SB Nation - Rory Fitzpatrick

Pick The Rival: The Northeast Division

Yankee Canuck — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:53:46 -0000

So far we've established that Vancouver fans have a bit of a problem when it comes to Ovechkin and the Caps as well as anyone donning a Rangers ~~dress~~ jersey.

Let's close out the East and turn our rival attention at the Northeast Division. Come along as we review what is commonly accepted as Vancouver's worst trade in franchise history, take a peek at a line brawl or two, remember the glorious "Vote For Rory" campaign with enough time left over to still hate on Alexander Daigle and watch Greg Adams send the Canucks into the Stanley Cup Finals in 1994.

Boston Bruins

Franchise Record: 106GP, 24W, 65L, 15T, 2OTL, 65pts

June 6, 1986 anyone? Maybe the exact date doesn't ring a bell, but a deal for Barry Pederson in exchange for some clown a mother named Cam Neely and a 1st round pick that turned into Glen Wesley probably should. For good reason, many still call this Vancouver's worst trade ever since it's not often a team that can't score loses the prototypical power forward of his generation. Not that Pederson was bad (two back to back 50 assist seasons ain't bad at all) but Cam Neely he wasn't. Pederson was traded a few seasons later to Pittsburgh where he won a Cup in 1991. Cam would go on to be the man in Boston, land in the HHOF in 2005 and - most importantly - give you a reason to like seabass again.

In the past decade Vancouver is 4-4 with three ties and two OTLs against Boston. However, Vancouver has failed to score against Boston since a 5-2 win in 2005; in 2006 Boston blanked them 2-0 and early last year Tim Thomas shut them down again in a 1-0 snoozefest.

Fun fact: Glancing at the franchise records shows the Bruins are one of a few Northeast teams that have historically pwned Vancouver. The Bruins have scored the third highest goals against the Canucks (4.07 a game) while, in return, the Canucks have scored the fourth fewest goals per game against the Bruins (2.78 a game). You'll have to wait until we get to the West to figure out, historically speaking, who Vancouver can't score against even if their lives depended on it.

And, for no particular reason, here is second-timer-around Dave Scatchard forcing then-Bruin Joe Thornton into his first fight (I forgot Thornton used to look more like a surfer than a hockey guy):

Buffalo Sabres

Franchise Record: 107GP, 44W, 43L, 19T, 1OTL, 108pts

Buffalo and Vancouver have hooked up for a few notable trades: Mogilny for Peca, Wilson and a first rounder (that turned into Jay McKee) in 1995, Brad May for Geoff Sanderson in 1999, Mika Noronen for a pick in 2006, Taylor Pyatt for a pick in 2006 and finally the Holy Bernier for a pick in 2008. Vancouver is 6-4-1-1 in the past decade against the Sabres though, honestly, none of them truly jump out at me except one: two years ago Dany Sabourin came ridiculously close to winning his first NHL game before the Sabres (then the best team in the East) stormed back, scored in the final minute of the game and won 4-3 in the SO. Let's not forget Rory Fitzpatrick either, the blue collar defenseman who gained notoriety three seasons ago during the "Vote For Rory" All-Star Ballot laughter we all had, laying the groundwork for Montreal's ballotbox stuffing initiative last year.

Fun fact(s): The Canucks first ever franchise road victory was a 4-1 win in Buffalo in October 1970. In that same game, Canucks goalie Dunc Wilson stopped the team’s first penalty shot against the Sabres Paul Andrea.

Also, in 1996 Mogilny became the 4th player in history to score 50 goals for two clubs (Buffalo/Vancouver). Hell Buffalo also can add Pat LaFontaine to that group too (NY Islanders/Buffalo)

Lastly, I present you this gem of a line brawl from over a decade ago. Forget Chicago, this one has it all: besides the Messier-led Vancouver team getting smoked, Sean Burke is hitting something that isn't his wife, you have Brashear jumping Peca and then another Sabre before it's all over, a young looking Hasek happy as hell he's on the bench and the announcer ends the clip telling Keenan and the Canucks to basically go fuck themselves. Bonus points: if you look real quick at the end of the clip you'll see a confused looking Bure on the bench too. Again, an absolute beauty.

Montreal Canadiens

Franchise Record: 112GP, 27W, 72L, 13T, 0OTL, 67pts

Les Habitants is probably the extent of my French language capabilities (wait, not true, I can probably say 'Les Miserables' correctly after two failed attempts).

I suspect the Canadiens will be an instant vote for some just based on cultural or regional hate. I can dig that (I dig all kinds of irrational hate). But let's look at the positives: in 1990, Montreal was kind enough to trade Jyrki Lumme to Vancouver for a second rounder that turned into Craig Darby who Vancouver would later reacquire in 2005 but never use. A year later they sent over Gerald Diduck for a fourth rounder (Vladimir Vujtek). Both Lumme and Diduck were big pieces to the 94 team (and Lumme is up there with Ohlund in franchise defenseman point records). In 1996 the Habs sent over Donald Brashear which guaranteed some McSorley-esque fun for a few seasons.

And in recent years Vancouver has been dominant over Montreal: 12-5-1 since 1999. In fact, up until last year's lame 3-0 loss, Vancouver hadn't lost to Montreal since November 30, 2000.

Now the bad news (which I'll put under the fun facts thereby making it seem more upbeat than it really is):

Fun fact: Vancouver's first trip to the playoffs came in their fifth season (in the old Smythe division). They won the division and earned a bye, so they lead off the second round against the Canadiens who beat them in five. The Canucks first ever playoff game? A 6-2 loss in the Montreal Forum. I haz a sad.

Stepping back, look at the franchise record between Vancouver and Montreal above. See those 67 points? That represents the worst points percentage Vancouver has historically against any team. In other words, when considering the frequency of games and the win/losses over the past four decades, no one beats Vancouver more efficiently than Montreal. I'll wait while you grab the gin. No need for the glass, just imbibe from the bottle.

Now that I have you upset, let's get a smile back on yer mug with another old school line brawl (I think it's from 1987) and wait until 4:35 for some, um, quality Montreal trim to make a showing. Heck let the video run until the end for some bonus Jets/Flyers violence too.

Ottawa Senators

Franchise Record: 25GP, 13W, 10L, 2T, OTL, 28pts

Another Canadian team, so here's another chance to cultivate some family-friendly hatred. Case in point:

Ottawa Senators: Probably the worst and gayest team to ever play a game in the NHL.

If you ignore the Shannon/Nycholat deal from last summer, I believe there's only been one other trade between Vancouver and Ottawa and that involved your favorite duct-taped soul Sami Salo. Back in 2002 Vancouver acquired Glass Joe in exchange for Peter Schaefer which turned out to be a good deal since Salo is still (some would say regrettably) a top four player while Schaefer spent last year playing for the Providence Bears (Boston's AHL affiliate) and was bought out by Boston this past June.

Some notables have split time between the two teams, including the original third Sedin Magnus Arvedson, Jarkko Ruutu, Grant Ledyard, Bryan Smolinski and Brad Isbister (snicker).

In the past decade Vancouver has an 8-7 record against Ottawa and hasn't lost to them since March 2004.

Fun fact: Alexander Daigle's short lived entertainment company, Imposter Entertainment, has the most annoying website navigation I have ever seen. And, if you're so inclined, his email address is still listed. Do wish him the best with his HC Davos career.

Also, just to annoy Zanny, here's Naslund going end to end against the Sens:

Toronto Maple Leafs

Franchise Record: 128GP, 54W, 50L, 22T, 2TL, 132pts

The last Canadian team in the division (alphabetically anyway) is probably the one that's going to irk the most folks. I'm the worst person to explain the Leafs hate because I'm a xenophobic American who can't read and owns many, many firearms. Could be the whole "center of the universe" thing or maybe it's literally maple leaf envy, I don't know. I'd say ask Zandberg but he used to like the Leafs so I'm afraid we're both equally useless.

The Leafs were kind enough to send over Tiger Williams and Jerry Butler in exchange for Rick Vaive and Bill Derlago in 1980. Tiger Williams is heavily respected in Vancouver lore (though his particular brand of goal celebrations looks creepier with age). I couldn't validate something I saw on Wikipedia, but they claim Williams still holds the record for most penalty minutes in the playoffs for both teams (not too far a stretch considering he still holds the league career record for most PIMs by a single player). Fast forward to 1995 when Toronto swapped Mike Ridley in exchange for Sergio Momesso (Ridley played two seasons for Vancouver before retiring while Momesso's stop in Toronto was a forgettable 54 game affair). The teams have had a number of smaller deals over the years (for failed prospects on both sides) and fans for both will forever be able to bicker when the names Felix Potvin, Kyle Wellwood, Mats Sundin and Brian Burke come up. Fine, Dave Nonis too.

In the past decade Vancouver is an even 8-8-2-2 against the Leafs but hasn't been on the losing end against them since 2003.

Fun Fact: Vancouver's first ever NHL victory? The second game in their inaugural 1970 season, they beat the Leafs at home 5-3. Wayne Maki scored two goals in the effort.

And since we already brought up Potvin, enjoy watching Greg Adams beat him in the second OT of the 1994 Western Conference final to send Vancouver into the SCF against New York:

Poll

Who is Vancouver's biggest Northeast division rival?

Boston Bruins

29 votes

Buffalo Sabres

15 votes

Montreal Canadiens

50 votes

Ottawa Senators

7 votes

Toronto Maple Leafs

196 votes

297 votes | Poll has closed

Sabres Have the Depth to Deal With Injury

David Oleksy — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:19:13 -0000

More photos » by Frank Gunn - AP

8 months ago: Toronto Maple Leafs' Pavel Kubina , left, and Buffalo Sabres' Tim Connolly (19) battle for the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Wednesday April 8, 2009. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press,Frank Gunn)

Browse more photos »

In 2006 the Buffalo Sabres went on a run and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals before eventually losing in seven games to the Carolina Hurricanes. The Sabres pushed the Canes to seven games despite losing four defensemen and relying on players like Jeff Jillson, Rory Fitzpatrick and Doug Janik. It wasn't the most ideal situation an the fans were up in arms about the lack of depth on the Sabres blue line.

I bring up old memories because many fans seem a bit hypocritical these days. Some of the same people that were upset with management not having enough depth are now complaining the team has too many forwards. The argument is that players like Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy are ready to make the jump and need to play in the NHL.

There is a part of me that thinks they are ready but another part of me that thinks they need more seasoning in the AHL. It doesn't matter what I think because both guys will play in the NHL this season. They probably won't start the season in Buffalo but injuries are inevitable and this team will suffer their fair share of them.

The Sabes depth chart looks pretty deep with everyone healthy before the season starts. Reality says that it won't look this way when the season starts on October 3. About half way through the season Mirtle did a post outlining the man games lost by every team and the Sabres looked pretty good at that point. That was before they lost Thomas Vanek and Ryan Miller in the second half of the season.

I won't bore you with the depth chart again since nothing has changed since the last time I posted it. Here is a look at the Sabres man-games lost to injury last season.

Man-Games Lost by Forwards

Tim Connolly - 34 games (no surprise that he is at the top of the list)
Patrick Kaleta - 28 games (when you play like a ticking time bomb, you are bound to get injured)
Paul Gaustad - 20 games
Mike Grier - 20 games (obviously not with Buffalo but could effect them this season)
Cody McCormick - 16 games + 2 games suspended
Jochen Hecht - 12 games
Thomas Vanek - 9 games
Adam Mair - 7 games
Clarke MacArthur - 3 games

That is a total of nine players that missed a total of 151 games that were missed by this years group of forwards. This will allow plenty of opportunity for the young guys to step into the lineup. This is why the Sabres have made an effort to sign some fringe players that will be a huge asset in Portland and can contribute in Buffalo if called upon.

Ready to Step In

Tim Kennedy - Kennedy is a versatile player that has talent at both ends of the ice. He could be asked to fill a number of different roles if the need arises.
Nathan Gerbe - A small skilled forward with great hands. Despite his size he isn't afraid to muck it up when needed. He would be called upon if a top six forward were injured.
Cody McCormick - I'll stop short of calling him a goon because he does have some hockey skill as well. He would be called upon when the Sabres need a physical presence in the lineup.
Jeff Cowan - He is a fan favorite everywhere he has been because of the way he plays the game. He goes all out on every shift and won't back down to anyone.

Man-Games Lost by Defense

Craig Rivet - 18 games
Henrik Tallinder - 13 games
Andrej Sekera - 12 games
Toni Lydman - 2 games
Steve Montador - 2 games

A total of five players that spent 45 games away from the ice because of injury. This will allow an opportunity for some younger defensemen to step in as well. We all know that Chris Butler got his opportunity last year because of injury and Sekera did the same the season prior.

Tyler Myers - Injuries won't help him make the team as much because he will sent to Juniors if he doesn't make the team out of camp.
Mike Weber - He seems like the most likely candidate to make the jump this season. He looked good in 2007-2008 before injuries set him back last season.

Everyone would like to see players like Nathan Gerbe and Tim Kennedy succeed at the NHL level. We need to be patient with these guys and just let their progression happen naturally instead of forcing them immediately into an NHL lineup. It works for some players to jump right in but the majority of the players need some seasoning before they can make an impact at the NHL level. If they play 20 -40 games in the NHL this season they might be able to make the jump for good next season.

We should be happy that the Sabres will have some talented players that are waiting in the wings instead of being short sighted and counting the roster. Injuries happen and the Sabres are in a good place right now.

Amerks' Rory Fitzpatrick gets the vote from OSC

Whale4ever — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:07:14 -0000

Rochester hometowner Rory Fitzpatrick is the latest American to be profiled at OurSportsCentral. Can you believe it's been almost three seasons since this occured?

No matter. He remains the face of the AHL's most storied franchise.

Q: What was the high point of the 2008-09 season?

Fitzpatrick: Playing alongside future NHLer Keaton Ellerby.

Smoooooth answer.

Related blog: Let's Go Amerks!

Rochester Report: Fitzpatrick named team's Man of the Year, Ellerby is Amerks' Player of the Month, Beaudry called up

Whale4ever — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:18:39 -0000

Americans' veteran defenseman (and local native) Rory Fitzpatrick was presented with the American Specialty/AHL Man of the Year award at a luncheon Wednesday at Monroe Golf Club in Rochester.

Also honored was rookie defenseman Keaton Ellerby, named the Americans' Player of the Month after recording three goals and six points in March.

In other Amerks' news, the club recalled Rapid City Rush (CHL) goaltender Miguel Beaudry. No, I unfortunately hadn't heard of him yet either, but perhaps his actions will speak for him:

From 2004-05, San Angelo Saints goalie Scott Reid vs. New Mexico Scorpions Beaudry #33 in blue; Panther colors, no less. Bit of a hellcat for a smallish guy, eh?

Thanks to Our Sports Central for the news items.

The AHL all-stars: Two Girouxes, Rory and a Brodeur

James Mirtle — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:15:07 -0000

The AHL also announced its all-star teams this week, and they give you a decent idea of who some of the top talent is in the NHL's minor league:

Team Canada

Forwards	Defensemen	Goaltenders
Steve Downie, Nor	x-Johnny Boychuk, Pro	Mike Brodeur, Roch
x-Alexandre Giroux, Her	Kyle Cumiskey, LE	Barry Brust, Hou
x-Claude Giroux, Phi	Cody Franson, Milw	x-Brian Elliott, Bing
Mike Iggulden, Bri	Bryan Helmer, Her ("C")
Jason Krog, Man	x-Derek Joslin, Wor
Corey Locke, Hou	Andrew MacDonald, Bri
Brett MacLean, SA	Brett Palin, QC
Mark Mancari, Por	Danny Syvret, Phi
x-Chris Minard, W-B/Scr
Cal O'Reilly, Milw
Teddy Purcell, Man
Martin St. Pierre, Pro
Mike Santorelli, Milw		x-starters

The tough thing about these all-star games is that, not only do you have to hope no one gets injured, but there's also the problem of call ups to consider. Claude Giroux just torched the AHL in his first pro season with 17 goals in 31 games and is now up with the Flyers, perhaps permanently given their injury woes.

At least they don't have to worry about Captain Helmer missing the game. (Great character guy. Was good to see him get some time in the NHL with the Caps as part of his swan song.)

Three Milwaukee players here, all Nashville picks in the midrounds. Franson's a great example of the depth the Predators have on defence now; he's only 21, big and skilled and would be in the NHL with most franchises. (Not bad for a third rounder.)

Purcell looks like a really good NHLer, someone we'll see play a role with the Kings when they're climbing the standings a year or two from now. He probably misses this game, too.

Boychuk leads AHL defencemen in scoring for the Baby Bruins, and I bet the Avs are kicking themselves for dumping him this summer.

And looking at the goalies, I wonder if the Sens will give Elliott a shot in goal if Gerber and Auld continue to struggle. (And in case you're wondering, Mike Brodeur is a distant cousin of Marty. He started the season in the ECHL and has been very good for Rochester in a dozen games so far.)

Team PlanetUSA

Forwards	Defensemen	Goaltenders
Keith Aucoin, Her	Rory Fitzpatrick, Roch ("C")	Jeff Frazee, Low
x-Chris Bourque, Her	Jonas Junland, Peo	Daniel Larsson, GR
x-Nikita Filatov, Syr	Mattias Karlsson, Bing	x-Cory Schneider, Man
x-Nathan Gerbe, Port	x-Jakub Kindl, Gr. Rapids
Martins Karsums, Pro	Ben Lovejoy, W-B/Scr
Tim Kennedy, Port	Bobby Sanguinetti, Hart
Petri Kontiola, Rock	Jaime Sifers, Tor
Drew Miller, Iowa	x-Yannick Weber, Ham
Joe Motzko, Chicago
Michael Ryan, Albany
Ryan Potulny, Spr
Jeff Taffe, W-B/Scr
Ryan Vesce, Wor		x-starters

Vote for Rory paid off! The plucky defenceman gets the captain's 'C' while playing for his hometown Americans despite having a pretty pedestrian season so far.

Aucoin's another veteran worth pointing out: a 5-foot-9 30-year-old playing for one of the best teams in the league, he leads the AHL in scoring by a mile with 48 points in 34 games despite missing some time while playing three games with the Capitals in the NHL.

Filatov's with Columbus at the moment, so his participation's in doubt.

Karsums is a talented young Latvian who I saw at the world juniors quite a bit when they rolled through B.C. two years ago. He's eighth in league scoring and should see time with the big-league Bruins in the near future.

Weber looks like another good one for the Habs, too, who also have P.K. Subban on the way on the blueline.

Kindl... don't tell me you're suprised the Red Wings have another European stud coming on the blueline.

Speaking of Detroit and potential gems, so much for Jimmy Howard as the goalie of the future: Sweden's Danny Larsson has outplayed him by a mile and makes the team here. He was a late third-round pick in 2006.

I know there are some readers who see a lot more AHL hockey than I do; let me know what you think of the teams and some of the players' play to date.