My apologies and NHL Roulette for November

So as it usually goes, i forgot about my blog. I neglected it after making a semi decent post last year during the playoffs. Well, i've decided to come back to it, i have a lot more time on my hands to take care of this beautiful little project.

First things first. The Blackhawks.

I've been getting all of my friends who are hockey novices coming up to me and asking "Man, what happened to the Hawks! They suck this year!"

Let's clearify that the Chicago Blackhawks are a long way from "Sucking". The Chicago Blackhawks sit at number 10 in the NHL after 26 games played. They are 8 points behind the Washington Capitals who have been playing a consistant brand of Hockey that Washington has come to know and love. Considering that we dumped half of our Stanley Cup winning roster and have had one of our leading point scorers sitting out quite a few of these first 26 games (and reports are saying today that he may be out quite a while again thanks to a practice mishap) I'd say we aren't doing great, but we could be worse. We've begun to find chemistry in our team, we found which goaltender is more deserving and we realized that no matter how hard we try John Scott just doesn't belong in the NHL. Either way, i'd like to know where Washington would be minus Alexander Ovechkin at this point in the season. Same goes for Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby. This isn't me puffing out my chest or saying that those squads couldn't be where they are without those players, it's just something to think about instead of thinking that the sky is falling.

So i'm going to spread my love out to the NHL here.

I like to call this "NHL Roulette"

Philadelphia

I don't want to admit it. I'm sure i'll take greif for this but i have to say that the Philadelphia flyers may be the best team in the NHL this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see them in a cup final again this year. They have a brand of Hockey that is unique in today's NHL. They have grit, they have skill and they have size. They will run you out of your building and make you like it. Mike Richards, although not my favorite player cannot be denied his talent and ability as a leader on the ice and in the room.

Vancouver

Where do i begin? I thought you guys were going to be better this year. Picking up Hamhuis and Malhotra, you'd think it would be a no brainer! Too bad ol' greasy bob is phony. He may show off at times, but the guy is not a consistant goaltender. His numbers may say otherwise. I don't buy it. I've watched him pretty closely, seeing as he is an important key to a rival of my home team and really, he's unimpressive.

Montreal

Hot. White Hot. It feels as if they haven't lost a beat since they were sent home by Philly last year. I for one am not a gigantic Canadiens fan but it will make for some interesting hockey late in the year and especially in the playoffs.

Atlanta

You're Welcome. I know Andrew Ladd makes a great captain and even though we needed a couple of defenseman we gave you Dustin Byfuglien because Stan Bowman shit the bed. If i hear another Blackhawks fan tell me that Buff was "Lazy" or "Only a playoff performer" I will personally pull my pants down so they can kiss my ass. (On a side note, if you tell me Versteeg belongs here before Buff or Ladd, i will do the same.)

Detroit

Ugh. Healthy Detroit...Here we go again.

Pittsburgh

I can't wait for Sid the kid to outscore Ovechkin this year, maybe then i won't have to watch his ugly toothless mug on versus as much.

Columbus

Yeah great, too bad you can't win the Stanley Cup in November! We'll see where you guys are come playoff time.

Tampa Bay

Sorry about Vinny, but St Louis is awake again and that young'n Stamkos is going to be a superstar. You've got nothing to worry about...except not making the playoffs when you have the possible league points leader on your team

Dallas

You know, i don't really know a whole lot right now about Dallas' brand of Hockey, So i will rely on the the numbers. 23 games played, 29 points. Good enough for 6th in the NHL overall, you're doing something right. Also a shout out to Adam Burish, we miss you.

Rangers

Again, i feel the same way about new york as i do about Dallas. I haven't seen enough of you guys mentioned but what i will say is that you're sitting pretty with 29 points out of 26 games, Gaborik and Lundqvist...You've got a chance?

Phoenix

Not as hot as last year but till playing solid hockey. They're a different team from two years ago as one can see and they play fundamental hockey. I wouldn't doubt a playoff bid from them this year.

St Louis

Besides the fact that i have a deep Hatred in my heart for you and i can't stand David Perron for my own personal reasons, you're playing well. I do wish that you'd dress Cam Janssen when we dress John Scott so we can see some good old fashion head smashing and by that i mean his fist smashing your head.

Colorado

Sorry about Craig Anderson. I like him just as much as all of you do and he is no doubt a key to your winning ways. Young talent is in surplus on this squad and if you can find the right mix of veterans to plug in, you'll be a contender soon

Anaheim

Mediocre. Not terrible, not great. Just hanging on, hoping, waiting for a chance to make the playoffs.

Boston

Well Tim Thomas is doing his part, you'll be getting back Marc Savard soon...i'm sure you'd like to have more than 26 points at this part of the season but you've only played 22 games. I can't help but put more faith in any team from that town, i know Boston will do well and could be a big time sleeper in the East.

San Jose

Same as Vancouver..Phony. I have no faith in this team, they can only be relied on to choke. While they may light up the regular season, they will undoubtedly fail in the playoffs once again. Sorry Jumbo Joe, i like you, i really do.

Los Angeles

Young, Talented, a decent goaltender...still not enough? I think this team needs more time to figure it self out and then we shall see.

Minnesota

Well, Martin Havlat has been playing some great hockey and to me it seems as if the Wild are trying to stick to their low scoring, defensive trap game. It works, but it hasn't gotten them to the playoffs yet.

Nashville

Last in the Central division is like saying you were last in your class....from Harvard. This team is still good, they have the veterans and the know how to use them. Rinne is an outstanding goaltender, they just need something fresh down there. A big name would help, Sullivan isn't getting any younger and neither are his Vertebrae.

Carolina

Don't know enough about them, but that probably doesn't mean that they are doing very well. I know the Staal they have down there is the best out of the three and i like Cam Ward. That's about it for my knowledge on them.

Ottawa

Congratulations to Kovalev for scoring his 1000th point. I still don't know how Ottawa didn't win a cup ten years ago when they had every big name you could think of in the NHL

Calgary

Kiprusoff, poor guy gets ridden more then a rented mule. They burn him out down there. He keeps them alive in the standings though, i give him that. Rene isn't doing horrible either, Iginla is still a solid captain. They have some people going in the right direction, but it appears there are a few "Cement Shoes" still.

Buffalo

Without Ryan Miller in the net.....Who is Buffalo?

Florida

Somehow Florida has TWO hockey teams while Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Maine don't have a single one. This one could definitely use a move. Vokoun is the only ray of light left on this team.

Toronto

Well, you started out hot and showed a little bit of promise. I suppose for a team that will sell out the building even if you're #30 in the NHL it doesn't matter and that's where the Maple Leafs will always go wrong.

Edmonton

Congratulations on beating the Blackhawks twice at home and ruining one of my nights out this month. Too bad you can't beat any other team in the league. Just wait til the Bulin wall implodes. You'll be back at #30

New Jersey

One word. Kovalchuk.

NY Islanders

Guess Tavares wasn't the messiah afterall. Maybe Evander Kane would have been the better choice. Oh well, it's not like your expectations are that high anyway. Hate to say it, but you guys and Edmonton usually play for the best draft pick

Last but not least, my shorter, summary of the Chicago Blackhawks (Even though i typed an entire paragraph above)

Chicago Blackhawks

Let's see. I don't think that the Hawks were ready to have the target on their back that they do and on top of it, when you can't win at home people are going to begin questioning your ability. We're fighting tooth and nail to stay above .500 and that shouldn't be. Having Marian Hossa and Brian Campbell out for lengths of time this season did not help you and let's face it, no matter how many shots Boynton blocks he doesn't belong on the Blackhawks, or even in the NHL. Cullimore also. I think the Blackhawks need to realize that if you're going to put players on the ice who are going to make mistakes that cost you goals or games it should be your young players who can only get better and learn from the mistakes. Cullimore, Scott, Boynton...they aren't getting any better. Also, Marty Turco is a good goaltender, just not as good as Crawford.

So in summary, this is the NHL for the month of November. We are only beginning and i can't wait for Hockey to keep picking up. The NHL couldn't have picked a better slogan to this year "Questions Will Become Answers". That is the truth.

Also on a side note, i decided that Twitter..as much as i have no clue on how to use it will help spring this blog to life a bit. With that said, if you have something to say (Nice, Rude, or Neutral) or you have any questions for me i have multiple ways of contact now. I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and may you and your families be safe.

Montreal, The Team To Beat?

Well, i was shocked two nights ago as was the majority of the Hockey world (one would guess) when Montreal sealed off another favorite to win the eastern conference. Beating Washington was a monumental victory. It was hard fought, down 3 games to 1 against the President's Cup winner (seems that title is a jinx, ask San Jose) they fought back and claimed the first round from a team that was almost a sure bet for the eastern conference finals. It proves that nothing is given, nothing is indebted in the quest for Lord Stanley's cup. People figured that was it. Montreal had battled hard against Washington and had nothing left for the defending champs. While Sid The Kid seemed cool and collected as he always does, things weren't the way the fans in the Igloo had hoped. Pittsburgh dominated the first game, leaving everyone feeling as if it was expected, but the Canadiens came and stole one out from under the champs in their own building. Then it continued, the two teams continued to swap wins until game 6. Pittsburgh had Montreal right where they wanted them, 3 to 2 in the series, the champs needed one win in two possible games to continue on, one of those games at home none the less. Montreal battled back and ended up taking both. The Penguins ended their season, fans shocked and no doubt let down.


This is where we are at now. Montreal has to be labeled as the team to beat in the East now. Though something is going to change for Montreal in the next round. The Washington Capitals were a decently physical team, as well as Pittsburgh but these teams are definitely more a finesse style. Big name players, big time scoring. They prefer a shoot out opposed to a defensive lock down. The problem that lies ahead for Les Habitants is that either of the teams they will have to face next are big, physical teams that have a knack for crashing the net.


Lets take a look.






The Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins are the Canadiens' largest rivals in the NHL. When these two teams play it is an all out war. The Bruins are considerably more physical than Washington or Pittsburgh and they don't lack in skill when it comes to scoring either. They don't have Crosby, Malkin, or Ovechkin (Not that they slowed down Montreal) but they do have Savard who just returned and is hot right now, not to mention Chara has the ability to practically shoot a puck through the back of the twine.


If you'd like a history lesson on this rivalry here is the best i could find.
















The Philadelphia Flyers


The Flyers are known once again as the "Broad Street Bullies" this year and although in my opinion they have some big shoes to fill to even be considered for that nick name i have to admit, they are a large, physically punishing team, even more so than Boston and certainly more so than Pittsburgh or Washington.

Pronger, Hartnell, Richards, Carter, Coburn...i could go on. All of these guys are big guys, tough also, but as always one player must scare Montreal the most and that is Daniel Carcillo.


I know, i'm sick of hearing about him too. As far as i am concerned the guy is a straight goon.

22 points in 76 games in the regular season, he finished plus 5. They aren't Career high numbers for him, but they are close. That isn't what he is out there for though.






This is.


The second Daniel Carcillo grabs Jaroslav Spacek or Tomas Plekanec and tosses one of these, the game is going to change for the Montreal Canadiens in a big way.

Now of course the Canadiens have 6 foot 7, 241 pound Hal Gill but from everything i can see, he isn't much of a fighter. Big guy yes, big tough guy? Doesn't seem it.



Overall: The Montreal Canadiens will have to shift gears and be ready to battle with a physical team to win the east no matter the outcome of tonight's Game 7 in the Boston-Philadelphia series (Versus, 7pm Eastern/ 6pm Central). If they can overcome the physical aspects of the game, some how out class or out play their opponent though the hits, fights, and scrums then they could very well come out on top. Montreal does have speed on their side, but the other teams mentioned here definitely have size on theirs. Jaroslav Halak has no doubt been the biggest reason that the Habs have made it as far as they have, but he hasn't seen much net presence from either of those past opponents mainly because they had the skilled players that usually pass and shoot through rotation rather then crash the net. Another interesting point is that the Montreal Canadiens were the underdogs in the playoffs until now. Some teams need their back against the wall to be their best, we will find out if Montreal will play the same when the tables are turned and they are no doubt favorites in the East finals. I would be an idiot to doom the Canadiens saying that they cannot win the East, they've overcome two of the best teams there are in the NHL today to get where they are now. Either way, the potential match ups for the Eastern conference final are going to produce entertaining Hockey.


My picks?


Boston wins tonight, continues on.


Boston wins the east in 7 games.

Introduction

Hey,

Welcome to my Blog. Hockey, Guns, and EMS. This blog was created with the thought in mind that sometimes i just need to state my point of view on something, usually those points of view fall under one of the three topics above. It could be something benign such as who do you think will win this or that game. It could be an advice seeking topic such as what type of magazine should i buy for this gun, or it could be controversial such as "Should we backboard our patients?".


So, a little about me. I'm a 22 year old guy who lives in the Chicago, Illinois metro area, i also work in this area as a full time paramedic for a fire department you've probably never heard of, one of which i am not going to openly state. I'm sure some people reading this will know and i ask them not to broadcast it also. I will generally be writing about Hockey. The world of it, top to bottom. I'm no expert, obviously or i'd be on television somewhere, but i do have a decent knowledge of the game, the league, and the players. Unfortunately as you all know the Hockey season isn't a year round thing. Hence the other two titles of my blog. Guns and EMS. Now Guns is a hobby for me. What firearms i own you will find out over time and my opinions are my opinions when it comes to guns. I will simply post my experiences firing and trying out a variety of firearms as i go along, mainly because i am on the hunt for my next purchase as i launch this blog. Lastly there is EMS. I won't post much on this because who wants to talk about work when they are trying to enjoy their time? Sure it is a diverse field and one that people actually don't know a whole lot about when it comes to the average citizen. There are topics i will visit time to time but i won't be posting personal stories from my calls. I don't believe in this, even the life changing calls i've had and such, not only should i be shaking in my boots from HIPPA if i do post such things, it's more so out of respect for my patients. I work in a smallish town and it may not take much for people to figure out who is who when it comes to who i've transported. The people who dial 911 don't know that i have an online blog when i walk in their house, therefore i don't feel it's fair nor does it show respect to them to post their experience of pain, greif, and/or hardship that they are experiencing when they dial 911. Though i do admit, from time to time you may see a "Quote" post from me, which is just me sharing something entertaining that i've heard or personally exchanged on the job with someone.


This blog is definitely one that will have to survive on feed back from my readers. I encourage everyone to post their comments, replies, and complaints. You can be negative, i'm a big boy and it won't be the first time i've experienced someone who disagreed with my point of view, all that i ask is please be respectful while doing so.


Anyway, please enjoy my writings and let me know what you think!