Ritter's Rant: News and Notes From Around the NHL

Psst...Wanna Puck?

There has been an awful lot of chatter about Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger stealing the pucks from games one and two of the Stanley Cup Finals. As one of our B/R readers pointed out, it’s a brilliant move by Pronger as his actions have deflected a ton of media attention away from the fact that the Flyers are down two games to none in the series.

Say what you will about Pronger—he’s one smart cookie if you ask me.

Record Run?

When the Chicago Blackhawks take to the ice tonight in Philadelphia they will be in hot pursuit of their eighth straight playoff road victory. If the Hawks can pull out a win they would set an NHL record for most consecutive playoff road wins, pretty impressive to say the least.

“Lap” It Up

I don’t know about you, but Flyers forward Ian Laperriere can play for my hockey team any day of the week. Through nine games, “Lappy” has done an exemplary job of blocking shots and making the big hit when it presents itself. He’s also done a good job of staying out of the penalty box with just nine PIM’s. Good job Lappy!

Bolland a dirty “stickler”?

Has there been a dirtier player throughout these playoffs than Chicago Blackhawks pesky forward David Bolland? This leaves more splinters in opponents shins and you know what? I am “OK” with it...it’s called making the opponent pay the price.

Ahh Shoot...

One good thing about the playoffs is that the games are all decided by a five-on-five goal. I, for one, do not miss the shootout one iota!

The "Ying" and The "Yang"

Part of the reason the Flyers are down two games to none in the Stanley Cup Finals is the inability of Mike Richards (no goals, one assist through two games) and Claude Giroux (no points in two games) to light the lamp.

The good news is Richards and Giroux have been two of the Flyers’ better players at home throughout the playoffs with each player registering three goals, six assists and a combined plus/minus rating of plus ten at the Wachovia Center.

Clearly, if the Flyers are to be successful in game three both Richards and Giroux will have to bring their “A” game.

For the record, Danny Briere has been the Flyers best offensive player at home throughout the playoffs with five goals and four assists.

Uhh, ohhhhh...

Just a quick note for Flyers fans—when the home team wins the first two at home they are a combined 31-2 in the Stanley Cup Finals—ouch!!!


***For more NHL news and notes check out my website at www.theslapshot.com

Until next time,

Peace!