Aeros advance to the conference finals
Posted on May 14th, 2009 – 6:35 AMBy Michael Russo
Lookee here
After keeping one eye on the Caps-Pens Game 7, for the first time in the series, the game didn’t exactly live up to the hype. Boy, the Pens just kicked butt, eh? Can you say butt on a blog?
The reason why I only kept half an eye really on the NHL game is I attended the Houston Aeros’ Game 7, 5-2 victory over the Milwaukee Admirals. The Aeros became only the third club in AHL history — and second Aeros’ team — to win two Game 7’s on the road in the same postseason (Peoria last round).
Kevin Constantine — or KC, as I’ve learned he’s called — won three Game 7’s as an NHL head coach — all three on the road, meaning that’s 5-0 in the NHL and AHL. And he says it’s even better because he did the same thing a few times in junior.
“I have no idea why, either. I wish I did,” Constantine laughed.
By the way, and I’m sure it’s been written by Ms. Conduct & Gang on their great Aeros’ blog, but the playoff beards are out and Constantine’s got the chops going for sideburns. Great story on that I’ll probably throw into the paper tomorrow.
They’re the triangle sideburns all the way down his cheek. Very John Fogertyish. I’ll think of a better description and blog it during my drive home (I’ll pull over first, I promise). And if you don’t know what Constantine looks like, he’s got red hair, so it’s a great look. I nearly almost took a picture of Constantine just for the blog with my camera phone while I was interviewing him, but to be quite honest, Constantine scares me.
Oops, thought of one. It kinda looks like this — Hans Klopek from the Tom Hanks’ movie, the Burbs (as a kid, I toured the Universal lot when they were filming that movie) — only much more grown in and nothing on his chin.
After losing 7-0 in Game 6, the Aeros shockingly bounced back. Corey Locke and Krys Kolanos scored 49 ticks apart in the first, Milwaukee cut it to 2-1 and then there were several tense moments until the third as the unorthodox Anton Khudobin made some great saves and offered some heart attacks. He’s raw folks, very raw.
Clayton Stoner, who played a great game, scored a huge power-play goal, then former Admiral Tony “Circus” Hrkac set up former Admiral Bryan Lundbohm for the backbreaker on a beauty of a 2-on-1. Locke popped one in an empty net.
Justin Falk, I thought, was the best defenseman. Outstanding game, especially in the third. Robbie Earl can skate like one of those NHL ‘95 games I used to play where you can press a couple buttons and the player goes into turbo boost speed. He’s one of the best skaters I’ve ever seen. Effortless, like the Niedermayers, but with more speed, believe it or not. Danny Irmen played a solid game as well. A couple other players didn’t play so well, but I won’t mention them and one particular because I’ll keep it positive for a change (give it a guess though).
I had other things I wrote down, and of course, I left the paper in my car (I didn’t blog last night because there was no wireless in the Bradley Center). I also watched the game from owner Craig Leipold’s suite along with Tom Lynn, Chris Snow and pro scout Todd Woodcroft — on condition the words “GM” and “search” never came out of my mouth 
I appreciate the invite by Leipold. He’s a lot less stressed during non-Wild games, but still stressed enough. So it was interesting to get that up-close perspective. Next year I plan on watching every game from the owners’ suite at the X
Leipold had the Aeros over to his home earlier in the series, and he said it was a blast. So Leipold’s current farm team knocked off his old farm team — and actually the Wild eliminated Nashville twice if you consider the last home game of the NHL season. And continuing the theme I mentioned before the series, Tom Lynn beat Paul Fenton in the battle of the Wild GM candidates. Just a joke.
Funny moment during the game. They flashed the Marlins-Brewers score. I had no clue the Marlins were in town, and one of my best friends happens to be one of their announcers. I phoned (Canadian verb) him, happened to catch him between innings and we got to hang after the game for the first time since last hockey season when the Wild was in S. Fla. (he’s a Panthers’ announcer, too).
So that was cool and random. I know I had other things to mention, but I’m on little sleep and it’s on that sheet of paper that’s conveniently in the car. I’ll hop back on later.
So, after the game, the Aeros took a bus to Chicago to spend the night. They fly to Winnipeg today and open the conference finals against the Manitoba Moose on Friday-Saturday.
I have to hit the road for five-plus hours. It was a cool trip over to Milwaukee to see the Wild’s farm team in person for the first time.
126 Responses to "Aeros advance to the conference finals"
Yep, keep KC in Houston.
So, his new team beats the old team…. arent the moose somehow tied to Mn (used to be here or something?)
I can tell you, he’s an intimidating man and this crazy beard only makes it worse.
Glad to see Russo agrees with my assessment of Falker being the bomb. The boys down here think I only like him because he’s cute and tall. No, he’s really good. And cute and tall.
Earl has been a revelation. Didn’t like him at first but is speed really is jaw dropping and has been great at times for punching into the zone. I think we miss Ryan Hamilton a bit less nowadays. The video game analogy is hilarious and so true.
Stoner is usually good, but he’s really worn the C during the playoffs, if you know what I mean. He’s made big plays when we needed them, and very obviously stepped up his game.
(Mike, that was actually a pretty GOOD game for the one you’re not naming.)
“I’m due for stiff drink”
That’s what she said…..
I love the use of the Burbs in the blog Russo. What a great movie.
Congrats Aeros - I didn’t get in on any Web casts this round but I will not miss all of the conference final games. Bring on the Nuks’ Moose and more insights from Alan
Any shot that Corey Locke makes the Wild next year? I never hear him in discussions when the Wild are looking to call people up. He led the Aeros in points during the regular season - 25 goals and 54 assists - and is leading the team in points in the playoffs - 9 goals and 6 assists. What’s his story?
BTW - I understand stand you’re from “Strong” Island Russo . . . YIKES! No offense, but they should seperate L.I. form New York State and let it drift out to sea:)
I’ll second the love for the Burbs reference, Austin.
“Who picks up this mess? Well you’re going to pick up this mess, because YOU are a garbage man.”
[…] Russo’s Rants – […]
He’s raw folks, very raw.
Am I correct to read that as “He won’t be replacing Harding if Harding is traded.”?
Robbie Earl: Wouldn’t that irritate the ‘we need MN players’ crowd if the former Badger makes the big club prior to any former Gophers… not that irritating them would necessarily be a bad thing…
GREAT recap, Russo! I really, really wish the Aeros were going to be in Winnipeg over Memorial Day weekend (other than possibly Memorial Day itself)… I’d strongarm the hubby into driving up there with me to catch the game! Houston’s just a little out of my budget right now. Go Aeros! :o)
Yes, very much read it that way, Goody. You guys would die a thousand deaths watching him direct rebounds into the slot. He’s a fast-moving, atheltic, smaller goalie, and mentally, they just don’t get any more resilient. But he’s got work to do. The great thing, I hope, is that the organization will really take an interest in his development and get him working on some of these things in the summer.
When our defense is clicking like it is now (most of the time), it’s okay for him to play like that, but in the first half of the season… woof. We’ll get killed.
I doubt most fans would care if Earl made the team before another Gopher. Probably just glad to see a WCHA player make it. Frankly if he can add to the team–great.
+1
I don’t care where the player is from as long as he helps the team.
I really do feel that previous management had a mindset that Canadian juniors was the only way to go when it came to drafting though.
Wouldn’t that irritate the ‘we need MN players’ crowd if the former Badger makes the big club prior to any former Gophers… not that irritating them would necessarily be a bad thing…
+1
I would love to see it. Let those Homers wallow in misery.
I have said it a thousand times… It doesn’t matter where they are from… it only matters who is the best available player at that moment.
KC’s hair looks more gray than red at this point in his career. 
What would you call that, salt and jalepeno pepper?
the game didn’t exactly live up to the hype
Also, I’d say Crosby lived up to the hype about him, wouldn’t you?
I would say Crosby is still a crybaby. But that’s just me.
Russo - just go ahead and stay on I-94 and buzz on up to Winnipeg to cover the weekend games. Thanks in advance.
Maybe so, but he’s a crybaby in the conference finals and one who stepped up when the series was on the line, and not many teams I know of around here can say that, nor did any other “best player in hockey” step up to lead his team to a win.
NewYorkWildFan-
It’s been said often that when Locke is on the ice someone is going to score…either for or against, and that really didn’t fly with the old regime. I still think his size is the main issue though. If he was 2 in. taller and weighed 30 lbs more, he would be in the NHL. Right now it looks like he is a version of PMB that scores instead of passes.
I’m just gonna point out here, Kevin, that YOU brought Crosby up…
No, he passes, too, Greg. Big assist guy. 25 G, 54 A in the regular season. Very talented.
I did. In a Game 7, he scored two goals. Ovechkin got one but one that was only handed to him by Fleury’s bonehead play. Ovechkin had a breakaway early to give his team the lead. He didn’t score. Crosby got a breakaway - with nobody from Washington backchecking, I might add - and he scored.
I’ve changed my viewpoint. Hate all you want. The best player in hockey plays on my team, and the jealousy from the other 29 teams will now just slide off my back.
KiPA, I agree. For all the complainers and those who were upset about the hype because STK was “only the second-best player on his team” some said here, STK stepped up as big-time players are supposed to do. He deserves the hype and he does make everyone around him better and he does get the gritty, around the nets goals.
Glad to see you’re back on the bandwagon, Kevin! 
Greg and Ms. Conduct:
Thanks for the feedback. My thought is that he plays center and I think we all agree that we have lacked depth (to say the least) at that position for at least 2 years. I’m just surprised he was never given a chance based on stats alone.
Maybe move him to wing? Can he be worse than Craig Weller?
I like Ovie over Sid. Both are awesome but Ovie is more exciting, to me, and I feel like Sid whines too much. Can’t argue that only one is in the conference finals, or that no one on my favorite team is still playing.
The only things missing in Russo and Ms.C’s pictures(of Constantine and the other guy)were a jug of shine and a banjo.
As I said the other day, and it proved to be all-too-correct, the Caps were DOOMED…DOOMED I say…right when our “favorite” Canucklehead Alan threw his support to them. I almost feel sorry for them because they never knew that they had zero chance of winning the series with that albatross tied to them. Bummer…..
Re: The Quackers-Wings series finale….
I agree that the ending to game 6 was a totally premeditated thing and quite typical of the cheap bunch of hacks that the Quackers are. That has always been their SOP and it always will be as long as you have a a**hole like RC as the head coach. I honestly think it will end up biting them in the arse though. As BE said on VS last night, it will only serve to motivate the Wings and their stars to have a better game tonight and serve up a little Duck for supper around 8:30 CST.
Hey Alan, I’ve sent a Quacker’s jersey for general delivery to the main Vancouver PO. Go pick it up and wear it tonight during the game. The Red Wings and their fans will thank you.
STK is certainly a great player (and without any question the best player on his team), but he’s still a bit of a whiner. Sure, a whiner that’s in the conference finals, but a whiner nonetheless.
I assume everyone’s choosing to ignore all the whining from Ovechkin and the Capitals during the series about the officiating. That’s cool, no worries.
I’ve changed my viewpoint. Hate all you want. The best player in hockey plays on my team, and the jealousy from the other 29 teams will now just slide off my back.
KiPA…I had respect for you but now you’re just another Alan.
Frankly, I’d take either NBC or Ovie on my team. Hell, Staal or Geno would work too.
Oh, I might add…not that my opinion means squat to a student of the game such as yourself.
Geno, I hope you are right about the Wings. Completely agree on the premeditated nature of the ending of game 6 and it is so typical of that squad. Please, please Wings win that game. Hawks-Wings series would be so good to watch. Ducks-Hawks series would feature same chippy play from Ducks that would ruin the series.
Can win for losing, Kev.
One thing I can say for Locker is that in spite of getting absolutely NO sniff at even a cup of coffee, his play was consistent all season, at least offensively. The same cannot be said for the rest of the goal scorers. It’s just going to depend on the coach that comes in.
Helps that he’s been here before, just two seasons ago, winning the cup with Hamilton. Some guys just take that extra step up in the playoffs and he’s one of them. Stoner is another.
Man, this is fun.
“I assume everyone’s choosing to ignore all the whining from Ovechkin and the Capitals during the series about the officiating. That’s cool, no worries.”
I took that into account. Everyone complains about officiating at some point. I feel like Sid complains more than most top-tier players and relies more on his complaints to get favorable calls. And, how do you get past the fact that he wanted an announcement telling the Caps fans to stop throwing hats?
“I assume everyone’s choosing to ignore all the whining from Ovechkin and the Capitals during the series about the officiating. That’s cool, no worries.”
I took that into account. Everyone complains about officiating at some point. I feel like Sid complains more than most top-tier players and relies more on his complaints to get favorable calls. And, how do you get past the fact that he wanted an announcement telling the Caps fans to stop throwing hats?
Glad to see you’re back on the bandwagon, Kevin!
i was just going to say that
The best player in hockey plays on my team,
where was this talk 4 or 5 months ago?
and the jealousy from the other 29 teams
of course it can only be jealousy that others don’t hold the same opinion…
kj: I’m not entirely sincere, but yes, I’ll admit to trolling a little bit. Try and look at it from my point of view though. Look at all the crap being thrown around about the team I root for. I’m not allowed to give some of it back?
I’m having a little fun with you guys right now; I don’t plan to stay like this.
Crosby was clutch in this series. However, that doesn’t negate that he is a whiner, specifically the hattrick whining.
You could be a top 2 player and still be a whiner.
Oh, by the way, KiPA, congratulations on your team winning.
he wanted an announcement telling the Caps fans to stop throwing hats?
That was one of the stupidest things I’ve heard. Not your question, but Crosby’s complain. In that respect, I have no defense and cannot and will not dispute the whiner claim.
Which I didn’t before; I just said he’s not the only one who whined during the series.
Green*: If you don’t hold the same opinion, that’s fine. But if you say you don’t want Crosby on your team, I wouldn’t believe you. That was my point.
Late to the Games Seven parties. 
Sounds like the Aeros’ game certainly would have been much better to watch.
I was able to watch the first two periods of the Caps/Pens Game Seven (looking up TiVo deals now)–definitely all I needed to see of that game. Considering the potential to be an instant classic, that had to be one of the worst Games Seven ever–and not just because I wanted the Caps to win.
Granted, Ovie’s goal was a gimme; but it seemed like he was the only Cap that showed up to play. They looked like the Hershey Bears + Ovechkin against the Pens amped up on Playoff juice; and comparing last night’s Caps to the Bears that would be insulting to the Bears.
Regardless of potential undisclosed injuries (or “excuses” as I like to call them), Green and Semin were awful. They should feel shame.
It was time for Crosby, Captain of Gondor, to show his worth–and he did.
With all due respect KiPA, whining about the officiating and whining about hats being thrown on the ice are two different things.
I don’t care how good Crosby was. It just drives me crazy how big of a baby he is. Seriously, who complains about hats being thrown on the ice? Grow up Sid.
Having said that… if this years Cup Final involves the Wings and the Pens again, I will be rooting for the Pens just to spite Hossa.
And having said that, with the remaining teams left… I am hoping for a Hawks/Bruins Original Six matchup.
whining about the officiating and whining about hats being thrown on the ice are two different things.
In a way, yes. But both still include the word “whining.”
I’ve admitted in the past to Crosby complaining too much about things on the ice. But a lot of people seem to talk like Crosby is the only person to ever whine about anything.
I know I’m being an arrogant jerk to you guys, but this is a special occasion. Tomorrow I’ll be more polite.
KiPA…troll away. Just remember that some of us are troll smackers… 
I thought the Alan comparo would elicit another shot across the bow. Maybe I should have commented about the Penguins’ dog park? LOL
Honestly, I remember predicting a Pens/Detroit final with Hossa NOT winning a cup.
Atta boy, Kev! That’s what I’m talking about. Your team rules. Who gives a crap what us losers think? Be ruthless.
Dawg. I need a nap so bad. Maybe I’ll hit the caffeine at lunch.
And I hope you’re right, kj.
Also, thank you, sunshine.
KiPA: Enjoy the Conf Finals. Would be nice to be watching the boys in IRR play, but that’s another story. Folks whom state they wouldn’t want STK on their team are kidding themselves, but AO is still the best player in the League. As I watched the series, it became painfully obvious just how bad the Capitals’ defense is, especially when they have the puck on their stick in their own zone. As gifted as some of them are in the offensive zone, they are as equally Kuba-like in their own end. Ish.
I appreciate that, DB. I do disagree with you about Ovechkin; I don’t think scoring goals and throwing hits makes a person a complete player. But it’s all good.
I’ll let everyone get back to their regularly scheduled discussions now. Just know that my taunting or whatnot over the last hour was temporary.
I wouldn’t even claim that STK is the biggest whiner in the NHL, it’s just that when whining like he’s prone to do comes from a player of his stature, it’s especially off putting.
Maybe it’s a Pen thing - I was also turned off about Mario’s whining about how the Wild and JL were ruining the league during the Wild’s early years.
He’s a great player, no doubt, but I’d like him a lot more if he cut that stuff out. And it is not something that is unique to him - but he’s got a bit of a reputation for that, not just from fans but from players around the league.
I like certain things that he does - like when he stuck up for Malkin by fighting Ballard, but in my mind he undermines that by jumping him while Ballard was unstrapping his helmet.
Those are some of the reasons for my opinions.
At the end of the day, he led his team to victory, so gloat away.
Ooooh….. I like that Hawks-Bruins scenario for the Finals. Don’t know if it will happen, but I’d like to see it.
Just a guess here, but I’m not so sure that STK’s whining gets him any more calls in the playoffs. The boys in stripes are fighting to stay in the playoffs too, with each game and each call / non-call scrutinized by their higher-ups. Their performance(s), good and / or bad, determine who advances to the next round. They usually call it pretty straight-up because of that.
Actually, other than that one call (non-goal) in the Quackers-Wings series, I think the officiating has been pretty consistent and actually pretty darn good through the entire playoffs, so far at least.
Kevin,
I wouldn’t mind being in your shoes having to defend your choice of superstar. For the most part Wild fans just have to hear about how we’re a boring trap team.
Kevin,
I wouldn’t mind being in your shoes having to defend your choice of superstar. For the most part Wild fans just have to hear about how we’re a boring trap team.
I guess my comments are getting stuck in mod land.
Kevin,
I wish we had superstars to defend!
KiPA…our hats are off to you and Sid.
That was my point
point taken.
my opinion isn’t because he isn’t on my team, this is my point.
Congrats by the way to the Aeros and all their loyal fans. Very cool to see them putting together a nice playoff run.
That team is going to have their hands full with the Moose. Schneider is a damn good goalie and they just got Cody Hodgson on the roster. Would be fun to watch future Canucks playing futre Wild.
KiPA…our hats are off to you and Sid
Don’t do that KJ, Sid will ask the refs to tell you to put it back on.
This STK is a whiner stuff is overblown. He does everything he can to elevate his team and plays well under pressure — his results aren’t generated because he’s verbally assaultd the refs. They come from kicking a$$ all over the ice.
“his results aren’t generated because he’s verbally assaultd the refs”
Sprung, I agree. He’s a good player, but a baby nonetheless.
Ms. Conduct, Does Locke play a perimeter game ala PMB or does he get his nose dirty?
I’m really surprised at all the people here rooting for the Hawks. I still don’t like them dating back to the rivalry with the North Stars. Their fans were absolute jerks. I remember fights breaking out in the stands at the Met Center. I also remember being harrassed as a youngster by Blackhawk fans at the Met Center in the early 80’s. It didn’t matter if it was our rink, they came here and acted like they owned the place. I realize the Wild and Hawks have never really had a rivalry, but I still despise them none the less.
Well, Secord still sucks but at the moment the Ducks have more players worth despising and the Hawks play more exciting hockey.
If you are going to accept the mantle as the NHL’s best player then act like it. My favorite StK moment is when he bushwhacked a guy during a face off. Pure class. Of course Ovie offends his share as well.
You can’t argue with the Pen’s success last night, but Karlamov didn’t exactly distinguish himself along with the Caps D.
If size is so important, why is Patrick Kane succeeding? Does it boost Schroeder’s draft value? Why can’t Butch do that?
I think Hockeydad @ 11:53 said it best. There’s so much “savior” of the NHL hype about Crosby. Obviously, his ability backs that up. When he speaks with the media and does all the promo carp that Bettman makes him do, he does so with an embassadorial quality that’s admirable.
It has been well-documented in this space, however, that some of his actions on the ice can be another story: complaining, diving, dirty fights (I guess at least he’s trying to fight, however bad/low his tactics have been), etc.
Those are the traits that strike me as more human than savior-like. That being said, the hype isn’t necessarily his fault.
STK is in this position because he is good and he is from canada and we can’t have any more brused ego’s in canada.
it’s bad enough they had to pin their hopes at winning the cup on vancouver this year.
the Caps were DOOMED…DOOMED I say…right when our “favorite” Canucklehead Alan threw his support to them.
Wow, I love having such power. If that’s the case, I know who I’m rooting for next season:
Go Wild!!!!!!!!!
“If size is so important, why is Patrick Kane succeeding? Does it boost Schroeder’s draft value? Why can’t Butch do that?”
IMO -
1. Patrick Kane has shown why he was picked first overall in 2007. Pure freaking skill.
2. I doubt this boosts Schroeder’s draft value but I would not be shocked if we went around 8 or 9. No way he breaks top 5 there are better players available.
3. Bouchard plays like a small player terrified of anyone touching him. He will never step up his game even though he promises every year that he’s going to change.
Now that’s just a dick move Alan…
Bouchard plays like a small player terrified of anyone touching him. He will never step up his game even though he promises every year that he’s going to change.
Poor guy, he is terrified, because he gets terrorized by Burrows every summer during off season training. He jumps a mile if you walk up behind him and speak in a French-Canadian accent.
Bouchard plays like a small player terrified of anyone touching him. He will never step up his game even though he promises every year that he’s going to change.
I call bullsheet on this. You are over exaggerating big time. I admit PMB does try and avoid contact when he can, but to say he is “terrified” is just wrong. Plus, wouldn’t you want to avoid contact with guys that are waay bigger than you when you are as small as he is? He is most effective passing and playing on the outside, what’s wrong with him playing to his strengths? I don’t think Tomas Holmstrom is the greatest skater or shooter out there, but he can park his arse in front of the net nicely… so he does that, because it’s what he is good at. PMB doesn’t bang in the corner because that is not a strong part of his game. He will likely cough up the puck if he tries to go Behind The Net Bruno on someone. You can’t deny the dood has some mad skating and passing ability.
I have a feeling that we will find out exactly how effective Butch is this next season. If the Wild go to a more wide open style (like many on here hope they do), I have a feeling Butch will have a career season. I think if he gets some skating room, he will go to work.
Ha! Playing to his stengths is passing constantly when he has an open lane to shoot?
Here’s hoping. And if we didn’t have hyperbole, there’d be no blogs nor blog comments.
Well Lucky, he does lean more to the passing. that is one thing I don’t understand about him. He has a good shot he just doesn’t use it often enough. He started to get better about the last half of this season. Hopefully he keep it up next year. And don’t put words in my mouth. I never said he shouldn’t shoot it when he has an open lane.
PMB actually comes out of the corner with the puck more often than you think. Also to remind you all, last year in the playoffs PMB had 2g, 2a, 18 shots, was a +1 and had the GWG in one game. Not bad at crunch time. He is best at dishing the puck and can be very effective if he has someone to create for. I am not saying he is an All-Star but he can be effective and hopefully the next coach will bring it out more. He did improve significantly in the second half until he got hurt.
Re: PMB
“wouldn’t you want to avoid contact with guys that are waay bigger than you when you are as small as he is? He is most effective passing and playing on the outside, what’s wrong with him playing to his strengths?”
Well said. PMB will never be a power forward. And he’d be a fool to try and play the physical game (C-Breeze are you listening?)It’s impressive that the twerp is in the league. And after Gaborik skips town he will be the only thing in Iron Range Red who brings any creativity on the offensive side. Without PMB this would be a team full of Belanger’s on a mad dash to nowhere. Learn to love that little French bastard (PMB not Belanger).
He is best at dishing the puck and can be very effective if he has someone to create for. I am not saying he is an All-Star but he can be effective and hopefully the next coach will bring it out more. He did improve significantly in the second half until he got hurt.
+1
EXACTLY what I was trying to say.
+1 to Pewter too.
We need to get a scorer out there to play with him for sure. Didn’t Butch and Nolan have a good thing going for awhile there?? Not to say Nolan is a scorer or anything.. but you know.
Greg, yeah, he’s more of perimeter guy. They tend to put the more stout guys in the dirty areas. He’s very much in the PMB vein of player but more slight, I wager.
So, what numbers will the Figure Skating Midget need to post next year to justify his contract?
25/50 would make me call him PMB again…
25/50 would make me very happy.
We should send FSM to Vail to see if he can have surgery to get his testicles to drop.
KiPA, I’m glad the Pens finally finished off the Caps. Man, I’m tired of seeing all the bandwagon Caps fans here, hoping on and today, I’m sure I won’t see a Caps sweater for seven months.
As for the Ovie vs. Sid question…I’d take Sid. Ovie can be fun to watch and man, he can make a pretty goal, but I’m tired of watching him suckholing on the blue line and not playing defense. Probably just me, but I like watching players with good all-around games rather than pure goal scorers.
There are just so many things that get to me about Bouchard. I’ll back off if he continues to drive the net and shoot the puck when the opportunity is right. It’s the constant pass, pass, pass that drives me nuts. That and the spin-o-rama that leads to a turn over. Bouchard and Belanger working the point on the power play is one of the most painful things I’ve ever witnessed… pass to Belanger, pass back to Bouchard, stick handle, pass back to Belanger, move a few steps and fake shot, pass back to Bouchard, spin-o-rama, pass back to Belanger. They kill off penalties like nobody I know, too bad it’s the other teams penalty.
–I have a feeling that we will find out exactly how effective Butch is this next season—
My original question is why can’t Butch play like Kane. If anything, he’s a bit bigger, certainly stronger and appears to have all the skills that Kane has. It is legitimate to wonder if Butch wasn’t struggling the same way under JL as Shep does. He may spend so much time trying to figure out how to stay out of the doghouse that he doesn’t play to his instincts. I too, am interested to see how he does in a different system.
He’s no grinder to be sure, but there are a lot of smaller guys making an impact.
two things:
1. Schroeder will go top 10, if not higher, because he has a proven track record of succeeding against older, stronger competition despite his size (the obvious red flag.) To see him go 4 or 5 might not be that far fetched.
2. PMB succeeds in a secondary scoring role; look at the last two years, and then look at this year- if he’s got to go out against the league’s top shutdown D, he’s not gonna get any space to work. He’s at his best when there is another player/line ahead of him taking up the other team’s attention.
Ms. C- How did Scandella look this series? I’ve heard some good, bad, and ugly…
During his day people called Gretzky a whiner. Little things get blown out of proportion when you’re the leagues best player. And don’t kid yourself, Crosby is the leagues best player.
Pretty much all three, Dan. He’s big and strong, already has a pro body and isn’t intimidated the way Gillies seemed to be a bit when he was down last year. He’s not afraid to shoot the puck, which I like a lot.
But he’s had two turnovers in the last series that led to goals, so he was a healthy scratch last night. I think he’s going to be a stud at some point, but I wouldn’t be sad to see him stay in juniors and dominate for another season. The speed down here threw him for a loop, I think, and straight to the NHL would blow his mind, I’m afraid.
Falker is more ready to come up than him. I love that kid.
I don’t get as frustrated Lucky. It’s nice to shoot the puck and hope for a deflection or rebound, but you are also playing 50-50 that the puck will find its way out of the zone on the rail or lose the puck to the opponent. I’m ok with maintaining possession and looking for somebody to come open down low. That happens pretty quickly when you’re playing the Caps like last night. More patience is needed when its the Ducks/Nucks or most in the West.
On another but similar subject, I also don’t get this Hit the net! They’re always missing the net! Players aren’t trying to hit the net as much as one would think. They are trying to hit the corners because the goalie takes up so much of the goal. Of course they’re going to be putting them off the glass or just wide.
Oh. That’s a F-C accent that Burrows has. I thought it was a lisp.
Another thing on the Cros is he is the captain and, as such, is the voice of his team on the ice. Few want the NHL to look like European soccer in regards to player and official interactions but, at the end of the day, I think The Cup Changes Everything™
With StK’s visibility, he can do 50 good interviews and then come up with the “hat” incident and all the good stuff goes away. This icon thing is a difficult skill to learn. It will come in time unless he truly is a jacka$$ which I don’t get the feeling he is.
Russo: I phoned (Canadian verb) him…
Huh?? What do you guys say??
Called
Heh. Interesting. I never knew that was a Canadianism.
Bradley Center without wireless access for Admirals games? What happened? The Journal-Sentinel has to file via fax? Or were they all out at Miller Park for that Titanic tilt with the Brew Crew last night??
Or are the Bucks just too cheap to install it, being the prime tenant?
Pronger wraps up Hossa in front of the ref throws him to the ice and no penalty. What a cheap squad.
These refs are pathetic!!!! Pronger cross-checks Hudler in the back and Hudler gets a goaltender interference and Ducks score on PP.
If I wanted to, I could announce that I just saw two members of the Canucks outside my apartment building (one of whom lives in my building two floors down), but I won’t so that I can avoid you making fun of me for the next 6 months.
On another note, I dislike the Ducks as much as you, so maybe we’re hoping for the same result for a change!
And Nick Schultz lives near me Alan but I’m not sure what that proves. Anyway glad you hate the Ducks also. Pronger gets away with murder. Bad reffing tonight Geno.
Is anyone watching this game?
I know its unpopular but Go Ducks Go, shock the world! /cliche
Dan Cleary!!!
I typed too soon
YES!!!! All is right with the world. Wings-Hawks.
I just saw two members of the Canucks outside my apartment building (one of whom lives in my building two floors down).
I just saw two members of the Canucks outside my apartment building (one of whom lives in my building two floors down).
WTF was that? Strib IT??
Anyway,
–I just saw two members of the Canucks outside my apartment building (one of whom lives in my building two floors down)–
You’d think with what those guys get paid they could afford a better neighborhood. That was too easy.
You know Bettman and his crew just lick their chops when they see Pronger pulling this kind of chit. They love creating players from the dark side to stir everybody up.
Detroit was clearly the more skilled team throughout the series. Hiller and the Ducks defensive scheme kept them in it. Kudos to Holmstrom for standing his ground with Pronger. Ozzie is doing his part. Should be an entertaining series with the chippy stuff at a minimum. Nice to see.
2-2 Bruins-Canes.
The only thing that makes up for the Wild not making the playoffs is watching Vancouver and Anaheim lose in the playoffs! Here’s hoping for three Original Six teams in the finals!
Last night’s game 7 should be like tonight’s game 7s. These are very exciting games.
Not watching the East as much you forget how good Cam Ward is.
He’ll need to be good next round vs Pit, woodcock.
Pens should win but he is good.
Michael - did the Aeros say to you, “where are the good reporting crew- MsC, Fred, etc., and who are you?
Any word on the rehab / recovery of the injured Bees plus the favorite Finns?
I will believe it when I see it but the Fighting Sioux nickname controversy may be coming to an end - http://www.startribune.com/sports/45058157.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUsT
Maybe one of you experts, who has been saying that DR left the cupboard bare and that we had no NHL prospects in Houston, could explain to me how then the Aeros have gotten so far devoid of talent?
So, DET vs. CHI and CAR vs. PIT. Thoughts?
I think maybe DET will have their work cut out for them. 7 games vs. the physical Ducks, one triple overtime, 4 of them 1 goal games…
Just because a team is doing well in the AHL playoffs doesn’t mean there is more than a small handful of NHL prospects in Houston. This is more about Constantine’s system being implemented to the nth degree. Granted, the players do have to be really on and focused and work really hard to make it work, but it’s pretty impressive to watch when it’s clicking.
But it speaks not at all to the NHL-quality depth of the Wild system, IMO.
I’m so disappointed that Boston didn’t win. Bos/Pit would have been a fun series. I just can’t bring myself to care about CAR. Plus I have to hear all the commentators and analysts make condescending comments like, “The Carolina fans are really good. They cheer at the right times, on a good kill or clear, etc.” Wow, really? Even those idiot Southerners figured out the complexities of hockey? Well, I’ll be… Give them a cookie!
but ms.c…you’re a southerner…
Hooray, the Ducks are gone. Will Russo’s BFFs finally retire?
I am pretty sure that the FSM will have a good year next season. After he is traded.
So, we get the Winter Classic series. I wonder if Wrigley is available?
Yeah I would like to have seen the Bruins make it but otherwise generally happy with the teams that made it. Basically we have skating teams in the last 4. Although it was a shame that Walker, the sucker punch guy, got the winning goal for the Canes. Hopefully very little thuggery from now on. Refs did blow 2 calls in Ducks-Wings game and the failure to call the cross-check on Pronger and instead call goalie interference on Hudler could have changed the game’s outcome. That is simply unacceptable performance.
Yeah kj, where’s my effin’ cookie?
Speaking of,
FOOD
Another thing about PMB that I think people overlook. Who else on this team can carry the puck into the zone on the power play and actually keep control until things get set up? Seems like everyone else just dumps it in.
