First of all, I'm sorry for not being here for a while. But I've had loads of stuff to do.
Not too much to cut off the good old hockey but way too much to be able to write about it.
So, I got a bit cocky last time and said: "Bring on the Sabres.."
And they did. Since I wrote that line there hasn't been a full time victory for the Rangers. Loss against the Sabres, OT win vs. Toronto, OT loss vs. Red Wings and a loss against the Stars last night.
According to the live reports from the Garden last night, it took about 25 seconds before Broadway Sean (Avery) got his: "Avery SUCKS!" from the Garden Faithful. Well, Sean, if you're not with us.....
Last night, there was a brother vs. brother fight in the Garden. King Henrik Lundqvist vs twin brother Joel. And it was Joel who came out as a winner. He didn't score but the Stars still won. Much thanks to Swedish super rookie Fabian Brunnstrom. This exceptional talent, who thought of quitting hockey at the age of 15 and played in the Swedish third league two years ago, is off to an amazing start in the NHL. He scored a hat trick in his debut and he has now got four goals and one assist in five games, I belive. Impressing!
Sure, I'm a Rangers fan but still, it's fun to see how the Swedes are doing over there. I hope Fabian can go free from injuries this season. If he does, could he be Rookie of the Year? In the Brunnstrom Saga, nothing surprises me anymore.
I'll try to write more frequently!
Visar inlägg med etikett Henrik Lundqvist. Visa alla inlägg
Visar inlägg med etikett Henrik Lundqvist. Visa alla inlägg
10/21/2008
10/14/2008
"You can't beat us..."
I was wrong, at the same time I was right. I was right in saying that the Rangers would win. But man, I was wrong about the score. 4-1....
I mean, it's like I can taste it.
Sure, good old Marty fumbled a bit when the first puck hit the net. But then the Rangers show began. It wasn't until the second period the Devils got back in the game. But there he was, Henrik Lundqvist. Unwilling to let anything pass him. It wasn't until the end of the second period, John Madden (I love that name...) found the net with a rebound after a magnificent Lundqvist save.
Aaron Voros, that's a guy that keeps impressing on me. Two goals last night. Both of them coming Holmstrom-style. In front of Brodeur he was, fighting and earning those goals. He will be vital for the Rangers during tis season.
Also, a good game from Dubinsky. 2 goals and 1 assist. The assist was to the empty netter by Ryan Callahan. Dubinsky could have gone for goal himself, thus earning a hattrick but he passed and let Callahan finish the job. Good boy!
This was the Rangers 8th victory in 9 matches against the Devils and when the match was nearing the end, the Garden Faithful just chanted: "You can't beat us!" Very nice.
Before the game there was a moment to honour the memory of Rangers draft pick Alexei Cherepanov, 19 years old, who died during a game with his Russian side Avangard Omsk yesterday. The Russian collided with former captain Jaromir Jagr. The hit itself didn't look that harmful but Cherepanov died on the bench a few minutes later. Today my thoughts and condolances goes to his family and friends.
R.I.P Alexei Cherepanov
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In other news, I'm surprised about the Blackhawks. They mix nice matches with pure crap. Tonight they lost at home to Nashville, 3-2.
The Sabres crushed the Islanders (7-1!) on Long Island and coach Lindy Ruff has got his side all fired up for Wednesdays clash with the Rangers on Manhattan. Should be a good one!
Stay tuned
I mean, it's like I can taste it.
Sure, good old Marty fumbled a bit when the first puck hit the net. But then the Rangers show began. It wasn't until the second period the Devils got back in the game. But there he was, Henrik Lundqvist. Unwilling to let anything pass him. It wasn't until the end of the second period, John Madden (I love that name...) found the net with a rebound after a magnificent Lundqvist save.
Aaron Voros, that's a guy that keeps impressing on me. Two goals last night. Both of them coming Holmstrom-style. In front of Brodeur he was, fighting and earning those goals. He will be vital for the Rangers during tis season.
Also, a good game from Dubinsky. 2 goals and 1 assist. The assist was to the empty netter by Ryan Callahan. Dubinsky could have gone for goal himself, thus earning a hattrick but he passed and let Callahan finish the job. Good boy!
This was the Rangers 8th victory in 9 matches against the Devils and when the match was nearing the end, the Garden Faithful just chanted: "You can't beat us!" Very nice.
Before the game there was a moment to honour the memory of Rangers draft pick Alexei Cherepanov, 19 years old, who died during a game with his Russian side Avangard Omsk yesterday. The Russian collided with former captain Jaromir Jagr. The hit itself didn't look that harmful but Cherepanov died on the bench a few minutes later. Today my thoughts and condolances goes to his family and friends.
R.I.P Alexei Cherepanov
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In other news, I'm surprised about the Blackhawks. They mix nice matches with pure crap. Tonight they lost at home to Nashville, 3-2.
The Sabres crushed the Islanders (7-1!) on Long Island and coach Lindy Ruff has got his side all fired up for Wednesdays clash with the Rangers on Manhattan. Should be a good one!
Stay tuned
10/13/2008
We're doing fine
Off to a good start, one might say.
If someone said that to me I'd say: Yes. But there is a long way to go. Four victories in as many matches is a nice start for the Rangers. But there are many teams to overcome if we are going to see the Blueshirts in the playoffs.
Look at me go, I'm talking about playoffs already. No. Let's focus on tonight instead. A nice little thing with the Devils is brewing. I wonder if we get to see Stephen Valiquette in net tonight. I'm thinking...no.
Henrik Lundqvist is a magnificent goalie and on the other side of the ice tonight, there will be yet another one. Martin Brodeur is a true great. He is still one of the best goalies in the entire sport and he will, for sure, do his outmost to stop the Rangers tonight. But will he succeed?
Nope. There will be a fierce battle. And rest assured, the Rangers won't be allowed to slip away in the first period as they were against the Flyers on Saturday. The likes of Nick Zherdev, Markus Naslund and captain Chris Drury will have their artillery loaded. Not to mention former Devil hitman Scott Gomez, who spent his first seven seasons in New Jersey.
Watch out though. The Devils has got a few guys able to hit the net. Brian Rolston is still lethal. Patrick Elias and John Madden as well.
The Devils @ The Rangers in the Garden. Boy, I envy those of you able to be there to watch it.
I say: The Rangers will win it, but by a slim margin. 3-2. No OT.
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A big congratulations to Lukas Kaspar of the San Jose Sharks. He scored the only goal against the Kings, thus earning his first NHL career goal! CONGRATULATIONS!
If someone said that to me I'd say: Yes. But there is a long way to go. Four victories in as many matches is a nice start for the Rangers. But there are many teams to overcome if we are going to see the Blueshirts in the playoffs.
Look at me go, I'm talking about playoffs already. No. Let's focus on tonight instead. A nice little thing with the Devils is brewing. I wonder if we get to see Stephen Valiquette in net tonight. I'm thinking...no.
Henrik Lundqvist is a magnificent goalie and on the other side of the ice tonight, there will be yet another one. Martin Brodeur is a true great. He is still one of the best goalies in the entire sport and he will, for sure, do his outmost to stop the Rangers tonight. But will he succeed?
Nope. There will be a fierce battle. And rest assured, the Rangers won't be allowed to slip away in the first period as they were against the Flyers on Saturday. The likes of Nick Zherdev, Markus Naslund and captain Chris Drury will have their artillery loaded. Not to mention former Devil hitman Scott Gomez, who spent his first seven seasons in New Jersey.
Watch out though. The Devils has got a few guys able to hit the net. Brian Rolston is still lethal. Patrick Elias and John Madden as well.
The Devils @ The Rangers in the Garden. Boy, I envy those of you able to be there to watch it.
I say: The Rangers will win it, but by a slim margin. 3-2. No OT.
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A big congratulations to Lukas Kaspar of the San Jose Sharks. He scored the only goal against the Kings, thus earning his first NHL career goal! CONGRATULATIONS!
5/05/2008
Conference Finals
That's it. The season is over for the Rangers and the Sharks. The Sharks lost the Battle of the West in the fourth OT-period last night. We got to see some amazing goaltending throughout the game and especially in OT. Evgeni Nabokov and Marty Turco tried (at least it looked like they did) to outclass eachother in amazing saves. Togehter they stopped 114 shots (Turco 61 and Nabokov 53). This was the only game in the series where the team who scored the first goal, won the game. It's been a great season for the Sharks but I think they thought they could go all the way after gaining some momentum against the Stars. I know one player who really really wanted it to happen. Jeremy Roenick. "JR" will probably quit playing now and he was hoping to do what Andreychuck and Borque did in their last seasons as players - lift the Cup for the first time. We'll see, maybe JR will give it another go next season. I hope he will, he deserves to lift the Cup as well.
The Rangers but themselves in the situation leading to their termination. Looking back over the series, maybe it was all decided in that first game. The Rangers was up 3-0 in Pittsburgh but relaxed and lost it 5-4. That just gave the Pens some momentum and from that point it all rolled on. Marian Hossa scored twice last night. What a trade that turned out to be. The question still remains, will he stay in Steel City after this season? But if the Pens go all the way and win the Cup, I reckon they will find the deal being worth it - even if Hossa leaves. He has been magnificent since arriving.
Now the Pens will face the Flyers. That ought to be one interesting series. Both teams have lots of confidence and they allways shoot from the hip, so to speak. I expect lots of goals and many great hits and saves. Both teams have fast skaters and players with great stick skills. Will this go to seven games? Maybe. It all depends on wether the Pens will try to set the tone from the start. If they win the first match by some margin, it might be a shorter series. But then again, the Flyers have done the impossible - twice. So I will not coun't them out this time. Lesson learned.
Biron vs. Fleury: Seven rounds. Winner? I'll say the Pens. They should take this. But, once again, I won't, I just won't, count the Flyers out once again.
In the West, the Stars will face the Wings. Probably a seven-round fight as well. I had the Stars as outsiders in the playoffs and they might surprise again. Brenden Morrow has been great for the Stars and The Mule (Johan Franzen) has been outstanding for the Wings. We'll also see two teams with great defense.
The Mule vs. Morrow: Six rounds. Winner? I'll say the Mule. But it would be nice to see the Stars go through. They've really impressed me.
The Rangers but themselves in the situation leading to their termination. Looking back over the series, maybe it was all decided in that first game. The Rangers was up 3-0 in Pittsburgh but relaxed and lost it 5-4. That just gave the Pens some momentum and from that point it all rolled on. Marian Hossa scored twice last night. What a trade that turned out to be. The question still remains, will he stay in Steel City after this season? But if the Pens go all the way and win the Cup, I reckon they will find the deal being worth it - even if Hossa leaves. He has been magnificent since arriving.
Now the Pens will face the Flyers. That ought to be one interesting series. Both teams have lots of confidence and they allways shoot from the hip, so to speak. I expect lots of goals and many great hits and saves. Both teams have fast skaters and players with great stick skills. Will this go to seven games? Maybe. It all depends on wether the Pens will try to set the tone from the start. If they win the first match by some margin, it might be a shorter series. But then again, the Flyers have done the impossible - twice. So I will not coun't them out this time. Lesson learned.
Biron vs. Fleury: Seven rounds. Winner? I'll say the Pens. They should take this. But, once again, I won't, I just won't, count the Flyers out once again.
In the West, the Stars will face the Wings. Probably a seven-round fight as well. I had the Stars as outsiders in the playoffs and they might surprise again. Brenden Morrow has been great for the Stars and The Mule (Johan Franzen) has been outstanding for the Wings. We'll also see two teams with great defense.
The Mule vs. Morrow: Six rounds. Winner? I'll say the Mule. But it would be nice to see the Stars go through. They've really impressed me.
5/04/2008
The Flyers....and me being stupid
First of all! The Rangers are playing TONIGHT TONIGHT TONIGHT. Not yesterday....What's up with me?
Anyways, the Flyers are through to the Conference Finals. It's unbelivable but true. They outplayed, outgunned and outsmarted the Canadiens. I was wrong, totally wrong. I'd never thought the Flyers could and would take the Canadiens. No, never. Hats off to RJ Umberger, who scored eight goals in the series. Hats off to Martin Biron (see some of my earlier posts), who's been amazing. Hats off to the Flyers. Can they go to the Finals? They've proven that nothing is impossible.
Tonight it might be decided who they will play. And it probably will be decided. The Pens are up, 3-1 and are playing at home. I said it before the last game and I will say it tonight. It will end here. Although "King" Henrik stated that the Rangers could turn things around, one has to be realistic. In Pittsburgh, the Blueshirts had nothing to come up with when the Pens gained momentum. Even if the Rangers score the first goals, the Pens won't give in. No, it will take a miracle for the Rangers to turn it around. But The Return of The King on Thursday may have given the team a boost.... It will, for sure, be interesting.
Anyways, the Flyers are through to the Conference Finals. It's unbelivable but true. They outplayed, outgunned and outsmarted the Canadiens. I was wrong, totally wrong. I'd never thought the Flyers could and would take the Canadiens. No, never. Hats off to RJ Umberger, who scored eight goals in the series. Hats off to Martin Biron (see some of my earlier posts), who's been amazing. Hats off to the Flyers. Can they go to the Finals? They've proven that nothing is impossible.
Tonight it might be decided who they will play. And it probably will be decided. The Pens are up, 3-1 and are playing at home. I said it before the last game and I will say it tonight. It will end here. Although "King" Henrik stated that the Rangers could turn things around, one has to be realistic. In Pittsburgh, the Blueshirts had nothing to come up with when the Pens gained momentum. Even if the Rangers score the first goals, the Pens won't give in. No, it will take a miracle for the Rangers to turn it around. But The Return of The King on Thursday may have given the team a boost.... It will, for sure, be interesting.
5/02/2008
It's alive!
The King has spoken. "We can turn this around"
Well, Henrik. Let's not get carried away. But winning last night sure as hell made things a little better. And Jaromir Jagr? What is going on? In the first match in MSG he scored one, but most importantly: He fought for his team. That time litteraly, when he had a little workout with Gonchar, I belive.
And last night, he scored - twice. Also worth noticing is that Brandon Dubinsky scored one. Last night I was sure that the series would end. But I'm glad they didn't. The only downpart with last nights game is the fact that I couldn't see it myself. Isn't that typical? The one game they win, and I can't see it! Ah, well. A new chance tomorrow....they better win. For me.
Due to the fact that I'm at work right now, I can't write more right now. I, unlike some other very fortunate people, am not getting payed for writing about the NHL
Oh, I almost forgot. The Mule is in the historybooks! He scored his second hat trick and NINTH goal in the series against Colorado last night, when Detroit crushed the Avs. 8-2 was the final score and the Wings are through to the Conference Finals.
Well, Henrik. Let's not get carried away. But winning last night sure as hell made things a little better. And Jaromir Jagr? What is going on? In the first match in MSG he scored one, but most importantly: He fought for his team. That time litteraly, when he had a little workout with Gonchar, I belive.
And last night, he scored - twice. Also worth noticing is that Brandon Dubinsky scored one. Last night I was sure that the series would end. But I'm glad they didn't. The only downpart with last nights game is the fact that I couldn't see it myself. Isn't that typical? The one game they win, and I can't see it! Ah, well. A new chance tomorrow....they better win. For me.
Due to the fact that I'm at work right now, I can't write more right now. I, unlike some other very fortunate people, am not getting payed for writing about the NHL
Oh, I almost forgot. The Mule is in the historybooks! He scored his second hat trick and NINTH goal in the series against Colorado last night, when Detroit crushed the Avs. 8-2 was the final score and the Wings are through to the Conference Finals.
5/01/2008
The Flyers?!
What's going on? The Philadelphia Flyers are on their way to take a major scalp in the playoffs. After last nights game, they have a nice lead, 3-1, over the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens is a team that I thought would have no problems with the Flyers. But, boy was I wrong. Sure, the Canadiens are playing a variation of offensive tactics and they're creating alot. But thanks to the best keeper, so far, in the playoffs, the Flyers can weather the storm as it comes. Martin Biron has been outstanding, supberb, fantastic so far in the playoffs. He's piling up the impossible saves time and again.
Turco, Lundqvist, Fleury, Nabokov, Osgood, Price (Halak last night, though) and Theodore. Good keepers, all of them. But the question is, is anyone of them better than Biron at the moment? The only one I can imagine being close to him is Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. But he's not getting any help from his defensemen, hence a few more shots are getting past him.
Biron gets the help. Biron makes the saves. Biron is, at the moment, a brick wall.
Speaking of the Rangers. Tonight, it may all end. They lost their first game in the Garden, 5-3, and nothing, absolutely nothing speaks for a victory tonight. Even if they win tonight, they will just postpone the unavoidable. Or? As far as I know, no team has ever turned around a series, being down 3-0. The Pens are playing with confidence and will probably try to kill the series as soon as possible.
In the West, Detroit are cruising towards the Conference Finals. 3-0 up against the Avs. It's the same situation here as it is between the Pens and Rangers. Nothing speaks for Colorado. This will end tonight. No doubt about it. The Avs hasn't really had anything to worry the Wings about. And with The Mule, Johan Franzen, in his greatest form ever in the NHL, having produced 11 points (8+3) in just nine games, it means that the Avs defense has yet another Red Wing to look out for. This is something they already know, since the Mule scored three goals against them last Saturday.
The Sharks are in a bit of trouble, being down 3-1 in the series against the Stars. But, they won last night and may have gained some momentum. Are they just postponing the unavoidable or will they battle back? There's something strange going on in that series. The team that has scored the first goal in each game have lost the game. Will this continue? In that case, if I were a Sharks fan, I'd be hoping for the Stars to score the first goal tomorrow night.
The NHL - is awesome.
Turco, Lundqvist, Fleury, Nabokov, Osgood, Price (Halak last night, though) and Theodore. Good keepers, all of them. But the question is, is anyone of them better than Biron at the moment? The only one I can imagine being close to him is Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. But he's not getting any help from his defensemen, hence a few more shots are getting past him.
Biron gets the help. Biron makes the saves. Biron is, at the moment, a brick wall.
Speaking of the Rangers. Tonight, it may all end. They lost their first game in the Garden, 5-3, and nothing, absolutely nothing speaks for a victory tonight. Even if they win tonight, they will just postpone the unavoidable. Or? As far as I know, no team has ever turned around a series, being down 3-0. The Pens are playing with confidence and will probably try to kill the series as soon as possible.
In the West, Detroit are cruising towards the Conference Finals. 3-0 up against the Avs. It's the same situation here as it is between the Pens and Rangers. Nothing speaks for Colorado. This will end tonight. No doubt about it. The Avs hasn't really had anything to worry the Wings about. And with The Mule, Johan Franzen, in his greatest form ever in the NHL, having produced 11 points (8+3) in just nine games, it means that the Avs defense has yet another Red Wing to look out for. This is something they already know, since the Mule scored three goals against them last Saturday.
The Sharks are in a bit of trouble, being down 3-1 in the series against the Stars. But, they won last night and may have gained some momentum. Are they just postponing the unavoidable or will they battle back? There's something strange going on in that series. The team that has scored the first goal in each game have lost the game. Will this continue? In that case, if I were a Sharks fan, I'd be hoping for the Stars to score the first goal tomorrow night.
The NHL - is awesome.
4/27/2008
Somewhat live #2
Ok. 2-0 to the Pens at the end of the third. Empty net goal.
My questions are a two:
1. Why on earth didn't Renney [Rangers Coach] call the timeout when the Pens got the 2 minute minor with over two minutes to go?
2. Why did Jagr get that amount of ice time in the end? He took down the tempo of their play instead of increased it.
Sure, now there will be two games in New York. If the Rangers doesn't win the first one, this will be over before the upcoming week is.
Henrik Lundqvist was phenomenal in net. But the Rangers defense was horrible. The offense was even worse with slow anticipated attacks. There's no spark in the Rangers there and that will cost them dearly, unless they change alot until Tuesday.
No, Renney. Back to basic. Get a lot of people in front of goal, shoot like madmen and go for the rebounds. In defense, players like Roszival, Backman and Mara need to step up. Don't let the Pens offensive guys get anywhere near Lundqvist. It should just be one attempt of that and one attempt only. Then Pens forwards should be lying there on the ice.
Look at Gill, Gonchar and Whitney. They're not letting anyone near Fleury (who was amazing this night). Try, and you will face the consequences before you know it.
Like they say on Broadway: "It ain't over until the fat lady sings." Unless Renney, Avery, Jagr, Shanahan and all the other Blueshirts get their act together, that lady will be warming up her throat on Thursday.
My questions are a two:
1. Why on earth didn't Renney [Rangers Coach] call the timeout when the Pens got the 2 minute minor with over two minutes to go?
2. Why did Jagr get that amount of ice time in the end? He took down the tempo of their play instead of increased it.
Sure, now there will be two games in New York. If the Rangers doesn't win the first one, this will be over before the upcoming week is.
Henrik Lundqvist was phenomenal in net. But the Rangers defense was horrible. The offense was even worse with slow anticipated attacks. There's no spark in the Rangers there and that will cost them dearly, unless they change alot until Tuesday.
No, Renney. Back to basic. Get a lot of people in front of goal, shoot like madmen and go for the rebounds. In defense, players like Roszival, Backman and Mara need to step up. Don't let the Pens offensive guys get anywhere near Lundqvist. It should just be one attempt of that and one attempt only. Then Pens forwards should be lying there on the ice.
Look at Gill, Gonchar and Whitney. They're not letting anyone near Fleury (who was amazing this night). Try, and you will face the consequences before you know it.
Like they say on Broadway: "It ain't over until the fat lady sings." Unless Renney, Avery, Jagr, Shanahan and all the other Blueshirts get their act together, that lady will be warming up her throat on Thursday.
Somewhat live
After half of the game, the Penguins are up by one. 1-0. But it could, and should be way more. The Rangers are allowing the Pens to do whatever they like. Sometimes the Rangers go on the attack. But for the most of the time, the play is around King Henrik Lundqvist.
Lundqvist has made a handfull of saves when yours truly was absolutely certain that it would be a goal. He has moved from side to side, taken a few in his glove just for fun and then anther few slides.
At the end of the second period, the Rangers are on the PP. But Fleury has acted as a stone wall so far. And there's still a 1-0 lead for the Pens.
Stay tuned, after the game things will be summed up
Lundqvist has made a handfull of saves when yours truly was absolutely certain that it would be a goal. He has moved from side to side, taken a few in his glove just for fun and then anther few slides.
At the end of the second period, the Rangers are on the PP. But Fleury has acted as a stone wall so far. And there's still a 1-0 lead for the Pens.
Stay tuned, after the game things will be summed up
2/25/2008
In a time where money and success....
...rules, it is nice to see that some players remain loyal to their clubs even when the opportunity for a quick personal success arises.
Mats Sundin is staying with the Maple Leafs - at least for the remainder of the season. When absolutely everybody, myself included, was speaking about a trade, Mats Sundin officially stated that he's staying put. No Red Wings, no Sharks - just Maple Leafs. That is loyalty!
Mats Sundin is truly a great player and a great person. He's already made himself immortal in Toronto. If he decides to play next season as well, he might experience the beginning of a new era. Toronto will build something new and younger. Fellow Swede, Anton Stralman, will for sure be a vital part of the new Maple Leafs team. This season might not be over yet, but the Maple Leafs management are looking to 2008-09.
The Rangers demolished the Panthers, winning 5-0 in MSG. Henrik Lundqvist had a calm night, completing his 24th shutout in his NHL career. This is the second best, when it comes to Swedish goalkeepers in the National Hockey League. Tommy Salo is the no.1 Swede with 37 shutouts.
The constantly hated Marek Malik scored twice (his first two of the season), still being booed for his performance by the Garden Faithful.
"The Finnish Flash", Teemu Selänne, scored a hat-trick when the Ducks beat the Blackhawks, 6-3. This was goal no. 5,6 and 7 since his late comeback. Selänne has given the Ducks a boost and this might be enough for the former Disney-owned California team to mount a serious challenge for the Cup. I'd been hoping all season for the amazing Selänne to return and it was a happy surprise when he did.
No news on the trading front. Philadelphia Flyers has been a bit active during the last week. On Feb. 20 they shipped Jim Vandermeer (D) to Calgary Flames for their 2009 3rd-Round Draft Pick. And on the day before, they let their own 2008 3rd-Round Draft Pick go to the Kings in exchange for Jaroslav Modry (D). So, basically, they went +/- 0, if you ask me. Tomorrow is the last day before the deadline. It might not be that many big-names moving, as I have expected.
Mats Sundin is staying with the Maple Leafs - at least for the remainder of the season. When absolutely everybody, myself included, was speaking about a trade, Mats Sundin officially stated that he's staying put. No Red Wings, no Sharks - just Maple Leafs. That is loyalty!
Mats Sundin is truly a great player and a great person. He's already made himself immortal in Toronto. If he decides to play next season as well, he might experience the beginning of a new era. Toronto will build something new and younger. Fellow Swede, Anton Stralman, will for sure be a vital part of the new Maple Leafs team. This season might not be over yet, but the Maple Leafs management are looking to 2008-09.
The Rangers demolished the Panthers, winning 5-0 in MSG. Henrik Lundqvist had a calm night, completing his 24th shutout in his NHL career. This is the second best, when it comes to Swedish goalkeepers in the National Hockey League. Tommy Salo is the no.1 Swede with 37 shutouts.
The constantly hated Marek Malik scored twice (his first two of the season), still being booed for his performance by the Garden Faithful.
"The Finnish Flash", Teemu Selänne, scored a hat-trick when the Ducks beat the Blackhawks, 6-3. This was goal no. 5,6 and 7 since his late comeback. Selänne has given the Ducks a boost and this might be enough for the former Disney-owned California team to mount a serious challenge for the Cup. I'd been hoping all season for the amazing Selänne to return and it was a happy surprise when he did.
No news on the trading front. Philadelphia Flyers has been a bit active during the last week. On Feb. 20 they shipped Jim Vandermeer (D) to Calgary Flames for their 2009 3rd-Round Draft Pick. And on the day before, they let their own 2008 3rd-Round Draft Pick go to the Kings in exchange for Jaroslav Modry (D). So, basically, they went +/- 0, if you ask me. Tomorrow is the last day before the deadline. It might not be that many big-names moving, as I have expected.
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