Ferraro Suing Gomez, Laraque’s Safety Proposal

Robin Gomez found out there will be a part two to his sucker-punching trial.  Chris Ferraro is now suing Gomez and RG Properties, the company that owns the Victoria Salmon Kings.

The criminal trial is on-going, and currently adjourned until June 29th.

Some recent updates from the Victoria News:

Judge admits hockey knowledge lacking in Gomez assault case

Judge Mike Hubbard has stopped testimony on numerous occasions to ask witnesses to explain such things as icing, off-side and penalty killing in the assault causing bodily harm trial of Gomez, 27.

Referee testifies Ferraro felt he was ‘untouchable’

The Crown questioned the 32-year-old referee of the game, Jason Nissen, who said he held Gomez in higher regard as a player than Ferraro, having referred both men numerous times before.

Watt asked Nissen if he felt Gomez was a “difficult” player to handle on the ice, to which Nissen said “no.”

Watt then asked Nissen if he thought Ferraro – who has previously played in the NHL – had an “attitude” and felt as if he was “untouchable” and “above the league”; to which Nissen agreed.

Laraque mocks proposed rule, focuses on safety

Scott Burnside and Pierre LeBrun update the status of the proposed “staged fight” misconduct.  The players recommend to their competition committee members to vote against the rule.

Georges Laraque‘s been outspoken against the proposed rule from the first mention of it.

“It would turn into a mockery anyway because I would turn to a guy and say, ‘OK, we can’t fight right now because of the rule, so we’ll do six Mississippis and meet in the corner.’ It’s true, we would make a mockery out of it,” said Laraque.

Laraque said the players also discussed the mixed martial arts tactics that some fighters are bringing into the NHL; he singled out Brad Staubitz of the San Jose Sharks and his fight with Jordin Tootoo of the Nashville Predators where it appeared Staubitz was connecting with his forearm instead of his fist, like MMA fighters.

“That’s an elbowing major, attempt to injure,” said Laraque. “That should be an automatic suspension. We’re totally against it.”

Videos added

Craig Coxe vs John Kordic Dec 2, 1987
Dave Hoyda vs John Wensink Feb 28, 1978
Keith Tkachuk vs Neil Wilkinson Oct 8, 1992
Ian Laperriere vs Ryane Clowe Jan 15, 2007
Warren Rychel vs Chris LiPuma Feb 22, 1993
Matt Walker vs George Parros Jan 16, 2007
Jeff Cowan vs Aaron Downey Jan 16, 2007

Some reads

Bright future on a big stage
Modano still coming back after coaching change
A great game and good times for NHL
No question off limits with Kadri
Offer to Lappy a slap shot in the face
Tampa Bay Lightning considering Adam Oates to coach the power play
Glitzy NHL award show won’t keep hockey alive in desert
No. 1 in NHL hit parade
THN at the NHL Awards: Is Vegas a viable hockey market?

Pens Win Cup, Avenge 2008 Loss

The Pittsburgh Penguins are the 2008-09 Stanley Cup champions.  It was a great playoff season overall.

Some quick local coverage

Michigan Live: Maxime Talbot scores both goals as Penguins capture Stanley Cup with 2-1 win vs. Red Wings
The Detroit News: Woetown: Pens take Cup
The Detroit News: Wings fall at home in bid for second straight championship
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Penguins hold on for win despite Crosby injury
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: Pass the Cup

Marian Hossa

Good.

Congrats to the Bears

The Hershey Bears beat the Manitoba Moose 4-1 tonight to win the AHL Calder Cup.

What’s next?

The NHL draft is the next big hockey event.  We plan on covering that, as well as the first day of free agency, which is about a week later.

As for the site, we’ll be expanding our archives.  WHL 2003-04 was just made live.  As always, if you notice any errors, please report them.  The NHL archives will expand quite a bit soon.  Videos will be added throughout the summer.  Some pages will be cleaned up, some more content added, etc.  I’ll be sure to announce the changes and additions as we go.

Videos added

Bob Nystrom vs Ryan Walter Mar 9, 1980
Ryan Walter vs Mike Milbury Apr 2, 1981
Behn Wilson vs John Smrke Mar 31, 1979
Rick Lanz vs Craig MacTavish Apr 2, 1986
Robyn Regehr vs Jason Smith Jan 20, 2007
Bryan Smolinski vs Marek Zidlicky Jan 20, 2007
Jared Boll vs Stephane Veilleux Oct 6, 2007
Paul Holmgren vs Larry Playfair Feb 27, 1980
Alan May vs Shane Churla Feb 9, 1993
Rob Ramage vs Chris Kotsopoulos Apr 16, 1987
Doug Janik vs Chris Thorburn Dec 18, 2007
Riley Cote vs Andrew Peters Dec 21, 2007

Some reads

A look at hockey’s handshake tradition at the Stanley Cup final
Laperriere nixes offer, likely to leave Avs
Bettman praiseworthy?
Keepers make sure Stanley’s safe wherever it goes
Will Emery need a net?
Florida Panthers’ Bill Torrey has the reins in search for new general manager
Ducks: Pronger trade rumors are false
Burns slowly returning to his dizzying workout pace
Drafting first doesn’t always net a winner

One and Done on Friday

A best of seven is now a best of one, and unfortunately for the Penguins, the game will be played in Detroit.  In a series where the home team has taken every game, it doesn’t bode well for the Pens.

Another thing that doesn’t help Pittsburgh is the timing.  If it seems like the series started off with a bang and now seems stretched out, there’s a reason for that: after 4 games in 6 days, the final 3 will be played over 8 days.

As I’ve said from the start, I’ve been rooting for game 7 overtime.  There is nothing in sports like Stanley Cup Final game 7 overtime.  At least, so I think.  The only time there’s been a game 7 overtime was when the Red Wings won the Cup against the Canadiens in 1954.  Either way, if I get my wish, defibrillators and aspirin should be carted in to Joe Louis Arena.

Gomez trial about to begin

Robin Gomez is charged with assault causing bodily harm for an alleged sucker-punch on Chris Ferraro during an ECHL game on March 1, 2008.

Gomez has pleaded not guilty.  Gomez played for the Victoria Salmon Kings.  The team has not commented publicly about the incident.

The trial begins June 15th in Victoria.

Ferraro played for Las Vegas Wranglers at the time of the incident, and again this past season.  Ferraro missed the rest of the 2007-08 regular season, but played in the playoffs.

Gomez played for the CHL‘s Oklahoma City Blazers in the 2008-09 season.

Videos added

Bob Probert vs Craig Coxe Nov 11, 1985
Joey Kocur vs Dave Lowry Nov 11, 1985
Joey Kocur vs Cam Neely Nov 11, 1985
Craig Coxe vs Bob Probert Nov 19, 1987
Craig Coxe vs Joey Kocur Nov 19, 1987
Todd Bertuzzi vs Craig Adams Mar 5, 2008
Ryan Callahan vs Tim Conboy Feb 28, 2008
James Wisniewski vs Corey Perry Feb 24, 2008
Ian Laperriere vs Mathieu Roy Feb 24, 2008
Cody McLeod vs Adam Burish Feb 17, 2008

Some read

Flyers opt for Emery over Biron
Doug Gilmour joins the Hamilton bandwagon
Players are traditionalists. Why doesn’t NHL listen?
Vinny talks trade
Summer of Georges
GMs shoot down ban on head hits
Penguins Sidney Crosby is a marketer’s dream
NHL Combine: Hockey’s annual science experiment
Free agency likely for Neil
Will Brashear Be Back?

2008-09 hockeyfights.com Awards

Darcy Hordichuk punches Andre Roy. AP Photo/Larry MacDougal

I present the 2008-09 hockeyfights.com Awards.

As has been the case for the past few years, the awards are a collaborative effort by the hockeyfights.com content team headed up by Jon Porus. Tons of thanks to all of them.

Below are all our categories this season. Cast your vote and have your say.

• Fight of the Year
• Kocur Award: TKO or KO of the Year
• Probert Award: Fighter of the Year
• Crowder Award: Rookie of the Year
• People's Choice Award
• Broad Street Bully Award: Best Enforcing Team
• Worst Enforcing Team
• Most Improved/Comeback Fighter
• Best Mid-Season Fighter Pick-Up of the Year
• Best Team Feud
• Grimson Award: Best Punching Power/Most Destructive Fighter
• Best Player Feud
• Biggest Let-Down
• Schultz Award: Most Old-School Moment
• Kimble Award: Most Exciting Fighter
• Neely Award: Best Skilled Fighter of the Year

Wings Halfway to Another Cup

The Red Wings continued to be comfortable at home, and are now going to Pittsburgh up 2-0 in the series.  Maybe Marian Hossa made the right move after all.

Justin Abdelkader got another knuckleball past Marc-Andre Fleury. His insurance flutters have really helped the Wings flip to defense mode and lock down Sidney Crosby & co.  The Wings D has been the biggest factor in this series so far.

One Pen who’s putting points on the board is Evgeni Malkin. After the end of last night’s game, he’s also the series PIM leader. If Vegas was crazy enough to put odds out on him fighting Henrik Zetterberg, there might be a few bankrupt sportsbooks right now. A frustrated Malkin went after Zetterberg, who took a while to get a glove off.

Malkin picked up an instigator from the play.  NHL rule 47.22 calls for an automatic suspension any time a player receives an instigator within the last five minutes of a game, but will not be suspended.  This is completely expected.  The league has been pretty consistent about lifting the suspension for instances like this: close games, scorers on the ice, play seems non-premeditated.  For some reason there’s confusion about this, and the rule itself is awful, but this is how it’s worked since the rule has been added.

Game 3 is Tuesday night, 8pm eastern.

Videos added

Evgeni Malkin vs Henrik Zetterberg May 31, 2009
Chris Nilan vs Tim Hunter May 18, 1986
Eric Boulton vs Wade Brookbank Mar 28, 2008
Boris Valabik vs Joe Corvo Mar 28, 2008
Martin Lapointe vs Tim Conboy Mar 16, 2008
Barry Nieckar vs Shane Churla Feb 11, 1995

Some reads

Bettman: ‘We’re fighting for Phoenix’
Fighting OK at Mooseheads training camp: Russell
The boys are back in town

Wings Take First Game

The Red Wings jumped out for a 1-0 series lead last night.

The highlight of the game had to be Justin Abdelkader‘s absolutely ridiculous goal.

Game two is tonight.  While the back-to-back games are for tv reasons, I think it’s great.  It’s fun to see the Cup just fly out of the gate.  Plus, it’ll be June tomorrow.  Not a hockey month.

Whoops

I forgot to open up the Cup Finals preview yesterday, so that’s live now.  Jamie and I both picked the Pens, so opening that late doesn’t do us any favors.

Videos added

Chris Simon vs Dan LaCouture Feb 26, 2009
Bryan Berard vs Branislav Mezei Feb 26, 2009
Chris Chelios vs Ron Hextall May 11, 1989
Duane Sutter vs Brian MacLellan May 10, 1989
Keith Jones vs Craig MacTavish Feb 22, 1996
Craig Berube vs Shawn Antoski Feb 22, 1996
Kevin Kaminski vs Shawn Antoski Feb 22, 1996
Dennis Vial vs Scott Thornton Dec 20, 1997
Derek Armstrong vs Darcy Tucker Dec 20, 1997
Tony Twist vs Nick Kypreos Dec 17, 1991
Kevin Maguire vs Lyndon Byers Nov 30, 1989
Ed Hospodar vs Kevin McClelland May 30, 1985
Brad Marsh vs Don Jackson May 30, 1985
Dave Brown vs Don Jackson May 30, 1985

A Rematch It Is

The Penguins completed a sweep of the Hurricanes last night, and the Red Wings knocked off the Blackhawks tonight to finish the series in five.  So after many game sevens the rounds before, the Conference Finals went quickly and now we’re left with a rematch of the 2008 Stanley Cup Finals.  We’ll have one of our previews in the upcoming days.

Since 92-93 there have been only four Wings-Pens fights*:
Jay Caufield vs Bob Probert Nov 13, 1992
Marty McSorley vs Bob Probert from Feb 4, 1994
Darren McCarty vs Kelly Buchberger Oct 18, 2003
Brad Norton vs Andre Roy Oct 7, 2006

In case you only watch one, the McSorley-Probert fight is one of the best of all-time, easy.

* there were a couple of more fights during preseason

Steroids, you say

If you’ve never watched football, or the Olympics, or baseball, or cycling, or basically any sport or athletic competition at a serious level, let me break some news to you: some athletes use steroids.  Shocking, I know.

A couple in Florida was arrested for selling steroids.  They claim they sold them to many pro athletes, and specifically named the Nats and Caps.

The NHL and the Capitals quickly released statements.  The quick and easy version of them: “Steroids?  Nah.”  Donald Brashear said he knew of nothing to Washington radio station WJFK.

So now the “there are steroids in hockey, too” articles are coming out, and I’m sure there will be a new round of suspicions, just as there was four years ago during the NHL lockout.

The tough guys will be called out, due to the misconception that steroids are just for making you big and strong, but that’s simply not true.  While Manny Ramirez and other sluggers may get the biggest steroids-related baseball headlines, a look at MLB’s suspension list (or the minor league suspension list), lets you know that this isn’t a power thing, but that all types (and sizes) of players are possible users.  It’s just the harsh reality of it.  Some fans care, some don’t.  Personally, I happen to like a level playing field.

Videos added

Keith Primeau vs Shane Churla Dec 19, 1992
Jim Kyte vs Marty McSorley Oct 10, 1985
Robert Dirk vs Kelly Chase Nov 26, 1992
Dave Brown vs Kelly Buchberger May 17, 1987
Dave Manson vs Gerald Diduck Dec 3, 1992
Kelly Buchberger vs Sergio Momesso Dec 3, 1992
Louie Debrusk vs Gino Odjick Dec 3, 1992
Shayne Corson vs Dana Murzyn Dec 3, 1992
Craig Muni vs Adrien Plavsic Dec 3, 1992
Louie Debrusk vs Gerald Diduck Dec 3, 1992

Get social

hockeyfights.com on: Facebook | Twitter

Some reads

Former Red Wing Bob Probert insists that telling Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews to kick the Wings’ [butts] was a joke
Judge speeds up Coyotes timetable | Rival bid for Coyotes backed by big money
Fenway Rink: Bruins owner expects game at Sox home
Roy says no to Avalanche
Hall won’t note Arbour’s 2007 win with Isles
Rob Niedermayer talks but has few answers
Focus on Waddell as Thrashers enter critical off-season

Hawks, Canes Hope Home Helps

The Hurricanes made the mistake of playing a pretty open game against the Penguins last night.  Evgeni Malkin netted a hat trick and an assist on the way to a 7-4 Pens win.

Things got rough at the end of the game.  A frustrated Hurricanes team wasn’t going to go away quietly. After Kris Letang took a stick to the face from Ryan Bayda, Tim Gleason grabbed Letang out of a scrum and started tossing at will, just in case his face didn’t hurt enough from Bayda’s stick. Patrick Eaves also took some from Miroslav Satan.  Really.  I’m not making that last part up, it’s in the video.  Being in NY, I get Versus, but I hope to add the TSN feed as well as I was told Gord Miller gave the site a mention, always fun.

Both series are now 2-0.  The Blackhawks take on the Red Wings again tonight, this time in Chicago.

Videos added

Patrick Eaves vs Miroslav Satan May 21, 2009
Tim Gleason vs Kristopher Letang May 21, 2009
Chris Murray vs Dennis Bonvie Nov 15, 1998
Matt Stefanishion vs Scott McCulloch May 14, 2009
Lance Galbraith vs Steve Makway May 14, 2009

Some reads

Red Wings’ Brett Lebda relishes return to Chicago
Another possible bid for Coyotes
Balsillie belts out O Canada while trying to feather own nest
Flyers Richards, Briere recovering from injuries
Which option will Islanders choose for NHL draft?
Lightning still trying to hire Jacques Lemaire
Second Jackets broadcaster goes off the air

Cup Rematch Coming?

With the Red Wings winning in OT last night and taking a 2-0 lead in the series against the Blackhawks, we’ve moved one step closer to a Stanley Cup Finals rematch between the Wings and the Pens.  The NHL can’t be upset with that, although a Chicago comeback would top off the Second City market revival nicely.

Forbes has declared the Blackhawks the greatest sports-business turnaround ever, and it’s hard to disagree.

Win your own fight

millitary.com’s fitness blog has an entry and video related to hockey fights: Every fight in a hockey game is a close quarters combat scenario.  It uses the in-close concept of a hockey fight for tips to handling an anywhere-fight.  We commonly post about players in hockey using outside concepts to help them win fights on-ice, so I thought it’d be interesting to link up the flip-side.

A return

ESPN’s Sports Guy, Bill Simmons, professes his renewed love for the NHL.  It should come as no surprise when his reasons include the Bruins winning and fighting numbers ticking upwards.

A night off

No NHL tonight, but there is a Memorial Cup game, Rimouski at Drummondville.  It’s on Sportsnet in Canada and the NHL Network in the States.

Videos added

Kris King vs Michel Petit Dec 20, 1997
Dominic Roussel vs Sean Burke Feb 24, 1993
Dmitri Yushkevich vs Jim McKenzie Feb 24, 1993
P.J. Stock vs Jeremy Stevenson Feb 4, 1998
Dennis Vial vs Stu Grimson Dec 16, 1997
Sébastien Piché vs Adam Henrique May 17, 2009
Logan MacMillan vs Jesse Blacker May 17, 2009

Some reads

Ex-Hawk, Wing Probert is in Chicago’s Corner
Hockey Star Sean Avery Drops the Puck for Boozy Offseason at New Tribeca Bar
Enter sandpaper man McClelland
Calm Avery makes better visit to NHL headquarters
It’s a Great Time to be a Blackhawks Fan
Justin Bourne’s Blog: Youth movement bad for beards, great for game
Matt Cooke is a standup guy who never contradicts himself

Ducks, B’s Stay Alive

A pair of Game 7’s are on the way. Despite another spirited outing from Carolina’s surprisingly faithful fans, the Bruins were able to hurt the ‘Canes on the scoreboard early and often on Tuesday night and forced a seventh and deciding game that will take place this Thursday.

The Ducks and Wings will join them. In an ending that you had to see to believe, Anaheim held off a late rally from Detroit. Jonas Hiller made one of the biggest saves of the playoffs thus far and the game ended with a line brawl.

Ryan Getzlaf and Marian Hossa got into it as the horn sounded to end the game. Getzlaf threw some gloved punches at Hossa while everyone else paired off. Corey Perry beat on Brian Rafalski while Getzlaf and Hossa continued to try and get at each other. Scott Niedermayer and Pavel Datsyuk of all people also dropped the gloves and received majors.

The ever-exciting Caps-Pens series will conclude tomorrow night as well. Playoff hockey… what more could you ask for?

Videos added

Pavel Datsyuk vs Scott Niedermayer May 12, 2009
Brian Rafalski vs Corey Perry May 12, 2009
Tie Domi vs Sandy McCarthy Jan 7, 1997
Eric Cairns vs Jeff Odgers Mar 1, 2002

Some reads

SI’s Best & Worst Owners
League to Gillett: quiet, please
Hockey’s bonfire of the bankruptcies
Ward: Canes’ version of punch ‘a joke’
Burke scoffs at Tampa trade talk
NHL hidden in plain sight on Versus
Westgate City Center says no to Coyotes rally
Fighting in playoffs fashionable again | Fight for the Cup is featuring more punches

Hawks Win, Caps-Pens Thriller

Some great hockey last night.  The Capitals and Penguins are delivering on every level.  Fun, exciting hockey and close, close games.  Last night’s was the third game to go to overtime.  Dave Steckel‘s game-winner forces a game seven.  May game seven also go into overtime.  Good for hockey fans, good for the defibrillator industry.

The Blackhawks took game six and the series from the Canucks.  A game that gradually turned into an 80s-style shootout, was a blast to watch.  The Western Conference finals should be good no matter which opponent Chicago winds up with.  Anaheim will continue the rough road to the Cup for the Hawks, while a series against Detroit could reignite one of the NHL’s oldest rivalries.

Brashear’s Caps days done?

Shelly Anderson drops this rumor about Donald Brashear in her latest chat transcript:

Winger and enforcer Donald Brashear has completed his six-game NHL suspension and was part of the morning skate today, but Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said yesterday he doesn’t see how he could work Brashear into the lineup for a game like this. He’s the type of player you might want to use early in a series that you expect will be physical. Word in Washington is that Brashear might very well have played his last game as a Capital, regardless of whether the team can come back to beat the Penguins.

Brash has become very popular very fast in his three years in DC.  He’s played 220 games, accumulating 25 points and 37 fighting majors during that time.

Videos added

Scott Walker vs Aaron Ward May 10, 2009
Tim Conboy vs Mark Stuart May 10, 2009
Dale Kushner vs Steve Thomas Feb 1, 1992
Kent Huskins vs Ben Guite Feb 12, 2008
Ryan Getzlaf vs Ian Laperriere Feb 12, 2008
Brian Sutherby vs Cody McLeod Feb 12, 2008

Some reads

Scott Walker Not Suspended
Coyotes to challenge antitrust laws
Praise for Roy in bid for job
Thrashers not moving from Atlanta, owner says
The TV magic behind Hockey Night in Canada
Kaminski a killer coach in CHL
Reporter Sees Rat, Freaks Out In Exact Highly Amusing Way You’d Expect
Here’s hoping Phoenix will rise in Canada
Habs fans can just sit, watch and wonder
From policeman on the ice to policeman in real life — Sault resident Jeremy Stevenson adjusting fine to life after the limelight
Emery? Flyers can’t be serious
Pour Georges Laraque, les joueurs ne connaissent pas la vraie pression
Sports on the Air: NHL falls behind in ratings race
Leafs’ secret ‘stache’ in Mitchell

Hawks, Wings Even Up Series

In the West, things are just getting started. The Blackhawks and Canucks have been trading games back and forth in their semifinal series. Andrew Ladd scored an overtime game-winner for Chicago in Game Four last night to tie the series at two games a piece for the ‘Hawks.

Back in California, Johan Franzen and Marian Hossa scored two goals each to lead the Wings over the Ducks. Detroit has now overcome a brief run by Anaheim to tie that series up 2-2 as well. There was even a fight in Thursday’s game. Francois Beauchemin gave Tomas Kopecky the business towards the end of the third period. We’ll have video of that tomorrow.

Boogaard’s “secret surgery” a success

It was common knowledge that Derek Boogaard was missing a good chunk of this past season due to injury problems. What exactly was wrong with him though, remained a mystery. Until now:

On the morning of April 21, Boogaard quietly slipped around to the back entrance of Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub. Jacques Lemaire and his coaching staff, along with Doug Risebrough, were having a little get-together there, probably for the last time.

“I actually just got out of surgery,” Boogaard said. “I was pretty messed up. Doug came out. I just wanted to say thanks.

...

That he even remembers that conversation is an achievement. The surgical procedure that morning left him groggy. And it was a procedure we didn’t expect.

We knew that several of the Wild played through serious injuries. After the fact, we find out that Boogaard was among them. The labrum in his right shoulder was frayed so badly that he could not raise his arm over his head. Not good for an enforcer who makes his living throwing right-handed haymakers. The amazing thing is that he suffered the injury during the first week of November and played virtually the entire season with it. Doctors eventually went in and shaved off the frayed edges.

Boogaard also goes on to say that he’s now without pain and looking forward to next season. However, it’ll be interesting to see what the future holds for him now that Jacques Lemaire has stepped down as coach of the Wild. Derek openly admits that part of the reason he was able to keep a full-time NHL job was due in large part to Lemaire’s believe in him. Will Minnesota’s next head coach be as willing to use Boogaard as Lemaire was?

Videos added

Sandy McCarthy vs Brendan Witt Mar 9, 1998
Wade Belak vs Kris King Mar 4, 1998
Jim Johnson vs Dale Hunter Nov 18, 1992
Maxime Talbot vs Maxim Lapierre Feb 21, 2008

The clip from the Detroit-Anaheim game will be posted tomorrow.

Some reads

Coyotes, NHL to battle in court | Bettman’s Coyote ugly could be costly
Lightning owners seeking investors
Hunger lack eating at Bruins
Ducks’ James Wisniewski eying Game 5 return, calls Tomas Holmstrom elbow ‘gutless play’
Potvin gone; Lindsay to TV
Rangers forward Markus Naslund retires
Flyers’ Gagne has laser surgery on eyes
Pennsylvania State Police Investigating Threat to Ovechkin

Ducks Take Lead, Canadian Coyotes

I picked the Ducks to upset the Wings, and admit I’m rooting for the team (friendly players, media, style of play, the list goes on…); but even I was a little irked at the early whistle towards the end of the game last night.  Just a moment before the Marian Hossa pushed the puck over the line, referee Brad Watson blew his whistle and basically saved another game from overtime.  Playoff overtime which everyone loves, unless you cover it, I guess.

There were some light fireworks at the end of the game.  Game four should be a good one.

I wasn’t the only one predicting a Ducks win, Mike V calls the win for his Cali team and explains why it’ll happen.  He’s got one thing pegged down, him and I can definitely agree: I don’t want to ever read or hear another Wings fan refer to Colorado as the Divealanche.  Mike Milbury and Darren Pang were being nice using terms like “embellish” during Sunday’s NBC broadcast, but diving is diving.

I believe it was Keith Jones that had Versus show clips of the Wings simply checking, and the Ducks wiping out Wings.  If you look at the numbers though, the Wings are out-hitting the Ducks by a wide margin.  It’s a combination of a little home-cooking (numbers-wise), and Detroit simply trying to prove they can play a physical brand of hockey.  It’s slowing the team down though, and this is where reputations have had a big impact on the game.

Oh, and if you still haven’t watched highlights from Monday’s Caps-Pens, do it.

Coyotoros

Just as big a story as anything happening on the ice right now, the Coyotes have filed for bankruptcy (chapter 11) and Jim Balsillie’s made a big offer to buy the team and relocate them.  It’s a tough situation, and we’re talking about a franchise that’s never consistently made the playoffs, let alone go anywhere past the first round.  That, plus the economic climate, plus arena location just won’t add up to a good situation, no matter where that team is geographically located.

Expect a legal battle from the NHL, one to possibly wipe out the bankruptcy delcaration, and expect Balsillie to keep his intentions very public.  He’s started a website, Make It Seven, in reference to a seventh Canadian NHL club.  Balsillie is also using pr people to email websites and blogs to get his word out there.

Hockey soap.  Always fun.

I do feel bad for fans in Phoenix, who have already lost the Roadrunners this season.

Videos added

Willi Plett vs Terry Carkner Jan 5, 1987
Terry Carkner vs Cam Neely Jan 12, 1987
Don Jackson vs Jay Miller Jan 12, 1987
Tie Domi vs Chris Neil Apr 14, 2004
Mattias Ohlund vs Jarome Iginla Apr 11, 2004
Andreas Lilja vs Shea Weber Feb 28, 2009
Daniel Carcillo vs Krys Barch Feb 11, 2009
Dan Hinote vs Adam Burish Jan 21, 2009
Kay Whitmore vs Dino Ciccarelli Mar 17, 1995
Brent Severyn vs Lyle Odelein Jan 15, 1994
Lyle Odelein vs Brent Severyn Dec 15, 1993
Lyle Odelein vs Brent Severyn Dec 15, 1993

Some reads

With Milan Lucic, Bruins have another William Bradley to thank
Hawks winger recalls separating fighting lesbians during Jerry Springer visit
Pisano showing the total package
Hawks relevant again in Chicago
Father in hockey spotlight charged
For Capitals’ Brashear, Fighting’s a Way of Life
NHL overdoing protection strategy
Sports on the Air: NHL games take a hit in WNY ratings
Versteeg wants to know: Where’s Coach Q?
Avery: Tortorella will make me a better player
Eager on Rypien hit: ‘I’d do it again’

Wings Get Hit, Throw Down, Win Late

The Wings-Ducks series started off with a bang last night.  In a game that featured a little bit of everything, Detroit was victorious, with captain Nicklas Lidstrom scoring with just 50 seconds left in regulation.

Mid-way through the first period Mike Brown crushed Jiri Hudler.  Hudler just released a pass, and Brown caught him with his head down.

It’s a hit that’s going to be debated about.  Brown was given a major for interference (yup, that’s a real thing), and ejected; but was the call based on Hudler being bloodied and needing to be helped off the bench?  If you time the hit, it’s easily less than a second after Hudler had the puck, and finishing checks is what all coaches preach.  Or, despite not having a rule about headshots yet, will the NHL react and suspend Mike Brown?  The league has shown it’s not gun-shy about handing out suspensions to players like Brown.

In the second period, scrums continued and Jonathan Ericsson accepted a challenged from Corey Perry.  Ericsson’s not a frequent fighter, but has shown he can handle himself.  He landed a couple of strong shots while whipping Perry around before the linesmen (quickly) stepped in.

Update 430pm: In case you haven’t heard, Brown will not be suspended.

Hype, hype!

Caps-Pens starts at 1PM ET today.  It’s going going to be a good one.

The Blackhawks and Canucks drop the puck at 9PM ET.

Videos added

Corey Perry vs Jonathan Ericsson May 1, 2009
Adam Mair vs Jay Leach Dec 13, 2008
Chris Neil vs Troy Brouwer Dec 10, 2008
Jared Boll vs George Parros Dec 7, 2008

Getzlaf Sparks Ducks to Upset of Sharks

Ryan Getzlaf earned a Gordie Howe hat trick and helped the Ducks finish off the President’s Cup-winning Sharks on Wednesday, eliminating the NHL’s best regular season team in six games.

Getzlaf assisted on a goal in the first period and scored in the third, but perhaps his biggest contribution to the game was a fight against Joe Thornton right off of the opening faceoff. It was a spirited and important bout where Thornton may have come away with the decision, but the Ducks obviously came away with a bigger boost in energy. Joe Pavelski and Ryan Whitney also dropped the gloves during a scrum at the end of the second period.

The Ducks will now go on to face the Red Wings in a battle of the last two teams to win the Stanley Cup, while the Blackhawks, who officially ousted the Flames in six games last night as well, will move on and challenge the Canucks. The Eastern Conference semifinal picture will be set after a pair of Game 7’s tonight between the Rangers and Caps and the ‘Canes and Devils.

Brash gets six

The NHL handed Donald Brashear a six-game suspension on Monday afternoon, putting him on the sidelines indefinitely. Brash’s suspension will extend six games into the Caps’ playoff push. If they are eliminated before then, his mandatory break will continue at the start of next season. The Donald was banished for one game for shoving New York’s Colton Orr during pre-game warmups of Sunday’s Game 6 and then received the remainder of his suspension for knocking Blair Betts out of the game with a questionable hit later on in the contest. Betts suffered a broken orbital bone because of the hit.

Peluso interview upcoming

We’re restarting our Q&A series as promised and our first piece will feature former popular Devils’ enforcer and one-time “Crash Line” member Mike Peluso. The interview should be posted later tonight. A bunch of Peluso’s fights are being added to our videos section throughout the day.

Laraque relaunches website

Georges Laraque, who many refer to as the heavyweight champ of the NHL around here, has relaunched his official website. The new site, which sports versions in both English and French, also has a blog which Laraque will be updating on a regular basis.

Videos added

Joe Pavelski vs Ryan Whitney Apr 27, 2009
Joe Thornton vs Ryan Getzlaf Apr 27, 2009
David Clarkson vs Tim Gleason Apr 26, 2009
Adam Pardy vs Ben Eager Apr 25, 2009
Maxime Talbot vs Daniel Carcillo Apr 25, 2009
Rudy Poeschek vs Mike Peluso Dec 1, 1995
Rob Ray vs Mike Peluso Nov 18, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Shawn Antoski Nov 12, 1995
Jamie Huscroft vs Mike Peluso Nov 8, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Jeff Odgers Nov 2, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Darren Langdon Mar 8, 1995
Mike Peluso vs Lyle Odelein Feb 20, 1993
Mike Peluso vs Todd Ewen Jan 30, 1993
Mike Peluso vs Bill Guerin Jan 8, 1993
Mike Peluso vs Todd Ewen Nov 21, 1992

Some reads

Ducks win the game on the ice, and in the mind
Laraque weighs-in on first round controversies
Do Fights Fire Teams Up?
Neil not seeking $2.5 Million deal
Bruins sit, wait and watch some TV
Talbot inspires Penguins with fists
Capitals Find a Replacement for Brashear
Inconsistency cost Flyers
Darren Helm draws notice with his hustle