Morrison Capitalizing on Opportunity

It wasn't long ago when Todd Bertuzzi, Markus Naslund, and Brendan Morrison were the talk of the league. They were arguably the best line in hockey during the 2002-03 season as the trio not only set career highs, but collectively posted 119 goals and 133 assists for 252 points. Not bad for one line. But since the lockout and the Steve Moore incident, every single one of their careers began to go downhill with a heap of steam.

Today, Todd Bertuzzi is still searching for a team to sign with for the upcoming season, Markus Naslund has announced his retirement, and Brendan Morrison is signed up to play for his fourth team since the start of the 2007-08 season after finding his way through trades and waiver claims. It's difficult to imagine the 34 year olds career to start elevating once again at this stage.

The main critical assement of the trios abilities on and off the ice start and end with the Steve Moore incident. It took place on February 16th of 2004, and following the lockout, none could return to their previous dominance on the ice. Bertuzzi was shipped off to Florida, hoping for a change of scenery, but constant injury problems plagued his career in the Sunshine State. He was then dealt to the Red Wings for a cup run, in which he posted 3 goals in 16 games. Bertuzzi was considered washed out and past his prime. A free agency signing with Anaheim watched the veteran power forward hit a 40 point season, followed by a year with the Calgary Flames with a 15 goal and 44 point campaign.

Naslund's goal totals continued to drop on a year to year basis after the Moore incident. He fell out of the 40+ goal plateau, into a legitimate 30 goal man, but after only 2 years after the unfortunate occurance, Naslund watched his performance dip to a high of 25 goals and no more than 60 points. After one season into his two year deal with the Rangers, Naslund had enough and retired from the game in North America.

Brendan Morrison has found it difficult discovering any sort of chemistry with any team he's played for, including the Canucks, the very team he thrived under after that night on February 16th of 2004. Only once in the last four years has he broken the 20 goal plateau, and while he's known for his playmaking abilities, he's only mustered up 56 assists in his last 120 games. But many believe he still has a chance to be an effective second line player in the NHL. After being claimed on waivers by the Dallas Stars at the deadline, Morrison posted 6 goals and 3 assists in his final 19 games, nearly matching his 10 goal performance throughout his 62 games playing for Anaheim.

The Washington Capitals and their fans know it won't be the 2002-03 Morrison that will be showing up to play on their 2nd line, but they sure would be pleased if he could get a few more years out of his career by breaking out of his 4 year rut. Morrison still has the touch, it's just a matter of his lack of confidence over shadowing his talent.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Hitler Hates Heatley Video

Too funny not to share.

Mike Aldred

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"Monster" Leafs, Ducks aren't "Finnished"

The Toronto Maple Leafs have come to terms on a 1 year $810,000 contract with swedish goaltender Jonas Gustavsson. The 24 year old is considered the best goaltender outside of the NHL today and looks to prove that he is indeed one of the best goaltenders in the game period. He'll get his chance next season as he joins the Maple Leafs organization as their 1B position in net.

Last season, Gustavsson was far and away the best goaltender in the Swedish Elite League as he posted a 1.96 goals against average and a 0.932 save percentage in the regular season and set a shutout streak record during the playoffs. He's scheduled to become the immediate backup to Vesa Toskala but since it is Toskala's spot to lose, or perhaps Gustavsson's spot to gain, it's difficult to imagine Jonas not playing consecutive nights early in the season.

The Anaheim Ducks also added more veteran presence to the dressing room as long-time friend of Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, joins the fold. He signed a 1 year 3.25M dollar contract after spending 13 years in Montreal. It's unlikely the two will play on the same line, but their chemistry in World Hockey events could prove to be the fuel to fire for a great second line scoring tandem.

There are still plenty of options out there for teams in terms of free agent signings as Alex Tanguay, Derek Morris, Todd Bertuzzi, Dennis Seidenberg, Robert Lang, Christian Backman, and god forbid, Mats Sundin are atop the popular names on the market, not including Brendan Shanahan. And if teams want a little grit and more suspensions, the scoring dynamo that is Ryan Hollweg is still waiting by the phone.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Beauchemin in Kaberle out? Good On Senators

Brian Burke was at it again Monday as he signed UFA defenseman Francois Beauchemin to a 3 year 10M dollar contract. The 29 year old adds that much more to the defensive and physical fold the Leafs are currently building. Now if they could only get a stable goaltender in net, Toronto could be a dangerous team to play against next season.

Jonas Gustavsson is expected to make his decision on where he will sign tomorrow. The front runners are the Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars, but with Marty Turco in net for Dallas, you'd have to wonder what would coax the "Monster" in signing on for a year to ride the pine behind Marty.

The Senators also took a splash into free agency on Monday by signing sniper forward Alex Kovalev to a 2 year 10M dollar contract. While it is not a discount of any kind, it's just that much more talent being stripped away from the newly renovated Montreal Canadiens. The decision not to retain past key players such as Sheldon Souray, Mark Streit, Mike Komisarek, Saku Koivu and now Alex Kovalev will prove to either be the best decision Gainey has ever made, or by far the worst.

Also on the Senators front, it's believed that Eugene Melnyk and Brian Murray no longer give a shit about the Heatley fold. They'd like to part ways with the demanding forward, but also understand that making him wait around for a while isn't necessarily a bad thing either. Heatley needs an ego check because it's now as big as his old Ferrari.

The Chicago Blackhawks avoided any possible spills with defenseman Cam Barker by signing him to a 3 year contract today. The NHL concluded it's investigation on the Blackhawks qualifying offers to their RFAs and fearing it would lead to the players becoming UFAs, the Chicago front office jumped the gun and began negotiating deals left and right to lock them up. Maybe next time they'll remember to follow proper procedure instead of chasing down Marion "I'll-never-win-a-cup" Hossa.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Quick Hits (Leafs, Heatley, Antropov, Beauchemin)

Antropov signs a 4 year 16M dollar contract with the Thrashers, and reports suggest that Ilya Kovalchuk played a significant part in getting this signing done.

The Leafs are now pursuing Manny Malhotra in the UFA sweepstakes in hopes to land his services as the third line center, which is good news or bad news depending on how you look at it for forward Matt Stajan.

There are also a few rumors floating around by the major media outlets suggesting that talks are back on between Chiarelli and Burke regarding movement of Kaberle to the Boston Bruins. That said, the Canucks and Kings are also believed to be interested should either team not land the services of UFA defenseman Francois Beauchemin.

What makes this even more strange is Burke is also in on the bidding for Beauchemin should he move Kaberle. It's getting fishy.

As for the Dany Heatley saga, it's being reported he will make a decision tonight. He refused to waive his NTC last night before the midnight deadline for his 4M dollar bonus because he felt no other organization should be on the hook for a bonus he earned with the Senators. There have also been reports that Heatley purchased a Canadian flag yesterday to celebrate the Canada Day festivities, but he will wait a week before he decides whether or not he wants to wave it.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Leafs Sign Komisarek

The Leafs got rid of Kubina's contract and added Komisarek. I'd call that a good trade off.


Mike Aldred

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Heatley to Edmonton Done?

It is being reported by TSN that Dany Heatley has been asked to waive his NTC in order to be dealt to the Edmonton Oilers for the speculated return of Andrew Cogliano, Ladislav Smid, and Dustin Penner.

If he does waive, the Senators are off the hook for a $4M bonus he was to be paid tomorrow.

The projected top line for Edmonton would be Shawn Horcoff, Dany Heatley and Ales Hemsky.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Flame on JayBo!

The deal before free agency (I own the rights to this film lol) continues to be explosive as the Flames managed to make the best of their negotiating rights with Jay Bouwmeester by signing the 25 year old defenceman to a 5 year deal worth $6.6M per season.

Could Phaneuf be on the move?

The Flames acquired his rights from Florida in return for the rights to Jordan Leopold and a 3rd round pick of the 2009 Entry Draft.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Gomez A Hab, Sedins Signed?

The Montreal Canadiens have acquired center Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt, and Mike Busto from the New York Rangers in exchange for Chris Higgins, Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.

Looks like the Habs have immediately made changes to their team in wake of the lack of signing of Mike Komisarek, Saku Koivu, and Alex Kovalev. They may very well have made the deal after finding out the asking price for Lecavalier was just far too much.

Good on the Habs for making a bold move such as this. There were several reports throughout the year of specific players not getting along in the dressing room - a split between Nationalities. The Habs look to be picking up key components they wish to have wearing their jersey, and GM Bob Gainey knew a change was needed. I believe this could be the first of many for Montreal. New ownership, new coach, new team.

Also, reports out of Sweden suggest the Sedins have each signed a 6 year $6M dollar contract to remain in Vancouver. These reports are believed to be false, after they were announced on CBC Radio and discussed on TSN. The Canucks offered the Twins one final offer before heading into free agency tomorrow and (to the public knowledge) they have yet to accept or decline the offer.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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2009 Entry Draft Updated in Real-Time

I will be frequently updating this blog today as we go along with the Entry Draft. Any and all rumors that I come across will be posted here, be sure to share your thoughts with us as we progress. All picks will be posted at the top, all rumors at the bottom in real-time. Most up to date rumors will be posted at the top of the rumor list.

ENTRY DRAFT:

1. New York Islanders - John Tavares - "It's been a long time coming for me. With a rebuilding team, it should be exciting. We'll bring the tradition back. I had no idea they were going to take me first overall".
2. Tampa Bay Lightning - Victor Hedman - "My mom told me to play D so I have a lot of thanks to give to her." Lawton indirectly says if they had number 1 pick they would NOT have drafted Hedman.
3. Colorado Avalanche - Matt Duchene - "I got a great team back in Brampton if I don't make the team next year. It's a great team and I look forward to training camp." Matt Duchene knew the exact sticks and their curves of the Avalanche team.
4. Atlanta Thrashers - Evander Kane - "I'm hoping to be a 50 goal guy."
5. Los Angeles Kings - Brayden Schenn - He looked pretty frustrated that he didn't get drafted by the Leafs.
6. Phoenix Coyotes - Oliver Ekman-Larsson
7. Toronto Maple Leafs - Nazim Kadri - Burke gets booed before drafting him. Burke told Brian Murray he was taking Kadri. "I feel great. Nice warm welcome here in Montreal. I can't wait to get started".
8. Dallas Stars - Scott Glennie
9. Ottawa Senators - Jared Cowen
10. Edmonton Oilers - Magnus-Paajarvi Svensson
11. Nashville Predators - Ryan Ellis - At 5'8", he is a fantastic player who played as Team Canada's quarterback and played the line solo.
12. New York Islanders (from MIN) - Calvin DeHaan
13. Buffalo Sabres - Zach Kassian - Considered the best physical player and best fighter in the draft with size and skill.
14. Florida Panthers - Dmitri Kulikov
15. Anaheim Ducks - Peter Holland
16. Minnesota Wild (CBJ from NYI) - Nick Leddy
17. St. Louis Blues - David Rundblad
18. Montreal Canadiens - Louis Leblanc - "Determined scorer, strong character, we would have moved up a bit to get him if given the opportunity" - Bob Gainey.
19. New York Rangers - Chris Kreider
20. New Jersey Devils (from CGY) - Jacob Josefson
21. Columbus Blue Jackets (PHI from ANA) - John Moore
22. Vancouver Canucks - Jordan Schroeder - Schroeder and Hodgson played against each other in the World Juniors, now they are teammates. Vancouver steals Schroeder at 22nd overall.
23. Calgary Flames (from NJD) - Tim Erixon - "It's a dream come true, I'm real proud and I hope my whole family is proud".
24. Washington Capitals - Marcus Johansson - Ranked 33rd, he sets the record of the most Swedish players drafted in the first round (7).
25. Boston Bruins - Jordan Caron
26. Anaheim Ducks(SJS from CBJ from NYI) - Kyle Palmieri
27. Carolina Hurricanes - Phillipe Paradis
28. Chicago Blackhawks - Dylan Olsen
29. Tampa Bay Lightning (from DET) - Carter Ashton
30. Pittsburgh Penguins - Simon Depres

17 of top 30 players selected were Canadian.

That completes this year's first round coverage of the Entry Draft.

RUMORS/TRADES:

TRADE: Detroit sends the 29th pick to Tampa Bay for TBay's 32nd pick and the 75th overall pick.

10:37

A lot of teams are kicking tires, everyone is basically staying stationary on their picks or only moving picks down for additional picks. No players making much movement tonight.

Burke wants to move up to an earlier 2nd round pick to draft Ryan O'Reilly.

10:26

Burke talking with San Jose and Los Angeles, might already be after Brayden Schenn.

Ducks trade #21 to Columbus for #26 and #37.

TRADE: Calgary trades #20 to New Jersey for #23 and #84.

9:50 PM

Burke can't get anything done on a trade as teams are demanding picks and he refuses to move any.

TRADE: Wild trade their 12th overall pick to the Islanders for the 16th, 77th and 182nd picks.

TRADE: Jackets have made a trade with the Islanders. Islanders swap picks, move up to 16th overall, Jackets drop to 26th. 16 and 77 for 26, 37, 62, 92 overall picks. 16 and 77 to the Islanders.

TRADE: Lupul, Sbisa, 21st overall, 1st in 2010 to Anaheim, conditional 3rd round pick in either 2010 or 2011. Chris Pronger and Ryan Dingle to Philly. I knew Holmgren was desperate but... man...

7:10

ENTRY DRAFT BEGINS!

Pronger to Flyers for Lupul?

Reinsdorf offer for Coyotes comes in at $148M

7:05 PM

Pronger dealt to Flyers - Dreger.

7:00 PM

Crazy rumor reported by Damien Cox states Lightning have acquired the 1st overall pick.

Kevin McGrann from the Toronto Star suggests Leafs are looking at Oliver Ekman-Larsson with their 7th pick.

6:41 PM

Chicago RFA Dave Bolland re-signs with the Hawks: 5 years, 18M.

6:33 PM

Scott Niedermayer returning next season, Chris Pronger on the block. Flyers propose big deal for Pronger. What a day!

Burke on "Off the Record". He wants Tavares and if he can't have him he wants Brayden Schenn.

Dallas/Toronto deal has been dismissed by ESPN.

6:00 PM

Trade between Boston and Toronto is "miscommunication". Trade is dead.

Jonas Gustavsson eliminates the Avalanche from his potential teams to sign with. Down to the Leafs, Stars and another.

Jerry Reinsdorf submitting his offer to purchase the Coyotes tonight at midnight.

4:26 PM

Fan 590 suggest the Dallas Stars have offered their #8 selection and Ondrej Roman or Perttu Lindgren for Tomas Kaberle.

3:50 PM

Eklund reports: "Jason Blake may be moving".
Mike reports: "Eklund is retarded".

Looking more and more like Kessel will be traded in time for tonight's draft. Several teams expressing interest.

TSN reveals a pick will come Toronto's way for Kaberle and the Leafs 7th, but other sources state the 7th is not involved. Perhaps Kessel and a 3rd (Boston has no 2nd round picks this year) for Kaberle? Kessel is slated to be an RFA this summer.

Alec Brownscombe details a counter offer by Burke with Atlanta that is believed to be the 4th overall pick, prospect/roster player for Kaberle and the Leafs 7th overall pick. Toronto likes Colby Armstrong's style of play, as well as Brian Little who was drafted 1 pick before Tlusty.

3:00 PM

According to the Montreal Gazette, Gainey claims they are in fact looking at a number 1 centerman, but he claims they will not find him as a free agent on July 1st.

There is an offer on the table for Heatley and it's believed to be Frolov and LA's first round pick (5th overall) for him. - Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Thanks to Andrew Stoeten for finding this piece of evidence:
"Columbus is not interested in Leafs defenceman Tomas Kaberle, and one rumour circulating is that the Thrashers will land him, as part of a package that will see the Leafs get Atlanta's fourth-overall pick" - Columbus Dispatch.

2:15 PM

From Alec Brownscombe at MLHS: "Deal between Boston and Toronto does not include Toronto's 7th overall pick, but a pick in return from Boston."

Colorado still trying to move up or gain a few extra picks. Hanna, Smyth and Liles are the names that are being thrown around.

Islanders are intrigued by Matt Duchene and John Tavares.

Tampa has lots of interest in Hedman but are liking the idea of getting Tavares and Stamkos back together.

1:00 PM

Thrashers thinking of trading down if they can land a top tier player to keep Kovalchuk interested in staying in Atlanta. They also need immediate ticket sales.

Dallas Stars are thought to be the only team that is fine with trading out of a top 10 pick, the Edmonton Oilers have made calls.

Heatley camp could reach an end tonight, but Murray is not pleased that he has a NTC to prevent any quick deals on the floor.

Sharks trying to get Clowe locked up long-term but are surprised at the amount of offers on the table.

Bouwmeester may not be dealt tonight, but Florida understands that they are in desperation mode now.

Tampa Bay still demanding Schenn be included in a deal for the Leafs to land the 2nd overall pick and Burke is not biting.

Canadiens trying to make a splash to land a big time forward. Marleau and Lecavalier names have come up but perhaps Kessel is also on their radar.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Kaberle and 7th overall for Kessel

Reports have come out stating the Bruins have offered Phil Kessel in return for Tomas Kaberle and the Leafs 7th overall pick. While it is indeed one of the offers for Kaberle's services, it is a steep price to pay, and it is not believed to be the intriguing offer the Leafs camp spoke of yesterday.

Other potential offers are:

Washington deals Jonathan Carlsson and Washington's first round pick (24th overall) for Tomas Kaberle.

Florida trades Bouwmeester and Florida's 14th overall pick to the Leafs for Kaberle and a 2nd round pick.

All speculation, everyone running around like mad men trying to sort it out. What's your thoughts?

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Hometown Hero - Kurtis McLean

I had the opportunity to catch Kurtis McLean at Hockey Heritage North in Kirkland Lake, Ontario and ask him a few questions about his career and his future in the NHL. The 28 year old NCAA and AHL star has been nothing short of a hard worker and the type of player every team wants in their system for strength and leadership.

A brief bio of Kurtis McLean:

He played his entire College career with the Norwich Cadets, finishing with 212 points (118G 94A) in 115 games. He helped his team win the D-III National Championship, was named the 2005 D-III Player of the Year, and is the first ever D-III four-time First Team All-American. In 2007-08, McLean helped the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL) to the Calder Cup Finals and finished 7th in playoff scoring with 19 points (4G, 15A) in 23 games, including 6 multi-point affairs.

After 4 years of College Hockey and 4 years of playing in the AHL, Kurtis McLean’s dream came true as he played his first game in the NHL for the New York Islanders. He finished out the year with 4 games in the big league and scored his first goal against J.S. Giguere and the Anaheim Ducks. He finished off his NHL stats with 1 goal and a +1 on a struggling Islanders franchise with an average of just under 11 minutes of ice time per game.

When asked about his first NHL goal, McLean considered it “a dream come true. Having an opportunity to get a goal against Giguere was an incredible feeling and after that game, Giguere never really recovered”. In fact, after losing to the Islanders 2-1 on January 21st, 2009 – the game McLean scored the winning goal, a blast from the high slot that beat him clean glove side – Giguere went on to play just 15 more games during the regular season (and one game in the playoffs against Detroit) in which he averaged a 3.53 GAA and an 85.7 SV%. Coming into the game against McLean, Giguere was enjoying a 2.83 GAA and 89.5 SV%. The second game in the NHL for Kurtis McLean proved deadly against the Stanley Cup winning goaltender.

I asked McLean of his plans heading into next season. He’s a pending UFA on July 1st but he certainly has his own game plan. “As you know, I had a late season injury (torn Achilles) that kept me out [for the last 15 games of the year]. I had a great time playing for the Islanders organization and if I need time to continue to recover, I have a deal with Finland [Lukko of the SM-liiga] for next season”. McLean is a gritty two-way player who is excited to play in Europe next year.

But he isn’t the only member of the Islanders organization who is at an exciting time in hockey; Isles GM Garth Snow is faced with a difficult decision on who to draft with the 1st overall pick, or perhaps to trade it. I asked Kurtis “if [he] had the opportunity to trade or draft the 1st overall pick, what would” he do. “I don’t think they’ll be trading it”, he began. “And I don’t think Hedman is the one on their radar right now. They want a forward to lead their team and if they want the immediate ticket sales they’ll go with Tavares, but there are a lot of rumblings that they are interested in the type of player Matt Duchene is. His leadership qualities are a good fit for their organization”.

When it’s all said and done, McLean still believes John Tavares is the most skilled player in this year’s draft.

We, at CheckingFromBehind.com, wish Kurtis all the best for next season.

McLean’s first NHL Goal:


Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Enough With The 'Non-Traditional' Tag

I hate to say it, but I think we Canadians are becoming whiny bitches when it comes to the non-traditional market teams in the U.S. Everywhere you turn, there's some piece on how 'non-tradtional' markets just aren't working, and the NHL should return to its roots.

Nobody complains about the Dallas Stars, Carolina or any of the three California teams. *ALL* of those are non-traditional markets. It's not really about 'tradition' at all. After all, even teams in 'traditional' markets have struggled or currently are. Edmonton, Buffalo, Ottawa and the New York Islanders come to mind here.

This chatter has only been heightened with the woes of the Coyotes franchise, of which there are several factors involved, including the location of the arena in relation to population distribution, the actual product on the ice, and the financial mismanagement from ownership to this point.

Look, the owners aren't stupid (not many stupid people can earn the multi-millions it takes to purchase and maintain any professional sports franchise). They know they'll make a boatload of money in Hamilton, but why not get the expansion fee as well? That's all they're waiting for. That's the cherry on top. It's not that they don't want more teams in Canada, they just want to maximize their profit from it.

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Mike and Justin Q&A Discussion

The following is based on entertainment purposes only. This is a collective Q&A between Micheal Aldred and Justin Traviss over several matters involving the NHL, the 2009 Entry Draft, and finally "Justin's Random Unheard Of".

Justin: If you were Leafs general manager Brian Burke, who would you concentrate on signing if they don’t trade up for the draft?

Mike: Mike Komisarek. I think the possibility of having him and Schenn on a line together is far too intriguing to pass on. Almost like having a vintage Foote and Blake together again.

Justin: Colorado has a top 3 pick, think they'll move it?

Mike: I think the Avs are crossing their fingers on landing Matt Duchene to replace Sakic in the future, so I don't think it's the right decision to make. If Duchene is the player people believe he could be, then it's hard to trade that pick and call it an even deal. What are your thoughts on Colorado’s situation?

Justin: Chara. The Avalanche should get Chara.

Mike: haha THE Chara?

Justin: Yes. I like Chara. Colorado should trade some bum for Chara. They should trade Sakic for Chara and then Sakic will retire, or what they could do is put Wolski and Svatos on the first line and in a few years they will both be 99 overall. I did it in NHL08!

Mike: What about Colorado’s situation?

Justin: On what? Duchene? Colorado? Trading Sakic for Chara?

Mike: The draft, and the Avs pick.

Justin: As much as I personally would prefer Duchene or Tavares, I think Hedman would be a lot better for them then either of those two, since I think Stastny can hopefully fill in for Sakic down the road.

Mike: Well there’s a ton of speculation coming out that the Avalanche are shopping Ryan Smyth, Scott Hannan and J.M. Liles, do you think they would try to trade up to secure Hedman’s services?

Justin: I can see the Avalanche trading Hannan and Smyth, as both have been somewhat disappointing since arriving in Colorado, but all in all, Liles is a guy to keep around. He’s a quarterback on the back end for their powerplay, no need to move him.

Mike: The lightning lack that one defensive prospect on the back end, do you think they would sacrifice a chance at Hedman to trade down with the Avs in order to gain Liles and go with Tavares/Duchene?

Justin: I think they could consider doing that, though their salary cap would have to see additional figures head the Avs way as well. They should then either trade that pick (3rd overall) and/or a player to another team that needs the offense for an established defenseman, a 25 to 28 year old to lead the team on the back end. It really depends on what the current market value of the top picks are.

Mike: How about the hiring of Joe Sacco?

Justin: Thumbs Way Down, Mike.

Mike: It caught me by surprise as well. I’m not exactly sold on having Sacco and Tocchet leading the team on the bench, not to mention the clashing in the ownership. That franchise is on a dark road for now.

Justin: If you were the Leafs, what would be the most you’d give up for the 1st overall pick?

Mike: In order for the Leafs to land the top pick from the Isles, it would have to be along the lines of Kaberle, the Leafs 7th and maybe Stajan heading to New York and even then I'm not certain the Isles would commit to that deal. Some might consider that overpaying for Tavares, others might consider it nowhere near enough.

Justin: Is that the most you would give up?

Mike: No, but it's a deal I would consider. Unless they are desperate to land the top pick, which I don't think is the case considering there are a ton of talented players in the top 10 this year, the Leafs could probably trade this year's first (7th overall) next year's 1st, and Kaberle for the 1st overall pick. And considering the type of player Tavares is/can be, that's not exactly a steep price to pay. If I were the Leafs, I'd hand over anything other than Schenn to land Tavares.

Justin: If given the opportunity, would you deal Schenn straight up for a shot a Tavares?

Mike: Absolutely not. Not at this point. Schenn has proven he can handle first line minutes against the top opposition in the league, these players haven't done so as of yet, and looking back at the 08 draft, it's difficult to say that as of today the top two players that came out of that draft is not Doughty and Schenn in that order.

Mike: What’s your opinion on the Coyotes ruling?

Justin: I’m not surprised. They'll probably stay in Phoenix until they go bankrupt (more so) and get undersold to Kansas, who will also flake out, and until Bettman and the current NHL brass suck it up a little bit and accept that there is a SERIOUS market in Canada (which means more revenue for the NHL - morons), then Canada is basically doomed. The NHL is FINE with Canadian teams flocking to the states...to non-markets no less.

Mike: A lot of reporters and sports analysts have claimed that Southern Ontario is a serviced market in that they can go and see several American teams who are right across the border. Do you feel that is a legitimate opinion?

Justin: Of course. Just as it is a legitimate option for us to move the whole fucking NHL to Canada and say the 7 hockey fans in Florida can fly up to Nunavut to watch NHL hockey. Even then, seats would be sold out because there are more hockey fans in Nunavut than fricken Florida. Only old, retired Canadians are panther fans. I might also say no on the grounds of why in the living, breathing hell should Canadians take Canadian money and travel to another country and give them our money to watch our players on their team? If we banned Canadians from going to cross-border games, those teams would probably be bankrupt too. Their logic is this - why have soccer in Canada when we can go to Brazil and watch it? Also, (you've kind of opened some flood gates here), with current passport and BS terrorist lock down crap, its going to get harder and harder to get across that border to continue to support the American teams with Canadian money. So I'd be interested to see how that affects the American-border hockey markets as well. I bet it’s a noticeable dip.

Mike: Just so I understand what you just said, you believe the crack-downs of border entry between the two nations will affect the amount of Canadians attending the games in the United States because of the terrorists?

Justin: First of all, I certainly want to be clear that I don't think there are terrorists, and no, I think it will affect the Canadians at American games because of the crackdown at the border regarding passports. People who don’t want/have the money for passports need them now, whereas before they could just go, watch the game and come back. This "attack on terrorist" with the CAN-USA border crack down is accomplishing nothing and it will make it a lot harder to have a quick night over to Buffalo or Detroit for hockey. At the same time, it’s also another valid reason Hamilton could absolutely support a team and now is the right time.

Mike: I think it’s safe to say whoever gets a 7th team in Canada is striking an absolute gold mine. So who is this Q&A’s “Justin’s Random Unheard Of”?

Justin: Mike, this week it is Raymond Macias, a player who I feel will be an effective top 4 defenseman in a few years time. He played 6 games with the Avs last year, finishing with 1 assist an Even on the +/- and one of the few Avs players to do so. He is a 6’2” 195 lbs 22 year old with a ton of potential, but he is a bit on the injury-prone side. Drafted in the 4th round (124th overall) of the 2005 Entry Draft, and is a strong skater who loves to clear out the front of the net and is not afraid to get physical in the corners.

Mike: Be sure to check out future Q&A’s here on CheckingFromBehind.com

Micheal Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

Justin Traviss
rigadori@hotmail.com

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CFB on Twitter!

That's right. You can follow us on Twitter where we will be posting tidbits and information going into the draft and the free agency. Be sure to follow along and keep yourself informed with all the need to know info for your team.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Cash or Pass – The Grabovski Chronicles

With just over a week to go until free agency, a certain Maple Leaf RFA by the name of Mikhail Grabovski is drawing some interesting attention from the management. The 25 year old who cost the Leafs a 2nd and a prospect last summer is seeking a contract of 3 to 5 years at $3.5M to $4M per season. This is essentially a breakdown of what he offers. Please leave a comment with your perspective of his demand after reading his specs and other information.

Mikhail Grabovski
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 185lbs
Age: 25
NHL Stats: 08/09 78GP 20G 28A 48P 92PIM -8 0.167 Shooting %
All-Time: 150GP 23G 34A 57P 100PIM -14 0.155 Shooting %

He’s a fast player with incredible hands, but he does tend to lack a finishing touch. This past season he started off great but, as many other Leafs, he went into a slump that seemed to have lasted until he played the Canadiens again. That said, he has always been intriguing to watch as he is damn near unpredictable.

Pros:

Speed, aggression, hates the Habs, draws a lot of attention from the Habs, creates chances, is not afraid to go into the corner.

Cons:

Lacks a physical game, his size can be an issue, is considered a pest and, at times, un-coachable, and he doesn’t seem to get along with Jason Blake (this point could also be considered a pro, because almost no one can get along with Blake. If they were best friends it would probably be a con).

Grabovski was hands down one of the most entertaining players to watch on the Leafs last season. While he was not able to get it done at times or step up when the team needed it the post, he is that type of secondary scoring the Leafs have always needed, but now that Sundin is gone, they need primary scoring the team now lacks.
Grabovski will likely never become a top line player, but at $3.5M is he worth it to keep around and find out if he is the next Maxim Afinogenov or the next Sergei Berezin? He finished his rookie season just 5 points shy of Kris Versteeg (53) and 9 points shy of Bobby Ryan (57), though Ryan did play 12 fewer games.

If they do not come to an agreement soon, Grabovski’s rights could very well be traded, perhaps even to move up in the draft or gain additional picks. There have also been speculation that Grabovski would take Burke and the Leafs to arbitration in order to try and hit his desired number. He is also prepared to leave for the KHL if he does not hit his desired figures.

The question is, do you think Grabovski is a 3 to 4 Million dollar player to provide the secondary scoring at center on Toronto’s 2nd line, or is he nothing more than a glorified and more creative Matt Stajan?

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Entry Draft Rumblings

It's certainly gettig interesting in Montreal over the case of "who will be the number 1 pick?" The Islanders are hearing a lot of rumblings over the type of leadership qualities on behalf of Matt Duchene and they seem to have interest in him as well. But the Lightning are almost content with whoever they land, and it's one of the reasons why there is speculation that they will move down in the draft, but not necessarily to the Leafs.

It seems the Avalanche and Thrashers are also interested in breaking into the top 2. While Brayden Schenn is an interesting selection, more people are interested in the style of play Duchene and even Jared Cowen bring to the table. Evander Kane is starting to look like the sleeper pick as the attention has not be focussed on the fouth rated selection.

Colorado wants Matt Duchene. There is no question about it. A player is believed to be the next Joe Sakic and Colorado is the team that wants to try and have "the next Joe Sakic" play a season with "Joe Sakic", but it might cost their team. The Lightning know the Avalanche are interested in this youngster, so they want to force the Avs hand a little. They'll likely swap picks, 2nd and 3rd, and could involve also swapping players up front. It's believed the Avs would send their 3rd pick and Marek Svatos to the Lightning for the 2nd overall pick and Steve Downie.

Another interesting case is the Islanders having more interest in Matt Duchene than they do in Hedman or Tavares. If that is the case, we could potentially see a top 3 selection of 1. Duchene, 2. Hedman, 3. Tavares. The Avalanche are apparently "content with settling with Tavares". Settle? Tavares? I'd call that a steal, but then again I'm just one of those who didn't believe the rumblings back in 2005 that Crosby wasn't going to be an elite player. Oh yeah, 4 years later, Stanley Cup.

There are also rumblings, most notably brought forward from Alec Brownscombe of Maple Leafs Hot Stove, that would see Burke moving Pavel Kubina and the 7th overall pick to the Thrashers for the 4th overall pick and a roster player - potentially Colby Armstrong. The Leafs would then have a decision to make. Evander Kane - who is believed to be an incredible two way player with a knack for the net, or Brayden Schenn, younger brother of Luke Schenn, who is regarded as the next Wendel Clark. It's a decision I am glad I am not faced with.

Needless to say, this year's entry draft could be the most interesting of the last decade. No one knows who will go first, and for that matter, no one knows who will and will not be in the top 5. The Kings are noted for selecting off the board, so don't be surprised if they make a bizarre pick.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Heatley Hears a Who?

After being told to “think it over” during the IIHF Men’s World Hockey Championship, Heatley returns with a bolder statement: Trade Me. The Senators extended interim head coach, Corey Clouston, and immediately the 2 time 50 goal scorer has decided a change of scenery is for the best.

“I’ve had some conversations with several teams. I don’t really have a time-table but I have urged teams who are interested to make contact before the draft”, says Bryan Murray. “If there’s an offer on the table from a team he wants but I feel there is a better deal on the table from another team, I’m going to pressure him to accept that or he may end up playing back here [in Ottawa]”.

It’s believed 2 offers have already been extended, or at least 2 inquiries, on the elite sniper. The Edmonton Oilers are believed to have offered Sam Gagner and their 2009 first round pick for Heatley, while the Sharks have apparently offered the likes of Joe Pavelski or Ryan Clowe.

But the Sens are believed to be more interested in Devin Setoguchi, a 22 year old who just came off a 31 goal campaign, and Milan Michalek, the 24 year old Czech who has been promising in his development, but is more of a playmaking forward with the ability to break the 20 goal plateau year in year out.

Leading up to the draft, the attention is certainly on the Senators and what they will/will not do going into free agency. Unfortunately for the Senators, there’s a $4M dollar bonus about to be handed Heatley’s way on July 1st. On that day, Heatley will have made $14M dollars in total this past season. It’s a hefty paycheck to trade away without even considering the bonuses that are owed.

It’s going to take some interesting maneuvering on Bryan Murray’s part to get a deal done, but don’t be surprised if Heatley is back next season in Ottawa.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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The Unsung Hero

He fought, and lost to, Daniel Carcillo. He worked his way onto a line with Malkin in the second round. He had over a 0.25 shooting percentage in the Conference Finals and Finals. He scored 4 goals and 2 assists against Chris Osgood to capture the cup, and he finished with a +/- of plus 8. His name is Maxime Talbot, and he was hands down the unsung hero for the Penguins.

Not counting his 31 hits while only averaging just over 15 minutes of ice time per game, Talbot was the energy player the Penguins needed to get over the hump, no discredit to the leadership they added via Fedotenko, Guerin and Kunitz.

He was drafted in the 8th round, 234th overall, of the 2002 NHL entry draft and since then, the 25 year old has grown comfortable in his role of a grinding two way forward. Facing the top lines of Philadelphia, Washington, Carolina and, regularly, Detroit, his +8 at the end of the playoffs is a major sign that he is a playoff performer.

And while the Red Wings were doing everything they could to hold off Sidney Crosby, Talbot was off having a fantastic series, considering his role, with a 0.286 shooting percentage, including 4 goals in the series, 2 of which were involved in Game 7, the only two of the game. Yes, Maxime Talbot had scored the Cup winning goal for the Penguins.

In the last 4 games of the Detroit/Pittsburgh series, Talbot had a point per game. Maybe I should put this into perspective for you on why he is absolutely an unsung hero.

Regular Season: 75GP 12G 10A 22P -9
Playoffs: 24GP 8G 5A 13P +8

He is 100% a playoff performer, and is the Penguins unsung hero.

Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Penguins franchise on their success.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmatil.com

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Gary Bettman's Folly

It's lost $300 million since leaving Winnipeg, having never turned a profit, but NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman is dead set on keeping the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale. A hearing scheduled for Tuesday in the bankruptcy case may determine the future of the franchise (barring the appeals that will likely come from all sides involved).

The irony in all of this is that the team was relocated from Winnipeg in order to stem the losses being incurred by the ownership at the time. As the NHL expanded heavily into the U.S., it took a toll on the smaller Canadian teams. The NHL conducts business in U.S. currency, and at the time the Canadian dollar was worth $0.73 U.S.

The question that has never been fully answered is why Bettman is so insistent. Some point to southern expansion as Bettman's legacy to the NHL. Now, to be fair, NHL expansion wasn't started by Bettman. Prior to his arrival the NHL added San Jose, Tampa Bay and Ottawa and had already announced teams in Florida and Anaheim. And the owners did bring Bettman in for the sole purpose of selling the game in the U.S. and to complete the expansion. He did so by adding Nashville, Atlanta, Minnesota and Columbus, while the original Minnesota team relocated to Dallas, Hartford to North Carolina, Quebec to Colorado and of course Winnipeg.

But why fight so hard for Phoenix now? The only group that seems to argue that the Coyotes can be turned around is the city of Glendale, who stand to lose hundreds of millions if the team leaves. Is it really so dire for the NHL to have another team in the southwest? Sure, alignment gets a bit more tricky, but that's not a show-stopper. If anything, the Coyotes have been hit hard by the 2005 lockout and the subsequent increases of the salary cap floor...a common lament among most of the smaller-market teams that are struggling to spend up to the floor (currently about $40 million).

Bettman is easy to hate, especially for Canadians who feel he has an anti-Canada position, as he put in far less effort to save Winnipeg and Quebec than he has with Pittsburgh, Nashville and Phoenix. He's also been through two lockouts, the second resulting in the salary cap finally being instituted. I don't think the NHL owners look at him in the same way. Under his watch, league revenue has gone from $400 million to $2.2 billion as well as given most of the owners cost certainty.

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Killing Me Softly With Your Non-Calls

I'll be the first to admit that I like it better when the referees put their whistles away late in a playoff game. I'd rather that the players decide the outcome, especially if it's a close, hard-fought game. But this season, it's almost gone overboard. Too many penalties are either ignored, or the refs just aren't watching.

In fact, this is the least penalized final matchup in 64 years. And it's not like Detroit and Pittsburgh are penalty-free teams. In the regular season, Pittsburgh was 20th in PIM, Detroit 11th. In the playoffs, Detroit is 12th and Pittsburgh 14th. Even taking away the paltry minutes so far (in four games, the teams have combined for 62 penalty minutes...the bulk coming in the last 20 seconds of game two), both teams would be in the bottom half.

But there have been a lot of plays gone uncalled. Pittsburgh playing nearly 20 seconds with too many men on the ice in game three. Pucks cleared out of the defensive end and over the glass with no penalty called. Marian Hossa breaking Pascal Dupuis stick with a slash that was never called. I'm sure plenty of fans on both sides have more examples.

I get that the NHL loves for the action to continue and is always worried about people thinking the refs had a hand in deciding the game. But the rules are there for a reason. They do have to be enforced when broken. I don't care if it's a game in November between Florida and Columbus or game seven of the Stanley Cup final. And I'm talking the outrageous non-call stuff. I'm glad they put the whistle away for the crappy little stick check penalties. When you see a guy get cross-check viciously, and the refs are yelling to play on...well, that's not right. And it will ultimately hurt the game.

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Ruffling Feathers

The Pittsburgh Penguins are determined to make sure history does not repeat itself.

Despite being down 2-0 to the powerhouse Detroit Red Wings, the same result after two games in the Stanley Cup Final last season, the plucky Pens have fought back to tie the series at two and are showing their true colours once again in these playoffs. While there were some eerie similarities between this year’s finals and last, Sidney Crosby and company have changed all that after an impressive game four win.

Older, wiser, more mature. All words and phrases used to describe the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins. If there was ever a time to prove it, it was in a Stanley Cup Finals rematch with the reigning champion Red Wings. After the first weekend, however, the Penguins found themselves in a familiar situation, down 2-0 and nothing going their way.

Young, inexperienced, nervous. These were the new buzz words surrounding the Penguins. Wait, new? No, these too were carryovers from last season. It felt like everything had changed and yet nothing truly had. You could see the frustration in the faces of Crosby, Staal, coach Dan Bylsma and many others in the Penguins organization.

Going back to Steel Town, it was fair to say that every fan of the flightless birds felt that sinking feeling in the pit of their stomach. This feels too familiar... Then the Pens won game three. Nobody really felt better. After all, it was 2-1 Wings after three games last year too. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that game four was going to be big.

They started well, seeing Evgeni Malkin pot his 14th goal of this post-season, but fell behind with two Red Wings’ goals less than three minutes apart spanning the end of the first and the beginning of the second periods. But something finally changed, the Penguins wouldn’t quit and they would finally show the Red Wings just what they are capable of. In a flurry, Malkin, Crosby and their partners in crime went to work. Jordan Staal barrels in on Osgood fighting off a defender and slides home the tying goal. Malkin and Crosby get the 2-on-1 and Crosby makes good on a nice second effort pass from Evgeni. Then to top it all off, Kennedy slams home the biscuit on one of the nicest passing plays of the postseason.

The Red Wings are in trouble, and they are well aware of it, even if they won’t say so. The series has dramatically shifted in Pittsburgh’s favour and they show no sign of slowing down. Detroit hasn’t been able to see almost any contribution from their big guns and Pavel Datsyuk hasn’t played a game in the series. Even if they get him back, the damage may be done.

Led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins are demonstrating the hunger and drive they showed in their run not only through the playoffs, but fighting back from near the bottom of the Eastern Conference barrel in the regular season just to make the postseason. They still have to win at least one game in Detroit to win the Cup, but their confidence is seemingly limitless.

The Cup will be in Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, but will it stay there or be on the move back to Detroit?

mitch.hart@gmail.com

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The Penguins Strike Back

In a playoff season that has delivered several great games, we were treated to another last night. Sidney Crosby finally gets on the board, helping set up the game winner, and the Penguins narrow Detroit's lead to 2-1.

The Penguins put forth their best effort of the series, despite being outshot 29-21. The most telling: the Penguins outshot the Wings 10-3 in the third period...probably one of the few third periods that Detroit has been dominated in.

Pittsburgh needed someone to step up, and Maxime Talbot finally answered the call, scoring twice. Kristopher Letang's powerplay goal late in the first period was crucial. With Detroit leading 2-1, the Penguins probably couldn't afford to go into the intermission thinking about being down again.

The Wings did look off-kilter all night, but that's how they looked in game three vs Chicago until they forced overtime, and we all know how that series ended. The thing for me is that despite looking sloppy, the Wings were never out of this game until the empty netter sealed it. I doubt they'll get worse. So if sloppy play is up to Pittsburgh's best effort so far, it's still Detroit's series to lose.

For game four, the Penguins will need a stronger defensive effort. Detroit adjusts well to the opponents arena, and they will come out hard. It's also possible that Pavel Datsyuk will be back in the lineup, considering the Wings could use a bit of a boost. If this series draws even, it's anybody's series. If Detroit goes up 3-1...again...well, I don't think that Pittsburgh will get another triple overtime win in game five.

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Antropov Coming Back Home?

It was something that immediately popped into my head when it was announced that the Ponikarovsky to Nashville rumors were untrue and Antropov was dealt to the Rangers minutes later – did Antropov do for the Leafs what Sundin never would? The Leafs were only looking at a pick for Moore and a 4th rounder they purchased from the Lightning. The deadline was looming over their heads and off went Antropov and the remainder of his one year deal.

Antropov then arrived in New York and went on to post an additional 13 points for his new club and cap off the year with a 28 goal performance and 59 points – good enough for the highest point total on the Rangers club. In the playoffs, when Avery and Gomez were not performing at their peak, Antropov was there. Despite finishing the playoffs with a -1, his two goals equaled the highest on the team, and his 16 hits proved that he does enjoy the physical game.

He had a few stretches in which he did not score a single goal, nor put up a few points for the Leafs this past season, but nothing was denying his true heart for the game and, perhaps more importantly, for the Leafs. Claimed “the only top 6 forward on the team” at the start of the year, that was more than accurate, and with the Leafs having nearly 20 million to spend this team, assuming they’d move some bodies at the draft as well, would they consider bringing big Nik back and reunite him with Ponikarovsky?

Both Alexei and Nik posted career highs last season in goals, assists, and points. With his age sitting at 29, Antropov is not outside of the ball-park number discussed by the Maple Leafs front office last season on free agents they would not pursue. The two loved the city of Toronto so much that they officially became Canadian citizens two years ago.

“It feels good to hear people say ‘Wow you’re one of us,’ ” said Ponikarovsky. Antropov joked beside him that “he knew who the president of Canada was”.

So it is interesting to see what Burke will do concerning Antropov. Will he return to wear the blue and white next season after career highs for the city and team he loves, or will his legacy for the Leafs conclude as a second round pick for a former first? After watching Antropov from the start of his career to the player he has aggressively become today, I say bring him back to Toronto. It's where he belongs.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Perhabs Martin?

Today, the Montreal Canadiens have officially announced former Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators head coach, Jaques Martin, as the new face on the bench. "He did really well in Ottawa and as GM in Florida and the people will be happy here (in Montreal) because he's bilingual", said tough guy forward Georges Laraque. It will be the first time the Habs have hired a coach with NHL experience since Jacques Demers in 1992-93.

The club now faces questions on impending UFA's Alex Kovalev, Saku Koivu, and the much anticipated defensemen this summer, Mike Komisarek. Now that the coach is out of the way, the team can focus on what they want for their club.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Conn Smythe Watch

The Detroit Red Wings are two wins away from once again hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup. In the process, they've kept perfect their record when leading after two periods intact (now 11-0). With the Finals close to being over, it's time to start looking at the potential playoff MVPs for both teams.


Detroit Red Wings

Favourite: Chris Osgood has been simply phenomenal. After his poorest regular season in a Red Wings jersey, Osgood has been unflappable. And with back to back one goal games in the Finals, he's been the best Wing on the ice.

Johan Franzen leads the team in goals scored and points in the playoffs. In the past 34 playoff games, he's scored 24 times, including the winner in game one and has been a constant presence every shift.

Henrik Zetterberg has been Detroit's most complete player. In two games so far, he's averaged 23 minutes of ice time while shadowing and shutting down Sidney Crosby...a big reason the Wings are up 2-0. He's also second on the team in goals (9) and points (19).

Noted: Niklas Lidstrom, Valterri Filppula

Pittsburgh Penguins

Favourite: Even though Sidney Crosby has been shut out in the first two games of the Finals (the first time this has happened since last year's final), he has been hands down the best Penguin on the ice. What's hurting him is the sudden lack of ice time and the constant attention from Detroit's top players.

Evgeni Malkin has had a hand in the only two goals that the Penguins have scored so far, and leads the league in playoff points with 30. He's been less of a focus of the Wings defensive coverage, and he could take more advantage of that.

Marc-Andre Fleury may not have the best numbers in the playoffs, but he's a big reason the Penguins are back in the Finals. Even with a couple of bad bounces, he needs to come up big (the Abdelkader goal in game two was just bad) for his team to get back in this.

Noted: Bill Guerin, Sergei Gonchar

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Once A Star, Always A Star

Joe Nieuwendyk will officially be announced as the Dallas Stars new general manager on Monday. “I am very excited about returning to the Dallas Stars as General Manager,” said Nieuwendyk. “I am ready for this opportunity. The Dallas Stars have built a winning tradition over the years and I want to help continue that legacy. My family is very excited about returning to Dallas. I have great memories from my playing days with the Stars and look forward to helping this team win as General Manager.”

Brett Hull will now be Executive Vice President and Alternative Governor and Les Jackson will be the Director of Scouting and Player Development, a role he once held prior to his co-gm position.

Nieuwendyk left his assistant to the general manager position, granted by the Leafs front office, and will look to continue his great hockey knowledge as the lead man in Dallas.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Detroit Takes Game One...Again

Game one is officially in the books, and the Detroit Red Wings have a 1-0 lead thanks to a strong team effort and a couple lucky bounces. The series quickly turns to game two tomorrow night. Will the quick turnaround favour the younger Penguins or will Detroit maintain home ice advantage?

Game Notes
Evgeni Malkin had a strong first period and scattered chances throughout but he was very soft on the puck, having it knocked off his stick several times and was seldom a factor in the third.

Detroit dominated the faceoff circle (39-16) and Pittsburgh will have to improve drastically if they are going to have any chance.

The referees did a fantastic job of managing the game. They maintained control without killing the flow of the game with endless penalties.

The best line of the night was Detroit’s fourth line, specifically Ville Leino and Justin Abdelkader, despite the low minutes played.

Even though he was shaky in the first period, Chris Osgood shook it off and turned in another solid performance, lowering his playoff GAA to 2.00 with a .928 save percentage.

Marian Hossa and Darren Helm used their speed to give the Penguins plenty of trouble. The Penguins attack is definitely missing Hossa.

Both teams combined for only three shots on three power plays. Whichever team that can correct their power play first will win this series.

Even though Pittsburgh outshot Detroit 32-30, Detroit put more shots at goal by a 62-53 margin.

The Wings are now 10-0 in the playoffs when leading after two periods.

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Babcock Pulls Datsyuk for Game 1

It’s a rematch of last year’s final with Hossa switching teams and reversing his number 18 to 81 as he joins the Red Wings in their march to a second straight Stanley Cup champagne shower, but they will have to win Game 1 without Pavel Datsyuk. After the morning skate, Datsyuk said he felt great and was ready to play, but once Mike Babcock heard the Russian talking with reporters, he pulled him aside and later released a statement that he would be “unavailable” for tonight’s game.

The Wings hope to repeat as champions just over a decade after they performed that same feat in 1997 and 1998. Datsyuk’s practice “did not look comfortable” according to reporters, most importantly, “lacked mobility”. Datsyuk suffered a foot injury on May 22nd and has been listed as day to day since. He may not play tomorrow for Game 2 either, but he will be listed a game-time decision. Jonathan Ericsson will be joining the club tonight, as well as Nick Lidstrom, but Kris Draper will sit it out to nurse his strained groin for another night.

Ruslan Fedotenko, who has come down with a mild flu, is listed as a game-time decision for tonight. The Pens would love to keep him in the lineup and continue his great chemistry with Maxime Talbot and Evgeny Malkin, but if he is not ready to play at 100% the Penguins are better off keeping him out of the lineup.

I will be liveblogging tonight’s game with Ryan MacIntyre of HockeyJackass.com. He will be taking you the way with the play by play while I chime in with the colour commentary. Hope to see you all there for a fantastic start to this year’s Finals as it truly has come down to the two best teams in the league.

Micheal Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Mike's Take: NHL Combine

Featured on this week's edition of Mike's Take, the NHL Combine has begun for the top 100 prospects of the upcoming Entry Draft, and there's a few interesting tales to be told thus far. This is a detailed assessment of the tests and some of the results of the future NHLers who took part in the gauntlet.

Hello everyone, and welcome to a new edition of Mike's Take. This year's NHL Combine features the likes of OHL superstar John Tavares, and his counterpart, Victor Hedman, who looks to improve his ranking after the weekend's gauntlet. For those who are unsure what the combine is, it's essentially a legal way to drive these draft eligible players into a series of physical and stressful situations while interviewing them to get a good sense of their body capabilities and personality while under pressure.

The Tests:

- Psychological Evaluation

"It included a long series of questions about the prospect's personality (including mental toughness and coachability), and went on to a more grueling mental efficiency test, which measured spatial awareness, decision speed, decision accuracy, concentration, and rates of mental fatigue. The potential draftees took the supervised test in a quiet room set up exclusively for that purpose. An abbreviated version of the mental efficiency portion of the test was then given a second time to each prospect immediately after he completed his fitness testing. The scores under the two conditions were then compared to determine the how much the individual player's reactions decline under stress and fatigue" - Hockey's Future.

- Medical Evaluation

"The medical portion of the testing, which took about a half an hour, included the filling out of a medical form, questions and examination by doctors, photographs of the player, an eye test, and two hand/eye coordination tasks" - Hockey's Future.

- Fitness Testing

The fitness test is the most grueling segment of the entire combine. Each player goes through 18 tests in total, and one test that is considerably stressful on the players is called the "Windgate". What happens is the player has his feet taped to the pedals on a stationary bike. He is then told, in a loud/screaming sort of way, to pedal as fast as he can for 30 seconds. The computer then accurately reads and processes the information on the measurement of explosive speed and fatigue effects of the athlete. Many GMs gather around to watch the screen and record the stats.

Jordan Schroeder, ranked #5 for the draft, vomited right after performing this test. "Everyone will say the bikes are definitely the hardest. You're a little dizzy afterwards", said Schroeder. "A little bit came up - I have to admit, a little bit came up."

The most intense segment of the combine is always the last test for the athletes, and it's known as the VO2 Max test. "VO2 max, or maximal oxygen uptake, is one factor that can determine an athlete's capacity to perform sustained exercise and is linked to aerobic endurance. VO2 max refers to the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can utilize during intense or maximal exercise. It is measured as milliliters of oxygen used in one minute per kilogram of body weight" - Sports Medicine. This is all performed on the bike.

While it is a draining exercise, all of the performers quickly regained their composure afterward. John Tavares, who did not do any upper-body tests due to a speculated shoulder injury, did very well on the cycling tests. Brayden Schenn is also believed to have an upper body injury.

Evander Kane, currently ranked #3 for the forwards, matched the day's high with 17 bench presses and 47 push-ups - which was far and away the highest total of the day.

Ryan Bourque, son of NHL hall of famer Ray Bourque, performed excellently on the agility tests in which the athletes jumped around a hexagonal mat.

Ryan Ellis showed up but then was granted permission to leave the testing due to unknown circumstances.

Victor Hedman showed up, and boy is he big. He measured in at 6'7", while Jared Cowen came in at 6'5", both are huge bodied individuals. Hedman was asked, "if you weren't a hockey player, what would you be?" He quickly responded "a pilot", much to the surprise of man around him.

"It's the last week to make an impression", said Hedman. "I'm looking forward to it...I've tried these tests before and I'm never going to quit." Something everyone wants to hear from a future prospect.

Brian Burke was met at the Combine and was asked of his desire to move up in the draft. "I got nowhere with it so far," said Burke. "I didn't think I would so early. There's no progress to report, but I'm not discouraged yet. So far I got nothing to report and no reason to feel positive or encouraged in any way, but that's how it is. The two times I've done this was on the floor. I'm not surprised there's no progress yet. We've got a month. If we have to stay and pick at seven we're content to do that. We're going to try to move up but we're not going to overpay to do it. We think we can get a good player at seven. We're going to try to hit it out of the park like we always do. The fact that we've put a few top prospects in the system doesn't change the desperation that I think you have to have when you go to the draft. Your mentality has to be we have to be successful here. The fact that we added Bozak, Christian … doesn't change that. It doesn't change that hunger you have to have gong into the draft. We have to get better today."

For more information of the process, read Central Scouting's NHL Combine Protocol.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Here We Go Again

At the end of the Stanley Cup finals last year, Pittsburgh fans were quick to say that they'd be back and their team would win it all. I was quick to say that the Penguins would have a hard road back, and that it was unlikely that they'd do it.

Well, the Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings are both back, ready to pick up where they left off last June. Pittsburgh went through the Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes to reach the Finals again. Detroit defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anaheim Ducks and Chicago Blackhawks.

This year, the Penguins have the one thing everyone felt they lacked last year: experience. They've been here before. Been so close, and had to live through the sting of watching the Wings hoist the Cup in Mellon Arena. That feeling will be an undercurrent through this sequel.

Since being pushed to a seventh game against the Capitals, Pittsburgh has been on a tear. In the five games they've played since (including game seven), they've outscored their opponent 26-11. The closest was game one against the Hurricanes, when they were still a bit spent from an epic series, but still managed to win 3-2.

Detroit, similarly, received a boost from defeating a highly skilled Ducks team that very nearly won. In the Conference finals, despite injuries to Pavel Datsyuk and Nicklas Lidstrom, the Wings cruised to the Finals against a Chicago team that will be a force of the future.

Now the two teams clash again. With the shorter layoff, Pittsburgh might have the upper hand if Detroit's injury problems are serious. Still, you cannot discount the amazing depth of the Wings. And Marian Hossa now gets to experience this matchup from the other side. Both teams had some serious competition, but both made the Finals fairly easily.

So who wins? Which team has all the right pieces, and has enough left in them? Detroit has home ice advantage, and is 8-1 at Joe Louis, but only 4-3 on the road. Pittsburgh is 6-2 at home, and 6-3 on the road. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are running away with playoff scoring, but both teams have six players in double digits. Chris Osgood has better numbers in goal, but Marc-Andre Fleury has played just as well over the past five games. Detroit's power play is converting at 25.7% to Pittsburgh's 19.3%, but Pittsburgh's penalty kill is better at 83.6% to 73.7%.

Regardless of my prediction, fans are going to be treated to another great round of hockey. This year has been phenomenal in that regard. But inevitably, there has to be one champion. I've held this belief since before the season started, so I'm going to see it through.

Prediction: Detroit in seven

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Keenan Fired / Holik Retires

In the wake of the Stanley Cup Conference Finals, where normally the league requests no big incidents to occur to maintain attention on the playoffs, comes the announcement of both the firing of Calgary Flames head coach Mike Keenan, and the retirement of Bobby Holik. Official news came Friday night of both incidents and to many it is no surprise.

Bobby Holik spent 18 seasons in the NHL. The native of Jihlava, Czech Republic spent the majority of his career in New Jersey, while playing a few seasons for the Atlanta Thrashers and New York Rangers. He is known for being a fantastic two way player, and he has won 2 Stanley Cups with the New Jersey Devils (1995, 2000). He posted career totals of 326 goals and 747 points in 1314 games. He returned to the Devils franchise this season to retire where he began his career.

Mike Keenan has suffered a disappointing post-season, mostly due to injuries and weak goaltending, and has faced the consequences. It is believed many of the younger players on the club are not too fond of his coaching methods and have requested for a more respectable coach for the position. This was his second straight first round exit in the post-season and the Flames have officially decided to go in a new direction. This past February, he passed Pat Quinn for 4th all-time in wins as a head coach in the league.

The 60 year old, Bowmanville, Ontario coach is not expected to be on the sidelines of the league for very long. Any team looking for that edge to shake up the organization will surely take a crack at "Iron Mike".

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Medvedev says "Canada Deserves Better"

The Russian billionaire has publicly made it known he wants an NHL franchise and he wants to bring it to Canada, and in particular, Quebec. He's prepared a formal letter to the league to purchase one of a possible half dozen teams he is interested in on the basis of moving the club to Canada.

When asked how the league feels about him throwing his name into the hat after poaching players, his response was "when the Soviet Union fell apart, the NHL took a bunch of Russian players to the league". While that may not be a most suitable answer, it is interesting to see more and more support coming out from well financed business people on a 7th franchise in Canada.

Medvedev refused to comment on exactly which teams he is looking at, but he seems optimistic about getting a deal done and landing himself an NHL franchise. He is the Deputy Chairman of the Gazprom energy company, as well as the President of the Kontinental Hockey League, the President of SKA Saint Petersburg and the Russian representative to the IIHF Council.

Looks like we're going to have an interesting few years ahead of us in terms of the battle between the NHL and anyone trying to bring a 7th franchise to Canada. I am curious how the league will react to Medvedev's attempt after poaching players, let alone Balsillie who just does what he can to get a team in Canada. You would have to imagine the hatred runs a bit deeper for Medvedev.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Knee To Knee Hits On The Rise

The NHL playoffs have delivered some of the most exciting action in recent years. Great goals, amazing passing, and some pretty incredible goaltending.

One negative that has seen an increase this year are the number of knee to knee hits occuring on the ice. The most obvious example would be Alexander Ovechkin's hit on Sergei Gonchar in the second round matchup between the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. Ovechkin was given a two minute minor for kneeing, while Gonchar was helped off the ice and missed two games, but is probably now playing through the injury.

So far in the Eastern final between Pittsburgh and the Carolina Hurricanes, there have been at least three instances of knee to knee contact. Matt Cooke hit Erik Cole in game one after Cole had taken a shot. No penalty again, but Cooke clearly went out of his way to make sure he caught part of Cole. In game two, Denis Seidenberg and Craig Adams had a collision at center ice. Again, no penalty. Adams appeared to try and avoid the body check and Seidenberg was determined to get a piece of Adams. And later in that game, Walker took a questionable run at Evgeni Malkin, hitting him low.

Since the lockout, the NHL has cracked down hard on stick infractions, especially through the neutral zone in an effort to speed up the game by reducing the amount of interference occuring during games. Because of this effort, players are more often trying their hardest to try and hit players coming with speed. The unfortunate result (in most cases, it's not the intention to injure) is that more knee to knee hits have occured.

Unfortunately, the NHL's response to these types of hits has been mixed, to the point that many feel that there is preferential treatment depending on who hit whom. The league needs to be consistent and concrete in handing out punishment for these types of hits, even if it's the playoffs, and one of the premeire players gets suspended. Otherwise, it's a matter of time before someone's career is ended by one of these hits.

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1 for the Money, 3 for the Show

By now, everyone knows of the $212.5M bid Jim Balsillie has on the Phoenix Coyotes pending a relocation to Canada, and every knows Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, is also interested, but his bid is believed to be roughly $100M less than the proposed off by Balsillie. What people do not know is that there is a third group of bidders on the franchise, as well as an interesting clause in Reinsdorf’s offer.

There were reports that Gretzky was supporting Reinsdorf’s bid, but that must be called into question now that it is publicly known that the offer is conditioned on the fact that Gretzky be fired. Reinsdorf believes the paycheck Gretzky has been cashing as head coach of the Coyotes is above and beyond fair. Gretzky is set to earn $14.5M over the next two seasons behind the bench and if the franchise is in fact sold to the Bulls/White Sox owner, Gretzky will no longer be a part of the franchise.

What is also interesting is Gretzky mentioning he will not be keeping his share in the Coyotes franchise if it moves to Canada. It was something I found a bit suspect considering the amount of money he has invested in the club and a relocation to Canada is nothing short of a gold mine. Unless he feels the process Balsillie is taking to gain ownership of the franchise is improper, what business man in their right mind would not want to cash in on relocation?

Now, it has come to the attention of the courts and the media that a third bid has been placed on the Coyotes. John Breslow, avid hockey fan and 2% owner of the franchise, is believed to have a group of investors ready to purchase the club and keep it in Phoenix. The proposal has already been delivered to the courts to consider along with the current battle of ownership. On June 22nd there will be a decision and if necessary, a court-regulated auction of the franchise.

There’s no doubt the league has no interest in allowing the franchise to be moved by command of the judicial system, but the conspiracy theorist in me believes the league could be contacting anyone and everyone to get their nickels and cents together to outbid Balsillie and maintain control of the Coyotes franchise.

It’s a different approach to a similar situation with the league as it was with the Nashville Predators and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The league formed a contract for Balsillie that included the guidelines of maintaining the Penguins franchise in Pittsburgh regardless of a new arena and if the club begins the lose money, Balsillie is still unable to move the franchise and the league would take control. Then came the Predators and the refused sale to Balsillie at roughly $240M and was sold for just under $50M less, but that’s alright because Craig Leipold, then owner of the Predators, was immediately sold majority ownership of the Minnesota Wild franchise. Seems like it’s good to be on Bettman’s happy list and not in the black book like Balsillie.

The most frustrating part of watching the circumstances unfold is being a Canadian. There’s no doubt every Canadian viewer overlooking the procedures are crossing their fingers for a new franchise, wondering if it’s right for the courts to determine where a franchise should and should not be, and also recognizing just how much the league doesn’t give a shit about Canada. The fact is, when the league was ready to expand by 4 teams in 1998 and onward, there should have been a Canadian team on that list.

My only question: When is the league finally going to give back to their largest, and ever growing, hockey market? It’s about time.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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Coyotes Mess: Nobody's Talking

Could the NHL and RIM CEO Jim Balsillie resolve their differences, and come to an amicable solution? It seems highly doubtful considering Balsillie's underhandedness in trying to gain a franchise with the singular goal of relocating it to Southern Ontario, but there has to be some compromising ground.

The problem is that neither side has ever negotiated in good faith with the other. Balsillie's bent on moving a franchise, while the NHL is steadfast in keeping all existing teams where they currently are. It's been to his own detriment for Balsillie not to at least be open to the NHL Board of Governors stipulation of trying to make a team work in its existing location as a condition of ownership transfer.

The fact that Balsillie has gone out of his way to slap the NHL in the face by currying the favor of the Canadian fan base also hurts himself and the league. It's a direct shot at the Board of Governors, basically stating that he feels he doesn't need to follow their rules...that corporate law supercedes any actions the NHL can take internally. This action alone has grave consequences for all of pro sports, and it's the main reason the NBA, NFL and MLB have all written statements imploring Judge Baum to strongly consider the NHL's right to determine both team ownership and relocation issues.

In following live reports from the hearing today, the judge has stated previous cases do support the NHL's stand on relocation, but it won't be determined today who is rightfully in control of the team. The judge has stated that Balsillie's groups should have worked with the NHL instead of jumping the gun, and has wondered about current owner Jerry Moyes also working out a better deal with the league.

One thing is for certain. None of the parties involved seem to want to talk to each other, and that has caused a lot of the dysfunction in this case. Given the history, it's understandable that Balsillie would have doubts to the NHL negotiating with him in good faith. What's surprising is that the NHL seems more interested in taking over the franchise altogether, rather than sitting down with Moyes to discuss the future, possibly including the supposed deal from White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

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The Worst Firings in Hockey History

It has been reported that Patrick Roy, who has been hovering around Denver these last few days, has been offered the head coach position for the franchise. I know what you’re thinking, “but doesn’t Tony Granato have that job?” No, not really. He’s been fired but everyone forgot to call him. I’m sure he’ll figure it out when he opens the paper sometime in the next few days and reads that he’s been replaced, unless he’s somewhere hockey isn’t mainstream. I hope he is, for his sake, because Day 1 of training camp would be awkward if no one bothers to let the poor sap know of his circumstance.

That brings us to the Worst Firings in Hockey History

November 1981, Harold Ballard, former owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, wanted to get rid of Punch Imlach. Hoping to ignore a confrontation with the head coach, he decided to take away his parking space. He figured Punch would show up, notice his space was no longer in his name, and he’d understand. Well Punch certainly did understand. What he did not understand was why the decision was made during which he was recovering from a heart attack.

In December 1976, Bill Wirtz, the owner of the Chicago Blackhawks, was not impressed with his team’s record and thus wanted to fire his head coach, Billy Reay. He had a messenger go to Reay’s house and slide a note under his door that not only informed him of the firing, but that he was also no longer a part of the organization and was not to return. His wife found the note, and read it aloud with her husband. The note was delivered 3 days before Christmas and thus marked the end of Billy Reay’s 13 and a half seasons coaching the Blackhawks. Happy Holidays!

In March of 1979, Harold Ballard was looking to fire Roger Neilsen. Neilsen was informed the night prior by then general manager Jim Gregory that it would be his last game and thus Roger had a talk with his team then approached the reporters that an announcement would be made at noon by Leafs management. When no one showed up, Neilsen announced his own firing. The Leafs offered the position to three candidates, all of which refused the offer knowing full well exactly who Harold Ballard was. Harold then contacted Neilsen to ask him to coach that weekend, but there was a catch: Roger would have to wear a bag over his head and become the “mystery head coach”. "I actually was considering it”, said Neilsen. “Then this guy who helped me with the game videotapes said, 'Don't be crazy. You're coming out of this looking pretty good.'” Neilsen then informed Gregory that he would not wear the bag, and Ballard seemed to not care as the Leafs were back in mainstream publicity. Neilsen coached the Leafs to five straight victories, helping the Leafs to finish with a 34-33-13 record, which was the last record over 0.500 for the Leafs for the following 13 years. It wasn’t until the 1992-93 season in which the Leafs posted a 44-29-11 record that they were over 0.500 again. That offseason, Neilsen and some friends got together and while he was outside, a report over the Sports News television cast announced his firing. The following day, he went to see Harold and was informed that the team wanted to go in a new direction. They shook hands and Neilsen was on his way.

Prior to the 2000 Stanley Cup Playoffs, Roger Neilsen had undergone cancer treatment and hoped to return for the first round with his Philadelphia Flyers. Then general manager, Bobby Clarke, was informed by Neilsen’s doctors that he would be too weak to join the team for the start of the playoffs. Bobby Clarke brought in Craig Ramsay and announced him as the replacement for Neilsen. The media and fans had publicly lashed out at Clarke for his lack of class and respect, while Neilsen concluded that it was the right decision to be made due to his illness.

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Rematch - Every Which Way But One

We've reached the final four and many people have already been dreaming of a Penguins/Red Wings final in a re-match of last year's finish, but people need to accommodate their dreams to the fact that A. Cam Ward and Erik Staal are pure clutch players, and B. Khabibulin and his speedy comeback kids won't go down without a fight. But other than seeing the Canes battle it out with the Blackhawks, every other possible finish is a Stanley Cup Finals rematch from the last 20 years.

Detroit Vs. Pittsburgh

In a rematch from the 2007-08 Finals, this series features a few other mini-stories within. The first, and obvious, is Hossa now playing for the Red Wings instead of the Penguins. The second story to the rematch is having both teams being 1 more year older. That influences a lot considering most of the players on the Penguins are under the age of 30 and those on the Red Wings are not. The Pens have gone the distance and it is said in order to win the Stanley Cup you must first understand what it is to lose it. The Pens have done that, and this year they are now ready to take it by the horns and drive it home for the win. Needless to say, it will not be a quick series, nor will it be painless.

Carolina Vs. Detroit


Interestingly enough, the last three times the Hurricanes have made it to the playoffs, they've made it to the Conference Finals (2002, 2006, 2009) and both times, aside from this year, they've made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. If they meet the Red Wings in the Finals, the Hurricanes will faceoff against a familiar foe. In 2002, the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in a 5 games against the Hurricanes. 2002 was a strange post-season for Carolina as both goaltender's were known to start strong and end weak. Artus Irbe was replaced by Weekes and Weekes was soon replaced by Irbe on almost a weekly basis, but the tactic worked as they stormed into the Stanley Cup Finals but could not maintain the fiery hot Red Wings as they lost the series 4-1. Now, with stronger goaltending and a crop of talented youth and great veteran leadership it is difficult to imagine this series ending in 5 games or less.

Chicago Vs. Detroit


This one is not a Stanley Cup Finals rematch, but the series itself should be discussed on a few interesting notes. The first is a series that features a former Blackhawk legend now apart of the Red Wings crop - Chris Chelios. The last time the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup was against, you guessed it, the Detroit Red Wings in 1961, and is the longest Stanley Cup drought than any other team in the NHL. In 1995, the two clubs faced off in the Conference Finals only to have Detroit go on to lose in the Finals against the New Jersey Devils. The third odd fact about this series is what has happened this season. The Winter Classic was hosted by Chicago at Wrigley Field against the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings won the game 6-4. Who would have guessed on New Year's day those two teams would meet in the Conference Finals? Let's not forget that Scotty Bowman left the Red Wings organization to work with his son in Chicago. This will be the 15th time these two teams have met in the post-season, the Blackhawks winning 8 of the previous 14 series.

Chicago Vs. Pittsburgh


In 1992, the Blackhawks stormed through the gate with 11 straight playoff victories coming into the Stanley Cup Finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Blackhawks were winning 4-1 in Game 1 before the Penguins came back to win it with 13 seconds left with a goal by none other than Super Mario. The Pens would then post 1-0, and 6-5 wins before sweeping the Blackhawks and tie the 11 straight playoff victory records they broke on Chicago. Mario Lemieux became the 2nd player in league history to win the Conn Smythe two years in a row and the Penguins captured their 2nd Stanley Cup in as many years. Should the Penguins meet the Blackhawks in the Finals once again this season, it will be a battle of youth as both teams are certainly coming into their own on top of the league. Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews vs. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Oh, to dream.

There's only 2 tickets to paradise.

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com

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