Classic Video: Johan Hedberg Makes Great Stick Save Against NY Rangers 12-14-2009

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Youtube.com User: HockeyWebCast

Predators’ Pekka Rinne heats up for playoffs

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

David Climer The Tennessean March 31, 2010

As they close in on their fifth playoff berth in franchise history, the Predators need a hot goalie.

Fortunately, Pekka Rinne looks like he’s heating up just in time.

Forget the 2-0 loss to Los Angeles on Tuesday night. Games like this happen, especially with the hectic schedule the Preds played in the month of March.

Additional Reading: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100331/COLUMNIST0202/3310378/2072/SPORTS

Sergei Shirokov Proving To Be Top Moose

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Shirokov had 21 goals and 41 points in 69 games and was a respectable minus-1 heading into Tuesday night’s game with the Heat in Abbotsford.

Shirokov no problems, Adjusts to minor-pro level
Jim Jamieson, The Province March 31, 2010

In Monday’s 5-2 Moose win over the Heat, Shirokov didn’t figure in the scoring, but he looks as if he’s improved in his own end.

“Sergei had a good first half but in the latter part of January and February he fell off” said Moose head coach Scott Arniel. “We’re hoping he can finish strong. When you look at his numbers he’s had a great rookie start, but we think there’s more there.”

Shirokov, 24, says he’s happy with his progress, but is also proud of his vastly improved English.

“I like very much this level and this coach is good for me,” he said. “I like this hockey. It’s more hits, more shots, faster a little bit than KHL in Russia. It was tough for me the first month, now it’s better. Now no problem the rink, the system, English getting better.”

Additional Reading: http://www.theprovince.com/sports/Shirokov+problems/2746942/story.html

Riku Helenius Undefeated in Sweden’s Promotion Relegation Series

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Kval till Elitserien Game Day: 3-29-10
Boltsprospects.com March 29, 2010

Riku Helenius, Sodertalje, Win, 29/33, 4.00 GAA, .879 sv%
Season totals: 9 GP, 4-2-2, 0 SO, 2.42 GAA, .923 sv%
Playoff totals: 5 GP, 5-0-0, 1 SO, 2.00 GAA, .926 sv%

At the halfway point of Sweden’s promotion/relegation series, Riku Helenius remains an undefeated 5-0-0 despite allowing 4 goals today to Vaxjo Lakers. Helenius has a 7 game personal winning streak extending all the way back into the Elitserien regular season. His last loss was on March 4th against Frolunda and former Lightning netminder and Bolt Prospects alumni Johan Holmqvist. Ex-Avs draft pick Linus Videll led the scoring for Sodertalje with 2 goals and 3 assists in the match.

Additional Reading: http://www.boltprospects.com/content/kval-till-elitserien-game-day-3-29-10

Agent tightlipped about Ilya Kovalchuk’s future

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

Ilya Kovalchuk’s agent, Jay Grossman, declined to comment today on whether there has been any contract talks with the Devils since they acquired Kovalchuk on Feb. 4 or whether Kovalchuk is even willing to talk about a new contract at this late stage in the regular season.

Kovalchuk, who will turn 27 on April 15, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1…

Continue Reading: http://blogs.northjersey.com/blogs/fireice/agent_tightlipped_about_ilya_kovalchuks_future/

The Vanderbeek Era: High Times for Hockey in Jersey

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

The New Jersey Devils have risen to the top of the hockey world, cracking the top ten on Forbes’ list of the most valuable hockey teams. They have been dubbed an “exemplary” team by countless hockey experts as well as “one of the NHL’s best models of success.”

Jeff Vanderbeek has grown accustomed to having such positive acclaim come his way, first in the business world and now as the Devils’ majority owner. He strives to reward his team’s hard work and dedication by giving back to his home state in the form of a sports franchise that it can proudly call its own.

Representing New Jersey is hardly a challenge for Vanderbeek, who grew up in Somerville. He understands that local sports fans want affordable ticket packages, reasonable prices on everything from food to merchandise, and a pleasant game-day experience.

Continue Reading: http://sports.argorps.com/?p=375

Ilya Kovalchuk NHL Third Star of The Week

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Elliott’s hot streak has Sens making playoff plans
John Kreiser NHL.com March 29, 2010

Kovalchuk finally had the kind of week New Jersey was waiting for when the Devils acquired him from Atlanta in early January. He had 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points while going plus-4 in four games, including a four-point night against Columbus.

Additional Reading: http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=523121

Brian Leetch #6 of The Top 10 NHLers to Come Out of College Hockey

Monday, March 29th, 2010

The Top 10 NHLers to Come Out of College Hockey
Daniel Sallows The Bleacher Report March 27, 2010

Brian Leetch did it all over his decorated NHL career, from a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy in 1994, to a pair of Norris Trophies, he was truly one of the elite defensemen ever to play in the game. And, it all got started while playing with the Eagles at Boston College.

In his short-lived NCAA career, Leetch scored 9 goals and 47 points over 37 games at Boston College, before making the jump to the pros and winning the Calder for the NHL’s top rookie.

He is 8th on the all-time list for most points by a defenseman in the NHL, with 1,028 over 1,205 career games.

Additional Reading: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/369749-the-top-10-nhlers-to-come-out-of-college-hockey#page/8

Alexander Radulov Shining in KHL Playoffs

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Perezhogin Puts Salavat In Kontinental Conference Final
Goironpigs.com March 28, 2010

Russian Olympian and former Nashville Predator ALEXANDER RADULOV leads Salavat Yulayev, not to mention the entire KHL, in playoff scoring with 3 goals and 15 points from ten Gargarin Cup contests.

Additional Reading: http://www.goironpigs.com/?p=9155

Perttu Lindgren Helps Texas Stars Win In Shootout

Monday, March 29th, 2010

Stars inch closer to playoffs with 5-4 SO win over Griffins
Hundred Degree Hockey March 28, 2010

Texas went to the shootout for the second time in as many nights. It only took 3 and a half rounds to decide as Matt Climie shutout all Grand Rapids shooters and Sceviour, Lindgren, and Morin all scored for Texas.

Additional Reading: http://hundreddegreehockey.blogspot.com/2010/03/stars-inch-closer-to-playoffs-with-5-4.html