Thornton No Room For Mistakes

Thornton is on a tight leash. With San Jose being known around the hockey world as "the ultimate chokers" the fans aren't going to sit back and watch another 1st round departure.

After Colorado took the lead in the 1st game, fans didn't hesitate to boo. I don't blame them. Joe Thornton has zero intensity.

None.

Joe Thornton is a great puck mover but he has one gear. Slow. That just doesn't cut it for the playoffs.

Joe's head will roll if the Sharks don't put together a good run.

Playoff Predictions

Nothing out of the blue here. The only surprise is Detroit, I think they have a team that can really run with it this year. They've proven the can really grind it out and I think that will be the difference.

Just my opinion.

Leafs Head To Finland to Make Signing

Leafs management are headed to Finland to make another signing.

There is no details on exactly WHO it is just what position.

I found this out because on standerdbredcanada.ca (horse racing), one of the drivers who happens to be writing a blog is headed to Finland. Guess who he sat beside, Nonnis and Burke.

He got talking to them and he isnt allowed to give many details but we do know it is a goalie. If anybody has any ideas on who this goalie may be feel free to contact me.

Burke and Nonnis both told the driver not to tell anyone incase the signing doesn't go through.

*UPDATE

Thank you to "VICE" he has given us some important details on this possible signing. Goalie wise it could be Jussi Rynnas, Iiro Tarkki (Blue Jackets have expressed intrest), or Petri Koivisto. If this driver is wrong and it is a skater it could be Tuomas Kiiskinen, Teemu Ramdstedt, Ville Lajunen, Toni Kahkonen, or Antti Erkinjuntt.

Bozak A Future Star

Tyler Bozak is showing he might be a real player.

He has 26 points in 36 games. That is the highest points per game out of all rookies.

If he would have played the whole season with the big club he would be on pace for about 70 points.

Thats quite outstanding for a kid straight outta college.

Kovalev Tears ACL

This should put a hamper in the Sens playoff run (Yay). Now they'll probably choke a little earlier.

Kovalev tore it during the Sen's game against Tampa thursday night. It was his left knee, and there is no doubt this will hurt the team's playoff hopes. Kovalev was the Sen's big free agency move last off season.

He will under-go surgery in 2 weeks and will be out for 4 months.

Hey guys,

Just thought I'd share a really interesting playoff video on youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVI09hbuK78

I've watched this video countless times and it never stops inspiring me.

Poni Won't Be a Game Changer

Don't expect Poni to do a lot in the playoffs. Pittsburgh acquired him and there is no doubt he can help. But I wouldn't pick him in my pool.

In 23 playoff games Ponikarovsky has a total of 4 points. The only points Poni ever gets are when there is already a goal deficite of 5 or 6.

You won't see him burying when it really counts.

Great Moment For Modano

Mike Modano might have played his final home game as a Dallas Star last night. Modano received a standing ovation from the crowd during a stoppage in play. Tears were visible in the captain's eyes. He scored a goal, almost scored in OT, and got the shootout winner. Modano received the first star and once again teared up.

He said it was a great game to play as it was possibly his last home game ever.

A classy finish for one of the classiest guys in the league.

Gunnarson a Quiet Bright Spot For The Leafs

As we all know the Leafs were terrible this year, but there were some real bright spots on that squad.

Most people probably don't even know Carl Gunnarson. Well I'll tell you, he is a future NHL star defenseman. Call me crazy call me whatever you like, but trust me, I'm right.

I watch a lot of hockey, and I see young defensemen making stupid plays due to inexperience, totally excusable. If you watch a Toronto Maple Leafs game you won't hear Gunnarson's name. You might think he's only played 15 or 16 games. Try 42.

Gunnarson leads the Leafs (not hard I know) in plus/minus with a +9.

I'm sure the Leaf management is quietly celebrating this guy's success.

Seguin Ranked 1st, Hall 2nd

Bullshit.

I understand Seguin is a center where he can "impact the game more" (which I don't agree with). I understand a centre plays more roles especially with faceoffs, but that's not what he will be drafted for will it?

Both players will be drafted to produce points. Plain and simple. They put up the same number of points in the regular season. OK, tie. Hall has put up more then Seguin in the playoffs. Advantage Hall. Hall's played with a great team in Windsor and in the World Juniors. Hall wins.

I understand Seguin is younger but I believe that those experiences are absolutely vital.

Ballard, Ballard, Ballard...

Kieth Ballard.

You know exactly where this is going eh?

Kieth Ballard is either the biggest asshole in the world, or he's broken too many mirrors. First he trys to chop his own goalies head off after a goal, and now he scores on his own net....WITH HIS HAND. He must be a real popular guy with Vokoun this season. Poor guy...

Chicago Blackhawks Clinch 1st Overall In West

The Chicago Blackhawks clinched 1st overall in the west with a 6-5 win over St. Louis last night.

The Blackhawks had an outstanding season this year setting a club record in points. This didn't come without a little adversity though.

The Blackhawks lost both Brian Campbell and Brent Seabrook due to questionable (or vicious at least for Seabrook) hits recently. This obviously had a huge impact on the team's defense. The team struggled late in the season. This was just a little bump in the road, I mean come on two of their stars (they have enough of those to form a galaxy) go down and the team has virtually nothing to play for. They clinched a playoff spot long ago and new the would finish relatively high.

I expect the Blackhawks will be in the cup final.

Calgary Left Questioning

Calgary is officially out of the playoff race.

The Flames are the 4th highest paid team in the NHL as of right now. The Flames have consistently done poorly since the lockout. This has players wondering about their job security. I think it's safe to say that they should be.

The Flames season can be summarized into under-achievers and poor trades. The additions of Jamal Mayers, Matt Stajan, Ian White, and Niklas Hagman could not push the Flames into the playoffs.

With Ian White's contract up for renewal at the end of the season look for him to be resigned by the Flames. Ian White is one of the most under-rated Defenseman in the entire league. White is a defensemen you don't hear a lot about and that's because he doesn't make mistakes.

It will be interesting to watch the Flames in the off-season.

The Great Debate: The Trade for Phil Kessel

This year I have been consistently asked one question more than any other. You might think it was about if the Leafs would make the playoffs next year. Maybe if the Sharks will choke like every other year. Or possibly the Sidney Crosby Vs. Alex Ovechkin debate, unfortunately you would be wrong. The question I have been asked most, is if the Phil Kessel deal was the right move.

I have one response when somebody asks me that, yes. I know people arguing against the trade believe Kessel isn't worth the first rounder (especially due to the high draft pick the Leafs will receive due to poor play this season). Some say the Leafs could have picked up Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin in the 2010-2011 NHL Entry Draft.








However Phil Kessel is a 21 year old solidified 30-goal scorer. Taylor Hall will be 19 at the start of next season and will definitely need some seasoning (don't expect 30+ goals from Hall in the next season).

Perimeter players like Kessel and Hall are always a risk when coming to the big leagues. It is hard to tell whether a play who sticks to the outside has the skill or strength to pick grown men apart with shots and speed. Phil Kessel has shown he does. Taylor Hall is still a question mark.