June 30th, 2010

The draft was off the charts, literally. The Edmonton Olilers decided to take Taylor Hall, which I can't say I was surprised, but was kind of disappointed. I felt that Tyler Seguin deserved to go number one overall. Neiter the Edmonton Oilers or Boston Bruins should be thinking they lost out on the draft, both are unreal prospects. It was interesting to watch Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley fall so low. It seemed right to watch newly retired Scott Niedmayer hand off the jersey to Fowler, who was frequently compared to him. It was awesome to see Brandon Gormely go to Phoenix, who continues to get better and better. Jaden Schwartz was taken very early by St. Louis which left Montreal Canadiens without him. They selected Jarred Tinordi, the hulking defencemen from the USHL. I was happy with this selection.

Prospects I'll be watching, other than first rounders:

Ryan Spooner- Boston Bruins- 45th overall
Kirill Kabanov- Dallas Stars- 65th overall
Jordan Weal- LA Kings- 70th overall
Stanislav Galiev- Washington Capitals- 86th overall
Mathieu Corbeil- Columbus Blue Jackets- 102th overall
Konrad Abeltshauser- San Jose Sharks- 163th overall
Stephan MacAuley- St. Louis Blues- 164th overall

Someone who I was super surprised to see drafted... Sawyer Hannay of the Halifax Mosseheads. I was able to see him play, and watched him extensivey in his training camp. Simply put, I didnn't even feel he deserved to make his junior team. I see him as a Kevin Bieska, just much, much worse.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

June 25th, 2010 (2)

The draft day coverage starts in less that 5 hours, and still no one knows who the Edmonton Oilers will take 1st overall. There have been mock drafts, and mock drafts but GM's and scouts have nothing to do with those. So we will wait and see.

My opinon, Tyler Seguin should be taken 1st overall. The right-handed center seems more ready and mature then his "rival" Taylor Hall. To see Seguin's development after being cut for Team Canada shows his desire to be the best player he can be. He knows the pain and sacrifice it takes to be a NHL star. After watching some meetings with both Tyler and Taylor, my belief is stronger. Tyler was confident with lots of eye contact and laughter while Hall spoke to the floor and had many "uums." Edmonton needs a natural center too, they already wonderful prospect wingers and just imagine the beauty of Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, Seguin and Jordan Eberle in the future...

Montreal has the 27th pick and St. John Sea Dog, Stanislav Galiev is projected there abouts. I sure hope if this kid is still around for that pick (I imagine he will be), that they do not make the mistake of passing over him. I have watched him play and he is a truely amazing sight to see. Give him a few more years and he will be an elite player in the NHL, just wait and see. Trading up for Mikael Granland would be great to see but not sure how that would work out. The Canadian comparison to Granland, Jaden Schwartz could be avalible with the 27th pick too, and I wouldn't mind him being a Hab.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

June 25th, 2010

School's out for summer... if you didn't sing that to the Alice Cooper classic, you've got to wonder about yourself. GM's have been busy, and have entertained us already.

All the way back on June 17th, my team, the Montreal Canadiens traded away the goaltender that carried them to the Eastern Finals, for Lars Eller and Ian Shultz. A lot of initial reaction was that this was a ridiculous trade, however when you take a look at it, it may not seem all that bad. It was smart to trade him at his peak (I may have waited till Draft Day) but for the money I imagine he was going to ask for, and the risk of him dropping back into his backup role self, they timed it right. I love the style of Lars Eller, and am very excited to see him suit up in a Habs uniform, Ian Shultz also seems like a player that Montreal needs, a strong power forward that is able to put the puck in the net. Now it's just the hope of Carey Price being the goaltender he can be. It's a wait and see kind of trade.

2 days later, Nashville trades the rights of Dan Hamhuis to Eastern Conference Champs, the Philadelphia Flyers, for Ryan Parent and a 7th round pick. A good trade all in all if Philly is able to lock Hamhuis up. Nashville doesn't loose to much as they receive just as young talent Ryan Parent who won't cost them as much. No worries to the Preds fans, remember you still have Shea Weber and Ryan Suter.

Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell are now Bruins. They traded away there 15th overall pick, a 3rd rounder and soon-to-be-gone-anyways Dennis Wideman. A fantastic trade for Boston, and Florida did well given the situation. Horton wanted out, and Florida was able to get a great pick, and a defencemen that will add depth to that core. Rumour has it that Edmonton wants the 15th pick, so it'll be interesting to see what develops there.

Chicago is just distributing players for picks, picking up a first rounder, 2nd rounder and 6th rounder so far. They had to dump salaries and this way makes sense. They've also pick up a veteran in Marty Reasonor and sub par prospect Joey Crabb. Losing Dustin Byfuglien and prospect Akin Aliu are the biggest hits to them, but was necessary.

Draft Daaay.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

June 13th, 2010

And the 2010 NHL season is over, well on the ice. I don't think Chicago ending there 49 year cup-less streak was much a surprise to the hockey world, but still to see it raised, and the well deserving players react, is always a beautiful moment. Adam Burish slightly ruined the elegance with his interview, because as much as I hate Chris Pronger, chirping him right after you've got the holy grail just doesn't make much sense. Dude, you are Adam Burish, he is Chris Pronger.

I was thrilled to see Marian Hossa show he wasn't a curse, and happy to see that Joel Quinville split up Toews and Kane. That spread it out and Prongs can't play 45 minutes a game. Duncan Keith is a beauty, as is his partner Brent Seabrook.

As much as I was hoping to see the Flyers come away hoisting the Cup, I wasn't disappointed. Briere, Giroux, Gagne, Carter, Carle; players I love to watch play didn't completly screw up (well, their first line was a combined -21, ouch) and made an entertaining series. Let's all be honest here to, a little goaltending in the Cup Finals woulda been nice.

So, with exams approaching, this won't be near the top of the list. Once the summer hits, I'll put much more of an effort. There is so much more to write about in the hockey world that I will catch up on for sure! Perhaps more detail on how I though the Finals went, and maybe even some thoughts on FIFA 2010. It's only day 2, but I've been enjoying it a tad, a good study period.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

May 29th, 2010 (2)

Puck drop is soon arriving for the 2010 Stanley Cup Finals. Doesn't that have an ring to it? I just picture this deep voice unnecessarily announcing it. I don't know if I'm making any sense, but it makes sense in my head...

I am quite interested in seeing how this goes. Philadelphia I feel in over their head in roster ways, so in that sense, I think 4 days was too long for the wheeling team, they needed to continue to roll. But then I think about the injuries and rest that this team needed. So that leaves you at the "hmm" stage. Either way I feel Chicago will come out and win this game.

You're not supposed to have sides as someone in the journalism world, so thankfully I'm just trying to get into it, not quite there. I am actually quietly cheering for the Flyers. They do have 3 players I can't stand (Pronger, Carcillo and Hartnell) but then they have the players I love (Giroux, Gagne, Briere.) Plus they beat out my Habs, and it's much better to say your team got knocked out by the Cup champs that year. Lastly, some people that I'm close to are from around there, and may as well cheer with them after cheering hard against them.

Around and hour to go. Yes.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

May 29th, 2010

A few weeks ago, I sat down and made the ultimate Montreal Canadiens 2011 roster. Making teams is something I have never been able shake from my childhood. I took all the players hailing from Quebec and tried to make the best team going. This is what it looks like:

Simon Gagne/ Daniel Briere/ Patrice Bergeron
David Perron/ Vincent Lecavalier/ Martin St. Louis
Alex Burrows/ Mike Ribeiro/ Jason Pominville
Claude Giroux/ Maxim Lapierre/ Ian Laperriere
Mathieu Darche/ Antoine Vermette/ Steve Bernier

Kris Letang/ Stephane Robidas
Francois Beauchemin/ Marc-Andre Bergeron
Marc-Edouard Vlasic/ Alex Picard
Bruno Gervais

Roberto Luongo
Marc-Andre Fleury
Martin Brodeur

Lots to pick from for forwards, and 3 no brainer goaltender choices. Defenceman though? Not so much. The only player to be snipped from the D, was Mathieu Roy.

May 26th, 2010

The 2010 Stanley Cup finals are set, the Philadelphia Flyers will play the Chicago Blackhawks. To think that the Flyers made it into the playoffs in the last game of the regular season in the shootout is crazy. As hard it was to see them knock out my Habs, it is kind of a neat story. Michael Leighton was spectacular in the Montreal series, and his interview after the game really showed how much it meant to him. Now you've got the Chicago Blackhawks, and hopefully you have seen the Blackhawks TV segment with them playing Mario Kart on the Wii. I laughed through the whole thing just because you see these young men taking a little kid-ish game so serious. Take the time to go to their website and watching those videos make you feel like you know that team a little better.

I can't see Philly hoisting the Cup this year, Chicago is just playing scary hockey right now. I'm saying Chicago in 6. Jonathan Towes playing hero throughout the entire series. Remember the Olympics?

Today, I had the honour to meet Mike Danton. I had written to him at the beginning of the year for support and I had left my email address in it. It only took saying my name for him to remember me, which was pretty neat. It turns out that he had tried to email me back but it had bounced back to him. We were both leaving but he is coming back and said to make sure to hear him talk. I hear people said he was really inspirational, so I am so glad he is going out and speaking about his past. It's a great step in the right direction.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

May 7th, 2010

Time to sit down and blog about hockey?! No way, I haven't been able to that since, well April 23rd. Last time I posted only one team was packing up after a short playoff season, the New Jersey Devils. With all 1st round series' done, I finished at a questionable 50% for my predictions. 1 for 4 in the East (ouch) and 3 for 4 in the West. It was spectacular to watch Jaroslav Halak steal the show, and start history for the Habs 2010 season. All I can hope for now, is that he and the team can finish in a very memorable way. When predicting the Buffalo/Boston series, it was really the biggest crapshoot. The injury to Tomas Vanek really didn't help much for the Sabres. At least it has made for an entertaining 2nd round series vs. the Boston Bruins. Ottawa made things interesting but ultimately lost out. People mention the injuries to Michalek and Kovalev, but remember Filip Kuba was also out with an injury. He is a consistent d-man, that the Sens really could have used.

So onto the 2nd round, half of which is done. To be quite honest, I haven't caught as much hockey as I'd like to this series. I caught a nasty flu, and just general mayhem has insued. It's good though, it's life. There is not much point in predicting, so let's just sit back and enjoy the games. The Montreal/Pittsburgh series os tied at 2, who would have known. Detroit refuses to quit, although they really need to start in game 1, rather than the verge of elimination. Philadelphia just scored in first OT, the goal coming from Simon Gagne. That has forced a game 5. Now I just need to get to the remote an switch to CBC to see the Vancouver/Chicago game...

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 23rd, 2010 (2)

I figured not to make a big cluster of everything. The last post was NHL playoff hockey while this is more random news and happenings for the non playoff world. First off, you should see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QL2EgTWEf8

Realize the time Thomas Deruns did it, then the score, and then finally realize that he did it in what is their Stanley Cup finals. Simply unreal. I did a little reserch on this player; he played for Switzerland this Olympics and has played in Switzerland for his entire pro career, playing for Servette Geneve since 2002.

One of the neatest thngs to happen this week was recieveing a letter from Toronto Marlies/Leafs defencemen prospect, Phil Oreskovic. He has a storng career ahead of him, and I think he is a great player. He replied to my letter, saying:

Dear Ryan
Thank you for your letter. I'm sorry this has taken so long to get back to you. I appreciate my fans sincerely and take nothing for granted. Your continued support means the world to me.
Your Friend
Phil Oreskovic

I think that is a pretty cool thing to say. For someone of his profession do that is nice to see. I feel that too many players in today's game do not take what they have for granted so it truly is remarkable for him to say such things. I know around Toronto he has a tremedous reputation, and you can clearly see how in this note. So thank you Mr. Oreskovic for being such a class act.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 23rd, 2010

The team I predicted to go all the way was put out in 5 games... in the first round of playoffs. Slightly rattled to say the least. That is why you've got to love hockey in April. Who knew that Brian Boucher would out perform all-star Martin Brodeur? I thought Ilya Kovalchuk would be like, "oh hey playoffs, I should be the player I can be so I can get that nice ring, it would help out my swag." He didn't do too much. A very mediocre series for him. He played around 22 minutes a game, scored 2 goals and 5 points. Good offensive numbers but he was also 0 when it came to plus minus. It's great scoring 5 points but if you;re going to let the other team have 5 of their own, there is not much gain. Like I said in my predictions, I hoped Zach Parise would play like he did in the Olympics. Disappointingly enough, he didn't manage to do so. These aren't all the factors the led to the fall of the Devils, but certainly 2 big ones. Let's now hope San Jose can get by Colorado, to make me lot only half stupid. Thornton, Heatley, Marleau... play better then Pavelski's line, s'all I'm saying.

The Boston Bruins are down 3-1 in their series and could be eliminated tonight. One more potential upset, although this may not be a big surprise. It also looks like the young Finnish goaltender for the Chicago Blackhawks, Antti Nemi has played solid with back to back shutouts. That shaky goal in the first game didn't get to him, which is great for the Hawks.

Montreal is up on Washington 2-1 with the 2nd period just ending. My inner Habness is clinging on for dear life. Low expectations always result to better surprises, right?

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 18th, 2010

I'm not very impressed with the refereeing in the Montreal/Washington game. Perhaps I am being biased, but after watching replay's, I'm not so sure. The goal where Mike Knuble was just on the fringe of the crease was certainly questionable, but I do believe that it was not the correct call. If Jaroslav Halak did want to move up anymore, the was no possible way of doing so. And let's be honest, do you really think Halak wanted to be where he was with that shot being taken where it was? Then there was the one where Hal Gill "shoved" a Washington Capital into Halak. I felt that the the play should have been whistled down at least. Not finished there, before Alex Ovechkin's shot went across the line, he speared Halak into the net. That was defiantly spearing or goaltender interference. Plus there was the call on Benoit Pouliot where it was just another slash that would usually go unnoticed by the ref. I can understand Mike Cammalleri's first slash where he broke Carlson's stick but when it happens twice, you've got to let it go. I mean, I can break those sticks with little effort, so really it's barley a slash. Are you telling me if Chris Pronger did that he's be called? No way. Plus, that play led to Ovechkin skating to his bench with the broken stick. I don't care if it was harmless, because I know it was, but it's still a penalty in the rule book. Oh well, perhaps it was just me. I was glad to see the OT winner go in clean. Montreal should be happy going into the Bell Centre tied with Washington.

TSN did a beautiful piece on Taylor Pyatt before the Phoenix vs. Detroit game. I've been a fan of his while he played on the Vancouver and became an even bigger supporter of his since the incident last year.

Phoenix just grabbed the lead quickly. Hockey and studying for me for the rest of the day. The hockey I suppose evens out the crummy studying!

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 17th, 2010

And to think I simply went out to the kitchen to get a bowl of Froot Loops. I thought I had time! But no, Peter Regin had to score just 18 seconds into the first period. Thankfully my timing with the Froot Loops wasn't all to awful, and I was able to see the reply just after the orginal goal. The Froot Loops were well worth it by the way, I had to get seconds.

The Penguins were able to eventually get the win in a great game. Sidney Crosby played great, scoring a goal and setting up the game winner. Heck, he even tried to impersonate Roberto Luongo with a diving save. Luongo's was better, we all know that but still, very impressive Mr. Crosby. Monster Andy Sutton at 6'6 landed a huge hit on defenceman Jordan Leopold. Sutton was clearly trying to put Leopold through the boards, but interestingly enough, he was the one to "go through the boards." Leopold stayed down for a bit, and left the game; more information on his status will be available today. The hit was clean, just very nasty.

It was a hard night to decide what game to watch. The Pittsburgh and Ottawa game was high intensity, but I had more intrest in the Philly/NJ game. Channel flip I did do. New Jersey was able to get the win, to even up the series one a peice. All games last night actually went in favor for my predictions. Well except, the Nashville game, but the was game one of a best of seven series.

So Montreal takes on Washington in game 2. I would like nothing more then a 2-0 series lead for my 16th birthday. I hope to see Ovechkin be the same player he was last game, and Jaroslaov Spacek do the same. It should be a dandy.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 16th, 2010 (2)

With my first round predictions done and up, that leaves the next rounds to, well predict. Here I go:

2nd Round:
Pittsburgh (4) over Washington (1) in 7
New Jersey (2) over Buffalo (3) in 5

San Jose (1) over Los Angeles (6) in 5
Chicago (2) over Detroit (5) in 6

Another classic between Washington and Pittsburgh, and Sidney Crosby again proves is amazingness. He has proved over and over again that he leads team victory. It's a thriller no doubt, again and will be awesome just like last year. New Jersery handles Buffalo because Martin Brodeur realizes the goalie he is. He somehow out duels Ryan Miller. Zach Parise will be the player he is destined to be, like he is in an American sweater. In the West, San Jose gets by LA in 5, but all games are scarily close. Chicago's skill is just too great over Jimmy Howard and the aging Red Wings.

3rd Round:
New Jersey (2) over Pittsburgh (4) in 6
San Jose (1) over Chicago (2) in 7

Everyone on New Jersey elevates their game, and everything good must come to an end. As unreal as it would be to see the Penguins make the Cup finals 3 years in a row, it just won't happen. Parise and Brodeur continue to lead the way, with a wonderful supporting cast to help along the way. As great as Chicago is, I think San Jose will get past narrowly because they have the best first line going and are well coached, plus the have home advantage.

The Stanley Cup Finals:
New Jersey (2) over San Jose (1) in 6

I'm scared about this pick, but I'm taking the New Jersey Devils for the 2010 Stanley Cup Champions. They have one of the greatest goaltenders of all-time, and despite his shaky play of late, he is going to realize that he is playing for the Stanley Cup. We all saw how much Zach Parise wanted that gold medal in February and he played like a champion. They have Travis Zajac, and Ilya Kovalchuk for goals, alongside Parise. Then they have David Clarkson, Jamie Langenbrunner, Brian Rolston, Jay Paldonfo, and the list goes on. They have the right roster to win the Cup. There defencemen are no wheres impressive, but you know what you are going to get night in and night out. All 6 of their defenders are consistent.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 16th, 2010

Without out a doubt, this is one of the best time of the year. What really can be better than playoff hockey, every night for the next 2 months? It is slightly tiring though. I made a big mistake last night attempting to stay up and watch the Vancouver/Phoenix game after the thrill of the Montreal game. It certainly has been an interesting to see the finals of the games. I would have never guessed Colorado would have beat San Jose and Montreal beat Washington in the first game.

I made my picks a day before the playoffs, and figure although late, it would still make sense to post them. The teams I have picked to go on past the first round haven't won a game yet. Oh dear, plus I'm starting to doubt my pick for the Stanley Cup champion... already.

1st round:
Washington (1) over Montreal (8) in 5
New Jersey (2) over Philadelphia (7) in 6
Buffalo (3) over Boston (6) in 6
Pittsburgh (4) over Ottawa (5) in 6

San Jose (1) over Colorado (8) in 4
Chicago(2) over Nashville (7) in 5
Los Angeles (6) over Vancouver (3) in 7
Detroit (5) over Phoenix (4) in 6

Not many surprises here, actually almost the same as TSN (I picked before their show, I promise!) The only first round upsets are Los Angeles over Vancouver and that is so up in the air. I just feel that LA has the right amount of youngsters and vetrens, and Vancouver lacks skill defensivley wise. The other "upset" is Phoenix losing to Detroit but I think everyone sees Detroit getting by. Also, it looks like I failed on the San Jose/Colorado series. I called the sweep, and Colorado won the first game.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

April 9th, 2010

Two nights ago, the New York Rangers took on the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game ended in a 5-1 win for the Blue Shirts and I was able to catch some of the game. What made the game, was 28 year old Aaron Voros scoring the last goal 12 minutes into the 3rd period. It was his 3rd goal of the season and 18th of his NHL career. He doesn't score often, so he doesn't get much practice when it comes to celebrations. What he did after the gaol though was gold. Remember, this was to put them up by 4 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He simply smashed his sticked against the boards. It was great, how many people slam their sticks into the glass after a goal? All I have to say is, take that Alexander Ovechkin.

To my disappointment, Montreal was unable to get the point they needed to lock up their playoff spot last night vs. Carolina. It will take a lot for the Habs to loose it, but it really would have been nice if they could have managed to pull off the win. They have a chance again vs. a much more difficult opposition, Chicago to clinch a berth. New York (the Rangers, not the Islanders, duh) have an important home and home vs. Philadelphia that may decide who gets into the post season. Unfortunately, no hockey is on any channels I have, but NHL.com has the game at 2-1 for New York after 1 period of play.

In other hockey news, Alexei Ponikarovsky of the Pittsburgh Penguins was suspended for the remainder of the season (all 2 games!) for a hit from behind on Islanders, Josh Bailey. What blew my mind while reading about this, is that Ponikarovsky will be losing more than 20,000 dollars over this! I never thought much of how much money the players lose when suspended. Let's be honest though, I imagine 20 grand isn't much to him. So, Mr. Dan Carcillo, how much have you lost over the years?

March 5th, 2010

A couple of former Halifax Mooseheads were able to make it into the hockey world the past week. First in the NHL, where the 23-year-old, American goaltender Jeremy Duchense made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers. He has been the 7th goaltender used by the Flyers the season. He was put in the early going of the 3rd period after Brian Boucher was pulled. He faced 4 shots, and allowed one goal. He was a late call up for Philadelphia and interestingly enough, the night before Duchense was pulled in his AHL game after allowing a goal from centre ice. When he was picked in the 4th round of the '05 draft, I doubted he would ever become a NHL goaltender. Well, he got a chance to do so, and is a step closer to being a part of the show.

The other Moosehead who made news, was current player, Gabriel Desjardins who was named to the U18 Team Canada roster last week. He, along his teammates will compete in Belarus this week. Congrats and best of luck to him.

The playoffs are a week away, and there is quite the interesting battle for the last couple of spots in the East. Atlanta doesn't have enough time left, as they only have 3 games compared to Philly's and Montreal's 4 and are 3 points from 8th. I fell that Montreal is safe because of the extra game and the way Jaroslav Halak has been playing. I've been able to watch his past two shutouts and he has been wonderful. The way the Habs have been playing isn't great but they must be gaining confidence is their goaltender situation, but certainly not themselves. One player I feel who has risen his game though is Andrei Kostitsyn. He has been playing well along the boards and is in the right places. He has always seemed to be average but his play of late has shown his potential.

New York I feel will be able to sneak into the 8th place somehow, which leaves Philadelphia and Boston to duel for the 7th and 9th. It is hard to say who will be the winners, if Boston had Marc Savard then without a doubt it's Boston but will they be able to play well enough the next 3 games to get by? The win vs. Toronto was a sweater but they pulled through, but now have to face the 1st place Caps, twice. 3rd place, Buffalo is in there future to, and the Hurricanes who manage to be only 8 points behind the Bruins could surprise them.

Then again, Philadelphia has only 3 games left and have to trust that Brian Boucher can keep them in the playoffs. They have the hard working Maple Leafs and then an oh so important back-to-back vs. the New York Rangers. This whole thing is up for grabs but I see Philadelphia finishing 9th, New York 8th, and Boston 7th. Really though, who honestly knows whats going to go down? At least it's a short wait to see!

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

March 29th, 2010

Jim Playfair went a little wild last night at a call Jamie Koharski made in the Abbotsford Heat/Hamilton Bulldogs game. His player JD Watt was called for a questionable goaltender interference, and that seemed to set fire with Playfair. He broke one sick threw it and then pulled of his suit jacket. I'm not sure what that was to prove, I wasn't the least bit intimidated by him ripping off his jacket. To add further affect (probably a may as well moment at this point) grabbed a stick from a player on the bench and snapped that. I got a little chuckle from Shawn Weller's reaction (player to Playfairs left, #29) as he seemed a tad worried about being injured. Playfair received a fine and suspension, defiantly deserved.

I haven't been watching too much hockey of late. Saturday night I was looking forward to watch Travis Zajac take on the Habs and was able to catch some of the game. Earth Hour somehow snuck into this equation and I did miss the 2nd period. I felt like a nice person helping the Earth and all, but horrible timing Mother Nature. I mean, I didn't even win Mall Madness during the hour.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

March 20th, 2010

Last night I had the honor to meet the ex Habs, Patrice Brisebois and Stephane Richer. They were very kind, and full of laughter. It is a truly incredible experience to meet people you look up too. Mr. Richer said he enjoyed going out the night before for a "really nice" dinner with Brisebois, at Wendy's. "Free fries!" he said in his french accent, laughing. Both posed for a photo with me, and signed a few things. It is great to see Stephane is such high spirits, and full of life. I can't imagine what it was like overcoming depression. As for Brisebois, I find it very interesting that he was the whipping boy in Montreal back in the day. You look at Mike Green nowadays and he is worshiped for his offensive skill, even if he lacks some defensively. Brisebois earned the nickname, "Breeze-By" because fans often thought players would simply breeze by him. He contributed so much offense so the Canadiens, and really wasn't all that bad when it came to defensive. He was a great player and I wish him all the best with his racing!

I am slightly ticked at the James Wisniewski suspension. Colin Campbell has to be at least consistent when handing out suspensions. Sure, it was an ugly hit, but you're telling me that it was 8 times uglier than the hit on Marc Savard delivered by Matt Cooke? I even thought the Alex Ovechkin hit was worse to watch than this. I do believe Wisniewski deserved a suspension, for the charge. But as far I know, there still wasn't an official rule stating the disallowing the hit to the head. In my opion you suspened 4 games for the charge. 8 games is far to much, all things considering. The hit Seabrook landed on Perry was to the head an no call. Colin Campbell, you nailed it when saying it was a retaliatory hit, but it wasn't for head. In the video I posted, pause it at 1:15. Wisniewski's shoulder is more into the chest of Seabrook. Also, people say it was a huge interference call, I have to disagree, although the he did not touch the puck, at the poit where Wisniewski starts to skate to make the hit, Duncan Keith is looking right at Seabrook and at the point of impact the puck had just been rimmed around the boards by him. Interference, but it's not like the puck was in the other end like Quinville has been whining about. James Wisniewski deserves to be dissapointed at the 8 games and way to go Bob Murray for standing up for your team.

Watch the hit...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtSx2z_CPKQ

March 16th, 2010

Yet another hit to debate. More people will probably will be interested in the latest due to the fact that the hit was delivered by none other, Alexander Ovechkin. When I saw the play, I instantly thought back to the Maxim Lapierre hit on Scott Nichol. The only real difference is that Brian Campbell was in the defensive zone with Ovechkin forechecking, where as Nichol was in the offensive zone. Lapierre had his hands a little farther apart then Ovechkin but think what's stronger, a stick or hands/arms? I felt that Ovechkin deserved the same as Lapierre but we all knew that there was no way in heck that Colin Campbell was going to suspend Ovi for four games. I'm sure he had a hard time giving him the 2. Alex Ovechkin did apolgize for the hit, but was dissapointed in the suspension. I think in the back of his head he realizes that he deserved it, but is more dissapointed in the fact that he'll miss 2 games of hockey. The dude loves the game.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis

March 13th, 2010

All the talk is about the Matt Cooke's hit on Marc Savard. We all know how nasty looking it was and all feel for Savard. Having a concussion is horrible. I don't know the exact severeness of his concussion but it's bad. Earlier in my own season this year, I suffered a 2.5 concussion. For those who don't know, concussions are classed from 1 to 3, 3 being most severe. Words cannot describe the feeling this kind of injury gives. I spent the first week with my head under a pillow, and having nightmares about any sort of noise or light. The focus is on the punishment of Cooke, but I feel just so bad for Marc Savard. I wish him all the best in his recovery.

Since I am human, I will put in my input about what should have happened to Matt Cooke. As soon as the hit was landed, Cooke should have been worried about getting jumped, and should have. I don't care who was on the ice for Boston, it could be little Brad Marchand for I care. Someone should have stepped in and tuned him. Let him get up and fight you fairly. Once that happens, Cooke should have been ready for another fight, and then another. I don't care the score or 2 points at that point of the game. If I was on Boston my concern at that point would be Marc Savard and making sure Matt Cooke got what he deserved. I'm not a fan of fighting fire with fire but there is an instance I would accept. It would have been sicking to watch, but it was already sick enough.

There is no rule where hitting to the head is a penalty, so I don't understand why everyone is calling for a suspension. How are you able to suspend a guy for something that's not a rule? It's just not possible, no matter the type of reputation the player has. Colin Campbell could have punished Cooke for attempt to injure but in my opinion there are not many circumstances that a hit could fall under that category. As a player myself, when you go for a big hit, you're not thinking of hurting him, you're thinking of the huge momentum shift it will give your team. Matt Cooke despite the reputation could have been just going for just that, we don't and never will know what was going on inside his head when he made the hit. I sure hope he was going for the big hit but after watching some past plays of his, I have begun to wonder what his motive is.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis