Bleacher Report - Articles by AJ Loves Hockey

Habs Hold Player-Only Meeting Behind Closed Doors

AJ Loves Hockey — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 12:48:39 -0500

After a 6-2 road loss to the Calgary Flames, in a game where they lead 2-1 after the first period, the Montreal Canadiens held a behind-closed-doors, players-only meeting. Les Canadiens are 2-8-0 in their last 10 games and have lost three in a row.

Team Captain Saku Koivu was tight-lipped about the 30-minute conference. “The meeting was called by the players; it was only players in the room. Whatever was said in the room belongs to our guys and nobody outside of the room, and we’re going to keep it that way.”

Forward Alex Kovalev offered little insight into why the meeting was called. “We want to be all on the same page. Right now we’re going through tough times and the only way to get through it is to stick together.”

Defensemen Mike Komisarek is confident that they will return to their winning ways. “We’re a fragile team right now. We just have to build on any momentum we get, whether it’s one shift, one period, one game. It’s going to take everyone for us to get going.”

Despite their recent slide, the Canadiens are still fifth in the Eastern Conference with 64 points but still 21 points behind Northeast Division leaders Boston Bruins.

Head Coach Guy Carbonneau was impressed that his team showed unity by calling the meeting, particularly at the timing of it.

“If we get to the 82ndgame and we aren’t in the playoffs, that’s when it’ll be rock bottom. Right now we still have games, we still have time to come back and turn this thing around. I think tonight was a good time to do that between the players, to air out whatever concerns they have and try to pull back together.”

The Canadiens' next game is in Edmonton on Wednesday with their second game on their six-game road trip that will have them playing away from the Bell Centre until Feb. 21.

Chicago Blackhawks Soar Over Calgary Flames

AJ Loves Hockey — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:52:19 -0500

After coming off two loses in two games on the road versus Colorado on Monday, and Dallas on Tuesday, the Calgary Flames were back in the friendly confines of the Saddledome on Thursday night, where they were hosting the red-hot Chicago Blackhawks. Going into the game, the Flames home record was good enough for fourth in the National Hockey League with a 19-5-3 record.

On the flip side, the Blackhawks had the fourth overall road record, with 31 of their 64 overall points come away from the United Center. In their previous three meetings this season, the Hawks won all three matches over the Flames and were looking for a season sweep.

The Hawks got on the board first, just 0:42 seconds into the game, on a quick goal by winger David Bolland, as tender Miikka Kiprusoff was fooled on a bounce on the fresh sheet of ice. The Flames tied it up at the 6:28 mark on Todd Bertuzzi’s 13th on the season.

Bertuzzi was in the penalty box on a holding call, and was sprung by Jarome Iginla, getting behind two Hawks defenders, and waiting out Hawks Nikolai Khabibulin. 13 seconds later, the Hawks took the lead for the second time in the game on Andrew Ladd’s ninth goal of the season. At 14:05, Dion Phaneuf tied the game at two a piece on an unassisted tally that fooled Khabibulin.

The first period ended 2 – 2, with the Hawks outshooting the Flames 10-9.

In the second period, only one goal was scored, when Adam Burish scored the eventual game winner at 11:28.

In the third period, the Hawks added two more goals, at 3:18 by former Red Deer Rebel (WHL) Colin Fraser, and a short-handed empty net goal by Troy Brouwer at 17:52.

The game ended 5 – 2 Hawks, and gives the Calgary Flames their first three game losing streak of the season.

After the game, Flames Captain Jarome Iginla talked about the game, and took responsibility for the loss. “We got out-competed along the walls and on the power play. We’re a team that out-competes teams a lot. We skate and we put them back on their heels and right now we’ve got to get back to doing that, and it starts with me for sure.”

Hawks Andrew Ladd played two seasons with the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen. The 23 year old winger played his best game of the season, with a goal and two assists before the 10 minute mark of the second period, in an arena he is very familiar with.

But the native of Maple Ridge, B.C is quick to credit his teammates. “Our line plays well together. I think it’s a good mix of grit and skill. We’re really comfortable with each other. And we want to be a good line every night.”

Flames coach Mike Keenan said special teams play could have made a difference. “We didn’t score a power play goal. I guess you could give credit to both teams in terms of the penalty-killing. Both teams had five power plays and we had no power play goals.”

The Hawks continue their road trip on Saturday in Vancouver. Captain Jonathan Toews knows his team is capable of playing well on the road. “I think we don’t want to settle for .500 on this trip. I think we can do much better than that. We just play game by game. Going into Edmonton, we weren’t thinking about this game, and tonight, we weren’t thinking about the game in Vancouver (on Saturday). We set little goals for ourselves.”

IN THE CREASE: Nikolai Khabibulin made 31 saves in the win, while counterpart Miikka Kiprusoff saved 28 of 33 Hawks shots.

THE BOX: There were two double minors handed out the game—Hawks Patrick Kane was in the box for four minutes in the second period for high-sticking, and Flames Andre Roy was awarded a double minor for roughing after the Hawks fourth goal.

NOT-SO-GREAT WHITE NORTH: The Blackhawks are 11 – 0 against Canadian teams this season.

UP NEXT: The Flames play a matinee game on Saturday versus the Anaheim Ducks and are at home to the Montreal Canadiens on Monday. The Hawks continue their road trip in Vancouver on Saturday. They have three more games on the road (including Vancouver, then Atlanta and St. Louis) before returning home on February 14.

Predators-Flames: Calgary Still Riding High Since All-Star Game

AJ Loves Hockey — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:09:12 -0500

After beating the Buffalo Sabres in their first post All Star Break game on Wednesday by a final score of 5 – 2, the Calgary Flames roll over another opponent at home with a 3 – 1 over the Nashville Predators.

After a scoreless first period, Matthew Lombardi opened the scoring at the 7:23 mark on a pass from Curtis Glencross from behind the goal line to the left of goaltender Pekke Rinne. “I’ve been getting a lot of chances. I just haven’t been finding the back of the net. But my linemates made great plays and it just went in.”

Calgary padded their lead later in the second period on a goal by Andre Roy. Linemate Eric Nystrom eluded a defender, sped down the left side and passed it to a wide open Roy, who snapped it past Rinne.

Roy said of his third goal of the season, “It’s always good to contribute. I think it makes it easier for everybody when there is scoring from the third and fourth line or the defense. I think if everybody contributes like that we’ll continue to be successful. Kipper is playing unbelievable for us, you’ve got to mention him, so that helps too.”

After two periods of play, the game was 2-0 Flames.

In the third period, Nashville’s leading scorer J.P. Dumont scored when he found himself on the good end of a on a three-on-one. The goal wasn’t enough, though as Adrian Aucoin scored on the powerplay at the 12:30 mark of the third period. Aucoin says that prior to his goal, it was anybody’s game.

“They (Nashville) were buzzing all night. They had a lot of great chances. Sometimes that’s what happens. The grinders go out and get things done and that’s we need down the stretch”

The score ended 3 – 1.

Predators Dan Hamius was disappointed in the loss, and said, “We didn’t have our best start. For the first 30 minutes we didn’t play well and in the second half we played better but we were too far behind to come back.”

NOTES: Jordin Tootoo left the game after a second period fight with Todd Bertuzzi. Both players were given five minute fighting majors and Tootoo went straight to the dressing room.

Of the 15 penalties handed out in the game, nine came in the third period.

COMING UP: The Flames next two games are on the road, versus Colorado on Monday, and Dallas on Tuesday.

The Predators continue their Northeast Division road trip with a game against the Oilers on Sunday.

RECORDS: With the victory, Flames Miikka Kiprusoff records his 30th win of the season, and improves his overall record to 30 – 12 – 3. Predators Pekke Rinne falls to 11 – 8 – 0.

STANDINGS: Calgary is still first in the Northwest Division, now with 63 points, and third overall in the Western Conference behind San Jose and Detroit. Nashville sit at 45 points, and are 14th in the Conference, but only eight points back of the eighth and final playoff spot, currently held by Anaheim.

Buffalo Sabres at Calgary Flames: Post Game Report

AJ Loves Hockey — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:20:56 -0500

After laying a beating on the hometown Edmonton Oilers in a 10-2 win on Tuesday night, the Buffalo Sabres rolled into Calgary, hoping to continue their winning ways. But playing their second game in as many nights proved to be too much for the Eastern Conference team, as the Flames earned a 5-2 victory.

The Flames, who were playing in their first game after the All Star Break, got out to an early lead 3:51 into the game on a power play goal by Mike Cammalleri, who picked up his own rebound to net his first of three on the night on Sabres Ryan Miller.

The score was 1-0 after one period of play.

At 4:10 of the second period, Flames defensemen Dion Phaneuf netted his fifth of the season, pinching in and taking a hard shot from in close on Ryan Miller that somehow got through. At 11:43, Buffalo got on the board on a Drew Stafford goal that got by Flames Miikka Kiprusoff. Late in the second, at the 19:01 mark while on the power play, Sabres Tim Connolly scored his eighth of the season and the visitors drew even.

It was 2-2 after two frames.

In the third period, the Flames scored three unanswered goals, the first coming at 7:08 on a partial breakaway by Todd Bertuzzi. That third goal ended up being the game winner, however Mike Cammalleri netted two in the third period, less than two minutes apart at 11:44 and 13:08. The Sabres managed only five shots on net in the third period.

The game ended 5-2.

After the game, Bertuzzi described his game winning goal. “The puck was rolling around quite a bit so I wanted to make sure I got a decent play off. I thought I’d change it up and try the forehand roof.”

With his three goal performance, Mike Cammalleri earned his second hat trick of the year. “It’s going in for me right now. It feels pretty good when the puck’s going in like that and it does a lot for the confidence.”

Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff who stopped 25 of 27 shots in the victory, and improves his overall record to 19-12-3 on the year. He credits the win to having a good start in the first period.

“We had a great start. It was a pretty close game. They played last night so we knew that we had to keep playing hard and we were able to turn it around in the third period. And in the third period we controlled the game pretty much. They had a couple of chances. They hit the post a few of times. But we were lucky there too”

Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller, who falls to 23-13-4, was impressed with the play of his teammates, but is quick to take credit for his part in the loss. “We did a great job in the second period of getting back into it. They bailed me out after a bad goal and no matter what the shots on goal are, it’s my job to keep the boys in the game and give the boys a chance to win. Unfortunately I don’t’ feel like I did that tonight”

The Flames next game is on Friday night when they play host to the Nashville Predators. The Sabres, they continue their road trip and will play in Phoenix versus the Coyotes on Saturday, before heading to Anaheim on Monday to face the Ducks.

http://www.nhl.com/ice/boxscore.htm?id=2008020713

Nicklas Backstrom Withdraws From YoungStars Game: Takes a Quick Trip to Sweden

AJ Loves Hockey — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:00:35 -0500

On Wednesday, the Washington Capitals announced that second-year centre Nicklas Backstrom had withdrawn from playing in his second YoungStars game as part of All Star Weekend in Montreal.

On Thursday, the 21-year-old was at home in Sweden where he was attending a Swedish Eliteserien game between his former team, Brynäs IF and Timrå.

Interviewed by Aftonbladet at the game, Backstrom said, “There was a good opportunity to be able to go home to Gävle in the middle of the season. Otherwise I won't get home for a fairly long time.”

Asked if he would be skating with his former team, Backstrom, who is second in Caps scoring with 48 points in 48 games played, said, “No, there will be no skates now for a week. The NHL has rules that say that those of us who are not part of the All Star celebration have to take time off.”

Backstrom played in last year’s version of the YoungStars game, where he scored two goals and helped his Eastern Conference team to a 7-6 win.

Due to a change in the game’s format this year, rookies will play against second-year players, which made Backstrom—last season’s Calder Trophy runner up—eligible to play in another contest.

When Backstrom withdrew from the festivities, the Caps issued a press release on their website saying that the 6’0”, 183 lb. Swede wanted to give someone else the opportunity to play in the game, and that he wanted to rest and prepare for the second half of the season.

That second half starts Tuesday, when the Southeast Division-leading Capitals (30–15–3) travel to Boston to take on the Bruins, who are the only team ahead of them in the Eastern Conference standings.

Luckily for Backstrom, a ruling by Colin Campbell (NHL’s Senior VP and Director of Hockey Operations), which stipulates that players who miss the All-Star weekend without injury will be suspended for one game, does not affect the YoungStars.

Backstrom, who is one of only four Capitals to play in all 48 games this season, says his quick visit to his homeland includes very simple plans, “I will visit with my family and meet some friends.”

Nicklas Backstrom Says, “Tacka Nej” to YoungStars Game

AJ Loves Hockey — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:29:04 -0500

When the 2009 Eastern Conference All-Star reserve players were announced, many thought Washington Capitals centre Nicklas Backstrom should have been on the list. When the roster was released, the 21-year-old was top five in National Hockey League scoring and lead the League in power play points. Backstrom admitted that it didn’t matter to him that he was not selected for the All-Star Weekend celebration, which is being held in Montreal, to commemorate their 100th year in the League.

When the YoungStars roster was released, Backstrom’s name appeared on that list, for the second time in two seasons. This year, a change to the format of the game will have a rookie squad take on sophomore players, which made the 6’0”, 183 lb. Swede eligible to play in his second consecutive contest. When Backstrom played in last year’s edition of the Young Stars game in Atlanta—which featured a 3-on-3 format, and two 12-minute periods—he netted a pair of goals in a 7-6 Eastern Conference win.

Today, Backstrom has withdrawn from All-Star Weekend in Montreal. In a press release issued by the Washington Capitals, Backstrom said, “I am grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the YoungStars Game last year. This year I felt like it made more sense for me to give someone else that opportunity and use this time to rest and prepare for the second half of the season with the Washington Capitals.”

To avoid speculation of injury, Backstrom went on to say, “I can assure Caps fans that I’m not injured and will be ready to go Tuesday in Boston.”

Backstrom joins a couple of others who will miss the festivities; Columbus rookie goaltender Steve Mason, and Boston ‘s Milan Lucic have both opted out due to injury.

From a Silver Medal to the NHL: Flames Mikael Backlund Makes His NHL Debut

AJ Loves Hockey — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 21:19:59 -0500

At the beginning of this week, Swedish centre Mikael Bäcklund was playing for Team Sweden in Ottawa at the World Junior Hockey Championships. On Monday, his Tre Kronor squad lost 5 – 1 at the hands of the Canadian squad who went on to capture their 5th gold medal in as many years.

When the tournament was over, 19 year old Bäcklund’s hockey career was questionable, with a number of options. He could return to Sweden and continue to play for his hometown of Västerås in Sweden’s Allsvenskan League (where he hadn’t been logging a lot of ice time, and had only 8 points in 17 games).

Or could he stay in Canada and play for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, who own his Canadian Hockey League rights. Or perhaps he could play in the American Hockey League with Calgary’s minor league affiliate, the Quad City Flames.

Enter Darryl Sutter, Calgary Flames General Manager, who selected the 6’0”, 194 pound centre Bäcklund with Calgary’s first pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, 24^th overall. Sutter was in Ottawa to watch the World Junior Tournament to watch his current picks and scout talent for the upcoming 2009 entry draft.

When the tournament was all said and done, Bäcklund turned out a solid performance. He netted 7 points in 6 games, including a pair of goals in the semi—final game versus Slovakia that earned Team Sweden a spot in the Gold Medal game. He also earned a spot as one of Sweden’s top three players in the tournament, as voted by Team Sweden coach Pär Mårts.

After the Gold Medal loss on Monday, Bäcklund was in Calgary the next night to meet with Sutter and attend the Flames home game versus the San Jose Sharks. He was still in Calgary when he was recalled from the Swedish Junior Team by the Flames early Thursday morning.

A nagging back injury for second liner Todd Bertuzzi meant Bäcklund would draw into the Flames lineup, and suit up for his first NHL game against the visiting New York Islanders.

Bäcklund earned a regular shift during the game on the third line with Curtis Glencross and David Moss to start the game. He had a strong first period in particular, almost scoring on his first shot on net.

After his first National Hockey League period, Bäcklund said, “I just found out this morning that I was going to play and I was just really happy. It feels really good to play and I’m just having fun out there.”

When the game was in the books, Calgary won the game by a final score of 5 – 2. The rookie, who is the first Flame to ever wear the # 60, logged just over 10 minutes of ice time, and even earned some time on the second power play unit. Bäcklund was held off the score sheet, despite a number of good scoring chances, including a miss on an air born puck on the doorstep.

After the game, he said, “I know I can do better. It takes some time to get used to, I think. It’s a good game for me in the best league in the world.”

It remains to be seen whether Bäcklund stays with Calgary for the rest of the season, given the fact that if he plays less than 9 games with the big club, he retains his rookie status for next year.

Even though he may be destined for the Western Hockey League’s Kelowna Rockets, one thing is true: it’s been an unforgettable week for the young Swede.

Canucks-Flames: Preview for Saturday, November 29th

AJ Loves Hockey — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:24:31 -0500

Game Preview – Vancouver Canucks at Calgary Flames
Saturday, November 29th, 2008
Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta
Televised on Hockey Night in Canada 8:00 (MST) start

LAST GAME:

The teams’ third meeting of the year ended with a 4–3 Calgary win at General Motors Place in Vancouver on Thursday. Flames' Mike Cammalleri netted his first career hat trick by scoring goals seven, eight, and nine on the season.

Flames' Captain Jarome Iginla had two assists on the night, bringing his team leading totals to 12 goals, and 16 assists for 28 points in 23 games played.

Flames forward Daymond Langkow recorded two assists in the game as well. With the win, the Flames improved their record to 13–9–1, and take sole possession of second place in their Northwest Division, with three points behind the Canucks, who have an overall record of 14–7–2.

The loss marks the Canuck’s first regulation loss since November second. The Flames went one for two on the powerplay, while the Canucks went zero for four with the man advantage.

Both teams played a penalty-free third period, while the Flames' puck stopper Miikka Kiprusoff made 27 saves in the win and improved his season record to 13–8–1, with a GAA of 3.15.

With the loss, Canucks' goaltender Curtis Sanford’s record is now 3–2-0. Sanford stopped 29 of the 33 shots he faced, and Canucks defensemen Kevin Bieksa returned to the lineup after missing just six games with a broken foot, and played just over 20 minutes.

Flames were without forwards Dustin Boyd (shoulder) and Wayne Primeau, (foot) and defensemen Jim Vandermeer (foot). Canucks played without the services of Roberto Luongo, (groin) Steve Bernier, (shoulder) and Ryan Johnson (broken finger).

SEASON MEETING:

Calgary and Vancouver clashed in the first two games of the season, playing a home and home series, where the Canucks won both games. Vancouver won 6–0 in Calgary’s home opener. In that game, Roberto Luongo recorded the shut out, Alex Burrows had two goals, Daniel Sedin had three assists, and Henrik Sedin had one goal and one assist.

In Vancouver’s home opener, the Canucks won the game 5–4 in overtime. That game saw Daniel Sedin record two goals, Henrik Sedin notch two assists, (both were recorded on his brother’s goals) and Pavol Demitra score with 1:06 left in the overtime frame.

For the Flames, who recorded their first four goals of the season in that game, Mike Cammalleri earned a goal and an assist, Rene Bourque had a goal and an assist, and Dion Phaneuf had two assists.

After the three game series, where the Canucks were leading two games to one, the Canucks have scored 14 goals to Calgary’s eight, and the shots are even at 87 a piece. Miikka Kiprusoff has played all three games and is 1–1–1, while the injured Roberto Luongo is 2–0–0, and his stand-in, Curtis Sanford is 0–1–0.

Ice time leaders are Flames' defensemen Dion Phaneuf, with 82:24 and Canucks' defensemen Sami Salo, a distant 67:13. The penalty minute leaders on the other hand are Calgary’s Brandon Prust with 13, and Canucks Darcy Hordichuk with nine.

Daniel and Henrik Sedin lead the Canucks with + 4 ratings in the three game series, and due to the 6–0 loss to start the season, there are no Flames players on the plus side. face offs leaders, (amongst players who have had 50 or more draws) are Canucks' Henrik Sedin with 28/53 for 53 percent, and Flames Daymond Langkow with 26/53 for 49 percent.

LA Kings at Calgary Flames: Summary

AJ Loves Hockey — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 03:16:51 -0500

Just what the Flames needed. After a 5 – 2 home ice loss to the defending Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings on the weekend, the Flames bounced back with a convincing 6 – 2 win versus the LA Kings Tuesday at the Saddledome in Calgary.

After some line juggling that saw Captain Jarome Iginla on the top line with Mike Cammalleri and Matthew Lombardi, the Flames opened the scoring at 9:11. For Cammalleri, who was playing against his former team, the tally marked his 6^th goal and 17^th point on the year. It was Matthew Lombardi’s second game back after missing 13 straight with a shoulder injury. Late in the 1^st, Rene Bourque added to the score sheet at 18:29 to make it 2 – 0 Flames. At period’s end, Flames Miikka Kiprusoff saved all 9 shots he faced, while on the Kings end, Erik Ersberg let in 2 shots on 11.

In the second period, the Flames managed to net a couple of goals, Iginla with his team leading 12^thof the season, and Curtis Glencross with his 4^th. After letting in 4 goals on 18 shots, Ersberg was pulled in favour of Jason Labarbara, who got out of the period with 3 saves on 3 shots. It was 4 – 0 Flames after 2.

Early in the 3^rdperiod , at the 3:38 mark, with Kings Raitis Ivanans in the box on an interference call, teammate Alexander Frolov netted his 7^th of the year . The short handed tally made the score 4 – 1 Flames and ruined Kiprusoff’s shot at his 3^rd shutout of the year. But less than a minute later, still on the powerplay, Flames David Moss answered with his 4^th of the year, restoring the Flames 4 goal lead. With the score 5 – 1, at the midway mark of the third, Rene Bourque added another goal, his second on the night, bringing the score to 6 – 1 Flames. Kings Anze Kopitar scored his 4^th goal of the season late in the 3^rd, and the game ended up 6 – 2.

After the game, Kings coach Terry Murray had this to say, “Calgary is a better team than we are. That’s all there was to it tonight. They beat us to every area in the ice, shots, goals, they controlled the boards, they made all kinds of plays whenever they wanted to make plays and they are a much better team than we are.”

RECORDS: With the win, the Flames have an 8 – 3 - 1 home record and improve their season record to 12 – 9 – 1. The Kings sit below .500 at 8 – 9 – 3 with only a 2 – 4 – 0 road record.

SPEACIAL TEAMS: The Kings went 0/2 on the power play, netting one short handed marker, but the Flames were 1/8 on the man advantage. The Flames had one 5 on 3 advantage for just over a minute in the 3^rd period, but the Kings were able to come out unscathed.

OUT: For the Flames, Andre Roy and Brandon Prust were healthy scratches, while Jim Vandermeer remains sidelined with a broken leg. Rhett Warriner is still on injured reserve. Kings John Zeiler served his first of a three game suspension.

POINTS: It was an 8 point night for the line of Rene Bouque, Craig Conroy and Curtis Glencross. Bourque had 2 goals, Glencross had 2 goals and an assist, and Conroy had 3 assists. Flames Cory Sarich recorded his 100^th career point after drawing an assist on Glencross’ 2^nd goal of the night. Kings Anze Kopitar’s goal in the third period brought his team leading point total to 4 goals, and 12 assists for 16 points in 20 games played.

NEXT: Up next for the Flames is a home at home series with the Roberto Luongo-less Vancouver Canucks, in Vancouver on Thursday and in Calgary on Saturday. The Kings continue their road trip in Alberta, traveling up highway 2 to play in Edmonton on Wednesday night.