From the Penthouse to the Outhouse

By Scott Antoszewski

There isn’t usually a lot of notable trade action in the NHL offseason, but the deal that went down yesterday between the Blackhawks and the Thrashers was a big one. The Blackhawks have sent Dustin Byfuglien, Ben Eager, and Brent Sopel to the Atlanta Thrashers for veteran Marty Reasoner, a minor leaguer, a first round and second round draft pick in Friday’s draft.

Byfuglien, Eager, and Sopel were all critical players in Chicago’s Cup run, and now they are gone. I can’t imagine how these guys must be feeling. Heck, they haven’t even gotten their day with the Cup yet. They are going from a potential dynasty, to a team that may not even make it through next season in Atlanta. It’s strictly a result of the salary cap, and I’m sure the Hawks would have rather kept them, but big contracts for Toews, Kane, and Hossa have them up against the cap. Personally I feel bad for these guys, but they are professional athletes and I’m sure the big checks they will be getting from the Thrashers will help them get over the disappointment of the trade.

In other trade news, the Montreal Canadiens have sent goaltender Jaroslav Halak (no that isn’t a typo) to St. Louis for two players, both are young and neither are stars. Halak is up for a new contract and the Canadiens decided to go with Carey Price as their every day goalie instead of Halak, who carried the team to the third round of the playoffs. The Canadiens have always loved Price, but I have to say I’m not sure I agree with the decision that was made. Halak regularly outplayed Price during their time together in Montreal, but apparently the Montreal brass aren’t ready to give up on Price just yet.

The NHL Entry Draft is tomorrow (Friday) night from Staples Center in Los Angeles. Edmonton picks first followed by the Boston Bruins. Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin are projected to be the first two picks, and will probably be the only two players from this years’ draft that go straight to the NHL. I’m looking forward to see if there will be more “wheelin’ and dealin” at the draft. I’m off to New Jersey this weekend to try and get my hands on some game used Devils equipment. I’m looking forward to checking in with the Devils fan base.

Until next week…

Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champs

By Scott Antoszewski

Blackhawks 4 Flyers 3 OT

Blackhawks win series 4-2

The Blackhawks have won the Stanley Cup for the first time in 49 years. Game six was a back and forth, tightly contested affair, much like the previous five games. The Flyers played with much grit and determination again, and even managed to force overtime with a goal late in the third period. The Blackhawks were just the better team, and they proved it in overtime.

Goalie Antti Niemi stood on his head for the last ten minutes of regulation. One save in particular was especially impressive on Mike Richards from point-blank range. The overtime game winner was scored by Patrick Kane a little more than five minutes into the overtime period. Kane put a sweet head fake on Philly defensemen Kimo Timmonen and drove to the net, a lot like another Chicago legend drove to the basket in the early 90’s. The shot slipped under Leighton’s stick and pads and stuck under the pad that goes around the inside of the net. Kane knew the puck was in immediately, as did Patrick Sharp. Everyone else, including the game’s broadcasters and other players had no idea the Cup had just been won. Kane streaked down the ice shedding his gloves and stick as he did. It took about a minute for the goal to become “official”, but once the players saw the puck in the goal, the party was on.

It was a surreal ending. I was watching on TV and I remember looking up as I heard Mike “Doc” Emerik start to say the word “score”, but he too lost the puck and continued the call for a couple of extra seconds. There was no controversy after seeing the overhead replay. It was clearly a good goal.

I talked to a teammate of mine last night, and found out the feeling of confusion that was in the Wachovia Center last night was mainly due to the fact that the Flyers never showed a single replay of the game winning goal. No goal light came on, nothing. He said he saw Kane shoot the puck and then gear was everywhere. Folks in the rink were very confused. Overall though, the Philly faithful were respectful and well behaved during the post-game ceremonies. I saw some towels get thrown on the ice, but not a lot. They booed Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner, but everyone boos the commissioner. It’s like booing a politician. Jonathan Tows won the Conn Smythe Trophy for the MVP of the playoffs. Patrick Kane had better numbers but Toews is the captain of the Hawks, so he’s going to get more votes.

The Flyers have nothing to be ashamed of. I know it’s very easy for me to sit here and type that, but think about it. They were one shootout goal away from not even making the playoffs, next they were down three games to none to the Bruins, only to get down three to nothing in game seven of that series. The Flyers never quit, and proved that “History will be made” was the correct slogan for this year’s playoffs. Their run was magical and most of their fans know it.

Overall, the series was a lot of fun to watch. It wasn’t an epic, nor will it be compared to the best series of all time, but I believe it brought more new people to the game. I was also pleasantly surprised to see the game on NBC. Weeknight games had been traditionally carried by Versus as NBC didn’t want to take the ratings hit. It got good overnight ratings too, especially the overtime.

Lastly, I have thoroughly enjoyed writing about hockey for this blog since I started a few months ago, and thank Dan for the opportunity. Thank you for taking the time to read it. I’m looking forward to writing about some other sports as the summer and fall go on, and then getting back in to Hockey in the fall. Congrats to the Blackhawks….but look out for the Caps in 2011!

Stanley Cup: game five recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Blackhawks 7 Flyers 4

Blackhawks lead series 3-2

The scoreboard at the “Madhouse on Madison” had a very simple image. There was a picture of the Stanley Cup and a number one. The Hawks torched both Philly goalies for seven more goals, and are now one win away from winning their first Stanley Cup in 49 years.

There were many strong similarities to the first game of the series, as the teams combined for 11 goals, and Flyers goalie Michael Leighton got pulled. Chicago jumped all over the Flyers in the first period, scoring three goals and taking that 3-0 lead to the first intermission. The Flyers showed the resilience that is their trademark in this years playoffs, getting the deficit down to two goals twice, but they just couldn’t overcome the Hawks fast start. Neither Leighton nor Boucher were overly spectacular for the Flyers. Chicago coach Joel Quenneville moved Patrick Kane to the second line in an effort to spread out the scoring threat. Chris Pronger had been on the ice every time the Toews, Kane and Byfuglien(pronounced buff-len) line was on the ice in the first four games. The move allowed Kane to get more time and space with the puck and he responded with a huge game.

Byfuglien had a much better night against Pronger in the trenches as well. The Blackhawks power play was two goals out of four chances on the evening, which was the first time special teams has made an impact in the series. The best analogy I can give you is the Blackhawks were like the bully, who have just enough strength to keep the Flyers at arms length. The Flyers certainly didn’t quit in this game, but they just couldn’t get close after Chicago went up 3-0. The game was very entertaining, which has been a nice trend throughout the series. All the matches have been fun to watch so far.

Now the series shifts back to Philly on Wednesday night. Will the home ice advantage hold true? Home ice had been almost a disadvantage so far in the playoffs, it’s nice to see that has turned around for the Finals. It will be interesting to see how both teams play with the Stanley Cup in the building. I can’t wait for this one!

Goal scorers in game five:

Chicago: Brent Seabrook(Power Play), Dave Bolland, and Kris Versteeg in the first. Patrick Kane and Dustin Byfuglien(Power Play) in the second. Partick Sharp and Dustin Byfuglien(Empty Net) in the third.

Philadelphia: Scotty Hartnell and Kimo Timmanen in the second. James Van Reimsdyk and Simon Gagne in the 3^rd.

Stanley Cup: game four recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Flyers 5 Blackhawks 3

Series Tied 2-2

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a series. The outcome of game four is exactly why I don’t pick games, especially in the playoffs. The Flyers showed grit and skill at the same time as they evened the Stanley Cup Finals at two games apiece.

The Blackhawks were never really in this game. The Flyers imposed their will from the opening face-off all the way to the final whistle. I find it amazing what a little “home cooking” can do for a team. Less than a week ago the Hawks were up 2-0 and a lot of folks (myself included) were thinking sweep. Now, the series heads back to the “Mad House on Madison” on Sunday evening for game five, with the Stanley Cup Final down to a best of three.

Toews and Kane are still struggling to get on the board for the Hawks, and Chicago really needs them to get going. Philly’s big guns woke up for games thee and four, the two Flyer wins. It will be interesting to see if the trends hold true and the Hawks win again at home. Looks like a long road to the Cup from here. Goal scorers in game four were as follows:

Flyers: Mike Richards, Matt Carle, Claude Giroux in the first. Ville Lieno and Jeff Carter in the third.

Blackhawks: Patrick Sharp in the first. Dave Bolland and Brian Campbell in the third.

Game five is Sunday night at 8 pm.

Stanley Cup: game three recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Flyers 4 Blackhawks 3 OT

Blackhawks lead series 2-1

Game three was probably the most exciting game of the Stanley Cup Finals yet. The Flyers played desperation hockey in front of the largest home crowd in Flyers history. The 20,000+ Orange clad fans were sent home happy after Claude Giroux(pronounced Jerr-oo) scored his first goal of the finals in game winning fashion. The Blackhawks held a 3-2 lead in the third period after Patrick Kane got his first goal of the Cup Finals on a sweet breakaway.

I’d be lying if I told you that thoughts of a Blackhawks sweep didn’t enter my mind when the Hawks got the lead. Honestly, I’m excited to see that we will have what looks like a competitive series. Both goalies played well in Game 3. The Flyers just played more desperate hockey and fixed a lot of the mistakes that cost them in the first two games. I love overtime in the playoffs. We’ve only had one epic three overtime game so far this year. I was hoping this one would keep me well up into the night, but no such luck.

The series isn’t over yet! Game four should be very interesting. The Flyers now know they can beat Chicago, and will be playing at home again. The Hawks on the other hand will be looking to start another road winning streak. My instinct tells me that if the Flyers can win game four, then the series will probably go all seven games. A Blackhawks win in game four will most likely lead to the Hawks claiming the Cup after game five. I don’t usually make predictions, but since this one is in writing, I’m curious to see how it turns out.

Game three goal scorers are as follows: Flyers: Daniel Briere in the first on a power play, Scotty Hartnell in the second on the power play,Ville Leino in the third even strength, and Claude Giroux in overtime at even strength. Hawks: Duncan Keith in the second at even strength, Brent Sopel in the second at even strength, and Patrick Kane in the third on the even strength breakaway.

Game four is Friday night in Philadelphia at 8 pm.

Stanley Cup: game two recap

By Scott Antoszewski

Game two was the exact opposite of game one. A tight checking, defensive battle that put stellar goaltending on display. The Blackhawks scored two goals somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 seconds apart in the second period, and that’s all they would need. Philly goalie Michael Leighton rebounded nicely from a tough game one, but still took the loss. The legend that is Antti Neimi continues to grow as the rookie is now only two wins away from a Stanley Cup Championship. The Flyers activated Dan Carcillo for game two for some reason. He had little to no impact on the game. His accidental hit on teammate Mike Richards, will stick in most people’s memory; I would be surprised if he plays again in the series. The Hawks are still waiting for a breakout game from Patrick Kane. He played well, just hasn’t been the offensive force that he was all year long. The Hawks’ goals were scored by Marian Hossa and Ben Eager. The Flyers’ lone goal came courtesy of Simon Gagne.

I watched game two with a friend of mine who does not follow hockey. I very much enjoyed getting his perspective on the game. Avid hockey fans can enjoy a tight checking defensive battle; much like a die hard baseball fan can enjoy a 1-0 pitchers duel. I tried to explain to him that games like this are not what the league is looking for from the finals. The NHL wants a more wide open, run and gun, 6-5 final.(See my post about game one) The league believes that more scoring will entice the “casual fan” to pay more attention to the game, hence the changes to the red line rule, the goalie equipment sizes, the trapezoid, etc. Overall, it was a fun game to watch, both teams have proven they can play wide open and tight defensive hockey. Game three is Wednesday night in Philadelphia. Enjoy!

Stanley Cup: game one recap

By Scott Antoszewski

I remember thinking as I watched the Olympic hockey tournament back in February, “This is great hockey, I hope the NHL can live up to this level of hockey when it starts again.” Honestly, the last couple months of the season were entertaining, but not nearly as entertaining as the Olympic tournament… until Friday night.

Game One between the Flyers and the Blackhawks was the most entertaining game of the season in my opinion. The NHL needs more games like that to draw in new fans. The game was high paced, end to end, and full of excitement, especially offensive excitement, which is exactly what the league wants. The skill players got to show their stuff, we got to see Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, and Patrick Sharp lighting up both of the Flyers goaltenders. The Flyers responded with Daniel Briere, Simon Gagne and even Aaron Asham putting pucks past a rookie goalie, but came up just one goal short.

The old Chicago Stadium was nicknamed ‘The Madhouse on Madison’ and I noticed they put a sign up facing of the upper deck that read exactly that. The environment in that building was amazing, and I can only imagine how loud it must have been. The hockey fan in me was dying to be there, even though the ‘Hawks aren’t my team. The ‘Hawks sent almost 22,000 fans home happy. Personally, I can’t wait to see if game two is more of the same.