Toronto Maple Leafs

2013-2014 Toronto Maple Leafs

By ·

It has been a season full of ups and downs for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs started the season off pretty good and didnt look like the were doing too bad, in fact they were looking like the 2012-2013 Leafs. The ones that made the playoffs. The Leafs were healthy than and didnt have any affecting injuries. Than David Bolland got injured after a game against the Vancouver Canucks where Matt Kassian’s skate cut his leg, similar to Erik Karlsson’s injury that kept him out for most of the season, but not as serious as Karlsson’s. Bolland was a key player on the team but the Leafs stood up and didn’t let that get in their way, as they continued to fight their way through and look like another playoff bound team. Than Tyler Bozak got injured. His injury was a big one to us because he was our #1 center and he could win a lot of our faceoffs, not to mention the crazy chemistry he has with Phil Kessel. Than they starter to look like they were out of gas and didn’t play so well, they went 1-7 once in fact. This wasn’t good for them because this was the time where HBO 24/7 came in.

24/7 is the show where they go behind the scenes of both teams that play at the Winter Classic, which are the Leafs and Red Wings. A lot of Leafs fans got to see how the buds lived their lives and how they were in the locker room. They were not so good during this program as they won about 3 games while the spotlight was on them. Than the Winter Classic came in, the Leafs and Red Wings were finally getting ready to square off. And the scene could not have been any better. It was a perfect snowy afternoon in Detroit as the two teams took to battle. This one looked like it was going to overtime or shootout from the beginning, which is what happened. And this is when Tyler Bozak made an impact in his first game back. He was the one that scored the shootout winner to end an amazing game. From this point the Leafs looked better than before. They started playing like they really wanted it and won games. They even beat the Boston Bruins. The Bruins that sent them out of Boston in a horrible way in last years playoffs. As of right now, January 22nd. They have just defeated the Colorado Avalanche and are on a 6 game winning streak, looking to make it 7 games when they face the Dallas Stars in their next game.

Every Leaf fan can agree that we have a good team that can make it far in the playoffs. Even though we are young, our young players are the one that make an impact. The players like Jake Gardiner, Morgan Reilly, and Nazem Kadri. The list can go on but those are some key players. And even with some of our older players like Phil Kessel, Joffrey Lupul, and James Van Reimsdyk. And don’t forget our captain Dion Phaneuf that has been great for us. Our goalies have been in an awkward situation. Jonathan Bernier and James Reimer are both playing like #1 goalies but we all know that only one of them is the Leafs’ starter. And a lot of people are pointing out Jonathan Bernier as the starter. He is the newly acquired Quebec goalie from the LA Kings that we got, and we gave up Ben Scrivens, Matt Frattin, and some picks.

Hopefully the Leafs can continue like they are playing right now and make the playoffs, because Toronto strives off of the Leafs and playoff hockey. Hockey is a game of skill and determination, and every Leaf fan will find out how much of that skill and determination the Leafs are using, come playoff time.

On a side note, this was my first article for Bored Hockey Fan. I would greatly appreciate if you guys could leave your honest opinion and any helpful criticism is greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading and look forward to my next articles!

Washington Capitals

Why The Capitals are Falling!

By ·

chimeraand ovie

Oh the Washington Capitals. If your a fan then these just arent troubling times, its that we know these times all so well. If you hate the Capitals, then you’re pretty much enjoying the 6 game loosing streak. The Capitals not only have a great coach but they have a great team. I will go through a few points as why I think the Capitals are going along theyre loosing ways. For once i wish that the capitals can get on top and stay on top. Now remember this is just my point of view. I’m not a professional writer, BUT i have the Washington Capitals inked all over my body. So if anything, I might know a little about them.

 

 

First, no one can blame the captain or the coaching staff. they have been doing everything to get this team on the right path. when Oates came into the picture he had a team who didn’t know which direction to go. Adam was able to get through to this team at least he did to Ovechkin. now if this was a couple seasons ago i would be blaming this on Ovie. Going for a second straight year in a row he has great hopes of capslogobeing #1 goal scorer at the end of the season. when we have needed him to step up, he has! I am more than proud to say our captain is the great 8! Ovie combined with Oates and the coaching staff have been able to solidify a great power play and great one timers from the great 8!

 

 

Second, our defense needs to provide more. Carlson and Green have been stepping it up and our rookie D’s are doing good, but we need better depth. They also need better communication. How many times have we lost leads cause our depth and defense wasn’t ready. We need to rely on defense and aggressive defense not offensive D. I think if we were to put some D on the trading block, it might light a fire under their butts! and to stop putting all the pressure under the rookies. Carrick and schmitt shouldn’t be taking all the heat. look at our vets who haven’t been doing anything. More blocked shots, aggressive playing, thats what we need from our Defense.

 

 

Third, We HAVE to do something about our goalie situation. i mean keeping 3 goalies on the roster is pointless. I personally think Holtby or Nievirth needs to go. I think Holtby has been way overrated, his GAA is crazy and he doesn’t even try, or at least in my eyes. I have never thought Nievy has ever been starting material. I just dont think he has it in him. If we dont fix our goalie situation, expect us to be watching the playoffs not in it. I think if we had a great vet starting goalie to help the rookies and newbies we would be alot better. i really also want to stop hearing HOLTBEAST, if he was a beast why are we doing so bad, think about it. I want another Kolzig goalie , one that shows pride in that caps jersey and trys his best every night. we have to get this problem fixed.

 

Last, WE NEED A NEW GM!!!!!!, Mcfee is nothing but a joke, he is the main reason the Capitals are doing so bad. I hope he sees how bad that trade for Erat went. I mean in the past 2 years hes cleared up soo much cap space, what the hell is he doing! you let Hendricks go, what right now we could use him with all these games going to a shootout. You see all these free agents and all these players on the trade block and yet you do nothing. yea lets just sit back and watch our team go down the drain. Thats his attitude. I really hope we can get a new GM soon, if not i really dont see much progress being made. He stands there and does nothing, absolutely nothing. Its a shame to us fans to have to go through it.

 

 

Again, these are my opinions, nothing more. No matter what I WILL always be a fan. but im not getting younger and I want us to get that cup. So whatever it is that we need to do, lets do it!!

IIHF

2014 Winter Olympics Rosters – Sweden

By ·

Here is the roster for Sweden for the Winter Olympics in Sochi:

Teams play in the National Hockey League (NHL) unless otherwise stated.

KEY: Player Name, Team, History At Olympics

FORWARDS

Daniel Alfredsson, Detroit Red Wings (5th appearance – 20GP 11G 12A 8PIM)
Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues (1st appearance)
Nicklas Bäckström, Washington Capitals (2nd appearance – 4GP 1G 5A 0PIM)
Jimmie Ericsson, Skellefteå (SHL) (1st appearance)
Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins (2nd appearance – 4GP 3G 1A 0PIM)
Carl Hagelin, New York Rangers (1st appearance)
**Marcus Johansson (Washington Capitals) (1st appearance)
Marcus Krüger, Chicago Blackhawks (1st appearance)
Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche (1st appearance)
*Gustav Nyquist (Detroit Red Wings) (1st appearance)
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks (3rd appearance – 12GP 2G 5A 2PIM)
Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks (1st appearance)
Alexander Steen, St. Louis Blues (1st appearance)
Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings (4th appearance – 16GP 4G 4A 2PIM)

DEFENSEMEN

Alexander Edler, Vancouver Canucks (1st appearance)
Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phoenix Coyotes (1st appearance)
Jonathan Ericsson, Detroit Red Wings (1st appearance)
Niklas Hjalmarsson, Chicago Blackhawks (1st appearance)
Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators (1st appearance)
Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings (3rd appearance – 6GP 1G 1A 10PIM)
Johnny Oduya, Chicago Blackhawks (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 12PIM)
Henrik Tallinder, Buffalo Sabres (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 4PIM)

GOALIES

Jhonas Enroth, Buffalo Sabres (1st appearance)
Jonas Gustavsson, Detroit Red Wings (2nd appearance – 1GP .895SV% 2.00GAA)
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers (3rd appearance – 9GP .917SV% 1.84GAA)

*replaced Johan Franzén, Detroit Red Wings on the roster due to injury
**replaced Henrik Sedin. Vancouver Canucks on the roster due to injury

IIHF

2014 Winter Olympics Rosters – Latvia

By ·

Here is the roster for Latvia for the Winter Olympics in Sochi:

Teams play in the National Hockey League (NHL) unless otherwise stated.

KEY: Player Name, Team, History At Olympics

FORWARDS

Armands Berzins, Beibarus Atyrau (Kazakhstan) (3rd appearance – 9GP 0G 2A 6PIM)
Martins Cipulis, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (3rd appearance – 9GP 2G 2A 0PIM)
Lauris Darzins, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 1A 10PIM)
Kaspars Daugavins, HC Genéve-Servette (NLA) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 2PIM)
Zemgus Girgensons, Buffalo Sabres (1st appearance)
Miks Indrasis, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (1st appearance)
Koba Jass, Bili Tygri Liberec (Czech Extraliga) (1st appearance)
Martins Karsums, HC Dynamo Moscow (KHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 2A 2PIM)
Ronalds Kenins, ZSC Lions (NLA) (1st appearance)
Vitalijs Pavlovs, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (1st appearance)
Mikelis Redlihs, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) (3rd appearance – 9GP 2G 0A 8PIM)
Janis Sprukts, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 1A 0PIM)
Juris Stals, HK SKP Poprad (Slovakia Extraliga) (1st appearance)
Herberts Vasiljevs, Krefelkd Pinguine (DEL) (3rd appearance – 8GP 2G 1A 10PIM)

DEFENSEMEN

Oskars Bartulis, HC Donbass Donetsk (KHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 2PIM)
Ralfs Feribergs, Bowling Green State University (NCAA) (1st appearance)
Arturs Kulda, Salavet Yulaev Ufa (KHL) (1st appearance)
Sandis Ozolins, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (3rd appearance – 6GP 1G 7A 0PIM)
Georgijs Pujacs, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (3rd appearance – 9GP 0G 1A 2PIM)
Krisjanis Redlihs, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (3rd appearance – 9GP 0G 1A 4PIM)
Arvids Rekis, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (3rd appearance – 9GP 0G 0A 16PIM)Kristaps Sotnieks, Dinamo Riga (KHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 1G 0A 4PIM)

GOALIES

Kristers Gudlevskis, Syracuse Crunch (AHL) (1st appearance)
Edgars Masalskis, HK SKP Poprad (Slovakia Extraliga) (4th appearance – 5GP .848SV% 6.32GAA)
Ervins Mustukovs, Esbjerg (Metal Ligaen) (2nd appearance – 0GP 0.00SV% 0.00GAA)

General

CHL Spotlight: Erie Otters

By ·

The Erie Otters are in the midst of an incredible turnaround after going 10-52-6 (20th overall) in 2011-12 and 19-40-9 (19th) in 2012-13. Erie currently leads the tougher Western Conference, which has the top 4 OHL teams, with a 34-7-2 record entering Friday night. RW Connor Brown (TOR, 156th in 2012) leads the Otters in scoring with 88 points (60 assists) in 43 GP and undrafted overage C Dane Fox paces the team in goals with 51 (81 points in 43 GP). The Otters also boast top 2015 draft prospect C Connor McDavid (58 points in 34 GP), & LW Andre Burakovsky (WAS, 23rd in 2013) has been a boost to the club in his first OHL season after coming over from Malmo with 53 points in 34 GP. His fellow Swede and World Junior Championship teammate, G Oscar Dansk (CLB, 31st in 2012), has vastly improved his numbers to a 1.97 GAA, and .928 SP in 24 games after posting 4.11, .888 numbers in 43 games last season as the D in front of him has improved, led by Islanders prospect Adam Pelech (65th in 2012) with 32 points and a +31 in 35 games. With the most talent they have had since moving to Erie in 1996, the Otters are primed to give the Northwest Pennsylvania city it’s first OHL crown since 2002.

Notable alumni (Erie only):
Ryan O’Reilly 2007-2009
Chris Campoli 2000-2004
Brad Boyes 1998-2002
Tim Connolly 1997-1999

Franchise history:
Windsor Spitfires 1946-53
Hamilton (Tiger Cubs 1953-60, Red Wings 1960-74, Fincups 1974-76)
St Catherines Fincups 1976-77
Hamilton Fincups 1977-78
Brantford Alexanders 1978-84
Hamilton Steelhawks 1984-88
Niagara Falls Thunder 1988-96
Erie Otters 1996-

OHA/OHL Championships
1961-62, 1975-76, 2001-02

Memorial Cup Championships
1961-62, 1975-76

 

IIHF

2014 Winter Olympics Rosters – Norway

By ·

Here is the roster for Norway for the Winter Olympics in Sochi:

Teams play in the National Hockey League (NHL) unless otherwise stated.

KEY: Player Name, Team, History At Olympics

FORWARDS

Morten Ask, Vålerenga (Get Ligaen) (1st appearance)
Andres Bastiansen, Färjestad (SHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 1G 0A 4PIM)
Robin Dahlstrom, Orebro (SHL) (1st appearance)
Kristian Forsberg,  MODO (SHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 0PIM)
Mads Hansen, Storhamar (Get Ligaen) (2nd appearance – 4GP 1G 0A 2PIM)
Marius Holtet, Färjestad (SHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 1G 0A 0PIM)
Sondre Olden, Vålerenga (Get Ligaen) (1st appearance)
Ken Andre Olimb, Dusseldorfer EG (DEL) (1st appearance)
Mathis Olimb, Frolunda (SHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 2A 0PIM)
Niklas Roest, BIK Karlskoga (Allsvenskan) (1st appearance)
Mats Rosseli Olsen, Frolunda (SHL) (1st appearance)
Martin Roymark, Färjestad (SHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 0PIM)
Per-Åge Skrøder, MODO (SHL) (2nd appearance – 1GP 0G 0A 0PIM)
Patrick Thoresen, SKA Saint Petersburg (KHL) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 5A 0PIM)
Mats Zuccarello, New York Rangers (2nd appearance – 4GP 1G 2A 2PIM)

DEFENSEMEN

Alexander Bonsaksen, Vålerenga (Get Ligaen) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 2PIM)
Jonas Holos, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL) (1st appearance)
Henrik Solberg, Stavanger Oilers (Get Ligaen) (1st appearance)
Daniel Sorvik, Vålerenga (Get Ligaen) (1st appearance)
Ole-Kristian Tollefsen,  Färjestad (SHL) (2nd appearance – 3GP 0G 0A 25PIM)
Mats Trygg, Lørenskog (Get Ligaen) (2nd appearance – 4GP 0G 0A 2PIM)
Henrik Ødegaard, Missouri Mavericks (CHL) (1st appearance)

GOALIES

Lars Haugen, Dinamo Minsk (KHL) (1st appearance)
Steffen Søberg, Vålerenga (Get Ligaen) (1st appearance)
Lars Volden, Blues (SM-liiga) (1st appearance)

IIHF

2014 Winter Olympics Rosters – Finland

By ·

Here is the roster for Finland for the Winter Olympics in Sochi:

Teams play in the National Hockey League (NHL) unless otherwise stated.

KEY: Player Name, Team, History At Olympics

FORWARDS

Juhamatti Aaltonen, Oulun Karpat (SM-liiga) (1st appearance)
Aleksander Barkov, Florida Panthers (1st appearance)
Mikael Granlund, Minnesota Wild (1st appearance)
*Jarkko Immonen, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) (2nd appearance – 6GP 0G 0A 0PIM)
Jussi Jokinen, Pittsburgh Penguins (2nd appearance – 8GP 1G 3A 2PIM)
Olli Jokinen, Winnipeg Jets (4th appearance – 18 GP 11G 4A 4PIM)
Leo Komarov, HC Dynamo Moscow (KHL) (1st appearance)
Petri Kontiola, Traktor Chelyalinsk (KHL) (1st appearance)
Lauri Korpikoski, Phoenix Coyotes (1st appearance)
Jori Lehterä, HC Sibir Novosibirsk (KHL) (1st appearance)
Antti Pihlström, Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL) (1st appearance)
Tuomo Ruutu, Carolina Hurricanes (2nd appearance – 6GP 1G 0A 2PIM)
**Sakari Salminen, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) (1st appearance)
Teemu Selänne, Anaheim Ducks (6th appearance – 31GP 20G 17A 20PIM)

DEFENSEMEN

Juuso Hietanen, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL) (1st appearance)
Lasse Kukkonen, Ouklun Karpat (SM-liiga) (3rd appearance – 8GP 0G 1A 4PIM)
Sami Lepistö, Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg (KHL) (2nd appearance – 6GP 0G 1A 6PIM)
Olli Määttä, Pittsburgh Penguins (1st appearance)
Sami Salo, Tampa Bay Lightning (4th appearance – 16GP 2G 4A 4PIM)
Kimmo Timonen, Philadelphia Flyers (5th appearance – 24GP 3G 8A 8PIM)
Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks (1st appearance)
Ossi Väänänen, Jokerit (SM-liiga) (2nd appearance – 2GP OG 1A 0PIM)

GOALIES

Kari Lehtonen, Dallas Stars (1st appearance)
Antti Niemi, San Jose Sharks (1st appearance)
Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins (1st appearance)

*replaces Valtteri Filppula, Tampa Bay Lightning on the roster due to injury
**replaces Mikko Koivu, Minnesota Wild on the roster due to injury

IIHF

2014 Winter Olympics Rosters – Canada

By ·

Here is the roster for Canada for the Winter Olympics in Sochi:

Teams play in the National Hockey League (NHL) unless otherwise stated.

KEY: Player Name, Team, History At Olympics

FORWARDS

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars (1st appearance)
Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins (2nd appearance – 7GP 0G 1A 2PIM)
Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings (1st appearance)
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins (2nd appearance – 7GP 4G 3A 4PIM)
Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche (1st appearance)
Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks (2nd appearance – 7GP 3G 4A 2PIM)
Chris Kunitz, Pittsburgh Penguins (1st appearance)
Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks (2nd appearance – 7GP 2G 3A 0PIM)
Rick Nash, New York Rangers (3rd appearance – 13GP 2G 4A 10PIM)
Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks (2nd appearance – 7GP 4G 1A 2PIM)
Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks (1st appearance)
*Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning) (2nd appearance – 6GP 2G 1A 2PIM)
John Tavares, New York Islanders (1st appearance)
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks (2nd appearance – 7GP 1G 7A 2PIM)

DEFENSEMEN

Jay Bouwmeester, St. Louis Blues (2nd appearance – 6GP 0G 0A 0PIM)
Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings (2nd appearance – 7GP 0G 2A 2PIM)
Dan Hamhuis, Vancouver Canucks (1st appearance)
Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks (2nd appearance – 7GP 0G 6A 2PIM)
Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues (1st appearance)
P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens (1st appearance)
Marc-Édouard Vlasic, San Jose Sharks (1st appearance)
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators (2nd appearance – 7GP 2G 4A 2PIM)

GOALIES

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks (3rd appearance – 7GP .928SV% 1.64GAA)
Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens (1st appearance)
Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes (1st appearance)

*replaced Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning on the roster due to injury