SB Nation - Zdeno Chara

Game Preview: Buffalo Sabres @ New York Rangers

Rafal Ladysz — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:01:38 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

3 days ago: Buffalo Sabres goalie Patrick Lalime makes a save against the Chicago Blackhawks during the second period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Friday, Dec. 11, 2009. The Sabres won 2-1. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)

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I figured I'd salute Patrick Lalime by using his photograph for our game preview today. It wasn't pretty at times but the back-up netminder gave his best Ryan Miller impression Friday evening by stopping 39 of 40 shots in a 2-1 win over his former squad, the Chicago Blackhawks. Lalime earned his first 'W' and Miller got a well deserved night off.

Tim Kennedy and Patrick Kane, who grew up in the same area of the city, each had an assist. As rewarding as claiming top spot in the Northeast Division is, the win was more about Lalime and the level of confidence he brought easing Lindy Ruff's choice to select him. Buffalo was truly shaky to start the first and third period giving him a workload which helped get him into gear.

It's back to work though as the Buffalo Sabres see the New York Rangers today. Henrik Lundqvist stole the show last week when he out-dueled Miller in a low-scoring, tight checking 2-1 result. With a few days worth of rest, the American ~~should~~ will be prepared to even the series for his team.

To our five thoughts on each squad:

First, Buffalo has scored a powerplay goal in each of the last two games after getting shutout by New Jersey to start the week. This brings them up to 17th best in the league and both tallies were because of a player standing at the front or side of the net. If they're to beat Lunqvist, more of the same is needed.
New York's found it hard to put a string of wins together. Losers in five of six, Marian Gaborik's been the one Ranger who continues to do his part in production leading the league in goals, 21, second to Joe Thornton in points and 25 per cent of their markers are courtesy of the Slovakian. It's too bad none of the others are lending a helping hand to their superstar aside from Lundqvist.
If you read my preview for the Blackhawks contest, you'll notice that I kindly asked Thomas Vanek to end his scoring drought. I even said the word 'please' which I'm sure was what brought him on the score sheet. Vanek has had goals in back-to-back matches only once all year so I'll do my best to assist him again. Please get at least one by Lundqvist tonight Thomas.
Starting off the season with a 7-1 record, the Rangers were looking sharp. But they've gone 7-13-2 since largely because of offensive inefficiencies. Averaging 28.7 shots per game (23rd worst), New York needs more from everyone else especially Vaclav Prospal who was clicking very well with Gaborik.
The Sabres are 14-2-2 when they grab that first lead and 4-7 if the opposition does. As usual, getting on the board will calm the supporters as Buffalo's protection of leads is assuring. Why wouldn't it be? We've got Miller back there, undoubtedly the best goalie in the NHL this season.
With one point in ten games, Ales Kotalik is showing why he wasn't the most preferred forward for Lindy Ruff. A powerplay weapon, the Czech can't seem to make as much of an impact during even strength play. Whatever it is, he's not our problem anymore. Speaking of former Sabres, Chris Drury has nine points on the year.
Mike Grier (personal) likely won't join the team, Chris Butler has an ankle injury and of course Paul Gaustad is working his way back from a knee issue. For New York, Brandon Dubinsky remains out recovering from a broken hand. These teams have stayed rather healthy in an injury-riddled campaign and that includes Connolly and Gaborik.
Rookie sensations Michael Del Zotto and Tyler Myers will lead their blue lines into battle. Separated by one point in rookie scoring, it's a story worth viewing as one has been compared to Brian Leetch and the other to Zdeno Chara. Myers had a helper in the first match-up.
Interesting statistic: Patrick Kaleta has thrown at least 39 more hits than all of his teammates. Maybe he'll give Kotalik and Drury a taste of the shoulder (not elbow). We can only hope.
The Rangers own a hitting machine as well. Ryan Callahan has 109 to his credit which is 37 more than the closest teammate behind him. He's third among the entire league, trailing Stephane Robidas by four and Dustin Brown by three. Well respected for his work-ethic, Callahan will be all over the ice.

Elite goaltending, rookie stand-outs, hard hitters and two healthy stars; there's much to look forward to in this meeting of two clubs heading in different directions. And Madison Square Garden will ensure a terrific atmosphere for everyone involved.

What Happened?

Chemmy — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:32:45 -0000

More photos » by Charles Krupa - AP

4 days ago: Boston Bruins defenseman Johnny Boychuk, left, checks Toronto Maple Leafs center Phil Kessel, who played for the Bruins since 2006, during the first period of their NHL hockey game in Boston, Thursday Dec. 10, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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There are a bunch of pretty simple explanations for why the Leafs got smoked tonight. To start off the Boston Bruins have a more talented group of players than the Leafs do. Tuukka Rask took a shutout into the third but didn't have a lot of work because Boston (especially Zdeno Chara) did an excellent job keeping Toronto to the perimeter of the ice and clogging up the neutral zone.

Toronto's played two games since they last met Boston, Boston stayed at home and rested. They had four days off while Toronto's played a game every other day since leaving Boston and having to come back. That's not going to get better any time soon, the Leafs play a ton of back to backs and play pretty much every other day until the Olympic break. They'll head home to play the Capitals on Saturday before playing Ottawa Monday, Phoenix Wednesday and heading to Buffalo on Friday before going back to the ACC to play Boston again in nine days.

I actually stopped writing this because Grabovski and Kulemin broke through and scored a pair to make it 3-2, but Jason Blake took his third high sticking penalty of the game, this time on Zdeno Chara, to torpedo the Leafs' effort late in the third.

Phil Kessel wasn't hugely effective; chalk it up to a Bruins team that knows not only his tendencies but also seems to be the only team that understands that he doesn't like to be hit and there's no one else on the Leafs worth covering. He hasn't scored in four games now, he needs to snap out of this before it turns into a funk. I have confidence in him, it's been a rough week.

This game was painfully boring to watch as a Leafs fan, but as Archimedies said all night if the Leafs played this style and won none of us would say a word so don't cry about it. If the Leafs were a better team they'd break through the trap and generate chances.If JFJ hadn't traded Rask and two first rounders for fringe NHLers in Toskala (who wasn't the problem tonight but didn't do anything to make me think he's competent either) and Raycroft we wouldn't be adrift praying for wins but here we are.

On the bright side Toronto's 6-3-1 in their last ten though and that's not terrible at all. The busy schedule might work in Toronto's favor if they can rattle off a few quick wins before facing Boston again. The good news is there are four games left to play against the Bruins and three of them are in Toronto. We'll have our revenge eventually.

Savard's hat trick helps Bruins skate past Toronto 7-2 in #81's return to The Hub

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 03:44:37 -0000

More photos » by Michael Dwyer - AP

9 days ago: Boston Bruins' Marc Savard, center, celebrates his hat trick in the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, in Boston. The Bruins won 7-2. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

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The Bruins were able to skate past the Toronto Maple Leafs with ease in a game that featured 9 goals and plenty of rough stuff. This game was supposed to be all about the Leafs off-season addition, but it was former Leafs property Tuukka Rask and newly-extended Bruin Marc Savard who shined the brightest tonight. Savard recorded his third career hat trick, while Rask (31 saves) continuously shutdown the Leafs all night long.

The Bruins jumped out to an early lead 5:28 into the game when Derek Morris' shot from the blue line was tipped by Patrice Bergeron and then deflected again by Marco Sturm for Sturm's 9th goal of the season.

Shawn Thornton and Colton Orr dropped the gloves immediately on the ensuing face-off. The heavyweight bout fittingly ended in a draw. The only losers in this one were the hometown fans that were exposed to Colton Orr's creepy 'stache.

The Leafs' attempt to swing the momentum with fisticuffs didn't pay off as the B's found the back just moments later at 6:01 when Marc Savard jumped on a juicy rebound just lying in the slot and put it home for the early 2-0 lead.

The rough stuff continued a few moments later when Mark Stuart and Jamal Mayers shed the mittens as they were trailing the play. Mayers landed some quick shots and took Stuart down to the ice. Stuart got back up and wanted to continue the bout, but the linesmen quickly stepped in. Somehow the combatants only received 2 minutes each for roughing.

The Bruins extended their lead to 3-0 2:09 into the second period after #81 turned the puck over in his own zone and Zdeno Chara uncorked a slapper from the blue line that deflected off the stick of Leafs defenseman Francois Beauchemin and past Joey MacDonald.

Early in the middle period, Blake Wheeler pushed Ian White from behind into the endboards. A few shifts later, Colton Orr tried to send a message to Blake Wheeler and jumped him. Orr was tagged with 2 minutes for roughing and two minutes for interference for his actions.

The B's made it 4-0 with a power play goal with 5:15 remaining in the second period. Michael Ryder had the puck in "Gretzky's office" and a fed a pass out to Marc Savard, who found the back of the net for his second of the night.

After giving up 4 goals on 23 shots in the first two periods, Joey MacDonald was lifted in favor of Vesa Toskala to start the third period.

Mark Recchi's 550th career goal made it 5-0 Bruins at 6:36 of the third period. Patrice Bergeron weaved his way through the Leafs defense and left a short pass for Recchi near the crease before Recchi directed the puck past Toskala for the milestone marker.

Johnny Boychuk's first NHL goal on a one-time slapper made it 6-0 at 12:26 of the third period.

The Bruins struck again just 19 seconds later when Marc Savard's shot from the right wing half wall found the back of the net for his 3rd career hat trick and a flurry of hats came raining down on the ice at The Garden.

Steve Begin and Jamal Mayers squared off as soon as the puck drop after Savard's goal. Mayers got in a few early scoring blows, but Begin scored the takedown.

Toronto finally got on the board with 4:14 remaining to take the shutout away from Tuukka Rask. Matt Stajan set up behind the net and sent a pass to Niklas Hagman at the right circle, who beat Rask for the first time on the night.

Andrew Ference and Lee Stempniak got into after Stempniak ran Johnny Boychuk from behind and Ference came to the aid of his teammate. Ference and Stempniak each received double minors for roughing, while Wayne Primeau received a 10 minute misconduct, presumably for being the third man in on the altercation.

The Leafs cut the lead to 7-2 with 2:02 left in the game as Mikhail Grabovski deflected a Luke Schenn shot past Rask to account for the final score.

Final - 12.5.2009	1	2	3	Total
Toronto Maple Leafs	0	0	2	2
Boston Bruins	2	2	3	7

Complete Coverage >

Notes:

- #81 was booed and jeered by The Garden fans every time he touched the puck tonight.

- #81 finished the night with 16:28 of ice time and was a -3 on the night with 1 shot on goal and 2 take-aways, including one that led directly to Zdeno Chara's goal.

- Is there anyone left out there that doubts that Tuukka Rask is ready to play at the NHL level?

- Marc Savard became the first Bruin since #81 to record a hat trick.

- Zdeno Chara was +4 on the night with a goal and an assist

- 5 Bruins had multi-point games (Savard, Chara, Bergeron, Sturm and Bitz)

- Patrice Bergeron dominated in the face-off circle again tonight winning 75% of his 20 draws.

- Tuukka Rask got his 2nd assist of the season on Mark Recchi's 550th career NHL goal.

"Obviously, we didn't play well tonight. I didn't play well. I don't know what else to say... There was pressure, but that was probably the worst game I have played in a while."

- #81

"I love our fans, so give it to him more. I could care less"

- Shawn Thornton on B's fans booing #81

- In a scheduling quirk, the Bruins will meet the Maple Leafs again at TD Garden on Thursday night. The B's are off until then, but the Leafs will travel home for two games against the Thrashers and Islanders before heading back to Boston for a re-match with the B's.

3 Stars (as selected by 98.5 The Sports Hub)
1st Star: Marc Savard (Hat Trick)
2nd Star: Patrice Bergeron (2 assists, +2, 75% on face-offs)
3rd Star: Tuuka Rask (31 saves on 33 shots, assist)

Andrej Sekera Resembles Dan Boyle

Rafal Ladysz — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 19:12:24 -0000

More photos » by David Duprey - AP

2 months ago: Buffalo Sabres' Andrej Sekera (44) battles for the puck with Phoenix Coyotes' Matthew Lombardi (15) during the second period of the NHL hockey game in Buffalo, N.Y., Thursday, Oct. 8, 2009. (AP Photo/ David Duprey)

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Trying to follow in the foot steps of someone can be a fitting procedure for setting goals. Learning from the highs and lows of others is priceless because it provides an idea of what possibly lies ahead. While matching the accomplishments of someone you model yourself after may be a little too much to ask, it's the similarities in style that often present themselves.

Dan Boyle is 33 years-of-age, a Stanley Cup winner with the Tampa Bay Lightning and remains one of the supreme offensive defensemen in the NHL. Ten years younger, Andrej Sekera is just scratching the surface in his career as a member of the Buffalo Sabres. They may be at different points in their lives but the correspondence is unmistakable.

Rich Peverley has earned comparisons to Mike Richards. Tyler Myers is literally being sized up alongside Zdeno Chara. It's Sekera's turn to be put under the microscope revealing just how equivalent the Slovakian is to the veteran defender.

Dan Boyle

#22 / Defenseman / San Jose Sharks

Height: 5-11

Weight: 190

Born: Jul 12, 1976

Before Boyle established himself, he was a smaller rearguard climbing into a full-time position. Undrafted and signed by the Florida Panthers in 1998, 35 games is all the big club offered him in two seasons. Following those moments spent mostly in the AHL, he was presented as a regular in 2000.

Recording 22 points in 69 games, Boyle was sent to Tampa Bay the next year in exchange for a fifth-round pick (Martin Tuma) who hasn't received an NHL debut; talk about a steal. Things really took off for the Ottawa native with the Lightning where he exploded for 253 points in 394 games during six campaigns of service.

Now in San Jose, Boyle scored 16 goals and 41 assists in his debut with the Sharks last season. A two-time All-Star, his fluent movement, vision and presence on the powerplay have him totaling points that most forwards wish they could grasp.

Andrej Sekera

#44 / Defenseman / Buffalo Sabres

Height: 6-0

Weight: 197

Born: Jun 08, 1986

Sekera was actually a few years younger when he starred in an NHL contest compared to Boyle. Having played 39 games in two years with the Sabres to get his foot through the door, it sounds akin to his counterpart's beginnings on Florida.

If that doesn't ring an alarm, this will: both players played 69 games in their third year compiling totals within range of each other (Boyle had 22 points, Sekera 19). With five points in 15 matches, the young blue-liner is on pace for 23 points this season. In his fourth season, Boyle contributed 26 points and really came into his own as a fifth-year pro with that first 53-point outburst.

To recap those massive correlations, here are the numbers.

Seasons 1 and 2: Boyle (35 games played, three goals, eight assists, 11 points). Sekera (39 games played, two goals, six assists, eight points).

Season 3: Boyle (69 games played, four goals, 18 assists, 22 points). Sekera (69 games played, three goals, 16 assists, 19 points).

Season 4: Boyle (66 games played, eight goals, 18 assists, 26 points). Sekera (on pace for 72 games played, four goals, 19 assists, 23 points).

Sekera also uses his speed to get out of trouble like Boyle and reacts calmly to unpredictable situations. Continuing to grow in his role on the powerplay, he too can set-up teammates or pinch in with the puck. If their parallel methods aren't convincing enough to indicate the similarities, the numbers don't lie.

To repeat what I stated earlier, Boyle didn't have a gigantic offensive year until season five. From the looks of the statistics, the 23-year-old Sabres defenseman has duplicated his approach. Should it continue, maintain a watch on Andrej Sekera in 2010-2011 because it could be his break-out campaign.

Bruins breeze past Lightning 4-1

Stanley Cup of Chowder — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:00:44 -0000

More photos » by Elise Amendola - AP

12 days ago: Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) reacts after scoring against Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Mike Smith and center Steven Stamkos (91) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Boston on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

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Marco Sturm (2 goals), Patrice Bergeron (1 goal, 2 assists) and Mark Recchi (3 assists) led the way offensively for the Bruins, while Tim Thomas held down the fort with 39 saves on 40 shots as the B's downed the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 at TD Garden.

The Bruins took a 1-0 lead 8:05 into the game when Marc Savard potted his 200th career NHL goal on a backhand wrap around, which Savard admitted was actually a pass attempt that found its way into the back of the net (that's what you call "Puck Luck"). Derek Morris and Zdeno Chara picked up helpers on the power play goal.

Patrice Begeron made it 2-0 with 5:57 left in the opening period when he put home a rebound off Chara's shot from the point.

Marco Sturm made it 3-0 when he jammed home a puck that Bolts goalie Mike Smith couldn't cover up. Mark Recchi and Sturm were hacking away at the puck and it was hard to tell who got a stick on the puck, but the official scorer credited Sturm with the goal. Recchi and Begeron added assists on the goal.

Marco Sturm extended the Bruins' lead to 4-0 just 2:31 later when Patrice Bergeron carried the puck on the right wing side of the ice along the goalline and fed a beautiful centering pass to Sturm, who was going hard to the net.

The Lightning pulled to within three 1:27 into the third period on a put-back in front by Jeff Halpern.

The Bruins were able to hold the lead the rest of the way and skated away with a 4-1 win.

Final - 12.2.2009	1	2	3	Total
Tampa Bay Lightning	0	0	1	1
Boston Bruins	2	2	0	4

Complete Coverage >

Notes:

- The teams combined for 79 shots (Boston: 39 Tampa Bay: 40)

- Marco Sturm put 9 shots on goal.

- The Bruins won the battle at the face-off dot 34-24. Patrice Bergeron won 14 of 19 (74%), while Marc Savard won 12 of 15 (80%).

- Sturm, Bergeron, Recchi, Chara, and Morris were all +3 on the night.

- Vladimir Sobotka left the game with a presumed injury and only logged 7:14 of ice time.

- The B's have a big weekend ahead of them. They will travel to Montreal to play the Canadiens on Friday night in their 100th anniversary game (apparently the Quebecois calender considers January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010 to be one year). The B's will then return home to take on #81 and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

3 Stars (as picked by 98.5 The Sports Hub)
1st Star: Marco Sturm (2 goals, +3, 9 shots)
2nd Star:Patrice Bergeron (goal, 2 assists, +3)
3rd Star:Mark Recchi (3 assists, +3)

The NHL's top defensive defencemen

James Mirtle — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:56:24 -0000

More photos » by Chris Carlson - AP

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As with the top defensive forwards list, this is the same Rod Langway Award business I've been putting out for a couple years now. It ranks players defensively based on (a) quality of competition at even strength, (b) goals against per minute played at even strength and (c) goals against per minute played on the penalty kill.

Players also have to have played at least 15 games and fill a significant role on their team's shorthanded unit. Credit, as always, to Behind The Net for the data.

Here are the top 25 a little past the quarter-way mark:

	NAME	TEAM	GP	QCMP	EVGA/60	SHGA/60
1	CHRIS PRONGER	PHI	24	0.12	1.38	4.41
2	DUNCAN KEITH	CHI	25	0.14	1.59	4.12
3	JAY BOUWMEESTER	CGY	26	0.08	1.39	4.51
4	ROMAN POLAK	STL	24	0.12	1.71	5.06
5	PAVEL KUBINA	ATL	23	0.06	1.71	3.38
6	MIKE MOTTAU	N.J	23	0.09	1.69	5.00
7	COLIN WHITE	N.J	24	0.11	2.06	4.63
8	JEFF SCHULTZ	WSH	20	0.09	1.38	6.08
9	NICK LIDSTROM	DET	26	0.08	2.15	3.83
10	MIKE WEAVER	STL	23	0.03	1.12	4.38
11	BRENT SEABROOK	CHI	23	0.17	1.50	6.84
12	M-E VLASIC	S.J	28	0.13	2.51	3.01
13	ROB BLAKE	S.J	17	0.18	2.58	3.85
14	ED JOVANOVSKI	PHX	18	0.08	2.35	1.24
15	MILAN JURCINA	WSH	20	0.16	2.26	5.60
16	NIKLAS HJALMARSSON	CHI	25	0.04	1.56	5.02
17	ANDY SUTTON	NYI	26	0.08	1.60	6.26
18	ZBYNEK MICHALEK	PHX	17	0.07	1.92	5.53
19	ZDENO CHARA	BOS	26	0.23	2.65	4.97
20	RADEK MARTINEK	NYI	16	0.10	1.81	6.47
21	DARRYL SYDOR	STL	18	0.05	1.19	6.75
22	CHRISTIAN EHRHOFF	VAN	26	-0.06	1.31	3.52
23	GREG ZANON	MIN	24	0.06	1.81	6.31
24	JOSH GORGES	MTL	26	-0.05	1.39	3.91
25	WILLIE MITCHELL	VAN	26	0.15	1.85	7.85

Pronger, Keith, Bouwmeester — sure, those are all names synonymous with tough defence. But how about Mike Weaver? Or Pavel Kubina?

It's early, but all of these players are playing significant defensive roles on their teams. Some benefit from having a great goaltender behind them, but there are a lot of blueliners here from weak teams, too.

Someone like Weaver, who has a really low profile, is considered by his coach a pretty big part of shutting down top opposition:

"I'd say Weaver is one of our best puck-movers," Murray said. "He's not a finisher, but in terms of moving the puck out of our zone and putting it in the hands of our forwards, he's pretty good. He's not a guy that contributes on the offensive side. But what is an amazing stat, he's plus-5. And for quite a while there, he and Roman (Polak) were playing the top line on every team. He's a plus-5."

Those are the sorts of guys I'm trying to highlight here, and for the most part, I think this works — even if there are some surprises. The real test is which guys can maintain play like this all season.

SBNation's 2010 Winter Olympics Coverage: Rangers Edition

Joe Fortunato — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 12:00:18 -0000

More photos » by Paul Beaty - AP

4 months ago: Chicago Blackhawks player Patrick Kane looks on before reading a statement to the media before the U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Orientation Camp in Woodridge, Il., Monday, Aug. 17, 2009. AP Photo/Paul Beaty)

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Continuing with SBNation's awesome coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver today we bring you the potential Rangers who could find themselves playing for their countries come February.

Pack your bags:

Marian Gaborik: It should be no surprise that Gaborik will represent his native country of Slovokia for the Olympics. He joins a star stuttered cast along with Marian Hossa, Zdeno Chara, Pavol Demitra and Andrej Meszaros although of the entire team he is by far the most productive thus far this year. Gaborik is at the top in the NHL in goals and second in points and the Rangers couldn't be happier; and neither can Slovokia.

Henrik Lundqvist: Again this should be no surprise, especially after Lundqvist back-stopped Sweden to a goal medal four years ago in Italy. Lundqvist isn't having the greatest of starts but that is in no way a reflection of his play. He has been his usual all-world self and has kept the Rangers in nearly every game they play. He has been brilliant (even though his numbers wont attest to it) and will be starting for Team Sweden in 2010.

Chris Drury: Yeah a shocker here but what can you say? Drury is having his worst statistical year ever (by a mile) and is doing few things right for the New York Rangers. But on a personal note his face-off prowess and his defensive game along with the potential for him to score big goals (maybe it's the Rangers) puts him on the roster. Plus he brings much needed leadership to the table and after his performance last year in the Victoria cup I'm not going to argue with his international play.

Nearly a Lock:

Vaclav Prospal: Prospal is having one of the best years of his career in the NHL working with perennial superstar Marian Gaborik. Although this truly is a star stuttered team, including former Ranger superstar Jaromir Jagr, I think Prospal might be playing himself into a spot. Since Prospal is a swing-man, can play both LW and C, I can see him making this team pretty convincingly.

In a Battle:

Ryan Callahan: Although his play isn't much different than last years (his heart and his hustle) his numbers are in severe decline. John Tortorella attests it to him being "snake-bitten" and I hope that's the case but he may actually be playing himself off the American team with his current numbers. Here is one Ranger fan hoping that doesn't happen.

Brandon Dubinsky: Was on pace to break his record for points in a season (barley) before his injury. Currently he has been out for over two weeks and he will probably be out another two weeks before hes playing again. He was being looked at before the injury but he will have to work real hard to make the squad.

Work to do:

Ales Kotalik: On a personal note his five on five play will be the Achilles heel to his chances of making the Czech Republic team. While he is on pace to have one of the best years of his career, and has been a power play monster he has been horrible at even strength. I doubt he makes the team, there is too much talent on that roster to fit him, but he has a chance.

Marc Staal: Was invited to the team Canada's national team try-out. His play has dropped off a little this season (although it is currently on the upswing) and his offensive numbers might hurt his chances. Although at the end of the day, there are simply so many defenseman for team Canada it is difficult for anyone to make the squad. I say in four years he makes the team but right now I don't see it happening.

Chris Higgins: Too bad he is having a rough year stat's wise because his play has been much better than his numbers show. Regardless I don't know if he is even on team U.S.A's radar but if he is he is going to need to start scoring some goals and soon.

Moving up:

Michael Del Zotto: There ~~is no~~ isn't much of a chance that he makes the Canadian team this year although if he keeps up at this pace he might be really considered in four years. Plus he will only be 23 then and will be much more mature. Keep it up Zots!

Moving Down:

Sean Avery: Not for lack of skill (or if you are not a Rangers fan effectiveness) on the ice I doubt Avery ever makes an Olympic team, especially team Canada's. I have always wanted to see him in the Olympics however and I am always disappointed after.

Michal Rozsival: Not sure I need to go too deep into details here. His play has dropped off the map considerably, and has dropped off enough to put him out of contention for the Czech Republic's blueline. Sorry Rozy.

Top ten games in Ottawa Senators history

PeterR — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:00:13 -0000

Droves of Ottawa Senators fans get ready for Game Three of the 2007 Stanley Cup Final between the Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks. The game would be the Senators' lone victory in the series, and one of the most memorable games in team history. (Peter Raaymakers, Silver Seven)

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Over the course of their 17-season history, the Ottawa Senators have put up some pretty exciting games. It remains to be seen if we'll get to see any top-ten worthy matchups this season, but we've certainly witnessed some great efforts from the teams Ottawa has iced over that time. Looking back, I've put together a list of the top ten games in the history of the franchise (at least this version; I didn't include games from the last-century Senators because, well, I didn't see any). The criteria are simple: Big games. Whether strong efforts, meaningful situations, or just all-around exciting, there were no pre-qualifiers to disqualify any games.

So, without further ado, here goes the list (with video, where available), starting from the bottom:

10. Nov. 2, 2005: Havlat and Alfredsson each score four as Ottawa romps Buffalo 10-4

Really the only meaningless regular-season game on the list, it was still a damn exciting game. Four goals for Daniel Alfredsson, four for Martin Havlat (who had just returned from a five-game suspension for kicking Hal Gill) and two for Dany Heatley (who, at this point, was still enjoying a honeymoon period in Ottawa). And Alfredsson waited until both Heatley and Havlat were done scoring, netting all four of his goals in the last 13 minutes of the game. It was also against the hated Buffalo Sabres, and it was in Buffalo, although it would be little solace when Buffalo ousted the Senators in the 2006 Eastern Conference Final later that season.

(Read the rest of the list after the jump... )

9. April 11, 2007: Senators soundly beat Penguins 6-3 in season playoff debut

This was, to me, a statement game. Sure, the Senators were technically favourites over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but there were plenty of doubters who'd picked the Pens to beat Ottawa in the series, especially after Ottawa went 5-8-1 in the last 14 games of the season. The Sens came out like gangbusters in an exciting Game One, though, with Andrej Meszaros scoring less than two minutes into the game and going up 3-0 before Pittsburgh even got a sniff on the scoresheet. Ottawa set the tone for the series, and went on to win in just five games.

8. May 2, 2002: Senators rout Maple Leafs 5-0 to go up 1-0 in Eastern Conference semi-final

It is with great scepticism that I include a playoff victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on this list (let alone two of them), since there's no doubt about what the series result was after this victory. But on this occasion, thanks in large part to 12 powerplay opportunities, the Senators took the play to Toronto in the series-opener, notching three goals before the end of the first and trying to suggest that, if the Leafs play physically punishing hockey, the Sens will just put up the PP points and make Toronto pay. An overtime loss the following game, though, and some very strong play from Curtis Joseph meant the Senators would eventually fall in the seven-game series.

7. June 2, 2007: Senators beat Anaheim Ducks in game three of the Stanley Cup Finals

Again, a bittersweet victory considering our knowledge of the series outcome, but the Senators' game three victory over the Ducks in the 2007 Stanley Cup Final was a huge one at the time. After dropping the first two games on the road, Ottawa bounced back with a strong win at home, coming back from 1-0 and 2-1 deficits during the course of the game to take the game by a final score of 5-3. Dean McAmmond scored the eventual game-winner before leaving with a concussion after getting an elbow to the chops from Chris Pronger, but the Senators couldn't take advantage of the fact that Pronger was supended for game four, and lost the series in five.

6. April 18, 2004: Fisher scores OT winner against Toronto to force seventh game in quarter-finals

Mike Fisher's legend as a clutch performer took a big step forward with this overtime game-winning goal, and the Senators made a huge statement in the come-from-behind victory. With the Senators down 3-2 in the series, Toronto Maple Leafs defender Bryan McCabe gave Toronto a 1-0 lead on an early powerplay, but Patrick Lalime, who made 45 saves on the night, kept the Senators in the game until Zdeno Chara, who had been having a monster of a game, could finally solve Ed Belfour to force overtime. Both teams traded chances in the first overtime, although neither could solve the opposing goaltender, until Fisher fired a wrister past Belfour only 1:47 into the second overtime period to force a seventh and decisive game in the Eastern Conference Quarter-Finals. Unfortunately, for all the good Lalime did in game six, he bombed in a game seven that gives Senators fans nightmares to this day, and Ottawa would lose the series.

5. May 21, 2003: Ottawa wins 2-1 in overtime to force decisive game seven in ECF versus New Jersey

Speaking of clutch performers, Chris Phillips has built himself a strong reputation as one, too, and that got a lot of help on this night back in 2003. With the Senators just having fought off elimination but still down 3-2 against the New Jersey Devils, the teams traded powerplay goals in regulation to send the game to overtime. Lalime and Martin Brodeur went save-for-save for much of the game, until late in the first overtime, Chris Phillips was able to put the puck past Brodeur to set the Senators up for a game seven, all-or-nothing grudge match two days later. Unfortunately, again, the Senators weren't able to follow up with another victory, and Jeff Friesen (among the most hated names in Ottawa Senators history) scored late to move New Jersey on to the Stanley Cup Finals, where they defeated the Might Ducks and won the big prize.

4. May 2, 1998: Senators defeat New Jersey 3-1 to clinch their first playoff-series victory

No one could have predicted this one. The Senators barely made it into the playoffs, finishing in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, while the Devils finished far-and-away in first place in the East, nine points up on the second-place Penguins. The Devils had Martin Brodeur in net, while the Senators countered with Damian Rhodes. Thanks to Rhodes' goaltending, though, and some strong play from Alexei Yashin, the Senators upset the Devils in six games to move on to the second round.

3. Oct. 8, 1992: Senators defeat Montreal Canadiens 5-2 in franchise's first-ever game

Mostly here for sentimental reasons, the Senators had little going for them during their inaugural season. They finished with a 10-70-4 record, last place in the league with only 24 points. At the start of the season, though, the Senators must have been running on fumes, as they beat the Canadiens--who would be the eventual Stanley Cup champions--in the team's first-ever game. Neil Brady scored the first goal in Ottawa Senators history (one of nine goals he would score in his NHL career), and Sylvain Turgeon scored the eventual game winner. The win gave some hope that the team might do alright on the year, but that hope ended fairly quickly afterwards.

2. April 12, 1997: Senators defeat Sabres 1-0 to secure first playoff berth

The 1996-97 season was a turning point for the Ottawa Senators franchise, in which the Senators significantly improved their on-ice play under the tutelage of head coach Jacques Martin. They had a 36-point improvement over the previous year, and set themselves up for a win-and-your-in final game of the season against the Buffalo Sabres. With just minutes left in the game, Alexei Yashin broke into the Sabres' zone to set up Steve Duchesne, whose wrist shot got past Dominik Hasek to give Ottawa all they would need for a 1-0 victory (not to take anything away from Ron Tugnutt's impressive shutout victory). With the win, Ottawa notched seven victories in their final nine games, good enough to get them into the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference and into the playoffs.

1. May 19, 2007: Ottawa defeats Buffalo 3-2 in overtime to win first-ever Eastern Conference Championship

There is little that has to be said about this game, because it's so fresh in the minds of all Ottawa Senators fans. Just a year after being eliminated by the Sabres, the Senators were back facing off against them once again, but this year was to be different. Defeating the Sabres in offensive showdowns or defensive shutdowns, the Senators were up 3-1 in the series and looking to get to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time ever. The Sabres tied the game mid-way through the third to send it to overtime, but Daniel Alfredsson scored his fourth game-winning goal and second series-clinching goal of the 2007 playoffs in the first overtime frame to send the Senators on to face the Anaheim Ducks. It was, without a doubt, the greatest game in Ottawa Senators history. So far...

Have you got your own picks for the list? Feel free to post them in the comments section, for some lively debate.

New Jersey Devils Grind Out a Win over Boston Bruins with the Shootout, 2-1

John Fischer — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:38:49 -0000

More photos » by Mary Schwalm - AP

The New Jersey Devils celebrate after getting one past Boston's Tuukka Rask. Zach Parise was the goalscorer and turned out to be the only one for NJ during regulation. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)

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It wasn't an easy game at all for the New Jersey Devils. The Boston Bruins, who won their last four, were pressing hard early and in the third period. While the Devils outshot the Bruins 37-33, the Bruins had more possession, pinned the Devils back in their own end more often, and had better scoring chances. Yet, the score remained tied thanks to one man: Martin Brodeur.

Today, Martin Brodeur broke the all-time NHL record for career minutes played in the second period. That wasn't all. He wasn't just big in Boston, he was massive. Long shots, point-blank shots, shots from the slot, up high, down low, on the ground, while standing - Brodeur made every stop except for one. A shot right on Brodeur's flank right in front of the crease courtesy of Blake Wheeler. Nevertheless, Martin Brodeur prevented this one from becoming a Boston rout in the third period and for that alone, he should be praised. The Devils get nothing from today's game if it wasn't for Brodeur bringing his "A" game.

Credit should also go to Boston's Tuukka Rask as well; he had a busy afternoon with 37 shots against and he was only beaten by Zach Parise forcing a puck into the net. But the Bruins had more scoring chances in my opinion, more dangerous shots on net, and Brodeur was the sole reason the Devils got a point - much less two. Jamie Langenbrunner sealed the deal in the shootout and so the Devils win their second straight over Boston and in general. NHL.com has their recap up with a link to the boxscore and other stats.

Check out Stanley Cup of Chowder for his recap later on - he was at the game, as I understand it so it'll be up a little later. My recap continues after the jump.

First, an embedded video of the game's highlights via NHL.com. Expect a lot of saves:

The win didn't come easy at all for New Jersey. First, the Devils lost David Clarkson early in the game. Clarkson blocked a Zdeno Chara slapshot from point blank right on his right ankle. He had to crawl to the bench, he did not return at all, and that is definitely concerning. The last thing the Devils need is another injured forward. Unfortunately, per this postgame post by Tom Gulitti, Jacques Lemaire is already saying that the injury "doesn't look good." That could mean just the fact that another Devils is injured doesn't look good, but it could also mean the injury is serious. More will be available tomorrow, but I wouldn't expect Clarkson to play at the Rock.

Second, the Devils had to make a lot of heads up plays in their own end, leading them to be pinned back further. The Devils blocked a total of 17 shots, 4 by Bryce Salvador, but many of these blocks led to an errant clearance that the Bruins picked up in New Jersey's end or a clearance that got the Devils to change but Boston easily got so they could start again. Ultimately, the Devils got into too many cycles where they kept having to defend over and over. It's great that they made defensive stops, and it's great that Martin Brodeur made so many saves. But it's not great that the Devils essentially made it easier for the Bruins to attack over and over. In particular, the make-shift third line of Tim Sestito-Dean McAmmond-Matt Halischuk got worked over the most in the third period but this was true across all four lines.

Yes, all four lines. There was a Rod Pelley and Andrew Peters sighting in the third period. Not that Jacques Lemaire wanted to spread out some of the fatigue among the forwards. The top two lines got plenty of work with all of them playing at least 20 minutes today except for Nicklas Bergfors (18:28). As usual, the defensemen endured a disparity in time played. While Matthew Corrente got 10:52 of ice time, the workload was all over the top four with Andy Greene playing a mind-boggling 27:59 this afternoon. And to think, only Mike Mottau (26:52) made a fatal error - giving the puck right to Byron Bitz who fed Blake Wheeler for the goal. I really hope Greene gets a lot of rest tonight because the Islanders aren't going to give him a break tomorrow.

With respect to individual statlines, this may surprise you, but Brian Rolston had the most impressive set of numbers. He played 22:45, put 7 shots on net, attempted 10 (3 misses), and had 5 hits. Really. He had the second best scoring chance in the first period when he broke away on a breakaway, but was forced to the side by Dennis Wideman from behind and so Rolston's shot was on an angle and hit Tuukka Rask's helmet.

Going back to things that made this game difficult for New Jersey: the power play. The Devils didn't have too many of these, the refs let the players play today. But in the first period, Travis Zajac had a wide open net right in front and the shot was shanked during the Devils' first power play. The miss wasn't fatal, but it was regrettable. If only Zajac actually had the puck on his stick when he attempted to shoot it! Who knows how . Later on, during a power play late in the second period, Brian Rolston "slashed" Dennis Wideman (I'll give Dennis this, he knows how to sell a move - like a wrestler!) which led to a minor penalty that wiped that chance out early into the man advantage. I can't complain about the special teams too loudly, since the Devils' PK was solid, but it's still opportunities wasted.

Lastly, I have to praise the Bruins' for their balanced attack. 33 shots, Patrice Bergeron led with 5, but 5 other Bruins had at least 3 shots on net, and only Marco Sturm ended the game without a shot on net - and that's only because Matthew Corrente recovered from getting burned to stop him from shooting. The Bruins were better at faceoffs, winning 61% of all draws - further proof of Boston's advantage in terms of puck possession. It wasn't one line or one player that gave the Devils' issues - it was the whole team.

That all said, I would have been happy with just a point. But the Devils managed to hold steady in overtime and earn the win in the shootout. This reminded me of Stanley Cup of Chowder's recap of Boston's previous win: a game where the Bruins didn't look like the superior team, where the Bruins kept it close largely in part of their goaltender, and got the win (2-1, no less). The Devils will take the win; but they'll have to be ready for a tough one tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully, they all get a good night's sleep - they'll need it after such a tight game today.

Thanks to Steve for the GameThread, the commenters in said GameThread, and you, for reading all this. Please share your thoughts, concerns, and such in the comments.

Re-Living a Classic Buffalo Sabres Match

Rafal Ladysz — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:29:46 -0000

More photos » by Lynne Sladky - AP

about 1 month ago: Buffalo Sabres center Derek Roy (9), defenseman Tyler Myers (57), and defenseman Henrik Tallinder (10), of Sweden, celebrate after Myers scored a goal in the first period against the Florida Panthers during an NHL hockey game in Sunrise, Fla. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

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About a week ago, I read a post by Puck Daddy highlighting the ten finest NHL games of the last decade. Intensity could be found in a particular contest while another was recognized for its historic moment or unpredictability. My only complaint is the unmentioned match that I can recall like it was yesterday. Whether it involved the Buffalo Sabres or not, I'd label it my favorite hockey game in recent memory.

May 5, 2006: Buffalo had just dispensed the Philadelphia Flyers from the opening round of the postseason in a series that finished with a 7-1 wipe-out. Next, they would take on the Ottawa Senators and it wasn't a predicament many expected the Sabres to survive.

Ottawa finished first in the Eastern Conference with 52 wins and outlasted Buffalo in five of eight season meetings. I'll be honest, I was a bit worried because here was a team that handled the Sabres for the most part rather easily and had 13 players who registered at least 30 points.

But I didn't doubt Buffalo's abilities for a second. As the fourth seed, they weren't pushovers and when others underestimated or took them for granted, Lindy Ruff's troops only fed off it. And the first game of this series would foreshadow the conclusion which was Jason Pominville scoring a shorthanded overtime winner in game five to knock off the Senators.

If you're a fan of stellar goaltending, avert your eyes.

First Period

0:35: A puck chipped along the boards finds Derek Roy's stick and with Wade Redden the sole remaining defenseman, he locates Mike Grier all alone at the side of the net for a tap-in. The crowd is stunned at Scotiabank Place less than a minute into the contest and they continued to be as the night progressed.

3:05: To their credit, the Senators didn't waste any time in responding. Dany Heatley enters the zone on the left side and sends a perfect pass to Jason Spezza who was by himself much like Grier on the first goal.

3:20: Anton Volchenkov fires a shot towards the goal which Ryan Miller stops. But Bryan Smolinski see's a rebound before anyone else and tucks it between the legs of the goaltender. Just fifteen seconds following the equalizer, Ottawa appears ready to blow-out Buffalo like they'd done before.

6:56: Roy feeds Teppo Numminen at the blue line and the Finn unloads a one-timer by Ray Emery for a powerplay marker. For the remainder of the frame, the scoring ceased and it was a 2-2 draw heading into the second.

Second Period

1:47: Christoph Schubert utilizes the two-line pass availability and sends Martin Havlat on a partial break-away. With a slick shift to the backhand, he makes it count propelling Ottawa into another early lead.

3:29: Shorthanded, Tim Connolly dekes Daniel Alfredsson to the ice creating a two-on-one. As Redden attempts to poke the puck off his stick, he drags it underneath and finds a hole between Emery and the post. You have to see this to believe it because it may be Connolly's finest goal.

4:15: On the same man-advantage, Zdeno Chara and Heatley each had a few cracks from in close before the latter finally buried it.

19:30: Henrik Tallinder jumps into the play, grabs a dish from Grier and backhands a lovely pass to Roy who put it into the back of the net instantly. Four goals in the first, four more in the second and nothing is decided yet.

Third Period

0:16: Havlat's shot attempt is blocked and deflected directly to Mike Fisher who has a gift with Miller in no position to make a stop. Actually, the next 18 minutes or so were quiet but it felt like more excitement was in store.

18:23: Andrej Meszaros pinches in on the power play and misses. As a result, Connolly collects the disc on another two-on-one and this time he waits for Redden to commit to the shooter before feathering a delicate pass over to Roy for a late equalizer. Little did we imagine, it was still far from over.

18:47: Again, Ottawa takes advantage of the power play after allowing a shorthanded tally. Alfredsson with a great presence of mind, finds the open man rather than shooting himself. Smolinski capitalizes flashing a big grin on his face in the process. However, he who laughs last laughs loudest.

19:49: Behind the net, Daniel Briere centers the puck and Emery can't get a handle on the puck as it escapes from the mob for Connolly to backhand top shelf. With 11 seconds left on the clock, these two teams were deadlocked and overtime would settle it.

Overtime

0:18: Mistakes were made constantly in this match and jumped on each occasion. Goals came in amazing time frames and you didn't expect sudden death to take long. Volchenkov over-skates the puck after fanning on a pass and it introduced an immediate chance. Grier corralled the puck, and fed Chris Drury who was held off the scoresheet in regulation. But his contribution was the ultimate difference as he let go a wrist shot past Emery's blocker to win the game. By the bench, Drury is swarmed by his teammates in celebration.

Notes

13 goals were scored on 56 combined shots. Ryan Miller faced 33 while Ray Emery was challenged with 23 shots.
Derek Roy notched five points (two goals, three assists).
Tim Connolly showcased his talent with two goals and an assist.
Ten different players scored and 21 registered at least a point.
Unfortunately, Connolly was injured for the rest of the playoffs after taking an open-ice hit in game two.
Every game in the series was decided by one goal with three going into overtime. Buffalo prevailed in each of those matches.

What a game and what a postseason for the Buffalo Sabres. Although they fell short in the Conference Finals to Carolina with numerous injuries throughout the line-up, their spirit and competitive nature could not be denied. It's games like this that give fans hope for the future. And hope is never lost among true supporters.