Yardbarker: Chris Osgood

MY LIST OF ALL TIME GOALIES

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:21:51 -0500

Here is my list of the best I've ever seen play . All 10 of these guys had there moments of greatness so here's to them , and as far as your list , HOW could you leave off CHRIS OSGOOD ? Come on dude ,granted this guy has had great defensive players but he still makes great saves and should get the credit for being one of the best goalies in the NHL for his consistency . Guys & Girls don't leave out OSGOOD that's a SIN ! By the way I'm not a red wing fan, I'm a NEW YORK RANGERS FAN ! Your list was cool but you know by now who I thought you overlooked. VERY GOOD TOPIC * * * * * FIVE STARS ! ! ! ! ! !

Brad Stuart, Andreas Lilja and Ty Conklin sign with Detroit

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:49:38 -0500

Both Brad Stuart and Andreas Lilja were core defenceman in Detroit's Championship, while Conklin was one of the reasons the Pittsburgh Penguins were so high in the standings and is an awesome back up goaltender. Stuart played in 9 regular season games, after being dealt at the deadline by the Los Angeles Kings, with Detroit recording 2 points and [...]

Stanley Cup Sex

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:19:07 -0500

Sources within the Red Wings organization confirm that goalie Chris Osgood, who is currently engaged in accompanying the Stanley Cup on a victory tour of talk shows and publicity events, has repeatedly and insistently claimed to have gotten as far as third base with hockey's championship trophy during the past week.

AJ: THE OFFICIAL PLAYLIST OF THE NHL PLAYOFFS

Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:05:49 -0500

by A.J.
from 105.9 The X

What started on April 11, 2008, finally came to an end on Wednesday night. The amazing emotional rollercoaster for Penguins fans known as the Stanley Cup Playoffs saw our boys come up one Chris Osgood kick save short of forcing a game seven against the mighty Red Wings. The loss left us dazed and stunned, but far from heart broken. Not only was this one of the most memorable regular season campaigns by any Pittsburgh sports team in recent years, but how great was the Penguins' gift of 20 bonus heart-pounding postseason hockey games? Anything that can distract us from the Pirates for nearly 2 solid months is nothing short of a blessing.

We weren't even so sad to see the Pens lose as we were to see the season end. Now we suddenly find ourselves with a lot more free time in the evenings. We've found ourselves asking such questions as "I wonder if that "Office" show is still on?" and "who the hell is this Jason Michaels guy?". We've also been missing a few songs that we've grown accustomed to hearing during the past few weeks.

It was the opinion of most hockey fans that the broadcasting powerhouse known as the Versus Network had several shortcomings with their coverage of the NHL. One of which was their decision to seemingly sell their entire advertising allotment to about six different companies. Granted the NHL on a network best known for bull riding is probably a hard sell for most sales executives, but it would have been nice as a viewer to see more than a half dozen or so commercials during the entire playoffs.

If we've learned anything in the past few weeks it's that: 1) it's totally legal to construct waterslides in the middle of a major metropolitan street. 2) the orange Edge foam-spraying girls are a little hotter than the green Edge nose dancers. 3) Mike's Hard Lemonade does not use soy. 4) Madison Avenue is in love with hip indie rock bands.

Quite frankly, I was a little stunned at some of the song choices used in this season's crop of commercials. Judging by market research, it is evident that NHL fans are the kind of people who attend Coachella or South by Southwest, drink import beers, and are likely to wear khakis. Here are the songs that you've heard during the playoffs and the bands that performed them. Feel free to load them into your iPod and relive the memories.

Heineken – Share The Good

So, if somebody gives you a Heineken Light, you are supposed to pay the favor forward by crossing the globe and giving a beer to someone that you'd normally have nothing in common with. I'll have a PBR thanks. No travel required.

The song is called "It's Love" and performed by a guy named Chris Knox. Chris Knox's album Beat (where this song can be found), was originally released back in 2000. Even Chris Knox had forgotten about this song before Heineken's ad agency approached him to use it in the commercial.

Dodge Journey – Waterslide

Is building a cooler in the back seat of an SUV really a good idea? Something tells me that the average person who buys one of these cars isn't going to fill that thing up with Capri Suns. Furthermore, we'd hate to be the poor bastard that has to sit on that seat during the road trip to the Niagara Falls casino for your buddy's bachelor party. However, riding a giant inflatable gorilla down a slip n'slide is awesome.

Apples In Stereo "Sun Is Out" is the song used as the soundtrack to the impromptu beach party. Apples in Stereo is another one of those bands that has been around forever, but chances are you've never heard of them until Dodge decided to use their song to pimp their ride. I'm guessing Journey wasn't available.

Apple iTunes – Coldplay Viva La Vida

Another band that was somewhat surprising to see attempting to appeal to NHL fans is Coldplay. However, a new CD means heavy promotion. The new album from Coldplay will be available on June 17th. If you would like to hear it now, you can give the entire album a listen for free at WXDX.com (shameless plug)

Dockers – San Francisco

Ahhh yes, the unofficial theme song of the Penguins playoff run. It became a bit of a good luck charm to see it. Despite the mojo, I will never buy a pair of Dockers after viewing this commercial approximately 1,456 times in the past two months.

The song is "California Soul" performed by Marlena Shaw. It was originally written in 1969 by Ashford & Simpson for the Fifth Dimension, but it has been covered quite a few times over the years (most notably as a duo by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell).

SO CLOSE...

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:21:44 -0500

RED WINGS 3
PENGUINS 2

Watching this season play out, the way the Penguins' 2007-08 campaign finally ended pretty much summed it all up: a talented team facing adversity gave an incredible, gutsy effort.

Down 3-1 while getting only one shot on goal through the first 16 minutes of the third period? No problem. Summon Sergei Gonchar and Marian Hossa for a little power-play magic and give us renewed hope with a minute-and-a-half remaining.

With the lid of Mellon Arena ready to be blown off, Marian Hossa's final effort trickled past Detroit goalie Chris Osgood, just inches away from tying the score as the clock ran out on the Boys of Winter.

It was an excruciating tease of what could have been.

But hockey, like football and golf, is a game of inches. A bounce here, a bounce there, and the Penguins could have won more than two games in this series. But there is no doubt that the better team won. The Penguins were the NHL's #2 team this year, and considering the age and inexperience of many of these players, there's no shame in that. But the day after, that's a message that no one wants to hear, especially the players.

As the title implies, the Penguins were both close and far in this series. Things couldn't have started much worse than back-to-back shutouts in Detroit, coming home with a 7-0 goal defecit.

There were times when this series had the feel of the 1960 World Series between the Yankees and Pirates. Yes, it was played about 20 years before I was born, but I've heard and read about it enough to know what happened.

Going into Game Seven, the Yankees won three games over the Pirates by scores of 16-3, 10-0, and 12-0. The Pirates also won three games: 6-2, 3-2, and 5-2. And as we all know, it took every bit of the seventh game, right down to the final at-bat, for the Pirates to eek out a 10-9 victory on home turf, cementing Bill Mazeroski's legacy in this town for the rest of time.

From 1947-1959, the Yankees won eight World Series and appeared in two others. Of the three years in that span that they didn't make it, their records were 94-60 (1948), 103-51 (1954), and 79-75 (1959). Their team was stocked with names like Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, and Whitey Ford...and that was just in 1960, to say nothing of the DiMaggios, Rizzutos, and Billy Martins that played in the years preceding.

To tie my comparison together, the Penguins were outshot by the following margins in this series: 36-19, 34-22, 34-24, 30-23, 58-32, and 30-22. True, shots alone don't win games, but they certainly give you an indication of who is in possession of the puck, and that was not the Penguins. They scored a grand total of 10 goals in six games, with seven of those 10 coming in just two games. They were facing a Red Wings team absolutely stocked with experienced, Stanley Cup-winning talent.

And much like the 1960 Pirates, these Penguins bridged the apparent gap between the two championship contestants with an amazing effort and a never-say-die attitude. After the series' start, few would have been surprised to see a sweep. But a funny thing happened on the way to that four-game series: the Penguins made it a series. This is not a team that packs it in.

The obstacles in the Penguins' path were many. First and foremost was the ridiculous Detroit defense, which was somehow able to totally neutralize the red-hot Pens, who had just had their way with the entire Eastern Conference. At times it was felt like trying to penetrate the Steel Curtain defense.

The Red Wings were able to hold Evgeni Malkin to a mere one goal for the entire series. The Penguins' goal scoring was very top-heavy, with three of their 10 from Hossa, two from Sidney Crosby, and two from the surprisingly efficient Adam Hall. Ryan Malone, Pascal Dupuis, and Gary Roberts were held to just one assist each. Jordan Staal failed to crack the scoring ledger.

With the lack of scoring production came the increased importance of other factors. Marc-Andre Fleury certainly silenced any remaining doubters who failed to notice his 19-10-2, 2.33 regular season or his 12-2 record coming into the Finals. Brooks Orpik and Hal Gill did their part to make the Red Wings sore on a regular basis. For inspirational purposes, you could look at a number of guys playing hurt, most notably Gonchar and Malone. There was the added lift from veterans Roberts and Daryl Sydor. And of course, no one will forget the efforts of Max Talbot or Petr Sykora in the near future.

Even on the losing end, it was as heroic an effort as anyone could have asked for. The Penguins gave, gave, and gave up until the final buzzer. Sadly, it was not to be this year. And I realize we can't take any future Finals appearances for granted, but the future is certainly bright.

So today, the offseason officially begins. GM Ray Shero is in a tough situation, as some combination of Hossa, Roberts, Dupuis, Hall, Malone, Orpik, Ty Conklin, Georges Laraque, and Jarkko Ruutu will surely sign for greater dollars elsewhere. But as he's proven time and time again, he's more than competent at his job. And while I'd love to see a guy like Hossa back in the black and gold next season, the Penguins will be a challenger for the crown regardless of who stays or goes.

To the Penguins, we thank you for an incredible, memorable season. From the October 5th opener against Carolina to the Winter Classic to the climactic finale last night, it will be regarded as a year for the ages.

The great thing for fans about playing this late into the season? Training camp's only a few short months away. I'm sure this nucleus will be more than ready to finish what they started.

2008 Playoffs: Wrapping Up Game 6 And The Finals

Wed, 04 Jun 2008 23:56:27 -0500

The Stanley Cup Finals are over and the Detroit Red Wings emerged victorious over the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 3-2 win. How did it all go down and where do the two teams go from here?

2008 Playoffs: Wrapping Up Game 5 Of The Finals

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:13:50 -0500

They had to work a little OT to do it, but the Pittsburgh Penguins have clawed back into the Stanley Cup Finals. Petr Sykora's called shot in triple OT has the series shifting back to Pittsburgh for Game 6. Will the Detroit Red Wings be able to handle the mounting pressure?

NHL Stanley Cup: Hot Wings, Anyone?

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 19:10:10 -0500

Henrik Zetterburg may have locked up the Conn Smythe Trophy with his performance in Game 4 for Stanley Cup Finals. The Red Wings delivered a 2-1 win in Pittsburgh to open a 3 to 1 series lead on the Pens on Saturday Night. Zetterburg and his linemates fended off a 5 on 3 powerplay with 9:50 to go in 3rd period while the Wings were clinging to a one-goal lead. Zetterberg essentially locked up the Pens captain Sidney Crosby during the powerplay, and was able to possess the puck after clearing an errant pass from Evgeni Malkin. Zetterburg even managed a shorthanded shot off to effectively kill off the 2-man advantage. Wanna see more? Click on the web link provided below... Thanx for resding!

That's Me IN The Corner!!!

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:08:37 -0500

Sometimes it just all goes not quite so well. Your prediction looked good but in the end, it went splat...this is one of those cases. Read on!

2008 Playoffs: Wrapping Up Game 4 Of The Finals

Sat, 31 May 2008 23:49:59 -0500

Looking back on Game 4 of the Finals and the one that got away for the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Detroit Red Wings didn't win the Stanley Cup tonight, but it is definitely now their to lose as they head home for Game 5in Detroit Monday night. Do these young Penguins have enough left to keep the champagne on ice?

NHL Missing a Big Opportunity

Thu, 29 May 2008 21:24:53 -0500

Wednesday night marked the third night in the past week we had to decide whether to focus our attention on the NBA Eastern Conference Finals or watch the NHL's rising superstar take on one of the league's greatest franchises in the Stanley Cup Finals. Not only were these two crucial playoff series taking place on the same day, they were unfolding at the same time.

Fanboom Hockey On Yardbarker...

Thu, 29 May 2008 03:03:13 -0500

First of many articles....this morning's well is basically the turkey is on me.

2008 Playoffs: Wrapping Up Game 3 Of The Finals

Wed, 28 May 2008 23:34:26 -0500

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally showed up to the Stanley Cup party as they pulled out an impressive 3-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on home ice in Game 3, largely thanks to a pair of huge goals from Sidney Crosby. How did the Pens turn things around, and will this give Pittsburgh the momentum heading into Saturday's Game 4?

2008 Playoffs: Wrapping Up Game 2 Of The Finals

Mon, 26 May 2008 23:57:08 -0500

48 hours after Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals and not much changed. The Detroit Red Wings played opportunistic hockey as they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-0 on home as to take a two games to none lead. Will the Pens be able to respond as the series shifts back to Pittsburgh for Wednesday's Game 3, or are Chris Osgood and the Wings' defense just too much for the young Pens?

2008 Playoffs: Wrapping Up Game 1 Of The Finals

Sat, 24 May 2008 23:54:58 -0500

Detroit came out and took care of business, to the tune of a 4-0 victory, against the Penguins in Game 1 of the Finals. What were the keys to the game, what can the Pens do to rebound in Game 2, and who are the leaders in the Conn Smythe Trophy hunt?