Olympic Update

It has been an amazing last two days for Canada in Vancouver. The medal count is at 25, with thirteen gold, seven silver, four bronze, and another medal to come in today's marquee matchup between Canada and the United States in hockey.

With thirteen gold medals, Canada has now tied the record for the most gold's won by a country in the Winter Olympics. An amazing accomplishment and a display of Canada's commitment to its athletes.

In women's curling, Cheryl Bernard and her team won the silver medal, just being edged out by the defending Olympic champions from Sweden. Bernard seemingly had the game in her control heading into Canada's last rock, but a slight miss led to an opening for Sweden to take the match. This team fought hard, and the silver is a big win for Canada.

Canada's short track speed skaters finally hit the podium in fashion, winning gold and bronze medals in the 500 metre race. Charles Hamelin won the gold and teamate Francois-Louis Tremblay came in to win the bronze. It was a fast paced event, that had its share of excitment. Korea's Sung Si-Bak won silver, and the speedy American, Apolo Anton Ohno was disqualified from the race.

About an hour after the 500 metre race, Hamelin and Tremblay joined teamates, Francois Hamelin and Olivier Jean in the men's relay final. Canada crossed the finish line first after taking over the Chinese halfway through the race. In the end, the Canadian team won the gold, the Korean's the silver, and the American's the bronze led by Ohno.

Kevin Martin and the men's curling team, kept their record clean at 11-0 in Vancouver, and ultimately snagged the gold medal from Norway last night. It was a game of mistakes by both teams, but Martin and co. simply took advantage of Norway's mistakes. The win has added to a positive finish for Canada in Vancouver, and gave another boost to the medal count.

Another gold for Canada yesterday, as Jasey Jay Anderson won the men's parallel giant slalom in snowboarding. It was an inspiring moment for Canada, as Anderson started the race behind his Austrian counterpart, but began making his ground throughout. It came right down to the finish line, with Anderson somehow darting ahead of Benjamin Karl at the last moment. Congratulations to him, finally winning a gold after a long career in snowboarding.

Yesterday, the men's long track speeding team finally cracked the podium with an amazing win in the team pursuit final. Denny Morrison, Lucas Makowsky, and Mathieu Giroux of Canada skated to an exciting win against the Americans. This win end's the Vancouver Games on a positive note for the men's long track speed skating team, who had not yet won any medals in Vancouver. Good work guys!

Also on Saturday, Canada collected a bronze medal in the four-man bobsleigh. Lyndon Rush, David Bissett, Lascelles Brown, and Chris Le Bihan finished third overall, just missing the silver medal position. This medal was big for Canada in the sport, as it is only the second medal Canada has ever won in bobsleigh.

Of course, the main event is yet to come today, as Canada takes on the United States at 3:00pm EST in ice hockey. This hockey game will most likely go down as the most watched sporting event in Canadian history, so get your Canada gear on and soak it all in. What a perfect way to sign of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. Go Canada!!!

Olympic Update

Yesterday was another great day for Canada at the Vancouver Olympics, as we collected gold and bronze medals. The women came out strong for Canada again with the women's hockey team winning another gold, Canada's eighth, and figure skater, Joannie Rochette winning a bronze. Canada still stands fourth overall in the medal standings with seventeen.

The women's hockey team, yet again facing the Americans, came out strong and played a solid game all around. Timely scoring, strong defense, and a stellar goalie were all major factors in Canada's gold medal win. The women's ice hockey team has now won three Olympic gold medals in row, and will have to work hard over the next four years to make it four in Sochi, Russia. Congratulations ladies, hopefully the Canadian men's team can take inspiration from this win in their quest for gold.

Facing the unexpected loss of her mother just days before her skate, figure skater Joannie Rochette had the performance of her life in front of a loud and supportive crowd in Vancouver. She skated very well, edging out the young skater from the United States for the bronze medal. A nearly flawless performance from the Korean skater, Kim Yu-Na, won the gold medal, and Japan's Mao Asada won the silver. The win by Rochette was Canada's first medal in women's figure skating at the Olympics since the Calgary games in 1988.

Heading into the last few days of the Olympics, Canada is well set to add more medals to the total, with the men's and women's curling teams both playing for gold. Short track speed skating also brings possibilities for medals, with the men's relay and a few other events still to take place.

Men's hockey resumes tonight, with semi-final games between Finland and the United States, and Canada against Slovakia. Both should be very entertaining games as a gold medal is on the line. The teams that win tonight will face off for the gold medal on Sunday.

Olympic Update

It has been an amazing last couple of days for Canada and its Olympians, as our athletes added five more medals, moving Canada's total to fifteen at the Vancouver games. Right now Canada stands fourth overall in the medal standings, including seven golds, six silvers, and two bronze.

It has primarily been Canada's female athletes who are earning Canada its medals, winning eleven of Canada's fifteen medals so far. In fact, in the last two days all five of Canada's medals have been won by women. Good work ladies.

On Tuesday, Ashleigh McIvor easily took the gold medal for Canada in one of the newest Olympic sports, ski-cross. It was the first time that I got to see the sport, and I was very impressed. It has everything that an extreme sport needs in speed, excitement, jumps, and crashes. It was a great Olympic introduction to the sport, and congratulations to Ashleigh McIvor for winning the first Olympic gold medal in the women's ski-cross.

In long track speed skating, Canadian Olympian extraordinaire, Clara Hughes, won the bronze medal in the ladies' 5000 meter race yesterday. It was the swan song for Hughes and her illustrious career, which now includes two summer olympic medals in cycling, and four long track speed skating medals. She remains the only Olympian ever to win multiple medals in both the summer and winter Olympics.

Over to short track speed skating, the Canadians women's relay team scored the silver medal in the 3000 metre race last night. It was a race full of suprises, that saw the first place Koreans disqualified at the end of the race for impeding the American skaters. Canada, which originally finished third, was advanced to second place. The Chinese team advanced to the gold medal position, and the Americans took the bronze. This sport never fails to provide excitment, and was a very good finish for the Canadian women's relay team.

Maybe the biggest win for Canada last night, was in the ladies' bobsleigh. After four heats, both Canadian teams finished first and second overall in the event, winning the gold and silver medals. It was excellent to watch both Canadian bobsleigh teams dominate their runs. Congratulations to Heather Moyse and Kaillie Humphries who won gold, and Shelley-Ann Brown and Helen Upperton who won silver.

There was more good news for Canada last night, as the men's hockey team completely dominated the Russian squad by a final score of 7-3. Going into this game, I expected a much bigger fight from the Russians, but team Canada dominated every aspect of the game, especially in shutting down Russia's high-scoring offence. Heading in to the semi-finals, Canada is beginning to look very strong. They will play Slovakia next, who beat Sweden out of the tournament last night. That game will take place Friday. The United States will play Finland in the other semi-final game.

Another big game in hockey tonight, is the Canadian women take on their rivals from the United States. These teams have a very competitive history with Canada taking gold against the US in Salt Lake City as a highlight. This should make for a very fast and exciting game.

Olympic Update

GOLD! Canadian ice dancers, Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue added to Canada's medal count last night, winning gold after an incredible final skate that put them a whopping seven points in front of their American friends and competitors. Moir and Virtue scored the second highest point total in the history of the sport after completing three dances, which led to Canada's first ever gold medal in ice dancing.

The Canadian women's hockey team shutout Finland 5-0 yesterday, and now advance to the gold medal game against their American rivals. It should be a very competitive game, as these two teams have clashed for the gold in the past. The gold medal game takes place at 6:30pm EST on Thursday.

In men's hockey, team Canada plays a qualifying game against Germany at 7:30pm EST tonight. It is a big game for Canada, as they need to win this one if they hope to compete for the gold medal. Roberto Luongo will get the call in net tonight, after shuting out Norway in Canada's first game of the tournament.

Other qualifying games to keep an eye on today/tonight: Switzerland vs. Belarus at 3:00pm EST, Czech Republic vs. Latvia at 10:00pm EST, and Slovakia vs. Norway at 12:00pm EST. This makes for a very exciting and important day in men's hockey.

Olympic Update

After many upsets for Canada in men's long track speed skating, the women are once again taking the reins on Canada's medal hopes. Kristina Groves won the silver and Canada's ninth medal of these games, in the women's 1,500 metre long track yesterday. She skated a great race behind a roaring home crowd. Canada's Christine Nesbitt, who already has a gold medal in Vancouver, came in sixth position after an inspiring race. Good work ladies.

It is evident that Canadian athletes are stressed under the high expectations of these Olympics, but they have done great nonetheless. After the race, Nesbitt was quoted as saying, "whether we live up to the 87 medals we were supposed to win remains to be seen." Those numbers are of course tongue in cheek, but Nesbitt goes on to say that whatever the final result people will look back on the Vancouver games as a success for team Canada.

The Canadian men's hockey team, hoping to prove Nebitt's prediction of success, once again failed to generate team chemistry in a game against the rival American hockey squad. The speed of the United States proved too much for Canada's defenders, and American goalie Ryan Miller stymied most attempts by team Canada to generate any offense. It was an exciting game, but obviously not what Canada was looking for.

The United States now have a by to the quarterfinals, while Canada now has to play an extra game to qualify. Canada will face Germany on Tuesday, and will need a win to qualify for the quarterfinals.

To some, the extra game could be a blessing in disguise for Canada, as they will now have the chance to develop that team chemistry and speed that has been lacking. On the other hand, it could prove to be disasterous as confidence must be lacking. Goaltender, Martin Brodeur cannot take all the blame for Canada's loss to the US, but it has been confirmed that Luongo will get the next start in net against Germany tomorrow night.

Despite the woes of Canada's men's team, we cannot forget the women, as their journey for gold continues tonight when they face Finland in the semi-finals at 8:00pm EST. The United States will face Sweden in the other semi-final game today. Both should be great games.

The men's and women's curling teams are still going strong, with the men raising their record to 8-0 with a win over the Americans today. Both the men and women remain medal hopefulls for Canada, so cheer loud!

More good news for Canada, as ice dancers Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue skated to an incredible performance last night. It was their second of three skates, and moved them into first place overall in the competition, thus far. The final skate is tonight, and it should be a doozie. Good luck to them.

Olympic Update

Canadian skeleton specialist, Jon Montgomery won Canada's fourth gold, and eighth medal overall last night. It was an exciting run for the Russell Manitoba native, who narrowly edged the Latvian skeleton racer, while also establishing a record time on the Whistler track. Congratulations to him and all the racers.
I also would like to acknowledge the Canadians who took part in the unbelievable celebration that occured in Whistler after Montgomery's win. It is definitely a moment that will be burned into Canadian history, and fills many with pride.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir came in second place for Canada in the compulsary ice dance. They put in a very gutsy skate in completing their tango romantica. They scored only one point behind the world champion Russians. The competition continues on Sunday, with the finals coming on Monday.

The men's and women's Canadian curling teams have been making short work of their opponents. The men's team beat Denmark by a score of 10-3 yesterday. The men are back in action tonight as they take on team Britain at 7:00pm EST.

Olympic Update

It was a nail biter for Canadians everywhere last night, as Canada won its third gold medal of the games and won a very tight hockey game against a surprisingly strong Switzerland club.

Long track speed skater, Christine Nesbitt came in first place in the 1,000 metre race last night, taking the gold medal in the competition. It was very close as Nesbitt was a mere 0.02 seconds faster than the Dutch skater, Annette Gerritsen. Congratulations to her and Kristina Groves, who finished fourth in the race.

Canada still sits fourth overall in the medal standings, with three golds, three silvers, and one bronze.

Canadian figure skater and medal hopeful, Patrick Chan, finished fifth overall after completing both the long and short program. Chan skated well last night, but was unable to overcome the points he lost in the short program. Regardless, he skated his heart out, and represented Canada with pride and dignity. Congratulations to him. American skater, Evan Lysacek won the gold narrowly edging Russia's Evgeni Plushenko, who took the silver. Daisuke Takahashi of Japan won the bronze medal.

Team Canada won an amazingly close game, against an acrobatic Jonas Hiller and the Swiss last night. It was a little too close for many Canadian hockey fans, as Sidney Crosby scored the lone goal in the shootout to solidify the win for Canada. This puts Canada in second place in group A, with five points and a record of 1-1-0-0. Team USA currently holds first with two wins.

In another shocker, the men's Slovakian ice hockey team beat Russia in the shootout last night, and the United States beat team Norway by a score of 6-1.

Olympic Update

Last night Canada collected its sixth medal in total, as Canadian short track speed skater, Marianne St. Gelais took silver in the 500 metre race. Congratulations to her and Canadian Jessica Gregg, who came in fourth.

Canada now stands fourth overall in the medal standings, with two gold, three silver, and one bronze.

Last night the Canadian women's ice hockey team skated to a 13-1 win over team Sweden. The Canadian women's team is now 4-0-0-0 so far in the tournament, and are the team to beat in the competition.

Men's hockey continues tonight, as team Canada takes on Switzerland at 7:30pm EST. A speedy Team USA will face Norway today at 3:00pm EST, and Slovakia will battle Russia tonight at 12:00am EST.

Last night, the men's team from Finland beat Belarus by a score of 5-1, while Jaromir Jagr and the Czech Republic won 3-1 against Slovakia. In a rather unspirited effort, team Sweden (led by veteran Peter Forsberg) shutout the men's German team by a score of 2-0.

Today is a big day for Canada's athletes, so get on your team Canada gear and cheer loud!

Olympic Update

Congratulations to Canada's Maelle Ricker, who won Canada's second gold yesterday in snowboard cross. It was a tough day for many of the snowboarders, as conditions and nerves seemed to get the best of many of them. In the final however, it was Ricker who pulled out to an early lead and held on to win Canada's fifth medal.

Canada now stands fourth overall in the medal standings, with two golds, two silvers, and one bronze.

The Canadian men's hockey team won its first game of the tournament against Norway last night. Team chemistry seemed to build for the Canadians throughout the game, as its first line of Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash, and Jerome Iginla combined for seven points, including an Iginla hat trick. Dany Heatley scored two, while Mike Richards, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry also added a goal each.

Norway played well against the powerhouse, but Canada's depth and talent eventually wore its opponent down. Roberto Luongo also made fifteen saves for Canada in the win.

The Russian men's hockey club also played last night. Team Latvia was the first to experience Russia's high-flying offence, one that features superstars Alexander Ovechkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, and Evgeni Malkin. Ovechkin scored two goals, with Malkin and Kovalchuk each scoring one. The final score in this game was 8-2 in favour of the Russians.

Olympic Update

The Canadian men's ice hockey team takes part in its first game of the Vancouver Olympics tonight at 7:30pm EST against Norway. With the amount of excitement, scrutiny, and coverage that has surrounded this team I hope you are all ready to watch and support as Canada begins its trek to a gold medal on home soil.

The Canadian women's ice hockey team has started out strong as expected, earning another win against the Switzerland hockey club last night. With the win, Canada has secured its spot in the semi-finals which start on February 22.

Canada's snowboard-cross athlete, Mike Robertson, won another silver medal yesterday. Congratulations to him, as he made a gutsy run against a strong American team in the final.

After three days of competition, Canada's medal count now stands at 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze. Good job Canada!!!

Olympic Update

It has been a weekend of mixed emotions in Vancouver, as the Olympics are officially underway. First it came with the tragic news that Georgian Luger, Nodar Muaritashvili had a fatal crash on the luge track on Opening Ceremony day. The sporting world and the Olympic village was in shock. Since then, camaraderie has taken over and the athletes have come together for the Games.

Canada has been aglow with its first gold medal on home soil in men's freestyle skiing. Alexandre Bilodeau has become Canada's hero, taking first overall and gold in the event. Now Canada has a gold, silver, and bronze medal so far.

Today the Canadian women's hockey team will play against Switzerland at 5:30pm EST, while the Canadian men's team play their first game of the tournament Tuesday at 7:30pm EST against Norway.

There is a buzz around all Canada's Olympics athletes, as they begin to take part in front of their home crowd. Cheer hard Canada!!!

Probable Starting Goalies (February 14, 2010)

Happy Valentines Day everyone. Today is the last day of NHL action until February 28, due to the Olympic break. There are five games on the schedule today.

Tampa Bay Lightning (Smith) @ New York Rangers (Lundqvist)

Nashville Predators (Ellis) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury)

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Minnesota Wild (Backstrom)

Ottawa Senators (Elliot) @ New York Islanders (Roloson)

Chicago Blackhawks (Huet) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Garon)

Anaheim Ducks (Hiller) @ Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers)

Trade News

***The Montreal Canadiens have acquired centre, Dominic Moore, from the Florida Panthers in return for a 2011 second-round draft choice.

***The Ottawa Senators have added forward, Matt Cullen, in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. TSN reports that Ottawa has sent defenseman Alexandre Picard and a second-round draft pick to Carolina for Cullen.

Vancouver Olympics!!!

Happy Olympics everyone!!! I hope you are all excited as I am about the Olympics today. With so many NHL players taking part in the Winter Games, Over the Boards Hockey will be a follower of the Vancouver Olympics and most importantly the competitive Ice Hockey tournament (men's and women's). On my blog you will find game times, player news, and the odd write-up of what is happening with Team Canada and the rest of the competing nations.

I would like to wish all athletes competing in the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games the best of luck. This is bound to be a highlight Winter Games, and a very important event for athletes and fans around the world.

Probable Starting Goalies (February 12, 2010)

Coming off a much needed shutout, Steve Mason should get the start in goal for Columbus tonight.

There are seven games in the NHL tonight, and we're fast approaching the Olympic break. This comes with news that the Philadelphia Flyers have shelved goaltender Ray Emery for three weeks, to rest his ailing hip. And there might be more player movement today, as the rumour mill heats up due to the Olympic trade freeze starting at 3:00pm EST today. Stay tuned throughout the day for any trade and player updates.

Montreal Canadiens (Price) @ Philadelphia Flyers (Leighton)

Nashville Predators (Rinne) @ New Jersey Devils (Brodeur)

Vancouver Canucks (Raycroft) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason)

New York Rangers (Lundqvist) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Johnson)

Toronto Maple Leafs (Giguere) @ St. Louis Blues (Mason)

Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg) @ Minnesota Wild (Backstrom)

Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

Probable Starting Goalies (February 11, 2010)

There are seven games across the NHL tonight. Fantasy/pool owners of Washington goaltender Semyon Varlamov will be happy, as he is slated to make his first start in almost two months for the Capitals. Despite being in the rumor mill for the last week, Stars goalkeeper Marty Turco will make the start for Dallas, while Evgeni Nabokov will be in net for the Sharks, after taking last night off.

Washington Capitals (Varlamov) @ Ottawa Senators (Elliot)

Buffalo Sabres (Miller) @ Carolina Hurricanes (Legace)

Boston Bruins (Rask) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymakki)

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Florida Panthers (Vokoun)

San Jose Sharks (Nabokov) @ Detroit Red Wings (Howard)

Dallas Stars (Turco) @ Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff)

Edmonton Oilers (Dubnyk) @ Los Angeles Kings (Quick)

Probable Starting Goalies (February 10, 2010)

Philadelphia goaltender, Ray Emery, will be out for a length of time with a hip injury. This will give backup, Michael Leighton quality starts and ample opportunity to prove his worth in fantasy leagues and pools.
There are eight games in the NHL tonight, which makes for a relatively busy night. In the east, the Washington Capitals visit the Montreal Canadiens, while the Nashville Predators make a trip to the Big Apple to face the Rangers.

Philadelphia Flyers (Leighton) @ New Jersey Devils (Brodeur)

Nashville Predators (Ellis) @ New York Rangers (Lundqvist)

San Jose Sharks (Nabokov) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason)

Washington Capitals (Neuvirth) @ Montreal Canadiens (Price)

New York Islanders (Roloson) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury)

Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov) @ Minnesota Wild (Backstrom)

Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers) @ Anaheim Ducks (Hiller)

TSN is reporting that the Atlanta Thrashers have traded goalie Kari Lehtonen, to the Dallas Stars for defenceman Ivan Vishnevskiy and a fourth round draft choice. Lehtonen was just recently taken off the IR by the Thrashers, after having back surgery in September. Over his four year career he has a record of 94-83-17 with fourteen shutouts. The former second overall pick will try to win his way to a contract extension this summer.

Vishnevskiy is a twenty-one year old first draft pick, who has two points and two penalty minutes in five NHL contests.

A Bitter Toskala Is No Fun For Anyone

Vesa Toskala's career as a Toronto Maple Leaf could be described as many things, but successful is not one of them. Coming to Toronto in a trade with San Jose, Toskala was seen as a young and very promising piece of the future for Toronto. Things obviously did not work out that way.

After being traded to the Anaheim Ducks along with Jason Blake over a week ago, Toskala seems happy to be out of the Toronto spotlight. This is despite the fact that he has yet to play a game for his new club, having work visa issues.

This weekend, the usually quiet Toskala said more to the the media in Anaheim than he said in two and a half years in Toronto. When asked about when his blue and white goalie mask would be painted, Toskala reportedly took a jab at his former club when he replied, "hopefully soon, so I can wash that blue and white out of my gear." (Toronto Star).

Some in the Toronto media have come down on Toskala for taking a "parting-shot" at the Leafs. But lets be honest here, can you really blame the guy? Toskala's years in Toronto came at a time when the Leafs were icing painfully bland and incapable rosters. Now I am not saying part of the blame should not be on Toskala's shoulders, soft goals and uninspired play seemed to become a part of the goaltending situation in Toronto over the last couple of years. But for the Toronto media to get up in arms over this one sentence comment is a little much. During a time of blockbuster trades, competition for the playoffs, and NHL participation in the olympics, is this really a story that deserves so much attention?

The Leafs needed a change in goal and Toskala needed a change of scenery. That happened and now it is time to move on. I do not see Toskala's statement as a direct bash at the Maple Leafs, but showing his relief at a having a fresh start in Anaheim. Once again, I do not blame him and I believe both sides are equally happy with a change.

Probable Starting Goalies (February 9, 2010)

It's a relatively busy night in the NHL with seven games on hand. The struggling Boston Bruins are facing off against the Buffalo Sabres, while the mediocre Calgary Flames are in Ottawa for a tilt against the Senators. The Vancouver Canucks continue their fourteen-game roadtrip in Tampa Bay, and the Detroit Red Wings are hoping to have power forward Johan Franzen back in the lineup tonight against the St. Louis Blues.

Boston Bruins (Rask) @ Buffalo Sabres (Miller)

Nashville Predators (Rinne) @ New York Islanders (Biron)

Florida Panthers (Vokoun) @ Carolina Hurricanes (Legace)

Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff) @ Ottawa Senators (Elliot)

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki)

Detroit Red Wings (Howard) @ St. Louis Blues (Conklin)

Dallas Stars (Turco) @ Chicago Blackhawks (Niemi)

Probable Starting Goalies (February 8, 2010)

Five games are on schedule tonight in the NHL. The San Jose Sharks will be making a rare visit to the ACC to face off against the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the New Jersey Devils will head to Philadelphia for a divisional matchup against the Flyers.

San Jose Sharks (Nabokov) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Giguere)

New Jersey Devils (Brodeur) @ Philadelphia Flyers (Leighton)

St. Louis Blues (Mason) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers) @ Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov)

Los Angeles Kings (Quick) @ Anaheim Ducks (Hiller)

Probable Starting Goalies (February 6, 2010)

It's Saturday!!! Which is great, because of the fourteen games that are on the bill for today. We have an afternoon battle between the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins, another matinee between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Montreal Canadiens, and a battle of Ontario, as the high-flying Ottawa Senators visit the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Boston Bruins (Rask)

Pittsburgh Penguins (Fleury) @ Montreal Canadiens (Halak)

Detroit Red Wings (Howard) @ Los Angeles Kings (Quick)

Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov) @ Dallas Stars (Turco)

Ottawa Senators (Elliot) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Giguere)

Carolina Hurricanes (Ward) @ New York Islanders (DiPietro)

New Jersey Devils (Brodeur) @ New York Rangers (Lundqvist)

Florida Panthers (Vokoun) @ Atlanta Thrashers (Hedberg)

Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki)

Buffalo Sabres (Lalime) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason)

Chicago Blackhawks (Niemi) @ St. Louis Blues (Mason)

San Jose Sharks (Nabokov) @ Nashville Predators (Ellis)

Philadelphia Flyers (Emery) @ Minnesota Wild (Khudobin)

Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers) @ Colorado Avalanche (Anderson)

A Devilish Move...

The New Jersey Devils caused somewhat of a stir on Thursday, by surprisingly acquiring superstar sniper, Ilya Kovalchuk from the Atlanta Thrashers. Weeks of speculation noted the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, and New York Rangers as the frontrunners in acquiring Kovalchuk, but the usually conservative Devils organization decided to make a major push toward winning the Stanley Cup.

The deal consisted of the Thrashers sending winger Ilya Kovalchuk to the Devils, for defenseman Johnny Oduya, forwards Niclas Bergfors and Patrice Cormier, and a first round draft pick. There is no word yet if the New Jersey Devils will resign Kovalchuk to a long-term contract, which could potentially cost upwards of $130 million over a twelve-year term.

Thrashers GM Don Waddell is already being heavily criticized by some, as he traded one of the most skilled goal scorers in the league, for some young players and a first rounder. There is no doubt that those players have skill and potential, but very little when compared to what they lost in Ilya Kovalchuk. Easily one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive threats.

To a rebuilding team, this deal works. But as it would seem, the Thrashers have been rebuilding since they came into the league in 1999. It has been their lack of ability to hold onto their all-star calibre players, that has hurt them on a competitive level and at the turnstiles.

For what remaining fan base the Thrashers might have, this is a sad day and a serious blow to their chances of winning now, and in the future. Over the years, Thrashers fans have seen star forwards Dany Heatley, Marian Hossa, and Ilya Kovalchuk leave for greener pastures.

I get the feeling that Don Waddell will be defending this trade for years to come. For how long he defends it as the Thrashers General Manager remains to be seen.

Probable Starting Goalies (February 5, 2010)

Love that Daren Puppa was an all-star at one point.

There are five games in the NHL tonight. The re-modeled Leafs will visit the New Jersey Devils, who as of last night, also have a newly acquired star to show off in Ilya Kovalchuk.

Toronto Maple Leafs (Gustavsson) @ New Jersey Devils (Brodeur)

Atlanta Thrashers (Pavelec) @ Washington Capitals (Theodore)

Carolina Hurricanes (Legace) @ Buffalo Sabres (Miller)

Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff) @ Florida Panthers (Vokoun)

Phoenix Coyotes (LaBarbera) @ Chicago Blackhawks (Huet)

Probable Starting Goalies (February 4, 2010)

Yes, it is true that goaltender, Wayne Stephenson, did in fact wear this helmet while patrolling the net for the Philadelphia Flyers between 1976 and 1978.

It's a busy night in the NHL, with nine games on the schedule. The Montreal Canadiens will be visiting the Boston Bruins with the possibility that Halak will once again get the start from head coach Jacques Martin. Two surging teams in the Vancouver Canucks and Ottawa Senators will battle in Kanata tonight, with the brilliant Brian Elliot to get the start for the Sens. The Edmonton Oilers will try to make it three straight wins tonight in a game against divisional rival, Minnesota Wild.

Montreal Canadiens (Halak) @ Boston Bruins (Rask)

Washington Capitals (Theodore) @ New York Rangers (Lundqvist)

Dallas Stars (Turco) @ Columbus Blue Jackets (Mason)

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Ottawa Senators (Elliot)

New York Islanders (Roloson) @ Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki)

San Jose Sharks (Greiss) @ St. Louis Blues (Conklin)

Colorado Avalanche (Anderson) @ Nashville Predators (Rinne)

Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers) @ Minnesota Wild (Harding)

Anaheim Ducks (Hiller) @ Los Angeles Kings (Quick)

Probable Starting Goalies (February 3, 2010)

Ten teams take to the ice tonight in the NHL. The Buffalo Sabres will play host to Northeast Division rivals, Ottawa Senators, while trying to extend their lead in the tight Eastern Conference standings. The Edmonton Oilers will try to keep a good thing going, as they take on the Philadelphia Flyers for a second straight win.

Ottawa Senators (Elliot) @ Buffalo Sabres (Miller)

St. Louis Blues (Mason) @ Chicago Blackhawks (Huet)

Carolina Hurricanes (Ward) @ Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff)

Philadelphia Flyers (Leighton) @ Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers)

Detroit Red Wings (Howard) @ Anaheim Ducks (Hiller)

Flames Gone Out?

In what many see as a desperate attempt to fix his team, Calgary Flames General Manager, Darryl Sutter has shipped out four of his roster players while bringing in six new ones. In a matter of only two days, Sutter has managed to drastically change the look of both his offence and defense.

The biggest move on defense, of course, was shipping out former all-star, Dion Phaneuf, as part of a package in return for a group of Maple Leaf players. Newly acquired defenseman, Ian White, will take Phaneuf's place on the Flames blueline. After obtaining the rights to Jay Bouwmeester last year, and Phaneuf's diminished role with the team this season, Darryl Sutter and his management team, simply deemed Phaneuf as expendable.

At forward, the Flames were able to collect a large chunk of the Toronto Maple Leafs offense, in recieving wingers Niklas Hagman and Jamal Mayers, and centre Matt Stajan as part of the Phaneuf deal. Hagman, Stajan, and Mayers may not be players of the future for Calgary, but there is no doubt they will help generate some offense in Calgary's drive for the playoffs.

For the present, it would appear that the Flames are the winners of this trade by simply looking at what is left of the Toronto offense, but in the long-term the Maple Leafs are the clear winners. They not only have landed a twenty-four year old all-star defenseman, but also a solid two-way forward in Freddie Sjostrom and a promising prospect in Keith Aulie.

A trade involving Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust has also been approved, with the Flames getting underachieving forwards, Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik from the New York Rangers in return. In my opinion, the Flames are losing this one, just for the fact that Brandon Prust is going the other way. He is a strong two-way player, who plays tough, and is somewhat of a fan favorite.

Regardless of the specific players involved in these trades, Sutter and Flames fans have seemingly got what they wanted in a "mini-blowup" of their roster. They will have a very different look, this season and next, but it remains to be seen if this team can come together and make a real push for the playoffs and the Stanley Cup.

Flames depth chart:

Forwards
Dustin Boyd - Matt Stajan - Jerome Iginla
Curtis Glencross - Daymond Langkow - Rene Bourque
Niklas Hagman - Chris Higgins - Ales Kotalik
Erik Nystrom - Jamal Mayers - Jamie Lundmark

Defense
Robyn Regehr - Ian White
Jay Bouwmeester - Cory Sarich
Adam Pardy - Mark Giordano

Goal
Miikka Kiprusoff
Curtis McElhinney

Probable Starting Goalies (February 2, 2010)

I can't believe past Pengiuns goalie, Ken Wregget, had the "Penguin Man" painted on his mask. Definitely one of the best designes I've ever seen...

There are nine games in the NHL tonight. The Toronto Maple Leafs will show off their latest acquisitions in a game against the New Jersey Devils. Jean-Sebastian Giguere will get the chance to show Leaf fans what he can do in goal, while defenseman Dion Phaneuf will skate on Toronto's first defense pairing. Forward Freddie Sjostrom will also be in the lineup tonight for Toronto. The New York Rangers play tonight, but it is doubtful that newly acquired forwards Olli Jokinen and Brandon Prust will play. In Montreal, Halak wins another start over young netminder, Carey Price and Josh Harding once again gets the start for Minnesota as Backstrom sits with an injury.

Washington Capitals (Theodore) @ Boston Bruins (Thomas)

New Jersey Devils (Danis) @ Toronto Maple Leafs (Giguere)

Tampa Bay Lightning (Nittymaki) @ Atlanta Thrashers (Pavelec)

Vancouver Canucks (Luongo) @ Montreal Canadiens (Halak)

Phoenix Coyotes (Bryzgalov) @ Nashville Predators (Rinne)

Minnesota Wild (Harding) @ Dallas Stars (Turco)

Columbus Blue Jackets (Garon) @ Colorado Avlanche (Anderson)

New York Rangers (Lundqvist) @ Los Angeles Kings (Quick)

Detroit Red Wings (Howard) @ San Jose Sharks (Nabokov)

Olli Jokinen Trade

A trade between the Calgary Flames and the New York Rangers has seemingly been put on hold for the time being. According to sources, the proposed deal has the Calgary Flames sending underachieving centre, Olli Jokinen and forward Brandon Prust to the Rangers in return for forwards Chris Higgins and Ales Kotalik. TSN's Bob McKenzie has said there is no guarantee the trade will be completed, but both teams are still believed to be interested in making the deal. McKenzie believes the trade might have stalled as the Flames were hoping to have Jokinen in their lineup for tonights game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

**This trade was made official late last night after the Flames' loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Probable Starting Goalies (February 1, 2010)

There are only four games in the NHL tonight. The Calgary Flames will face the Philadelphia Flyers, and will have a different look with newly acquired players Nik Hagman, Matt Stajan, Jamal Mayers, and Ian White in tonight's lineup. It will also be the Flames first game after trading defenseman, Dion Phaneuf.

Buffalo Sabres (Miller) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (Johnson)

Anaheim Ducks (Hiller) @ Florida Panthers (Vokoun)

Philadelphia Flyers (Emery) @ Calgary Flames (Kiprusoff)

Carolina Hurricanes (Ward) @ Edmonton Oilers (Deslauriers)