One for Metro, Belak Traded

There’s been little time to make a post since the holiday, so here’s a little catch-up for anyone that’s missed the last couple of days.

Metro’s first

Glen Metropolit picked up his first NHL fighting major Friday, against Patrick Eaves.  Metro faired pretty well, too.

The first time I saw Metropolit play was in the RHI (yup, roller hockey) 12 years ago for the Long Island Jawz.  It’s a long journey from the RHI to the NHL, and great to see him skating with the best after all this time.

Belak traded to Preds

After being waived last week, Wade Belak was traded to the Predators on Thursday.  While it seemed Belak was very happy in Florida, it was clear the team was/is looking to make moves.  Despite that, Belak was surprised to be traded:

Just spoke to Wade, he says he’s “stunned” by the trade and thought everything had worked itself out. Said he enjoyed his short time in South Florida, really seemed to enjoy living here. Added he enjoyed his teammates, folks who worked for the team and the neighbors he’s leaving behind.

Belak introduced himself to Preds fans yesterday by taking on Derek Boogaard in the middle of a three-fight spurt in the Minnesota-Nashville game.  There were four fights overall.  It was Belak’s second fight of the season, and second against big Boogaard.  It’s voted a split series, so far.

A Gordie for Horcoff

Shawn Horcoff picked up the Gordie Howe Hat Trick yesterday in St. Louis.  Craig MacTavish was complimentary:

”(Horcoff) is not known as a fighter. He normally gets into one a year, but the fight got him going. He played his best game of the year,” said Oilers head coach Craig MacTavish.

Parsons close to minor league goal record

Hey, it’s LI Jawz day!  Metropolit’s former teammate Don Parsons is getting close Kevin Kerr’s minor league goal record.

The soon-to-be 40 Parsons is still going strong in the IHL with the Bloomington PrairieThunder.  He has 13 goals and 9 assists in 16 games so far this season.

Videos added

Taylor Pyatt vs Robyn Regehr Nov 29, 2008
Steve Downie vs Cody McLeod Nov 29, 2008
Craig Weller vs Jordin Tootoo Nov 29, 2008
Derek Boogaard vs Wade Belak Nov 29, 2008
Stephane Veilleux vs Scott Nichol Nov 29, 2008
Craig Weller vs Shea Weber Nov 29, 2008
Arron Asham vs Jamal Mayers Nov 29, 2008
Josh Gratton vs Andre Deveaux Nov 29, 2008
Colin Fraser vs Wayne Simmonds Nov 29, 2008
Matt Walker vs Raitis Ivanans Nov 29, 2008
Steve Staios vs Jeff Woywitka Nov 29, 2008
Shawn Horcoff vs David Backes Nov 29, 2008
Matt Walker vs George Parros Nov 28, 2008
Patrick Eaves vs Glen Metropolit Nov 28, 2008
Wade Brookbank vs Josh Gratton Nov 28, 2008
Tim Jackman vs Shane Hnidy Nov 28, 2008 x2
Brendan Witt vs Milan Lucic Nov 28, 2008 x2
Brandon Prust vs Mike Brown Nov 27, 2008
Dominic Moore vs Jason Smith Nov 27, 2008

Continue reading "One for Metro, Belak Traded"

Early Thanks to Carcillo and Dorsett

On Thanksgiving Eve here in the States we were treated to a big night of games and a lot of action.

A highlight I must point to first is the fight of the year candidate between Daniel Carcillo and Derek Dorsett.  The two exchanged words during the pre-game skate and got a chance to settle things about fives minutes into the first period.  What ensued will be on highlight reels for a long time.

The Rangers and Lightning played a hard-fought game that ended in a shootout win for the Blueshirts.  There were two scraps in this one: Steven Stamkos and Nikolai Zherdev met up in the first period in an unexpected and decent one.  It was the first fight for either player.  Mid-way through the game Colton Orr took on David Koci in another one of the night’s entertaining bouts.

Josh Gratton doesn’t bore while earning his five minutes and that trend continued last night when he took on Wade Brookbank.  These two had a spirited exchange to start the Flyers-Canes game with a lot of energy in the building.

In other action: a pair of giants dropped the gloves, just not with each other.  Eric Godard took on Mitch Fritz on Long Island; and Krys Barch challenged Derek Boogaard in Minnesota.

Leafs prep for Burke

Brian Burke hasn’t even signed on to be the GM of the Maple Leafs and it seems there’s already a movement to play more like a Burke-built team.  Dominic Moore and Jeff Finger got into a scuffle during practice:

Finger caught Moore with a hard cross-check in the corner before the two exchanged a couple punches. Teammates were quick to get between the players and calm things down.

The team has also recalled Andre Deveaux for tonight’s game against the Senators.

McCarty bounces

Darren McCarty was sent down to Detroit‘s AHL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins for one game, and was recalled immediately after the Red Wings’ game against Montreal last night.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to the American audience.  There are only two games tonight, with all four teams being Canada-based.  If there’s any action from these games, there might be a little delay (just Friday) before posting anything due to me attempting to enjoy the holiday, family and a tiny bit of downtime.

Videos added

Shawn Thornton vs Andrew Peters Nov 26, 2008
Krys Barch vs Derek Boogaard Nov 26, 2008
Colton Orr vs David Koci Nov 26, 2008
Nikolai Zherdev vs Steven Stamkos Nov 26, 2008
Daniel Carcillo vs Derek Dorsett Nov 26, 2008
Josh Gratton vs Wade Brookbank Nov 26, 2008
Eric Godard vs Mitch Fritz Nov 26, 2008

Some reads

Tampa Bay Lightning’s Tocchet says get tougher or get out | Tocchet issues a warning
Hearing impairment doesn’t stop OHL player
Minnesota Wild fall victim to the seemy side of netminding
2 Fights Show Off Bolts’ Grit, Tenacity

Willing Ilya

Ilya Kovalchuk picked up his fourth fighting major last night.  After battling Ian White for a good portion of the game, Kovalchuk received a roughing+charging for going after him in the second period.  Later in that same period a couple of hits were exchanged and the two dropped the gloves.  Not much was allowed to happen as it was broken up quickly.  It was White’s first NHL fighting major.  I’m not sure which player the linesmen thought they were saving. Next game is already looking more interesting with the players exchanging some words through the media:

White’s version: “I finished my check off. Clean hit. And then he took a run at me on the far blue [line]. So I followed him up the ice, I was saying something to him, and he stopped, and I wasn’t expecting that, obviously. I was protecting myself. That’s the ugly part of the game. He’ll get what’s coming to him.”

Responded Kovalchuk: “Whatever he wants to say. The score on the board, we win. We get two points [in the standings]. We’ve got three games [left] against them, so if he’s got something he wants to say, I’m always ready to answer.”

Earlier in the Leafs-Thrashers game, Jamal Mayers handled Garnet Exelby well in a short, but active scrap

In other action: Sean O’Donnell took on Dion Phaneuf after a scrum broke out in the LA-Calgary game.

Videos added

Sean O’Donnell vs Dion Phaneuf Nov 25, 2008
Ilya Kovalchuk vs Ian White Nov 25, 2008
Garnet Exelby vs Jamal Mayers Nov 25, 2008

Some reads

Solace in Pads in a Fight for Life
In NHL, mum’s the word on injuries these days
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Rick Tocchet putting premium on net play
Talk about Burke, talk about culture change | Burke to Toronto appears close, but he says it’s not done
Dallas Stars’ Ott out at least a month
Brittle Rep Eats at DiPietro
Savard quietly, confidently leads Bruins to top of East
Losing begets lost players for Dallas Stars
Florida hasn’t shown holiday spirit to Rangers

NHL Hits of the Week Nov 24, 2008

The best hits from the past week, made by the NHL.

Mike V’s Ducks Blog

A lot of celebrity blogs… well, why skirt around it: they suck. Most of the time you’re reading the ramblings of some hokey ghost writer.  When the celeb actually writes themselves, chances are it’s super-bland and about as uninformative and boring as it gets.

But sometimes we’re lucky.

Sometimes we get Mike V.

The Ducks were smart enough to convince Mike V to write regularly for them.  He touches on a little bit of everything, from why he’s into the game to how the Ducks are doing on or off-ice to what you say to Brian Burke after he just announced he’s leaving.

His latest entry is about a tv segment he and a few Ducks were doing for Fuel TV:

So with the camera now set Montador takes another solid run at Jordan and Jordan goes flying to the ice. I skate over to the camera and mention how I feel Jordan’s honor should be defended and then I turn to Steve and drop my gloves. Steve drops his gloves and we have a nice little square off. This not being my first picnic, I reach in and get a good hold of Steve and throw a right hand that, if for real, would have done some damage. Steve, realizing this, gets reset and suddenly switches hands and drills me full on in the face with a mean left that was for real and really does some damage. I hear and feel my nose snap, and besides being hit from a mean left from Steve Montador I am hit with the realization:

Steve Montador just broke my nose.

Talk about good TV.

He has a real hockey player and fan reaction about the whole thing.  It’s an instant classic, and I hope get the Fuel TV video from it to post.

Some more from Mike V’s site:
* Mike V Gets His Face Punched In!!!
* Fresh Fridays.

Randomly: another good celeb blog was Kevin Smith’s who blogged during last year’s Devils playoff series against the Rangers.  Only four entries, but all were good.  So if the Devils make the playoffs again, maybe we’ll get a few more.  Silver linings and all that…

I’m sure neither consider themselves a celeb.  No quippy comment there, just saying.

Some related links:
* Mike V’s site
* Kevin Smith’s site
* hockeyfights.com Q&A: Squaring Off With Mike V

McCarty Keeps Swinging, Belak Clears

Darren McCarty just keeps going.  With little security (waivers every 30 days), no backup (Andreas Lilja has 1 FM, and that’s it for the Wings), he plays the minutes he can and keeps playing a tough game.

McCarty fought Darcy Hordichuk last night.  Hordi took that one, and his Canucks took the game in OT.

In other action: Cody McLeod and Nathan McIver had a short, but spirited scrap in Anaheim; and Daniel Carcillo took care of Brandon Dubinsky earlier in New York.

Belak clears waivers

Wade Belak cleared waivers yesterday, remaining in Florida for the time being.  George Richards of the Miami Herald has some quotes from Jacques Martin regarding Belak, and the roster situation.

Belak was upset about the situation, his teammates seemed confused. Richards has some quotes from all in these blog posts:
* Wade Belak on Waivers ... Quotes from a Ticked-off Wade ... Jacques Martin Talks
* Sunday with the Florida Panthers ... More on Wade Belak ...
* Wade Belak Clears, Remains with Panthers ... Big week for Panthers ... Nick Boynton out with concussion

If you need evidence of the existence of Panthers fans, just check out the comments on those.

Videos added

Cody McLeod vs Nathan McIver Nov 24, 2008
Adam Huxley vs Kyle Hagel Nov 14, 2008
Daniel Carcillo vs Brandon Dubinsky Nov 24, 2008

Some reads

Rick Tocchet ponders new course for Tampa Bay Lightning
Groin pull stealing Briere’s quickness
Not always easy to spot future NHLers
Bruins’ Milan Lucic adds to game | Bruins-Canadiens flare-up had flair
Hockey Night in Europe: K.H.L. ‘Admonished’ for Signing Carolina Player
N.H.L. and European Champions League Announce Marketing Alliance
Isles rookie Bailey might stick around longer
Flyers show they’re better off without Brendan Shanahan
Thrashers need to get ‘more greasy’
Washington Capitals Captain Chris Clark Looks to Do His Part

Wendel, the Example

With the Canadiens-Bruins rivalry rebirth, one of the interesting storylines from this past weekend was whether or not Milan Lucic should have accepted Georges Laraque‘s invitation to drop the gloves.  Some said yes, many said no, and a lot of the typical reasons were heard.  My favorite might be that it’s not worth the trade off for those five penalty minutes, where Lucic would have missed about one shift, given his average ice time.

I found it odd that there were so many objections to Lucic fighting the man widely recognized as “the champ” on a night the Maple Leafs were honoring another #17, Wendel Clark.

Part of Clark’s legacy was his willingness to take on anyone.  Clark took on the top heavyweights of his time (which wasn’t that long ago), like Bob Probert and Marty McSorley.  He took his lumps, and eventually returned them.

Lucic surprised everyone last season by earning a full-time spot with the Bruins.  At 19 he scored 8 goals, had 19 assists and 89 PIMs, taking on a variety of opponents, including heavies Raitis Ivanans and Wade Brookbank.

Lucic is on pace for over 20 goals this season, and his style of play leads to comparisons of Cam Neely constantly in the media.  The name of Neely, a Boston legend, is flattering, but there is a lot of pressure on the young Lucic to produce and continue playing rough.

Clark burst into the NHL in 1985-86 at 19-years old, scoring 34 goals that season.  He followed-up with 37 goals as a 20-year old.  The league was offense-happy in those years, but Clark did lead the Leafs in goals each year.

The first time Clark fought Probert was October of 1987, Clark was just about to turn 21.  Probert, already on top of the fighting scene, was just a year older.  Clark didn’t fare so well, but that wasn’t the point.  He took on everyone.  He made his own space, which he needed with that wrister he took.  He then took on everyone again.

If Lucic is going to become a premier powerforward in the league, there’s no reason he can’t play like one of the best of the past 20 years.

Some clips:
Bob Probert vs Wendel Clark Dec 09, 1992 Round 1
Bob Probert vs Wendel Clark Dec 09, 1992 Round 2
Marty McSorley vs Wendel Clark May 17, 1993
More Wendel Clark videos

Shelley and Brashear Cap Off Long Day

Things got started early yesterday. Vancouver and Pittsburgh erupted 25 seconds into the day game, with a double bout.  Some general pushing and shoving seemed to start rough, but when Matt Cooke upended Alex Edler, it was the spark needed for the gloves to fly.  The game would settle down for the most part after that.

Mitch Fritz popped Andrew Peters with a big uppercut in the Isles-Sabres game.  The only opponent who’s given Fritz any trouble this season is the equally enormous John Scott.

In a FOTW candidate, Jared Boll and Garnet Exelby had an excellent back and forth scrap.

Making their own mark on the night, and giving the Capitals one of the few highlights from their 7-2 loss to the Sharks, heavyweights Donald Brashear and Jody Shelley got the crowd into it early out in San Jose. Another FOTW candidate for sure.

No thanks

To the dismay of the Montreal crowd, Milan Lucic declined George Laraque‘s fight invitation last night.  Bruins coach Claude Julien told the media that he forbade Lucic from fighting Laraque (and Red Fisher’s take).

Was it the right move?  Debatable.  More on that later.

The division rivals meet again on Jan 13.

Videos added

Cody McCormick vs Matt Greene Nov 22, 2008
Donald Brashear vs Jody Shelley Nov 22, 2008
Steve Montador vs Steve Ott Nov 22, 2008
Chris Kunitz vs Sean Avery Nov 22, 2008
George Parros vs Krys Barch Nov 22, 2008
Jared Boll vs Garnet Exelby Nov 22, 2008
Mitch Fritz vs Andrew Peters Nov 22, 2008
Jannik Hansen vs Matt Cooke Nov 22, 2008
Jon Mirasty vs Trevor Gillies Nov 21, 2008
Darin Kimble vs Mike Peluso Feb 23, 1992

Some reads

It’s been a rocky road for Tocchet
NHL: Deliberate blows to head won’t be tolerated
Oilers’ gamble a bust
Islanders’ vision coming into focus
To Russia for money

Lucic Impresses Over Boynton

Milan Lucic dominated in another fight last night, this time against Nick Boynton.  Tonight will lead to a different sort of test depending on whether or not he accepts George Laraque‘s challenge.  It’s widely expected that Laraque will come calling.  It’ll lead to one of three things:
* a decline, which will lead to more invitations
* an acceptance, and a beat down by the man called champ
* an acceptance, and Looch becomes legend

Habs, Leafs honor legends

Before the Laraque-Lucic watch begins, the Habs will retire Patrick Roy‘s number.  A slow mend between St. Patrick and the Canadiens has been going on for years, and tonight might be the beginning of a new era between the team and the Hall of Famer.

Over in Toronto, the Maple Leafs will have a tribute for Wendel Clark.  The powerforward was well-loved, and still is, by the Leafs Nation.

Some media highlights:
The King of Leafs Nation
Leafs show Wendell a little love
Two routes to the rafters
Keane part of history
Roy ceremony and Grey Cup: Party time in Montreal!
Roy could find a fine fit in coaching Canadiens
Wendel: The man, the moustache

Videos added

Steve Montador vs Brad Winchester Nov 21, 2008
Brad May vs Cam Janssen Nov 21, 2008
Travis Moen vs B.J. Crombeen Nov 21, 2008
Trent Hunter vs Mike Mottau Nov 21, 2008
Tim Jackman vs Bryce Salvador Nov 21, 2008
Josh Gratton vs Andrew Peters Nov 21, 2008
Nick Boynton vs Milan Lucic Nov 21, 2008

Some reads

Tocchet gets first win as Lightning coach
The Straight Edge: A difference you can ‘C’
Full circle brings Ducks’ Hedican to 1,000th game
Ailing Devs Put a Hurt on Isles
Ducks’ Murray prepared for the rough road ahead
Shanahan still exploring market

Erik Reitz Goes Again

For the second game in a row Erik Reitz picked up a fighting major.  After Reitz introduced Kyle Wellwood’s back to his stick, Taylor Pyatt came over and had a few words.  Shane O’Brien did the same, and after a few more words Reitz and O’Brien had the gloves off.

Andreas Lilja picked up his first fighting major of the season last night against Sheldon Souray.  He’s the first player on the Red Wings other than Darren McCarty to get into a fight this season.  No word yet on whether or not Lilja will be automatically put on waivers for it.

There was one other fight, Steve Begin and Cody Bass had a quick, open scrap mid-way through the Habs-Sens game.

And so they went

Tim Sullivan of the Union-Tribune has a piece about George Parros and his friendship with Padres pitcher (and fellow Princeton Tiger) Chris Young.  Young went to the Ducks-Caps game on Wednesday night and knew something could go down between Parros and Donald Brashear.  With the Caps up, Parros wanted to spark his team, and Brashear was hesitant:

“He was reluctant to fight, obviously, ‘cause they were on the road and he didn’t want to give away any of that momentum,” Parros said of Brashear. “He said we weren’t going to fight and I’m like, ‘I understand, but I’m going to make it look like I’m asking you anyway, so everyone knows.’”

That was obviously all the persuasion Brash needed.

Parros has visited Young at his games, not that it’s always easy:

Their friendship endures despite their different paths, their nomadic schedules, their distance and the awkward greetings Brian Giles has delivered during Parros’ visits to Petco Park and to the Padres’ training camp in Peoria, Ariz.

“The best memory I have of George is seeing his face when Brian gave him his naked hug,” Young said.

“It’s happened every time I go down there,” Parros lamented. “I’m going to start going down there in a rubber body suit.”

Videos added

Andreas Lilja vs Sheldon Souray Nov 20, 2008
Shane O’Brien vs Erik Reitz Nov 20, 2008
Steve Begin vs Cody Bass Nov 20, 2008

Some reads

Older Predator defenseman has fight left in him
Tocchet Leading His Team His Way
Sheppard’s progress slower than hoped
Passion, punishing play was Wendel Clark’s stamp
Barry Melrose’s excuse stinks
Quarterly report: Team-by-team grades