Bleacher Report - Articles by Tim Bogdansky

New Jersey Devils 2008-2009 Schedule Released

Tim Bogdansky — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:18:28 -0400

The long-awaited 2008-2009 National Hockey League Schedule has arrived.

Contrary to last season, the Devils will open the season at home at the Prudential Center against the New York Islanders on October 10th before traveling to take on the defending Eastern Conference Champion Pittsburgh Penguins the next day.

The new scheduling matrix will see each team play six games against every team in their own division (24 games), four games against the non-division teams within its conference (40 games), plus 18 non-Conference games, including at least one game against each club in the other conference (15 games) and three home-and-home series against non-Conference teams.

The Devils will play two games against the Blackhawks, the Stars, and the Kings.

Skimming the final two months of the season, a noticeable difference from seasons past is the infrequency of divisional games in the final two months. Of the final 20 games in the regular season, only five will be against divisional opponents; March 1 and 23 vs. the Flyers, March 7 vs. the Islanders, March 30, vs. the Rangers and April 1 against the Pens.

Other games that stand out on the 82-game schedule are:

Mon. Oct. 13 @ Rangers (first game against the Blueshirts)

Wed. Oct. 22 vs. Stars (first meeting with Sean Avery's Stars)

Sat. Nov. 8 @ Red Wings (Cup Champions)

Thurs. Feb. 26 vs. Avalanche (2001 Cup Rematch)

Mon. Mar. 30 vs. Rangers (final regular season game against the Rangers)

Sat. Apr. 11 vs. Hurricanes (final regular season home game)

For those keeping score for the home games:

2 Monday night
5 Tuesday night
7 Wednesday night
4 Thursday night
10 Friday night
5 Saturday night
2 Saturday matinee
2 Sunday night
3 Sunday matinee

Can't wait for the pre-season to begin in September!

For the full 2008-2009 team schedule, check out newjerseydevils.com

NHL: Third Installment Of Winter Classic Sure To Impress

Tim Bogdansky — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:06:13 -0400

They got it right—the third Winter Classic, to take place on January 1, 2009 at Wrigley Field in Chicago will showcase the 2008 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings and the up-and-coming Chicago Blackhawks.

Only six months removed from arguably the most successful "publicity stunt" ever by Gary Bettman and the NHL, the league announced the Original Six matchup; one that has the potential to top last season's Penguins/Sabres game in Buffalo, which drew 2.3 million viewers in the United States on NBC and saw 71,217 fans pack inside a chilly Ralph Wilson Stadium.

Ironically, barring a trade of Detroit's newly-signed backup Ty Conklin, this will mark the third time he has participated in the outdoor game. Talk about getting lucky signing in the right places. He backstopped both the Oilers and Penguins during the first "Classics."

While this may be the strangest storyline, there are plenty more reasons to believe this rendition of the Winter Classic will be the most talked about regular season NHL game in recent history, and surpass last season's January 1 game as the best to date.

Here's why...

1. Wrigley Field

Wrigley has a richer history than Ralph Wilson Stadium. While the potential for restricted sight lines should be an interesting topic as we approach the New Year, there is no doubt that choosing Wrigley Field as the venue is the smartest decision the league could have made.

Baseball fans alike will tune in to see how the NHL managed to pull off an NHL game inside the second-oldest active major league ballpark (after Fenway) in America.

2. Detroit Red Wings

Wanna draw the casual fan to watch a hockey game? Look no further than the Detroit Red Wings. Coming off their 11th Cup victory, the Wings consistently draw the largest crowds on the road each season and spike television ratings, especially when they appear in the Stanley Cup Final.

Motown's team, combined with last year's Winter Classic team, the Penguins, drew 6.8 million viewers for Cup-clinching Game Six on NBC.

3. Chicago Blackhawks

The Hawks are the Pittsburgh Penguins of the Western Conference—they have a plethora of young, promising stars, most notably Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews (Crosby and Malkin).

They have, like the Pens, turned their franchise around by making choice selections in recent Entry Drafts, and currently look to have one of the better goaltenders in the league to take them deep into the playoffs in Cristobal Huet (Marc-Andre Fleury).

Having won the Brian Campbell sweepstakes, the Blackhawks should be one of the most entertaining teams, if not THE most exciting this upcoming NHL season (Penguins 2007-2008), as this game may serve as a preview of the Western Conference Finals in June.

4. The Rise of the NHL

While the NHL struggles to become more than just a niche sport in the United States, it has enjoyed an increase in casual interest, beginning with the 2008 Winter Classic, and culminating with the Cup Final.

The league looks to build its image and its exposure by marketing the young, innovative players of this generation of stars. There is no better way than to showcase two almost completely opposite franchises in their makeup, but model franchises nonetheless.

The 2009 Winter Classic should go down as the most memorable of the three, thus the NHL got it right, something we do not see as often as we'd like, but they got it right, without a doubt.

The NHL's Top Jerseys in 2008: No. 25-21

Tim Bogdansky — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:34:46 -0400

25) Panthers

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Panthers6.gif

The Good: They kept the logo, font, and colors. Definitely look like a team from Florida. Piping isn't all that bad, especially on the home jersey.

The Bad: Why the half stripe on the sleeves? Plus there is minimal blue in the away uniforms and that needs to change. Logo needed a face lift. How about a panther that actually looks more fierce than a kitty?

24) Lightning

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Lightning6.gif

The Good: Major upgrade in doing away with the shoulder stripes, and the logo needed some tweaking.

The Bad: Chest numbers. This is an awful idea. On the ice, the unis look a bit boring, and the logo would be much improved without the "Tampa Bay".

23) Sharks

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Sharks5.gif

The Good: Love the new logo.

The Bad: They stuck a modernized logo onto a somewhat traditional uniform. Oh, let's add orange. Now they're the Dolphins. The old jerseys would have welcomed the logo rather than make it look like it's stuck wit nowhere to go. Oh, and chest numbers.

22) Predators

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Predators6.gif

The Good: Didn't mess a whole lot with the overall feel of the uniform.

The Bad: Definitely a downgrade from seasons past. The road uni looks like a sweatshirt and why does the logo need to be on a background. Oh, and do I love the "Nashville" printed over the logo. Why??

21) Wild

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Wild5.gif

The Good: The home uniform. Say what you want about the colors but on the ice, they have a classy, yet modern feel (is that possible?). I love the logo as well.

The Bad: The road uniform. Looks nothing like the home sweater and while it has character, it would be a much more effective look if it mimicked the home red.

Images courtesy of nhluniforms.com

Why Barry Bonds Should Don Yankee Pinstripes

Tim Bogdansky — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:42:10 -0400

Post All-Star break, the Yankees are 6.5 games behind the Red Sox for the AL East division lead and 5.5 games out of the wildcard. While this is nothing new for the Bronx Bombers, there is cause for concern, as Hideki Matsui looks to be finished for the season. In need of a bat and an impact player, look no further than everyone's "favorite" newsmaker, Barry Bonds.

Here are the five reasons, in no specific order, why you will see Barry Bonds in a Yankee uniform come the trading deadline.

1. HEADLINES

New York is known to grab the spotlight in this category. "Yankees Add Bonds" would be nothing new amidst the drama that has unfolded in the Bronx this season. Such a headline would fit appropriately between Alex Rodriguez's love-life and Roger Clemens news du jour.

2. STEROIDS & 3. DRAMA

Giambi + Clemens + Bonds = Arguably the three biggest names in connection to steroids on the same team? And the Yankees? This would be a circus act in the making. Talk about drama!

4. CASHMAN

Brian Cashman will stop at nothing to improve his ball club, including sign the most infamous player in the history of the league. We know know a bat is on its way to Yankee Stadium, but something tells me it isn't going to be Richie Sexson.

5. BONDS

Barry wants to play, and despite his history and his less-than-perfect attitude with teammates and the media, he is an asset and a threat at the plate and the Yankees would be mistaken NOT to add Bonds to their already dangerous lineup.

The NHL's Top Jerseys in 2008: Nos. 30-26

Tim Bogdansky — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:42:31 -0400

30) EDMONTON OILERS

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Oilers7.gif

The Good: I'm a fan of getting rid of the stripes at the base of the uni due to the "bibbing" effect created by a rounded ends.

The Bad: 99 percent of this uniform. Please raise your hand if it makes sense to have the sleeve stripes stop half way. Crickets.

29) VANCOUVER CANUCKS

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Canucks6.gif

The Good: I am all for the change in color scheme to green and blue—I think it has the potential to be the best color combination in the NHL if done right.

The Bad: In case you were confused, let's add VANCOUVER over a logo that already looks like it wishes it was on another jersey. Please replace it with the stick-in-rink logo or the Johnny Canuck logo.

28) NEW YORK ISLANDERS

http://www.nhluniforms.com/2000s/Images/Islanders5.gif

The Good: I'm all for change and I thought the old unis were a bit dated.

The Bad: Let's take yet another traditional team and jersey and slaughter it. Sound good? Ironic that somehow this uniform set reminds us of maybe a sailor. Remember the fisherman logo?

27) TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u54/IndaClutch23/MapleLeafs6.gif

The Good: Not too many alterations to the uniform. No piping is a good think.

The Bad: NO CHARACTER! They got rid of the bottom stripes and left them bluer than the Blue Man Group. Bland, just like the team.

26) CALGARY FLAMES

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u54/IndaClutch23/Flames6.gif

The Good: I have always loved the "C" logo and the colors. Plus, the transition to a more European look is a welcome change.

The Bad: I have to say, I used to be a fan of the Flames uniforms before this season. The addition of the clashing-color patches on the shoulders make me wonder how many colors are on the jersey. And what's with the weird striping continuing onto the pants?

SOURCE OF IMAGES: nhluniforms.com

NHL: Things You Won't Hear Said in 2008-09

Tim Bogdansky — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 17:15:07 -0400

How about a list of things you'd be hard pressed to hear around the NHL? In...

Anaheim or Edmonton

"Ducks GM Brian Burke and Oilers GM Kevin Lowe enjoy lunch prior to the drop of the puck in Edmonton."

Chicago

"At least our money isn't tied up in goaltending!"

Colorado

"Peter Forsberg looks great here on opening night."

Dallas or New Jersey

"Stars forward Sean Avery has a laugh with Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur during the stoppage in play."

Detroit

"The Wings have lost seven straight..."

Los Angeles

"The Kings lead the league in Save % and Goals Against Average."

Nashville

"I love this team!"—Alex Radulov

New York Islanders

"Ted Nolan switches up his forward lines due to philosophical differences."

"Welcome tothe state-of-the-art arena here in Uniondale, New York!"

New York Rangers

"Jagr...Avery...Tyutin...Backman...Shanahan...Straka...Hollweg...Strudwick..."

Philadelphia

"...and Hatcher skates end-to-end."

Toronto

"...Sundin scores! And the Leafs are up 1-0."

"Eastern Conference leading Leafs..."

Tampa Bay

"Barry Melrose is the favorite to win the Jack Adams Trophy for coach of theyear."

Canada

The Hockey Night in Canada theme song :(

NHL Team Slogans, The Way It Should Read

Tim Bogdansky — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 16:06:11 -0400

Atlanta Thrashers:

Believe in Blueland = Believe in Blue in the Face

>>> after trading away Hossa in February, the Thrashers should be bottom-feeders in the Eastern Conference. They can only hope the addition of Jason Williams can take Hossa's pla...yea right.

Carolina Hurricanes:

Our Team. Our Tradition = No Team. No Tradition. Horrible Division.

>>> What tradition? Hey, maybe since they are in the Southeast Division, 80 points will get them into the playoffs.

Florida Panthers:

The Puck Unites = Yuck, This Bites

>>>The Panthers traded away their captain and their chances at improving upon their 85-point season.

New York Islanders:

Grit. Character. Heart. = Old. Old. Old.

>>> Guerin, Sillinger, Weight are a combined 107 years old.

Philadelphia Flyers:

Vengeance = Vengeance

>>>For a team with 6 suspensions last season, their slogan actually fits their philosophy.

Tampa Bay Lightning:

My Game. My Team. My Town. = New Free Agents. New Analyst. Same Headaches.

>>> half of their team played from another club last season. Talk about chemistry issues. Plus their coach has been an analyst for ESPN since 1995.

Toronto Maple Leafs:

The Passion That Unites Us All = The Suffering That Might Get Us the First Overall Pick

>>> Could finish dead last in the NHL this season. Good news tho, they made a huge free agent signing in Jeff Finger. Uh who? Looks like Tavares will be a leaf in 2009.

Vancouver Canucks:

We Are All Canucks = We Are All Screwed

>>> Pavol Demitra, Kyle Wellwood > Marcus Naslund and Brendan Morrison? ha, they wish.

Sizing Up the Atlantic Division: Philadelphia Flyers

Tim Bogdansky — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:42:59 -0400

While the dust settles from a busy first two weeks of free agency and with very little else to discuss surrounding the NHL, I figured it would be a good time to begin to assess the NHL on a per-division basis, beginning with arguably the toughest (I said arguably since the Northwest, Southeast and Pacific will all be down-to-the-wire in April) division in the league: the Atlantic.

Of all 30 NHL teams, I think most would agree the Atlantic has seen more faces come and go than Cher (ha), and in a much shorter period of time.

Leading the way in such a category is the New York Rangers (no surprises there). And while plenty of our summer remains before training camp in September, it's safe to say, the majority of the moves and signings have taken place.

Borrowing a blockbuster deal or signing (Sundin), the makeup of the Atlantic Division looks seemingly complete.

Each day, I will analyze one team based upon their offseason and outlook into the 2008-09 season. Here are my predictions for the Atlantic Division teams beginning with who I feel will finish as the Atlantic Division Champions: the Philadelphia Flyers.

1. Philadelphia Flyers

> A 39-point turnaround from the 2006-2007 season to the 2007-2008 season was sparked by a plethora of off-season moves, beginning with Briere, to revamp a rebuilding club.

Despite losing Simon Gagne for all but 25 games and having a question mark in goal with Martin Biron, the Flyers surpassed many expectations and reached the Conference Finals only to fall to the Penguins in five games.

This team is still on the rise with up-and-coming players like Scotty Upshall and Jeff Carter. Braydon Coburn. Lasse Kukkonen and Randy Jones are a year more mature and their dependability should increase with the seeming dwindling of Derian Hatcher's career.

If all else fails, Kimmo Timmonen should be solid for another 40+ point campaign and serves as a good, mobile defenseman. Their toughness is un-matched with agitator Riley Cote tough-guy Derian Hatcher.

The losses and additions so far this off-season do not, at least on the surface, appear to be significant. Look for Danny Briere to have another 70-75 point season and edge out the Devils for the first seed in the Atlantic.

In: Asham, Vaananen, Metropolit

Out: Thoresen, Ruzika, Smith, Modry

2. New Jersey Devils (5/16)

3. Pittsburgh Penguins (5/17)

4. New York Rangers (5/18)

5. New York Islanders (5/19)