SB Nation - Derek Armstrong

Wednesday links: Nice knowing you Derek Armstrong edition

averagejoe — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:15:32 -0000

Blues news

Silent Jay McClement is in shape and leading the Blues. Question: is the call up of Silent Jay those many years ago the turning point of the franchise? [Stltoday.com]
David Backes says the Blues like being an underdog. [Belleville News-Democrat]
An ad featuring Erik Johnson talking about his love of dance, won an ad Emmy. [Blues]
Rush Limbaugh and Dave Checketts are teaming up in an attempt to buy the Rams. Raise your hand if you care? Wow, look at that. No hands up in my apartment. [Salt Lake Tribune]
Derek Armstrong is going to Peoria. Why him and not D.J. King or Cam Janssen? Why keep two of the same players and send out someone different? [Belleville News-Democrat]
David Backes and his lovely wife Kelly will be participating in a dog show Oct. 26. [Stltoday.com]

Hockey news

Lots of action last night, and lots of close games. [Yahoo!]
Just two games today -- Montreal vs. Vancouver and Pittsburgh vs. Phoenix. [Yahoo!]
The Vancouver Canucks are filing tampering charges against the Toronto Maple Leafs. [TSN]
Milan Lucic got paid -- 3 years, $12.25 million. [TSN]
The Montreal Canadiens signed Marc-Andre Bergeron to a one-year deal to fill some holes on the blue lines. [TSN]
A look at shooting percentage in certain situations. Interesting stuff. [Behind the Net]
So you're telling me it's tough to get fans to go to Coyotes games. I'm shocked. [Puck Daddy]

Other links

From Donut King: Make your driving instructor will advise you not to crash into a wall. Oh, and that they are, in fact, licensed. [MSNBC]
This made me laugh. [Pic]
Ever wondered how much your sandwich cost? Nope. Ok then, move along. [Sandwich Price Calculator]

Video

I want you all to be better actors.

Acting With James Franco Episode 1: "Sense Memory" from James Franco

gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Tuesday links: Eric Brewer is skating, but can he pick up his kid edition

averagejoe — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:45:09 -0000

The Blues won the Stanley Cup on NHL 09 today. It was a good time. I enjoyed seeing CGI Gary Bettman give the cup to CGI Eric Brewer. So life-like the two of them.

Blues news

We're are closing the book on Sweden. [Blues]
Things learned in this article: Eric Brewer is skating, Derek Armstrong is on waivers and Keith Tkachuk is a star. [Stltoday.com]
Ha ha ... Keith Tkachuk is fat. Don't bother letting them know that Walt jokes are played out, PCS has got us covered. [On the Forecheck]

Hockey news

Only two games yesterday. [Yahoo!]
Not quite a full slate for Tuesday, but it seems like the first "real" day of hockey since Saturday. [Yahoo!]
This Versus/DirecTV kerfuffle is getting old. [Puck Daddy]
Shawn Thornton will fight anyone. [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
Versus does not get along with the Hurricanes. [Canes Country]
Joe Pavelski is hurt. That's one member of my fantasy team down. Last place, I'm coming back to you. [TSN]
Sergei Kostitsyn has agreed to go to the minors. [TSN]
Roberto Luongo did not look good last night. He's playing under a lot of pressure with his fat contract and the small window the Canucks have. [TSN]
From Hildy: Don't mess with Flyers fans. [The 700 Level]

Other links

This is very, very detailed. [Wikipedia]
Some people really are fond of goats. [Ultimate Goat Fansite]
Defaced money can be funny. Who knew? [Holy Taco]

Video

Get ready to hear this in the coming weeks. It's going to be like "On a Boat," but with less T-Pain.

2009-10 NHL Season Preview: Los Angeles Kings

James Mirtle — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:00:17 -0000

More photos » by Jimmy Jeong - AP

Browse more photos »

Who's in: Robert Scuderi, Ryan Smyth
Who's out: Derek Armstrong, Brian Boyle, Kyle Calder, Dan Cloutier, Denis Gauthier, Tom Preissing, Kyle Quincey

Outlook: GM Dean Lombardi aimed to accelerate his rebuilding plan in the summer, and while his search for a first-line winger in free agency went unfulfilled, he managed to land Ryan (Captain Canada) Smyth from the Avs for promising youngster Kyle Quincey and spare part Tom Preissing. Also on the way in is useful stay-at-home defenceman Rob Scuderi, who signed a generous contract as a free agent after providing a stabilizing influence on the Stanley Cup champion Penguins.

The addition of Smyth should help kick start the Kings offence somewhat, as will a healthy Justin Williams, but the biggest room for improvement in the goal-scoring department likely comes from some of the youngsters — Anze Kopitar, Alex Frolov, Dustin Brown and Teddy Purcell — who all underwhelmed in key minutes last season.

Terry Murray will also be looking for a step forward from his blueliners, and Drew Doughty is tasked with replacing many of the power play quarterbacking minutes lost in the Smyth deal. His point totals should rise considerably as a sophomore, however, and the back end as a whole will benefit from a full season with Jack Johnson in the fold.

Perhaps the biggest question mark, however, comes in goal, where backup Erik Ersberg struggled last season and Jonathan Quick proved surprisingly strong despite spending much of the 2007-08 campaign in the ECHL. Quick will likely be charged with picking up the bulk of the starts, and any step back from him would go a long way to derailing Los Angeles' likely slim playoff hopes.

If the goals start to come, however, they could surprise.

X-factor: Jon Quick

For a more in-depth Kings preview, visit Battle of California
For more NHL analysis, check out the McKeen's Hockey Yearbook

Poll

Where will the Kings finish in the Western Conference this season?

1

7 votes

2

1 votes

3

0 votes

4

1 votes

5

5 votes

6

18 votes

7

19 votes

8

48 votes

9

29 votes

10

31 votes

11

17 votes

12

24 votes

13

15 votes

14

6 votes

15

9 votes

230 votes | Poll has closed

SBNation NHL Season Preview: Your 2009-10 Los Angeles Kings

RudyKelly — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:00:38 -0000

More photos » by Mark J. Terrill - AP

Browse more photos »

Surprise, cockfags! SBNation has been running season previews for every team in the league, and now it's Los Angeles' turn. Read this and then head over to Blueshirt Banter to hear how the Rangers aren't completely screwed paying Chris Drury, Wade Redden and Marian Gaborik $21 million dollars a season the next 3 seasons... haha just kidding, they're screwed.

2008-09 Season Review:

Drew Doughty was good, so was Wayne Simmonds, Anze Kopitar was underwhelming, Jack Johnson was hurt, Jon Quick was a surprise, Jason Labarbera sucked balls, and the Kings missed the playoffs again.

Who's In: Justin Williams (RW- trade, CAR), Ryan Smyth (LW- trade, COL), Rob Scuderi (D- UFA, PIT)

Who's Out: Patrick O'Sullivan (RW- trade, EDM), Kyle Quincey (D- trade, COL), Derek Armstrong (C- UFA, STL), Jason Labarbera (G- UFA, Phoenix), Denis Gauthier (D- UFA, shot into Sun), Kyle Calder (LW- UFA, ANA), Tom Preissing (D- COL), Brian Boyle (C- Trade, NYR)

Team Strengths: The Kings' biggest strength is their ability to keep the puck out of the net. The Kings were only 11th in goals allowed last season with 226, but they excelled at keeping the puck away from their net (tied for 4th in shots allowed). They were hurt last season by lackluster goaltending in the first half of the season but the introduction of young Jonathan Quick should help alleviate that this year.

The Kings also have a lot of forward and defensive depth; when you can afford to put someone like Alex Frolov on your stopper line and your defense is good enough that you can't find room for someone like Thomas Hickey on the backend, you can feel pretty confident that if someone gets injured then the rest of the team will pick up the slack. The Kings also have depth in goal, with 23-year old Jonathan Quick backed up by both Erik Ersberg and young prospect Jonathan Bernier. You can't expect any one of them to be a great goaltender this season but you figure you have a one in three shot, which isn't bad.

Team Weaknesses: The Kings do have a lot of depth, but what they lack is elite talent at any one position. The hope is that 22-year old Anze Kopitar will become that elite talent this season (he's definitely getting paid like one at $6.8 million dollars a year), but that's a lot of pressure to put on someone that young. Likewise, the workhorse of the defense is 19-year old Drew Doughty, who played 23+ minutes as an 18-year old last season. Both players will eventually become elite players in the NHL, but the Kings need them to be that player now and they may not be ready.

Kings' fans were hoping that the Kings would trade for that elite scorer that has been missed since Ziggy Palffy left Hollywood, but both Dany Heatley and Phil Kessel found homes elsewhere. Instead, the Kings traded for gritty left winger Ryan Smyth (who I hate, but that's another story) and oft-injured right winger Justin Williams. Both men have been perennial 30-goal scorers at one time, but age and injuries have lowered their value of late. The other major acquisition of this off-season, Rob Scuderi, is a nice defenseman (and was invaluable during the Penguins' cup run), but he's not exactly someone you build a defense around. The Kings have a lot of indians but they still need a chief.

Depth Chart:

The Kings main lines are pretty much set, with only the 4th line, 6th defenseman and back-up goaltender up for grabs. Click here for more in-depth analysis of training camp battles.

Smyth	Kopitar	Williams
Frolov	Handzus	Simmonds
Purcell	Stoll	Brown
Clune	Richardson	Westgarth
Harrold	Lewis

O'Donnell	Doughty
Johnson	Scuderi
Greene	Drewiske
Piskula

Quick

Ersberg/Bernier

The Kings generally follow a formula where they have two shooters and one set-up man on each line. Kopitar, Frolov and young prospect Ted Purcell are the set-up men, while the others are expected to get to the front of the net for head coach Terry Murray. The bottom 5 forwards are interchangeable; no real decisions have been made at this point.

Predictions: The season pretty much rests on 2 people: Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Quick. If Anze Kopitar can continue the career path he was on before last season's hiccup and score 80+ points, and if Jonathan Quick can repeat his performance from last year, the Kings should be in the mix for the playoffs. The Western Conference is tough to pick. The Kings could finish anywhere from 6th-13th and will be fighting with Anaheim and Dallas all season for a playoff birth in the Pacific Division.

What the hell: I'll go out on a limb and say that, for the first time since 2004, the Kings finish better than the Anaheim Ducks and make the playoffs.

Go Kings.

Poll

Where will the Kings finish in the Western Conference?

1

10 votes

2

0 votes

3

6 votes

4

4 votes

5

5 votes

6

19 votes

7

41 votes

8

42 votes

9

22 votes

10

29 votes

11

8 votes

12

10 votes

13

10 votes

14

4 votes

15

24 votes

234 votes | Poll has closed

Training Camp Battles: 4th Line Skill Player

RudyKelly — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 16:41:46 -0000

More photos » by Jimmy Jeong - AP

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Peter Harrold (5) skates by Edmonton Oilers goalie Dwayne Roloson (35), who dives like a bitch during an NHL hockey game in Edmonton on Tuesday, April 7, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Jimmy Jeong)

Browse more photos »

The Kings are going to need one competent player on their 4th line that can chip in on speical teams and take faceoffs before their two idiots trip someone or whatever it is they do. This skill player is most likely to play center, since it's the position with the most defensive responsibility and requires the most smarts. For the first time in a couple years, the Kings don't have Derek Armstrong to fill this role. Who is the next mediocre player that inexplicably becomes a coach favorite and plays way more than they should? Let's find out!

The Favorite:

Peter Harrold

#5 / Defenseman / Los Angeles Kings

Height: 5-11

Weight: 188

Born: Jun 08, 1983

Sigh... Peter Harrold. He's a good guy. He tries very hard, he switches positions based on what the teams need, he does the little things in the trenches that don't get noticed but help the team. The problem is that he sucks. I mean, it's great that he can suck at defense and center, but he still sucks. I don't like saying it; it's not like I get my kicks deriding the skills of better men than I (unless they really suck like Brian Willsie), but he does kind of suck. I guess he'd only be the 4th line center, so it's not too bad, but the best place for Peter Harrold is in the press box until the Kings need him in an emergency. The Kings are actually kind of a good team this season; the thing about good teams is that they don't have players like Peter Harrold on the team.

The Challenger:

Brad Richardson

#15 / Right Wing / Los Angeles Kings

Height: 5-11

Weight: 184

Born: Feb 04, 1985

(This picture selection guy is my new best friend)

Brad Richardson kind of sucks too, but the thing with Richardson is that he could be better. While Harrold is pretty much resigned to his fate, Richardson could eventually turn into something valuable. Richardson had a weird season last year where he cut himself with his own skate (?) and then got gangrene or some shit, so he didn't play very much. However, he has skill and would fit in better at the center than Peter Harrold, I think. Like I said earlier, I was watching training camp earlier this week and noticed how good Peter Harrold was before I realized I was watching Brad Richardson. He's better.

Of course, the Kings may go with Peter Harrold because of the versatility he has... by the way, does anyone care about the 4th line center? I do, but I'm thinking I may be the only one. Do they have rehabs for sports fans? I swear I could have been, like, a banker or something if the Kings hadn't ruined my life.

The Dark Horse:

Brayden Schenn

#55 / Center / Los Angeles Kings

Height: 6-0

Weight: 198

Born: Aug 22, 1991

It's crazy to consider, but Schenn has been very good in preseason and has the body to play in the NHL right now. I wish Schenn could go to the AHL but I guess Kelowna needs to sell tickets so he's probably resigned to the CHL again. It would be kind of interesting if Schenn did stay up, though; he could play ~10 minutes a night, learn from the other centers on the team, and curse his fate as his beautiful set up pass was spoiled by Raitis Ivanans' incompetence. Earl and I disagree about how to treat prospects; he likes to wait until they're 27 years old, play them for 2 years and then trade them for someone's brother, while I like them to play until they're 23 and then declare them too old for my team. Schenn will go down to Junior, blow it up, play in the World Junior Championships, and then make the Kings in 2 years. But there's always a chance...

Dustin Brown Sez...

"Oh, hey guys. Just taking some promo pics for the season. You know how it is when you're me, always having to please the masses... unless they cheer for the other team! Oh Dustin, you card. Anyway, I think Brad Richardson will win this one so we can have a line filled with guys with dickhead first names. Brad-Jarret-Teddy? Sounds like a party at Los Angeles Country Club! Hahaha... I'm a member there, by the way."

Poll

Who should be the Kings' 4th line center this season?

Peter Harrold

15 votes

Brad Richardson

39 votes

54 votes | Poll has closed

Thursday links: The Darkness kicks ass, I don't care what you say edition

averagejoe — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 11:00:32 -0000

Looks like a lot of you don't like The Darkness. I'm sorry that you can't recognize awesomeness, I really am. Let's get to the links.

Blues news

If you can get past Derek Armstrong staring a hole through you ... you can read an interesting piece about the newest Blue -- a Blue I'm convinced makes the big club and plays significant minutes. [Blues]
A season preview of the 'Note. [Sporting News]
Carlo Colaiacovo is happy and, most importantly, healthy. He's going to have a big season for the Blues. So big, that the team trades one of its young puck-moving d-men in midseason for a scoring threat. My fearless prediction for the season. [Stltoday.com]
When David Backes talks, you listen. By the way, did anyone else notice Backes wore an 'A' in the preseason opener? [Sporting News]
Large Ben Bishop, who is a beast in NHL 09 based on his large frame, isn't in the doghouse with the Blues. [Stltoday.com]
JR chat. Go. [Stltoday.com]

Hockey news

Pre-season action from last night. [Yahoo!]
And here's a look at the not-real games going down tonight. [Yahoo!]
Manny Legace is happy in Atlanta. No more emo Manny? I'll believe it when I see his first post-loss post-game interview. [Sporting News]
Some former players are trying to become John Davidson. [Sporting News]
Patrik Elias is going to be out some time with a groin issue. Adjust your fantasy lineups accordingly. [TSN]
Theoren Fleury is really going to play in an NHL. Good luck? [TSN]
Interesting story about fake Twitter accounts. The Capitals are encouraging all players to get real accounts, so people won't be confused by fake ones. Roman Polak doesn't understand that fuss. [WaPo]
Which rookies will make an impact this season? Here's a guess at 10. [Puck Daddy]
Nikolai Zherdev talks about leaving the NHL for the KHL. [Puck Daddy]

Other links

This is a really cool blog about letters that deserve more attention. [Letters of Note]
Some good tips for first dates. [Maxim]
Some really bad food names. [Stupid Idiots]
Pedo Bear makes me laugh. [Holy Taco]
From some guy named "Sean Gallagher." Enjoy "Awkward Facebook likes. [CollegeHumor]

Video

The boss man Mr. Gallagher sent along a bunch of videos. This one made me laugh. From Senor Gallagher: "This has no relevance to the site, but it makes me laugh every time. plus a friend once pointed out that this is the essential difference between boys and girls - girls could never peer pressure a friend into doing this. With boys, it's inevitable."

Trampoline Claims Latest Victim - Watch more Funny Videos

gametimelinks(at)gmail.com

Wednesday links: Derek Armstrong's Gordie Howe hat trick edition

averagejoe — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:00:52 -0000

Hockey was played last night. Now, if only it were a real game.

Blues news

T.J. Oshie will be on the Wednesday radio show broadcasting LIVE from O.B. Clarks. [Blues]
Chris Kerber is chatting. Check back daily for this. Larry Pleau talked Tuesday. [Blues]
Excitement for the Blues is back. For those who didn't give up on the time (most of the people on this site) it's kinda bittersweet. Instead of die-hards packing the house its assbags who still think Paul Kariya is good. Oh well, at least the team is good. [Stltoday.com]
You may have heard, Andy Murray is given an extra year. [Stltoday.com]
With a goal, assist and fight in the 3-1 pre-season win, Derek Armstrong is making a case to make the big club. Sigh. [Belleville News-Democrat]
Pre-season story: Surprising player attempts to prove he's not a fluke. Meet Brad Winchester. [Belleville News-Democrat]
Chris Mason is getting a bobblehead. [OurSports Central]

Hockey news

Hockey was played last night. [Scores]
Bret Hedican is calling it quits. I remember him when he wore the Blue Note. [StarTribune.com]
The Coyotes, without its coach, won a split squad game. This team is a sideshow, which is a shame because I kind of like some of the players. They could be quietly decent. [TSN]
Jonas Gustavsson has a heart procedure. Not good times. [TSN]
Andrei Markov is NOT the Canadiens captain. [TSN]
ESPN looks West. [ESPN]
And East. [ESPN]
Should the Predators go after Phil Kessel, and if they should, what should they offer. [On the Forecheck]

Other links

Kanye West is the newest internet meme. [I'mma Let You Finish]
Holy shit its Green Man! [College Humor]
Is the word the name of a cheese ... or a font. [Cheese or Font]
If you printed the internet ... well, you'd be a fucking dork. A dork with a lot of porn. [CreativeCloud]
This guy doesn't really look like Peter Griffin, but he thinks he does. [BBC]
Smartest man ever? Smartest man ever. (From Classic17) [Jalopnik]

Video

SEND VIDEOS! I can't find anything good, so I'm going to go with an old standby: the greatest music video of all time (sorry Kanye). If this video doesn't make your day, we can't be friends.

gametimelinks(at)gmail.com.

Blues' Training Camp Roster

gallagher — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 14:00:27 -0000

Camp opens today with some basic on-ice work starting at 11 am at the rink at The Mills. The whole schedule can be viewed at the Blues' site and if past experiences are any indicator, expect all of these open practices to be packed to the rafters. The team has invited 58 players to the camp and that number will likely be culled very quickly as the first pre-season game is Tuesday and the regular season team will be jetting off to Sweden in just a couple weeks.

We'll update this list as players are released, returned to their junior squads or sent to Peoria.

Centers:

Derek Armstrong: Recently signed after six seasons in Los Angeles, the Andy Murray-favorite is playing for an NHL job.

Patrik Berglund: Clearly has a spot on the team, he'll be playing to determine his role on the top two lines and power play unit.

Nicholas Drazenovic: The 22-year-old Blues draft pick is trying to break through the AHL/NHL bubble.

Lars Eller: The former first rounder is hoping to make the NHL team

Jay McClement: Silent Jay has locked down the title of "Franchise Checking Center" and the job is his to lose for the forseeable future.

Andy McDonald: NHLer who has the top line job unless he fails to impress.

Philip McRae: Blues second rounder looking to impress for the future.

Cam Paddock: A 26-year-old AHLer who got a cup of coffee here last year and is looking to make sure his name is considered for call-up if the need arrives.

Brett Sonne: High-profile draftee who is looking to impress.

Yan Stastny: Riding the AHL/NHL bubble, Stastny needs to break out of the pack of similar players on the roster if he wants to get out of Peoria.

Julian Talbot: The 24-year-old AHLer will be trying to turn heads for a possible call-up.

Keith Tkachuk: NHLer who we still can't believe is lining up at center after only 16 years as an NHL left wing.

Number of NHL jobs available at center: Zero (McDonald, Berglund, McClement, Tkachuk). Position changes will be necessary for someone else to make the roster.

Potential to upset the list: Armstrong, a noted Murray favorite. Eller, if not for recently-diagnosed mononucleosis, would have had a shot.

Right Wings:

David Backes: David Backes is all that is man. After his breakout 31-goal campaign, he's playing for top-line consideration.

Brad Boyes: Will we hear again this year that Boyes' goal is to hit the net more rather than trying to pick corners and missing the goal completely? Because that's what we really want to hear. Again.

Adam Cracknell: The 24-year-old free agent signee has bounced around the AHL and ECHL since being drafted in the 9th round by Cal and Gary back in 2004.

B.J. Crombeen: The Beej is playing to determine his role; would have to pass through waivers to go to Peoria.

Cam Janssen: NHLer whose role probably needs to be better defined. Is he competing with DJ King or will they both stay on the roster?

James Livingston: 2008 draftee (3rd round) who has no more junior eligibility and is playing to make the Rivermen.

Aaron Palushaj: 2007 second rounder who has impressed at every turn and is playing to put his name in the mouths of the NHL coaching staff.

Ryan Reaves: 2005 fifth rounder is playing for a job in Peoria.

Tyler Shattock: Fourth rounder from this summer in his first camp with the Blues, he's likely on the ECHL/AHL bubble.

Number of NHL jobs available at right wing: Zero (Backes, Boyes, Crombeen, Janssen). Position changes will be necessary for someone else to make the roster.

Potential to upset the list: Palushaj. Likely a Peoria stud this year, he has excelled at every level since being drafted, including the recent Prospect Tournament in Traverse City.

Left Wings:

Paul Kariya: On the roster.

D.J. King: The question is what roles he and Cam Janssen will be given. Will they fight for one job? Can both make the team?

Mitch Love: Undrafted 25-year-old AHL/ECHL veteran on a tryout with the team.

T.J. Oshie: Just a question of what line the Teej is playing on come opening day. Will he get power play time? Penalty kill?

Anthony Peluso: 2007 sixth rounder playing for the first time on a professional team. Will it be in Alaska or Peoria?

David Perron: NHLer playing to determine his role. Likely to get power play time this year as well.

Chris Porter: The 25-year-old got six games in a Bluenote last year and will be looking to impress for consideration for call-up from the AHL if needed.

Alexander Steen: NHLer who is either a great checking line forward or who still has potential to become a scoring line winger (though that would likely have to be on another team).

Barry Tallackson: Former Golden Gopher with 20 NHL games on his resume, recently-signed Tallackson is likely Peoria-bound.

Brad Winchester: Recently re-signed, a spot on the NHL team his his to lose.

Number of NHL jobs available at left wing: Two less than zero (Kariya, King, Oshie, Perron, Steen, Winchester).

Potential to upset the list: None.

Defense:

Brendan Bell: Recently signed free agent with 101 NHL games played, he'll be playing for one of the available NHL jobs on the blueline.

Eric Brewer: Captain Roboto is not ready to play due to his knee and back surgeries. His absence leaves a a job opening.

Carlo Colaiacovo: An NHL job is his to lose, as is his spot on the power play.

Mark Cundari: Playing for his first professional job, though that's likely either in Peoria or Alaska.

T.J. Fast: 2005 second rounder will likely be back in Peoria this year.

Justin Fletcher: At 26, an AHL mainstay.

Alexander Hellstrom: Dancing the ECHL/AHL line.

Barret Jackman: NHLer who will likely, thankfully, lose his power play time this year.

Erik Johnson: NHLer with something to prove. Let's see him prove it.

Jonas Junland: has an outside shot at an NHL job, but would have to really impress.

Bryce Lampman: Welcome to the AHL, Bryce. At least it's not the KHL like last year, right? Free agent signee, the 27-year-old has 10 NHL games, zero points and a minus-5.

Alex Pietrangelo: Due to his juniors-or-NHL-only situation, he'll get a very long look to make the Blues.

Roman Polak: NHLer who will be battling for time on the power play and penalty kill.

Brett Ponich: Second rounder from this summer who was a big off-the-board pick is on the ECHL/AHL bubble.

Danny Richmond: 2003 second rounder of the Blackhawks, the window is closing on Richmond's NHL dream. A perfect camp will be required to avoid going to Peoria.

Tyson Strachan: Fairly impressive in limited NHL service last year, Strachan has an outside chance at one of the available jobs on the Blues' defensive corps.

Darryl Sydor: Cup-winner (Lightning, Stars) veteran of 17 NHL seasons, Sydor is in camp on a tryout and likely has a good chance at winning a job due to Brewer's injury. Unsigned, however, means he could receive an offer from any other team at any time.

Ryan Turek: 2006 fourth rounder, Turek is on the Alaska/Peoria bubble.

Adrian Veideman: A 26-year-old on a tryout who is so far off the grid that not even TSN's exhaustive list has info on him. At first, we thought the Blues had invited the World's Smartest Man to camp. Which would be cool, except that we'd rather have Rorschach on the roster than that fucking prima donna Ozymandias.

Steve Wagner: Look, we're big fans of Dancin' Stevie Wagner, but he's definitely on the outside looking in on the battle for an open spot on the pro roster. He'll likely be a late cut, sent back to Peoria.

Mike Weaver: The journeyman NHLer is nonetheless, an NHLer. A solid depth defenseman who is remarkably effective on the penalty kill, Monkey Arms is on the Blues roster unless he inexplicably implodes during camp.

Number of NHL jobs available on defense: Two (Colaiacovo, Jackman, Johnson, Polak, Weaver; with Brewer on IR).

Most likely to win the jobs (in order of likelihood): Sydor, Pietrangelo, Bell.

Outside shots: Strachan, Junland, Fast.

Goaltenders:

Jake Allen: The latest goalie in the Blues' system to carry the mantle of "The Future In Net," Allen will have to wait for the future to take the ice in St. Louis.

Ben Bishop: It's all but official that Bishop will be the starter in Peoria, gaining minutes, experience and training under the bleary, semi-watchful eyes of new goaltending consultant Eddie Belfour. A man, not insignificantly, who was probably serenaded by a younger Ben Bishop in a chorus of "Beeeelllllllll-Fooooooouuuuuuur!" chants. Weird.

Ty Conklin: The summer signee de facto backup NHLer. Will he be content to be the designated door-opener or is he going to push for the starter's job? You know, like last year's back-up, Weird Beard Mason, did to last year's starter Manny Legace....

Sebastian Dahm: On a tryout, we hope Dahm does a sweet Sebastian Bach impression. There are jobs available in the organization and this Dane would probably like one of them.

Chris Mason: The Starter. Is he going to be as unreal as he was down the stretch last year or will he start looking over his shoulder with Conklin in the fold?

Hannu Toivonen: Not a typo. When Ears exploded a couple years ago and fled to Europe we all figured that would be the last we'd see of the Finn. But he's back and he's hoping to re-start his NHL career. At just 25 years of age, we suppose it's possible. But we're skeptical. And gunshy.

Number of NHL jobs available in goal: Zero (Mason, Conklin). Bishop will be the starter in peoria and the guy called up if injuries occur.

Potential to upset the list: None. Too much money is invested in the top two guys and too much icetime will be given to Bishop and Allen at their respective levels to change this list.

If you're going to the practices and looking for a more statistical breakdown, print out the official Blues roster of the event.

Wednesday links: Welcome to Peoria, Mr. Armstrong edition

averagejoe — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:31:04 -0000

Man doing the links two days in a row is tough. Hope you enjoy.

Blues news

I really hope Alex Pietrangelo doesn't become a douche who dates super models and hurts his knee. [Blues]
The bearded one, Chris Mason, will be on the radio tonight. [Blues]
The Blues are enthused. So am I. Hockey is back. [Stltoday.com]
Want to know about "wealthy Aboriginal hockey stars set for National Hockey League training camps to open?" Click here. Oh and Dwayne (D.J.) King is included. [Grassroots News]
Stuff you know: Derek Armstrong is a Blue. [Belleville News-Democrat]
Don't worry too much about Armstrong, looks like hes heading to Peoria. [pjstar.com]

Hockey news

It's the NHL vs. Jim Balsillie. Please, Hockey God, make it stop. [TSN]
Oh how far Sister Christian Backman has fallen. [NHL.com]
I don't understand why there is so much talk about Phil Kessel, a player out until December. Let him prove he's healthy before giving him a fat, long-term deal. [TSN]
William "Boots" Del Baggio III, former owner of the Predators, is going to a federal-pound-me-in-the-ass prison. [TSN]
Judging by his mugshot, don't fuck with the new Senior Vice President and Director of Officiating Terry Gregson. [TSN]
Should we get together and buy this? [NHL.com]
Dany Heatley is going to Ottawa. Will he whine on the way there? [SLAM! Sports]
Patrick Roy's son will stand trial for assault DURING a hockey game. [ESPN]
Nikolai Zherdev to the Thrashers? Are they trying to win? Why start now. [Bird Watchers Anonymous]
Pavol Demitra is hurt? I'm shocked. [Nucks Misconduct]

Other links

This made me laugh way, way too much. The difference between white people and black people. [The Chive]
Gotta love doodles. [Doodurls]
Wanna step into a Slim Jim? You sure about that? [Wired]
This applies to me a little too well. [iceicebabies.com]

Video

Holy shit this is the coolest dog ever.

EMBED-Smart Dog Can Shoot Pool - Watch more free videos

That's it for today. Gametimelinks(at)gmail.com. Send us stuff. PLEASE come back later. Gallagher comes out of hibernation. Don't miss it.

2009 NHL Free Agency / Teams by Cap Space / Unsigned UFA's and RFA's

Robert L — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 19:19:41 -0000

This is a listing of NHL teams by order of remaining cap space as of July 4. The Islanders top the list with approximately $23M left to spend. The Sharks have just under $2M remaining. The list is helpful in determining which team are closest to filling out their 2009-10 lineup. As one can see, there is much work to be done at both ends of the spectrum. The numbers figures are based on totals given by NHL Numbers.com.

1 - New York Islanders: $23.265 (18)

UFA: Andy Hilbert C 28, Dean McAmmond C 36, Mike Sillinger C 38, Thomas Pock D 27, Yann Danis G 28, Joey MacDonald G 29.

RFA: Nate Thompson C 24, Jeremy Colliton C 24, Jamie Fraser D 23, Jack Hillen D 23.

2 - Phoenix Coyotes: $21.972 (18)

UFA: Brian McGrattan R 27, Dmitri Kalinin D 29, Ken Klee D 38.

RFA: Nigel Dawes L 24, Joakim Lindstrom C 25, Enver Lisin R 23, Scottie Upshall R 25, Daniel Winnik C 24, Keith Yandle D 22.

3 - Atlanta Thrashers: $19.599 (15)

RFA: Eric Perrin C 33.

UFA: Kari Lehtonen G 25, Colby Armstrong R 26, Jim Slater C 26, Boris Valabik D 23.

4 - Nashville Predators: $17.913 (16)

UFA: Radek Bonk C 33, Scott Nichol C 34, Greg de Vries D 36.

RFA: Ryan Jones R 25, Antti Pihlstrom L 24,.