NHL.com At It Again

Good eye for Marc "with a 'c'" on this one, that was originally put up on the FOHS message boards.


So, as you see (click to enlarge, geese), Brent Johnson saved 36 shots.....and saw only 34. The Lightning didn't take two shots, and to show how good Johnny has been for the Caps lately....he stopped them anyway.

I mean, for the love of god-- it's simple stuff to plug in. Wouldn't someone catch onto the fact that the save percentage for Johnson is absolutely ridiculous and could be some kind of record??

Please, NHL.com-- give me an effin' job for christ sake. I'm looking for one in the hockey media industry.

The Blurst of the AHL Thirds

Before I start, I want to say that it's safe to click the links, they'll all pop up.

I've talked a lot about the NHL thirds, but the AHL is coming out with third jerseys as well this season. Now, there are some solid ideas, like the Philadelphia Phantoms and Portland Pirates (yay alliteration) kept it simple by putting their usual logos on different colored jerseys; which could be a little hack, but it works out for them.

However, there are some disturbing trends that keep on popping up. Five of the 10 jerseys that have been unveiled in the AHL shop are white alternates, while four of the ten use text as their alternate jersey with three being white and using text, the Syracuse Crunch, Hershey Bears, and WBS Penguins. While I can understand the Crunch and Pens, the Bears primary jerseys already use text across the front, which makes the third one really worthless. The other white jerseys show the Bridgeport Sound Tigers putting their logo on a white jersey, as they don't have a white jersey in their arsenal already, only orange and blue, while the Toronto Marlies decide to put a random Saint Bernard on their jersey....which, if anyone can tell me the reason for that-- I'd be so happy.

Another new shot is the Worcester Sharks, who opted for the text route, but on a grey jersey. I'm a big fan of the grey jersey design, mostly because I think it looks a bit drab on the ice and out of place. If it works for them, then more power to them, but it wouldn't be my first choice when all is said and done.

The Milwaukee Admirals check in with their hockey playing skeleton on a light blue jersey, which works fairly solid. For some reason, I never really liked that logo. There's something a little too cartoony about it and could have been done a lot better. However, for the light blue it works out to be a solid design.

Finally, it's the Binghamton Senators, who have a solid primary logo and jersey design, but they went really out there for this third jersey. Not only do they use the away jersey design without missing a beat, but they use a Senators who looks older than time itself and could do some side work as a Disney villain for the new "Aladdin" flick. It's a horrible design and horrible jersey choice, and while I like the Senators organization, but I can't support this new third.

So that's the AHL thirds right now and how I see them. If others come out, I'll critique those.....or not.

That Makes 355 Forwards

Welp, it seems that the Tampa Bay Lightning are making news again, surprise. This time, they traded away Matt Carle and a draft pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for Steve Downie, Steve Eminger, and a draft pick. Carle was previously acquired this summer from the San Jose Sharks for Dan Boyle.

It's not just the fact the the Bolts traded away a good, young project like Matt Carle for whatever reason, it's that they traded him for two player who will probably be up and down for the remainder of the season. Downie has been described as a trouble-maker on and off the ice, as well as being a little overly aggressive on the ice, which puts his team at a disadvantage. Eminger hasn't yet found the offensive stroke that made him a first round pick in 2002 and really has been buried in depth charts because of his inability to control the puck or do much of anything with it.

You have to wonder what's going through the heads of the Bolts brass when making a deal like this. There's enough forwards on the Bolts to field two full lines, five players, of forwards on the ice alone. Not only that, but you downgrade your defensive corps from a promising young project to a possible flop on the line. Eminger will not flourish in Tampa, if anything he'll flounder even more. With his lack of defensive prowess (a career minus-44 in 224 NHL games) will not help the Bolts backline and will probably expose Mike Smith and Olaf Kolzig to even more shots. Hizzah.

On the flip side, it could be high time to talk about Paul Holmgren as one of the more genius GMs in the NHL today. Not only does he take a guy like Braydon Coburn from the Atlanta Thrashers for the equivalent of nothing, but now he picks up Carle for two guys who really weren't going to advance the team in the long-term sense. Carle will be an asset on the puck-movement side of things for the defense and will be a nice second line compliment to Kimmo Timonen in terms of making the first pass out of the zone.

All in all, the Flyers make out like bandits and the Bolts continue to make pundits heads spin.

Devils in the Details

For the first time since the 1993-94 season. Martin Brodeur will not see an overwhelming majority of the starts in the New Jersey Devils net, as the legendary goaltender will be out three-to-four months, as he will undergo surgery to repair torn bicep tendons in his left arm. That leaves the duties up to Kevin Weekes to carry the Devils to the playoffs. In the words of Gregg "Opie" Hughes....good luck, bro.

To say this hurts the Devils is like saying the Atlantic Ocean is merely a puddle. This is a monumental loss and very well could not only effect the Devils in the future....but Brodeur's career as well. We'll get to that in a second.

But, for the Devils, they will need to hope that their young squad of unknowns on the blue line can really step it up and that the forwards can actually post up some amazing numbers to give some support to Weekes or whoever may end up in goal. While one player does not a team make, you can argue that a majority of the success over the years was due to Brodeur.

Let's be honest, Kevin Weekes will not be the savior of this team....or any team. He only has two winning seasons in his entire career, none in the NHL. In fact, his best winning percentage in the NHL is .500. For a career, Weekes has .397 winning percentage, which would be great if he was hitting clean-up for the Mets, but he's in net for the Devils. If his performance isn't up to par...Lou Lamoriello may want to start looking at some options out there.

As far a Brodeur is concerned, the big issue is how he will recover from this injury. Marty isn't a spring chicken anymore and it could take time to heal for the old veteran. Especially, considering that it's his catching arm, how well is he going to utilize that glove hand and will it effect his stick-handling ability that makes him a transitional threat when behind his net.

As of right now, I'm sure Devils fans are just shaking their heads and wondering if this is all a dream and when they wake up-- it'll all be okay. Sadly Devils fans, it's not going to be that easy and you may want to see if Chris Terreri, the goalie coach of the Lowell Devils, wants to take one more kick in the can. I mean, he's only 43 and really, probably a better option than Kevin Weekes at this point.

Well...There's At Least One Good Team

It's almost time for me to start looking forward to next season when it comes to Aston HC. Just dishing out all the assets and building for the future....if only they were keeper leagues.

Starting with the good news that is Glen Burnie HC, that squad is still in first place in the FOHSHL Hirsch Division. In Week Three, Glen Burnie HC took out Rhiannon Magic 7-2 thanks in part to Cory Stillman and Zach Parise putting up three goals and three assists apiece on the week. In Week Four, Glen Burnie HC had its closest win 7-4 over Bsdontneedagoalie2.0. Alexei Kovalev led the way with five points and Miro Satan putting up four points, with Carey Price picking up three wins in the week.

Now, to the bad parts that is Aston HC, starting in Leahy's GFH Norris Division where in Week Three, Aston HC lost 8-0 to the Fyremonkeys, with Jason Arnott's three points being the only bright spot of that week. They saved face in Week Four by tying Tie Domi Fan Club 4-4. The defense was crucial with Scott Niedermayer putting up four points and Nicklas Lidstrom putting up three, whilst Carey Price had three wins in the week.

To the even worst Aston HC entry in the PlayoffBeard.com League, Week Three saw Aston HC losing to The Reggie Dunlops 7-2. At least Mike Ribeiro put up six points and Henrik Lundqvist putting up two wins and a sub-2.00 GAA. It was a 7-4 loss in Week Four with Aston HC losing to the Montreal SekoS. Ales Hemsky put up five points, with Patrick Kane and J.P. Dumont putting up four points.

You can definitely see that I only care about Glen Burnie HC at this point-- it's the show's league, so I want to make sure that I beat the piss out of the listeners; mostly because that brings in the listeners.......or not.

RESULTS AS OF 11.04.08

FOHSHL: Glen Burnie HC: 30-10-8, 1st place
GFH-Norris: Aston HC: 12-21-7, 12th place
PBHL: Aston HC: 13-27-8, 10th place

Why You Have Back-Ups 101

In the midst of a 6-1 beat down of the Atlanta Thrashers, the New Jersey Devils displayed a big reason why it may be a good idea to play your back-up when you're against the second-worst team in the league.

Almost seven minutes into the second period, Martin Brodeur let the game with an injury to his arm. Granted, if you listen to Al Strachan, even with Brodeur holding his arm close to his body, Brodeur suffered a groin injury and also Jon Bon Jovi is drawing up a better "umbrella" power play set up....though that should be better left to Rhianna.....get it?? Moving on.

Now, I'm not one to tell the Devils coaching staff how to do things, and I know that Brodeur is in the midst of gaining the all-times wins record, but maybe this was hockey karma telling the Devils they should have let Kevin Weekes have this lay-up of a game. It's not like it's going to kill you to let him have some PT for games like this and the Islanders every now and again. Not only does it keep Weekes sharp and allows him to show off if he's worth having as a back-up, but it'll give Brodeur to rest-- which is something he may need if the Devils are going to make a strong run in the playoffs, if they can get there.

However, that's all something that's a moot point at least right now. With the injury to Brodeur catching arm, it could take some time for him to heal, depending on the serverity of the injury. That pretty much hogties the Devils to actually play Weekes and hope to hell that Scott Clemmensen isn't plucked off waivers if he's called up. Now, if the injury isn't too severe, the Devils wouldn't have to risk Clemmensen and call up Dave Caruso, who will no doubt remove his glasses and say "It seems that the devils.....are in the details" with the classic The Who accompaniment.

However, for the time being, Devils fans are holding their breath-- and this time it may not be because of the sulfur smell coming from the state itself.

Isles Continue The Retro Trend

First off, you'll see how happy Bill Guerin looks in the new third jerseys. Maybe he's just elated to play on Long Island. Whatever it is, gotta love the captain's excitement about not only the jersey, but the team as a whole.

Anyway, this Islanders jersey is continuing in the retro theme of the Oilers and Leafs. However, the numbers on the back, the name on the back, and the captain's "C" look very huge on this jersey. Obviously, they are trying to keep the same feel of the era it came from in this modern design.

One thing that really gets me is the immediate stop on the back of the socks. Reebok has the ability to keep the new sock and let it go all the way around the sock, as well as make and immediate drop off of the stripe like seen on the Lightning and Senators socks.....but for it to immediate stop in the back with no rhyme or reason to, it's shocking to me.

All around, it keeps the feels of the era it came from and is a solid effort from Reebok on this one. I don't know what to expect with some of the bad ones that could be coming along.

Around The Rink 10.27.08

Bringing back this old chestnut to keep things a-poppin' and get a lot of small topics under on umbrella....ella....ella.

-One of the big topics is what about Doug Weight's hit on Brandon Sutter. Personally, this is basically the same hit Steve Moore put on Markus Naslund, but much harder. Sutter was going full bore when he lunged at the puck, while Doug Weight seemed to come from across the ice to hit Sutter. While, if Sutter was standing up it'd be a solid it, I still think a charging call should have at least come from it. Weight took more than three steps and really didn't even try to play the puck. I don't anything should happen in terms of suspension, but what Jim Rutherford brings up in terms of the NHL caring about headshots may ring a little true. It doesn't have to be a dirty hit to be a headshot.

-The Washington Capitals allowed Alex Ovechkin return to Russia to be with his grandfather and will not play in Nashville. The Caps will monitor the situation and we'll see how long Ovechkin will be out. Family comes first for Ovechkin, which can be considered a good thing, though Caps fans may not like it. Also, I believe this could be some form of motivation that could be used for Ovechkin to jet his game back on track. Ovechkin has kind of stumbled out of gates, but there could be a reason for that now.

-Luke Schenn was told that he won't be returned to Kelowna in the WHL and will stay up with the big club. Schenn has made a big impression with the Leafs brass and should continue to do so throughout the season. You wonder how many other borderline juniors may or may not be returned to their club, with Zach Boychuk being the first to be returned as Carolina sent him back to Lethbridge of the WHL. Granted, this could also bring up the debate of pushing a player who is impressive, but still too young to make a huge mark for a whole season. Only time will tell.

-Super Saturday was a hit, Slothful Sunday-- not so much. Totals show that it was a high-octane show. 99 goals were scored, 974 shots were taken, five teams had over 40 shots, four goalies had over 40 saves, and 14 out of the 30 teams had four goals or more. Gary Bettman must have been happy for the scoring chances that were given and the goals that were scored.

Dildo Throwing 101

If you haven't heard about the AIK Dildo Throwing Incident, check out Shynner for details about it and the follow-up to it. On FOHS, we talked for about 20 minutes about the incident at the end of the show and different methods that could be used in throwing a dildo onto the ice. You can pick up the show on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts.

What you're about to see is why we love our fans so much. One anonyomus fan of the show decided to take to the test to the streets (literally) and test out which method could be the best when throwing a dildo.

First, the Football Method:


Second, the Axe Throw Method


Third, the Frisbee Method


Finally, the "Javelin" Method, which turns into the hybrid of discus and frisbee


For more on this whole thing, you can take part in our FOHS Dildo Throwing Poll on our message board and use this scientific method when you have to throw a dildo onto the ice....which really won't happen unless you're in Sweden.

Never Too Early For Controversy

While we're not ten games into the new season, you can bet that the wheels are starting to turn on goaltending controversies around the league. Off the top of my head, three teams are coming to mind when it comes to who's going to start over who in net on any given night.

We'll start with the Ottawa Senators, and I know what you're thinking "I thought this was over when Ray Emery went to Russia." Well, you thought wrong. Coach Craig Hartsburg and his staff are growing tired of Martin Gerber's subpar performances and are letting Alex Auld get a look this weekend. For some reason, Gerber isn't successful unless there's no pressure on him. He worked out as a back-up in limited showings and worked out in Carolina when there was no pressure-- then the playoffs hit. He moved to Ottawa and had his ups and downs, but the downs are mostly more notable. Alex Auld has played well for the Sens in his limited showing, but will he have enough to be a starter or even in a goalie-by-committee state?? Only time will tell.

Another place where controversy could reign is the Windy City, where waiver bait Nikolai Khabibulin has been on top of his game in his past few appearances, which not only makes him look good to other teams who may be interested in him, but also make the Hawks brass look a little silly when it comes to the thought of getting rid of him. All the while, the new guy Cristobal Huet hasn't looked bad, but hasn't looked overly stellar either. For the amount each of these guys make, you'd expect nothing but the best from them, but you know as well as I that it's never the case when it comes to money and performance.

One developing situation could be in Washington, where Jose Theodore's start with the Capitals hasn't been as rosy as many would have hoped. Brent Johnson has played relatively well in terms of filling in, but as a whole-- the Caps could be stuck with two mediorce goaltenders, which will probably be their downfall in the end. Of course, you could always wonder what could have happened if Huet was re-signed but look at it like it is....don't know if that would have helped matters at all or not.

Another problem that could arise is in Edmonton, where they have three goaltenders rostered and nowhere to put them. While Mathieu Garon seems to be the consenus #1, Dwayne Roloson and Jeff Drouin-Deslauriers are battling for the back-up spot. However, they can't risk sending Drouin-Deslauries down to the minors because that exposes him to the waiver wire, where odds are he'll get picked off from there.

Two For Toronto??

The Globe and Mail is reporting that there's some murmurs from some on the Board of Governors that the Toronto market is big enough for a second team. Also, from these murmurs-- the sky is blue and ice is cold. Not only is the market big enough, but there are enough media outlets to be able to cover both of them. Gotta love it.

However, the best part is that Jim Balsillie's name is being brought into the fold. According to one anonymous source, there's a chance that Balsillie will be awarded an expansion franchise to be put in such a market. As we know, I'm a big supporter of Balsillie as an owner in the NHL and if he can get an expansion franchise, the sky is the limit for him as a whole. Of course, there's a suggestion that relocation is better than expansion.

The big hurdle is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President Richard Peddie said that they wouldn't outright deny the idea, which of course means that they'll wait to see the compensation they would receive before they say yay or nay to the whole thing. Peddie said the Leafs wouldn't be hurt, but I think that in the back of his head he hopes that things would get better so they could actually be taken seriously when they say they wouldn't mind.

Yet, my thought is why has it taken this long for some "serious" talk about this to be brought to the table?? Obviously, there has been some just random water-cooler talk about the idea of bringing two teams to the GTA, but nothing too, too serious. If it took this long to think about it, how long would the execution take for it to happen?? Especially considering the Maple Leafs stranglehold on the market up there, why would they want to give up any of that?? As much posteuring as they do trying to look like they'll be inviting to the idea, you know they want to keep all the money for themselves and keep the attention on them.

One of the more self-serving quotes from Peddie was him saying MLSE could make money off of renting ice to the other team. Listen Richy and the rest of those jobbers, if Balsillie gets the team-- you can bet he would put up money for a new arena for himself and go against Air Canada Centre in terms of getting concerts and events there. Then, you can bet that the war would be on when it comes to the Toronto market in everything from hockey to the next Rolling Stones farewell tour.

At Least I'm First Somewhere

It's been two weeks and I'm somewhat pleased with my big team, Glen Burnie HC. The first week, I was able to capture a 7-2 win over Todd Butts' Lubomirs and Olegs to hold first place in the first week. The second week was much more rewarding with a 9-2 over one of the English blokes, the Pirhana Petes, keeping me in first place with a 16-4-4 record.

Like I said before, I take the GBHC league a little more seriously since it is the league for FOHS and I need to save some face somehow. Plus, I need to get back to my championship ways and it seems the league keeps getting bigger and bigger in terms of participants so the competition gets better and better. It makes some moves in the first few round crucial since pickings are slim in the later rounds.

In one of my other leagues, Leahy's GFH league-- the Aston HC contingent could be doing worse, but could be doing better. The first week, I got hammered 7-1 by Kessel's Jewel-- which is a funny name because it's true. The second week was redemption with a 7-2 victory over Black n' Blue Line. Let's hope the second week result continues on. The set-up in Leahy's gig is good and I like the forward and defense thing because you could have five centers playing at once and not have to decide who starts over who.

In my other league, which is put together by Captain Bosh and his Playoff Beard league, I may as well trade things away for parts. While I barely lost to the Carolina Creatures 6-4, Slue Foot took the legs right out of Aston HC by beating them 7-3. It's always a rough scenario, but it's early and I'm sure things can change instantly.

It should be a fun season all around, but heaven knows if I get too pissed, I may need to get a new laptop and may actually be fired as GM from my own fantasy hockey team. I wonder if things like that have ever happened before and if I would need to go to the insane aslyum for it....again.

RESULTS UPDATE AS OF 10.20.08

FOHSHL: Glen Burnie HC: 16-4-4, 1st place
GFH-Norris: Aston HC: 8-9-3, 8th place
PBHL: Aston HC: 7-13-4, T-9th place

Who's The Next To Go??

Denis Savard set the standard already for the 2008-09 coaching carousel by getting canned four games into the season in favor of Joel Quenneville, but now the question is-- since the first domino has been hit; who's going to be the next to tumble?? There are plenty out there who could definitely be ousted, but only a couple have a serious chance of getting their walking papers.

First up, Randy Carlyle. After a dismal 1-5 start, odds are the Anaheim Ducks head man is going to be the top candidate to be ousted next. While he was able to right the Stanley Cup champions banner for two years, as well as a big hangover from last season-- odds are that if the Ducks are going to be a contender, they need a new voice at the head of that ship. Carlyle's message may be lost or the teams are just that much better than the Ducks, but they need to get things righted before the team goes completely south for the winter. Heh, a migration joke-- get it??

Second would have to be Mike Keenan, but like I said in a previous post, I don't think that's the best route for the Flames. Keenan can be a hardass, but in the end-- he could be what the Flames need to keep them going and keep them hungry. If the Flames management give into demands, they'll be in another Jim Playfair situation where the players like the easy-going demeanor, but the thirst for success could be something that is lacking should they make the playoffs.

While it's only five games in, maybe Barry Melrose isn't the best idea for a coach in the "new" NHL. He's been out of the game way too long and it's showing that he could be not what the Bolts needed. Granted, he has been taking action by calling out his team two games into the season and limiting the minutes of their young star Steve Stamkos; it could be those things that the ownership didn't count on when hire him....or signing the players they did. It could be a stretch, but if things don't get better-- Matthew Barnaby may have to make room for Melrose back at ESPN.

John Stevens is a young coach and did a lot for the Flyers last year, but some reason-- they aren't clicking this year. Is this the time for Stevens to step down as an assistant?? Sure, it's five games in, but the Flyers have been losing leads late and haven't had the spark they had last year to start the season. With the Philly fateful very demanding, it could be time for Paul Holmgren to make a chance, which may start behind the bench.

Granted, I said that Barry Trotz was going to be the first guy out, but the Predators have been doing somewhat solid. It's been a long time for Trotz behind the Preds bench and he could be on a tight leash this season-- but he's getting things done for now, yet be sure that David Poile could be looming over Trotz in the shadows. I'd say Trotz's neck is on the line.....but that would require him to have one.

I'll be here all week, try the veal-- up next, Rich Vos.

Jumping Coyotes or Roadkill??

Depending on what you think of their play, the roadkill line could be fitting for the Coyotes-- but that's not what I'm really alluding to. The fine folks over at Icethetics apparently leaked the new third jerseys of the Phoenix Coyotes, another black uniform design. The picture is provided by Icethetics as well, as the watermark tells you already

Now, I don't know how to feel about this. The front logo itself is kinda meh. I don't think that a lone object appearing like it's jumping doesn't end up getting it's desired intention and makes it feel like, well, the roadkill that many thought when the the grainy pictures started to come out in early September.

As far as the color scheme, it looks alright on the surface, and I do like the alternate paws logo for the one shoulder, but I'm not sure how it's going to look with the maroon that the Coyotes have for helmets, gloves, and pants. There's always a thought that could pull something like the Hurricanes and Oilers and have an alternate black pair for the jerseys, but I don't know if that's a trend that many team are willing to keep up for a long time.

We'll have to see how it appears on the ice when all is said and done, but it looks like a solid effort and much better than Atlanta's choice of third jersey options which still bugs and disgusts me to no end.

Fanning the Flames

Living in this city, you can almost hear the wheel of the Calgary Flames bandwagon coming off. You can see the effigies being built for Miikka Kiprusoff and/or Mike Keenan. You see the confusion in people's eyes when they look at Todd Bertuzzi leading the team in goals and second in points. The embarassment of the fact that only Daymond Langkow, Andre Roy, and Eric Nystrom are the only rostered players that are not a minus.

Things are going bad for the Flames, but this isn't like any ordinary October slump however. There is no joy in the Saddledome. There is no ray of light that could be beaming through-- especially after two losses to the hated Edmonton Oilers. I won't say that they can't bounce back, because they have 77 games left to make up for it-- however, that being said-- something needs to be shaken up and quickly. With only one win in those games, all of them close...a drastic change may be needed to wake up the Flames.

What's the move though?? Do you fire Mike Keenan and bring in someone who is a little more, let's say, likeable; behind the bench?? Do you bench Kipper and see what Curtis McElhinney can do?? Is there something to wake up guys like Jarome Iginla and Craig Conroy?? What can be done in order to right the ship??

Personally, I think you need to send a message to Kipper. You don't want to make a knee-jerk reaction and fire Keenan, though it may be what's needed, you have to keep him back there for experience. Kiprusoff has always had bad Octobers. Maybe this is the year you give the back-up some looks in the early going so that maybe Kipper can settle down and get focused again. Plus, who knows what McElhinney can do if he's never given the chance.

However, with Iginla, there's only so much he can do to get himself up and only so much others can do to keep him help. There's no doubt he's the heart and soul of this team and he's doing all he can. I'm sure he'll catch his stride, but he's been stiffled so far, which may get him frustrated and off his game enough to completely ruin his first month of the season.

Bottom line, something has to be done because if this funk last too long, it could be a time to trade away for the future, as drastic as it may sound.