The Curl and Drag

For the past two years

2009-12-21T23:09:00.000-08:00

this blog has been somewhere where Kyle and I have been able to talk hockey and give people absurd nicknames, which if you know either of us personally, is what we're prone to do regardless of a website. So for the 2-4 people who read/have read this blog, thanks, rather than drag it out longer than the Maple Leafs Stanley Cup drought, we're going to lay this one to rest.
Though I can't speak for Kyle, I'm sure he'd echo my sentiment that hockey, like music, writing, or any form of art, has been an outlet. One that allows us to put the every day hassles and stress of life on hold, if only long enough to see the play develop in the corner, the stretch pass make it to the streaking forward at the blue line, and a clean wrist shot buried top shelf in the waning moments of a game.

"I swear my mom"

-Michael

Yes. It's true. I know, I know, this is my first post this year which will coincidentally be my last, but my quiet has something to do with a bigger picture. I almost feel like I should explain myself, like a celebrity caught in a huge sex scandal, or a country who we find out later was really hiding nukes the whole time, but, what can I say that Mike didn't. I guess maybe if we were writing to even 25 people I would probably take it more seriously, but after a while I guess the things Mikey and I were writing were the things we were texting each other anyway so the blog turned into a relic for me.
I will and still always love this game. Even when I am pounding blackberry brandy, wrapped in layers of longjohns, in subzero temperatures at the AHL Outdoor game in February. Or even when I get too excited at a goal and douse the lady sitting in front of me with beer in the first period, and have to sit awkwardly with the rest of her family during the entire remainder of the game waiting to get punched.
Hockey offers something that no other game can, but you already know that if you're reading this. So go enjoy it, Sans Doc.

and of course he tried that you dunce

Kyle

Quick Notes

2009-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

The Thrashers, though not a bonified threat yet, do seem to be headed in a positive direction for the first time in years, largely in part to Kovy, Rich "Panini" Peverly, and the career-rejuvenated Maxim Afinogenov. Despite dismal attendance, the Thrash are giving Hotlanta a reason to come to the rink.

Early goal of the year candidates:

***Stamkos on Hiller***

All aboard the SS Nevergivingupontheplay. What amazes me more than the fact it went in was just that Stamkos had the presence of mind to follow the rebound and give it another shot. It's clear that Stamkos is really making Yzerman give him a long look for the Canadian Olympic roster.

***Perron on Roloson***

Few things are more rewarding as a hockey fan than seeing an end-to-end rush executed as well as this is. Perron begins behind his own net, we see the puck cycled around, people are taking hits to make the play, Perron provides an outlet for his man, splits 2 defensemen (albeit Islanders), makes Mark Streit look like a child, and takes the long road home around Roloson. Plays finished like this will always remind me of Pominville's SHG against Emery to knock the Sens out of the playoffs, the good old days. To echo the sentiments of Darren Pang, with one of my favorite announcer catch phrases, "HOLY JUMPIN'!".

Whoa, whoa, whoa...

2009-11-04T01:45:00.000-08:00

What is happening? I leave for a month and come back to:
My Buffalo Sabres tearing it up thanks to everyone playing the same system (except Derek Roy), solid defensive performances (welcome back Hank Tallinder), and perhaps the most effective bottom 6 set of forwards in the league (The DO WORK line of Hecht-Grier-Kennedy, and the ASK QUESTIONS LATER line of Gaustad-Kaleta-Ellis). Standout play by Paul Gaustad, who has the best faceoff % in the league, and the monolithic messiah, Tyler Myers. Holy shit, what a breakout for the rookie totem pole. A couple rough games, but he adds a completely new dimension to the team with the mobility of Brian Campbell and the size of Zdeno Chara... I love this kid.
Not only that, but the Maple Leafs are EVEN WORSE than anyone imagined and the Habs are less of a threat.
The NY Rags are actually good?
Detroit and Boston aren't atop the standings?
Phoenix and Colorado are actually competitive and doing quite well this season?

WHAT IS HAPPENING? There are a few things that will likely always be true, like Ovechkin being the most dynamic hockey player in the world, but man the NHL is providing some great curveballs this season.

There will be more cohesive posts in the future, but until then...
Did I or did I not taut Alex Goligoski as a rager of an offensive D-man? Look at him now, he's a point machine, and a lock on the power play.
Oh, and Mike Babcock, please take Todd Bertuzzi off of Datsyuk's line, seriously, it's a buzzkill.

-Michael

Unless...

2009-09-26T11:04:00.000-07:00

Unless Kyle makes a more delayed comeback than Theo Fleury, this may be the last post for about a month. The winds of change are sweeping me to the Middle East and I'll be missing the first 10 games of the season. If I have internet access, I'll be keeping up to date with scores and seeing how this preseason to regular transition is working for teams.
Some observations thus far:
-Is there any possible reason why Nazem Kadri won't make the Toronto roster opening night? I'm not a huge fan of him, though he's still very young and will no doubt mature, but he has been a consistent point producer so far. With the addition of Kessel, the Leafs may have some offense to speak of. Expect Gustavsson in net often. UPDATE: So I called this one wrong, Kadri was sent back to London today. As a Sabres fan, this is good news because it's one less threat.
-Max Afinogenov playing for the Thrashers aka Atlanta Dynamo. Despite rumors of ending up in the large Russian contingency of Washington, Max joins Kovy, Kozlov, and kompany in the dirty south. He's actually putting up points. Good for Max.
-Edmonton, (pulls collar) eesh.
-John Tavares, stop trying to play like you need to prove you're a #1 draft pick. We know you're talented, but try being smart too.
-Gretzky out, Tippett in. I think more people follow the plight of the Coyotes than the play of the Coyotes.
-Even though he's had an incredible career to date, I'm making the prediction that this will be a career year for Pavel Datsyuk. Despite being notoriously inaccurate with predictions, book it.

So long, 'Merica. See you when I see you,
Michael

The Equivalent of...

2009-09-15T16:58:00.000-07:00

last year's Mats Sundin saga has come to rest. Dany Heatley has been traded to San Jose where Joe Thornton will likely get him baked out of his mind, teach him how to give a shirtless interview, and also set him up for 50 more goals this year. Cheechoo, Michalek and draft picks were the other pieces, and depending on if Cheech can have a bounce back year, this could be a decent trade for both sides. That's a big 'if' though. Despite the Sharks becoming a better team over the past few years, Cheechoo's goal totals have dropped from 56 to 12 in recent years.
The season is so close!

Pre-season games are starting up this week, and I'll be reporting back after two Sabres games against the Caps, one in Buffalo, one in D.C. My hopes: Tyler Myers bumps his head on the jumbotron while Mike Weber crushes skulls. Gerbe goes into beastmode and makes the team. Same goes for Kennedy and Ennis, though I know we'll get one of those three on the roster if we're lucky. The dead weight needs to be cleaned up and new blood injected.

I am ready for this season to begin. This summer has been like listening to an interview with Jay Bouwmeester. Especially after seeing the Buffalo Bills snatch defeat from the jaws of victory last night against the New England Tom Brady's, I could use a team I can believe in.
Until next time, here's Wojtek Wolski being Wojtek Wolski.
-Michael

The Latest Monster Contract

2009-09-02T19:46:00.000-07:00

goes to Vancouver Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo.

Luongo has been locked up for 12 years 64 million dollars. Like most of these recent major contracts, it is frontloaded beginning at 10 million and tapering down to 1 million in the final year (with Luongo at age 43). I expect the NHL to look into this, much like they have suggested with contracts like Hossa and Pronger, who likely won't be playing through the full contract term, yet help the team by lowering the yearly cap hit. For the team and player it is a win-win, but the league is wary of this process, as it in a way undermines or circumvents the CBA.
Bottom line, Canuck fans should be thrilled that they have one of the leagues best goalies locked up for the rest of his career. Since there has been a lot of movement to and from the Vancouver roster, I imagine the next few years will be more of the same. Any time a sizable contract is added to a team, there are compromises that need to happen elsewhere (see: 2010 Chicago Blackhawks). It will be interesting to see if Luongo can reverse the trend of his career-- being an elite goaltender on a mediocre team. Vancouver has certainly been more of a competitor since he joined the ranks, but this is a team that is still searching for a true identity, as we've seen with the mass exodus of veteran players in recent years, and a younger crop filling in.
On another note, similar to the way things work in Detroit, I respect that the Captains (Luongo and Lidstrom) are the peak of the pay scale. In these cases, this delineation is justified, seeing as both of these guys are incredible players, but I like teams who take this stand and stick to it. It has kept negotiations in Detroit Rock City civil, and kept their team a contender year after year. Luongo seems like a great guy, and is one of my favorite backstops in the league. Good for him. Though... Mike Gillis... any regret in signing the Sedins for 6+ million/year? That might hurt in a few years.

And really, who wouldn't want to make this place their home?
-Michael

Is this thing on?

2009-08-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

The offseason seems longer and longer each year, certainly not for a lack of happenings. Pat Kane, Roenick retirement, Olympic camps, some random trades and signings here and there, continued Phoenix ownership uncertainty. On a smaller scale,
after the recent comment by Todd McClellan stating that the San Jose Sharks had no captain, I wanted to address the idea of captaincy regarded in the NHL. Each year, fans of teams who don't have a player of the ilk of Yzerman will debate over who will fulfill the role of captain for their team, and who will be the alternates. Sometimes it's simply given to the best player (see: Luongo), other times it's given to an experienced, lead-by-example player (see: Lidstrom), and sometimes, if your team has commitment issues (Buffalo) and just got out of a joint custody battle (Drury/Briere), it will be given to the new boyfriend who is stronger and willing to beat up your ex-husband if he comes back unannounced (Rivet).
Every NHL interview regarding the captaincy will provide sound bytes mentioning intangibles, veteran leadership, and countless catchphrases and cliches, when really, the process seems simpler. With instances like Crosby and Toews, it's clear that those organizations are investing in their youth, and see something special in the maturity of these individuals, or at least the learning curve necessary for this responsibility. When Buffalo rotated the captaincy, it was simply because that team was without direction after losing co-captains at the same time. No one in that dressing room deserved the C, in my opinion.
It isn't often that a significant piece of an organization is stripped of the captaincy. Patrick Marleau being the most recent of these, after a few seasons of reduced production, could be for a number of reasons: lack of performance/ leadership qualities, or even to open the market for a trade (Heatley?). Mike Modano, despite being the Dallas Star for years, was also relieved of duties as captain with Brendan Morrow taking his place. Morrow would be captain material on any team he played on, so it wasn't a bad choice, but what is the desired outcome from taking the C from Mikey Mo? A shakeup/ wake up?

Love this JC Penney photo op. Meanwhile, wifey is letting loose.

Do NHL players think of letters the same way fans do? Each team boasts players who don't have letters that easily could, so is it a mental spark for those few individuals?
The captaincy is a tradition that I whole-heartedly support, though I'd be curious to hear a candid response from current players about if and if so, what having a letter means. And no matter what you think of the C, you've got to have enough common sense and self respect not to give it to Alexei Yashin. Isles... always worth a laugh.

If you read this, all 3 of you, name your favorite NHL captain in the comments, and why. I've always been a big fan of Zdeno Chara and Jarome Iginla. Why? Elite players who lead by example, play respectfully, but will destroy your life if you cross any lines.

-Michael

Three Cheers for a Great Career

2009-08-06T01:10:00.000-07:00

Despite all of the Bono/ old jokes made at his expense, I have unending respect for Teppo Numminen. The 20 year veteran just announced his retirement, and though it seemed like an inevitable decision now that he's 41, the game will miss him. I think I speak on behalf of all Sabres/Coyotes/Jets/Stars/Finnish National Team fans when I say he was a great player, person, and ambassador for hockey. Always calm, always a trooper. Despite not being a final three nominee for this past year's Masterton Trophy, I don't think he needed an award to earn the respect that comes with having your ribcage broken open to undergo heart surgery, only to return to the game and be the steady influence he has been for two decades.
Teppo, my favorite Finnish player, the NHL's European ironman, best of luck in the future.

-Michael

Free Agency Grades- Northeast Division

2009-07-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

Boston Bruins
Grade: A-
Lost- Montador, Hnidy
Gained- Begin, Sabourin
Retained- Thomas, Krejci, Recchi, Hunwick, Bitz
Evaluation- As the top team in the East, and dominant force in the NE division, Boston didn't need to do much to retain their competitive edge. Montador and Hnidy aren't huge losses (though I'll miss Jack Edwards screaming about Sheriff Shane Hnidy), though Begin isn't much to get excited about either, but he's a rough bottom pairing defensemen, so all is even. Tim "into the wild" Thomas finally hit payday with his new $20m deal and good for him, he has worked hard for it. With (presumably) the roles of Krejci and Hunwick growing, and Recchi playing what could be his final year, the B's did a good job looking forward this offseason. I've got to admit, Boston has a likable, well-balanced team. Again, I think they'll be a top 3 team in the East.

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Buffalo Sabres
Grade: B-/C+
Lost- Spacek, (Afinogenov, Numminen?)
Gained- Montador, DiPenta
Retained- Sekera, Kaleta, McArthur
Evaluation- Like Natalie Imbruglia in the late 90s, I'm torn. The Sabres needed two things this offseason, a top 6 forward and a new defense. Now they've lost their most productive offensive defenseman and done little else. DiPenta won't see ice time beyond the AHL and that's fine with me, and Montador got beat up by Taylor Pyatt... I rest my case. I'm torn because despite incessant criticism, I often think GM Darcy Regier makes wise decisions, mainly in not throwing big money at free agents in favor of developing young prospects. I love the possibility of Gerbe, Myers, and Kennedy all having a shot at making the team out of camp, but development takes time. With all of the dead weight on Buffalo's roster (see: Mair, Tallinder, Mac, Peters, and at times everyone but Gaustad, Miller, and Vanek), fans are going to be livid that guys like Gerbe and Kennedy may not be instant stars, though they have the potential. Everyone in the Sabres world is excited for Tyler Myers to be our equivalent Chara, but he's still young and needs to grow physically and with experience. Many Sabres had off years last season, and I think this years team will be an improvement, but it might take a few years before they are legit contenders again.

Pictured Below, Frodo and Gandalf the Grey

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Ottawa Senators
Grade: B
Lost- Auld, Heatley?
Gained- Kovalev
Retained- Neil, Heatley?
Evaluation- Let's get down to it, the Ottawa offseason revolves around Dany "one N for one normal eye" Heatley. He wants out, is offered out, doesn't want to go, but really, who would want to go to Edmonton? As our old friend Ilya Bryzgalov once said in the greatest interview in history: "it's a eight months in a eight months in a year snow." With the anticipated departure of Heatley, the Sens brought in Alex Kovalev, who will undoubtedly show up for 20-30 games and produce, perhaps showing glimpses of a team who won't have to rely on just one line, if Heater stays that is. There's still plenty of time for things to shift around, but as of now, the shiniest trophy the Sens have to look forward to is Carrie Underwood at a couple of home games.

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Toronto Maple Leafs
Grade: B
Lost- Probably a handful of guys Burke won't re-sign. Love it.
Gained- Komisarek, Beauchemin, Orr, Gustavsson, Wallin
Retained- Grabovski, Deveaux
Evaluation- Operation Rebuild Defense. Burke was active early and often this offseason resulting in some success and near misses. Without question, the Leafs got bigger, tougher, and better defensively, I see a renewed spark in the Buffalo/Toronto games this year. Toronto still needs some offensive talent if they want to improve, but I'd guess over the next few years, Burke will reel in some top talent to bring the Leafs out of the brutal scrutiny they've been under, at least a little bit. For now they can say, "Hey, at least we're not Montreal!"

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Montreal Canadiens
Grade: D
Lost- Koivu, Kovalev, Komisarek, Kostopoulos, Higgins
Gained- Gomez, Mara, Moen, Gionta, Cammalleri, Gill, Spacek, Sanford, Engqvist
Retained- Latandresse, Chipchura, Plekanec
Evaluation- I have been waiting for this evaluation for weeks now. Montreal has a wildly different roster, one that makes me hate them even more. Can someone tell me how Bob Gainey still has a job? Seriously, Gomez?!? Everyone knew that contract was a lead balloon, and now Gainey buys stock in the Hindenberg, gold. They picked up a few quality players, but overall it seems like they were peer pressured into making sweeping changes, and frankly, I think they're worse off for it. Cammalleri is good, but only as good as he was because he was playing with the likes of Iginla last season. Gomez can enter the offensive zone and that's it. Gionta has potential, and the potential to disappear. Moen might be the best acquisition made, Gill and Mara will help a little on D, but really, the 09-10 Canadiens are an experiment, and I'm getting more of a Frankenstein vibe than a Weird Science one. It's been a while since I've had to verbally shit on Carey Price, so I'll just say, I can't wait for him to get lit up and act like a baby again. Montreal will eat this kid alive before they truly accept him.
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That wraps up free agency evaluations, and if anything, it just reaffirms my desire for the season to start. Until then, respect Erin Andrews' privacy and let's enjoy the last half of summer.

-Michael

Free Agency Grades- Atlantic Division

2009-07-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Penguins
Grade: A
Lost- Scuderi, Garon, Gill
Gained- McKee, Rupp
Retained- Fedetenko, Guerin, Adams, Goligoski
Evaluation- So I guess I owe Pittsburgh an apology for saying they wouldn't make the playoffs through the first 5 months of the season... was I so wrong to assume that though? Anyway, the Pens did a pretty solid job of filling holes and retaining the roles that won them the Stanley Cup. Even though Scuderi had a coming out party in this year's playoffs, and Gill held his own as the big man on campus, McKee, Rupp, and an extended Goligoski cover them on D. Rupp is big, McKee is a great stay at home defenseman, shot block extraordinaire, all around good guy, and I've been a fan of the offensive Dman Goligoski for a while, he might earn a spot on the team this year. Sometimes Cup winning teams dismantle after they win, but the Pens are still marching relatively tight.

Philadelphia Flyers
Grade: B+
Lost- Biron, Knuble, Lupul, Sbisa, Niittymaki, Alberts
Gained- Pronger, Emery, Boucher, Laperierre
Retained-
Evaluation- Philly again made a big offseason signing by bringing in Pronger who will undoubtedly help log minutes and elbow heads. Seriously, the Flyers sign so many "Philadelphia-type" players (Pronger, Laperierre, Carcillo, hell even Emery can throw knucks). Most notably, 2 goalies out and 2 in. Unfortunately for Philly, it's still their weakest position. With what looks to be a tight cap situation, will Briere be the odd man out? I don't think he should be, but it might come down to that. Oh, the woes of signing ex-Sabres to huge contracts (Drury, Briere, Campbell...) Nonetheless, Philly will be strong contenders again, they have too much power not to. I'd imagine an improved PP this year with Pronger on the point.

New York Rangers
Grade: B
Lost- Gomez, Mara, Antropov, Sjostrom, Orr, Korpikoski
Gained- Gaborik, Higgins, Kotalik, Brashear, Lisin
Retained- Callahan
Evaluation- Another big market team with big moves. Rangers fans felt relief upon learning Gomez and his albatross contract was off the books, only to acquire another question mark in Gaborik. I like Gabby 10x more than Gomez, but it's always a gamble to bring in a guy with injury issues. Overall, the Rags improved their forwards corps and added scoring depth that they desperately needed last year. They are still lacking standout defensemen, and will again struggle, if they even make the playoffs. How will Blair Betts feel towards Brashear? I'm guessing an apology is due. Sather with another shakeup, we'll see if it helps this time.

Strong Island Muscleheads
Grade: C+
Lost- Danis
Gained- Roloson
Retained- Weight
Evaluation- The Isles made good decisions in the draft, and spirits may have Isles fans thinking they are this year's Blackhawks (beacon of revitalization and improvement), but lets face it... DiPietro may as well be on the missing persons list and 75-80% of the rest of their roster is laughable. Tavares is good, but he's not going to carry this team back to their early 80s glory. This is just the beginning of a long rebuilding process. Ah who cares, it's the Isles. Blow up the Nassau Coliseum and take this team to Kansas City for all I care.

Marty Brodeur and the Other Guys
Grade: C-
Lost- Gionta, Madden, Rupp, Clemmensen
Gained- Danis, Murphy, Sestito
Retained- Greene, Oduya
Evaluation- I didn't realize how hard a hit Jersey took this offseason before looking at the personnel changes. Gionta hasn't been as effective in the past few seasons since he lit it up on the EGG line, but losing him and Madden, won't help the Devs offensively. Clemmensen was a great backup for Marty this year, a typically limited role, and Danis won't compare. Rupp is a large man to replace. What has the Jersey front office been doing all offseason? Oh yeah, firing and hiring coaches. They need to get their shit together or Newark is going to invade The Rock and turn it into Nicholas Cage's The Rock. Alcatraz Apocalypse in Jersey, first stop Yikesville. Tough to be a Devils fan right now.

Lastly, the NE Division is next,
Michael