Bleacher Report - Articles by Ryan Powell

Canucks and Flames The Rivalry Continues.

Ryan Powell — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 18:18:23 -0500

The Canucks and Flames renew their Northwest Division rivalry on Thursday. This is the first of a home and home series which sees the Flames visiting GM Place in the first meeting.

The Flames have not fared well in GM Place and will look to make a push towards the top of the Northwest with a win in Vancouver.

Roberto Luongo is listed as week-to-week, so in goal will be the rarely tested Curtis Sanford who has back-to-back wins against the two teams who met in last years Stanley Cup Final the Pittsburgh Penguins and the eventual winner the Detroit Red Wings.

The Canucks have won their last four games and the Flames are coming off an offensive outburst against the LA Kings at home on Tuesday where they won 6-2.

The Flames have lost the first two games against the Canucks this season. They will be looking to test Curtis Sanford early. Mike Keenan seems to have his team playing a shoot at all costs game the last four games and expect no different on Thursday night. The Flames will need to fore-check hard and protect the crease. The Canucks love to get in the face of Kiprusoff. Iginla was held off the score sheet for the first two games these teams met, he will have to find a way to get away from Mattias Ohlund.

The Canucks will have to continue to keep Iginla off the score sheet. They need to protect their crease as well. The Flames have been shooting pucks like crazy the last few games. They will need to make sure to put traffic in front of Kiprusoff.

Both teams need to stay out of the penalty box. Expect lots of emotion and a great game.

Calgary Flames Interested In Brian Burke?

Ryan Powell — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 13:42:24 -0500

Dear Brian Burke,

I understand that you are no longer working for the Anaheim Ducks organization.

I have to admit that the Calgary Flames are definitely interested in your services. Our team has a core group of young tough guys which I know you like, along with some veteran leadership which is also needed.

You may ask why we would be seeking a new General Manager when we have a great GM in Darryl Sutter.

It is very true that Darryl has brought in a great team, but he is realizing that the team he has created lacks passion. He is looking to move back behind the bench to reignite the confidence and spirit in his talented squad. He has actually personally asked me to write you to ask for your services.

I know you have a tough decision to make, but I also realize that the current roster would only need a little bit of Brian Burke magic to take this team back to its destiny of lifting Lord Stanley's mug 20 years after the first time.

Sincerely,

A True Flames Fan

Top 10 Things an NHL Fan Can't Stand

Ryan Powell — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:48:58 -0500

10. Back-to-back losses...This is really like a kick in the gut.

9. Bad calls...The replay definitely shows that he kicked the puck in the net with a distinct kicking motion and they are not even going to take this one upstairs.

8. Inconsistency...On paper, this team seems so much better than what they actually are, ask the Calgary Flames.

7. Poor Coaching...The team looks good on paper, but their play is awful, ask the Tampa Bay Lightning.

6. Media Curses....The media overplays stupid curses that get into players heads—that team hasn't won here since the horse and buggy.

5. Poor Management...Let's see, you had a cup in 85, seems like a good fit (Islanders).

4. Money going in the wrong direction...Spending money on players with big egos without the performance to back it up, (Avery).

3. Taking bad penalties...This makes any fan yell at the TV screen...

2. A losing team...This really sucks, but rebounding from many bad seasons feels great ask Chicago fans.

1. A boring game...Minnesota vs Boston...sorry, it's true.

Miikka Kiprusoff Soft Between the Pipes?

Ryan Powell — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:19:42 -0400

The Calgary Flames have traditionally been slow starters. Though it sounds humorous, they are off to their best start since 2004 with a 1-1-1 record.

After their humiliating loss to Vancouver on opening night, I assured the naysayers that Kiprusoff would have a bounce-back performance, and that no one needs to worry about the Flames' No. 1 goaltender this season.

After the second game against Vancouver I had different thoughts. After watching him surrender another five goals I realized Kiprusoff does not seem to comfortable in net right now. He is giving big rebounds directly in front of him, even though he is known for directing his rebounds into the corners. He is also letting in some questionable goals.

This leads to Calgary's first win of the season last night, during which saw them beat the Avalanche 5-4. Though the team looked sharp on the ice, I noticed that Kiprusoff was still struggling to make the key saves that had earned him his $6.5 million salary.

One question that might be asked is whether Iron Mike's steel fist has gotten to the goaltender. When Kiprusoff used to lift his mask after a weak goal he would shrug it off, and move on. Now it seems he has a certain look of bewilderment in his eyes.

The coach and the goalie controversy was a popular topic in the 2007-2008 season, in which Mike Keenan called out his goaltender, and even pulled him in key games.

Another thing that could be affecting his play is the media. The media is constantly scrutinizing his play from last season. They forget that though his numbers were worse than the previous two years, he still had 39 wins last year, which was good enough for third-best in the league.

Regardless of what people are saying, Kiprusoff has traditionally been recognized as a slow starter. With their .500 start after three games, I believe that this team and their goalie are going to go on to have one of their best seasons to date.

Open Mic: Eric Lamaze's Olympic Gold in Equestrian Controversial?

Ryan Powell — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:55:00 -0400

Eric Lamaze is Canada's newest golden boy. The rider had a clean ride in a jump off versus a Swedish rider who had four faults. Lamaze was noticeably pleased with his performance, which helped him take home his second medal of the games, the first being a silver in the team event.

But one question will forever surround Lamaze's win today: "Should he have even been allowed to compete?"

Both in Sydney and in Athens the star equestrian rider tested positive for cocaine. Many questioned why, after two Olympic tests for an illegal substance, he would be allowed to compete.

However, he was allowed to compete, and now gets to rewrite a piece of history. In a way, this is his chance to make up for the embarrassment and shame he caused himself and his country in the past.

Still, in many people's minds his medal will always be marked with an asterisk because they believe his past should have been enough to have him barred from Olympic competition.

Canucks Will Not Be Cup Contenders, Sundin or None

Ryan Powell — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:28:08 -0400

With Thursday's signing of Antoine Vermette by the Ottawa Senators, the Vancouver Canucks have found themselves in a very interesting position.

Vermette seemed to be GM Mike Gillis's answer to a rejected offer from Mats Sundin.

Why the team has put so much money on the table for Sundin is beyond anything that is sane in the hockey world. Mats Sundin has failed to lead his team to the next level for the past 11 seasons as captain.

Though he is beloved by many Leaf fans, the captaincy should have been passed on seasons ago. You never see a coach last that long behind the bench if they are not putting up desired results.

By desired results I mean winning the cup; many coaches get fired even with winning records (like Ron Wilson of San Jose).

The Canucks seem to be thinking that a player who has never been able to lift his team to the next level will be the answer to all their problems.

This raises the question: Why didn't they sign Naslund for 10 million per year?

Even if Sundin does sign with the Canucks, the question marks still remain with the performance of the rest of the team. If he is moving from one underachieving team to another, without the ability to motivate his teammates, then this seems like a recipe for disaster.

Come spring, no other team is going to help your team free up $10 million in cap space.

Pavol Demitra will look like a better signing if Mats does sign with the Canucks. They will be chasing eighth place with a first-round playoff exit at best.

Without a Mats Sundin signing the Canucks will be chasing the first pick in next year's entry draft.

The new owners of the Canucks have said they want the cup now. For Mike Gillis it looks like his days as the Canucks GM are numbered before the season has even started.

The New and Improved Hockey Night In Canada Theme Song (Humor)

Ryan Powell — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:44:47 -0400

This is how I think the new commercial and theme for Hockey Night in Canada should go.

It Starts with a woman flicking through the channels, and it lands on a made for TV movie of Anne of Green Gables.

Her husband walks in and clears his throat loudly.

What? she asks.

You know what, he exclaims.

Just then Don Cherry comes on tv and says, "now now, we can compromise can't we, there is nothing wrong with a little Anne of Green Gables on Saturday Night."

Just then, the husband awakes from his horrible nightmare.

He stretches, and he hears this horrible violin shriek.

What the hell is that, he yells.

In walks his daughter with his violin, and she says daddy I am making the new Hockey Night in Canada theme song.

Oh no it ain't he says, now go play outside.

Hmmmm he thinks, wouldn't it be neat if I could create the new theme for HNIC.

He starts rapping the words as they come to his head.

(Hey Canada, get ready the puck is about to droppppppppppppp.

The refs are ready in white and black

The boys are ready to attack

The coaches are eyeing eachother down

The losers will leave with a frown

The goalies are each standing brave

The announcer yells what a save

It's about to start so turn up the lights

It's HNIC on Saturday Night.)

His wife walks in from the kitchen and says, honey was that you?

Yeah it was just a little sumthin I thought up.

Damnnnnnnn, she says.

The end.

Open Mic: A Look At NHL Senior Referee Kerry Fraser

Ryan Powell — Sat, 24 May 2008 21:57:35 -0400

I am not one to cry over spilled milk; however, since the topic came up I have decided to weigh in on one of the most overrated referees in professional sports today.

Kerry Fraser is the longest serving NHL referee, and according to TSN, he is also the most consistent according to NHL players.

My beef with Fraser has less to do with his experience, and more about how he helped hand the Tampa Bay Lightning the Stanley Cup in 2004.

Kerry Fraser was a referee in a few Calgary Flames playoff games in 2004, and for whatever reason, Kerry Fraser made one bad call after another.

His efforts to prevent the success of this young club did not have effect until Game 4 of the 2004 playoffs vs. Tampa Bay, when he called two penalties against Chris Clark and Mike Commodore. This led to a win by the Lightning, and brought the best-of-seven series back to Tampa tied at 2 games a piece.

I attended this game, and the calls were ridiculous. Anyone who got to experience the Red Mile in 2004, also got to hear the famous chants of Fraser sucks.

Kerry Fraser may be respected by most of the league, but as for the Flames, the players and their fans remember 2004. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Flames faithful greet him with the common phrase of "Fraser sucks" whenever he referees in the Saddledome.

Calgary Flames Head into Offseason Knowing Sharks Won't Be Cup Contenders

Ryan Powell — Tue, 13 May 2008 07:23:35 -0400

Since the 2003-2004 season in which the Calgary Flames made their fairytale run to the Stanley Cup Final, they have not been able to find much consistency in the postseason.

Some people call it a lack of determination, while others say that this team is just not good enough as a whole to make a deep run into the playoffs.

Certain question marks still remain with the Flames organization heading into the offseason, such as signing unrestricted free agent Daymond Langkow.

Other free agents on the team also include the likes of Curtis Joseph, Kristian Huselius, and Owen Nolan.

Even though this team has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the past three seasons in a row, there is one element of consistency that has held true for yet another playoff year.

The element of consistency is that no team in the past three seasons to play the Flames in the opening round has gone on to the Stanley Cup Final.

This season, 2007-2008 is no different with the team that knocked Calgary out of the playoff picture (San Jose) being knocked out in the second round by the unlikely conference finalist Dallas Stars.

Every year Calgary pushes these teams to their brink. The series are always long and tough to play.

All three teams in the past three seasons, the Anaheim Ducks, the Detroit Red Wings, and the San Jose Sharks, were serious playoff contenders before running into the hard hitting in your face Flames style hockey which no team wants to meet in the first round.

Every year a common theme comes from the other teams coach, and this year was no different. Ron Wilson said that Calgary was probably the toughest draw in the first round because of their health and their size.

The Sharks looked like a completely beat up and exhausted team when they met Dallas. The Sharks lost the first three games of their playoff series to the Stars and finally lost in four OT in the sixth game.

In a surprising move, the San Jose Sharks fired their coach Ron Wilson after he failed to take his team to the cup after five seasons behind the bench. This, however, looked like the year when the team would have made their best run.

One must question though whether the Flames in your face, hard hitting, bone crushing style of hockey affected another great team's inability to make it to the big dance.

Sorry New York Rangers' Sean Avery

Ryan Powell — Sun, 04 May 2008 12:07:12 -0400

That's right sit down. The day the Rangers were bounced out of the playoffs, instigator Sean Avery was released from hospital.

The Rangers fought hard in the third to overcome a 2-0 deficit and force overtime. But in the end, it looked like the acquisition of superstar Marian Hossa finally paid off with the game winner in OT and a two goal performance for the night.

Avery has always been the subject of criticism for his in your face style of hockey. The main thing that agitates players on the other team is what he says on the ice.

Avery has long been recognized as an agitator. But this year in specific, he seemed in better shape and played the puck and the body better to back up his bad mouth.

As Avery saw his team fall apart in the second round, he was sitting in his hospital bed probably wondering if he could have helped his team go further this postseason.

His skill this year proved that both as an agitator and as a player, he would have provided a much needed presence to overcome the young superstar offense of the Penguins.

The question that is left in many minds is does he deserve to hoist the cup. Does a man, who just in the previous series against the Devils insulted one of the greatest goalies of all time, deserve to hoist the cup?

To this avid hockey fan the answer is not yet. Like mentioned before, the presence of a true hockey form is built around class, great plays, and friendly agitation. There was a cheap shot, either verbally or physically, that is uncalled for in this sport.

That being said should the agitator keep improving his game, and represent the Rangers organization as a classy gentleman. He may indeed help lead this historic franchise to greatness in the future.

Calgary Flames On Fire...For Now

Ryan Powell — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:02:40 -0500

December is always when the Calgary Flames captain Jarome Iginla seems to find a spark, and up his play.

The captain, along with the other members of the top line which include Kristian Huselius and both Daymond Lankow, and Craig Conroy on alternate nights.

These four elite players have shown the league that Calgary is a true contender this year. After a dismal November, and the Flames sitting in the basement of the Northwest division atin 13th place overall, the Flames rebounded by going throughout December with just one regulation loss to the Vancouver Canucks.

The Flames continued that success into January, recording wins in their first three games.

Many questions were starting to circulate after the dismal November about possible tensions between Mike Keenan and one of the top stars on the team Mikka Kiprusoff. Kiprusoff had just been signed to a long term deal with the Flames, and had backstopped the Flames with two forty win seasons in a row.

Keenan was not afraid to call out his goaltender in the media, nor was he afraid to pull him from the game in a lacklustre performance. Both sides have confirmed nor denied the reports.

Coming up to just past the halfway mark of the season, the Flames have proven they deserve to be where they are, and the star players have all stepped up and contributed to the team's success. The main question is whether General manager Darryl Sutter needs to add some fire power before the trade deadline.

The Flames have not shown much consistency, and sportscasters often refer to them as the "Streaky Flames". The Flames have suffered early playoff exits in the past two years after their unlikely run for the cup in 2003-2004. So the answer is yes.

At the same time last season, Iginla was injured, and right now the team is really relying on its big guns to score. Secondary scoring is an issue, players like Alex Tanguay and Matthew Lombardi need to shoot the puck more, and create more offense.

If a blockbuster trade were to occur, I believe these two players with a first-round pick might bring a hungry Mats Sundin to a team which is on the cusp of greatness.