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Chicago Blackhawks Win the Stanley Cup

Jun 10

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

Chicago Blackhawks are the Big Chiefs in the NHL, finally winning the Stanley Cup since 1961.

Chicago Blackhawks are the Big Chiefs in the NHL, finally winning the Stanley Cup since 1961.

In what may be one of the most bizarre ending to a Stanley Cup finals, the Chicago Blackhawks have beaten the Philadelphia Flyers to become the Stanley Cup Champions.

The two teams faced off in an up and down game with the Philadelphia Flyers coming on strong in the third period and tying it with just under 4 minutes to go at three a piece. The momentum continued for the Flyers but Blackhawk’s goaltender Antti Niemi made acrobatic saves to push the game into overtime.

The two teams came out in overtime skating hard. With about 4 minutes into the period on a broken play, Blackhawk’s forward Patrick Kane deked around Flyer’s defender Kimmo Timonen to the outside and shot a low, poor angle shot to the five hole. The puck went in, but no one cheered, not because they were in Philly, but because no one knew what happened, no goal light, no referee’s hand pointing to the net, no nothing except for that of Patrick Kane who celebrated immediately, throwing his gloves off, jumping up and down all while skating to the other end of the ice to celebrate with his goaltender. The Blackhawk’s bench soon followed, all while the referees were going to Toronto to make sure it was indeed a goal, and that it was.

The Chicago Blackhawks have finally won another Cup, that of which has taken them since 49 years ago in 1961. Blackhawk’s captain and Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Towes hoisted it first, sharing the emotions of victory with all of his team. The rumors of the Marian Hossa curse will now subside, the doubts of such a young team having what it takes will extinguish, and all that will remain is a giant party in Chicago for a whole year until next season starts. And you know what? They very well could do it again next year.

Congratulations Chicago Blackhawks. And way to keep the Stanley Cup in the West.

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How the West Was Won

May 25

Posted by EB in News | 2 Comments

Chicago Blackhawks celebrate the Conference Championship, just one more big celebration left.

Chicago Blackhawks celebrate the Conference Championship, just one more big celebration left.

What began as hopeful dreams of hometown teams and others to win the Stanley Cup remains with only two teams left to face one another, the Chicago Blackhawks of the Western Conference faces off against the Philadelphia Flyers of the Eastern Conference. The first game of 2009 – 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs begins Saturday May 29th, at 8:00pm est, the beginning of a series that already knows the winner. Spoiler Alert if read any further.

Before the season started, each of the Hockey Wolrd Blog crew predicted their Stanley Cup Champions, only one team still remains from that prediction: the Philadelphia Flyers. Although my prediction could be correct, I believe it to be as slim of chance as Eddie finding the back of the net on a breakaway.

In watching the Stanley Cup playoffs this year I have noticed one major difference between that of the Western conference and the Eastern conference. What is it you may ask? Simple, talent.

When watching the Chicago Blackhawks throughout their series they have beaten an underrated thorn in your side Nashville Predators, hotter than hot Vancouver Canucks, and the Western Conference champions the San Jose Sharks. In comparison, the Flyers have taken on an over played goalie New Jersey Devils, biggest chokers of all time the Boston Bruins and the Cinderella story with a realistic ending Montreal Canadiens.

The two teams roads are completely different and so is their play. The Flyers are goons who take head shots and silly penalties, 193 to be exact in comparison to Chicago’s 155. The Flyers were only second highest to the Montreal Canadiens. While their old opponents did not capitalize, you sure can bet the Chicago Blackhawks will stick it to them.

The Flyers also play a very sloppy style of play, a play style that could be summed up by the old saying, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes.” The puck seems to bounce abnormally and end up on the Flyer’s sticks to the point of I have yet to see the Flyers really set up in the zone in a controlled manner. Do they even know how to cycle the puck? The Blackhawks on the other hand are like a swarm of bees, buzzing around just waiting to sting. Jonatahan Toews, Patrick Kane, Dustin Byfuglien, just to name a few of those buzzing bees.

The only down side the Blackhawks have going is the Marian Hossa curse. Hey, the guys has some bad luck on his side, but as the saying goes, “Third times a charm.”

The list could be longer, but to be honest I just don’t want to waste my time on what is known. The Chicago Blackhawks are going to show the Philadelphia Flyers what real hockey is all about, how the Western conference does things, how to play crisp team hockey and win the Stanley Cup. My prediction is it will only take 5 games, that is with me being generous to say Philadelphia even wins one game.

Sure you may not believe me, but if you believe anything, believe in the superstition of touching the conference champion’s trophy. Blackhawk’s captain Jonatahan Toews did not even look at the Clarence S. Campbell trophy while Flyer’s Captain Mike Richards paraded around like a prom queen and her crown with the Prince of Wales trophy. That’s a no no Mikey boy.

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Most Valuable Players Thus Far

Jan 26

Posted by Matt in News | 2 Comments

With every team having played at least 50 games, I think we’re approaching a good time to start talking about the league’s most valuable players this season. I’ve separated my choices into three different categories to make things easier, the Most Valuable Goalie, the Most Valuable Defenseman, and the Most Valuable Player. Let’s jump right in and take a look.

Most Valuable Goaltender: Ryan Miller – Buffalo Sabres

Ryan Miller was the clear cut choice for me. Several other goalies could make a case, but Miller has been absolutely clutch this season and the Buffalo Sabres would not be where they are today (1st in the Northeast Division, 3rd in the Eastern Conference) without his stellar play.

While he hasn’t won a game in his past three starts, Miller has still put together some great numbers. His 2.09 goals against average is 2nd in the NHL, sitting only behind Chicago backup Antti Niemi. Miller is also currently posting a .933 save percentage, the highest in the league. Along with those impressive stats, Miller is tied for 4th in wins with 27 and tied for 3rd in shutouts with 5.

Honorable Mention: Martin Brodeur, Craig Anderson, Ilya Bryzgalov

Most Valuable Defenseman: Duncan Keith – Chicago Blackhawks

Duncan Keith has really turned into a solid and reliable defenseman for the Blackhawks. His offensive skills, as well as his ability to shut down the oppositions best players, has turned him into an irreplaceable piece of the team. On most nights, you can find Keith playing 25 minutes or more.

Keith is putting together a career year offensively, and you can expect him to get better as he enters his prime. So far this season, he has posted 11 goals and 35 assists for 46 points in only 52 games. His point total is 2nd to only Patrick Kane, and he also ranks 2nd on the team in +/- with a +18. Only 11 of his points thus far have come on the power-play, so Keith is not only a threat there, but especially even strength. Duncan Keith definitely has a bright future with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Honorable Mention: Mike Green, Drew Doughty, Tyler Myers

Henrik Sedin is currently the Most Valuable Player in the NHL

Henrik Sedin is currently the Most Valuable Player in the NHL

Most Valuable Player: Henrik Sedin – Vancouver Canucks

Where would the Canucks be this season without the outstanding play of Henrik Sedin? In case you haven’t been paying attention this season, he is playing out of his mind. Since the start of December, he has only failed to score a point in two games. This has resulted in point streaks of 9 games, 10 games, and his current 5 game point streak. His point total over that that is 48, through 10 goals and 38 assists.

The Sedin line is probably the hottest line in the NHL. Other lines may come close, but you can’t touch the production he has had this season. As we stand today, 52 games in for the Canucks, Henrik has already set a career high in goals with 24. He’s currently 19 assists shy of his career high of 71, which he will break in approximately 10 games at his current pace. Alongside those numbers, his 76 points are only 6 shy of tying a career high. Did I mention the Canucks have only played 52 games? At his current pace, Henrik Sedin will have no problem breaking the 100 point barrier and leading the Canucks to the playoffs. His strong play will be most crucial if the Canucks plan on making a run at the Stanley Cup this spring.

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Chicago Blackhawks

Sep 29

Posted by EB in Season Previews | 1 Comment

Jonathan Toews looks to lead the Blackhawks to the Stnaley Cup.

Captain Jonathan Toews looks to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to the Stanley Cup this season.

A young speedy team who finished 2nd in the tough Central Division, and 4th in the Western Conference, looks to improve upon their Cup ending loss to the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals.

During the offseason the Blackhawks received some negative press about ousting general manager Dale Tallon to be replaced by Stan Bowman. Stan, the son of retired NHL coach Scotty Bowman, replaced Tallon due to a filed grievance from the NHL Players Association pertaining to the team missing deadlines for sending qualifying offers to restricted free agents. The team has since moved forward with the off season acquisitions of some pretty big names.

The Blackhawks were unable to resign unrestricted free agent Martin Havlat who eventually signed with the Minnesota Wild. Havlat scored 29 goals with 48 assists to total 77 points. He also posted 15 points in 16 games played in the playoffs last season, which happened to lead the team.

The void is to be replaced by NHL All Star player Marian Hossa who played for the Detroit Red Wings in the previous year. Hossa, who played for the Pittsburg Penguins before the Wings, has made the NHL finals 2 years in a row, yet both times have come up empty handed. Hossa underwent shoulder surgery in the off season and is expected to make his debut you in a Hawk’s jersey in late November. A question of full rehabilitation, game ready physical capability and team chemistry will be answered when he returns to the ice.

Center John Madden joins the mix of the Blackhawks this year. Madden has played for the New Jersey Devils for all his NHL career, posting 297 points in 712 regular season games and 41 points in 112 playoff games.

The Blackhawks have parted ways with goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin in hopes that Cristobal Huet will be able to carry the workload. The two goaltenders split time last year during the regular season, only one game difference. However, come playoff time, Khabibulin played all but 3 games. With the success of last year, one would think the possibility of doing the same two goalie system again, or if having to choose between the one, would have chosen to stay with Khabibulin, but that is not the case.

All hope is not lost though as the 34 year old Cristobal Huet has a respectable record and stats. Last season he had a 20-15-4-3 record in 41 games, with a .909 save percentage and a 2.53 goals against average. This number is down in comparison to the ’07-’08 season where he had a combined 32-14-6-4 record between Montreal Canadiens and the Washington Capitals.

The team is led by young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Together the duo is nearly impossible to stop, all things considering they are only 21 and 20 years of age. Together the two were able to net 59 goals and 80 assists between their 162 games played.

Defensively the team is led by offensive defenseman Brian Campbell. Campbell was 5th in points last year with 52, the majority of them being 45 assists. Shortly behind in points are defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook who both have better +/- ratings then Campbell. Keith tallied in at + 33 while Seabrook with +23.

The Chicago Blackhawks lack no skill in scoring points, and have a solid defensive core that also are able to contribute offensively. The goaltender position will be a test this year, but should not be a factor as the team is projected to be first within the Central Division as last year’s leader the Detroit Red Wings have suffered a major rebuild of new and young players.

Last year’s playoff’s were a learning experience for the young team. This year with one more year under their belt, and the addition of some veteran playoff performers, the Chicago Blackhawks have their eyes set on the Cup.

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NHL 10 Review

Sep 20

Posted by Matt in Round Table | 3 Comments

NHL10 Cover Featuring Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks

NHL10 Cover Featuring Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks

As many of you know, EA Sports released its latest version of their NHL game last week, NHL10. This years game includes several new features to make hockey fans drool, and fall in love with the EA Sports NHL franchise all over again. Straight from the back cover, the games new features include:

1. New Battle For the Cup Mode – Experience the intensity of NHL playoff hockey. Play through injuries, intimidate rivals, and match lines as storylines carry across the entire series.

2. Build a Stanley Cup Champion – All-new GM mode lets you scout amateurs, put players on the trading block, hire staff, and earn experience points to become a legendary GM.

3. Battle on the Boards – Shield the puck with your body, kick-pass it to a teammate, or pin your opponent against the boards with an all-new board play engine.

4. All-New First-Person Fighting – Change the momentum by trading blows with an NHL enforcer. Tug an opponent’s jersey to gain an advantage – before or after the whistle.

5. Become the Ultimate Pro – Improve your draft status by dominating the prospects game, then use new coaching tips, improved teammate AI, and detailed position instructions to build the ultimate career.

6. Capture Multiple Championships – The coveted EA Sports Hockey League Cup is always up for grabs as new seasons start on a monthly basis online.

The following is our take on the game after about a week of play…

Matt: I picked up the game on the day it was released, at 8 in the morning. Needless to say, I was pretty excited about it. I considered leaving work several times just to go home and play, unfortunately, I did not do it. The NHL franchise by EA Sports is the sole reason I even own an Xbox360. I bought it just for NHL 09, and now own NHL 10 as well.

The features included in NHL 10 make it a great upgrade over its predecessor. It has so much depth that in a weeks worth of playing, I have not even begun to explore just how much you can do within the game. The replay value is through the roof.

I have spent most of my time, thus far, on the Be a Pro mode. So far I am thoroughly impressed with the new offerings. The improved teammate AI is definitely noticeable. In ‘09, my pro really struggled with assists because one timers failed to work and my teammates never crashed the net. Now I find myself racking up 2 or 3 assists per game by making some sick passes.

Being a gear junkie, all the things you can do to your pro are a great feature. This year, I can now suit up my player going tounges out with a pair of white Easton SE16 skates. I was surprised, however, to see no Easton S19 hockey stick in the game.

Downfalls of the game are hard to find, but I’ve noticed a couple. While going through the Be a Pro, I played well in the prospects game, and ended up being the number two overall draft pick. The team that selected me…the Boston Bruins. How they ended up with the second pick in the draft is beyond me. Then I play in three games at the NHL level, picking up 12 points, and got sent to the minors. I know the Boston line up would be hard to crack, but those kind of numbers do not justify being sent to the minors.

Anyway, NHL 10 is everything I want it to be and more. The replay value is ridiculous. Online play alone will keep me attached to the game until NHL 11 comes out in a year. I think the price tag for games is becoming overwhelming at $60 a pop, but for anyone who loves hockey, this game is completely worth it.

Eric: The game itself has many additions that make the game not only more realistic but fun.

The addition of more goalie animations like stacking the pads and rotate them in the air to the other side just like Martin Brodeur, the ability to hug the post by holding the right trigger opposed to last years automatic hugging which allowed for difficult saves to be made against the cross crease goals, as well as a few more additions equipment selections to make your goalie to your liking.

As forward their is more equipment, shields that can be just about any color of the rainbow, as well as colored stick tape. Although it may be unrealistic to some bit, it is neat seeing a team online who sports all the same color stick tape that goes along with their jerseys, or even the ability to choose pink or purple to raise awareness to varying cancers much like the NHL does. Also the much needed kick fake as well as being tripped to your knees and still being able to shoot the puck. And lastly, my most favored addition is that of being able to pin someone against the boards. Board play brings another element of game play which could either make or break how a team plays.

Part of the appeal to NHL 09 as well as NHL 10 is the rating system. After you complete a game, you are then rated on position, stats and team play. Depending on your play, be it a lot of turnovers or scoring 5 goals, your rating will vary. With a combination of having good ratings and a specific number of game sunder your belt, you then unlock player cards (rookie on up to legend) that allow you more credits to distribute to your player to make him better. To bypass this, this year EA offered you the ability to unlock or purchase  predetermined bonus packs. These bonus packs are predetermined point values added to a specific attribute such as slap shot power. With this addition, which is mainly making Microsoft and EA more money, it takes away from the gratification of working hard and earning your reward of a better playable character. That being said, anyone with gold equipment are, well not anyone I think too highly of.

My take is more geared for online play, as I myself have even signed up at League Gaming’s NHL League.  League Gaming puts you into a real hockey experience, with NHL Owners, GMs, Captains, a live draft, trades, Juniors and the overall NHL experience as you and your 19 human counterpart team faces off against other human teams to make a fun, and competitive realistic experience. (Any questions feel free to email me at EB@hockeyworldblog.com)

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