Tonight should see some great action starting in Newark with Game 4 of Devils and Panthers. Can Florida take control going up 3-1 or can New Jersey tie the series? I expect the Devils to play with a sense of urgency. Can the Panthers match?
With all the buzz around hitting and shots taken at each other, game 4 in Washington between the Caps and Bruins should dictate the remainder of the series. Without Nicklas Backstrom, dethroning the Stanley Cup defenders just got more difficult. This season, Backstrom's presence was a world of difference as the Caps surged late in the regular season back from injury.
In Chicago, will we see extra hockey again, along with extra-curricular activity? Maybe extra hockey we'll see, but we will not see Marian Hossa who took a very hard hit from Raffi Torres, whom we also will not see due to the suspension from the aforementioned hit on Hossa. Not only is Torres suspended, but Andrew Shaw is also serving disciplinary action for previous actions. And the personnel must go deeper as undisclosed injuries have hit the Coyotes' Martin Hanzal and Lauri Korpikoski. Time for some others to take charge on both sides.
Can the Sharks stay out of the box? The penalty kill for San Jose was a very weak point in game 3 against St. Louis (carrying over from the regular season ranked 29th in the NHL). The best way to kill a penalty is not to get one. Also, can Patrik Berglund and Andy McDonald be stopped along with Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski stepping up?
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2013 Winter Classic...where?
After a fifth consecutive Winter Classic yesterday, we should wonder where to next. And yesterday's game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers lived up to the classic term. Credit Henrik Lundqvist saving a penalty shot late in the game to give the Rangers a 3-2 victory at Citizens Bank Park.
Now where will the 2013 Winter Classic be played. Here are my likely locations.
Comerica Park, Detroit
Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch also owns the Tigers. Detroit would have friendly weather for outdoor hockey. A popular team.
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Not too far from Detroit. Would likely draw the biggest NHL crowd ever, over the first 2008 Winter Classic in Buffalo. Plus, a college hockey rink was placed on this field recently.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Though the Wild have not been a storied franchise during its short existence, outdoor hockey in Minnesota makes sense.
CitiPark, New York
Since Yankee Stadium seems booked with the Pinstripe Bowl, and MetLife Stadium having two tenants busy near New Year's Day, this may be the best option remaining in New York. Rangers-Islanders?
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
With the star presence of Alexander Ovechkin, this would somewhat work, however, don't trust the weather too much. Plus, I think RFK would be a better venue, just not enough time to lay a rink with the Military Bowl that close to New Year's Day.
Now where will the 2013 Winter Classic be played. Here are my likely locations.
Comerica Park, Detroit
Red Wings' owner Mike Ilitch also owns the Tigers. Detroit would have friendly weather for outdoor hockey. A popular team.
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
Not too far from Detroit. Would likely draw the biggest NHL crowd ever, over the first 2008 Winter Classic in Buffalo. Plus, a college hockey rink was placed on this field recently.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Though the Wild have not been a storied franchise during its short existence, outdoor hockey in Minnesota makes sense.
CitiPark, New York
Since Yankee Stadium seems booked with the Pinstripe Bowl, and MetLife Stadium having two tenants busy near New Year's Day, this may be the best option remaining in New York. Rangers-Islanders?
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
With the star presence of Alexander Ovechkin, this would somewhat work, however, don't trust the weather too much. Plus, I think RFK would be a better venue, just not enough time to lay a rink with the Military Bowl that close to New Year's Day.
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