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Posts Tagged steven stamkos

NHL Photo of the Day

Feb 1

Posted by EB in NHL Photo of the Day | No Comments

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Lead goal scorer Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning added to his lead with an overtime winner against the Washington Capitals. Stamkos, who has 33 goals to date, is possibly the only one on pace for a 50 goal season. That is however overlooked as the team currently sits in 11th place and 8 points out of 8th in the Eastern Conference. Not quite sure if they are playoff bound this year with their goalie woes early on, but the team is currently riding a 5 game winning streak that could be extended when they play a struggling Winnepeg Jets tomorrow night.

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James van Riemsdyk Hits a Home Run

Sep 20

Posted by Matt in Media | 1 Comment

James van Riemsdyk of the Philadelphia Flyers, fresh off signing a new six year contract extension with the team, took part in batting practice at Citizens Bank Park yesterday with a few of his teammates. Already an incredible opportunity and experience, van Riemsdyk made the most of it by smashing a home run over the left field wall during his time at the plate. It’s not every day that you get to see a hockey player hit a home run, but van Riemsdyk made it happen.

Check out the video below for the blast. With this home run, and news of Steven Stamkos playing in a baseball beer league over the summer, it makes us wonder which NHL stars would you want on your team for a baseball game?

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How Stiff is Your Shaft?

Aug 20

Posted by EB in Gear, Reviews | 2 Comments

Just the other day I was getting my skates sharpened, and to kill the time, I headed over to the stick rack to check out some twigs. I haven’t really paid much attention to sticks over the last year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to put the Blue Ice Nano Pro through the rigors which is holding up great, as well as having an old Easton that used to be a one piece turned into an indestructible two piece. While looking, my interest was peaked in seeing staff stiffness range in three increments; mid 70′s, high 80′s and low 100′s (depending on the brand). Of being of the knowledge stiffer is better, I have done some research to share with you.

Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning with some wicked flex on his shot.

In simple terms, hockey sticks are what we use to launch the puck into a particular direction. A little more complex, a better, stronger shot comes from utilizing the flex of the stick to bend and snap the puck; much like pulling back on a ruler’s end and hitting someone in the forehead. The questions that arises though, how much flex should you have?

The ideal flex will vary for each player, but you want the stiffest flex you can bend completely to take full advantage of the stick recoil to snap the puck. If the stick is too stiff, the player loses out on the mechanical advantage of the stick. On the other hand, if the stick is to flexible, shot accuracy will suffer.

Stick length plays an important role in staff stiffness as well. In a senior stick at 85 flex, if you are to cut it down 2 inches, the stiffness will jump to about a 95 flex. Cutting down another 2 inches (4 inches total) and you’ll end up with about a 103 flex. Looking at those jumps at a beginning flex of 100, 2 inches takes it up to 106 and 4 inches puts you at a 113 flex.

According to Mike Cammalleri in an older Calgary Flames instructional video, he uses an 80 flex and the average around the NHL is about 100. A few general rules of thumb is for heavier guys to use stiffer shafts because of their weight’s ease of bending the stick. Also, for defenseman to use a stiffer shaft to generate harder slapshots. And lastly, for forwards to use less stiff shafts to better their snap and wrist shots.

Still though, these are general rules of thumb and not rule of law. I’ve always bought a 100 flex and have cut it down a few inches for better stick-handling. It is great to take the big slapshots, but I’ve dissected my game and realize I rarely take any slapshots anymore. In knowing what I know now, and playing more forward instead of defense, I am looking forward to picking up an 85 flex and seeing how my snap and wrist shots improve.

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EA Sports NHL 12 Preview

Aug 4

Posted by EB in News | 1 Comment

Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning gets the cover this year

EA Sports’ NHL 12 video game will be released in a little over a month. The NHL series has won many awards over the years, and with the new upcoming features, it will be worth your money to get. Here is a breakdown of some of the new gameplay:

Full contact physics engine

Nothing is better than a realistic feel when you’re laying the body on a guy. With the real-time physics technology, players are able to send opponents through the glass, into the benches with a hip check, and even take a run at the goalie.

Full balance control

Not every player is created equal. Some are better skaters, some are big lugs with power. Players will be able to use their strengths to better capabilities, like recovering from a glancing hit.

Dynamic goalies

From a player’s perspective, you are now able to make contact with the goalies. Of course it better be incidental or expect the goal to be waived off.

As for goalies, if the intensity of the game is just too much to handle, take it out on your opponent in a slug fest. Yep, goalie fights are finally here.

Anticipation A.I.

Perhaps the most intriguing new advancement for the series, computers are now able to better anticipate the play. No more long no-look passes up the center for an easy breakaway as the A.I. will sweep in the middle and intercept the pass. If the you’re dumping the puck in the offensive zone and the defense are going to get their before you, watch out for your opponents forwards to start breaking up the boards for an outlet pass. Also, nothing quite stops an odd-man rush like an off-sides. Computers will now drag a leg to hold the line.

The game is expected to come out on 9.13.11 with pre-orders available. As in the past, pre-ordering has its advantages. For example, if you pre-order from Gamestop, you will receive a Bauer player boost pack. The pack will surely give you an edge out the gate with your Be A Pro player both offline and especially online.

Want to play with HWB writers? Send an invite to play to Eddie (FerrisStBulldogs) or EB (E_B_10) on the PS3.

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Zach Parise Agrees to Terms; Top Fantasy Pick

Jul 31

Posted by EB in Fantasy, News | 5 Comments

The New Jersey Devils and winger Zach Parise have come to terms. After what seemed to be a a guaranteed arbitration hearing, both sides have agreed to a 1 year 6 million dollar contract.

The 26 year old Minnesota native was one of the hot topics of the off-season. Parise, who was a restricted free agent, had the possibility of becoming an unrestricted free agent if the bargaining between the two sides went sour. Had Parise become an unrestricted free agent, Parise could have been approached by other NHL team with contract offers. The talented young player would have definitely had his pick of the litter.

Parise is coming off of an injured 2010-2011 NHL season. He injured his knee during off-season training, opting to play through the pain. Unfortunately hockey is a rough sport, and to his disliking, Parise missed the majority of the season due to exploratory arthroscopic surgery.

The winger broke into the NHL in the 2005-2006 season with the devils and posted a respectable 32 points in 81 games played. Over the next 4 seasons, Parise totaled 303 points in 326 games. His high, only to this point in his career, was 45 goals and 49 assists totaling 94 points in 82 games played. Simply put, Parise is the real deal.

As noted earlier, the Devils and Parise have avoided arbitration and have agreed to a 1 year 6 million dollar contract. In looking at this, the length of the contract, I do not believe Parise will play with the Devils beyond the 2011-2012 season. For Parise, this means that the upcoming NHL season is a season where he needs to not only prove his worth, but play to a caliber that would warrant a big contract. For you as a fan and a fantasy player, this means Parise is going to be putting up big points, upwards of 90+ points. So who might he rival next year? Both Daniel and Henrik Sedin, Martin St. Louis and Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightning, and yes, Alexander Ovechkin will return to the mix of scoring leaders. Oh, one more guy would be a healthy Sidney Crosby.

Parise has one more year as a Devil and he’s jumping ship. If you are sitting in the third to seventh spot in your draft, Parise would be a good option to take.

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Mike Modano Retire?

Jul 16

Posted by EB in News, Rumors | 2 Comments

If Modano retires, life won't be so bad spending time with wife Willa Ford.

With the free agency pool depleted of all the big names, with the exceptions of both Steven Stamkos and Drew Doughty, it is easy to miss the remaining crop of players. Once such player is that of veteran Mike Modano, who, will be faced with a decision to retire or not.

Modano, who is currently 41 years of age, broke into the NHL in the ’80-’90 season with the Minnesota North Stars. His impact on the team was immediately felt.  Playing 80 games, Modano posted 29 goals and 46 assists for an impressive 75 point season. Today, the veteran has accumulated 561 goals and 813 assists in 1,499 games played. His production holds the record for most goals (561) and most points (1,374) by an American-born player in NHL history. In the ’98 – ’99 season, Modano lead the Dallas Stars to their first ever Stanley Cup Championship, the only to his name currently.

Last season Modano played for the Detroit Red Wings, his first non Minnesota North Stars/ Dallas Stars team. In 40 games played, he totaled an unimpressive 15 points. Fans would credit the low production to a string of bad luck. Modano suffered a cut tendon in his wrist from the skate of Columbus Blue Jacket’s R.J. Umberger. Ultimately needing surgey, Modano’s injury sidelined him for 41 games.

The bad luck seemed to continue after returning to the ice as Red Wing’s Head Coach Mike Babcock scratched Modano on multiple occasions to rotate younger, grittier players into the lineup. Ultimately, Modano was such a last resort that at one point in the playoffs, Babcock opted go with a injured Johan Franzen who could barely skate, instead of a healthy Modano. For many, the writing was on the wall for the veteran player.

The critics would say the fairytale ending with the Dallas Stars is over, his legacy slightly damaged this past season. Perhaps it is time to hang up the skates, acknowledge his best years are behind him, and begin a respectable after career-career in the front office of the Dallas Stars organization.

The fans would point out he will not be the workhorse of yesteryear, but put him on the third line and give him some powerplay time, Modano will surely produce 30 points in an injury free season.

Modano is expected to make a decision within the next few weeks if he plans to come back for another season as a player. It seems unlikely that the Detroit Red Wings will sign him, but other teams would most likely express interest in the still, very talented player.

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Washington Capitals in Do-or-Die Game

May 3

Posted by EB in News | No Comments

The series between the Washington Capitals continues tonight for game 3 in Tampa Bay. The Lightning however, with much amazement, are currently leading the series two games to none. Tonight’s game will be either a make or break for the Washington Capitals, possibly leaving them to be exiting the playoffs much earlier than anticipated by most.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are seeing their big names player put points on the board. Currently, Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier have a game winning goal each. Together, they combine for 3 goals, 2 assists and 12 shots. The Lightning supporting casts of Martin St. Louis and Teddy Purcell have contributed for 1 goal, 4 assists and 11 shots. Where do the Caps stand?

The big three, Nicklas Backstrom, Alexander Semin and Alexander Ovechkin only have a combined 2 goals and 1 assist. Skating the majority of minutes of the Capitals offense, the stats are well below what is to be expected of them. Focusing on defense, offensive defenseman Mike Green is a -2 rating.

With the saying, “Defense wins championships”, Head Coach Bruce Boudreau tweaked the offensive juggernaut in the regular season to focus more on defense and less on the run and gun style they use to play. Sure, the Capitals played close 1 goal difference games in the regular season, but the change was for the playoffs, for the now. In the first round the Capitals were capable of maintaining their defensive minded better back-checking play style to take out the New York Rangers in 5. In this series though, the team have resorted back to their offensive, defensive lacking,  play.

The game tonight is expected to be a high flying, high intensity game, with the Capitals having their backs against the wall. If they wish to take out the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team needs to get back to their play that won them the first seed in the East. The person that needs to lead that charge is Alexander Ovechkin. If however Ovie is unable to tame his urge to take every shot, the team will follow and expect the series to go to 3-0 Lightning, with a possible sweep in sight.

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The Not so Playoff Beard

Apr 23

Posted by EB in Soap Box | 1 Comment

With the regular season ending and playoffs starting, players have put down their razors in an attempt to carry on the tradition of the playoff beard. This tradition though is being challenged with the baby faced younger players within the NHL such as Sidney Crosby, Steven Stamkos and Patrick Kane. In an attempt to rival those of the young guns, I put my razor down and my facial hair to the test.

A little bit of history: The playoff beard began with the New York Islanders dynasty in the 80′s. Players would not be able to shave during the playoffs, not until they won the Stanley Cup or were knocked out of the playoffs. The beards were believed to bring good luck and the Islanders beards won them 4 consecutive Stanley Cups.

Today the NHL has seen a movement to younger players. With this movement, some players are not capable of growing the historical playoff beard, but instead are left to their own attempts and creativity. Here are my competitors:

Sidney Crosby attempted the playoff beard only to be ridiculed. Looking more like a scene from the movie Jackass, Sidney’s beard did bring him good fortune as the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Stanley Cup in 2009.

Steven Stamkos of the Tampa Bay Lightining is in his first NHL playoff appearance. Looking more like a child of an elf and dwarf from Middle Earth, the beard has let him down. With only 1 assist, 5 shots and a -1 rating in 4 games; first rule of playoff bird history: if it is not working you may shave it off.

Patrick Kane acknowledged his inability to grow a beard and improvised with a playoff mullet. Not stopping there, Kane included 1990′s razor cut accents. It is nice to remember the good ‘ol days but mocking MC Hammer is never the thing to do.

So, after 10 days where do I stand? Looking more like Dr. Evil’s Sphynx cat with a few hairy patches , I have opted to take to my razor once again. For now, I swallow my pride, but maybe next year I can follow in Kane’s footsteps with the playoff mullet.

Have any playoff beard pictures you want to share? Send them to EB@hockeyworldblog.com and I’ll post them on the site.

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Steven Stamkos Falls During Penalty Shot

Jan 5

Posted by Eddie in Media | No Comments

In a night that was a disaster for the Tampa Bay Lightning before the fans’ seats were warm, it was only magnified when star forward Steven Stamkos was awarded a penalty shot. Just before the penalty shot, Stamkos lost an edge causing him to fall on the ice. But people don’t see that, people see what happens next:

The Bolts lost 8-1 to the Penguins. It was bad for Tampa to play Pittsburgh the next game after the Winter Classic, because the Penguins was surely a ticked off team and was going to take it out on whomever they played next. Evgeni Malkin scored seven seconds into the contest, and Chris Kunitz had a hat trick. Scoring leaders Stamkos and Sidney Crosby was largely quiet, but Crosby did add an assist.

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Tampa Bay Lightning Cleaning House

Apr 12

Posted by EB in News | 1 Comment

With the shake up in Tampa Bay, will Vincent Lecavalier be a target for a trade?

With the shake up in Tampa Bay, will Vincent Lecavalier be a target for a trade?

The Tampa Bay Lightning, after missing the playoffs for the third straight year, has decided to part ways with head coach Rick Tocchet and general manager Brian Lawton.

Lightning Owner Jeff Vinik said in a statement, “Our hockey operations department needs a fresh start in order to help us fulfill our goal of being a world-class organization. I’d like to thank both Brian and Rick for their dedication and service to the Lightning. Our search for a Chief Executive Officer is well underway and we are in the process of interviewing candidates. After the new CEO is hired, he will hire our new General Manager in time to prepare for the draft and free agency periods.”

The Lightning have a talented team, with young goal scorer Steven Stamkos being one of them. The team will look to build a new through the draft this year and is in desperate need of a goalie. Rumors have also come about of moving star Vincent Lecavalier. Lecavalier does have a no movement clause that would prohibit him to be traded anywhere that he does not consent to. Expect the Montreal Canadiens rumors to surface in the off-season.

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