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Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!!!




84 Oilers Outscore 10 Hawks

With two teams as offensively gifted as these two, its no surprise to see the two teams had a high scoring affair. In the end, Gretzky and company prevail. Here's the boxscore...

Period 1
2:1809-10 Blackhawks2 minute penalty on Troy Brouwer for elbowingGame tied 0-0
14:2683-84 OilersGoal scored by Randy Gregg assisted by Dave Semenko83-84 Oilers 1-0
14:5909-10 BlackhawksGoal scored by Cam Barker assisted by Colin Fraser and Ben EagerGame tied 1-1
Period 2
6:5983-84 Oilers2 minute penalty on Lee Jr. Fogolin for holding the stickGame tied 1-1
11:4783-84 OilersGoal scored by Wayne Gretzky assisted by Paul Coffey83-84 Oilers 2-1
13:5583-84 Oilers2 minute penalty on Don Jackson for interference with goaltender83-84 Oilers 2-1
16:1709-10 BlackhawksGoal scored by Dustin Byfuglien assisted by Brent SopelGame tied 2-2
16:4083-84 Oilers2 minute penalty on Lee Jr. Fogolin for holdingGame tied 2-2
17:4483-84 OilersShorthanded - Goal scored by Ken Linseman assisted by Dave Hunter and Kevin Lowe83-84 Oilers 3-2
18:3183-84 OilersShorthanded - Goal scored by Dave Hunter assisted by Kevin Lowe and Ken Linseman83-84 Oilers 4-2
Period 3
0:0383-84 Oilers2 minute penalty on Dave Semenko for cross check83-84 Oilers 4-2
1:0583-84 OilersShorthanded - Goal scored by Dave Hunter assisted by Kevin Lowe and Ken Linseman
Antti Niemi is replaced by Corey Crawford in the net.
83-84 Oilers 5-2
1:2383-84 OilersShorthanded - Dave Hunter shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Kevin Lowe. *** Hunter gets a hat trick! ***83-84 Oilers 6-2
2:0883-84 Oilers2 minute penalty on Don Jackson for charging83-84 Oilers 6-2
16:0309-10 BlackhawksGoal scored by Jonathan Toews assisted by Patrick Sharp and Brian Campbell09-10 Blackhawks 3-6
17:3309-10 BlackhawksDuncan Keith shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Troy Brouwer09-10 Blackhawks 4-6
Team Statistics
2009-10 Chicago Blackhawks1983-84 Edmonton Oilers
Goals Scored46
Shots On Goal3532
Shooting %11.418.8
Penalties15
Powerplay Scoring0/50/1
Shorthanded Scoring0/14/5
Powerplay %0.00.0
Penalty Killing %100.0100.0
Powerplay Minutes10:062:00
Penalty Shots0/00/0
Faceoffs Won26/4216/42
Empty Net Goals00
Time Of Possession31:2828:32
Shots By Period
1st2nd3rdTotal
2009-10 Chicago Blackhawks7171135
1983-84 Edmonton Oilers1411732
Player Statistics
PChicago+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
LWPatrick Sharp-314:2810:062:0026:3445301000.000
RWPatrick Kane-314:2810:060:0024:34423006554.500
DDuncan Keith116:186:130:4423:1556410000.000
DBrian Campbell-216:013:531:1621:1048201000.000
CJonathan Toews-314:223:530:0018:153241010566.700
DBrent Seabrook116:120:000:0016:1234100000.000
DNiklas Hjalmarsson-115:350:000:0015:3530000000.000
DBrent Sopel-115:350:000:0015:3530001000.000
DCam Barker215:140:000:0015:1426410000.000
RWMarian Hossa011:040:002:0013:0421400010.000
RWTroy Brouwer-111:580:000:0011:5818101000.012
CAndrew Ebbett-111:580:000:0011:58190003175.000
LWAndrew Ladd-111:580:000:0011:5819200000.000
CJohn Madden011:040:000:0011:041810050100.000
LWKris Versteeg011:040:000:0011:0418100000.000
RWDustin Byfuglien210:240:000:0010:2417210000.000
LWBen Eager210:240:000:0010:2417101000.000
CColin Fraser210:240:000:0010:24171012433.300
DKim Johnsson00:066:130:447:0322000000.000
RWTomas Kopecky00:066:130:026:2111100000.000
DJordan Hendry-40:473:531:165:5622000000.000
PEdmonton+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
LWJaroslav Pouzar-124:330:000:0024:3337300000.000
DPaul Coffey-115:371:076:2023:0466301000.000
CWayne Gretzky022:410:000:0022:414141081534.800
RWJari Kurri022:410:000:0022:4139400000.000
CMark Messier-114:041:076:2021:31312005838.500
DKevin Lowe417:320:003:4621:1847204000.000
DDon Jackson014:500:534:2820:1146100000.024
DLee Jr. Fogolin115:320:003:3719:0954100000.024
DCharlie Huddy017:460:530:0018:3934100000.000
LWDave Semenko012:121:075:0218:2133101000.012
DRandy Gregg014:311:072:0117:3943210000.000
RWGlenn Anderson-114:132:000:0016:1323200000.000
CKen Linseman310:550:003:4614:41271123350.000
LWRaimo Summanen-111:090:530:0012:0221000000.000
RWKevin McClelland-110:550:000:0811:0319100000.000
LWDave Hunter40:050:005:085:1311431000.000
CGord Sherven00:140:530:001:072000000.000
RWDave Lumley00:000:000:040:042000000.000
2009-10 Chicago Blackhawks Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Antti Niemi2652180.841:050:00
Corey Crawford61583.318:550:00
1983-84 Edmonton Oilers Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Grant Fuhr3543188.660:000:00
Three Stars:
 
1. Kevin Lowe (Edmonton)
2. Dave Hunter (Edmonton)
3. Ken Linseman (Edmonton)

Riders To Rest Many Starters

The Riders are treating Saturday's season finale against the Lions as a nothing contest regardless of what happens one night earlier in Edmonton. Darian Durant, Weston Dressler and Joe Lobendahn were three of many regulars who were basically spectators at practice on Wednesday as the team started getting ready for the season finale.

Expect to see second stringers like Drew Willy, Brooks Foster and Macho Harris to see considerable playing time while linebacker Abraham Kromah will also likely draw in to the starting roster.

Here is what Coach Chamblin was saying after practice. You can also hear what Weston Dressler thinks about being recognized as the team's most outstanding player.



Riders Player Award Nominees


WESTON DRESSLER

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Second consecutive nomination as Riders Most Outstanding Player…leads the Rider receivers and has established career highs with 94 catches for 1,206 yards and 13 touchdowns…this is the fourth time in his five years in the CFL he has surpassed 1,000 yards…has started in all 17 games this season…returned 20 punts for 229 yards and 1 touchdown…was named CFL Special Teams Player of the Week once this season…last Roughrider to win Most Outstanding Player was Kerry Joseph in 2007.





DOMINIC PICARD

MOST OUTSTANDING CANADIAN

First career nomination as Most Outstanding Canadian…has started 16 regular season games at centre…the last Rider to win Outstanding Canadian was Andy Fantuz in 2010.





DOMINIC PICARD

MOST OUTSTANDING OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

First nomination as Riders Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman…Second career nomination as he was named Toronto Argonauts Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2011… has started in 16 regular season games at centre…last Roughrider to win this award was Gene Makowsky in 2004 and 2005.





TYRON BRACKENRIDGE

MOST OUTSTANDING DEFENSIVE PLAYER

First nomination as Most Outstanding Defensive Player…has started all 17 regular season games at linebacker…leads team in defensive tackles with 74, tackles for loss with 6 and is tied for team lead in interceptions with 2…registered one blocked punt that resulted in his 15-yard fumble return touchdown…last Roughrider to win the Western Division’s Outstanding Defensive Player was Jerrell Freeman in 2011.





XAVIER FULTON

MOST OUTSTANDING ROOKIE

Acquired in an off-season trade with the Edmonton Eskimos for a conditional sixth round pick in 2013…Fulton has started 16 regular season games this season at left tackle…last Roughrider to win Outstanding Rookie was Weston Dressler in 2008.





SAM HURL

MOST OUTSTANDING SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER

Nominated as Riders Special Teams Player of the Year in his first CFL season…has dressed in all 17 regular season games…leads Riders with 17 special teams tackles…has also added four defensive tackles, one quarterback sack and one forced fumble…Corey Holmes won this award in 2002 and 2005.


A complete list of all team nominees can be found right here.

CFL Playoff Scenarios

 Entering the final weekend of the 2012 season, three teams are still battling for their spot in the 100th Grey Cup Playoffs. Those teams are the Eskimos, Roughriders and Tiger-Cats. Edmonton will be home to Calgary, Saskatchewan is in B.C and Hamilton visits Toronto in Week 19 play.

Here is a look at what could happen:

Edmonton loss + Hamilton win = Saskatchewan clinches third in West Division and Hamilton clinches third in East Division

Edmonton loss + Hamilton loss = Saskatchewan clinches third place in West Division and Edmonton crosses over to East Division

Edmonton win + Saskatchewan loss = Edmonton clinches third place in West Division and Saskatchewan crosses over to East Division

Edmonton win + Saskatchewan win = Saskatchewan clinches third place in West Division and Edmonton crosses over to East Division

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

76 Habs Burn The 92 Penguins

The 76 Montreal Canadiens are having no problems putting the puck in the net in their first two games of the battle for the Scruffy Cup. Yvan Cournoyer had three for the 76 Habs as they demolished the 92 Penguins 7-1. Here's the boxscore.

Period 1
1:5775-76 CanadiensGoal scored by Jacques Lemaire assisted by Yvan Cournoyer75-76 Canadiens 1-0
8:1591-92 PenguinsGoal scored by Kevin Stevens assisted by Rick TocchetGame tied 1-1
11:1491-92 Penguins2 minute penalty on Rick Tocchet for unsportsmanlike conductGame tied 1-1
Period 2
3:5575-76 Canadiens2 minute penalty on Guy Lafleur for holdingGame tied 1-1
6:4591-92 Penguins2 minute penalty on Mario Lemieux for chargingGame tied 1-1
7:5575-76 CanadiensPowerplay - Yvon Lambert shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Jacques Lemaire and Larry Robinson75-76 Canadiens 2-1
12:1291-92 Penguins5 minute major on Kevin Stevens for cross checking
10 minute game misconduct (ejection) on Kevin Stevens
Jeff Chychrun is serving the penalty
91-92 Penguins 1-2
12:5075-76 CanadiensPowerplay - Goal scored by Yvan Cournoyer assisted by Serge Savard and Jacques Lemaire75-76 Canadiens 3-1
13:5975-76 Canadiens2 minute penalty on Steve Shutt for elbowing75-76 Canadiens 3-1
14:1575-76 CanadiensGoal scored by Jacques Lemaire assisted by Don Awrey and Serge Savard75-76 Canadiens 4-1
Period 3
2:4575-76 CanadiensGoal scored by Steve Shutt assisted by Serge Savard and Doug Risebrough
Tom Barrasso is replaced by Wendell Young in the net.
75-76 Canadiens 5-1
9:4475-76 CanadiensGoal scored by Yvan Cournoyer assisted by Jacques Lemaire75-76 Canadiens 6-1
11:3191-92 Penguins2 minute penalty on Bob Errey for unsportsmanlike conduct91-92 Penguins 1-6
13:4275-76 CanadiensGoal scored by Yvan Cournoyer assisted by Larry Robinson and Murray Wilson. *** Cournoyer gets a hat trick! ***75-76 Canadiens 7-1
16:5691-92 Penguins2 minute penalty on Grant Jennings for holding91-92 Penguins 1-7
Team Statistics
1975-76 Montreal Canadiens1991-92 Pittsburgh Penguins
Goals Scored71
Shots On Goal5821
Shooting %12.14.8
Penalties26
Powerplay Scoring2/60/1
Shorthanded Scoring0/10/6
Powerplay %33.30.0
Penalty Killing %100.066.7
Powerplay Minutes10:102:00
Penalty Shots0/00/0
Faceoffs Won20/5131/51
Empty Net Goals00
Time Of Possession32:2427:36
Shots By Period
1st2nd3rdTotal
1975-76 Montreal Canadiens8252558
1991-92 Pittsburgh Penguins96621
Player Statistics
PMontreal+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
DSerge Savard232:114:130:4537:0986503000.000
LWSteve Shutt024:245:570:0030:21529101150.012
RWGuy Lafleur021:205:570:0027:17458001325.012
CDoug Jarvis024:560:001:1526:11431005550.000
DGuy Lapointe215:395:571:1522:5156500000.000
DLarry Robinson215:444:130:0019:5746202000.000
DDon Awrey017:260:000:0017:2640001000.000
RWYvan Cournoyer311:064:132:0017:1929731030.000
CPete Mahovlich011:145:570:0017:11312005935.700
CJacques Lemaire411:404:130:4516:3828102361037.500
DPierre Bouchard214:400:000:0014:4026100000.000
CDoug Risebrough013:240:000:0013:242210120100.000
LWMurray Wilson411:350:000:0011:3518201000.000
LWBob Gainey010:570:000:0110:5819200000.000
DJohn Van Boxmeer00:005:571:157:1228100000.000
LWYvon Lambert00:564:130:005:0912210000.000
DBill Nyrop00:000:000:450:452000000.000
PPittsburgh+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
CMario Lemieux-324:191:095:5531:2354200181162.112
DUlf Samuelsson-116:340:006:3323:0756100000.000
DGrant Jennings-215:080:515:2821:2752000000.012
DGordie Roberts016:310:513:1820:4052100000.000
DLarry Murphy-115:071:091:4317:5942000000.000
DPaul Coffey-216:011:090:0017:1036300000.000
LWBob Errey014:430:510:3616:1026300000.012
LWTroy Loney-38:520:007:1316:0528000000.000
DPeter Taglianetti-216:010:000:0016:0132000000.000
LWKevin Stevens012:401:092:0215:5130410000.0215
CBryan Trottier-111:530:003:3715:30241007370.000
RWRick Tocchet112:081:090:0413:2125001000.012
CRon Francis011:380:510:3813:07241006650.000
LWPhil Bourque-111:350:000:1911:5418100000.000
RWMark Recchi011:030:510:0011:5420000000.000
RWJay Caufield-311:330:000:0611:3920100000.000
RWJoe Mullen-111:060:000:0011:0617300000.000
DKjell Samuelsson00:180:003:183:3614000000.000
1975-76 Montreal Canadiens Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Ken Dryden2112095.260:000:00
1991-92 Pittsburgh Penguins Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Tom Barrasso3653186.142:450:00
Wendell Young2222090.917:150:00
Penguins Forward Kevin Stevens is suspended for one game

Three Stars
1. Yvan Cournoyer (Montreal)
2. Jacques Lemaire (Montreal)
3. Serge Savard (Montreal)           

Next Game -- 2010 Hawks vs 1984 Oilers 

Cougar WBB Team Ranked #1 in CanWest

After completing a perfect 20-0 Canada West conference season one year ago, the University of Regina Cougars outdistanced the competition again in the 2012-13 preseason conference coaches’ poll.

Regina received 13 of 16 first-place votes, while Fraser Valley had two and the UBC Thunderbirds one.

Here are the complete voting results, based on a 18-16-14-12-11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 system (first-place votes in parentheses):
1. Regina (13) 266
2. Fraser Valley (2) 231
3. UBC (1) 199
4. Alberta 178
5. Saskatchewan 177
6. Victoria 157
7. Thompson Rivers 135
8. Calgary 133
9. Winnipeg 116
10. Trinity Western 98
11. UBC Okanagan 86
12. UNBC 69
13. Lethbridge 65
14. Mount Royal 63
15. Manitoba 36
16. Brandon 22

----
Canada West has not issued a pre-season coaches poll for the mens team, but a conference preview has them slated to finish 13th.

The Cougars start conference play Thursday night at the CKHS with games against the U of S starting with the women at 615.

CFL POTW- Week 18

Ricky Ray, Anwar Stewart, Tim Brown and Andre Durie were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Week for Week 18, the Canadian Football League announced today.

The four players were chosen by a panel of judges that includes former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.

Argonauts QB Ricky Ray earns his first Offensive Player of the Week award this season, thanks to his near-perfect outing versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday afternoon.

Ray completed 24 of his 30 passes for 305 yards and four touchdown passes, leading the Boatmen to their first playoff berth since 2010, and their first home playoff game since 2007.

Stampeders DL Anwar Stewart was a force in just his third game of the season on Friday night, earning Defensive Player of the Week honours for his efforts.

Stewart, who signed with the Stamps on Oct. 10, registered four tackles and added a career-best four sacks, leading Calgary to a message-sending 41-21 win over the BC Lions.

The Special Teams Player of the Week is Lions kick returner Tim Brown.

Brown compiled 150 yards on six kick returns and added another 81 yards and a touchdown on five punt returns in what was BC's fifth loss of the season.

Week 18's top Canadian is Argonauts slotback Andre Durie.

Durie hauled in six passes for 40 yards and two touchdowns in Toronto's 31-26 win over the Riders, marking the first time since Week 19 of the 2011 season that the Mississauga, Ont. native registered two touchdowns in a game.

(Courtesy CFL.ca)

Monday, October 29, 2012

CFL Suspends Isaac


Brandon Isaac will miss the Argos regular-season finale against Hamilton next weekend after being suspended today by the CFL.

CFL commissioner Mark Cohon announced the one-game punishment on the Toronto linebacker Monday after Isaac delivered an illegal, helmet-to-helmet hit on Saskatchewan Roughriders’ quarterback Darian Durant late in the 4th quarter of Toronto's 31-26 win Saturday in Regina. Durant played the rest of the game and is not expected to miss any action. Isaac was not penalized on the play.
In a news release, the CFL noted Isaac had been previously fined twice this season for illegal hits. One was on Calgary Stampeders’ running back Jon Cornish; the other was on Winnipeg Blue Bombers; quarterback Buck Pierce. That hit left Pierce with a concussion.

Islanders Crush Devils

The 80 Islanders even their record at 1-1 while dropping the 95 Devils to 0-2 as Trottier, Gillies and Bossy come through in a big way with a 6-2 win,


Period 1
2:5279-80 IslandersGoal scored by Clark Gillies assisted by Bryan Trottier and Bob Lorimer79-80 Islanders 1-0
19:4994-95 Devils2 minute penalty on Bill Guerin for illegal stick94-95 Devils 0-1
Period 2
5:2494-95 DevilsGoal scored by Neal Broten assisted by Bruce Driver and Stephane RicherGame tied 1-1
6:5879-80 Islanders2 minute penalty on Gord Lane for holdingGame tied 1-1
10:5079-80 IslandersGoal scored by John Tonelli assisted by Bob Lorimer and Anders Kallur79-80 Islanders 2-1
11:2694-95 Devils2 minute penalty on Bruce Driver for high sticking94-95 Devils 1-2
11:4679-80 IslandersPowerplay - Goal scored by Bryan Trottier assisted by Denis Potvin and Clark Gillies79-80 Islanders 3-1
12:5579-80 IslandersGoal scored by Mike Bossy assisted by Denis Potvin and Clark Gillies79-80 Islanders 4-1
13:2594-95 Devils2 minute penalty on Stephane Richer for holding94-95 Devils 1-4
13:5479-80 IslandersPowerplay - Bryan Trottier shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Dave Lewis
Martin Brodeur is replaced by Chris Terreri in the net.
79-80 Islanders 5-1
14:0094-95 Devils2 minute penalty on Chris McAlpine for cross check94-95 Devils 1-5
19:5579-80 Islanders2 minute penalty on Stefan Persson for cross check79-80 Islanders 5-1
Period 3
0:2794-95 DevilsPowerplay - Goal scored by Tommy Albelin assisted by Tom Chorske and Stephane Richer94-95 Devils 2-5
4:0879-80 Islanders2 minute penalty on Bob Nystrom for charging79-80 Islanders 5-2
16:1979-80 IslandersGoal scored by Stefan Persson assisted by Mike Kaszycki79-80 Islanders 6-2
Team Statistics
1994-95 New Jersey Devils1979-80 New York Islanders
Goals Scored26
Shots On Goal2442
Shooting %8.314.3
Penalties43
Powerplay Scoring1/32/4
Shorthanded Scoring0/40/3
Powerplay %33.350.0
Penalty Killing %50.066.7
Powerplay Minutes4:324:49
Penalty Shots0/00/0
Faceoffs Won18/5234/52
Empty Net Goals00
Time Of Possession28:1031:50
Shots By Period
1st2nd3rdTotal
1994-95 New Jersey Devils561324
1979-80 New York Islanders1321842
Player Statistics
PNew Jersey+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
LWMike Peluso-124:591:433:2530:0751200000.000
DScott Stevens-217:151:433:2522:2356200000.000
DKen Daneyko-217:150:003:2520:4048000000.000
DScott Niedermayer-117:191:431:2420:2646100000.000
DTommy Albelin-117:192:490:0020:0849410000.000
DBruce Driver016:052:490:4719:4146201000.012
LWTom Chorske-213:412:491:2417:5430301000.000
DChris McAlpine016:050:000:3716:4234000000.012
CNeal Broten-213:412:490:0016:302841041225.000
RWStephane Richer-213:412:490:0016:3027102000.012
CAlexander Semak012:400:003:2516:05260008947.100
CSergei Brylin-112:191:430:0014:02250003537.500
RWJohn MacLean-112:191:430:0014:0224100000.000
RWClaude Lemieux012:400:000:0312:4321100000.000
RWBill Guerin011:590:000:0011:5919000000.012
CBobby Holik011:590:000:0011:59212003730.000
CBrian Rolston011:590:000:0011:5921100000.000
CDanton Cole00:000:001:241:242000010.000
PNew York+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
DGord Lane034:040:001:5636:0070200000.012
LWGarry Howatt024:130:003:2127:3448400000.000
DDenis Potvin117:333:173:2124:1160302000.000
DBob Lorimer316:031:321:1118:4644302000.000
DDave Langevin-117:030:001:1118:1434000000.000
LWClark Gillies213:263:171:1117:5432412000.000
CBryan Trottier213:263:171:1117:54323217653.800
DStefan Persson316:031:320:0017:3538610000.012
RWMike Bossy213:263:170:0016:4329610000.000
CMike Kaszycki013:120:003:2116:332610115288.200
CButch Goring113:001:320:0014:32233007463.600
LWJohn Tonelli113:001:320:0014:3223210000.000
RWYvon Vautour013:120:000:0513:1722000000.000
RWAnders Kallur113:000:000:0013:0020101000.000
RWBob Nystrom011:011:320:0012:3323100000.012
CBob Bourne011:010:000:0011:01221005645.500
DDave Lewis00:323:171:255:1421201000.000
1994-95 New Jersey Devils Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Martin Brodeur3152683.933:540:00
Chris Terreri1111090.926:060:00
1979-80 New York Islanders Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Billy Smith2422291.760:000:00
Three Stars:
1. Bryan Trottier (Islanders)
2. Clark Gillies ( Islanders)
3. Bob Lorimer (Islanders)

Winter Classic Appears To Be Dead

Although there was limited communication between NHL Players' Association special counsel Steve Fehr and NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly over the weekend, the stalemate between the sides continues, making it likely that the Winter Classic will be canceled.

Daly said Monday that the two sides had no plans to meet but that the league is ready and willing to meet as soon as necessary.

"No new news. We withdrew our most recent proposal on Friday, and now we are spending time thinking about our next proposal and how best to get closer to a resolution," Daly said by email. "We hope the union is doing the same thing. Given the fact that the union refused even to discuss our last proposal, it would appear that we still have a large gulf to bridge."

The league and union have not resumed negotiations since swapping proposals in Toronto almost two weeks ago, and it seems clear that the impasse is not close to ending.

Fehr denied that the union is not willing to play ball.

"Since the last bargaining meeting on Oct. 18, we have consistently made it clear to the League that we are ready to meet and are willing to discuss all ideas, certainly including their last proposal," he told ESPN.com. "The league has unfortunately continued to decline to meet. Their position makes it difficult to move the process forward, as it is obviously hard to make progress without talking."

Since rejecting the union's trio of proposals, the league has made two rounds of game cancellations. The latest, announced on Friday, wiped out the regular-season schedule for November. A source familiar with the league's plan told ESPNNewYork.com that the league is expected to cancel the Winter Classic on Thursday, the source said.

Even if tensions between the two sides thaw, Mother Nature would make it tough for the sides to resume negotiations in New York this week because of the effects of Hurricane Sandy. The storm is moving in to the city later Monday; mass transit and schools have been suspended, and the city has ordered hundreds of thousands to evacuate.

NHLPA executive director Don Fehr is back in Toronto, the union's nerve center. Fehr had plans to fly to Minnesota to meet with players on Monday.

(Courtesy ESPN New York)

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Something To "Mitch" About

Before I begin, I want those of you reading this to see this first. I was disappointed with the "Rider Nation" on Saturday because the game wasn't close to being sold out and there were too many empty seats. Fan apathy and the cold weather were two reasons for people not showing up. For those who fit into that category, I would like to share this with you.


Here is the story of this man from Facebook friend Jeff Sastaunik. It was off of his feed that I take this from.

Ive been working at the Rider games for 15 yrs now and have met many good people( and some assholes to) but yesterday was one of the toughest games ive ever worked as half way through the 4th quarter, my good buddy Bobby Corman came to say 
goodbye. I said we will see you next year my friend but he said I doubt it...I asked why and he said Im battling cancer and I prob wont be here. This gentleman has been coming to the Rider games since 1949. Two years ago his wife stopped coming due to health reasons. He used to bring us cookies his wife made. After EVERY rider TD, he would come over shake our hands and then go kiss a couple of ladies. Bobby, I will say a prayer for you. You have been one of the reasons why I keep doing the Rider games and I will miss our talks! Keep fighting my good friend, keep fighting! I know its 3rd and long but you have a long throw in you yet!

I have never met Mr. Corman and sadly, I probably won't. This is what it means to be a fan in my books.

Alright, on to the field....


17 games into the CFL season and I am still waiting for the Saskatchewan Roughriders to find an identity. It has been an up and down season. The team started off winning three in a row, lost five straight, won five out of six and have now lost three in a row.  This is a team that has the talent on paper, but they don’t seemingly want to play to their capabilities. I honestly expected the Riders to hand the Argos a beating on Saturday afternoon, but it didn’t materialize.  Here are some thoughts….

--I thought Ricky Ray was done a couple of years ago. Now I wonder how the West standings would look if Eric Tillman hadn’t shipped him to the Argonauts. Could Edmonton have been the 2nd place team in the West? Ray has been outstanding the last two weeks throwing eight touchdown passes and he was in control of the game right from the outset yesterday. Those first two drives made it look like the Riders were chasing their own tail. Be disgusted with the defence all you want Rider fans, but at the same time tip your hat to Ray’s performance because it was something else.

--Kory Sheets had the run of the year with his 24 yard touchdown run in the 2nd quarter. The play also proved without a shadow of a doubt that Xavier Fulton is the Riders rookie of the year and arguably their top offensive lineman as well. Fulton is a beast!

--While I talk about Fulton being the rookie of the year, I will get up on my soapbox and say what some others have said over the past few weeks. The CFL should scrap the “rookie” of the year and have a best “first year player” award. There is no doubt in my mind Sheets would be the overwhelming favourite.  I still think he isn’t used enough when it comes to running the rock. I think Sheets should be getting at least 20 runs a game-----however, those don’t have to necessarily come on 2nd and 2 or 3.

--I could talk about the work of the stripes---especially in that final Riders drive, but why bother. I give a lot of credit to both Darian Durant and Corey Chamblin as they were prodded to make a comment that could have seen their pocketbook get lighter, but they didn’t bite. I did find it interesting that several wondered if a flag would have come out of the pocket had that been Odell Willis making that play.

--The white helmets with the green jersey don’t work. That’s a fashion faux pas!

--James Patrick has had better days.

--While Patrick’s play is seemingly sliding, the play of Terrell Maze is climbing. I thought he might have been the best player on defence yesterday.

Before the Riders game, the Ti-Cats played their “last” game at Ivor Wynne Stadium. As you know, the stadium is being knocked down and re-built with a more improved Ivor Wynne coming. There was certainly a lot of nostalgia surrounding the game as there should have been. As I walked through the parking lot into Mosaic, I wondered what the Riders will do for the last season at Mosaic. You know that the pomp and circumstance will be high and that the greats of this team who ran up and down that field will be around.  I also started thinking about Taylor Field/Mosaic memories. TSN ran a top 10 Ivor Wynne Stadium moments the other night which makes me wonder what the top 10 TFMS memories would be. TFMS has been home to Blue Jays baseball, concerts and of course Rider football.  Having the Rolling Stones and Bon Jovi would certainly be on the top 10 list as would the Blue Jays game, and the first Grey Cup to be played at the old lady,  but I ask you Rider fans, what are some of the Rider moments that you will remember .  Jason Clermont’s catch in the playoff game against B.C is one I will never forget. Perhaps that number one memory will happen in November 2013 when CFL commish Marc Cohon presents the GC to the Riders. I can’t imagine what it would be like in Regina on that night if that scenario were to unfold. This place would come apart at the seams. You might not get people out of the stadium until Monday afternoon.

The University of Regina Rams will take on the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in a Canada West football semi-final Friday night. I know this request is a bold one and one that will likely fall on deaf ears, but can we try to get a crowd of 8-10 thousand for this one. The Huskies will bring a solid base with them from Saskatoon and with the Thunder season over and the Riders home season over, this will be the last game of meaning  at Mosaic this year. Does Regina support the Rams? We will find out Friday night. It’s also the last home game for Marc Mueller who has been nothing but a great ambassador for this program along with being an outstanding young man (made all that more surprising considering Larry is his dad!!!  Just kidding Larry!!). I don’t know what the forecast is, but I’m hoping for some buzz to surround the stadium Friday night.

Speaking of buzz, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked like giant bumblebees. These uniforms were atrocious!! However, they were still not as bad as those lime green babies that the Seahawks trotted out a few years ago.

I hope the Cowboys never, ever get rid of Tony Romo. His performance just continues to bring tremendous theatre to the soap opera that is the football team in Dallas. That Cowboys-Giants game was the best NFL game so far this year.

Good to see former Rider defensive lineman John Chick back on the field. He pressured Aaron Rodgers a couple of times in the Jacksonville-Green Bay game. It was his first game back since he suffered a knee injury during a Monday night game last year. He had just been starting to make an impact on the Jags d-line when he got hurt so hopefully he can regain that form.

Driving to the Rams game Friday night, I was listening to Rod Pedersen and Scott Schultz on “The Sportscage”.  RP was saying it must be because he’s getting older because even though its not that cold, it seems to be extremely cold. He’s right! It has to be because he is getting older because I feel the same way. I just about froze at practice the other day and it wasn't that cold. What happens when I'm outside when its 30 below this winter. I shudder to think!

How about this little dandy from the Winnipeg Free Press’ Gary Lawless?   This is a great read for CFL fans.

Is anyone out there as creeped out by the guy that advertises Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network as I am?

It would be interesting to see what type of buzz would be created if former Expos 3rd baseman Tim Wallach ends up being the Jays new manager. He is one of the candidates from what I've been told. 

Is it safe to say Pablo Sandoval was the MVP of the World Series after Game 1? I will always say pitching wins in the end, but I didn't think Detroit would get out-pitched by San Francisco. 

The tweet of the weekend comes from Fake Arash Madani. After the announcement of the Grey Cup halftime show, FAM tweeted " In 50 years, the CFL will release another documentary called "Stonethrower", but this won't be about Chuck Ealey, it will be about the 100th GC halftime show."

That's all I got. Have a good Monday!




Avs In A Shootout

The first shootout of the Scruffy Cup goes to the 2001 Avalanche as they knock off the 72 Bruins. The Avs are now 1-1 while Boston is 0-1-1. Here's the boxscore....

Game Summary
Period 1
0:3671-72 BruinsGoal scored by Ken Hodge assisted by Bobby Orr and Dallas Smith71-72 Bruins 1-0
4:3071-72 Bruins2 minute penalty on Bobby Orr for roughing
2 minute coincidental penalty on Alex Tanguay (00-01 Avalanche) for roughing
71-72 Bruins 1-0
10:3771-72 Bruins2 minute penalty on Carol Vadnais for elbowing71-72 Bruins 1-0
17:0271-72 Bruins2 minute penalty on Dallas Smith for elbowing71-72 Bruins 1-0
Period 2
0:1100-01 Avalanche2 minute penalty on Adam Deadmarsh for spearing00-01 Avalanche 0-1
7:2271-72 BruinsGoal scored by Phil Esposito assisted by Carol Vadnais and Wayne Cashman71-72 Bruins 2-0
9:5900-01 AvalancheMilan Hejduk shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Joe Sakic and Adam Deadmarsh00-01 Avalanche 1-2
12:4000-01 AvalanchePeter Forsberg shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Alex TanguayGame tied 2-2
Period 3
6:5571-72 Bruins2 minute penalty on Garnet Bailey for interferenceGame tied 2-2
9:1700-01 Avalanche2 minute penalty on Alex Tanguay for broken stickGame tied 2-2
9:4571-72 Bruins2 minute penalty on Bobby Orr for holdingGame tied 2-2
17:2400-01 Avalanche2 minute penalty on Alex Tanguay for chargingGame tied 2-2
18:3171-72 BruinsPowerplay - Ivan Boldirev shoots and scores on the rebound assisted by Bobby Orr71-72 Bruins 3-2
19:2400-01 AvalancheGoal scored by Joe Sakic assisted by Dan Hinote
Patrick Roy returns to the net.
Game tied 3-3
Period OT1
No scoring
Period OT2
0:0000-01 AvalancheMilan Hejduk (00-01 Avalanche) faces Gerry Cheevers (71-72 Bruins) in Round 2 of the shootout! In comes Milan Hejduk. He spins to his right then his left and shoots the puck between his own legs and... hits the side post and deflects in! GOAL!Avs win 4-3
Team Statistics
1971-72 Boston Bruins2000-01 Colorado Avalanche
Goals Scored33
Shots On Goal4235
Shooting %7.18.6
Penalties54
Powerplay Scoring1/30/4
Shorthanded Scoring0/40/3
Powerplay %33.30.0
Penalty Killing %100.066.7
Powerplay Minutes3:356:28
Penalty Shots0/01/0
Faceoffs Won33/5118/51
Empty Net Goals00
Time Of Possession34:5930:01
Shots By Period
1st2nd3rdOT1OT2Total
1971-72 Boston Bruins197142042
2000-01 Colorado Avalanche519101035
Player Statistics
PBoston+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
LWWayne Cashman024:440:004:3229:1654201000.000
CPhil Esposito024:440:000:0024:4447101017965.400
CDerek Sanderson-117:512:114:3224:343830011857.900
RWKen Hodge024:080:000:0024:0844510000.000
DRick Smith-219:210:004:3223:5350200000.000
DBobby Orr118:493:351:1623:4069602000.024
DDon Awrey-218:170:004:3222:4950000000.000
DDallas Smith119:531:241:1322:3060101000.012
RWEd Westfall016:472:110:0018:5844100000.000
DCarol Vadnais016:470:001:2318:1041201000.012
LWJohn Bucyk-117:510:000:0017:5126300000.000
RWTerry O'Reilly-114:073:350:0017:4226000000.000
LWGarnet Bailey012:221:241:1615:0227100000.012
CMike Walton012:220:001:5614:18263004180.000
RWReggie Leach011:240:000:0011:2418100000.000
LWFred Stanfield00:002:110:402:517100000.000
CIvan Boldirev00:001:240:001:24311010100.000
RWJohn McKenzie00:000:000:150:154000000.000
PColorado+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
LWAdam Deadmarsh029:224:210:2734:1063401000.012
CPeter Forsberg026:172:012:0730:255951071138.900
DRaymond Bourque019:454:210:0024:0666200000.000
DJon Klemm019:062:011:2822:3564000000.000
DGreg de Vries119:092:010:0021:1044200000.000
DMartin Skoula016:374:270:0021:0444100000.000
CAlex Tanguay-120:350:060:0020:414350131121.436
CJoe Sakic114:594:210:0019:202951161037.500
DAaron Miller119:000:000:0019:0036100000.000
RWMilan Hejduk113:244:210:0017:4527310000.000
DAdam Foote015:490:061:2817:2334400000.000
LWVille Nieminen113:492:010:0015:5025000000.000
RWDan Hinote113:022:010:0015:0323001000.000
LWShjon Podein014:370:060:0014:432620020100.000
RWScott Parker011:030:000:0311:0619000000.000
LWChris Dingman00:140:003:083:225000000.000
CChris Drury01:160:061:282:505000010.000
DRick Berry00:140:002:072:218000000.000
DRob Blake00:140:002:072:218100000.000
1971-72 Boston Bruins Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Gerry Cheevers3533291.465:000:00
2000-01 Colorado Avalanche Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Patrick Roy4233992.964:410:00

Three Stars
1. Joe Sakic (Colorado)
2. Bobby Orr (Boston)
3. Patrick Roy (Colorado)

Next game

95 Devils vs 80 Islanders











Saturday, October 27, 2012

Sounds From The Rider Room

The Riders lose 31-26 to Toronto. As expected, it was rather quiet inside the dressing room. Here is what was being said....







Grey Cup Pre And Halftime Shows

The 100th Grey Cup will feature one of the greatest collections of Canadian musical talent ever assembled, including Justin Bieber, Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench, and Gordon Lightfoot lighting up the Sirius XM Grey Cup Half-Time Show on November 25. Leading up to the championship game, Burton Cummings and Johnny Reid will headline a special Kick-Off Show at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

The 100th Grey Cup airs live on TSN, TSN Mobile TV, and on TSN Radio and TEAM Radio stations across the country. Live radio streaming of the 100th Grey Cup is also available on TSN.ca. French-language coverage of the 100th Grey Cup is available on RDS.

"We are absolutely thrilled to unveil an All-Canadian, All-Star line-up that features the biggest pop star in the world, the woman who gave us one of the biggest songs ever, one of the hottest young bands in the country, an iconic balladeer, a rock-and-roll legend, and one of this country's leading entertainers," said Mark Cohon, Commissioner of the Canadian Football League.

"This array of stars will command a huge and diverse audience, entertaining our most loyal fans and attracting new ones to our game's greatest showcase. It spans genres and generations. And it's quintessentially Canadian and undoubtedly world class, at the same time."

"Congratulations to the CFL for assembling such an outstanding array of homegrown musical talent for the one of the biggest sporting events in Canadian history – the 100th Grey Cup," said Stewart Johnston, President, TSN. "The addition of these artists to the CFL's biggest stage will certainly make TSN's broadcast of the 100th Grey Cup even more extraordinary. We are extremely excited to bring live coverage of this unforgettable event to fans across the country."

"From the day we started planning the 100th Grey Cup, we declared it would be a celebration of our storied past and our bright future," Cohon added.

"The superbly talented performers who will grace this grand stage symbolize the fact that our game – and the enduring symbol of national unity and pride that is the Grey Cup – belongs to every Canadian and every generation. And we couldn't be prouder or more excited."

20 Minutes Is Enough!

The Scruffy Cup continues Saturday with a game between the 09 Penguins and the 80 Islanders. Sid's crew got out to a quick start and it waas enough as Pittsburgh wins it 3-2. Here's the boxscore.....

Period 1
0:4608-09 PenguinsGoal scored by Evgeni Malkin assisted by Chris Kunitz and Petr Sykora08-09 Penguins 1-0
4:0008-09 PenguinsGoal scored by Sidney Crosby assisted by Bill Guerin and Brooks Orpik08-09 Penguins 2-0
5:1379-80 Islanders2 minute penalty on Gord Lane for slashing79-80 Islanders 0-2
5:1808-09 PenguinsPowerplay - Goal scored by Sidney Crosby assisted by Evgeni Malkin and Alex Goligoski08-09 Penguins 3-0
7:5279-80 Islanders5 minute major on Gord Lane for elbowing
10 minute game misconduct (ejection) on Gord Lane
Garry Howatt is serving the penalty
Denis Potvin does not agree with the call and the ref has had enough!
10 minute misconduct on Denis Potvin for unsportsmanlike conduct
79-80 Islanders 0-3
Period 2
No scoring
Period 3
9:4479-80 IslandersGoal scored by Garry Howatt assisted by Stefan Persson and Yvon Vautour79-80 Islanders 1-3
9:5479-80 IslandersGoal scored by Mike Kaszycki assisted by Stefan Persson and Bob Lorimer79-80 Islanders 2-3
13:3179-80 Islanders2 minute penalty on Stefan Persson for high sticking79-80 Islanders 2-3
Team Statistics
1979-80 New York Islanders2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins
Goals Scored23
Shots On Goal3339
Shooting %6.17.7
Penalties50
Powerplay Scoring0/01/3
Shorthanded Scoring0/30/0
Powerplay %0.033.3
Penalty Killing %66.70.0
Powerplay Minutes0:007:05
Penalty Shots0/00/0
Faceoffs Won20/4828/48
Empty Net Goals00
Time Of Possession29:4630:14
Shots By Period
1st2nd3rdTotal
1979-80 New York Islanders5111733
2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins1515939
Player Statistics
PNew York+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
LWGarry Howatt127:110:001:0528:1641510000.000
DDave Langevin017:480:004:4122:2948100000.000
DBob Lorimer216:480:003:5720:4548101000.000
DStefan Persson217:470:002:4420:3142102000.012
DDenis Potvin-219:250:001:0520:3046300000.0110
DDave Lewis018:100:001:4319:5339200000.000
CBryan Trottier014:200:003:1617:36321004930.800
LWClark Gillies013:200:003:5717:1733300000.000
CMike Kaszycki212:180:003:4916:07252106746.200
RWBob Nystrom-114:530:000:0414:5721200000.000
CBob Bourne-114:530:000:0014:53203005645.500
LWJohn Tonelli-112:240:002:0314:2723200000.000
RWMike Bossy013:200:000:0013:2024200000.000
RWYvon Vautour212:180:000:0712:2519001000.000
CButch Goring-112:240:000:0012:24202005645.500
RWAnders Kallur-112:240:000:0012:2420300000.000
DKen Morrow010:300:000:0010:3020000000.000
DGord Lane-25:220:000:005:2212000000.0317
PPittsburgh+/-EVTPPTSHTTOISHFSGAFWFLFW%PNPIM
CSidney Crosby-127:347:050:0034:3957720161159.300
LWChris Kunitz-128:120:000:0028:124420110100.000
RWBill Guerin-127:270:000:0027:2744501010.000
DKris Letang017:094:000:0021:0946000000.000
CEvgeni Malkin113:317:050:0020:36335112340.000
DMark Eaton-216:493:050:0019:5440000000.000
DBrooks Orpik218:570:000:0018:5738201000.000
DRob Scuderi218:570:000:0018:5738000000.000
DDarryl Sydor017:090:000:0017:0932300000.000
DHal Gill-216:420:000:0016:4228100000.000
RWPetr Sykora113:240:000:0013:2420401000.000
LWRuslan Fedotenko112:390:000:0012:3920200000.000
LWMatt Cooke011:570:000:0011:5718100000.000
RWMiroslav Satan011:570:000:0011:5718200000.000
CJordan Staal011:570:000:0011:57184009564.300
DAlex Goligoski00:004:000:004:0014001000.000
CMax Talbot00:004:000:004:007000000.000
RWCraig Adams00:073:050:003:126000000.000
DSergei Gonchar00:073:050:003:1212100000.000
1979-80 New York Islanders Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Glenn Resch3933692.359:000:00
2008-09 Pittsburgh Penguins Goaltending
NameSAGASS%TOIPIM
Marc-Andre Fleury3323193.960:000:00

Three Stars

1. Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh)
2. Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh)
3. Stefan Persson (Islanders)

STANDINGS


MACLEAN DIVISION

                                                                GP          W            L              OTL        GF          GA          PTS

76 HABS                                               1              1              0              0              5              2              2

92 PENGUINS                                    1              1              0              0              4              3              2

12 KINGS                                             1              1              0              0              3              2              2

97 WINGS                                            1              0              0              1              3              4              1

72 BRUINS                                           1              0              1              0              2              3              0

01 AVALANCHE                                 1              0              1              0              2              5              0

DUTHIE DIVISION

84 OILERS                                            1              1              0              0              5              3              2

09 PENGUINS                                    1              1              0              0              3              2              2

10 HAWKS                                           1              1              0              0              3              2              2

74 FLYERS                                            1              0              1              0              2              3              0

80 ISLANDERS                                    1              0              1              0              2              3              0

95 DEVILS                                            1              0              1              0              3              5              0