ESPN = The Worst in Hockey Coverage

So I've been checking out this forum recently called Hf Boards & might I say it is a pretty up to date professional discussion site. I came across this thread though in the NHL talk that states how ESPN screws-up pretty much everything there is to do with hockey, especially their bios on the ESPN website.

Check out this former New Jersey Devil. Apparently he plays for the Cincinnati Reds now:



Or even this one for the Doc:



....& we all love Tim Thomas



Even Sid the Kid!:




These guys have a great time on here & I'm happy to spotlight some of the funnier sides of the sport. Hopefully I can dig up some more relevant photos or videos to compliment these great ones!

Coach Clark The Blind Ref

Ok, I didn't want to post this due to how ridiculous it is but then I said: "Who am I kidding? This blog is ridiculous!" Coach Chris Clark of the Wenatchee Wild, a Tier II Junior A club, gets on the ice after a bad call expressing his emotions to our delight! Check out the video:



Coach Clark managed to pull off a graceful exit whilst getting his point across. It didn't get violent & it wasn't in bad taste. Good job Coach!

Denis Lemieux Explains Hockey

So today we have a tutorial for the young ones as well as those just brushing up on their hockey vocabulary. May I present to you Charlestown Chiefs' very own Denis Lemieux!:

NHL Power Rankings: Week #1 (2013)

Welcome to the T.O.A. Week #1 Power Rankings! These rankings are based on a formula that takes into account not only wins & losses, but goal differential, goals for, & amount of games these statistics are accomplished in. Let's get started:

#1 - San Jose (5-0-0; 10 pts.)
#2 - Chicago (6-0-0; 12 pts.)
#3 - Tampa Bay (4-1-0; 8 pts.)
#4 - St. Louis (5-1-0; 10 pts.)
#5 - New Jersey (3-0-1; 7 pts.)
#6 - Ottawa (3-1-1; 7 pts.)
#7 - Boston (3-0-1; 7 pts.)
#8 - Montréal (3-1-0; 6 pts.)
#9 - Colorado (2-2-0; 4 pts.)
#10 - Anaheim (3-1-0; 6 pts.)
#11 - Vancouver (2-2-1; 5 pts.)
#12 - N.Y. Islanders (2-2-1; 5 pts.)
#13 - Winnipeg (3-1-1; 7 pts.)
#14 - Pittsburgh (3-2-0; 6 pts.)
#15 - Edmonton (2-2-0; 4 pts.)
#16 - Toronto (2-3-0; 4 pts.)
#17 - Dallas (2-2-1; 5 pts.)
#18 - Buffalo (2-3-0; 4 pts.)
#19 - Carolina (2-2-0; 4 pts.)
#20 - Phoenix (1-4-0; 2 pts.)
#21 - Minnesota (2-2-1; 5 pts.)
#22 - Detroit (2-2-1; 5 pts.)
#23 - Nashville (1-1-3; 5 pts.)
#24 - N.Y. Rangers (2-3-0; 4 pts.)
#25 - Columbus (1-3-1; 3 pts.)
#26 - Florida (1-4-0; 2 pts.)
#27 - Calgary (1-2-1; 3pts.)
#28 - Philadelphia (2-4-0; 4 pts.)
#29 - Washington (1-3-1; 3 pts.)
#30 - L.A. (1-2-1; 3 pts.)


This list was created on Saturday so the teams have shuffled a little since then. Also next week will be the introduction of the "Who's Hot?/Who's Not?" segment of the list.

Brayden Schenn Lays Down Illegal Hit on Anton Volchenkov

I'm usually in full support of Brendan Shanahan's decisions as head of player's safety & today makes no difference in my opinion. Philadelphia Flyers' Brayden Schenn performed a serious infraction the other night on the ice against New Jersey Devils' Anton Volchenkov. The video below is a formal explanation by Shanahan on the parameters of the hit, as well as the justification of the penalty:



This hit could have been dangerous but thankfully Volchenkov wasn't harmed. Since it was Schenn's first major offense I like how Shanahan basically gives him a stern warning in a one game suspension. Let's hope players get the message soon & try not to get too excited out there on the ice sometimes.

The Edmonton Flames!!

I just love screw-ups, especially since hockey is one of those sports that just doesn't scream popularity like the NBA, NFL, or even the MLB sometimes. The programmer for this broadcast was definitely not a Canadian because this one is just silly:




Geez check out that score....& only in the 1st! Just a small laugh (the name misplacement, not the Edmonton performance) before we gear up for our T.O.A. Week #1 Official Power Rankings!

Manti Te'o's Girlfriend Spotted at Dallas Stars Opener

What did I tell you guys! I knew the Dallas Stars' twitter account would make a comeback! Manti Te'o may deserve this one for being so gullible. But then again, the prank was pretty elaborate. Here's the tweet realeased by the Stars' organization:

Our cameras at AAC are sharp! They just caught Manti Te'o's girlfriend in section 125 on the jumbotron!
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) January 20, 2013

And now here's the image on the jumbotron the twitter account was refering to:




Notre Dame football vs. Dallas Stars hockey. There's a trend happening here with football vs. hockey in Dallas, & I'm beginning to love it!

P.S.: It looks like that guy a couple seats down may have missed his hot dog & gotten a little mustard on his hand. Good grief.

2013 Pre-Season Power Rankings #10-1

So we've come down to the final 10. The creme de la creme. All teams here are under the assumption as shoe-ins to the playoffs & favorites for Lord Stanley's Cup. Who will take the top spot? Let's find out!:

#10

Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago has become a perennial contender. Even though Patrick Kane is out getting in trouble all the time, the rest of the team doesn't depend on him showing up every game, which he actually does anyways (incredible). To be successful this year: get dirty & lock down on defense. The Blackhawks just may be cup contenders.

#9

Detroit Red Wings
Nicklas Lidstrom wasn't everything in Detroit. Sure he was the captain & heart & soul, but something tells me he left with a plan installed. We all know Henrik Zetterberg & Pavel Datsyuk can get it done, but the rest of the Red Wings squad can also, & that's why this season can be exceptionally great even without there beloved long time captain.

#8

Philadelphia Flyers
Claude Giroux is just riding an incredible crest right now. Cover of NHL 13, the new captaincy, but is it enough to transfer on ice? I placed Philadelphia up at #8 because they have been getting it done year after year. Even with the loss of Jake van Riemsdyk to Toronto, the Flyers can manage an elite season.

#7

Los Angeles Kings
This is another team that will benefit or suffer under the shortened season. The Kings are back defending the cup this year & that is probably the only reason they are ranked this high. The reason? Injuries. The short schedule keeps the time to heal down to a minimum which can't be good when you have Anze Kopitar out. Besides that, look for the same energy from last season, but I doubt a repeat year is in the mix.

#6

St. Louis Blues
The Blues had a phenomenal run last year which ended in upset. With David Backes leading the way again, expect youngster T.J. Oshie to post up monster numbers if he can avoid the injury bug. St. Louis has the chance to create havock in the standings and possibly go further than they did last year because of the shortened year.

#5

Edmonton Oilers
#5?? Really? Yes, really. Check it out: Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, & Nail Yakupov all studs and under 25? This team may or may not reach the bar I've set for them this year, but if they don't then watch out for next year, and the year after that, and the year after that, and...well you get what I'm saying. Edmonton's future looks bright.

#4

Vancouver Canucks
The only reason Vancouver is up at #4 is the same reason they should be lower, & that's the Roberto Luongo saga. Even when he wants to get traded & is upset with his location, the guy somehow manages to run for the Vezina almost every year without trying. Along with the Sedin twins, the Canucks always have a shot at the cup, or at least the President's trophy (u mad?).

#3

Boston Bruins
Boston's another one of those teams that you sit there and wonder, "How do they do it every year?". This strong TEAM is full of talented individuals that move as a group towards one goal. I expect a superb season if Nathan Horton can pull together a stellar performance & if Tuukka Rask shuts down the angles.

#2

Pittsburgh Penguins
Everybody wishes they had one, Pittsburgh has them both! Sidney Crosby & Evgeni Malkin are just flat out sick. Sid, by far the best in the league when he's healthy, & Geno the best when he's[Crosby] not. This club lost Jordan Staal but I know Penguins fans are like, "Jordan-Who??". If Pitt can have fast start & maintain, the Stanley cup can most likely be in Pennsylvania this year.

#1

New York Rangers
With the amount of talent these guys stack up each year they should be playing outdoor games in Yankees' Stadium just to rub it in people's faces the dominating rosters both teams have. Rick Nash is the big story here, & now that he has his team around him he always wanted, let's see if he can produce. The top line looks scary & if Henrik Lundqvist does his thing like every year, the cup's in the bag for the Rangers.


Well there you have it. I hope everyone enjoys the season! Hockey's back and it's amazing to see the clubs skating again. Stay posted for more Power Rankings throught out the season!

2013 Pre-Season Power Rankings #20-11

Hello & welcome to part 2 of our 3 part series of preseason power rankings! Here we have the bulk of the league. We're starting to look at potential playoff teams & maybe even Stanley Cup contenders. Let's get started:

#20

Anaheim Ducks
Good News: Teemu Selanne is back again for another year with his buddies in Anaheim. The Ducks looked strong towards the end of the season but came up short. If they want to succeed this year, they need Bobby Ryan & Corey Perry to really contribute.

#19

Ottawa Senators
More Good News: It also seems like Daniel Alfredsson will be returning to his club. Craig Anderson seems to be their #1 this year which will be a huge part to their success if he can lock it down this season. Also expect Jason Spezza & Erik Karlsson to be tipping points on whether this team makes a playoff run this season.

#18

Colorado Avalanche
Colorado has the talent & youth but what they don't have is clutch. Last season's efforts fell short at the end and that's obviously not a good thing when you're in a shortened year. If Matt Duchene can get things rolling with Paul Stastny, you'll have two very dangerous lines that will make the Avalanche a threat for the postseason.

#17

New Jersey Devils
The reigning Eastern Conference champs are back!....but with out their top line! The reports circling about the uncertainty of Ilya Kovalchuk's return & the loss of leader Zach Parise makes this team a sure bet to not repeat this year as conference champs. The Devils are still incredibly strong without them.

#16

Washington Capitals
Alot of people jump on the Capitals train every year, & who wouldn't when you got ELITE talent in Alexander Ovechkin. The Capitals added a few pieces to the puzzle in the offseason to try and beef up for the suddenly strong Southeastern division this year. With a good start this year Washington can easily become a favorite.

#15

Florida Panthers
Last year was one of the most heart-breaking losses any team had in the playoffs. After a double-overtime, Game 7 defeat to the eventual Eastern Conference champs, many people were left wondering whether or not the Panthers could of made it that far. With new "possible" addition Alex Kovalev & the rise of Jonathan Huburdeau, Florida looks as strong or even stronger than last year.

 

#14

Minnesota Wild
I know what you're thinking: "How could this be such a low ranking?? These guys are stacked this year!" Well there's a little thing called "chemistry" which we haven't seen yet since Zach Parise & the gang haven't even skated together yet in a game. This rank will rise no doubt by the end of the season.

#13

Nashville Predators
Isn't it fun watching a scrappy, hard-nosed team destroy boards night after night? The Predators lost a big piece with Ryan Suter, but with Shea Weber still in the mix sometimes you can be thankful that at least you have one!I expect big things from this Nashville team regardless of their loss.

#12

Phoenix Coyotes
Two words: Mike Smith. Geez this guy is a brick wall isn't he? It sometimes makes me wonder what a crazy fanbase this team would have if it was located somewhere else. Phoenix deserves an NHL franchise, but I'm not going to get into that. Expect nothing buy excellence this year from this squad.

#11

Carolina Hurricanes
The only reason I'm ranking Carolina this high is because, unlike Minnesota, there is "chemistry" here. The Staal brothers lived with each other as children for Christ's-sake. If Cam Ward pulls out a stellar year whilst Alexander Semin smooths in a nice transition, the Hurricanes will be the favorite in the Southeast.


Well there you have it! expect the final installment tomorrow including our #1 spot! Enjoy!

2013 Pre-Season Power Rankings #30-21

So we're back with the T.O.A. Power Rankings! This is the first installment of three depicting what we should be looking at in terms of strength entering the 2013 shortened season. Counting down from #30, let's take a look shall we:

#30

Columbus Blue Jackets
Coming off a difficult season, the Jackets are probably heading for another one. This team was exciting maybe one or two years in their franchise history, but after loosing Rick Nash to N.Y. they'll have to dig deep to get out of the cellar.

#29

New York Islanders
The Rick DiPietro saga seems to have cursed these guys for some time now. Even with John Tavares (who I believe can and will probably end up being moved) & Michael Grabner, this team struggles to get anything going. Hopefully Evgeni Nabokov can salvage a lot of games for them this year.

#28

Montreal Canadiens
I'd really like to give this club a higher ranking, but with their on again-off again success it seems pointless. Last season was a nightmare for players and fans and unless someone other than Carey Price really shines out there then this Canadiens squad is destined for the bottom in 2013.

#27

Winnipeg Jets
There are many reasons why I can place the Jets higher in our rankings, but to me there is just too much wrong going on right now. The lockout delayed what should've been the first season of a new realignment, allowing the Jets to keep there travel costs down. But with a condensed, mainly Eastern Conference schedule & talent that is still developing, I see Olli & the Jets staying right around here.

#26

Toronto Maple Leafs
It's sad when you have this many Canadian teams stuck in the bottom, but it's also sad when you have a franchise that has some of the top talent in the league that can't get it together. Some teams wish they had the fan base this club has, but when strange moves like firing Brian Burke happen then you realize why Toronto is ranked so low.

#25

Buffalo Sabres
Ryan Miller was once the best goaltender in the U.S. He's still an incredible talent, but he's not pulling out wins for his team like he used to. Players like Jason Pominville & Tomas Vanek aren't playing like that Sabres team from a couple years agao. Last years playoff push wasn't enough, and unless they pick up the pace in this condensed schedule they'll get swept behind.

#24

Calgary Flames
Calgary hasn't been elite for a while, but with all the talent they have I can't put them any lower than this. An aging Jarome Iginla & an apathetic/unmotivated Jay Bouwmeester haven't been getting the job done along with everyone up in the tundra.

#23

San Jose Sharks
The Sharks have been getting it done for a while & I'm sure they wished they never let Milan Michalek skate away in another jersey. This year's a little different though. Can they continue to get it done with both Big Joe Thornton & Patrick Marleau? Can Logan Couture razzle dazzle these guys deep into the playoffs? This year's a little different.

#22

Tampa Bay Lightning
It seems like father time has forgotten about Vincent Lecavalier & Martin St. Louis. They have to give alot of credit to the young, budding superstar that is Steven Stamkos for their seemingly new fresh legs. Beyond that the addition of Matt Carle & the idea of Victor Hedman contributing give Tampa a nice chance to make some noise this year. But they'll need alot more push to make it past the stromg Southeast Division this year.

#21

Dallas Stars
Jamie Benn seems to be the only real "star" on this Stars team. I mean yes, you now have one of the most prolific figures to ever play hockey in Jaromir Jagr, but he's now 40 & looking slow. The team lacks depth. The window on this team is closing quick with the long tenured veterans, but what's interesting is that this team is still scary on any given night.


Well, that rounds up the first of a three part installment on the pre-season rankings. Stay posted for part two: #20-11 coming soon!