Shane Doan scored twice and Mike Smith turned aside 36 shots as the Coyotes won 2-0 to avoid the sweep by the Kings in their Western Conference finals series.
STOCKHOLM -- Alexander Syomin scored twice and Yevgeni Malkin netted another as Russia romped to a 6-2 victory over Slovakia in the final of the world ice hockey championship in Helsinki on Sunday.
How to make a first impression! (Eric Hartline-USPRESSWIRE)visit site to read more] Summer Assignment: Andrew Shaw - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Chicago Tribune
NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Devils outplayed the New York Rangers in every aspect of the game in Game 3 of their fiercely intense Eastern Conference final series Saturday afternoon. The Devils owned more of the open ice, had more shots on goal and dominated the physical play.
Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Sami Lepisto - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Yahoo! Sports
Slovakia grabbed their ticket into the world ice hockey championship's title-decider with a tight 3-1 semi-final win over former compatriots Czech Republic here on Saturday.Source: Yahoo! Sports
Boston Bruins fans, our captain and first-line center are trying hard to win some precious metals and some bragging rights for us--Zdeno Chara and David Krejci are both still in the hunt for medals at the IIHF World Championship.Source: Yahoo! Sports
Slovakia grabbed their ticket into the world ice hockey championship's title-decider with a tight 3-1 semi-final win over former compatriots Czech Republic here on Saturday.
Source: Bleacher Report
The 2011-12 NHL season is a distant memory for the Chicago Blackhawks, but some members of the organization were still in action at the 2012 IIHF World Championships.
Heading into the semifinals, forward Michael Frolik stands alone. His team from the Czech Republic still has the opportunity to finish with a medal.
In all, seven current members of the organization skated on one of four different teams. Let's see how those 'Hawks who were active at the worlds fared in Helsinki and Stockholm the last two weeks.
Source: Bleacher Report
The Chicago Blackhawks are on the hunt for an assistant coach. What kind of guy is right for the job?
Consider the players, Joel Quenneville.
The 'Hawks head coach is likely going to name his assistant after firing Mike Haviland early in the offseason. Haviland was a holdover from the Denis Savard regime and had been in the organization for several years before that. It's apparent that Quenneville wants his man with him on the bench.
He can have that man, but Quenneville needs to find a man with specific qualities. Haviland was a coach the players liked, trusted and confided in.
I spoke to retired NHL stars Jeremy Roenick and Mike Modano recently for an article I did on playoff beards. In the course of our conversation, I got a chance to ask them about what they thought about what makes an effective assistant coach.
Both guys agreed that while an assistant needs to know his X's and O's, dealing with players is a huge part of the job.
"It’s a bridge between the head coach and the players," Modano said. "It’s someone who needs to be a good communicator, a good teacher, a guy that could keep things light and loose. He’s just kind of that buffer guy that brings some fun to the game."
Both former players cited the importance of relationships between players and coaches as a key role of the assistant.
"That’s where I think some of the guys' best relationships are, with the assistant coaches, the ones that I had," Modano started. "For me, personally, I think that’s important."
"That was the one thing I was going to say, the relationship of the player and the coaches," added Roenick, who started his long NHL career with the Blackhawks. "The head coach has got to stay pretty neutral. He’s got to be the guy who’s the disciplinarian; he’s the one who’s calling the shots. The assistant coach is the guy who understands how to motivate and, like Mike said, how to teach, and it’s also about relationships."
It seems apparent that Haviland was adept in cultivating those relationships with the players. Roenick stressed that it wasn't necessary for an assistant to cater completely to the players. It's a tightrope an assistant walks between his boss and his players.
"Being able to put his arm around your shoulder and try to get your confidence going or, you know, maybe even just to give you a little kick in the ass when you need it," Roenick explains. "I think an assistant coach’s job is kind of a tricky job because you have to stay very loyal to both sides."
"I think the coach needs to have little details and directions and some responsibility in that sense, but the assistants…they’re teachers and mentors, but they need to bring some enthusiasm and fun for the game," Modano said.
A guy who can serve as a buffer, who can keep things loose and make things fun. Sounds a little like Roenick, no?
Forget it. J.R. is happy doing what he's currently doing.
"It would take way too much time off the golf course for me," Roenick said with a laugh.
Quenneville can rule out adding Roenick's name to his list of candidates. I would imagine that he's had time to put his list together and has a pretty good idea in which direction he wants to proceed. His new assistant will hopefully be able to provide that bridge between talent and management.
Read more Chicago Blackhawks news on BleacherReport.com
Source: Chicago Tribune
King, a 22-year-old left winger, has more goals (four) than the Coyotes (three) have in the Western Conference finals. In 12 playoff games, King has five goals.Source: Chicago Tribune
Dave Tippett says his comments on 'embellishment' weren't directed toward Game 3.Source: Blackhawk Up by Keith Schultz
Will we see this again in a Hawks Jersey? (Jayne Karmin-Oncea)
visit site to read more]Summer Assignment: Jamal Mayers - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Anne-Marie Sorvin-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Jonathan Toews - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Second City Hockey by SamFels
Jamal Mayers seemed to be the only free agent signing that both Joel Quenneville and Stan Bowman agreed on. Until Game 4 of the playoffs, of course. But this kind of signing is pretty easy, as there are plenty of guys around who do what Jamal Mayers does. Jammer was signed to be Jammer, a fourth line guy to win his share of draws, provide some energy, kill penalties, stick up for teammates when required, and maybe chip in a goal here and there. And on that set of parameters, Mayers was successful.
The Good: As
Source: Bleacher Report
The Chicago Blackhawks are on the hunt for an assistant coach. What kind of guy is right for the job?
Consider the players, Joel Quenneville.
The 'Hawks head coach is likely going to name his assistant after firing Mike Haviland early in the offseason. Haviland was a holdover from the Denis Savard regime and had been in the organization for several years before that. It's apparent that Quenneville wants his man with him on the bench.
He can have that man, but Quenneville needs to find a man with specific qualities. Haviland was a coach the players liked, trusted and confided in.
I spoke to retired NHL stars Jeremy Roenick and Mike Modano recently for an article I did on playoff beards. In the course of our conversation, I got a chance to ask them about what they thought about what makes an effective assistant coach.
Both guys agreed that while an assistant needs to know his X's and O's, dealing with players is a huge part of the job.
"It’s a bridge between the head coach and the players," Modano said. "It’s someone who needs to be a good communicator, a good teacher, a guy that could keep things light and loose. He’s just kind of that buffer guy that brings some fun to the game."
Both former players cited the importance of relationships between players and coaches as a key role of the assistant.
"That’s where I think some of the guys' best relationships are, with the assistant coaches, the ones that I had," Modano started. "For me, personally, I think that’s important."
"That was the one thing I was going to say, the relationship of the player and the coaches," added Roenick, who started his long NHL career with the Blackhawks. "The head coach has got to stay pretty neutral. He’s got to be the guy who’s the disciplinarian; he’s the one who’s calling the shots. The assistant coach is the guy who understands how to motivate and, like Mike said, how to teach, and it’s also about relationships."
It seems apparent that Haviland was adept in cultivating those relationships with the players. Roenick stressed that it wasn't necessary for an assistant to cater completely to the players. It's a tightrope an assistant walks between his boss and his players.
"Being able to put his arm around your shoulder and try to get your confidence going or, you know, maybe even just to give you a little kick in the ass when you need it," Roenick explains. "I think an assistant coach’s job is kind of a tricky job because you have to stay very loyal to both sides."
"I think the coach needs to have little details and directions and some responsibility in that sense, but the assistants…they’re teachers and mentors, but they need to bring some enthusiasm and fun for the game," Modano said.
A guy who can serve as a buffer, who can keep things loose and make things fun. Sounds a little like Roenick, no?
Forget it. J.R. is happy doing what he's currently doing.
"It would take way too much time off the golf course for me," Roenick said with a laugh.
Quenneville can rule out adding Roenick's name to his list of candidates. I would imagine that he's had time to put his list together and has a pretty good idea in which direction he wants to proceed. His new assistant will hopefully be able to provide that bridge between talent and management.
Read more Chicago Blackhawks news on BleacherReport.com
Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Brendan Morrison - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Marcus Kruger - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Blackhawk Up by Cody Pugh
Photo Credit: Deadspin
visit site to read more]Patrick Kane’s Partying Isn’t a Huge Deal, But His Falling Numbers Are - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Andrew Brunette - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Second City Hockey by JuliaM
Marcus Kruger's season in review. [CSN]Source: Chicago Tribune
1 win away from second trip to Stanley Cup finalsSource: Second City Hockey by SamFels
It's Just Too Funny"The game is turning a little dishonest. And it's embellishment by players. When it's done well, it's very hard for the referees, because if you fall down near the boards, or you drop your stick or you throw your head back, you're putting the referee in a very tough situation." -Dave Tippett
Source: Yahoo! Sports
There was much discussion in and around the New York area, and probably throughout hockey circles everywhere, concerning New York Ranger coach John Tortorella's bold decision to bench Marian Gaborik in the third period of Game Two against the New Jersey Devils (May 16) at Madison Square Garden.Source: Chicago Tribune
The struggling Edmonton Oilers will not renew head coach Tom Renney's contract after two losing seasons, the team said on Thursday.Source: Chicago Tribune
HELSINKI, Finland -- Jesse Joensuu scored his second goal with nine seconds remaining in the third period to lift Finland to a 3-2 victory over the United States in the quarterfinals of the 2012 World Championship.Source: Chicago Tribune
HELSINKI, Finland -- Jesse Joensuu scored his second goal with nine seconds remaining in the third period to lift Finland to a 3-2 victory over the United States in the quarterfinals of the 2012 World Championship.Source: Second City Hockey by SamFels
It's hard to believe that a player that generated just 15 points during the season is going to create a lot of debate among Hawks fans. But such was this season, and such were our complaints with the coaching, that's exactly what's going to happen. Michael Frolik clearly had a disappointing season, and yet I remain a firm fan of his -- and one that's resigned to seeing him dealt elsewhere this summer. But Frolik is another who illustrates the difference in how the GM sees the team, and how the coach does, and how those two visions have little overlap.
Michael Frolik's Stats: 63G 5G 10A 15P -10 22PIM -1.44 Behind The Net Rating, .004 Quality of
Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Brendan Morrison - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Cheer The Anthem by Jeffrey Bartl
I don't think knees are supposed to bend that way.
There was a time when Blackhawks fans questioned the signing of Dan Carcillo, fearing his off-the-cuff antics would eventually lead to some potentially damaging incident that validated all the concerns.
After the man appropriately nicknamed CarBomb proved everyone right, Stan Bowman went ahead and re-upped him for two more years, putting fans back in the same worrisome position.
Oh, and he got a raise at that.
Carcillo managed to pack a season’s worth of drama into a mere 28 games – a number cut short by suspensions and a season-ending injury that came while making an illegal hit he’s bound to repeat down the road.
The knock on the 2010-11 Blackhawks was that they weren’t tough and gritty enough, getting pushed around while not having a true enforcer to drop the gloves when the starts got messed with. So Bowman went out and got one of the biggest agitators in the entire NHL, sending all of us befuddled fans into a state of panic.
Carcillo began his ‘Hawks career with a two-game suspension that carried over from the previous season when he was wasting Philadelphia’s time. Then in just his sixth game wearing the Indian head, he was given another two-game suspension for boarding Carolina’s Joni Pitkanen on Oct. 28.
It sure as hell didn’t take long for Carcillo to live up to his moniker, but the surprise came in the form of him, well, actually playing some decent hockey.
He began on the second line with Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa, showing some offensive skills few of us realized he even had. He was making timely passes, setting up his teammates and even tossing in the occasional goal. From Nov. 10-12, he had a goal and three assists in three games.
Suddenly, Carcillo’s presence didn’t seem all that terrible. He was providing a nice offensive game, playing decent in his own zone and even dropping the gloves. Still, Carcillo proved countless times that he’s not a top-six forward like how Coach Q was using him. I remember feeling mixed about his signing because I expected some third- and fourth-line contributions in limited minutes. Q decided he was much better than that.
He took himself out of the play at times while skating around searching for someone to hit, and some of his fights killed more momentum than he created. But those things we were able to deal with as long as he wasn’t completely fucking up.
Then came Jan. 2 against Edmonton. Carcillo laid a dirty hit on Tom Gilbert, tearing his ACL in the process. He earned himself a seven-game suspension that was served from his couch, and all the fears ‘Hawks fans had were justified.
Once news of Carcillo’s injury was released, most everyone figured we’d seen the last of him in a Blackhawks sweater.
Except, of course, for Bowman, who “rewarded” Carcillo with a two-year extension after two goals, nine assists and 82 penalty minutes. And here’s what Carcillo had to say after getting the contract:
“I don’t change anything I do on the ice. I just maybe have to hit a little less hard. Other than that, nothing is going to change.”
That just may be the problem with him, and we’ve got two more years of watching the same old shit.
The only reason it’s a full Indian head out of a possible four is because he did have a decent stretch that made everyone believe he was going to prove us wrong. Who knows, maybe we’ll see more of that. However, I’m not holding my breath.
Source: Chicago Tribune
NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan suspends Hanzal from play in Game 3 of playoff series for 'recklessly' driving Brown into the boards in Tuesday night's game.Source: Chicago Tribune
NEW YORK -- When the Eastern Conference finals began Monday night, the New Jersey Devils played even with the New York Rangers over the first two periods, only for a goal early in the third period to make the difference for the Broadway Blueshirts.Source: Chicago Tribune
Hawks must get immature forward to straighten out act for good of career and teamSource: Chicago Tribune
Will Phoenix be hit by suspensions after frustration-driven fouls in the Kings' 4-0 victory?Source: Yahoo! Sports
Back by popular demand, here are your Puck Previews: Spotlighting the key games in NHL action, news and views as well as general frivolity. Make sure to stop back here for the nightly Three Stars when the games are finished. Via Lockhart Steele on Twitter: "Guy wants to sell me these for $150 each. seeing Callahan lay out Deron Williams worth it? Thoughts?" Insert your shot-blocking and/or goaltending joke here. [ Deadspin , s/t @Tedislaw ] Eastern Conference Final Game 2 Preview: New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers, 8 p.m. ET. No lineup changes for the Rangers but the Devils could have a new look for Game 2: Coach Pete DeBoer reunited Zach Parise with Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk, and will have Patrik Elias skating with Petr Sykora and Dainius Zubrus. The Devils are going to try to find a way around the Rangers' shot blocking that doesn't involve maiming. By the way, that whole "keep Rangers fans out of the Rock" thing the Devils were doing? It's disappeared, and the team hasn't explained why. Check out previews and updated scores for all of today's games on the Y! Sports NHL scores and scheds page . For tonight's starting goalies, check out Left Wing Lock. Evening Reading • Listen to today's Marek Vs. Wyshynski here. • Adam Proteau presents the top 10 UFAs this summer. You know Nos. 1 and 2; did you know No. 3 was Dennis Wideman of the Washington Capitals? [ THN ]Source: Second City Hockey by SamFels
Right, to the forwards, and let's start with one of the kids. Jimmy Hayes's next season will be far more vital than his previous one. But there were signs of what Hayes can be, as well as glaring ones about what he needs to improve to become that. But all of it seems correctable, and Hayes was not without impact this season. We can say that Hayes did a little more than just come in and fill out a few games on the 4th line because of injury. In fact, his coach could have asked him to do more, it seems. But most of the arrows are pointing up.
Jimmy Hayes's Stats: 31G 5G 4A 9P -3 16PIM -1.28 Behind The Net -.085 Quality of Comp -3.83
Source: Yahoo! Sports
In the past 13 years, all 13 Stanley Cup champions fell short of raising the Cup another consecutive time. The first part of this series looked at how the champions from 1999, 2000 and 2001 failed to repeat. Last week, part two studied how the 2002, 2003 and 2004 champions missed the chance to win again. This week, part three explains how the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 champions were undone the next year.Source: Yahoo! Sports
Here are your Puck Headlines: a glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media. • And at right, we have a photo of Marc-Andre Fleury from 1997. … Continue reading →Source: Blackhawk Up by Greg Boysen
Jerome Miron-US PRESSWIRE
visit site to read more]Greg’s Report Cards: Marcus Kruger - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Second City Hockey by SamFels
10 MillionThat's the viewership we passed this morning. 10 million views. I know I speak for Killion, McClure, and Hack when I say that landmark has left us completely speechless. We cannot express our gratitude to all of you who have made SCH what it is today correctly. We are immensely proud of what we have accomplished here, and what we will accomplish. Thank you so, so much.
Source: Yahoo! Sports
The National Hockey League has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated — either the main mag or on a commemorative issue — 114 times, according to the SI Vault archive. Sometimes, it was a quick mention on a cover … Continue reading →Source: Second City Hockey by JuliaM
Carcillo's season, as it were, in review. [CSN]Source: Cheer The Anthem by Chris Deme
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Part two of the dynamic duo called up in 2012 is Jimmy Hayes. I had really high hopes for this kid this season, but his presence was merely a teaser of his future potential on the Blackhawks, as well as a potentially promising indication of what’s to come.
I have a soft-spot in my heart for the big guy. For one thing, he’s American. Secondly, he is 22 years old. Lastly, and most importantly, Jimmy’s frame is built to bruise. Standing 6’6″ tall and weighing in at over 220 lbs, Jimmy has the body to hit and hit hard.
Jimmy started the season strong, scoring 2 points in his first three professional games. He netted 2 points in three different games for the Hawks. Not bad for a kid playing just above 10:00 per game on the season. Hayes started the season as a top line forward and netted 7 points in his first 10 NHL games.
Unfortunately, Hayes was a part of the player carousel that the Blackhawks had going this season, and it prevented him from developing any sort of offensive consistency, dropping in the depth chart towards the end of the season.
Jimmy played in 31 total games for the Hawks, but ended up 13th on the team in hits with 50. Not bad for a guy paying less than half a season and averaging 10 minutes per game. Not bad at all.
Perhaps the most impressive Jimmy Hayes stat is that he is the only Blackhawk other than Brandon Bollig to not give up a single giveaway. ZERO. Jimmy had 12 takeaways.
Jimmy Hayes has a good head on his shoulders too, with a work ethic that is truly admirable. Although only playing two games in the series against the Coyotes, Hayes and former Icehog teammate Dylan Olsen stayed on the ice in Phoenix practicing. Ben Meyer-Abbott from the Sun-Times interviewed him after this practice session. Hayes said the following, “You always got to be ready. You have to make sure you’re mentally ready, and physically you want to push the pace a little bit when you do the extra work, so if you get in a game you’re not behind the playoff pace the other guys are at.”
This is the exact type of work ethic and attitude you want to see in young guys. It’s the exact type of work ethic and attitude that Hayes has, which is why I think he has a great future in the NHL.
I won’t lie and say that I wasn’t disappointed that Jimmy didn’t get more playing time or produce more offensively at the end of the season. That being said, I have a lot of faith in Jimmy’s potential for development. His ability to use his body to screen and hit will be a huge plus for the Blackhawks down the road. Combine that with the great attitude and work ethic he has, and my excitement is hard to hide.
TweetSource: Yahoo! Sports
Jonathan Quick made 24 saves for his second shutout of the postseason as the Los Angeles Kings blanked the Phoenix Coyotes 4-0 to take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference playoff series.Source: Bleacher Report
According to Deadspin, Patrick Kane was at a party in Madison, Wisconsin, where he was intoxicated and apparently choked a female at the event and got into fights with numerous people there.
While this probably isn’t enough to trade Kane alone, this isn’t the first time he has gotten into trouble for his off-the-ice actions. Back in August 2009, Kane was arrested for assaulting a cab driver after a disagreement over the cab fare (via Yahoo Sports).
It may be OK to get into a bit of trouble when you’re winning Stanley Cups, which the Blackhawks did the year after Kane’s incident, but when you’re getting beaten in the first round and not working hard on your game to improve, that’s another story.
His point production has slipped the last two years from 88 in 2010 to just 66 this year. With players such as Jonathan Toews, Marian Hossa and Patrick Sharp playing at such a high level, the Hawks could afford to trade him in return for starting goaltending or a combination of assets that could improve the club’s weaknesses.
One thing that may stop the Blackhawks from trading Kane is the excellent play by Jeff Carter and Mike Richards these playoffs, as they attempt to bring a Stanley Cup to Los Angeles. The two were traded from Philadelphia after rumors of them partying too hard (via NESN.com).
Although Kane has a no-movement clause, if a deal came along that made sense to him, I’m confident he would be fine with waiving the clause, especially if the new team gave him an opportunity to shine on his own.
Read more Chicago Blackhawks news on BleacherReport.com
Source: Chicago Tribune
Hawks must get immature forward to straighten out act for good of career and teamSource: Blackhawk Up by Cody Pugh
Photo Credit: Deadspin
visit site to read more]Patrick Kane’s Partying Isn’t a Huge Deal, But His Falling Numbers Are - Blackhawk Up - Blackhawk Up - A Chicago Blackhawks Blog
Source: Yahoo! Sports
CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Blackhawks and forward Rob Flick have agreed to terms on a three-year contract.Source: Inside the Blackhawks
By Ben Meyer-Abbott
bmeyer-abbott@suntimes.com
Twitter: @BMACST
Raffi Torres is scheduled to have a hearing Thursday for the appeal of his 25-game suspension for his leaping headshot on Blackhawks star winger Marian Hossa, according to a report.
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