Bleacher Report - Articles by Rant Man

Penguins-Red Wings, Game Five: Somebody Will Take the Lead

Rant Man — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 10:27:00 -0400

Don't you love obvious headlines? They make me smile.

My HP notebook is currently on life support. Apparently the wireless drivers in some HP notebooks are known to suddenly disappear. It's covered by warranty, but I do not feel like shipping this thing out with the risk of it getting lost, damaged beyond recognition, etc.

OK, so Game Five at Joe Louis Arena, 8:00 pm (EST) on Network of Bullying Cowards (NBC). I have to stay on task here.

Key factors in tonight's game:

Red Wings

Datsyuk is finally back in the lineup.
Last change on the ice, Zetts to Crosby, clutch (and possibly grab).
Them boards, them boards, them funny bouncy boards.
Osgood, home ice, decent.
Obvious: home ice/home crowd.
A full healthy roster (if you're not looking at age).
Mike Babcock, possibly dawning a fedora.

Penguins

Line combinations are finally clicking.
Secondary scoring is now in the mix.
Power-play opportunities have been favorable.
Jordan Staal woke up from his coma!
Bylsma can keep everyone calm. I mean look at those glasses!
Fleury is finally focused...on trying to convince everyone to give him a break.

John Baranowski—The Penguins guy—and I, the Rant Man (Red Wings/Sabres hybrid mixed with a poodle) will be in the DC area somewhere catching the game. Follow me on Twitter for the latest here.

Red Wings-Penguins: Game Three to Pittsburgh

Rant Man — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:37:00 -0400

So, there you have it.

The Penguins are using home ice to their advantage, and from what I've seen, this series is possibly far from done! I did say that the Red Wings would have this in six games, but that would mean winning at least one on Pittsburgh ice.

Can the Red Wings rebound in Game Four to take one in the Steel City?

Well, tonight, the secondary scoring showed up for the Penguins in the form of Maxime Talbot. The first and last goals of the game come off Talbot's stick and it didn't come easy.

The fact that Osgood only faced 21 shots may hinder the idea that he is a viable Conn Smythe Playoff MVP if the Red Wings pull this off. It will have to be a rock solid performance for him here on out.

I think that Malkin's behind the scenes three assists was key to this game. His performance after the fight at the end of Game Two proved who was the bigger impact winner from the emotional factors that be.

If you want to see what Game Four will be like, mix the emotions of both Game Two and Three, and you'll have a charged up Red Wings squad versus a confident Penguins unit. Things could be very physical in Game Four considering how well that worked in the first half of this game in favor of the Red Wings.

If the physical play keeps up, and the defensive melt-downs are addressed, Detroit will take Game Four. If the tone is consistent through to Game Four with echoing sentiments of tonight's performance on both sides, then Pittsburgh can expect a huge momentum swing in this series.

After all is said and done, the Red Wings have to win Game Four if they want to ensure winning this series. The Penguins having the second change definitely went in their favor.

I hate saying this, but the referees were also in the Penguins favor. I am not one of those that will harp on some conspiracy theories that the league is pulling for the Penguins, but some of the calls made tonight were soft. It just so happens that the Penguins nailed two power-play goals in the end. If the Red Wings can play "Mister Nice Guy" but still deliver a physical game in Game Four while staying out of the box, they're bound to win.

The question now surrounds the defensive pairings against Pittsburgh's top line, and the force that control the front of the net. Do the Red Wings' forwards need to step back a bit to support the defense, or push forward for more scoring opportunities by putting more traffic in front of Fleury? The Video Coaching staff now has their work cut out for them.

Good night, everybody! Talk to you all real soon.

~The Rant Man~

After One Period of Play...

Rant Man — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:56:00 -0400

If you're not doing so already, follow me on Twitter. (http://twitter.com/NHLhockeyrant)

After one period of play in Game three...

Quite a different series if this continues. The home-ice factor seems to make a difference in some regard.

When we look at the last change made by the home team, Pittsburgh definitely has an advantage as to keeping Crosby from matching up with Zetterberg. So far, Babcock has found so good opportunities in the action have Zetterberg change on the fly. But, with all of that juggling going on, can a coach lose sight of other things happening in the game if he becomes too focused on changes and lineup matches?

This could prove to be exhausting, but the new formulation of Malkin, Crosby, and Kunitz seems to alleviate some pressure as to when Zetterberg and his crew join the ice.

Rafalski and Lidstrom are the favorited defensive pairing to get sent to battle against the Crosby line. They're proving to be moderately effective, but can they handle double the threat with Crosby and Malkin playing a line together? The second and third period remain...at least.

Osgood allows two goals on seven shots? Ouch. Fleury allows two goals on 12 shots? Ok. So, now it's a war of talent.

Zetterberg already has a goal and an assist. Letang already has a goal and an assist.

Now, the waiting game. Will it be Abdelkader for Detroit or Adams for Pittsburgh to get the next goal? Truth is, the next goal could come from anybody, but the offensive pressure by Pittsburgh has seen a lot of improvement compared to games one & two.

This all coming from a Red Wings fan of 14 years. Taking it from my birth heritage of being a Sabres fan (if I weren't an overall hockey fan), I should be caring less at this point. Just kidding, of course.

Enjoy the second period!

~The Rant Man~

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Previously on The Rant...

Rant Man — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:53:00 -0400

The following took place before the second round:

Picks:
(1) Boston vs. (6) Carolina: Carolina in 6 games
(2) Washington vs. (4) Pittsburgh: Washington in 7 games

(2) Detroit vs. (8) Anaheim: Detroit in 7 games
(3) Vancouver vs. (4) Chicago: Chicago in 6 games

These were witnessed, so don't think I'm making this stuff up.

As for the first round, I was off by one series, and somewhere along the lines of six games. But...the way this round is shaping up...I'm not going to say it. Just look above, do the math, and you'll know.

Will post again really soon. I promise.

This has been one of the most exciting playoffs I've ever seen, with some renewal of rivalries of epic proportions and a possible new one next round...(Detroit vs. Chicago? Just as I predicted before the playoffs).

Red Wings-Blue Jackets: Tears for Columbus

Rant Man — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:23:00 -0400

Emotion.

A word that encompasses everything that makes us human by presence.

For all of those present at Nationwide Arena this evening, emotion was the driving force behind the relentless push by the Columbus Blue Jackets to remain in the playoffs.

The crowd grew anxious as the Jackets were down to the Red Wings 3-1 at the end of the first period.

Hope was restored as the Jackets came back and brought it within one, with Nash netting his first playoff goal under two minutes into the second period. The crowd is curious as to what will happen next.

R.J. Umburger gives the fans revived hope by scoring, not even four minutes later, and the now the reset button has been hit, the game is tied, 3-3. The crowd is ecstatic, but only for a moment as under a minute and a half later Marion Hossa throws in back-to-back goals to regain the two-goal lead for the Red Wings; 5-3.

The crowd becomes somber, yet hopeful, again.

The Blue Jackets, making the playoffs amidst tough competition, vowed never to give up. The last five minutes of the second period is where renewed hope was given to Columbus, OH, and fans across the globe.

Kris Russell guns home his first goal for the Jackets in the playoffs, Columbus within one, 5-4. Then minutes later, team-franchise presence Fredrik Modin buries the tying marker that sets the crowd through the roof.

The noise factor, the emotion, the drive by a team seeing the playoffs for the first time in their eight seasons in the NHL—it was clear in a desperate situation, a do-or-die game. The intermission comes, the fans are anxious and excited.

Third period—the most intense physical game I've seen by far in the playoffs—the Columbus Blue Jackets fought for a fifth game. The intensity, the electricity, fans on their feet for close to almost the entire period. This is hockey.

This city found its passion, as 18,889 fans threw their voices, wore down their heels, and cheered their hearts out. Though probably 2,000 Red Wings fans found their ways of paying a high price to buy their way into the attendance, the Blue Jackets faithful definitely overpowered and remained passionate throughout.

The hushed moments, totaling a mere 10 minutes of playing time, are nothing compared to the 50 minutes of pure chaos beaming from the hearts and souls of hockey fans supporting their boys on the ice.

Deadlocked at a score of 5-5 with under 2:00 minutes to go, the Blue Jackets come face to face with something nobody could have possibly seen coming—a particularly unusual penalty against the home team with under 1:40 to go in the third period of a tied game that could spell out the fate of their postseason. The penalty, the must call—too many men on the ice.

Johan Franzen scores the game winner on the power play with 47 seconds left in the third period. Detroit goes on to win a tightly disputed contest 6-5 on a Franzen power-play goal on a penalty call for too many men on the ice.

Blue Jackets fans, I will give you three words to live by for next year, and I heard these words over the public address right after the penalty was called. "Don't Stop Believing."

No team should ever have to remember the termination of their playoff run due to a too many men on the ice penalty. Yes, if you see the replay, the change being made was right at the point where the Jackets connected with the puck as the player was one foot and a half from the bench.

It's unfortunate—close, but strangely necessary. In a playoff season where players get punched in the head off the face-off, crosschecked in the head, and checked from behind face first into the boards, you would think that in the dying seconds of a situation that spells out the fate of your team, too many men on the ice is the last penalty you would think could potentially end your season.

Columbus, you deserved to be in the playoffs. It was a great season. Steve Mason will win the Calder Trophy, and I believe that without a doubt in my mind.

Before I close this out, I want to clarify why I titled this article "Tears for Columbus." Fans, and players of the Blue Jackets, the passion you showed tonight from start to finish, even though you knew this game could potentially be the end of the line for your team, it moved me.

The disappointment of seeing your team lose with 47 seconds left in regulation time because of a too many men on the ice penalty? I felt the same hurt you all felt.

Here's the kicker: Even though I'm a Red Wings fan, I still feel proud of the display you all put on for your team in a very difficult situation. All I have to say is, I want to see this same kind of emotion next year, because that is what pumps the heart of teams like these.

It Is 'Do-or-Die' for Maxim Afinogenov In Contract Year

Rant Man — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 04:05:32 -0400

Numbers are fun to look at. Whether or not they mean anything is questionable. When looking at players who come into the last couple years of their contracts with the Sabres, namely those with great potential, there is a growing trend in what you'll find.

Lets take a look:

Chris Drury: 77 games, 37 goals, 32 assists, 69 points (career best)
Daniel Briere: 81 games, 32 goals, 63 assists, 95 points (NHL career best)
Michael Peca: (2nd to last year) 82 games, 27 goals, 29 assists, 56 points (NHL career best)
Miroslav Satan: (2nd to last year) 79 games, 26 goals, 49 assists, 75 points (career best)
Stu Barnes: (2nd to last year) 17 goals, 31 assists, 48 goals (career best while with one team)

There's a mild trend here, but not necessarily a formula. But, the point I'm driving home with these figures is whether or not we can expect anything big from Maxim Afinogenov in this coming season.

This is the final year on his contract and various rumors swirled about him being moved in a trade.

But is it fair to compare him to these recent former Sabres phenoms? It really varies on who you ask. He's not a leader-player as much as an individual puck pusher, but his style is in line with the new blend of what the NHL is as opposed to what was.

Clutch and grab has almost completely left the scene, and the speedy and talented are stealing the show. I believe he fits that trend.

Maybe it's a bit of personal bias, but I like the exciting play style of Afinogenov. Just listen to the Sabres home crowd when he touches the puck and puts on the jets. If he truly wants to continue to play for the Sabres, this is his year to shine and prove it. The last two players, Drury and Briere, may not be a fair comparison into any type of trend.

If you exclude them from the reasoning, then like Peca, Satan, and Barnes, Afinogenov should be coming off his best year.

With the groin injury sustained this past season, he hasn't had much strength and time to prove himself. Averaging a half a point a game in the 2007-08 season, 10 goals and 18 assists on the whole, it's a big step down from the season prior. With playing the equal amount of games for 23 goals, 38 assists, he banked a little over a point a game!

The overall message is this. Afinogenov needs to put up a big point season and inspire the new youth on the team becoming their play-maker. If this doesn't take place, it may result in no renewed contract offer and the next plane out to play for a team in Russia for big money.

What will it be, Max?

One Down, Four More to Go: The Habs Drop Out of the Swede-Stakes

Rant Man — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:37:58 -0400

Matt Sundin will not play for the Montreal Canadiens.

Yes, it is true. This comes at the hands of a deal that has landed Robert Lang, from the Chicago Blackhawks, into a Habs sweater at the cost of a Montreal second-round pick in 2010's draft.

GM Bob Gainey has sealed Sundin off from becoming a Hab and openly admitted that the talks with the limbo-dwelling European player were not very fruitful.

From this we have four teams in the Swede-stakes: Toronto, Vancouver, Tampa Bay, and the New York Rangers. A fifth team is possibility amidst the rumors surrounding an unknown team announcing a bid on the same day Tampa Bay declared their interest.

Sundin and his agent, J.P. Barry, seem to have teams falling out of the contest and this leaves us to believe that it will be a last-team standing ordeal.

Robert Lang's addition to Montreal has come as quite a surprise, and whether or not he'll produce like Sundin would have in this coming season will yet to be seen.

The Lightning were very active thus far in the offseason, and the numbers do not favor them in being able to afford a likely high-dollar salary for Sundin.

Vancouver is being rumored to split the Sedin twins and this would leave plenty of space to make the addition.

The New York Rangers have some issues of their own, in regards to whether or not to re-sign Brendan Shanahan, though he was paid quite minimal figures this past season. With Jaromir Jagr leaving to play in Russia's super league, plenty of cap space can become available to bring in Sundin, without a doubt.

Finally, there's the Toronto Maple Leafs. I think that speaks enough to itself.

Sundin may wait it out until the final team remains, and if that offer isn't to his liking, then the likelihood of retirement looks favorable.

The Swede-stakes are soon to conclude and either way, Mats will somehow win.

Show 65: Week's Highlighted News

Rant Man — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 16:10:00 -0400

Training camp is coming! Woo! Can't wait. A co-worker advised against me publicly releasing my predictions for the regular season this early, which I agreed with him on, considering we have plenty of free agents to go around, training camp is still yet to come, and preseason needs to be dealt with.

So, the predictions editions will likely be out somewhere around Sept. 27-28. Keep an eye out for that! I'll try and make my way out to see some of the Washington Capitals' training and on-ice drills during the camp dates at their Arlington, VA facility.

Who knows, maybe I can score an interview or two! Highly unlikely, I'm guessing, but I'll make an effort, I swear.

Funny enough, I'm considering having Eklund from Hockeybuzz.com come onto the show. I know, I think I just saw all of your jaws drop. I am a bit critical of him, but I'd like to give the show some "umph" when I feel it needs to be improved.

So, yes, I am stating that maybe having him on could somehow improve what I have. Haha. Stay tuned for the jury's decision on that one.

By the way, if you would like to plug my audio podcast into your iPod or podcast extraction software (for lack of a better word), here's the site.

This segment talks about the headlines in the past week since the last show. Some excitement building in Montreal for the 100th season, and also Mats Sundin talks begin in Toronto in person! Woo, development!

Brent Burns, Alex Pieterangelo, and Trevor Linden are in the mix in this segment, as well!

Download Show 65

Does Mats Sundin Deserve the Favre Treatment?

Rant Man — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 06:51:58 -0400

So who deserves more attention right now? Brett Favre or Mats Sundin? It is apparent that the spotlight of all sports combined, Favre is the front and center character that everyone is sitting on the edge of their seat waiting for. Does Sundin deserve to be considered for the same kind of attention on waiting for his decision?

The answer is an emphatic no.

Many analysts this past season seemed to build up the hype around Sundin. There were such statements regarding him as being in the best shape of his life. That he appears to be a younger veteran, and deceivingly younger than being of the actual age of 37. In the accomplishments category, what has he really done?

Second longest serving captain (No. 1 is Joe Sakic)
Scored at least 70 points every year aside from the shortened lockout season and his first year
Led the Leafs in points in every year he has been with the team except 2002-'03 (Alex Mogilny topped him by seven pts.)
First Swedish player to score 500 goals
Holds the Leafs' franchise records for goals with 420 and points as a Leaf with 984
Currently tied with Jaromir Jagr for the NHL record for regular season overtime goals with 15

I think people should be MORE intrigued by Sundin and his upcoming decision. His 13 year tenure with the Maple Leafs should be heralded as a true symbol of dedication and devotion to a player's team.

Players like Sundin are very rare. It was thought that it would come down to Sundin or fellow Swede, Daniel Alfredsson, in the race to become the first European captain to win the Stanley Cup (Nik Lidstrom, of course, recently accomplished that feat).

Looking at his impact on the Maple Leafs comes in the numbers he has posted. The history of the Leafs is, of course, dated back to the origins of the National Hockey League, and which player sits atop the statistics throughout time for the Toronto Maple Leafs? The one and only Mats Sundin.

These mentions should be considered when you think about what kind of decision he is making. If he was wise, and wanted to bow out gracefully or continue to play hockey, he really has only two decisions: retire or play for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Take a pay-cut Mats, and hold your head up high. You have accomplished a great many things, but still have plenty of time to obtain the highest honor in winning the Stanley Cup. Look to Chris Chelios for that inspiration if needed when considering age.

Scotty Bowman: Rebirth of a Rivalry?

Rant Man — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:17:18 -0400

Scotty Bowman accepted a position as Senior Adviser to Hockey Operations with the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday. This comes some time after the rumors swirled about a possibility that he would join the Toronto Maple Leafs' front office.

Bowman, who is 74 years old, has been a head coach with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, and Buffalo Sabres. In 2002, he retired from the head coaching position after leading the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship.

Recently, the 'Hawks acquired Cristobal Huet and Brian Campbell through free agency, and they are looking to complete the full circle of talent needed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2001-2002 season. The last time Chicago made the playoffs before then was in 1996-1997.

The connection between Bowman and the Blackhawks is no mystery. His son Stan is an Assistant General Manager in Hockey Operations. Chicago was definitely the way to go for Scotty Bowman.

With the background out of the way, the question becomes: Is this the rebirth of the famed rivalry between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks?

Some would argue that it never went away throughout the history between these two franchises.

The Red Wings and Hawks will play their 701st game against one another in this year's installment of the Winter Classic. The absence of Bowman on the bench is obviously the difference in this instance, but his being in the front office of the club should be enough of an emotional symbol for Red Wings fans to feel a rival pull.

I'm sure that the television coverage of the Winter Classic in Chicago will pan to plenty of shots of Bowman, who will more than likely be in attendance. The spotlight will be in his direction as much as it is, I'm sure, on the two main stars of the show, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

I could be wrong, and the appreciation level of all Red Wings fans could supersede his decision to become a part of the Chicago organization. The fans in Detroit recognize him as a figure of success and energy that brought championships to the famed "HockeyTown" and helped bring that moniker literally onto the ice.

I guess that only time will tell whether the impact of Bowman siding with the enemy will pan out. If things were the way they were before the lockout in the early '90s, and Bowman decided to go with Toronto—then a divisional foe—I think the impact would be significantly greater on the fan.

The Leafs and Wings rivalry is probably deeper than the Hawks and Wings rivalry. The bitterness can be tasted at times on both ends, but the Leafs and Wings combo was a bit more famed in my opinion.

So let the games begin, and Wings fans, give the rest of the hockey world something to admire: A good, old-fashioned rivalry, even though the impact of Bowman's choice isn't too direct.

Chicago Blackhawks Name Scotty Bowman as Senior Adviser

Rant Man — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 09:08:55 -0400

Today it was announced that Scotty Bowman accepted a position as Senior Adviser to Hockey Operations with the Chicago Blackhawks. This comes some time after the rumors swirled over a possibility that he would join the Toronto Maple Leafs' front office.

His resume is one of amazing prestige and the Blackhawks, a revitalized team that have suffered a playoff drought since 2002, look to use his expertise with the roster boasting plenty of young talent.

Bowman, who is 75 years old, has been a head coach with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, and Buffalo Sabres. In 2002, he retired from the head coaching position after leading the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship.

After 30 seasons as a head coach, Bowman will lend himself to an organization with much promise with the likes of the young award winning talent in Patrick Kane and Johnathan Toews.

The Hawks recently acquired Christobal Huet and Brian Campbell through free agency and look to complete the full-circle of talent needed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2001-02. The last time Chicago made the playoffs before then was in 1996-97.

The connection between Bowman and the Blackhawks is no mystery. His son Stan is an Assistant General Manager in Hockey Operations. Toronto, no; Chicago, the way to go for Scotty Bowman.

Winter Classic, Part Deuce: Gone with the Windy City?

Rant Man — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:41:00 -0400

I'm going to flat-out say it—I am disappointed in the league's decision to have this game in Chicago.

I know, I know, there's a lot of young talent on the Blackhawks, and the Red Wings are the defending Stanley Cup champions—but I honestly feel for the people in New York City.

Well, the Rangers fans, I mean.

I rarely give them any empathy, but this time I'll agree—the next outdoor game should be in Yankee Stadium as a commemorative send-off to the old icon.

And what better place to have a 'classic' than in the Big Apple on New Year's Day? It would have been a perfect finish for not only the stadium itself, but the celebration of the New Year in the city where the biggest party happens annually.

It would have been exciting to see a Detroit Red Wings-New York Rangers match. It still follows suit with an Original Six theme.

I guess I will cease my complaining and accept that this thing is going to happen, and in a venue with roughly 20,000 less seats than Ralph Wilson's Stadium in Buffalo, NY. Soldier Field might be a better attendance insurance—but I guess Wrigley has an unknown precedent in hosting this 'Classic'.

I keep quoting the word 'classic' for a reason. What is the definition of this word? Let us look at one: "exhibiting timeless quality." Well, timeless quality would mean something that happens sparingly and is yet memorable. Timeless. It stands out, and holds a meaning, in which the qualities of the event is exhibited through the timing of such an occurrence.

I think I've made my point here. Alberta, Canada and Buffalo, USA were Classics. Those two outdoor games emulate a timeless and rare example of going back to hockey's roots.

This game in Chicago should be better defined as a classic in the sense of "A perfect and/or early example of a particular style". I'll go with the 'early example of a particular style' and call it 'taking hockey back to its roots'. So, don't expect anything 'Classic' in terms of exhibiting timeless quality, but rather an early example of how hockey began. Thank you. That is my soap-box speech for the week. The main reason I posted this is because the blog had three visits from people using search engines seeking out tickets for the 'Winter Classic'. Funny enough, the google searches they were getting had mostly Buffalo versus Pittsburgh instead of Chicago versus Detroit. Enough said.

Playoff Time: Your Rant Man is Ready to ROLL!

Rant Man — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 05:51:00 -0400

Well, the regular season is finished, and what a finish it was. Some teams delivered at the very last minute, and some couldn't pull through.

Washington in, Carolina out. Vancouver out, Nashville in.

Some first-round pairings and even possible matchups were previewed in this past Sunday's last games. Here's what we have:

Eastern Conference

(1)Montreal—(8)Boston Bruins (Montreal wins season series 8-0)

(2)Pittsburgh—(7)Ottawa Senators (Ottawa wins season series 3-1)

(3)Washington Capitals—(6)Philadelphia Flyers (Tied season series 2-2)

(4)New Jersey Devils—(5)New York Rangers (New York Rangers wins season series 7-1)

Western Conference

(1)Detroit Red Wings—(8)Nashville Predators (Detroit wins season series 5-3)

(2)San Jose Sharks—(7)Calgary Flames (Calgary wins season series 3-1)

(3)Minnesota Wild—(6)Colorado Avalanche (Minnesota wins season series 5-3)

(4)Anaheim Ducks—(5)Dallas Stars (Dallas wins season series 5-3)

The season series will likely prove irrelevant and I'll explain why in the show.

The teams that didn't make the cut were finishing strong all throughout the finish of the season. When I say that, I'm really just talking about clubs like Chicago, Edmonton, and Buffalo. In the show, I'll discuss the future of those teams and how close they did in fact come to becoming sneaky like the Washington Capitals were, but fell just short.

I'll tell you all of my predictions on the first round and give my detailed explanations. Some may be upset by the things I'm about to say, and some may be relieved. The matchup I wanted to see the most is actually about to happen and it's in the East.

For those who watch my Hockey Week in Review show in Erie, PA know exactly which pairing I'm talking about, and I even mentioned it in the last blog post below this one. Hint hint, No Joke versus Never Your Reason...for those who still don't get it: NJ vs. NYR.

I should apologize to all of you for not making any new shows in the recent history of the Hockey Rant podcast. I took some vacation time to visit relatives in Baltimore, MD, and aside from that trip, I have been loaded with school work as I'm about to finish up here with Graduate School.

My other reason, which I kind of feel bad about is that I've been spending more time working on my Hockey Week in Review show and video podcast. I'm not ignoring you all. I'm just finding it hard to make time for everything to get done that I would like. So, feel neglected no more, the Rant Man is back for his loyal following who have helped successfully push me over the 4,000 "downloaders" mark. You guys are the best.

Stay tuned because the second season is sure to deliver some of the best action considering the regular season saw its tightest and most exciting finish in YEARS.

Talk to you all real soon!

Puckfully yours,

The Rant Man

NHL Playoff Race: Who'll Grab the Last Spots in the East?

Rant Man — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 20:56:00 -0400

No, I don't have a crystal ball, but I want to know before the anticipation kills me. Three games to go for most teams, and this one is reminding me of last year's run for the teams vying for the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference. This is NHL hockey at its finest.

Tonight, I watched a very physical and nail-biting game between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins. Last night, Florida became the next team to be eliminated from the race with their loss to the Washington Capitals. How fitting, right? The question now becomes: Who will make the final push in the remaining two teams to bump into the playoffs? Two teams now remain; Washington and Buffalo. Lets draw out the situation.

1) Pittsburgh 99pts
2) Montreal 98pts
3) Carolina 90pts
4) New Jersey 93pts
5) Ottawa 92pts
6) NY Rangers 91pts
7) Boston 91pts
8) Philadelphia 91pts
-----------------------
9) Washington 88pts
10) Buffalo 86pts

In all reality, five teams are involved, and possibly six if you include Ottawa. Washington can overtake third if they get three points and Carolina loses out in their remaining games.

Ottawa needs to lose out all of their games and Washington and Buffalo need to win out their remaining games to trump out Ottawa if one of the bottom feeders win at least one. But, that scenario is most far-fetched of them all. Ottawa would then fall out and possibly suffer the biggest fallout since being number one in the east at the midway point of the season.

Buffalo can get into the playoffs if they get 5 of their last 6 possible points. They have Toronto, Montreal, and Boston left in their remaining three games. If one point is gained by the Rangers, Boston, and Philadelphia, Buffalo must win all 6pts. Then, the fun tie-breaking scenarios would begin. If Washington were to get 90pts, Carolina drops to 9th, Buffalo would have to win still at least 5pts because 4pts and a tie-break would permit Carolina to take 8th. Confused yet?

Washington could win out and need at least one of the bottom teams to drop all their games. These are the 91pts teams.

Remaining schedules:
Buffalo - Toronto, Montreal, Boston
Boston - NJ, Ottawa, Buffalo
NYR - Pittsburgh, NYI, NYI, NJ
Ottawa - Montreal, Toronto, Boston
Philadelphia - Pittsburgh, NJ, Pittsburgh
Washington - Carolina, TB, Florida

My opinion on each team's remaining schedules:
Washington - has the easier of the six. The game that means the most will be the one against Carolina, of course. Tampa and Florida may be cake-walk, but watch the two teams play the role of upsetters, but the way Alex Ovechkin has been playing and Huet's solid performance in goal, they have a great chance.

Philadelphia - An overtime loss, followed by an overtime win, this team isn't making it any easier for Buffalo and Washington. BUT, Pittsburgh twice and a rematch against the overtime loss team from the other night with New Jersey, Philadelphia has the best chance of all the teams to lose out their last three. Pittsburgh has Philadelphia's number as of the last two games, especially the last meeting which resulted in a 7-1 Pens win. But, that one point that could be gained to bump them up a peg may come in overtime in any one of their last three games.

Ottawa - Hot and cold. You never know what you're going to get from this team any more. It depends on Gerber's style of play. He has started more than a dozen games in a row, but he's been on and off his game. This one is up in the air, but Toronto may be the most lenient of the three opponents to go up against, unless they play with passion to upset.

NYR - Pittsburgh took them out today 3-1, tomorrow may be the case, as well. Ahead of that the Islanders may be easy to overturn twice in a row. The Devils will be tough, but that's a dream playoff match-up for myself to hope for. Quality excitement right there folks.

Boston - NJ will give them a hell of a time. Ottawa will be a tight one. Buffalo, may be the game where everything is on the line for BOTH teams. It could be a game that means who is in, and who is out. Boston has either played really good, or really bad. The 4-0 win over Ottawa was nice, but will it happen again? I HIGHLY doubt it. Look for Ottawa to try and save face on a rocky season and bury the hatchet from that loss. If this team can't beat NJ or Ottawa, and Buffalo wins against Toronto and Montreal, see this Saturday match-up for intense fun meaning who will be playing the Penguins or Canadiens first round.

Buffalo - Yeah, I think I said it all in the above paragraph on what may happen. Flat out, they need to win against Toronto because a win against Montreal will be tough (looked easier last week Friday before the last few minutes where the Habs made a HUGE come back to win in OT). So, fact of the matter, win against Toronto and Boston, OTL to Montreal is the minimum need. If they lose in regulation in any one of these games, it's done. Clear as day. Washington has it easy, and Buffalo, well, they need to play like they do in adverse situations...but that was last year's team. This year's team will need divine inspiration.

What Sidney Crosby's Injury Means for the Penguins

Rant Man — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:03:37 -0500

The Kid is hurt.

The world stood still when Sidney Crosby got up and limped off his injury right to the dressing room. An innocent-looking play on a trip took him on a journey into the boards and straight to the injured reserve list for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The image of him being helped off the ice directly after he suffered the high ankle sprain remains painfully in the fans' minds. This could be a true testament of his impact on the team.

20 goals, 43 assists, 63 points. Of the 135 goals scored by the Penguins, Crosby was involved with 63 of them. It's time for the real Penguins to rise and shine. I've had discussions (read: screaming matches) with some colleagues of mine over the impact of Crosby and his absence's possible effects on the team.

I'm going to go the opposite direction of most critics and state this: It's going to be fine.

Yes, I said it is going to be fine. Why would I say this?

Because I believe that the team has learned a lot from Sid in many ways. The line of Armstrong, Malkin, and Crosby is now a little modified, of course, with Sid missing. But have no fear. In last night's 6-5 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals, goals were scored by Evgeni Malkin (twice), Maxim Talbot, Ryan Malone, and Petr Sykora.

So I say: no sweat.

Dany Sabourin carried the team on his shoulders the other night against Montreal in a 2-0 shutout win the day after losing Crosby. He did the same in the game against the Lightning 3-0 with Ty Conklin in the net.

Then again, Sabourin was pulled last night in the game against the Caps after he let in four goals on 13 shots in a period and a half. Conklin to the rescue! He allowed one goal on 17 shots, and missed two saves on three shooters.

OK, so 20 shots and three goals compared to four goals on 13 shots, Conklin is still looking good. Come on—why wasn't Olaf pulled when he allowed four goals on less than 10 shots?

Sabourin was not to blame, Conklin wasn't either, and the Penguins' offense wasn't either. They were facing a hot Washington Capitals team. Yes, hot. Semin, Ovechkin, and Backstrom, were all carrying the team onward to bury the hatchet of what has been a rocky few seasons for the team. 7-2-1 in their last ten, the Capitals are on a roll and the Penguins got in their way.

I don't think that scoring five goals against the Caps proves anything or calls for people saying, "Oh, if Crosby were here..." I honestly think Crosby would have replaced himself into the scorers’ sheet in place of Talbot and Malone!

The impact is still yet to be seen, but give it a few more games; we'll wait and see whether or not this will truly hurt the Pens. A three-way tie for first in the Atlantic Division, and it's thanks to the 2-0 shutout over the Canadiens on Saturday. So, give it some thought, because I have. And I think that the points Crosby would have put up in the last two games were there but have found new names.

He has taught them well in the past two seasons. It shows now that he is missing from the lineup in the past two games, and I believe it will become a trend.

But regardless, the Penguins are still a force to be reckoned with.

Buffalo Sabres: Time for a Change at the Top

Rant Man — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:18:00 -0500

I've been quite the staunch supporter of the Buffalo Sabres, but lately I'm beginning to take a step back and analyze why I've supported the organization.

The basis for my support is no longer in the fold anymore, after finding that it was the players that made me excited to watch this team. Chris Drury, Daniel Briere, J.P. Dumont, Jay McKee, Mike Peca, Curtis Brown, Stu Barnes...and the list goes on.

This year, the name that can be put out there as the more appealing player to the fans is Brian Campbell. This young man will likely find himself suffering the demise of what many famed Sabres have in the past. His contract is running out at this season's end. He will then become an unrestricted free agent. What does an unrestricted free agent and Buffalo usually have in common? They, of course, don't make efforts to makes deals until it's too late.

As I write this, he remains unsigned, the Sabres have lost 9 games in a row, three of the last being shootout losses. You can't make the playoffs by losing every game in a shootout for the point from now until the end of the season. Last year, the 90+ point range was needed to push into the playoffs, and with that in mind, the Sabres are looking at missing the playoffs after finishing out the best two seasons in their franchise history in a row. How does a team go from being on top after the lockout and come within inches from the Stanley Cup finals by appearing the Eastern Conference finals two years in a row, and now become a team barely looking to make playoffs? I think I have an answer...

Maybe it's time we take a look on the inside for this one. Larry Quinn and Darcy Regier are not the flashy, gutsy pairing duo that will go out and try to pick up someone through the trades or even through signing their own.

Can you imagine if Alex Ovechkin was with the Sabres? Of course not. Why? Because if he were on the team this year, and being it the last on his contract, the Sabres' managing partners would wait until he became unrestricted before throwing out numbers to him.

No more playing poker with the future of this team. You go to the conference finals twice in a row, 100+ point seasons twice as well, and then you lose the core of the success to free agency due to inactivity. It's time for a change Buffalo. Regier and Quinn must be held accountable for placing us in this situation. Vanek isn't producing and is way over-paid, Afinogenov needs to get traded for consistent talent, and leadership is needed from a strong veteran due to Teppo Numminen's no-longer anticipated return.

Act now Darcy and Larry, or you may want to begin packing up.