SBNation.com User Blog: Cat Smasher

JVR and Orr leave ice with injuries

Cat Smasher — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 17:59:15 -0000

JVR and Orr leave ice with injuries

Jvr and colton orr both limp off the ice to attend to injuries.

Burke comments on recent cuts

Cat Smasher — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 18:16:51 -0000

Burke comments on recent cuts

Audio, comments on Kadri, Hanson, Caputi, etc.

Darcy Tucker announces his retirement

Cat Smasher — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 17:23:15 -0000

Darcy Tucker announces his retirement

After spending the whole summer anticipating I would play, it got to a point where I knew it was time.

Toskala headed for Sweden?

Cat Smasher — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:34:05 -0000

Toskala headed for Sweden?

"Vesa Toskala looks set to take his, uh, puckstopping abilities to the Swedish Elite League.

Multiple reports indicate Toskala, a one-time Leaf who was dealt to the Anaheim Ducks with Jason Blake for J.S. Giguere then finished the 2009-10 season with the Calgary Flames, will sign with Färjestad.

HockeyExpressen.se says Färjestad needs an experienced goalie after Robin Rahm recently tested positive for a banned substance. Rahm is facing a two-year ban from hockey, forcing the Swedish team to search high and low for a replacement."

2009-10 Broad Street Bully Award: Best Enforcing Team

Cat Smasher — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 01:14:34 -0000

2009-10 Broad Street Bully Award: Best Enforcing Team

Truculence, Toronto needs your votes, as the site has been infested with Flyers fans :P

Anaheim
Philly
Toronto
St. Louis
Tampa

Bob Probert dies

Cat Smasher — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:41:40 -0000

Bob Probert dies

Former hard-nosed NHL winger Bob Probert has died after collapsing on a boat on Lake St. Clair Monday afternoon, Windsor media are reporting.

Emergency crews performed CPR on the former Red Wings player on shore and transported the 45-year-old to Windsor Regional Hospital.

The OPP would not confirm the victim was Probert, but the Probert family has called a press conference for 6 p.m. In Windsor.

Leafs call up Rosehill, Brent

Cat Smasher — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:14:24 -0000

Leafs call up Rosehill, Brent

Centre Tim Brent and left winger Jay Rosehill are expected to arrive in time for the third meeting of the season between the two rivals.

Orr’s bouts rated 18-plus

Cat Smasher — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:53:15 -0000

Orr’s bouts rated 18-plus

OTTAWA — As the Maple Leafs get younger, Colton Orr’s fight card will get longer.

That’s usually the way it works for NHL enforcers, at least those who find themselves in the spot that Orr does with the rebuilding Leafs. With Toronto now the youngest team in the NHL, without the injured Mike Komisarek and with Garnet Exelby not guaranteed to be in the lineup every night, Orr will be getting overtime minutes on his policeman’s beat. Saturday, for example, there’s a much-anticipated rematch with Ottawa Senators nemesis Matt Carkner.

Leafs Recall Andre Deveaux

Cat Smasher — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:06:17 -0000

As per Darren Dreger on Leafs Lunch

Wendel Clark inspires junior Team Canada 2010

Cat Smasher — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 13:19:53 -0000

Wendel Clark inspires junior Team Canada 2010

The real Dany Heatley

Cat Smasher — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 13:56:03 -0000

The real Dany Heatley

Diagram of an NHL Hockey Rink http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd273/cdion79/NHL_Rink2.jpg Link...

Cat Smasher — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 21:35:07 -0000

Diagram of an NHL Hockey Rink

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd273/cdion79/NHL_Rink2.jpg

Link for bigger picture.

Laraque vs Orr - It was even, then when the going got tough, Laraque went for the take down and...

Cat Smasher — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:28:10 -0000

Laraque vs Orr - It was even, then when the going got tough, Laraque went for the take down and bailed.

U.S. Hockey: We're Going Medieval

Cat Smasher — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:43:00 -0000

U.S. Hockey: We're Going Medieval

Mr. Burke doesn't want his opponents simply to lose. He wants their post-game soreness to remind them just how unpleasant losing was. Anyone searching for grace and artistry should tune in to figure skating.

Auction down to Balsillie, NHL

Cat Smasher — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:02:47 -0000

Auction down to Balsillie, NHL

Third potential bidder for Phoenix Coyotes, Ice Edge LLC, ‘do not currently intend to participate' in Friday's auction

The fight for the Phoenix Coyotes is down to Jim Balsillie and the NHL.

In a court filing late Tuesday afternoon, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the third potential bidder, a group of Canadian and American businessmen known as Ice Edge LLC, told him they "do not currently intend to participate in the auction."

The Best and Worst fans of the NHL - Toronto #3

Cat Smasher — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:40:56 -0000

The Best and Worst fans of the NHL - Toronto #3

#3 - Toronto Maple Leafs - 16.0

Pct. of Capacity in 2008-09: 102.6% (19,312, 5th in the NHL) Online Presence: 6.0

Last Year's rank: 3rd

Justification: The fans of Toronto have been waiting a long time for something to really cheer about. A team that has been near the league's basement has not made one dent in the organization's attendance speaks loudly to the incredible loyalty of the fanbase. Toronto fans keep Canada's airwaves full of chatter about even the team's most insignificant moves. Tickets to Air Canada Center are the most expensive in the league which further proves just how deep the fanaticism runs in Canada's largest city. The team has a fairly strong online fanbase with a host of blogs and message boards but its not nearly as large as one may expect for a team that has so many die hards to its credit. Maple Leaf fans are eager to see General Manager Brian Burke give them something to really get pumped about, and this season he's added quite a few fists so if the wins do not pile up the fights probably will. With a city bursting full of hockey fans, they're sure to like the sound of that!

1-10
11-20
21-30

NHL submits bid to buy Coyotes

Cat Smasher — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:59:05 -0000

NHL submits bid to buy Coyotes

""Today, the League filed its own bid to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes’ franchise out of bankruptcy in an effort to maximize the likelihood that the Club ultimately will be sold to an acceptable purchaser who is committed to operating the franchise in Glendale.

"We remain supportive of the other efforts that have been and are being made to purchase and operate the Coyotes in Glendale, and we will continue to do everything we can to assist interested groups in those efforts leading up to the scheduled sale hearing on September 10, 2009 and thereafter, if the NHL is the winning bidder.

"We believe this step was necessary at this time in order to best preserve and maximize the value of the Club asset for benefit of the Club’s creditors and for the community of Glendale."

Theo Fleury attempting comeback to NHL

Cat Smasher — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:22:51 -0000

Sources tell TSN Theoren Fleury is attempting a comeback and wants to play in the NHL again.

After playing senior hockey last season, Fleury decided in February he was fit enough to give the NHL another try, so he hired a personal trainer and has been working diligently since.

Those close to him say he didn't leave the National Hockey League the way he wanted, which is fueling his desire to return.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=287047

Coke Zero Fans First Contest

Cat Smasher — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:26:55 -0000

Coke Zero Fans First Contest

Enter here http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/cokezerofansfirst.htm

Here are the codes - you can enter them once a day for more points

cokezero (metro)
fansfirst (cineplex)
zerocalories (pizza pizza)
coketaste (burger king)
7JVW200WRK (east side mario's)
coca-cola (mr. sub)

Game is Sept. 16 vs Boston

Toronto Signs Tim Brent

Cat Smasher — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 18:25:40 -0000

Toronto Signs Tim Brent

That's all I got.

Zack Kassian interview

Cat Smasher — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:42:46 -0000

Zack Kassian interview

Sens send Heatley to Oilers

Cat Smasher — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 03:29:01 -0000

Sens send Heatley to Oilers

It's official.

"Sources tell Sportsnet that the Ottawa Senators have traded disgruntled all-star Dany Heatley to the Edmonton Oilers for Andrew Cogliano, Dustin Penner and Ladislav Smid."

Leafs Announce Prospect Camp Roster

Cat Smasher — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:56:16 -0000

Leafs Announce Prospect Camp Roster

"The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that the team’s prospect camp will be held from July 5th to July 10th. The group consisting of two goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 14 forwards will congregate in Toronto to prepare for six days of activities. All seven of the Leafs’ 2009 draft choices, including Toronto’s first pick Nazem Kadri, will be in attendance."

Defenceman Jay Bouwmeester has agreed to terms with the Flames. Bouwmeester avoids unrestricted...

Cat Smasher — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:44:17 -0000

Defenceman Jay Bouwmeester has agreed to terms with the Flames.

Bouwmeester avoids unrestricted free agency, agreeing to a 5 year deal worth $6.6 million per year against the salary cap.

http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=283345

Wade Belak: Q&A

Cat Smasher — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:25:37 -0000

Wade Belak: Q&A

A great interview, why did we trade him again? :(

No 'staged fight' rule

Cat Smasher — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:21:53 -0000

No 'staged fight' rule

LAS VEGAS -- It appears the "staged fights" rule recommended by the NHL's 30 GMs will not see the light of day.

The players discussed it at their meeting here this week and they recommended to their members on the competition committee to vote against it. The committee needs seven of 10 votes to pass a new rule and they won't get it if all five players vote no next Thursday when the group meets in Montreal.

The union brought in a number of tough guys Wednesday and they shared their universal thumbs down on the "staged fights" rule proposition.

Hockey to remove fighting from game; replace it with Rock, Paper, Scissors

Cat Smasher — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:32:16 -0000

Hockey to remove fighting from game; replace it with Rock, Paper, Scissors

TORONTO, CA – Fighting has been a part of hockey since its inception but has become the subject of controversy in recent years. Due to concerns with the safety of this part of game, the NHL has now adopted a more controversial, but less dangerous method of allowing enforcers to compete with one another in order to swing the momentum of the game for their respective team.

“There will be no more swinging fists once the gloves have been dropped,” said the business savvy NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in an interview with SSNN. “Rather, players will throw either rock, paper or scissors to find the winner of the bout. From what I understand, rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper and paper beats rock. The referees will keep an eye on things to make sure nobody is trying to break the rules. Both offending players will be sent to the penalty box, of course, but teams should really get a boost from seeing their grinder waylay his competitor with a well timed throw of scissors.”

continued...

Martin Gerber to be placed on waivers

Cat Smasher — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 17:54:46 -0000

Well, have the Sens officially entered the tank or what? :) I think this should have happened long ago.

It would appear G Martin Gerber's days with the Senators are close to being over. The veteran netminder is expected to be placed on waivers in the next couple of days if the Senators can't deal him. It's believed there was mild interest from the Canucks earlier this season, but they passed. Brian Elliott was recalled from Binghamton of the AHL to start last night's game vs. the Rangers, with Alex Auld serving as backup. Gerber, however, did take the pre-game skate and had been out on the ice earlier with goaltending coach Eli Wilson.

Source: Edmonton Sun

Islanders waive Godzilla (Mitch Fritz)

Cat Smasher — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 21:52:13 -0000

At 6'8, 260 pounds arguably, he's a beast, and can fight, good.

Now this guy can't skate, maybe he can't pass or even shoot, he can on the other hand fight.

With Deveaux's wonky foot and lack of ability to fight the true heavies in the league, and with Hollweg riding the pine, you should think this would almost be a no brainer for Burke to pick him up. He's not going to find his "Parros" out there, since Parros can also play somewhat.

He beat Laraque, Cote, Peters already this season, with one loss coming to Godard, who is a giant killer himself. His fight card speaks for itself.

However, without the fights, he would probably be the biggest liability in the league.

He had a chance for McGrattan before he went to rehab. Leafs also passed on Josh Grattan from Philly, who is tough as nails as well, but doesn't get a lot decisions.

Peters in Buffalo doesn't play as often anymore, and with that team gettingh healthy, he might be had for cheap. His style sucks, and isn't entertaining, but he's got the size, ability to get the job done. He thinks he's a player all of a sudden.

Just a thought. But Fritz would be more of an asset then Hollweg and spotty picker Deveaux.

Any ideas on who the next "legit" heavy might be?

At 6'8, 260 pounds arguably, he's a beast, and can fight, good.

Now this guy can't skate, maybe he can't pass or even shoot, he can on the other hand fight.

He beat Laraque, Cote, Peters already this season, with one loss coming to Godard, who is a giant killer himself. His fight card speaks for itself.

However, without the fights, he would probably be the biggest liability in the league.

He had a chance for McGrattan before he went to rehab. Leafs also passed on Josh Grattan from Philly, who is tough as nails as well, but doesn't get a lot decisions.

Just a thought. But Fritz would be more of an asset then Hollweg and spotty picker Deveaux.

Any ideas on who the next "legit" heavy might be?

Gary Roberts Last Season

Cat Smasher — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:03:05 -0000

http://www.faceoff-factor.com/nhl/2416/roberts-run-coming-to-an-end

Gary Roberts has seen and done it all in the NHL, which is precisely why the 42-year-old announced his plans to retire at the conclusion of this season.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt, I’m gone after this season,” Roberts said, according to TampaBay.com. “I’m going to retire. I’d like to finish on a good note. I’d like to come back and prove I can play and hopefully stay healthy enough to finish the season and finish playing a stretch of games and at least have some success. I’d like to finish on a high note.”

Roberts, currently on injured reserves with a lower body injury, has battled injuries this season just as he did much of last season, leading him to believe it is time to call it quits.

“When you’re hurt, you’re not as much part of it. Whether you’re a young guy or an older guy, that doesn’t change. I pay close attention to the game and I do learn a lot, even at 42 years old, I learn something watching the games, so I really tried to watch the games closely and get a feel for what I think I need to do to be successful. I still believe I can play. It’s just, will my body allow me the opportunity to show that I can play?”

In 1,213 career games, the left winger amassed 436 goals and 470 assists for 906 points. He also totaled an unsurprising 2,549 penalty minutes through his no intimidating style of play.

While Roberts has played in the All Star game three times and has been named a Second Team All Star twice, his biggest accomplishment came in 1989, when he won the first and only Stanley Cup of his career with the Calgary Flames.