Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Goateed Learning-Disabled Child Wants the Rangers to Trade for Kovalchuk
Some correct-spelling-impaired fellow named Steve Zipay thinks Nikolai Zherdev and a draft pick is a fair swap for Ilya Kovalchuk.
He also says things like "dem" instead of "them." Where does Newsday find its writers?
To be fair, he also calls the Czar "Special K," which is endearing in a "oh how cute he's trying so hard" sort of way.
He's due to earn $7.5 next season and then becomes a UFA, who, presumably, the Thrashers can't afford.
You have to love that "presumably." It covers the mountain of cash (or if you prefer, gaping canyon of cap space) the Thrashers have lying around. Presumably Zipay presumes far too much.
He also says things like "dem" instead of "them." Where does Newsday find its writers?
To be fair, he also calls the Czar "Special K," which is endearing in a "oh how cute he's trying so hard" sort of way.
He's due to earn $7.5 next season and then becomes a UFA, who, presumably, the Thrashers can't afford.
You have to love that "presumably." It covers the mountain of cash (or if you prefer, gaping canyon of cap space) the Thrashers have lying around. Presumably Zipay presumes far too much.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Not Dead, Actually
I know your lives have been only half-lived in the last few days, what with the Chronicle ceasing to publish for a weekend and all.
No worries, though: your editor is still among the living. It's just that 1) he's been struck down for a week or so with a non-swine flu illness, and 2) an afternoon thunderstorm gobbled up his Internet connection a few days ago. Power surge, or something.
But ne'er you worry; normal Chronicle operations will resume shortly. I'm sure there are hockey things to talk about right now, with the playoffs and the World Championship going on and all that, but I've been cut off from civilization and need to ease back into the hockey-blogging groove. For now, let's meditate on this lovely painting of a solitary fellow waiting for the Paris Metro.
No worries, though: your editor is still among the living. It's just that 1) he's been struck down for a week or so with a non-swine flu illness, and 2) an afternoon thunderstorm gobbled up his Internet connection a few days ago. Power surge, or something.
But ne'er you worry; normal Chronicle operations will resume shortly. I'm sure there are hockey things to talk about right now, with the playoffs and the World Championship going on and all that, but I've been cut off from civilization and need to ease back into the hockey-blogging groove. For now, let's meditate on this lovely painting of a solitary fellow waiting for the Paris Metro.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Reporting vs. the Outward Forms of Reporting
By now most of you have read the Falconer's two-part interview with Don Waddell (if not: part 1 here and part 2 here). It's far more probing than just about anything I've read in the AJC's coverage of the Thrashers.
I realize I'm hammering away at this point pretty damn tediously, but I think the coverage and analysis you get at a place like Bird Watchers' Anonymous is far more lucid and comprehensive than the feeble generalizations you get from the purged-and-thinned AJC. For a comparison of the Falconer's interview with some recent "reporting" from the AJC, you might be interested to lookee here. Again, I know I'm a broken record on this subject, but it's important, I reckon.
I realize I'm hammering away at this point pretty damn tediously, but I think the coverage and analysis you get at a place like Bird Watchers' Anonymous is far more lucid and comprehensive than the feeble generalizations you get from the purged-and-thinned AJC. For a comparison of the Falconer's interview with some recent "reporting" from the AJC, you might be interested to lookee here. Again, I know I'm a broken record on this subject, but it's important, I reckon.
More 2nd Round Playoffing Tonight
For instance:
vs.
Despite the picture, I think it's possible Anaheim could win on the strength of Jonas Hiller's goaltending alone. But then again, let's be serious here folks: Red Wings in 6.
Meanwhile:
vs.
Bruins in 5 easy.
vs.
Despite the picture, I think it's possible Anaheim could win on the strength of Jonas Hiller's goaltending alone. But then again, let's be serious here folks: Red Wings in 6.
Meanwhile:
vs.
Bruins in 5 easy.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
2nd Round of the Playoffs Begins Today
Get it?
vs.
The Orcas are emerging.
This ought to be a good series. I predict Luongo and his comrades win it in 6.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
More on Enstrom Injury, AJC Death Spiral, and Something to Do Post-Hockey on Friday Night
- The diagnosis: facial fractures and missing teeth. But he's going to be fine!
He underwent surgery Tuesday, Waddell said in a statement.
“It’s not too bad,” Waddell said. “(Goalie) Johan Hedberg talked to Enstrom’s dad, and he hoped he would be able fly home in a couple of days.”
*****************************************************
- I assume some of you have seen the AJC's new design, so uncannily similar to a thin, demented Day-Glo version of the Guardian. The Chronicle has been covering the AJC's decline quite a bit recently, and new-Thrashers-beat-writer-but-not-really Chris Vivlamore's latest blog post is yet another fun symptom:
What are your thoughts on tonight’s Ducks-Sharks Game 6?
Weep.
Let’s talk the draft today.
It's your blog, dude.
My interview requests of owner Bruce Levenson have been declined, so we’ll keep working the phones and get to other issues facing the team at a later date.
Christ. Does everyone realize the Falconer just scored (already completed, actually) interviews with Waddell and Thrashers scouting overlord Dan Marr? Just saying.*
I must admit, I have to get up to speed on the draft. I know John Tavares and Victor Hedman.
Facepalm.
Until I get a chance to talk to Don Waddell and pick his brain about draft philosophy, etc., let’s just play general manager for the fun of it.
I can do that.
Anyone else think they go with an offensive player at No. 4? Got Zach Bogosian last year, that’s a big piece of defense. It’s no secret that the Thrashers need/want help for Ilya Kovalchuk.
The great thing about beat writers is that they can unearth all kinds of inside information and offer unique, interesting insights that you won't find anywhere else.
Here is my list of contenders in order:
Oh God just stop.
I don't mean to be a rude bastard (which I, alas, kinda am) but I think this is an early confirmation of my fears that Chris Vivlamore--a guy with a huge workload and tons of responsibilities apart from covering the Thrashers--isn't exactly going to deliver the goods as far as interviews, hockey knowledge, or detailed reports from morning skates, practices, and road trips. Not his fault, of course, but it's becoming more and more apparent that the AJC is running out of room when it comes to serious reporting on the Thrashers. For example: his report on Enstrom's injury wasn't a product of him speaking to Waddell; he simply read Kevin Allen in USA Today and quoted what he wrote. Almost like a blogger!
All this is just as well, I suppose, because--as the Falconer and James Mirtle have noted--the paper's readership numbers are in free-fall.
Just one more note on this AJC/interviewing business. The Thrashers' owners are as secretive as Waddell (whatever else you may think of him) is candid and available, and it doesn't surprise me that Bruce Levenson is declining interviews. The Atlanta Spirit has always been clueless about public relations. But this state of affairs is also partially the AJC's fault. Other NHL beat writers find ways to talk to team CEOs and owners: just yesterday David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News called up the Sharks CEO and asked him (of all things) whether GM Doug Wilson will be keeping his job. I can't imagine that level of access and aggressiveness at the AJC, and I think it has as much to do with the AJC's own timidity and lack of interest as it does with the Atlanta Spirit's secrecy.
For more Chronicle chronicles of this dying behemoth, click here and here. Especially that second link, because it features a photo of my trophy-winning Landseer, Boatswain. Did you know we take tea together every afternoon and peruse The Economist? We've developed a sign language system whereby he uses his tail and paws to read me the Bagehot columns. He's so smart!
*****************************************************
- So we all know the first game of the Boston vs. Carolina series will be on the TV machine Friday night. But eventually (unless it goes into overtime) it will end, and you'll say to yourself, "Now what? It IS Friday night, after all."
Well fella, you're in luck! LUCK, I tell ya! Those of you who live in the Atlanta area, anyway. Why don't you watch the Hockey at the Midway Pub in East Atlanta, a FINE venue for the Hockey-watching and beer-sampling, and when the game ends migrate a few steps down the street to the 592 to watch a Very Important Musical Event, as reported by Creative Loafing:
Life after Chainstereo has proven to be a productive time for the four fresh faces of CARNIVORES. After months of promises, they finally make good on their first LP/CD since reinventing themselves, All Night Dead U.S.A. (Double Phantom Records). The group's sound is a clutter of lo-fi tropicalia, lounge, psychedelic indie-rock dirges and death-afflicted collages that harness an array of influences touching on everything from the Pixies and the Replacements to Animal Collective and Abe Vigoda. For the record release party, fellow locals the Living Rooms, Balkans and the Louder Than Dreams DJs open the show. $7. 9 p.m. 529, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-228-6769. www.529atl.com.
He underwent surgery Tuesday, Waddell said in a statement.
“It’s not too bad,” Waddell said. “(Goalie) Johan Hedberg talked to Enstrom’s dad, and he hoped he would be able fly home in a couple of days.”
*****************************************************
- I assume some of you have seen the AJC's new design, so uncannily similar to a thin, demented Day-Glo version of the Guardian. The Chronicle has been covering the AJC's decline quite a bit recently, and new-Thrashers-beat-writer-but-not-really Chris Vivlamore's latest blog post is yet another fun symptom:
What are your thoughts on tonight’s Ducks-Sharks Game 6?
Weep.
Let’s talk the draft today.
It's your blog, dude.
My interview requests of owner Bruce Levenson have been declined, so we’ll keep working the phones and get to other issues facing the team at a later date.
Christ. Does everyone realize the Falconer just scored (already completed, actually) interviews with Waddell and Thrashers scouting overlord Dan Marr? Just saying.*
I must admit, I have to get up to speed on the draft. I know John Tavares and Victor Hedman.
Facepalm.
Until I get a chance to talk to Don Waddell and pick his brain about draft philosophy, etc., let’s just play general manager for the fun of it.
I can do that.
Anyone else think they go with an offensive player at No. 4? Got Zach Bogosian last year, that’s a big piece of defense. It’s no secret that the Thrashers need/want help for Ilya Kovalchuk.
The great thing about beat writers is that they can unearth all kinds of inside information and offer unique, interesting insights that you won't find anywhere else.
Here is my list of contenders in order:
Oh God just stop.
I don't mean to be a rude bastard (which I, alas, kinda am) but I think this is an early confirmation of my fears that Chris Vivlamore--a guy with a huge workload and tons of responsibilities apart from covering the Thrashers--isn't exactly going to deliver the goods as far as interviews, hockey knowledge, or detailed reports from morning skates, practices, and road trips. Not his fault, of course, but it's becoming more and more apparent that the AJC is running out of room when it comes to serious reporting on the Thrashers. For example: his report on Enstrom's injury wasn't a product of him speaking to Waddell; he simply read Kevin Allen in USA Today and quoted what he wrote. Almost like a blogger!
All this is just as well, I suppose, because--as the Falconer and James Mirtle have noted--the paper's readership numbers are in free-fall.
Just one more note on this AJC/interviewing business. The Thrashers' owners are as secretive as Waddell (whatever else you may think of him) is candid and available, and it doesn't surprise me that Bruce Levenson is declining interviews. The Atlanta Spirit has always been clueless about public relations. But this state of affairs is also partially the AJC's fault. Other NHL beat writers find ways to talk to team CEOs and owners: just yesterday David Pollak of the San Jose Mercury News called up the Sharks CEO and asked him (of all things) whether GM Doug Wilson will be keeping his job. I can't imagine that level of access and aggressiveness at the AJC, and I think it has as much to do with the AJC's own timidity and lack of interest as it does with the Atlanta Spirit's secrecy.
For more Chronicle chronicles of this dying behemoth, click here and here. Especially that second link, because it features a photo of my trophy-winning Landseer, Boatswain. Did you know we take tea together every afternoon and peruse The Economist? We've developed a sign language system whereby he uses his tail and paws to read me the Bagehot columns. He's so smart!
*****************************************************
- So we all know the first game of the Boston vs. Carolina series will be on the TV machine Friday night. But eventually (unless it goes into overtime) it will end, and you'll say to yourself, "Now what? It IS Friday night, after all."
Well fella, you're in luck! LUCK, I tell ya! Those of you who live in the Atlanta area, anyway. Why don't you watch the Hockey at the Midway Pub in East Atlanta, a FINE venue for the Hockey-watching and beer-sampling, and when the game ends migrate a few steps down the street to the 592 to watch a Very Important Musical Event, as reported by Creative Loafing:
Life after Chainstereo has proven to be a productive time for the four fresh faces of CARNIVORES. After months of promises, they finally make good on their first LP/CD since reinventing themselves, All Night Dead U.S.A. (Double Phantom Records). The group's sound is a clutter of lo-fi tropicalia, lounge, psychedelic indie-rock dirges and death-afflicted collages that harness an array of influences touching on everything from the Pixies and the Replacements to Animal Collective and Abe Vigoda. For the record release party, fellow locals the Living Rooms, Balkans and the Louder Than Dreams DJs open the show. $7. 9 p.m. 529, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 404-228-6769. www.529atl.com.
I'm sorry, but you literally HAVE to go to this. How can you deprive yourself of the opportunity to watch these beautiful music-making orphans in action? Just look at them!
Your editor is in possession of an advance copy of All Night Dead U.S.A. and let me tell you it's exceptional. These zoo children need your patronage!
Your editor is in possession of an advance copy of All Night Dead U.S.A. and let me tell you it's exceptional. These zoo children need your patronage!
*The first part of the Falconer's interview with Don Waddell is up.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Cosmonaut Comes Through
Have we ever mentioned that we think Sergei Fedorov looks like he belongs in space? Did you know we actually believe this?!
Well now you do. Amazing series, what a dramatic comeback by the Caps, etc.
Did you know that the Washington Capitals were Big Shooter's favorite team in the pre-Thrashers era? In fact, he's probably celebrating right now, wearing naught but his Dale Hunter jersey.
Holy shit did you just see what happened in that New Jersey-Carolina game? Boston vs. Carolina. Pittsburgh vs. Washington. Hold on to your swine flu.
Well now you do. Amazing series, what a dramatic comeback by the Caps, etc.
Did you know that the Washington Capitals were Big Shooter's favorite team in the pre-Thrashers era? In fact, he's probably celebrating right now, wearing naught but his Dale Hunter jersey.
Holy shit did you just see what happened in that New Jersey-Carolina game? Boston vs. Carolina. Pittsburgh vs. Washington. Hold on to your swine flu.
More News from Berne
- The Czar is now 3rd in scoring with 3 goals and 3 assists in 3 games wooooooo. Russia's most recent game, a 4-2 win over Switzerland, saw Kovy making his presence felt on every goal except the closing empty-netter: one sweet goal, and two excellent passes for assists. Nice job, Your Excellency, beating the Swiss on their home ice and all.
- France just pulled off an upset victory over Germany by playing the trap. Amazing stuff because they actually play hockey in Germany. I shouldn't make fun though, being a hockey fan in the South and all. I wonder if Christian Ehrhoff is soon to join his compatriots, now that his Ultra-Fail performance against Anaheim is over.
- Jagr and the Czechs doing quite well.
- Canada beat Slovakia with 5 power play goals. And 2 at even strength; Martin St. Louis and Shea Weber both had 4 points apiece. Not even goal-scoring dynamo (seriously) Marcel Hossa could stop them.
- France just pulled off an upset victory over Germany by playing the trap. Amazing stuff because they actually play hockey in Germany. I shouldn't make fun though, being a hockey fan in the South and all. I wonder if Christian Ehrhoff is soon to join his compatriots, now that his Ultra-Fail performance against Anaheim is over.
- Jagr and the Czechs doing quite well.
- Canada beat Slovakia with 5 power play goals. And 2 at even strength; Martin St. Louis and Shea Weber both had 4 points apiece. Not even goal-scoring dynamo (seriously) Marcel Hossa could stop them.
"After two tough games we thought we should have won," Boris Valabik said, "it was tough to face such a good team..."
- Finland continues to be awesome. Pekka Rinne has allowed something like 1 goal so far.
- Want to have fun? Watch the recap of the USA blowing out Austria. Captain Dustin Brown is playing like a BMF. Can I officially petition USA Hockey to make him captain next winter in Vancouver?
The Irish announcer's reaction to Hainsey's awesome set-up on the last goal: "Austria doesn't know what the hell happened there."
- Finland continues to be awesome. Pekka Rinne has allowed something like 1 goal so far.
- Want to have fun? Watch the recap of the USA blowing out Austria. Captain Dustin Brown is playing like a BMF. Can I officially petition USA Hockey to make him captain next winter in Vancouver?
The Irish announcer's reaction to Hainsey's awesome set-up on the last goal: "Austria doesn't know what the hell happened there."
What to Do?
Well, everything officially sucks now.
So how does one spend one's time after their favorite team (once again) misses the playoffs and their 2nd favorite team (once again) dramatically chokes in the playoffs?
Why, head down to Mexico and become a pig farmer, that's what! Yes, that's what I'll do. Wish me luck.
There are other options though:
I hope to God that's fake.
Actually, the playoffs don't suck at dang old ALL! I'm looking forward to the Chicago-Vancouver series, though I suppose I'm cheering for the Bruins now. Git r done.
Seriously though, I am moving to Mexico to become a pig farmer.
UPDATE: Ha, the poor disturbed young man deleted it! It MUST be real!
So how does one spend one's time after their favorite team (once again) misses the playoffs and their 2nd favorite team (once again) dramatically chokes in the playoffs?
Why, head down to Mexico and become a pig farmer, that's what! Yes, that's what I'll do. Wish me luck.
There are other options though:
I hope to God that's fake.
Actually, the playoffs don't suck at dang old ALL! I'm looking forward to the Chicago-Vancouver series, though I suppose I'm cheering for the Bruins now. Git r done.
Seriously though, I am moving to Mexico to become a pig farmer.
UPDATE: Ha, the poor disturbed young man deleted it! It MUST be real!
Almost Like Watching the Thrashers
I get it now. The San Jose Sharks and the Atlanta Thrashers have switched bodies. It's the only way to explain the Thrashers' stellar play in the second half of this past season and the Sharks' recent move to Clusterfuck City. Drew Remenda and Randy Hahn sounded like they were in the throes of deep despair the entire third period.
Thornton for Todd White?
Monday, April 27, 2009
Toby Enstrom Injured by Belligerent Latvians, Wall
Never could trust 'em. Walls, that is.
Our Toby had to leave tonight's Sweden-Latvia game because, well, because:
At 51:04, there was a long stoppage of play after Sweden's Tobias Enström injured his face after he got slammed into the boards in the corner by Martins Karsums. He left the game, leaving Sweden with just four defencemen since Kenny Jonsson quit the game after the first period, due to a hip injury.
Damn. Sweden managed to carry the game to a shootout, then lost, the end.
Hopefully this is nothing serious. But I hear Switzerland is CHOCK FULL of healthful, restorative spas.
UPDATE: Just saw the video. More alarming than funny. Why don't you take a look?
Christ. I think that qualifies as a Really Dangerous Hit. Poor guy...anyone know where we can send get-well-soon cards?
Our Toby had to leave tonight's Sweden-Latvia game because, well, because:
At 51:04, there was a long stoppage of play after Sweden's Tobias Enström injured his face after he got slammed into the boards in the corner by Martins Karsums. He left the game, leaving Sweden with just four defencemen since Kenny Jonsson quit the game after the first period, due to a hip injury.
Damn. Sweden managed to carry the game to a shootout, then lost, the end.
Hopefully this is nothing serious. But I hear Switzerland is CHOCK FULL of healthful, restorative spas.
UPDATE: Just saw the video. More alarming than funny. Why don't you take a look?
Christ. I think that qualifies as a Really Dangerous Hit. Poor guy...anyone know where we can send get-well-soon cards?
Musical Matters, Again
The Chronicle's secret Thrashers message board operatives tell me there's been a lot of discussion over there lately about the Thrashers' skate-out music, the possibility of finding a good song to play when they skate out, etc.
Might as well throw in my Eskimo pence.
I hear that some people have suggested Mastodon. Your Chronicle editor isn't the metal fan he was at 13, but he respects innovative, imaginative, intelligent music of any kind, and that certainly describes Mastodon. Plus they're local and rumored to be Thrash fans, so hooray! I wouldn't be against a Mastodon skate-out song. A brief note: their latest album is apparently a concept record about Czarist Russia, and there's a 10-minute-plus song on it titled--you guessed it--"The Czar."
Meanwhile, might I also suggest another song by another popular and critically-lauded Atlanta musical act?
It's famous, freaky, and fun. And extremely high energy. I see no downside. There's even a mention of a "net" somewhere in there.
Another candidate for skate-out:
Jump Into The Fire - LCD Soundsystem
And now some suggestions for other moments during the game.
When one of our players receives a penalty, why not play this song, by yet another great local band?
Bad Kids - The Black Lips
I've wished for a long time that right after an intense fight, just as the pugilists are falling to the ice, the arena would play the opening of this song:
TKO - Le Tigre
And goals? I'm a huge fan of Blur, and I love the fact that the arena folks play "Song 2" after most goals, even if it is one of Blur's least interesting songs. For an occasional change of pace, might I suggest these locals be played when one of our boys buries the puck?
Broken Mirrors In The Mud - The Selmanaires
Can you IMAGINE the crowd sing-alongs?
Okay, the inevitable question: what do you think would be a great skate-out (or fight, or penalty, or goal) song?
Might as well throw in my Eskimo pence.
I hear that some people have suggested Mastodon. Your Chronicle editor isn't the metal fan he was at 13, but he respects innovative, imaginative, intelligent music of any kind, and that certainly describes Mastodon. Plus they're local and rumored to be Thrash fans, so hooray! I wouldn't be against a Mastodon skate-out song. A brief note: their latest album is apparently a concept record about Czarist Russia, and there's a 10-minute-plus song on it titled--you guessed it--"The Czar."
Meanwhile, might I also suggest another song by another popular and critically-lauded Atlanta musical act?
It's famous, freaky, and fun. And extremely high energy. I see no downside. There's even a mention of a "net" somewhere in there.
Another candidate for skate-out:
Jump Into The Fire - LCD Soundsystem
And now some suggestions for other moments during the game.
When one of our players receives a penalty, why not play this song, by yet another great local band?
Bad Kids - The Black Lips
I've wished for a long time that right after an intense fight, just as the pugilists are falling to the ice, the arena would play the opening of this song:
TKO - Le Tigre
And goals? I'm a huge fan of Blur, and I love the fact that the arena folks play "Song 2" after most goals, even if it is one of Blur's least interesting songs. For an occasional change of pace, might I suggest these locals be played when one of our boys buries the puck?
Broken Mirrors In The Mud - The Selmanaires
Can you IMAGINE the crowd sing-alongs?
Okay, the inevitable question: what do you think would be a great skate-out (or fight, or penalty, or goal) song?
Chomp Chomp Chomp
Reuniting the Marleau-Thornton-Setoguchi line worked in the last game: all three scored goals. Shocking.
Putting the just-back-from-injury Torrey Mitchell with Jeremy Roenick and Jonathan Cheechoo was a stroke of genius. Not really, but it's a solid third line.
Nabokov needs to play his very best tonight.
Just one win, and we've got a 3-3 series.
No 80's pop classic inspiration today. Instead, we're going to share some footage the Chronicle just obtained from its SoCal operative: Chris Pronger's inspirational speech at today's morning skate in Anaheim. Ever noticed how he kind of looks like Samuel L. Jackson?
Meanwhile, famed troubadour Devin Setoguchi sings of sunlight and mountain flowers to impress some girl:
Intensity, sir, intensity!
Putting the just-back-from-injury Torrey Mitchell with Jeremy Roenick and Jonathan Cheechoo was a stroke of genius. Not really, but it's a solid third line.
Nabokov needs to play his very best tonight.
Just one win, and we've got a 3-3 series.
No 80's pop classic inspiration today. Instead, we're going to share some footage the Chronicle just obtained from its SoCal operative: Chris Pronger's inspirational speech at today's morning skate in Anaheim. Ever noticed how he kind of looks like Samuel L. Jackson?
Meanwhile, famed troubadour Devin Setoguchi sings of sunlight and mountain flowers to impress some girl:
Intensity, sir, intensity!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
News of the World
Is it just me, or is international hockey more exciting than NHL playoff hockey?
I hesitate to choose between the two, but it looks like all our boys are playing well in Switzerland.
- The USA (starring Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey, and Colin Stuart) beat Latvia 4-2 in their first game of the tournament. Jack Johnson scored two goals, Patrick O'Sullivan had one, not sure whether Hainsey or Bogo appeared on the score sheet. You can, however, look at all World Championship statistics here. UPDATE: It turns out that Ronald SASG Hainsey has earned himself 1 assist in 1 game.
- Russia re-enacted the Battle of Stalingrad and destroyed the Germans 5-0. The Czar had a classic Czar goal. Watch the video recap. As I type, the Russians are beating France 7-2. I know: Did some sniper named Sebastien distract Bryzgalov by blowing Gauloises smoke into his mask? Amazing.
- Canada is unstoppable. But then again, their opponents so far have been Belarus and Hungary, who they just beat 9-0. Colby Armstrong has one assist, last time I checked.
- Slovakia (starring Boris Valabik) has won one (thanks to a goal-scoring outburst by Marcel Hossa) and lost one. To Belarus.
- Finland (starring Anssi Salmela) has been awesome so far. Pekka Rinne is awfully good.
You can follow all the fun at the IIHF website and via the excellent coverage at Universal Sports. Enjoy.
I hesitate to choose between the two, but it looks like all our boys are playing well in Switzerland.
- The USA (starring Zach Bogosian, Ron Hainsey, and Colin Stuart) beat Latvia 4-2 in their first game of the tournament. Jack Johnson scored two goals, Patrick O'Sullivan had one, not sure whether Hainsey or Bogo appeared on the score sheet. You can, however, look at all World Championship statistics here. UPDATE: It turns out that Ronald SASG Hainsey has earned himself 1 assist in 1 game.
- Russia re-enacted the Battle of Stalingrad and destroyed the Germans 5-0. The Czar had a classic Czar goal. Watch the video recap. As I type, the Russians are beating France 7-2. I know: Did some sniper named Sebastien distract Bryzgalov by blowing Gauloises smoke into his mask? Amazing.
- Canada is unstoppable. But then again, their opponents so far have been Belarus and Hungary, who they just beat 9-0. Colby Armstrong has one assist, last time I checked.
- Slovakia (starring Boris Valabik) has won one (thanks to a goal-scoring outburst by Marcel Hossa) and lost one. To Belarus.
- Finland (starring Anssi Salmela) has been awesome so far. Pekka Rinne is awfully good.
You can follow all the fun at the IIHF website and via the excellent coverage at Universal Sports. Enjoy.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Explanation! Crypto-Zoology Unmasks Source of Erik Christensen Suckage
Good afternoon, Chroniclites.
I wish I could say this is a Chronicle exclusive, but I have a most interesting piece of reading for you, this time from that Bloomingdale's to our Zara, the Falconer.
Remember shootout behemoth and tragic head-case Erik Christensen? The guy that lived with the Thrashers for a while then got traded to Anaheim, where he now inexplicably has a job centering Teemu Selanne on the Ducks' second line? The guy that the Chronicle, because we were possessed by Peasant-Demons of Naivete, believed at one time might be a legitimate first-line center for Kovalchuk?
Well, science has determined why he can't shoot the puck into the net, ever. His poor play with the Thrashers has to do with the crazy ownership situation here in Atlanta! Why didn't I think of this when wondering why he couldn't finish on those magnificent passes from Ilya Kovalchuk?! The detrimental effects of the Atlanta Spirit's legal drama are far-reaching, apparently: it's also the reason why he didn't play well in Pittsburgh and isn't playing well now in Anaheim.
Please, Atlanta Spirit. Sort this out. Think of Erik Christensen!
Friday, April 24, 2009
Wyshynski and MacLean, Face to Face (Sort Of)
We've waited too long for this.
A few nights ago the CBC acknowledged some of the higher-end hockey bloggers by inviting them onto Hockey Night in Canada. Tom Benjamin, Paul Kukla, and Greg Wyshynski to be exact. Watch and enjoy.
Benjamin has a wonderful dry wit. Wyshynski has a killer suit. MOAR PUCK DADDY ON HNIC PLLZ.
A few nights ago the CBC acknowledged some of the higher-end hockey bloggers by inviting them onto Hockey Night in Canada. Tom Benjamin, Paul Kukla, and Greg Wyshynski to be exact. Watch and enjoy.
Benjamin has a wonderful dry wit. Wyshynski has a killer suit. MOAR PUCK DADDY ON HNIC PLLZ.
Sharks Into Thrashers? Maybe?
One wonders just what Doug Wilson is going to do to his roster after this, the most gigantic and embarrassing post-season failure in a history rife with gigantic and embarrassing post-season failures. Surely he'll try to trade some of his players.
I'm not saying he'd be dumb enough to trade Joe Thornton, even though he's been appalling all throughout this series, and I doubt Patrick Marleau (who seems to be, as many have noticed, playing hurt) will go, but surely some of the Sharks roster is going to be sold off for players that might, hopefully, play with some hunger and enthusiasm in the post-season.
What does this mean for the Thrashers? Exelby for Milan Michalek, HEEEENNNNGH? Jonathan Cheechoo will certainly go.
UPDATE: Just a thought. There's always been speculation that during Hossagate Doug Wilson offered to send Jonathan Cheechoo to Atlanta, in return for that Hossa fella, and possibly Johan Hedberg as well. How different would things be for the Sharks and for the Thrashers if Waddell had pulled the trigger? Really, I'm asking; I don't know.
I'm not saying he'd be dumb enough to trade Joe Thornton, even though he's been appalling all throughout this series, and I doubt Patrick Marleau (who seems to be, as many have noticed, playing hurt) will go, but surely some of the Sharks roster is going to be sold off for players that might, hopefully, play with some hunger and enthusiasm in the post-season.
What does this mean for the Thrashers? Exelby for Milan Michalek, HEEEENNNNGH? Jonathan Cheechoo will certainly go.
UPDATE: Just a thought. There's always been speculation that during Hossagate Doug Wilson offered to send Jonathan Cheechoo to Atlanta, in return for that Hossa fella, and possibly Johan Hedberg as well. How different would things be for the Sharks and for the Thrashers if Waddell had pulled the trigger? Really, I'm asking; I don't know.
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Apparently the Sharks have murdered their awesomeness and buried it somewhere in Death Valley. Hockey sucks.
And I ain't got no railroad fare.
And I ain't got no railroad fare.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Important Atlanta Sports Franchise Relocates, Civilization Collapses
How did I miss this?
The Atlanta Steam of the Lingerie Football League has officially been relocated to Charlotte.
...
They were unable to find a find a venue, which is just shocking following the cancellation of the last two Lingerie Bowls. From what I was able to gather, The Arena in Gwinnett and the Georgia Dome turned them down.
I haz a sad. As with hockey in Atlanta, I'm sure we'll have to wait fifteen years or so for another Lingerie Football League team, but will be able to enjoy a quality minor league lingerie football team during the interim.
The Atlanta Steam of the Lingerie Football League has officially been relocated to Charlotte.
...
They were unable to find a find a venue, which is just shocking following the cancellation of the last two Lingerie Bowls. From what I was able to gather, The Arena in Gwinnett and the Georgia Dome turned them down.
I haz a sad. As with hockey in Atlanta, I'm sure we'll have to wait fifteen years or so for another Lingerie Football League team, but will be able to enjoy a quality minor league lingerie football team during the interim.
...And Make Her Do a High Headstand
It sounds like last night was one of the most exciting of the playoffs so far, with Calgary's dramatic high-scoring win over Chicago and Boston's final humiliation of Montreal (featuring two goals, no less, from former Hab Michael Ryder, who your editor wanted the Thrashers to sign last summer). It's shame I didn't see any of it, as Monsieur Catalogues and I had to attend a black-tie function at the Belgian consulate. The only hockey action I saw was the third period of the Washington-New York game; Lundqvist is an impressive fellow.
I am miffed I missed the Chris Drury goal, though.
The Caps vs. Rangers series puts your editor in a strange position: I like the Caps a lot more than I like the Rangers, but truth be told I really don't want the Caps to push through to the second round. I have a complex about Ovie advancing in the playoffs before Kovy does. If the Russian schedule runs properly, Nabokov should win the Stanley Cup first (this year, let's hope), then Kovalchuk, then Ovechkin, and then maybe that Malkin fellow, someday.
So tonight the Sharks have to prove, on Duck Ice, that they can, uh, win and stuff. Here's hoping they tie the series. The captain and the offensive D came up big in the last game; tonight Thornton, Setoguchi, and possibly JR (though the circumstances may not be sufficiently dramatic just yet) MUST score. But I'm predicting the hero tonight will be Joe Pavelski.
For pre-game inspiration, let's turn to another 80's classic. The last one seemed to work.
Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days
A bit elegiac, to be sure, but THESE are the Sharks' dance hall days. Come on boys, get cool on craze, whatever the hell that means.
I am miffed I missed the Chris Drury goal, though.
The Caps vs. Rangers series puts your editor in a strange position: I like the Caps a lot more than I like the Rangers, but truth be told I really don't want the Caps to push through to the second round. I have a complex about Ovie advancing in the playoffs before Kovy does. If the Russian schedule runs properly, Nabokov should win the Stanley Cup first (this year, let's hope), then Kovalchuk, then Ovechkin, and then maybe that Malkin fellow, someday.
So tonight the Sharks have to prove, on Duck Ice, that they can, uh, win and stuff. Here's hoping they tie the series. The captain and the offensive D came up big in the last game; tonight Thornton, Setoguchi, and possibly JR (though the circumstances may not be sufficiently dramatic just yet) MUST score. But I'm predicting the hero tonight will be Joe Pavelski.
For pre-game inspiration, let's turn to another 80's classic. The last one seemed to work.
Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days
A bit elegiac, to be sure, but THESE are the Sharks' dance hall days. Come on boys, get cool on craze, whatever the hell that means.
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