-in skate lacing and it's effect on pre-season game-day meals and guys would watch.Wait a minute! This is ESPN! If Melrose leaves that gives them an extra three to five minutes a week they can devote to the 15th round of the NFL draft! The suspense is chilling! Who will be the 11th best offensive lineman this year?
Seriously, if Melrose does leave (and if he does I doubt it's to become GM of the Lightning), I wouldn't be surprised to see Clement, Darren Pang, or Ray Ferraro take over.
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