Yardbarker: National Hockey League

Flyers Prospect Claude Giroux named MVP of QMJHL Playoffs

Philadelphia Flyers — Sat, 17 May 2008 00:12:09 -0500

The future looks bright for the Philadelphia Flyers. Not only do they have several young stars on their final four NHL team but they have a bunch of young prospects who will be joining the big club in the next few years. One of their top forward prospects, Claude Giroux, who you might remember from a brief stint with the Flyers earlier in the year, absolutely tore up the QMJHL (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) this season. Giroux was just named the MVP of the QMJHL Playoffs after his Gatineau Olympiques team won the championship. Giroux dominated the league, setting an Olympiques franchise record with 51 points in 19 games. Click the link for more on Giroux.

Kitchener Hangs On

Fri, 16 May 2008 23:51:08 -0500

The 6,701 fans that filled the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium saw an instant classic to start the 2008 Mastercard Memorial Cup. The Kitchener Rangers who are playing hosts faced off against the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Champions, the Gatineau Olympiques. The Ranger squeezed by with a 6-5 overtime victory. The Gatineau Olympiques fought back from a three goal deficit twice. It took just...

Pens, Flyers Proposed To Play Outdoor Game At Penn State

Philadelphia Flyers — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:37:43 -0500

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers could soon be facing off in an outdoor game - held at Penn State's 180,000-seat Beaver Stadium.

AccuScore: Updated NHL Eastern Conference Projections

Philadelphia Flyers — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:58:03 -0500

Dallas and Philadelphia both fought off elimination, leaving Detroit and Pittsburgh each up 3-1, and heading back home. Can either the Stars or Flyers do the unthinkable and come back from a 3-0 deficit? Find out the chances in the latest AccuScore projections.

AccuScore: Updated NHL Western Conference Projections

Detroit Red Wings — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:56:43 -0500

Rumors, Rumors Everywhere

Colorado Avalanche — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:16:30 -0500

The Avs have an opportunity to give a couple of young (relatively) coaches a shot at their first NHL head coaching gig. Patrick Roy has said that he doesn't want to coach in the NHL. Fine. It would have been preposterous to hire him anyway. The Avs don't need a gimmick coach. Also popping up on the radar are Pat Burns and Ron Wilson. Burns has a ring he won with New Jersey. But Burns wears out welcomes rather quickly and has been out of coaching in the NHL since 2005. Wilson is another coach that has bounced around the league, coaching Anaheim, Washington, and San Jose. Wilson is a solid coach who works well with young players, but he's rather unimaginative and can't seem to take talented teams to next level (fired from San Jose for this reason). But the Avalanche have options over the the old guard of coaches. Kevin Dineen is currently the coach of the Anaheim's AHL affiliate, the Portland Pirates. He was named AHL coach of the year in 2006 in first season. Dineen played for two years at the University of Denver before embarking on a 21 year NHL career. Considered to be one of the best minor league managers, Dineen would probably be a good fit in Denver. Not because any specific coaching style but mostly because his long career garners respectability and his hiring would be a departure from in attitude from Queneville. Plus, he has shown a fantastic hand at developing young talent which is something the Avs will desperately need if they are to continue to be a good team in the west the next few years. The other option, which I am (and so should you) totally for the Avs to do, is see if they can bring in Red Wings assistant Todd McLelland into the fold. McLelland is a veteran of the AHL and is considered to be on offensive mastermind. And if you have seen how good the Red Wings offense has been this season, the idea of bring that system to Denver should enough to make any Avs fan salivate. Of course in order for the Avs to talk to these candidates they are going to have to wait until Detroit wins the Stanley Cup and Portland's, currently in the AHL conference finals, playoff run also ends. I certainly hope the Giguere skews towards giving one of the young guys a shot.

They Are Heading Back To The Igloo

Philadelphia Flyers — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:17:22 -0500

It was do or die for the Philadelphia Flyers last night. Like the the Dallas Stars they fought off elimination with a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. It was a sea of orange at the Wachovia Center. The place had energy last night and the Flyers fed off of that energy. The first two periods they dominated the play. The Penguins didn't come to play in the first. Marc Andre Fluery had...

Flyers=Resilient

Philadelphia Flyers — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:05:33 -0500

Flyers pulled off a win last night, and now may be getting back their 2 top defenders, timonen and coburn, they still need to play three really tough games to get to the cup, but i'm becoming optimistic, nothing is over until we decide it is, who's with me?

The Flyers Could Get Timonen and Coburn Back For Game 5

Pittsburgh Penguins — Fri, 16 May 2008 12:21:44 -0500

The Flyers got some good news last night. Following the Flyers 4-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Kimmo Timonen updated his injury with the media. Timonen met with his doctor earlier in the day and was cleared to skate today. According to Timonen, "I'm going to skate tomorrow. I met [Dr. Ronald Fairman] today and we took another ultrasound. Based on that, the doctor said I have a green light to give it a try. That's what I'm going to do. I'm going to skate [Friday] and see how it feels. "If I feel tomorrow that I'm good to go for Sunday, then I'm good for Sunday," he said. "There is nothing to prevent me from playing. I may have numbness in my toes, but if I can deal with that then I can play. There is also a good chance that Braydon Coburn could be back as well for Game 5. Getting these two back in the lineup would be a huge boost for the Flyers.

Braydon Coburn and Kimmo Timonen back for the Flyers in Game Five?

Philadelphia Flyers — Fri, 16 May 2008 08:57:37 -0500

All of the sudden, things are looking a whole lot better for the Flyers. Fresh off their Game Four win last night the Flyers announced that they might have their top two defensemen back in the line-up on Sunday for Game Five. Braydon Coburn, who missed the last two games after he took a puck to the face, was already likely to return once the swelling around his left eye subsided. As long as he continues to progress you can bet he will be back Sunday. The surprising news is that Kimmo Timonen might also be available to play in Game Five. Click the link for more on this situation.

On May 15, 16 in Playoff History

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:37:30 -0500

It happened on May 15 and May 16 in Stanley Cup Playoff History

These Rangers Just Might Win the Cup (Memorial that is)

Fri, 16 May 2008 04:50:50 -0500

Our look at the Memorial Cup as we pick the Gatineau Olympiques to win it

Game Four: Change of Heart; Timonen and Coburn Could Return Sunday

Pittsburgh Penguins — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:16:39 -0500

After taking a three game break, the Flyers decided to show up for a home game Thursday, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 to force a game five. The first three contests were really no contest, as the Flyers let the Penguins do pretty much whatever they wished. But in game four the Flyers had a change of heart; in that they decided to play with heart.

No Sweep in Philly as Pens Lose 4-2

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:22:37 -0500

The Pittsburgh Penguins faltered early in Game 4 on Thursday and lost 4-2 to the Philadelphia Flyers, despite a late rally fueled by Jordan Staal. The Flyers, facing elimination in front of the home crowd, came out strong in the first period and capitalized on 2 powerplays in the 1st period to gain the early advantage. The Penguins turned up the heat in the 2nd and 3rd periods, drawing to within 1-goal in the final minutes of the game, but were unable to get the equalizer. The intensity and snarl of this game finally lived up to what I had expected, but not yet seen, in this series between the Flyers and Penguins. The loss is just the 2nd of the post-season for the Penguins, who will have another opportunity to put the Flyers away in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Flyers extend series with 4-2 win over Penguins

Philadelphia Flyers — Thu, 15 May 2008 22:16:44 -0500

The Philadelphia Flyers were due for a first period like the one they got tonight. For once, the Flyers were the ones that got the good bounces. For once, the Flyers were the ones that didn't get the extra penalty calls.

It ain't over yet: Flyers hold off Penguins to stave off elimination

Philadelphia Flyers — Thu, 15 May 2008 21:41:19 -0500

The Flyers of the first two rounds showed up tonight when they absolutely had to. Down 3-0 in the series and facing elimination at the hands of their cross-state rivals the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Flyers played inspired hockey and pulled out a 4-2 win to keep their slim Stanley Cup hopes alive. The Flyers jumped out in the first period and absolutely dominated the Penguins. Feeding off the booming home crowd, the Flyers scored three goals in the first period. Joffrey Lupul started off the scoring and Danny Briere and Jeff Carter both added power play goals as the Flyers offense showed more energy and intensity than it had all series. Philly looked like they were going to steamroll the Penguins as Pittsburgh could do little else but sit back and withstand the onslaught of the Flyers. Click the link for much more on the game, including highlights.

Memorial Cup Preview

Philadelphia Flyers — Thu, 15 May 2008 18:01:19 -0500

Tomorrow begins the the crown jewel of Junior Hockey, the Memorial Cup. It pits the three Canadian Hockey League Champions: Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League, and the Western Hockey League. The fourth team is pre-determined a year before the tournament as the host team. This year is the OHL turn to host the tournament. The Kitchener Rangers won the right to host the...

Modano's heroics continue

Detroit Red Wings — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:33:17 -0500

Lucky Number 13. That's 13 game winning playoff goals for Dallas Stars, star center Mike Modano over his 18 year career, all with the Stars, or North Stars. Even though they have a huge hill to climb in their series with the Red Wings, the Stars need to build of the fact that they finally held a lead in a game in this series. Other than about 34 minutes where they were tied up the Stars had been trailing Detroit the rest of the way until last night in game 4. Heading back to Joe Louis Arena, Dallas needs as much as they can get from the most prolific American born goal scorer of all time. Modano and his Stars are down 3 games to 1.

Mellanby just couldn't stay away

Vancouver Canucks — Thu, 15 May 2008 17:16:25 -0500

Scott Mellanby played 1,431 NHL games without winning a Stanley Cup Championship and retired last season after 2 seasons in Atlanta. Now the 41 year old is back in hockey, the Vancouver Canucks signed Mellanby to assist newly hired general manager Mike Gillis in all areas of hockey operations. Mellanby played the 3rd most games in the history of hockey without winning a ring and I don't know if that will change for him going to the front office of the Canucks.

Jason Blake wants to stay with Leafs.

Thu, 15 May 2008 14:36:31 -0500

It had been speculated last week that former Fighting Sioux Jason Blake might want out of Toronto and would welcome a trade to another club. Apparently that rumor isn't true.

The agent for Maple Leafs winger Jason Blake disputed a published report last week that his client is unhappy and wouldn't object to a trade. "Jason called me after that story came out and assured he wants to win in Toronto," Minneapolis-based Neil Sheehy said. "He didn't say anything in the story that (general manager) Cliff Fletcher hasn't said before, that the Leafs could be looking to make changes and I've spoken to Cliff to (underline) that." But Blake was a disappointment in the first of a five-year, $20-million US contract, scoring just 15 times. That deal makes it almost impossible to move him (the Leafs tried unsuccessfully last season) or buy him out.

With the season on the line, Flyers shake up lines, sit Braydon Coburn

Philadelphia Flyers — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:03:15 -0500

The Flyers may be playing their last game of the season tonight. In an effort to shake things up and get a spark, Coach John Stevens has rearranged the Flyers forward lines to look like this: Richards - Briere - Hartnell Umberger - Prospal - Lupul Upshall - Carter - Knuble Thoresen - Dowd - Kapanen Braydon Coburn also will not play tonight. Click the link for more on these latest moves.

Was Last Night the Turning Point?

Detroit Red Wings — Thu, 15 May 2008 13:00:03 -0500

The Dallas Stars fought off elimination with a 3-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. It could of been a lot worse if the Stars had Wilt Chamberlain. Chris Osgood was giving up rebounds in the first period. Dallas should of at least had two goals in the first period if they could cash in on their chances...

Braydon Coburn Will Not Play In Game 4 Tonight

Philadelphia Flyers — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:50:09 -0500

Philly.com and 610 WIP are both reporting that Braydon Coburn is not going to play in tonight's game 4 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. According to Flyers Coach John Stevens, "We really hoped he could play," Stevens said. "He practiced yesterday, but we made the decision that he is just not ready." Coburn has been out of action since he was injured in the opening minutes of game 2 when he took a puck to the face. The wound required more than 50 stitches and his left eye was swollen shut.

Alexander Ovechkin Goes PRO! NHL to the NFL - HILARIOUS!

Dallas Stars — Thu, 15 May 2008 11:40:53 -0500

Michael Bannon "Here's a story that makes us all feel good. A case of the LITTLE GUY getting a shot at the big leagues" "Star winger for the Washington Capitals was called up to play for the Miami Dolphins." If you love hockey, and better yet hockey and football AND have a sense of humor, you will hurt your stomach laughing.

Sharks including the fans with an update on the team

San Jose Sharks — Thu, 15 May 2008 10:13:46 -0500

The Sharks are prepared to let anyone who cares in on what's happening around the tank this offseason. The forum is called 'The State of the Sharks,' and the place will be at the tank (Hp Pavilion). Here's a cut and paste of the actual press release:

Mark Bell avoids jail, well kind of

Toronto Maple Leafs — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:08:38 -0500

Toronto Maple Leafs winger Mark Bell was a lucky man, and avoided an overnight stay in jail for a hit and run, and drunk driving traffic incident. The incident took place in September of 2006, and the California court system just got around to finishing up this case. Bell plead no contest to the charges and was sentenced to a California prison from June 2nd to August 15th. Wait, you're going didn't you just say he avoided an overnight stay in jail? Yes, I did. We can all thank the over crowded California prison system for this.

Weekly Wed. All-NHL Podcast

San Jose Sharks — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:48:39 -0500

Enjoy this weeks musings on all things related to the NHL [Runs 20min]. Topics include: * Is the Glow Puck is BAAACK? Clearly there are better ways to pimp the NHL, but is this, and focusing on Sidney Crosby all part of the problem and not the solution? * More vacancies than Detroit Motels: Who will be coaching your team next season? * The Tombstone Reads: Bye-Bye Philly and Dallas. Listen to why they will be golfing in a New York minute, and look forward to a final we've seen before (think NY Islanders dynasty beating the up-and-coming Edmonton Oilers in the 82-83 Final).

Franzen Cleared for Workouts

Dallas Stars — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:03:46 -0500

The Doctors have cleared resident Mule, Johan Franzen to begin workouts off the ice. He has been given the ok to ride the bike but is being monitored closely due to his concussion like symptoms that have kept him out of play. It doesn't seem like the Red Wings even missed a beat without him after they crushed the Dallas Stars 5-2 in game 3. But they will need him when they go up against an equally impressive Penguin force in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Kobasew inked new deal with Bruins

Boston Bruins — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:50:46 -0500

The Boston Bruins re-signed 26 year old Chuck Kobasew to a multi year deal on Tuesday, no terms however were released. This season he set career highs in goals (22), assists (17), and points (39) in his first full season as a Bruin. This isn't Kobasew's first stint in Boston as he played one season at Boston College where he lead the Eagles to their 2nd of 3 National Championships and was voted Most Valuable Player in the Frozen Four. Soon after he was drafted 14th overall by the Calgary Flames where he played his first 4 seasons as a Flame before being traded last season with Andrew Ference to Boston.

Braydon Coburn returns to practice

Pittsburgh Penguins — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:43:23 -0500

Braydon Coburn returned to practice today for the Flyers in hopes of taking the ice for Game 4 tomorrow night. Coburn missed Game 3 because his eye was swollen shut following the puck to the face he took in Game 2. Coburn will wear a visor to protect his eye, which, as you can see above, looks better but still has a ways to go to fully open back up. While it would be a great story and a true test of toughness if Coburn returns for Game 4, there is really no point in rushing him back to the ice. With the Flyers on the brink of elimination, if his vision is impaired in any way and there is any chance he could hurt himself worse, he should sit out. Even if he plays well and the Flyers win the game, they have a huge uphill battle ahead of them if they are going to win the series. It is likely there is a greater chance of Braydon Coburn getting injured worse than the Flyers have of winning four straight against the Penguins.