February 12th, 2010

Unbelievable, words cannot explain the tragedy that took place as Nodar Kumaritashvili died while testing out the track in Whistler. I do not know the sport well enough to say much, but I am human and know that whenever someone dies so unexpected and so young, it is unable to comprehend. Rest in peace Mr. Kumaritashvili.

It's hard to follow up or really care about anything else after hearing news like this. I stated earlier that Ryan Getzlaf was a go for the Olympics, but I may have spoken too soon. It seems like he will, but it is still up in the air. Canada's GM, Steve Yzerman has been paying close attention to the situation, and the Anaheim Ducks have left the decision to Getzlaf. On a good note, Getzlaf skated in a full practice today. USA defencemen Jack Johnson flew himself in to Vancouver to take part in the opening ceremony. I wonder who else within the NHL will be there? I sure as heck would want to be if I was chosen to represent my country.

Ottawa over Washington 6-5
Hello Capitals defence? Goalies ya there? Oh hey Ovechkin, hi Semin. Have you seen any of your D teammates? Yeah, neither have I. I've been lucky enough to see the top team in the NHL their past 2 games. Both games showed the depth and beauty of the forwards, but have seemed to lack in the defence category. Surprisingly they held the Senetors to only 28 shots, only 4 more than their totals. Alexander Semin scored a hat trick, scoring his first 2 goals in a blink of an eye. It was 3-2 and then boom! Semin potted 2 goals within a minute. Alexi Kovalev scored the game winner at the 7:36 mark in the 3rd.

Boston over Tampa Bay over 5-4
The Bruins came out with a mighty effort in the first, scoring 4 goals to Tamapa's 0. Both teams played a fairly even 2nd, the Lightning coming out with the 2-1 win. With the score 5-2 coming into the 3rd, Tampa Bay attempted to make a comeback but was just a goal short. Former Hab Michael Ryder scored an unreal goal, thanks to his linemates. Tuuka Rask gets the win.

Carolina over Buffalo 4-3
With this loss, and the Senators win, the Buffalo Sabres fell from 1st to 2nd in the Northeast division. Derek Roy opened the score just 2 minutes from the puck drop. Jochen Hecht scored his 13th of the season giving Buffalo a 2-0 lead. Before the end of the 1st though, Carolina was able to tie it up. They then exchanged goals putting it into overtime. There, Sergei Samsonov scored with a wrist shot, an assist going to the 6'3 Brandon Sutter.

Vancouver over Flordia 3-0
San Jose over Detroit 3-2
Dallas over Calgary 3-1
Edmonton over Los Angeles 3-2

The trade freeze came into effect a couple hours ago. Matt Cullen who I feel is a fantastic pickup for any team went to the Ottawa Sentetors. First though, I'll break down the Kari Lethonen trade to Dallas.

To Dallas: Kari Lethonen
To Atlanta: Ivan Vishnevskiy and a 4th Rounder in 2010
No one has even disputed the potential Lethonen's potential and for that his stock has been kept up. Vishnevskiy is a sold D-man and is pretty consistent. As much as it is hard to hear, this is a trade that will need time to show who got the upper hand. And it's all up to Lethonen, if he stays healthy and plays like he can, then Dallas has but if not, obviously Atlanta does.

To Minnesota: Cam Barker
To Chicago: Kim Johnsson, Nick Leddy
I feel like the Blackhawks are the winners here. Kim Johnsson is a great defenceman and they needed to move a young defender, and Cam Barker was the one guy I felt they could move without hurting to much. It would have been a fantastic pickup if they were able to pick up a forward prospect, but Nick Leddy will be able to crack an NHL lineup in a couple of years.

To Ottawa: Matt Cullen
To Carolina: Alexandre Picard, 2nd Round Pick
I love Matt Cullen as a player. He is full of heart and hustle, and has talent to go along with this. I hope to see him on a line with Jesse Winchester, they seem like a great pair, as they have similar styles of play. Brian Lee is down in the minors and will be ready for a full time job very, very soon. They needed to move a defenceman. Because of this I see Ottawa picking up Cullen for a 2 Rounder. I'd much rather have Matt Cullen over Dominic Moore...

So, under and hour to opening cermonies! Hope everyone is able to see them, as it is truly a once in a lifetime thing. I'm thinking about having another post tonight, but we'll see what happens.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis